Ryan's Weekend Wrap Up 7/10-7/12

THE ROJA LEAGUE

Diablos Estudiantes 2 - 0 NTX Rayados

I’ve been a bit slow to the lesson, but consider me now properly instructed on not ever doubting the abilities of Denton’s junior side. The Estudiantes have grown, and risen to the occasion, of each match, and every opponent, presented to them. This was never more evident as it was in their body of work vs NTX Rayados on Saturday night, where the Estudiantes posted an early two- goal lead in the first half, then showed a discipline they’d be lacking in earlier outings by shutting down the veteran Rayados and preventing any opportunity or hope for the visitors that they might make a comeback or share a point.

Estudiantes have held onto their league lead atop the standings, and will play the rest of the season out with a target on their back. Perhaps it may be too daunting a task to maintain their place at the top, but don’t choose against the youngsters yet.

Denton Diablos 4 -1 Fort Worth Vaqueros

Be honest, If you were tuned into this match, and not from Fort Worth, you were pulling for the Diablos. We all love an underdog story, and while The Chisolm Trail Clasico may only be in its second year, it’s already brought much heartache to the Denton side still seeking an inaugural victory against the Vaqueros after two 2019 NPSL regular season matches, one playoff match, and two eNPSL matches.

From the opening kickoff, the Diablos were committed to setting the pace and closing that chapter of heartbreak, and they’d score first at the 21st minute with an expertly turned shot beyond the diving effort of the Fort Worth goalkeeper and buried in the bottom left corner of the net. Seemingly aware of past histories versus the Vaqueros, in which Denton had scored the opening match in all past meetings, the Diablos continued to maintain a predominantly offensive shape and struck for a second goal 4 minutes later. Denton fans may have seen ghosts of Chisholm Trails past when the Vaqueros found a score just before halftime to shave the Diablo lead to just a goal, but a converted penalty in the 61’ and a final score in the 87’ gave Denton an emphatic first win against Fort Worth. The Diablos will also travel down to Cowtown for the second leg of the clasico with a commanding lead.

Inocentes FC 3- 3 Irving FC

Inocentes was a worthy favorite, along the likes of NTX Rayados, to win the inaugural Roja League, at least in my mind. They're a club rich in history, culture, community and developing highly competitive sides, most recently reaching the UPSL championship game in the Fall 2018 season, where they would only fall to the now-professional side California Strikers in penalties.All that history and success clearly hasn’t been lost on their opponents so far in the Roja League season, as Inocentes is absorbing everyone’s evident best shot. Denton’s first team kept clawing back in a season opening, thrilling, 4-4 draw. Fort Worth, while woeful in other contests, brought their A effort to the inaugural Cowtown Clasico in a 1-1 game. And now Irving FC, desperate to improve their position in the standings after an admirable in a 3-2 loss to Rayados and a draw with Denton, clawed their way back from an early deficit to claim a 3-3 finale. Both sides have looked strong and been highly competitive on the pitch, but they’re each still looking for their elusive first victory of the season.

THE HEARTLAND SUPER CUP

Southwest Region

Garden City Potrillos FC 2 - 0 Atletico Liberal FC

The southwest region of the heartland Super Cup kicked off in west Kansas this past weekend, with the Potrillos, or “Colts” of Garden City claiming a 2-0 advantage over neighboring Atletico Liberal FC.

Dodge City Toros FC 0 - 1 FC Wichita U20’s

Proving that playing their under-20 youth to winning results isn’t limited to the Denton Diablos, FC Wichita’s U20’s traveled to western Kansas and battled a stout Dodge City Toros lineup to a scoreless stalemate late into the match. The Reds then found a late goal, and 3 vital points with it, to carry back to Wichita ahead of hosting the rest of their group matches this weekend.

North Region

Iowa Raptors FC 7 - 0 Raptors Reserves

Springfield FC 3 - 0 Raptors Reserves

Iowa Raptors FC 2 - 0 Omaha Kings FC

Springfield FC 1 - 1 Omaha Kings FC

USL League 2 expansion side Iowa Raptors hosted the North Region in Cedar Rapids, and easily swept aside the Reserves, before defeating the Omaha Kings FC inaugural outdoor side. Omaha, a member of the indoor PASL league, would put together a strong effort in a draw versus the UPSL’s Springfield FC. The side from Illinois would later find a win against the Raptor’s Reserves. The group enters the second weekend of play with Iowa Raptors leading with 6 pts, Springfield sitting at 3 points, Omaha with a 1 point and the Reserves at 0.

UNITED PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE

Panther United FC 2 - 0 APTX CDF 

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Panther United FC 2 - 3 Houston FC 2 

It was a mixed bag of results for Panther United FC this past week. They scored a win and a clean sheet against APTC CDF on Tuesday, then fell in a surprisingly close effort to Houston FC 2 over the weekend in Central Conference - South, Division 2 action.

