THREE LATE GOALS PROPEL STARS TO 4-3 VICTORY

The Michigan Stars scored three goals in the final eight minutes, including two in stoppage time, to defeat FC Indiana 4-3 Friday night in the team’s final home game of the season.  After trailing 3-0 at halftime, the Stars enjoyed a friendly locker room chat, tweaked the lineup a bit, and came out raring to go.

“The changes we made at halftime were tactical,” said Michigan Stars assistant coach Eric Perilla.  “We talked about how Indiana was pressing and how we could expose them.  Coach Nathan (Smith) found a way for us to do that and from there everything just fell into place.”

Defender Jacob Prud’homme opened the scoring for the Stars at 64:00 on a great pass from defender Wilfred Williams and at 85:50, forward Michael Beckett scored to chip away at Indiana’s lead.

It was at the ninety-minute mark however, where things got interesting in Berkley.

Driving deep into Indiana’s end, the Stars’ momentum started to build off a couple of quick MSFC corner kicks and throw-ins.  Defender Taylor Fletcher chucked a long throw into the box to defender Alex Ofeimu; he nailed the home header for the equalizer.

A few moments and melees later, midfielder Brandon Katona seized the game-winner for the Stars on a crisp pass to the back of the net.

“We’re going to carry this energy and fire with us now and finish out the season strong,” said Perilla.  “We’re going to knock out the first-place team and show them that anyone can come here on any day and make a result happen in this league.  We’re going to do that against Ann Arbor on Monday; we’re going to put our foot down.”

FC Indiana goals were supplied by Mehdi Himmick (8:36) and Kevin Amaizo (21:52, 38:00).

Goalkeeper Anthony Mwembia was strong as always for MSFC and was the hands-down Man of the Match.

“Anthony made some phenomenal saves in the second half that could have changed the storyline,” said Perilla.  “He had three huge point-blank saves in a row at a crucial moment in the game for us; he’s without a doubt the Man of the Match.”

The sun sets on the Stars’ 3-4-6 season Monday against league champion AFC Ann Arbor (10-1-1).