Midwest Premier League

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Chicago House AC

2025 Season Preview: Heartland D1

The 2025 Heartland Conference Division 1 season is here, bringing higher stakes with it. With two teams set for relegation and only one earning promotion from Division 2, every game will matter. Clubs with title ambitions have little room for error, while those fighting to stay up face a tough road ahead. With a mix of experienced contenders and fresh challengers, this season should be one to watch.

RWB Adria enters the season as the defending champions, having won their first Midwest Premier League title in 2024 after several near-misses. The Chicago-based club has a long history in American amateur soccer, with multiple national titles and a reputation for developing players for the professional ranks, most recently Tommy Mihalic, who signed with LAFC 2. With their first MWPL championship secured, Adria now faces the challenge of staying on top while facing ever increasing competition.

Bavarian United SC will be looking to take that top spot after finishing second last season, just five points behind Adria. The Milwaukee club, one of the most successful amateur teams in the country, has won six National Amateur Cup titles and previously dominated the MWPL West Division in 2021 and 2022. This year, with their USL2 team on hiatus, the focus may solely be on the MWPL squad, which could make them an even stronger contender this season.

Photo: Dylan Lewis Creative

Chicago House AC has been a consistent presence near the top of the standings since joining the MWPL in 2022. The former professional club has strong support and an experienced leadership team, but the league title has remained just out of reach up to this day. After making a deep run in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup qualifiers, House and Head Coach Shannon Seymour will now turn its full attention to the MWPL season. While no official roster announcements have been made, the potential return of 2024’s conference top scorer, Ricardo ‘Kikis’ Avalos, could be a major boost.

DeKalb County United finished in a comfortable mid-table position last season but faces what appears to be a tougher challenge this year with two teams set for relegation, instead of the single relegation spot in 2024. The early roster announcements suggest a younger squad, with several teenagers set to feature for the club this season. While DeKalb has always been a competitive side, balancing player development with the need to secure results from the first game on will be key to staying out of the relegation battle and look into the top spots in the division.

Czarni Jaslo has experienced both ends of the standings in its first two MWPL seasons. After winning the conference on their debut season in 2023, the team struggled in 2024, ultimately avoiding relegation by a narrow margin after a key victory against Steel City FC. Retaining key players like Brandon Dolezal, who finished third in last year’s scoring race, will be crucial as they look to re-establish themselves in the upper half of the table.

AFC Roscoe and Green Bay Glory enter the season as the newly promoted clubs from Division 2. AFC Roscoe has enjoyed success in multiple competitions over the past few years, winning local league titles before securing the Division 2 championship last season. They will aim to carry that momentum into the Heartland Division 1, though perhaps facing the most significant test yet to date for the Chicago-based club.

Green Bay Glory, established in 2019, fielded its first-ever men’s team in the MWPL last season and finished just behind AFC Roscoe in Division 2. With key returnees already announced, like goalkeeper Haakon Utesch and top scorer Osvaldo Ramirez, the Wisconsin-based club has a solid foundation to build on. The main challenge coach Kerry Geocaris‘ squad will likely face will be adapting to the higher level of competition and ensuring the squad has the depth to compete over the full season.

With the season set to kick off, the competition in Division 1 looks as strong as ever. The fight for the championship, the battle for survival, and the continued development of clubs across the conference will all be key storylines to follow in 2025.


Feature Interview: AFC Roscoe

AFC Roscoe’s rise to Division 1 has been a collective effort, driven by a leadership group that is deeply involved in every aspect of the club—both off the field and on it. Uniquely, many of the club’s board members also double as players, making their investment in the team’s success even more personal. As they prepare for their first season at this level, Roscoe’s leadership remains focused on sustainable growth and staying true to their identity. After winning the Heartland Division 2 title last year, they know the jump to Division 1 will be their toughest challenge yet, but they’re embracing the opportunity to compete. Their journey, vision, and expectations for the season will be explored further in our conversation with the AFC Roscoe board.

Photo: Emily Chaffin

The journey to promotion in 2024 was a defining moment for AFC Roscoe. The club had undergone significant changes, including a rebuild of the squad before the MWPL season began. “It was a testament to the hard work of the players that we were able to have a successful season,” the board explained. “Everyone bought into the club mission, and that collective commitment really showed. One of the most special moments came when all the players on the bench and coaching staff stood together chanting ‘Roscoe’ at the banta bowl, just minutes away from clinching the Division 2 title. That was the moment that summed up our squad’s togetherness. We treat the club like a family, and every contribution was valued in helping us achieve that success.”

