Match Recap: Sláinte Athletic 4 – 1 Peru United
A new season. A new era. A statement made.
Sláinte Athletic kicked off the Spring 2025 MSSL Division II campaign with a commanding 4–1 win over Peru United, showcasing sharp execution, tactical clarity, and an intensity that set the tone for the season ahead.
Under the leadership of new manager Aaron Burbridge and assistant Gavin Mooney, Sláinte delivered on both sides of the ball—pressing as a unit, controlling the midfield, and punishing mistakes in the final third. It was a debut performance for the staff, and a warning shot to the rest of the division.
Burbridge 1-0 on his debut
Scoring Summary
8’ – Arlie Hitt (assist: Isaac Ngobu)
10’ – Leland Brigham (header, debut, assist: Andres Perez)
27’ – Andres Perez (assist: BP Seivers)
65’ – Isaac Ngobu (assist: BP Seivers)
90’ – Peru United goal
It didn’t take long for Sláinte to make their mark.
In the 8th minute, Arlie Hitt opened the scoring with a composed finish after Isaac Ngobu slid in a clever ball. Just two minutes later, Leland Brigham, making his official debut, opened his account by rising above the defense to bury a towering header from an inch-perfect cross by Andres Perez.
Hitt celebrates the first goal of the season
The tempo stayed high, and in the 27th minute, Perez added a goal to his assist tally—cleaning up a sharp sequence with a thunderous finish after being teed up by BP Seivers, who dictated play from the middle all afternoon.
The second half saw Sláinte remain in control, and in the 65th, Ngobu got the goal his performance deserved—tucking away a fourth after another pinpoint assist from Seivers. A late lapse in the 90th minute gave Peru a consolation goal, but the damage had long been done.
Ngobu notches a fourth
Standout Performers
Isaac Ngobu (Man of the Match)
One goal, one assist, and nonstop danger from the right flank. Electric in 1v1s, disciplined off the ball, and increasingly one of Sláinte’s most valuable pieces.
BP Seivers
Two assists, midfield dominance, and total control of the game’s rhythm. Calm in possession, sharp under pressure, and growing into a key role in the sláinte midfield.
Andres Perez
Creative, composed, and influential—Perez picked up a goal and assist in a fluid performance. His link-up play was clean and intelligent throughout.
Leland Brigham
Scored 10 minutes into his debut with a header and never looked back. Brought physicality, movement, and a workmanlike mentality to the front line.
Logan Funk
Converted striker turned center back—and it worked. Vocal, reliable, and confident in his new role. A key piece in the team’s defensive shape.
An impressive display from Funk on match day 1
Squad Notes
• Sam Dragunas made his official debut and looked right at home—strong in the tackle, composed on the ball, and already earning a reputation as a future defensive mainstay.
• Maja brought energy and eagerness in his debut cameo. Once his chemistry develops, he’ll be a dangerous wide option.
• Evan Novian delivered a steady shift at center back. Quietly effective and dependable alongside Funk and Henry.
• Ryan Cummings slotted in well as a fullback option off the bench—positionally sharp and quick in recovery. Expect more minutes from him going forward.
• Drew Meyers and Arlie Hitt were dynamic down the right wing, combining with quick interplay and creating overloads that Peru struggled to contain.
• Iddriss Iddriss and Dylan Burruss made smart runs and found pockets in behind, but couldn’t quite convert their chances—fine margins on what could’ve been a bigger scoreline.
• Mark McDonough was unavailable after experiencing discomfort during warm-ups and was held out as a precaution.
Burruss, unlucky to not find the back of the net after a big chance
Around the League: Matchday 1 Weekend Recap
Elsewhere in the league, Touch Kings cruised to a second straight win with a 5-2 result over Baltimore City FC, making them the early pace-setters with six points from two matches.
NPC Futbol, Ittihad FC, and MSI Pro were all on byes.
League Table After Matchday 1 Weekend
1. Touch Kings – 6 pts (2-0-0)
2. Sláinte Athletic – 3 pts (1-0-0)
3. MSI Pro – 3 pts (1-0-0)
4. Peru United – 1 pt (0-1-1)
5. Baltimore City FC – 1 pt (0-1-1)
6. Ittihad FC – 0 pts (0-1-0)
7. NPC Futbol – 0 pts (0-1-0)
With a game in hand and momentum on their side, Sláinte finds themselves in prime early position—second in the table with plenty of room to climb.
Final Word
A four-goal opener.
A team identity coming to life.
A manager and squad pushing in the same direction.
Sláinte is here, and we’re just getting started.
Players jubilant after the final whistle
Next Up: Matchday 2 vs NPC Futbol.
April 6th, 10:30 AM, Milford Mill Academy stadium
Scouting, lineups, and more coming soon.
