Last Home Game of the Season

City takes on NEw York THis Friday

City has faced two must win games in a row and prevailed in both by a combined score of 25 -7. Now City faces another must win game as they fight for a spot in the playoffs. On Friday, June 29th, City will take on top ranked New York at 7:30 P.M at the Summit in the last home game of the season. New York has only lost one game and sits at 5-1-1. City's record is 5-4 with three games left to play. 

What to expect

City has only played New York once and that was last year in State Island, NY. City dominated that game with Jeremy Klepal scoring 4 goals and Aldony Mendez adding the 5th. This year New York seems to have drastically improved their squad winning five straight games to start the season. With that said, New York just played Sporting Maryland in Baltimore and got crushed 13-2. We all know how difficult it is to win games on the road in this league but that result does make the expectation for this game a little blurry. Here is our best analysis. New York has been a futsal club for over 6 years so experience is on their side. The scouting report given to us  is "...they typically play a very organized and contained game and feature a classic 3-1 formation with strong pivot play. Defensively they drop into a zone and try to win the ball back by being disciplined and organized." (Sounds a little bit like Columbus to us.) City has a different approach to the game, and as we saw in the Connecticut and Columbus game it can yield explosive results. On the other hand, as we saw in the Sporting Maryland game, it has a can have a downside as well. The question is going to be whether City can stay disciplined in that second half and manage the game properly. 

Backup keeper ready?

City has been playing with back up keeper, David Saltsman, for about half the season now as starting keeper, Danny Buegar, visits his family in Liberia. David started out in the youth academy and has worked his way up to the professional team and earned his spot. Over the past couple games we have seen dramatic improvement in his play and ability to handle pressure filled situations. There is no question City will need a solid performance from him in this must win game against New York. 

Santos and Klepal: the balance for City

As we analyze City play this season, we can see a common thread. Aldony Mendez is a force to be reckoned with up top. City is better organized and has better rhythm when Jared Santos is in the game and whenever Jeremy Klepal gets the ball we know a goal might be happening.  The Santos and Klepal tandem has been extremely effective. When those two get going together, it is tough to stop City going forward. The movement of that tandem has helped free up Mendez at the top and when that guy (Mendez) has space he is lethal. This game against New York is going to need that tandem. 

Game Details

Date and Kickoff Time: Friday, June 29th at 7:30 P.M

Location: The Summit Sports and Ice Arena - 9410 W Davis HWY, Dimondale, MI

Doors Open at 6:00 P.M