AFC Ohio Will Travel to Milwaukee to Battle Traditional Power El Farolito on Saturday

Match Summary

CANTON, Ohio — July 18, 2026 — Substitute James D’Isidoro (Twinsburg, OH/Wittenburg Univ.) came on in the 82nd minute and drove a set piece from just outside of the right side of penalty five minutes later that was deflected into the goal, breathing life into the Ambassadors FC Ohio comeback defeat of Michigan Rangers FC 3-1 last Saturday night in extra time to earn them their first trip the NPSL Final Four in Milwaukee on Saturday.

Brendan French (Wooster, OH/Univ. of Indianapolis) scored only two minutes into the first period of extra time to give AFC Ohio the lead that was assisted by 2025 Great Lakes Conference MVP Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union). Six minutes later, Spratt provided all the breathing room needed when he slammed home the long distribution from AFC Ohio goalkeeper Nick Bertolini (Doylestown, OH/Walsh Univ.) that effectively ended the match in the first extra time period.

“What an occasion to showcase our process and our grit,” said an overwhelmed AFC Ohio Head Coach & Men’s Football Technical Director Ryan Dean. “I know that Dizzy’s goal might go down as an own goal, but you have to be kidding me? It was maybe his 5th or 6th touch of the match and he comes on and provides us with such a special moment.” 

Ambassadors started the first half by staying very organized and compact and giving a great deal of the possession to the Rangers side. But, they did not give up space in behind and other than a few half chances and one quality chance, they stayed true to form

“We suffered early and well in the early stages,” Dean said. “When we started to be effective in breaking up their passing lanes and going on the counter, it was good. But, we also got very stretched as well.”

Great Lakes Conference MVP Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) and Brendan Swann (N. Royalton, OH/John Carroll Univ.) each created multiple chances on goal in the first 45 that were very near misses. Spratt was tremendously dangerous on counter attacks, as was Zach Zemanski (Stow, OH/Palm Beach Atlantic). 

“We just could not pop the balloon and let the air out in the first half,” Dean added. “The process we have instilled and followed really required us to stay with who we were, make slight adjustments, and put the match in the hands of our guys.”

The 63rd minute goal by Rangers from Austin Hall came totally against the run of play as AFC Ohio was bossing much of the play in the second stanza. A miss communication and a clearance that was not complete led to the goal that seemed to create a tension.

“Truly, it loosened us up a bit to really get back on the front foot and change the game,” said Dean. Our backs and wingers stayed solid and settled us back down. But, it was our central midfield that really raised the tempo and effectiveness of our play.”

Zak Kersey (England/Neosho CC) provided incredible energy and work rate along with Matt Skladany (Cleveland, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.) who provided ball progression and security.

“It was really just our mindset to do what we do, be ourselves, and we knew we could get after these guys,” said club captain and center back Omar Najjar (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union). “Our process work and we suffered when we needed to. But once we had them on their heels, we finished the job. So proud of the boys.”

Ambassadors FC Ohio advances to the National Semifinals in only their 2nd campaign in the NPSL. They will travel to Milwaukee to face former US Open Cup Champions and perennial NPSL power and 2024 champions El Farolito at historic Uihlein Soccer Park, home of the legendary Milwaukee Kickers, this coming Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. CDT, Noon EDT. The match will be broadcast via livestream via NPSL outlets.

Match Summary

Zach Zemanski (Stow, OH/Palm Beach Atlantic) and Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) scored second half goals nine minutes apart to lead Ambassadors FC Ohio to the NPLS Great Lakes Conference Championship over Flower City Union 2-1 in Canton, Ohio. 

This was a rematch of the 2025 conference championship match that Flower City dominated last year. But, this night belonged to energy, organization, tenacity, and ethos of the Ambassadors side as they celebrated a conference title in only their second season in the league.

“Without a doubt, the best performance in the history of the club,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean, who is also a finalist for National Coach of the Year honors in his 5th year with the club. “I can’t find a guy who stepped on the field tonight and did not do what was absolutely necessary and absolutely their best to bring home this trophy tonight. What a blessing.”

