USL PRO Season Preview
Monday, March 18, 2013
The USL PRO season begins this weekend, with new franchise Phoenix FC and the LA Blues set to start the season on Saturday night. To begin our countdown to kickoff, we take a look at the players who will play a key role for their clubs this season.
Antigua Barracuda FC – Molvin James, Goalkeeper: The young goalkeeper, who turns 24 in May, will be vital as the Barracudas aim to reach the playoffs for the first time. James had moments during Antigua & Barbuda’s World Cup Qualifying campaign last year that showed how good he can be when on his game, now achieving those levels of performance on a more consistent basis will be his aim.
Charleston Battery – Jose Cuevas, Midfielder: The 2012 USL PRO Rookie of the Year has already shown sharpness in the Battery’s preseason, scoring five goals in seven games so far. After scoring seven goals and adding four assists last summer, Cuevas spent some time with the Seattle Sounders this preseason before returning to Charleston. Another big season for the Battery would boost the club’s championship defense, and put him firmly on the radar of other MLS teams.
Charlotte Eagles – Drew Yates, Midfielder: After arriving from the Harrisburg City Islanders this offseason, the former Maryland standout will be expected to play a leadership role as the Eagles try to avoid the slow starts that have plagued them for the past two seasons. Yates made 21 appearances for the City Islanders a year ago, principally off the bench, and will want to make the most of his new surroundings.
Dayton Dutch Lions – Eli Garner, Forward: After starring at the USL PRO Combine in 2012, Garner had a solid rookie season in Dayton as he scored four goals and added three assists in league play. With the Dutch Lions showing progression as the season went on last year, Garner’s ability to increase his productivity in front of goal will be key as his side aims for a first playoff appearance.
Harrisburg City Islanders – Morgan Langley, Midfielder: The 23-year-old had a solid 2012 season, recording three goals and adding two assists, and will be expected to increase those totals this season. The City Islanders appear primed to have a potent attack again this season, and with the departure of Brian Ombiji, Langley could be pivotal in creating chances for the club’s front-runners.
LA Blues – George Davis IV, Forward: Davis had a standout rookie season with Dayton, scoring seven goals, but saw his production drop off as he split time between the Blues and Orlando City last season, recording just two assists in 19 games. The Blues struggled in front of goal a season ago, finding the back of the net just 26 times in 24 games, and will need a return of form from Davis if they are to get back into the playoffs.
Orlando City – Kevin Molino, Midfielder: The returning USL PRO Most Valuable Player didn’t put up big numbers for the Lions, recording seven assists and three goals, but the danger he provided down the flanks, and space that created elsewhere, helped Orlando average more than two goals per game in 2012. If Molino can improve his scoring touch, the Lions will be even more dangerous in front of goal than a season ago.
Phoenix FC Wolves – Darren Mackie, Forward: The former Aberdeen striker is expected to be the centerpiece of the Wolves’ attack in their inaugural season in USL PRO, bringing the experience of more than 300 games in the Scottish Premier League to the desert. How quickly Mackie and his teammates come together will determine whether they will be a playoff contender in their opening season.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Andrew Marshall, Defender: The veteran arrives in Pittsburgh with the aim of bolstering a defense that conceded 39 goals in 24 games a season ago. Marshall played 21 games a season ago for the City Islanders, recording the third-most minutes on the team, and his presence should help lighten goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap’s workload this summer.
Richmond Kickers – Henry Kalungi, Defender: Kalungi had a good offseason, getting the opportunity to train with the Kickers’ new MLS affiliate D.C. United in February, and his performance will be crucial with the retirement of goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Richmond’s defense conceded only 27 goals in 24 games last summer, and should that form hold another place in the playoffs should follow.
Rochester Rhinos – Matt Luzunaris, Forward: After the Rhinos’ struggles in front of goal a season ago, they picked up one of USL PRO’s top strikers from 2012 in Luzunaris. The former Orlando City standout had nine goals and two assists in the regular season last summer, and certainly could achieve the same with the consistent service of 2012 assist champion J.C. Banks at his disposal.
VSI Tampa Bay FC – Tony Donatelli, Midfielder: After winning two championships in the past year, USL PRO with Charleston and the MISL with Baltimore, Donatelli is part of an experienced group that will lead VSI in its inaugural season. The 28-year-old veteran had three goals and four assists for the Battery last summer, and will aim to increase both of those totals this summer.
Wilmington Hammerheads – Cody Arnoux, Forward: After returning to Wilmington, where he starred in high school before attending Wake Forest, Arnoux scored one of the most spectacular goals of the USL PRO season last summer. That was, however, the only goal Arnoux tallied in his six appearances in 2012, and Wilmington will need greater productivity if it is to remain a playoff contender.