Duluth 2 - 0 Minneapolis City FC

Riding the back of a pair of goals (Felipe Oliveira and Sam Thornton), Duluth FC claimed the early lead in the North Division with a big win over the club’s biggest rival, Minneapolis City FC. Duluth’s first goal came in the 9th minute, when Duluth capitalized on a Crow’s turnover. Thornton’s goal, in the second half, came just moments after he subbed into the game, making him the superest of super subs.

With the win, Duluth remains both undefeated and the possessor of back-to-back clean sheets. DFC plays Twinstars this week, while MPLSCity will travel to Sioux Falls Thunder FC.

Cleveland SC 4 - 2 FC Buffalo

It was the Vinny Bell show in Cleveland, as the veteran attacker grabbed a hat-trick against visiting FC Buffalo. Cleveland SC’s first goal was actually scored by Admir Suljevic in the 29th minute and Bell took it from there, scoring in the 45th, 52nd, and 90th to complete his hat-trick. Bell is an NPSL-constant and continues to be absolute class on the ball.

For FC Buffalo, Jordan Araujo and Sergio Fernandez Arango would both score in the second half, but their efforts were in vain as the home crowd was rewarded with a big season-opening win. In a weird twist of schedules, both CSC AND FCB will face the Erie Commadores, with matches on Friday and Sunday. Never seen that before.

Tulsa Athletic 2 - 1 Club Atletico Saint Louis

It was Tulsa Athletic’s home opener of the 2022 NPSL campaign and Reed Berry decided it needed to be a win. Berry would contribute the assist on the first goal to Joe Garcia (his third in two matches) and get the second goal himself just before half. In the second half, Club Atletico Saint Louis would get one back in the 77th minute, but it wasn’t enough to change the result.

In the NPSL’s write up on the match, Tulsa’s assistant coach, Ray Saari said, “We’re obviously very pleased to have gotten three points in our first match at home this year. We’ve started the year well with six points from our first two games and that’s a testament to the work the players have been putting in over the last three weeks.”

This Weekend

After a big opening win against FC Arizona, International Portland Select FC goes on the road to face off against OSA Seattle FC in a Cascadian battle of rival cities. It will be the season opener for OSASFC and IPSFC will be looking for the massive road-warrior win. It’s a fun early-season matchup in the Pacific Division and we’re here for it.

- Dan Vaughn