Match Summary

Ambassadors FC Ohio’s inaugural season in the NPSL came to an abrupt end on Saturday in the form of a 3-0 loss to Flower City Union in the Great Lakes Conference Championship match on a scorching hot afternoon at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.

“We just did not rise the occasion,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean, one of the finalists for the NPSL “Coach of the Year” award. “Hats off to Flower City as they showed up to get the job done and we take nothing away from them. No excuses on our part. We were pretty banged up coming into the match and missing some pieces for sure, but we simply did not finish, we made mistakes, were a bit unlucky in moments, and that is football.”

Following an opening flurry of penetration and front-third possession, Flower City got on the score sheet in the 14th minute. Dylan Rice slotted home a cutback from the byline from Rodrigo Gomes de Almeida. Almeida appeared to have left early on the ball over the top but the flag stayed down.

That was one of the only chances that got by AFC Ohio veteran keeper Gavin Ernst on the afternoon. Ernst was brilliant in the shot stopping on the day and would have been a “Man of the Match” shoe in had the scoreline been reversed.

Ambassadors responded well in the moments following the goal progressing the ball in between the thirds and putting Flower City on their heels repeatedly. In the 21st minute, AFC Ohio wingback Jordan Akins played a sublime chipped pass over the FCU backline to midfielder Matt Skladany breaking the line. Skladany, who has been on a late season tear of scoring and creating goals, lifted the ball over the keeper but beyond the crossbar.

It was the ensuing goal kick that put AFC Ohio in hole. Myles Palmer was the beneficiary of a flicked header that forced AFC back Jacob Irani to be chasing back toward his own goal. His back header to keeper Ernst was not strong enough and Palmer was gifted a first-touch volley that only needed to loop over Ernst who had come off his line to receive the back header giving FCU a 2-0 advantage in the 23 minute.

Yet, once again, AFC Ohio responded to the second goal only to have the luck not go there way. FCU escaped at least two very good quality chances against them as the home side went into the break feeling confident, while Ambassadors went into the halftime needing an energy boost and and their finishing boots to be sure.

Dean made a slight shape and tactical adjustment at the break that eventually would lead to more successes. “The reality was we had more than enough success breaking their press and breaking their first couple lines of pressure,” he said. “We needed to be more active running at their backline and creating overloads in advanced areas. The guys did it extremely well but we had some bad luck on the night as well to be sure.”

In the 59th minute, after a bit of back and forth and somewhat equal probing by both sides only In the middle third, AFC Ohio had possession established in the middle and front thirds. A penetrating first-time pass by center mid and John Carroll alumnus Brenden Swann was not controlled and popped out to Rice of FCU on what seemed like an innocuous transition moment. Ambassadors captain and center back Omar Najjar closed and made a perfectly-timed tackle on Rice winning the ball only to have deflect and be redirected straight into the path of FCU forward Almeida. Almeida slipped a one touch ball back to Rice who was onside and in behind the AFC backline and easily beat a defenseless Ernst to twist the dagger in the hearts of the visitors giving them a three-goal advantage with a half an hour left to play.

“That one stung quite a bit and really was a gut punch,” Dean said. “Omar makes a great tackle at the right moment and the ball spins right to their forward for an easy first-touch thru ball. Come on. But, that is football and we had our backs to wall like never before this entire season.”

The last 30 minutes were anything but boring. Both Ernst, and FCU keeper Burkhart, along with a number of players in both purple and white who made blocks, clears, and goal-line saves that kept the scoreline sacred and preserved the Great Lakes Conference title for the home side.

“I am nothing but proud, honored, and humbled to be a part of this crew of men and our ministry,” Dean reflected. “This day belonged to Flower City in terms of the result. But we walk away heads held high, with clear hearts, a humble spirit, and I know we reflected the light we are called to reflect.”

Ambassadors FC Ohio finishes their first NPSL campaign with eight (8) wins, three losses, and a draw and finished the regular season as the #14 ranked team in the 75 team league.

Match Summary

Brandon Trujillo sent a looping left-footed finish into the back of the Rochester NY FC net in the 95th minute on Wednesday night in Canton, Ohio, to give them their very first NPSL playoff victory, sending them to the Great Lakes Conference Championship on Saturday in their inaugural season. 

