2014 Year in Review

The 2014 BSL Season is over and now, it's time to take a look at how things shook out for the Rose City Flyers. In many respects the season was a success, but there are certainly areas that could be improved upon. The team finished the regular season 11-10-1 for a 34 point total and just outside the playoff places.

The Flyers continued their unfortunate reputation as a usually low-scoring club finishing the regular season with a Ppg of 3.0 and Majors Cup Qualifying with a slightly higher 3.5. Once the postseason commenced though, things became better. Over the five game Majors Cup competition, the team averaged a Ppg of 4.6. This is in keeping with, or a slight improvement over the last two seasons for the team and hopefully a positive trend. However, it's considerably behind the top performing clubs who averaged much nearer to 4 or slightly over it.

Players combined well this year to leave the team with five field players with double digit BSL points along with goalkeeper Jaime Penedo on ten of his own. Beyond that, there were several other players who managed to contribute a few goals of their own. However, a few issues might be mentioned as well. Marco Di Vaio, worth nearly 20 BSL points on his own last season hauled in only 11 points this season on his way to a well deserved retirement. Add to that the fact that the offseason's premier acquisition, New England's Diego Fagundez, who was supposed to bring some youth to the squad and hold over long term as a new DP managed only 10 himself and you'll quickly see that it took almost two players to do the job of one last year. This by no means means that Fagundez won't be back for the Rose City next season, but he's by no means the slam dunk that was hoped for. Several field players might have had a few more but for some lingering lineup failures that the Flyers front office can't seem to shake off. There's always a couple it seems.

Giles Barnes - 11pts; 6 goals, 5 assists

Drafted in the third round, Barnes seemed to be the first indication of a significantly improved draft from the Flyers. He's lived up to his billing and performed similarly or better to many players drafted at similar slots including besting former Flyer Mauro Rosales by several. He's performed well enough, especially given the Dynamo's slide to the bottom of the league all season that retaining his services is worth considering for next season.

Marco Di Vaio - 11pts; 8 goals, 3 assists

We've already discussed Di Vaio and it's clear that he's not performed to the level he did last season. Retaining him also appears to be out of the question unless he changes his mind about retirement. Let's just say that this is about the minimum performance that a DP should provide to seem like they were worth it and we wish Marco the best as he heads back to Italy to be with his family.

Lamar Neagle - 11pts; 6 goals, 5 assists

Drafted 74th at the beginning of Round 7, Lamar Neagle's point total has almost certainly been helped along by the general good form of the Seattle Sounders attack this season as well as, specifically, his strike partners in Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey. However, that doesn't mean he wasn't criminally under-drafted. He shouldn't have been available any later than something like 40th and the Flyers have appreciated his contributions.

Eleven points doesn't happen by accident in the BSL however. He's scored a few goals but dishes to his friends as often. Guys like Neagle are clearly the backbone of any healthy BSL club. A couple of Robbie Keanes or Dom Dwyers don't get your team there on their own. You need some guys like Neagle. Underappreciated, drafted in the mid rounds, and willing to show up when your big name DPs don't necessarily.

Does he have the makings of a DP selection? Well, he's already beaten his personal record for BSL points and expecting the Sounders to contend for the Supporters' Shield again next year seems like a coin flip at best. It might be worth thinking about, but don't expect it.


Diego Fagundez - 10pts; 4 goals, 6 assists

Compared to Neagle above, Fagundez was acquired at pretty high cost. In order to acquire his rights the Flyers dished out a very valuable Round 1 pick and were unable to sell the DP slot he occupied on the open market. That DP slot is potentially worth a Round 1 slot itself along with a small amount of allocation cash. Players also acquired in that round include Jermaine DeFoe, Blas Perez, and Kelyn Rowe. These guys compare similarly or more favorably. That said, Fagundez was picked up in part because he was worth 20 BSL points in the 2013 season and he very well could be again. But he has to find the field again in New England for that to ever end up happening again. DP next season, possibly.






