The Highlanders FC will become road warriors over these next few weeks. After shutting out the Erie 3-0 in the season opener, the Highlanders dropped a 3-1 match to a very skilled DC United Club before hitting the road. The next match saw them drop a 4-0 decision to Club Ohio. This is unfamiliar territory for the Highlanders who swept through the regular season last year with no losses before dropping the championship game.
The shorthanded Highlanders made the trip up to Canton for a battle with the Canton-Akron Force with a small contingent of fans and of course their largest supporters, Weelunk. The Force were coming off of a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of their rivals Ambassadors FC. Wheeling drew first blood not even a minute into the match. Last year’s leading scorer Richie Alafolayanka found Marco Kramer blitzing into the box and fed him a beautiful pass to take the 1-0 lead. Alafolayanka picked up his second assist of the season and Kramer, his second goal of the young season.
Highlanders FC controlled the ball most of the first half, testing the Canton-Akron goalkeeper. The Force showed some resiliency near the end of the half sending a few quality shots on goal, but Highlanders FC goalkeeper Mark McMillan was equal to the task.
Canton-Akron came out of fire in the second half forcing the Highlanders FC onto their heels. With ten minutes remaining in the second half the Highlanders started to control the ball again. Then a free kick sailed over the Force net, Canton-Arkon came charging right back.
With under 5 minutes to go, the game became extremely chippy. After multiple fouls a Canton-Akron player was fouled in the box leading to a penalty kick. The Force were able to convert on the kick to make it 1-1. Each team would exchange a few opportunities to no avail. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Highlanders are now 1-2-1 on the young season. A tough road test awaits the Highlanders FC this Saturday June, 3 against Elite FC. The following Saturday, June 10, Wheeling finally gets to return home to take on a very solid Sporting Columbus Club. They’ll hit the road for the next two games against Project 24 and their rivals, Ambassadors. The final three games for Highlanders FC will be at home against Ohio Premier, Project 24 and Spire FC.
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