The first 30 minutes of the match were a heavily back-and-forth affair with opportunities being created and stymied by both sides. It almost seemed as if the two teams were testing each other to see how far the other could bend without breaking.

“We generated chance after chance in the first 20 minutes and could not break through,” said Head Coach Ryan Dean. “But the chances we created were nothing compared to the way that we settled in and defended with great commitment and intensity.”

AFC Ohio did have the better of the chances in the first half. Rochester NY FC Sam Adiutori came up big with two very good saves in that 20-minute period, and RNY FC fullbacks sacrificed with some courageous blocks and did well to clear their lines.

The table was set for changes to happen when AFC Ohio veteran center back Dan O’Callaghan went into a solid tackle late in the first half that earned a caution. The risk of a back on a yellow forced the home side to consider making a change going into the break.

Coming out of the break, both sides did their best to open the match up. In the 52nd minute, AFC Ohio’s Adrian Nunez was able to spin out of pressure and found Amir Spratt at the top of the Rochester box. Seeing he wasn’t the only player in white attacking inside the 18, he slipped the ball through the RNY FC back line to Matt Skladaney. Coming fresh off a hat trick in Buffalo on the weekend to give AFC the 2nd seed, Skladany saw the door open for more. As he met the pass, Skladaney cut across the area to his left and calmly sent side netting, giving Ambassadors a 1-0 advantage.

That advantage did not last long. That opening salvo proved to be the catalyst to truly open the match up for both sides.

Just over five minutes after AFC Ohio drew first blood, Rochester NY FC answered the call. After winning a corner kick, RNY FC took advantage of Ambassadors inability to properly clear their lines and Elhadji Sidibe was able to easily redirect the 2nd chance into the back of the net bringing the match even at 1-1 in the 60th min. 

The final 30 minutes then became a mix of a cagey affair, half chances, critical decisions and blocked shots by both sides, and a stalemate of sorts. Both teams made tactical substitutions in preparation for extra time. Trujillo’s insertion into the match in the 76th minute was meant to put a possession-based technical player in a position to stabilize things for for AFC Ohio.

After the center official showed that a minimum of four minutes would be added, Ambassadors seemed to harness a bit more out of their collective batteries. In the 5th added minute, second half substitute Randy Harris was able to pick the ball up on the touchline and carry at speed into RNY half before cutting 30 yards out from goal, showcasing his speed and technique as he beat two defenders. Seeing an opportunity, Harris found Trujillo at the top of the 18, who quickly spun and let a left-footer rip. The ball, slightly deflected, looped over Adiutori sending the home side and supporters into pandemonium, while simultaneously gutting the visitors on the night. 

The last kick of the match came from the center spot on the kickoff. The moment marked Trujillo’s last goal and touch in his last match for Ambassadors FC Ohio before he returns to London, England, truly leaving his mark on the team and in the history of Ambassadors FC Ohio in their first NPSL season. 

With the victory, Ambassadors FC Ohio travels to Rochester, N.Y. on Saturday to face Flower City Union in the Great Lakes Conference Championship at 5:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.

Match Summary

Reese Utter headed home a corner in the 94th minute to give Ambassadors FC Ohio an improbable 4-3 comeback victory in Buffalo to clinch the 2nd seed in the Great Lakes Conference, earning the right to host a conference semifinal playoff match on Wednesday in Canton, Ohio.

AFC Ohio scored three times in the final 20 minutes of the match after going down 1-3 in the 58th minute. Ambassadors completed this comeback after starting goalkeeper Gavin Hill was forced to leave the match with injury in the 28th minute and was replaced by emergency goalkeeper Amir Spratt. Spratt came into the goal as the #8 ranked goalscorer in the NPSL and topped the Great Lakes Conference in scoring. His double save in the 62nd minute had a significant role in the result of the match. Matt Skladany’s hat trick performance made the difference for the visitors on the night.

Following a foul late in the second minute of the match, Buffalo earned a free kick just outside the corner of the penalty area. Ambassadors FC Ohio’s keeper Hill got a hand on the shot but redirected it back in front of the box, and the Stallions easily finished the second chance, giving them an early 0-1 lead.

