The stretch run of league seasons is now underway as many teams have just a month left of competitive games to play in the NPL and ECNL-RL. For squads all across the state, it’s now or never to earn a valuable three points in both title and relegation races.
Here are your NPL/ECNL-RL games of the week:
U14 Boys NPL Capitol
10/14
Blues FC
11:00 a.m. @ William Jessup University - Field 1
Elk Grove Soccer
This top of the table clash between Blues FC and Elk Grove Soccer could end up deciding the title in the U14 Boys NPL Capitol. Blues come into the match with 18 points from seven games, while Elk Grove have 15 from six. The two sides met earlier in the season, with Blues coming out on top via a 3-2 scoreline.
U15 Girls NPL Capitol
10/14
South Valley United
0-1
California Odyssey
Needing all three points to remain near the top of the table, California Odyssey traveled to South Valley United and took home a victory in a 1-0 result. Jaelyn Galvez scored the only goal of the match, hitting the back of the net off of a corner kick from Olivia Rea.
U16 Girls NPL 2
10/14
Blues FC
3:30 p.m. @ William Jessup University - Field 1
Eastshore Alliance
Both Blues FC and Eastshore Alliance have struggled for points this season and are hoping to avoid relegation from the U16 Girls NPL 2. However, each side stand just a few points from safety and if either claim a victory this weekend, it could turn around their season.
U19 Boys NPL 2
10/15
De Anza Force
2-2
Livermore Fusion
De Anza Force continued their unbeaten streak in the U19 Boys NPL 2, earning a point in a back-and-forth affair this past weekend against Livermore Fusion. Sean Idle struck first for the hosts, finding the back of the net in just the second minute before Livermore's Amir Anwar equalized 27 minutes later. In the second half, Alen Begovic gave De Anza the lead early on before a 60th minute goal from Mlik Guenouche ensured that the sides would share the points.