The NPSL Briefing Week 1: Gulf Coast Sunshine and Southeast Regions Kick Off
Welcome to Week 1 of the NPSL Briefing! We get you prepared for all the action in the NPSL Gulf Coast Sunshine and Southeast Regions and highlight a Game of the Week in each division.
Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference
Game of the Week: Club de Lyon vs FC Florida
Sunday May 11, 7:00pm EST
Lake Mary High School Stadium (4,500 Capacity); Lake Mary, Florida
Both of these clubs are new to NPSL, but aren't new to the game at this level. CdL has a history of success in NISA Nation and then two years of competition in NISA Pro, where they'll be playing again after the NPSL season in a Fall NISA tournament format. Their opponent will be FC Florida, who has previously had some teams in USL League Two. FC Florida has had success in developing players and sending them into the college and professional ranks at the highest levels. They also have credible ownership in Crystal Palace, Botafogo, and Lyon owner John Textor who can invest into a squad. This should be a great first test and set the tone for the season.
Other matches on the docket:
Jacksonville Armada U23 vs PSC Florida: Friday May 8, 7:00pm EST - Jacksonville has a rich history in the NASL and in the NPSL, and this is their last season before the pro club returns to join MLS NEXT Pro.
On the other hand, this will be PSC's first-ever match. The club is built to focus on pro development, with clubs already in Arizona and California. This is their first year in Panama City.
Naples United vs Global Soccer Pathways: Wednesday May 14, 7:00pm EST - In the two head-to-head games last year, Naples won twice by a combined score of 14-0. It’s solid proof that Naples were first and GSP were last in last year’s standings. It’s also notable that the clubs are partnered with each other and play out of the same ground, the Community School of Naples.
Southeast Conference
Game of the Week: Charlottetowne Hops vs. Hickory FC
Saturday May 10, 8:00pm EST
CSA OrthoCarolina Complex (1,000 Capacity); Pineville, NC
This matchup marks the second year of one the quickest growing rivalries in semi-professional soccer, the Moonshine Cup. The Hops, who play on the grounds of Charlotte Soccer Academy, are one of the only clubs who embrace drinking culture like European clubs. They have beer packages in season tickets, have their own beer and ginger ale, partner with many local breweries, and for Mother’s Day are giving all Moms a free beer at the match. On the pitch, the club finished 4th place in the division last year with a respectable 5-2-3 record.
For Hickory, they finished last season at 2nd in the table with a 7-1-2 record. With some of the best fans (and best attendance) in the NPSL, the club should bring a large away following to support the team that should be dangerous in front of goal. After 26 goals in 10 games last year, the club routed Mint Hill FC 6-1 in preseason action last week.
In the first two games of the rivalry in 2024, Hickory won the first matchup away 1-0, and the Hops responded with a 4-2 away win. This game is expected to be as contested as the first two.
Other matches on the docket:
Appalachian FC vs. Port City FC: Saturday May 10, 7:00pm EST - Last year’s first place finishers play the last place finishers as Port City travels into Boone, North Carolina. While Port City have signed an abundance of college talent to improve from last season, Appalachian FC are a strong team with an incredible fan atmosphere. This should be an entertaining match.
Bristol Rhythm AFC vs. 865 Alliance: Saturday May 10, 7:00pm EST - Two teams that were both mid-table last season face off in what should be a very close matchup. Bristol have made smart signings, grabbing loads of college and even high school talent, but 865 have focused on much more experienced players. Yesterday, they announced the signing of Faheem Khan, who just graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan University. They have also notably brought in former NISA journeyman (most recently a Savannah Clover) Cameron Schneider and returned last year’s leading scorer Andy Sullins (starter at Virginia Tech, former Atlanta United 2 player).
Burlington United vs. Greenville United: Saturday May 10, 7:00pm EST - If not for the exciting Moonshine Cup matchup, this would be the game of the week!
Burlington United are playing their inaugural match. After a large fan showing at the club’s jersey reveal and a strong soccer culture in the area, the club is looking to create a great atmosphere in the top-notch, 7,000 capacity MacPherson Stadium.
Greenville United are ready to compete after a very strong preseason. They beat the North Carolina Ballers 4-1, beat Mint Hill FC 1-0, and then broke the club goal-scoring record with a 14-0 win over Johnson County (11-0 at the half)!
Greenville United vs. Appalachian FC: Wednesday May 14, 6:00pm EST - The midweek matchup will be Greenville’s first home game of the season, where their smaller but strong fanbase will see if the team can compete against a division favorite like Appalachian FC.
Next week’s NPSL Briefing will recap these matches and preview Week 2 in the league. Subscribe for free to receive the article in your mailbox!