Starting XI: Peru United vs. Sláinte Athletic
Top of the Table Ambitions — Time to Keep Building
The Spring 2025 MSSL Division II campaign rolls into Matchday 5 with Sláinte Athletic unbeaten and surging—3-0-1 with a league-best +15 goal differential.
Fresh off a commanding 4–0 win over MSI Pro, Sláinte enters the weekend with confidence, momentum, and top-of-the-table targets still squarely in sight. But as every manager knows—early success only matters if it builds into something bigger.
With a heavy May schedule looming, Sunday becomes another test of depth, discipline, and sharp execution. And Sláinte’s coaching staff has rotated the squad accordingly—trusting a mix of first-time starters and seasoned returners to carry the flag.
Starting XI
GK – Kristian Slaby
Unflappable in net. Quick off his line and cool in command. Keeps his spot after a clean sheet last week.
DEF – Drew Meyers | Evan Novian | Jevan Leyh | Sam Dragunas
Meyers: Reliable, vocal, and comfortable pushing high to support transitions.
Novian: Aerially strong, tactically aware, and improving each week.
Leyh: Makes his official MSSL debut—a veteran with championship pedigree and a calming presence.
Dragunas: Hard-working and technical. Brings a fearless edge in 1v1 defending.
MID – Arlie Hitt | Garrett Peters | Moe Cisse | Isaac Ngobu
Hitt: Shifts wide right with freedom to press, create, and stretch the game vertically.
Peters: Earns another start—clean in possession and composed under pressure.
Cisse: Makes his first start of the season in BP Seivers’ absence—physical, poised, and ready to anchor the middle.
Ngobu: In elite form. Lethal off the dribble and confident in front of goal.
FWD – Danny Hallowell | Leland Brigham
Hallowell: Moves up top—brings relentless energy, link-up play, and a scorer’s instinct.
Brigham: Dynamic and hard to pin down. Creates chances with intelligent movement and drive.
Matchday Bench
Iliass Zouita | Mark McDonough | Malachi Emmanuel | Logan Funk | Tanner Babischkin | Iddriss Iddriss
Zouita: Offers speed, flair, and end-product from the left side.
McDonough: Trusted defensive cover, especially in late-game moments.
Emmanuel: Returns from injury—can change the match with one direct run.
Funk: Rotated to rest—still a key figure and ready to steady the ship if needed.
Babischkin: Veteran leadership and tactical intelligence in deeper midfield roles.
Iddriss: A physical, direct attacking option for the second half.
Unavailable: Dylan Burruss, Ryan Cummings, Zach Epstein, Francio Henry, Aki Maja, Andres Perez, Adam Ramos, BP Seivers
Tactical Shifts & Squad Spotlight
Jevan Leyh makes his highly anticipated debut at center back. A seasoned competitor and proven winner, Leyh brings calm distribution, aerial dominance, and elite communication. With Francio Henry out, Leyh’s leadership becomes essential.
Also stepping in is Moe Cisse, who earns his first start of the season. With BP Seivers unavailable, Cisse’s composure and ball security will be key in keeping midfield balance. Expect smart positioning and clean, efficient passing from the pivot.
Danny Hallowell moves into the striker role—adding pressing intensity and a clever final-third presence in the absence of Andres Perez. With Brigham’s runs and Ngobu’s form, Hallowell becomes the glue that ties the front three together.
Notably, Logan Funk and Iliass Zouita rotate to the bench after consistent starts. Both have been instrumental in Sláinte’s early success, but the coaching staff opts to keep legs fresh. In their place, Dragunas and Leyh bring hunger, quality, and the right edge for a top-of-the-table battle.
Final Word
Four matches. Three wins. One draw. +15 goal differential.
But none of it means anything without consistency.
Sunday offers more than three points—it’s a chance to sharpen, test the depth chart, and prove that this group isn’t just hot—it’s built for the long run.
Kickoff: 1:00 PM
Peru United vs. Sláinte Athletic
MSSL Division II | Matchday 5
Watch live via DMV Sports Media
Stay sharp. Stay ruthless. Stay rising.