The first half started out with both teams playing quite direct and trying to find an opportunity to get behind early. Although Flower City has the majority of the possession in the early parts of the  half as Ambassadors held firm in their block, it was AFC Ohio that consistently got behind, created half chances and quality chances but were unable to put one away to open up the match.

Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) provided top-shelf hold up play and was able to spin in behind on multiple occasions in the first half, but was unable to pull the trigger early enough to test the Flower City keeper Carter Kladstrup. Pinto was a consistent threat along with Brenden French (Wooster, OH/Univ. of Indianapolis) and Alex Depperschmidt (Mansfield, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) who all generated chances from great service and consistent and persistent ball winning.

“Our second ball winning and repressing of them was so vital tonight,” said Dean. “Flower City are so deep, strong, and talented but it must of been exhausting and difficult to stay positive when they were consistently chasing our ability to repress, regain possession, and get right back after them.”

The second half was barely five minutes old when a sublime pass from French found Zemanski just outside of the box. Zemanski was in and ripped one into the side netting putting Ambassadors up 1-0 and sending the AFC loyalists into a frenzy both on the touchline and in the stands.

Barely ten minutes later, Matt Skladany (Cleveland, OH/Baldwin Wallace) provided a silky outside-of-the-foot bass to Pinto who cut it back onto his right foot and rocketed a low shot well out of the reach of Kladstrup putting the match into a place in which, inevitably, a grand stand finish was on.

As fatigue on the tremendously humid evening began to set in late in the match, both sides were forced to make changes. It was Archie Murphy who truly lit a fire underneath the entire evening with his 90 + 3 min. goal to put Flower City within reach of Ambassadors with only two minutes left in the minimum extra five that was provided in stoppage time by the officials. 

Following the goal, Ambassadors was able to endure three different set piece opportunities for service awarded to the Rochester side before the final whistle was blown and Ambassadors captured their first hardware as members of the National Premier Soccer League in only their second league season.

“We owe so much to our mission and ministry partners, our business partnerships, and especially and most importantly our Lord for the opportunities that have been given to us,” concluded Dean. “None of this would be possible without them. And, it deserves more than a casual mention to say that we are also blessed by the best people on the field that you can imagine. These guys sacrifice so much for the program, the mission, and each other. It is not at all about have the best players. It is about have the right players and people.”

Long-time club captain center back Omar Najjar was called on to raise the trophy and initiate the celebrations when it was handed to him by Director of Men’s Football Operations Bob Dean. “There is no where and no club environment in the world that I would rather be in regardless of winning or losing. We are provided with so much on and off the field,” said Najjar. “I simply can’t say enough about what this club does and what this means.”

Ambassadors will now host Central States Conference champions on Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. EDT in a national NPSL Quarterfinal at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) slotted home a precise cross from Jordan Akins (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) in the 10th minute, and Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) finished off a penalty in the 98th minute to secure a 2-0 victory over northeast Ohio- and Great Lakes Conference-rival Cleveland SC on Wednesday night in Canton, Ohio.

Ambassadors earned the right to now host the Conference Final on Sunday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Canton following the upset win by #4 seed Flower City Union over the Erie Commodores in Erie on Wednesday.

Ambassadors started the evening with a pre-match ceremony honoring Hayden Kaiser and his family who was lost tragically in the midst of AFC Ohio’s inaugural season in 2021. His family was present to see Hayden’s #5 kit retired permanently and presented to the most recent #5 former player Logan Scherer who has the 9th most appearances in Ambassadors history.

Spratt, the 2025 Great Lakes Conference MVP, was a rampant pressing presence from moment one in the match and was able to provide strong hold up play in the opening minutes. The slotted cross from Akins was an easy finish and set the tone that allowed AFC Ohio to gain some comfort and to absorb some pressure on the hot and humid night at King Field on the campus of Malone University.

