NISA Independent Cup – 3rd Weekend Preview

OK – this time we will really have other regions joining the party. We got a fake out last weekend, but everything is now squared away with the Central Plains Region. And the winner is us, the lower league soccer-viewing public. Three days of Independent Cup footie action will be happening this weekend.

But you better be on your Ps and Qs when it comes to the Central Plains Region. With both club pairings playing Friday and Sunday, if you blink you’ll miss most everything. 

Central Plains Region

Louisiana Krewe FC v Gaffa FC – Friday, July 24th @ 9PM ET (Dobie Holden Stadium, Pearl River CC, Poplarville MS)

Louisiana Krewe FC v Gaffa FC – Sunday, July 26th @ 7PM ET (Dobie Holden Stadium, Pearl River CC, Poplarville MS)

So we not only have a change in dates for these two games, we have a change in venue. Instead of St. Julien Park in Broussard, Louisiana, we move to Dobie Holden Stadium on the campus of Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi. Advantage Gaffa FC, right? Well, Poplarville is a two-hour drive from Jackson (according to the Googles), so not exactly a home game per se.

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?  

Lone Star Republic v Mansfield Revolution SC, Friday, July 24th @ 9PM ET (Greenhill School, Addison TX)

Mansfield Revolution SC v Lone Star Republic, Sunday, July 26th @ 7PM ET (Summit High School, Arlington TX)

Lone Star Republic out of Richardson, Texas is a club that has made it clear its long-term intentions and ambitions. Formed in 2012, the team calls itself “The World’s Greatest North Texas Future Professional Soccer Club” on its website (which has plenty of goofiness going on – so I’m already a fan). Currently the club plays in the UPSL – but for how long? NISA-bound in the future, perhaps? Like many of the participating clubs, LSR gets a bigger spotlight to show what they’re all about. 

LSR’s opponent in this home-and-home is Mansfield Revolution SC, based in Mansfield, Texas. Mansfield joined UPSL for the Fall 2019 season. Maybe the least known of all the clubs competing in the Independent Cup, but we will learn much more about Mansfield Revolution SC over this weekend. 

Southeast Division

Savannah Clovers FC v Georgia Revolution FC, Saturday, July 25th @ 3PM ET (Columbia Int’l University, Columbia SC)

By pulling out a draw last weekend against Soda City, this game still has meaning for Georgia Revolution. A win against Savannah and a Soda City loss to Chattanooga FC could put the Revs into the finds (depending on goal differential). The Revs have looked dangerous at times but has yet to play a complete game. What lineup will the Revs go with this time around? Will Todd Fidler get a chance to blast some long-range rockets? Will the Eskay brothers find the magic and the back of the net? Will 16-year-old Noel Elder continue to impress?

For the Clovers, this is about earning some respect and trying to play spoiler. It’s also time that Timo Mesa went off. Virtually absent from the game against CFC, here’s hoping that Mesa can get some service and cause havoc for Georgia’s back line.

Chattanooga FC v Soda City FC, Saturday, July 25th @ 6PM ET (Columbia Int’l University, Columbia SC)

Unlike World Cup group stages where the last games happen concurrently, Soda City will have a much clearer picture when they take the field at home against Chattanooga FC. If the Revolution lose, Soda City is through to the championship game no matter what. If the Revs win, then things get interesting. The hope here is that Soda City will have to push forward and score, making for a exciting match. You have to love the effort of midfielder Graham Jermstad, who has been a player to watch in this region. Will he be able to pull out another beauty of a goal or assist that clinches things for Soda City? Or, will it be Jack Pondy standing tall in goal keeping CFC off the scoreboard?

Chattanooga, on the other hand, has little to play for at this point. But just being able to play games again might be enough motivation for McGrath, Bement, Zeca and all to play positive soccer. The question is whether they will go with their ‘A’ lineup or rest a few players. I’m sure that there is also some motivation to finish the group undefeated.

