Eastshore Alliance FC Teams Make their DPL Home Debut
This past Sunday marked a significant milestone for Eastshore Alliance FC (EAFC) as the club's teams made their highly anticipated home debut in the Development Player League (DPL). The day was filled with excitement, determination, and a display of top-tier soccer as both players and fans embraced this exciting chapter in Eastshore's competitive journey.
A Historic Day for the Club
Eastshore Alliance FC has been eagerly preparing for this moment since joining the DPL, a league that provides a platform for talented youth soccer players to compete at an elite level. Sunday’s home matches represented more than just an opportunity to earn points—it was a showcase of the club's growth, ambition, and commitment to developing its athletes.
In a landmark moment for the club and the region, EAFC hosted the first-ever female-only DPL soccer event. Executive Director of Programming, Matt Fitchett, expressed his pride in the occasion:
“We are incredibly proud and excited to have hosted the region’s first-ever female-only DPL soccer event. It was inspiring to see so many EAFC players from our U13–U19 teams giving their all and competing fiercely against strong opponents throughout the event. At EAFC, our commitment to female athletes is steadfast, providing professional training, top-tier playing environments, and opportunities for skill development and a love for the game. By offering access to the DPL, we continue to advance our mission to help female players reach their full soccer potential. As the only local club offering DPL, we remain dedicated to investing in this national female-exclusive league and reinforcing our leadership in empowering female soccer players in our community.”
With a packed crowd of supportive families and local soccer enthusiasts, the atmosphere at the home field was electric. Fans lined the sidelines, cheering on their teams and creating an environment that inspired the players to give their all.
2007G APX Struggles in Tough Match
Coach John’s 2007G APX team faced a strong Livermore Fusion team, competing under the Cali Rise banner, in a difficult matchup. Despite the team's best efforts, they were unable to recover from three goals that came off interceptions and fast transitions. Coach John reflected on the performance: “It was a bit of a weird one, and we’re chalking it up to an off day. The last two goals came from back passes that were easily read and intercepted. We created some chances but couldn’t convert them.”
Though the result wasn’t what the team had hoped for, the players demonstrated resilience and will look to rebound in their upcoming matches.
2008G APX Secures Victory in Gritty Performance
The 2008G APX team, also coached by John, had a much more positive showing against Rev NPL, another team competing under the Cali Rise name. The girls capitalized on their chances, scoring twice to earn a 2-0 win while keeping a clean sheet. The match wasn’t without its challenges, as Coach John described: “The game got really chippy at times, with our players taking hits after the play on multiple occasions. But the girls did really well to use that as fuel to compete harder and not let it deter them.”
The 2008G APX team’s ability to stay composed and focus on their game was key to their success, earning them a well-deserved win in the DPL.
Building Momentum
Director of Coaching Niall Irwin expressed pride in the teams’ performances and the support from the local soccer community. “This was a special day for our players and our club. The DPL is a highly competitive league, and to see our players step up on such an important occasion is fantastic. Our goal is to continue developing and pushing these talented athletes to their full potential.”
With the DPL season now in full swing, Eastshore Alliance FC is gaining momentum. Sunday's performances, though mixed, showed that the club’s teams are ready to compete at a high level and continue to grow throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
As Eastshore Alliance FC continues its DPL campaign, the club is eager to build on these experiences and refine its game. Fans can expect more exciting matches, passionate performances, and further development from these young athletes.
The next home fixture is set for later this season, and the club invites the community to come out and support the teams as they strive for success in this competitive league.