“The early goal set a tone but it also lit a fire under Cleveland,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean. “Cleveland took care of business against us twice previously this season and are a tremendously strong side. We knew we would have to endure and hold shape for quite some time if we were not able to open the game up with a second goal. And, that is exactly what we had to do.”

Long-time club captain center back Omar Najjar was called on often to not only provide strength and consistency in winning aerial duals, but also was the voice of organization and intensity as AFC Ohio had to constantly stave off threats from Cleveland as the first half wore on. Akins, and fellow backs Alex Depperschmidt (Mansfield, OH/Univ. of Mount Union), and Nate Werthmuller (Medina, OH/Otterbein Univ.) were just as sound throughout the match. And, once again, goalkeeper Nick Bertolini (Doylestown, OH/Walsh University) made an incredible save at the right place and at the right time late in the match to preserve a clean sheet for the second match in a row. 

“Can’t say enough about Bert and the backline tonight,” said Dean. “Once again, we had to suck it up and suffer for long stretches. We did not take care of the ball well enough in the middle third of the match between the 30th and 60th minutes. The contributions from everyone when we were out of possession tonight were just outstanding.”

Cleveland found themselves on the edge of the Ambassadors penalty area and at the byline on numerous occasions but were unable to crack the organization of the hosts all night long. Frustration and chippyness became abundant as the match wore on with over eight minutes of stoppage time added to the first half, and 12 added after the 90 minutes were up.

The AFC Ohio midfield provided some dynamic progression of the ball as well as some solid ball winning and second-chance duals that were won that seemed to suck some life out of Cleveland SC on each occasion. Zak Kersey (England/Neosho County CC), Zach Zemanski (Stow, OH/Palm Beach Atlantic), and Matt Skladany (Cleveland, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.) were dominant in their ball progression and challenges throughout the match and it had the effect of wearing down Cleveland as time went on.

“Tonight was about rivalry, respect, resilience and the power of relationships,” concluded Dean. “We have great respect for our friends and neighbors at Cleveland SC and a great history of competition and top shelf football between us. We were so resilient though this evening, reacted so well to the struggling moments, and showed the power of our relationship building process and what it means.”

Ambassadors will now host Flower City Union on Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Lakes Conference Final at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

A 31st minute header by Alex Depperschmidt (Mansfield, OH/Univ. of Mount Union), and a second half full of timely and heroic defending saw Ambassadors FC Ohio defeat the #1 ranked team in the NPSL Erie Commodores 1-0 at Mercyhurst University in front of a large and partial crowd as both teams finish their regular seasons as the top two sides in the Great Lakes Conference.

Both teams will host a conference semifinal this Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Ambassadors will host northeast Ohio rival Cleveland SC and Commodores will host Flower City Union for the right to advance to a conference championship match.

The pre-match ceremonies featured a World War II-era B-17 bomber flyover Saxon Stadium as a salute to the America 250 celebration this weekend.

Depperschmidt’s finish only surpassed the sublime service from the left flank that was delivered by winger Brenden French (Wooster, OH/Univ. of Indianapolis) that created the only goal of the match. Yet, AFC Ohio had multiple chances to put the match to bed quite early on near misses created by the running and work rate of Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) and Saiheed Jah (Moline, IL/Drake Univ.). Pinto finished the regular season one goal shy of sharing the NPSL “Golden Boot” for 2026.

“We were so happy with the way we organized our pressing and presented problems for Erie early on today,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean. “They are so talented and technically sound and when they broke the press, we reacted so well. The goal was outstanding and the chances we created were top shelf. It just set us up to come out of the halftime break with a steely focus.”

A back four of captain Omar Najjar (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union), Max Brown (Aurora, OH/Cedarville Univ.), Depperschmidt, and Jordan Akins (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) that was supplemented in the 62nd by Ben McCauley (Tallmadge, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.) who came on for Brown was so organized, courageous and brave throughout the second half as Erie was given much of the ball as AFC Ohio sat back and absorbed pressure for much of the 45 minutes.

