CLIFTON, NJ (April 19, 2021) - Saturday, April 19th saw Metro return to Athenia Steel Park for the club's home opener and its second season of existence. Countering the club saw the newly reformed Santa Fe FC, Queens Meadow FC (QMFC), who came off a strong opening weekend by defeating Real NY 4-0.

Samory Powder and Patryk Siwiec made their first starts of the season with the former adding his name to the score sheet in the 17th minute to give Metro an early 1-0 lead. After a long ball from Nick Kozdron dropped behind the back line, Powder dueled with the opposing defender. Powder managed to win possession and turned to fire toward goal, only to have the defender block the ball. The ensuing action saw the ball pop up into the air and just outside of the penalty area when, Powder, without hesitation steadied himself and struck a first time left footed rocket past the keeper. It was the wingers first goal of the season.

QMFC would go on to control the remainder of the half, getting their break when a miscue between Alex Zielonka and Siwiec saw a striker split the two before being brought down in the penalty area. QMFC would capitalize on the ensuing penalty kick. 

The teams would enter the break tied. The second 45 minutes saw much of the same in the first half, which saw QMFC continue to impose their style of play and dominate majority of the match through possession. The visitors would go up 2-1 before a Kozdron long throw found Sebastian Rojek in the penalty box, who's glancing header skipped past the keeper to the far post. The goal was Rojek's second of the season and Kozdron's third assist after both players found themselves on the score sheet in the opening match the week prior.

The game would remain tied only for minutes before a scramble on top of the Metro box saw Enrique Chicas misplay the ball before Queens Meadow FC finished into the bottom corner. Chicas would once again be involved for QMFC's fourth goal when his late challenge brought down a striker in on goal, leading to a second penalty on the night for the road team. 

Metro's record now stands at 1-0-1 after Saturday night's loss with the team hitting the road next Saturday for a 2020 Fall Divisional Playoff Final rematch against New York Contour United. 

GOALS

Powder

Rojek (Kozdron)

NEXT MATCH

Saturday, April 24 at New York Contour United (7:30 PM)