2010 USL 2 Preview

Let me start out by saying this; if you've come here to get my predictions for the 2010 USL2 season, you're going to be disappointed. Why? Because, like everyone else I've spoken to in the league (officials, coaches, and players), nobody has a clue what to expect this year. The only thing I've gotten from everyone is that "this will be the most competitive season ever in this league." I can't credit that to anyone specifically because it came from 5 different people.

The league has become regionalized, with the 6 remaining teams ranging geographically from Pittsburgh to Charleston. While it limits the amount of publicity for the league, the fans from these teams can expect a better play on the field for multiple reasons.

"With a lot less travel and travel time, the players will be fresher and more fit," said Richmond Kickers Assistant coach Jesse Myers. "There are fewer back to back games, so there will be fewer injuries, which means the play on the field will be high quality." However, as more than one coach said, it's sad there is no Bermuda trip on the schedule this year.

Plus, with the downsizing of the league from 9 teams in 2009 to 6 in 2010, the better quality players are now playing together, which again means a more quality product. "When you see the signings, you know that every team will be strong this year," said Charlotte Head coach Mark Steffens.

With a 20-game schedule, each team will play 4 times, which could be interesting as the season progresses. "You get to know your opponent well...on the other hand, they get to know you too," said Steffens.

"I don't see much separation at all," said Harrisburg Coach Bill Becher. "There no easy games anymore on your schedule. You have to be ready to play every night."

He's right. The playoff formula this year has 3 of the 6 teams qualifying. The 1st place team in the regular season gets an automatic bye into the Championship, and if possible, will host the game. The 3rd seed will play at the 2 seed (again, if possible) the week before. That means every point is important.

Myers said he expects the playoff spots to not be determined until the last week of the season.

"I think it will be so close that only 8 or 9 wins gets you into the playoffs, or something like 32 points. It's going to be a battle every week."

As for the small number of teams, USL President Tim Holt has high expectations for the next few years.

"We expect to have as many as 12 to 16 teams at the start of 2011," he said. "We don't want to just add teams just to have quantity. We want to bring in viable quality franchises, and we have several who will be joining in the next year or 2."

When asked about the locations of these teams, Holt wouldn't elaborate, which leads me to believe that these new franchises will be located in a similar region of the country. Travel really is such a big issue for 2nd and 3rd division soccer, so the budgetary restraints should keep things as logistically sensible as possible.

But back to the issue of good and exciting soccer, Holt thinks these USL 2 teams can match up with anybody in the country.

"Is it possible that Richmond, Charleston, or any of the other teams are capable of making a deep run in the U.S. Open Cup? We absolutely think so."

Holt doesn't embellish, so I think we should take him at his word. And if that's the case, soccer fans in the Mid-Atlantic region are going to see some amazing soccer over the course of the next five months.

What follows is a preview of each team participating in the 2010 USL 2 season and a quote I've gotten from various people associated with the league:

Richmond Kickers - The defending champs return with a bullseye on their back, but for a team returning 9 starters from last year, they're in great shape to make a run at back to back titles. Matthew Delicate is their most dangerous player, but there aren't other proven scorers on the team. They'll need him to stay healthy. Henry Kalungi and Yomby William form one of the better central defender combinations in the league, and returning Goalkeeper of the Year Ronnie Pascale returns to provide his leadership. The midfield is expected to be bolstered by rookies Bobby Fogelsong, whom Myers said has so far exceeded expectations, and UVA's Jonathan Villanueva, who can be deadly on free kicks. Quote - "Richmond is there at the end every year, and this year should be no exception."

Charleston Battery - They were in USL 1 last year before dropping down, where they can renew their rivalries with longtime foes Charlotte and Richmond. Former MLS players Jon Wilson and Stephen Armstrong return as long-time veterans who still have a lot left in the tank. The Battery also took advantage of the Wilmington Hammerheads' disbanding by picking up Mark Briggs and 2009 USL 2 All League 2nd Teamer Colin Falvey. Charleston has brought in several other players who have either trained or played with MLS squads, which means that the Battery should contend for the league title.Quote - "I think Charleston might be the deepest team in the league. They're scary!"

Charlotte Eagles - How do you replace the retired Dustin Swineheart, one of USL's best players of the past decade and also the team's leader on and off the field? You don't, but Coach Mark Steffens has high hopes that players like Greg Dalby, who was with MLS' Colorado Rapids in 2009, can continue his solid preseason form. Steffens says team captain Josh Rife has similar qualities to Swineheart, and should be the team's leader in multiple aspects this season. Diego Martins returns and is always a threat, and defender Chad Smith has MLS reserve experience with both Houston and FC Dallas. All USL 2 midfielder Jorge Herrera should also provide a wealth of skill of leadership. The team does have 12 new players to the roster, so the Eagles will need them to gel as a unit quickly to keep up in this ultra-competitive league.Quote - "They have a lot of new guys, but their coaching and management staff are so consistent that you know they will be successful."

Pittsburgh Riverhounds - New Head coach Justin Evans has an interesting mix of veterans and youth heading into the 2010 season. Nathan Salsi, one of the top USL players of the past decade, returns to anchor the defense in front of goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap, who was on the Cleveland team that won the USL 2 Title in 2008. Midfielder Jason Kutney is in his 4th season with Pittsburgh, and will work with several players who have experience playing for the Riverhounds. Like Charlotte, Pittsburgh has several newcomers whom Evans will depend on to step in and contribute right away.Quote - "Salsi is one of the best players in the league. He works so hard and demands that from everyone else, so you know you're in for a battle every time you play them."

Harrisburg City Islanders - Bill Becher is still adding players to his team, but the ones he has signed to contracts can hold their own with the best in the league. All USL 2 Defender Dustin Bixler returns to anchor the defense, and he'll be free to take more chances with Goalkeeper Danny Cepero, who played for the MLS Red Bulls in 2009, between the posts for Harrisburg. All-time assists leader David Schofield will provide a crucial spark for the offense, and Brian Ombiji, a player from the Islanders' 2007 championship team, returns to help shape the midfield. Newcomers include Nate Jafta, who had great success for 3 years in the PDL, and Mpho Moloi, who previously played professionally in South Africa, will hopefully give the team some goals, therefore, a balanced attack.
Quote - "Harrisburg is always in the mix. They always seem to find the right guys to fit into their system, so they have to be considered a threat every week."


Real Maryland FC - They're very much a wildcard this year, as they have an interesting mix of veterans and youth. Brian Levey and Hamed Diallo, who have experience with the USL 1 Carolina Railhawks. The key returnee, of course, is John Borrajo, who was an All USL 2 team selection for 2009, and was also in the running for Defender of the Year. He was also a key component to the 2009 playoff run. He'll get some help from Mason Trafford, who comes in from USL 1's Vancouver Whitecaps. Ben Hunter, who logged a few years in Richmond, will need be a sharp attacker out of the midfield and create chances up front. He should get some help from former Harrisburg midfielders Nate Baker and Nicki Paterson. Real Maryland has some promising young stars as well. Will they be able to contribute early and help spark another postseason appearance?
Quote - "They're a team we don't really know. They've got some solid core players, and it'll be interesting to see what their young kids will be able to do."