WPSL Central Region preview
In overview, we have many derbies to salivate over and we have a far-too-large Northern conference. We will be covering all of the Central region except for the Mountain Conference. As ever, there’s been reshuffling:
Research from the league suggests that sixty-nine percent of WPSL players are rostered on teams from their hometown’s metro area. I have no comparison point but this figure seems to track, given the high number of youth-to-WPSL clubs in our region.
In case you are wondering, the winners of the Heartland and Northern Conferences will each get 1 spot in the Central Region playoffs. The champions of the National Road and Lake Michigan divisions of the Midwest Conference will play each other for 1 berth. The champions of the two divisions of the Mountain Conference will likewise play-in for 1 spot in the playoffs. It's a punishing league to be in, in terms of looking for silverware.
Heartland
AFC Columbia. The team from the capital of Missouri has a young squad, with a handful of NAIA players and a couple of D1 players (Sophia Elfrink, Haley Steinke), and one D2 player (Maddy Schrader) sprinkled in.
Lou Fusz Athletic are one of two St. Louis clubs to step into the void left by Fire & Ice’s departure. LFA was founded by its namesake in the 1990s. Their Creve Coeur, MO complex is home to soccer, lacrosse and gridiron. The roster is exclusively made up of current NCAA D1 and D2 players, even as a first year side and despite recruitment from the other club in town.
St Louis Scott Gallagher are based 13 miles South, at the former home of St. Louis FC in Fenton, MO but they also list Creve Coeur amongst their facilities. In a historical soccer city, SLSG’s predecessors stretch all the way back to the 1970s and the history of company-sponsors names (in this case Scott-Gallagher metals) The players they have announced are all D1 players.
Kansas City Scott Gallagher are one of three teams in the Kansas City metropolitan area , in their case based in Lee’s Summit, MO. They are affiliated with SLSG. The roster is extensively made up of D1 and D2 athletes, with a smattering of high school kids mixed in.
Over to the west in Overland Park, Kansas, KC Courage make their move from the UWS with a roster dominated by D1 athletes, and three D1 graduates (Georgia Vernardakis, Taylor Wagner, Kaylin Williams) and players from NAIA schools also listed.
Lastly, sitting just on the Missouri side of the border with Kansas, the Sunflower state, Sunflower State FC complete the triumvirate of KC clubs. The roster is structured around NAIA and NCAA D2 players, and capped with the D1 athlete Jaylie Hicklin.
In a very compact conference, the longest road trip is the 250 miles from Kansas City to St Louis and the shortest is a short jog across the Kansas City metro for KCSG or Courage. I expect Lou Fusz to finish on top of this conference.
Midwest — Lake Michigan
Chicago KICS are proudly based on the southside of Chicago. Their public roster is incomplete and out of date.
Milwaukee Torrent are firmly settled in Wauwatosa, WI — next door to the city of Milwaukee. Their team is made up of current D1 and D2 players, with one member of the roster playing D3 ball (and one former D1 athlete who is now a D1 coach).
Iowa Raptors are based in Cedar Rapids, IA. There is no public information on the makeup of their squad.
Midwest Select SA Muskrats are based in St. John, IN — an hour south of Chicago. The roster is headlined by D1 athletes Kailyn Smith, Olivia Hansen and Kayla Green. Added to this are players from the D2, D3, NJCAA and NAIA levels as well as some high schoolers.
Quad Cities Rush are based in Davenport, IA. The roster features D1 athletes Emily Bollman, Madison Bulin, Caroline Hazen and Morgan Rinker, as well D2, D3 and NAIA players. One player plays on a school which is sanctioned by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (I have to admit that I know next to nothing about the level of their competition). There is a former athlete who is now a physical therapist. They will hope that this season is better for them than their rookie year in the WPSL.
This conference lost a rivalry when Bavarians moved to USL W but there is potential for KICS — Torrent or Raptors — Rush to develop into rivalries.
The longest trip is from Milwaukee the Quad Cities, at 211 miles. The shortest is the Iowa Raptors to Quad Cities Rush (82 miles)
Midwest — National Road
Columbus Eagles are based in Bexley, OH. Their roster is not yet announced.
Dayton Dutch Lions are based in West Carrolton, OH. Suzy Hayes is a D1 player on a roster of D2, D3 and NAIA players.
FC Dayton is based in Centerville, OH. Their roster is dominated by current D1 talent and also includes D2 and D3 players.
FC Pride are based in Indianapolis. They could field an 11 exclusively of D1 players, and have enough for a deep bench.
FC Spirit are based in Evansville, IN. A young squad is capped by a quartet of D1 players in Ryleigh Anslinger, Annah Hopkins, Camryn LaGrange and Kaylee Woosley.
This is certainly aptly named National Road. The longest road trip is Evansville to Columbus at 330 miles, whereas the shortest is the 7.5 miles between Centerville and West Carrollton. One of the few ‘road trips’ in the WPSL which could be a brisk walk.
Northern
The Northern conference continues to grow, with the puzzling addition of St Croix (whose men’s team is in USL L2). This was too large last year, and got even more so this year — at least the geographical footprint didn’t expand *that* much. Please, WPSL, for the love of all that’s holy, split this conference in two next year. After all, that solution has already been adopted across the entire remainder of this region.
As addressed in my NPSL preview Dakota Fusion are out on an island up in Fargo-Moorhead (North Dakota/Minnesota border), a situation even more extreme in this league — since there is no Duluth women’s team. They have a new head coach, who has an interesting bio. The roster is headlined by D1 athletes Ashleigh Heeley, Olivia Watson and McKenna Strand, backed by a D2-heavy roster and a sprinkling of players from NAIA schools.
Down the I-29, Sioux Falls City are rolling into their second season having made waves during their expansion season. Karoline Riisnaes leads the club's D1 contingent, joined by Delaney Kenney, Mary Perez, Rylee Haldeman, McKenna Lehman, Hailee Fischer and Barbie Castellanos as well as players from D2 and NAIA levels.
Mankato United is led by Maggie Smither, both a D1 goalkeeper and volunteer coach and Ella White. The roster is dominated by the D2 powerhouse Minnesota State Mankato. A notable absentee is future pro Jenny Vetter, who graduated last season.
