2023/24 Semifinals Preview

by NFPL

The 2023/24 NFPL playoffs are set! The top two team from each Division meet in the Semifinals before a Championship match at the end of April. Check out our article on this year's playoff format for more information.

Colorado Futsal Academy (H) VS. Santa Fe Gloom (A)

The top two teams in the Southwest will face off for a chance at the trophy, and we should have a great game on our hands. 

Colorado Futsal Academy have yet to lose at home this season, outscoring opponents 19-7 in just 3 games. This will be the fourth match against Santa Fe Gloom this season, with the other 3 games begin traded:

  • Santa Fe Gloom 6 - 10 Colorado Futsal Academy (March 23)
  • Colorado Futsal Academy 10 - 3 Santa Fe Gloom (January 20)
  • Santa Fe Gloom 8 - 4 Colorado Futsal Academy (December 16)

Colorado have won the most recent two matches, including one in Santa Fe. Expect to see two excellent teams square off in an intense, high-scoring affair - Santa Fe lead the division with 61 goals scored this season, but a goal differential of just +5. 

On the other hand, Colorado Futsal Academy boast the best defense in the division, with only 33 goals allowed and a goal differential of +15. 

KEY PLAYERS:

Colorado Futsal Academy:

Santa Fe Gloom:

MATCH DETAILS:

Grand Rapids OLé (H) VS. Futsal Factory Academy (A)

These two teams are no strangers to one another, having played against each other for years. Grand Rapids OLé have been the big brother as of late, until this season when Futsal Factory Academy finally broke through and got a big win at home. 

Futsal Factory Academy endured a torrid start to the season, starting with a 0-3 loss at the hands of Grand Rapids OLé en route to an 0-3 start. It all turned around after a massive victory at home over Grand Rapids, winning 6-4 and launching Futsal Factory into a 6-game winning streak to make the playoffs.

  • Futsal Factory Academy 6 - 4 Grand Rapids OLé (February 10)
  • Grand Rapids OLé 8 - 7 Futsal Factory Academy (January 27)
  • Futsal Factory Academy 0 - 3 Grand Rapids OLé (December 9)

The two teams end the regular season with remarkably similar stats: Grand Rapids OLé with a +21 goal differential, with 70 scored and 49 allowed. Futsal Factory Academy are at +22, with 67 scored and 45 against. 

Coaches Drew Ducker and Fabian Rodriguez will be familiar with each club's players, tactics, styles, and tendencies. This should be a tight game - Futsal Factory Academy have a well-balanced squad with threats from numerous sources, but they'll have their hands full trying to keep OLé's league-leading attackers quiet.

KEY PLAYERS:

Grand Rapids OLé:

Futsal Factory Academy:

MATCH DETAILS:

WHERE THINGS STAND:

The trophy is up for grabs! By the end of the month a new champion will be crowned and we'll have played the first ever Midwest vs. Southwest matchup! 

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