Pensacola FC Defeats AFC Mobile 2-1

By Pensacola FC

Prince Owusu’s goal in the 63rd minute proved to be the game-winner as Pensacola FC held off a late surge from AFC Mobile to notch their first NPSL victory following a hectic second half at Ashton Brosnaham Stadium.

The first half saw AFC Mobile create the best chances after weathering a good early spell from Pensacola, who needed some excellent reaction saves from Jules Dechert to keep the game scoreless.  Kameron Bethell and Mikey Lightbourne both made their debuts tonight, and enjoyed some good exchanges in the midfield with Lightbourne also looking dangerous in the final third. Ronaldo Fortune was lively on the counterattack for Mobile, and was unlucky not to book an assist after Deminguit forced the save from Dechert in the 29th minute.

The second half started with a spark and it was Pensacola who struck first as Jordi Ramon guided an excellent header past Salvador Plaza off a corner from Isaac Machado.  Ramon had looked dangerous from set pieces all season and was elated to finally find the net.

The contest rocketed into another gear with both teams lifting their intensity but it was Pensacola who struck again on a beautiful counterattack finished off by Prince Owusu in the 63rd minute. Jayce Dotson continued his impressive home form by providing a perfect pass for Owusu whose shot had too much pace and precision for the AFC Mobile keeper.

Carson Hickok came off the bench for the last 10 minutes and immediately impacted the game for PFC.  He made an impressive run down the right flank that ended with a cross into the path of Machado who couldn’t get anything on the ball to secure the third goal.  Mobile responded and created a couple of chances of their own and were duly rewarded with a goal in the 89th minute from Seydina Oumar Ndaw to cut the lead to 2-1.

Six minutes of stoppage time provided the fans with some intense competition as Pensacola managed to hold off AFC Mobile’s pressure and secure the win. 

Head Coach Dean Logan was willing to share his thoughts on the team’s first victory of the season.

“Well-deserved win for the boys tonight,” Logan said. “With Mobile threatening late for the equalizer, I thought we did very well to hold on for the three points.”

Pensacola will host Southern States SC on Saturday May 29th at 7pm.

Photo Credit: Amir Rabbani