The 2025 Heartland Conference Division 2 season promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with eight clubs vying for promotion and the chance to stake their claim among the league’s elite. Now, entering the second season of the Heartland Conference’s split into Division 1 and Division 2, the stakes are higher than ever. The Midwest Premier League’s long-term goal of creating a more competitive and sustainable league structure is starting to take shape, with promotion and relegation now embedded as key drivers of competition in the Heartland Conference. This structure is part of the league’s broader 2030 Plan, which aims to strengthen club development and foster deeper community ties across the Midwest. The pathway to Division 1 is clear—but narrow. Unlike last season, which saw AFC Roscoe and Green Bay Glory promoted to the top flight, only one club will secure automatic promotion this year. That added pressure leaves no room for error, as every point could mean the difference between glory and another year in Division 2.
Steel City FC enters the season with a point to prove after relegation from Division 1 in 2024. Once a fixture in the top flight, Steel City now faces the challenge of regrouping and finding the consistency needed to bounce back. Meanwhile, Rockford FC came agonizingly close to promotion last season, finishing just two points shy of the mark. With the squad still to be finalized, much of Rockford’s hopes may rest on the potential return of Waleed Shaibi, whose goalscoring prowess made them a serious contender last year.
Edgewater Castle FC continues to build a distinct identity under new head coach Duygu Erdoğan, who made history in 2024 by leading the club’s women’s team to a USASA Region II Championship. That success reflects the club’s growing stature, both on and off the pitch. The Rooks also remain connected to the broader soccer community through its Stone by Stone podcast, which has featured guests like USMNT player Kellyn Acosta. Their city rivals, Berber City FC, have been steadily building since their MWPL debut in 2021. After finishing fourth that year, Berber City has grown into a more well-rounded club, expanding youth programs and competing in the UPSL. This season presents an opportunity for them to finally break through and push for promotion.
Chicago Ghost FC made a solid debut last season and already looks primed to take a step forward in 2025. The club has retained key players like Townes Robertson and strengthened its squad with new signings, including Jonathan Harwood and Sebastian Leon. That continuity and depth could give Las Rosas the edge in the ever competitive matches that fill this division. Strikers Fox Valley FC, entering their second MWPL season, continue to leverage their deep youth pipeline as they look to grow into a competitive force. Their focus on player development could begin to pay off as they settle into league play.
Two new clubs bring fresh energy to Division 2 this year. Chicago City Dutch Lions FC enters the MWPL with the backing of the established Dutch Lions organization, following an agreement involving former MWPL club Chicago City SC. Their arrival adds another layer of intrigue, as the Dutch Lions’ professional structure could make them an immediate threat. Similarly, RKC Third Coast II enters the league with a track record of player development and success. The club, which also competes in USL2, recently celebrated the professional signings of Kajus Kontautas (Zalgiris Vilnius) and Blake Gillingham (Houston Dynamo FC). That history of producing talent suggests RKC could be a dangerous opponent from day one.
With Steel City seeking redemption, Rockford aiming to finish the job, and Edgewater Castle and Berber City pushing to establish themselves at the top, the 2025 Division 2 season is wide open. Chicago Ghost and Strikers Fox Valley have the foundation to challenge for promotion, while Chicago City Dutch Lions and RKC Third Coast II could disrupt the established order. Promotion and relegation have raised the stakes — and every match will count. The single promotion spot this year adds extra pressure, with little room for mistakes over the course of the season.
Feature Interview: Ivaldo Basso (Steel City FC)
As part of this season preview, we spoke with Steel City FC chairman Ivaldo Basso about the club’s relegation, their approach to rebuilding, and what it will take to secure a return to Division 1. His insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Steel City FC — and Division 2 as a whole — set the stage for an exciting campaign.
Steel City FC’s road to redemption begins now. After suffering the sting of relegation from Division 1 at the end of the 2024 season, the Joliet-based club faces the difficult task of rebuilding — and reclaiming their place in the top flight. Relegation is never easy, but for Steel City, it has served as a catalyst for change. Club chairman Ivaldo Basso shared how the team processed the disappointment of last season, the lessons learned, and the path forward.
“Make no mistake, relegation stands as the ultimate measure of failure and finality in football. It’s a verdict from which there is no immediate escape. Days after last season’s final whistle, our staff looked inward with unflinching honesty and committed to changes. We have retooled how we evaluate our player pool week-to-week and foster greater competition for first-team spots. We believe we are heading down the road to redemption.”
Part of that shift involves building a stronger infrastructure around the club. “We set in motion, even before last season started, several broad initiatives — many of which require time to truly take root,” Basso explained. “These include forming an academy, re-imagining our reserve team into Steel City NXT, and hiring both a Director of Coaching and a Goalkeeper Coach.” For Steel City, relegation has not just been a setback — it has been a wake-up call.
Every point matters. Every match matters. We’ve built a team that knows how to fight — now it’s time to show it on the field.
– Ivaldo Basso (Chairman, Steel City FC)
When asked about the differences between Division 1 and Division 2, Basso pointed out that the gap may not be as wide as it seems. “If we were to put aside the two heavyweights of Division 1 — RWB Adria and Bavarian United SC — we believe there isn’t a significant difference. Division 2 has two expansion teams this year, RKC Third Coast II and Chicago City Dutch Lions. Those are expansion teams in name only — both organizations are well-rooted in the minor league soccer circuit.” The quality of competition in Division 2 will be intense — and with only one promotion spot up for grabs this year, the margin for error is razor-thin.
“This promotion push will be a brutal slog,” Basso admitted. “Only one of eight Division 2 teams claws its way out. With a lean 10-game season, every point matters.” But Steel City has built a squad designed to handle the pressure. “We are proud of having high-character teammates that value the collective over themselves. Those are the people you want in the trenches with you when the going gets tough.“
Continuity will also play a major role. Steel City retains its experienced coaching staff — Nigel Dillard, Vincent Mkhwanazi, and Mark Powell — who have been with the club since its inception. On the field, club legend Jake Lysik remains the foundation. “Jake continues to add to his legend — he’s our all-time leader in appearances, goals, and assists,” Basso said. “We’ve also added ‘The Missile,’ Hans Haenicke, this year after he was in Europe last season. No player hits harder or plays with more chaos in his veins than Haenicke.” The squad’s biggest new addition is Christian Baumgartner — nicknamed ‘The Train.’ “He’s a DePaul Blue Demon. Joliet loves its tough guys, and Baumgartner steamrolling opponents is going to make him a fan favorite.“
Despite the pressure to win, Basso maintains that success for Steel City goes beyond the standings. “The season is already off to a wildly successful start. Our corporate partnerships are up 35% before we’ve kicked a ball. Our season ticket and group sales are the briskest they’ve ever been.” On the field, the goal is simple: “The coaching staff is focused on us playing good football and entertaining our fan base, while earning promotion to Division 1.“
Steel City FC’s journey back to Division 1 begins with the hard lessons of relegation. With a focused squad, strong leadership, and a clear identity, they are poised to be a formidable contender in the 2025 Division 2 season. But with only one promotion spot available, the challenge is steep — and Basso knows it. “Every point matters. Every match matters. We’ve built a team that knows how to fight — now it’s time to show it on the field.“
