Amlima FC Falls 5–2 to NY Shockers in Season Finale

Albany, N.Y. – Amlima FC faced a 2-5 defeat against New York Shockers in their season finale. Chrishaun McKenzie scored his fourth goal of the season, leading the team's scoring efforts, while Unobatsha Mbaiwa netted Amlima’s second goal.

Despite limited warm-up time due to travel, Amlima was determined to make an impression and pressed forward from the start. After a throw-in by the Shockers in Amlima’s half, McKenzie reclaimed possession, maneuvering through the midfield before passing to Byan Mugushu. Mugushu surged forward and expertly slotted an angled shot past the two defenders closing in on him.

In the 8th minute, goalkeeper Evan Widrick made a crucial save as the Shockers attempted to take an early lead with a quick attack. A 15-yard cross found striker Fillipo Bellu on the right flank. Bellu struck the ball toward the goal with a single touch while unmarked, but Shaeber thwarted the Shockers’ chance with a remarkable reaction.

However, Amlima fell behind 1-0 in the 15th minute due to a free kick taken by the Shockers from the right side. The long pass reached a player in the box, who finished with a scoring header.

Amlima struggled to respond and soon conceded a second goal from a penalty. Bellu converted the penalty, doubling the Shockers’ lead.

McKenzie, battling defenders near the right post, found Guido Sarango in space in the center of the box and crossed the ball. Unfortunately, Sarango’s weak shot missed the opportunity set up by McKenzie’s defensive work.

In the second half, Amlima pressed for a chance to change the score. After spotting McKenzie’s run on the left flank, Mbaiwa sent a volley from the back. Although McKenzie broke past defenders, his shot was blocked from a tight angle.

Despite Amlima’s determination to catch up, they struggled defensively, allowing the Shockers to score their third goal. Their attackers connected from the left side, where Amlima’s weakened backline was unable to stop a subsequent header in the 56th minute.

Following 60 minutes of scoreless play, Amlima fought back with a goal. Taking advantage of a mistake by a Shockers defender—who misdirected a clearance—McKenzie seized the opportunity, pushing the ball into the right side of the net.

As Zayne Thorkmorton advanced with skill, Mugushu picked up on his teammate’s effort and earned a corner for the team. Midfielder Thomas A. Nimineh bent the corner into the box, where Mbaiwa, using his height advantage at the near post, headed the ball against the right bar, deflecting it into the net.

However, the Shockers responded quickly, scoring twice in succession. In the 79th minute, Jake Daly made a clearance from a corner, but the Shockers reclaimed the ball and scored on a volley. Just four minutes later, the Shockers solidified Amlima’s defeat as their striker fired a shot into the far right corner of the goal from the left side of the area.

With the loss, Amlima dropped to second with 22 points while Shockers climbed to first in the season finale. Amlima will face the third-seeded team of UPSL Western NY (West) conference on Jun 25 (Wednesday).