Goalkeeper Nick Bertolini (Doylestown, OH/Walsh University) was called on more than once to be in the right place at the right time. And his distribution, especially in the second stanza was also spot on allowing AFC Ohio to relieve pressure and initiate quality counterattacks. 

“Commodores adjusted in the second half to try to open us up a bit,” said Dean. “To their credit, it worked but we were committed to suffer as much as we needed to and for as long as necessary without the ball. I was impressed by the way each turnover earned fed our energy and just exemplified our commitment to our process. We took care of the ball when we needed to and I just can’t speak highly enough of the fellas and their willingness to sacrifice for one another. That is the best sign coming out of the match.”

Commodores best chance in the match occurred in the 93rd minute when center back Kaj Schroder put a point-blank header over the bar. Bertolini was positioned to cover it but the pace was too much for Schroder to redirect.

“We put so much emphasis on the value of suffering through moments and sacrificing for one another as a part of our process,” concluded Dean. “This is a great result over a great opponent. But the reality is that we just need to stay focused on the process and turn the page to the next thing. Just looking forward to next week”

Ambassadors return home to host northeast Ohio rivals Cleveland SC on Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Lakes Conference semifinal at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Ambassadors FC Ohio and Ambassadors Football Club were blessed to honor the legacy of two individuals whose lives and contributions have left a lasting impact on the program, the club, and the broader Ambassadors family.

In a special ceremony, Ambassadors FC Ohio officially retired the No. 7 jersey in honor of Jack Benak and Jon Szydlowski, two players forever connected through friendship, faith, and their shared place in the story of Ambassadors Football.

The club was honored to welcome former Ambassadors FC Ohio player Jon Szydlowski and his parents, Amy and Mike, as part of the jersey retirement recognition.

Jon was an original member of Ambassadors FC Ohio, joining the program in 2021 after a standout career at Twinsburg High School and Calvin University. During his high school career, Jon earned All-Conference, All-Greater Cleveland, and All-Akron Area First Team honors, and was also recognized with the Ohio High School Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award.

From the program’s first season through his retirement from competitive play following the 2025 NPSL and OVPL seasons, Jon was a key figure in the growth and identity of Ambassadors FC Ohio. A midfielder and winger, he was part of the 2021 Northern Ohio Soccer League championship team in the program’s inaugural season and the 2024 League Cup championship team.

During Jon’s time with the club, Ambassadors FC Ohio qualified for the playoffs and league semifinals in every season of competition. The program also expanded to include two teams competing in separate regional and national leagues, including the club’s 2025 transition into the National Premier Soccer League.

In 2023, Jon transferred to the University of Mount Union, where he became part of a collegiate program that reached the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament final. He was also recognized as an Academic All-OAC honoree and a CSC Academic All-District selection.

As an Ambassadors FC Ohio player, Jon leaves a lasting mark in the club record book. He ranks third all-time in appearances with 64, ninth all-time in goals with seven, and seventh all-time in assists with eight. His willingness to play multiple positions, serve both the first team and the U23 side, and lead by example made him an invaluable part of the program’s ethos.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Jon served as a spiritual and Christian leader for his teammates. His example of humility, commitment, service, and faith continues to reflect the mission of Ambassadors Football in life beyond the game.

The No. 7 jersey holds special significance for Jon and the Ambassadors FC Ohio family. Jon chose to wear No. 7 in honor of his high school teammate, Ambassadors teammate, and dear friend, Jack Benak.

Jack was an exceptional midfielder, a four-year varsity starter at Twinsburg High School, and a dominant presence within the 2000 birth year Ambassadors Football Club youth teams. He competed alongside current Ambassadors FC Ohio Head Coach and Technical Director Ryan Dean and was widely respected as both a player and teammate.

Jack went on to commit to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he appeared in all 19 matches of his freshman season in the fall of 2019, scoring one goal and contributing one assist. He was set to become a foundational member of the inaugural Ambassadors FC Ohio men’s program.

