Andrew Kitch’s goal keeps Ocean City undefeated

The Ocean City Nor’easters (3-0) had their home opener on Friday night against the Philadelphia Lone Star FC (2-1) from Carey Stadium for their 26^th home opener.

Coming into this game, Ocean City were in a three-way tie with Philadelphia and West Chester United for first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division.

They put their 17-game unbeaten streak and a seven-game home unbeaten streak. Since the two teams began to play each other, Ocean City won four of six meetings against Philadelphia. Their lone loss to Philadelphia on June 23^rd, 2021, snapped Ocean City’s 15-game unbeaten streak and 13-game home unbeaten streak.

In the third minute, Ocean City’s Sander Roed almost had a goal from the edge of the box in the penalty area but goalkeeper Liam Smith made the save. Ocean City took a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute when Andrew Kitch stole the ball intended for Patrick Singbah and dribbled it before scoring the goal off the goalkeeper Liam Smith and into the net.

Philadelphia had a couple of chances to tie the game late in the first half but Stefano Caramalengo made the saves. Ocean City led 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Ocean City had four chances to add to their lead. Sander Roed intercepted at midfield and he passed the ball to Andre Sabino. Sabino had a breakaway chance but Liam Smith sprawled out to knock the ball away.

The biggest moment in the game came in the 73^rd minute when Philadelphia was awarded a penalty kick taken by Joseph Aidoo. Aidoo tried to sneak one past Stefano Caramalengo but he made a diving save. Late in the game, Ocean were down to ten men after Josh Jones was shown the red card. However, Ocean City held on to a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Lone Star FC.

Ocean City are now in first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division with nine points. In addition, Ocean City’s unbeaten streak is now at 18 games and their home unbeaten streak is now at eight games. Stefano Caramalengo earned his first clean sheet of the season.