From that point on, the match became very back and forth with AFC Ohio keeping the ball on the Buffalo half for extended periods of time finding rhythm and tempo.. AFC did an excellent job of swinging the ball throughout the back line, looking to penetrate and find openings. It became evident through the team’s efforts to keep possession and build out from the back line that their patience and confidence in possession might pay off.

In the 41st minute of the match, Ambassadors won a corner, which was beautifully placed at the top of the keeper’s 6-yard box and to the feet of Reese Utter, who took a chance on goal. While the first shot was blocked by the Stallion keeper, the rebound was met by Matthew Skladany. Skladany’s second chance was slightly deflected but trickled over the line bringing the visitors even going into halftime.

Coming out of the break, the Stallions pressed a bit higher than the 1st half and Ambassadors were a bit flat. In the 49th minute, Buffalo pressed on the right flank and sent a driven cross into the six-yard box. In an attempt to redirect the cross, Jacob Irani redirected the ball past Spratt at the near post and the own goal put Buffalo back on top.

Shortly after, Buffalo once again found themselves in possession of the ball in the AFC area. The Stallions whipped one across the face of the goal that Spratt could not secure and Keegan Hermann easily touched in the sitter to give the Stallions a 1-3 lead in the 58th minute. 

Down two goals and knowing that a draw would be meaningless in the seeding, Ambassadors changed shape and inserted veteran attacker Bryan Kern to increase the tempo and create opportunities in the front third. 

Then, in the 76th minute, Jordan Akins crossed the ball to the back post, where Skladany touched and volleyed the ball near post past the keeper and into the Buffalo goal, closing the goal deficit and igniting the fire blazing within the visiting team. At that point, it was all to play for.

Following the goal, AFC Ohio inserted veteran captain and center-back Omar Najjar into the match-up front to increase the experience and provide a different threat. Just three minutes later in the 80th, Najjar was fouled inside the box while driving to the goal, drawing a penalty. With cool, calm composure, Skladany stepped up to the spot and drove a low shot inside the left post and past the outstretched hands of the keeper, bringing Ambassadors even at 3-3 and within a goal of the 2nd seed.

The game became very stretched at the point with the Stallions on the back foot and AFC Ohio throwing players forward and continuing to pressure the backline. The 4th official held up the board showing five added minutes. In the 94th, AFC won a corner with their pressure. Spratt came up into the box with nothing left to lose. Brenden Swann served and Reese Utter was first to it to redirect a perfect header into the net giving AFC the most improbable come-from-behind victory on the night.

Ambassadors FC Ohio won the right to host a Great Lakes Conference semifinal match in their inaugural season in the NPSL. The match is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Dr. David & Winnie King Field in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

In their final home match of the regular season, Ambassadors FC Ohio dominated the Erie Commodores en route to a 4-1 victory, clinching a playoff berth in their inaugural season in the NPSL. 

The Blues had a spark ignited inside them stemming from a 1-3 loss at Erie last week, and that spark became a blazing fire in the early minutes of the match. In just the second minute of the match, AFC Ohio midfielder Yoni Sorokine drove a flighted serve to Randy Harris on a dime, racing down the left flank. Harris drove to the byline and delivered a perfectly-timed cross to Amir Spratt. From there, a simple one-touch into the back of the Commodores’ goal opened up the scoring in the match.

“Once you get one early, it kind of builds the confidence,” explained AFC captain Omar Najjar. “Everybody gets that extra boost of energy.”

AFC Ohio drew first blood and wanted more, having the early advantage against one of the two teams that had bested them this season. In the nineteenth minute of the match, Aiden Eck took a ball from the middle third and broke the last line of the Erie defence and drew and foul in the area, earning a penalty…the game’s first of five yellow cards. Sorokine calmly stepped up and placed the ball past the Commodores keeper, providing AFC Ohio with 2-0 advantage.

In the 24th minute of the match, Spratt demonstrated once again why he is a constant source of energy, and a forever menace to opponents as he won a tackle just inside the middle third of pitch and drove to the near post to fire home the third of the first half for Ambassadors, putting the hosts up 3-0 barely one quarter of the way through the match.

