Midwest Premier League

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Cedar Rapids Inferno

2025 Season Preview: Gateway North

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.”

Photo: Laura Williams

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.

Adnan Bašić: MWPL 2024 Season Recap

Hello, my name is Adnan Bašić, and welcome to the third and final Midwest Premier League whiparound of the year!

It feels like the 2024 MWPL season only kicked off the other day, but we’ve already come to the conclusion of each and every conference. There were some big winners, some disappointing seasons, and a whole lot of narrative at the end of the day

So, what exactly took place? Let’s find out. 

A tour of the standings

There’s no need to do a tour of the standings at this point because all the winners will be mentioned in their own sections anyway. This article’s long enough already.

Job Done

The last time we checked in on the Cedar Rapids Inferno, they were on the verge of securing the Gateway Conference title thanks to their superb start to the season.

They did not bottle it, and a draw on the road against AFC Columbia was enough to be crowned champions with two matches to spare. 

“It was cool to do it at home. We would’ve liked to do it with three points, but that’s whatever. It was nice to see how dominant the season was, and maybe it even would’ve been nice to have a bit more of a challenge at the end,” said club owner and head coach Kenan Malicevic. “The good thing is it let me play some of the younger players during the final stretch. Columbia is a good team, and even though it was a tie it still felt like a win because we won the championship.”

Since the Inferno had been so good, they were able to enjoy themselves during the final few games and not have to worry about picking up any points. That also allowed them to send away some of their star players while rewarding their lesser-used talent with minutes on the field.

“It was a wonderful feeling as a coach to start younger players, high school players who don’t usually have that experience of starting games,” said Malicevic. “I got to rest some of the older guys who we leaned on, and for the first time I was able to tell the guys to go on vacation. They now have time to rest up before they go back to college, and it was all really nice.”

The Greatest in the Lakes

The battles for the Great Lakes East and West divisions were both exciting ones, which set the stage for a thrilling finale.

In the end it was the representatives from the east who picked up the title, as Cedars FC defeated Northern Indiana FC 3-1 in a fun affair.

Cedars had to fight until the final day to win the East Division. They were involved in a really tight race with Michigan Stars U23, which meant they went into their final two division games knowing they’d have to win both of them. They did just that, and in style too.

The penultimate fixture was a 5-1 win at home against Thundercats SC. That set the stage for a final away day against Troy United FC that resulted in another four-goal victory and the division championship.

“It was good to see the performance the boys put together on the final day to secure the top of the table. We knew going into our last three games that we would need nine points out of nine to secure the division,” said Salvatore Piraine. “Not only did we achieve that goal, but we did so by scoring 10 goals and only conceding 2. It was a masterclass performance from the group.”

That was only step one. Then came the match for the Great Lakes Conference championship, which was an especially tough test for a Cedars team that had to get the job done on the road.

“Going into the final match vs Northern Indiana FC, we knew that it would be a massive challenge. Playing away on a massive grass pitch is something that we were not accustomed to. We gave very specific instructions to the boys before the match on how we want to address our opponents and the pitch size,” said Piraine. “It took us a bit to get acclimated to the opponents, but once we drew the score to 1-1, we knew we had a great chance of imposing our game and frustrating our opponents. The second half was a great team performance, and the last 10 minutes were very exciting, which is exactly what a championship match should be like!”

While those 90 minutes in particular were what won them the conference title, it was simply a culmination of all the hard work they put in as an organization.

“The support from our fans, board members, players and coaching staff is massively important to me. This championship was achieved because of all those things mentioned above and bringing it all together in the very end,” said Piraine. “We set a goal in the beginning when I got hired in, and that was for us to believe in the players that are attending training and committed to the group despite not always being chosen for the 18. We used a large player pool to achieve this and I would not have it any other way.”

How do you say “remontada” in Croatian?

For most of the campaign, it felt like this section would be highlighting Chicago House AC or Bavarian United SC. Those two clubs had been leading the way in the Heartland Conference’s Division 1, and things seemed set for a two-horse race.

Then RWB Adria locked in.

They lost to the Bavarians on matchweek three, and two games later they were held to a draw against DeKalb County United. This put them firmly behind the eight ball, especially with how well House had been doing.

Adria needed to win all five of their next games to have any real hope of stealing the title, with two of those matches against Chicago. And that’s exactly what they did.

RWB Adria’s road began with a victory on the road against House, and it concluded with a home win versus the same opposition. Technically speaking, Adria only needed to not lose by two or more goals on the final day to finish in 1st, but they still beat Chicago regardless, sealing a remarkable comeback story in the process.

“It was a tough game, it went how we expected. They’re a great team, we won 1-0 against them before, and they’re a good opponent. Five games ago we knew we needed to win all of them, we were playing five finals,” said coach Julio Rosales. “The kids here do a great job, it was very impressive because of how hard the guys were working in practice, giving it 100% every day. They deserve this.”

