Covington, KY (May 11, 2022) - The season openers for the Kings Hammer FC teams may not have went in the win column, but many positives come out of each match. On Friday May 6, the KHFC women's team played in the inaugural USL W League match, but fell 1-3 to Indy Eleven. The men's team dropped a 0-1 decision to Fort Wayne FC on Tuesday May 10.

Indy Eleven v. KHFC - 3-1

A rocking crowd at Grand Park's indoor facility was the site of the inaugural 2022 USL W League opener. Indy Eleven hosted in their all-weather facility on a night that could have called for some less-than-favorable weather. The hosts started off strong scoring twice in the first 18 minutes, and also nearly scored within the first 10 seconds of the match.

A slow start by KHFC was not all doom and gloom. The visitors had some chances and were able to capitalize five minutes before halftime on a Mandy Schlueter shot from distance. Her chance came when she found the ball outside the top of the box and the Indy goalkeeper off her line, the left-footed curler tucked nicely under the crossbar to bring the match to 1-2 at the half.

The second half was more of the same back-and-forth action. Kings Hammer was trying to find some goals, but Indy Eleven's goalkeeper made at least two fantastic diving saves to keep the visitors from equalizing. A 78th minute scramble in the box from Indy put them up for good 1-3 and sealed the opening victory for the hosts.

KHFC v. Fort Wayne FC - 0-1

The Tuesday night opener for both USL League Two teams and a new division, the Valley Division, saw a tale of two halves. The first half was an attacking onslaught from both sides, forcing both goalkeepers into five saves each to keep the match 0-0 at the half. For 45 minutes, both teams went endline-to-endline seeking to knock home the opening goal. Sam Robinson had probably the best chance of either team when he found himself just outside the six yard box, but Fort Wayne's goalkeeper was able to make a save to deny Robinson the opening goal. KHFC goalkeeper Danny Bermingham had two tough saves to make as one was sent skipping in that made it tough to handle and another low, near post shot where a quick-thinking dive was made to keep the game scoreless.

In the 66th minute, Fort Wayne broke the deadlock on a rebound after Bermingham made first save. A tough goal to swallow, but plenty of time to equalize. A few tactical changes were made, along with some personnel as the season opener and over-80 degree temperatures were wearing on the squad. Unfortunately, KHFC were unable to grab an equalizer as the final whistle blew in favor of Fort Wayne and their 0-1 scoreline.

Next matches
USLW: home v. AFC Ann Arbor - Friday May 13 at 7:00pm
USL2: away v. Fort Wayne FC - Sunday May 15 at 3:00pm

Kings Hammer FC staff and players thank you for your support during the 2022 USL League Two and W League seasons and hope to see you throughout the season. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to keep updated on everything Kings Hammer FC. Contact the the Club for any questions or appearances.