Midwest Premier League

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Cedars FC

2025 Season Preview: Great Lakes East

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.

Photo: Cole Pannell Photography

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.

Photo: Mark Adema

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.”

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

Cedars FC claims 2024 Great Lakes Conference Championship

Photo: Dylan Lewis

Cedars FC from Dearborn, Michigan, captured the 2024 Great Lakes Conference championship following a 3-1 victory over Northern Indiana FC last night in South Bend, Indiana.

The championship game featured the winners of the Great Lakes East and Great Lakes West divisions. Cedars FC (8W-0D-2L) traveled to face Northern Indiana FC (9W-1D-0L). Northern Indiana FC took an early lead in the 7th minute when defender Martin Von Thun scored with a header from a corner kick. Cedars FC responded in the 40th minute when forward Hasan Daoud scored after a service to the far post, equalizing the match at 1-1 by halftime.

In the second half, Cedars FC increased their offensive pressure. Forward Andrew Schwartz scored in the 58th minute, giving Cedars FC the lead. The team extended their advantage in the 77th minute with a goal from Nour Aoude, who executed a notable individual play down the wing. Northern Indiana FC applied late pressure and scored in the 86th minute with a goal from Kevin Vidana after a set piece. Despite the efforts from The Travelers, the Indiana-based team was unable to equalize, and Cedars FC secured the win and the Great Lakes Conference championship after an impressive team performance.

This victory marks Cedars FC’s first Great Lakes Conference championship in their third year in the league, bringing the title back to Michigan after a one-year absence. Northern Indiana FC, in their debut season, completed an undefeated regular season before reaching the championship game.

Cedars FC’s Club Director Mo Salman, shared his thoughts on the recent Championship game: “Truly a Championship game pitting the 2 top teams in the GL conference in a fiesta atmosphere. Sincerest gratitude to NIFC players, coaches, management, and their awesome fans for making us feel welcome.” while Assistant Coach Haider Alzyadi praised his teams efforts after the first 30 minutes of the game and added “Heading into the final, we didn’t know much about our opponents. After some adjustments, we began playing our brand of soccer. Hasan Daoud off the bench breathed life into us. Our boys dominated the second half. Massive credit to NIFC for a well-fought game. We were able to neutralize their long ball efforts and advance the ball quickly to the attacking 3rd, forcing them to defend us. With players like Nour, Youseff, Kinan, Schwartz, Massar, and Hasan in the Cedars attack, goals were bound to come.”

:astly, Head Coach Sam Piraine, had this to say after claiming the Great Lakes Championship in his first season at the helm “Going into this final, we knew we were up against a massive challenge. Playing at their place, we had to weather the storm early. After tactical adjustments, we implemented our plan: defend together, transition quickly. Couldn’t be happier for this group and thankful for the support from the Cedars staff and board members“