NPSL 3+1
With the big amateur leagues back in the swing of things, we’re bringing back our 3+1 series. Each week we’ll recap 3 of the best matches from the previous week, then preview 1 of the upcoming week’s matches. Hence the name, 3+1. The NPSL is really starting to get rolling across the country, so a full slate of matches for amateur soccer fans. Here’s this week’s edition.
Review
Apotheos 2 - 1 865 Alliance
After losing its opening match on the road at Hickory FC, it was important for last year’s runner-up to get back on track. Apotheos came home and got the job done. The home team jumped out in the first half with a goal each from Aaron Whitten and Boland Lekeaka. Alliance would find one before the half, but couldn’t unlock the key for the rest of the match. It’s a big win for Apotheos and puts them back into the competition in the Southeast Conference.
All smiles for the homeside. Image courtesy of Apotheos FC
Greenville United 0 - 1 Hickory FC
I realize I already did one match from the Southeast conference, but Hickory FC’s start this season deserves a bit of respect. After beating the defending national runner-ups in their home opener, Hickory went on the road to face Greenville United in a home opener of their own. After a relative stalemate for most of the match, Thomas Pollaci would find the net after a ball was tackled out to him well outside the box on the right side. His high, looping shot would beat the keeper for a winner. There’s something special about this Hickory side and they have a two-match winning streak to kick off their season.
Oakland Stompers 2 - 8 Napa Valley 1839
What a result for Napa Valley. After a disappointing loss to Sacramento Gold last week, the wine bottle club came roaring back against Oakland. 7 different players scored for the visiting side, with Oscar Ortiz getting a brace. The win catapults Napa Valley into the top spot of the Golden Gate Conference, with the slimmest of margins over El Farolito (2.25 to 2.20 PPM). NV1839 has to be feeling good about the track they are on with a big win in their back pocket. On the other side, Stompers are 0-7 for the season and have had a horrendous time this season. Tough run for Oakland and it would be natural to start looking forward to next season already.
Bonus Note
Shout out to Flower City Union on their home opener this weekend. The club was pushing hard to break an attendance record and announced that they did for this match. Didn’t get the result, losing 3-0 to a tough Steel City FC club, but all signs are positive for the team as they relaunch as an amateur side in the NPSL. I followed the team in NISA and want to see them find their footing in a new league. Plenty of good people connected with that team. Best wishes for this season.
Image courtesy of Flower City Union
Preview
Denton Diablos vs Ft Worth Vaqueros
The first leg of the Chisholm Trail Clasico was a barn burner, with Denton scoring with literal seconds left on the clock to even the score 1-1 and earn a point on the road. The second half of this rivalry will decide who takes home the belt for this year. Of course, the Diablos will point out that they haven’t lost to the Vaqueros in 7 matches, so maybe they have the edge? Should be a good one!
- Dan Vaughn