Photo: Cay North
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Ali Shawish had a goal and an assist as FC Buffalo rode a hot start to a 4-1 win over North Mississauga SC in an international friendly on Fan Appreciation Night at Sweet Home High School on Tuesday.
The Lackawanna product and Buffalo State rising senior bagged a terrific free kick and set-up assistant coach John Grabowski for a goal in the win.
Kendell McFayden and Brett Stern also scored for FCB, with Stern and Troy Brady also recording assists.
Rahim Thorpe, a former Toronto FC II player, scored the lone goal for the visiting Panthers.
FCB opened the scoring when Brady’s hustle forced a save out of the NMSC keeper, but Stern was there from miles away to slot the rebound.
The Wolves went ahead two when Keane McIvor’s free kick was saved, but spilled wide of the post. Stern collected the ball and slid across the six for McFayden.
2-0! The keeper gets a hand to Keane’s free kick, but Stern cues up @McFayden23 off the rebound pic.twitter.com/cGLZYgcnkK
— FC Buffalo (@FCBuffalo) July 11, 2018
FCB made it 3-0 through Shawish, who subbed into the game at halftime.
Shawish, who’d later send a long cross to Grabowski to finish, scored a delightful free kick as FCB won its first ever match against Canadian competition.
.@alishawish9 is here for your free kick needs. 3-0 FCB. pic.twitter.com/vPmC835GW5
— FC Buffalo (@FCBuffalo) July 11, 2018
FCB announced its season award winners at halftime of the game. Euan Bauld was named MVP and Best Defensive Player, with Keane McIvor claiming Best Offensive Player honors.
Kendell McFayden won the Heart and Soul Award, while also sharing the Supporters’ Choice Award with Jeremy Figler. Austin Stout claimed the Unsung Hero Award.
