UWS Week 9: Recap
Monday:
Ladies Steel City FC 0 vs Corktown AFC 4 : DuPage Medical Group Field - YouTube
The league's only Monday clash did not end well for the home side. Corktown AFC came from Detroit to Chicago and ran through Ladies Steel City FC by a score of 4-0. Ladies Steel City have just two wins so far this season after their loss to Corktown.
Tuesday:
Springfield Demize 0 vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher 1 : Cooper Stadium at Lake Country Soccer, Springfield, MO - Eleven Sports
In what proved to be the Demize's final match of 2021 the hosted visiting St. Louis Scott Gallagher at home in Springfield. It would be the visiting side from Eastern Missouri who would win with a single goal on the night. This dropped Springfield down to 0-0-8 with zero points on the entire season. SLSG is 5-1-1 with 16 points and one match left to play.
Wednesday:
Gretna Elite 2 vs FC Wichita 0 : Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center, Papillion, NE - Eleven Sports
The first meeting of the two side in 2021 went off well for Gretna Elite who sent Wichita back home with no points. Gretna's Skylar Heinrich and Regan Zimmers would be the goalscorers with Rylan Childers and Lindsey Prokop also getting assists in Gretna's 2-0 clean sheet win. Gretna's upset win gets them to 3-1-2 (10 points) and sets Wichita to 4-1-2 (13 points).
Friday:
Midwest United 2 vs Detroit City FC 1 : Midwest United Soccer Complex, Grand Rapids, MI - Eleven Sports
A cross state battle of Michigan had two of the top teams in the Midwest-North face each other. Midwest United playing at the MUFC Soccer Complex defeated Detroit City for the second time this season sending Le Rouge home with a 2-1 loss.
Chicago KICS vs Indiana Elite: De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
This match was originally on the league schedule, however has since been removed. The KICS next match will be on July 11th as home against MSC Peoria at home in Chicago, IL. Indiana Elite will play their final match of the season on Monday, July 5th against Steel City FC at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet, IL.
Saturday:
FC Wichita vs Springfield Demize: Stryker Sports Complex, Wichita, KS - Eleven Sports
MSC Peoria vs Indiana Elite: Eastside Centre, Peoria, IL - No Stream Announced
This match was also initially scheduled however has been pulled off the league schedule. Indiana Elite will play their final match of the season on Monday, July 5th against Steel City FC at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet, IL. MSC Peoria will play two more matches, one on July 10th at home against the Chicago Mustangs and their final match of the season on July 11th against the Chicago KICS in Chicago, IL.
Midwest Premier League: July Preview
This weekend the Midwest Premier League enters the final month of play in their inaugural season with the last matches of 2021 being played on August 1st. Those are one East Division match between BiH Grand Rapids (3rd Place as of 7/2/21) and Michigan Stars U23 (2nd Place as of 7/2/21). One West Division match will be played along side that as DeKalb County United (11th as of 7/2/21) hosts Rockford FC (9th as of 7/2/21).
East Division
Heading into the final four weeks of league play the East Division has been entirely dominated by Detroit City U23, the developmental side of NISA's Detroit City FC. Le Rouge sit atop the East at a perfect 9-0-0 with 27 points. Detroit City U23 can clinch the MWPL East Division title inside the next month if all circumstances go right for them. Right below them but not quite as successful are the aforementioned Michigan Stars U23, another NISA development side. The Stars are 4-2-2 with 15 points and with 6 matches left in their final month. With how much of a lead Detroit has there isn't a huge chance the Stars can take the title but the possibility is still there.
Sitting in third is BiH Grand Rapids, a former UPSL club they have done surprisingly well in this extremely tough division of the MWPL. BiH has the second highest amount of goals scored in the East at 16 entering the month and is tied for the fewest goals against on the year. With 8 matches to play in their final month BiH will have to balance a late gasp at the title with keeping players healthy. The league website lists BiH as having a back to back double header against Inter Detroit on July 10th followed by another game against Detroit City on the 11th to start July. However the team site lists the second match as being played on July 25th.
Rounding out the top four is expansion side Lansing Common. The Robins are a double replacement and a true Phoenix Club for soccer in Lansing, MI. Initially Lansing United (who still has a women's UWS side) was the men's team in the city. LUFC dissolved their men's side following the 2018 season due to the impending arrival of Lansing Ignite in USL League One. Ignite however would only last one season, folding immediately following the 2019 USL League One Final, that gave way to Lansing Common FC to begin play. The Robins are 4-1-1 on the season and similar to BiH have 8 matches left to play this month before the season comes to a close.
Currently LK St. Clair sits bottom, Livonia City at second bottom, Inter Detroit at third bottom, and West Michigan Bearings at fourth bottom. The full East Division standings can be seen below.
West Division
As we head across Lake Michigan we take a look at the physically larger but short schedule West Division. Unlike the East which plays a 14 match double round robin, the West only plays an 11 match single round robin. This actually has a direct impact on the title race for the West Division as only two teams have a chance at winning it. Those are the first place RWB Adria and third place Bavarian Soccer Club. Adria has a single match left to play, that being on July 31st against Bavarians, currently Adria sit at 9-1-0 with 28 points. Bavarians are in third place with a 5-1-0 record with 16 points and five matches left to play. However, in order to win the MWPL West, Bavarians will need to win out the entire rest of the season as , if they drop more than 3 points before playing Adria, then RWB Adria will win the inaugural MWPL West Division Championship.
Bisecting the two title contenders are the second place Steel City FC who are 5-2-2 with 17 points. SCFC will finish their season with some very winnable matches against DeKalb County United (July 7th, Home) and Chicago Athletic (July 31st, Home). Rounding out the top four of the West are Berber City FC, the men's affiliate of WPSL side Chicago City SC. Berber City is 4-1-3 with 13 points through eight played matches and with three left to play in the month of July. Those matches will have Berber City take to the road against Chicago Mustangs (July 1st), Bloomington, IL's FC Diablos (July 11th), and end the season against Cedar Rapids Inferno (July 17th).
