Kalamazoo FC Earns Third Straight Shutout in Win

By Andrew Streitel/Kalamazoo FC

Kalamazoo FC earned its third straight shutout in a much needed three points on Friday against
FC Columbus. KZFC were able to find the game winner late in the match and earn a 1-0 victory
over FCC.

It was the defeat cancer game in Kalamazoo, as the team partnered up with the West Michigan
Cancer Center to raise money to help prevent cancer. Every ticket sold was a dollar donated to
the West Michigan Cancer Center. The match did not disappoint either as both teams played at a
high level.

“It was a battle tonight just like every night in our conference and around the league,” said
Kalamazoo FC head coach Brian Clements. “Columbus is very well organized and bring lots of
threats that we had to deal with tonight.”

Kalamazoo FC started the game strong putting lots of pressure on the FCC back line. Dalton
Michael would have a great chance in the sixth minute but the goalie would make a diving save
to keep the game scoreless. It was a defensive battle all night with neither offense gaining much
momentum.

“The defense has been well organized and they trust each other a lot,” said Clements. “It’s a back
four that is so solid and we do a really good job with team defending as well.”

The game entered halftime tied at 0-0 with KZFC having a slight advantage of possession and
goal scoring chances. However, none of the chances for either team in the first half were too
dangerous.

Kalamazoo FC would start to gain more control of the game in the second half with lots of
possession and play in the FCC half of the field. However, the defense of Columbus would be
stout throughout most of the match. FC Columbus had a handful of chances of their own in the
second half but nothing to threatening.

“I thought we grew into the game in the second half and we started to make more chances and
got the goal we have been dying for,” said Clements.

The only goal of the match came in the 81 st minute courtesy of Donovan Michael. Carson Brinks
would send a ball into the box that found an open Michael on the back post that smashed the ball
away. KZFC would stay strong defensively and hold on to the 1-0 victory.

“This win gives us a little bit of confidence, we were going through a rough stretch for a little
bit,” said Clements. “Three points is everything in this league and ties will kill you so this was a
big three points.”

This win for KZFC breaks their three-game tying streak, and improves their shutout streak to
three games. Elliot Miller was named Man of the Match for his contributions on defense that
helped KZFC secure the shutout win.

Kalamazoo FC will be back in action Friday when they travel to National Premier Soccer League
newcomer Toledo Villa FC.

Photo Credit: Gary Maystead