- John Howard-Fusco

Reviewing the Weekend's NISA Independent Cup Action

GEORGIA REVOLUTION FC 2   SODA CITY FC 2

Soda City’s drive to the championship was a clear path: a win against Georgia Revolution and they would be in the final. With the hardest game out of the way, Georgia Revolution looked to take some points in this game and had a different look to its starting lineup. William and John Eskay both got the start on the offensive side, while wonderstriker Todd Fidler was not in the starting lineup for the Revs (much to the disappointment of Dan Creel and yours truly).  

The first fifteen minutes was an even trading of possession, until Soda City’s captain Hunter Haynes went down with an injury and had to be replaced. The Revs controlled possession much of the half after that point, while Soda City was content to absorb the pressure. Youngster Noel Elder would push up from his left back position for the Revs and into the offensive side more – something that would play a factor in the final result (a little foreshadowing here). 

The half ended without a goal being scored, but you just had the feeling that goals were coming. And did they ever.

It was Soda City who dictated the pace early in the second half, pushing the ball forward with the most offensive urgency seen by them so far in the tournament. And the efforts would be rewarded in the 55th minute when Graham Jermstad stole a chested back pass that went astray and was brought down in the box by the Revs’ Jake Mathis for a clear penalty. Jermstad would convert from the spot, and Soda City had a lead.

But the Revs were not done. At the 68th minute, young Elder would take a pass at the left corner of the 18 and push two Soda City players to go after him, taking him down and giving the Revs their own chance from the penalty spot. Forward Ryan King went far right and calmly tied the game up at 1-1.

Image courtesy of Chattanooga FC Social Media.

Image courtesy of Chattanooga FC Social Media.

In the 82bd minute, the sound was lost during the live stream – right before one amazing goals was scored. From about 25 yards out, Soda City took a free kick and whipped it in to the 18 to Graham Jermstad, who took the ball off one bounce off his chest, then with his back to goal booted the ball with his left foot over his left shoulder and just inside the upper right corner of the net. Wow! Surely this would be the goal that would send Soda City to the championship!

But then – oh no…poor Henry Kohel.

The Soda City defender, running back towards his goal on a headed ball from the Revs, mis-kicked and sent the ball even closer to goal. The Revs’ Ryan King caught up with it, and lofted a shot over a helpless Jack Pondy right at the 86th minute. A gut punch of a goal. The score was level once again.

The last six minutes (and extra time) were helter skelter, with minds and hearts willing to make one more push but tired legs giving out. The final whistle sounded, and Georgia Revolution were alive for another week. For Soda City, so close to punching their ticket to the championship, they now have to come home to face Chattanooga FC knowing that they may still need a result.         

CHATTANOOGA FC 3   SAVANNAH CLOVERS 0

The favored CFC looked the part in taking care of Georgia Revolution last week. Would it be more of the same again the Clovers? In a word, yes. 

Chattanooga would follow the script from last week and score early. In the 11th minute, Ryan Marcano, who was a substitute in last week’s game, took a pass in stride to the right of goal, drove hard towards the keeper, then zipped in pass in front to goal to a charging Brain Bement who drilled it first time past the keeper. 

Just a mere five minutes later, Ian McGrath would find himself at the top of the 18 after some nice one-touch passing and sent a low, driving ball past a ‘where did that come from’-looking J.W. May for the second goal. It was not a good look for May and the Clovers team as a whole, as they seemed frozen and caught off guard by the sequence. Sixteen minutes in, and CFC was in change with a 2-0 lead.

Would Savannah respond? Well, the response was to not press and push the offense. Chattanooga had no trouble moving the ball up the field, and the Clovers kept Timo Mesa alone up front and struggled to get any kind of service. The half ended 2-0, and without a sense of urgency from Savannah.  

At the 52nd minute a terrible back pass by Savannah from midfield was intercepted by Kalib Jackson, who drove past the one defender in his path and sent a shot through the legs of the ‘keeper. It was 3-0, and CFC were well on their way to clinching a spot in the region’s championship game.