At the bottom of the West Division table is Chicago Athletic (0-0-7, 0 points), DeKalb County United (1-1-4, 4 points) are at second bottom, DKCU's arch rival Union Dubuque (1-2-4, 5 points) are third bottom, and Rockford FC (2-0-7, 6 points) are at fourth bottom after starting the season with seven straight losses. The full West Division standings can be seen below.
2021 USL League Two Playoff Format Announced
Tuesday afternoon USL League Two announced it's 2021 Playoff format. This year there will be a total of 26 clubs, more than the typical 16 teams of the past, qualifying for the USL League Two Playoffs. This will consist of 8 teams from each the Central, Eastern, and Southern Conferences and two teams from the Western Conference.
Qualification Breakdowns
Central Conference
- Great Lakes Division - 3 Teams
- Heartland Division - 2 Teams
- Mid-South Division - 3 Teams
Eastern Conference
- Mid-Atlantic Division - 2 Teams
- Metropolitan Division - 3 teams
- Northeast Division - 2 Teams
- Wild Card - Best 3rd Place team between the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Divisions
Southern Conference
- Deep South Division - 3 Teams
- Southeast - 2 Teams
- South Atlantic - 3 Teams
Western Conference
- Mountain Division Champion vs Northwest Division Champion
Playoffs Schedule
The 2020 playoffs will run from July 16th to July 31st with the first round starting just three days after the final regular season game outside the Western Conference. The three Conferences playing Quarter-Final and Semi-Final round matches will play those the weekend of July 16-18. The winners of each conference Semi-Final and the Mountain Division and Northwest Division winners, who will represent the Western Conference, will meet the weekend of July 23-25. The teams will play the Conference Final followed by the National Semi-Final that weekend. The Western Conference will meet the Central Conference and the Eastern Conference will meet the Southern Conference in the Semi-Finals.
The USL League Two National Championship Final will be played on July 31st with the highest seed remaining hosting the final at their home site.
USL League Two Week 9: Preview
Tuesday:
Flint City Bucks vs South Bend Lions: 6:30 PM - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University, Flint, MI - Eleven Sports
Four points back from second place in the division, Flint City has a test on their hands as we head towards the end of the season. The Bucks have been 2-0-1 in their last three matches and want to keep that run of form going. South Bend has gone 1-1-1 in their last three and is sitting outside the playoff race at this point but could make it harder for the Bucks to earn their spot.
FC Wichita vs Kaw Valley FC: 7 PM - Stryker Sports Complex, Wichita, KS - Eleven Sports
In a division dominated by Des Moines and Chicago the winless FC Wichita host Kaw Valley FC in a Battle of the Sunflower State on Tuesday night. Wichita will want to earn their first points of the season on home turf against their rival from the East. However this is a match of pride and state supremacy as both sides are out of the running for the playoffs.
Wednesday:
Kalamazoo FC vs Oakland County FC: 6 PM - Mayors Riverfront Park Football Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI - Eleven Sports
Another rivalry match on a Wednesday night. Kalamazoo FC has already guaranteed themselves a playoff spot for 2021 but a win over mid-table Oakland County can bring them closer to a division title. Look for Oakland County to bring their A-Game on Wednesday night as a win will help immensely in attempting to earn a seat at the playoff table, while a loss brings those odds to slim.
Grand Rapids FC vs Toledo Villa: 6 PM - Midwest United Soccer Complex, Grand Rapids. MI - Eleven Sports
Mid-table sides face off with the winner earning a better shot towards the 2021 USL League Two playoffs. Both teams sit just outside the three spots the Great Lakes Division gets but neither is completely out of the race yet. This is the first match of a home and home series between the sides over this week.
Chicago FC United vs Des Moines Menace: 6 PM - Bridgeview Dome, Bridgeview, IL - No Stream Announced
Both teams have just three matches left on the season and Des Moines has already clinched a spot in the playoffs for this season. The question now is can the visiting Chicago FC United side take down the dominate Menace they face in Bridgeview. The two teams have goal differentials of +19 (DSM) and +21 (CHI) so look for this match to be one of the best games of the USL League Two calendar.
Thursday:
Kaw Valley FC vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher: 7:30 PM - Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS - Eleven Sports
After defeating Wichita on the road on Tuesday Kaw Valley returned home to face St. Louis Scott Gallagher. While Kaw Valley only had one day of rest SLSG had an entire week coming off their loss to Chicago FC United. This match however will have no implication on the remainder of the season except for final divisional placing as Des Moines and Chicago have already punched their postseason tickets.
Friday:
Toledo Villa vs Grand Rapids FC: 5 PM - Paul Hotmer Soccer Field, Toledo, OH - Eleven Sports
Mid table sides Toledo and Grand Rapids face off with Grand Rapids looking to inch closer to a playoff spot. GRFC has three matches to play and can jump as high as second place as Kalamazoo FC has already clinched their way into the playoffs with more points than Grand Rapids can achieve. Home side Toledo will have their season finish after their final two games as Wednesday's loss to Grand Rapids knocked them out of contention.
Dayton Dutch Lions vs Oakland County FC: 6 PM - Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, Dayton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
Lowly Dayton hosts mid table Oakland County in the Dutch Lions penultimate home match of the season. DDL at 0-1-9 with one point on the season have four matches left to gain their first win of the season, something they look increasingly capable of doing after drawing Fort Wayne 2-2 on Sunday. OCFC is looking for a playoff push as with also having four matches left they are not out of the race yet and can also mathematically take first place in the Great Lakes.
Green Bay Voyageurs vs FC Wichita: 7 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
While this match is the bottom two teams in the Heartland this could very much prove to be an exciting match to watch. Last Friday the teams went to a 1-0 scoreline with Green Bay taking their first set of three points in 2021. Both sides will be looking to intensely take the win and with Green Bay looking to sweep the season series while Wichita is just looking to strike their first win before ending the season next Saturday against Chicago FC United.
