Another group joins the fray. The Southeast Region has to share the spotlight this weekend as the Central Plans Region begins play in the NISA Independent Cup.

Southeast Region

Soda City FC v Georgia Revolution FC - July 18th @ 5PM ET (Finley Stadium, Chattanooga TN)

The first of two games being played at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga is a UPSL/NPSL battle between Soda City (1-0-0) and Georgia Revolution (0-1-0). A combination of solid goaltending and an opportunistic offense was the formula in Soda City’s win over Savannah Clovers. While there’s no doubt about Jack Pondy in goal, Soda City could use more offensive oomph from Graham Jermstad and company up front.

The Revs had their moments against Chattanooga FC but was ultimately outclassed in the 3-1 loss. Against Soda City, a hope for more offense coming from Todd Fidler, Braham Gamarra and the Brothers Eskay. It will be interesting to see if the Revs use the press more often in this game to force turnovers without having to be as concerned with their opponent’s fire power on the counter. A loss would essentially eliminate the Revs, so expect them to push the action in an attempt to dictate the terms. Will Pondy be a source of frustration?

Savannah Clovers FC v Chattanooga FC - July 18th @ 8PM ET (Finley Stadium, Chattanooga TN)

A first game loss and staring elimination in face against the best team in the group. – not the way the Savannah Clovers (0-1-0) had hoped things would go. But here they are, and a big effort is what is going to be needed. We saw some flashes of elusiveness with Timo Mesa, and he is going to have to bring his A+++ game and give CFC’s back line fits. Georgia Revolution showed that you can press Chattanooga effectively at times. Will the Clovers be confident to send numbers forward?

For CFC, we got a taste of what Zeca, Ian McGrath and Brian Bement can do together in the first game. How will they look after another week of training? The arrow is pointing up. One thing to look for is whether newbie goalie Alec Redington can deliver another solid performance. Could a soft goal throw off his game? Will Savannah be able to even get a chance to score a soft goal?

Central Plains Region

Editors Note: The league notified us that this match has been moved to next weekend, due to local protocols.

Louisiana Krewe FC v Gaffa FC (St. Julien Park, Broussard LA)

The first of a home-and-still home between Louisiana Krewe and Gaffa FC being played in Louisiana. Easy on the traveling for the Krewe, no doubt. Although both clubs are from the Gulf Coast Premier League, they did not face each other last season due to playing in different conferences.

Gaffa FC from Jackson, Mississippi, have not played a competitive match since last July due to the cancellation of the 2020 GCPL season. Winners of the GCPL in their first season (2017), Gaffa just missed out on the GCPL playoffs in 2019. This is a club that has a mix of veteran players from around the world who are coaches themselves as well as young players from the local area. The team is led by their Manchester-born center back Tom Cosgrave who will be on the roster for this tournament.

Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Louisiana Krewe have only played one season in the GCPL but enjoyed moderate success and made some noise by qualifying for the 2020 Open Cup. And yes, the club has had a certain soccer website on the front of its kits. Like Gaffa FC, Krewe have constructed a roster that has many international players but also give an opportunity for local players. Will Krewe continue its successful run of play?

- John Howard-Fusco