Minneapolis City SC and Cedar Rapids Rampage United both reached the midway point of their seasons and although neither tallied a win over the weekend, both teams find themselves in a three-way tie for first place in the West Division on points. With Toledo’s win, a three-way tie was also created at the top of the East Division. In a short season and with only the two top teams from each division getting an invite to the PLA Tournament and a shot at the Championship, things are getting very interesting. It was a much quieter weekend than last, with only four games, two of which involved City. Croatian Eagles recorded its first win of the season, Toledo United got back on track, and Madison 56ers’ tough season continued.
Minneapolis City SC were able to snatch a point late in the first match of their weekend doubleheader.
Cedar Rapids Rampage United 1, Minneapolis City SC 1
June 10, 2016
Clark Field (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Minneapolis City SC were able to snatch a point late in the first match of their weekend doubleheader. Cedar Rapids had control of possession for the early portion of the match before things evened out and both sides traded chances. Matthew Gweh and Isaac Friendt looked dangerous going forward for City but the half ended knotted at zeroes. Ten minutes after the match resumed, Cedar Rapids was awarded a penalty. Gordy Gurson was nearly denied by keeper Matt Elder, but the ball sneaked past and Rampage took a 1-0 lead. The second half continued on much as the first did; back-and-forth play and good chances for both teams. In the 88th minute, Will Kidd (subbed on for Gweh) slipped past his defender and slotted home the equalizer to rescue a point for the visitors.
Up next:
Cedar Rapids Rampage United vs. Croatian Eagles, June 25
Croatian Eagles got a measure of revenge for its defeat at the hands of City a few weeks ago with a narrow 1-0 win.
Croatian Eagles 1, Minneapolis City SC 0
June 11, 2016
Croatian Park (Franklin, WI)
Croatian Eagles got a measure of revenge for its defeat at the hands of City a few weeks ago with a narrow 1-0 win. City fell to its first defeat of the season in the second game of their weekend doubleheader. The hosts were in control during the early going and recorded the best chance of the first half when Tenzin Rampa ripped a shot that was only just turned away by keeper Duncan Werling. City players eventually found their legs and started creating chances, but the teams went to the locker rooms tied at 0-0. In the 53rd minute, Richard Rowell chipped Werling and the hosts took a 1-0 lead. The Crows’ Isaac Friendt was injured in the 63rd minute, striking a blow to the visitors’ creativity. Despite a series of late chances for City, the hosts never relinquished their lead and celebrated their first victory of the season.
Up next:
Cedar Rapids Rampage United vs. Croatian Eagles, June 25
Minneapolis City SC vs. Madison 56ers, June 18
Hewitt cemented his brace in spectacular fashion, scoring an Olimpico in the 87th minute and ensuring a win for his team.
Aurora Borealis 0, Toledo United 3
June 12, 2016
Mooseheart (Aurora, IL)
Toledo United broke out of its slump with a big win over a struggling Aurora side. Less than half an hour had passed when Toledo’s Jon Interiano was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty. Kenny Hewitt placed the spot kick to the keeper’s left and United was up 1-0. The visitors kept the pressure on for the rest of the half but were denied by the Aurora defense. Soon after the match resumed, Toldeo was on the board again. Oliver Verdult, who looked to be injured in the first half, scored off a corner in the 53rd minute. A 74th-minute red card only compounded the host’s misery while Toledo controlled the match and eventually added to their lead. Hewitt cemented his brace in spectacular fashion, scoring an Olimpico in the 87th minute and ensuring a win for his team.
Up next:
Toledo United vs. Grand Rapids Ole SC, June 17
Oakland County FC vs. Aurora Borealis SC, June 18
Taking only one point from their first four games, the 56ers have a mountain to climb if they want to secure a meaningful spot in the postseason tournament.
Minnesota United Reserves 2, Madison 56ers 0
June 12, 2016
East Ridge High School (Woodbury, MN)
Madison’s early season struggles continued on their visit to Minnesota this weekend. Taking only one point from their first four games, the 56ers have a mountain to climb if they want to secure a meaningful spot in the postseason tournament. The visitors claimed most of the early possession against Minnesota United Reserves, but a quick counterattack from the hosts provided an early goal. Andres Jaramillo went in on his own and chipped the keeper for a 1-0 lead. The momentum shifted in the Reserves’ favor and the home team dominated time on the ball and tried shot after shot. Madison held firm and prevented further damage from being done despite Minnesota looking dangerous. That trend continued into the second half, with Madison creating very few chances but shutting down the midfield. A 60th minute cannon shot from Skylar Schulz found the back of the net and Minnesota took a 2-0 lead. The Reserves never looked back and saw out the rest of the match for their second win of the season.
Up next:
Croatian Eagles vs. Minnesota United Reserves, June 18
Minneapolis City SC vs. Madison 56ers, June 18
East Standings
| Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
| RWB Adria | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Toledo United | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| Carpathia | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Oakland County | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Aurora Borealis | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -6 | 3 |
| Grand Rapids Ole | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -11 | 0 |
West Standings
| Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
| Milwaukee Bavarians | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 8 |
| Minneapolis City | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
| Cedar Rapids Rampage | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| MNUFC Reserves | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Croatian Eagles | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 4 |
| Madison 56ers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -9 | 1 |
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