USL Feature
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The New York Magic have big things on their mind in 2011. The Magic finished the 2010 strong and are looking to carry over that run of form into 2011. Much of New York’s success last season boiled down to their pacey forward Rashidah Sherman.
“I don’t know anyone that can keep up with her in this league,” said Magic Head Coach Nino DePasquali about Sherman.
Sherman averaged a remarkable goal-per-game and captured the W-League’s Rookie of the Year award in her debut W-League campaign. But while the Magic finished 2010 near the top of the W-League scoring chart, they finished near the bottom of the defensive chart, something the club is addressing head-on in 2011.
New York has brought in a new goalkeeper and three new defenders to help shore up their backline. But, New York isn’t forgetting what drove some of their success last season.
“We are going to rely as much on the returning players as much as the new ones,” said President Lyndelle Phillips.
New York is wary of the threat their division poses, as every team in the Northeast division has been busy assembly talented squads to challenge the Magic. Despite this, New York’s goal remains singular for 2011.
“I believe we can give a good run at [the division] this season,” added DePasquali. “Anything less than a division title will be disappointing.”
D.C. United Women
This is the first season for the new D.C.-based W-League franchise. Given its MLS namesake and the pedigree of past Washington W-League sides, D.C. United will have lofty expectations in its first season.
Currently, D.C. United Women’s roster is still being finalized, but with all the talent in the surrounding area the side should be instantly competitive in its first season. Like the last Washington team, D.C. United Women will also make its home at the Maryland Soccerplex.
Long Island Rough Riders
After a couple a mixed seasons, in 2011 the Rough Riders will look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Head Coach Steve Cadet’s side is always laden with plenty of talent and will need his defense to put in a similar effort in 2011 after only conceding 14 goals in 2010.
Last season the Rough Riders came within one point of a playoff spot. After a few matches that could have gone the other way in 2010, Long Island will look to make the jump to the playoffs in 2011.
New Jersey Rangers
Last season marked the debut of the Rangers in the W-League, entering one of the toughest divisions in the league. Luckily for the Rangers, being based in New Jersey gives the club a fantastic player pool to draw from in the talent-rich Garden State.
The Rangers earned an impressive four wins last season, the best among any rookie W-League franchise. After gaining a year of experience the Rangers will look to improve that mark this season.
New Jersey Wildcats
The Wildcats had an impressive 2010 season, collecting 22 points and making a run at the division leaders. Ultimately, the Wildcats fell in the W-League playoffs to Atlanta. This season the Wildcats will be gunning for another playoff birth and a higher finish in the division.
New Jersey needs to replicate their fast start to the 2010 season which saw them collect wins in five of its first seven matches. The Wildcats could not hold their run of form late, dropping four of their last six matches. This season, New Jersey has to start and finish strong to avoid its previous mistakes.
North Jersey Valkyries
2010 was the inaugural season for the Valkyries and the learning curve proved to be steep for the first year side. North Jersey played a number of close matches in its first season, but could not notch the club’s first win.
The Valkyries will have to ramp up their offensive production in 2011 if they hope to make an impact in the Northeast Division.