PDL Preview
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Mid South Division was a three-horse race for much of the season in 2012, with Laredo, Austin and El Paso fighting things out for the division’s two playoff places until the Patriots fell away late, losing three of their last five including games against the Heat and Aztex. This season, the division seems set to be as, if not more, competitive, with the Houston Dutch Lions and West Texas Sockers both set to make a move and Oklahoma City FC aiming to hit the ground running.
Austin Aztex – While the brightest star of the Aztex’s return to action, Kekuta Manneh, has moved on to Major League Soccer, along with midfielder Dillon Powers, Austin returns a number of key players from last summer. Leading scorer Kris Tyrpak, who had 10 goals and three assists, is back with the side, as is Chuy Cortes, who had four goals and six assists last season. Zack Pope, who as an All-Southern Conference selection last summer, also returns, while the side has added Maryland standout Mikey Ambrose, who was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and All-ACC Second Team last fall after recording a goal and seven assists.
El Paso Patriots – The Patriots missed out on the playoffs as late-season losses against Austin and Laredo pushed them into third place. Hugo Samano will hope to return to the postseason this summer, and with veteran players such as Enrique Cervantes (three goals, three assists) and Naoyas Aizawa (three goals, four assists) returning, he will have a good veteran core to build around. Ernesto Bolivar also returns after scoring three goals in eight games last season, while Mario Alvarez arrives from Cal State Fullerton after recording a goal and three assists last fall.
Houston Dutch Lions – After appointing Hans van Arum as the club’s new coach, the Dutch Lions have looked locally, overseas and within their own division to rebuild their squad for the new season. Israel Becerra and Juan Lozoya arrive after playing with the Laredo Heat last season, and van Arum has also added players from his native Netherlands, including Derk Jan Rosink, who previously played in the Dutch Third Division. After winning five games in their inaugural season, Houston will aim to make a jump forward into playoff contention.
Laredo Heat – The defending division champions, who reach the PDL Championship Game two seasons ago, the Heat have a number of familiar faces back to defend their crown. Leading the way will be Juan de Dios Ibarra, who led the side with 11 goals and 25 points a season ago. Emmanual Frias returns in goal after recording a 0.943 goals-against average last season, and the side has also added some interesting pieces, with former MISL player Lubo Kocic of the Rochester Lancers joining the squad, a move that should bolster the club’s attack.
Oklahoma City FC – The new addition to the division, Oklahoma City has experienced NAIA coach Jimmy Hampton at the helm for its inaugural season. One of Hampton’s former players, Chris Spendlove, will be expected to provide leadership for the team after his stint with USL PRO’s Wilmington Hammerheads, while many members of the rest of the squad has either played for, or against, Hampton in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Goalkeeper Bryan Byars recorded a 0.551 goals-against average for the University of Arts and Science of Oklahoma last season, while defender Scott Parkinson will be a key figure in the backline in front of him.
West Texas Sockers – With a new partnership in place with FC Dallas West Texas, the Sockers are aiming to move up the division standings after finishing last a season ago. Warren Cottle remains at the helm, and he will have some talent to work with as former Indios de Ciudad Juarez midfielder Andres Maldonado returns to the team after a season-shortening injury last summer. The biggest key for the Sockers will be in attack, where returnees Andrew Power and Jose Munoz led the side with three goals apiece last season. Finding increased production in front of goal will be crucial if the Sockers are to contend.