Harrington's PK not enough as Real Central falls to First State FC

May 31st, 2026

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Real Central NJ lost an entertaining game 2-1 to First State FC on Sunday night. The loss makes Real Central NJ 0-2 early in the 2026 The League for Clubs season.

First State FC were all over Real Central NJ for the first 15 minutes of the contest. The visitors pressed the home side early. The pressure closed down passing lanes and created turnovers. Through the first 20 minutes, First State FC had 5 chances while Real Central NJ were unable to generate any.

The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute of the game when Samuel Macy received a pass behind Real Central’s back line. Macy, alone in front of goalkeeper Christopher Kelley, clinically finished to put First State FC up 1-0.

Real Central NJ began to grow into the game around the 30th minute. Then, a red card for First State FC player Jiung Ha in the 33rd minute turned everything upside down. First State FC still had a 1-0 lead but they were down a player for the rest of the game.

The home side started to control possession and stack up chances. Real Central were on the front foot and First State FC were in a defensive shape. But the barricades held for the rest of the half and it was 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw First State FC come out aggressively but Real Central NJ did a fine job of adjusting. The home side utilized their man advantage to re-establish control of the game.

Real Central found real joy in the 50th minute after a wonderful pass by Daniil Kaban to Roan Harrington in the 18-yard box. Harrington was fouled and a penalty shot was awarded.

Harrington took the penalty and it was nearly flawless. He shot hard right and slightly elevated. First State goalkeeper Victor Jaunay guessed right and nearly got enough of the ball to save. But Harrington’s rocket caught the inside of the goal post and the ball bounced into the net to level the terms at 1-1 in the 51st minute.

Real Central followed up the goal with more pressure. They had a number of chances for the next 15 minutes but Jaunay had an excellent night. His strong goalkeeping kept First State FC equal until they could get their share of the ball.

First State FC were rewarded for weathering the storm in the 66th minute. Jinto Kanagase scored after receiving a clever pass from Tomohito Imure. The goal put First State up 2-1 and it was their first chance of the second half.

Real Central NJ had the ball and plenty of chances for the rest of the match. One of their best opportunities came in the 73rd minute when a strong shot from close range by Kaban was saved by Jaunay.

At the final whistle, First State FC, undermanned for over 60 minutes including stoppage time, well-earned the 2-1 win.

Man of the Match for Real Central NJ was Christopher Kelley. “Topher” was all over the place in the first half. Without his strong netminding, Real Central NJ could have been down much more than one goal.

Real Central NJ’s next match in TLfC is Wednesday, 6/3, at Atlantic City FC. Game time is 7 pm.