In a thrilling finale at Fire Pitch (Chicago, IL) on Saturday night, RWB Adria Chicago emerged victorious over Chicago House AC with a 2-1 win, securing the 2024 Heartland Conference Division 1 championship. Both teams entered the match with aspirations of clinching the title, but it was RWB Adria who triumphed, marking a historic achievement for the club.
The atmosphere was electric as Chicago House AC, needing a win by at least two goals to snatch the championship from Adria, started the game strongly. Dominating the first 30 minutes, their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute when AR Smith capitalized on a set piece to give Chicago House the lead.
However, RWB Adria, far from panicking, showed their resilience and tactical acumen. Just before the halftime whistle, they leveled the score. A poor pass from the Chicago House AC goalkeeper was intercepted, and a sublime effort from outside the box found the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-1 at the break.
The second half saw RWB Adria seizing their opportunity. In the 57th minute, a handball inside the box by a Chicago House defender resulted in a penalty for Adria. With nerves of steel, the Adria player executed a perfect Panenka, putting his team ahead 2-1. The remainder of the match was fiercely contested, with Adria’s defense holding firm against a determined Chicago House AC attack.
With this win, RWB Adria not only secured their first-ever Midwest Premier League conference title but also capped off a season of remarkable consistency and performance. The Chicago-based club, a founding member of the Midwest Premier League, had finished second in their conference in each of the three previous seasons.
A jubilant RWB Adria team manager, Ante Loncar, expressed his happiness after the match. “We have finished 2nd twice and lost the title on goal difference before. We were first the whole year this season” Loncar said. “It feels great considering how much work we put in, being one of the original five clubs that founded this league. You know, starting a new league is not easy; you got ups and downs, you got happy moments and sad moments. I feel like my baby is just starting walking, and I am on cloud nine. We played very sexy football too, we deserved it.“
This championship game marks the end of a successful 2024 Midwest Premier League season, concluding with the following champions: Cedars FC (Great Lakes Conference), RWB Adria Chicago (Heartland Division 1), AFC Roscoe (Heartland Division 2), and Cedar Rapids Inferno (Gateway Conference).