Down US 14, Rochester United is one of three different organizations operating in the Med City (with separate clubs operating NPSL and USL W squads too). Their roster is led by D1 players Haley Archuleta, Ashley Concolino, Sienna Latta, Briana Johnson, Samara Nunn, Kiara Oliver and Maysa Walters.
Now we move on to the six teams clustered around the Twin Cities.
Joy Athletic in St Louis Park are anchored by Katharine Ashley, Ella Bryant, Ella Clow and Ceilidh Whynott. Also worth noting is Lennon Folstad, whose brother plays for the Goats in NPSL. The club is the tip of the Joy of the People youth club.
Manitou FC in White Bear Lake is led by Molly Knoblauch and Anna Koepke and backed by D2 and high school players from the area.
The limited roster listed for Maplebrook Fury in Maple Grove features D1 athletes Abby Brantner, Brooke Davies, Kaitlynn Delveaux, Annika Eckroth, Izzy Smith, Jasmine Gates and Hannah Zahn.
Minnesota Thunder in Richfield is easily the most famous name in this crowded area, and its academy is a veritable factory of talent. This year's WPSL squad includes enough D1 athletes to fill the roster. They also feature a US U21 player in Caroline Smith.
Salvo SC in Roseville has been the class of the conference and made it to the national quarterfinals last season. They are led by Molly Fiedler, fresh from professional play and currently coaching at D3, and her team mate in Serbia Emily Heslin, together with a panoply of D1 talent.
St Croix Soccer Club in Stillwater is led by D1 players Abby Carlson, Jenna Hallen, Lauren Heinsch, Olivia Knoepfle, Liv Muehlberg, Avery Murdzek, Elayna Murdzek, Jenna Nyblom and Anna Wagner, and backed by a handful of D2 players.
I think Salvo and Thunder will once again fight for the one and only WPSL playoff spot from this conference.
This week's fixtures
Wednesday
Sunflower State v KC Courage
Friday
FC Dayton v FC Pride
Saturday
Joy Athletic v Manitou FC
Sunflower State v AFC Columbia
Sunday
St Croix v MapleBrook Fury
KC Courage v St Louis Scott Gallagher
WPSL Central Region Week 10: Preview
Monday:
Chicago City SC vs Milwaukee Bavarians SC - 8pm - Chicago Hope Lions Complex, Chicago, IL - No Announced Stream
The 4-3-1 Bavarians face a City squad with only one win, with the Milwaukee squad looking for some momentum to push up the table after their win against the Torrent.
Salvo SC vs MapleBrook Fury - 7pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - No Announced Stream
MapleBrook's stop-start season faces Salvo as the visitors look to solidify second place, following a blowout win on the road last time out.
Wednesday:
Milwaukee Bavarian SC vs Green Bay Glory - 6pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI - No Announced Stream
The Bavarians host the winless Glory, in what should be a routine win for the hosts.
FC Milwaukee Torrent vs Chicago Dutch Lions - 7pm - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
The 4-2-2 Torrent face a 3-3-2 CDL squad. It could be a closely contested game.
Chicago City SC vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves - 8pm - DuPaul College Preparatory, Chicago, IL - No Announced Stream
A Chicago derby as the Red Stars Reserves roll into town and face the struggling City team, with the professionals expected to extend their lead at the top of the Lake Michigan Conference.
Friday:
Salvo SC vs Fire SC 98 - 7pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - No Announced Stream
In a Twin Cities derby, the one win Fire squad face Salvo - who will have played on Monday.
Saturday:
Milwaukee Bavarian SC vs Chicago Dutch Lions - 4pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI - No Announced Stream
Bavarians face the Dutch Lions in another close match up.
Cincinnati Sirens vs Fire & Ice SC - 7pm - Lakota West High School, West Chester Township, OH - No Announced Stream
6-1-4 Fire & Ice faces 6-0-2 a Sirens squad, with the hosts at roughly double their visitors' goal difference.
Lady Victory FC vs FC Pride - 7pm - Guerin Catholic High School, Noblesville, IN - Eleven Sports
The top 2 teams in the Midwestern Conference face each other in a matchup of metro Indianapolis clubs. Lady Victory is on a run of five straight wins, whereas FC Pride have two losses in the last five games.
Sunday:
FC Milwaukee Torrent vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves - 3pm - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
Chicago Red Stars Reserves are rolling into Wauwatosa but will face a tougher challenge with Torrent than Chicago City.
Green Bay Glory vs Chicago City SC - 3pm - Capitol Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
This match sees two struggling squads who will hope to have picked up points earlier in the week.
FC Pride vs Cincinnati Sirens - 3pm - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Announced Stream
Pride play host to the Sirens in a matchup of teams with close records, results permitting earlier in the week.
Lady Victory FC vs Dayton Dutch Lions FC - 5pm - Guerin Catholic High School, Noblesville, IN - Eleven Sports
Dayton Dutch Lions travel into Indiana with a record of 3-3-4 and they face the top team in their division in Lady Victory.
WPSL Central Region Week 9: Recap
Tuesday:
Bavarian Soccer Club 2 vs FC Milwaukee Torrent 0 : Heartland Value Fund Stadium, Glendale, WI - No Stream Announced
The opening match of the week was the WPSL's Milwaukee Derby with the Women's sides of Bavarians and Torrent facing each other. The hosting Bavarians came away with a clean sheet victory at home to take the season series with Torrent.
Wednesday:
Chicago Dutch Lions 1 vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves 1 : Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
One of the many battles of Chicago's saw the Dutch Lions host the powerful Red Stars Reserves side. RSR struck first early in the second half but CDL drew the match even later on in the half. For the second time this season RSR has dropped points, this time only dropping two rather than three.
FC Pride 8 vs St. Louis Lions 0 : Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Stream Announced
The season has not been kind to St. Louis who entered the match with an 0-0-8 record and being outscored 38 GA to 6 GF. FC Pride on the other hand was chasing a conference championship. This match was very kind to the hosting Pride but not to the Lions who were shut down badly on the road in their second to last match of the season.
Rochester United FC 1 vs Fire SC 98 1 : Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
A match where points were on the line but not much else other than pride and experience. After a hard fought match it was Rochester who walked away with a win/
Saturday:
Green Bay Glory 0 vs Bavarian Soccer Club 1 : Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
Green Bay has had a tough go of things in 2021 so far. While they haven't won a match a lot of them have been very competitive. This was no exception as the Glory held strong but still allowed a lone goal for Bavarians to win.
