Among the biggest reasons why Albion San Diego made it to the 2022 NISA championship game was its quick-strike offense, which was third-best in goals per game average that season, led by the 12 goals of forward Alioune Diakhate, who finished second in the Golden Boot race.

Now playing for Flower City Union, Diakhate has been instrumental for the team based in Rochester, N.Y. while helping turn it into an unexpected Cinderella story. After making the playoffs as the sixth-seed it defeated third-seeded LA Force 4-2, with Diakhate scoring a brace, in the quarterfinals and shocked the world by beating top-seeded Chattanooga FC on penalty kicks to make the final in this its rookie season.

“I was so happy to be living in San Diego and playing for Albion and experiencing a lot of great things,” said Diakhate. “New teammates and new friends, I always admired the good atmosphere and

I am so grateful for the fans.”

The 29-year-old native of Dakal, Senegal led Flower City with seven goals during the regular season and has been a headache for opposing defenses whenever he’s on the pitch. The inspiration to play soccer came from his brother and father who were talented players in their own right with Diakhate arriving in the United States back in 2018.

He has already played at the Division II level domestically for USL Championship team Indy Eleven in 2019 along with getting professional experience playing in Europe and Senegal with continued motivation to play coming from his wife Bridget and his son Mady.

“I think we have an outstanding team that can win the championship,” Diakhate added. “I am so happy about what the team accomplished and how we came together. We are well-prepared mentally and believe we are going to make it.”

The 2023 NISA championship game is on Saturday, Nov 11 at Romeo Stadium as Flower City will look to dethrone the reigning champion Michigan Stars who eliminated Albion San Diego 3-2 in the semifinal round.