Houston FC 2 - 1 Athletic Houston FC

The UPSL Central Conference - South, Division One Battle for Houston, bragging rights, and the division lead was as well contested, and thrilling, a match as was hoped for. HFC and AHFC competed intensely all 90 minutes,through the hot and humid conditions, of their midday match. Houston scored two goals late in the first half, then hung on through an Athletic Houston rally for the victory.

Celta Gunners 0 - 2 The Mix SC

No two teams have met so far this season in the midst of such drastic changes in fortunes. Two matches ago, Celta Gunners were a victory away from the Southeast Conference - Central Florida West, Division One lead. In contrast, The Mix were wading through their inaugural season with great struggle, trading the basement of the standings at turns with Diaspora United CC. After The Mix spring the commanding upset of Celta though, the Gunners sit in last place and The Mix are in the mix (sorry!) for postseason play.

Leg A-Z International SA 3 - 1 Clay County SC

In the battle for second place behind Southeast Conference - Central Florida East’s leading OFC Barca, Leg A-Z InterSA may be the only club remaining with a chance of knocking off OFCB. They headed off the visitors from neighbouring Clay County by a 3-1 margin and claim one of only two undefeated records in division play. The other? Leg A-Z INterSA’s next opponent, OFC Barca.

FK Orlando 4 - 2 Orlando Rovers FC

One of the better matches I watched this week, from one of the more interesting selected angles. Much of the game was partially obscured from the camera’s perch in the far corner of the pitch by the timed lawn sprinklers, but from what I could make out, FK Orlando proved the better team on the day and quietly hangs around to make things interesting for future fixtures against OFC Barca and Leg A-Z InterSA. The Orlando Rovers, meanwhile, continue to provide competitive play on the field, just without the elusive win. That should come in a few more of their matches to come.

OFC Barca 4 - 2  Macca Ballers FC

Macca Ballers gave a competitive effort against division leaders OFC Barca, but OFCB eventually pulled away for a comfortable, two-scores, win.

Royal Palms SC 0 - 10 Sporting Orlando SC

Remember last week when I said this match could get ugly, fast? Well, this match got ugly, fast. Sporting Orlando SC carried to hangover from their loss to OFCB into this matchup, and instead took out their frustrations from the week prior on Royal Palms SC, a side now boasting an alarming -17 goal differential through just three games.

Arctic Rush 1 - 1 Fairbanks SC

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Fairbanks SC 1 - 4 Arctic Rush

The northernmost team in a national league, Fairbanks SC debuted against Arctic Rush in Anchorage, playing a doubleheader between the sides over the weekend. The visitors held their own in a game one, earning the draw and a point. However, Arctic came back in dominant fashion the following day to pick up a victory ahead of a rematch versus Last Frontier Conference leaders, Alaska Timbers, next week.

FC Arizona U23 0 - 4 Olympians FC

Another week, another victory, another clean sheet, another three points for Olympians FC in Southwest Conference play. It doesn’t look like they’ll find a serious competitor in the conference until post-covid pay returns and the likes of Sporting Arizona, FC Grande, and Southwest FC make their reappearance. If you aren’t yet watching Olympians FC, and have them as potential favorites for the national title, you should be.

Diaspora United 3 -3 Florida Tropics SC 2

Diaspora United continues to improve each week on the pitch, following up their draw with The Mix SC last week with a draw versus Florida Tropics SC 2 this weekend. The Tropics meanwhile, have just one point in the past two matches and appear to be fading down the stretch if they can’t turn the results around this week.

Alaska Timbers 12 - 4 MatSu United FC

The Timbers certainly arently looking ahead to the rematch versus Arctic Rush. MatSu United might be competitive against Fairbanks SC, maybe.

REMAINING UPSL ROUNDUP

Greenspoint Gunners FC 2 - 2 Barca School of Excellence, FORO SC 2 -1 Arlington FC, NTX Legends 2 - 0 Real Irving CD, APTX CDF 3 - 2  La Maquina , FC Arizona 1 - 2 East Valley FC, Almeyda FC 2 1 - 0 Houston Hotshots,

FC Sharp Keys 4 -3 FC Bago, Junior FC 0 - 3  Kernow Storm FC, Roc City Boom 0 - 0 Greater Binghampton FC, 

& Roc City Boom 1 - 1 Krajisnik FC 

FRIENDLIES & EXHIBITIONS

Philadelphia Lone Star FC 3 - 0 Allentown United FC (Friendly), Santa Fe NY 1 - 0 Connecticut Roma (Friendly)

Livonia City FC 1 - 1 Grand Rapids FC (Friendly), and Sunflower State FC 5 - 0 Arkansas Wolves FC (Friendly)

Ryan's Weekend Preview 7/10-7/12

THE ROJA LEAGUE

A quick lesson soundly reiterated to me after Wednesday night’s Roja League action is that a sample size of a single match is absolutely insufficient to use in making future match predictions. I went a perfect...ly awful 0 for 3 in my picks for the midweek matches, and it now remains to be seen if I’ve learned from the errors ahead of tomorrow’s matches.

