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December 2023 Team of the Month
The 2023/24 National Futsal Premier League season started with some incredible games, goals, and players on the court. Here are those who stood above the crowd to make our first Kings of the Court.
December 2023 KINGS OF THE COURT
GOALKEEPER: Hector Castañeda
NFPL debutants Santa Fe Gloom opened their season with a win over Colorado Futsal Factory anchored by a standout performance between the sticks from goalkeeper Hector Castañeda. Recording a handful of sublime saves, a goal, and an assist, Castañeda made Colorado pay for nearly every risk and every mistake, earning him Matchweek 3 Player of the Week honors and a big home victory for The Gloom.
FIXO: Sammy Esquivel
With two games played and two wins in December, Grand Rapids OLé started the 2023/24 season similar to how they ended the prior season: winning in the Midwest Conference. Anchored by assured, calm, and influential performances by Sammy Esquivel at fixo, OLé has looked great going forward and strong at the back. Esquivel's performances earned him 1 goal, 3 assists, and a Matchweek 1 Player of the Week award in December.
ALA: Johan Vasquez
Supporting Esquivel in Grand Rapids OLé's strong start to the season is Johan Vazquez, earning Player of the Game nominations in both matches and creating countless chances for teammates throughout, dominating the wings and the center of the court with quick feet, great positioning, and an eye for the final pass.
ALA: Nicolas Lasso
Voted Man of the Match for Colorado Futsal Academy in their season opener, Nicolas Lasso also scored an incredible goal (nominated for Goal of the Month in December) at an important point in the match when it looked like a Colorado comeback might be on the cards.
PIVO: BRYAN RIVAS
Leading the line for Santa Fe Gloom and playing a crucial role in a big win, Bryan Rivas recorded two assists in The Gloom's NFPL debut to earn a spot on the December Team of the Month.
6TH: Christian Sipley
A massive game in goal for Christian Sipley consisted of more than just saves: his distribution led to several counterattacks that resulted in goals, he broke up transitions and play through timely interventions and interceptions, and he saved a direct free kick and a penalty kick. On a great home win in Matchweek 4 for Detroit Imperial Futsal, it was Sipley's performance in goal that stood out and widened the gap between Detroit Imperial and Futsal Factory Academy and earned him MW4 Player of the Week.
MANAGER: Leandro Carlos
Santa Fe Gloom manager Leandro Carlos leads the December Team of the Month for the performance displayed by The Gloom in their season-opening win over a talented, hard-working Colorado Futsal Academy. The Gloom kept the visitors at bay through excellent positioning and tactics going forward and a suffocating press that prevented significant pressure and buildup for the visitors.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to our December 2023 Team of the Month! Follow along and stay tuned here and on the National Futsal Premier League social platforms for coverage, previews, highlights, and more.