It would not be until the 75th minute did Savannah bring on another offensive player and attempted to push forward. But the result seemed too little, too late. Things did get a little testy in the final minutes of the game with multiple incidents that would eventually bring out the red card for each team from pushing and shoving. Maybe Savannah could have brought that fire earlier in the game.

And so Chattanooga, to the surprise of no one, has made it to the championship game regardless of its final game against Soda City his coming weekend. For Savannah, now eliminated, they have one last opportunity to showcase its club and a chance to play spoiler against the Georgia Revolution.    

Previewing This Weekend's Independent Cup Matches

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

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 

& 

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

& 

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)

NISA Independent Cup Recap – Opening Weekend

CHATTANOOGA FC 3   GEORGIA REVOLUTION FC 1

Game night had finally arrived at Finley Stadium in 2020, albeit under most unusual of circumstances. The home side Chattanooga FC would not have the usual big crowd on hand, but being able to play a competitive match again would be enough motivation. And it would not be a NISA match but a NISA Independent Cup match against an old NPSL rival Georgia Revolution FC.

The Revs started a defensive-minded lineup with Ryan King as the lone striker. The talk of the lineup was between midfielder Braham Gamarra (the man to watch from the commentators), head coach Scott Redding calling his own number into the Starting XI, and defender Noel Elder – and at age 16 was hardly an ‘elder’ statesman on the field.  

CFC came out with a lineup that was quite different from the last time we saw the team play a competitive match. Only three of the Starting XI started against the Oakland Roots in the opening game of the curtailed NISA spring season. One of the new players was not new at all for fans of CFC: Jose “Zeca” Ferraz, who has been part of the club going back to 2013. The insertion of Zeca gave Chattanooga a more potent offensive look. 

Image courtesy of CFC social media.

Image courtesy of CFC social media.

And it didn’t take long for CFC to get on the scoresheet as Zeca fed a streaking Richard Dixon down the right side who sent a ball into the box that Ian McGrath got a foot to before the defender and slipped it in near post for 1-0 lead in the sixth minute. Zeca and McGrath would help create multiple chances over the next few minutes, and you started to get the feeling that this was going to be an easy night for the home side. 

But the Revs weren’t ready to go down just yet. Quickly down the field after a CFC missed chance, Georgia midfielder Todd Fidler would find himself with the ball just outside the 18 and would uncork a rocket that found the upper corner and even the score. POW! Game on! And for the next ten minutes, the Revs would find some success in picking spots to press CFC, creating some turnovers. But Chattanooga didn’t panic, with defender Alec McKinley keeping things tidy in the back.  

The game settled back down for Chattanooga, and Zeca would once again make his mark, delivering a well-weighted pass to a streaking Brian Bement to the right of goal. Bement’s long putt of a shot tucked in just inside the far post, and CFC were back in front. Bement, who had been on the quiet side of things for much of the first half before that goal would have more to say in the second half.   

And so on to that second half – or, at least those of us watching on mycujoo tried to go on to that second half. But to no avail. The streaming service froze up and could not get back to live action until almost twenty minutes had elapsed. So while those of us on muycujoo fumed, the trio of McGrath, Zeca and Bement would put the game on ice. A long ball from middle of the field from McGrath would be headed down by Zeca and onto the path of Bement, and he clinically slotted it home.

The last fifteen minutes of the match saw play open up, and while the Eskay brothers came on and injected some life into the Revolution’s offense, the team could not sustain enough pressure to really mount a stiff enough challenge.

With the win, Chattanooga put themselves in a great position to be in the championship game. Along with the trio of offensive players, honorable mentions should be made for midfielder Juan Hernandez for his work in transitioning CFC from defense to offense as well as for goalkeeper Alec Redington in his first professional start.   

