Every week, we break down three of the biggest matches from the previous week, then look forward to this week matches and preview one: hence 3+1!

Review

SF Glens 0-0 Cal Storm

I joked on social media that whatever was happening in this match was a secret due to the radio silence from both teams throughout the evening. Cal Storm’s socials joked a bit with me, but still it was hard to get any details about this match. Even the feed on SportsEngine was awful. One camera, no announcers, gritty detail. No good.

So if we’ve got nothing to go on the game, let’s look at what the results mean. For Glens, this was just fine. They are currently in the top spot by a point and if they simply have to match Storm for two more matches and win the NorCal Division again. For Storm, a draw was certainly better than a loss because Oakland is three points back. If Storm can win out, they will make the playoffs and they can try to make something of that golden ticket.

Greenville Liberty 0-1 Tennessee SC

Greenville is in third place in the South Central Division and need to make up ground quickly, but this result did not help them at all. Tennessee put on a clinic in this match, constantly pumping passes and shots into the box looking for the breakthrough and it finally came just before halftime. Auburn standout Anna Haddock took a pass just outside the box and one-timed it past the keeper for the winner. It was a great shot from distance and was the difference in this one.

Tennessee is well positioned to win this division, with just two matches to play, over Asheville City. Asheville trails by 4 points and if Tennessee gets a win in their first matchup against Birmingham, the head to head won’t matter. Greenville, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency all season and is eliminated from the playoff picture.

Minnesota Aurora 4-1 Chicago City

Can we raise a cup for unparalleled regular season dominance by Aurora? This team is absolutely stellar, not losing a single match in three full regular seasons. And this extends beyond individual players, rosters, or coaches, this is a culture of winning and expected performance. Being mediocre isn’t an option for Aurora. They win.

On a rainy day, almost 5,000 fans showed up to see a master class by Mariah Nguyen, who had a brace on the day for her 6th and 7th goals of the season. Katie Duong would also get a goal for the home side.

Minnesota wins the Heartland Division over a plucky River Light club. Another great season for the club that just wins. Now the test is winning in the playoffs.

Preview

Lancaster Inferno vs Christos

What a battle the Mid Atlantic Division is. Shame only one team is going to come out of this monster logjam of talent. Lancaster is leading by a razor’s margin and needs to win every match to keep pace with second-place Eagle FC. Christos is currently fifth and would love to rain on Lancaster’s parade. This match is tomorrow, so we’ve got midweek soccer to watch!

- Dan Vaughn