PDL South Atlantic Division Preview
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Carolina Dynamo and Northern Virginia Majestic pulled away from the competition last season, with the Dynamo taking the division title, but Real Maryland and the West Virginia Chaos should have the opportunity to make a run at the playoffs, as could second-year team the Fredericksburg Hotspur, who have made some interesting additions to their squad for the new season.
CAROLINA DYNAMO – The defending division champions are primed for another strong season, with North Carolina standout Robbie Lovejoy returning after having four goals and three assists a year ago. Also returning is 2011 All-Eastern Conference selection Hakan Ilhan of UNC-Greensboro, who had 10 goals a season ago, while Lovejoy is joined by UNC goalkeeper Scott Goodwin and teammates Jonathan Campbell, Jordan Gafa and Boyd Okwuono.
FREDERICKSBURG HOTSPUR – After a learning experience in their debut season, Fredericksburg has added some good experience to its roster in Grover Gibson and Evans Wise. The side has also added some good local talent, with James Madison’s Colin Newcity, Karel Manrau and Dale Robins-Bailey all on board along with American University’s leading scorer this past fall, Alassane Kane.
NASHVILLE METROS – The Metros return to the South Atlantic Division for the new season, after spending the past five seasons in the Southeast Division. Brent Goulet, whose playing career took him to England and Germany while also making eight appearances for the U.S. Men’s National team, has joined the club as its new head coach, and will be hoping to turn the team’s fortunes around.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA ROYALS – After a runner-up finish in the division, and the club’s first playoff appearance since joining the PDL in 2006, the Royals are aiming to maintain their momentum from last season. They return a number of players in the pursuit of a return to the playoffs, with AJ Sheta back after a 15-point season a year ago. Also returning are both of the club’s principal goalkeepers, Alejandro Almodovar and Calle Brown.
PALMETTO FC BANTAMS – Entering their inaugural season, the Bantams have been able to keep a lot of local college talent in the area, with South Carolina’s Robert Beebe, Ryan Freiburger, Mike Mangotic and Eric Martinez all signed, and Clemson’s Josh Doran and Austin Savage joining them. With experienced Lander University coach Van Taylor leading the side, the Bantams could make an impact in their first season.
REAL MARYLAND FC – The Monarchs have a good mix of experience returning to their roster, with Val Teixeira and Aboucarim Ndaw both returning to the side to lead the attack. Ndaw had three goals and added two assists a season ago, while Teixeira brings professional experience to the Monarchs lineup. The key departure is Ryan Gracia, who is now playing professionally in Finland, and Draymong Washington, but other key players such as goalkeeper Dustin Butcher and defender Josh Danza also return to the side.
SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA KING’S WARRIORS – The King’s Warriors enter their inaugural season with an experienced coaching staff led by Scott Ritnour and some interesting players on their roster. Former Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Academy player Stephen Millage brings PDL experience to the squad, while playmaker Jorge Martinez led Lubbock Christian with eight assists this past fall.
VIRGINIA BEACH PIRANHAS – After a tough season, the Piranhas are optimistic their returning core will help the side make a move up the standings this season. A number of key players return, including defender Robert Acosta, while the side has added Tennant McVea from the MISL’s Norfolk SharX to help bolster the midfield. The Piranhas will also hope for more from former VMI standout Charles Nweke, who had two goals last season.
WEST VIRGINIA CHAOS – After improving its points total each of the past four seasons, the Chaos are hoping to contend for a berth in the playoffs for the first time this season after their fourth-place finish in the division last season. Expected to return to bolster this effort is goalkeeper Billy Hale, who had a pair of shutouts in seven appearances last season, as Coach Chris Grassie tries to maintain the club’s positive trend.