Saturday:
South Bend Lions vs Fort Wayne FC: 6 PM - TCU School Field, South Bend, IN - No Stream Announced
Two of the bottom three sides in the Great Lakes division play one of the two matches on Saturday night. South Bend (3-3-5, 12 points) hosts Fort Wayne (1-5-5, 8 points) in the second go around between the Indiana expansion sides. Last time out the Lions got the best of Fort Wayne, winning 3-1 on the road.
Kaw Valley FC vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher: 7:30 PM - Swope Soccer Village, Kansas City, MO - Eleven Sports
After hosting a game earlier this week in Kansas, Kaw Valley FC heads to Sporting KC's Swope Soccer Village in Missouri to host St. Louis Scott Gallagher in each teams penultimate match of 2021. SLSG has already clinched the season series with a 2-1 win (June 16th) and 6-2 win (July 1st) this season. Both sides enter with a 2-0-1 record in their last three matches.
Sunday:
Oakland County FC vs Flint City Bucks: 4 PM - Clawson Stadium, Clawson, MI - No Stream Announced
The lone match on Sunday wraps up League Two action this weekend as Flint City travels to Oakland County. Both teams are in the playoff race for the three spots in the Great Lakes division, however the Bucks are the ones sitting in a spot at this time. Both sides need a win as it will push the Bucks closer to locking up a spot while one will bring OCFC closer to getting into one.
*Note All Times CT
WPSL Central Region Week 8: Preview
Tuesday:
MapleBrook Fury vs Dakota Fusion: 6 PM - Wilmes Field at Osseo High School, Osseo, MN - No Stream Announced
With only an 8 match schedule for the WPSL's Northern Conference the teams are anywhere from 1/2 to all of the way through their seasons. Dakota Fusion are sitting at 0-0-6 with no points so far in 2021, the only team in the Northern Conference with that distinction. In addition to the record Fusion have been hapless this season being outscored 34 goals to 1, including a 4-0 loss to the Fury on Friday. MapleBrook on the other hand is 3-1-1 with 10 points and battling for the conference title still. The Fury come into Tuesday's match on just a days rest after losing 4-2 to the Minnesota Thunder on Sunday.
Wednesday:
St. Louis Lions vs Fire & Ice SC: 6 PM - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Stream Announced
In the long stretching Midwestern Conference, Fire & Ice will travel from their suburban St. Louis home to the Missouri suburbs to face the St. Louis Lions. The hosting Lions are 0-0-7 and another team in the Region with no points on the season and are sitting with a -29 goal differential. On the other hand Fire & Ice is 4-1-3 with 13 points and have an outside chance at the Midwestern Conference title with four matches left to play. The last time the two sides faced each other Fire & Ice won 2-0.
Minnesota Thunder vs Rochester United FC: 7:45 PM - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
After a disappointing start with a 2-1 loss to Salvo SC to their first WPSL season the Thunder have since gone on a tear going 6-0-0 since. Minnesota Thunder have outscored their opponents 18-4 in those six wins. With the shortest WPSL Northern Conference season on record the Thunder can clinch the conference title with a win on Wednesday night. On the other hand Rochester can at least push the celebration off for a minimum of a few days if the Lions can snag a win or even force a draw.
Chicago City SC vs Chicago Dutch Lions: 8:30 PM - Lions for Hope Sports Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
With a 10 match schedule and a beatable Red Stars Reserves side the Lake Michigan Conference title is still winnable for almost every team. And while it would take a lot for that to be Chicago City neither them or the Chicago Dutch Lions are out of the mix yet. CCSC is 1-1-3 with just four points to their name but still with 15 on the table, but are 0-1-2 in their last three. CDL are currently at 3-1-2 with 10 points and are 2-0-1 in their last three, that loss came
Thursday:
MapleBrook Fury vs Salvo SC: 7 PM - Osseo High School Stadium, Osseo, MN - No Stream Announced
After Rochester United managed to force a draw with the Northern Conference leading Thunder, that has opened the door for MapleBrook to attempt a late gasp at sharing the conference title. The Fury are 3-1-1 with 10 points having three matches, two of which are rescheduled matches, left to play. Salvo SC can destroy MapleBrook's hopes of winning the Conference by winning or forcing a draw with the Fury on Thursday night.
Friday:
FC Milwaukee Torrent vs Chicago City SC: 7 PM - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
Rounding out a short week in the WPSL is a MKE/CHI showdown with the Torrent hosting Chicago City at Hart Park on Friday night. The Lake Michigan Conference is entirely up for grabs and Torrent have five matches to play and attempt a run at the title. While Torrent are 3-1-1 with 10 points CCSC is only sitting at 1-2-3 with 5 points in six matches. Milwaukee statistically has the advantage and adding in their home ground this will be a tough go for Chicago City.
UWS Week 9: Preview
Monday:
Ladies Steel City FC vs Corktown AFC: 8 PM - DuPage Medical Group Field - YouTube
A Monday night match to open the 9th week of UWS play in 2021 as Ladies Steel City from the Midwest-South meet the Midwest-North's Corktown AFC. Ladies Steel City looks to right the ship coming in with a 1-0-6 (W-D-L) record and just three points in 2021. On the other hand Corktown is sitting in 2nd place in the Midwest-North just behind Midwest United, Corktown AFC is 4-0-2 with 12 points and comes into this match off a win over Lansing United on June 19th.
Tuesday:
Springfield Demize vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher: 7 PM - Cooper Stadium at Lake Country Soccer, Springfield, MO - Eleven Sports
Two total opposites take the pitch on Tuesday night for a showdown in the Show-Me State. SLSG heads to Springfield sitting 4-1-1 with 13 points, a tie for first in the Central Conference with KC Courage. Springfield meanwhile sit at a recorded 0-0-5 with 0 points on the season and two matches to play so the Demize will be hunting for their first points and win of 2021 at Cooper Stadium.
