U17 Boys NorCal NPL Fall Showcase Preview
NPL 1 North
First-place Atletico Santa Rosa (14 points) haven’t mathematically clinched a spot in the Champions League yet, but it would require an absurd set of results this weekend for them not to. Atletico currently enjoy a five point lead over fifth-place Davis Legacy (9 points) and fourth-place Union Sacramento (10 points) have played one more game than everyone in contention, meaning that Santa Rosa are all-but in. Rounding out the contenders for the four spots are Sacramento United (12 points), Placer United (10 points), and longshots San Juan (8 points).
NPL 1 North Schedules and Results
NPL 1 South
With 17 points through seven games Lamorinda United have qualified for the spring’s top event and will look to repeat their title come the new year. Of the remaining four candidates for three spots, each control their own destiny, with fourth-place SF Elite (13 points) enjoying a game in hand in a match that will be decided the following Tuesday. Of those four teams, Ballistic United currently stands in second with 15 points, with defending NPL Champions League champions San Jose Earthquakes (14 points) breathing down the neck of everyone else involved. Thanks to a win over Star Academy Monday night Santa Clara Sporting (13 points) also have a shot at qualifying, but currently sit on the outside looking in.
NPL 1 South Schedules and Results
NPL 2 East
7-0-1 Galt enjoy a stranglehold on this division, having already locked up the division and the NPL 1 spring spot that comes with it thanks to tiebreakers 5-2-1 California Odyssey, however, still have some work to do in order to finish in second place and grab the NPL 2 berth in the spring. Should the Odyssey garner at least three points from their final two games, they’re in, while 4-4-0 Clovis Crossfire are the only team that can catch them.
NPL 2 East Schedules and Results
NPL 2 West
Regardless of what happens in their Saturday matches, the Sunday game between Mavericks (7-1) and Napa Sport (7-1) will probably decide who wins this division and garners the sole spring NPL 1 berth. Mavericks currently have the advantage thanks to a 3-1 victory over Napa earlier in the season, but if Napa defeats Mavericks by more than two goals then they will likely take the title. All eyes will be on this game in a division in which the other four teams have little to play for in terms of the league.
