PDL Feature
Thursday, July 26, 2012
In last season’s PDL playoffs, things just didn’t seem to want to go the Carolina Dynamo’s way. After falling behind early to the Jersey Express, Marc Nichols’ side appeared to have turned things in its favor through Chris Tweed-Kent’s goal, but soon after came an 86-minute lightning delay, which killed the side’s momentum, and a rain-soaked pitch that reduced their chances of getting back on level terms.
This season, however, things appear to have swung in the Dynamo’s favor. Having claimed their place in the PDL National Semifinals this weekend after earning an 8-7 victory in a penalty shootout against Reading United and a 1-0 win against the Ottawa Fury, Nichols is hoping the Dynamo can continue their run of good form, and good fortune as Orlando City U23 arrives at Macpherson Stadium for Saturday night’s game.
Of course, while good fortune can sometimes play a role, the Dynamo have been very good in Nichols’ second year at the helm. Continuing to build with many of the squad that competed for the side last season, a large squad has been able to find its chemistry, and enters the semifinals on a 16-game undefeated streak. Hakan Ilhan has led the way in attack, with eight goals and six assists this summer, providing a focal point for a Dynamo side that has grown up together.
“When we selected our team last year we did it with the purpose of having players that would be with us for at least two years, and that’s certainly paid dividends with key players,” Nichols said. “Obviously, Hakan has been terrific for two seasons, been very consistent, [he has a] terrific goal-scoring record and [is] a wonderful player for us to have.”
Last season, Ilhan had 10 goals and two assists, matching his 22-point season. In turn, that has made Macpherson Stadium one of the tougher places to play in the PDL, with the Dynamo going 14-2-3 at home in the past two seasons. With that home record, and strong support behind the side, Nichols is certainly pleased his side got to remain at home.
“We’re delighted to make the semifinals, of course, and we’re especially looking forward to hosting,” Nichols said. “It’s a wonderful site, it’s a lovely stand, it’s an intimate setting and we have appeared to do quite well there in the last couple of years. The fans have generated a good atmosphere, and the home comforts have definitely been beneficial.”
The core of the Dynamo’s success, however, is its defense. Led by U.S. U23 international and Duke standout Sebastien Ibeagha, the Dynamo only conceded 10 goals in the regular season. Gearing up for his senior season with the Blue Devils, Ibeagha is likely to be one of the top prospects in next year’s MLS SuperDraft.
“He’s been a mainstay this year, he’s the captain of the team, he’s progressed I think tremendously, matured, and he’s still a young player with enormous upside and phenomenal potential,” Nichols said. “I think he’s a much better player in possession. His use of the ball has been noticeably better this summer, and to be honest as a center back who’s probably going to peak from 28 to 30, he’s just a year further down the line.
“He’s reading the game, and he’s such a physical specimen, quick and strong and good in the air, he’s managed to use those attributes a lot better. A lot of that has stemmed from that game understanding, that experience, and obviously playing for the Under-23s, playing against top players, he’s had to grow up fast and I’d like to think we’ve helped him.”
Ibeagha is one of a number of players with the Dynamo who also play their college soccer within the state. Having a number of top schools, and players, to help build his roster is one of the things that has allowed the Dynamo to remain at or near the top of the South Atlantic Division in recent years.
“Obviously, we’re very fortunate with our location and the relationships we’ve built with such prestigious college programs,” Nichols said. “We feel we’re in a partnership with the colleges, we do our best to keep our players fresh, keep them at their peak, so when they go into college, they’re ready to play. Last year Andrew Wenger played with us and had a terrific season, and many of our players go back to their colleges and really excel, and we’d like to think that we’re forging those relationships in the interests of the players and the colleges.”
And with his side one game away from the PDL Championship Game, Nichols views Saturday’s game as a big opportunity for his players to continue to grow in their experience, and learn valuable lessons as they pursue the professional ranks.
“Our priority is still very much the development of these kids,” Nichols said. “The winning is a by-product, and long may it continue, and of course we want to do everything we can to make the final, but for us we look at it like winning is another chance to play in front of a big crowd, to play at a high level.”