Tragically, Jack passed away in the spring of 2020, leaving a hole in his family, his community, and the Ambassadors family that can never be filled.

From the very beginning of the Ambassadors FC Ohio program, Jack has played on with the team. His initials, along with those of Hayden Keyser, whom the Ambassadors family also lost in 2021, have been carried on the sleeve of every kit the team wears. Their memory remains not only on the club’s uniforms, but on the hearts and souls of those who continue the mission each day.

By permanently retiring the No. 7 jersey, Ambassadors FC Ohio honors Jack Benak, his parents Denise and John Benak, and his sister Elle, along with Jon Szydlowski and his family.

The retired No. 7 kit was presented to Jon and his family as a lasting symbol of remembrance, gratitude, and legacy.

Ambassadors FC Ohio is deeply thankful for Jon, Jack, and their families, and for the ways they have shaped, strengthened, and blessed the Ambassadors Football family and mission.

The No. 7 jersey will forever represent friendship, faith, leadership, service, and the enduring legacy of lives lived for something greater than the game.

Match Summary

An 88th minute penalty by Alejandro Sanchez Ros provided what proved to be the only decisive moment in an highly-competitive match on Wednesday night in Canton, OH as the undefeated Erie Commodores endured the organization and pressure from Ambassadors FC Ohio to prevail 1-0 and remain unscathed in the Great Lakes Conference.

Masaki Tsuji isolated an AFC Ohio back and drove with the ball toward the near post and byline to earn the penalty shout which resulted in a dramatic celebration as Erie realized they not only would be victorious on the evening, but escaped the organization, onslaught, and pressure from the hosts.

“To say that we are gutted by that result would be a massive understatement,” said Ambassadors Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean immediately following the match. “The boys absolutely deserved at least a point from the match, executed every aspect of the play at the highest level, responded and reacted in the critical moments, but just did not finish the opportunities they created. Bottom line it is a loss but the process we put forth includes these disappointments as a byproduct of always doing the right things.”

While Ambassadors seemed content at times in both halves to allow Erie to have the majority of the possession, the Commodores had to work extremely hard to create the chances they did only to be repeatedly turned away by a staunch AFC backline and by goalkeeper Samori McKell-Jeffers (Muncie, IN/New Jersey Institute of Tech.). The majority of the saves and moments the McKell-Jeffers stifled came from slotted balls from the endline and by reading through balls early and snuffing out those chances before they evolved into a finishing opportunity.

Tsuji proved to be constantly dangerous from early doors in the match from the left flank. Yet Jordan Akins of AFC Ohio (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) proved to be more than up to the task of containing and frustrating the dangerous winger time and time again.

The break at the half provided a light switch for both sides to come out and open up the game a bit more. AFC Ohio adjusted to squeeze Erie centrally a bit more and the Commodores responded by being a bit more patient in their build up while trying to exploit space on the flanks.

The two most obvious and clear chances of the 2nd half came on an uncontested corner that AFC Ohio forward and defending Great Lakes Conference MVP Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) met with his head only to direct it into the waiting torso of Erie keeper Aimar Aramendia Zabalza. Then, in the 68th minute, Ambassadors flank player Alex Depperschmidt (Mansfield, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) put a perfectly slotted ball from the byline just over the crossbar in what could have been a turning point of the match.

“Depp was arguably the most effective and dangerous player on the pitch on the night,” said Dean. “How many times does a top tier player play three completely different roles in a 90 min. match and execute all of those with an impact and effectiveness that is beyond everyone else in those roles. Totally unlucky for him and for us. Depp is simply class and his work rate is off the charts.”

The majority of the Commodores quality chances came in the first half when twice AFC Ohio had to clear balls off their line to keep the match even on the night. McKell-Jeffers was always in the right place and the right time while under pressure. Sanchez Ros and Julian Tovar Jaime were the creative geniuses in the final third but consistently came up empty due to solid organization and the active tenacity of the collective defending from the home side on the night.