Wednesday:
Gretna Elite vs FC Wichita: 5 PM - Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center, Papillion, NE - Eleven Sports
Wednesday night has a battle of the Sunflower State and the Cornhusker State as Gretna Elite and FC Wichita meet in suburban Omaha. The hosting Gretna Elite are 2-1-2 with 7 points so far with their last two matches being a 7-2 victory over the Springfield Demize followed by a 4-2 loss to St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Visiting FC Wichita has a record of 2-1-1 also with 7 point with 3 matches to play. The two sides have not met yet in 2020.
Friday:
Midwest United vs Detroit City FC: 5 PM - Midwest United Soccer Complex, Grand Rapids, MI - Eleven Sports
Currently these are the top two teams in the Midwest-North. While both sides have two games left to play Midwest United has already wrapped up the title for the Midwest-North with a 7-1-0 record and 22 points. Detroit City (5-0-3, 15 points) will look for revenge after losing 3-2 to MWUFC in the last outing against the side.
Chicago KICS vs Indiana Elite: 7 PM - De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
This match was originally on the league schedule, however has since been removed. The KICS next match will be on July 11th as home against MSC Peoria at home in Chicago, IL. Indiana Elite will play their final match of the season on Monday, July 5th against Steel City FC at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet, IL.
Saturday:
FC Wichita vs Springfield Demize: 7 PM - Stryker Sports Complex, Wichita, KS - Eleven Sports
MSC Peoria vs Indiana Elite: TBD - Eastside Centre, Peoria, IL - No Stream Announced
This match was also initially scheduled however has been pulled off the league schedule. Indiana Elite will play their final match of the season on Monday, July 5th against Steel City FC at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet, IL. MSC Peoria will play two more matches, one on July 10th at home against the Chicago Mustangs and their final match of the season on July 11th against the Chicago KICS in Chicago, IL.
USL League Two, Week 6: Recap
Wednesday:
South Bend Lions 1 vs Kalamazoo FC 3: TCU School Field, South Bend, IN – No Stream
Kzoo took the lead in 4th minute through Green but the hosts equalized in the 11th through Dukaly and it was two quick goals in the 66th minute (through Harmon) and the 68th (by Lara) that sealed the win for the visitors.
Grand Rapids FC 1 vs Flint City Bucks 1 : Midwest United FC Soccer Complex – Eleven Sports
Two teams that came in on opposite tracts left on the same footing last night. Grand Rapids scored first on a penalty from Matty Cornish after Ryan Debois was fouled inside the box. Flint drew the match even in the 83rd minute on a goal from Harvey Slade.
FC Wichita 2 vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher 3 : Trinity Academy Stadium, Wichita, KS – Eleven Sports
The home side came in looking for their first win of 2021 and while they came close, it did not happen. A first half goal for SLSG by Richard Ruiz was leveled out by Kevin Black's goal for Wichita. SLSG scored twice in the second half with goals by John Klein and Jacob Bilyeu with Wichita's Juan Zamora sandwiched between the two.
Chicago FC United 4 vs Kaw Valley FC 0: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL – No Stream
Undefeated Chicago routed Kaw Valley FC in Bridgeview. Diego Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 29th minute before earning a brace just 10 minutes later. Andrew Akindele and Marc Torrellas added second half goals in the 60' and 90+2' respectively.
Friday:
Toledo Villa 1 vs Fort Wayne FC 3: 5 PM - Paul Hotmer Soccer Field at The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH - Eleven Sports
Casas de Abadal opened up the scoring for Fort Wayne in the 35th minute, joined by Kouadio in the 68th minute and Boccoli de Oliveira in the 79th minute before the Villa got a consolation goal in the 88th minute.
Kalamazoo FC 3 vs Dayton Dutch Lions 1: 5:45 PM - Mayors Riverfront Park Football Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI - Eleven Sports
The Great Lakes leading Kzoo notched another win at home against a winless DDL.
Saturday:
South Bend Lions 0 vs Oakland County FC 1: 4 PM - TCU School Field, South Bend, IN - No Stream Announced
OCFC goalkeeper Loria tallied 10 saves as Inscho scored in the 89th minute to take all 3 points for the visitors.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher 1 vs Chicago FC United 1: 6 PM - World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, MO - No Stream Announced
Akindele opened the scoring for division leading Chicago in the 27th minute but SLSG grabbed a share of the spoils through Hummel shortly after half time for CFCU's first dropped points of the season.
Flint City Bucks 1 vs Kings Hammer 2: 6:30 PM - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University, Flint, MI - No Stream Announced
Brown opened the score for Kings Hammer in the 13th minute and it was doubled by Erhardt in the 57th minute. The home side halved the deficit in the 90th minute through Erlandson but were unable to bring it level.
Des Moines Menace vs Kaw Valley FC: 7 PM - Valley Stadium, West Des Moines, IA - CISN.tv
The Menace continue their perfect start to the season. Haugli scored on the volley in the 39th minute after a neatly constructed set piece recycled from a corner and Kametani doubled the margin in the 50th minute, finishing off a sweeping free kick.
Midwest Premier League, Week 8: Preview
Saturday:
West Michigan Bearings vs Inter Detroit: 1 PM - South Christian High School, Byron Center, MI - No Stream Announced
West Michigan is just three points back from East Division leaders the Michigan Stars, a win tonight will put the Bearings even with the Stars U23 side in the Division. And for a league without playoffs this is big. Inter Detroit however is fighting to get out of the mid-table and up to the top. After a 1-1 draw last weekend with the Stars U23 a win is not out of the question.
Livonia City FC vs BiH Grand Rapids: 4 PM - Total Sports Wixom, Wixom, MI - No Stream Announced
After a win 10 days ago against the Bearings, BiH will play their third match of 2021 and look for their second win to get on a winning streak. The only other team they played? It was this Livonia City side who they drew 0-0 with back in May. LCFC on the other hand defeated LK St. Clair last week after coming off a 5-0 loss to the Detroit City U23 side, and look for Livonia City to do everything possible to get on a win streak.
