With a semi-final in Ann Arbor against Minneapolis on the line, Grand Rapids traveled to Duluth to face the BlueGreens for the first meeting of the two in NPSL history. Duluth faced Grand Rapids with the memories of their last playoff game against a Michigan side being their 5-2 loss to Detroit City FC in 2017. The two sides sported similar records, similar goal difference, and similar rollercoaster seasons as they marched out to meet each other at Duluth’s Public School Stadium.
The first half featured quality football from both sides, with periods of possession for each and key saves by the keepers (Jan Hoffelner and Noah Fazekas) keeping it all 0-0 at the halftime whistle.