Memphis coming to Columbus for Doubleheader

By: Alex Husting

After a week off, the Rapids will be back inside the Columbus Civic Center this weekend for a doubleheader with the undefeated Memphis Americans. The Americans Men’s and Women’s teams are both 2-0 following home victories over the Rome Gladiators on December 30. 

The Americans Women’s team faced off with the Gladiators first, defeating Rome 5-4 with a game-winning goal from Kristen Sparks with 16 seconds remaining in the game. The Gladiators dominated the Americans with 37 shots against the Americans’ 16. 

Angel Hailey was the key for the Americans with 19 saves, which kept Memphis in the game despite the offensive onslaught from Rome. 

The Americans Men’s team was next on the pitch and won 6-3 over the Gladiators. Mike Scharf led the way with two goals for the team and Cordarius Williams had one goal and one assist. The Americans outshot Rome 22-13.

In both matches, the Rapids will need a strong defensive performance because of high powered attacks from the Americans: the Men’s team averages 6 goals per match while the Women’s team scores 7.5 goals per match. 

The Rapids Women’s team found more offensive and defensive success last week, holding the Fury to five goals and scoring three of their own, as well as putting up 23 shots. The Rapids Men’s team struggled in their match with the Fury, scoring only once and allowing 11 Fayetteville goals.

The doubleheader will start on Friday with kickoff from inside the Columbus Civic Center at 5:30 p.m. EST. The follow-up match will kickoff on Saturday 3:30 p.m. EST. 

Tickets for the Friday match are on sale here and the Saturday match tickets can be found here. Season tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

The Rapids’ matches will be streamed live on the NISL Youtube Channel. Previous matches can also be seen on the channel as well.

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL): 

The National Indoor Soccer League, which has its league office in Georgia, was founded in January 2021 by a group of experienced sports team/league owners with over 40 years of ownership experience. The NISL has plans to grow the league nationally within the next three years and will kick off its inaugural season in December 2021. The league will operate a Men's & Women's division with each market fielding both teams. Fans will be able to watch a men’s and women’s game each gameday.  For more information, go to nislpro.com.