The Big Easy matchup between Motagua New Orleans and FC New Orleans is this week’s Third Coast Soccer Game of the Week. This New Orleans Rivalry game is shaping up to be something special as both teams currently have fifteen points in the Central Conference standings. FC New Orleans is in second place in the conference with an undefeated record of 4-3-0, while Motagua New Orleans is in third place with a 5-0-2 record. The winner of this matchup has a chance to take over a playoff position in the Central Division, so it should be a great game to watch.
After losing to FC New Orleans in week one of the regular season, Motagua will be looking for redemption during Saturday night’s contest. The Blue Eagles have not forgotten about the first meeting and have been diligently preparing themselves for the upcoming match.
“The week’s preparation is no different than any other week, the only emphasis is to eliminate the mental mistakes we made in our 1st meeting,” stated Motagua New Orleans Head Coach Mario Martinez. “We prepare in a way that allows us to capitalize on our style of play, possession is key, we train to pressure the ball, and Fitness is vital in this weeks preparation for we are a veteran team, yet the implementation of our young guns, we feel it’s a perfect melting pot for success.”
Even though Motagua New Orleans is not accustomed to trailing in the GCPL Central standings, it has pushed them to dig deep and concentrate on getting back to their usual standards and Motagua style of play.
Motagua New Orleans Starting XI on June 8th, 2019.
Leading the charge for the Blue Eagles is attacking midfielder Kenroy Rodrigues who is a complete overall player with the ability to take over the game in a moments notice. Supporting Kenroy, in the forward position is Nestor Peralta Jr, an agile and versatile athlete who can score at will. He is coming off a five goal game against Mississippi Blues SC and is hungry for more goals. Holding it down between the posts for Motagua is goal keeper, and former Honduran international, Donaldo Morales. His positioning and ability to command the box has kept the Blue Eagles in almost every match that they have played.
FC New Orleans is excited about the rivalry matchup as they have also been preparing for the second meeting.
“We are very much looking forward to preparation this week,” commented FC New Orleans head Coach Wilmer Peralta. “This game has a special flavor to it on multiple accounts – it’s undoubtedly the biggest rivalry seeing two teams who are stacked in terms of talent and international playing experience. Not to mention, there are massive playoff implications at stake. Our preparation will be as intense as ever, with a special focus on maintaining our unique style of play with cool heads – a recipe that has already proven effective in the first leg of the New Orleans derby.”
Riddled with injuries for the better part of the season, FC New Orleans will finally be able to play at full strength as they plan to field their most impressive starting lineup to date. The confidence that comes with a full and healthy squad could potentially give FC New Orleans the edge they need to win and keep their undefeated season alive.
Erick Gunera, a Senior at East Jefferson High Shool in Metairie, LA, currently has 3 goals on the season. Photo credit: Marhsall Roy
One of the breakout star players for FC NOLA is left back Ibrahim “Ibra” Belkouche. Ibra is a former member of the New Orleans Jesters and Tulane University Club Soccer Team and he is a relentless force to be reckoned with on the left side of the field. His superb speed and vision make him incredibly difficult to mark on overlap plays on the wing, making it hard for the opposing teams to attack from the left flank. Another player to look out for is midfielder Erick Gunera, a sharp player who likes to attack the goal.
There is no question that this Third Coast Soccer Game of the Week will be one to remember for the fans and supporters from New Orleans. Which NOLA team will prevail and claim a playoff spot in the Central Conference? Come find out on Saturday night at 8:00 pm at Tad Gormley Stadium. See you there.
This Game of the Week feature is sponsored by Third Coast Soccer. The largest retail soccer store in the gulf south. Visit www.thirdcoastsoccer.net today!
