FC Motown – STA are back competing for the USL League 2 Metropolitan Division this Saturday at home to the Long Island Rough Riders. In an offseason that saw important players move on and new stars join, Head Coach Tom Shields is optimistic about the season ahead.
“The boys’ energy and most importantly, ability to come together as one, has been palpable,” says Shields, who was impressed with the squad’s first sessions together this week in the leadup to Saturday’s contest.
“The biggest challenge of these early parts of the season is the ability to establish a new normal. For many [players], they’ll be given greater license to express themselves, be courageous, and to step into higher spaces than at their parent schools.”
With a selection of the country’s strongest collegiate players together again this summer, there’s every reason to believe that this is an FC Motown – STA team that will build off a 2023 team that narrowly missed out on the postseason.
Comebacks, late goals, and agonizing defeats were what ultimately kept the team out of a playoff spot, but it was not for a lack of trying. Only one club outscored FC Motown – STA across USL League 2’s six eastern divisions, and it was this weekend’s opponents.
The Rough Riders topped the Metropolitan Division in 2023 with the best defense in USL League 2’s six eastern divisions, though FC Motown – STA gave them their toughest game of the campaign. A 3-2 Long Island win last May sent them first in the division and where they would remain the rest of the season.
It was the most goals the Rough Riders had conceded in one match in 2023 regular season play, and a new-look FC Motown – STA should have all the edge to repeat history this weekend – plus, grab the three points.
“This year, the boys look hungry,” Shields added. “We have a wonderful mix of youth and experience, and we are undoubtedly in for a treat this summer. I am excited for our STA families and broader Morris County membership to experience this.”
As the next generation of collegiate soccer talent write the next chapter of their career this summer, there’s no better fixture to kick it off than in a battle between two of USL League 2’s most exciting teams. Drew University’s Ranger Stadium will be packed for the 7:30 kickoff to begin what is sure to be a memorable year for FC Motown – STA.
