Real Central earns first TLfC win vs Kensington SC

June 10th, 2026

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Real Central NJ won their first three points of the 2026 The League for Clubs season with a gritty 2-1 victory over Kensington SC on Tuesday night. The win makes Real Central NJ 1-0-2 with six matches to play.

Lightning in the area delayed the start of the match and the first half soccer was as choppy as the weather that preceded it. Neither team gained a foothold on the action but possession slightly favored Kingston SC. 

Real Central NJ buzzed the tower in the third minute when Daniil Kaban sent a hard, appetizing cross through the box looking for a touch. Nicholas Grippa’s head just missed the ball and the game remained scoreless.

The game came to life in the 49th minute when Kingston SC took the first corner of the game. Real Central NJ goalkeeper Christopher Kelley made a strong save on a wicked ball on a course to curl into the net.

Kensington SC’s Colin O’Hara gave the proceedings a stir in the 65th minute when he attempted a bicycle kick from about 14 yards out. O’Hara made contact and put the shot on net but goalkeeper Kelley was in perfect position to make the save.

Real Central NJ found the net in the 73rd minute through a strong drive from Daniil Kaban and good fortune. Kaban sent another goal-seeking cross into the danger area that found the leg of a helpless Kingston Stockade SC player and the home side were up 1-0.

The lead lasted until the 86th minute when Kingston Stockade SC’s Cariil Asanji received the ball under pressure just inside the box with his back to the goal. He held off the defender, turned, and fired a missile into the back of the net. Resolute to earn their first points in tLFC season, Kingston SC were on level terms 1-1.

But a marvelous touch by Jasper Cox to Daniil Kaban in the 90th minute put Real Central NJ out front for the evening. Cox made a deft touch while one-on-one with goalkeeper Johan Morales in space at the edge of the 18-yard box. The ball floated over to Kaban who had a yawning net in front of him. Kaban put away the goal and the game.

Kaban, who was Player of the Match with a goal and an assist, was a presence all night. An brilliant example occured in the 81st minute when Kaban used his head to gain control of the ball and stormed down the field with pace. If not for a fine defensive effort by Kristopher McDonald to track back and stop him, Kaban was in the catbird seat to put Real Central NJ up 2-0.

Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kaban plays with Howard University. His strong play has impressed for Real Central NJ this season.

Next up for Real Central NJ is a matchup with FC Monmouth at Mercer County Community College on Sunday, June 14. It should be a fine challenge. FC Monmouth curently have a record of 3-0-1 with 9 points.