Matchweek 21 wraps up with some intriguing matchups as we enter the final week of the regular season in the NISA league. The Maryland Bobcats FC roll past the Michigan Stars FC, winning both matches at the Plex. The Savannah Clovers FC shut out Georgia FC in the final round of the Georgia Derby. The LA Force beat Irvine Zeta FC again to clinch the top spot in the NISA Western Conference. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s recap all the NISA action.
Maryland Bobcats FC 2 Michigan Stars FC 0 (Wednesday September 11)
The Maryland Bobcats FC shut out the Michigan Stars FC at the Maryland Soccerplex last Wednesday and extended its unbeaten run to 15 matches this season. After a scoreless first half, the Bobcats scored their goals in the second half from Abdou Thiam and Wilfred Tinay to seal the 2-0 win over the Stars. The overall series between the top two teams in the NISA Eastern conference stands even at 5W-5D-5L as these two sides meet again for a rematch on Saturday, September 14.
Savannah Clovers FC 4 Georgia FC 0 (Saturday September 14)
The Savannah Clovers FC ended their 7-match winless streak with a 4-0 shutout victory over rivals Georgia FC in the Georgia Derby at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. It was the Max Wilkins show as he scored a hat trick, and Roddy Green added his name to the scoresheet as the Clovers rolled past Georgia FC and got their second straight win over their in-state rivals. That would be the final match of the 2024 season for Georgia FC, as they will finish their inaugural season at the bottom of the NISA Eastern Conference with 14 points. The Savannah Clovers FC will travel to face the Michigan Stars FC on Saturday in their final match of the season at Romeo Stadium.
Maryland Bobcats FC 3 Michigan Stars FC 1 (Saturday September 14)
On Saturday, the Maryland Bobcats FC once again defeated the Michigan Stars FC at the Maryland Soccerplex and extended their unbeaten streak to 16 matches (19 including Independent Cup matches) across all NISA competitions. After trailing early in the first half as Nicolas Nikolla’s goal gave the Stars the 1-0 lead, Darwin Espinal put the team on his back and scored twice to pull Maryland in front 2-1 just before halftime. In the second half, Mutaya Mwape scored the insurance goal to put this match away for the Bobcats and get their second straight win over Michigan in a week. That victory seals the top spot and home field in the 2024 NISA Playoffs for the Bobcats, while the Stars are now locked in as the number two seed in the NISA Eastern Conference, as these two sides will battle again in the playoffs next month. If the Bobcats defeat Club de Lyon FC on Saturday, the club will tie former NISA club Chattanooga FC’s unbeaten streak record from last season at 17 matches. The Stars have been winless in its previous four matches and will be back in action for a home match for the first time in two months to host the Savannah Clovers FC on Saturday.
Irvine Zeta FC 0 Los Angeles Force 2 (Sunday September 15)
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Force defeated Irvine Zeta FC again at Championship Stadium and extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches (12 including Independent Cup matches) across all NISA competitions. After a scoreless first half, the captain, Michael Salazar, scored the opening goal to put the LA Force in front in the second half. That goal would be Salazar’s 8th goal of the season. Later in the second half, Mouhamadou War adds another goal to extend LA’s lead by two and seal the three points for the Force in the 405 Derby. This is the second consecutive match that War has scored, and he has three goals in his last two matches. That victory clinches the top spot in the NISA Western Conference for the LA Force over rivals Irvine Zeta FC. Los Angeles will host Zeta FC in the 2024 NISA playoffs next month. Zeta FC sees its two-match winning streak end. The final match of the regular season for the Force will be a home match this Saturday in the Coast Highway Derby against Capo FC, while Irvine Zeta FC will take on Arizona Monsoon FC on Sunday in their final home match at Championship Stadium.
That’s the latest recap I have on Matchweek 21. What are your thoughts on Matchweek 21 in NISA? Let me know in the comments section below. Stay tuned! I’m working on a podcast episode and should have it out by the weekend. I’m also working on getting 2024 NISA Playoff Preview interviews setup as we speak. You guys enjoy the final week of the regular season NISA matches, and I’ll see you around playoff time in early October.
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