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March 27, 2014 |
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Aaron Nielsen
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Even though there is an improved relationship with MLS this season, including 11 USL Pro clubs now associated with an MLS club, and LA Galaxy II being the first official minor/reserve team in the league, the USL still has amateur tendencies. Most glaringly this includes a schedule which saw clubs such as Orlando, Charleston, OC Blues and LA Galaxy II play this past weekend, while clubs such as Rochester and Wilmington don’t play their season opener until April 5th.
This also means at the start of the season, most rosters in the league are not settled. However, I have monitored all the off-season moves and have a familiarity with many players who are scheduled to play this season in the USL Pro and will try to give a proper preview to the season.
Last season at this time I predicted Orlando to win the league, which they did. I also had Richmond, Charleston and Harrisburg in the top 5, although I was wrong about Rochester. Despite having solid ownership, one of the highest attendances, and a relationship with the New England Revolution, the Rhinos finished 11th.
This season will be tricky again, especially since two of the weaker teams folded: VSI Tampa Bay and the Antigua Barracudas. LA Galaxy II are joined by two new expansion teams, but with familiar coaching names such as Jimmy Nielsen leading the Oklahoma Energy and former Toronto FC coach Preki leads the Sacramento Republic, while two clubs changed their names but remain in the same area.
Orlando and Charleston are two of the top favorites this year and tied 1-1 to start the season on Saturday with Charleston’s Vancouver Whitecaps loanee, and 2014 Draft Pick, Mamadou Diouf scoring the first goal of the season. Meanwhile Galaxy II won 3-1 against their local rivals from Orange County.
Overall, it should be an exciting season with the added advantage that the league will be broadcasting most games free of charge over Youtube. For those people looking for an additional soccer fix, or trying to grasp the quality of soccer in North America, I give you my 2014 USL Pro preview.
ARIZONA UNITED FC
2013: 5-7-14 (12th Regular Season)
Head Coach: David Robertson
MLS Affiliation: None
Key Returners: Scott Morrison D (25gp 3gl 2as), Devon Grousis D (21gp), Netinho (24gp 2g)
Key Newcomers: Will Bates F, Laryea Kingston
Analysis: Known as Phoenix FC last year, the club struggled in their first season only finishing ahead of the winless Antigua. Much more was expected from them, but a failure to score goals saw fans lose faith and after a season opener sellout, the team ended up with just an average attendance of 1,500 fans a game. On top of this, they probably lost their two best players to MLS clubs this offseason in attacking midfielder Donny Toia and keeper Andew Webber. Former SPL player David Robertson returns as coach along with fellow Scotsman Scott Morrison and he is joined by veteran Devon Grousis in defence. If the team is going to improve they need newcomers Laryea Kingston and former MLS draft prospect Will Bates to make an impact.
2014 Prediction: 13th Place
CHARLESTON BATTERY
2013: 13-6-7 (3rd in regular season – Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Michael Anheuser
MLS Affiliation: Vancouver Whitecaps
Key Returners: Dane Kelly F (23gp 11g 2a), Colin Falvey D (26gp 2gl), Odisnel Cooper G (22gp)
Key Newcomers: Andrew Lewis M, Mamadou Diouf F, Omar Salgado F, Adam Mena F, Jackson Farmer D, Marlon Ramirez M, Aminu Abdallah M (all on loan from Vancouver)
Analysis: Outside of LA Galaxy II, the Charleston Battery have taken the greatest advantage of their MLS affiliation, bringing in seven players on loan from their feeder club Vancouver. The Whitecaps players will have to fill the roles of a couple of key loses including Nicki Paterson who joined the Ottawa Fury and Jose Cuevas, who doesn’t look like he’s returning. The Battery should still be a strong team, especially if Lewis, Diouf and Salgado remain healthy and stay with the club for most of the season. Talent-wise the Battery should be one of the top teams in the league, but it is how this talent gels that will dictate how they finish.