Jeff Larentowicz - 10pts; 3 goals, 1 assist, 6 shots on goal

Larentowicz makes Fagundez seem like even more of a bust. Mostly viewed as older and a bit washed up, he was picked up as late draft filler in Round 12 and outstripped all expectations. He spent the first part of the season in the midfield for the Fire putting a few things on frame and generally looking okay but then adapted quickly when called into action as a converted centerback. Only then did he really started putting shots on goal which is a bit amazing if you know anything about how the Fire's season went. This sort of transformation is as likely to be a bust as a boom so the team's really glad he worked out. Still, he's 31 and on the back end of his career.


Jaime Penedo (GK) - 10pts; 4 save points, 6 clean sheets

Choosing a GK in the BSL is a tricky proposition. Last year, the team ended up stuck with Zac McMath when every reasonable keeper was grabbed in between two Rose City picks. Even more tricky, since roughly half the points your keeper will earn are from Clean Sheets instead of saves which means there's a tension between having a keeper who plays for a team likely to get a lot of sheets or one who's back line is just porous enough to allow for a lot of potential saves each game. The preference of some BSL teams for keeping a backup keeper in the reserve slot as well makes this even harder. Penedo is a reasonable keeper for a good team with a solid back line. Just that made him worth ten points this season. But it's definitely possible to do better. Still, you never know when a solid league GK will turn sour as with guys like Tally Hall and John Busch this year.

Eric Alexander - 7pts; 2 goals, 5 assists

Alexander was a solid pickup in Round 9 who had been overlooked by other BSL owners less familar with him. No longer playing for the Portland Timbers, it was still clear that Alexander was talented and getting time in the midfield for the Energy Drinks. At that point in the draft it seemed like a no brainer just based on the fact that he'd regularly see the field. Many other picks from a similar range can't say the same.

Maxi Urruti - 7pts; 5 goals, 2 assists

For every Round 7 or Round 9 steal, there's a guy that you're over-hyped on. After spending our Round 1 grabbing Diego Fagundez the first actual pick in Round 2 was used to pick up the Argentine Urruti who's definitely talented but spent a good chunk of the season sharing the starts with the Timbers new DP Fenendo Adi. Both have proved to be dangerous for the real Rose City but the shared play time has cut into the potential for Urruti to really score it big with the Flyers. He might be worth a DP pickup but only if something truly shakes up the duality of his relationship with Adi in Portland.

Drew Moor - 6pts; 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 shots on goal

Drew Moor was the third to last pick in the 2014 draft. That makes his six points look especially good and it gets even better when you realize that he rode the Flyers reserve slot for the entirety of the Majors Cup after picking up a season ending injury in Week 22.

Aurelien Collin - 4pts; 4 shots on goal

This guy, behated by many an MLS attacking corps, was the Retention Player for the Rose City for 2014. He didn't perform as well as the previous year but he did put a few points on the board and, without something crazy happening, that's exactly what you want your RP to do.

Rodney Wallace - 3pts; 3 goals

Wallace was a revelation for the Flyers lasts season. In fact, he was one of the few bright spots. He opened up the attack on Portland's left wing after Caleb Porter saw fit to drag him from the darkness of his play at left back. He poured on both the goals and assists and, when his ACL popped in the Timbers' final game of the postseason versus RSL, the Flyers were sad to know that he wasn't a wise choice for RP going into this year. That said, most teams have some chaff that doesn't quite work out and, when Wallace began looking like he was ready to get back to playing the Rose City grabbed him for Marcelo Sarvas who, while he put some points on the board later in the season had been a big snooze until then. The upside, Wallace will be the frontrunner for the 2015 Retention Player assuming nothing changes about his position with Caleb Porter's squad.

Jordan Harvey - 2pts; 2 shots on goal
Ned Grabavoy - 1pt; 1 assist

Flyers Win, Add to Trophy Case

Rose City 4 - 3 Union SC

If Marco Di Vaio has been less spectacular as the DP and Captain for Rose City this year than last there are a lot of reasons. He's started fewer games overall but he's just not put up the same numbers. For a guy who ended last season on 20 MLS goals to not even be in double digits makes for a lot more work for a team that was expecting a lot from him. But none of that mattered this week. Di Vaio's brace was the deciding difference between the Flyers and the Union in what's certainly the two sides' closest matchup in quite some time.

"Yeah. I think it's fitting," the Flyers manager said when asked after the game. "We're playing in the championship. We're clearly both strong clubs and it came down to the wire. Marco's retiring at the end of the season and so, to go out like that with a brace for the club feels right."

