Grove United Wins at Home During Santi Strong Fundraiser!

Photo @Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The Grove United Lions were playing for more than a win on Sunday night against Virginia Dream FC. They were also playing for their teammate and captain, Santiago Naliato. Santi was involved in a devastating car accident back in June, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.

In the weeks leading up to the return to City Stadium, Grove United launched the Santi Strong fundraiser as a way for fans, players, and staff members to support Santi and his family on his road to recovery through. All profits from the Grove United Replica Jersey sales went directly to the Santi Strong Campaign and promotion of the GoFundme campaign.

As July 2nd approached, the team prepared for their first home game in weeks without their captain. With Santi on everyone’s minds, the Lions rallied together and scored their first home win of the season.

Photo @Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography

The Lions started strong as #10 Onesime Muepu Ngoie, the Lion’s lead scorer with seven goals in the last five games, was assisted by #6 Asanda Tom to score the first goal in the 44th minute. VA Dream FC answered with a goal by Angel Chavez in the 68th minute. However, Muepu responded with another goal just minutes later. The Lions capped off the night with a 3rd goal in stoppage time from #17 James Lee, ending the night with a 3-1 win.

After the match, fans and players were called to the center of the stadium to show their support for Santi. Fans in the stands sported their new #5 jerseys as a result of the Santi Strong fundraiser and took pictures with the team after the exciting win.

As a result of the fundraiser, over $34,000 was raised for Santi and his family. However, there is still time to show your support for Santi on his recovery journey, as the fundraiser will continue at the next Grove United home match on July 8th against Fredrick FC.

Come out to City Stadium on July 8 at 7 P.M. to support Santi and the Lions.

Grove Soccer family, it is time to unite and support one of our own...

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out for your support of one of our Grove United players, Santiago (Santi) Naliato. Santi has been our Grove United NPSL Center Back for the last 2 years. He was involved in a devastating car accident on Thursday afternoon which has left him with a serious spinal cord injury.

Please consider donating to Santi's GoFundMe page to alleviate some of the costs that he and his family will incur as a result of this tragic event. ANY donation, big or small, will go a long way to helping Santi and his family as they embark on the long road ahead.

Donations can be made here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-us-in-supporting-santis-road-to-recovery?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=chat&utm_source=whatsApp

Full Details of the Fundraiser:

We are reaching out to you today on behalf of our beloved friend and family member, Santi. Santi is a 20-year-old soccer player from Brazil who was involved in a devastating car accident that has left him with a spinal cord injury. As you can imagine, this has been an incredibly difficult time for Santi and his family.

Santi is currently undergoing extensive medical treatment to help him recover from his injuries. He has a long road ahead of him, and we want to do everything we can to support him during this challenging time.

That's why we've set up this GoFundMe page - to help cover the cost of his medical expenses and ongoing care.

Grove United signs South African Midfielder Asanda Tom!

Asanda Tom is a product of Grove Soccer Academy South Africa. The midfielder made his first trip to Richmond in 2016 on the Grove Soccer Academy USA tour.

After his development at the Academy in South Africa and his experience on the GSA Tour in Richmond in 2016, he moved on to play with South Africa Premier Division Academy Mamalodi Sundowns and later signed with Premier Division Club Cape Town City in their reserve squad. The South African midfielder now brings his talents to Grove United for the 2023 NPSL season.

"Asanda is a special player with tremendous talent. He brings creativity, class and magic to our midfield with the ability to dictate the tempo and change the game at any moment. His experience playing for some of the top clubs in South Africa, shows through in his performances. It is exciting to see one of our SA Academy and 2016 USA Tour players who has developed through t

he academy and beyond, sign for us at Grove United. He has already made an impact this season and we believe he is a player that can move on to the next level here in the US."says Justin Grove, Grove United President and Technical Director.

Asanda has already made an impact at City Stadium with an assist and free kick goal against Virginia Beach City FC in the home opener. The Lions travel to North Carolina this weekend to take on Greenville United FC. You can catch Asanda at City Stadium again on July 2, 2023 as the Lions take on Virginia Dream FC. Get your tickets at seatgeek.com/grove-united-tickets