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National Futsal Premier League
2022/23 Matchweek 16 Review
A massive result in the lone game in Matchweek 16 from the NFPL Southwest Conference has kept the regular season alive. Brusa Futsal Club are declared the champions of the regular season while Colorado Futsal Academy kept their playoff hopes alive by taking down New Mexico Flagship, ending their chances of leapfrogging Brusa Futsal.
MEN'S DIVISION
Colorado Futsal Academy 9-7 New Mexico Flagship FC
Colorado Futsal Academy earned a massive come-from-behind win to spoil New Mexico Flagship's chances of winning the Southwest Conference in Matchweek 16.
The match started off on the right foot for the visitors with an opening goal coming just 2 minutes in. A back-heel assist from Julian Bustamante set Bryan Rivas free in a one-on-one situation with the Colorado goalkeeper, and he made no mistake tucking the ball beyond him to go up 1-0 early. Bustamante's second assist came in the 9th minute, finding Sergio Ramires on the wing to go up 2-0 in the opening 10 minutes.
From there, the tides changed. 3 goals in 4 minutes for Colorado Futsal Academy flipped the game completely. A quick give-and-go between Carlos Adarmes and Jeiver Villamizer allowed Adarmes to score at the near post. This goal was quickly followed by a beautiful Adarmes first-time chip from close range, assisted by Davinson Diaz.
A timeout was called and the level between both teams went up a notch, with tough tackles flying in from both sides. Jorge Castellanos won a fair challenge at mid-court and score unassisted, ripping a shot low and hard beneath the Flagship keeper to take a 3-2 lead for Colorado.
The fourth goal before halftime was incredible - Diaz volleying across the Flagship keeper into the corner from a long, well-executed throw from Juan Caro in net. An easy Goal of the Month contender for the Colorado hitman. The home side would go into the break with a 4-2 lead.
Coming into the second half, it was Flagship that began brightly again. An early goal in the opening two minutes from Alexander Romero slotting beneath Caro to bring the score to 4-3. Two minutes later, it was tied - a driving run from captain Isai Rivas collapsed the Colorado defense and he was able to find Romero for his second goal in as many minutes.
With the game and their season in jeopardy, Colorado once more turned on the style. Adarmes earned his hat trick by calmly finishing when found by Diaz off a free kick in the 25th minute. A lovely solo goal from Castellanos displayed his fast feet and finishing ability in the 28th minute for Colorado to go up 6-4.
Castellanos would smash the bar moments later and then find Pedro Navarrete to poke home from close range as Colorado went up 7-4 and began to pull away.
A penalty converted by Isai Rivas in the 31st minute breathed life back into the game for the visitors, even moreso when he scored again half a minute later, firing through a crowded penalty area beyond the unsighted keeper to bring the score to 7-6.
The attempt at a comeback was put down shortly afterward, though. Colorado regained a 3-goal advantage through a sharp finish into the bottom right corner from Diaz and the two combined for Castellanos to finish smoothly, taking a 9-6 lead.
Rivas would score one more from the spot before the end of the game, but Colorado would grab the win and the crucial 3 points needed to continue their season.
THE NFPL RETURNS...
The win for Colorado Futsal Academy means their season stays alive. They're back in action in a must-win game in Matchweek 17 against San Diego Voyagers.
Don't miss the NFPL playoffs! The Great Lakes and Midwest Conference semifinals will be on April 15th and the championship match on April 22nd.
Stay tuned here and on the National Futsal Premier League social platforms for coverage, previews, highlights, and more.