SEVILLA FC PUERTO RICO
Coach: Francis Munoz
2010 Season: Semifinals, PRSL SuperCopa DirecTV
The Lowdown – The Puerto Rico Soccer League champions in 2008, and semifinalists each of the past two seasons, have seen some changes this offseason as they prepare to enter USL PRO. While a number of their squad from last season’s SuperCopa DirecTV return, some key figures will need to be replaced for the team to find success this season.
Key Departures – The biggest loss of the offseason was that of Puerto Rican international Chris Megaloudis, who is now with River Plate Puerto Rico. Finding someone to replace his goal-scoring ability will be at the top of the club’s priority list entering the new season.
Key Returnees – Midfielder Erik Hort and both Elliot and Juan Velez were mainstays on the 2010 team that was narrowly edged out by River Plate Puerto Rico in the SuperCopa semifinals. All three will need to elevate their games, as will experienced Puerto Rican international midfielder Isaac Nieves.
Key Additions – The addition of Haitian midfielder Stanley Guirand could be a useful one. Guirand helped Bayamon FC win the 2009 PRSL Playoffs and with it earned a spot in the CFU Club Championships last year. His experience will be essential for Sevilla.
If it all goes to plan – With only two playoff berths available, and both River Plate and Los Angeles looking stronger on paper, it might be a season of consolidation for Sevilla as they build a new squad under their new manager Francis Munoz. If last season’s games in the SuperCopa are any indication, though, opponents may have a tougher time than they might expect when they meet Sevilla.