Garrett Pog

The 2026 Heartland Conference Division 1 season arrives with fresh intrigue. With RWB Adria Chicago’s departure leaving the door to the championship wide open, no club enters the season as a clear favorite. Two relegation spots remain in play, and with a division featuring seasoned contenders alongside hungry newcomers, every point will matter from the opening weekend.

Chicago House AC have been knocking on the door of a Heartland Conference title for several seasons now, and 2026 may finally be their year. After finishing behind Adria last season, level on points but denied the championship on tiebreakers, the frustration in the House camp will be difficult to overstate. Coach Shannon Seymour has built a consistent, well-organized side, and with Ricardo ‘Kikis’ Avalos claiming the conference’s top scorer award for a third straight season, the attacking firepower is undeniable. With the perennial champions now gone, House enter 2026 as the team to beat.

Bavarian United SC arrive as one of the division’s most decorated clubs, and with the top spot now genuinely up for grabs, the Milwaukee side will feel this is as good a chance as any to reclaim the summit. The six-time National Amateur Cup winners finished third last season with 20 points, and all of the club’s energy is channeled into the MWPL squad. That singular focus could make all the difference in a tight title race, especially with the return of Noah Kummrow, Antonio Pinto, and Ethan Walls.

AFC Roscoe enter their second Division 1 season with something to prove. The Chicago club, whose board members famously double as players, survived their debut campaign with 18 points. That’s enough to stay up, but not without some nervy moments near the bottom. A full season of experience at this level should count for something, and Roscoe’s culture of collective commitment has always been one of their defining strengths. Defenders Liam Myers, Kevin Farnia, and Ethan Peet are returning to form a brick wall around the net. Expecting more from year two feels entirely reasonable.

Green Bay Glory return for their second consecutive Division 1 campaign under co-founder and coach Kerry Geocaris, whose philosophy of attacking, identity-driven football has made the Wisconsin club one of the more watchable sides in the conference. With 17 points last season and key returnees like goalkeeper Haakon Utesch and high-motor forward Dennis Nyame expected back, Glory have a genuine foundation to build on. The goal will be to move clear of the relegation picture and establish themselves as a genuine mid-table presence.

Edgewater Castle FC return to Division 1 as the promoted side from Division 2, having claimed the title last season with a commanding +15 goal difference. The Chicago club knows this level, they played against these same clubs as recently as 2023. That familiarity could help them avoid the growing pains that often accompany promotion. Staying up comfortably would represent a successful season; pushing further up the table would announce a real return, especially now fielding a team in USL2.

Cedar Rapids Inferno are the division’s most intriguing newcomers, making the jump from the Gateway Conference where they won the title in 2024. The Iowa club brings a strong recent track record and the novelty of being the lone out-of-state side in an otherwise Chicago-and-Milwaukee-heavy division. Adapting to new opponents and a new conference dynamic will be the early test, but Cedar Rapids are not without the tools to make an impression.

With the season on the horizon, the 2026 Heartland Division 1 looks set to be the most competitive edition yet. The title race at the top, the fight for survival at the bottom, and the stories of clubs building something meaningful in between, this is a division worth watching from the very first game.

The Heartland Conference’s promotion-and-relegation structure has sharpened competition at every level, and Division 2’s Group B in 2026 is set to be its fiercest test yet. With only a single promotion spot on offer, six clubs will spend the season fighting tooth and nail for one golden ticket to Division 1, and the margin between success and another year in the second flight could come down to a solitary point.

Last season, Edgewater Castle FC claimed that prize with 20 points from 10 games, ascending to the top flight on the strength of a dominant campaign. Their departure leaves a vacancy at the top of Group B, and no shortage of candidates to fill it. Chicago Ghost FC finished fifth in the 2025 standings, just four points off the pace, and return to Division 2 with a retooled squad and sharper focus. RKC Third Coast brings the organizational DNA of a program that produced professional signings in Kajus Kontautas and Blake Gillingham. DeKalb County United drop down from Division 1 after a difficult 2025 campaign, arriving with top-flight experience that could prove decisive. River Light FC, Madison Fire and Chicago Soccer Academy make their Group B entrances, the former two sporting second teams, expanding the geographic footprint of the division from the Wisconsin state line to the Fox River corridor.

