Kalamazoo FC Takes 2 of 3 Games, Finale This Weekend
The 2018 season for Kalamazoo FC is winding down, but it didn't stop them from having a very successful week on the pitch. Here's a look at last week's action for the Teals as they prepare for their final week.
Tuesday, June 26 - AFC Ann Arbor 1, Kalamazoo FC 0 (Michigan Milk Cup Semi)
It was the third meeting between the two squads, but the first and only match outside of National Premier Soccer League play. KzFC looked to take advantage of their home field advantage after playing to a scoreless draw May 25th.
Both squads put together solid scoring chances in the first half. The second half saw the momentum lean towards Kalamazoo, but none of the nine shots put on net were able to find the back of it, including a Jordan Veillette (Kalamazoo College) penalty kick that was stopped by the Ann Arbor goalkeeper.
AFC would record the only tally in the match, as they would score in stoppage time in the second half. As keeper Elijah Michaels (Western Michigan) attempted to clear the box after a shot, it returned to Ann Arbor's attacker and would seal the Mighty Oaks advancement in the Michigan Milk Cup tournament. Ann Arbor advances to the Cup Finals on July 4th as they take on former NPSL foe Lansing United at Hope College.
Friday, June 29 - Kalamazoo FC 5, FC Indiana 1
The prospects for the Teals to pick up another win over FC Indiana this season was on their minds as they traveled to Lafayette to take on the Lions. KzFC was dominate in their first match May 11th in a 5-0 thumping at Mayors Riverfront Park.
The Lions put KzFC on their heels in the first half. Vini Schwindt (Grand View) would score in the 24th minute to give the early Kalamazoo lead, his first score on the year. Indiana would score just their third goal in NPSL play just five minutes later to tie the match, leading to a 1-1 draw at halftime.
KzFC received a little help from FC Indiana playing with just nine players in the second half after two red cards were giving in the closing minute of the first half. Kalamazoo also lost a starter due to a red card at the same time, finishing with 10.
Kalamazoo would return in the second half with four scores to pull away. Schwindt record his second score in the 62nd minute, followed two minutes later by Jeo Garcia's (Davenport) fourth goal on the season to make it 3-1. The Teals would add on two more goals with Dumi Manyange's (Northwest Ohio) first on the season in the 73rd and Schwindt's hat trick finalized in the 84th.
Saturday, June 30 - Kalamazoo FC 1, Livonia City FC 0 (Friendly)
The final game of the week took place at Kalamazoo College's MacKenzie Field in extreme heat conditions. As the night went along, the heat backed down, but had already taken a beating on the players.
KzFC brought up several reserves in the contest following the road trip back home the night before. It was a refreshing start that gave the Teals six shots in the first half but no scores, as they dominated the flow on the offensive side. The half finished in a scoreless tie.
Livonia returned from the locker room and ready to cut through the Kalamazoo defense, putting together three scoring chances and challenging reserve goalkeeper Jared Hazen (Western Michigan).
What looked like a night where KzFC was going to settle on a friendly draw, a Lucas Malaguez (Grand View) cross that got into the box and made an easy shot available for Lawan Abary (Western Nebraska JC) in stoppage time would be the lone goal of the match.
The Week Ahead
Kalamazoo FC has one game remaining on their schedule and they get to host Detroit City FC for their finale. KzFC currently stands in fifth in the seven-team Great Lakes Conference and will lock up the position with a win over DCFC. The two teams met in Hamtramck June 23rd and played to a 1-1 draw.
For their third year of existence, the Teals will finish with an overall record .500 or better again. The NPSL record will be below .500 for the first time in their three years.
Tickets are still available for the final game of the season. At the team store during the game, everything in 50 percent off except for KzFC home jerseys, which will be 20 percent off. You'll also get a chance to see one of the more raucous crowds make their way down I-94 to visit Kalamazoo. Kickoff Saturday at Mayors Riverfront Park is at 7pm.