#2 Diablo Estudiantes vs #1 NTX Rayados

The Denton youngsters had every opportunity to hold their lead in the league into the 3rd round of games, but a 2-0 lead on Irving FC ended up being a 3-3 draw by the final whistle, and the Estudiantes gained a single point on the table rather than three. They’ve slipped to second in the standings, while their competition tomorrow night humbled the Denton first team to take the pole position. A win for Estudiantes will let them retake the top spot, while a victory for NTX would set a course for the Rayados to begin building an almost insurmountable lead in the league table. 

#6 Denton Diablos vs #5 Fort Worth Vaqueros

The 2019 Chisholm Trail Clasico was a battle between two sides looking to win the NPSL’s Lonestar Conference. The 2020 edition of the derby kicks off the clubs from Denton and Fort Worth in very...different circumstances. Along with competing for not-last place in the standings this weekend, the Vaqueros look to extend their unbeaten streak against their little brothers up north, while the Diablos attempt to find their first victory across pitches both physical and virtual in the series.

#3 Inocentes FC vs #4 Irving FC

Inocentes were the favorites to win the first leg of the Cowtown Clasico, coming off their high scoring affair with Diablos on opening night. Instead, the Fort Worth Vaqueros lead for much of the match and Inocentes would need a goal in the dying minutes of the contest to earn a draw. This weekend, they’ll face stiff competition in Irving FC, who have proven able to hang with both Rayados and Estudiantes in recent games. The winner here will remain in the league title hunt, while a loss would foreseeably remove either club from the title chase.

UNITED PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE

#4 Panther United FC vs #2 Houston FC 2

UPSL Division 2 action kicks off the league slate this weekend, with Panther United hosting Houston FC2 with opportunity for either club to move, or remain, in second place behind Crush FC.

#1 Houston FC vs #2 Athletic Houston FC

In what should be the league match of the week, unbeaten, and conference-leading, foes Houston FC and Athletic Houston FC meet for the first time this season. Athletic Houston has combined balance attack with stout defense thus far into the season, but whatever AHFC has done, Houston FC has accomplished superbly. With Houston FC boasting an average margin of victory at 5-1 this season, look for the hosts to pull away later in the second half and tally another win on the young season.

#5 Celta Gunners vs #7 The Mix Sports Club

The Celta Gunners put in a worthy effort last week, falling just 1-0 to the conference leaders Celta USA. They’ll likely carry some confidence into this weekend’s match, where they’ll face off with floundering The Mix Sports Club. The Mix could only manage a draw last week versus fellow standings basement dweller Diaspora United CC. Neither club has a victory to their name this season, but Celta Gunners will be the club to change that Saturday evening.

#2 Leg A-Z Soccer Inter vs #3 Clay County SC

The league’s two North Florida teams in the Central Florida Conference meet at Kanapaha Park (a field this author has actually played a few youth league matches on wayyyyyy back in the day) where Gainesville’s Leg A-Z Soccer International  hosts neighboring Clay County’s….Clay County SC. The teams share a victory over listless Macca Ballers, and will find much more stout competition in one another Saturday. While a loss or draw won’t immediately remove either club from a crowded mid-table, a victory would keep them closely at the heels of conference leading Orlando FC Barca.

#5 FK Orlando vs #6 Orlando Rovers

Orlando Rovers earned a respectable draw against Leg A-Z last week, while FK Orlando acquitted themselves well in a competitive loss to Sporting Orlando in their last outing. A narrow margined win should probably fall to FKO this weekend, with the slight hosting advantage.

#1 Orlando FC Barca vs #7 Macca Ballers

In a match between the conference-leading, and early national title favorite, OFC Barca and the last place Macca Ballers, this contest could see a goal differential chasm before the halftime whistle.

#8 Royal Palms SC vs #4 Sporting Orlando

As ugly as the match above could get, this one may somehow be uglier. Sporting Orlando will be letting out some frustrations from their tilt with OFC Barca last week, while Royal Palms SC remains looking decidedly shell shocked on the pitch.

