MIDWEST REGION PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: GRAND RAPIDS FC VS. INDY ELEVEN NPSL

Where?        Houseman Field – Grand Rapids, MI
When?        Friday, July 22nd – 7:30 pm
Ticket Details:     $10 for a single day pass, and $15 for a two-day pass

https://app.soccerstub.com/events/npsl-midwest-region-playoffs

Grand Rapids FC

Grand Rapids FC enjoyed a stellar first year in the NPSL, topping the Great Lakes West table with a 6-4-1 record and securing the number one seed in their conference. Grand Rapids’ goal differential (+8) is the second best in the Midwest Region and the team has only lost once all season, a testament to the great work done by head coach George Moni.

Grand Rapids attack is powered by forwards Scott Doney, Joe Broekhuizen, and Tyler Fischer. The trio has had a hand in 15 of the team’s 18 goals, scoring nine and assisting six. Of the three, Scott Doney leads the pack with four goals and three assists. As for Fischer, his versatility allows him to suit up as either a midfield or forward depending on the needs of the team.

Meanwhile, Grand Rapids’ backline is marshalled by Tony Deakin, a defender who started in nine of the team’s 12 matches. Noah Fazekas has been the team’s preferred goalkeeper, keeping five clean sheets for a .09 goals against percentage. Grand Rapids’ record of 10 goals against is tied with Lansing United for second best in the Midwest Region.

Notable Quote

“We are very excited to have so much success in our first NPSL season and look forward to hosting the Midwest playoffs. – Matt Roberts, Grand Rapids FC Founder

Indy Eleven NPSL

Indy Eleven NPSL, formerly the Indiana Fire, returns to the playoffs after having won the 2015 Midwest Region Finals. Last season the team reached the National Semifinals before bowing out against eventual champions Chattanooga FC. This year, Indy Eleven finished in second place of the Great Lakes East table and were one of only two teams to defeat number one seed AFC Cleveland.

Indy Eleven’s 18 goals were tied with Grand Rapids FC for third best in the Midwest Region, trailing only AFC Cleveland and Detroit City FC. A large reason for Indy Eleven’s high offensive output was forward Vincent Mitchell, who leads the team in scoring with his four goals and two assists.

Given the team’s offensive mindset, it’s no surprise to see that Travis Wannemuehler, a forward turned right back, has been one of Indy Eleven’s most solid players, starting in seven matches.  As far as tending the goal, the goalkeeper duties have been split among Cody Schweitzer and Christian Lomeli. Schweltzer and Lomeli have started six and four times respectively, with Lomeli keeping three clean sheets.

Notable Quote

“We look forward to playing Great Lakes Midwest West Champion Grand Rapids FC in the semis, as it will match up two very good teams.  I expect our semifinal to be a very tightly contested match. Grand Rapids FC will certainly have the home field advantage, as they draw great numbers from their loyal supporters.” – John Simmonds, Indy Eleven NPSL Head Coach