2014 Prediction: 2nd Place
CHARLOTTE EAGLES
2013: 10-11-5 (5th in regular season - Finalists)
Head Coach: Mark Steffans
MLS Affiliation: None
Key Returners: Jorge Herrea M (22gp 10gl 4a), Ben Newnam D (26gp 1g 1a), Matt Gold D (26gp)
Key Newcomers: Bilal Duckett D (20gp 1gl – Rochester), Wells Thompson M (Chicago MLS), Zak Boggs F (New England MLS)
Analysis: The Charlotte Eagles were competitive in most games last season and got by favoured Harrisburg and Richmond in the playoffs before losing 7-4 in the finals against Orlando. They look strong this year after being active this off-season, bringing in four MLS experienced players in former Whitecaps player Jonathan Leathers as well as Duckett, Thompson and Boggs. The Eagles should have one of the strongest defence corps in the league, which includes Ben Newman who was in my list of overlooked players, while the offense will rely on Boggs and Colombian Jorge Herrea who scored 10 goals in 2013. Overall, the Eagles success will rely on the commitment of their ex-top division players, especially as there will be opportunities with MLS expansion teams in the future.
2014 Prediction: 5th Place
DAYTON DUTCH LIONS
2013: 10-7-9 (8th in regular season – Quarter-Finals)
Head Coach: Sid van Druenen
MLS Affiliation: Columbus Crew
Key Returners: Tjeerd Westdijk F (19gp 6g 2a), Joel DeLass M (26gp 6g 1a), Brock Granger D (26g)
Key Newcomers: Brad Stuver G, Ross Friedman D, Kevan George M, Matt Walker M, Ryan Finley F (all on loan from Columbus)
Analysis: The Lions continued to surprise in 2013 winning 10 games and making the playoffs after being one of the weakest teams in the league a few seasons ago. Although this season might be a mixed bag as they lost, who I feel, was their best player Gibson Bardsley to OC Blues. However, they created an affiliation with the Columbus Crew that brings in five players at the start of the season, the highlights being Kevan George and Matt Walker in the midfield and Ryan Finlay upfront who will joined by overlooked MLS defender Brock Granger as well as Dutch forward Westdijk who should keep Dayton competitive throughout the season.
2014 Prediction: 6th Place
HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS
2013: 14-2-10 (4th in regular season – Quarter-Finals)
Head Coach: Bill Becher
MLS Affiliation: Philadelphia Union
Key Returners: Nick Noble G (26gp), Yann Ekra F (24gp 4g 3a), Jason Pelletier M (22gp 2a), Cristian Hernandez F, Jimmy McLaughlin M (both on loan from Philadelphia)
Key Newcomers: Clesio F (Benfica), Edinho Junior M (Blackburn Rovers)
Analysis: Many of Harrisburg’s key players from last season returned for 2014, including Cristian Hernandez who scored 4 goals with 4 assists, and Jimmy McLaughlin’s 5 goals who was with the Islanders on loan from their affiliate the Philadelphia Union. Although they did lose their forward partnership of Lucky Mkosana and Sainey Touray, who combined for 24 goals with both players joining NASL clubs, as well as defender Andrew Ribeiro who joined Chivas USA. To replace the missing offense the Islanders have brought in two Portuguese players: Clesio and Edinho Junior from European youth systems, although traditionally these types of moves haven’t been successful in the past.
2014 Prediction: 10th Place
LA GALAXY II
2013: N/A
Head Coach: Curt Onalfo
MLS Affiliation: Los Angeles Galaxy Reserve Club
Key Newcomers: Daniel Steres D (25gp 7g 3a with Wilmington), Logan Emory D (Toronto MLS), Travis Bowen M (15gp 1g with Phoenix), Jack McBean F, Kyle Venter D, Kofi Opare D (LA Galaxy)
Analysis: With the New York Red Bulls reserves joining the league next season it seems the reserve option might be the future for the bigger MLS clubs. In Europe there are leagues that have reserve teams playing with independent clubs and traditionally they struggle as the team is younger, used for development, as well the best players are called in by the senior teams throughout the season. It’s difficult to predict how LAG II will do, although on a positive note the Galaxy probably have the best core of young players of any team in the MLS and have also brought in good USL Pro/fringe MLS players to bolster the club and try to make them more competitive.