Chicago Athletic vs RWB Adria: 5 PM - Redmond Park, Bensenville, IL - Eleven Sports
A regular battle of Chicagoland sides takes place, though this one for the first time and a bit different. Chicago Athletic sits with 0 points at the bottom of the table right next to Rockford FC and has to face RWB Adria, who are at this time, running away with the West Division title. Adria should be able to heavily dominate tonight and jump to 7-0-0 with 21 points.
Chicago Mustangs vs Rockford FC: 7 PM - The MAC Sports Center, Crystal Lake, IL - No Stream Announced
The other team sitting with 0 points on the season heads to the Chicagoland area to face the Mustangs outdoor senior squad. However Rockford has had some tight contests with some of the best sides in the Midwest Premier League. This is a sleeper pick for a match to watch but Rockford just might be able to sneak out their first win of 2021.
Bavarian Soccer Club vs Steel City FC: 8 PM - Heartland Value Fund Stadium, Glendale, WI - Eleven Sports
While the BSC Women are away in Suburban Chicago over in the WPSL, the Men are at home against a side from Suburban Chicago. The visiting Steel City FC have drawn their last two matches, a tough look in the West Division that only plays 11 matches. On the other hand the Bavarians are going to come in off a MWPL bye week but will be taking all their anger from last weeks National Amateur Cup loss to FC Minneapolis on the visitors from Joliet.
Edgewater Castle vs Union Dubuque: 8:15 PM* - CIBC FirePitch, Chicago, IL - Twitch
Union Dubuque comes off a bye week which was preceded by their first win of 2021. That win was their first in the MWPL and first league win for manager Mike Paye. Edgewater has drawn their last two matches with their last win coming in Mid-May against Berber City FC. And while that is the case Union Dubuque will need to shape after looking gassed two weeks ago in the second half in order to defeat Edgewater in the Castle Derby.
*As note while the kickoff time on the MWPL Website is 8:15, Edgewater Castle are advertising it as 8:15 gates and 8:45 kickoff
*Note – All Times CDT-
WPSL Central Region, Week 5: Preview
Wednesday:
Chicago Dutch Lions vs Green Bay Glory: 5 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Rochester United FC vs Mankato United SC: 7 PM - Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
Thursday:
Minnesota Thunder vs Fire SC 98: 7:45 PM - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
Saturday:
FC Pride vs Lady Victory FC: 2 PM - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Stream Announced
The top two teams in the Midwestern Conference face off in Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon. The teams only have one loss between with and a combined record of 5-1-1 in 2021. Lady Victory will attempt to rebound after losing to Fire & Ice last week while FC Pride wants to continue their 3 match winning streak.
Cincinnati Sirens vs Columbus Eagles: 6 PM - Lakota West High School, West Chester Township, OH - No Stream Announced
After two road matches, including a few weeks ago against Columbus, Cincinnati will finally play at home for the first time in 2021. The Sirens are 2-0-0 with wins of 3-0 and 4-0 with the latter being over the Eagles. On the other hand Columbus has struggled to this point going 0-1-3 with one point and a goal differential of -11.
Chicago Dutch Lions vs Chicago City SC: 7 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Both sides enter the match on a fairly even keel. CDL sitting at 1-1-1 and CCSC is at 1-0-1, both teams have only lost to the Red Stars Reserves as well. In a season with only 10 matches and no playoff a win is imperative if one of the two hope be able to take the Lake Michigan Division from the Red Stars.
Chicago Red Stars Reserves vs Bavarian Soccer Club: 7 PM - Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation Center, Oak Brook, IL - Eleven Sports
Red Stars Reserves have the weekend all to themselves as the senior side has the weekend off the NWSL. A Chicago/Milwaukee battle, RSR looks to jump to 4-0-0 with 12 points. If Bavarians hope to stop that it will take some stout defence as their opponents have scored 14 goals in three matches and no less than 4 in a given match.
Dakota Fusion vs Minnesota Thunder: 7 PM - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
After yet another delayed match last week that was to have been played against the MapleBrook Fury, the Fusion will finally get to play at home. The Fusion have lost their only match of 2021, that one a 4-0 loss to Rochester United, while the Thunder are coming off a 6-0 win over Fire SC 98 just a few days prior. Momentum is on the side of the visitors but the Fusion have the element of rest in their hands.
Fire & Ice SC vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 7 PM - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
This match between two mid-table sides in the Midwestern Conference could be Match of the Week in the Central Region. Fire & Ice are 1-0-1 having beaten Lady Victory however they lost to FC Pride in their season opener. DDL on the other hand drew FC Pride in the Dutch Lions home opener, however have not managed a win yet as they then lost to the Sirens before drawing the Eagles in their last two matches.
Rochester United FC vs Salvo SC: 7 PM - Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
Another match that could possibly be Match of the Week.Salvo has only played one match so far, that being a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Thunder. Rochester on the other hand defeated Dakota Fusion 4-0 before drawing with MapleBrook and Mankato United, two sides that are expected to be at the top of the Conference. If Rochester can win, even at home this would be a huge upset and could change the table in the Northern Conference for the entire season.
Sunday:
Columbus Eagles vs Lady Victory FC: 1 PM - Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
Fire & Ice SC vs FC Pride: 2 PM - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
St. Louis Lions vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 2 PM - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Stream Announced
Green Bay Glory vs FC Milwaukee Torrent: 3 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
MapleBrook Fury vs Fire SC 98: 7 PM - Maple Grove Crimson Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Stream Announced
*Note – All Times CDT
NISA Independent Cup Schedule Announced
This morning the National Independent Soccer Association announced the schedule for most games for the 2021 NISA Independent Cup. A few weeks ago NISA announced the field for the Independent Cup as well as it's format. The tournament has a round robin format and each side will play three matches, with most either playing two at home and one on the road or two on the road and one at home. There will be no matches past the round robin and the top team in the region will be declared the regional champion.
