Venue Change: June 1st Match vs GRFC Moves to EMU's Scicluna Field

Earlier this year, The Mighty Oak announced a move to Skyline High School for 2018 as Pioneer High School (AFCAA’s home for seasons 1-3) is set to be returfed this spring/summer.

With Skyline High School now set to host the district soccer tournament the weekend of June 1st, Association Football Club Ann Arbor were forced to explore other options for the NPSL contest vs Grand Rapids Football Club.

The match, originally scheduled for 7PM will now kick off at 6PM at EMU’s Scicluna Field on Friday June 1st. The club will be donating a portion of ticket sales back to the EMU Women’s Soccer Program as part of their ongoing efforts to support local teams with financial support.

Seating is very limited and the one and only grandstand (which seats about 250) will be reserved for AFCAA members only. All other fans are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on as there will be plenty of space to set up around the field. Tickets are expected to sell out in advance for this match due to the limited capacity. Tickets purchased online in advance are only $8 for adults and $5 for youth. 

Scicluna Field has served as training pitches for traveling international clubs such as Real Madrid and AS Roma while participating in the International Champions Cup in Ann Arbor and Detroit, respectively.

This marks the first NPSL contest to be held at EMU and the first match for The Mighty Oak in Ypsilanti.

“These types of scheduling and venue challenges are common in lower tier soccer but I’m quite thrilled we are able to play at EMU. I graduated from there, I live in Ypsi and I’ve always supported the work that Coach Hall has done with the Women’s Soccer Program at EMU. We’re definitely looking forward to playing Grand Rapids at Scicluna Field on June 1st,” added Bilal Saeed, Chairman for AFC Ann Arbor.

For ticket information for the June 1st contest, click here.

The Thundering Oak

This summer, The Mighty Oak will feature three players that will spend their fall on the campus of Marshall University.

Right winger JP Rylah from the 2016 team returns to Ann Arbor after a successful season at American International College. It was enough to catch the eye of Marshall University Head Coach, Chris Grassie. Rylah will join the Thundering Herd this fall before playing a key role in Ann Arbor attacking piece this season.

Rylah will also have a chance to gel with the top two standouts from Marshall’s 2017 Men’s Soccer Team, Lewis Knight and Carlos Diaz-Salcedo. Both Knight and Diaz-Salcedo are coming off stellar seasons earning them All-Second Team Conference USA honors. Impressive for a freshman and sophomore, respectively.

Knight is coming off one of the top performances in the country by a freshman. Leading his team with 9 goals and 21 assists on the season, he finished the regular season ranked in the top 50 in the country in goals, goals per game and points.

Diaz-Salcedo was huge for the Herd in his sophomore campaign. He played a key role in Marshall’s defense but showed his ability to create scoring chances for his teammates as he tied for top honors in assists.

If the name Chris Grassie rings a bell, you’re remember him from his time at the University of Charleston, a program that saw many players represent The Mighty Oak over the past two seasons. One of those players, Rafael Simaoes, is now a grad assistant under Grassie (who was his former coach at UC) giving the club even stronger ties to the Thundering Herd.

With the history between Rudland and Grassie working together and arguably his three best players spending their summer in Ann Arbor, the Thundering Herd will surely have deep roots with The Mighty Oak.

HOMES Becomes Official Prematch Brewery for 2018 Season

Association Football Club Ann Arbor have partnered with HOMES Brewery for the 2018 season. HOMES will serve as the Official Prematch Brewery offering supporters a gathering spot close the Skyline High School, The Mighty Oak’s new home venue.

HOMES, a 2018 USA Today Top Ten Best New Brewery, also serves up some of the best bibimbap, one of many must-try items from their asian street food menu. The fast-casual dining experience and spacious outdoor seating area makes HOMES the perfect place for prematch festivities.

HOMES Owner and Founder, Tommy Kennedy, knew this would be a great fit and is a massive supporter of the beautiful game himself, adding “We love Ann Arbor and soccer, so we’re thrilled to be a hub for the AFC community.”

