Updated: Dyer to start for RFCLA against Old Glory DC
RFCLA have announced its team to face Old Glory DC in the nation’s capital this Saturday, May 31 at 3pm PST, in what still remains a must-win match for the Club with just two rounds left to play.
RFCLA, currently sitting on 45 points, leads the Seattle Seawolves (42) and SD Legion (41), with all three teams still in the race for a Western Conference Final spot. RFCLA is also in contention to host a home final, trailing only the Utah Warriors and Houston Sabercats (both on 48 points). However, both of those teams face Anthem RC in the closing rounds — a side yet to win a match in their two-season history.
After an emphatic win over a spirited Miami Sharks side in Orange County last weekend in front of a record crowd, RFCLA welcomes back two of its 2024 standouts: Ed Timpson, returning from HIA protocols, and Gonzalo Bertranou, returning from a one-week suspension.
In his 50th MLR match, Christian Dyer makes his return tot the starting line up after extended break due to a quad injury, replacing Rory Van Vugt who sustained an injury in the team's captain's run on Friday.
Ben Houston also returns to the lineup in the number eight jersey, with Semi Kunitani and Matt Heaton stepping out of the 23 for a well-earned rest, while Reece Macdonald is elevated to the starting lineup, replacing Isaacs Vaughen, who will shift to the bench as a utility back.
"We’re up against a quality side this weekend in Old Glory DC,” said Attack Coach Sam Harris.
"They’ve got talent and real momentum in this competition, which is why we’ve selected the team we have.
"Having the experience of Gonzalo and the strike power of Ed Timpson back in the team is a real lift, that’s for sure, and Tas and Vaughen did an outstanding job for us last week and will continue to play a pivotal role in our attack from the bench.
“The MLR is always about a squad mentality — every player is being considered, and some are being managed or rested. So, to be able to bring in guys like Ed Timpson, Reece Macdonald, and Ben Houston into the starting lineup gives us a real boost. They come in fresh, which is important at this stage of the season as well.
“I know there’s a lot of talk around finals, wins, bonus points — and with the way this year’s run home is shaping up, that’s understandable — but our focus is firmly on this week. It might sound cliché, but our attention is on Old Glory DC. We know how big this match is, and we’re giving it the ultimate respect as you can see in our line-up.”
RFCLA Team to face the Old Glory DC, Saturday, May 31 at 3 PM PST, at Maryland SoccerPlex, Washington DC.
- Alessandro Heaney
- Benjamin Sugars
- Maliu Niuafe
- Jason Damm
- Jurie Van Vuuren
- Timothy Anstee
- Ed Timpson
- Ben Houston
- Gonzalo Bertranou
- Christian Leali'ifano
- Christian Dyer (late replacement for Rory Van Vugt)
- William Meakes
- Nicholas Chan
- Andrew Coe
- Reece Macdonald
- Mike Sosene Fengai
- Tim Ohlwein
- Franco Van Den Berg
- Reegan Ogorman
- Strang Benjamin
- Tas Smith
- Vaughen Isaacs
- Seth Purdy (late replacement)
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