For the Revolution, Todd Fidler made his presence felt with his goal and his lack of fear in taking shots from all over the place. I don’t think there’s a spot of the pitch where Fidler doesn’t think he can get it on frame.  

One more word about mycujoo: simply put, this kind of problem must stop happening, or NISA needs to pick a new platform for streaming. But while the freeze up by mycujoo was frustrating, that in no way took away from the overall production of the game. The play-by-play provided by John Freeman and Dale Schilly was solid and professional. Their commentary was an enhancement to the match. 

SAVANNAH CLOVERS 1   SODA CITY FC 2

OK – since I could only watch one game live, I chose to go with the CFC v Revs game. This game I decided to watch the replay. And evidently the first ten minutes there was a problem with the feed, so we pick up the action already in progress…

Soda City and Savannah Clovers are division rivals in the UPSL, so they know each other all too well. And it didn’t take long for play to get a little chippy, with Savannah getting a yellow card within the first twenty minutes of the game. It would not be the only yellow card in the first half.

It would be Soda City striking first, as a long free kick would bounce through a maze of players and find an unmarked Dominik Byars for an easy header in the 19th minute. 

But the lead would be short-lived ad the Clovers would push the action the other way. Forward Timo Mesa looked particularly dangerous, giving Soda City defenders fits. ‘Keeper Jack Pondywas called upon to make a great reaction save on a point blank shot. But on the ensuing corner kick, Pondy could only deflect the ball away, and Henry Banegas would side volley a shot past the Soda City goalkeeper.

Image courtesy of Savannah Clovers social media.

Image courtesy of Savannah Clovers social media.

The second half would see both teams take turns in pushing the action to create chances. But the difference would come down to the play of the goalkeepers. Jack Pondy stood tall – literally – as he handled every dangerous opportunity that came his way. At the other end, J.W. May didn’t make himself big enough when Soda City’s Troy Paul (a second-half substitute) took a lovely weighted pass and found himself behind the Clovers’ defense. May came out to challenge, but Paul got there first and floated one over the prone keeper and into the goal at the 84th minute.   

Savannah was a little unfortunate to not get points out of this one. They seem like a club with a lot of good pieces that when they put it together will be formidable. For Soda City, the game spoke volumes about the needs for a good goalkeeper. I’m not sure if Jack Pondy was the best player of the field, but the was by far the most poised.  

Oh, and a word about the commentary. While not at the same level of professionalism as the Chattanooga crew, these guys were enjoying themselves and were knowledgeable about both teams. And I could swear that one of the guys (Don) was doing his best Josh Duder impersonation. Oh – and it’s OK to say “NEEsa” – you don’t have to spell it out.

- John Howard-Fusco

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 July 4th Weekend Preview

UPSL Southeast Conference - Florida Central West, Division One

#1 Celta USA vs #5 Celta Gunners, Friday, July 3rd

In a battle of the two sides from the Celta Orlando organization, Celta USA will look to extend their lead in the Florida Central West, while Celta Gunners will be attempting to take advantage of Florida Tropics 2 stunning loss last night to Sportsparadize SA by winning and moving within a point of the conference lead. Expect a wide open match and attacking play between two sides extremely familiar with one another, but I’ll give USA the “home-pitch” advantage in this one, finding a late goal to win 3-2 and remain atop the standings.  

#3 CFL GOSA Spurs vs #4 Sportsparadize SA, Sunday, July 5th

Sportsparadize SA played the spoiler role last night, stunning Florida Tropics 2 and, at least briefly, denying the Lakeland side a chance at the conference lead. SSA will look to continue surprising higher ranked sides through the weekend, with a date against CFL GOSA on Sunday afternoon. A win for either side could see them climb as high as the conference lead, a draw would leave them both in the hunt with ground to gain, while a loss could seat them desperately close to the bottom of the rankings. Look for SSA to initially carry Thursday night’s momentum to an early lead Sunday, but GOSA to battle back for 2-2 stalemate between the sides.