Supporters are encouraged to begin gathering at HOMES, two hours prior to each match which is located just two miles away from Skyline High School.

“HOMES is one of the top breweries in the country so we’re lucky to be partnering with them this season. With a menu that’s as delicious as their drink options, this is going to be the perfect prematch gathering spot for our supporters,” added Bilal Saeed, AFC Ann Arbor Chairman.

The first match of the season is a friendly set for Sunday, April 15th at 5PM vs Carpathia FC. Tickets are twenty percent off when purchased online in advance. Click here for tickets. 
 

Kit Unveiling Set for April 7th at WideWorld Sports Center

The Mighty Oak announced a new multi-year partnership with Capelli Sport earlier this year and will be unveiling the first two AFC Ann Arbor Capelli uniforms, Saturday, April 7th at WideWorld Sports Center at 6PM.

WideWorld Sports Center will be supporting AFC Ann Arbor as a community partner in 2018 and have been supportive of the club from day one.

"We are very excited to join The Mighty Oak as partners this spring. AFC Ann Arbor have provided this area with the highest level of soccer over the past three years. WideWorld Sports Center is committed to providing soccer opportunities for youth and adults year round in Ann Arbor and we are happy to join the other community partners in this year's 2018 NPSL Campaign," said Zach Artinian, Operations Manager at WideWorld Sports Center.

The new kits won’t be introduced from our own players but instead a couple of lucky supporters. 2018 Members have been invited to win the chance to wear the club’s new kits for the first time and exhibit them at the community event.

In addition the new kits being revealed for the first time, fans of all ages will get a chance to come and kick the ball around with AFC Ann Arbor players.

The event, set to run from 6 to 8pm,  will have a short formal program ending around 6:30PM at which time supporters will be invited to play with AFC. So bring your boots (no cleats allowed; indoor shoes only) and come ready to kick it with The Mighty Oak.

About WideWorld Sports Center

WideWorld Sports Center offers adult indoor soccer leagues year-round. Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun, noncompetitive atmosphere to play or a more experienced player looking for a fast-paced game, WWSC has leagues to fit your experience level and busy schedule. As WideWorld is a multi-sport facility (Football, Lacrosse, Field Hockey), WWSC is Ann Arbor's premier venue for youth soccer. WideWorld offers youth clinics as early as 18 months all the way to high school soccer leagues!

About Capelli Sport

In seven years of operation, Capelli Sport has become the official outfitter for a number of internationally recognized sporting organizations and clubs including, but not limited to, MSV Duisburg of Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, Penn FC of the United Soccer League, Fútbol Consultants Moravia of the Liga De Ascenso in Costa Rica, Montego Bay United FC of Jamaica’s National Premier League, and Inter Allies FC of the Ghana Premier League. Additionally, Capelli Sport outfits Panachaiki FC of the Second Division in Greece, and Deportes Temuco of the Primera División and San Luis De Quillota of the Primera División B in Chile. For more information on Capelli Sport, current partners, and how to join the team today, visit Capelli Sport, follow them on Twitter (@capellisport) and Instagram (CapelliSport), or visit the Capelli Sport Facebook page.

Individual Match Tickets On Sale Monday March 12th

The Mighty Oak are just over a month away from kicking off the 2018 season. The home opener will be on Sunday, April 15th, when AFC Ann Arbor hosts Carpathia FC for a preseason friendly at Skyline High School. After receiving news that Pioneer would be redoing their turf this spring and summer, AFC began looking for a new home which they found in Skyline. The first match of the season is always exciting but adding to it a new home venue only makes the match on the 15th more historical.

Currently, fans can purchase premium, general and youth memberships as well as our new flex plans. Single match tickets will go on sale Monday, March 12th at 10:00AM.

Fans who purchase tickets in advance will continue to save 20% off gate pricing, and with the new venue and limited seating in 2018, this also ensures entry to the match (not guaranteed with gate ticket purchases).  Adult tickets are $8 and youth $5 when purchased in advance online and $10 and $6 respectively at the gate (same pricing since 2015).

