Before we even get started, I'd like send out some kind thoughts and good vibes to everyone affected by I35 Bridge collapse in the Twin Cities. Anytime something like this happens it reminds me of how trivial this column space is in the greater scheme of things and all I can think of really, is how my heart goes out to the folks up there right now.
The column is what I do, though, so with a heavy heart let's make with the observations. This week we watched on as players were signed left and right. There were a number of names I'd seen before which bring with them a certain amount of intrigue. Others just seem like the typical pickups teams make at this late stage of the season. I looked on as guys like Greg Simmonds and Tony Sanneh made their way back on to USL rosters or onto yet another USL roster. Needless to say, I'll be surprised if either is capable of turning their team around or being that extra bit of firepower necessary to make a run in the playoffs.
That said, some additions I actually liked include Roberto Brown in Montreal, Matt Taylor in Portland, and Andre Toussaint in Charleston. Brown and Toussaint are guys I really like from performances with their respective national teams. Taylor, on the other hand, is a guy I think has finally found the level where he can become truly successful, although, you do have to worry about bringing in a guy like this when there are good vibes and chemistry all around the clubhouse. The combination of his arrival and recent results could prove to be a powder-keg for the Timbers.
As hot as Portland has been, they are proving to be just as cold in their last few league games. The last week has seen them appear in a 2-0 loss to Charleston, 0-0 draw with Atlanta, and last night, another 2-0 loss to Seattle that put the Sounders within 2 points of their Cascadia rivals. Taylor and his new teammates will get a chance to break their lull away in what will surely be an emotional atmosphere at James Griffin Stadium on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Montreal throttled the Railhawks 4-1 last night with 3 of their recent acquisitions (Brown, Joey Gjertsen, and David Testo) earning points on the night and look to have been just what the doctor ordered to push the Impact back up the standings. They'll have to continue their climb, though, against Rochester who scored 4 goals of their own in their last match against the Thunder. I have a feeling there will be far fewer goals in this match.
Speaking of teams that have been at or near the top this season, the Whitecaps have now officially been chased down by the playoff hunting pack. Their 2-2 draw at home to Seattle will be of little consolation as they see no less than 5 teams now ahead of them in the standings with a very real possibility of missing the playoffs should Miami, Charleston and Atlanta find their way past them. The 'Caps now need to win this weekend against the Islanders to move back in front of them. Otherwise, that gap between themselves and the top of the table is going to grow quickly.
The chasing pack behind Vancouver had a mixed week. Charleston came out looking the best of the bunch handling Miami with surprising ease in a 3-0 win after last week's impressive 2-0 win over Portland. Atlanta only managed that draw with the Timbers but keeps them on the pace. Miami FC enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win against Carolina before losing at the 'Baud on Tuesday. That all sets us up for what should be a scintillating matchup for playoff positioning and the Southern Derby on Saturday as Charleston got back to the 'Max. You have to wonder, though, if Battery coach, Mike Anheuser, might not hold something back since they have a big US Open Cup quarterfinal to play on Tuesday.
The Islanders, who have been impressive in their recent climb back up the standings, face what has become one of the most daunting road trips in all of the USL: the Cascadia swing. They'll be happy to avoid 3 games over the weekend since Portland isn't on their itinerary this time but aside from tonights huge game with Vancouver, they'll go to Seattle on Saturday and have a chance, should they beat the 'Caps, to get level on points with the Sounders in second place. Los Islenos could also benefit if Schmetzer has his charges looking ahead, at all, to their US Open Cup quarterfinal matchup against what's beginning to look like an increasingly hapless Colorado Rapids team. I'd say that 6 points from the weekend would just about complete Puerto Rico's turnaround despite collecting a lot points recently at Carolina's and California's expense. That said, should they lose both games we could see all three of the Pacific Northwest clubs taking the 1-3 spots.
In other action, California will take on Carolina as both teams try not to get much lower than they already are. Oh, and that's our Friday night FSC game. Well, you can't get it right every time, I guess. But hey, now's a great time for me to mention the usllive.com deal, that way you can see the other great games going on this weekend with the nerves tightening as we near the playoffs. It'll be hard for Schweitzer not to be looking ahead to Tuesday's Open Cup quarterfinal for his group as they prepare to face USL2 (and former USL1) powerhouse, Richmond. That said, nearly every game this weekend will have a direct impact, no pun intended, on the playoff race so be sure to check usllive.com and get out to the stadiums for all the action.
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