#7 The Mix SC vs #6 Diaspora United CC, Sunday, July 5th

Two newcomers to the league, Diaspora United and The Mix have yet to find a win between them, but each side has looked more competitive in the most recents weeks. Diaspora battled Celta Gunners to a 3-3 draw while The Mix acquitted themselves in a close loss to Florida Tropics 2. The Mix will assert themselves early with a couple goals, but Diaspora United will earn their first win of their history, flashing their offensive ability throughout the second half to claim a come from behind 3-2 victory.

UPSL Southeast Conference - Florida Central East, Division One

#7 Macca Ballers FC vs #5 Leg A-Z Soccer International, Saturday, July 4th

Macca Ballers dropped a heartbreaker at home to Clay County last week, while Leg A-Z claimed a draw against Orlando Rovers. This week, Macca again plays host, and this time, they’ll hold off the visitors for 2-1 win and climb three-four spots in the rankings of the Florida Central East.

#1 Orlando FC Barca vs #2 Sporting Orlando, Sunday, July 5th

If there’s a must-watch match around the league this weekend, it’s this feature between the two early front-runners for the Florida Central East title, OFC Barca and Sporting Orlando. Sporting opened their season account last week with a 4-2 victory against a game FK Orlando side, and their National Player of the Week award winner Vander Lee accounted for three of their four scores. OFC Barca has shredded through lesser competition the past two weeks, but should be just as lethal in the attack vs Sporting, boasting National Player of the Week nominee Victor Rojas in the attacking third of their lineup. OFC Barca hosts the match, and they'll/ use that narrow advantage to score a 5-3 win over Sporting Orlando in this one, with Rojas claiming another three scores and finally winning NPOTW honors.

UPSL Central Conference - South, Division Two

#3 Almeyda FC 2 vs #6 APTX CDF, Friday, July 3rd

Almeyda seemed to find their stride last week, tearing La Maquina apart in a 4-1 victory. Look for more of that offensive output from the Lions tonight when they host a winless APTX CDF side that looked largely short of offensive options in a 3-0 shellacking at the hands...er...feet of Houston FC II in their previous outing. Give me Almeyda FC 2 in a 3-1 win over APTX.

ROJA League Opening Weekend, Friday, July 3rd

Game One: NTX Rayados vs Irving FC 

Just recently, on June 21st, Irving FC “Los Gallos” of the UPSL, put Arlington FC to the sword in a 4-1 win for the Longhorn Tournament Final. They have a solid squad and look to make their mark in their ROJA League opening fixture against NTX Rayados. Rayados are an exciting team from Dallas, out of the North Texas Premier Soccer League and have five league titles under their belt. This is a team which regularly participates in the US Open Cup as well, despite playing in a USASA 5th division league, and might be a dangerous addition to the ROJA competition. To be honest, despite the higher league play Irving FC participate in, I would not be surprised to see NTX Rayados take this one in an energetic 3-2 match.

Game Two: Inocentes FC vs Denton Diablos FC

It’s hard to be more excited about this matchup. Denton’s first season in the NPSL was a fine one, with the club finishing the season with 9 wins, only 1 spot back from winning their division. The high powered attack of the Diablos produced an incredible 43 points in 12 matches. That was best in their division, and second in the South Region behind Miami FC. This is a club that knows how to score. Facing them, from the UPSL, is Inocentes FC, a club that Protagonist has written about extensively. Since their entry into the league in the 2018 Spring season, Inocentes has gone a combined 27-8-7, never finishing lower than second in their conference. There’s a pedigree at this club that is unmatched in the vast majority of American amateur soccer. So I’m all about this matchup and can’t wait for this match. I see Inocentes taking this game 2-1.

Game Three: Fort Worth Vaqueros FC vs Diablos Estudiantes

With the advantage of training with the Diablos first team for some time already this year, and the experience of last week’s scrimmage opportunity, 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.