Ann Arbor have had an unbelievably strong record when playing at home with the last loss dating back to July of 2016. As they begin a new chapter in the club, they hope to continue to the home pitch advantage moving forward.

To see the complete AFC Ann Arbor schedule, click here. 

AFC Ann Arbor Friendly with SVSU to Benefit Cardinals and River Rats

Livonia native, Jake Rosen returns for his third season with AFC Ann Arbor in 2018

On Saturday April 21st, The Mighty Oak will host Saginaw Valley State University Men’s Soccer Program at Huron High School, in a friendly that’s raising money for multiple groups. That match is also the showcase event for the Ann Arbor Invitational youth soccer tournament taking place April 21st and 22nd at multiple locations around Washtenaw County.

“Our preseason fixtures will be a good opportunity for our team to shape in in preparation for important matches in May. SVSU had a fantastic run in 2017 and we have a few of their men joining us this season, so playing them will be a great live test,” said Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland.

The River Rats Girls Varsity Soccer Team will be working concessions that evening with all proceeds going towards the program plus a portion of ticket sales. SVSU Men’s Soccer Team will also be receiving a portion of ticket sales as The Mighty Oak have teamed up to support both of these programs and their continued successes.

“Having the honor of hosting AFC Ann Arbor and SVSU for a friendly at Riverbank Stadium is massively beneficial for the Ann Arbor Huron Girls soccer program as both a fundraiser and also the opportunity to watch high level semi-pro soccer right on our doorstep which is  truly valuable from a teaching standpoint,” added Head Varsity Coach Lee Hudson.

The second friendly on The Mighty Oak’s schedule marks the first time the club will see Saginaw Valley, in addition to AFC Ann Arbor’s first time hosting a match at Huron High School.

There is however, some familiarity in this match as Jake Rosen, who returns to Ann Arbor for his third season, plays his college ball with SVSU. Although Rosen will be dressing for SVSU on the 21st, the Livonia native is thrilled to be playing in front of his AFCAA supporters once again.

Head Coach of SVSU, Andy Wagstaff is thrilled the two sides were able to finally meet adding, “SVSU Men's Soccer are extremely excited to take on one of the top clubs in the NPSL, AFC Ann Arbor.  The match is a showcase event for the Liverpool International Academy Michigan - Ann Arbor tournament (Ann Arbor Invitational), which is a club that I am also linked with as the president.  So, to get our SVSU team to play in front of our own LFC IA Michigan youth players and many local fans from Ann Arbor and beyond will be personally satisfying.  Ann Arbor are always strong under their excellent coach Eric Rudland, so I am sure they will prove a very tough challenge for my young team.  The spring season for us is about challenging ourselves and coming out of our comfort zone, so we feel like this match will provide exactly that.”

2018 Memberships are on sale and include admission to all home matches (league and friendly). Single match tickets will go on sale, Monday, March 12th at 10AM.

About AFC Ann Arbor

Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor), Washtenaw County's premier men’s semi-pro soccer team, enters their third season in the National Premier Soccer League, led by Head Coach & Sporting Director Eric Rudland. Coming off the club’s most successful year, The Mighty Oak will look to defend their Great Lakes Conference Championship in 2018 after going 12-1-1 in 2017, setting 12 club records and finishing the campaign unbeaten at home. Ann Arbor will be playing all home matches (unless otherwise noted) at Skyline High School in 2018.

The Mighty Oak Move to Skyline High School for 2018

AFC Ann Arbor will be playing at Skyline High School this summer, a move that came in response to Pioneer High School's turf being resurfaced beginning this spring. 

"From our first match back in April 2015 until now, Hollway has been a great home pitch for our club. The last time we were beaten there dates back to July of 2016 and the staff and athletic department from Pioneer have been great to work with. We're thrilled for them to get the new turf they've been wanting for so long," said Chairman, Bilal Saeed. 