As the first half wound down, the physicality was ramping up. In a hard tackle during the 43rd minute, Erie’s Charles Peterson was shown a quick double-yellow card, turning it into a red, taking him out of the match, and forcing his team to play with ten for the duration of the evening as the half concluded.

Despite the score and playing a player down, the Commodores never lost their passion and intensity. In the 71st minute of the match, Erie’s Owen Peterson put the Commodores on the score sheet, bringing the score to 3-1 and momentarily adding some tension to the contest that had seemed done and dusted at that point.

AFC Ohio was not done yet. Second half sub Adrian Nunez, returning to duty after participating in the TST Tournament against the likes of Sergio Aguero, took a driven cross from the opposite flank and drilled a shot at the Commodores keeper Harry O’Brien, only to have Brandon Trujillo of AFC Ohio there to meet the rebound, opening up his NPSL account and putting the result to bed in the 77th minute.

“We simply went out to win tonight,” said Trujillo following the match. “Plain and simple.”

The victory assures AFC Ohio of a playoff match in the Great Lakes Conference. They have a bit more to play for as the 2nd seed in the conference playoffs is still up for grabs. 

“Acceptable effort is no longer acceptable at this stage,” said Ryan Dean, Ambassadors FC Ohio’s head coach. “It has to be exceptional.”

This “exceptional” expectation will head to Buffalo, N.Y. this Saturday, July 5 as Ambassadors travel to North Tonawanda High School for the final regular season match of the NPSL campaign against the host Buffalo Stallions at 7:00 p.m.

Match Summary

Ambassadors FC Ohio regained their footing in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference in a 3-1 victory over Rochester NY FC at Malone University in Canton, Ohio, bouncing back from a disappointing performance in Erie one week prior. 

The match began with RNY FC well on the front foot, and AFC Ohio pinned back for the majority of the first 25 minutes. The Ambassadors back five were able to expertly thwart the attacks and attempts from the visiting side while not surrendering a quality chance. Goalkeeper Gavin Hill was busy, but not tested severely.

The tone of the match completely changed against the run of play when a Rochester back pass to their goalkeeper was pressured by AFC Ohio’s leading scorer, Amir Spratt. Spratt pressed the goalkeeper just outside the six-yard box, forcing the keeper to take out the legs of the forward after he took the ball off him, resulting in a penalty. Midfielder Yoni Sorokine stepped up and sent the keeper diving to the left while he calmly put the ball away to the right side, breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute of the match, putting AFC up 1-0.This goal was exactly what Ambassadors needed to change the flow of the game in their favor. After grabbing the lead in the match, AFC truly began competing at a whole new level. They created several more opportunities through creative runs and looks at the goal as the half wound down. 

In the last minute of the half, Rochester NY FC created a truly dangerous opportunity in the AFC area, resulting in not only a tremendous save by Hill, but a sacrificial block by Jacob Irani and more than one man in white putting their body on the line to defend the last corner of the half. Had they not been as steely and committed in the moment, they likely would have been walking out of this half level. 

As the second half commenced, AFC’s Hill continued to showcase his athleticism and skill with two outstanding saves, and nearly all attempts until the 53rd minute, when Rochester got past Hill before Alex Depperschmidt made a goal line clearance to keep things level. 

Less than a minute later, the RNY FC intensity and press paid off as a failure to substantially clear their lines resulted in the ball being buried in the back of the net past the formidable Hill from about 24 yards out, bringing the score level at 1-1 in the 54th minute.

But that goal proved to be the wake-up call in the 2nd stanza for the home side. Amir Spratt earned the game’s first of four yellow cards in a contested duel inside the final third. Only a few seconds after play resumed, a Rochester NY SC player was immediately shown yellow after undercutting Depperschmidt in a contested header. Depperschmidt was forced to leave the match with a head injury under precaution.

As the match became a bit stretched following the substitution, AFC Ohio gained a foothold in ball progression and possession. In the 67th minute, Spratt’s strength and deftness on the turn were on display once again as he spun around the hard-pressing RNY FC player just inside the area and sent the ball soaring into the upper right-hand 90 and right past the outstretched RNY keeper, giving AFC the lead in the match once again and bringing the score to 2-1

Following the goal, AFC built to a new level of confidence, playing with small, skillful, composed touches, increasing their passing tempo, and putting the RNY FC backline under pressure consistently with line breaking passes into the half spaces outside the 18 and putting their wing backs into one on ones on both flanks. Substitutes Brenden French and Davis Novak changed the tone of the match on both sides of the pitch. 