2014 Prediction: 9th Place
ORANGE COUNTY BLUES
2013: 11-7-8 (6th in regular season – Quarter-Finals)
Head Coach: Dariush Yazdani
MLS Affiliation: None
Key Returners: Chris Cortez F (23gp 10g 3a), Allan Russell M (25gp 2g 4a), Cory Miller D (23gp 1g)
Key Newcomers: Gibson Bardsley F (22g 9g 6a with Dayton), Patrick McLain G (Chivas USA), Enrique Cardenas F (NCAA)
Analysis: Now the Orange County Blues, last season as Los Angeles, the Blues surprised a few more of the established teams in the league mostly through the combination play that lead to goals from Chris Cortez, George Davis, Rodrigo Lopez, Allan Russell and Matthew Fondy who was on loan from Chivas USA. Lopez, Davis and Fondy will not be on the team this season, which will be a loss, but the Blues did bring in Gibson Bardsley and if he can develop a partnership with Cortez the Blues should be competitive. They also are improved in goal with former Chivas USA keeper Patrick McLain joining the club. On the downside, the Blues have a new coach, new surroundings and now LA Galaxy II potentially competing for a similar players and potential audience.
2014 Prediction: 8th Place
OKLAHOMA CITY ENERGY
2013: N/A
Head Coach: Jimmy Nielsen
MLS Affiliation: Sporting Kansas City
Key Players: Cyprian Hedrick D (24gp), Gareth Evans M (23gp 2a), Mark Howard D (AGF) Michael Thomas M (Toronto MLS), Jon Kempin G, Christian Duke D (both on loan from Sporting KC))
Analysis: Former Sporting KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen coaches new expansion team Oklahoma Energy and has brought in former teammates: defender Christian Duke, and one of his understudies in net, Jon Kempin. The club also brought in former MLS player Michael Thomas from Toronto, although prior also played with Sporting KC. Overall the team tried to bring in a combination of experienced players and youngsters with no pro experience, although adding to this is that Nielsen is a rookie coach and I think the club will struggle on the pitch in their inaugural season.
2014 Prediction: 14th Place
ORLANDO CITY
2013: 16-6-4 (2nd in regular season - Winners)
Head Coach: Adrian Heath
MLS Affiliation: A relationship with Sporting KC but primarily independent
Key Returners: Rob Valentino D (24gp 5g), Kevin Molino M (16gp 2g 3a), Luke Boden D (24gp 4a), Dennis Chin F (25gp 5g 3A)
Key Newcomers: Corey Hertzog (Vancouver MLS), Brad Rusin (Vancouver MLS), Micky Lopez (Loan Sporting KC), Darwin Ceren (El Salvador)
Analysis: Orlando’s main task for 2014 will be preparing for the MLS season in 2015 and establishing a competitive roster for next season. They already signed current player Kevin Molino to an MLS contract and brought in former Whitecaps players Hertzog and Rusin, as well as El Salvador captain Ceren, in hopes they will be part of their MLS squad next season. In the past, due to their attention elsewhere, teams have struggled during this transition period with Portland finishing 3rd, Seattle and Vancouver 5th, and Montreal 7th in the season prior to joining MLS. However, based on the support and coach Adrian Heath’s desire to win I expect Orlando to be competitive and are my preseason favorites.
2014 Prediction: Champions
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS
2013: 10-8-8 (7th in regular season – Quarter-Finals)
Head Coach: Justin Evans
MLS Affiliation: Houston Dynamo
Key Returners: Jose Angulo F (24gp 15g 4a), Matthew Dallman M (23gp 2g 12a), Hunter Giltrap G (21gp), Sterling Flunder D (23gp)
Key Newcomers: Collins John (Fulham EPL), Joseph Ngweyna M (20gp 9g 4a with Richmond), Anthony Obodai (24g 1a with Phoenix)
Analysis: The Riverhounds continue to show ambition, with the hope of stadium expansion and potentially an MLS expansion team. The club finished 7th last season but soldout most of their games, even though it was a stadium that only fits 4,000 people and had the league’s leading scorer and prospect Jose Angulo. To partner Angulo this upcoming season, Pittsburgh brought former EPL and MLS player Collins John as well as attacking midfielder Ngweyna who scored 9 goals and 4 assists with Richmond last season. They also have a new relationship with Houston and have a handful of loaned-in players, most notably striker Jason Johnson, midfielder Bryan Salazar and defender Anthony Arena. I expect Pittsburgh to challenge for this league title this season and maybe like Orlando success on the pitch and great crowd support will help to team fulfill its MLS dream.