"We're looking forward to making Skyline our home this summer and keeping on with our winning ways. I have a ton of respect for Chris Morgan and the soccer program he's built there and I'm bias but I love the Skyline colors as well," added Saeed. 

Out of the ten home matches this summer, eight will be played at Skyline High School with two friendlies at other local venues. On April 21st, Ann Arbor will host Saginaw Valley State University in a friendly benefitting both the Huron Girls Varsity soccer team and SVSU's men's soccer team. On April 29th, Force FC will come to town for the 4th Annual Saline Showcase at Saline HS. 

Mark your calendars for April 15th, the season opener friendly against Carpathia FC and the first match at Skyline HS. Memberships and Flex Ticket Plans are on sale now with single match tickets set to go on sale March 12th. 

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Ann Arbor Agrees to Multiyear Partnership with Capelli Sport

Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) has established a multiyear partnership with Capelli Sport, the innovative sportswear and renowned team-wear brand, as the club’s Official Apparel Provider.

With the new partnership comes a new look for The Mighty Oak, which will be unveiled in early April, prior to the start of the 2018 season. The new Capelli Sport kits will feature four-year title sponsor Bank of Ann Arbor, on the front of the kit, with other sponsors still being considered for other jersey locations.

AFC Ann Arbor Chairman, Bilal Saeed sees the deal as a strategic move for the club that aligns them with one of the fastest growing brands in the sport adding, “There’s a lot of natural synergies in this relationship as we’re both young brands making a big splash in the soccer world. As Capelli continues to grow their reach across the US Soccer landscape, aligning with them gives us a strategic advantage as we continue to grow our footprint as well.”

Led by George Altirs, Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by the GMA Group. It has quickly become an internationally recognized brand, known for its innovative sportswear and team wear, and mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field.

“AFC Ann Arbor is a prime example of the type of program Capelli Sport looks to partner with,” Capelli Sport’s Sporting Manager Juan Santamaria said. “These athletes will be outfitted with gear and have access to equipment that has been designed to help them achieve their goals on the pitch.”

About Capelli Sport

In seven years of operation, Capelli Sport has become the official outfitter for a number of internationally recognized sporting organizations and clubs including, but not limited to, MSV Duisburg of Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, Penn FC of the United Soccer League, Fútbol Consultants Moravia of the Liga De Ascenso in Costa Rica, Montego Bay United FC of Jamaica’s National Premier League, and Inter Allies FC of the Ghana Premier League. Additionally, Capelli Sport outfits Panachaiki FC of the Second Division in Greece, and Deportes Temuco of the Primera División and San Luis De Quillota of the Primera División B in Chile. For more information on Capelli Sport, current partners, and how to join the team today, visit Capelli Sport, follow them on Twitter (@capellisport) and Instagram (CapelliSport), or visit the Capelli Sport Facebook page.

Mighty Oak Look to Defend Great Lakes Title in 2018

As the returning Great Lakes Champions, Association Football Club Ann Arbor are eager to get back on the pitch to defend their title, as they enter the club’s third season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

The 2018 NPSL (Great Lakes Conference; Midwest Region) schedule includes twelve matches in total: six home and six away.

Just as they did in 2017, The AFC Ann Arbor will open up NPSL play on the road at Milwaukee. Last year’s contest against the Torrent proved to be a physical match and challenging opener, but AFCAA prevailed with a 3-1 scoreline and three points.

The NPSL home opener brings Detroit City FC to Ann Arbor. The Mighty Oak won both regular season matches against Le Rouge in 2017 but were unable to defeat them for a third time in an epic Midwest Region Final.

The playoff format will remain the same as the 2017 season, seeing the conference’s top two teams move on to the regional playoffs. Of those six teams, the top two conference winners in the Midwest Region will receive a bye to the regional semifinals.

Compared to last year’s schedule, The Mighty Oak will play two less league games (12 instead of 14) after two teams departed the conference (Lansing United and Michigan Stars) before adding FC Columbus.

