Coming off their first win in eight matches, FC Columbus were determined to continue the upward momentum at home to Kalamazoo FC. The match saw Kalamazoo grab a late come from behind 2-1 victory in stoppage time after Giuseppe Vitale got on the end of a ball played in from a free kick just outside the 18. The winner came five minutes after a double red card came about in the 88th minute between Kevin Blackwood and a player from Kalamazoo following a scuffle on the ground after the whistle.
The first half had even possession between the sides with FC Columbus arguably getting the better of the chances including Damani Camara hitting the inside of the post after beating two defenders with a beautiful pirouette. Camara scored penalty in the 36th minute after Jonathan Barnes was tripped in the box. The lead only lasted a little over 10 minutes as Isaiah Nieves scored a tap-in off a rebound of his own header.
Kalamazoo FC then came out and held possession in many dangerous areas but was unable to capitalize on the pressure they had applied. Substitute goalkeeper Bryan Pratt had several saves and was tested throughout the half. However, Pratt had no chance with the late winner as it was a close range tap in.
“We gave them way too much time in the center of the park,” said Pratt in a post match interview. “Had some issues with lines stepping together and whenever that happens it’s tough because they can receive the ball and turn into space. This caused them to have the possession in the more dangerous spots.”
With Friday’s loss, the players of will be looking to avenge the loss and end on a high note back at home in the Wellington School. “It is the last game and home game of the season so we are looking to close it with a beautiful win,” said Camara. “Hopefully we can come back stronger next year as well.”
The loss leaves FC Columbus 6th in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference two spots behind Kalamazoo.
FC Columbus will finish the season against FC Indiana who they beat in their last match 5-1.
