Matchweek 9 Review: NMFS Stun BRUSA, CFA Huge Comeback Win in Santa Fe

by NFPL

MATCHWEEK 9 REVIEW: NEW MEXICO FLAGSHIP STUNS BRUSA, COLORADO COMPLETES INCREDIBLE COMEBACK OVER SANTA FE

Matchweek 9 delivered high drama in the Southwest Division, with New Mexico Flagship FC handing BRUSA FC their first loss of the season, while Colorado Futsal Academy pulled off a stunning second-half comeback against Santa Fe Gloom. With the playoff race tightening, every result is now carrying even greater weight as teams battle for positioning.

NEW MEXICO FLAGSHIP FC (H) 5-2 BRUSA FC (A)

The match started off as a tactical battle, with both teams carefully probing for weaknesses. It was Luis Gonzales (#15) who broke the deadlock for NM Flagship, scoring eight minutes in off an unlikely assist from goalkeeper Hugo Morales (#19). Flagship doubled their lead just before halftime, with Axel Esparza (#11) finishing a well-placed ball from Eduardo Saucedo (#8) to give the home side a 2-0 advantage at the break.

BRUSA came out of halftime looking for a response, and they wasted no time cutting into the deficit. Matheus Lima (#11) struck just 35 seconds into the second half, bringing the visitors within one. But NM Flagship remained composed and restored their two-goal advantage just five minutes later, as Alexander Romero (#12) finished off another Saucedo assist to make it 3-1.

For the next 15 minutes, neither team could break through as NM Flagship held their defensive shape while BRUSA continued to press for a way back. With under five minutes to play, BRUSA found their chance, as Yan Nascimento (#14) found the net to make it 3-2, setting up a frantic finish.

As BRUSA pushed forward in search of an equalizer, NM Flagship took advantage of the space left behind. In the final two minutes, goalkeeper Hugo Morales scored his second goal of the season, and Alexander Romero added his second of the match, sealing a 5-2 victory and handing BRUSA their first defeat of the season.

With the result, NM Flagship improves to 3-2, now sitting tied with Colorado for second place in the Southwest Division. BRUSA, despite the loss, remains in first at 3-1, though their cushion at the top has shrunk.

Santa Fe Gloom (H) 7-8 Colorado Futsal Academy (A)

In one of the most breathtaking comebacks of the season, Colorado Futsal Academy overturned a 6-3 deficit in the final 10 minutes to steal a dramatic 8-7 victory on the road against Santa Fe Gloom.

The first half saw Santa Fe seize early control, despite an opening goal from Enberth Padilla (#2) for Colorado after five minutes. Santa Fe responded immediately, with Yeremi Valdez (#25) equalizing moments later. Colorado regained the lead when Issac Medina (#12) finished off an assist from Pedro Montes (#11), but Santa Fe answered again, this time through Danny Lopes (#15).

The home side continued to build momentum, as Julian Bustamante (#18) struck twice before halftime, first assisted by Andersson Ramos (#12) and then by Peter Torres (#2). Montes pulled one back for Colorado with just under seven minutes left in the half, assisted by Jesus Guillen (#25), but Santa Fe still took a 4-3 lead into halftime.

Santa Fe extended their lead early in the second half, as Yeremi Valdez scored his second of the match, followed by Isai Rivas (#10) adding another, giving Santa Fe a commanding 6-3 lead.

Then, everything unraveled.

With just nine minutes left, Colorado’s Emmanuel Vivas (#4) started the comeback with an unassisted goal, cutting the deficit to 6-4. One minute later, Guillen scored from a Vivas assist, making it 6-5. With under seven minutes to play, Guillen struck again unassisted, bringing Colorado level at 6-6.

Guillen wasn’t done. He completed his hat trick with five minutes left, giving Colorado their first lead since early in the first half at 7-6.

Santa Fe finally stopped the onslaught when Peter Torres (#2) equalized with under two minutes to play, assisted again by Ramos. Just when it seemed like the game would end in a draw, Guillen delivered the final blow, scoring his fourth goal of the match with just 15 seconds remaining, an improbable chip over the goalkeeper his own box, sealing an 8-7 victory for Colorado in one of the most improbable turnarounds of the season.

With the win, Colorado improves to 4-2, keeping pace in the tight Southwest Division race. Santa Fe, now 1-6, finds itself at the bottom of the table, running out of time to turn things around.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Southwest Division continues to be one of the most unpredictable races in the league, with Matchweek 9’s results making things even tighter at the top.

BRUSA FC (3-1) remains in first place, but their lead is now just one game over both Colorado (4-2) and New Mexico Flagship (3-2).
Colorado’s thrilling comeback win puts them ahead of NM Flagship in second place based on total points, though Flagship has played one fewer match.
Santa Fe Gloom (1-6) is nearly out of playoff contention, needing a miracle run in the final stretch of the season to stay in the mix.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Southwest playoff race is far from settled, and Matchweek 10 could bring even more movement in the standings.

BRUSA FC will look to bounce back from their first loss, while NM Flagship FC will try to keep their momentum going.
Colorado Futsal Academy continues to prove they can win under pressure, but will they keep up their scoring pace?
Santa Fe Gloom has little margin for error—can they recover before it’s too late?

All NFPL matches are streamed live on YouTube, with the season nearing its most decisive moments. The Southwest battle is far from over, and every game from here on out will have playoff implications. Who will rise, and who will fall? Stay tuned as the race for the postseason continues!

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