The NPSL Briefing: Conference Finals Edition
Both conference finals feature rematches from 2024 playoffs
Welcome to the Conference Finals Edition of The NPSL Briefing! Below are our previews of the championship games for the Gulf Coast Sunshine and Southeast Conferences, along with results from the four semifinal matches.
Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference:
Semifinal results:
Naples United 3-1 Club de Lyon
Jacksonville Armada U23 2-1 New Orleans Jesters
Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference Championship: Jacksonville Armada U23 vs Naples United
Credit Jacksonville Armada
Saturday, July 12 at 7:00pm EST
EWC Community Field and Athletic Stadium (Jacksonville , FL; Capacity 5000)
In 2024, these two teams met in the conference semifinals, with Jacksonville coming out on top 2-0 (they lost to Columbus United in the championship). This time they'll butt heads in the conference championship game. Jacksonville finished the regular season just two points ahead of Naples, and are the top seed. But Naples handed the Armada their only loss this year, beating them 1-0. They came through the season evenly matched on goals for (35) and goals against (9). Count on this being a close game that goes down to the wire.
Southeast Conference:
Semifinal results:
Hickory FC vs Port City FC: The game couldn't be played due to severe weather. When all was said and done, Port City FC made the decision to forfeit.
Appalachian FC 6-1 Charlottetowne Hops FC. A lightning delay only slowed them down. (Luke Frost with a brace)
Southeast Conference Championship: Hickory FC vs Appalachian FC
Credit Hickory FC
Saturday, July 12 at 7:00pm EST
Moretz Stadium (Hickory, NC; Capacity 7200)
This game is a repeat of the conference championship game from 2024, which was won by Hickory FC, 3-0 (Hickory was then eliminated in the regionals by Columbus United). Both of this year's regular season meetings went to Hickory, 1-0. That means Appalachian has lost to Hickory three times in a row, dating back to last season. The folks from Boone would like to break the spell and move forward to the next round. Both teams are in great form, but I would give Hickory a leg up for playing at home.
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Just noticed that "The Southeast Soccer Report is an official media partner of the NPSL." Does this mean the NPSL sponsors this blog, or gives its reporters media credentials (so free tickets and on-field access)?
There's a funny thing about the outcome of the Southeast Conference Championship. If Hickory FC wins, they'll be the 1 seed in the South Region Playoffs with a bye and hosting the Regional Championship. If App FC win, they'll be the 3 seed heading to west Texas, specifically either Lubbock or Midland.