Liquid Football (0-1) is determined to recover from a challenging start to the season. This week, they face off against one of the top contenders in the Great Lakes East conference, the Michigan Stars U-23 (1-0). The Stars’ first team is professional in the NISA, and the second team plays in MWPL. They boast a wealth of talent and have made significant off-season signings that have bolstered their offense.
The Stars recently had a tough match against the new Great Lakes West team, Northern Indiana FC, in the third round of the USASA Amateur Cup. NIFC, who had an impressive preseason with two international friendlies against Liga MX teams and Columbus Crew 2, managed to secure a 2-0 victory over the Stars with two second-half goals. This result indicates that the Stars are not invincible and can be challenged by Liquid Football.
Liquid played Thundercats in the season's first game, and things started differently than they had hoped. Just like last year, the beginning of the season started rough. Poor marking and finishing led to a 4-1 Liquid loss last Friday night in Chesterfield. Thundercats took the lead halfway through the first half when Liquid left a man unmarked in the middle. He took a shot from 30 yards out and scored. The halftime score was 1-0. With 20 minutes to go in the game, Liquid equalized on an excellent finish from Dehane Gnonrou. A few minutes later, a penalty was called on Liquid. Thundercats re-took the lead, 2-1. The Thundercats tacked on another one a few minutes later with another goal similar to the first to make it 3-1. Thundercats caught Liquid Football on the counter and scored to make it 4-1, which put the nail in the coffin for the game.
Looking back at last season, Liquid Football had a thrilling encounter with Michigan Stars in a crucial game for the title race. In a hard-fought match, Liquid emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, propelling them into second place, while Stats fell to fourth. This history of intense competition sets the stage for an exciting rematch.
This offseason, The Michigan Stars have revamped their roster. Only a few players from last year are still with the team. Their best player is attacking midfielder Skander Larfaoui, and their captain and top goal scorer is Vincent Vultaggio, both of whom have playing experience overseas.
The Stars’ style of play consists of playing through the middle, relying on quick passes and midfield dominance to create scoring opportunities. If Liquid can clog up the midfield, it should slow down their high-powered offense.
In their one league game this season, they played against Livonia City FC and won 4-0. Two goals came from Vincent Vultaggio, one from Rocco Galati, and one from Gjon Melakuqi. Melakuqi was one of the league’s top goal-scorers last season and is off to a hot start again this season.
Watch for Liquid Football's newcomer, midfielder Kellen Landefeld, as he prepares to debut in a Liquid Football jersey. With a background in college soccer at Michigan State and Case Western and experience playing in the MWPL, including winning the league title with Detroit City FC U-23 under current Liquid Football coach Javi Bautista, Landefeld brings a promising addition to the team.
The highly anticipated match between Liquid Football and the Michigan Stars U-23 is scheduled for Friday, May 17 at 7:30. The game will take place at the Michigan Stars Sports Center in Washington Township. For those unable to attend in person, the match will be streamed live by the Michigan Soccer Network on YouTube, ensuring that fans can catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.
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