Diego Pinto of AFC Ohio controls a pass with his back to the goal while under pressure from Erie’s Santiago Bustamante late in the first half in Canton, OH on Wednesday night

“The penalty shout and the result are simply moments.” said Dean. “What we do day-in and day-out is so much more than just moments. We are fully bought into the process across the board and are looking forward to making a bigger impact as we wrap up the regular season and move into the playoffs.”

Ambassadors will stay at home this weekend as they host conference foe Niagara 1812 on Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

Ambassadors FC Ohio scored early in the 5th minute but needed a dramatic 95th minute tally to steal all three points from the Buffalo Stallions at North Tonawanda High School on Saturday night. The win keeps them in the upper echelon of the Great Lakes Conference table and virtually clinches a playoff berth with four matches remaining in their regular season.

The Stallions will have to travel to Canton, Ohio on Tuesday, June 30 for the return leg of the season series after their trip to Ohio went for naught when the match had to be abandoned due to lightening and dangerous weather two weeks ago. 

Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) was a menace from the opening whistle of the match and finished the opener in the 5th minute with a sublime release and finish following a quick throw in restart from Nate Werthmuller (Medina, OH/Otterbein Univ.) down the line on the far side.

The subsequent ten minutes following the goal saw Ambassadors let off a bit and allowed the Stallions back into the match as they generated a bit of pressure with a high press. But Ambassadors found a response through winning first and second balls off of aerial duals and then possessing out of small spaces in quick transitions. From the 15th minute on, Ambassadors generated some significant quality chances.

“We were secure in our process in the first half and stuck with our strength when out of possession,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean. “We were really pleased with our ability to quickly turn their losses of possession into chances on goal and could have easily extended our lead significantly.”

Alex Depperschmidt (Mansfield, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) and Tyler Harsch (Aliquippa, PA/Univ. of Mount Union), teammates at the Univ. of Mount Union (OH) were very effective in the wide spaces in the first half with Depperschmidt finding the woodwork twice with the second attempt that called for an outstanding save from Stallions goalkeeper Jack Petrie.

Halftime planted the seed of change for both teams as Buffalo came out of the interval with a renewed and refined spirit and tactic. Their commitment to with the duals and play more direct did put Ambassadors on the back foot much much more after the half started. 

That spirit then paid off in the 56th minute when a deflected pass up the line careened off of an AFC Ohio player and found the feet of a Stallions winger in an obvious off sides position. The near side assistant referee momentarily raised his flag but realized that the ball was played into the Buffalo player technically by the defending Ambassadors player. The alert Stallions did not hesitate when the AFC players did and stopped playing for a moment, providing Stallions second half substitute John Barone with a simple tap int to bring the match to honors even. 

The next 30 minutes became a physical and athletic battle with each team drawing two yellow cards, and additional being shown to the Ambassadors bench. “It was not pretty as both teams scrapped for bits of quality and possession,” said Dean. “The match was sitting there for both teams to try to take for themselves. It came down to moments and we were fortunate and courageous in the moments.”

In the 94th minute, the Stallions broke a disjointed AFC Ohio press and sent in a cross from the left flank that Depperschmidt chested toward the byline only to see it glance off the near post giving Buffalo a penultimate chance with a corner kick. The corner was flighted into the area only to be touched by a glancing header over the endline by the Stallions. 

From the subsequent goal kick, AFC Ohio advanced the ball quickly up their right flank only to play it into touch deep in the Stallions end. The throw in was flicked and hooked forward into the AFC Ohio end and headed back into the midfield mix by center back captain Ben McCauley (Tallmadge, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.). The second ball header was won by midfielder Matt Skladany (Cleveland, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.) and then deftly touched on by veteran central mid Brendan Swann (North Royalton, OH/John Carroll Univ.) to streaking forward Saiheed Jah (Moline, IL/Drake Univ./CWRU). Jah powered his way past the outside shoulder of the Stallions back to hammer a shot directly on goal that Petrie was only able to parry directly in front of him. AFC Ohio all-time leading scorer and reigning conference MVP Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) was their to pounce on the deflection putting the contested ball into the net setting off a spontaneous party at the near side corner flag. 

