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
WPSL Central Region, Week 4: Recap
Wednesday:
Chicago City SC, 0 vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves, 5 : 8 PM - DePaul College Prep Turf Field, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
After a 4-0 win over the Chicago Dutch Lions last weekend Chicago Red Stars Reserve squad faced another local Chicago side in Chicago City SC. Halftime saw CRS Reserves only hold a 1-0 lead, however the NWSL reserve side added four more goals in the second half en route to a massive win over Chicago City.
Friday:
Mankato United, 7 vs Fire SC 98, 2 : 7 PM - Bethany Lutheran College Soccer Field, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Mankato United debuted in a new home on Friday night, now playing at Bethany Lutheran College's brand new Soccer Field rather than the Caswell North Soccer Complex in North Mankato. The hosts opened with an early goal before Fire 98 struck back with their own. Mankato proceeded to score five unanswered between the first and second halves before Fire 98 scored their second of two goals. MUSC capped off the night in the 86th minute with their seventh goal of the match.
Salvo SC, 2 vs Minnesota Thunder, 1 : 7 PM - Reynolds Field, St. Paul, MN - Eleven Sports
Defending champions vs a debuting side, Salvo SC hosted the Minnesota Thunder at Reynolds Field on the campus of Northwestern University in St. Paul for a clash of Twin Cities clubs. The Thunder scored first in just the 6th minute off a corner kick and held that lead for a good part of the first 45 minutes. Salvo had an opportunity to level the score in the 30th minute on a penalty, however that kick hit the post and the rebound shot was sent just wide. Katherine Jones evened the match in the 43rd minute on a screamer from 25 yards out. After a leveller near 45 minutes, in the second half Alaysia Lane gave Salvo SC the win on another screamer from 20 yards out.
Saturday:
FC Pride, 2 vs Fire & Ice SC, 1 : 2 PM - FC Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Stream Announced
Chicago City SC, 2 vs FC Milwaukee Torrent, 1 : 4:30 PM - Chicago Lions Hope Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
This battle of contenders to be runner-up in the Lake Michigan Conference saw the visitors take an early lead in the 7th minute after a quick break down their right wing. However, the home team rallied to equalize only 4 minutes later and the comeback was completed mid-way through the second half.
Chicago Dutch Lions, 1 vs Bavarian Soccer Club, 1 : 5 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex Stadium, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Lady Victory FC, 9 vs St. Louis Lions, 1 : 6 PM - Guerin Catholic High School - Noblesville, IN - Eleven Sports
Lady Victory took the massive win here, scoring early and often and not letting their feet off the gas, even outscoring their opponents 3-1 in a second half which could have been seen as academic.
Chicago Red Stars Reserves, 5 vs Green Bay Glory, 0 : 7 PM - Evergreen Bank Group Athletic Field, Oak Brook, IL - Eleven Sports
MapleBrook Fury, 1 vs Rochester United FC, 1 : 7 PM - Maple Grove Crimson Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Stream Announced
Sunday:
Lady Victory FC, 0 vs Fire & Ice SC, 1 : 2 PM - Guerin Catholic High School - Noblesville, IN - Eleven Sports
Dayton Dutch Lions, 2 vs Columbus Eagles, 2 : 3:30 PM - Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, West Carrollton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
St. Louis Lions 2 vs FC Pride, 4 : 4 PM - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Stream Announced
MapleBrook Fury vs Dakota Fusion: 7 PM - Maple Grove Crimson Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Stream Announced
Covid caused the postponement of this match. With a makeup date yet to be announced, this leaves both the Fury and the Fusion with only one game each in the books - from an originally scheduled three.
Minnesota Thunder, 3 vs Mankato United, 1 : 7:45 PM - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
*Note – All Times CDT
Midweek Madness, Recap 5/24-27, 2021
USL League Two
Monday:
St. Louis Scott Gallagher 2 vs FC Wichita 0:
After two defeats League Two newcomers SLSG gained their first win of the season on Monday. In the 31st minute St. Louis scored their first of the night from a PK by Jack Lynn. Lynn sent the kick to the right while the FC Wichita keeper went the opposite way. John Klein scored SLSG's second goal of the night in the 84th minute, once again on a PK.