St. Louis Lions 0 vs Lady Victory FC 5 : Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Fenton, MO - No Stream Announced
The Lions final match of the 2021 season saw them face Lady Victory FC from the other side of the St. Louis area. Just days before the match it was moved from the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Fenton to the Lou Fusz Soccer Complex in St. Louis. Before starting it also endured a rain delay and then finally kicked off with a late start. Lady Victory cruised to a big win over St. Louis in the hosts final match of 2021.
Dayton Dutch Lions 3 vs FC Pride 1 : Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, West Carrolton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
Dayton is sitting at the middle of the table in the Midwest while FC Pride sits near the top. In a stunning upset the Dutch Lions defeated FC Pride in Dayton setting Pride back pretty heavily in a year with no playoffs.
Dakota Fusion 1 vs Salvo SC 10 : Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports
Fusion's hopes for a win, a lone win on the season were dashed by Salvo SC. Salvo fired well salvos at Fusion all evening in Moorhead and left back to the Twin Cities with a blowout victory.
Chicago Red Stars Reserves 1 vs FC Milwaukee Torrent 1 : Evergreen Bank Group Athletic Field, Oak Brook, IL - Eleven Sports
After dropping points against the Dutch Lions earlier in the week with a draw it's something Red Stars Reserves wanted to avoid in their second match of the week. However the Torrent were able to hold their own against RSR and come out with a point on a misty Chicago night.
Fire & Ice SC 1 vs Cincinnati Sirens 0 : Althoff Catholic High School Stadium, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
In order to stay in the race for the Midwestern Conference, Fire & Ice needed to defeat Cincinnati. And they did that in a very close match.
Sunday:
Fire & Ice SC 2 vs Lady Victory FC 4 : Althoff Catholic High School Stadium, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
Another one that Fire & Ice needed to win to keep pace with the division leaders. This was not meant to be as Lady Victory FC ran away with a massive 4-2 win over Fire & Ice. This win puts Lady Victory up over FC Pride by 5 points with two matches left on the season.
Columbus Eagles 0 vs Dayton Dutch Lions 4 : Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
This was the final match of the WPSL season for Columbus and the penultimate match of 2021 for the Dutch Lions. Columbus did not go out on a strong note as the Dutch Lions shut down and shut out the Eagles in suburban Columbus.
WPSL Central Region Week 9: Preview
Tuesday:
Bavarian Soccer Club vs FC Milwaukee Torrent: 7 PM - Heartland Value Fund Stadium, Glendale, WI - No Stream Announced
While neither team technically in Milwaukee this is a match between to sides from MKE and second match in the Milwaukee Derby should prove to be as exciting as ever. Bavarian SC (2-2-1, 8 points) host the Torrent (3-2-2, 11 points) at Heartland Value Fund Stadium at Bavarian Soccer Park. Currently Bavarian SC are 2-1-0 with a major win over Red Stars Reserves in their last three matches. Torrent meanwhile are also sitting at 2-1-0 with wins over Chicago Dutch Lions and Chicago City, the draw between the two sides falls within both teams last three.
Wednesday:
Chicago Dutch Lions vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves: 6 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Red Stars Reserves dominance has been shown to not be as much as previously thought. With their 1-0 loss to Bavarians and BSC's 1-1 draw with the Chicago Dutch Lions this looks to be a very formidable opponent for RSR. RSR does hold a game in hand and a four point advantage over the Dutch Lions. Staying in title contention will require a win as a draw, while would technically keep CDL mathematically in the chase, will effectively end the chance. However this will take a lot of work for the Dutch Lions to knock down the mighty Red Stars Reserves after CDL lost 4-0 to RSR in their season opener.
FC Pride vs St. Louis Lions: 7 PM - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Stream Announced
Unlike the Northern Conference who played just an 8 game schedule with the same amount of teams the Midwestern Conference has a 12 match slate and full double round robin. This means almost everyone in the Midwestern Conference is within range of taking the title, currently the top spot is owned by Lady Victory. However an FC Pride win will snag that spot from Lady Victory, at least for a bit. While for the Lions this match is another attempt to get win number one in 2021.
Rochester United FC vs Fire SC 98: 7 PM - Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
With the Northern Conference title being between MapleBrook and the Minnesota Thunder this match is really just for pride and playing time for both sides. RUFC should be able to handle the Thunder fairly easily in the Lions final match of 2021.
Saturday:
Green Bay Glory vs Bavarian Soccer Club: 1 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
Green Bay has a tough match on their hands against Bavarians on Saturday afternoon. The 0-1-6 (1 point) Glory host the 3-2-1 (11 points) Bavarian SC in the first match of a home and home series between the teams. While Glory cannot shoot for the division title they'll look to earn only their second set of points in 2021. Bavarians on the other hand have four games left and 12 possible points, more than anyone else in the conference. With that they have a great chance at unseating RSR from the top spot in the conference over the next few matches.
St. Louis Lions vs Lady Victory FC: 2 PM - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Fenton, MO - No Stream Announced
Lady Victory sits second in the Midwestern Conference just a point back from FC Pride who currently hold the lead in the conference. With five matches to play for Lady Victory the Midwestern Conference championship is up for the taking. The host Lions on the other hand are still looking to get their first win or even points of the season, entering this afternoon at 0-0-9.
Dayton Dutch Lions vs FC Pride: 3:30 PM - Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium, West Carrolton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
Dayton is out of the race for the conference title at this point with a record of 2-3-4 (9 points) with three matches to play. On the other hand FC Pride leads the conference by one point with three matches left. A win is not only imperative to FC Pride but also very necessary to keep themselves in the face as Lady Victory has two games in hand over Pride.
Dakota Fusion vs Salvo SC: 5:00 PM - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports
The Northern Conference inches ever closer to the close of their 2021 season and with no playoffs and the division title race at least partially decided this is more or less a friendly that happens to have points on the line. The Fusion women will want to claim points and avoid finishing 0-0-8 this season while Salvo will try to redeem themselves after a 2-1 loss to MapleBrook.
