Garrett Pog

As the Midwest Premier League gears up for another thrilling campaign, the 2025 Great Lakes East Division promises to be one of the fiercest battlegrounds in regional soccer. Now in its third year split from the Great Lakes West, the East Division has grown into the largest in the league—10 clubs, all rooted within the soccer-saturated metro Detroit region. Each team brings its own identity, ambition, and community into the mix, creating a combustible blend of tradition, talent, and fierce competition.

At the summit stand Cedars FC, the reigning Great Lakes Conference champions and the pride of Dearborn. After a solid debut in 2023 and a triumphant rise to the top last year under Head Coach Sam Piraine, the club returns with the crown on their heads—and a target on their backs. No roster moves have been confirmed yet, but with a championship foundation and deep ties to Dearborn’s Arab-American community, Cedars’ title defense will be backed by both talent and heart.

Detroit Badgers FC enter the league with deep roots in the local game and a solid base of returning talent. Head Coach Foud Aljuwari, formerly with Iraqi Lions FC, leads the charge in the club’s debut MWPL season. He’ll rely on the leadership of returning captain Alexander Brincat, as well as the technical prowess of Fadel Alshemary, Ali Zaidan, and former Liquid Football winger Diego Izaguirre. All early announcements that suggest cohesion and character, both critical for a new team stepping into one of the MWPL’s toughest divisions. The Badgers have built from the back and the midfield out, and as the full squad takes shape, they could become the dark horse of the East.

Another debutant, FC Pontiac is betting on a mix of youth, ambition, and coaching experience to establish themselves quickly. Kevin Garner, a veteran leader with more than two decades of coaching under his belt, takes the helm of a squad brimming with potential. The team features several standouts from the Liverpool FC Michigan Academy, an elite youth pipeline known across the state. With Charlie Braithwaite (Oakland University), former Inter Detroit goalkeeper Robert Wright, and Daire O’Riordan (Davenport University) already on board, FC Pontiac has recruited with intention. Their early trajectory could depend on how quickly the squad adapts to the physical and tactical demands of MWPL play—but all announcements thus far point to a solid foundation.

Further west, Futsal Factory Academy continues to bridge the worlds of futsal and outdoor soccer. Known statewide for producing elite futsal talent, the club has yet to make its mark in the MWPL standings (7th in 2023, 8th in 2024), but with their technical base and a third year of experience under their belt, they remain a dangerous dark horse with its unique DNA. It is still unclear whether the club will double down on their youth-oriented model or bring in outside reinforcements. But one thing is certain: when Futsal Factory gets clicking, their brand of quick, intelligent soccer produces entertainment at a high level.

For years, Inter Detroit has been synonymous with success in the MWPL. Conference champions in 2022 and East Division winners in 2023, the club stumbled in 2024, finishing a disappointing sixth. But if early roster moves are any indication, Inter is primed for a comeback. Head Coach Ryan Rowe is back for a fifth season, joined by returning leaders Gabe Baylon, Edwin Gomez-Ruiz, Nick Yono, and Andrew Smutek—the spine of a squad that knows how to win. But the headline signing is none other than Denis Pineda, a Salvadoran international with 30+ senior caps and professional experience in Portugal. His arrival signals intent: Inter isn’t just retooling—they’re aiming to reclaim the crown.

A familiar name in Michigan’s youth soccer ecosystem, Legends FC enters the MWPL with a reputation for excellence and player development. Known for their top-tier facilities and steady track record of preparing players for collegiate and professional pathways, Legends are now ready to take on the challenge of senior-level play. While staff and roster announcements remain forthcoming following recent tryouts, expectations are already high. If they can successfully transition their elite youth talent into a cohesive senior team, Legends could immediately shake up the balance of power in the division. The Brighton-based club is an unknown variable with the highest ceiling.

With a dynamic coaching duo in Cofounder/Head Coach Javi Bautista and Assistant Coach Sandro Lulgjuraj, and driven by the leadership of cofounder and captain George Chomakov on the field, Liquid Football have been a force ever since joining the league in 2022. They finished second in their debut campaign and fourth last year—a team built on intensity, style, sharp attacking play and an identity firmly established. The big question: will the league’s deadliest forward duo return? Atoumane Dia, the 2024 MWPL Golden Boot winner, and Dehane Gnonrou, second-highest scorer in the division, lit up the East last season. If both are to come back, Liquid Football could become one of the favorites to unseat Cedars. Even without official announcements, everyone is watching to see how they reload for a third season in MWPL.

Steady and structured, Michigan Jaguars return for their fourth MWPL campaign as one of the most consistent clubs in the division. Under the leadership of Dan Diac, and now supported by newly appointed assistant coach Mark Zathey, the Jaguars are doubling down on their hybrid approach—blending high-ceiling academy talent with battle-tested collegiate players. Their early roster features defenders Camron Estala (Real Salt Lake Academy), Reece Still (Lawrence Tech), and Vincent Stockton (University of Detroit Mercy)—all players with the athleticism and IQ to excel. Whether they can climb from mid-table to title contender depends on their ability to grind out results against the division’s elite.

