PDL Preview
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Carolina Dynamo emerged from the PDL’s South Atlantic Division to claim not just the Eastern Conference title, but reach the PDL Championship Game, only to fall to FC London. With a large talent pool of in-state talent, the Dynamo should be strong again, but could be challenged by perennial contenders the West Virginia Chaos and Northern Virginia Royals, and second-year clubs SC United Bantams and Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors who are both looking to make a move up the standings.
Carolina Dynamo – The Dynamo return a number of important pieces from 2012, including PDL Defender of the Year Sebastian Ibeagha of Duke, and he is expected to be joined by U.S. U20 international Boyd Okwuono. Also back on the defensive front is goalkeeper Peyton Ford, who posted a 0.750 goals against-average last summer, while University of North Carolina standout Robbie Lovejoy is also back after recording 12 points in 11 games for the Tar Heels last fall. Leading the attack will be Hakan Ilhan, who had eight goals and six assists last summer.
Northern Virginia Royals – The Royals reached the playoffs in 2011, only to fall back in the pack last season. As the club looks to return to challenge the Dynamo, it has brought in experienced midfielder Grady Renfrow, formerly of D.C. United and last with the MISL’s Rochester Lancers to bring leadership to the squad. The side also has some important returning pieces, with A.J. Sheta having scored three goals and added two assists last summer, and West Virginia’s Travis Pittman should play an important role in midfield after coming off a season where he had two goals and four assists for the Mountaineers.
SC United Bantams – After a solid inaugural season that saw its leading scorer, Austin Savage, make the jump to USL PRO this season, the SC United Bantams will aim to move into playoff contention as they build their club. While Savage may now be with the Charleston Battery, the Bantams have brought in former Battery player David Kenga to provide leadership to the squad. Among those returning for their second season with the side is goalkeeper Robert Beebe, who posted a 0.800 goals against-average last season in five games, while Nico Rittmeyer will be a new addition to watch as he arrives after a good freshman season at North Carolina.
Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors – After a slow start to their inaugural season, it took the club six games to earn their first victory, the King’s Warriors are aiming to build off the lessons they learned to make a move this summer. Coach Scott Reitnour returns with a good group of players who experienced the club’s first season, including Carter Robbins, who had three goals, and goalkeeper Erik Mozzo, who recorded four shutouts in 14 games. How far the King’s Warriors have come will be evident in their season-opener against in-state rivals the West Virginia Chaos
Virginia Beach Piranhas – The Piranhas struggled throughout last season, winning just three games, but are hoping new coach Matt Busch can help turn things around this summer. The Piranhas will be hoping Jerjer Gibson can replicate his strike-rate of a goal every other game this summer after scoring three goals in six games in 2012. Youngster Peter Pearson might also be a player to watch, with the forward having spent time training with D.C. United’s Academy and being listed as one of the Top 100 college prospects for the Class of 2014 by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
West Virginia Chaos – The Chaos finished a point outside the playoffs a season ago, and will challenge again for a place in the postseason under new head coach Chris Grassie. While they are without last season’s leading scorer Dion Peters, the Chaos do have some good pieces returning, including defender Predrag Ivanovic. Joining the side is goalkeeper Tyler Atwell, who appeared six times last fall for junior college powerhouse Tyler Junior College, conceding just one goal. The duo of Matt Brown and Daniel Smee also arrive after earning Division II All-America honors, with Brown scoring 13 goals for the Bobcats and Smee recording 15 assists last fall.