Amlima FC Ends 2025 Season with 1–0 Playoff Loss to NFC
Syracuse, N.Y. –Amlima FC wrapped up their 2025 UPSL season after suffering a nail-biting 1-0 loss to Nick Football Club at Nottingham High School in the first round of conference playoff (Western New York). NFC nailed the only goal through a penalty in the first half.
The home team obtained their first chance through a corner. Maneuvered by Jake Daly, his delivery from the right flank created chaos in the penalty area. Daly’s later follow-up shot outside of the box fell off the high bar.
Subsequently, Amlima created another big chance but they missed that. Starting from the right flank again, Daly linked up with his frontline partner Byan Mugushu with a clinical pass. Mugushu found space and fired it away, but the ball deflected off the left bar.
Amlima continued their progressive soccer to compress the opponent. Unobatsha Mbaiwa interfered with NFC’s passing built-in in the middle, sending to Mugushu through the gap of the traffic. The former did not beat the goalie, who blocked the powerful shot away.
However, Amlima incurred a penalty due to defender Larson Jellue’s foul on NFC’s striker when he attempted to clear the danger off. But his action led to direct contact with the opponent. Amlima conceded their first one of the match.
Credited to Mugushu, who advanced ahead on the left under pressure, Amlima earned a 20-yard free kick. Mbaiwa unleashed a powerful shot, but the NFC goalkeeper parried the ball away with his extended body.
Amlima FC Ends 2025
Season
with 1–0 Playoff
Loss to NFC on 06/25/2025
Sideline Digital Photo
Note: Despite possessing the ball and continuously threatening the NFC’s goal through penetrations or aerial plays, Amlima struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the first half. In the second half, Amlima was eager to make an impact.
As usual, when Amlima initiated an attack, Daly found Mugushu on the left flank with a through pass. After linking up with Daly, Mugushu dribbled downhill under pressure; he was tackled while trying to juke out a defender, earning a significant penalty kick near the left post. However, Guido Sarango missed this golden opportunity, and Amlima could have equalized.
Amlima played less possession but aimed to create better chances through long passes and pressing. However, Mugushu, the key player in these plays, failed to score under the NFC’s relentless pressure.
Another instance involved a long ball from the back finding Mugushu on the right side. Despite his limited height, he managed to chip the ball between two defenders back to the middle, where Chrishaun McKenzie was running in. But Amlima’s best shooter, who came off the bench in the second half, missed this good opportunity.
In the final ten minutes, Amlima had chances from corners and wing plays to salvage the game, but their offensive efforts did not result in a goal. Amlima lost 0-1 to NFC in the first round of the playoffs, ending their 2025 UPSL campaign.