NPSL Albion Pros vs Corinthians USA
Saturday night’s NPSL game was an exciting match with great on field action. It was also a special match with the return of Albion Pros Matt Clare.
The NPSL match — Albion Pros against Corinthians USA on April 1 — was a great example of hard work, strong athleticism and smart coaching. Led by Head Coach Ziggy Korytoski, the Albion Pros are a professional organization with a strong future.
The final score was 3-1 with Albion Pros clearly dominating, especially in the second half of the game.
“The team was very focused to come in and get a win at home. This win puts us on track early on to regain our top position in the league,” said Noah Gins, Albion Pros’ CEO. “We have such high expectations and to be honest, so does everyone around the league. We are pushing for National Championship and are putting a team together that can accomplish this goal.”
Post Game Interview with Man of the Match Travis Nicklaw and Coach Ziggy Korytoski
The match started off with an early goal for Albion Pros — scored by Felipe Liberia in the 19th minute — with an assist from Frankie Sanfilippo. Hungry to win the match in front of their fans, Albion Pros worked on controlling possession, staying strong & consistency throughout the game.
Game four of the NPSL soccer season featured the return of Matt Clare and Luan Oliveira from the San Diego Sockers.
Two new collegiate players also made an appearance on the pitch for the Albion Pros; Point Loma Nazarene University’s Tyler Allen and San Diego State University’s Michael Sauers .
It was a great start for Oliveira who immediately had an impact on the field, scoring a goal in the 21st minute off an assist from Travis Nicklaw.
Corinthians USA’s only goal came in the 45e minute when Guilherme Andrade found the back of the net moments before the halftime whistle blew.
The Albion Pros came out strong in the second half — Nicklaw broke free from two Corinthians and found open space, scoring a beautiful goal in the 50th minute. A pass from Amani Walker set Nicklaw up. This was the PROS last goal with the final score of the match 3-1.
The PROS named Nicklaw Man of the Match after a dominant performance that included one goal and one assist.
“It is a great group of guys and they know what they want, and I am excited,” said Korytoski.
With upcoming exhibition matches next weekend, and then the next NPSL on April 13 against Temecula FC — there is not a break for this group.
Return of Albion Pros Midfielder Matt Clare
Now that the indoor soccer season is over, San Diego Sockers’ Matt Clare is now in his Albion Pros jersey and last season’s top scorer is thrilled to be back. “Getting back in to training with the guys this week has been nothing short of fantastic and I’m really looking forward to the next 13 games that remain,” said the midfielder.
Coming off the San Diego Sockers’ #QuestFor15, Clare believes playing the indoor game only enhances his technical abilities and is eager to make a strong impact on the green field.
“It’s the technical side of indoor that really helps me in the outdoor game,” said Clare. “Playing in tight spaces, thinking quick, and being able to move and find pockets of space … are things that I’ve really become better at.”
Matt Clare was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he began his career playing in the USL Super Y-League.
Clare signed his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2011 before turning his career to playing professional arena soccer. He was a member of Syracuse Silver Knights and Wichita B-52s before signing with the San Diego Sockers.
Clare was named Mitre National Player of the Week during the 2016 season and tallied 10 goals in 11 matches throughout the season.
