Kalamazoo FC Earns Season Sweep Against Toledo Villa FC

By Andrew Streitel/Kalamzoo FC

Kalamazoo FC earned a two-game season sweep over NPSL newcomer Toledo Villa FC. KZFC
was able to post another shutout on the season in the 1-0 victory over TVFC this past Sunday.

Kalamazoo FC would start the game well on the offensive end creating good quality chances.
However, the KZFC defense would not start the same as they came out too relaxed which lead to
some scoring chances for TVFC. After the first 15 minutes of the game things would calm down
and KZFC would control the run of play.

“We struggle at times to get into gear early in the match and it is something we have been
battling all year,” said KZFC head coach Brian Clements. “Toledo was amazing tonight; they
deserve all the credit.”

The match would go into halftime tied at zeros with KZFC in control of the game. TVFC was
behind in both possession of the ball and goal scoring opportunities at the break. However,
neither team was able to break through in the first half.

The second half was much of the same as KZFC continued to control the play. TVFC would
receive their best chance of the night in the 57th minute when a rebound was smashed on target
and rattled the crossbar.

“Toledo had great effort on the defensive end and closed down very well,” said Clements. “Their
midfield worked hard to connect with their backline and they were excellent tonight.”
The game-winning goal came in the 72 nd minute after Isaiah Nieves broke down the right wing
and slotted a ball back into the box. Alex Segura was able to control the pass and curl his shot
into the bottom left corner giving KZFC the 1-0 advantage.

Toledo Villa FC would push men forward in the final ten minutes of the game looking for an
equalizer. However, Isaac Walker and company would stay strong for KZFC and earn the team
their sixth shutout of the season with the 1-0 victory over TVFC.

Kalamazoo FC has one final game left on the schedule. KZFC will be home on Saturday, July 13
at 3:00 pm as they host first-place Detroit City FC. DCFC suffered their only loss of the season
in a 3-2 defeat against KZFC earlier in the year.

“Games against Detroit are always fun; they bring a lot of energy,” said Clements. “They are one
of the frontrunners and we are trying to chase them down and see what we can do.”

Photo Credit: Jay Pike