In fourteen matches last season, Ann Arbor lost just one and finished with a 12-1-1 record, going undefeated at home. With an impressive 37 points and 2.6429 points per game average, The Mighty Oak finished second in the league power rankings (out of 96 teams) and lifted their first piece of NPSL silverware as the 2017 Great Lakes Conference Champions.

At the end of last year, the club announced Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland would return to continue leading the club in its winning ways. The recruitment and assembly of 2018’s rosters has been under way for some months now and Rudland is excited for training to begin in April.

Chairman Bilal Saeed shared his thoughts on retaining Rudland, adding, “We’re lucky to have his leadership and motivation, shape the sporting culture of this club. He always talks about it being a players game and the importance of executing to get results, but it’s his mentality, dedication, professionalism and competitive spirit that puts in a position to succeed.”

AFC Ann Arbor will be releasing the complete 2018 schedule (friendlies + other competitions) in mid-February. 2018 Memberships and Flex Plans can be purchased now with single match tickets set to go on sale in late March.

Zisette Sets Sight on Domestic Deal

AFC Ann Arbor was founded in 2015 to continue the growth of soccer in the city of Ann Arbor. As the organization continues its efforts to achieve that goal, another key pillar for the club is the outlet it provides players who are continuing to develop their game in pursuit of playing at the highest level.

Fan favorite, Sam Zisette joined AFC Ann Arbor in the summer of 2017 and immediately became a key member of The Mighty Oak’s Great Lakes Conference Championship winning side. After finishing his collegiate career at Puget Sound, Sam made stops along the way with Kitsap Pumas (PDL) and Seattle Sounders II (USL). Upon the conclusion of the 2017 NPSL season, Sam was given the second annual “Strength in the Oak” Award due to his leadership and work rate on and off the pitch. 

"Sam became a part of the AFCAA Family right away and was engaged in all our community outreach. On the pitch he was one of our most reliable defenders and played a huge role in our seven clean sheets," added Chairman, Bilal Saeed. 

After AFC Ann Arbor’s heartbreaking loss to Detroit City FC in the NPSL Midwest Region Final, Zisette immediately boarded a plane to Spain after receiving an offer to continue his career with CD Almunecar City. Almunecar City is the senior side of Malaga City Academy and is competing in tier 6 Spanish Football. As Sam has been a key role player in the clubs almost certain first ever promotion campaign, he'll be returning to the states in pursuit of a domestic deal here in the US.

Aftering being viewed as a standout in the 2017 NPSL season, Sam has accepted an offer to participate in the 2018 NPSL Soccer Showcase event this January. This fourth annual event will take place in Kissimmee, Florida and will provide Sam a great opportunity to present his resume and showcase his skills in front of various professional clubs in the states.

Zisette added, “I do reflect on what I've done so far though and have to thank Eric and everyone at AFC for the opportunities given to me there. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to play in Spain had it not been for the connection I made in Ann Arbor and how the club set me up for success. Now I hope to do AFC proud at the NPSL Showcase!”

As a born leader and standout on the field, Sam is among the club’s favorite alumni. We were able to catch up and visit with Sam as he is preparing for his return to the US in the coming weeks. His entire interview can be seen below.

Q: Was playing soccer abroad always a goal of yours? Did playing in the NPSL prepare you for play overseas?

SZ:  I have wanted to play internationally for a long time and I used to research American players playing in leagues around the world to see what they did to get there. I have always wanted to travel and live in different parts of the world and I've also always wanted to play professionally, so being able to do those both at the same time has always been the dream. NPSL definitely prepared me as it gave me a ton of experience, especially at a position (right back) that I hadn't played since I was 14.

Q: Can you describe the soccer culture there in contrast to the American soccer experiences you had growing up?

SZ: The country revolves around soccer. I loved how every little town had a team no matter what the size and most towns had multiple teams. In America, those small-town teams are popping up more and more so that is cool to see, but in Spain there is obviously much more tradition so the teams have generational fanbases. I think in 15 years or so we'll have more generational fans who grew up supporting a team so then their children follow suit and so on.

