Stars Come Back to Beat AFC Mobile
From the NPSL https://www.npsl.com/14673/
The Southern States SC U-19s remain unbeaten in the NPSL U-19 pilot after beating the AFC
Mobile U-19s 4-1 on the road Friday night. Despite falling behind early, the Stars scored three
goals in the first half to take home all three points.
The Azaleas took an early lead after Manuel Matute capitalized on an error by Southern States
keeper Deigo Garcia-Gutierrez. The Stars responded mere minutes later when Jason Garcia (pictured) sent
a long-range free kick past Mobile keeper Cael Collins into the top left corner of the net. The
Stars doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Michael Colburn boomed down the right-wing
and sent a low rolling shot past Collins.
AFC Mobile nearly equalized minutes after the visitors took the lead, when a scramble in the
Southern States goalmouth was put just wide. The visitors added a third goal in first-half
stoppage time when Elean Fajardo-Garcia slotted home a free kick from outside the box.
The home side started the first half on the front foot, creating a chance in the 50th minute when
Bien Sunzu slotted through to Desmond Ibie, who was taken down by a strong challenge in the
box. The chance fell to Noe Delarca, who dragged his shot wide.
Both teams struggled to create chances for the majority of the second half. In the 74th minute,
Colburn netted his second goal of the night from after slotting home a low-rolling cross from
Emmanuel Mendez. The experienced Stars roster remained dominant for the final quarter of an
hour, comfortably taking home all three points.
The Stars remain unbeaten in the U-19 pilot after opening their campaign with a 3-0 win vs.
Pensacola FC U-19s and drawing 1-1 against the New Orleans Jesters U-19s. They will return to
action on Friday, October 2nd, against the Port City FC U-19s.
This loss is Mobile’s second in the U-19 pilot after falling in its opener against the Pensacola FC
U-19s. The Azaleas will return to the pitch on Sunday at 4 pm CT as they travel to Poplarville,
Mississippi, to take on the Port City U-19s in a match that was initially scheduled to take place
earlier this year. In the Stars’ next game, Southern States will take on the Port City juniors in
Poplarville on Friday, October 2.
AFC Mobile and Southern States SC were scheduled to meet in Hattiesburg last weekend.
However, that match was postponed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The rescheduled
match date has not yet been announced.
By Mitchell Kahalley/AFC Mobile