#2 Arctic Rush vs #4 Fairbanks SC

It’s the debut of the northernmost national league affiliated club in the western hemisphere this weekend! Fairbanks SC travels 362 miles, SOUTH, to Anchorage in order to visit Arctic Rush. Fairbanks will need to bring their A-game from the opening whistle, as Arctic Rush is singularly focused on overtaking Alaska Timbers in the Last Frontier Conference and their welcome to the newcomers won’t be an overly warm one.#4 FC

Arizona U23 vs #1 Olympians FC

Now that the UPSL has officially announced Olympians FC as an expansion side in the 2020 season, expect the new club to go back to what they’ve done the past two weeks, scoring bunches of goals and shutting out the opponent. They’ve beaten both FC Arizona first team and East Valley FC by 3-0 scorelines. Against the FCAZ U23 side, Olympians will likely double that margin of victory, and remain one of the early favorites to win the national title for Spring/Summer 2020.

#6 Diaspora United CC vs #3 Florida Tropics 2

The Florida Tropics were stunned by SportzParadise last weekend and the resulting loss dropped them from first place in the conference to third. Diaspora United missed perhaps their best opportunity for a victory on the season when they settled for a draw last week vs The Mix. The Tropics will find their way again and put DUCC away by at least a pair of goals.

#4 Greenspoint Gunners vs #3 Barcelona SOE

While all the attention on action in the Central Conference South may be on the Houston FC versus Athletic Houston FC clash this weekend, Greenspoint Gunners and Barcelona School of Excellence can make some noise of their own in their contest. A win for either side here will seat them beside or just behind the league leaders. A tight, evenly matched affair here could see a winner slip past in the dying seconds of the match.

FORO Soccer Club vs Arlington FC

FORO SC gets their 2020 season started today after their run to the national semi-finals in Miami in the Fall 2019 season. They’ll face a prepared Arlington FC, who just reached the Lone Star Cup final against Irving FC in the past weeks.

Real Irving CD vs NTX Legends

It has been two weeks since Real Irving CD dropped a heartbreaker in a thrilling 4-3 match to Harrington FC, a contest they generally dominated but gave up two converted penalty chances and a late score in the last minutes of the match. Eager to put the loss behind them, RICD kicks off against NTX Legends, a club staple in local leagues around DFW making their UPSL debut.

#5 APTX CDF vs #6 La Maquina (TX)

After suffering two losses to open the season, APTX CDF seemed destined for a debut season spent at the bottom of the standings. But, a stunning win last week over Almeyda FC 2 has breathed new life into the club and put them in great position for a second win today versus a La Maquina side that was obliterated by Almeyda FC 2 by a 4-1 score.

#4 Fairbanks SC vs #2 Arctic Rush

The visitors to the far north from the far, FAR, north turn right around and play “host” in Anchorage in the second leg of a two-match opening swing.

#1 Alaska Timbers vs #3 MatSu United

THREE weeks after debuting with a dominant win vs Arctic Rush, the Timbers of Alaska return to the pitch against MatSu United. The AK Timbers will look to maintain their lead in the conference, while MAtSu United will try and found some consistency on the pitch that was lacking in their loss last week to Arctic.

#2 FC Arizona vs #3 East Valley FC

In a match that increasingly looks like the stakes are for a second fiddle title behind Olympians FC, FC Arizona and East Valley compete to find out which of the two sides to already lose 0-3 to Olympians this season is better than the other.

#3 Almeyda FC 2 vs #7 Houston Hotshots

They may have slipped up against APTX CDF last week, but Almeyda FC 2 are still in the thick of the race for the conference lead with a victory today. With Houston Hotshots struggling in their debut season, the opportunity for Almeyda is a solid one.

#2 Houston FC 2 vs #1 Crush FC

The best match in division two will likely be between these two, with two undefeated sides battling for the conference lead on Sunday night.

Roc City Boom vs Greater Binghampton FC AND Roc City Boom vs Krajisnik FC

The Western New York Conference kicks off this weekend with Roc City Boom hosting a pair of matches in Rochester. First, they’ll face off with fellow league newcomer Greater Binghamton FC. GBFC will be hoping to follow Tyler FC’s recent example in transitioning from NPSL doormat status to competitive UPSL side. Krajisnik FC of nearby Utica visits next to wrap up the weekend action.

HEARTLAND SUPER CUP

After debuting their Kansas City and Southeast Regions a couple of weeks ago, the Heartland Super Cup kicks off in the Southwest and North groups. The southwest features an interesting assortment of Kansas state soccer league sides from the southwest corner of the state in Liberal, Garden City and Dodge City, as well as a U20 side from FC Wichita. The north group is being hosted by the newly announced USL League 2 expansion side Iowa Raptors FC, and their Reserves side. They’ll be hosting the recently added outdoor side of the indoor league team Omaha Kings FC, and the UPSL’s Springfield FC.

Southwest Region

Garden City Potrillos

Dodge City Toros

Atletico Liberal 

FC Wichita U20

North Region 

Iowa Raptors

Iowa Raptors Reserves

Springfield FC

Omaha Kings FC

Be sure and check out all our staff’s picks for the weekend’s matches here!