Q: Now that you are a few months removed, can you reflect on your summer here in Ann Arbor with AFC? Any thoughts or memories you'd like to share?

SZ: I had an incredible experience at AFC. The staff and owners were extremely professional and organized and all of the players held a high standard at every training and match. The commitment level across the board was amazing to see and be a part of. I have a ton of great memories from my time but the top ones would have to be most of our matches. Winning a ton of matches in front of our home fans especially the home win against Detroit in the pouring rain, celebrating the conference title in Grand Rapids, the away win in Detroit in front of so many people, and Vaughany's late free kick to seal our first playoff win. It was also really cool to see how excited the kids were to get our autographs after every game. That made me feel like we were playing for much more than just ourselves, seeing how much it meant to the community. The friendships I made and time I spent with teammates outside of the field is always something I'll remember.

Q: You had a great college career and have semi-pro stops along the way in the US as well. Now as an international player, do you have any advice for players like yourself that are here? Any advice for the future players at AFC Ann Arbor?

SZ: My first piece of advice would be to take risks and put yourself out there into new and challenging situations. That could be open tryouts, combines, or a team on the other side of the country or abroad. It was really important for me to get out of my comfort zone and test myself in a new environment and if I had shied away from some of the challenges I wouldn't have grown as much both as a soccer player and as a person.

Second piece of advice would be to engage as much as possible with everyone around you and build a network. Players, coaches, fans, anyone you come in contact with. In soccer I think you have to have the ability and be able to perform but you also sometimes need people in your corner who can vouch for you and put you in front of the right people. Most steps I've made so far have come from having built a positive relationship and then that person was willing to give me a chance.
 

Three Players from #AFCAAFamily Selected for 2017 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

Kaleb Jackson ('17), James Vaughan ('16, '17) and Connor Mullen ('17) were selected for the 2017 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

As the Legacy Center Sports Complex prepares for the second annual Midwest Pro Soccer Combine, this event is proud to boast a 2016 alumni group that saw 25 players sign professional contracts. Applicants come from all corners of the world with alumni including international talent as well as standouts coming from all areas of the US. What makes this event unique is the opportunity it gives players specific to the midwest region.

AFC Ann Arbor sent five players to the inaugural combine in 2016, and follows that up with 3 more attendees accepted for 2017. Two year AFC Ann Arbor midfielder (and 2017 team MVP) James Vaughan, forward Kaleb Jackson and midfielder Connor Mullen are set to participate in this year’s December showcase.

“It’s not everyday that players get the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of pro scouts from the MLS and USL. So this is a big stage for our men to prove what they can do as they look to push on to the next level," said Eric Rudland. 

James Vaughan finishes his senior campaign at Northwood University as an NCAA division 2 all region selection as well as a three time All-GLIAC First Team honoree. He leaves the Timberwolves program ranking second all time in assists (15). AFC Ann Arbor fans know him best for his spectacular set piece ability. When on the pitch for The Mighty Oak, there was no question who would step to the spot for free kicks and whether it was a service or shot on net, he was arguably the Great Lakes Region’s most dangerous player in those moments. Vaughan became a regular starter for AFC Ann Arbor in the 2017 campaign as he improved his game as a box to box midfielder. Rudland trusted this player with the task of defending some of the nations most talented players, and Vaughan stepped up to those challenges as a leader on the Great Lakes Division Championship team.

Connor Mullen came to Ann Arbor in the summer of 2017 as a defensive midfielder and offered Coach Eric Rudland a different dynamic to The Mighty Oak midfield as a ball winning, tackle making standout. Mullen enters the MPSC after finishing his senior season at Rockhurst University. He was depended on as a midfielder and defender in their NCAA Tournament run that took them all the way to the NCAA Division 2 final four. This All-Region player has an immediate presence at a firm 6 foot 1 complimented with a soft touch that’s comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch with other skilled players.

