PDL Preview
Monday, May 6, 2013
The Northeast Division saw the Ottawa Fury return to the top of the division standings in 2012, edging out the defending champion GPS Portland Phoenix by a point to claim their third division title in four seasons. The top two will again be challenged by the Western Mass Pioneers, while the CFC Azul are hoping to make a jump into playoff contention in their second season. The division also sees a newcomer in the Real Boston Rams, who could be an immediate contender thanks to their partnership with Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution.
CFC Azul – The Azul had a very respectable debut season in the PDL, finishing above .500 in fourth place. Their captain of a season ago, Ryan Kinne, is now in USL PRO with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, but the Azul have a number of talented players returning to the side, including Justin Brewer, who finished second on the team with five goals a season ago. Also making their return are Patrick Boucher and Mario DiMecili, who had four goals in 2012, while the addition of Jonathan Raj should bolster a strong defense.
GPS Portland Phoenix – Making their return to the U.S. Open Cup for a second consecutive season, the Phoenix are again expected to be among the division title contenders. Ben Havey returns to the side after recording two goals and an assist, as does Blaike Woodruff, who finished with a goal and three assists a season ago. The Phoenix have also added some international talent, with French players Gilbert Manier, Jonathan Lupinelli, Pierre Omanga and Clement Bompart expected to boost the side.
Ottawa Fury – Ottawa’s 2012 season came to a cruel end as the Carolina Dynamo scored in the final minute of the Eastern Conference Championship to claim victory and advance to the national semifinals. The Fury should have the ability to return to that stage, and maybe beyond, this season as they have been able to return a number of good players, including last season’s leading scorer William Beauge, who had eight goals. Another player who could play an important role is Carl Haworth, who arrives from 2012 PDL Champion FC London, as will center back Shaun Foster, a standout for the Jersey Express in recent seasons.
Real Boston Rams – Led by coach Jim Costa, the Rams have the potential to be an immediate contender thanks to a partnership with the New England Revolution that will see a number of the MLS club’s Academy players compete for the Rams in this and future seasons. There are also some familiar names on the roster, including former Revolution midfielder Andrew Sousa and the University of Cincinnati’s Cole DeNormandie, who had three goals and four assists for the Bearcats last fall.
Seacoast United Phantoms – The Phantoms slipped down the standings last season after reaching the playoffs in 2011, but are certainly capable of finding a way back into the playoff race with the leadership of Iain Scott. One key will be finding the back of the net more often in 2012, with the Phantoms scoring only 14 goals in 16 games a year ago.
Vermont Voltage – After struggling early on, the Voltage had a positive second half to the 2012 season, and will hope to make their way up the standings this summer. Team icon Bo Vuckovic is back after scoring three goals and adding two assists last summer, and midfielder Liam Gilbert is also expected to return after recording two goals and an assist while appearing in all 16 games last summer. Cornell’s Ben Williams, who started all 17 games and recorded three assists for the Big Red last fall, is also set to join the team.
Western Mass Pioneers – The Pioneers have been on the cusp of breaking into the playoffs in each of the past two seasons in the PDL, and are hoping some key returning players will bring success to Lusitano Stadium this summer. Among those is DJ Pereira, who had three goals and three assists last summer, while former Northeast-10 All-Conference selection Jayme Kapinos also returns to lead the Pioneers defense. Hartford’s Javoni Simms will be a key for the club’s attack, with the Jamaican coming off a season in which he scored nine goals for the Hawks last fall.