Rapids split series with Americans as a clash in the Playoffs seems likely

By: Alex Husting

The Rapids Men(4-13) have fallen in a heartbreaker, losing to the Americans(13-5) 4-3 on a fourth quarter game winner. The Rapids Women (6-11) started the match strong with three first quarter goals, and held on to defeat the Americans Women(15-3) 4-3.

Match 1

The Rapids Men were on the pitch first, looking to win a crucial match with the playoffs on the horizon. Ultimately, the Rapids Men were unable to secure victory as they fell in a hard fought battle with the Americans.

Bernando Ferreira was the hero of the day for Memphis, finding the back of the net with just 1:22 remaining in the match to seal the victory for the Americans. His goal capped off a fourth quarter comeback that started with Givanni’s Alvarado’s match-tying goal at the start of the quarter. 

The Americans were actually the first on the board in the match with back-to-back first quarter goals from Cesar Ramirez and Cordarius Williams, both assisted by Gergory Karpovich.

Then the Rapids took control. 

Sammy Valdivia was able to get Columbus on the board with just over one minute remaining in the first quarter. The Rapids followed that with goals from Thomas Eskew and Brandon Cervantes, with Niall Torricelli assisting on both goals. Columbus held the lead as both teams headed to the locker room.

The third quarter was scoreless as both defenses locked in, which made way for the Memphis comeback. The Rapids were in control for most of the game on offense, winning the shot battle 30-16, including an 18-2 advantage in the second and third quarters combined.

The Americans were able to shift momentum when it counted, with 11 shots in the fourth quarter to the Rapids five. 

Matthew Klinck was dependable for the Americans today, with 18 saves and just three goals allowed on 21 total shots against. Tevin West was goalkeeper for the Rapids once again, finishing the match with 10 saves and four goals allowed on 14 shots against.

They will be back on the pitch on Friday at 5:30 p.m. EST to take on the Rome Gladiators in the regular season finale.

Match 2

The Rapids Women entered the Columbus Civic Center coming off of a tough loss last week to the Americans and looking for revenge. Also at stake, the Rapids needed to stay ahead of the Fury in the playoff seeding with the regular season nearly over.

The Rapids got both in a 4-3 victory over the Memphis Americans. The Rapids were carried to victory by a dominant first quarter performance and a defense that locked down the Americans.

The Rapids outscored the Americans 3-1 in the first quarter. Casey Hall got the scoring started just over 2 minutes into the match on an assist from Maddie Defranco.

The Americans responded with a Tanya Crehan goal but then Columbus took over. Goals from Emily Burke and Megan Byers gave the Rapids the lead as the quarter drew to a close. A scoreless second quarter was followed by Casey Hall’s second goal of the night in the third quarter, giving Columbus a 4-1. 

The Americans cut the deficit in the fourth quarter, but it was too much to overcome and the Rapids held on for their second win in three matches.

Despite controlling most of the match, the Rapids were outshot by the Americans 16-19, including 6-10 in the first quarter.

Angel Hailey held her ground against the Rapids attack, allowing four goals but saving nine on 13 total shots. Bria Riancho was the lone goalkeeper for the Rapids, finishing the match with eight saves.

There is only one game left before the playoffs begin, and the Rapids Women will be back in action on April 1 to take on the Rome Gladiators inside the Columbus Civic Center for Military Appreciation night.

Tickets for that match are available here.

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL):

The National Indoor Soccer League, which has its league office in Georgia, was founded in January 2021 by a group of experienced sports team/league owners with over 40 years of ownership experience. The NISL has plans to grow the league nationally within the next three years and will kick off its inaugural season in December 2021. The league will operate a Men's & Women's division with each market fielding both teams. Fans will be able to watch a men’s and women’s game each gameday.  For more information, go to nislpro.com.