Ryan's Weekend Recap

UPSL Southeast Conference - Florida Central West

Florida Tropics 1 - 2 SportsParadize SA

Previously winless SportsParadize SA stunned previously unbeaten Florida Tropics 2 Thursday night. The loss pushed the Tropics from the driver’s seat leading the division, while the victory launched SportsParadize into a suddenly very competitive mid-table.

Celta USA 1 - 0 Celta Gunners

The intra-club battle was far more defensive than I’d predicted, but the one-goal margin of victory I foresaw held as Celta USA defeated Celta Gunners Friday night, taking sole possession of first place in the Florida Central West.

CFL GOSA Spurs 1 -3 SportsParadize SA

A weekend to remember for SportsParadize as they picked up a second victory to bookend the independence day holiday action. In what seemed improbable the first day of the month, SportsParadize moved from last in the division to second place. Meanwhile, CFL GOSA Spurs appears to be treading water in fourth.

The Mix Sports Club 4 - 4 Diaspora United CC

The two winless clubs absolutely refused to drop a third straight match in this contest. Neither team could claim victory either, but the high scoring game proved there’s likely to be better results ahead for both clubs if they can keep up their scoring efforts from Sunday night.

UPSL Southeast Conference - Florida Central East

Macca Ballers 0 - 3 Leg A-Z Soccer International

Macca Ballers had no answer in response to the longest-monikered club in lower league soccer, allowing Leg A-Z Soccer International to score three unanswered goals. Macca has now dropped two straight home contests and path ahead in a division including FK Orlando, Sporting Orlando, and Orlando FC Barca won’t get any easier.

OFC Barca 2 - 0 Sporting Orlando

By the predicted two-goal margin, OFC Barca pushed a threatening Sporting Orlando aside on Sunday evening and claimed a five-point lead in the division. In a limited national competition Spring 2020 season, OFC Barca seemed well positioned, and well prepare, for a deep run, built off of their unbeaten-in-division, Southeast Conference runner-up campaign in the Fall 2019 season.

UPSL Southwest Conference

East Valley FC 0 - 3 Olympians FC

The still not-yet-announced expansion side Olympians FC continues to impress, following up their 3-0 dismantling of the FC Arizona first team with a 3-0 victory over East Valley FC. The new kids in the Southwest Conference now sit alone atop the four-team group, and look to be an early favorite, with OFC Barca, for the Spring/Summer 2020 national championship trophy.

FC Arizona 6 - 2 FC Arizona U23

Big brothers took it to little brothers, early and often, for a first team victory over the young team.

The Roja League

NTX Rayados 3 - 2 Irving FC

Unfortunately, this match was not made available on a streaming platform.

Denton Diablos 4 - 4 Inocentes FC

When I forecasted this game, I picked Inocentes to win, with a total of 3 goals between the two clubs. HA! Try 8! This match was insane and aggressive, with both clubs getting chances consistently throughout the match. Inocentes will run right at you if you give them an inch and Denton loves to press. Those two combined meant a match with plenty for fans to cheer for. I think this match will be the best in this entire competition, if I’m honest.

I think it also goes to show that the cream of the crop in the UPSL could compete with the NPSL. But we’ll talk about that another day.

Diablos Estudiantes 4 - 2 Fort Worth Vaqueros

For much of this match, everything seemed to be falling into place as far as my prediction went:”...look for the youthful Estudiantes side to gain an early advantage and take a 2-0 lead into the half. From there, it will be all Vaqueros as the 2019 NPSL Lonestar Conference Champions dig deep into their disciplined experience and pull off a 3-2 comeback victory.”

Estudiantes with the 2-0 advantage at the half? Check. Fort Worth Vaqueros coming back to equalize in the second half? Check. Vaqueros digging deep and winning by a single goal? That certainly seemed probable, until the 81st minute, when predictions fell apart and Estudiantes were awarded, and then converted, a penalty. Another penalty conversion in the dying minutes gave the Denton youngsters the 4-2 win and an early lead in the inaugural Roja League standings.

Other Lower League Action

In South Florida, Hialeah City FC and Florida Wolves FC met in a friendly exhibition match, with Hialeah emerging victorious in a competitive game, 3-2. 

The Savannah Clovers FC wrapped their exhibition match tune-up for the NISA Independent Cup with a home match against visiting Charleston United. The hosts, behind five goals from striker Timo Mesa, romped to a 6-2 victory and will enter the Independent Cup this week on a high note.

