PDL Preview
Friday, May 3, 2013
The PDL’s Heartland Division has been the realm of the Thunder Bay Chill in recent years, but last season saw the re-emergence of both the Kansas City Brass and Springfield Demize to challenge the Real Colorado Foxes and Des Moines Menace in the pecking order. With the St. Louis Lions and an up-and-coming WSA Winnipeg also in the mix, this season could be one of the most competitive in the division in recent years.
Des Moines Menace – The Menace missed out on the playoffs by a point a season ago, but will make a return to the U.S. Open Cup this season under new coach Mike Jeffries. The veteran coach, who played for the U.S. Men’s National Team and coached FC Dallas in MLS, will have a number of returning players to work with, including Husref Jupic, who scored three goals in five games before injury shortened his season. Charlie Bales, who had two goals and three assists in seven games, also returns to the side.
Kansas City Brass – After a disappointing 2011 season, the Brass got back on track with a talented squad last summer that saw Jordan Green earn a Rookie of the Year nomination after scoring seven goals and finishing tied for the league lead with 12 assists. Forward Kyle Greig is now with the Wilmington Hammerheads in USL PRO, but Coach Lincoln Roblee will likely have able replacements to fill the gaps as his side looks to continue its progression.
Real Colorado Foxes – The Foxes make a return trip to the U.S. Open Cup after finishing as runner-up to the Chill last season, and will hope to close the gap at the top of the standings as they look for a second consecutive playoff berth. Lorne Donaldson returns to lead the charge, with the experienced veteran being joined by midfielders Alex Tarnoczi and Michael Lind, each of whom had two goals a season ago. Goalkeeper Miguel Rosales, who recorded a 1.119 goals-against average in 13 games last summer, also returns to the side.
Springfield Demize – The Demize made a major step forward in 2012, and to try and help them push toward playoff contention the club named Sean Fraser as its new coach earlier this year. Midfielder Matthew Walton, who appeared in all 16 games a year ago, returns to the side, as does Craig Rogers, who led the team in minutes while scoring a pair of goals. Kenyan defender Kimathi Kaumbutho also joins the squad from Oral Roberts University.
St. Louis Lions – Tony Glavin’s side will try to bounce back from a last-place finish in 2012, and the veteran coach has added some good young players to try and accomplish that. Among those set to play for the Lions this summer are young Michigan State defender Zach Hollstrom, a top-100 prospect before he red-shirted in his freshman season with the Spartans last fall. Jonathan Brown, who played every minute of the 2012 season, returns to the side, while youngster Grant Owens could be a player to watch.
Thunder Bay Chill – Returning to defend their division title with 2012 PDL Most Valuable Player Sullivan Silva leading the way, the Chill will be a difficult side to knock from top spot in the division. Silva had 13 goals and six assists a season ago, and will be joined by fellow returnees Jose Altamirano, a former U.S. U20 National Team player. The Chill will also have 6-foot-6 Marquette defender Axel Sjoberg back for another season.
WSA Winnipeg – Led by Coach Eduardo Badescu, Winnipeg has seen a number of bright young performers come through its system in the past two seasons. Among those is Ali Musse, who last year was called into the Canadian U18 team. Musse, who had two goals and an assist a season ago, could be joined by former U17 international Moses Danto, who led the team with eight goals a season ago.