In added time, RNY showed they were much more than just a formidable opponent on the day, once again putting AFC Ohio on the back foot. Despite this push, Ambassadors were able to hold their defensive shape and display the lockdown defense that has been their foundation in their inaugural NPSL campaign.

In the last minute of added time, as RNY FC committed everyone forward to force an equalizer, Randy Harris ran onto an AFC defensive clearance just inside his own half with one to beat. With a defender on his heels and no one in front of him except for the keeper, Harris was able to dribble past and round the keeper, tucking the ball inside the near post to seal the visitors’ fate on the day. Knowing he would receive the game’s last yellow card, he celebrated with a back flip and removed his jersey before being flashed a caution, giving the referee a high-five in the process.

With momentum from the win, Ambassadors FC Ohio will host the Erie Commodores in a pivotal divisional rematch on Wednesday, July 2 at 7:00 pm at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

In a high-intensity match, Ambassadors FC Ohio dominated the Buffalo Stallions, earning a 5-0 victory, marking their largest margin of victory and their fourth shutout in their inaugural season of the NPSL. 

Before the match began, it was announced that this would be Ambassadors’ starting goalkeeper Caydence Robinson’s final game with the team and in the NPSL this season. He is set to begin basic training to be a cadet for the United States Air Force, where he will be playing for their D1 soccer team.

The first half took time to find the urgency it so desperately needed. The feeling-out process on both sides took almost 15 minutes to produce any real threats for either team. The first corner of the game by Buffalo was expertly defended by the header of AFC captain Omar Najjar. Ambassadors returned this opportunity less than two minutes later, where a corner just missed the waiting header of several AFC Ohio players. 

At the 21-minute mark, AFC’s Reese Utter and Buffalo’s Riley Quinn were shown the first two yellow cards of the game after getting tangled up in a tackle and exchanging words after the whistle. Though it appeared to be a relatively clean game, these were the first of a whopping six yellows throughout the game, one of which was on the visiting team’s coaching staff.

Although the Stallions were the first of the match to get a shot off, it would only be the first of a few. On the opposing side, Ambassadors was constantly crafting new chances. As the half progressed, AFC found themselves continually creating dangerous passing sequences that yielded several offensive opportunities. 

Looking to shake the dust off their boots after the week-and-a-half break for Ambassadors, the home side found themselves in the perfect position to make their presence known on the scoreboard at Malone University. After a beating the white swarm of Stallion defenders, some short passing sequences, and sharp, precise turns, Yoni Sorokine received the ball from Jordan Akins at the top of the 18 before releasing a low-driven ball past the keeper and into the back of the net, putting Ambassadors FC Ohio in the lead at 1-0 in the 26th minute.

There was clear talent and speed on both sides of the ball. In a breakaway, AFC’s Randy Harris blew past the visiting team’s back line before being chased down by a Buffalo defender, who met the quickness of Harris with his own, shutting down his drive at the goal.

In the 29th minute of the match, Ambassadors FC Ohio’s Sorokine took a low-driven free kick towards the ready feet of Amir Spratt, who expertly spun past Buffalo defenders to shoot past the outstretched hands of the Stallions’ keeper, bringing the score to 2-0. 

“It’s almost surprising when you go to a game and he doesn’t score a goal,” said one of Ambassadors FC Ohio’s live stream hosts, Ryan McGinnis.”

By the end of that first half, it was evident that AFC Ohio had found their rhythm. Buffalo was looking to take away the presence that Ambassadors brought to the first stanza as they came out of the break between halves.

In only the 2nd minute of the new half, Spratt found a window down the right touchline and took the drive deep into the Stallions’ half before passing the ball to Alex Depperschmidt, who effortlessly laid off the ball to Harris for a quick one-touch shot, earning his first NPSL career goal, and furthering the goal differential for the home team.

Despite the score, Buffalo was stout defensively. Because the ball remained on their half, the team was forced to stay organized, win duals, and make it difficult for AFC to have their way. But the possession, patience, and experience of the AFC midfield especially proved to be too much on the night.