Chicago Ghost FC are perhaps the most intriguing storyline in Group B. After finishing fifth in Division 2 last season, Las Rosas have spent the offseason addressing the gaps that cost them. The departure of captain and top scorer Ben Goldberg is a significant blow, but the club has moved quickly to offset the loss, retaining leaders like Mateo Ormaza and welcoming an influx of collegiate athletes. Critically, the arrival of new head coach Phillip Kroft signals a shift in culture: a more structured, tactically mature approach to a division where consistency wins promotions. Chicago Ghost have been here before, nearly cracking the top spot. In 2026, they arrive knowing exactly what it takes, and what it costs to fall short.

RKC Third Coast‘s entry into Group B is one of the most significant developments heading into the season. The Racine-based organization has built a reputation for identifying and developing talent, a model that produced professional signings last year. They bring that same infrastructure to the MWPL. With roots in USL2 competition and a track record of preparing players for higher levels, RKC will not need time to settle in. The question is whether their development-first philosophy translates into results quickly enough in a compressed, high-stakes ten-game season.

DeKalb County United‘s relegation from Division 1 after the 2025 season, finishing sixth with 15 points, tells only part of their story. The gap between Division 1’s top clubs and its bottom half is not trivial, but United’s season in the top flight will have sharpened them in ways that matter. They know how to compete at a higher tempo. They carry the motivation of a club that has tasted the top division and wants to return, especially with Aiden Sears returning, in addition to welcoming 6’4 keeper Beckham Denu and attacking threat Britton Sala. In a group without a clear front-runner, that experience could be the differentiator.

River Light FC arrive from Aurora as one of three clubs new to the group, bringing with them the energy and hunger that characterizes first-season MWPL sides. Located in the Fox River Valley, River Light represent an exciting development for the league’s geographic growth. New clubs often take time to find their footing, but these guys have experience in USL2, and they’ll catch opponents who underestimate them. Their ceiling in 2026 is genuinely unknown, which makes them one of the division’s most compelling wildcards.

Madison Fire brings another new voice to Group B, crossing the state line from Wisconsin’s capital city. Madison has long been a strong collegiate soccer market, and the Fire will no doubt look to tap that pipeline as they establish themselves in MWPL competition. Like River Light, they are unproven at this level, yet experienced in USL2, so that also means they arrive without the weight of expectation. If they can organize quickly and lean on the passion of their fan base, the Fire could ignite more than a few surprises over the course of the season.

Chicago Soccer Academy rounds out the six-club group, bringing a youth development mission to the senior competition stage. Clubs rooted in academy structures can take time to build winning cultures at the adult level, but their access to a deep pipeline of home-grown talent is an asset that compounds over time. That time should be shortened with stars like George Maridis and others joining soon before the season begins. In a short season, the question for CSA will be whether their development philosophy can translate quickly into the grind of competitive match play.

Group B in 2026 does not have an obvious favorite, and that is precisely what makes it so compelling. Chicago Ghost FC arrive as the group’s most battle-tested side with the clearest promotion mandate and a new coaching voice to sharpen their edge. DeKalb County United carry top-flight experience that could make them immediately dangerous in a lower-tempo environment. RKC Third Coast bring organizational depth that expansion teams rarely possess. And River Light FC, Madison Fire, and Chicago Soccer Academy each carry the dangerous unpredictability of clubs with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Midwest Premier League’s broader 2030 Plan, built around sustainable club development and deeper community roots, is visible in every team that takes the pitch this season. The competition structure is working. The stakes are real. And with only one club earning the right to call themselves Division 1 when the final whistle blows, every match in Group B will carry the full weight of what this league has become.

Feature Interview: Matthew A. Alcala (Chicago Ghost FC)

As part of this season preview, we spoke with Chicago Ghost FC CEO Matthew A. Alcala about last season’s near-miss, the club’s approach to building a promotion-worthy squad, and what the 2026 campaign means for Las Rosas.

