SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO (June 28th, 2025) – After a losing on a goal in stoppage time to Lexington SC at the midweek, the Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati men would return home to face West Virginia United in what they hoped was a different result.
Before a ball could be kicked though, a brief thunderstorm would delay kickoff by 75 minutes, meaning the scheduled 7:00 p.m. start time became an 8:15 p.m. start time. The delay certainly didn’t put West Virginia off, as forward Jack Kay would find the back of the net from close range just eight minutes into the game.
Kay had the chance to double WVU’s advantage in the 17th minute when he was played in one-on-one, but fluffed his opportunity when his chip went sailing over the bar.
KHFC’s best chance of the half wouldn’t come until five minutes from the break, as a scramble following a corner ended with Thomas De Graauw finding the ball bouncing his way. The midfielder took on the volley, striking the ball pure, beating the goalkeeper but not the crossbar, clattering off the underside and rebounding back into play.
The Hammers didn’t have to wait 40 minutes for their next big chance as just five minutes after the break, the referee awarded KHFC an indirect free kick in the West Virginia box after he ruled that WVU goalie Thomas Macauley held the ball for more than six seconds. Parker Grinstead would lay the ball off Diego Hoenderkamp, but his shot would be deflected. KHFC forward Brock Kiper would retain possession, but couldn’t put his shot on target.
Despite an exciting start to the second half, the remainder would be a bit slow, with both teams failing to convert their chances at each end. In the 83rd minute though, a poor clearance from KHFC would gift West Virginia forward Lorenzo Grispello the ball inside the 18-yard box, and after smashing the ball as hard as he could into the back of the net, WVU would find themselves firmly in control with a 2-0 lead.
Late drama would see KHFC defender Weston Jonke sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the match, which more or less sealed KHFC’s fate. Down to 10 men, they fought the best they could, but ended up falling 2-0 at home.
The Hammers now find themselves sliding to fifth in the Valley Division, and officially out of contention for the playoffs. But the season is far from over, with KHFC being back in action at the Lindner Family Sports Complex on July 9th for one final home match. Fans are encouraged to attend!