2014 Prediction: 3rd place
RICHMOND KICKERS
2013: 15-10-1 (1st in regular season – Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Leigh Cowlishaw
MLS Affiliation: DC United
Key Returners: Nate Robinson M (25gp 4g 8a), Sascha Gorres D (21gp 4a), Luke Vercollone M (24gp 5g 1a), William Yomby D (26gp 1g)
Key Newcomers: George Davis M (24gp 8g 4a with LA Blues), Joe Willis G, Collin Martin M, Christiano Francois F (all on loan from DC United)
Analysis: Richmond really took advantage of their relationship with DC United last season with keeper Andrew Dykstra being voted as the top keeper in the league. He’s been replaced by another United loanee Joe Willis who has already played 23 MLS games. The Kickers will also miss other loanees Brian Ownby and Michael Seaton and Ngweyna’s move to Pittsburgh. Richmond still have a number of USL Pro quality players but will need goals from Matthew Delicate and loanee Francois to repeat as regular season champions.
2014 Prediction: 4th place
ROCHESTER RHINOS
2013: 6-10-10 (11th in regular season)
Head Coach: Bob Lilley
MLS Affiliation: New England Revolution farm team. Will play Montreal
Key Returners: Tyler Rosenlund M (25gp 3g 1a), Lance Rozeboom M (24gp 1g), Danny Earls D (24gp 3g 1a), JC Banks M (18gp 1g 2a), Tom McManus F (24gp 7g 2a)
Key Newcomers: Kyle Hoffer G (21g with VSI Tampa Bay), Luis Soffner G, Alec Sundly M (both on loan from New England)
Analysis: Rochester were a disappointment last season via both the key players on their club and the performance of the players they got on loan from New England. After a slow start they fired their manager which hardly ever happens in USL Pro and improved slightly but missed the playoffs. This season they hired Bob Lilley who has coached both the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps while in lower divisions. I expect an improvement this season as I feel the players should rebound from a poor season last year, although the talent so far loaned to the Rhinos by New England has less upside in my view in comparison to the players loaned to them last season.
2014 Prediction: 7th place
SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC
2013: N/A
Head Coach: Preki
MLS Affiliation: Portland Timbers
Key Players: Justin Braun F (Toronto MLS), Gilberto M (Philadelphia MLS), Rodrigo Lopez M (23gp 2g 11a with LA Blues), Jake Gleason G, Bryan Gallego D, Aaron Long M (all on loan from Portland)
Analysis: The Sacramento Republic are the third new club in the league and are coached by Preki. Well known to most Toronto FC and MLS fans, Preki was one of the top players in MLS but his coaching track record hasn't met up with expectations. The club has the least pro experience of all teams in the league but have signed former MLS players Bruan and Gilberto and have created a relationship with the Portland Timbers. This flow of players makes me feel that Sacramento will be more successful than the other new teams in Oklahoma who shares their MLS relationship and Arizona who currently doesn't have one.
2014 Prediction: 12th place
WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS
2013: 11-4-11 (9th in regular season)
Head Coach: David Irving
MLS Affiliation: Toronto FC
Key Returners: Cody Arnoux F (14gp 4g 1a), Bryce Taylor M (22gp 1g 2g), Paul Nicholson M (25gp 5g 1a), Tom Parratt D (19gp 5a)
Key Newcomers: Brian Ackley F (22gp 2g from VSI Tampa Bay), Sunny Jane M (NCAA), Qullian Roberts G, Manual Aparicio, Daniel Lovitz (all on loan from Toronto FC)
Analysis: Traditionally Wilmington is one of the less ambitious teams in the league, especially in terms of splashing out money for players, although they always seem to be competitive partly due to the fact that coach David Irving been in charge of the club for 16 years. This season the Hammerheads have created a relationship with Toronto FC and although Aparicio and college signing Sunny Jane are exciting prospects, the club doesn't match well on paper compared to other teams in the league. Goal scoring is their biggest issue compounded by last season’s top scorer and Centre Back Daniel Steres leaving. Meaning the top returning goal scorer had five goals and even more worrying is the top returning shot taker only had nine on target.
2014 Prediction: 11th place
Aaron Nielsen has worked within the soccer/sports industry for over 15 years. His statistical analysis brings the beautiful game in a whole new light. The detailed player data and prospect lists he produces are used by many scouts, agents, and football insiders around the world.You can find updating stats regularly at ENBSports.
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