Fourth place was never the target, and fifth stung even more. But Alcala is clear-eyed about what it revealed. “Every point counts,” he said. “While our 2025 campaign was strong, we ultimately finished fifth, just four points shy of the top spot.” In a ten-game season, four points is the difference between a promotion parade and another year in Division 2. That lesson has shaped everything about how Chicago Ghost has approached 2026.

Chicago Ghost haven’t flinched at the arrival of new clubs or the structural changes to Group B. “We embrace adversity,” Alcala said, “and regardless of change, we will compete against all competition.” It’s the kind of quiet confidence that tends to come from a club that has already proven it belongs.

For Alcala, the balance of promotion and building foundation lies in the type of players Chicago Ghost recruit. “We prioritize recruiting collegiate athletes, as they understand the significance of every match and the preparation required to win key games.” Those players arrive already conditioned to high-stakes competition, weekly preparation routines, and the mental demands of a short season. The addition of new head coach Phillip Kroft is central to that approach. Alcala expects Kroft to “bring maturity and a winning mentality to both training sessions and matches, helping our players stay focused on each contest as it comes.“

The loss of Ben Goldberg, 2025 captain and the club’s leading scorer and assister, is real. Alcala doesn’t minimize it. But he’s equally energized by what’s coming. “We are excited to return a wealth of leadership from Mateo Ormaza,” he said, “and welcome an influx of talented collegiate players.” Ormaza steps into a larger leadership role at a moment when the club needs experienced voices to carry the standard that Goldberg set.

The answer to success is unambiguous. “To us, success means winning. Our goal is promotion and to build on our achievements as we compete in league and state competitions.” There is no hedging, no secondary objective. Chicago Ghost have tasted the near-miss. They know where the line is. In 2026, they intend to cross it.

The 2026 Heartland Division 2 season arrives with plenty to prove. Eight clubs spread across Chicago and its suburbs will compete in Group A, each with their own ambitions, identities, and reasons to believe this could be their year. The Midwest Premier League’s promotion and relegation structure continues to sharpen the stakes, and with only one automatic promotion spot available, the margin for error is as thin as ever.

Last season told a story of emerging order at the top. Edgewater Castle FC claimed the Division 2 crown, while RKC Third Coast II and Steel City FC rounded out the top three. But rosters evolve, confidence shifts, and new clubs enter the picture. The 2026 Group A table will be written from scratch, and every match will count.

Steel City FC returns to Division 2 with familiar resolve. The Joliet-based club finished third in last season’s standings and will be looking to convert that experience into a promotion push. Their presence in the division is a known quantity, especially with all-time leading scorer Jake Lysik, Justin Darlage, and Head Coach Nigel Dillard leading the charge. This is a club that competes hard and understands what it takes to grind through a ten-game season.

Berber City FC, based in Chicago, returns for another campaign after finishing fourth in 2025. The club has been steadily building since their MWPL debut in 2021, and each season adds another layer of experience to their roster and organization. A promotion push has been within reach, the question is whether this is the year they finally break through.

Chicago City SC also returns to the fold, bringing continuity to a division that has seen significant turnover. Their experience in the league, in addition to their large academy roster, gives them a foundation to build from as they look to push up the table in 2026.

AAC Eagles, Czarni Jaslo, FC Select, and JaHbat FC round out the eight-club group, bringing a mix of Chicago-area football culture to the competition. Czarni Jaslo is no stranger to the upper levels of this league, having competed in Division 1 in 2025 before being relegated. That experience of playing at the top flight, however difficult the campaign, brings a certain credibility and hunger to their return. JaHbat FC has already welcomed in a mix of high school and college stars, such as Joseph Munyaneza, Jonny Harwood, and Benjie Koziura, further amplifying the vast amount of talent in Chicagoland. For the others, the division presents an opportunity to establish themselves, build an identity, and begin the climb.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline heading into 2026 is the arrival of Sueno FC from Bolingbrook, IL. The club enters MWPL competition with a dual structure from the start, fielding both a squad in Division 2 and a first team in USL2, a decision that signals long-term ambition rather than a simple one-season experiment. Sueno FC already carries notable pedigree. In last season’s USL2 competition, the club produced players who went on to the MLS SuperDraft, MLS Next Pro, Liga MX, and clubs in the Czech Republic, a remarkable output for any developmental program, let alone one making its MWPL debut.

