Bermudian international duo Andrew Armstrong and Xahvi DeRoza both played their part as USL League Two heavyweights FC Motown secured a clinical 3-1 victory over Staten Island ASC Pre-Professional at Wagner College.
FC Motown’s high-pressing system paid immediate dividends, breaching the host’s defense in just the sixth minute. Before Staten Island could formulate a structural response, 20-year-old forward Andrew Armstrong left his definitive stamp on the match. Capitalising on a turnover deep in the attacking third, the Dayton Flyers striker ghosted past his marker in the ninth minute to fire home a superb low strike, doubling the advantage and heading into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Hoping to manage workloads ahead of a frantic summer schedule, the Motown coaching staff replaced the goalscoring Armstrong at the interval.
Staten Island mounted a spirited resurgence to pull a goal back, but any thoughts of a dramatic comeback were neutralized when newly signed Bermudian midfielder Xahvi DeRoza was introduced into the engine room in the 73rd minute. Following a decorated freshman campaign with the University of New Hampshire, the America East All-Rookie selection injected immediate stability and tactical maturity. DeRoza’s precise distribution allowed Motown to completely regain control before a late insurance goal sealed a thoroughly deserved three points.
