The NPSL is firing on all cylinders and some of the best amateurs in the country are giving highlights every weekend. This weekend saw one of the best matchups in the amateur game in Texas. 3 matches recapped, 1 match previewed!

Recap

Denton 1-0 Laredo Heat

Travel in the massive Lone Star Conference of the NPSL is no joke. After a midweek win over Ft. Worth Vaqueros, Laredo would linger in the Metroplex to take on the former NPSL champions Denton Diablos on the weekend. And while the 7 hour drive is a lot for a regular season matchup (or two in this case), the quality of the Lone Star is just as daunting.

*Photo Credit: Renee Eason/Denton Diablos FC*

Denton came into this match without a blot on its 2024 campaign and. thanks to a gritty performance at home, it exited with the same pearly white record. David Krumov provided the only goal of the match, securing the win for Denton. Laredo would put pressure in the second half to try and change the result, but quality goalkeeping would keep the visitors at bay.

Thanks to the win, Denton now leads Laredo by a single point in the conference standings and will hope to hold on to its lead for another couple of matches.

Hickory FC 6-1 Port City FC

What a launch for Hickory FC! Since coming into the NPSL, the team has just got the job done week after week. Now 6 matches into the 2024 campaign and undefeated, they are on a roll. This match was no exception!

After drawing with Port City three weeks ago, Hickory got its revenge with a big home win. John Osadolor and Diego Fernandez both had braces for the home side as they cruised to the win. Port City surrendered an own goal, contributing to their own loss.

Hickory will have two matches this week it will need to win to keep its top spot in the conference.

Steel City FC 5-0 Southern Indiana Guardians

Steel City has gained a reputation for being a tough out, regardless of the level of competition and this season’s run in the NPSL is just adding to that rep.

Kai McLoughlin got a brace for the visitors, while Nick Graeca, Charlie Lawrence, and Anders Bordoy would add goals of their own to complete the dominant win over Southern Indiana. In an interview the day after, on of the Steel players, Michael Sullivan, talked about the win on the road. “Was great to get a result on the road with the guys yesterday. A long bus ride like that can definitely be a challenge to keep your legs for the game.”

The win keeps Steel City undefeated in regular season play and in the top spot of the Great Lakes Conference.

Preview

Denton Diablos vs Lubbock Matadors

A high-flying, conference-leading Diablos host the upstart Matadors who are redefining soccer in West Texas. There’s everything to love about this matchup. Diablos need to continue to win to keep their top spot in one of the most competitive conferences in the entire NPSL. Matadors are struggling in the standings but are coming off their first win of the season.

- Dan Vaughn