Group A in 2026 has the makings of a genuinely competitive division. Steel City FC and Berber City FC bring experience and unfinished business. Czarni Jaslo arrive with the chip of relegation on their shoulder. And Sueno FC enter with ambition, infrastructure, and a player development record that commands respect from day one.

With only one promotion spot available and ten matches to settle the matter, there is no room for slow starts or dropped points. The Heartland Division 2 — Group A campaign begins now. Every match matters.

Feature Interview: Josh Guerra (Sueno FC)

As part of this season preview, we spoke with Sueno FC owner Josh Guerra about the club’s transition into MWPL play, the challenges of competing on multiple fronts, and what success looks like in their debut Division 2 campaign.

Sueno FC enters Division 2 not just as a new club, but as one already operating at scale, with a second squad added alongside their first appearance in the MWPL. For Guerra, that structure is central to everything Sueno is trying to build.

“Adding a second team to the club is a very exciting step. It changes things a bit, of course, but in a positive way. Having a second squad allows us to expand our footprint in the market, reach more players, and give meaningful minutes to younger players who are coming through the system. It’s about creating a proper pathway within the club, giving these lads the chance to develop in real competitive football rather than just waiting for opportunities.“

That pathway is already bearing fruit. Last season, three players from Sueno’s squad were selected in the MLS SuperDraft, one signed in MLS Next Pro, one in Liga MX, and two found clubs in the Czech Republic. It’s the kind of player development record that announces a club’s intentions clearly, and sets expectations high.

The transition from USL2 to MWPL will ask different questions of the squad, and Guerra is thoughtful about what those differences look like. “In USL2 you often see squads full of very athletic young players, many of them coming straight out of the college system. The matches can be very quick, very transitional. With the MWPL, I expect something a little different in character. You’ll likely face teams that are slightly more settled, perhaps a few experienced players mixed in with younger lads. The game might ask different questions of you – organization, patience with the ball, and managing moments across the ninety minutes.“

Competing across two competitions while integrating a second squad creates its own set of pressures. But Guerra is clear about how he wants his staff to approach it: by keeping the focus close. “Promotion is a wonderful objective to have, but you must be careful not to let it become a burden on the players. Our goal as a staff is to keep their focus on the work: the training session today, the match this weekend, doing the simple things well. Let’s win the next tackle, the next pass, the next training session.“

It’s a philosophy grounded in process over outcome, and one that reflects a club thinking beyond a single season. When asked to define success for Sueno’s debut campaign in Division 2, Guerra’s answer is telling: “For Sueno FC, success this season is about establishing ourselves properly in Division 2. We want to be competitive every week, difficult to play against, and consistent in our performances. Are the players improving? Are the young players gaining experience? Are we building a squad that believes in itself? If we finish the season knowing we’ve created a stronger football club – one that can challenge at the top – then I would consider that a very good season indeed. If promotion comes along with that, well, that would be a wonderful bonus.“

With Goshen City FC’s remarkable debut campaign now etched into the record books, the Great Lakes Conference West Division enters 2026 with a new benchmark, and a new target on the Goshen badge. In just their first MWPL season, the Indiana side ran away with the division title, finishing with 23 points and a stunning +17 goal differential. Now, six rivals are sharpening their knives ahead of a campaign that promises to be the most competitive the West Division has seen yet.

Whether it is a title defense, a redemption arc, or an overdue breakthrough, every club in the West enters 2026 with something to prove.

The story of the 2025 season was impossible to ignore: Goshen City FC, in their maiden MWPL campaign, didn’t just survive, they thrived. A +17 goal differential and a dominant 23-point tally made clear that this was no fluke. Founded in 2023, the Indiana club has quickly built an identity rooted in community, energy, and an eye for talent. The challenge of 2026 is an entirely different one: defending. With the division now fully aware of what Goshen brings, Head Coach Tyler Born and club founder Henrique Eichenberger will need to evolve their approach. Returning talent like Richy Garcia and Flavio Cruz provide a solid foundation, while players like Stephen Bandi and Ariel Matute will be expected to build on their debut campaigns. Goshen enter as favorites, but the target on their back has never been larger.

