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UWS Week II Preview: Midwest Conference

05/17/2018, 8:00pm EDT
By Admin

GEN kicks off inaugural season; GRFC & DET renew rivalry

FRIDAY, MAY 18

Genesee FC vs. Michigan Legends FC
7:00 PM EDT - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University (Flint, MI)

Genesee FC kicks off their inaugural season in the UWS Midwest hosting the Michigan Legends FC (0-1) in the first of two home games this weekend at the impressive Atwood Stadium (11,000 capacity). Chelsea Hunter - assistant women's soccer coach at Northwood University - will serve as Head Coach and had a successful playing career. After graduation from the University of Louisville, she played professionally in Finland with Merilappi United. During her Cardinals career, Chelsea was a NSCAA Second Team All-Northeast Region and BIG EAST All-Tournament Team selection. GFC's first-ever signings were goalkeeper Madison Paige (Anderson University), midfielder Ashlyn Skidmore (Davenport University) and forward Maddie Zayan (Davenport University).

Michigan has already taken the pitch in the UWS Midwest this season, dropping their opener to Detroit Sun FC last Friday night by a 4-1 score at Ultimate Indoor Soccer in Pontiac, MI. Defender Kelly Schmidt pulled the Legends within one goal in the 41st minute on a pass from midfielder Megan Trapp. But Detroit ran away with the result in the second half, scoring two goals on Legends keeper Isabel Nino (11 saves). The University of Michigan netminder - a four-time All-State and ODP National pool selection - put in a strong performance in goal for naught. Trapp was named to the UWS Team of the Week for her strong midfield play in the loss.

SUNDAY, MAY 20

Grand Rapids FC vs. Detroit Sun FC
6:00 PM EDT - Grandville H.S. (Grandville, MI)

The GRFC Women look to kick their UWS season into high gear with a game against Detroit Sun at Grandville HS, pitting the number 1 and 2 seeds from the Midwest playoffs last year in an early season matchup. The GRFC Women (0-0-1) currently sit second in the Midwest after last Sunday's 2-2 draw against Lansing United, while Detroit leads the way early in the campaign with a 2-0 record after wins last weekend over Michigan Legends FC and Indy Premier SC. Grand Rapids forward Lizzie Paul started the scoring for the home side against Lansing in the 50th minute. However, the hosts found themselves down 2-1 shortly thereafter and it took a goal in the 86th minute from Kendra Longoria to salvage the draw. Defender Melissa Roy would be named to the UWS Team of the Week.

Detroit's offense was the story in their first two wins of 2018 and the combination of forward Madison Schupbach (two goals, assist) and midfielder Dani Evans (goal, three assists) led the way. Evans scored early in the win over Michigan, converting on an assist from newcomer Joan Sieja. The captain set up Sieja in the 17th minute and defender Justine Lynn in the 55th minute. Two first half goals in the 33rd and 37th minutes by Schupbach was enough for the Sun in the win over IPSC. Detroit goalkeeper Marina Manzo (three saves) kept Indy from getting back in the match with a spectacular save on a breakaway in the 62nd minute. Evans, Schupbach and Lynn were selected to the UWS Team of the Week for their efforts while the forward was named UWS Offensive Player of the Week.

Genesee FC vs. Lansing United
7:00 PM EDT - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University (Flint, MI)

Both Lansing United (0-0-1) and Genesee FC are expansion franchises in the UWS Midwest this year. Genesee will consider themselves lucky if they can replicate the strong play this weekend that Lansing showcased in their inaugural match last weekend - a 2-2 draw against the defending UWS National Champion GRFC Women. After a scoreless first half, the floodgates opened in the second half as Grand Rapids scored on LU keeper Grace Kraft (eight saves) in the 50th minute. Lansing found themselves in the lead within a 13-minute time span on goals by forward Aubrey Schierbeek and defender Olivia Trombley. Lansing put pressure on GRFC keeper Jordanne Ellingboe (nine saves) but she kept the match close to set up the late game-tying goal. Schierbeek and Trombley were selected to the UWS Team of the Week for their strong play.

About United Women's Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women's soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer. UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league's official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.

Tag(s): News |   Detroit Sun  Grand Rapids FC  Michigan Legends  Lansing United  Genesee FC