EASTERN CONFERENCE RECAP

After a weekend off, AFC Mobile was back in action in Mobile. As always, they drew a large crowd, but unlike last year, the maroons pulled off not just a home win, but an end-to-end dominant performance over Real United FC. Chisom Ogbonna scored his second hat trick in two games and Sherman Winchester found himself scoring his first ever goal for the Azaleas. Next week, the Battle of Mobile Bay takes place as the Gulf Coast Rangers come to Mobile for a grudge match a year in the making.

Speaking of the Rangers, across Mobile Bay they took on a struggling Baton Rouge United. Baton Rouge had yet to earn any points this season. The Rangers’ David Hall struck early off a great ball from Nathan Gillespie. but Baton Rouge’s Cam Hilliard was able to score a late equalizer and Joshua Joseph was absolutely heroic in between the pipes in the final minutes for the Red Sticks, which led to them earning their first point of the GCPL campaign.

CENTRAL RECAP

After beating the Rangers last weekend, the Blues felt like things might finally be clicking, but the ever eager Northshore team was able to shred the Blues in an efficient and impressive 3-0 win at home. Brandon Core scored a brace for United and Eric Schwing’s solid performance helped to cement the all the points for Northshore who find themselves a point behind Gaffa FC for the last playoff spot in the Central Conference.

A battle of division leaders had CD Motagua of New Orleans continue their monstrous form as Eastern leading Pensacola FC. Carlos Palacios defense was instrumental in keeping a high-flying 59ers attack from scoring for the first time this season and Leonardo Barros scored twice to help the Blue Eagles remain perfect, and relatively unchallenged, so far this season.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Being on the receiving end of a streaking Motagua team last week, the Lobos had a point to prove this weekend and they did not disappoint. Following the season-ending injury of Blake Landers last week, 20-year-old Jordan Guardado stepped into the spotlight and did not fail to impress. Guardado ended the match with a goal and 2 assists as the Lobos were able to impress the home crowd with a dominant 4-0 win over Shreveport United.

In Alexandria, an evenly played match was broken apart by Ethan Loftin of Port City after the Pool Boys’ Martin Iddon subbed out at the end of the first half. Iddon, a defensive stalwart, had previously missed the first three matches of the season. He held the Sounders scoreless, but after being subbed off in the 40^th, Port City scored twice and then held on the rest of the way to gain three valuable road points.

In another matchup of cross-conference powerhouses, BOCA FC Knights and Quesi Weston were able to hold off Cillian Thompson and Gaffa FC. Both Weston and Thompson had braces for their respective clubs, but the firepower of BOCA helped them pull off an impressive 4-2 win against the defending champs. This win for BOCA and the dominance of Motagua perhaps marks these two teams as the clubs to beat this season.

GCPL TEAM OF THE WEEK

Leonardo Barros (CD Motagua of New Orleans)
Brantton Greene (AFC Mobile)
Jordan Guardado (Central Texas Lobos)
Joshua Joseph (Baton Rouge United SC)
Ethan Loftin (Port City FC)
Chisom Ogbonna (AFC Mobile)
Carlos Palacios (CD Motagua of New Orleans)
Abdallah Rayyan (BOCA FC Knights)
Eric Schwing (Northshore United FC)
Cillian Thompson (Gaffa FC)
Quesi Weston (BOCA FC Knights)

Eastern Conference Recap

In Ashton Brosnaham an insane goalkeeping performance by Lamoy Graham had Real United looking to stay with conference-leading Pensacola FC. Pensacola was up 2-0 at halftime behind goals from Matt Brooks and Matt Fiesen, but a second-half offensive explosion had the 59ers come pull out a dominant 5-0 victory.

Meanwhile, in cross-conference action, a late-game penalty scored by the Rangers’ Matt McArthur, had the Blues holding on tooth and nail as the boys from Foley tried desperately to pull out a point in Mississippi. However, goals from Grant Falla, Jasminko Dizdarevic, and Pablo Jimenez allowed the the Mississippi side to hold on to a 3-2 win for their first league victory.

Central Conference Recap

During the midweek, Northshore United traveled down the road to New Orleans to take on CD Motagua of New Orleans. Over 90 minutes, Motagua proved to be the better side behind Gino Ray and held off Northshore for a 2-1 victory to start off their home schedule.

