Kalamazoo FC Falls on the Road, Wins Home Friendly

Playing back-to-back games in soccer can be extremely tough, depending on weather conditions and the health of a team. The third factor, playing away before playing at home, is what Kalamazoo FC dealt with last weekend.

Friday, June 23rd @ Detroit City FC
It all started in Hamtramck for the Teals, as they battled Detroit City FC for the second time this season. Looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat June 11th, KzFC had a chance to even their season series with Le Rogue in one of the toughest places to play in the National Premier Soccer League's Great Lakes Division. Kalamazoo FC was unable to come away with a win, falling 2-1 on Michigan's east side.

DCFC scored the first goal of the night in the 30th minute, as Roddy Green planted a shot in the net to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

The Teals evened the match early in the second half, as Jay McIntosh scored his second goal of the season in the 48th minute.

The momentum shifted back to Detroit in the 67th minute, as Elijah Rice would come in as a sub two minutes before and score in his DCFC debut.

The win for Detroit was their fifth straight, while KzFC dropped their second game in their last four, both to Le Rogue.

Saturday, June 24th vs. Oakland County FC
It was back to Mayors Riverfront Park for the Teals to host Oakand County FC in their second and final exhibition (friendly) of the season. It proved to be a dominate performance, as KzFC earned a 3-0 victory. The win gives Kalamazoo a 4-5-2 overall record.

Some familiar and new faces scored Kalamazoo's goals, with Zack Lane getting the first tally in his Teal debut. Ali Sodal earned the goal, with Ade Adeniyi adding to his team-high total to end the night. Adeniyi has seven goals on the season in all matches.

Portage natives Hasten Biddlecome earned the shutout (clean sheet) in his first start in goal, and An Le earned Man of the Match honors for his stellar play at midfield and assisting on Lane's goal.

Standings and the Week Ahead
The loss in Detroit Friday hurt Kalamazoo in the NPSL Great Lakes Division standings. With DCFC turning it on as of late (now winning six straight), they have nudged their way into second place in the division. The loss allowed Grand Rapids FC to move up following their Saturday win over Lansing United. KzFC remains tied with Michigan Stars FC, but now in sixth place. Entering the final three weeks of season, playoff hopes for the Teals are still within reach (top two teams in the division advance).

Kalamazoo FC has one game on the docket this week, on the road and heading north on US-131 Sunday. The Teals will see Grand Rapids FC for the first time in back-to-back matches.

The Big Blue ended their four-game winning streak last Saturday with their road win in Lansing. Sunday's contest will be the second of the weekend for GRFC, as they travel to take on FC Indiana Friday night. The Sunday afternoon contest takes place at Houseman Field at 2pm.

The next home contest is Friday, July 7th, as KzFC and GRFC square off again at 7pm. Tickets for the match are still available. And as always, join the march from Arcadia Brewing before the game (see below)!