NY Empire FC Dominates AFC Academy 6-0, Climbs Into Playoff Position

3 days ago
2 min read

NY Empire FC produced a statement performance Wednesday night, cruising to a 6-0 victory over AFC Academy at SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex and moving into 4th place in the UPSL Northeast Premier Division playoff standings.

With just three matches remaining, Empire now controls its own destiny in the race for postseason qualification.

The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves as Johanny Moreno continued his remarkable run of form. Moreno struck twice in the opening half to give Empire an early advantage and increase his tally to four goals in his last two matches.

Empire's attack remained relentless throughout the first half. Stephen Hollis added a third goal before Alan Martinez found the net to send Empire into halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead.

Head Coach Max Ferro made four substitutions at the break, but the momentum never slowed. Substitute Johan Velezmade an immediate impact by adding Empire's fifth goal before Carlos Martinez completed the scoring and sealed the emphatic 6-0 victory.

Defensively, Empire was equally impressive. Goalkeeper Justin Silva recorded the shutout behind a disciplined back line that limited AFC Academy's opportunities from start to finish.

The match also marked the debut of center back Matt Sloan, a former Fordham University standout. Sloan looked composed throughout his first appearance in Empire colors and provided an immediate boost to the club's defensive depth.

Ferro Praises Complete Team Performance

Following the match, Head Coach Max Ferro highlighted the team's focus and professionalism.

"The mentality was right from the opening whistle. We played with intensity, stayed organized, and were ruthless when chances came. It was a complete team performance. We know what's in front of us now. We've put ourselves back in a playoff position, but the job isn't finished. We control our own destiny and that's exactly where we wanted to be heading into these final three games."

The victory pushes NY Empire FC into 4th place, the final playoff position, with nine points still available before the end of the regular season.

Empire's playoff fate now rests entirely in its own hands as the club prepares for a crucial final stretch:

May 26: at Brooklyn FC
May 30: vs. Brooklyn FC (Home)
June 6: at AFC Academy

With momentum building, key signings contributing, and multiple attacking options finding form, NY Empire FC enters the final three matches of the season knowing that strong performances will secure a place in the postseason.