A new era begins in the Midwest Premier League’s Gateway Conference. After steady growth over four years, the Gateway has officially split into two divisions—North and South—signaling both a logistical evolution and a testament to the league’s record-breaking expansion this offseason. In the North, familiar powerhouses and ambitious newcomers collide, with reigning conference champions Cedar Rapids Inferno placed at the center of it all.
But this is not just the division of the defending champs. It’s also the division of possibility. With four of the seven teams making their MWPL debut, the Gateway North feels less like a reshuffled format and more like an opening chapter in an unpredictable new saga.
The torchbearers of Gateway success, Cedar Rapids Inferno are now the team everyone is chasing. Their title-winning 2024 campaign was a masterclass in resilience and attacking depth, with Beni Mubake, Boris Dimitrov, and Nico Galvez Ortiz each finishing with six goals. All eyes will be on whether Head Coach and President Kenan Malicevic can keep that core intact. The Inferno enter 2025 with the weight of expectation. Their experience will be tested weekly in a division filled with unknown quantities—but for a club that’s been a pillar of the MWPL since its inception, pressure is nothing new.
No debutant arrives with more intrigue than AFC Omaha. Having relocated from California, where they competed as AFC South Bay in NISA Nation, the club has wasted no time making a splash in the Midwest. Announcing Morrison Stadium—a 6,000-seat, soccer-specific venue—as their home field, AFC Omaha instantly raised the bar for infrastructure and ambition. On the pitch, they’ve assembled a cosmopolitan squad blending local standouts like Brian Franco-Recinos and Sam Burmeister, with international talent including Akim Soulemana (Germany), Hugo Meneguite (Brazil), and Mubashir Hilowle (Ethiopia). In a division full of unknowns, Omaha might just be the wildcard no one wants to face.
Also new to the MWPL is CB Captains FC, representing Council Bluffs, Iowa. Under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Locke and President Taylor Stanton, the Captains are crafting a roster with an emphasis on balance: seasoned additions like striker Andy Kaup, local talents such as Logan Hanigan, and internationals including Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulrahman (Sudan) and Richard Kangolo (DR Congo). Their parallel move to participate in the UPSL signals long-term commitment to year-round development. One should not be surprised if CB Captains make a name for themselves quickly with a high-energy, hard-nosed style reflective of their Midwestern roots.
One of the oldest clubs in the division, Linoma FC has been a fixture of Nebraska soccer since 1986, with deep ties to local talent development. Now, they take the leap into MWPL competition—bringing with them not just history, but ambition. The appointment of Mark Heath-Preston, a coach with nearly a decade of college experience at Bellevue University, underscores the club’s intent to compete. While their MWPL roster remains under wraps, Linoma’s track record speaks volumes: alumni like Evan Southern, now at USL1’s Portland Hearts of Pine, are proof of the pathway they provide.
MWPL year two for Pearl City SC is a chance to show staying power. Their debut season ended in a 6th place finish, but it also laid a strong foundation for growth. As a youth-driven organization from Muscatine, Iowa, Pearl City offers one of the most holistic development pipelines in the league—from kindergarten to senior team. Under the guidance of Director of Coaching Walton Ponce, they’ve earned a reputation for discipline and structure. In a division with so many new clubs, their continuity could be a valuable asset.
For SESA, 2025 feels like a make-or-break year. Finishing bottom in each of their first two seasons, the club from Burlington, Iowa, showed life late in 2024—tying Pearl City, giving title contenders Club Atletico Saint Louis a good fight, and beating Junction FC in their final outing. That late momentum could be the turning point they need. With their competitive spirit on display, all that’s missing is consistency. If they can build on that strong finish, SESA may finally shake off the underdog label.
Representing Everly, Iowa, Warrior FC is a true grassroots project. Their appointment of Tre Thomas—also the women’s coach at Northwest Iowa Community College—signifies a vision rooted in development and opportunity. Their first-ever roster already features some intriguing international names, including Australian striker Ryan Tappouras, South African forward Makwe Nkoana, and Australian goalkeeper Charlie Prtenjaca. With global flair and rural grit, Warrior FC are here to test what the MWPL truly means when it calls itself Midwest Premier.
The 2025 Gateway North may not have the glamor of long-established rivalries—yet. But in its diversity, ambition, and unpredictability, it’s a microcosm of what the MWPL is becoming: a home for the dreamers, the rebuilders, the developers, and the champions.
Feature Interview: Kenan Malicevic (Cedar Rapids Inferno)
As reigning Gateway Conference champions, Cedar Rapids Inferno are not only being viewed as the team to beat—they are being watched as the team that set the standard. Their rise in 2024 was powered by clinical finishing, team cohesion, and a deep tactical discipline instilled by longtime Head Coach and President Kenan Malicevic, who continues to lead the project with clear intention.
Reflecting on the club’s goals for the 2025 season, Malicevic made it clear: “Our main goal this season is to build on last year’s success while continuing to grow as a club. Defending our title is, of course, a priority, but we’re also focused on improving our overall performances, strengthening team chemistry, and ensuring that our players continue developing.”
A deliberate balance is being struck between ambition and evolution. Lessons from the past campaign have been internalized—most notably, the value of resilience and adaptability in a long season. As Malicevic put it, “Last season taught us a lot about resilience and the importance of depth in the squad. We had some tough games where our ability to adapt made the difference, and we want to carry that mindset into this season. Staying consistent, especially in high-pressure situations, will be key for us moving forward.”
Adjustments have been made to the roster in the offseason. Though names have yet to be officially revealed, the leadership remains confident in the changes. “We’ve had some roster changes in the offseason, with a mix of returning players and new additions,” Malicevic said. “We believe these changes will bring fresh energy and keep us competitive.”
The new-look division will bring no shortage of tests. But rather than seeing added competition as just a threat, the Inferno view it as a step forward for the league. “The league continues to get stronger, and we welcome the challenge,” said Malicevic. “With new teams joining, the competition will be even tougher, which is great for the league and for the growth of the sport at this level.”
As for matchdays circled on the calendar, Inferno’s coach didn’t single out any particular rival—but made it clear that the big games bring big opportunity: “Every game matters, but we always look forward to facing top contenders from last season. Those matchups tend to bring out the best in our team, and we know they’ll be crucial for our title defense.”
Internally, the squad is being reminded that last year’s success guarantees nothing. “Success is never guaranteed,” Malicevic emphasized, “so we remind the team that last season’s accomplishments don’t carry over into this year. We focus on maintaining a strong work ethic, setting new challenges, and keeping that hunger to improve. Our team is built on passion and commitment, and we plan to carry that mentality into every game.”
In Cedar Rapids, the mentality of a champion has been carefully cultivated—and in 2025, it will be tested again. But if Malicevic’s words are any indication, the Inferno won’t be content with simply defending their crown—they’ll be aiming to raise the bar once more.
