USL Feature – www.uslsoccer.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
2011 will mark the Quebec City Amiral’s third season in the W-League. In each of the first two seasons the Amiral finished just seven points out of first, qualifying for the playoffs in their first season. The Amiral face stiff competition in the Great Lakes Division, but they believe they have the talent to finish first.
“This is a very tough division, with many players from the national youth teams,” Quebec City General Manager Maxime Barabe said. “All are proud organizations looking for an edge every year. Every game is tough and important so you get high intensity games every time.”
Quebec City will feature some of the top offensive talent this season as the Amiral return former top scorer Melissa Lesage and add Université de Montréal standout Véronique Laverdière. Barabe and the Amiral know they must continually improve to make an impact in their division.
To reach a higher level the Amirial need to maintain a mix of veteran and young players along with competing against top teams. Recently, Quebec City faced some stiff competition when Belgian powerhouse Standard Liège visited the Amiral.
“We have many promising young players that we need to continue to develop, and the games against Standard de Liège were an excellent occasion to do just that,” added Barabe. “We also have to retain and recruit veteran players who know the W-League and its level of competition, to guide these youngsters.”
The Amiral opened their preseason with a win against Standard Liège, and they will hope to replicate that result when they kick off their season at London on June 4.
Ottawa Fury
Since 2004, the Ottawa Fury have finished first in their division each season. The last time it did not finish first, in 2003, Ottawa still made it to the W-League semi-finals. The Fury are showing no signs of relenting in 2011.
The Fury have continued to stockpile talent for the season, adding a number of NCAA standouts. Ottawa’s expectation of an eighth consecutive division crown will not waiver with the talented squad it has assembled.
Toronto Lady Lynx
Last season the Lady Lynx came within three points of the Fury at the top of the division. After finishing close in 2010, the Lady Lynx are back this season and looking to bridge the gap to first.
Toronto was paced by its talented midfielder Allysha Chapman in 2010 and the Lady Lynx expect similar production in 2011 to help the side maintain its form.
Hamilton FC Rage
Hamilton is looking to rebound in 2011, after a tough 2010 season where the side could only manage three points. The Rage are looking to turn things around this season. Hamilton opens its season May 25 at Toronto.
Hamilton will have to do better creating chances and finishing them this season, after only managing five goals in 2010. A step up in scoring production will surely precipitate a move up the table.
Laval Comets
Laval was a part of the cluster at the top of the division in 2010, finishing two wins off the pace of Ottawa. A few tough losses kept the Comets from the top of the division.
Laval had a stingy defense last season, conceding only 10 goals for the entire season. The Comets will need to replicate that defensive form this season if they hope to make a run at the division title.
London Gryphons
2011 will mark the Gryphons’ move back to the Great Lakes division, and they will hope for a better finish then last season. The Gryphons will be paired with several Canadian rivals in the Great Lakes division and they begin the season by hosting Laval on May 28.
The priority for London this season is tightening up its defense. The Gryphons’ league-worst defense allowed 43 goals in 2010 and needs to be shored up to expect better results in 2011.
Rochester Ravens
The lone American side in the Northeast, the Ravens hope to build on a 2010 season that was marked by progress. The Rochester side fell in a number of close matches last season that could have gone the other way and look to improve this season.
The side is led by former Rochester Rhino Doug Miller, who guided the Ravens to their first two franchise wins last season. In 2011, the Ravens looked poised to top that mark.