Head Coach: David Proctor
Venue: Memorial Stadium
2023 Regular Season: 4-7-13, 19 pts, 8th in NISA Table
2023 Season Recap: Last year was the inaugural season for the Savannah Clovers FC. The club moved up from the amateur ranks in the UPSL and took the 2022 season off to prepare for its first season in the pro ranks. The first half of the season was rough for the Clovers. After getting a 1-1 draw in their opening match at home against the Michigan Stars FC, the Clovers lost its first U.S. Open Cup match 4-1 to the Charleston Battery. The Clovers got their first win as a pro side on April 14 against Club de Lyon FC but followed that up with a 10-match winless streak. That streak ended on Aug. 12 with a 1-0 victory over the Maryland Bobcats FC. After that win, the Clovers got points in 4 out of 5 matches through the end of September. The Clovers finished their first NISA season on a three-match unbeaten streak, getting a draw against Club de Lyon FC and securing wins against the Maryland Bobcats and Chattanooga FC in their final three matches.
Offseason Recap
The Clovers offseason began with player tryouts early in the year, but they also had to deal with offseason rumors regarding the club’s ownership and financial challenges. According to Kartik Krishnaiyer of Beyond the 90, the league has resolved those issues and the Clovers will move forward this season. In case you missed it, check out this great recap from Kartik for some more insight on the Savannah Clovers situation. As for on the field, the Clovers will bring back Head Coach David Proctor for his second season. The roster has been improved from last season, with some familiar faces returning, more NISA veterans, and some young talent added to this squad.
Key Departure
I know his time in Savannah was brief but I would say the biggest departure for the club has to be Max Rugova. According to Pedro Breganholi of BSA Press Release, striker Max Rugova will not return to Savannah Clovers FC after reportedly declining to renew his contract with the club. Rugova started the 2023 season with Gold Star FC Detroit before leaving the club last summer to join the Savannah Clovers. He made nine appearances for Gold Star FC, scoring two goals and adding one assist during his time in Michigan. Since joining the Clovers last August, Rugova has made seven appearances and scored two goals. Rugova has returned to Kosovo and signed with KF Dukagjini.
Key Returnees
Defender Cameron Schneider returns to the club after spending a brief time with Gold Star FC Detroit early in the season last year before joining the Clovers midseason. Midfielders Zack Hargreaves, Alejandro Cruz, and forward Alex Woods are also returning. Goalkeeper Jack Crichton, who made 11 appearances for the Clovers, is also back.
Key Arrivals
NISA veterans Roddy Green, Kyle Nelson, Daniel Bedoya, and Cory Lundeen are among the new players joining the Clovers this season. Roddy Green, Vlad Jokic, and Leonel Palma all played with Gold Star FC Detroit last year. After playing previously with Gold Star FC, Chattanooga FC, and Detroit City FC, Roddy Green looks to bring that leadership experience and lead the attack for the Clovers. Adding Kyle Nelson from the 2023 NISA Champions Flower City Union is also an excellent addition for the Clovers.
Player to Watch
For me, it has to be defender Kyle Nelson. He played in 28 matches for Flower City Union across all competitions and scored three goals last season. Nelson working alongside Schneider and Daniel De Leon will be crucial for the Clovers backline. The Clovers conceded the most goals in the league last season, giving up 47. Some people are picking the Clovers as a dark horse candidate to win the championship. Let’s see what happens this year, but I expect the Clovers to improve this season and remain in the hunt for the NISA Playoffs this time. Anything can happen if they make it, as we’ve learned from Flower City Union’s championship run last year, and it certainly benefits the Clovers to have a guy like Kyle, who knows what it takes to win a championship.
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