Kaleb Jackson also enters the combine after finishing his senior season at Rockhurst University. This versatile forward earned Division 2 All-American honors making his mark as one of America’s most dangerous forwards in college. Kaleb was perhaps AFC Ann Arbor’s most valuable newcomer in 2017 and once he earned his spot in The Mighty Oak lineup he never gave up his spot in the frontline. Jackson attracted the attention of Great Lakes Conference defenders each game and was an excellent finisher as well as passer of the ball.

In the three short years of the club’s existence, The Mighty Oak have seen one player drafted to the MLS and another sign a professional deal internationally. With the level of talent within the organization growing each year, there’s no doubt the #AFCAAFamily will see more players turn professional.

About the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

The second annual Midwest Pro Soccer Combine will take place on Monday, December 18th & Tuesday, December 19th at the Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, Michigan. The combine will accept the top professional prospects to play for two days in front of professional coaches, scouts and intermediaries from North America and abroad.

Win an AFC Ann Arbor Watch

Between now and Christmas, anyone who purchases (or has purchased) a 2018 Membership will have the chance to win 1 of 10 exclusive, AFC Ann Arbor watches. Entry is free and each membership purchased will count as it's own separate entry. 

For supporters who've already purchased their 2018 Memberships, we've already picked the first three winners: 

-Ronnie Connors

-Douglas Swatosh

-Aron Dodger

The next round of winners will be announced by December 12th. 

Youth, General and Premium Memberships are now on sale starting at $59. To shop 2018 Memberships click here. 

12 Members of AFC Ann Arbor Family to Feature in Second Round of NCAA College Cup

Western Michigan defenders, Jake Rufe and Ben Thornton, both members of the 2017 Mighty Oak squad will start for the Broncos in Sunday's match against University of Albany

On Thursday, the first round of the NCAA College Cup kicked off with members of the AFC Ann Arbor Family suiting up for Colgate and University of Albany, while other players representing Michigan, Michigan State and Western Michigan awaited their second round opponents. 

In total, twelve members of the AFC Ann Arbor Family will feature in Sunday's Second Round of the NCAA College Cup with 3 matches taking place in state. 

University of Michigan vs Colgate University

Michigan Soccer Stadium - 5PM

With a decisive 2-0 win over UMass, Colgate advanced and will play the University of Michigan at 5PM on Sunday at Michigan Soccer Stadium. The match will have a total of 6 players from the AFCAA Family, with a special connection between 3 former Pioneer High School grads. Peter Tappenden, Chase Pagani and Tristan Jacob grew up playing together but will find themselves on the opposite side of the ball come Sunday when Jacob and the Wolverines look to advance with a win over the Raiders. 

University of Michigan: Tristan Jacob ('15, '16, '17), Kleedtke ('16, '17), Kobakof ('16, '17), Hallahan ('17) 

Colgate University: Peter Tappenden ('15, '16), Chase Pagani ('16, '17)

Western Michigan University vs University of Albany

WMU Soccer Complex - 1PM

The Broncos have been nationally ranked most of the season and have four members of the AFC Ann Arbor family on the squad. Teammates from the inaugural 2015 campaign for The Mighty Oak Jeff Medina and Jay McIntosh will reunite on opposite teams hoping to push their team on to the next round.  

Western Michigan University: Jake Rufe ('16, '17), Ben Thornton ('17), Tommy Clark ('16), Jay McIntosh ('15)

University of Albany: Jeff Medina ('15) 

Michigan State vs Virginia Tech

DeMartin Stadium - 1PM

Senior defender Jimmy Fiscus has earned a number of accolades for his leadership and performance throughout the 2017 season. The center back will look for his team to bounce back and advance over a tough Hokies side. 

Michigan State: Jimmy Fiscus ('17) 

About AFC Ann Arbor

Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor), Washtenaw County's only semi-pro soccer team, enters its third third season in the National Premier Soccer League after securing the 2017 Great Lakes Conference Championship. 

To join the AFCAA Family and purchase your 2018 Membership click here. 

Rudland Renews for Two Years

Association Football Club Ann Arbor and Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, have agreed to a new 2-year deal keeping the local manager at the helm for The Mighty Oak.