Lansing Common FC arrived in 2025 as many people’s pick to fill the vacuum at the top. To their credit, they were not far off, finishing runners-up with 19 points. The Robins are perennial contenders, but the crown has remained elusive. Head Coach Brent Sorg returns for another campaign, leaning on the same blend of local identity and tactical structure that has made Lansing one of the division’s most respected setups. Spencer Powe, the Captain and 517 award winner, remains central to their ambitions, while the continued development of younger players around him could be the key that finally unlocks the title. The supporters will be expectant. Sorg and his side will need to deliver.

Holland Struikrovers may have the most intriguing trajectory of any returning side. After consecutive seasons of gradual improvement, the Struikrovers finished third in 2025 with 17 points, proof that they are no longer just making up the numbers. Under their new coaching setup led by Cole Pauly, Holland will need to build a side that is difficult to ignore. Consistency has been their calling card in the past, and if they can maintain the defensive solidity that has underpinned their rise, another top-three finish is well within reach. The question is no longer whether Holland belong, but whether they’re ready to take the next step.

Midwest United FC U23 were perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the 2025 campaign. Competing as the youngest squad in the division, with more than 60% of their roster drawn from their own academy, they finished fourth with 16 points, an impressive haul for a developmental side in its debut season. Head Coach Hector Fernandez has built a culture of intensity and ambition around his young group, and returning players Nolan Mick and Chase Gries will provide valuable experience heading into 2026. New signing Brian Mosqueda is expected to make an immediate impact. Their mission is clear: to bridge the gap between elite youth development and senior competition, and they are doing exactly that.

1927 SC know all too well the feeling of falling just short. After a near-miss in 2024 and a disappointing fifth-place finish in 2025, the Fort Wayne outfit face a pivotal moment. The club has always prided itself on continuity and character. Questions linger over whether the squad has the firepower to mount a genuine title challenge, but a full preseason, a settled coaching setup, and the hunger that comes from finishing in mid-table should not be underestimated. If they can rediscover the form that once made them division contenders, 1927 SC are a dangerous proposition.

Grand Rapids SC endured a difficult debut in 2025, finishing sixth with a -6 goal differential. But a tough first season should not be mistaken for a ceiling. New coach and former World Cup defender Manuel Vidrio have been building deliberately, and the squad has the raw material to be competitive. Integration takes time, especially in a physically demanding division. Year two should tell a far clearer story about where Grand Rapids are truly headed.

Tulip City United endured a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing last in the division with just 6 points and a -10 goal differential. A significant rebuild is underway under a new coaching staff led by Zach Riordan, with Greg Ciethaml and goalkeeper coach Aaron Menyes alongside him. Tulip City have historically been a hard-nosed outfit, and the new regime will be determined to prove 2025 was an anomaly, not a trend.

With Goshen City FC wearing the crown and six clubs looking to take it from them, the Great Lakes West Division enters 2026 as unpredictable as ever. Lansing Common FC will push hard for the title that keeps eluding them. Holland Struikrovers will look to take the next step. Midwest United U23 will continue to confound expectations. And 1927 SC, Tulip City United SC, and Grand Rapids SC each have their own scores to settle.

By the time July draws to a close, one club will earn the right to represent the West in the Great Lakes Conference Final. Until then, the division is anyone’s to claim.

Feature Interview: Hector Fernandez (Midwest United FC U23)

For a club built on youth and development, finishing fourth in their MWPL debut was more than a result, it was a statement. Midwest United FC U23 arrived in 2025 with an identity rooted in their academy, and left the season having proven their model works.

Head Coach Hector Fernandez was measured, but honest, when reflecting on where his side stands.

“I think that for our first season, our placing was fine. We are the youngest team in the league and play a lot of our academy U16–U19 players.”

That developmental mission is central to everything at Midwest United. More than half of the squad comes directly through the club’s own academy pipeline, a figure Fernandez is proud of.

