Prior to Saturday, Pumas FC sat atop the Southeast Region table with 4 points from 2 matches, but today they find themselves squarely in the middle of the table as a loss to Chattanooga FC and a win by Rocket City United saw the Birmingham side leapfrogged by those clubs.
Pumas had the tough task of traveling up to Chattanooga to face CFC in front of over 3,000 rabid Finley Stadium faithfuls. Behind a brace from CFC’s imposing, yet skillful, forward Chris Ochieng, CFC thrilled the home crowd while racking up another shutout. A wide open game saw Ochieng find the net in each half and CFC goalkeeper Richard Masters repelled every shot he faced for the 2:0 win and first place in the Southeast Region.
Meanwhile Rocket City United hosted an Atlanta FC team who was desperate to get off the snide after 2 defeats in 2 league matches. Traveling with a suspension and injury shortened squad list, it was the visitors who had the better of the play early. Aziz Izmoud’s individual effort paid dividends for Atlanta after a bad giveaway deep in the RCU defensive third. Izmoud battled his way past an RCU defender and slotted home from short range for the 1:0 Atlanta lead in the 13th minute.
RCU struck back with the equalizer just 17 minutes later when midfielder Alexander Munro struck a sublime volley off a corner kick that took a deflection before finding the net. Another corner kick led to the game-winner for RCU. Midfielder Brian Kimbugwe was able to get on the end of the driven cross only to have his goal bound header pushed against the post by Atlanta goalkeeper Constant Mantey. Derek Pirtle headed the rebound over the line to provide RCU the 2:1 victory and the three points.
NPSL Southeast Region action continues this Saturday as league leaders Chattanooga will travel to league newcomers FC Tulsa in what will be Tulsa’s debut match, and second place Rocket City United will take the short trip down I-65 to face Pumas in another Alabama derby match.
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Man, I can’t wait to see that Tulsa game. I sure hope the 24-hour round trip turns out to be worth it.