Matchweek 12 Review: BRUSA Sweeps NM Flagship FC in Thrillers

by NFPL

MATCHWEEK 12 REVIEW: BRUSA SWEEPS NEW MEXICO FLAGSHIP IN BACK-TO-BACK THRILLERS

In a pivotal weekend for the Southwest Division, BRUSA FC took full control of the playoff race by winning both matchups against New Mexico Flagship FC in a two-game battle at Broadway Rec Center. Despite early leads for New Mexico in both games, the lack of depth proved costly, as BRUSA’s deeper bench allowed them to outlast their opponents in the second half of each match.

GAME 1: BRUSA FC 9-4 NEW MEXICO FLAGSHIP FC

New Mexico Flagship FC started fast in the opening match of the weekend, jumping out to a 2-0 lead within minutes thanks to Irving Esparza and Luis Pérez. But BRUSA responded quickly, as Matheus Lima pulled one back before halftime, and Christian Lima equalized just before the break, sending the teams into halftime tied 2-2.

New Mexico again came out of the break strong, with Esparza scoring again just over a minute into the second half. BRUSA responded almost immediately—Matheus Lima netted his second just 45 seconds later, and Kaue Martins put BRUSA ahead a few minutes later.

With 11:30 remaining, an unfortunate own goal from BRUSA gave New Mexico Flagship FC life, tying the game 4-4. But fatigue set in for the visitors, who were playing with just two substitutes, and BRUSA took full advantage. Five unanswered goals in the final nine minutes sealed a dominant closing stretch, as Christian Lima, Alexis Flores, Yan Nascimento, Micah Vasey, and Brian Vargas all found the net.

BRUSA walked away with a 9-4 victory, pulling further ahead in the standings while New Mexico Flagship FC was left to regroup for the second leg of the doubleheader.

GAME 2: BRUSA FC 5-4 NEW MEXICO FLAGSHIP FC

The second game followed a similar pattern, with New Mexico Flagship FC taking an early lead before BRUSA’s depth once again proved the difference.

Juan Peña struck first for New Mexico, continuing the trend of early pressure, but Micah Vasey quickly responded for BRUSA. Ten minutes in, Peña found the net again to restore the lead, but Christian Lima equalized just 30 seconds later.

New Mexico grabbed a halftime advantage, with Luis González scoring three minutes before the break, putting them ahead 3-2 going into the second half.

Once again, New Mexico Flagship FC extended their lead early in the second half, with Sebastián Contreras making it 4-2 just minutes in. However, as the game wore on, BRUSA’s deeper bench made all the difference, allowing them to control the final minutes of play.

With 11 minutes left, BRUSA began their comeback. Matheus Lima cut the deficit to one, followed by Yan Nascimento finding the equalizer. Then, with three minutes remaining, Micah Vasey completed the rally, netting the game-winning goal to secure a 5-4 victory.

STANDINGS UPDATE: BRUSA TAKES CONTROL

With two wins in Matchweek 12, BRUSA FC moves to 6-1 and solidifies their grip on the Southwest Division’s top spot. New Mexico Flagship FC, now 3-4, still has hope in the playoff race but will need results in their final matches.

Southwest Division Top Three:

BRUSA FC (6-1) – 18 points
Colorado Futsal Academy (4-2) – 12 points
New Mexico Flagship FC (3-4) – 9 points

LOOKING AHEAD

The race for the Southwest Division title is heating up, and with BRUSA FC now in the driver’s seat, all eyes turn to their final matchups. Will they secure the #1 seed, or can Colorado Futsal Academy or New Mexico Flagship FC make a late push?

Watch all NFPL matches live on YouTube – don't miss the action!

FOLLOW THE NFPL

Every game, every goal, every week - stream every game on the NFPL YouTube channel and follow along on our social media platforms to find highlights, league news, and more.