NFPL Matchweek 2 Preview

by NFPL

Lucky for us, the fun doesn't stop. It just keeps going and going until we reach the playoffs, and then we've got the playoffs to enjoy! After a great opening weekend in Matchweek 1, the National Futsal Premier League returns to the court with a slate of four games and the debut match of the NFPL Women's Division!

Keep reading for details on these matches.

WOMEN'S DIVISION

At long last, the NFPL Women's Division is brought to the court and brought to life! Our opening match features a tasty Michigan derby between the ladies of Michigan Futsal Factory Academy and Grand Rapids OLé.

Futsal Factory Academy (H) vs. Grand Rapids OLé (A)

With very little history to draw on (just the NFPL Summer Cup), the Women's Division is a blank slate! However, despite the small sample size, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that Futsal Factory Academy are the favorites. The Women's team played against Grand Rapids OLé twice in the NFPL Summer Cup, with the first game resulting in an 8-2 victory and the second a 4-3 win. 

If Grand Rapids can continue the progression, then this can be a close game. However, if Futsal Factory find good form early in the season, especially at home, they'll be a tough team to beat. 

Match Details:

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Men's Division

FUTSAL FACTORY ACADEMY (H) VS. GRAND RAPIDS OLÉ (A)

In the Men's Division, we do have history to draw on and the forecast is just about the opposite. A deep and talented Grand Rapids OLé side travel across the state for the Michigan Derby to take on the Men of Futsal Factory Academy.

Grand Rapids return a number of key players from last season's championship-winning side, including the Diaz brothers, Cole Russell, Lito Esquivel, and Miguel Cervantes. 

Futsal Factory Academy have a strong core returning that includes Ben Pritchard and Robert Damron, but they may be missing some firepower with Ahmed Zaky not returning to the team this season. New faces will fill in the remaining spots and it will be exciting to see their lineup this season.

Last season, Grand Rapids won both their home and away fixtures with scores of 9-4 and 9-5, respectively. Who will start their NFPL campaign stronger?

Key Players:

Futsal Factory Academy:
 • Robert Damron
 • Ben Pritchard
 • Drew Ducker

Grand Rapids OLé:
 • Adrian & Daniel Diaz
 • Cole Russell
 • Lito Esquivel 

Details:

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FUTSAL Indy (H) VS. Joy Athletic (A)

Well, fresh off the same matchup in Matchweek 1, Futsal Indy and Joy Athletic clash once more, this time in Indianapolis. Last week, Joy Athletic were clearly the better team and ran away with an 18-3 victory. We expect this to be a significantly better match. Futsal Indy historically are a tough team to break down at home and they'll field a deeper team with a better crowd behind them. We'll see if Joy Athletic can maintain their dominance in the division with a test on the road. 

Key Players

Futsal Indy:
 • Joao Couto
 • Luis Soriano
 • Ben Diatta

Joy Athletic:
 • Bennett Kouame
 • Mika Folstad 
 • Philip Caputo

Match Details

Cadence SFC (H) VS. FC Tryzub(A)

We've got another incredible rivalry match here as two teams battle for bragging rights in Chicagoland. Cadence SFC will host FC Tryzub who have returned to the NFPL after a short hiatus. 

Historically, FC Tryzub have fielded a roster of skillful and physical players that are used to European-style futsal: high speed of play with both mind and body. Last season, Cadence SFC fielded the youngest roster in the league and went through some challenging growing pains, ending the season at the bottom of the league despite showing improvement week to week.

However, it's a new season and a new day and there's everything to gain for these two teams in the NFPL Men's Western Conference. 

MATCH DETAILS

Where Things Stand

It's only Matchweek 2! There's everything to play for. Best of luck to all of the players and managers, both Men and Women, on the court this weekend!

Follow along and stay tuned to the National Futsal Premier League social media channels for game updates and more! Catch the full standings and schedule here.