PDL Feature
Thursday, May 1, 2014
TAMPA, Fla. – The Austin Aztex became the first Southern Conference side to claim the PDL Championship since the Laredo Heat in 2007 last season. The defending champions will have some adjustments to make after the departure of PDL Coach of the Year Paul Dalglish to Real Salt Lake and league MVP Kris Tyrpak to Chivas USA, and the competition will be hot on their heels looking to grab their conference title.
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Floridians F.C. – A new addition to the league, Floridians F.C. will look to draw from the outstanding young talent in South Florida. Set to be coached by Joaquim Francisco Filho, who previously worked as a youth coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, the side will be looking to make an immediate impact in a competitive division.
IMG Academy Bradenton – IMG has been a consistently dangerous side in the Southeast Division, but enters the season looking for its first playoff berth since 2009 when it won the Southern Conference. Scott Dean will again have a strong squad to work with, can they find the consistency needed to be in contention at the end of the season?
Ocala Stampede – The Stampede have claimed back-to-back division titles in the club’s first two seasons, and have a strong returning squad that will aim to break through in the postseason this summer. Jack Bailey returns to the side after eight goals in nine games, as does Creighton goalkeeper Alex Bolowich, who had five shutouts in eight games last season.
Orlando City U23 – The Lions finished in third place in the Southeast Division a season ago, and will remain a playoff contender with the PDL’s second-leading scorer in 2013, Tyler Blackwood, back with the side looking to add to his 15-goal summer last year. Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez also returns after posting a 1.090 goals against-average in 2013, as does defender Michael Millay.
Panama City Beach Pirates – After reaching the playoffs for the first time last season, the Pirates will look to grow in their third season. Goalkeeper Sean Lewis returns to the side having posted a 0.785 goals-against average last season, while Coach Greg DiVito will be hoping for a little more scoring punch after the Pirates finished tied for the second-fewest goals scored among all playoff participants (20).
SW Florida Adrenaline – After a steep learning curve in the club’s inaugural season, the Adrenaline will look to make their mark on the Southeast Division under the leadership of Coach John Robinson. A former Welsh international, Robinson will have some experience returning to the side, with David Antunez and Quade Marinell both back to help lead the club’s attack.
MID SOUTH DIVISION
Austin Aztex – A number of key players are set to return to Austin to defend the PDL Championship, most notably All-Conference selection Devin Cook in goal and PDL Championship MVP Sito Seoane. What’s notable about new coach Manuel Buentello’s side is the pieces he has been able to add, with Super-20 Championship MVP Buba Jobe and former Oklahoma City standout Adam Black added to provide firepower to this side.
Houston Dutch Lions FC – The Dutch Lions have seen a number of players move into the pro ranks this offseason, a testament to the development side of the program, but Marco Pruis will be looking for the team to find more success as it enters its third season in the league. A defense that gave up 34 goals last season will be helped by the addition of former Laredo goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias, which should give the Dutch Lions a chance to add to their three wins from last season.
Laredo Heat SC – The Heat enter their 10th anniversary season with a run of eight consecutive playoff berths, and they will likely challenge Austin for top spot with a squad that returns Daniel Garza, who had seven goals a season ago, and solid defender Francisco Lara. Goalkeeper Jorge Ortega, an addition from Monterrey, is set to take over in goal from the departed Emmanuel Frias, and he is joined by center back Alan Reyna.
Midland/Odessa Sockers FC – With a new look, and new name, the Sockers also have some new faces as they look to bridge the gap between the bottom and top halves of the division this season. A notable new face is Scott McCoubrey, who had four goals and three assists for SW Florida last summer, while new head coach Matt Barnes as also added the University of Tulsa’s Byron Knowles-Ramirez, who started all 19 games for the Golden Hurricane.
Mississippi Brilla – Having made the jump from the Southeast Division, the Brilla will try to reach the playoffs for the first time in three years as they look to build on a solid 2013 campaign. Coach Drew Courtney returns, and has a strong returning group to continue to develop as leading scorer Phillip Buffington and Bruno Mbamala are both back with the squad.