While I am very aware that there are several more NISA matches on the schedule for this weekend (we’ll preview them very soon via podcast), the playoff bracket is locked in and so it makes sense to take a look at the matchups just a week (and change) away.

#3 Michigan Stars vs #6 Syracuse Pulse

Leave it to a club that rarely plays at home to get a home match.

Michigan Stars have been sneaky good this year. While most of the season the team was led by Trevor Banks, the Stars and Banks parted ways quietly a few weeks back. Now the team appears to be led by the assistant coaches that remain (with a little help from George Juncaj, of course). And yet, not a negative change in sight. The team has continued to click, playing aggressive defense and scoring enough goals to get wins. In fact, the last loss this club took was September 10th (a full month ago). Against the best club in the East, Chattanooga, the Stars have three points and no losses (they will face each other in a meaningless match this weekend). The Stars may not be the favorites, but finishing third proves this club will be a tough out in the playoffs (also a fun dark horse pick to win it all).

Their opponent, Syracuse Pulse, has been WAY less consistent this year. A first year expansion side, Syracuse had a change in ownership mid-season and showed all the marks of a team thrown together at the last second. The first four matches of the season ended in losses and it wasn’t until August 14th that the club beat a non-expansion side in NISA. But Coach Fuller has been working on this team and they are playing their best soccer at the right time.

The last time these clubs played (10 days ago), it ended in a 0-0 draw. However, I think this one is all Stars.

#4 Albion vs #5 Maryland Bobcats

If you listen to Knights Who Say NISA (the only league-focused podcast about NISA), you already know my love for ALBION! This club is so much fun to watch. The attack is aggressive and smart, with pieces from all over dead NISA clubs. Mayele Malango was a key component for New Amsterdam last season and has played an important role in the Albion attack, albeit a different one. He’s been secondary in scoring to Albion’s center forward, Alioune Diakhate. The Senegalese striker has been an absolute menace all season for Albion. Add in former Valley United midfielder Jeffrey Otoo and you’re cooking with fire.

Malango celebrates a goal in high-flying style.

After a hot streak of wins, Albion closed out its regular season with a couple of up and down matches, including losses to Bobcats and Stars. The last match of the season was a 1-0 win over Cal United.

Maryland Bobcats might be the most snake-bitten club in NISA. Though the team features a lot of attacking talent, the club has struggled to find consistency on offense. Too often, the Bobcats found themselves battling the officials in matches, drawing cards that were borderline dubious. Those cards have led to suspensions, further impacting the next matches. It’s been a rough year and while many, including myself, expected Maryland to qualify for the playoffs, not playing a home match in front of a growing fanbase is a big miss for NISA.

Yup, I’m going chalk. I think Albion is the more dangerous side and gets the job done at home.

- Dan Vaughn