Florida Roots FC Defeats AFC Mobile 2-1

May 22, 2022

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By AFC Mobile

Despite a strong performance, AFC Mobile lost 2-1 to Florida Roots FC on Saturday night in their first home match of the 2022 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season.

“I’m really proud of the players,” AFC Mobile Manager Steve Wieczorek said. “They performed. They gave everything they could. We were ball-dominant, especially in the second half. But it’s hard when you give up an early goal and you’re constantly chasing the game. Similar script to our first game. We created more chances, but the same result kind of in the same way, which is tough.”

Florida Roots opened the scoring in the second minute of the match when AFC Mobile gave the ball away in the midfield, and Richard Bushmeister fired a long-range effort that beat Will Blake into the Mobile goal. Despite the rough start, the Azaleas were dominant for much of the first half, having the majority of possession and chances for the remainder of the half. The Azaleas came out in the second half just as strong with chances from Tate Richards, Lucas Ros, and Ronaldo Fortune in the first 15 minutes.

The Azaleas equalized in the 70th minute after sustained build-up play from the midfield. Mobile’s Alex Lozano played a short pass to Lucas Ros. Then Ros sent the ball straight back to Lozano who threaded the Roots defense and slotted home the equalizer.

Roots scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute off a corner kick. The Roots players formed a huddle at the top of the penalty area and then attacked the box and headed in the winner.

Florida Roots move to 2-2-0 on the season. They will take on Tallahassee SC on Saturday, May 28th.

AFC Mobile moves to 0-2-0 on the year. The Azaleas will return to the pitch on Wednesday night to host Pensacola FC in Mobile.