Stars Complete State Cup Double with 1-0 Win over United

A first half extra time goal from Nyakeh Kamara was enough as the Stars defeated fierce local rivals West Chester United 1-0 to win the 2018/19 EPSA Amateur Cup title.

Under a cold, wet and dreary weather on Sunday, the Stars and United battled in a closely contested match for 90 minutes without any break-through for either side.

That changed in the first half of extra time when the Stars completed a fast counter-attack with Anthony Allison squaring the ball to Nyakeh Kamara who dribbled past his marker before slotting the ball at the back of the net in the 100th minute.

United came blazing back looking for the equalizer but the Stars defense, anchored by Eugene Dennis, Yaya Fane, Mohammed Mayah, and Abu Donzo, held firm.

At the other end, the Stars were denied a penalty after Opeyemi Amao was brought down in the box, but the referee waved the play on.

Deron Joe then wasted a golden chance in the final two minutes of extra time to seal the victory, but he scuffed his shot after being put through on goal by Zoncher Dennis with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Despite the miss, the Stars were able to hold on to the 1-0 win with goalkeeper Prince Monyan keeping another clean sheet this season and Kanibah Kutu-Akoi, Amadou Berthe, and Gerald Saydee were all impressive during the match.

With the win, the Stars complete the State Cup double after defeating Phoenix SC 7-0 to win the State Open Cup title two weeks ago.

This was the Stars’ second State Cup Double in three years, after doing the same during the 2016/17 season.

The Stars will represent the State of Pennsylvania in both the USASA Region I Open Cup and Amateur Cup whey they start in April 2019.

The Stars will take a two-month break before returning for preseason to prepare for the USASA Regional as well as the NPSL, NESL, and possibly the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“Congrats to all the players, coaches and officials for a job well done this past season. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate everyone for their tireless efforts and commitment towards this great club. We achieved great things this past season, but the goal is to always do more the following season; therefore, preparation for next season starts now,” said head coach Fatoma Turay.

“I’m proud of what Coach FT and I have accomplished this Fall season and I appreciate the players believing in us. We kept calm and let the ball do the talking for us today. This is my first season with this great club so it’s been a great season. I’m already looking forward to preseason,” assistant coach Winston Edgar Neewray added.

MATCH DETAILS

Scoring:
100’ – PLSFC – Nyakeh Kamara (Anthony Allison)

#WCUvPLS: Full Match Stats and Box Score