Well, I finally decided to deliver on that promise this week. With the matches coming up right around the corner I think it's about time we kick things off with style. So without further ado here's my preview of this season in the A-League:
Northeast Division
- Rochester Rhinos:
With all of the movement going on down at Blackbaud Stadium this off-season many haven't noticed the reloading going on at Frontier Field. With one look down their roster you can quickly tell that this is a club that will a) "gel" quickly and b) once again be the favorite in the hunt for the A-League title.
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds:
The 'Hounds don't have the kind of big guns needed to knock off Rochester in this division but with timely play from Phil Karn and more good goalkeeping from Randy Dedini they should have just enough in the other departments to stay ahead of both the Lynx and Impact.
- Toronto Lynx:
They made one very good acquisition (Darren Tilley)* and kept one of the more talented players in the league on their squad (Robbie Aristodemo). They will likely have enough to challenge Pittsburgh very closely should the 'Hounds slip but after last season it's hard to pick them any higher.
- Montreal Impact:
It is very difficult to think much of this club right now because they have hardly signed anyone so I think I'll but a big, fat asterisk on this one. They have, in recent days, brought in a bunch of guys from last year's team and some that Lilley knew previously. Knowing Bob Lilley these guys will play a very tough to beat brand of soccer but the big question will be whether or not they get the kind of players, in the end, needed to contend for a playoff spot.
Southeast Division
- Charleston Battery:
Granted, this is a bit of a homer call but there is a whole lot of talent on this club. New coach, Chris Ramsey, seems to have these guys headed in the right direction attitude-wise despite the loss of the talented Eric Wynalda last weekend. If the talent that ranges from Kyle Swords to Terry Phelan plays up to expectations and Ramsey keeps all involved on the same page the sky is the limit for the Coppertops.
- Richmond Kickers:
One of the squads with a fairly uniform and consistent base of players. Leigh Cowlishaw is among the best (if not the best) managers at this level and with an excellent core of players Richmond should spend most of the season fighting it out at the top of the division once again with auld enemy, Charleston, especially after adding David Hayes to their already potent front line. Things may also come down to whether or not someone can play up to the old standard of Mike McGinty.
- Atlanta Silverbacks:
Brett Mosen has better talent and depth than was on last year's Metros squad so the 'Backs should be able to contend for a playoff spot… should be able to contend. Goalkeeping and defense were a bit questionable for this team last year so it may take more re-tooling before this team fulfills its potential and will have the added pressure of a fierce battle for third with Charlotte.
- Charlotte Eagles:
Once again Dustin Swinehart will lead Mark Steffens' men into battle with the rest of the league but it will take more than the man nicknamed "Whitey" by his teammates for the Eagles to soar into the playoffs once again. Carlos Calderson and a seemingly improved Charlotte defense provide an immediate upgrade from last season. If they can keep their tempers on the field and pull off a few advantageous wins they will be in the thick of the playoff hunt once again.
- Hampton Roads:
You kind of have to feel bad for the Mariners who will play in a fiercely contested division in their first year back. So far all signs point to a club built around defense and essentially hanging on for dear life. Hopefully, the fans in the Virginia Beach area will come out in droves to encourage this version of Mariners ownership to stick around.
Central Division
- Minnesota Thunder:
One would normally not be inclined to put themselves (okay, myself) into a position to be burned twice but with the current roster assembled by the Thunder it is difficult to imagine them not winning this division. Outside of that I would not make any promises. Buzz Lagos will refuse to allow his team to go through the debacle that was last season but there are so many players on this squad that need to perform better than last season that it will be very difficult to turn things around as quickly as possible.
- Milwaukee Rampage:
For some reason I really wanted to pick this team to win this division but with little news coming out of the "Brew City" it is hard to guess where they will wind up by the time the team is ready to kick things off. If they bring back most of last season's team the playoffs are a must and with the return of Indiana and Cincinnati to their division, well, let's just say falling anywhere lower than second in their division will be a bit of a shock. "Digital" Takiwara, Dan Popik, and Steve Bernal are among the returning players for the Ramps this year.
- Cincinnati Riverhawks:
The talent in 'Hawk-land has improved but what is arguably more important to their cause is an improvement in overall attitude. This is a team that could have a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon should they start reeling off some wins. I really believe they could turn into this year's Connecticut or Nashville, a team that surprises throughout the season only to just fall short of the playoffs near the end. That would be a definite improvement and fans in Cincinnati should come out to check out Ryan Lucas if nothing else.
- Indiana Blast:
With the apparent loss of IU alum, Matt Fundenberger, and possibly leading scorer, Rodrigo Costa, fans in Indy could be in for another rough ride. They have also lost promising player, Kevin Knott, to Hampton Roads so it is needless to say that there will be a lot of shifting going on for the Blast.
Pacific Division
- Seattle Sounders:
The Sounders could win this division because of a new commitment shown by the front office and a new game plan that should work on the field. Then there's the small issue of having forwards like Darren Sawatzky and Brian Ching leading the attack for the Sounders. It will be another dogfight amongst the old NASL Northwestern clubs but this year I think Seattle comes out on top - barely.
- Vancouver Whitecaps:
After some front office shake-ups it appears that the Whitecaps are piecing things together for another run through arguably the toughest division in the A-League. This season should see a tight race for first but I think Vancouver could pull things out with the help of James Jordan up front.
- Portland Timbers:
Matt Napoleon has the chance to be one of the brightest stars in the Pacific Division this season and could lead these young Timbers to the top of the division. They have some nice depth in midfield and forward but the tactics used by some of their defenders could land the whole team in hot water if they're not careful.
- El Paso Patriots:
There are going to be a lot of unknowns playing in the West Texas town of El Paso this season so they should have an element of surprise against some of their early opponents. This team could make a playoff run if things play out badly for Cincinnati in the Central and if home field advantage is true to form for the Patriots.
- Calgary Storm:
Calgary is placed here simply because someone has to come in last. The Storm have a young core of players but with guys like Mark McKenna and possibly Lars Hirschfeld in goal for the Canadians they could be tough to beat. They will most definitely not be an "easy out", so to speak, but the bigger question is can they score the decisive goals to win games? I remain a little bit skeptical on that so that is why I think they'll finish at the bottom of the Pacific.
So there you have it. My almost guaranteed to go wrong picks for this year's A-League. For a look at how things will probably shake out you may as well turn this thing upside. Either way, enjoy… and get out there to check out the beginning of another A-League season.
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