Ambassadors substitute Brenden French received a pass from Josh Lord and drove to the byline in what appeared to be a set up for a cross or slotted ball to the top of the six-yard box. But, instead, French turned it into precise and skillful nutmeg through the legs Buffalo keeper at the near post, creating the fourth goal of the match in the 77th minute.

Just over five minutes later, Harris once again found himself creating opportunities near the goal as he put on a show with his skillful footwork past the Stallion defenders and found Josh Lord in a split pass, who easily sealed the fate of the game with the fifth and final Ambassadors FC Ohio goal. 

Despite added time and a strong effort, the defense of the home team proved to be unbreakable against the talented offensive force of the Buffalo Stallions.

Aiming to continue their three-game win streak, Ambassador FC Ohio will hit the road on June 21st at 6:30 pm at Saxton Stadium at Mercyhurst University against the Erie Commodores.

Photo Credit: Mike Kane/ Ambassadors FC Ohio

Match Summary

Under the lights of Baldwin Wallace’s Tressel Field, Ambassadors FC Ohio laid down a marker for their third victory in their inaugural NPSL season against Cleveland SC, marking the halfway point of their season. 

Both teams probed their opponents early on with two very different styles. Ambassadors did not seem to mind not having the majority of possession and playing for the counter with a compact shape, while Cleveland SC established their possession, trying to open up the AFC block. It really never worked for CSC.

It was clear from the beginning that CSC identified Ambassadors FC Ohio’s forward Amir Spratt as an imminent threat. His speed remained unmatched, his deftness on the turn undefendable, and his individual work rate relentless, knocking on the door time and again early on. In the 19th minute, Spratt broke through the Cleveland SC back line on his own. With only the rapidly approaching keeper to beat, Spratt kept his composure and slipped it past him to put the visitors up 1-0.

Cleveland SC had some great looks early and opportunities throughout the first half. Caydence Robinson came up with a stellar stop diving to his left early in the match to frustrate the orange and black. The home team’s tactic in getting past Ambassadors’ back line was a combination of going over the top, or drawing the backline out. Teamwork and solid tactics were clearly on display as AFC Ohio continued to stay compact, organized, and focused on the “bend not break” philosophy they adhere to, keeping the score at 1-0 going into the break at the half.

A Maradona turn in the 52nd minute by Spratt broke him away from the Cleveland back line, where he skillfully rounded the keeper, passing the ball into a wide open goal, resulting in a 2-0 lead. 

“When you score a goal, you obviously have the confidence to keep going on,” said lead goal-scorer, Amir Spratt. “All credit to my teammates for putting me in the perfect situation to put one in the back of the net.”

After a ball over the AFC back line following the restart, captain Omar Najjar halted the breakaway and dangerous shot attempt with a clean and impeccably-timed tackle, playing only the ball, and stopping the attacker in his tracks. From that point on, it became evident that while possession was fairly uneven in the first half, AFC established more of the ball in the second.

In the 78th minute, Alex Depperschmidt received a precision line-breaking pass from Yani Sorokine and quickly drilled the shot near post past the CSC keeper, giving him absolutely no time to react, and increasing the deficit for Cleveland SC to 3-0.

Wanting to take no chances in maintaining a clean sheet, Ambassadors sat back and absorbed more and more pressure, cutting off passing lanes, picking off searching balls, and winning duals that they were losing in the first half. AFC was quick to quash any potential opportunity created by Cleveland and took every chance they had to counter them as well.

And, the counter served them well. In the 86th minute, following a turnover and successful counterpress by Reese Utter, Josh Lord then found Utter on the break following a tight and tidy little combination to beat the CSC defenders. Utter was in and was clinical, writing the final exclamation point on the 4-0 evening for the white and blue.

There were a total of three yellow cards issued to Cleveland SC in the match, including their keeper for the second time against AFC this season, while Yoni Sorokine picked up the only caution for the visitors late in the match. There were fouls throughout the game, however, the vast majority were a result of clean tackles gone slightly wrong. There were times, especially in the latter half, when CSC put the “contact” in contact sport, but Ambassadors FC Ohio met these attempts with strength and agility. 

