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Photo @Jessica Hendricks Photography


Grove United starting center midfielder, Asanda Tom, was selected to the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Conference XI. Asanda scored 2 goals and had 7 assists in his 10 NPSL games. Asanda developed in Grove Soccer Academy- South Africa before moving on to South African Clubs Mamlodi Sundowns and Cape Town City. He joined the Lions earlier this year and has impressed on the NPSL stage.



Photo @Jessica Hendricks Photography


“Asanda deserves this recognition. He was the creative engine in the middle of the park creating goal scoring opportunities and feeding assists all season long. We look forward to seeing him move on to the next level.” says Justin Grove, club president and technical director.


After a standout NPSL season, Asanda now sets his sights on opportunities at the next level in the US.


Click the button below to see an exclusive interview with Asanda.









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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.


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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:



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.

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