@TheBreakersAFC 1 - 3 @MiamiSunFC

Ryan's Weekend Recap

UPSL Action

Las Vegas Showcase

Heartland Super Cup

UPSL ACTION

FC Harrington 4 - 3 Real Irving CD

The weight of humidity that hung in the air on Friday night in Mansfield, Texas may have lulled the gathered fans into assuming that they were in for a sluggish match. FC Harrington and Real Irving CD quickly dispatched that notion with a high scoring tilt, kicked off by the visitors from Irving’s opening goal in just the second minute. Given a free kick along the left boundary roughly ten yards back of the midfield line, Real Irving drove a deep cross toward the center of the field, where the forward was just able to reach out a toe in a leaping effort for a magical touch that lifted the ball over the Harrington keeper into the top left corner of the goal. FC Harrington battled back, earning a chance with a penalty in the 20th minute, which league player of the week candidate Papa Ndoye deftly put away for the early equalizer. Real Irving would take the lead again in the 28th minute when a well-timed through pass was deflected by the outstretched foot of a Harrington defender, but fell fortuitously to the Irving forward, now 1 v1 with the Harrington goalkeeper. The forward coolly dribbled around the keeper’s diving effort before slotting home the score. A Real Irving cross from the right side of the attack to an unmarked teammate providing a strong header from directly in front of the net in the 35th minute extended the Real Irving lead to 3-1 at the half.The hosts returned for the second half clearly intent on dictating the pace of the match and controlling possession, displaying a more disciplined approach to their attacking play and a willingness to better spread the opposition across the pitch with patient movement of the ball both forward, and now increasingly backward and lateral, passing. The patience and discipline paid off for FC Harrington in the 66th minute when they dispossessed Real Irving along the left boundary and quickly flipped the field of play with a through ball down the line and a cross to Ndoye in center against spread-thin defense. Ndoye got a step on the one marked defender and drove a right-footed shot across his body and into the bottom left corner of the goal for his, and Harrington’s, second score of the night. Three minutes later, Real Irving would drop to ten men on a red card, and FC Harrington seized upon the numbers advantage with increased pressure, sensing the opportunity to equalize. They’d find it, in the 88th minute, again at the penalty spot, with Real Irving keeper guessing correctly on the placement of Ndoye’s attempt, but the FC Harrington forward’s shot was too quick for the keeper to reach in time and the score was now knotted at 3 goals apiece.

Given seven minutes of extra time, FC Harrington needed just two of those minutes to earn a corner, where Josh Irwin would beat his defender to meet the service from Francisco Vidal and drive an emphatic header home for the hosts’ fourth goal and their first lead of the night. The lead would hold for the final five minutes, and the newly double-promoted (from D3 to D2 after the Fall 2019 season, then to D1 due to Covid-19 attrition) FC Harrington claimed both the win and, for now, the top spot in UPSL’s Central Conference - North, Division One.

Leg AZ Soccer International 1 - 1 Orlando Rovers

LAZSI couldn’t pull away from a game Rovers side in Orlando in their season opener, leaving the sides splitting points and huddled together near the bottom of the pack in the Southeast Conference - Florida Central East, Division One standings.

OFC Barca 7 - 1 Royal Palms SC

It continues to be a rough welcome to the league for the newcomers from Palm Coast as Royal Palms SC couldn’t find any answers defensively for OFC Barca’s player of the week nominee Victor Rojas’ four goals, falling in a very lopsided loss and claiming sole possession of the bottom of the conference standings.

Clay County SC 2 - 1 Macca Ballers FC

The North Florida outlier this season in a Central Florida dominated conference, Jacksonville-suburb-based Clay County SC came away with three points in the season opener between them and Macca Ballers FC.

Diaspora United CC 3 - 3 Celta Gunners

Diaspora United avoided opening their first season in the league with three straight losses by surviving a high scoring competition from Celta Gunners to claim a draw. The Gunners now have two ties on the season and will have to wait til next week to see if they can get a conference victory.

Sporting Orlando 4 - 2 FK Orlando

Player of the Week award winner Vander Lee paced his Sporting Orlando side Saturday evening, scoring three of his club’s four goals. Sporting would each and every one of those scores, as the Central Florida league stalwarts found expansion club FK Orlando a worthy opponent in a high scoring match.

Athletic Houston FC 4 - 0 Texas Hawks

Athletic Houston played spoiler in the Texas Hawks’ season opener, gifting their intra-city rival with a -4 goal differential a place at the bottom of the standings after a dominant display at Campbell Road Sports Park.

Barcelona School of Excellence 2 - 6 Houston FC

Barcelona School of Excellence played Athletic Houston to a confidence-building draw the previous week, but they’ll be searching for that confidence well again this week after hosting Houston FC at the Farm League Field. The visitors, lead by player of the week nominee Tim Ugo’s two goals and an assist, made quick work of the hosts to collect another three points and maintain a 2-point lead in the standings on Athletic Houston.