An interesting aspect of the tournament will be how the two Midwest Premier League sides fare against the National Premier Soccer League clubs and how all clubs fair against their specific NISA opponents. In last year's Independent Cup a 2021 NISA team won all three regions that league clubs participated in.
9 of the 15 clubs who played in last year's tournament return with the league will be represented in 7/9 regions with six of the seven having one NISA side. The Southwest will have two clubs from NISA, California United Strikers and San Diego 1904, represent the league. The Pacific and South Central regions are not represented by the host league, rather made up entirely of local clubs.
2021 NISA Independent Cup Schedule
Great Lakes Region
July 15th, 2021 - Livonia City FC (MWPL) vs Cleveland SC (NPSL): 6 PM - Legacy Sports Center Complex, Brighton, MI
July 17th, 2021 - Cleveland SC (NPSL) vs Detroit City FC (NISA): 6 PM - George Finnie Stadium, Berea, OH
July 28th, 2021 - Detroit City FC (NISA) vs Livonia City FC (MWPL): 7 PM - Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
TBD - FC Buffalo (NPSL) vs Cleveland SC (NPSL): TBD
TBD - FC Buffalo (NPSL) vs Livonia City FC (MWPL): 2 PM - All-High Stadium, Buffalo, NY
TBD - Detroit City FC (NISA) vs FC Buffalo (NPSL): 6 PM - Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Midwest Region
July 9th, 2021 - FC Milwaukee Torrent (NPSL) vs Chicago House AC (NISA): 7 PM - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI
July 11th, 2021 - Med City FC (NPSL) vs Union Dubuque (MWPL): 1:45 PM - Rochester Regional Stadium at RCTC, Rochester, MN
July 14th, 2021 - Union Dubuque (MWPL) vs FC Milwaukee Torrent (NPSL): 6 PM - Dubuque Soccer Complex, Dubuque, IA
July 24th, 2021 - Med City FC (NPSL) vs Chicago House AC (NISA): 6:45 PM - Rochester Regional Stadium at RCTC, Rochester, MN
July 27th, 2021 - FC Milwaukee Torrent (NPSL) vs Med City FC (NPSL): 7 PM - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI
July 31st, 2021 - Union Dubuque (MWPL) vs Chicago House AC (NISA): 5 PM - Dubuque Soccer Complex, Dubuque, IA
*Note – All Times CDT
USL League Two, Week 6: Preview
Wednesday:
South Bend Lions vs Kalamazoo FC: 6 PM - TCU School Field, South Bend, IN - No Stream Announced
Both sides come into this match close to the middle of the Great Lakes Division table. South Bend will look to win their second match and their first ever home match. On the other hand Kalamazoo will go for win number four and keep the Lions winless on their home pitch.
Grand Rapids FC vs Flint City Bucks: 6 PM - Midwest United FC Soccer Complex - Eleven Sports
In a tale of opposites in the Great Lakes Division, the third place Flint City Bucks will travel to Grand Rapids to face the third bottom Grand Rapids FC. GRFC is coming off their first win of 2021 over Oakland County. The powerhouse Bucks are 3-1-0 (W-L-D) with 10 points so far on the season and looking to continue that roll.
FC Wichita vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher: 7 PM - Trinity Academy Stadium, Wichita, KS - Eleven Sports
Kansas vs Missouri as FC Wichita and St. Louis Scott Gallagher face off in a midweek showdown. FC Wichita is 0-0-3 with zero points so far in 2021 and looks to break that streak in their second home match of 2021. SLSG has fared a small bit better in their first season. At 1-1-2 with four points SLSG will do everything they can to sweep the season series.
Chicago FC United vs Kaw Valley FC: 7 PM - SeatGeek Stadium Field, Bridgeview, IL - No Stream Announced
The top two sides in the Heartland not name the Des Moines Menace hit the pitch in Bridgeview tonight. 3-0-0 Chicago FC United hosts 2-0-1 Kaw Valley FC in each team's fourth match of 2021. A win for either side takes them much closer to the Menace's 15 points.
Friday:
Toledo Villa vs Fort Wayne FC: 5 PM - Paul Hotmer Soccer Field at The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH - Eleven Sports
Two teams on the opposite swings this season, the hosting Toledo side is 3-3-1 with 12 points so far and are sitting at second in the Great Lakes Division. On the other hand Fort Wayne are 0-2-4 with just two points. If Toledo wins they could possibly steal the division lead from Kalamzoo.
Kalamazoo FC vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 5:45 PM - Mayors Riverfront Park Football Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI - Eleven Sports
Polar opposites in the standings play Friday night. Kalamazoo who leads the Great Lakes plays host to Dayton Dutch Lions who sit dead last in the division. Currently sitting 0-0-6 with 0 points DDL desperately needs a win while Kalamazoo needs a win to guarantee their spot in the division stays the same.
Saturday:
South Bend Lions vs Oakland County FC: 4 PM - TCU School Field, South Bend, IN - No Stream Announced
Two mid pack teams in the Great Lakes Division will face off in South Bend's TCU School Field. Oakland County will have the edge in fitness having not played a midweek match this week. Both sides sit at 2-2-2 with 8 points as they enter this afternoons match.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher vs Chicago FC United: 6 PM - World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, MO - No Stream Announced
Both teams are coming off midweek games back on Wednesday night, those ended in very similar fashion with SLSG beating FC Wichita and Chicago FC United defeating Kaw Valley FC. With Chicago FC United sitting at 4-0-0 with 12 points will St. Louis be able to give the visitors from Illinois their first loss of 2021?
Flint City Bucks vs Kings Hammer: 6:30 PM - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University, Flint, MI - No Stream Announced
Another very good showdown in USL League Two takes place tonight in Flint, MI. The 3-2-0 (11 points) F;int City Bucks host the 3-2-1 (11 points) Kings Hammer. The Bucks drew 1-1 against Grand Rapids on Wednesday night while Kings Hammer comes in more fit having played their last match, a draw with Toledo, last Friday.