“We have the best academy in the league, and if you look at our roster, more than 60% of our players are academy players. We compete in the MWPL to give the opportunity for our academy players to play in a college-level platform during the offseason.”

But don’t mistake development for a lack of ambition. Fernandez is clear about where his side is aiming in 2026.

“Our mindset is to compete in the MWPL with our group. We are aiming to be in contention for the division.”

That contention was built on some fiercely contested matchups last season. Fernandez singled out two opponents when reflecting on the intensity of the 2025 campaign.

“We had great games against all of the teams. Rovers and 1927 were always intense games, both ways.”

Those rivalries, still young, are already showing the hallmarks of something lasting. And Fernandez believes the division as a whole will remain difficult to predict.

“I don’t think a lot will change. I believe the top four or five clubs will be top four or five again, just in a different order.”

If Midwest United FC U23 have their way, that order will have their name a little higher up the table. With Nolan Mick and Chase Gries returning as experienced heads and new signing Brian Mosqueda providing fresh energy, the pieces are in place for another strong campaign. The academy model is working. Now it’s time to see how high it can take them.

A new frontier emerges in the Gateway Conference this season as the Midwest Premier League expands westward, introducing the Gateway West Division for the first time. Unlike its eastern counterpart, this division is built almost entirely from fresh identities and regional ambition: five Kansas City-area clubs joined by a familiar name from Columbia, Missouri. With no established hierarchy and no history to lean on, the Gateway West is as unpredictable as it is intriguing.

Geographically tight and culturally connected, this division has the feel of a local proving ground. From the suburbs of Shawnee, Kansas to the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, and westward to Leavenworth, every match carries added intensity. Travel is minimal, but stakes are high. With most clubs either brand new or entering a new competitive level, the Gateway West may quickly become one of the most volatile divisions in the league.

And at the center of it all stands a club with something to prove.

AFC Columbia enters 2026 as the only returning MWPL side in the Gateway West, but not from a position of strength. After finishing last in the Gateway South a season ago with just three points and a -13 goal differential, Columbia finds itself in a rare position: experienced, but searching for answers.

Under President Chris Miller, the foundation of the club’s identity remains rooted in technical play and structured attacking football. The question now is not whether AFC Columbia has experience in the league, but whether it can translate that experience into results. In a division full of unknowns, that experience still matters. But it no longer guarantees anything. Columbia enters not as a favorite, but as a benchmark for what happens when potential goes unfulfilled, and what it takes to respond.

Southside FC arrives from Grandview, Missouri with the kind of local pride and edge that defines lower league soccer. Representing a tight-knit community just outside Kansas City, Southside embodies the grassroots spirit of the game. While roster details remain limited, clubs like Southside often thrive on chemistry, familiarity, and hunger, traits that can disrupt more structured opponents. Their challenge will be translating that identity into consistent results across a demanding summer schedule. If they can turn home matches into fortress-like environments, Southside could quickly become one of the toughest outs in the division.

First City FC brings a different kind of identity to the Gateway West, rooted in history, community, and philosophy. Based in Leavenworth, Kansas, one of the oldest cities in the state, the club carries a sense of heritage into its MWPL debut. Led by Chairman Brad Alexander, that identity could translate into a disciplined, hard-nosed style of play, particularly against more free-flowing Kansas City sides. Expansion teams often face a steep learning curve, but First City’s success will likely hinge on organization and defensive solidity early in the season. If they can stay compact and steal points, especially on the road, they could quietly build momentum.

Union KC enters the league representing the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, and with that comes both opportunity and expectation. In a soccer-rich metro area, Union KC has access to a deep and diverse player pool, ranging from collegiate standouts to experienced amateur players. The name itself suggests cohesion and identity, two things that will be critical in a division filled with unfamiliar opponents. If Union can quickly establish a playing style and locker room culture, they could emerge as one of the more balanced sides in the division. Their ceiling may ultimately depend on how quickly they can turn potential into production.

