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By William Engels/NPSL.com
Michigan Rangers FC forward Liam Kervick came to the United States last year from his native Ireland to play college soccer at Midwestern State University. His move is already paying off. Having previously been named a Capelli Sport June NPSL Player of the Month, Kervick was recently awarded the Capelli Sport 2025 NPSL Conference MVP title for the Central States Conference after scoring 11 goals, tying him for third in the Capelli Sport 2025 NPSL Golden Boot standings.
“It’s a bit of an honor and a proud moment,” Kervick said of the achievement. “I came over to America last August, so it’s still kind of new to me in a way, and [it’s] my first summer here too. For me to come over here in the fall was rough enough for me transitioning from living in Ireland, but for me to come over in my first summer and thankfully pick up the awards I’ve done and helped my team do as good as we do, it makes me feel proud in a way. I’m honored, too.”
After a 2024 season with League of Ireland First Division club Cobh Ramblers FC, where he scored three goals and provided one assist, Kervick joined NCAA Division II side Midwestern State University for the fall, where he was named to the Lone Star Conference All-Freshman Team after helping lead the Mustangs to an LSC Men’s Soccer Championship title and a third-round appearance in the NCAA Division II men’s soccer tournament. Kervick said his playing experiences have helped him grow as a player.
“It’s helped an awful lot, even from playing back home,” Kervick said. “The two teams that I’ve played for back home are decent enough sized clubs. I’ve played with certain players that have had pretty big careers in the game and played at the top level.”
“One player especially, [Cobh Ramblers FC midfielder] Jack Doherty is similar to me, but he was abroad playing half of his career, so [it’s] just taking experiences from other players and bringing them on to my own experience, and take every lesson as it comes, and help[ing] MSU in the fall.”
After finishing tied for first in the Central States Conference regular season (8-2-0) and edging out FC Milwaukee Torrent for the 1-seed on goals scored in the season series (5-4), Michigan Rangers FC defeated Gio’s Lions SC Chicago 2-0 in the conference semifinals and beat 3-seed FC Pride 2-0 in the conference finals to clinch the Central States Conference title.
Despite falling behind 2-1 to North Conference champion Siouxland United FC in the Midwest Region Semifinals, Michigan Rangers FC scored twice in three minutes to win 3-2 at home, and beat Flower City Union 3-0 in Rochester, New York to win the Midwest Region Final. Kervick credited the team’s run of success to their mindset.
“The club’s mentality is strong,” Kervick said. “Stuart Collins, the manager, has done a great job with the club. It’s a real community club from what I’ve experienced these few months here. There’s confidence brewing within the club. We know we’ve got quality players. We know how good we are and how good we can be, while always respecting the opposition and who we’re playing against. Even living with seven or eight of my teammates, we’re walking around the house and we’re talking about the games we’ve played, or we have to play. It’s pure confidence, which is a great way to be.”
Saturday’s NPSL National Semifinals match against reigning NPSL National Champions El Farolito is next up for Michigan Rangers FC. The West Region champions enter Saturday’s match undefeated in league action and were the league’s furthest advancing entry in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup this year, providing a challenge for Michigan Rangers FC.
“We know that they’re going to be a good side,” said Kervick. “When you get this far into any competition, in a league like the NPSL, you’re going to be playing against good teams no matter what. We know that they’re a very good team, so we’re going to have to respect that, but we also know how good we can be if we’re on our day. We’re going to get a solid gameplan together, figure out what we’re going to do, [build] confidence, and hope that Saturday is our day.”
Being able to host the national semifinals match is also something Kervick notes as a positive for the team and the fans.
“It’s great. There’s been a lot of traveling on the road this summer, so to be hosting, it’s good for us and our mind and body.”
Kervick is looking forward to the gameday environment on Saturday.
“Michigan Rangers FC is a very family-oriented club from what I’ve seen. You have whole families coming out, not just the oldest son, but you’ll have the three siblings, the mom, the dad, the auntie coming out. We’re just looking to put on a bit of a show and make it worth their time coming out to watch us.”
Photo Credit: Asher Harding/Michigan Rangers FC
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