After a nice long vacation I find myself trying desperately to play catch up. It was nice to wander off into the woods for a couple of weeks but I'm back now just in time for some Open Cup upsets, Copa America letdowns, and Under 20 hijinx. To top it off, what's been an intriguing, and sometimes puzzling, USL1 season is in full swing. Now, I know I should have told all of you that I'd be heading out for awhile but judging by the lack of emails it appears no one noticed too much so I'll just jump right into things again.
In the time I was gone, Montreal has slumped to 5th, Portland and Seattle have consolidated their positions in the top 5, and Rochester is level on points with Vancouver. The herd beyond that has started to thin a bit but Atlanta is notable mover, climbing back up to 6th after their blip in form. I'd like to think it has something to do with someone encouraging them to win at Rochester while noticing some of the Apes waiting for their flight at Hartsfield International a couple of weeks ago. Not that I, or anyone I know, had to fly through Atlanta on the way to my own vacation spot or anything.
Charleston and Carolina are still in the playoff spots and look like they should be able to hang on barring too much craziness from the quartet of Miami, Puerto Rico, Minnesota, and California. Of course, every time I count any of those clubs out of anything they promptly do something silly like win against one of the top 5. Maybe I'll just dub this season the USL Parity Party? No? Doesn't work for you? Me, neither.
Moving right along, let's briefly derail into the US Open Cup stuff. MLS clubs LA, D.C., and Houston all went out against USL opposition this week. What does it mean? It means it's not a smart idea to send reserve teams into battle in the USOC. Although, it must be noted that the team LA sent out against USL2 Richmond was actually a pretty decent team. The Kickers just wanted it more and worked harder for it, not to mention they were able to stand up to the Gals second half pressure. All three can be somewhat forgiven considering how heavy their schedules are about to become. Beckham-mania's about to hit for LA which means a lot of road games and exhibitions on top of their league schedule. Meanwhile, both D.C. and Houston are preparing for their turn against some of Mexico's finest in the Superliga. There's a lot more money and, arguably, prestige involved in that competition than the USOC, sadly. Colorado, FC Dallas, and New England, who had to get a 90th minute Taylor Twellman goal to win at Rochester, were the MLS clubs moving on while the Railhawks play the Fire this Sunday and the Sounders await Chivas next week. Seattle may just be catching Chivas USA at just the right time considering they've only won once in their last 4 matches. Overall, though, even before those matches are played, it's been a nice haul for the USL.
Back in the USL1, we have teams hitting the midpoint of the season and while many questions are getting answered new ones keep popping up. Foremost among them, what the heck was I thinking in picking Puerto Rico to tip the applecart this year? They could still get into the playoffs but to challenge for the title they'll need to not only turn that ship around but kick it into overdrive as well.
As for recent results, aside from California upending Montreal 2-0 back on July 1st and Atlanta beating both Rochester and Vancouver during their current mini-run, I'd say the results have been downright expected. Tonight, though, we have a big one - Vancouver visit Seattle to take on the Sounders. This could be a big momentum shifter of a match. The Sounders have won 3 out of 4 coming in while the 'Caps have won only once in their last 5 with 3 draws and a 2-0 loss to Atlanta. The wise person would pick the home team to win this one but I've never been all that smart with my picks (Islanders anyone?) so I'm going out on a limb and guessing Vancouver will get it done tonight. Spare me the hate mail when Seattle wins, though, okay? Otherwise, if the Whitecaps win you'll have to deal with me gloating for a week.
Some quick hit thoughts on the games I'm looking forward to besides tonight's game:
Victory at Portland, Friday and Sunday night - just when you least expect it, it seems like California pulls something out of the hat. The Timbers will need to be on their toes for these matches. Six points this weekend might give them the momentum to climb to the top of the League.
Atlanta hosting the Rhinos, Saturday night - should be a good game. Can the Apes show that they're fully back on top of their game?
The doubleheader in Puerto Rico this weekend (Friday/Sunday) with the Battery visiting - Charleston needs some points out of this trip to distance themselves from the stragglers in the playoff race but do they have the stamina and ability to win twice against the same team in a 60 hour period?
The odd Sunday/Wednesday double dip between Montreal and Minnesota - can the Impact finally get back up the table on the road against the Thunder? They have a tricky game Friday against Carolina as well and you get the feeling if they don't get at least 6 points out of the next 3 matches there will be grumbling from some fans.
With all of these odd doubleheaders, no doubt the Virginia Beach effect, we'll just call this "déjà vu week 2007" and look on with a smirk when and if some strange results start rolling in. In the meantime, tune into FSC for California and Portland on Friday night, log on to usllive.com, and get out to the park, as always, that's the view from here.
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