The reigning Midwest Premier League (MWPL) Great Lakes champions are ready to defend their crown. Goshen City FC kicks off its 2026 regular season this weekend, hosting the Holland Rovers at the Goshen College Soccer Complex at 5 p.m.
Last year’s clash between these two sides was a tale of two matches. The Leafs fought to a 1-1 draw at home before storming to a 3-1 victory on the road—part of a five-game win streak that sealed their regular-season finale.
Goshen has already tested its mettle this season, making a deeper run in the U.S. Amateur Cup. After falling in penalties during their first-ever match in 2025, the club bounced back with a 4-1 home win over Steel City FC (Ill.) and a gritty 1-0 victory against familiar foe 1927 SC in Fort Wayne. The run ended in the third round with a 4-0 loss to RWB Adria Chicago, but the progress was clear.
“I’m definitely happy that we improved by winning a few more games in the Amateur Cup this year,” said fourth-year head coach Tyler Born. “We learned that the competition can get pretty difficult with the timing since we started a month earlier this year than we did last year. I learned a lot about the guys I had and what we needed to work on leading up to our first regular season game.”
The path to another Great Lakes title begins in the Great Lakes West division. Last season, Goshen City sat at 2-1-2 at the midpoint before rattling off five straight wins to claim the division crown. They then topped Great Lakes East champions Cedars FC 2-1 in Dearborn, Michigan, to capture the overall title.
“Last year, the way that we ended the year was the highest amount of work and effort that I’ve ever seen and coached,” Born said. “I’m looking to carry that over and keep it consistent from the beginning through end of July.”
With a target on their backs as reigning champions, the team is embracing the challenge. “We accomplished what we set out for last year and we definitely have a target on our back,” Born added. “The return guys are anticipating it, and the new guys are going to be feeling that level, that energy, and that push from all of us to try and get back to where we left off.”
Today’s match also carries a special meaning. Dubbed the “Celebration of Hope” game, Goshen City FC is teaming up with the Center for Healing & Hope. Fans are encouraged to run or walk to the game, meeting at the center located off 400 W. Lincoln Ave. in Goshen before heading to the Goshen College Soccer Complex.
It’s a season of high hopes, fierce competition, and community spirit—exactly what makes grassroots soccer so special.