The Stars came into their penultimate regular season match against NY Renegades FC looking for a win to clinch the regular season title with one game to spare and they started brightly.
The Stars took the lead in the 14th via the penalty spot after Alexander Tarway was brought down in the box. Bill Wallekendeh sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his 9th goal of the season.
The Renegades had a chance to equalize in the 21st after they were awarded a penalty, but goalkeeper Liam Smith denied them with an excellent save.
The Stars would then extend their lead to 2-0 in the 23rd minute through Alexander Tarway off a cross from Alvin Dahn.
The Stars started the second half the same way by scoring early. This time, a fast counterattack started by Tarway deep in his own half saw him releasing the ball to Nyakeh Kamara who ran the length of the field to lay the ball back to Tarway who then released to Wallekendeh for a simple tap-in to score his 10th goal of the season and the Stars’ third of the day.
The Renegades reduced the scoreline in the 60th minute but the Stars were able to hold on for a 3-1 win to clinch the regular season title.
The Stars still will travel to Allentown, PA to play Pennsylvania Prime FC in the last game of the regular season before hosting the playoffs semi-finals on June 24th against the winner of the 4th/5th place playoffs match.
As the regular season champions, Fatoma Turay’s team is guaranteed a first-round bye and home field advantage through the conference final.