Chicago Red Stars Reserves vs FC Milwaukee Torrent: 7 PM - Evergreen Bank Group Athletic Field, Oak Brook, IL - Eleven Sports
RSR are very much showing they are not an unbeatable juggernaut like most season. With a loss to Bavarians and the Dutch Lions forcing a draw RSR have dropped four points this year, making the Lake Michigan Conference ripe for the taking. With a win the Torrent women would tie RSR on points at the top of the conference and both sides enter with an identical 1-1-1 run of form in their last three.
Fire & Ice SC vs Cincinnati Sirens: 7 PM - Althoff Catholic High School Stadium, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
Back in the Midwestern Conference again and another match with pretty huge implications for the table. The Sirens are also a single point back of FC Pride and also have two games in hand, the only loss the Sirens have been dealt was against Lady Victory in their last outing. Fire & Ice are even on matches with FC Pride but are 5-1-3 with 16 points. A loss would put a massive dent in the trophy hopes of Fire & Ice while it wouldn't be a massive issue to the Sirens. On the other hand a win will possibly get the Sirens to the top of the standings.
Sunday:
Fire & Ice SC vs Lady Victory FC: 2 PM - Althoff Catholic High School Stadium, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
After both sides won on Saturday they came into another big match regarding the Midwestern Conference title. Just a two point difference between the sides showed the title was still up for grabs. Fire & Ice will 100% need to win to stay in the title race as they have one match left. Anything less and Lady Victory inches closer to a Conference Championship and Fire & Ice's hopes are dashed.
Columbus Eagles vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 2 PM - Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
Another Midwestern Conference match between two sides closer to the bottom of the table. Neither side can challenge for the conference title so this is a battle for price, experience, and Ohio.
* All Times CT
WPSL Central Region Week 8: Recap
Tuesday:
MapleBrook Fury 4 vs Dakota Fusion 0 : Wilmes Field at Osseo High School, Osseo, MN - No Stream Announced
One of MapleBrook's last officially scheduled matches of the season (as two prior ones have not officially been rescheduled) saw them host Dakota Fusion FC. It was not a good night for the Fusion as MapleBrook dropped them 4-0 in Osseo.
Wednesday:
St. Louis Lions 0 vs Fire & Ice SC 3 : Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Stream Announced
The Lions hosted Fire & Ice SC and were looking to gain their first win of 2021. A strong Fire & Ice side shut that hope down with a few goals and a clean sheet. The crowd at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex watched FISC run away with their 3-0 win and three points on the night.
Minnesota Thunder 1 vs Rochester United FC 1 : Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
The final match of the 2021 season for the Minnesota Thunder, who have gotten a share of the Northern Conference (pending MapleBrook playing their cancelled matches). RUFC wouldn't let the Thunder go out on a high note as the two sides drew 1-1 in their only meeting of the much shortened season.
Chicago City SC 1 vs Chicago Dutch Lions 1 : Lions for Hope Sports Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
Both Chicago City and the Dutch Lions are attempting to catch Red Stars Reserves to attempt to dethrone them and take the first Lake Michigan Conference Championship. The result would be the one that neither side wanted as it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Thursday:
MapleBrook Fury 2 vs Salvo SC 1 : Wilmes Field at Osseo High School Stadium, Osseo, MN - No Stream Announced
The final scheduled match of the season for MapleBrook while Salvo (officially) has two more to play. Another match played in Osseo saw the hosting Fury defeat the defending champion Salvo SC.
Friday:
FC Milwaukee Torrent 2 vs Chicago City SC 1 : Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
The final match of the relatively short week in the WPSL. Lake Michigan Conference match and a Milwaukee/Chicago showdown. The Torrent were able to work past CCSC for a 2-1 victory at Hart Park. A stark contrast of what the Torrent's men's first team had happen just a day later.
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.
WPSL Central Week 7 : Recap
Wednesday:
Fire SC 98 0 vs Rochester United 4 - 7pm - Centennial High School Stadium, Circle Pines, MN - No Announced Stream
FC Milwaukee Torrent 2 vs Milwaukee Bavarian SC 2 - 7pm - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
Torrent went ahead through a penalty in the 8th minute from Jelena Sever after a handball but conceded almost immediately at the other end as Hailey Block blasted home a shot from the top of the box after pressure from the left. Bavarians then went ahead after a neat finish by McKaela Schmelzer from a right wing cross in the 20th minute but Torrent equalized through Sever's second goal, her own shot from the edge of the box which went in off the post. That was it for the scoring, as Torrent registered their first draw of the season and missed an opportunity to go level on points with the Red Stars Reserves.
Friday:
Dakota Fusion FC 0 vs MapleBrook Fury 4 - 5pm - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
Fury came into town having only played 3 times, but undefeated. Their short form also includes a perfect 1-0-0 on the road and it became 2-0-0 with a comfortable 4-0 win, in which they outshot Fusion 15-2. The game was broken open with two quick-fire goals in the 33rd minute. The first came from a quick breakaway by Claire Odmark . The second was a piece of quick thinking and sublime skill by Karina Gilson, chipping the Fusion keeper from the right side, fully 40 yards out. 3-0 was a solo dribbled effort by Kelsey Kallio off a recycled corner. The final goal was a tap in from Karina Gilson in the 70th minute, after solid buildup led to a shot spilled by the Fusion goalie.
Salvo SC 2 vs Mankato United SC 1 - 7pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - Eleven Sports
Mankato went ahead in the 22nd minute as Salvo failed to clear their area and it remained 1-0 to the visitors through half-time but the home side struck back in the 52nd minute as Sophia Boman rifled a shot in from 30 yards out, over the despairing dive of the keeper. Boman then completed the rally in the 75th minute, finishing off a marauding run down the right.
Green Bay Glory 0 vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves 4 - 6:30pm - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
RSR opened their scoring in the 3rd minute, de Filippo chipping the Glory goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area. It was 2-0 after a striker dribbled it past the Glory goalkeeper from close range in the 31st minute. 3-0 arrived through a strong header from de Filippo, from a right wing cross in the 62nd minute. Pinball in the Glory area gave the Red Stars Reserves a fourth goal from an own goal in the 86th minute and they extended their lead in the Lake Michigan Conference to 7 points.