Ambassadors and Cleveland SC also took the opportunity tonight to recognize the family of Hayden Kaiser, an original AFC Ohio player who was tragically killed in an automobile accident four years ago to the day. The captains of both sides presented his mother and family with a set of framed kits that display his number, and the commemorative shoulder patches that don every AFC Ohio kit and always will.

A set of Bible verses that spoke strongly to Hayden was shared with everyone in the stadium: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:38-29.

AFC Ohio now moves on to play a benefit charity friendly match against USL2 side Akron City FC at Green Street Stadium in Akron, Ohio this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. All ticket proceeds will go to benefit AFC Ohio’s partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, the agency that serves both the Akron and Canton region and their battle against food insecurity.

Match Summary

Ambassadors FC Ohio hit the road and turned a new leaf as they secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Niagara 1812 on a windy evening in Lewiston, New York. Coming off a draw against northeast Ohio rival Cleveland SC, this match was crucial to get three points and to establish higher expectations for their first NPSL season. 

Despite a well-organized opponent in Niagara 1812, and hitting the crossbar four times in 90 minutes, AFC Ohio delivered a determined effort to come away with their second win of the season.

In the first five minutes of the match, it appeared as though Niagara 1812 was poised to possess in front of the compact Ambassadors FC Ohio and dictate the play. They maintained possession, created opportunities for extended passing sequences, and even had an early opportunity for a shot in just the first minute of the match, turning up the heat quickly. But, as soon as Ambassadors found their rhythm, they were quick to extinguish the flame that was Niagara 1812 in the opening minutes.

After a feeling-out process and probing the 1812 organization with balls over the backline, AFC adjusted to head coach Ryan Dean’s tactical match plan and began to hit their stride just before the tenth minute of the match, when the attack had several good looks on goal. While the offense was a bit relentless in the Niagara half, the defense held shape while being opportunistic in the counterattack.

“The consistency of our defending having that ‘bend, don’t break’ attitude helped us for sure,” said Dean.

During a sustained moment of possession in the 25th minute of the match, Randy Harris of Ambassadors FC Ohio unleashed a low shot across the face of the goal, forcing an urgent save from the Niagara keeper, who managed to to parry the take into the path of Amir Spratt, ready in just the right place at just the right time, as he met the keeper’s deflection and effortlessly slotted the ball into the back of the net. This goal seemed to be a confirmation for Ambassadors FC Ohio establishing a much-deserved lead.

As the match progressed, AFC remained staunch and organized, limiting 1812 in opportunities to possess and taking away the spaces in between the lines. AFC wing back Brendan French was a true threat to Niagara. Not only did he let nothing past him on the flanks, but he was also a formidable force on offense, showing off his speed and tactical vision as he made runs in all of the channels across the backline throughout the match.

Physicality was high throughout the match with fouls piling up on both sides, however, it was Niagara 1812 who drew the first caution. Following a foul in the box on Amir Spratt later in the half, Ambassadors FC Ohio’s central midfielder, Josh Lord, had the opportunity to further his team’s lead in the game, taking the penalty, however, the shot was saved with a low dive to the left by the keeper. Despite several more close attempts, one off the crossbar and one off the post, the first half concluded with Ambassadors leading 1-0, just like the prior two games. 

The second half produced no goal from either team, but was far from uneventful. The fouls and anxiety continued to pile up throughout the half, resulting in the frustrated home team receiving two more yellow cards and the Niagara coaching staff getting one of their own. Despite Ambassadors FC Ohio’s captain Omar Najjar picking up the final yellow of the match in what appeared to be a clean tackle after the 90-minute mark in added time, the away team played a clean half. 

Although the 90 minutes were up, the game was still very much alive. The five minutes of extra time included another AFC shot that hit the crossbar, a near-miss off a scuffle resulting in a point-blank save from the 1812 keeper that literally knocked him off his feet, and the final Niagara caution of the night. Ultimately, the game concluded with a final score of 1-0, adding three points to Ambassadors FC Ohio’s record. 

“The squad was a bit stretched due to injury and other conflicts, so we made the best group available and they got the job done,” said AFC Head Coach Dean.

