The NPSL National Championship Game will be taking place this Saturday, August 6. This game will be an exciting matchup between two experienced teams -- AFC Cleveland and Sonoma County Sol. AFC Cleveland is celebrating their fifth anniversary with the NPSL, while Sonoma County Sol is looking for a second national title. Powered by Mitre, the Championship Game will be held at Independence High School Stadium in Independence, Ohio, at 7:00pm.

The 2016 NPSL National Championship Game is the culmination of a long and successful season, one that started with 85 teams across the United States. This season produced large crowds, impressive growth and expansion, and most recently, a wildly exciting post-season.

It's down to the final two teams. Come watch AFC Cleveland and Sonoma County Sol as they battle it out for the Championship Title! To watch a live stream of the game, please go to www.youtube.com/afcclevelandfc. More information about the NPSL Championship Game can also be found on our website at www.npsl.com.

Sacramento Gold FC forward Jose "Cuco" Martinez has been selected as the first Mitre National Player of the Week for the 2016 NPSL season.

The 28-year-old scored two goals and assisted on another in the Gold's 5-3 win over CD Aguiluchos USA on April 2nd. Those were his first points of the season.

"Cuco has established himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players we've developed over the years," Gold head coach Ruben Mora, Jr. commented. "He's a threat any time he receives the ball in the offensive third because of his positioning and his ability to take players on. He's a true team leader, and we're lucky to have him."

After two seasons in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the Carolina RailHawks announced the re-branding of their RailHawks U-23 team to Carolina RailHawks NPSL. With this new name, the RailHawks development team will now also open its doors to players over the age of 23.

"We are very focused on identifying, developing, and signing players with local ties," said RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson. "This change in our NPSL program will enhance our ability to successfully compete in the NPSL and to evaluate a broader pool of players for our senior team. I can't wait to see our RailHawks NPSL in action this May."

The RailHawks NPSL will continue to be led by head coach Dewan Bader. Bader, also serves as Assistant Coach for the Carolina RailHawks NASL professional team. Bader guided the RailHawks U-23's to three consecutive Region III titles (2011-2013) and two National Championships (2011, 2013) while competing in the USASA U-23 Men's Cup. Joining him will be longtime RailHawks U-23 coaches Luis Satora and Rick King, as well as former RailHawks fan favorite Zach Schilawski.

The New Orleans Jesters are proud to welcome Shreveport Rafters FC to the NPSL for the 2016 season. The arrival of Shreveport Rafters FC, not to mention other new teams like the Birmingham Hammers and Memphis City FC, continues the expansion of soccer's burgeoning presence in the Gulf region. To celebrate soccer in the Pelican State, the Jesters and Rafters FC are pleased to announce the formation of the Louisiana Cup, the annual competition between the two teams.

"It's great there is another Louisiana team that will provide a high level of development for players and also family entertainment," says Jesters Head Coach and Academy Director Kenny Farrell. "There are several amateur teams in Louisiana, but having another professional minor league organization opens up new opportunities to young Louisiana players."