The goal marked the sixth victory of the season for Ambassadors, three of which have been finished beyond the 90th minute.

Jordan Akins of AFC Ohio & John Barone of Buffalo Stallions contest a header in North Tonawanda, NY in a 2-1 win for Ambassadors on Saturday night

“We put so much emphasis on the value of winning the 2nd ball duels and asking players to win their moments so it is very satisfying to earn a result under these circumstances.” concluded Dean. “Buffalo is truly a very strong side and their record does not at all reflect their quality, their coaching, their spirit and their organization to be sure.”

Ambassadors return home to host conference leading and #2 nationally-ranked Erie Commodores on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Match Summary

Brenden French (Wooster, OH/Univ. of Indianapolis) released the reigning Great Lakes Conference MVP Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) with a first-time cross in the 12th minute that Spratt easily placed away to put AFC Ohio up to stay en route to a 2-0 NPSL victory over RNY FC on a hot afternoon in West Henrietta, NY to keep pace with the conference leaders.

Following their loss at Cleveland SC ten days ago, and a frustrating mid-week abandoned match in Canton, OH due to persistent lightening and thunder, Ambassadors hit the road to Rochester with their sites set on regaining their form that saw them start the season with four wins and set the pace in the conference as well as nationally.

“Today was an opportunity to go back to our foundations and focus on us, our ethos, and our willingness to suffer and sacrifice for one another,” said Head Coach & Technical Director Ryan Dean following the match. “I could not be more please with the group because this was a true team victory with deep contributions from everyone. We had to be solidly organized and committed to being united when out of possession.”

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that AFC Ohio was bringing renewed energy to the match as they mixed a pressing and counterpressing mentality with a solid mid-block, allowing RNY FC to gain comfort possessing in front of the Ambassadors organization. 

In the 12th minute, the organization paid off when a deflected through pass from RNY FC attempted to break the AFC Ohio lines. The deflection fell to the feet of Brenden French ten yards inside his own half. French accelerated and carried the ball nearly 60 yards streaking past two RNY players on the flanks to slice a sublime cross through the penalty area from the left flank finding a streaking Spratt inside the six yard box to put AFC Ohio on top 1-0 in the 12th minute. 

“I think the goal actually didn’t do us any favors,” said Spratt, who started the match wearing the captain’s band as club captain Omar Najjar (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union) started the match on the bench while coming back from a small knock picked up last week in training. “We took our foot off the gas a bit and lost our focus for the next segment of the match. But, our guys eventually just locked in and took care of the business that we set out to do this weekend.”

Following a stretch of disciplined defending in the midblock and a couple of counterpressing moments, Ambassadors gained their footing again and started to open up the match up switching the point of attack between wing backs Tyler Harsch (Aliquippa, PA/Univ. of Mount Union) and French. In the 38th minute, that openness led to an AFC Ohio corner, their 4th of the first half. 

The inswinging corner was contested and only partially cleared, landing near the top of the arc outside the center of the penalty area where Nate Werthmuller (Medina, OH/Otterbein Univ.) was waiting. Werthmuller took a settling touch and then rocketed a knuckling strike into the upper left hand corner of the net past the RNY keeper who never had the opportunity to react.

“To have a guy who has that in his locker is an exceptional gift,” said Dean. “All credit to Nate who played an extremely different role for us and made it look easy all day.”

Ambassadors took the 2-0 lead into the break but were not completely satisfied with their organization and execution. “It was not really a matter of fine tuning things at the half,” said Dean. “It was much more of a reminder of our principles of play and to focus on the elements that we could control and influence. We knew that Rory and RNY would try to change things up and we needed to lock in.”