After two positive results that did not seem to equal the vast expectations they had upon them, Gaffa FC, the reigning champs, returned to their typical league form with a dominant 3-0 result over Baton Rouge.

Western Conference Recap

Despite a perfect start from Motagua and good form from Gaffa FC, it is the BOCA FC Knights that have perhaps become the “team to watch” in the GCPL. In the middle of the week, BOCA had a dominant 9-0 win over Shreveport United. Yet, the result that has eyes truly on BOCA is a surprisingly stunning and decisive 4-1 victory over cross-divisional foe Northshore United in Covington. Quesi Weston, over two games this week, had 3 goals. And with those two big wins this week, BOCA may have risen as the team to beat this season.

Deep in Acadia, Cajun Soccer club won their first game of the season with a 3-1 win over Pool Boys. While Alexandria held advantages in possessions, shots, and shots on target, the precise passing and finishing of Austin Clause helped CSC leave Alexandria with the win and perhaps signs that things are starting to click for the Lafayette club.

The Central Texas Lobos saw the unfortunate loss of Blake Lander for the season, which only tacked onto their 4-1 loss to Motagua in a cross-divisional game. Currently, Motagua is the only team that has won all of their games and standing alone atop the Central Conference.

Did Not Play

AFC Mobile and Port City FC sat the weekend out due to Tropical Storm Alberto. AFC Mobile will be looking to get its first home win of the season when Real United travels to the Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium on Saturday.

Port City will be hoping to leapfrog Pensacola for the top of the Eastern Conference when they head to New Orleans to face Central-leading Motagua of New Orleans.

GCPL Team of the Week

John Avery Slay (Mississippi Blues)
Chance Bourdene (Gaffa FC)
Austin Clause (Cajun Soccer Club)
Jasminko Dizdarevic (Mississippi Blues)
Matt Freisen (Pensacola FC)
Leroy Mahagayu (Alexandria Pool Boys FC)
Matt McArthur (Gulf Coast Rangers)
Donaldo Morales (CD Motagua of New Orleans)
Oscar Ramirez (Central Texas Lobos)
Gino Ray (CD Motagua of New Orleans)
Quesi Weston (BOCA FC Knights)

Honorable Mentions:

Jordan Angelle (Cajun Soccer Club), Brandon Core (Northshore United), Andrew Canales (Central Texas Lobos), ), Lamoy Graham (Real United FC), Patrick Lynch (Pensacola FC), Chandler McInnis (BOCA FC Knights), Eduardo Soto (Northshore United), Yan Yaninho (Gulf Coast Rangers)

Port City FC (1-0-0, +1 GD) vs Pensacola FC (1-0-0, +1 GD)

Last Week: 

In a matchup against the Gulf Coast Rangers, Port City FC was able to pull of a 2-1 victory at the Hank. The sole Rangers goal coming on a penalty in second-half stoppage time. Playing in Mobile, Pensacola FC fell behind twice to AFC Mobile before having a dominant second half and winning 4-3.

Past Matchups: 

Last year, Pensacola (then Gulf Coast Texans) beat Port City FC (then Biloxi City FC) 3-1 in Pensacola. The scores were reversed in Gulfport as Port City beat Pensacola 3-1.

Key Players: 

Coaches:

Nolan Intermoia, Pensacola FC

Henrik Madsen, Port City FC

“Expert” Predictions:

Game Information: 

Where: Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Rd; Pensacola, Florida 32534.

Tickets: $5 for adults, children 12 and under free

Social Media: Pensacola FC: @PensacolaFC1559 (Facebook), @PensacolaFC (Twitter) | Port City FC: @Port_City_FC (Facebook), @PortCityFC (Twitter)

Eastern Conference Recap

Both Alabama teams showed a lot of quality, but neither one could close out their matches with a result. While newcomers Gulf Coast Rangers showed their creative caliber often, it was not until late in their match against Port City FC that they were able to finally score their debut GCPL goal as Daniel Whelan put away a 90+ minute penalty. Though Port City ended up with all 3 points behind an outstanding performance from Kieran Robins, the Rangers showed an impressive amount of prowess that should have the Eastern Conference on notice despite their 2-1 loss.