Looking back, the board highlighted some key moments that prepared the team for the next level. “For the first time in the club’s short history, we had over 25 players consistently showing up for preseason training. These were player-run sessions, and the intensity was like that of game days,” they shared. “The players’ commitment to training was a crucial factor in our preparation for Division 1. On top of that, our partnership with the University of Chicago allowed us to work with some of their players over the summer, and they had a significant impact. It was special to see how much they cared about Roscoe by the end of the season.”

As with any competition, we always enter with the mentality that we are here to win

– AFC Roscoe board

When asked about the club’s goals for its inaugural Division 1 season, the board was clear: “As with any competition, we always enter with the mentality that we are here to win. We’re bringing back the majority of our squad from last year, and we’re excited to show the Division 1 teams what we’re capable of.” While they acknowledged the strength of Division 1 teams and their long-established success, AFC Roscoe isn’t approaching this season with fear. “We don’t fear any teams. We believe we can compete with the best. Our players are motivated to leave everything on the field this season. Securing safety would be a successful season for this big step in our club’s history, but we are aiming higher. We expect to compete for the title.“

As Roscoe readies itself for this major step up, the leadership team is setting high expectations. “The bare minimum for us to consider our first season in Division 1 a success would be securing safety,” the board said. “However, after winning the GCSL Chicago division in 2022 and 2023, the GCSL Chicago Cup in 2024, and the MWPL Division 2 in 2024, our players expect to be competing for trophies and we would be disappointed not to contend this year.” With that ambition driving them, AFC Roscoe is ready to make a strong statement in their first season in Division 1.

As the club embarks on this new chapter, it is clear that AFC Roscoe’s leadership, on and off the field, is dedicated to success. Their journey from local champions to Division 1 competitors is just beginning, and they’re excited to prove they belong at the top.

Feature Interview: Kerry Geocaris (Green Bay Glory)

As Green Bay Glory readies itself for its second season in the Midwest Premier League, the club is preparing for its first full year in Division 1. We spoke with coach and co-founder Kerry Geocaris to get her thoughts on their promotion last season, the challenges ahead in Division 1, and what success looks like for the club.

Photo: Roxanne Knight

For Green Bay Glory, the journey to promotion was nothing short of extraordinary. “It was a whirlwind,” Geocaris explained. “Especially considering the men’s team was founded just months before the season kicked off. We had no idea what to expect, and what unfolded was an unforgettable chapter in Glory history. It wasn’t just a season—it was a moment of magic that established a solid foundation for high-level soccer in Green Bay.” The promotion was a significant achievement, not just for the players, but for the entire community. “It’s something our city has long deserved, and our supporters felt that energy every step of the way,” Geocaris added.

Geocaris credits the team’s growth to their resilience and response to adversity. “Whether it was overcoming tough results, losing key players, or facing unexpected challenges, our guys kept showing up for each other,” she said. “A true brotherhood formed.” This sense of unity, combined with a full season under their belts, allowed the team to establish their identity. “Our style, our personality, and our identity started to take shape. The fact that nearly every player wanted to return speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built,” she noted.

Looking ahead, Green Bay Glory’s goals are as ambitious as ever. “Our goal is—and always will be—to play an attractive, attacking brand of football,” Geocaris emphasized. “We want to lead with intention, both on and off the field.” The club’s focus extends beyond just results; they aim to develop leaders and make an impact both on the field and in the community. “We’re not just focused on results; we’re focused on growth, character, and impact,” she said.

A successful season means players with smiles on their face, a team that doesn’t want the season to end, packed stands and a deeper connection with our community

– Kerry Geocaris, Co-Founder, Green Bay Glory

For Green Bay Glory, success is about more than just wins and losses. “For us, success goes beyond the scoreboard,” Geocaris said. “A successful season means players with smiles on their faces, a team that doesn’t want the season to end, packed stands, and a deeper connection with our community.” Ultimately, Glory’s success is tied to how the team leaves it all on the field, ensuring that the Glory experience continues to grow. “It means we’ve given everything—on the field and beyond—and that the Glory experience continues to grow stronger,” Geocaris concluded.

Green Bay Glory’s journey is just beginning, and with a committed coach, a strong squad, and a passionate fanbase behind them, they are poised to make their mark in Division 1. The club’s blend of ambition, community spirit, and attacking football makes them a team to watch in the 2025 Heartland Conference Division 1 season.

Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC set to represent the Midwest Premier League in the 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying rounds

Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC will represent the Midwest Premier League (MWPL) in the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying rounds, as announced by US Soccer today. The two Heartland Conference clubs are among the record-high 114 non-professional teams set to compete for one of the 14 spots in the tournament proper.

