by Alex Beilman, contributor
FC Buffalo will resume NPSL Midwest Region play with a Sunday afternoon match against FC Indiana at Robert E. Rich All High Stadium.
The Blitzers have played the fewest matches in the division, and Sunday marks the day they start to make up those games on hand, hoping to build on their three points and erase a minus-2 goal differential.
[ BUY: Presale tickets for Sunday’s home match ]
The coaching staff has been happy with the way the squad has been coming along. Of particular note has been the improvement of the back line after a non-ideal start in the back due to a series of issues involving player availability, red card suspensions and injuries.
The group, typically featuring Chris Walter, Brian Paredes, Keith Traut and Johnny McBeth, has done well to limit opponents’ chances and help out their goalkeepers. It helps that the Wolves’ midfield, with players like David Acuna Camacho (above), Ian McGrath and Sam Byles (below right) have plenty of experience on the back line.
“They’ve been very very solid for us. Brian’s comfortable playing in five different spots. Johnny can transition from left forward, to left back, to left midfield. And I’m sure he can do the job on the right too,” Murphy said.
[ VISIT THE FC BUFFALO STORE ]
Murphy is happy to see his defense play well despite the adjustments that have been forced on them. He feels that a strong back line and building from the back can help an offense that has struggled to find goals so far this season.
“We want to be difficult to beat. That comes with not giving up goals, and in order to not give up goals, you need to not give up chances,” Murphy said.
“I think we’ve been doing a good job of limiting chances. As a coaching staff we need to make sure we’re on the same page. These guys, all credit to them, have communicated well and produced on the field.”
FC Indiana currently sit at the bottom of the Midwest region table, with an 0-2-2 record. Despite the numbers, Murphy is making sure his squad is prepared for anything that may come their way this week.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a good team, I’m sure they’re going to be well-coached. They’re going to be organized,” Murphy said. “They’re going to have some fire in their belly. Every one of us is in the same boat. It’s massive pressure. Every one of these games count and there’s no bad teams in our conference. If we want to win, we have to be ready to be at our best.”
The match kicks off at 2 p.m. from Robert E. Rich All High Stadium. Fans can purchase advance tickets online or at the gate on match day.
