Finally, My USL2 Preview

Look For This Kind Of Intensity All Year In USL2

(photo credit to Suz Kitsteiner)

Bet you thought I've been lying these past 2 weeks, huh? Well, after continuous delays (i.e. my REAL job) over the past several days, here it is; my (hopefully) in-depth preview of the USL2 season for 2009.

I was able speak with several coaches and players associated with the league (thanks, guys!), and most all of them used the word "parity." They think this will be the most competitive season ever. After the demise of the MLS Developmental system, numerous MLS (albeit mostly fringe players) found themselves looking for work. Subsequently, a majority of them have been snagged by USL1 or USL2 squads.

"I think with the players USL2 has brought in this year, I think our level of play will be even closer to that of USL1," said Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "There are several MLS players who will bring their experience and skills to our league, which will definitely make it more competitive."

He's right. When you take a look at some of the players in the league this year, there's a good deal of MLS experience. Real Maryland, for example, has signed 4 players who at one time plied their trade with DC United. Rusty Pierce is in Wilmington, Kenny Cutler and Joey Worthen are with Richmond, and the list goes on. Plus, players are still coming into camp and being signed, so don't be surprised to see a few more familiar names join the ranks before all is said and done. How often can you say that a league has actually gotten BETTER even though the year's previous champion (Cleveland) left and moved up a notch?

With that, let's take a look at each team (alphabetically), and then I'll try to make an educated (tough for me, I know) stab at the projected order of finish and eventual champion.

1. Bermuda Hogges - There's no easy way to put this; they're probably going to struggle this season. For all the talk about the new players coming into the league, none of them have gone to the Caribbean. Plus, their best player, Bermudan International John Barry Nusum, signed with league rival Crystal Palace. They're aren't a lot of young players either, as a chunk of the roster is over 30 or close to it.

Quote - "I think they're going to have a hard time this year. They lost Nusum and there's no proven goal-scorer for them. It'll be tough."

2. Charlotte Eagles - Last year's regular-season champion fell just short of the title in losing to Cleveland. The bad news is that they lost 5 starters from last year's team. The good news is the 2008 USL2 MVP, Dustin Swineheart , wasn't one of them. He enters his 12th year and brings a good deal of support with him. Steve Shak, the former 1st pick in MLS, returns to provide leadership. The team has also signed 2 promising Brazilians Diego Martins and Amaury Nunes. Kevin Trapp, last year's backup, will start in the nets.

Quote - "They're a team that never rebuilds. They just reload."

3. Crystal Palace Baltimore - This team seems to get better each season, as they made the playoffs as the 4th seed in 2008 in only their 2nd year of existence. The addition of the aforementioned Nusum will be counted on to lead the offense, while the savvy veteran Val Teixeira returns after an offseason stint training in England. Former J-League midfielder Shintaro Harada is also a mainstay, and there rumors that some MLS clubs were looking at him as well. Head Coach Pete Med recently told The Baltimore Sun that "we expect to win the championship and get to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup." Lofty expectations, but the club has the talent to do it.

Quote - They're always strong in the back, and with their offensive acquisitions, they'll be a contender for sure."

4. Harrisburg City Islanders - If their first game Saturday against Richmond is any indication, this team will also be in the hunt for the title as well. Mo Oduor scored a fantastic goal against the Kickers and was a problem for them all night. He's big, strong, athletic, and has a nice touch. If he plays that way all year, he'll be an MVP candidate. The team just signed Kai Kasiguran, who played in the MLS for Chicago last year. Former Portland Timbers goalkeeper Chase Harrison will also ply his trade for the club in 2009, and the team also returns veteran defenders Dustin Bixler and Anthony Calvano.

Quote - Trust me, [Head Coach Bill] Becher will have this team in the playoffs. He's one of the best coaches around."

5. Pittsburgh Riverhounds - A veteran team, they won't dazzle you with fancy play and tremendous speed. However, with players like former MLS'er Tenywa "T-bone" Bonseu, Nathan Salsi, and Jason Kutney as defenders, expect a lot of 1-0 games. They won't give up many goals. If Justin Evans and Sean Cameron (both former USL1 players) can orchestrate the midfield, and Jeff Hughes (who was injured most of last year) can get 10 or more goals, this team could be scary. Head Coach Gene Klein always seems to have his team ready to play.

Quote - "They work as hard or harder than any team in the league. They scratch, claw, and fight for 90 minutes. You have to be willing to do the same to beat them."

6. Real Maryland Monarchs - Can we call them the DC United reserve team? They've signed Jeff and Pat Carroll, Ryan Cordeiro, and Sergio Salas. They're younger players and should bring a ton of energy to this 2nd-year club. Cuban defectors Yendry Diaz and Loanny Cartaya, who both played for the U-23 Cuban team, will also bring a spark to the organization. It appears that former Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Justin Hughes will be counted on heavily this year. This is a real interesting team. There's a lot of youth, but several of them bring a degree of professionalism with them. If they can gel early, Head Coach Anthony Hudson (the subject of a recent article by The Examiner's Craig Stouffer) could get these guys into the playoffs. (yes, I learned to do a hyperlink...up yours, Walsh!)

Quote - "They're probably the most improved team in the league. The coaching staff understands American players and the mentality they have.

7. Richmond Kickers - see last week's article (2 hyperlinks in 1 post... I rule!)

8. Western Mass Pioneers - To be honest, I know very little about this team. I asked around and nobody else seems to know much either. They have tentatively signed Chris Brown, a central defender who was a star at Amhearst. Their roster is neither on their website or USL2's. Based on that, there isn't much of a way to predict anything other than base it on last year's performance, which wasn't great.

Quote - "Without a doubt one of the most difficult places to play. The field is small, the fans are on top of you, and they're loud and boisterous."

9. Wilmington Hammerheads - This is the team apparently no one wants to play this year. They're one of the teams who have greatly increased their skill with the additions of former MLS players Rusty Pierce, Steven Curfmann, and Jamie Watson. All 3 should step into the starting lineup immediately and make a tremendous impact. Kyle Polak steps into the nets this year, replacing the departed John O'Hara. He doesn't have a lot of experience, but Wilmington's veteran backline might ensure that he doesn't get tested too early in the season. The team has also signed several players with experience in England, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Quote - "They might have the best backline I've ever seen in USL2. They certainly matchup with any USL1 team. They're going to be really good!"

Okay, there you have it. Now let's see how much I can embarrass myself by making predictions for the season:

Regular Season:

1. Richmond

2. Wilmington

3. Crystal Palace Baltimore

4. Charlotte

5. Harrisburg

6. Real Maryland
7. Pittsburgh

8. Western Mass

9. Bermuda

Playoffs:

Richmond over Charlotte

Wilmington over Crystal Palace

Championship:

Wilmington over Richmond

Bonus Prediction:

A USL2 team will make the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup.

Laugh away, folks, and we'll check back at the end of August to see how I did.