PDL Preview
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Great Lakes Division was the home to the PDL’s regular-season champion, the Michigan Bucks, and the PDL Champion, FC London, in 2012, with the standard of competition among the highest in the league. Just 10 points separated the second-placed team and bottom team in the division, with tightly-fought games a calling card that is likely to continue on into the new season.
Chicago Fire – Drawing strongly from the club’s academy system, the Fire finished out of the playoff berths for just the second time since 2006. The club’s new direction, however, could pay dividends soon as players returning this summer will likely take a step forward and keep the Fire in playoff contention. Among those to keep an eye on are Tyler Engel, who led SMU last season with eight goals and seven assists, while Chris Prince and other members of the club’s Super-20 team that won a championship last summer could also step into a bigger role.
Chicago Inferno – The Inferno have a new coach for their second season, with Tony Kees bringing with him experience from top youth academies at the Chicago Magic and Chicago Fire. Among the new faces set to play for the side are Jeff Gal, a former U.S. U18 international who will play for the University of Virginia this fall, and former Chicago Fire player Pari Pantazopoulos, who should bring quality to the club’s midfield.
FC London – The PDL champions after their remarkable run through the playoffs have a number of players back to defend their crown. Championship Game MVP Jordan Ayris will be back to lead the attack after scoring nine goals and adding five assists last summer, while goalkeeper Reece Richardson is also back after making 14 regular-season appearances. Other key players returning include Tyler Hemming, Martin Lange and Josh Hughes.
K-W United – No longer the Hamilton FC Rage, K-W United has a new look, and some new players for Coach Brett Mosen to work with. Among them are 6-foot-3 goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod, who joins United ahead of his freshman season at Drake this fall, and Irish midfielder Liam Collins, who arrives after playing the past two seasons with Memphis University. Among the expected returnees to the squad are William Grocott, who had three goals and five assists last summer, and defender Adam Camillo, who made 15 appearances last season.
Michigan Bucks – The Bucks fell to division rival London in the Central Conference Final last season, ending a remarkable run that not only saw the club claim the regular-season title with a record of 13-1-2, but also advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, defeating the Chicago Fire in the third round. There are some familiar names back with the side, including 2012 Goalkeeper of the Year Adam Grinwis, Thomas Catalano, who had 12 assists a year ago, and Defender of the Year Kevin Cope. Also expected back is Anthony Grant, who led the side with seven goals last summer.
River City Rovers – The club’s best-known player, defender Andrew Farrell, is now starring for the New England Revolution in MLS, but the Rovers will hope to emulate their strong performance of a season ago that saw them earn a berth in the U.S. Open Cup this spring. Among those back with the side are defender Peter May, who had a goal and assist in 15 appearances a year ago, and Lwandiso Gonya, who had three goals in 10 appearances from midfield.
Toronto Lynx – Toronto ended the 2012 season on a five-game undefeated streak, winning its last four matches. While it came too late to earn the side a place in the playoffs, the run did provide a positive experience for some of the club’s players, including those who return to try and push the Lynx on this season. Forward James Galvani, who had eight goals last year, returns to the side, and he is joined by Leigh Viedman, who had four goals, and Aaron McKenna, who appeared in every contest, leading the team in minutes.