It has been a steady climb for Michigan Stars U23, who may just be one step away from title glory. Seventh in 2022, fourth in 2023, and runners-up in 2024—the trajectory is undeniable. Returning Head Coach Angelo Grillo has quietly built one of the most cohesive, disciplined units in the conference, and 2025 may finally be the year they break through. Roster details are still under wraps, but key returning players could include top scorer Gjon Melakuqi and goalkeeper Marko Matovski. Michigan Stars U23 will be, one more season, one of the division’s most balanced sides, their consistency, defensive solidity, and big-match experience make them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

Every season has its surprise package, and in 2024, it was Troy United FC. Under the guidance of returning Head Coach Kahner James, the club leapt into fifth place after finishing lower in their debut season, showing real tactical growth and on-field confidence. With the confirmed return of goalkeeper Drew Swancutt and striker Salvatore Thomson—a breakout goalscorer last season—they already have a reliable spine. To all their returning talent, the club has also added MWPL experience from elsewhere, bringing in trio Jacob Tremonti, Matt Rafferty, and Danny Watkins from Livonia City FC. That blend of continuity and new blood has Troy poised for another jump in 2025.

No other MWPL division combines size, parity, and regional pride quite like the Great Lakes East. With a mix of champions, contenders, and clubs chasing their first breakthrough, the 2025 season promises non-stop action—and very little margin for error. From futsal roots to international flair, from youth academy dynasties to grassroots grinders, every club has a narrative. And in a league where every point matters, this year’s champion might not be decided until the final whistle of the final matchday.

Feature Interview: Edwin Jimenez (Inter Detroit)

As Inter Detroit prepares for its fifth season in the Midwest Premier League, club president Edwin Jimenez reflected on the team’s journey, its core philosophies, and expectations heading into 2025.

When asked about the club’s time in the league so far, Jimenez acknowledged that it has been a mixed but meaningful ride. Since joining the MWPL in its inaugural Michigan season, Inter Detroit has experienced a range of results. “It’s been up and down for sure,” he said. “First season was a losing season, then back-to-back titles, and then a mediocre season in 2024.” The club’s trajectory, he noted, is evidence of both the competitive level in Michigan and the high expectations that come with early success. “The pressure to keep winning remains high,” he said. “That has allowed us to keep growing as a club because we invite the pressure. We hope to remain one of the teams to beat.”

Much of the club’s progress has been attributed to the leadership of head coach Ryan Rowe. When his impact was brought up, Jimenez didn’t hesitate. “Ryan Rowe has proven himself to be one of the best lower league coaches in the state,” he said. “His vision has allowed us to find the right players for his system and the players that fit our culture.” Inter Detroit’s success, however, was credited not only to Rowe, but also to the team of staff members who have supported him over the years—including assistants Luis Jimenez, Joey Franchini, and Isaias Jovel, as well as sporting director Jorge Medina.

Attention has also been drawn to Inter Detroit’s offseason signing of Denis Pineda, whose arrival was described by Jimenez as a milestone for the club. “Signing a player like Denis is a sign that we continue to do things the right way,” he said. While acknowledging that teams across the state often recruit talent through incentives, Jimenez emphasized that Inter Detroit remains focused on offering a platform for exposure. “We believe Denis will help lead the team into a new realm of professionalism that we maybe haven’t seen yet with his experience.” Interest from players across college levels has continued despite a difficult 2024 campaign—a trend Jimenez attributed to the club’s transparency and its commitment to player development. “We are focused on our players’ career goals.”

The challenges of last season were also addressed. While 2024 was labeled as “rough,” Jimenez pointed to the lessons learned. “It taught us to stick to what helped us win and stick to what we want to do, not what others want us to do.”

As for 2025, the club’s ambitions have been clearly stated. “There’s only one goal, and it’s win it all,” he said. For Inter Detroit, success will be measured both in terms of a championship and the elevation of players to higher levels of the game. Though the league has seen an increase in quality, particularly from clubs with youth affiliations, Jimenez was firm in his belief that the biggest challenge remains internal. “We are our own biggest enemy,” he said. “If we can’t do things right, it doesn’t matter who we play—we won’t be successful.”

Inter Detroit’s reputation was also acknowledged, with Jimenez noting that the club’s name carries weight across the state. “Everyone sees Inter Detroit on their schedule and guaranteed it’s a game they circle, and a game they sell more tickets to,” he said. “I know exactly how that sounds, but to be successful you have to be humble—and most importantly, confident. Confident in your players, in your staff, and in your culture that we can overcome any adversity.” With the season ahead fast approaching, Jimenez expressed both excitement and belief in the direction of the club—and the league. “We look forward to this upcoming season and are excited to elevate the Midwest Premier League into the future.”