Oakland County FC kicks off the 2022 USL2 campaign this Sunday in Ann Arbor

Composed by Ben Epstein

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This Sunday, Oakland County Football Club will be taking on AFC Ann Arbor in the opening match of the 2022 season.

Head coach Vinnie Vasilevski and the squad travel to Ann Arbor for the first time since 2019, as AFCAA did not participate the last two years due to COVID-19 safety and a focus on community service. The clubs last met in 2019, when County picked up a 3-2 win over Mighty Oak in the Milk Cup Semi-Final.

“It’s exciting to be back on the field! Through the years AFC Ann Arbor has always had a strong team, so I’m looking forward to a battle to start the season,” Vasilevski said.

The Purple Gang will be looking to reach new heights in 2022 after accruing a record of 5-6-3 last year. Coach Vasilevski and the rest of the staff have assembled a team that has the ability to do just that. In addition to a number of exciting new faces, County’s 2022 squad see’s the return of top scorers Demetri Pliakos and Nebojsa Popovic. The two each had a team-high five goals last season, combining for 10 goals, four assists and converting 47% of their shots. 

OCFC and AFCAA have met many times on the pitch – this will be the first in USL2.

At the back, County fans should be excited to have center back Chase Inscho return after a stellar summer in purple last year. Another center back to look out for this season is County newcomer John Oshakpemhe Jr, the Nigerian native arrives on the back of an excellent collegiate campaign at Tiffin University. Competing for time at the back will be Ypsilanti native and Western Michigan University Bronco Dante Bailey.

Maximilian Loria is the only returner in the goalkeeper corps. Loria played eight games for OCFC last year, racking up 40 saves and allowing just 15 goals. His .727 goal percentage and 2.14 goals allowed average were some of the top marks for goalies in the USL2 with five games played or more. Newcomer Caleb Norris from Butler will be sure to see some playing time as well. 

“I’m excited for a lot of the familiar faces from last year, as well as some new players as well,” Vasilevski said. “I can’t wait to go fight for the County.”

AFC Ann Arbor’s return to the play will include Shion Soga of the University of South Florida. Soga was selected to the 2021 AAC All-Conference First Team after making appearances in all 14 games while knocking in three goals and dishing out four assists this previous collegiate season. County will also have to be wary of Zion Beaton, a midfielder from Duquensue who scored four goals over 893 minutes during his senior season. 

Goalkeeper Lane McGrane may man the net for the Mighty Oak in 2022. McGrane made seven appearances at Michigan State last season, McGrane picked up 15 saves and was the leader of MSU’s only shutout in Big Ten play, a 1-0 victory over Ohio State.

Kickoff for Sunday’s bout between OCFC and AFCAA is set for 4 PM. at Saline High School. Oakland County FC’s home opener is the third game of the 2022 USL2 campaign, Saturday May 21 at 7 PM.