WC Predators fall 3-1 to defending national finalists FC Motown to open NPSL season

Drawing the defending national finalists to open the season was always going to be a heavy lift for the WC Predators to begin their second NPSL campaign but a Predators squad that featured three high schoolers had a strong showing despite the 3-1 loss to FC Motown last Saturday.

WC Predators came out firing early on, nearly finding an opener in the opening minutes of the game on a quick counter and created some promising looks through combination play from the midfield to the front line. FC Motown would strike first though after a penalty call near the top of the box in the 22nd minute. Maudwindo Germain stepped up to convert from the spot to give the visitors the early lead in the 22nd minute.

Playing with the advantage, FC Motown looked to tack onto the lead but it was a curling effort off a short corner by Ryan Noel that leveled the score at the hour mark. The goal was the first NPSL goal for the Faith Christian Academy senior heading to West Chester University in the fall. Noel, Phelps School junior Fonsia Donzo and Springside Chestnut Hill senior Andrew Laudenbach all featured in the match for the Predators.

It was the experience of FC Motown that ultimately won out though as Germain responded with his second two minutes after Noel’s equalizer and completed the hat trick in the 86th minute as the Predators put numbers forward searching for an equalizer.

Though both teams are settling into the summer routine – each club has teams in multiple summer competitions – the match was a preview of what is sure to be a contentious Keystone East Conference this season.

Jackson Lions opened their season on Saturday as well with an identical score line to conference rivals FC Motown in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union DS. Joel Quist led the Lions with a brace and former Union Academy player Jules Anderson opened the scoring in the match. Liam Mullen had the goal for the Union. New Jersey United, a new member of the conference, also won their opening match with a 1-0 win over expansion team PDA.

The Keystone West Conference – down to five teams – kicks off this weekend with PA Classics hosting Hershey FC and Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals hosting West Chester United on Saturday.