Former Pro Zach Perez Leads FC Motown into 2024 NPSL National Championship

By Sean Maslin/NPSL.com

FC Motown are back in the finals and this time they are making it a homecoming party.  On Saturday night, the reigning Keystone East Conference and Eastern Region Champions will be looking to add their second NPSL National Championship in three years at Drew University when they take on El Farolito. 

The moment itself isn’t lost upon defender Zach Perez, who was there for Motown’s first title back in 2022 and has been a staple with the club for years. 

“Oh, I’m excited,” said Perez. “Yes, it’s going to be my second one but it doesn’t matter.  Each week It just feels good to keep playing, keep getting new experiences and getting new challenges every week.” 

One of the new challenges facing Perez and his FC Motown teammates this week in the NPSL National Championship is defending their home turf at Drew University.  An Edison High School and William Paterson University alum, Perez has made his name in the region as a lockdown center back who can make difficult stops during crunch minutes. 

While many players might be worried about playing in a national championship match that close to home in front of friends and families, Perez is relishing the opportunity.

“A lot of people want to come, and I’m trying my best to get all of them on the list,” said Perez. “The bigger the crowd that we can get out there, the better the atmosphere that we can get for both teams and the game.” 

“I’m very excited to be playing in front of friends and family again and it is a big moment for the club as well,” he elaborated. “I have enjoyed representing [FC Motown] over the years and being a part of one was great and to get another chance at winning a second and show the level of players that are coming out of New Jersey is a big moment for us.”

With Perez anchoring the backline at center back, Motown dominated NPSL play.  In a tough Keystone East Conference, Motown conceded only four goals during the regular season, helping the team finish the top of the table (8-2-0, 26 points).  In the playoffs thus far, they have allowed just one goal, knocking off Jackson Lions FC (4-1), Virginia Dream FC (1-0), New York Shockers (5-0), and Columbus United FC (2-0).   

For Perez and FC Motown, the next challenge comes in the form of El Farolito, who defeated Duluth FC 3-0 to book their spot in the national title game.  Farolito’s high-powered offense might scare some teams, but it is a challenge that Perez and the Motown’s defense are up for. 

“They are a quality side,” said Perez of Farolito. “Based on their track record going to the [Third Round] in the U.S. Open Cup this year you know that they have some great camaraderie and some great players.  For us, it just comes down to everyone being on the same page and locked in.  We know what the task is at hand.  We have to attack as one, defend as one, and just be disciplined.  That is what keeps us all together.” 

Playing and working together as one has been Motown’s calling card for years with Perez serving a key role in their success.  Founded in 2012, Motown has steadily risen through the ranks of American soccer as one of the club teams in the nation, winning multiple conference championships to go alongside their 2022 NPSL title.  They have also made five appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, making it to the Third Round in 2022. 

Despite the accolades, Perez and Motown have retained the same pragmatic approach that has helped them rocket to the top in the NPSL. 

“It always is a new experience,” he said. “We’re just trying to keep a level head, not get too high, not get too low.  Just keep doing what we’re doing.  That has gotten us to this point and just trying to do the same type of preparation and keep sharp.  We are not trying to overthink it or overanalyze anything because that is when you start getting tight and mistakes happen. Ultimately, we just need to go out, be ready, have fun, and execute.”

While Saturday’s match is a big moment for Perez and the club in the Garden State, their focus still remains on the task at hand.  That drive and desire, despite their success, has the team focused on Farolito. 

“Everybody understands why they are here,” Perez added. “We’re not here to mess about. Playing in the summer is fun, but winning is even better and we all understand that.  There is a camaraderie here and this is a special group of players.  But the camaraderie only gets better when you win.”

Photo Credit: Vinny Carchietta/NPSL.com