DUSC MOVES INTO THE METRO'S DRIVER SEAT

Written By:  Charlie Corr
             East Region Contributor

Downtown United SC moved into a strong position to win the Metro Conference this week. In a matchup of two unbeaten WPSL sides, DUSC was up to the task with a crucial 2-0 victory against Brooklyn City FC on Sunday.
 

With a 5-0-2 record and 17 points, DUSC enters its final week with an opportunity to clinch the Metro Conference title with a victory or draw against STA on Tuesday.
 

Elsewhere in the Metro, SUSA FC has orchestrated a three-match unbeaten streak, which briefly moved the club into the upper half of the conference standings.
 

Second-half surge puts DUSC on cusp of title: Expansion Brooklyn City FC gave Downtown United SC all it could handle in both of its Metro matches this season, but DUSC was finally able to break through twice in the second half of Sunday’s 2-0 win. Mckenzie Pluck tallied the match-winner in the 67’ minute off of a Bella Sember assist. Pluck’s tally ricocheted off of the right post and crossed the goal line. Things stayed that way until the 88’ minute when DUSC quickly countered and found Smith Hunter one-on-one with Brooklyn’s goalkeeper. Hunter created a lane near the right post and slotted home for a two-goal cushion.
 

The loss was Brooklyn’s first in its inaugural WPSL season, but the league newcomer can still right the ship with two matches remaining; a potential top-two finish is very much within reach. Brooklyn is now 3-1-2 (11 points).

SUSA FC stringing a run: The 2022 season for SUSA FC started off a little slow, but the final stretch is generating plenty of steam. SUSA defeated New York Dutch Lions FC last Tuesday to extend its unbeaten streak to three matches. Samantha Adams notched a hat trick and Jessica Garziano added a brace to help SUSA improve to 3-3-1 (10 points) on the season. That victory moved the club into third place during the midweek. SUSA wraps up its Metro season with a home match against the New York Athletic Club on Saturday.
 

All eyes on defensive stronghold STA: If there is any chance of the Metro Conference victor being decided as close to the end of the season as possible, everything rests on the performance of STA, which was idle this past week. STA prepares for two of its toughest opponents this week – a road match against Downtown United SC on Tuesday, followed by a home and season finale against Brooklyn City FC on Thursday. The Metro Conference has featured plenty of high-flying offensive performances, but it deserves mention that STA has consistently touted one of the conference’s (and WPSL’s) best defenses throughout the season. STA’s defense leads the Metro with a 0.83 goals-against average (only 5 goals conceded in 6 matches).

Week 5 Metro Conference Schedule:
 

Tuesday, June 28

Downtown United SC vs. STA, 6 p.m. ET

Wednesday, June 29

New Jersey Alliance FC vs. New York Athletic Club, 8 p.m. ET

Thursday, June 30

STA vs. Brooklyn City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 2

SUSA FC vs. New York Athletic Club, 4 p.m. ET