The Savannah Clovers Football Club (SCFC) kicked off a new era for soccer in the city with a 1-1 tie against Michigan Stars FC at Memorial Stadium on April 1, in front of 2,180 fans. Competing in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), the Clovers are one of three new clubs beginning NISA play this spring.
Michigan Stars broke the deadlock after an even 35 minutes of play with a well-taken goal by midfielder Noah Robinson. Robinson was played into the left side by defender Andres Chalbaud before shooting low to the far post.
In the 42nd minute, the Clovers answered back with the first professional goal in team history. Midfielder Andrew Barrowman scored on a volley inside the box after a scramble off a Clovers corner kick taken by Ahadon Tait. Clovers midfielder Andrew Barrowman was sent off in the dying moments of the game for a second yellow card.
Goalkeeper Jack Pondy received the Clovers Player of the Match award after recording five saves.
“I would like to thank the Savannah Clovers fans for their incredible support in this historic game tonight,” said Clovers Head Coach David Proctor. “Their energy and passion in the stadium transcended onto the field and helped push the players to find that equalizing goal.”
On the success of the team’s home debut, Savannah Clovers CEO Shane Folgado said, “We are very thankful for everyone from the players to the staff and of course the fans. Everyone showed up and we all made history – together!”
The club’s acceptance into NISA was announced on January 11, 2022, marking the first time professional outdoor soccer would be played in Savannah. NISA is a U.S. third-tier professional men’s league with nine member clubs, according to its website.
Founded in the summer of 2016, the Savannah Clovers played in the United Premier Soccer League for five seasons and participated in the 2020 and 2021 editions of the NISA Independent Cup. In June of 2022, David Proctor was named the first SCFC professional head coach.
All home matches will be played at Memorial Stadium, a 5,000-seat stadium that recently underwent renovations. The club reached an agreement with Chatham County last summer to host games at the stadium.
This article appears in Apr 1-30, 2023.