Meanwhile, AFC Mobile pulled in over 800 fans to see a goal-fest. Ibrahima Ndaw had 2 goals and an assist for the home side, but it was Isaiah Lopez with a goal and assist and some stellar defensive work from Christopher Zeller that had the Eastern Conference favorites Pensacola FC exit The Lip with a 4-3 victory. Once more, the fans of the Azaleas were left waiting for their first home GCPL win, but the traveling support of the 59ers undoubtedly have an exciting, high pressing team to follow this year.

The biggest result for an Eastern Conference team, however, happened in a cross-divisional match where Real United FC pulled off a 2-0 win against CABOSA Shreveport United in Shreveport and now find themselves atop the table. Denver Bankston and Rainer Araujo had a goal each and Todd Langilaus got his first clean sheet of the season. Now the Moss Point side, thanks to goal differential, sits atop the Eastern Conference and should feel confident as they head down to Foley, Alabama this week where a hungry Rangers side will attempt to earn their first GCPL points.

Central Conference Recap

In the only Central Conference match this weekend, Northshore United was able to please their supporters in the regular season christening of Wolverine Stadium after finishing their pre-season 1-1-1. That training seemed to pay off as they rolled over Baton Rouge in a decisive 4-1 home win. United’s Rolando Sanchez had a dominant performance, notching a goal and 2 assists while causing havoc for the Baton Rouge defense throughout the match.

Western Conference Recap

Traveling almost 400 miles is a rough road for anyone, but the Central Texas Lobos made the trip out to Alexandria, Louisiana to take on the Pool Boys and rode back to Kyle, Texas with 3 points in hand. Leroy Mahagayu’s wide play was almost enough to pull out points for the Alexandria-based club, but Edgar Reyes’ game-winning goal showed that the Lobos may be a dark horse in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, Boca Knights FC and Cajun Soccer Club held out for a point each at LUS Fiber Stadium in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both teams clearly hoped for more but will have to settle for a draw heading into week 2. This week, Boca will travel to Alexandria to face Pool Boys, with both teams looking for their first win of the season. Cajun Soccer Club will host AFC Mobile in a cross-conference match and look to continue the winning woes of the boys from Mobile.

Did Not Play

Reigning champions Gaffa FC take on newcomers Mississippi Blues Monday, May 14th in Jackson.

CD Motagua of New Orleans begins their GCPL season on Saturday, May 19th against the Mississippi Blues as well.

GCPL Team of the Week

Brandon Briscoe (Cajun Soccer Club)
Denis Canales-Mejia (Central Texas Lobos)
Zach Clear (Pool Boys)
Todd Langilaus (Real United FC)
Eric Medina (Cajun Soccer Club)
Kieran Robins (Port City FC)
Rolando Sanchez (Northshore United)
David Valverde (AFC Mobile)
Jorge Vazquez (Boca Knights)
Daniel Whelan (Gulf Coast Rangers)
Christopher Zeller (Pensacola FC)

Honorable Mentions: Gerardo Flores (Gulf Coast Rangers), Joe Guinchard (Port City FC), Isaiah Lopez (Pensacola FC), Luis Peña (Boca Knights), Edgar Reyes (Central Texas Lobos), Pat Rye (Northshore United), Pablo Sanjuán Delgado (AFC Mobile), Claudy St. Louis (Pool Boys)

1. The top two teams from each conference will qualify for the Playoffs.
2. Qualified teams will be seeded (1-6) based on the following tie breakers:

• Overall Points
• Head-to-head
• Goal Differential
• Away Goals (against club(s) in tiebreaker)
• Coin toss (if two-way tie) or drawing of lots (if 3 or more teams)
• The top two teams will receive a bye and be automatically entered into the semifinals.

3. The quarterfinals will take place on July 21st at the home site of the 3rd and 4th seeds.
4. Semifinals will take place on July 26th and the finals on July 28th in a common location.

The Gulf Coast Premier League (GCPL) believes that the implementation of promotion and relegation would allow teams to find the appropriate level in which to compete, champion the sport in smaller communities, stimulate the fan base, and increase spending on smaller regional and amateur leagues throughout the United States. The GCPL is supportive of any move that could bring about promotion and relegation in the United States of America.

 The Gulf Coast Premier League’s championship will take place in New Orleans, but for the first time since the league’s inception the champion will not be a New Orleans-based team.

Humbling three-time champion CDMotagua in the semi-finals with a stunning 3-2 win, the Cajun Soccer Club did what no team had been able to do prior: make it so the GCPL would have a champion other than the Blue Eagles.