In a highly anticipated rematch, Ambassadors FC Ohio will face Cleveland SC for the second time in seven days on June 4th at 7:00 PM at George Finnie Stadium on the campus of Baldwin Wallace University.

AKRON/CANTON, OH– Soccer fans in Northeast Ohio will experience a new rivalry this year as Akron City FC of USL League Two and Ambassadors FC Ohio of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) come together for a special charity friendly match on Saturday, June 7, 2025. These two pre-professional sides in the 4th tier of American soccer will bring new life to their competition at Green Street Stadium on the campus of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.

More than just a battle for local bragging rights, the match serves a greater purpose—supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. All proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of other revenue will directly benefit the Foodbank’s mission to provide food and essential resources to individuals and families facing hunger in the region.

“We are honored to partner with our colleagues Nick and Andy at Akron City FC for this special ‘derby’ match,” said Bob Dean, Director of Men’s Football Operations for Ambassadors Football. “This match is a chance for the community to enjoy the best high-level soccer in the area while also making a real impact in the fight against food insecurity in our region. We are called to serve in our mission and our partnership with the Foodbank is the foundation of that call being answered. There is no more important time than now to help the Foodbank considering the cuts to their funding that have taken place.”

Akron City FC, a successful member of the NPSL from 2022 to 2024 is entering their first year in USL2, while Ambassadors FC Ohio, founded in 2021, is in its inaugural season in the NPSL in 2025. 

“It was a ‘no-brainer’ to establish an annual derby match with our friends from Ambassadors,” said Nick Turchan, owner of Akron City FC. “Building local rivalries is key to growing the game at the grassroots level, and creating more meaningful matches in our community helps strengthen the sport’s foundation in this country. To do it for a great cause makes it even more special. This is about more than just competition—it’s about bringing people together through soccer and making a lasting impact.”

All proceeds from ticket sales, as well as a portion from beer sales and parking, will go directly to fund the Foodbank’s efforts. Tickets for the charity friendly match are available for $15 per person, with kids 6 and under admitted free. Fans are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the game to further support the Foodbank’s efforts.

“Soccer has the power to bring people together, and this match is a testament to that,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “Community partnerships are vital to our ability to provide food to the 1 in 7 individuals in our community who may struggle with hunger. We’re grateful the teams have chosen to support local hunger relief.”

Both teams are preparing for their first season in their respective leagues, and this match offers a unique opportunity for players to showcase their talent while strengthening community ties.

For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.akroncityfc.com/ https://tickets.uslleaguetwo.com/events/akron-city-fc-2025-season/event_times/1589587

About the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is the source of emergency food for 630 pantries, meal sites, shelters and food programs serving children and older adults across Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. Last year, the Foodbank provided access to food for 31.4 million meals, the largest year in the organization’s history. As the demand for food remains elevated, the community’s support means the difference between hunger and hope for neighbors experiencing hunger. 

To learn more or to donate, visit www.akroncantonfoodbank.org.

About Ambassadors FC Ohio

Ambassadors FC Ohio of the NPSL is the men’s pre-professional program of Ambassadors Football, a global Christian soccer mission headquartered in northeast Ohio with missions in 35 countries. The NPSL is the first and only men’s league designated as a Tier 1 national league. Founded in 2021, the men’s program features home grown players, pre-professional, & collegiate players from all over the region and the world. Founded in 1990, Ambassadors is a servant-hearted global mission, working as one team through football, developing innovative strategies to mobilize the Church, so that through the Word of God, disciples are made in every nation. Ambassadors operates a 500+ member youth club in northeast Ohio as well and conducts camps and clinics nationwide. Over 20,000 people are ministered to weekly around the world through Ambassadors Football.

To learn more about Ambassadors, visit ambassadorsfootball.org

About Akron City FC

Akron City FC is a locally-owned member of USL League Two founded in 2022. USL League Two is the leader in pre-professional soccer in North America. The League holds a vital role as it continues to provide the elite platform for those pursuing professional careers domestically and internationally. Akron City FC continues to unite communities in the region through soccer by offering the highest level of competition and entertainment through the game, as well as building into the fabric of the community through service and utilization of home grown talent on and off the field. 

To learn more about Akron City FC, visit akroncityfc.com