Great Plains FC, based in Lenexa, Kansas, enters the MWPL with a name that evokes both regional pride and expansive ambition. As one of two Overland Park-based clubs in the division, Great Plains will immediately be part of a local rivalry that could define the season. These kinds of matchups often carry extra intensity, and often unpredictable results. It also doesn’t hurt to know they won their league competition last season, in addition to the Kansas State Cup. With new signings announced daily, and winning the Championship in the Preseason Diaza Soccer Tournament, this strong organization can surprise quickly. If Great Plains can establish consistency early, particularly in those high-stakes local clashes, they could position themselves as a legitimate contender.

Just across town, Woodland FC completes the Overland Park pairing and adds another layer of intrigue to the Gateway West. Sharing a territory with Great Plains sets the stage for one of the division’s most compelling storylines: a battle for local supremacy that could have broader implications in the standings. Woodland FC enters with a clean slate and an opportunity to define its identity in the MWPL after impressive runs in the U.S. Open Cup. Their success will likely depend on how quickly they can gel as a unit, which may not take long considering the impressive amount of preseason fixtures they’ve played. If they find rhythm early, they could become one of the division’s surprise packages.

In a division without history, every match becomes a chance to write it. There are no past champions here, no established hierarchies—only six clubs, each chasing the same milestone: to become the first Gateway West Division winner.

Feature Interview: First City FC

First City FC enters the Midwest Premier League as one of the most unique new voices in the Kansas City soccer landscape, representing Leavenworth, Kansas with a clear emphasis on identity, access, and long-term community building.

Chairman Brad Alexander describes the club’s foundation as rooted in both geography and philosophy. “First City FC has the benefit of separation from ‘the City’,” he said. “The Leavenworth community is just far enough away from everything that we are able to create our own little soccer microcosm.”

That identity is deeply connected to the local soccer ecosystem, which has existed for decades. The Leavenworth Soccer Association and surrounding recreational programs have helped establish a pipeline of players and participation that the club now hopes to elevate.

“Our community is excited for an opportunity to showcase the pride and work ethic of the First City of Kansas,” Alexander added.

Beyond the senior team, First City’s structure is intentionally built around accessibility. The club has implemented a youth continuation pathway beginning at age 15, designed to keep local players engaged after aging out of traditional recreational soccer. At the same time, the organization is launching an adult recreational program, reinforcing its “soccer for all” philosophy.

“We don’t want to compete with youth programs,” Alexander said. “We start our youth program at 15 to allow those players who grew up loving the beautiful game to continue playing in a fun environment without the exorbitant costs of competitive soccer in America.”

The club’s expansion into MWPL competition comes at a time when Kansas City continues to brand itself as the “Soccer Capital of America,” and First City believes the talent pool in the region is often underestimated.

“There is no shortage of quality in our communities,” Alexander said. “We have players from all over the world, not just the metro. I am confident we will surprise the league with not only our quality on the field, but our community support off it.”

That belief will be tested immediately in a competitive division featuring several ambitious expansion sides. Alexander acknowledged the challenge ahead, pointing specifically to Woodland FC and Great Plains FC as early benchmarks.

“Woodland FC made a run in the U.S. Open Cup the previous two years, and Great Plains won State Cup and their league competition last year,” he said. “There’s no hiding, we have our work cut out for us.”

Still, First City’s recruitment philosophy prioritizes more than talent alone. The club evaluates players on both ability and mentality, emphasizing passion as a non-negotiable trait.

“When we measure a player for our program it’s not just about having excellent skills on the field,” Alexander said. “Each player is also judged on their passion. Being a great player is not enough, you have to have the drive to prepare to win.”

While rivalries have yet to fully form, Alexander pointed to Southside FC as a natural early matchup with emotional undertones, given player movement between the clubs. However, he also highlighted matches against Woodland FC and Great Plains FC as the most anticipated.

Those clubs, he noted, represent the highest competitive bar in the division, and the clearest measuring stick for First City’s first MWPL campaign.

Off the field, the club’s leadership structure is designed to support long-term growth, with clearly defined roles across marketing, sporting direction, and club operations. That alignment, Alexander believes, will be critical not just for Year One, but for the next phase of the club’s evolution.

“This inaugural season is going to be so much fun to be a part of,” he said, “but I can’t wait for the next five years to really put us on the map in the American soccer landscape.”