The perfect end to a promising first season came late Sunday evening at Robert E. Rich All-High Stadium.
“Thank you, Blitzers” chants rang out among the hundreds of fans who stuck around to get autographs after FC Buffalo (6-2-4) handed out a 3-0 beating to FC Reading Revolution (4-0-7).
Mike Unwin was the Man of the Match after providing a franchise-high two assists to go with a stunning half-volley goal that brought the crowd to its feet.
After Kieron Gradwell laid a one-bounce cross at the feet of Unwin, the forward hammered a half-volley into the net to put the Blitzers up, 3-0.
Earlier, Unwin found Rich Wilson in the six for the game’s first goal. It was Wilson’s sixth goal, which would prove to be the clincher in a heated battle for the club’s inaugural Golden Boot Award. Later, Unwin would again play the role of provider, laying a ball into the six for Tony Mermigas to bury.
Dan Panaro made 10 saves in a chippy affair to earn his fourth clean sheet of the season. Panaro left the game in the 80th minute to a standing ovation from the record crowd of 400-plus.
FC Buffalo finished its inaugural season in third place in the Keystone Conference’s Northeast Division. Their goal differential of plus-9 is currently good for 8th in the 31 team National Premier Soccer League.
At halftime, Kenmore East and Kenmore West squared off in Sevens rugby match, presented by Buffalo Rugby Club.
Fun season! see ya next year!
Thanks for a great season. Hope to see the team back next year.