Tuesday:
Kings Hammer 0 vs Flint City Bucks 0:
The teams went 90 minutes to a nil-nil draw in what ended up being a very chippy match. Flint City would be called for 12 fouls while Kings Hammer were issues 9. For their troubles on the night both sides were also handed four yellow cards each.
Toledo Villa 5 vs Oakland County FC 5:
Oakland County headed across state lines to face Toledo Villa and it turned out to be a barn burner of a match. Oakland County scored two goals in a row to open the match with Pliakos and Rizzo scoring in the 8th and 18th with Popovic getting assists on each. Toledo screamed back with three unanswered goals in the 36th, 42nd, and 45th minutes to close the half. However in the second half Popovic scored to goals to add to his two assists, putting OCFC up 4-3. The final 20+ minutes saw both sides trade goals with Toledo scoring in the 75th and 90th while Toledo scored the 88th.
Wednesday:
Dayton Dutch Lions 0 vs Kalamazoo FC 3:
Kalamazoo's road trip to Dayton was one they hoped would be an easy one. And an easy one it was, at least after the first half. Daire O'Riordan scored Kalamazoo's first in first half stoppage time. The visitors scored two more times in the second half, including Cyrus Harmon's goal in the 53rd that made it 2-0.
National Premier Soccer League
Wednesday:
Minneapolis City SC 3 vs Duluth FC 2:
A match with massive implications between the only two sides who have ever won the North Conference. Both sides struggled for most of the first half, however Sidney Warden put Duluth FC on top in the 41st. Minneapolis City's Mohamed Youssef responded back in the 47th minute while teammate William Kidd scored the Crows second goal in the 52nd. However, Warden responded back for Duluth FC with a 53rd minute to level up the score at 2-2. The final near 30 minutes proved tough for both sides to score as they each missed plenty of shots. In the end Brayan Lopez scored the game winner for the hosts in the 80th minute.
United Premier Soccer League
Wednesday:
Cedars FC 3 vs Grand Haven Admirals 1
Detroit United 5 vs City United SC 4
United Women’s Soccer
Wednesday:
Corktown AFC 0 vs Detroit City FC 3:
A short trip for DCFC to do battle with a Detroit rival. The Corner Ballpark in Corktown, the former site of Tiger Stadium, would see the visitors go on a tear. Sarah Huge's goal on a diving header and Kenna White's chip shot over the Corktown keeper put Le Rouge up 2-0 inside 20 minutes. Tatiana Mason's free kick goal from the top of the box sealed up Detroit City's win.
