As the race for playoff spots heat up, the competition in the Central Region has become fiercer. Teams in all four conferences are battling to earn a spot on top – or still earn a first victory.

Southwest Conference Match of the Week: FC Dallas vs. Fortuna Tulsa

FC Dallas sits on top of the Southwest Conference, but there’s some close competition. FC Wichita holds the second place spot while Fortuna Tulsa sits in third place. However, Fortuna Tulsa has confidence on its side after four-straight victories. Fortuna’s test against FC Dallas will be first of three consecutive away matches. Meanwhile, for FC Dallas, this is the first of three consecutive home matches at Dr. Pink Stadium.
 
North Conference Match of the Week: Milwaukee Torrent vs. Dakota Fusion FC
 

It’s hard to imagine any clubs in the North Conference catching up to the Chicago Red Stars Reserves. The NWSL-partnered club is currently undefeated in eight matches, earning 24 points. However, the race for second place is close, especially between the Milwaukee Torrent and Fire SC 98. Milwaukee has a chance to scoop up three points against the Dakota Fusion FC at Jim Gotta Stadium at Moorhead High School. Meanwhile, Dakota is still looking for its first win of the WPSL season. Fire SC 98 have the Red Stars Reserves this week. Should Milwaukee earn wins against the Dakota Fusion FC and Chicago City SC (on Sunday), the club would move to second place.

Heartland Conference Match of the Week: Des Moines Menace vs. Kansas City Athletics
 
It’s a tight race for first place in the Heartland Conference. Fire & Ice SC, the defending champions of the WPSL, should gather three points against the KC Courage this Saturday at Althoff Catholic High School. However, the defending champions are neck-at-neck with the Kansas City Athletics. While Fire & Ice SC are at home, the Athletics will also attempt to defend its home field, Shawnee Mission South High School. The Des Moines Menace Women will give the Kansas City Athletics a battle for three points.

South Texas Conference Match of the Week: AHFC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Another close Central Region battle will take place on Saturday between the AHFC Royals and Lonestar SC. Both clubs are in a tight race for first place, with the Royals currently holding the spot with 12 points. However, Lonestar SC has gathered nine points and a victory on Saturday could ensure a fighting spot for first place. For Lonestar SC, this is the second of four-straight road matches.
 
Hot Streak - Madison Haley (FC Dallas Women)

FC Dallas is currently sitting pretty in the first place slot in the Southwest Conference. In the club’s 5-1 victory over the Texas Titans on Wednesday, Madison Haley, a sophomore at Stanford University, smashed four goals into the back of the Titans’ net. Haley, who has also featured for the U.S. Women’s U-18 National Team, made her first appearance for FC Dallas and Head Coach Tyler Powell on Wednesday.