“It means a lot. We’ve been in the league since the beginning, and we’ve always been the bridesmaid, but now we’re the bride. We’re not the prettiest group, but we’re the bride now,” said team president Ante Loncar, who also shouted out a helping hand. “Us and DeKalb were the two hottest teams to end the season. I got to give them credit, they scalped House away, they took a point from Bavarians, and they took a point from us. That opened the title race and made it interesting.”

Speaking of DeKalb, they had a solid season, especially compared to what many were expecting. They were viewed as real relegation candidates, but they ended the year in 4th and were seven points clear of the drop.

“Staying up helps validate the fact that you’re doing things the right way. It feels great, and it’s a cool thing that the league is doing pro/rel,” said DeKalb president John Hall. “We were top five the last two seasons, so it’s technically an improvement. Ultimately it’s a credit to the coaches and the players and their commitment. We’re keeping the ball rolling in the right direction, and those late-season wins get everyone excited for next season already.”

Sinking Steel

As lovely as promotion and relegation is to have, there’s always going to be the one major drawback to it. Someone’s going to get their heart broken. Someone’s got to be the one to get sent down.

That ultimately proved to be Steel City FC.

While they only picked up four points from their 12 games, they were far from being the punching bag of the division. They started the season with a classic match against Chicago House AC, but failed to get any sort of result from the contest. 

That was pretty much the story of their season. Only two of their losses were by more than two goals, and each of their final three contests ended in a 2-1 defeat. Their last stand was also their most devastating, as they had the lead in a relegation battle versus Czarni Jaslo, and a win would’ve been enough to secure safety. They just couldn’t hold on, though.

That means they’ll be in the 2nd division next campaign, but there’s still genuine hope and excitement for the future. 

“This season was all about us not finishing our chances and not closing games out,” said head coach Nigel Dillard. “Based on our talent on paper, we were just as talented as anyone in the league. Sometimes things just didn’t go our way. We’ll learn from it, especially because our average age was about 21, we’ve had a lot of young players. I believe next season we’ll come out strong.”

“Everyone was pretty upset when we were relegated, but we’re a strong and resilient bunch. I don’t let things affect me as a coach, I don’t feel like a failure because I’m always trying to get better and improve the team. The attitude of the boys reflects that,” said Dillard. “We’re excited to try and get promoted next year.”

One of the best things about Steel City has been the work they do off the pitch, specifically their social media accounts.

Plenty of lower league teams struggle to capitalize on the potential social media has, and it’s enough for many of them to simply post the team’s score and schedule. Steel City does so much more.

They tell stories. If you see one of their posts before or after a game, it’s closer to a short essay than it is a statement of fact. It’s well-written, it draws the emotion out of their matches, and it’s a joy to read every time. As a journalist myself, real recognizes real.

“The social media work is just a part of the club’s overall ethos. It’s all kind of tied together, and it comes back to what we’re trying to accomplish,” said chairman Ivaldo Basso. “The creation of the club was to try and be like a minor league baseball team. Those teams have thousands of fans, and they look and feel like a legitimate family product. They have a loyal following that cares about the team, the players, and the stories.”

“There’s not enough stories being told at this level. We watch sports because of the stories. American football is really popular, but a new league that’s not the NFL always fails because no one wants to watch a team or league that they know nothing about. If there’s no storyline, they won’t care,” said Basso. “Only a few take the time to tell these stories that people can get attached to. It’s a lot of fun, especially at this level with the players and the stories they have. They all have jobs and work hard. We love to pay them back for their work and highlight their accomplishments.”

While it will be sad to see Steel City FC depart the first division, they’ll certainly add a level of talent and excitement to the second division.

Up and Up

There will be two teams replacing them in the first division, and those teams are AFC Roscoe and the Green Bay Glory.

The two sides made hot starts to the season. Green Bay scored 12 goals in their three matches, and they won every game until they came up against Roscoe, who went on a run of six straight victories after an opening day draw.

Roscoe never really slowed up, losing only once during their campaign. That led to them storming to the league title, which is an added bonus on top of securing a spot in the first division.

“It’s huge for us. Our goal was promotion to start the year, and after the first few games our new aim was to win the division,” said Adam Nijhawan. “It was a big moment. We put a big focus on recruiting in the offseason, and we had a large group of players that all contributed to this. It’s a testament to the hard work the board members have done, and the winning culture is contagious, and were looking to build on it. It was a real group effort.”

One of the big reasons for their success was the efforts of Morais Lee, who led the way with nine goals over the course of the year, winning the Golden Boot in Heartland Division 2.

“It was my first season with the team, and it was only possible because of them. I took things one game at a time, and that really helped me focus and put everything together by the end of it,” said Lee. “I am a passionate player, and I wanted to make sure they were a team that had a drive to improve when I joined. We’re a competitive team, and everyone there played with a passion and a purpose. We played as a team that wanted to win something, and that made us strive toward the future.”

Green Bay slowed down a bit towards the end of the campaign, but their work had pretty much been done already. They secured the number two spot in the standings, which also gave them promotion.

“Securing promotion in our inaugural season is a monumental achievement for Green Bay Glory. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone involved with the club, from the players and coaching staff to the supporters and community,” said co-founder Kerry Geocaris. “This achievement brings immense pride to the club and our community, solidifying our place among the top teams in the league.”