UWS League Two
Wednesday:
Corktown AFC II vs FC Midland:
No Reported Score
Thursday:
Livonia City FC 1 vs Legends FC II 3:
United Women's Soccer Week 4, Where to Watch
Friday:
Springfield Demize vs KC Courage: 4 PM - Cooper Stadium, Springfield, MO - MyCujoo
Lansing United vs Midwest United: 6 PM - East Lansing Soccer Complex, East Lansing, MI - MyCujoo
Saturday:
Muskegon Risers vs Ladies Steel City FC: 6 PM - Monsignor Kehren Stadium, Muskegon, MI - MyCujoo
Detroit City FC vs Chicago Mustangs: 6 PM - Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI - MyCujoo
Sunday:
MSC Peoria vs Indiana Elite: 7 PM - EastSide Centre, Peoria, IL - MyCujoo
*Note – All Times CDT
USL League 2 Week 4, Where to Watch
Friday:
Grand Rapids FC vs Kings Hammer: 6:30 PM - Midwest United FC Complex, Grand Rapids, MI - No Announced Stream
Green Bay Voyageurs vs Des Moines Menace: 7 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - No Announced Stream
Saturday:
South Bend Lions vs Toledo Villa: 4 PM - TCU School Field, South Bend, IN - No Announced Stream
Flint City Bucks vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 6:30 PM - Atwood Stadium at Kettering University, Flint, MI - No Announced Stream
Green Bay Voyageurs vs St. Louis Scott Gallagher: 7 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - No Announced Stream
Kaw Valley FC vs FC Wichita: 7:30 PM - Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, KS - No Announced Stream
Sunday:
Fort Wayne FC vs Oakland County FC: 2 PM - The Stadium at Shields Field, Fort Wayne, IN - No Announced Stream
*Note – All Times CDT
Illinois State Cup Begins
The Illinois State Soccer Association's Open Cup begins play this week. In 2021 the Tony Dallas Cup will feature a total of 14 sides will competing for the trophy. The tournament begins tonight with two matches featuring a few Midwest Premier League clubs. Edgewater Castle will travel to Buffalo Grove and face Schwaben AC at 7:30. The other match will see DeKalb County United head to Bensenville to play Wisloka Chicago at 8 PM.
State Open Cup?
The Tony Dallas Cup is one of many open cups inside the State of Illinois. Others played are Men's Over-30, Over-40, Over-48, Under-23, and Women's tournaments. In fact many states across the country have their own open cups which serve to supplement lower league seasons from smaller city leagues to state leagues to regional ones. Most states that have one Cup usually have a few, which we will also be covering.
Cup History
The Tony Dallas Cup itself has only been awarded the past three seasons, however the tournament dates back to 1909. From 1909-1970 the Peter J Peel Cup was awarded to the champions. During the Peel Cup era Sparta would win the title 12 times. From 1971-1977 the trophy awarded was the Illinois Governors Cup, which saw the Lions win three titles. Since 1978 the trophy has taken the names of the Fred W Netto Cup (78-83), George E Fishwick Cup (84-87), William P Hemmings Cup (88-93), Alfredo V Arias Cup (94-03), George L Chazaro Cup (04-07), and Frank Mariani Cup (07-16).
RWB Adria has won the title a total of 14 times, most in cup history, including the last time it was awarded in 2019.
2021 Format
The 2021 format of the Tony Dallas Cup is a straight forward 14 team knockout tournament. All rounds will be single elimination with two teams gaining a first round bye. Those sides being AAC Eagles of the Metropolitan Soccer League and Gazelle Chicago of the National Soccer League. All clubs in this years tournament hail from Chicago or it's immediate surroundings.
MWPL Week 7, Where to Watch
Wednesday:
Michigan Stars U23 vs Livonia City: 6 PM - Michigan Stars Sports Center, Washington, MI - MyCujoo
RWB Adria vs Steel City FC: 8 PM - Hales Franciscan High School, Chicago, IL - Facebook
Friday:
Inter Detroit vs Lansing Common: 4 PM - Evolution Sportsplex, Auburn Hills, MI - MyCujoo
Saturday:
Union Dubuque vs Rockford FC: 3:30 PM - Dubuque Soccer Complex, Dubuque, IA - MyCujoo
Livonia City vs Detroit City U23: 6 PM - St. Joe's Sports Complex, Livonia, MI - MyCujoo
Berber City vs Steel City FC: 7 PM - Lions for Hope Sports Complex, Chicago, IL - MyCujoo
Sunday:
Edgewater Castle vs Chicago Mustangs: 3 PM - CIBC FirePitch, Chicago, IL - Twitch
*Note – All Times CDT
NISA Independent Cup and field announced
Yesterday morning the National Independent Soccer Association announced the 2021 edition of the Independent Cup.This year with a much larger field than in 2020, which albeit was hampered by most clubs not playing due to COVID-19.