Saturday:
FC Pride 4 vs Columbus Eagles FC 0 - 3pm - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Announced Stream
Milwaukee Bavarian 1 vs Chicago City SC 0 - 4pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI - No Announced Stream
Another 1-0 win against a Chicago side, this time Hailey Bloch sealed the win against the 1-1-2 Chicago City.
Cincinnati Sirens 5 vs St Louis Lions 0 - 7pm - Lakota West High School, West Chester Township, OH - No Announced Stream
Dayton Dutch Lions FC 1 vs Fire & Ice SC 2 - 7pm - DOC Stadium, West Carrolton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
In a tightly contested game, the goal scoring was opened in the 69th minute as MacKenzie Litzsinger countered down the right wing and calmly rounded the on rushing DDL goalkeeper. The visitors doubled their tally in the 85th minute when Sofia Hernandez uncorked one from outside the area and watched it fly past a diving keeper. Dayton scored in the 86th minute through Lauren Bastian after F&I failed to clear within their own 6 yard area.
Sunday:
Dakota Fusion FC 0 vs Mankato United SC 4 - 5pm - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
A routine Mankato win was made uncomfortable by heat, rain and a lightning delay. Mankato started early, with Jenny Vetter notching yet another goal in her storied career in the first minute. Caitie Brown made it 2-0 off a corner in the 8th minute. Things then settled down, with the third goal coming in the 27th minute through Nadia Lowery. About ten minutes after Lowery's tally, what had been a steady drizzle gave way to a full deluge and a lightning delay. After the rain subsided, United added a fourth through Rachel Luedtke with a close range rocket.
MapleBrook Fury 2 vs Minnesota Thunder 4 - 7pm - Maple Grove High School Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Announced Stream
Columbus Eagles FC 4 vs Fire & Ice SC 2 - 2pm - Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
Fire and Ice opened the scoring with McKenzie Litzinger on a solo counter attack within the opening 15 mins. Sarah Foley doubled the margin in the 37th minute from close range but Jordan Fike struck back almost immediately and Foley's strike would be the last for the visitors as the Eagles grabbed the lead even before half time, with goals in the 42nd and 45th minutes. The last goal came from the spot as Abby Townsend was felled in the box.
Lady Victory FC 3 vs Cincinnati Sirens FC 0 - 7pm - Guerin Catholic High School, Noblesville, IN - No Announced Stream
Victory vaulted to the top of the Midwestern Conference by knocking off the previously perfect Sirens.
Green Bay Glory 2 vs Chicago Dutch Lions FC 5 - 6pm - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
WPSL Central Region Week 7: Preview
Wednesday:
Fire SC 98 vs Rochester United - 7pm - Centennial High School Stadium, Circle Pines, MN - Eleven Sports (probably not live)
Fire SC 98 are fresh from a late loss to the division leading Thunder, and now match up against another strong team in United, although the visitors have yet to win a match on the road this season.
FC Milwaukee Torrent vs Milwaukee Bavarian SC - 7pm - Hart Park, Wauwatosa, WI - Eleven Sports
The Milwaukee Derby could also be referred to as the Davi Derby as the German is the owner of the Torrent and the WPSL head coach but also coached the Bavarian men for three years. As for their present situation, a surprise win for MBSC over Red Stars Reserves ironically gives Torrent a chance to draw level with the professional squad on top of the division. Obviously, that Bavarian victory also gives them momentum making the short trip south west.
Friday:
Dakota Fusion FC vs MapleBrook Fury - 5pm - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
If there were playoffs this season (there aren't) then MapleBrook would be making a late run for contention. If there was relegation (there isn't), Fusion would be facing a spell in the next division down. Emily Soukup will presumably have to stand on her head once more for the home side to emerge with any points from this encounter.
Salvo SC vs Mankato United SC - 7pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - Eleven Sports
Mankato will be seeking to maintain their positive momentum after the demolition of Fusion last time out. Salvo has games in hand on the teams above them in the standings, but have had a mixed start to the season.
Green Bay Glory vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves - 6:30pm - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
A Green Bay side with only 1 point from 5 games will struggle to contain the Red Stars Reserves.
Saturday:
FC Pride vs Columbus Eagles FC - 3pm - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Announced Stream
Pride look to sneak up the table with a matchup against one of the Midwestern Conference's strugglers this season.
Cincinnati Sirens vs St Louis Lions - 7pm - Lakota West High School, West Chester Township, OH - No Announced Stream
Sirens look to continue their perfect start to the season against the pointless St Louis Lions, who have a goal difference of -24.
Dayton Dutch Lions FC vs Fire & Ice SC - 7pm - West Carrolton High School, West Carrolton, OH - Gem City Sports Network
A 2-3-3 DDL squad faces a 3-1-2 Fire and Ice squad, with the visitors looking to build on their St Louis Derby win.
Milwaukee Bavarian vs Chicago City SC - 4pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI
With their derby result unknown, it is hard to suggest how Bavarian will enter this match up, but both teams have comparable results so far and this match could be close.
Sunday:
Salvo SC vs Fire SC 98 - 3pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - No Announced Stream
Salvo should win this intercity match-up easily and could gain ground on the teams around them.
Dakota Fusion FC vs Mankato United SC - 5pm - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
Fusion will have revenge on their minds after conceding 9 to the team from the Key City but Kato travel to the Red River Valley wanting to duplicate their performance and put some pressure on Thunder for the division title.
MapleBrook Fury vs Minnesota Thunder - 7pm - Maple Grove High School Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Announced Stream
Another Twin Cities rivalry as Thunder come into Maple Grove in blistering form, and will attempt to arrest the upward momentum of the Fury.
Columbus Eagles FC vs Fire & Ice SC - 2pm - Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
A struggling Eagles squad play host to an up and down F&I team.
Lady Victory FC vs Cincinnati Sirens FC - 7pm - Guerin Catholic High School, Noblesville, IN - No Announced Stream
Sirens' perfect start to the season faces the test of the only team above them in the standings, 5-1 Lady Victory, who also have a better goal difference than their opponents.
Green Bay Glory vs Chicago Dutch Lions FC - 6pm - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
CDL FC face the basement dwelling Green Bay Glory hoping that they can capitalize on their relative form.
WPSL Central Region Week 6: Recap
Wednesday:
Mankato United 2 vs Rochester United 0 - 7pm- Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Mankato took the inaugural Highway 14 Derby with goals from McKenna Buisman off the high press and half-time substitute Dakota Wendell after the ball had shot upwards and around like a pinball.
