A Last Minute Freekick Earns Spindles their First Road Win in the UPL
Sacandaga 2 - 3 Spindles
21’ - Adjei (Valente)
77’ - Trestick (Ad. Singaporewala)
88’ - Palumbo
June 14, 2026 | Galway, NY
Spindles United FC (2-0-2) traveled to Galway on Sunday afternoon to take on the Sacandaga Lakers (2-0-2) in a crucial Upstate Premier League matchup.
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides battling for control of possession. Spindles settled into the game quickly and controlled much of the early play, creating several dangerous opportunities in the attacking third. A breakthrough goal felt inevitable.
That breakthrough arrived in the 21’. After winning possession near midfield, Spindles worked the ball to Ethan Valente, who found Zeidane Adeji in space. Adeji unleashed a stunning strike from 30 yards out that rocketed past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for his first goal of the season, giving Spindles a deserved 1-0 lead.
Spindles continued to push for a second goal before halftime, but the Lakers remained organized defensively and kept the deficit at one.
As the first half progressed, Sacandaga began to grow into the match. Utilizing direct play, long throws, and dangerous set pieces, the Lakers consistently tested the Spindles defense. Their persistence paid off in the 44’ when a well-driven corner kick found an unmarked attacker inside the box, who finished first-time to level the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The intensity only increased after the break. Spindles once again controlled the majority of possession and looked to press high up the field, while Sacandaga searched for opportunities to play direct balls behind the back line. Both teams created quality chances, but neither could find the decisive touch.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 77’. Midfielder Adam Singaporewala won a hard-fought challenge, maintained possession, and slipped a weighted through ball to Anders Trestick. Trestick beat his defender and calmly placed his finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season, restoring Spindles’ lead at 2-1.
The lead, however, would not last long.
Just three minutes later, Sacandaga earned another corner kick after threatening from set pieces throughout the afternoon. A quality delivery found the head of a Lakers attacker, who powered home the equalizer to make it 2-2 in the 81’.
With time winding down, both teams pushed for a winner. The match opened up into an end-to-end battle as each side searched for all three points.
In the 88’, Spindles earned a free kick in a dangerous shooting position just outside the box. With the game hanging in the balance, Frankie Palumbo stepped up to take the set piece. Under immense pressure, Palumbo delivered in spectacular fashion, curling his effort into the bottom corner to give Spindles a dramatic 3-2 lead in the dying moments.
The Lakers threw everything forward during stoppage time, but the Spindles defense responded with crucial tackles, clearances, and relentless determination to preserve the advantage.
When the final whistle sounded, Spindles had secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Zeidane Adjei earned the Man of the Match award for his opening goal, easily a contender for Goal of the Season.
The win marks Spindles’ third consecutive victory and improves their record to 3-0-2 on the season, moving them into second place in the UPL standings at the midway point of the campaign.
Up Next:
Spindles United FC return home Friday, June 19, to face Mohawk City FC (3-0-2) at Waterford-Halfmoon Turf. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 PM in what promises to be a key matchup between the two sides.
