Shawn Laird

The Villages vs. Lakeland Tropics

The Villages head to Lakeland Tropics Saturday night for another matchup in this young rivalry. Last time these clubs met was an epic match in the first round of the US Open Cup, where the Villages prevailed 8-7 in penalties.

Currently in league play, the Villages sit 6th at 1W-1L-0D, after losing to Florida Elite and winning recently against Sarasota Metro 2-1. Meanwhile, Lakeland sits above the Villages by a point in 4th, with a draw against Daytona and defeating Weston.

After watching both teams play recently, I feel that this matchup could end in a draw. I hope this rivalry really heats up and becomes one of the better ones in the lower leagues.

Dan Vaughn

Southwest FC vs. Sporting AZ FC

Can’t believe I’m picking this match, but I am. Sporting AZ FC comes into this match as the big dog in the Southwest Conference. Supposedly in the offseason they were supposed to be pushing in an all-Arizona conference, but that didn’t happen, so they continue to dominate in this conference. Always slick, always polished, always ready to play - I root for another club in this conference, so I hate them (because they are so damn good).

They travel to El Paso to play Southwest FC, the up and comers in this conference. After a great run in USOC qualifying, this club has kicked off the season undefeated, including a gutty 3-2 win over FC Grande last weekend. Csan Endy’s club pull of the upset and knock off Sporting, that would be a bit of an ask, but everyone else in the conference is hoping they can!

I think this is a great match and will be a thrill to watch. I also think Sporting AZ FC will continue to dominate and win this match. But let’s wait till Sunday to assume the win.

Several Matches in the NPSL (Both on Friday)

MPLS City vs Sioux Falls, Detroit City FC vs Ann Arbor - Both of these matches are fascinating. Both MPLS City and Ann Arbor are having great runs of form this season and both are in the GSMU top 25 poll. DCFC is tough at home, without a doubt and I expect them to push AAFC to the limit. MPLS City I expect to win against Sioux Falls, as they’ve been on the rise in form so far this season.