Cincinnati Sirens 3 vs Dayton Dutch Lions 1 - 7pm - Lakota West High School, Liberty Township, OH - No Announced Stream
Goals from Hueber from the penalty spot and Donovan and Renie from open play brought the Sirens back from a 1-0 deficit and secured their undefeated record for another match.
Fire and Ice 2 vs St Louis Lions 0 - 7pm - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL, Eleven Sports
The first St Louis Derby went the way of the elemental squad, with the goals for Fire and Ice coming from a goalkeeping error just before half time and Breece with a driven shot back across the keeper from a left sided cross. The margin would have been even greater were it not for the Lions goalkeeper, who must be getting her work in for a 0-4 club.
Thursday :
Minnesota Thunder 3 vs Salvo SC 1 - 7:45pm - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
It took Thunder until the 39th minute to break the deadlock, when a cross field pass was taken back across the Salvo keeper by Morgan Turner. The lead was doubled shortly after half time and the home side's third came in the 56th minute, on the second chance. Salvo spoiled the clean sheet when Anderson scored in the 64th minute, but in the end Thunder get revenge for their only dropped points of the season so far.
Friday:
Fire SC 98 6 vs Dakota Fusion FC 0 - 7pm - Centennial High School Stadium, Circle Pines, MN - Eleven Sports
The Fire were up 3-0 at the half, with two goals from Sara Wendt (one from a header from a right wing cross, and one from a defensive miscue) and another from Lexi Larson. The home team then pulled away as Wendt secured her hat trick in the 63rd minute and Anna Breffle (in the 80th) and Erin Becker (in the 85th) added late goals.
Mankato United 1 vs MapleBrook Fury 3 - 7pm - Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Mankato took the lead in the 5th minute through Kenna Buisman, bursting down the left wing. It remained 1-0 at half time. The Fury kept things close and accelerated through the second half before a furious few minutes saw them snatch victory. The equalizer came in the 78th minute after Claire Odmark (highlighted by the club's owner in our previous chat) beat a Mankato defender into the box and she was felled. The penalty was subsequently dispatched by Odmark herself. The visitors went ahead in the 82nd minute from a corner, which beat the goalkeeper to the spot and was headed in by Kyra Sosinski. The clinching goal came in the 90th minute as Maille Mathis chipped the goalkeeper from the left edge of the penalty area.
Milwaukee Bavarian SC 1 vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves 0 - 7pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI - No Announced Stream
In one of the surprises of the season, the women's expansion team of the amateur soccer behemoth pulled out a 1-0 win against the professional juggernaut of CRS Reserves. The goal came through Alex Campana.
Saturday:
Chicago Dutch Lions 2 vs Milwaukee Torrent 3 - 6pm - Benedictine University, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Chicago Dutch Lions took the lead on the road in the 16th minute but Elsi Twombly equalised for the Torrent just before half time. CDL went ahead again the 50th minute but Jelena Sever made it 2-2 in the 57th minute from the penalty spot, and then 3-2 from open play in the 73rd minute for the win.
Cincinnati Sirens 2 vs FC Pride 0 - 7pm - Lakota West High School, Liberty Township, OH - No Announced Stream
Morgan White and Makala Woods picked up the goals for a perfect Sirens squad on top of the Midwestern Division.
Dayton Dutch Lions 6 vs St Louis Lions 0 - 7pm - West Carrolton High School, Dayton, OH - No Announced Stream
DDL FC opened the scoring after only 5 minutes through a St Louis own goal from a Huber cross. Marcella Cash scored in the 24th and thus it remained through half time. Anuci scored shortly after the half. Jenssen scored number 4 in the 52nd minute. Huber added a goal to her earlier assist in the 83rd minute and another in the 90th minute, with another St Louis own goal in the 83rd minute.
Fire and Ice 6 vs Columbus Eagles 0 - 7pm - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
Doubles from Olivia Smith and Sarah Foley added to solo shots from Sofia Hernandez and Mackenzie Litzs for the blowout of the winless Eagles.
Sunday:
Salvo SC vs MapleBrook Fury - 3pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - No Announced Stream
This game was suspended due to lightning at 1-1 in the 50th minute, with the remainder of the match to be rescheduled. The Salvo goal was scored by Khyah Harper and the equalizer was in the 37th minute.
Mankato United 9 vs Dakota Fusion 1 - 5pm - Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Danielle Tazic opened the scoring in the 5th minute for the home team but pretty constant pressure from Mankato failed to secure further goals, prior to a Hallie Thompson equalizer in the 31st minute from 20 yards out, just past the Kato keeper. It was just before halftime at Mankato United finally made their superiority count, after busted defense at a corner left Dakota Wendell open to slot the ball home from the top of the six yard box. The second half started as rapidly for Kato as the first had, with Tazic repeating her trick within 50 seconds of the restart, from a Wendell cross. Wendell was again the benefactor of fortune in the 51st and 54th minutes as she scored off two charge downs of Emily Soukup in goal for the Fusion. Ironically, the margin could have been even larger, were it not for the efforts of Soukup, who is graduating from high school in Moorhead and joining Minnesota State Mankato in the fall. Abigail Hoisington made it 6-1 in the 63rd minute. Cassidy Joyce made it 7-1 before Tazic completed her own hat trick in the 82nd minute with a close range blast into the top right corner. Scoring was completed through a PK in the 87th minute.
Fire SC 98 0 vs Minnesota Thunder 1 - 7pm - Centennial High School Stadium, Circle Pines, MN - No Announced Stream
It took until the 80th minute for the red hot division leading Thunder to break the deadlock against a Fire side fresh off a strong performance against Dakota Fusion, and there would be no further scoring.
Dayton Dutch Lions 1 vs Lady Victory 4 - 4:30pm - West Carrolton High School, Dayton, OH - No Announced Stream
Goals in the 23rd, 25th and 35th minutes led Victory to a lead. Second half goals came in the 58th from Dayton and the 60th from Victory for the win.
St Louis Lions 2 vs Columbus Eagles 3 - 5pm - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Announced Stream
Columbus win the battle of the basement, claiming all three points in the 87th minute after a back and forth match.
