The Ocean City Nor’easters (4-0-1) were back at the Beach House Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Lone Star FC (3-4). This game was supposed to be in Philadelphia, however. the game was moved to Carey Stadium due to unfortunate circumstances.
After Liam Smith went out of the eighteen-yard box, the Nor’easters received a free-kick. Tal Segev buried the shot to the top right corner in the sixth minute, putting Ocean City up 1-0.
Four minutes later, Simon Becher almost added another goal off a breakaway, but Lone Star FC defender Alvin Halley caught him before goalkeeper Liam Smith could make the save.
Seven minutes later, on the free kick taken by Abdul Kooistra, Lone Star FC tied the game at one apiece. Former Ocean City player Zoncher Dennis’s header soared into the net at the top right corner.
Late in the first half, Austin DaSilva had a chance to get a goal, but his shot was blocked. The ball went to Bakary Bagayoko, and his shot was blocked. The game remained tied 1-1 heading into halftime.
In the second half, Ocean City defender Josh Thacker directed the ball toward Simon Becher. Becher weaved around two Lone Star FC defenders, then scorched the ball to the lower right side of the net and in for the goal putting the Nor’easters back up 2-1. It was Becher’s sixth goal of the season. He is now tied for the lead in goals along with West Virginia United’s Nicolas Molina.
Three minutes later, off a throw-in, Lone Star’s Aaron Keita went into the net. The goal was waved off after it was determined no one from Lone Star FC touched the ball.
Late in the game, Lone Star FC goalkeeper Liam Smith suffered a knee injury that required paramedics. He was taken off the field on a stretcher. Our thoughts go out to Smith on a speedy recovery.
Once Smith was off the field, backup goalkeeper Goodwill Agbaadem went in. The Nor’easters tried to add an insurance goal; however, Agbaadem made the save.
The Ocean City players kept the ball away from the Lone Star FC players. Once the final whistle was blown, the Nor’easters defeated the Philadelphia Lone Star FC 2-1. With the win, Ocean City remains unbeaten this season at (5-0-1). The Nor’easters remain in second place in the Mid-Atlantic Division and extended its unbeaten streak to thirteen games dating back to 2019.
Nor’easters goalkeeper Jahmali Waite made one save. This year, Waite has twelve saves (.750 SV%) and a (0.89 GAA) in five games.
The Nor’easters next game is Sunday night against Northern Virginia FC at 7 pm from Carey Stadium.
