WPSL Third Coast: Pensacola takes perfect record to Daphne Wednesday
The Pelicans stayed perfect with a 3-0 win Saturday at Gulf Coast United; PFC coach Chandler Castleman questions opponents’ physical tactics.
‘Reckless’ play concerns Castleman
Pensacola FC is clearly the best team in their division, having won their four matches by a combined score of 13-1. The Lady Pelicans lead the WPSL Gulf Coast Conference’s Third Coast division by four points despite playing fewer matches than any of its opponents.
Jillian Thompson scored the first goal in Pensacola FC’s 3-0 win Saturday at Gulf Coast United. CREDIT: Pensacola FC
But being the team to beat comes with its own set of challenges. First-year coach Chandler Castleman said Gulf Coast United “played with a level of aggression that, at times, crossed into recklessness” during PFC’s 3-0 win Saturday in Gulfport, Miss.
“Given our position at the top of the table and the reputation that now follows this group, I believe it’s essential moving forward that referees are made more aware of the way some teams are approaching these matchups,” Castleman said earlier this week. “While we welcome competitive games, player safety must remain a priority. I’ll be addressing this proactively before future matches.”
Pensacola (4-0-0, 12 points, +12 goal differential) plays the first of those future games with a 5 p.m. kickoff today against last-place Union 10 FC (1-4-0, 3 points, -7) in Daphne, Ala.
Pensacola FC 3, Gulf Coast United 0
The hosts came out playing a low-block 4-4-2 in the first-half trying to neutralize Pensacola’s wingers, Castleman said, but the Pelicans still managed to create several chances.
Jillian Thompson flicked a Rainey Niles’ free kick into the net in the 30th minute to start the scoring. Addison Smith got the second goal in the 43rd minute after Emma Beltz dribbled through several defenders and passed the ball back across the face of goal for an easy finish.
Gulf Coast changed to a 5-3-2 defensive formation in the second half, but the sisters Labović combined for the Pelicans’ final goal in the 88th minute. Bella played the ball to Zivana, who flicked the ball over the Gulf Coast United keeper’s head and into the net with her first touch.
“The team’s energy, effort, and attitude throughout the match were excellent,” Castleman said. “We dictated the rhythm of the game and managed to stay composed even when the opposition became increasingly physical.”
Castleman singled out playmaker Emma Beltz for her “driving the team forward and creating goal-scoring opportunities” and noted the efforts of Zivana Labović and Ava Matherne in their returns to the squad.
Sydney Magliocca, a Quebec native who plays forward for South Alabama, made her debut and impressed Castleman with her “composure and work rate.”
The backline of Bela Labović, Bailey Erwin and Aila Swinton — who, along with goalkeepers Mia Ferkranus and Jaiden Kinch, have held opponents to a single goal in four matches — “continued their consistent form and remained organized throughout the match,” he added.
Despite the positive result, Castleman said the Pelicans need to be more patient in building their attack.
“We were a bit too direct at times and missed opportunities to shift the opponent and break them down more methodically,” he said. “In all, this was a strong team performance with valuable contributions across the board and signs of continued growth.”
THIRD COAST DIVISION STANDINGS
• Pensacola FC, 4-0-0, 12 points, +8*
• Gulf Coast United, 2-2-2, 8 points, -3
• PFC Academy, 2-2-2, 8 points, -4
• TLH Reckoning, 2-2-1, 7 points, + 3
• Florida Roots, 2-3-1, 7 points, -3
• Union 10 FC, 1-4-0, 3 points, -7
*WPSL caps goal differential at +8; PFC has scored 12 goals more than its opponents).
SCORES
WEEK FIVE
Wednesday, June 4
• PFC Academy 1, Union 10 FC 0
Saturday, June 7
• PFC Academy 2, TLH Reckoning 2
• Gulf Coast United 0, Pensacola FC 3
• Roots 1, Union 10 FC 2
Sunday, June 8
• Florida Roots 2, Gulf Coast United 2
UPCOMING MATCHES
WEEK SIX
(Times CDT)
Wednesday, June 11
• Union 10 FC vs. Pensacola FC, 5 p.m., Village Park, Daphne, Ala.
Saturday, June 14
• TLH Reckoning vs. Gulf Coast United, 2 p.m., Gene Cox Stadium, Tallahassee, Fla.
• Union 10 FC vs. PFC Academy, 5 p.m., Village Park, Daphne, Ala.
• Pensacola FC vs. Florida Roots, 7:15 p.m., Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, Pensacola, Fla.
Pensacola straight up dominating the Gulf Coast this year. PFC is perfect in WPSL Third Caost Division and doesn't look like it'll slow down. PFC Academy is a single GD away from making it a 1-2 for PFC in the Third Coast Division. PFC is leading TLFC's Gulf Coast Conference's East Division, albeit by a single goal and a game ahead of second. Then PFC Academy is second in TLFC's GCC's West Division by 2 points with a game in hand. Looks like PFC could go 3/3 for playoff teams (cause they can't have both WPSL teams make playoffs, so no 4/4).