AFC Ohio will travel to San Francisco to battle El Farolito next Saturday
Substitute James D’Isidoro (Twinsburg, OH/Wittenburg Univ.) came on in the 82nd minute and drove a set piece from just outside of the right side of penalty five minutes later that was deflected into the goal, breathing life into the Ambassadors FC Ohio comeback defeat of Michigan Rangers FC 3-1 in extra time to earn them their first trip to the NPSL National Semifinals in San Francisco next Saturday.
Brendan French (Wooster, OH/Univ. of Indianapolis) scored only two minutes into the first period of extra time to give AFC Ohio the lead that was assisted by 2025 Great Lakes Conference MVP Amir Spratt (Kent, OH/Univ. of Mount Union). Six minutes later, Spratt provided all the breathing room needed when he slammed home the long distribution from AFC Ohio goalkeeper Nick Bertolini (Doylestown, OH/Walsh Univ.) that effectively ended the match in the first extra time period.
“What an occasion to showcase our process and our grit,” AFC Ohio head coach and men’s football technical director Ryan Dean said. “I know that Dizzy’s goal might go down as an own goal, but you have to be kidding me? It was maybe his 5th or 6th touch of the match and he comes on and provides us with such a special moment.”
Ambassadors started the first half by staying very organized and compact and giving a great deal of the possession to the Rangers side. They did not give up space in behind and other than a few half chances and one quality chance, they stayed true to form.
“We suffered early and well in the early stages,” Dean said. “When we started to be effective in breaking up their passing lanes and going on the counter, it was good. But, we also got very stretched as well.”
Great Lakes Conference MVP Diego Pinto (Akron, OH/Lakeland CC) and Brendan Swann (N. Royalton, OH/John Carroll Univ.) each created multiple chances on goal in the first 45 minutes that were very near misses. Spratt was tremendously dangerous on counter attacks, as was Zach Zemanski (Stow, OH/Palm Beach Atlantic).
“We just could not pop the balloon and let the air out in the first half,” Dean added. “The process we have instilled and followed really required us to stay with who we were, make slight adjustments, and put the match in the hands of our guys.”
The 63rd minute goal by Rangers from Austin Hall came totally against the run of play as AFC Ohio was controlling much of the play in the second stanza. A miscommunication and a clearance that was not complete led to the goal that seemed to create a tension.
“Truly, it loosened us up a bit to really get back on the front foot and change the game,” said Dean. “Our backs and wingers stayed solid and settled us back down. But, it was our central midfield that really raised the tempo and effectiveness of our play.”
Zak Kersey (England/Neosho CC) provided incredible energy and work rate along with Matt Skladany (Cleveland, OH/Baldwin Wallace Univ.) who provided ball progression and security.
“It was really just our mindset to do what we do, be ourselves, and we knew we could get after these guys,” said club captain and center back Omar Najjar (Akron, OH/Univ. of Mount Union). “Our process worked, and we suffered when we needed to. But once we had them on their heels, we finished the job. So proud of the boys.”
Ambassadors FC Ohio advances to the NPSL National Semifinals in only their second campaign in the NPSL. They will travel to San Francisco to face perennial NPSL powerhouse and 2024 NPSL National Champions El Farolito at historic Kezar Stadium on Saturday, July 25.
Photo Credit: Tom McGrew/Ambassadors FC Ohio
