U19 Boys NorCal NPL Fall Showcase Preview
NPL 1A
In one of the most competitive divisions for any age group, five teams are still in contention for the two Champions League spots in the NPL 1 A. On 16 points, Galt FC control their own destiny, needing just a point to ensure qualification, while San Juan, with 12 points, represent the next most-likely team to qualify. Sitting just one point back from San Juan is Placer United, while South Valley United currently occupy fourth place on 10 points. Currently tied with South Valley, fifth place are Sacramento United, who can qualify with a pair of wins and if results go their way this weekend.
NPL 1B
Santa Clara Sporting have proved a difficult side to knock off in the U19 NPL 1 B, failing to lose a single game yet. The squad, who currently sits at the top of the table at 3-0-5, will qualify automatically with a pair of wins this weekend. Breathing down their necks are Atletico Santa Rosa, who are equal on points to Santa Clara and currently stand in one of the two Champions League spots. Just one point behind them, though, are Marin FC, while Heritage United and East Bay United, who both have outside chances of qualifying.
NPL 1C
After winning the NPL Champions League last year as a U17 squad, the powerful Santa Clara Sporting side have already guaranteed their qualification in the U19 bracket with a 7-0-0 record. Joining them will be 5-0-2 Marin FC who have also already qualified for one of the four Champions League spots. Still, there are two spots up for grab, of which Star Academy (15 points) has the upper hand in garnering. MVLA (11 points), Force (9 points), and Clovis Crossfire (9 points) each also have chances at qualification, but will need an impressive series of results this weekend to do so.
NPL 2 East
The impressive 7-0-1 Atlas Academy have already locked up the only spring NPL 1 spot in this division, but everything else remains on the tightropes as most of the five other teams can qualify for the NPL 2 by finishing in second place. The favorites to do so are 3-3-1 Monarcas, who have a game in hand, but face 2-2-3 Union after the showcase to decide it. Placer United (9 points), San Juan (8), and Central California Soccer Alliance (7) round out the division.
NPL 2 East Schedules and Results
NPL 2 West
7-0-0 Peninsula SC and 6-1-0 Alpine Strikers have already wrapped up the NPL 1 berths from this division, but there’s still a logjam in the middle of the table to determine who finishes in third and fourth and qualifies for the NPL 2. Of the remaining sides, 4-2-1 Mustang have the best shot, sitting ahead of 4-3-0 Palo Alto and a pair of 3-3-1 sides in Force and Napa Sport.
