Opened the 2026 UPSL Premir Spring season in impressive fashion

The Coastal Kings FC first team opened the 2026 UPSL Spring season in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating Combine Academy 4-1 in the club’s first home match of the year at Memorial Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.

Under a traditionally picturesque Savannah sky and temperatures pushing 90 degrees, the Kings faced a youthful and energetic Combine Academy side from the north Charlotte region known for their high-pressure style. From the opening whistle, Combine’s relentless press made life difficult for the home squad. The first fifteen to twenty minutes were choppy and physical, with the Kings working to settle into their rhythm.

The match marked another milestone for the club, which is coming off a historic debut season. In 2025 the Kings secured a playoff berth in their inaugural campaign, delivering what many consider the most successful first season by any semi-professional club in Savannah soccer history. Although their run ended in the Mid-Atlantic playoff semifinals, the foundation built last year was clearly evident once the Kings found their footing Saturday.

Early in the first half, the Kings thought they had opened the scoring when Miguel Romero found the back of the net, only to see the goal controversially called back per offsides.

Kings Coach David Koebler had this to say on the matter. "Afer reviewing the game film it's clear he was on sides and we should have been up two at half. We don't have VAR at this level to keep the AR's honest. It is what it is. Sometimes they get it right but we have consitently seen the opposite when we get to the film.

The home side did not wait long to respond to the controversal call. Just ten minutes later, the Kings were awarded a penalty. Captain Zack Hargreaves stepped up and delivered with authority, driving a laser of a shot into the left corner to give the Kings a 1-0 lead. The goal mirrored the confident attacking play that defined the club’s inaugural season.

Heading into halftime with the lead was critical after a tense opening forty-five minutes filled with constant midfield battles and heavy pressure from the visiting side. When the teams returned for the second half, the Savannah heat had fully settled into the turf at Memorial Stadium, pushing on-field temperatures even higher. As the heat intensified, so did the scoring.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Miguel Romero corrected the earlier disallowed chance by burying a goal of his own, doubling the Kings’ advantage and energizing the crowd.

With temperatures climbing and the pace of play relentless, substitutions came frequently as both sides searched for fresh legs. Combine Academy managed to claw one back midway through the half, narrowing the score to 2-1, but the Kings quickly reasserted control. Moments later, Shannon Blake unleashed a powerful strike from the right side that cut through traffic inside the box. A deflection carried the ball into the back of the net, restoring the Kings’ two-goal cushion.

Five minutes later, Murilo Lara capped the afternoon with the most spectacular finish of the day, blasting a shot from a similar angle that went bar down, sealing the 4-1 victory for the home side.

Even with the club’s move into the expanded Memorial Stadium, the stands were packed. While official numbers are still pending, it is clear that attendance for Coastal Kings matches continues to grow, and the opener likely set a new club attendance mark.

Combine Academy's Coach Tudor Barna had this to say after the game. "The hospitality here was amazing. Six years in the league. We have never experianced anything like this. Thank you to the KINGS for a great venue, great atmosphere and gracious hospitality"

Kings Head Coach David Koebler reflected on the match. “The game was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Credit where it is due, Combine Academy is doing excellent work with those young players. They were competitive, full of energy, and played an aggressive style. They put us under pressure early and sustained that pressure throughout the match.

I’m proud of our group for shaking off the rust in the first half and finding control in the second. Our substitutions made a real impact today. In those conditions, the heat was intense, and managing minutes was critical to maintaining tempo. Fortunately, we have depth, and the players coming off the bench have the ability to change a game.”

With the season now underway and momentum firmly on their side, the Kings will take their show on the road next weekend, traveling north to face Gastonia FC.

If the season opener is any indication, the Kings look poised to build on last year’s historic campaign as Savannah’s soccer community continues to rally behind the club.