Green Bay Voyageurs vs FC Wichita: 7 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
Unfortunately one of the newest and nicest stadiums in USL2 will see a bottom of the barrel match tonight. Green Bay sit second bottom with a single point while FC Wichita are at the bottom of the division with 0 points. Wichita might be content leaving with a single point even though both sides are itching to get their first win of the season.
Des Moines Menace vs Kaw Valley FC: 7 PM - Valley Stadium, West Des Moines, IA - CISN.tv
Unbeaten 5-0-0 Des Moines will face Kaw Valley FC tonight in the second leg of the home and home series and second of FIVE straight matches against Kansas sides for the Menace. Kaw Valley comes in off a 4-0 drubbing by Chicago FC United while the Menace took the previous leg of this series 1-0 on the road.
Midwest Premier League, Week 8: Where to Watch
Tuesday:
West Michigan Bearings, 1 vs BiH Grand Rapids, 2 : 7:30 PM - Midwest United FC Soccer Complex, Grand Rapids, MI - No Stream Announced
Thursday:
Michigan Stars U23, 3 vs LK St. Clair, 0 : 7 PM - Michigan Stars Sports Center, Washington, MI - Eleven Sports
Saturday:
Detroit City U23, 3 vs West Michigan Bearings, 0 : 3 PM - Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI - No Stream Announced
Cedar Rapids Inferno, 1 vs RWB Adria, 3 : 5 PM - Fairfax City Sports & Park Complex, Fairfax, IA - No Stream Announced
Berber City FC, 3 vs Chicago Athletic, 2 : 7 PM - Lions for Hope Sports Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
Chicago Mustangs, 5 vs DeKalb County United, 1 : 7 PM - The MAC Sports Center, Crystal Lake, IL - No Stream Announced
Edgewater Castle, 2 vs Steel City FC, 2 : 8:15 PM - CIBC Fire Pitch, Chicago, IL - Twitch
Sunday:
LK St. Clair vs Livonia City: 3 PM - Mount Clemens High School Stadium, Mount Clemens, MI - Eleven Sports
Michigan Stars U23 vs Inter Detroit: 3 PM - Michigan Stars Sports Center, Washington, MI - Eleven Sports
USL League Two, Week 5: Recap
Wednesday:
Oakland County FC, 3 vs Kalamazoo FC, 2 : 6 PM - Clawson Stadium, Clawson, MI - YouTube
Chicago FC United, 4 vs Green Bay Voyageurs, 0 : 7:45 PM - Bridgeview Dome, Bridgeview, IL - No Stream Announced
Friday:
Kings Hammer, 0 vs Toledo Villa, 0 : 6 PM - Corcoran Field at Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH - Eleven Sports
Flint City Bucks, 3 vs Fort Wayne FC, 0 : 6:30 PM - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University, Flint, MI - Eleven Sports
After a goal-less first half, the Bucks finished off their first chance on the 48th minute after the ball ricocheted around the penalty area. Their lead was doubled in the 61st minute through Matt Fearnley after a buildup which saw a long crossfield pass then reversed into his path. Fort Wayne FC contributed generously to the last goal of three when the defense gave the ball away on the edge of their own area in the 83rd minute and it was calmly slotted away.
Green Bay Voyageurs, 0 vs Chicago FC United, 1 : 7 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
A back and forth game saw Chicago FC United blaze a penalty wide for their best chance of the first half but in the end it was academic as they took the points through the game's only goal in the 82nd minute.
Saturday:
Oakland County FC, 0 vs Grand Rapids FC, 3 : 6 PM - Clawson Stadium, Clawson, MI - YouTube
Playing against ten men for a majority of the game, Grand Rapids got goals through Cornish on 49 minutes, Keenan on 69 minutes and a final clinching goal - courtesy of a screamer from Conerty in the 79th minute.
Kaw Valley FC, 0 vs Des Moines Menace, 1 : 7 PM - Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS - Eleven Sports
Des Moines Menace came into the University of Kansas and took the three points courtesy of a delicate chip over the Kaw Valley keeper from close range.
Sunday:
Fort Wayne FC 1 vs South Bend Lions 3: 2 PM - The Stadium at Shields Field, Fort Wayne, IN - Eleven Sports
Dayton Dutch Lions 0 vs Toledo Villa 1: 6 PM - Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, West Carrollton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
A mazy run inside a handful of defenders was capped by the only goal of the game for the visitors' Joey Akpunonu in the 38th minute of a tightly contested game.
*Note – All Times CDT
United Women's Soccer, Week 5: Recap
Thursday:
Springfield Demize, 0 vs KC Courage, 3 : 7 PM - Cooper Stadium at Lake Country Soccer, Springfield, MO - Eleven Sports
The first of two games on the week for both sides, KC Courage headed down to Southern Missouri to face the rechristened Springfield Demize (formerly Lady Demize). The trip from Kansas City to Springfield did nothing to dissuade the Courage as they took a three goal away victory with all three goals scored by different players.
Friday:
Chicago Mustangs, 2 vs Lansing United, 0 : 5 PM - Commissioners Park, Naperville, IL - No Stream Announced
Another match with the teams both playing their first of two on the weekend, the outdoor Women's side of the Chicago Mustangs hosted Lansing United in a Midwest North vs South match. The trip for Lansing didn't prove to be worth much in points as Chicago took a two goal win to secure another three points.
Midwest United, 4 vs Corktown AFC, 2 : 6 PM - Aquinas College Athletic Field, Grand Rapids, MI - Eleven Sports
Detroit's "only women's club" headed west across the state to do battle in the all-Michigan, Midwest-North. Corktown looked to be running away with the match, scoring two unanswered goals inside the first half hour. Midwest United answered back with two goals before the end of the half and two more in the second 45' to earn a nice comeback victory at home.
Saturday:
KC Courage, 1 vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher, 0 : 4 PM - Bourke Field at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO - Eleven Sports
The second match of the week for KC Courage and first of two in a row for SLSG. Both sides needed to have the utmost fitness to get through the full 90 minutes with KC having already played this week and SLSG having a match the next day. What we got was a banger of a match with Courage's Caroline Kelly scoring the lone and game winning goal in the 89th minute.