WPSL Central Region, Week 6: Preview
Wednesday:
Mankato United vs Rochester United - 7pm- Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Unbeaten Rochester took a tie against Kato at their home and the visitors enter the match unbeaten on the season, having tied their last three matches. Mankato will look to rediscover some momentum, with their only win of the season a 7-2 drubbing of Fire SC 98 to open the season.
Cincinnati Sirens vs Dayton Dutch Lions - 7pm - Lakota West High School, Liberty Township, OH - No Announced Stream
The unbeaten Sirens will expect their fourth victory from four against a club who are only 1-3-1 on the season.
Fire and Ice vs St Louis Lions - 7pm - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL, Eleven Sports
An up and down season for the hosts is still preferable to the 3 straight losses for the Lions to open theirs and they will expect their form to continue.
Thursday :
Minnesota Thunder vs Salvo SC - 7:45pm - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
The surprise package of this Central season so far, Thunder have so far proven the value in a youth pipeline approach to WPSL play. Having won their last three matches, they will enter play against perennial threat Salvo with plenty of confidence although the league leaders did drop the corresponding fixture 2-1 to their neighbors.
Friday:
Fire SC vs Dakota Fusion FC - 7pm - Centennial High School Stadium, Circle Pines, MN - Eleven Sports
Fire and Fusion have both been on the receiving end of some ugly results early in their seasons so this basement battle could really show whether those results are indicative of deeper malaise.
Mankato United vs MapleBrook Fury - 7pm - Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
MapleBrook have managed a 1-1 draw with second placed Rochester and a 4-1 win over struggling Fire SC so it will be interesting to see where a match against third placed Mankato registers. The home side sit third, with a game in hand on the two teams above them and will be hoping they can punish a possibly rusty Fury squad.
Milwaukee Bavarian SC vs Chicago Red Stars Reserves - 7pm - Bavarian Soccer Club, Glendale, WI - No Announced Stream
Even though this match is at the friendly confines of the Bavarian Soccer Club, expect another win for the juggernaut that is Chicago Red Stars Reserves. That said, BSC limited the damage to just one goal when the two sides met recently.
Saturday:
Chicago City SC vs Green Bay Glory - 4pm - Chicago Hope Lions Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
Green Bay come into Chicago 0-4 on the season and will be hoping for better results against a CCSC squad which is 1-2.
Chicago Dutch Lions vs Milwaukee Torrent - 6pm - Benedictine University, Lisle, IL - No Announced Stream
Second placed CDL face a hungry Torrent squad who are only a point behind them in the standings.
Cincinnati Sirens vs FC Pride - 7pm - Lakota West High School, Liberty Township, OH - No Announced Stream
The undefeated Sirens play host to the table topping FC Pride, who are 4-1-1 on the season, raising the prospect of a very good game.
Dayton Dutch Lions vs St Louis Lions - 7pm - West Carrolton High School, Dayton, OH - No Announced Stream
Dayton will need to get to grips defensively but they face a St Louis squad with no wins at the time of publication and a -15 goal difference.
Fire and Ice vs Columbus Eagles - 7pm - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
This match pairs two teams with unappetizing starts to their seasons, so this will be a litmus test of their direction.
Sunday:
Salvo SC vs MapleBrook Fury - 3pm - Reynolds Field, Roseville, MN - No Announced Stream
Salvo should win this battle of the Twin Cities, but MapleBrook's stop start season so far makes it difficult to rule out any result.
Mankato United vs Dakota Fusion - 5pm - Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN - Eleven Sports
Having sought to exorcise demons against Rochester, Kato will face a Fusion squad which has had a slow start to their own season and the hosts should expect an easy win.
Fire SC 98 vs Minnesota Thunder - 7pm - Seafoam Stadium at Concordia University, St Paul, MN - Eleven Sports
Rolling into the week top of the division, Thunder should dispatch the struggling Fire without much difficulty.
Chicago City SC vs Milwaukee Bavarian - 5pm - Chicago Hope Lions Complex, Chicago, IL - Eleven Sports
With one win against their name, and playing host, CCSC will be hoping to deepen the gloom of a winless Bavarian squad fresh off a match against the Red Stars Reserves.
Dayton Dutch Lions vs Lady Victory - 4:30pm - West Carrolton High School, Dayton, OH - No Announced Stream
Lady Victory, on 4-1 for the season, will fully expect to beat a DDL squad with only one win to their name.
St Louis Lions vs Columbus Eagles - 5pm - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Announced Stream
This matchup of leaky defences and sputtering offences could well end up a goalless draw.
WPSL Central Region, Week 5: Recap
Wednesday:
Chicago Dutch Lions 3 vs Green Bay Glory 1: 5 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Rochester United FC 2 vs Mankato United SC 2: 7 PM - Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
Thursday:
Minnesota Thunder 6 vs Fire SC 98 0 : 7:45 PM - Academy of Holy Angels StarDome, Richfield, MN - Eleven Sports
Saturday:
FC Pride 2 vs Lady Victory FC 3: 2 PM - Pride Performance Center, Indianapolis, IN - No Stream Announced
Cincinnati Sirens 2 vs Columbus Eagles 1: 6 PM - Lakota West High School, West Chester Township, OH - No Stream Announced
Chicago Dutch Lions 2 vs Chicago City SC 1: 7 PM - Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Lisle, IL - Eleven Sports
Chicago Red Stars Reserves 1 vs Bavarian Soccer Club 0: 7 PM - Oak Brook Park District Family Recreation Center, Oak Brook, IL - Eleven Sports
Dakota Fusion 0 vs Minnesota Thunder 7: 7 PM - Jim Gotta Stadium, Moorhead, MN - Magnitude Sports Network
Thunder rolled into Moorhead and scored in bursts. Despite the scoreline, the first goal took 20 minutes to arrive, and were followed by tallies in the 35th, 42nd and 45th minutes of the first half. These were supplemented by strikes in the 71st, 72nd and 85th minute. All but two of the goals were a result of well constructed Thunder play rather than bad defence by the home team. 13 goals in 2 games does tend to suggest the Thunder are really that good. For Fusion, it's back to the coaches' white board.
