LOS ANGELES (October 30, 2023) – Flower City Union (FCU) jumped out to a two goal lead in the first six minutes and rode that to a 2-4 triumph over hosts Los Angeles Force (LAF) in the 2023 National Independent Soccer Association playoffs. The last team into the playoffs earned its first ever playoff win and now travels to Chattanooga for a Sunday, Nov. 5, semi-final.

FCU forward Alioune Diakhate struck in the second and sixth minutes … almost before LAF knew what hit them. While LAF cut the deficit in half with a 18th minute tally by striker Franky Avoce, a missed penalty in the 37th that would’ve closed the score to 2-3 may have sealed LAF’s fate. Avoce hit again in the 51st, but FCU held tight after that. FCU added some insurance in the 96th with a goal from substitute striker Malik Stewart. FCU’s third goal was tallied by D Josue Cartegena in the 34th minute.

With FCU moving on to face Chattanooga FC, the other semi-final will have Michigan Stars FC (MSFC) hosting ALBION San Diego Saturday, Nov. 4, in a re-match from last year’s final won by MSFC.