PDL Southeast Division Preview
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Southeast Division was for the most-part a two-horse race in 2011, but the addition of three new clubs, and the additions made by IMG Bradenton and the FC Jax Destroyers to their programs, should give defending division champions the Mississippi Brilla and newly renamed Orlando City U23 a run for their money in the pursuit of the playoffs.
FC JAX DESTROYERS – The Destroyers have a new coach in Aidan Davison, who brings extensive experience from England, and have brought Rilwan Salawu, formerly of the Brooklyn Knights, whom Davison coached at the USL PRO Combine in January. Midfielder Dominic Cutrofello from the University of Tampa is a solid midfielder, giving the Destroyers a chance to build on their inaugural season.
FORT LAUDERDALE SCHULZ ACADEMY – Schulz struggled a season ago, but returns some useful pieces from that squad including leading scorer William Suedois, who had five goals in 2011. Jose Abrams and Alec Lowell also return for a second season as the side looks to make its way out of the division cellar.
IMG BRADENTON ACADEMICS – The Academics picked up a number of players following the 2012 USL PRO Combine held at their home facility, with Edward Estrada, Lance Nelson and Michael Watkins all potentially making a big impact this season. Also added to the Academics squad is University of Louisville standout Andrew Farrell, who was the Super-20 League Championships Most Valuable Player a year ago for the Columbus Crew Jrs.
MISSISSIPPI BRILLA – The Brilla will try to return to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season as Coach Dave Dixon continues to build with a group of players that have local ties. VCU’s Garrett Harvey, who started 19 games for the Rams this past fall, will likely be a key in defense, while University of Kentucky standout Jonathan Brown, a native of Clinton, Miss., brings U.S. U17 international experience.
OCALA STAMPEDE – One of the division’s three new teams, the Stampede appear to be building a solid squad for their inaugural season. Matt Weston and Anderson DaSilva will lead the team from the sidelines, with Weston using his knowledge of the Northeast to bring Syracuse’s Anthony Asante and Hofstra’s Andrea Roberto Pellegrini on board.
ORLANDO CITY U23 – Formerly the Central Florida Kraze, much has stayed the same with the transition into the USL PRO champions’ development structure. Coach Joe Avallone returns, as does goalkeeper Keneil Baker and All-League selection Jonathan Mendoza, who had 14 points in 14 games a season ago. New faces include former Mississippi midfielder Moses Aduny, and former University of Tampa standout Ryan Griffin.
PANAMA CITY BEACH PIRATES – The Pirates return with new ownership and respected local coach Greg DiVito, who bring coaching experience from the college and Olympic Development Program youth ranks. The club is hoping to build around local talent, and if it can find players similar to the ones its predecessors did, such as current Philadelphia Union rookie Chandler Hoffman, it will be well on the way to success.
VSI TAMPA FLAMES – The third of the new additions to the division, the Flames have high-profile backing from former EPL standouts Ian Wright and Mark Hughes, and some high-profile college talent as well. South Florida midfielder Kyle Nichols and defender Ashani Fairclough are strong additions, as are Creighton duo Alex Bolowich and Christian Blandon. The Flames also have experienced Jamaican striker Dwight Barnett, who had 24 goals in 34 games for the Cape Cod Crusaders previously in the PDL.