Defending the North

As you are probably aware if you read this blog, I live in Moorhead, MN. This places me roughly parallel to #defendthenorth in Duluth - albeit on the opposite flank of the state - and means my gut feelings of attachment are towards the small towns, woodland and lakes of the Minnesotan interior rather than the nationally significant Twin Cities and their satellite cities (quite often collectively called The Cities or The Metro around here) so I'm happy to see Duluth keep defending the North (and now maybe they can use #defendthemidwest ;-) )

Minneapolis City's route through the season contrasted sharply to their neighbors at VSLT, as they ripped holes in opponents and had enough depth to field a U23 squad whilst still sticking to Ferguson-esque/Athletic Bilbao recruitment of local products.

Let's be honest, no one is only a product of one place but being a bigger metro does help.

VSLT, on the other hand, recruited widely and were challenging for at least the divisional crown if not more before a late season slump precipitated by the death of their coach's mother overseas caused them to drop out of the playoffs entirely.

Congratulations to City on winning the division, and being undefeated in regular season play. We will see you in the Cup next year.

That you will be playing Duluth probably even surprised them, as they snuck up on VSLT (and Med City) to qualify.

Duluth then outfought City (in extra time) and Grand Rapids [MI] (on penalties) to become the champions of the Midwest region - a step further than they (or Fusion) had managed last year.

Highest seeds host the semi and the final so the next step is a semifinal against the last remaining professional side in the bracket (NASL survivors Miami FC, in the guise of their reserves MFC2).

FC Motown of NJ host against FC Mulhouse Portland (OR) in the other semi.

Duluth's only chance to host would be a DFC v FCMP final, since FCMP are #32 , the Minnesotans are #20, Miami are #9, and Motown are #3

As I have noted elsewhere, it says something about football culture in the North (and the Midwest for that matter) that in 2 seasons we've now had:

2 different divisional champs
3 different North playoff teams (all from distinct areas - Red River Valley, Twin Ports and Twin Cities) and now a regional champion from that lot.

Keep an eye on E Pluribus Loonum, they will have coverage of Duluth's continued adventures.

I'll see you next season.