(PEORIA, Ill.) — Peoria City has its hands on the first piece of USL League Two hardware in its 3-year history.
Now known as the 2024 Central Conference Champions, the Flying Carps defeated the Flint City Bucks 1-0 in front of a stellar Shea Stadium crowd Friday night, with stands filled with 2,024 roaring fans.
Two things have been constant truths about Peoria City’s 2024 campaign.
Super Samy Slimi (Campbell University) leads the Carp to clean sheets, and Luke Persenico (Clarke University) is a top-notch goal scorer.
Slimi now has two shutouts in the 2024 USL League Two Playoffs, while Persenico has scored 4 goals in 3 appearances.
But how did we get here? It wasn’t just a snap of the fingers.
The 2024 USL League Two campaign has been nothing short of a roller coaster.
A first match draw on the road against Des Moines had such an impact on the rest of the season that no one could imagine, leading to two more battles against the Menace later on in the season.
Let’s not forget a 4-0 home opener victory, followed by an away 6-0 win, and another 6-0 win at home in just 11 days.
This was followed up 2 days later by a 10-0 victory over Springfield FC in another exhibition match.
The Inaugural Copa Peoria Series, hosting Chivas de Guadalajara, one of the world’s most well-known soccer franchises U-23 side, for two international friendlies in Peoria, Illinois. Attendance records broken, a community coming together, and Peoria, Illinois and its’ thriving soccer scene being seen on the international stage.
It was a historic run at the beginning of the Carp’s season, but the real challenge came mid-season.
Two matchups against River Light FC (one win, one draw), two matchups against St. Charles FC (one win, one loss).
A playoff berth that came down to the wire.
Being chosen to host USL League Two Playoffs pods, twice!
An opening round shutout of Thunder Bay Chill, an extremely talented squad with one USL League Two Championship under their belt.
Who can forget the 5-5 stalemate after 120 minutes against 2-time USL2 Champion Des Moines that would lead to PKs? Followed by two blocked saves by star goalkeeper Samy Slimi.
Then, against one of the USL League Two torch bearers, the Flint City Bucks, another clean sheet for Slimi alongside Peoria’s leading-scorer Luke Persenico doing what he does best, leading the Carp to a 1-0 victory.
Goals, and lack thereof, are the things everyone sees on the stat sheet.
What you don’t see? Defensive efforts that change the outcome of a soccer match. And that’s why defender and hometown hero Wesley Gibson (SIUE Cougars) received Friday night’s Man of the Match. Gibson has shown time and time again why lock down, never give up defense is of the utmost importance. The Morton, Illinois native said the crowd was unbelievable Friday night.
“We want more, we want the final, and we’re so close. We can feel it, but there’s a lot of work to do still.” Gibson said. “It was unbelievable from everyone tonight. Our midfield won the midfield, everyone’s pressing, (Luke with the) gritty goal and Samy was unbelievable.”
The Flying Carp are back in action Sunday afternoon, with a 1:30 p.m. CT kickoff to take on FC Tucson.
Tucson defeated Project 510 out of the Oakland Roots organization Friday afternoon 2-1.
The tailgate lot opens at 11:30 Sunday morning. The Phoenix, The Station and Orchid Grove Beverage Company are the food/drink vendors for Sunday’s Final Four matchup.
The match will be streamed on Peoria City’s YouTube channel and Sports Engine Play.
#UpTheCarp
