PDL Southwest Division Preview
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Southwest Division saw a pair of undefeated regular seasons in 2011, with the Fresno Fuego and Ventura County Fusion finishing 13-0-3 and 10-0-6 respectively to advance to the playoffs, the Fuego winning the PDL Regular Season title. The division is consistently a competitive one, though, with the Orange County Blue Star and Southern California Seahorses offering strong competition and the Pali Blues expected to show strong improvement after their inaugural season.
BYU COUGARS – As always, the BYU roster remains made up of students from within the college, and with the graduation of leading scorer Brandon Pugmire the Cougars will need to find some additional attacking punch this season. David Gates returns after recording five points a season ago, while Garrett Losee gained a lot of experience in 2011, playing in all 16 games and recording more than 1,100 minutes of action.
FC TUCSON – The new boys in the division, FC Tucson has already shown its off-field abilities with the hosting of the Desert Diamond Cup in the MLS Preseason and was boosted by a recent decision that will allow the development of local soccer fields to replace baseball diamonds. On the field the club looks well organized too, with former RSL Homegrown signing Donny Toia joining the club and Kevin King bringing experience in attack.
FRESNO FUEGO – The Fuego already got their division title defense off to a great start with a pair of wins against the LA Misioneros, but they are without some of their key players from a season ago, now in the pros. Returning, however, is solid defender Araia Berhane and goalkeeper Gilbert Vega, while Alex Caceres and Paul Islas appear set to take over where 2011 MVP Milton Blanco, now with USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles, left off.
LA MISIONEROS – The Fuego’s two victories came at the hands of the Misioneros, but there is reason for optimism as the club enters a new era after previously being known as the LA Legends. Among the squad are former Los Angeles Blues striker Cesar Rivera, as are former professionals Gerson Mayen and Edwin Miranda, which gives the side good experience as it aims to move off the bottom of the division.
OGDEN OUTLAWS – Ogden struggled a season ago, and saw leading scorer join division rival FC Tucson, but the club has tried to bring in some quality replacements for the new season. Denver University’s Kyle Christensen had 17 points in 16 games for the Real Colorado Foxes a season ago and should lead the attack, while Nick Thiros is a young talent who will be headed to the University of New Mexico in the near future.
ORANGE COUNTY BLUE STAR – After just missing out on a playoff berth in 2011, and with three of its key players having moved on, the Blue Star have reloaded with local college talent for the new season. Patrick Matchett had seven assists for UCLA this past fall, and he is joined by fellow Bruin and former ESPN All-American Reed McKenna. Returning to the side is defender Joe Sofia, as is Loyola Marymount’s David Ponce, who had 18 points in 14 games a season ago.
PALI BLUES – The Blues should take a big step forward this season after an inaugural season that showed promise but fell short on results. Princeton standout Matt Sanner was an All-Ivy League First Team selection after representing Reading United last summer, while defender Fernando De Alba returns after playing in all 16 games for the side last season.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SEAHORSES – The Seahorses gave opponents problems again last season, but a lack of consistency left them fourth in the standouts. Ryan Shaw returns to the side after scoring 19 points a season ago, and he is joined by starting goalkeeper Codt Suppe, who finished the season with a 1.45 goals-against average.
VENTURA COUNTY FUSION – After finishing undefeated a season ago, the Fusion will be aiming to reclaim the division crown and make a run in the playoffs again this season. Daniel Barrera returns to the side after recording 23 points in 13 games a season ago, as does Sam Hayden who should step into a more consistent starting role with Bryan Rowe moved into the professional ranks. Former Los Angeles Galaxy player Mike Randolph’s presence will also add experience for the younger players around him.