Chicago House AC players and staff celebrate qualifying to the 2024 US Open Cup last year. Photo: Dylan Lewis

This is familiar territory for Chicago House AC, who have qualified for the past two years and made headlines with their 2023 Open Cup run. Chicago House stunned USL League One’s Forward Madison in the second round of the tournament that year, after defeating Bavarian United in the first, and went on to face professional teams like Chicago Fire (MLS). Last year, in the 2024 US Open Cup, they faced professional side Minnesota United 2 (MLS Next Pro).

“Chicago House is proud to enter the US Open Cup qualifying rounds for the third straight year. We are proud that we advanced to the tournament proper each of the two previous years and in 2023, along with Tulsa Athletic, we advanced further than any other amateur club in the country,” said Peter J. Wilt, Chicago House’s Managing Partner. “Under new Head Coach Shannon Seymour, we will work hard to represent Chicago well in this historic tournament.” Wilt has four US Open Cup championship rings from his days running the Chicago Fire. The Fire won the US Open Cup in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006.

Action photo from AFC Roscoe vs Edgewater Castle FC during the 2024 Midwest Premier League season. Photo: Peter Maziuk

Heartland Conference Division 2 club Edgewater Castle FC will participate in the US Open Cup qualifying rounds for a second time in a row in 2025. Last year, Edgewater Castle FC earned a 2-1 victory over fellow MWPL club Berber City FC in the first round but were later knocked out by Chicago House AC in the second qualifying round, falling 3-1. Edgewater Castle will look to build on that experience and aim for a deeper run this time around, with the hope of qualifying for the tournament for the first time in club’s history.

“We aim to create a strong team culture during this short autumn cycle, and build around a core group with some fresh faces. Ultimately, we obviously want to win as many games as possible – but we also want to enjoy the process and establish a good vibe with a reworked group of players.” commented Andrew B. Swanson, General Manager and President of Edgewater Castle FC. Swanson went on to reflect on the importance of this competition in the U.S. Soccer landscape. ““In general, the lower-league and semi-pro landscape in the United States is – to put it gently –  complicated. From the outside looking in, it’s incredibly difficult to understand where one league stacks up against, above or beneath another, and the ability for clubs to participate in truly open competition is challenging to come across in this ecosystem. That’s why the US Open Cup is so important. It has a clear format, it has a simple narrative, and (until very recently) it provides an opportunity for any club or any team, regardless of their level of play, to win their way to a matchup against a professional club, or even an MLS side. This is what the game represents to lower league clubs in other parts of the world – an immensely difficult, but possible pathway to achieve something spectacular. That’s why we now enter the US Open Cup Qualifiers every Fall – we want to be in an ecosystem where that sense of hope and challenge actually exists.”

Kikis Avalos, Morais Lee and Top Goalscorers Shine in Heartland Conference 2024 season

The 2024 Heartland Conference Division 1 season saw some remarkable performances, with Chicago House AC‘s Ricardo ‘Kikis’ Avalos standing out as the top goalscorer. For the second consecutive year, Avalos claimed the prestigious Bob Gansler Sr. Golden Boot Award, netting 8 goals throughout the season. His consistent scoring played a crucial role in Chicago House AC’s attack, making him an indispensable asset to his team.

In a heartfelt message, Avalos expressed his gratitude:

“I would just like to say thank you to my family and fans for supporting us throughout the season. Most importantly, the coaching staff and my teammates that pushed me to be better every day at practice and games. Without my teammates’ hard work, none of my goals would have happened. So, this award is a reflection of my teammates’ daily hard work that helped me earn this award.

Our season went pretty well, with lots of things we can take out and learn from. We went through several changes throughout the season, but I am very proud of how the team stuck together, stayed disciplined, and fought for the badge every single game. We had an opportunity to win the title, but things did not go our way. That is something to look forward to for next season. I am not sure where I will be next season, but we shall see… #Upthehouse.”

Avalos was not the only player to shine in Division 1. The list of top goalscorers also included Bavarian United SC‘s Buran Heini, Czarni Jaslo‘s Brandon Dolezal, who played a pivotal role in helping his team escape relegation, champions RWB Adria‘s Zahkar Shkidchenko, and another Chicago House AC star, Nico Williams.

Meanwhile, in Heartland Conference Division 2, Morais Lee of AFC Roscoe emerged as the top goalscorer, driving AFC Roscoe to success in their debut season. His goals were pivotal in helping the team secure promotion to Division 1 as division champions. Reflecting on his achievement, Lee said, “I’d like to thank Adam for creating a team with purpose. That gave me a drive to perform at my highest.” Lee’s outstanding performance this season sets the stage for an exciting future as he leads the charge in Division 1.

