AFC Ann Arbor News

AFC Ann Arbor will compete in the USL League Two - Great Lakes Division during the upcoming 2020 season.

     AFC Ann Arbor will compete in the USL League Two - Great Lakes Division during the upcoming 2020 season.  The USL League Two - Great Lakes Division will feature eight teams including AFC Ann Arbor, the Cincinnati Dutch Lions, the Dayton Dutch Lions, the Flint City Bucks, Grand Rapids FC, Louisville City U23, Oakland County FC, and the South Bend Lions.  AFC Ann Arbor competed in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) from 2016-2019.  AFC Ann Arbor plays their home games on the football field at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.
     Leave a comment, or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on the links below for more information about AFC Ann Arbor, or USL League Two.  Click on past months to see all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.  Check out Game Notes.











                                                                                                 Game Notes  








-  AFC Ann Arbor was featured on the Mitten State Sports Report twice in June of 2019.



-  Eric Rudland is Sporting Director, and Men's Head Coach of AFC Ann Arbor.



-  AFC Ann Arbor is also known as Ann Arbor's Mighty Oak.



-  AFC Ann Arbor was founded in 2014.



-  AFC Ann Arbor also features a Women's team that competes in UWS (United Women's Soccer).











For more information about AFC Ann Arbor click on  https://www.afcannarbor.com



For more information about USL League Two click on  https://www.uslleaguetwo.com



Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com



Click on the arrow next to previous months to see the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.

Best of June 2019

     The month of June featured 7 posts that were viewed by people throughout the Midwest.  NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) soccer games in Ann Arbor, and information about the NAL (National Arena League) received lots of views.  Scroll down to see what everyone is clicking on.
     Leave a comment, or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on past months to see all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.  Check out Game Notes.











                                                                                            Best of June 2019











1.  "AFC Ann Arbor 1-0 Stars"  posted 6/2/2019

2.  "GRFC 2-0 AFC Ann Arbor"  posted 6/10/2019

3.  "Football: NAL News"  posted 6/23/2019





                                                                                                                                         No Photos!















                                                                       TONY fixes BRICK Pic of the Month

The TONY fixes BRICK Pic of the Month is a photograph taken at a NPSL soccer game in Ann Arbor. 

                                                                                       Link of the Month








        For more info about the NAL (National Arena League) click on  www.nationalarenaleague.com











                                                                                       Blog of the Month








                                        For more information about MGoBlog click on  https://mgoblog.com  











                                                                           Word or Words of the Month








                                                                     U.S. Women's National Soccer Team










                                                                                      Game Notes








-  The Mitten State Sports Report has published 72 posts so far in 2019.



-  The Mitten State Sports Report has published 1,153 posts.



-  The Mitten State Sports Report has received 232,922 views.



-  The profile of Tony Pertile has been viewed 29,058 times.











Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com



Click on the arrow next to previous months to see the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.

AFC Ann Arbor 1-0 Stars

On Monday, May 27th, AFC Ann Arbor defeated the Michigan Stars FC (MSFC) 1-0.  Both teams compete in the NPSL.

     On Monday, May 27th, AFC Ann Arbor defeated the Michigan Stars FC (MSFC) 1-0.  Both teams compete against each other in the Great Lakes Conference Division of the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League).  Last Monday's game was played on the football field at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.  Scroll down to see exclusive NPSL photographs.
     AFC Ann Arbor is currently in 2nd place in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference Division standings with 11 points, and an overall record of 3-0-2 (2 ties).  The Michigan Stars FC is currently in 7th place in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference Division standings with 0 points, and an overall record of 0-4.
     Leave a comment, or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on the link below for more information about the NPSL.  Click on past months to see all of the Mitten State Sports report's archived material.  Check out Game Notes.  

AFC Ann Arbor is currently 3-0-2 (2 ties) in the 2019 NPSL standings.

The Michigan Stars FC is currently 0-4 in the 2019 NPSL standings.

Last Monday's game was played on the football field at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.

Click on the link below for more information about the NPSL.

                                                                                   Game Notes








- Jarred Dass scored the only goal of the game during last Monday's NPSL showdown.



-  Detroit City FC also competes in the Great Lakes Conference Division of the NPSL.



-  Detroit City FC is currently in 5th place in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference Division standings with 7 points, and an overall record of 2-1-1 (1 tie).



