This week, we kick off Matchweek 7 with four matches, including round 2 of the Georgia Derby, the OC Clasico, Maryland’s home opener, and a rematch of a thriller in Michigan last month. Here is my preview of this week’s NISA matches.
Savannah Clovers FC vs Georgia FC (Wednesday May 15)
Memorial Stadium – Savannah, GA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
We have round 2 of the Georgia Derby for a midweek matchup in NISA kicking off later this evening. In the first round, Georgia FC (2-1-2, 7 points) shut out the Savannah Clovers FC (1-0-3, 3 points) with a 3-0 win in Atlanta at Silverbacks Park last month. As we look at each team’s form, Georgia FC has picked up points in three of their previous five league matches, including a stunning 4-1 win over Eastern Conference leaders Michigan Stars FC over the weekend. It’s been a rough start for the Clovers, with one win in their last four matches. Georgia FC is second in the Eastern Conference with 7 points, while the Clovers are at the bottom in fifth with 3 points. A player to watch for Georgia FC is forward Patrick Okonkwo. He scored two goals in their last match and has three for the season. For the Clovers, let’s see if midfielder Jedidiah McCloud can be the spark for them to turn their season around. He hasn’t scored since their first match in Michigan, but he is someone to watch. Also, don’t forget about defender Lestor Hayes, who has three goals.
Capo FC vs Irvine Zeta FC (Friday May 17)
JSerra Stadium – San Juan Capistrano, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
The OC Clasico is back for another round for some Friday night soccer out west. The last meeting between these two sides ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Championship Stadium in Irvine. Capo FC (1-2-1, 5 points) looks to bounce back at home after losing 2-1 to the LA Force last week. Capo FC had previously picked up points in their first three league matches. Irvine Zeta FC (1-2-1, 5 points) also lost recently to the LA Force 1-0 on May 4 at Veterans Memorial Stadium and previously picked up points in their first three league matches. Irvine Zeta FC is second in the Western Conference, while Capo FC is third. Both clubs are tied on five points, but Zeta FC is ahead on goal difference. Parker Scalzo and Brandon Zambrano, the club’s leading goalscorer with two this season, look to turn it around for Capo FC at home. For Izzy FC, it has to be midfielder Shinya Kadono, who is the playmaker on this team and has a goal this season. Also, remember to keep an eye out for forward George Almeida.
Maryland Bobcats FC vs Savannah Clovers FC (Saturday May 18)
Maryland SoccerPlex – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
The Maryland Bobcats (2-0-1, 6 points) will finally have their home opener at the Plex this Saturday as it hosts the Savannah Clovers FC (1-0-3, 3 points). These two sides met last month in Savannah, where the Bobcats shut out the Clovers 3-0 in their home opener. Both clubs have battled each other four times in the NISA League, with both sides getting two wins and two losses. After losing 2-0 to the Michigan Stars FC in their previous match, the Bobcats rebounded, dominating Club de Lyon FC 4-1 last weekend. Maryland is third in the Eastern Conference with six points, while the Clovers are at the bottom in fifth with 3 points. Players to watch for the Bobcats include Darwin Espinal, who leads the club with three goals, and Elijah Amo, who has two. They both played a vital role in the attack during their last match against Club de Lyon over the weekend, with Espinal scoring, finding the back of the net twice, and Amo getting a goal and adding an assist. The Bobcats scored 11 goals in their last five matches across all competitions (NISA, U.S. Open Cup).
Michigan Stars FC vs Club de Lyon FC (Saturday May 18)
Romeo Stadium – Washington, MI
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
We got a rematch as the Michigan Stars FC (4-0-1, 12 points) hosts Club de Lyon FC (1-1-3, 4 points) at Romeo Stadium on Saturday night. It was a thrilling match in Michigan the last time these two sides met last month. Club de Lyon FC was up 2-1 late in the second half before Niels Lellouch scored two late goals to seal the win for the Stars in stoppage time. CDL will be hoping for a different result this time around. Club de Lyon has yet to beat the Stars in four attempts (0-0-4), scored only five goals, and conceded 12 in this series. Despite losing to Georgia FC last week, the Stars remain first in the Eastern Conference with 12 points and are undefeated at home. Club de Lyon FC is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 4 points. Club de Lyon FC announced a coaching change within the past week as Juan Manuel Martinez will lead the club as its new Head Coach. Martinez will be in a player-coaching role and debuted in their last match against Maryland over the weekend. Players to watch for the Stars have to be Leon Maric and Niels Lellouch, while for Club de Lyon, it has to be their goalkeeper, Alvaro Rezzano, to give CDL a chance to stay in this match.
Clubs not in action this week: Arizona Monsoon FC and LA Force
It should be another exciting week of matches in the NISA league. Don’t forget that you can watch all the matches on NISA+. Enjoy all the matches this week, and stay tuned for a new podcast episode later this week.
NISA Today FC Podcast 