Chicago Mustangs, 4 vs Ladies Steel City, 0 : 6 PM - Nike Sports Complex, Naperville, IL - No Stream Announced
Ladies Steel City looked to spoil Chicago's second match of the week and the Mustangs perfect opportunity to take a total of six points on the week. That was not to be for the visitors from Joliet as the Mustangs ran away with a four goals all by different scorers in a route of their Chicagoland rivals. The Mustangs now have 9 points through 3 matches and sit atop the Midwest-South.
Indiana Elite, 1 vs Chicago Kics, 2 : 6 PM - Trinity Sports Park, Noblesville, IN - No Stream Announced
Taking the place of Indiana Union for the 2021 UWS season, Indiana Elite played their first match in United Women's Soccer against the Chicago Kics, another UWS expansion side. The Kics managed a one goal away victory to give them their second win of the season and hand Elite a loss in their first ever match in the league.
Muskegon Risers, 0 vs Detroit City FC, 10 : 6 PM - Kehren Stadium, Muskegon, MI - Eleven Sports
Detroit came back from last weeks 3-1 away loss to the Chicago Mustangs in dominating fashion. Le Rouge took a large 7-0 lead into the half-time break, scoring so many in such quick succession their matchday Twitter had a hard time keeping up. DCFC added another three goals in the second half including a brace from Melanie Forbes.
Sunday:
Lansing United, 5 vs Chicago Kics, 1 : 1 PM - Eastern High School Stadium, Lansing, MI - Eleven Sports
After a big win in Indiana on Saturday night, the Kics trekked north to face Lansing United for both teams second match of the weekend. The Kics jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with a sixth minute goal> Lansing drew even in the 27th before taking the lead just two minutes later en route to a big 5-1 win at home.
Indiana Elite, 1 vs MSC Peoria, 2 : 6 PM - Trinity Sports Park, Noblesville, IN - No Stream Announced
Indiana Elite hosted MSC Peoria for Elite's second of two home matches on the weekend. Though a valiant effort was made by the hosts, it would be MSC Peoria winning 2-1 at the final whistle.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher, 4 vs Springfield Demize, 0 : 7 PM - World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, MO - Eleven Sports
The final match of the weekend for the UWS Central, the two Missouri sides took to the pitch in the final of a triangular week which also saw them both face KC Courage. After a loss for each side they both looked to take their first three points of 2021. Those three points would go to St. Louis after they defeated Springfield 4-0 in their first of two clashes in 2021.
*Note – All Times CDT
NPSL Midwest, Week 5: Recap
Wednesday:
Med City FC, 3 vs La Crosse Aris, 1 : 6:45 PM - Rochester Regional Stadium at RCTC, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
The first of two games on the week for both sides, Aris made the short jaunt from La Crosse to Rochester. Aris scored first in the 15th minute and held the lead shortly until Mazeed Aro-Lambo evened the score in the 22nd minute. La Crosse held off the Mayhem for the rest of the first half but Kolton Prater scored the game winner in the 46th minute. Toby Millward added an insurance goal for Med City in the 62nd to round out the night.
Joy Athletic Club, 3 vs Sioux Falls Thunder, 0 : 8:15 PM - Oriole Stadium, St. Louis Park, MN - Eleven Sports
After a rough last few games Joy Athletic came back home for a late kickoff match in St. Louis Park. A seventh minute free kick goal for Joy by Darley Florvil was all that Joy Athletic needed for the win as they held a clean sheet, their first in club history, against Sioux Falls. Emmanuel Iwe and Xavier Zengue also scored with 65th and 85th minute goals respectively.
Saturday:
FC Indiana 1 vs Panathinaikos Chicago, 3 : 4 PM - Legacy Sports Club, Lafayette, IN - Facebook
PAO Chicago headed east to face the Lions of FC Indiana as both sides attempt to climb into a playoff spot in the Great Lakes Conference. The visitors scored three times inside the first 45 minutes of play en route to a 3-1 away victory propelling them into a tie for second place in the Great Lakes.
Carpathia FC, 2 vs FC Columbus, 1: 6 PM - Avondale High School Stadium, Auburn Hills, MI - Eleven Sports
Michigan vs Ohio, another state vs state rivalry match happening in the Great Lakes Division. Carpathia's two first half goals would be just enough to hold the lead the rest of the match even after Coro Alvarez scored on a free kick in the 75th minute for Columbus.
Minneapolis City SC, 2 vs Med City FC, 0 : 6 PM - Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis, MN - YouTube
The top two in the North faced off to see who would be the undisputed leader in the Conference. Unfortunately for the visiting side they would succumb to what is possibly the best side Minneapolis City has ever put together. After being held off for an entire half Max Stiegwardt got the Crows on the board with a penalty in the 56th minute. He would be followed up just under 20 minutes later by a Kevin Andrews goal.
Dakota Fusion, 3 vs La Crosse Aris, 0: 7 PM - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
Aris had apparent difficulty getting to Moorhead, causing a near 45 minute delay to kick off, and will probably wish they had just taken the forfeit which was on the table for a while - since a 3-0 defeat is how it finished anyway. Fusion survived a red card to their goalkeeper in the 55th minute and a subsequent flurry of free kicks close to their goal to emerge victorious.
Sioux Falls Thunder, 2 vs Duluth FC, 1 : 7 PM - McEneaney Field, Sioux Falls, SD - Eleven Sports
After a tough loss last weekend to Minneapolis City SC, Duluth FC looked to get back to winning ways against Sioux Falls. It took more than 80 minutes for a goal to be scored and that first one came from Trace Dobson in the 81st minute. Duluth quickly answered back with an 86th minute goal by Caleb Tammi. The Thunder's Tyler Limmer ended hopes for a draw with a stoppage time goal for Sioux Falls.
*Note – All Times CDT