GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI- Liquid Football (5-2-1) beat the Michigan Stars U-23 (4-4-1) 2-1 Thursday at University Ligget School in a massive match, which propelled Liquid Football into second place.
When first-place Inter Detroit tied Livonia City 1-1 on the Friday before the 4th of July weekend, it gave a glimmer of hope to Michigan Stars, Liquid Football, and Thundercats. The title race was back on.
The first major game with title race implications was between Liquid Football and Michigan Stars Thursday night. Both teams were on fire coming into the match. They were both coming off two-week breaks. Liquid Football last beat Holland Rovers 5-2, while the Michigan Stars beat Cedars 4-1.
When the game started, both teams were creating many dangerous chances. Liquid Football opened the scoring in the 38th minute after a 1-2 pass between Hamzah Saleh and Beni Tanyi. Tanyi crossed it to Waseem Muthana in the box, who controlled it and shot it into the back of the net. 1-0 Liquid Football.
There were some new faces on the field for Liquid Football. Dylan Wismont and Aram Shabo. Wismont previously played for Carpathia FC of the NPSL, and Shabo played for FK Olympik Macomb of the UPSL. Wismont started in center midfield, while Shabo came on at halftime.
Ten minutes into the second half, the Stars equalized. A long-distance ball found a stars player in behind, and the chip shot floated over Liquid Football keeper Esmail Haidan. The Liquid Football defenders raced to clear it, but the linesman signaled it had entirely crossed the line. 1-1.
A long throw from Hasib Lekic flew into the Michigan Stars’ box. It deflected off a Michigan Stars defender’s head and went into the back of the net. 2-1 Liquid Football.
If Liquid Football could survive 30 more minutes, they would be alone in 2nd place and still be in the title race. The Stars were pouring on the pressure. The Stars created many dangerous opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net, thanks to Haidan and the Liquid Football defense. Haidan also became the second ever captain for Liquid Football, as George Chomakov passed on the armband after being substituted midway through the second half.
After numerous close calls, the referee blew the final whistle. Liquid Football moves up to second place, while the Stars move down to fourth after the Thundercats jump up to third after beating red-hot Troy United 2-1.
Liquid Football’s next game is against Thundercats at University Ligget School in Grosse Pointe Woods Monday night. Kick-off is at 6:45 p.m. This will be another match with massive title race implications. Tickets are on sale now.