The 2020 tournament saw a total of 15 clubs split out across four regions. Those four regions played a single round robin tournament with the exception of the Central Plains region. Which consisted of clubs from the GCPL and UPSL in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It did not play a round robin format rather a knockout tournament format with a two game aggregate semi-final and single match final.
The Gulf Coast Premier League's Gaffa FC were champions Central Plains Region, NISA's Detroit City FC won the Great Lakes Region, the NPSL's Maryland Bobcats FC took the Mid-Atlantic Region, and lastly NISA's Chattanooga FC scored the Southeast Region title.
In 2021 a total of 36 clubs will be split among 9 regions, those being; the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New England, Pacific, South Central, Southeast, Southwest, and West Coast. Those regions will play a three match single round robin amongst themselves. There will be no follow up after the end of the round robin with only the regional champions being declared.
"The Independent Cup champions the independent spirit of open competition,” says NISA Executive Vice President Josh Prutch. “Over the last year, we have seen competition after competition get shut down. The Independent Cup gives these clubs more opportunities to compete, develop and succeed – and that is why we expanded the field for 2021.”
A total of eight clubs from the Dakotas to Ohio region we cover will take place in the 2021 Independent Cup. In the Midwest, NISA expansion side and new SeatGeek Stadium tenant Chicago House AC will be joined by the newly renamed FC Milwaukee Torrent from the NPSL's Great Lakes conference, Rochester, MN's Med City FC from the NPSL's North Conference, and lastly the Midwest Premier League's Union Dubuque FC.
The Great Lakes Region will see a similar lineup with a NISA club joined by two National Premier Soccer League clubs and a MWPL side. Those being Detroit City FC (NISA), FC Buffalo (NPSL Rust Belt), Cleveland SC (NPSL Rust Belt), and Livonia City (MWPL East).
A schedule has not been announced for the tournament, however it will take place over July and August after most amateur leagues end their season.
Midweek Madness, Where to Watch 5/24-27, 2021
USL League Two
Monday:
St. Louis Scott Gallagher vs FC Wichita: 7 PM - World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, MO - MyCujoo
Tuesday:
Kings Hammer vs Flint City Bucks: 6 PM - Corcoran Field, Cincinnati, OH - YouTube
Toledo Villa vs Oakland County FC: 6 PM - Pat Hotmer Soccer Field, Toledo, OH - MyCujoo
Wednesday:
Dayton Dutch Lions vs Kalamazoo FC: 6 PM - Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, West Carrollton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
National Premier Soccer League
Wednesday:
Minneapolis City SC vs Duluth FC: 7 PM - Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis, MN - YouTube
United Premier Soccer League
Wednesday:
Cedars FC vs Grand Haven Admirals: 6:30 PM - Fordson High School, Dearborn, MI - No Stream Announced
Detroit United vs City United SC: 7 PM - Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI - No Stream Announced
United Women's Soccer
Wednesday:
Corktown AFC vs Detroit City FC: 6:30 PM - The Corner Ballpark, Detroit, MI - GoLive SportsCast
UWS League Two
Wednesday:
Corktown AFC II vs FC Midland: 3 PM - The Corner Ballpark, Detroit, MI - No Stream Announced
Thursday:
Livonia City FC vs Legends FC II: 6 PM - St. Joe's Sports Complex - Livonia, MI - No Stream Announced
*Note - All Times CDT
Where to Watch: UWS Week 3
UWS Week 3:
Saturday:
KC Courage vs FC Wichita: 4 PM - Zarda Multisport Complex at Avila University, Kansas City, MO - MyCujoo
Muskegon Risers vs Midwest United: 6 PM - Kehren Stadium, Muskegon, MN - MyCujoo
Sunday:
Lansing United vs Detroit City:1 PM - East Lansing Soccer Complex, East Lansing, MI - MyCujoo
Corktown AFC vs MSC Peoria: 4:45 PM - The Corner Ballpark, Detroit, MI - MyCujoo
Chicago Kics vs Ladies Steel City FC: 7 PM - De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL - MyCujoo