“Considering the short amount of time we had to pull everything together, the way this group has bonded and performed is truly special. We had players from various soccer backgrounds, but what stood out was their character and dedication. This group quickly became a family, unified by a shared goal and an unbreakable spirit,” said co-founder Kerry Geocaris. “Despite challenges like rain at every home game, balancing jobs, and 6am practices, with some of our guys driving an hour or two to make it, everyone showed up with incredible commitment. The support from the community has been overwhelming, and we’re incredibly grateful for it. This season has laid a strong foundation, and we’re excited to see how our team and community can grow together from here.”

That nod to the future is an important one. Making it to the first division is one thing, but staying there is going to be another challenge altogether. Both clubs are ready for the fight, though.

“The offseason will be crucial for both our players and the organization,” said Geocaris. “For the players, it’s a time to recharge and focus on their individual goals, whether that’s gearing up for their college seasons or navigating the next phases of their lives. As an organization, the offseason is a time for us to plan and strategize for the future. We’re focused on expanding our mission of serving the community and creating opportunities for success through soccer. The groundwork we lay now will be essential for sustaining the momentum we’ve built and taking Green Bay Glory to new heights.”

“It’s a huge offseason. We have a solid core now, and recruitment will be as important as ever,” said AFC Roscoe’s Nijhawan. “We’re looking at opportunities for our players to help them build their careers, and were finding smaller pieces to fill some holes and add to the team. We’re excited for it.”

A note from the writer

Heyo, Adnan here, the dude who wrote this whole thing. 

I just wanted to leave a quick thank you for everyone that’s supported my coverage of the league these past few months, and thank the league for allowing me to write these recap articles. It means a lot.

I hope to see everyone again next summer.
Take care. 

Featured Article Image: Denise Allen Photography

Junction FC’s Kyle Johnson Crowned Top Goalscorer of 2024 Gateway Conference, Wins Ruben Mendoza Golden Boot Award

In a remarkable debut season, Kyle Johnson of Junction FC has been crowned the top goalscorer of the 2024 Gateway Conference, earning him the Ruben Mendoza Golden Boot Award. Johnson’s impressive tally of 8 goals not only secured his spot as the league’s top marksman but also highlighted his vital role in Junction FC’s first-ever season in the Midwest Premier League (MWPL).

Despite Junction FC finishing 7th in the league, Johnson’s goal-scoring prowess stood out, propelling his team to be one of the highest-scoring sides in the conference. His performance was instrumental in keeping Junction FC competitive throughout a season marked by first-year challenges and growth.

Reflecting on the season, Kyle Johnson expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, saying, “Although we had some rough stretches, the season ended up going pretty well considering we were a first-year team. I appreciate all the work that coaches and administration did to even make this season possible for us. All my teammates were great players and were fun to play with, and of course, I wouldn’t have been the top goal scorer without them. Also, shoutout to my teammates and coaches at Wheaton College. Super excited to get going again this fall. Lastly, I thank God for blessing me with the ability to play soccer!”

Johnson’s achievement is even more impressive given the level of competition in the Gateway Conference this season. Following him closely in the top goalscorer rankings were a trio of Cedar Rapids Inferno players, each with 6 goals: Beni Mubake, Boris Dimitror, and Nico Galvez Ortiz. The Iowa-based team was the dominant force in the conference, finishing the season with just one loss in their final game.

Kyle Johnson’s outstanding debut in the MWPL has certainly made him a player to watch in the coming years. As Junction FC looks to build on their inaugural season, the young forward’s contribution will undoubtedly be important to their future success.

Cedar Rapids Inferno crowned 2024 Gateway Conference champions

In a dramatic showdown, the Cedar Rapids Inferno secured the Gateway Conference 2024 championship following a nail-biting 3-3 draw against AFC Columbia. The intense match saw both teams battling fiercely, with AFC Columbia initially taking the lead just 20 minutes in. However, Cedar Rapids quickly equalized five minutes later, only for AFC Columbia to regain the advantage just before halftime, going into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The second half began with Cedar Rapids leveling the score again shortly after the break. AFC Columbia responded with another goal in the 67th minute, pushing the Inferno to the brink. But just when it seemed AFC Columbia would delay Cedar Rapids’ championship hopes, the Inferno struck back with a crucial goal in the 83rd minute, securing the vital point needed to clinch the title.

This remarkable season has seen Cedar Rapids Inferno dominate their conference, remaining undefeated and claiming the championship with two games still to play. Joining the league in its inaugural 2021 season, this title marks their first-ever championship.

Speaking to Cedar Rapids’ The Gazette, owner and player/coach Kenan Malicevic expressed his pride and determination: “We understand that what we’ve done so far is very remarkable and pretty successful for a small team from Cedar Rapids, Iowa,” he said. “We still understand there are two games to go in the season and even though we need one win to win a title, we want to go undefeated.“

Cedar Rapids’ The Gazette article on Cedar Rapids Inferno