FC Pride Claim Fourth Win of the Season with 4-0 Victory over Michigan Rangers FC
By FC Pride
FC Pride earned their fourth victory of the season with an impressive all-around performance on Wednesday evening, defeating Michigan Rangers FC 4-0 at the Pride Performance Center in Indianapolis. Backed by a lively home crowd filled with enthusiastic FC Pride youth academy players, the team put together one of their most complete performances of the season so far.
The match began with the visitors from Michigan asserting themselves in possession. For the first 20 minutes, Michigan Rangers dictated the tempo and looked the more likely to open the scoring. Their best chance came in the 20th minute when a dangerous free kick was deflected and hit the post, only to fall kindly into the waiting arms of FC Pride goalkeeper Cole Thompson, who remained composed throughout the early pressure.
That close call seemed to wake up the home side. FC Pride gradually found their rhythm and began to create chances of their own. The breakthrough came courtesy of Josh Wesseling, who delivered a moment of brilliance in the 34th minute. After receiving the ball just outside the box, Wesseling took a touch and unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. The goal sparked celebrations on the field and in the stands, giving FC Pride a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Wesseling wasn’t done. Just four minutes into the second half, he doubled the lead with a composed left-footed finish into the near post after a clever build-up play down the right flank. His brace not only gave FC Pride a comfortable cushion, but also showcased his versatility and composure in front of goal. It was a clinical finish that underlined why he was named Man of the Match.
With confidence growing and the crowd fully behind them, FC Pride continued to press. Their high energy and quick transitions proved too much for Michigan Rangers to handle. In the 65th minute, a fast-paced counterattack led by Palmer Ault opened up space for Kaburi Jafar, who made no mistake with his finish. Jafar calmly placed the ball into the far corner to make it 3-0, showing great awareness and poise.
The fourth and final goal came in the 80th minute when Ashton Flowers reacted to a loose ball in the box and hammered it home, putting the result beyond doubt. The goal was the exclamation mark on a dominant second-half display and ensured that all three points stayed in Indianapolis.
After the match, Head Coach Jamie Gilbert had high praise for both sides.
“What a night for the club,” Gilbert said. “This Michigan Rangers team is well-coached and posed real challenges. Don’t let the scoreline fool you, this was a tight game. To win in front of our academy players who came out to support us was brilliant. There were so many great performances tonight, what a fantastic example for the next generation coming through our club.”
It was a night to remember for the entire FC Pride organization — players, staff, and supporters alike. With contributions across the pitch, a clean sheet, and four different goal scorers, the result reinforced the team’s growing confidence and chemistry as the season progressed.
FC Pride will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for one of their toughest challenges yet, an away clash with conference leaders FC Milwaukee Torrent this Saturday. It’s a quick turnaround and a significant test, but after Saturday’s commanding win, FC Pride will travel with belief and purpose.
Photo Credit: Kathy Oneacre/Oneacre Sports Photography