Amir Spratt opened the scoring for Ambassadors in the 12th minute assisted by a sublime pass from Brenden French in West Henrietta, NY

Even with the tactical adjustment that RNY FC made, it was the discipline of defensive shape and commitment that set the tone as Ambassadors FC continued to stymie almost all of the attacking decisions that RNY made and truly eliminated their chances of getting back into the match. Some of the best counter attacks came in the 2nd 45 minutes as Ambassadors could have easily taken advantage but could not expand their lead. 

The best chances came in the 70th minute when Spratt got in behind the RNY backline with a great display of strength, balance, and pace only to chip the ball over the onrushing keeper but also over the goal as well.

Ambassadors return home to host traditional rival Cleveland SC on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Josiah Boggs (Hiram, OH/Cedarville Univ.) scored the opening goal in the 12th minute of play to give the AFC Ohio U23 side the lead en route to a 2:1 victory over Afro United FC Akron in a benefit friendly match on Sunday afternoon at King Field on the campus of Malone University.

A little under 100 people braved the steady rain on the day to come out and support both sides in a match that raised over $300.00 in funding for the Ambassadors Football Club’s “Creating Chances” Scholarship Program. “Creating Chances” provides funding for youth soccer players, especially those from Akron, who for many reason can’t afford the rising costs of youth sports. Veteran forward Zach Kern (Rocky River, OH/Marietta College) sealed the victory with a goal in the 68th minute.

“The only negative on the day was the weather kept many, many people away,” said Director of Men’s Football Operations Bob Dean. “I am sure that impacted the bottom line related to the amount of funding we raised on the day. Yet, this was a celebration of the Spirit of the Lord on the day we celebrate Pentacost…the Holy Spirit amongst us. Anyone who sat in that rain to come out to this match must have been filled with a giving spirit and we are grateful to everyone for their help.”

Ambassadors Football missionary Matt Warner, who has been the primary contact in Akron for the ministry to youth in the North Hill area, took the time to elaborate on the “Creating Chances” Scholarship Program.

“Premier-level youth soccer in the United States is a pay-to-play system. According to a survey by Utah State University, the average family spends $2,292 per year on youth sports! With the cost of playing so high, the club soccer environment is often out of reach for many people,” he said. “This is especially true in Akron, where one in five families are below the poverty line. At Ambassadors Football, one of our goals is to redefine who has access to the top levels of youth soccer in America. Our ‘Creating Chances’ scholarship provides opportunities for young players to play premier soccer with Ambassadors FC, whose mission is to create a high-performance, Christ-centered Football Club that transforms the lives of its members.”

“Through our community programs in the Akron area, our experienced coaches identify players with the potential and desire to play at a higher level,” Warner said when asked more about the process. “After meeting with his or her family, we arrange for a tryout with the appropriate team within Ambassadors FC. If the player makes the team on merit, the ‘Creating Chances’ process begins. The player’s parents go through the club registration process so they are officially a part of the club. Through scholarships and donations, generous individuals or groups cover the cost of what each player needs to play.”

Ambassadors Football absorbs over $75,000 annually to fund this scholarship program. And, the funding not only goes to players and families from North Akron, but also to ANY eligible player and family who applies regardless of their financial circumstances. Ambassadors has never been able to raise 100% of the annual cost and act on faith to provide the funding from other budget line resources within the youth club.

“This program is an annual loss leader for the club,” Dean stated. “It is a financial burden every, single year without doubt. But, we do the best we can and trust in the Lord that He will provide us with a way. And, we aren’t waiting on the Lord to do all the work. We are constantly knocking on doors and trying to find a way to cover this total expense to help as many families as possible. I don’t know of another club in this region that does not cap the number of scholarships for financial need.”

The Ambassadors FC Ohio U23 squad will return home next Saturday, May 30 to open their National Premier Soccer League – Regional League season when they host FC Dynamo Rochester at 1:30 p.m. at Dr. David & Winnie King Field on the campus of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Photo Credits: Mark Gorman