Troy City WFC Comes Up Short Against Top-Ranked Flint City AFC

By Garrett Pog

On a bitter, rainy Wednesday evening, Troy City WFC (1-1) found themselves on an even more bitter note, as they suffered a 7-0 loss at the feet of Flint City AFC (2-0). This is Flint’s first season in the UWS, after competing in the USL W League for the past few seasons. Their roster sported many nationally renowned players, including 1 on the United States Women’s National Team roster, as well as a starter on the National Champions in NCAA Division 1, North Carolina. Still, Troy City leaned into the challenge, and showed growth and improvement despite a tough loss.

“It’s a great learning experience, really humbling,” said Head Coach John Arndt, following the game. “[Flint City] is something that we can strive to be like, their connectivity and chemistry really shows on the field.” Flint City’s roster has changed only slightly over their many years as a club, and many of these women play with each other outside of Flint City as well.

Troy City played with fire early and did not do so hot, giving up a goal in the opening 2 minutes. Immediately, Jada Rivera (Detroit Mercy) was able to take a run of her own and record a shot on goal, which nearly swung the momentum back into a stalemate. Instead, the Flint City keeper made a save, and they would score moments later.

The biggest standout from this game on Troy’s side was easily Mila Rustin (Minnesota State), who not only made key stops on her side of the defensive front, but also played with a lot of intensity and hustle. She urged her team to keep up throughout all 90 minutes, both on the field and the sideline. She was taken out at the 55th minute due to an ankle injury, but that didn’t stop her from being a leader as the game continued.

Speaking of injuries, those also played a factor in the loss. Rivera was struggling through a back injury, as well as Captain Keira Boskovich (Lourdes) who had an issue with her quad. When I asked Arndt if that was a concern for the season, he stated that it’s “always next person up” if it came to that. He has an entire roster of MPSL players who are more than capable of stepping in at a moments notice.

After the game, a player suggested that they should forget this game and move on. Arndt disagreed, and implored his team to recognize the mistakes they made and use those to build off of, in order to have a more successful season down the line. Though this is the toughest challenge they may face, it may bode well for them with 0-3 Cap City Athletic on the horizon.

That will be Troy City WFC’s next game, in Lansing for a 7pm start time on Friday, June 13th. The contest will be held at Spartan Greens Turf Complex, and we’ll have the coverage for you on troycitywfc.com following that game.