PDL Preview
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
The PDL’s Mid Atlantic Division remains the largest, and one of the most competitive, in the league, with a number of its alumni going on to feature in Major League Soccer. Former Reading United standout C.J. Sapong earned MLS Rookie of the Year honors in 2011 with Sporting Kansas City, while Jersey Express goalkeeper Ryan Meara had a strong first season for the New York Red Bulls last year. A number of top prospects for the 2014 MLS SuperDraft will be on display this summer too, with Ocean City looking to defend its crown.
Baltimore Bohemians – The Bohs had a strong second half in their inaugural season, going 5-3-1 and taking victories against playoff sides Reading United and the Jersey Express. Coach Steve Nichols will have a strong squad to work with, as 2012’s leading scorer Kingsley Okwuna returns after scoring five goals last summer. Malcolm Harris joins the side having played for Nicholls with the Baltimore Bays, and is coming off a good freshman season at the University of Denver where he had a goal and five assists for the Pioneers.
Bermuda Hogges – Bermuda was able to record some upsets in 2012, but the team is looking to become a playoff contender this season. The club has installed Bermuda National Team coach Andrew Bascome as its new head coach as he aims to steward the top young players in the country forward, and will be hopeful that Antwan Russell and Wayne Bean can improve on their seven combined goals from a season ago.
Central Jersey Spartans – After struggling a season ago, the Spartans appointed Jimmy Quinn to be the club’s new coach in the offseason, with the former Northern Ireland international aiming to push his team back toward the top of the standings. Among the players he’ll be relying on to accomplish that are forward Maxime Hoppenot, the younger brother of the Philadelphia Union’s Antoine, who had seven goals and three assists to lead Tufts University last season.
F.A. Euro – New York Magic – A new addition to the division, the F.A. Euro – New York Magic will hope to contend immediately as they build off a strong youth organization in New York. Former Rutgers standout Sam Archer, who won the Chicago Fire’s Open Tryout this spring but didn’t earn a place on the roster, will lead the team, and he is joined by the former St. Francis duo of Adam Maadbi and Gabriel Bagot, who both shone this past fall. Maadbi had eight goals last fall, earning All-Northeast Conference honors, while Bagot led the team with six assists.
Jersey Express – With former Coach George Vichniakov being promoted to become the club’s Sporting Director, the Express enter the new season with former Charleston Battery player Jeff Matteo at the helm. With the club looking to return to the playoffs, the Express have again built a strong squad, with former Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Neal Kitson set to lead the team alongside former Westchester Flames standout Jake Keegan, who was an All-PDL selection in 2011 after scoring 16 goals in 16 games. Keegan will likely pair with returning standout Joseph Ovenseri, who had 11 goals for the Express last season.
Long Island Rough Riders – After missing the playoffs a season ago, the Rough Riders return a number of familiar faces as they look to make a move back up the standings this summer. Ben Arikian returns after finishing tied for the team lead with 14 points in 14 games, including five goals, a season ago, and he is joined by the returning Dominick Sarle, who starred in the club’s run to the national semifinals in 2011 with 10 goals and five assists. Captain Danny Kramer also returns to the side, as do Tom Wharf and Gary Flood, which should provide a strong backbone for the club throughout the summer.
NJ LUSO Rangers FC – After finishing fourth a season ago, the Rangers will try to move into the playoff places this summer. Among those aiming to push the side on are defender Pedro Vilar, who appeared in 14 games last season, and goalkeeper Paul Killian, who recorded a 1.268 goals-against average in his 13 appearances. The Rangers will need to replace Jack McVey in their attack - the forward had nine goals and six assists last summer - but Kevin Zalewski returns after scoring three goals and adding four assists a season ago.
Ocean City Nor’easters – After finishing mid-table in 2011, recording draws in half of their games, the Nor’easters surged to the top of the standings, and the Eastern Conference overall, under the leadership of Tim Oswald in 2012. Ocean City has a number of important pieces returning to its squad as it prepares to defend its title and participate in the U.S. Open Cup, including forward Zoncher Dennis, who led the team with 11 goals a season ago. Also returning is Markhus Lacroix, who led outfield players with 1,213 minutes played while recording two goals and three assists from midfield, and defender Kevin Curran, who played a key role defensively a year ago.
Reading United – Making its fifth consecutive U.S. Open Cup appearance, Reading is aiming for its first conference title since 2010 with a re-tooled roster that saw a number of alumni go pro this spring. Leading the way is Georgetown standout Steven Neumann, who had three goals and four assists for United last summer before leading the Hoyas to the NCAA Championship Game while recording 10 goals and 13 assists. A new arrival is goalkeeper John McCarthy, who shone for Ocean City last summer, while the University of South Florida’s Ben Sweat could be a big addition to the club’s defense.
Westchester Flames – Westchester is looking to return to its former glory of the late 2000s after finishing bottom of the division a season ago. Veteran coach Gus Skoufis no longer has forward Jake Keegan at his disposal, but the addition of Zach Gosse and Dwayne Reid has the side hopeful of success. Also returning is captain Housainou Ogoo for his third season with the club, while Rilwan Salawu showed potential with the FC Jax Destroyers a season ago in the Southeast Division.