East Valley FC 4 - 2 FC Arizona U23

Newly re-named East Valley FC (formerly MSC United) took all three points in  the opening match of the hastily reconfigured (due to Covid-19) Southwest Conference season in 4-2 victory over newly re-branded FC Arizona’s younger lineup.

Arctic Rush 4 - 0 MatSu United FC

If Arctic Rush was shaking off any ill-effects from their season opening loss to Alaska Timbers the previous week, they seemingly needed only the opening few seconds to do so in soundly defeating MatSu United FC (formerly Alaska City FC) by four goals sending a clear message that they’ll remain in the hunt for a second consecutive conference title.

The Mix Sports Club 2 - 3 Florida Tropics 2

While their first team takes a hiatus in 2020, the Florida Tropics’ 2 -side appears to have borrowed the 2019 Spring UPSL National Champions’ penchant for never losing. The Lakeland/Auburndale side collected another three points in a competitive match versus expansion side The Mix Sports Club, and continue to chase Celta USA for the lead in the Southeast Conference - Florida Central West, Division One standings.

Sportsparadize SA 0 - 2 Celta USA

Another week, another match, another win, another three points and a continued lead in the standings for Celta’s USA side. They’ll face stiffer competition next week when they match up against their Celta Gunners counterpart.

FC Arizona 0 - 3 Olympians FC

Not the greatest of opening weekends for FC Arizona, as their first team followed up their U23 side’s loss to East Valley FC with a defeat of their own, getting throttled by as of yet unannounced expansion side Olympians FC.

Crush FC 3 - 1 Panther United FC

Crush FC continue to impress in their league debut in the Central Conference - South’s Division Two. With their 3-1 victory over Panther United, the Crush now sit alone atop the standings while boasting an undefeated record, 6 points, and a +6 goal differential.

FC Sharp Keys 2 - 2 Junior FC

Newly promoted side FC Sharp Keys of Fort Worth opened their inaugural division two campaign with a 2-2 draw versus Dallas-based Junior FC.

La Maquina 1 - 4 Almeyda FC 2 

Almeyda’s second team recovered nicely from their season opener loss last week, throttling La Maquina en route to a commanding 4-1 victory. A victory this weekend against struggling APTX side would allow Almeyda within striking distance of contention for the conference title alongside Houston FC 2 and Crush FC.

LAS VEGAS SHOWCASE

With the NPSL and USL League 2 cancelling their 2020 seasons altogether due to Covid-19, and UPSL approaching start or resumption of play on a club by club, division by division, conference by conference, many teams across the three national leagues that still wish to play on the pitch have been left to adjust creatively. Three teams, the NPSL’s Las Vegas Legends, the USL League 2’s Colorado Rush, and the UPSL’s Sporting Arizona FC, played a weekend showcase hosted by the Legends in Las Vegas this past weekend:

Game One: Las Vegas Legends 2 - 2 Colorado Rush

A tale of two halves in the opening match, with the first ending scoreless between the sides. Early in the second, the hosts, having already played a few matches earlier in the year in the NPSL’s Southwest Conference before the season’s cancellation, opened a 2-0 lead by the 66th minute. But Colorado Rush would answer with a goal of their own in the 75th minute then secure the equalizer in the 86th.

Game Two: Colorado Rush 3 - 0 Sporting Arizona FC

Much like Game One, the two sides would use the first half to feel out their unfamiliar, inter-league, competition, then attempt to open up the attack in the second half once they’d gained a better feel for the opposition. For Sporting Arizona FC, the chances wouldn’t quite fall their way, while Colorado Rush scored in rapid succession in the 63rd and 66th minutes, then tucked in an insurance goal in the 87th for the victory.

Game Three: Las Vegas Legends 1 - 2 Sporting Arizona FC

Flipping the script on the previous days of competition, the goals came early in the final match of the weekend. Las Vegas Legends converted a penalty chance in the 14th minute for the initial lead, but Sporting Arizona FC would counter with a penalty conversion of their own in the 22nd. Then, in the 31st minute, Sporting’s Kamani Stewart gathered a cleared corner attempt outside the penalty area, dribbled left across three advancing defenders, cut inside between two of them and around the third and delivered a strike from a couple yards still beyond the penalty box for an impressive score and the Sporting Arizona lead.The rest of the first half, and the entirety of the second, would play out as a scoreless slugfest with few real chances generated by either side, and the visitors from Mesa, Arizona would walk away with the victory. Finish: 

1. Colorado Rush (1-1-0, 5 GF, 2 GA, 4 Pts)

2. Sporting Arizona FC (1-0-1, 2 GF, 3 GA, 3 Pts)

3. Las Vegas Legends (0-1-1, 3 GF, 4 GA, 1 Pt)

HEARTLAND SUPER CUP

Another unique competition taking place to fill the void left by the cancellation of national, regional and even metropolitan league seasons across the country is the Heartland Super Cup. Comprising teams based across six states from at least as many leagues, the HSC is taking place over six weeks of play, with sixteen teams competing in four distinct groups, the winners of which will advance to a final four semi-final and final. 