-  Ann Arbor also has a minor league soccer team known as the AAFC Lumberjacks.  The Lumberjacks compete in the UPSL (United Premier Soccer League).











For more information about the NPSL click on  https://www.npsl.com



Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com



Click on the arrow next to previous months to see the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.

Heartbreak in the Heights!

The Michigan Stars played their 2014 season at the Star International Academy football field, located in Dearborn Heights.

     The Michigan Stars played their 2014 season at the Star International Academy football field, located in Dearborn Heights.  Last month, the Stars announced that they are moving their team operations to Pontiac, and the team will play their 2015 home games at Wisner Stadium.  Wisner Stadium is located at 441 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, in Pontiac.
     The Michigan Stars compete in the Midwest Region of the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League), and the team expanded into the league in 2014.  The NPSL currently has 64 teams scheduled to compete in the 2015 season.  The NPSL featured 74 teams in 2014.  Click on the link below for more information about the National Premier Soccer League.
     The Michigan Stars finished the 2014 season in 12th place (of 15 teams) in the Midwest Region with 13 points, and an overall record of 4-9-1.  The Midwest Region is scheduled to feature 12 teams for the 2015 season.  Click on the link below for more information about the Michigan Stars.
      FC Sparta was a NPSL team that competed at Hurley Field (in Berkley) during the 2013 season, but the team is now dormant.  There are currently 3 teams from Michigan scheduled to compete in the 2015 NPSL season including Lansing United, Detroit FC, and the Michigan Stars.  Click on June, and July of 2013 to see exclusive photos of National Premier Soccer League action.  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Scroll down to relive the memories of FC Sparta.

FC Sparta competed in the NPSL during the 2013 season.  The team is now dormant.

   

During the 2013 season, FC Sparta played their home games at Hurley Field, in Berkley.

Two FC Sparta games were featured on the Mitten State Sports Report. 

Click on the links below for more information about this stuff!

For more information about the Michigan Stars click on  michiganstarsfc.com



For information about the National Premier Soccer League click on  www.npsl.info 



Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com



Scroll down and vote in the monthly Poll Question!  There's two questions to vote on!



Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.

All Access: FC Sparta

FC Sparta head coach George Kallis discusses strategy with one of his assistants!

#9 Vinny Bell leads AFC Cleveland in scoring this season with 6 goals!

Game time for FC Sparta!

#6 Daniel O'Callaghan has contributed 1 goal this season for AFC Cleveland!

This was the final home game of the regular season for FC Sparta!

AFC Cleveland's bench players keep themselves loose!

FC Sparta returns to Hurley Field on July 20th, (2:00 P.M.) for an exhibition game against the Windsor Stars!

AFC Cleveland won 5-1.  Don't miss FC Sparta next time they come your way!

For more information about FC Sparta click on  fcspartamichigan.com/


For more information about the NPSL click on  www.npsl.info/


Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com


 


FC Sparta vs AFC Cleveland

FC Sparta (in red, and white) collided with AFC Cleveland (in blue) at Hurley Field in Berkley!

AFC Cleveland scored 4 goals in the second half.



#31 Tommy Schmitt is always a threat to score!  He has 4 goals for AFC Cleveland this season!

#9 Vinny Bell adds another goal for AFC Cleveland!

A race for the loose ball!

What did I do?

#23 (yellow jersey) Jesus Ginez is the leading scorer for FC Sparta!  Ginez was benched until the final minute of play! 

FC Sparta's Tyler Yachcik saves #4 Taylor Fletcher's shot attempt! 

AFC Cleveland celebrated the 5-1 victory over FC Sparta!

For more information about FC Sparta click on  fcspartamichigan.com/




For more information about the NPSL click on  www.npsl.info/ 




Leave a comment or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Pro Level Soccer in Berkley!

FC Sparta (in red, and white) hosted AFC Cleveland (in blue) at Hurley Field in Berkley! 

