While the NPL kicked off with a limited slate last weekend, this weekend will see almost every team involved in the competition participating in what’s shaping up to be a very competitive return to play. It may be the first games for some teams, but even at this early stage, getting all three points is a must as the battle for spring league qualification is already underway.

Here are your NPL games of the week:

U17 Girls NPL 1 West

8/27: MVLA vs Pleasanton Rage – 6:00 PM @ Shoreline Athletic Field South

Despite playing just once so far this season, MVLA and Pleasanton RAGE have combined for 15 goals scored and none allowed. The early returns for the U17 NPL 1 West have alluded to the fact that goals will come early and often. This weekend will show if either squad is capable of keeping the other from hitting the back of the net.

U16 Boys NPL North

8/28: Atletico Santa Rosa Galaxy vs 1974 Newark FC – 11:00 AM @ Santa Rosa High

1974 Newark FC opened their season this past weekend with fireworks — the club defeated Briceno Soccer Club via a 4-0 scoreline, which has them currently at the top of the table via goal differential. Should Newark continue their run in pole position, they’ll need to knock off the always-competitive Atletico Santa Rosa in a tough test on the road Saturday.

U14 Boys NPL South

8/28: Turlock Academica vs CenCal Cosmos – 3:00 PM @ Academica Soccer Fields

In the only match so far in the U14 NPL South, Turlock Academica Jrs. defeated local rivals Modesto Ajax United via a 2-0 scoreline. That result has them sitting at the top of the table for now, but things could change as Turlock host a competitive CenCal Cosmos side this weekend in a matchup that should go down to the wire.

U16 Girls NPL 1 East

8/28: Walnut Creek Surf vs San Juan Blue – 4:00 PM @ Arbolado #2

There have already been two games played in the U16 NPL 1 East, but neither of them involved Walnut Creek Surf or San Juan SC, who are both already chasing the previously-victorious Placer United and Clovis Crossfire sides in the table. Both Walnut Creek and San Juan have the opportunity to start their seasons off in style as they face off in the Bay Area Saturday.