DELAWARE, Ohio. - Going into the final matchweek of the 2022 NOSL season, Amish Country United knew that a win against Delaware Rising FC would clinch them a spot in the 2022 NOSL Playoffs. On the other hand, a loss or a draw would not be enough and Delaware Rising would take the spot instead.
Early in the game, ACU had several scoring chances but did not take advantage of any of them. The hosts had much of the possession and launched quite a few attacks at goal, but Amish Country goalkeeper Brady Thompson and his defense did well at keeping the danger out. Going into halftime, the score was 0-0 and both teams knew they were just 45 minutes away from being playoff-bound.
The second half saw much of the same but with more ACU possession as the visitors launched attacks in order to find their much needed goal. Just before the heat-induced water break, captain Brandon Kozak carried the ball into the Delaware box and took a shot on goal. The ball skimmed off a defender and found the back of the net to give ACU a 1-0 lead with just over twenty minutes to go. The script flipped and it was now the hosts who were feverishly pushing to keep their playoff hopes alive. ACU managed the final minutes very well but in the 82nd minute, Delaware Rising was awarded a controversial penalty after Landon Kuhn fell to the ground following light contact from Isaac Troyer. Kuhn converted the penalty which clinched DRFC's second consecutive playoff appearance with a 1-1 draw.
Despite missing the playoffs, ACU played a solid game and can look back fondly on a fun season with lots to look forward to in 2023. The off-season will now begin and the club will assess how to best improve the team to come back stronger next season.