     On Sunday June 30th, FC Sparta hosted AFC Cleveland, at Hurley Field in Berkley.  It was the final home game of the regular season for FC Sparta, and the game was a tale of two halves.  Both teams scored a goal in the first half,  and the game appeared to be up for grabs at half time.  At around the 60th minute, AFC Cleveland scored the go ahead goal, and began to pour it on.  #9 Vinny Bell, and #7 Tom Beck were amongst several players to score for AFC Cleveland in the 5-1 final.  AFC Cleveland is the defending Flight Great Lakes Division Champions, but are currently in 4th place (out of six teams) in the division with 11 points, and an overall record of 3-6-2.  Vinny Bell leads AFC Cleveland in scoring this season with 6 goals, while Tom Beck has added 5 goals.  FC Sparta is currently in 5th place in the Flight Great Lakes Division with 8 points, and an overall record of 2-7-2.  Jesus Ginez leads FC Sparta in scoring this season with 3 goals.  It is important to note that Jesus Ginez was benched for most of the game during Sunday's 5-1 loss to AFC Cleveland.  Ginez substituted into the game during the final minute of play.
     FC Sparta will play an exhibition game against the Windsor Stars at Hurley Field, on Saturday July 20th, at 2:00 P.M.  Tickets are $5, and kids 12 and under are free.  AFC Cleveland has qualified for the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Postseason, and will play Detroit City FC on July 13th at Cass Tech High School, in Detroit.  Detroit City FC is currently undefeated, and is in 1st place in the Flight Great Lakes Division with 30 points, and an overall record of 10-0.

#9 Vinny Bell scores for AFC Cleveland!  FC Sparta fell to AFC Cleveland 5-1.

#7 Tom Beck scored for AFC Cleveland on Sunday night!

For more information about FC Sparta click on  fcspartamichigan.com/



For more information about the NPSL click on www.npsl.info/



Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

FC Sparta vs FC Buffalo Photos

FC Buffalo visited Hurley Field in Berkley last Friday to take on FC Sparta in a NPSL showdown!

FC Sparta's #16 Jacob VanderLaan attempts to shake the defender! 

FC Buffalo's Asani Samuels dances around FC Sparts defenders!

The game got away from FC Sparta early, and FC Buffalo went to their bench players!

FC Buffalo coach Brendan Wilson congratulates his players!  FC Buffalo was victorious by a score of 4-0

Throw me a water with your good arm?

For more information about FC Sparta click on  fcspartamichigan.com/




For more information about the National Premier Soccer League click on  www.npsl.info/




Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com

Pro Level Soccer in Berkley!

FC Buffalo's #21 Bobby Ross prepares to inbound the ball!

     Last Friday night, professional soccer returned to the city of Berkley for a National Premier Soccer league (NPSL) matchup featuring FC Buffalo against FC Sparta.  This is the inaugural season in the NPSL for FC Sparta; last year they played in Windsor, and were known as the Windsor FC Spartans.  FC Sparta competes in the NPSL's Flights Great Lakes Division against five other clubs along with local rival Detroit City FC.  Detroit City FC plays their home games just down the road at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, and is currently in first place in the NPSL's Great Lakes Division with 21 points, and an overall record of 7-0.  Entering Friday nights contest, FC Sparta was in fourth place in the NPSL's Great Lakes Division with 8 points, and an overall record of 2-5-2.

FC Sparta plays their home games at Hurley Field in Berkley, Michigan!

     FC Buffalo entered Friday nights contest in second place in the NPSL's Great Lakes Division with 18 points and an overall record of 6-1-0.  FC Buffalo took control from the get go, scoring early and often against FC Sparta, shutting them out in a 4-0 final.  Asani Samuels scored a goal and was virtually unstoppable for FC Buffalo, proving why he is an emerging star in the NPSL, and in the world of soccer. 

Asani Samuels blows by FC Sparta defenders before scoring FC Buffalo's second goal of the game!

     Although it has been a struggle at times on the field for FC Sparta this season, I would encourage fans to come check out a game.  General admission was only $5.00, and if the economy has got you feeling frugal, you can view the game from a lawn chair outside the stadium until the ticket vendor leaves (usually at half time).  The food at the concession stands was also really good, and reasonably priced.  If the weather is nice, it's a better option to spend sometime outdoors before summer slips away.  Finally, it's important to support our local professional sports teams or they will simply vanish from existence (see Top Ten Dormant Mitten State Franchises posted on May 3rd, 2013).


     Be sure to check out FC Sparta in their next home game against AFC Cleveland this Sunday night (7:00) at Hurley Field in Berkley.  Hurley Field is located at 48072 Robina, near 11 mile road, and Greenfield road.

Asani Samuels (the tall guy on the right) is an emerging star in the NPSL, and in the world of soccer!

For more information on FC Sparta click on  fcspartamichigan.com/




For more information on the NPSL click on  www.npsl.info/




Leave a comment!  Email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com