The Kansa City Region kicked off with a match between two of the more notable clubs in the KC metro area, Sunflower State FC and Santa Fe Wanderers. Salvatore Sesti reports:

Sunflower State FC 2 - 1 Santa Fe Wanderers

The first match of the tournament featured the marquee match-up of two strong teams.The Santa Fe Wanderers, an established force in the Kansas City area with a history of success in tournaments and league cups, against Sunflower State FC, the new kids on the block taking the region by storm with win after win against some impressive opponents. 

The game started off disjointed, both teams showing some nervous energy. There were a few bad giveaways on defense that led to early chances on both sides. Santa Fe Wanderers looked crisp in possession but could not get anything going in the final 3rd of the pitch. Sunflower State on the other hand, looked sloppy on the ball to begin with but they showed their quality very soon.

After an extended period of time played in the middle 3rd, there was a change of possession on the wing that led to SSFC getting in behind the Wanderers’ defense, Nick McDonald beat another man and was through on goal when he was taken down from behind in the box. The whistle blew and he took the penalty, coolly slotting it home to the bottom left corner. 

1-0 SSFC

The Wanderers wanted to get back in the game quickly, and pushed up the field after the restart to try and find an equalizer, but there was a giveaway that led to a fast break the other way for SSFC. Nick McDonald once again found himself in front of goal, and this time from open play, made it 2-0 SSFC

After this, SSFC began to take control of the game. They played the ball around without too much stress, despite the Wanderers employing the high press to try and win it back. For the rest of the half it looked simple for them. That is, until the high press paid off and Santa Fe Wanderer Fwd Dominic Harrington picked up the ball in the middle of the park. He was closed down quickly by SSFC but before he could be dispossessed, he ripped a wonder strike from about 35 yards out that surprised Goalkeeper Sam Glass. Call it luck or skill, it was needed for the Wanderers to get back in the game. 2-1.

SSFC’s quickness in transition from defense to attack in the first half had caused Wanderer defenders to make split decisions that led to mistakes. It could have easily been 3 or 4-1 at the break. Santa Fe knew this and came out of halftime firing on all cylinders.

The Wanderers looked dangerous. Their passing started to pull apart Sunflower State and there were a few chances that could have easily tied it up. The best of which was after Santa Fe won a free kick right outside the 18. The shot itself careened into the Sunflower State wall, but the Wanders recovered the ball on the wing and, while the cross was blocked by GK Sam Glass, it led to a chance right at the six. The Wanderer forward tried to elevate the rebound over the GK but instead it skied over the bar. 

After Sunflower State weathered the initial storm, the game entered a lull. You could tell players were not fully match fit.

With about 10 minutes left to go in the game, the Wanderers found a second wind and started to press once again to find an equalizer. This led to a more open game with both sides getting some good opportunities. With a few minutes left there was an incident where there was a foul not called when a Wanderer winger took down a SSFC defender. This led to a confrontation and a stoppage of play by the referee where players were needed to be restrained by teammates. No players were ejected, but the break in play allowed Sunflower State to compose themselves and hold off the Wanderers until the final whistle blew. 

- Written by Salvatore Sesti

Other Kansas City Region Matches:

United Kansas City FC 2 - 0 Fountain City FC

Santa Fe Wanderers 6 - 0 Fountain City FC

Sunflower State FC 7 - 1 United Kansas City FC

Current Kansas City Region Standings:

1. Sunflower State FC, 6 Pts

2. Santa Fe Wanderers, 3 Pts

3. United Kansas City FC, 3 Pts

4. Fountain City FC, 0 Pts

Southeast Region (Played in Springfield, MO & Springdale, AR) Matches:

Springfield Demize Reserves 3 - 0 Arkansas Pumas FC

Barilleros 4 - 3 Arkansas Wolves FC

Springfield Demize Reserves 3 - 1 Barilleros

Arkansas Pumas FC 2 - 0 Arkansas Wolves FC

Current Southeast Region Standings:

1. Springfield Demize Reserves, 6 Pts

2. Barilleros, 3 Pts

3. Arkansas Pumas FC, 3 Pts

4. Arkansas Wolves FC, 0 Pts

Southwest Region (Kicks off on 07/11/20):

Garden City Potrillos 

Atletico Liberal FC

Dodge City Toros

FC Wichita U20

North Region (Kicks off on 07/11/20):

Iowa Raptors FC

Iowa Raptors Reserves

Springfield FC

Omaha Kings FC