“My decision to return is an easy one. We have built something special over the past two years. I think our players, supporters and the community believe that, so an opportunity to build on that momentum is really neat,” said Rudland.

Prior to the club announcing their move to the National Premier Soccer League in November 2015, Rudland joined AFC Ann Arbor after two very successful seasons with Lansing United.

In his first year with the club, Coach Rudland lead Ann Arbor to the second best record in the Great Lakes Conference in addition to earning a playoff berth. Having Rudland at the helm in the club’s first NPSL season allowed them to compete right away finishing in the top 16 in the country out of 90+ teams.

After an early exit in the 2016 playoffs, Rudland looked for his team to build off the club’s accomplishments and push on in their 2017 campaign. After winning the first Great Lakes Conference Championship in club history, AFC also won their first playoff match after defeating Dayton Dynamo 1-0, finishing in the final 8 in the country. Rudland and his team also set 12 club records in 2017 with an impressive 33 GF while only allowing 9 GA all season.

With preparations underway for the 2018 campaign, Rudland will look to continue his winning ways and build off the club’s success in 2017.

He added, “As we’re kicking off the team building process right now I'm looking forward to working with the players the most. We are targeting a blend of solid returning players & a few new additions- and making the playoffs two years in a row will definitely help with that process. The season is exciting and there is a lot of build up towards it, but at the end of the day for me it's about being on the field each day working together as a group. that is the real joy.”

When asked what supporters can expect to change in 2018, Rudland added, “Last year, my second with the club, we took some major steps forward on the football side,  specially with our training environment and the consistency of our staff. We’re hoping to keep that consistency this year and take the next step forward competitively. We'll obviously have some new players who will make an impact and we want to perform at a high level for the fans and the community. With so many good teams in the league I would say that AFC as a group will need to work even harder to maintain our place in the league. So, I wouldn't necessarily say a lot changes, however our mentality must be even stronger.”

About AFC Ann Arbor

Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor), Washtenaw County's only semi-pro soccer team, enters its third third season in the National Premier Soccer League after securing the 2017 Great Lakes Conference Championship. 

To join the AFCAA Family and purchase your 2018 Membership click here. 

11 Players from AFC Ann Arbor Family Earn College Conference Championships

As the 2017 college soccer season begins to wind down, teams are wrapping (or have already finished) their regular season with conference champions being crowned across the country. Eleven players from the AFC Ann Arbor family representing four different Michigan schools have secured their conference championship. 

University of Michigan- Tristan Jacob ('15, '16 & '17), Noah Kleedtke ('16 & '17), Ryan Kobakof ('16 & '17) and Jack Hallahan ('17) 

Western Michigan University- Jake Rufe ('16 & '17), Ben Thornton ('17), Tommy Clark ('16) and Jay McIntosh ('15) 

Madonna University- Yuri Farkas ('16 & '17) and Hector Morales ('16 & '17)

Northwood University- James Vaughan ('16 & '17)

About AFC Ann Arbor

Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor), Washtenaw County's only semi-pro soccer team, was founded in 2014 by local soccer fanatic, Jamey Amrine, with the goal of creating a community based club that would promote the game on a larger scale. 

After partnering with 8 local entrepreneurs and community members in early 2015 to form the AFC Ann Arbor Board of Directors, the club competed in the Great Lakes Premier League (now Premier League of America) during its inaugural campaign. The ownership group has expanded to 15, with 2 former professional athletes in that group including Knox Cameron (Columbus Crew) and Shane Battier (Miami Heat). 

After a successful first year, the club made two major moves in the off-season hiring Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, as well as joining the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). 

In the club's inaugural NPSL season, they finished second in the Great Lakes west conference, and were one of sixteen teams (out of 90 + teams) to secure a playoff berth. 2017 was monumental year as the club won it's first playoff game, first conference championship and broke 12 club records. The club’s fourth season kicks off in May as The Mighty Oak look to continue their winning ways in 2018.