Newton, MA — Stockade FC traveled to Valeo FC to open the NPSL with a late Saturday night draw to secure the first points of the season.

After a stalemate first half that included numerous attacking chances for Stockade, it ended scoreless.

Valeo would ultimately take the lead in the 54’ as a dangerous whipped in set piece from the right side traveled all the way through and into the back of the net.

Stockade would equalize in the 68’ as Zach Rabadi’s strike made contact with a defenders arm in the box and was given as a penalty. Up stepped Paul Makaj to calmly slot home the leveler.

The final minutes would not go without chances as both teams created dangerous moments but could not find the winner.

The match saw debuts for Richard Morel, Jonathan Salguero and Justin Rodriguez in starting roles while Rian Lovell, Ray Troche and Rodrigo Guerra featured as reserves in their debuts.

The road draw earns Stockade FC the first points of the 2024 season before a match up with league newcomers New Jersey United AC on the road next Saturday.

Around the conference, Hartford City opened up their season with a 3-0 win over New Jersey United AC at home and New York Shockers defeated Syracuse, 2-1 in Albany.

Dan Hoffay