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The Canadian Soccer League is nearing its midway point of the season and with just over two months left till the playoffs things are really starting to heat up, here are a few storylines that have developed to this point.
Battle at the Top
In the First Division there is currently a four-way battle for top spot, as SC Toronto, Capital City FC, York Region Shooters and Montreal Impact Academy all seem to be separating themselves from the rest. The Impact looked unbeatable in the early going but injuries and suspensions have seen them on the wrong end of massive defeats, in their last three matches they have lost 4-0, 3-0 and 4-0 to Brampton City United, Serbian White Eagles and SC Toronto respectively. Speaking of SC Toronto, they were also the team responsible for ending Capital City FC 12 game unbeaten streak last week and as a result are currently top of the league on 31 points. The other team that’s in the mix is York Region Shooters, who have quietly kept themselves in the conversation and are coming off a big 4-1 victory over Windsor Stars.
Race for the Golden Boot
The battle for the golden boot has been very interesting to follow as well, for much of the season it has been TFC Academy Forward Stefan Vukovic atop the list seemingly scoring 2-3 goals a match. However closing the gap in recent weeks has been Brampton City United Forward/Midfielder Richard West who with a hat trick last week joins Vukovic with double-digit goals. As it stands Vukovic is on 12 goals with West close behind him on 10 goals, another player to watch is York Region Shooters Kadian Lecky who has tallied 9 goals thus far.
Wild and Wacky Second Division
The Second Division has been by far my favorite aspect of the CSL and has been very enjoyable to watch so far this season, as only 9 points separate both the East and West Divisions Top 5 spots. SC Toronto B leads everyone so far with 23 points and sit atop the East Division, but Brampton City United B have moved ahead of Serbian White Eagles B after defeating them by a 8-1 score line last week.
As for the West Division it has been new boys Niagara United who sit in top spot tied on 19 points with Mississauga Eagles B, the only team without a win this so far is St. Catharines Wolves B who are on 1 point through 9 matches.
What to Expect going forward
Over the course of the next two months I expect Montreal Impact Academy to get healthier, regain top spot and are my pick to ultimately win the title, although they are struggling at the moment this is a well coached team that is fairly deep for a CSL roster. I also think Capital City FC continue their good form in their debut campaign and could be a problem for other clubs when the playoffs roll around. If they make the playoffs I also think the two teams from Peel Region Mississauga Eagles FC and Brampton City United will be a major obstacle for their opponents, as a Brampton City United fan as well as their Head of Media/Brand Development I would love to see the “Peel Derby” take place in the playoffs.
For the Second Division I really think it comes down to SC Toronto B and Brampton City United B, compared to the rest of the league they just seem to be that little bit more dynamic and both play an attractive style. However Niagara United may have something to say about it, they have been impressive at times and could give either team fits especially at home.
Kamal Hylton is Owner/Freelance Soccer Writer at Hylton Sports Media,
he specializes in covering Youth Development in Canada and the
CONCACAF Region as well as European leagues such as Bundesliga, Serie A and UEFA Champions League. Follow him on Twitter to view all his work.
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