USL Feature – www.uslsoccer.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
In 2010, the W-League Western Conference showed why it was one of the toughest in the league. Half of the conference’s teams finished equal on points, leaving the final playoff spot down to goal differential. The Colorado Rush, in their debut season, were one of those teams, but unfortunately their goal differential left them short of a playoff spot. The Rush took a lot away from the 2010 season and are using it as a building experience.
“Each team in our division posed different challenges,” Technical Director Erik Bushéy said. “We had plenty of moments where we showed we could play with anybody in the country as well as moments where we looked like a true rookie franchise.”
The Rush are looking to take those experiences last season and use them to help drive success this season. To achieve that success the Rush are building their roster from the inside out by using a core of talent the Rush have developed.
“Over 75 percent of the team are current or former Colorado Rush youth players,” Bushéy said. “In addition, the opportunity not only to win, but to develop our young talents is a part of our expectations.”
This season the Rush will rely on veterans such as Sara Wagenfuhr, Danielle Foxhoven, Krissy Tribbet, and 2010 W-League Rookie of the Year candidate Morgan Kennedy for experience. At the same time, the Rush as expecting big things from young talent such as 17-year-old Lindsey Horan and other young players.
“We are using predominantly Colorado Rush products,” added Bushéy. “The knowledge of our club, style and philosophy can prove to be a great strength. Age is less of a concern as far as I am concerned, but fortunately we do have a good group of senior athletes to provide balance.”
Vancouver Whitecaps
Since 2001 the Vancouver Whitecaps have appeared in the W-League final four times and captured two W-League crowns. 2010 marked another appearance in the W-League Championship game where Hubert Busby’s side suffered a tough defeat against Buffalo. However, Vancouver has restocked its roster with talent for 2011 and is looking to win title number three.
Vancouver will face a unique task in 2011 with the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place June 26 to July 17 in Germany. Vancouver carries a roster filled with Canadian internationals, and Canada is one of the teams tipped to do well this summer in Germany. With some of their best players scheduled to leave, the Whitecaps must cope until their return. Regardless of this temporary loss, Vancouver will still be one of the favorites for a W-League title.
Seattle Sounders
After appearing in three consecutive W-League final fours from 2006 to 2008, the Sounders will be back in 2011. A trip to this year’s final four was assured when Seattle was selected as the host the 2011 W-League Championship Presented by Umbro. The team is hoping to gain enough momentum from a strong regular season to fight its way to the championship game.
The Sounders will have to up their scoring power this season, as last year they finished with only twelve goals scored. The result of the low scoring last year was six draws in 10 matches. If the Sounders can power up their offense this season, then they may be looking for gold in the emerald city.
Pali Blues
2010 sent the Pali Blues crashing back to earth. After making their W-League debut in 2008, the Blues went until the 2010 season without losing a match, collecting two W-League Championships along the way. The Blues lost their first playoff game last year too, falling to finalist Vancouver 2-1 in the Western Conference final.
The Blues have restocked their roster this season and enter 2011 ready to reclaim their W-League crown. Pali has bolstered its roster with a number of impressive additions and will help kick off the W-League season on May 14 when it plays host to the LA Strikers.
Colorado Force
Longtime W-League stalwarts, the Colorado Force are looking to return to the playoffs after a down 2010 season. The Force collected only two wins last season, but they are planning to turn things around in 2011.
Colorado brought back former Force player Tracy Chao to fill the head coaching job and she is looking to use her experience to guide the Force up the standings.
Santa Clarita Blue Heat
The Blue Heat were a rookie franchise in 2010, a season which featured a number of highlights for the debut club. First, the Blue Heat pulled a remarkable upset beating the Pali Blues, 1-0. Then Santa Clarita hosted the 2011 W-League Championship.
The focus in year two will be upping the level of play on the field. The Blue Heat scored only six goals in 2010, but they have a lot of new faces on their roster for 2011 and will look to raise their game.
Los Angeles Strikers
Los Angeles is certainly looking to make its mark on the talented Western Conference in its debut season. The Strikers have stocked their roster with former W-League alums and international talent with a goal of putting an entertaining product on the field that wins matches now.
The Striker’s hope to emulate what the Pali Blues - another Los Angeles-area club - did in their debut season a couple of years ago - win a championship. The Strikers will face the Blues right away, as they travel to Pali in the W-League’s opening weekend.