Morais Lee’s competition for the top spot in Division 2 included Rockford FC’s Waleed Shaibi who finished with 8 goals followed by Edgewater Castle FC‘s Jake Krueger, and Green Bay Glory‘s Osvaldo Ramirez, who also helped his side earn promotion to Division 1 next year.

The 2024 Heartland Conference season was filled with excitement and drama, with these top goalscorers leading the charge. Their individual performances, coupled with the support of their teammates, made this season one to remember for fans across the region. As the dust settles, anticipation builds for what the 2025 season will bring, with these players and others looking to leave their mark once again in the MWPL Heartland Conference.

Editor’s Note

A previous version of this post listed Rockford FC’s Waleed Shaibi as the leading goalscorer in Heartland Division 2 with 8 goals, and included Morais Lee (AFC Roscoe) with 7 total goals in the 2024 season. After receiving an updated game report, it was determined that Morais Lee scored an additional 2 goals and finished as the top goalscorer in the division, with 9 goals.

RWB Adria Clinches Heartland Conference Division 1 Title with 2-1 Victory Over Chicago House AC

In a thrilling finale at Fire Pitch (Chicago, IL) on Saturday night, RWB Adria Chicago emerged victorious over Chicago House AC with a 2-1 win, securing the 2024 Heartland Conference Division 1 championship. Both teams entered the match with aspirations of clinching the title, but it was RWB Adria who triumphed, marking a historic achievement for the club.

The atmosphere was electric as Chicago House AC, needing a win by at least two goals to snatch the championship from Adria, started the game strongly. Dominating the first 30 minutes, their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute when AR Smith capitalized on a set piece to give Chicago House the lead.

However, RWB Adria, far from panicking, showed their resilience and tactical acumen. Just before the halftime whistle, they leveled the score. A poor pass from the Chicago House AC goalkeeper was intercepted, and a sublime effort from outside the box found the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-1 at the break.

The second half saw RWB Adria seizing their opportunity. In the 57th minute, a handball inside the box by a Chicago House defender resulted in a penalty for Adria. With nerves of steel, the Adria player executed a perfect Panenka, putting his team ahead 2-1. The remainder of the match was fiercely contested, with Adria’s defense holding firm against a determined Chicago House AC attack.

With this win, RWB Adria not only secured their first-ever Midwest Premier League conference title but also capped off a season of remarkable consistency and performance. The Chicago-based club, a founding member of the Midwest Premier League, had finished second in their conference in each of the three previous seasons.

A jubilant RWB Adria team manager, Ante Loncar, expressed his happiness after the match. “We have finished 2nd twice and lost the title on goal difference before. We were first the whole year this season” Loncar said. “It feels great considering how much work we put in, being one of the original five clubs that founded this league. You know, starting a new league is not easy; you got ups and downs, you got happy moments and sad moments. I feel like my baby is just starting walking, and I am on cloud nine. We played very sexy football too, we deserved it.“

This championship game marks the end of a successful 2024 Midwest Premier League season, concluding with the following champions: Cedars FC (Great Lakes Conference), RWB Adria Chicago (Heartland Division 1), AFC Roscoe (Heartland Division 2), and Cedar Rapids Inferno (Gateway Conference).

Former Chicago House AC head coach Matt Poland joins USL1 expansion club FC Naples

Former Chicago House AC (Heartland Conference) head coach Matt Poland has today been announced as the new head coach and sporting director of FC Naples, an expansion team in USL1.

Poland became Chicago House AC’s head coach in January 2022, having previously been an assistant coach to CJ Brown during Chicago House AC’s season in NISA. Over two and a half seasons at the helm of the Midwest Premier League side, he led the team to an impressive 21-10-5 record in all competitions. One of Poland’s most notable achievements was guiding Chicago House AC through a remarkable US Open Cup run in 2023, defeating the Milwaukee Bavarians and the USL1 side Forward Madison, before facing and eventually falling to MLS’s Chicago Fire.

Chicago House AC had already announced Poland’s departure on May 31st, indicating his move to a professional side. The confirmation of his new role at FC Naples marks a significant milestone in his career. Spencer Pappas was appointed as the head coach of Chicago House AC and the club currently is one point away from the top spot held by Bavarian United in the Midwest Premier League’s Heartland Conference Division 1, underscoring the team’s continued strength and competitiveness.