In a match where neighbors become enemies and families turn foes, this week’s Third Coast Soccer Game of the Week will be between the only two undefeated clubs left in the Eastern Conference, AFC Mobile and the Gulf Coast Rangers. These two teams from Alabama both sit at the very top of the Eastern Conference standings with AFC Mobile in the number one spot with 10 points and the Gulf Coast Rangers right behind them in the number two spot with 7 points. With that being said, both teams will be looking to secure the three point victory and the rights to the throne in the East come 7:00 o’clock on Saturday night at Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex in Mobile.
Undefeated so far, the Gulf Coast Rangers have a difficult task ahead of them and Ranger’s Coach Daniel Whelan is fully aware of just how important this game is to his team. Even though this is a big game for Rangers, Whelan seemed very calm and collected when asked about their upcoming matchup against the also undefeated squad from Mobile.
“We have really just tried to follow up from the work done last year by Gerardo, the club, and coach Wiezorick,” Coach Whelan commented. “We are only a few games into the season so it’s still early but hopefully we can get a few more wins under our belt and try and sneak into the playoffs.”
With both sides off to an impressive start to the season, this weekend will certainly be a true test of strength to see which club will be able to maintain their impeccable undefeated record.
Veteran, Xavier Audergon, motivating fellow Rangers before second half starts.
Taking a closer look at the Ranger’s squad, last year’s eastern conference MVP, Yan Livenu, will definitely be a key player to keep track of on the pitch as he is a dangerous forward that likes to go after the ball. The youngster, Sergi Cebrian, will also be a key player to keep up with as he is a good defensive midfielder who has really risen to the challenge of the GCPL. The last player to be aware of is another midfielder by the name Cameron Cranton. Craton is a crafty and energetic player from Mobile who fully completes the unstoppable Ranger’s offense.
Coming off a narrow 4-3 win against Pensacola FC last week, AFC Mobile will be looking to stay on top of the Eastern Conference once the weekend is over. Having already won two big road games and a match at home against their league rivals, Mobile has proven to be a top competitor in the GCPL. AFC’s approach to their first four regular season games has been systematic and straightforward and it’s paid off for them this season so far.
“My approach has been to deliver a clear and consistent message to the team in terms of our style of play, expectations for being an AFC player as well as taking methodical steps to accomplish our stated goals,” AFC Mobile Coach Steve Wieczorek stated.
Mobile let in three goals in the second half of action after leading 4-0 at halftime in their previous affair against Pensacola FC. Coach Wieczorek took full responsibility for his teams sloppy second half performance and vowed that it wouldn’t happen two weeks in a row.
“The second half performance was down to me. I am responsible as the coach for the goals that we gave away in the second half,” Coach Wieczorek continued. “The players were magnificent at 4-0 and my choices alone were the reason we conceded. I won’t make the same mistake again so I expect to see a similar performance from the first half throughout the game against an excellent opponent on Saturday.”
Iba Ndaw (seen right) leads the team in goals scored, along with Chisom Ogbonna (seen left). Photo credit: Seth Laubinger, Instagram @sethlaubinger
Iba Ndaw and Tilman Schober are two AFC Mobile top players to be cautious of during Saturday night’s matchup. Center forward, Iba Ndaw is a lethal player in front of the goal and an instrumental part of Mobile’s offense while Tilman Schober is a winger who provides great service in the box for his teammates and can deliver a moment of brilliance at any time. Schober had four assists in last week’s match against Northshore United, so let’s see if he can continue to roll with the assists this weekend.
Taking all that into account, this Saturday’s Third Coast Soccer Game of the Week should be a doozy as we will find out who remains undefeated and who will fall at 7:00 pm in Mobile.
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