Fire & Ice SC 0 vs Dayton Dutch Lions 0: 7 PM - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
Rochester United FC 2 vs Salvo SC 2: 7 PM - Spartan Field at Mayo High School, Rochester, MN - Eleven Sports
Sunday:
Columbus Eagles 1 vs Lady Victory FC 2: 1 PM - Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University, Bexley, OH - Eleven Sports
Fire & Ice SC 0 vs FC Pride 3 : 2 PM - Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, IL - Eleven Sports
St. Louis Lions 1 vs Dayton Dutch Lions 6: 2 PM - Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, Cottleville, MO - No Stream Announced
Green Bay Glory 0 vs FC Milwaukee Torrent 3: 3 PM - Capital Credit Union Park, Ashwaubenon, WI - Eleven Sports
MapleBrook Fury 4 vs Fire SC 98 1: 7 PM - Maple Grove Crimson Stadium, Maple Grove, MN - No Stream Announced
*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
The W League is back
Today, in a move which had been suggested by The Athletic, USL announced a new women's amateur league with an old name.
The new USL W League was unveiled with a Selection Sunday-style stream, together with 8 founding members and a strong trend of organizations whose men's sides are within the professional tiers of the USL system. The old W League folded in 2015.
The eight founding clubs are:
- Minnesota Women's Soccer, a brand-new club which will be more fully unveiled this weekend but which already promises "a women majority owner which will be paired with a unique element of community and supporter ownership" and ownership independent of current organizations.
- Kaw Valley FC will be debuting its women's side in USL W. It's men's side currently compete in the USL League Two's Heartland Conference.
- Chattanooga Red Wolves, currently compete in the Southeastern Conference of the WPSL and are the sister of the USL League One side.
- Greenville Triumph, who have a women's academy but no existing senior women's side, and are the sister of the USL League One side.
- Hartford Athletic, another club debuting its women's side in the new league. It's a sister to a USL Championship side.
- Queensboro FC, has yet to debut in either men's or women's soccer but are slated to begin play in both USL Championship and USL W next year.
- South Georgia Tormenta FC, has a female co-owner but no senior women's side at the moment. It is the sister to a USL League One side.
- Washington D.C., heralded as a former member of the original W-League, DC United also has women within its front office.
The league has projected that there will be 30 members of the inaugural season. Stay tuned for more details, especially with regards to our regions.
What is the Unity Cup? - A Q and A with MapleBrook's Jean-Yves Viardin
The 2021 Unity Cup : MapleBrook 58ers and Friends vs Joy Athletic Club takes place at Maple Grove High School Stadium at 5pm. Admission is free.
Q: What is the Unity Cup?
A: Joy Athletic is coached by a friend of mine and I'm very familiar with the organization and I respect that organization. I run the youth club over here in Maple Grove called Maplebrook. We had a UPSL team. We took a year off because of Covid.
Because it is Joy Athletic's first year in the NPSL. We share players. We had planned to have a game. A friendly game. When all the bad stuff happened in Minneapolis and then we decided not to play in our league it didn't look like we were gonna be able to do it but a date popped open for them and we said “Hey, would you be willing to have a game with us?”
What's really been the hard part with Covid is in the soccer community, we didn't get to see our friends. We're all in different communities, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park wherever...
And then all the stuff happened with Daunte and George Floyd and I said I'm gonna do something fun for my community and you know we share a lot of common things with Joy Athletic.
Long story short, I'm gonna start a tradition. We're going to play them, 1 year here, 1 year there. We're gonna have a cup, it's gonna be called the Unity Cup. The whole spirit of the event is to get two communities which have a lot of similiarities, and eventually grow it to a point where we can raise money for charity or scholarships for kids to play soccer.
I didn't have my team, that's why you see Maplebrook 58ers and friends, we invited people from the different clubs in the Cities. They are all people who we feel represent something positive in the community, in and out of soccer – who they are as human beings. Everybody who is on my team is there for a specific reason, above and beyond that they are good soccer players. The fact that we partnered with Joy Athletic is for a specific reason, above and beyond that they are good soccer players. It's a Cup to celebrate Unity, here and in Minnesota and to have an excuse to spend time together. We hope to raise money for good causes and we got picked up by Sanneh Foundation – Tony is a friend of mine. Planet Soccer, our local soccer vendor and the mortgage company that I work for said “Hey, we love what you are doing”
We're doing it in conjunction with our youth tournament, that's gonna be going on during the weekend. It's an opportunity for kids to come watch high level players, we have a whole bunch of ex-pro players on our team that we're part of Minnesota soccer history
A bunch of guys are coaches so their teams will come and it's kinda unifying four or five youth clubs in the area.
Q: Is there any concern that you're gonna impact Joy's NPSL season?
A: No, not really. They have enough players, I'm sure it's a good opportunity for them to pick the younger players and it's really a friendly game. It's not about the score and the result. Our team is on the old side. I think half our roster is 45. It's really an exhibition game, more than anything.
Q: What are the plans for the MapleBrook 58'ers UPSL side going forward?
A: When the UPSL was cancelled, the organiser of Vlora FC – Adi, he organized the Goals Cup. We won that and then after that our boys went back to school so we didn't participate in the Fall season. UPSL was gracious enough to let us carry over our “tuition”, if you would call it that, until next year. So, we will be back next year for sure. We just needed a year off to recover from financial hardships. These teams don't make money. I lose money on both the teams every year, I do it because I love it and it lets me be around people I wanna be around.
Q: The Fury WPSL side were scheduled to play against Dakota Fusion last weekend, was the postponement due to an issue with your side or theirs?
A: I believe there was a Covid issue with Fusion but we are looking forward to playing them this weekend at Maple Grove and have rescheduled the game in Fargo for June 25th.
Q: Are there any players that we should keep an eye out for?
A: We have a pretty good team. We finished in a 3 way tie with Salvo and Mankato during the 2019 season.
Marie Sennes is a good player. Claire Odmark plays for Wisconsin Badgers as a forward. Haley Landrus is also a good player. We have a good squad.
Q: There are no playoffs in the WPSL this season. So why play a team?
A: I considered it because of no playoffs but my commitment is to get these players ready for college. We have alums from our youth clubs that have somewhere to play in Summer between college seasons. I believe 80% of our squad is from our youth clubs. The most fun part is we can show the young kids what they will be able to do next , like in Europe where everyone has their hometown team, whereas in college people can't do that because they are all scattered around.
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