It was a cool evening in Auburn Hills when Carpathia FC hosted the Muskegon Risers. A lot was unknown of the new comers to the PLA and after the win over Adria, this team made a bold statement right from the first game. CFC had a strong week of  training, working on pressuring the opposing defense and ball movement that would seem vital from the very start of the game. Within the first minute of the game Carpathia pressured the Risers back line forcing an error in which Dane Laird would capitalize. Laird was able to pick off the ball in the middle of the field where he would play it to Ryan Williams who let the ball roll between his legs, beating the Riser’s defender and allowing Laird to be calm and collective and place the ball passed the keeper. The Riser’s seemed keen to answer back having a few good chances of their own requiring Carpathia’s goalie Scott Messer to make some great saves.The second half began in similar fashion. Carpathia won the ball 30 yards away from goal and left back Billy Werthman played a dangerous ball into the box where a perfectly timed run from Laird met it and was able to get a foot on it and direct it passed the Risers keeper to make the game 2-0. Carpathia would keep the pressure up throughout the second half, searching for the third goal forcing the Risers goal keeper to make some great saves. We had the chance to meet up with head coach Bruce Wilden after the game ” I was impressed on how well the Riser’s moved the ball and how quickly they closed down space when we had the ball. They did a good job clogging the middle of the field”. “I was proud of how we had a game plan and executed it well. We still have areas that we will work on this upcoming week but am happy to start of the season with a win”.

Carpathia FC will travel to Chicago this Saturday, when they take on league rivals RWB Adria. Kick off is set for 5:00 and should be another great game.

CFC