Despite only having four practices, and still missing nine players, Med City FC opened the 2021 campaign with a solid 2-1 non-conference win over Granite City FC.
The two teams spent the first 25 minutes getting comfortable, with both looking to retain possession while not posing much threat on goal. It was actually an error in the defensive third by the Rocks in the 26th minute that led to Med City FC grabbing the lead. Mayhem forward Mazeed Aro-Lambo latched onto a loose pass from a Granite City center back, drove to the end line and smashed a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle to give the Mayhem a 1-0 advantage. That lead didn’t last long, however, as some confusion at the back just three minutes later led to the Rocks firing into the goal in the 29th minute to tie the score at 1-1.
In the second half, Med City FC changed its formation and moved some players around in the line-up. That gave the Mayhem more flow and it eventually paid off, as forward Danny Vargas, an Austin High School grad who was celebrating his 20th birthday on game day, received a long ball and passed it across to Rochester Century High School grad Ameer Al Rubayee in the 78th minute to give the Mayhem a 2-1 lead. Granite City upped the pressure and the game got stretched as Med City kept working attacks despite holding the lead. That aggressiveness nearly paid off as Aro-Lambo was taken down in the box in the 88th minute. The Mayhem missed the ensuing penalty kick, but it turned out to be irrelevant as the Mayhem held on for the 2-1 victory.
“I thought the game was a good start for us and gave us plenty of insights into the new players and their strengths,” says Mayhem head coach Neil Cassidy. “Considering we only have four practices, I was impressed by how the team adapted to what was asked of them.”
