Don’t miss out on the Blue Collar Gala at Big Ditch Brewing Company
FC Buffalo used home field to its advantage, as goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin stopped a breakaway for one of his six saves as the Wolves topped Fort Pitt Regiment 2-0 on Sunday at Robert E. Rich All-High Stadium.
Andrew Ferguson and Brett Larocque scored for the Blitzers, with the former netting a ninth minute penalty kick and Larocque adding a critical insurance goal on a dribble in the 87th minute.
Arkangelo James was played in alone on Coughlin shortly after FCB had taken the lead, but the Canisius College backstop cut down the angle and got big to push James’ shot out for a corner.
“We showed a lot of character and willingness as a team to keep the clean sheet as well as determination to keep pushing forward and get that second goal,” Coughlin said. “A solid performance all around.”
Fort Pitt had few true dangerous chances otherwise, as FCB’s back four was strong, especially center backs Fox Slotemaker and Bobby Ross. Kevin Kappock and Adam Lauko were solid on the flanks, also fluid in pushing the play forward.
FCB got a late insurance goal when substitute Matt “Nanu” Ferguson found Larocque, who dribbled through a pack of FPR defenders before slotting home his third of the season, and second in NPSL play.
Coughlin now is atop the FCB all-time charts in wins (6) and clean sheets (4). The latter ties him with 2010 NPSL All-Star ‘keeper Dan Panaro.
LINEUPS
FCB: Coughlin; Kappock, Ross, Slotemaker, Lauko; MacVane (Brandell, 46′), Walter (Willings, 77′); Rozzano (Larocque, 63′), Knapp (Dahl, 46′), Ekeze; A. Ferguson (Danzy, 46′; M. Ferguson, 75′).
Goals: A. Ferguson (PK, 9′), Larocque (87′)
Yellow card: Walter (69′)
Don’t miss out on the Blue Collar Gala at Big Ditch Brewing Company
