Regional Semifinal | July 17, 2024
NPSL | Des Moines, IA
Starting XI: Liam Pritchard, Jireh Oyembaiji, Edu Nys, Andres Solares, Dylan Sumner, Paul Bobai, Myles Edmondson, Jake Starling, Jecsi Orellana, Josh Bellamy, Jamie Colvill
Substitutions: Rory Doyle for Bobai (‘60), Tyler Limmer for Oyebamiji (‘71), Felipe Santos for Pritchard (‘77), Felipe Oliveira for Sumner (‘87), Archie McDonnell for Bellamy (‘89), Manny Morales for Nys (‘90)
Duluth FC qualified for its second-ever regional final appearance this week in a hectic 2-0 win over Des Moines United on July 17.
The night started with plenty of chances for both teams, but neither could open the doors and take the lead. Jamie Colvill started in goal for Duluth, as he did the week prior, and impressed with his continued positive form after spending a portion of the season on the bench.
Duluth persisted and it paid off with a goal in the 67 minute through Liam Pritchard. Pritchard had worked hard all night to get Duluth ahead, but had seen good crosses blocked and shots go just a little too wide. His goal changed the game and put Duluth in the driver’s seat.
The lead was extended in the 79th minute by Rory Doyle, who had subbed into the game in the 60th minute. The Irishman flicked the ball up while in the box before executing a scissor kick to remember. It was a unique goal and a highlight moment in the BlueGreen career for the veteran midfielder. The second goal lifted tension as Des Moines looked less and less likely to secure a win. Duluth held on to the clean sheet and secured the win to pass on to the next round.
Duluth will continue its playoff run by traveling to play Steel City in Pittsburgh in the regional final on July 20.