On the other-side of the bracket, Gaffa FC disassembled Pool Boys FC 6-0 in Jackson, making it so there is a possibility of not just the first non-Motagua champion, but potentially the first champion not from Louisiana at all.

The two sides will square-off this Saturday at Pan America to crown the winner of the GCPL cup.

Cajun Soccer Club (6-0-2)

The Lafayette, LA based Cajun Soccer Club had a season that few GCPL teams can rival. The club finished top of the Western Conference, had a +22 goal differential, and knocked off the three-time champion in the semi-finals. Many would find it tough to believe that this team started the season 2-0-2, because the results in the last half of the season were remarkable. Down the stretch, CSC proved they could win not just blowouts, but also hard-nosed close matches. Entering the GCPL Cup Championship this Saturday, the club is currently on a five-game winning streak.

When looking for a focal point for CSC, we need to search no further than Vasbert Ledger. Ledger, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines international, began suiting up for CSC in the fall season. Everyone knew the quality of player Ledger could be, and this summer he has not disappointed. Winning the league’s Golden Boot with 9 goals, Ledger proved to be a force on the pitch for the Cajuns.

Still, it is not only Ledger’s goal-scoring ability that has made him so impressive. In addition to scoring, he has added five assists and been and been used as a diversion in order to make his team’s attack even more dynamic. Joining Ledger, Austin Clause, Jarrian Cutrer and Jakob Goodwin have all chipped in 4 goals  piece and Brandon Briscoe has 3 for the Cajuns.

The offense of CSC is so incredibly exciting and variant that they will be hard to shut down. Especially if Ledger and midfielder Clause (4 goals, 5 assists) are clicking, the disciplined backline of Gaffa FC will have its hands full.

• Biggest Win: 9-0 over Lake City Gamblers (July 15)
• Biggest Loss: 1-2 against Boca Knights FC (May 27)
• Lead Scorer: Vasbert Ledger (9 goals, 5 assists)
• Player to Watch: Austin Clause, MF 

Gaffa FC (7-0-3)

For the most part, Jackson, MS-based Gaffa FC dominated the bottom of the Eastern Conference; however, when facing the top of the table, away from the confines of Jackson’s Freedom Ridge Park, they have struggled.

On June 10th, Gaffa sent a younger, less experienced side to New Orleans and CD Motagua of New Orleans beat them 10-0 in Pan American Stadium. In July, Gaffa sent their more senior side to Pensacola’s Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, but still dropped a 4-0 result to the Gulf Coast Texans. These two results nearly eliminated Gaffa from playoff contention, but resiliently they closed out the season, on the road, beating fellow Mississippi team Biloxi City FC. This resulted jumped them from third to first in the Eastern Conference in the final game of the season.

The Texans and Motagua results have made Gaffa’s season goal differential -2, but this mark is an incredibly misleading statistic. Gaffa has reeled off impressive victories over pretty much everyone else in the East and beat Pool Boys FC 6-0 in the semi-finals.

For Gaffa, balance is probably their biggest attacking strength. When looking at the squad from Jackson, they have not had a reliance on a single goal scorer or creator this season. Michael Cooper and Craig McCabe both have 4 goals each, but beyond them 11 other Gaffa FC players have netted goals. Cooper, Phillip Mallet, Anteneh Lemma are all credited with 2 assists, but 7 other players all have at least 1 assists too. The boys from Jackson are not a one-horse show.

Beyond the stability of the overall attack, Gaffa has one of the most hard-nosed players in the GCPL in Tom Cosgrave, who may possibly be the best Eastern Conference defender. The hard tackling, quick thinking center back makes the Gaffa backline hard to break down. It will be an interesting challenge watching as the lively and variant CSC attack goes after Gaffa’s defense.

• Biggest Win: 5-1 over Gulf Coast Texans (June 10)
• Biggest Loss: 0-10 against CD Motagua of New Orleans (June 25)
• Lead Scorer: Michael Cooper and Craig McCabe (4 goals each)
• Player to Watch: Tom Cosgrave, CB

About the GCPL Cup Championship

Come out this Saturday, July 29th as the GCPL crowns its champion in New Orleans Pan American Stadium. Kickoff between Cajun Soccer Club and Gaffa FC is at 6:30 PM. There will be a food truck from Dat Dog, a halftime show with Soccer Genius, and more. Tickets are only $10, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. You may purchase tickets online by clicking here.