Midwest Premier League

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Czarni Jaslo

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.

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

Steel City FC becomes the first ever relegated club in the Heartland Conference

Photo: Miles Whitworth

In a dramatic and heart-wrenching match, Joliet, IL-based Steel City FC became the first team ever to be relegated from the Heartland Conference to Division 2 after a 2-1 defeat to Czarni Jaslo. This historic game determined the fate of both clubs, as they were tied in points with only two games left in the season. The winner of this match would likely secure their Division 1 survival, given that head-to-head points are the league’s primary tiebreaker.

The match was a true battle for survival, with both teams fighting fiercely to maintain their position in Division 1. Steel City FC appeared to be on the path to victory when Tre Adams scored in the 74th minute, giving his team a crucial lead. The Steel City fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping that their team could hold on for the win.

However, the tide turned in the final minutes of the game. Czarni Jaslo, the Heartland Conference champions of 2023, displayed their resilience and determination by scoring two incredibly late goals. The equalizer came in the 87th minute, and the decisive goal followed shortly after in the 91st minute, breaking the hearts of Steel City FC and their supporters.

The relegation of Steel City FC marks a significant moment in the Heartland Conference history. The club’s journey this season has been filled with challenges, and despite their efforts, they could not avoid the drop to Division 2. The unexpected involvement of Czarni Jaslo in the relegation battle, especially after their championship win last season, added an extra layer of intensity to this critical match. Earlier this year, the league implemented a two division Heartland Conference in 2024, assigning one relegation spot and two promotion spots in this first season, as plan of the league’s 2030 Plan.

Ivaldo Basso, Steel City FC Chairman, reflected on the match and the broader implications for the league, stating, “Semi-professional soccer won tonight. When the final whistle blew, one end of the field erupted in elation while the other slumped to a low somberness. Pro/rel did that. Historically, a late season game between two bottom teams would be a pedestrian exercise. Kudos to the MWPL brass for boldly pushing pro rel.

As Steel City FC prepares for their new chapter in Division 2, they will undoubtedly reflect on this season’s lessons and aim to return stronger and contest for a promotion spot next year.

Czarni Jasło Hoist The Heartland Conference Title

The MWPL’s Heartland Conference title race was possibly the tightest of the season. Seven of the conference’s eleven clubs remained in contention for the top spot with just two matchweeks remaining.

Amidst this commotion, Czarni Jasło prevailed as the 2023 Heartland Conference Champion. The Chicago club made it to the top in its debut MWPL season, a remarkable feat when looking at many of the experienced and talented clubs that it stacked up against all season.

This includes a 3-0 win against 2022 Champion Bavarian United SC, who had lost an MWPL match since 2021. This was the beginning of an eight-game unbeaten streak that lasted from May 20 to the end of the season.

The biggest match of the season came on July 25 against Chicago City SC, who was in second place and in hot pursuit of the top spot. The match finished in a 3-3 draw, which preserved the distance that kept Czarni Jasło’s destiny in its hands entering the final matchweek.

Czarni Jasło conceded ten goals in 2023, the lowest in the Heartland Conference. This sturdy defense was supplemented by the scoring prowess Geoffroy Agboku, who finished third in Heartland scoring with seven goals.

With Bavarian United SC’s reign coming to an end, it will be interesting to witness a new era, and potentially a new MWPL dynasty.