The Rose City built up what seemed an insurmountable 4-0 lead by Saturday only to have the Union come roaring back. Three unanswered scores left the result in doubt until, with the last MLS game of the week featuring zero Union SC players, the result was locked in.

In addition to Di Vaio, Giles Barnes scored in both of Houston's games (only one counts) and Rodney Wallace pushed one in for Portland vs San Jose. The Flyers remain undefeated in postseason play and successfully swept the 2014 Majors Cup 5-0-0 becoming the first club (BSL or MLS) to win a Majors Cup by winning every game of the tournament.

2014 Majors Cup Champions - Rose City

Majors Cup Final Preview and Lineup

This is it. It's the last week of the season for absolutely everybody and it's all on the line for the Flyers versus the commissioner's team, Union SC. Each team has a BSL Cup to their name (2012, and 2010 respectively) but only one can add hardware to the case.

Rose City has done very well historically against Union and have to be considered the favorites going in. They've scored more points every week of this tournament and bested the opposition 3-1 in the group stage. Including that win, the Boys in Red are 3-0 vs the Union this year and 6-1-0 all time. Don't expect that to change. The Flyers are a perfect 4-0-0 in the Majors Cup so far, and undefeated in postseason play.

On a lighter note, this does look like it will be Marco Di Vaio's final match in the BSL. The team thanks him for his contribution the past two years and wishes him all the best.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
DaMarcus Beasley
Marco Di Vaio (C)
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Aurelien Collin
Jair Benitez
Diego Fagundez


Reserve
Drew Moor

Rose City Advances to Finals

Rose City 6 - 3 Orange County

After dropping both games against Orange County this season by one point, the Flyers showed up in the Majors Cup Semifinal. Outscoring the opposition 6-3 in a game where they trailed by two for a long period, they remain undefeated in postseason play and now stand 4-0-0 in this year's edition.

Six points came off of strong play by the full group including braces from late season superhero Rodney Wallace and low round draft pick Jeff Larentowicz. Jaime Penedo added a save point as well as an assist from the hard working Lamar Neagle.

Rose City will now advance to it's first Majors Cup Final alongside first time finalist Union SC. They've only lost to the Commissioner's team once in their three years in the league and have already bested them three times this season including a battle two weeks ago in the group stages. Once again, a BSL club will take home the hardware. Look for it to be Rose City.

Majors Cup Semifinals

The Semi-Final game is vs the BSL's Orange County Zodiac. Like all teams from California, they deserve no quarter!

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
DaMarcus Beasley
Marco Di Vaio
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Lamar Neagle (C)
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Diego Fagundez
Jair Benitez
Aurelien Collin

Reserve
Drew Moor

Flyers Sweep Group Stage

Rose City 4 - 0 New York Red Bulls

Rose City kept their unbeaten postseason streak alive and got out of their group at 3-0-0 to earn the top seed after they took down the New York Red Bulls this week. That's now five postseason games that the Flyers have participated in, and they've come out on top in all of them. Staying that way though is about to become a very tall challenge.

The Flyers will face the recently crowned Honors Trophy Champion OC Zodiac in the Semis and their championship is no fluke. The team is packing guys like Dom Dwyer, Gyasi Zardes, and Kelyn Rowe who all threaten to score (sometimes more than once) a week. It could also be argued that the Flyers' group was the weaker of the two. Both the Zodiac and the other team to make it out of Group A, Sporting KC have higher APGs for their Majors Cup run than Rose City does.

It's always great to be in the postseason but pretending that a loss in the Semis would be okay isn't really correct. It's going to sting if the Flyers go down, but you can bet they'll not go down without a fight.

Majors Cup Week Three: Pushing for the Semis

The last week of the Majors Cup group stage is here and, as previously written, the Flyers are likely to advance. It'd take some seriously bad luck to not get there. Still, a win isn't assured against an often high scoring team like the New York Energy Drinks.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
DaMarcus Beasley
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio (C)
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Diego Fagundez
Jordan Harvey
Jair Benitez

Reserve
Drew Moor

Rose City Remains Undefeated in Postseason Play

Rose City 3 - 1 Union SC

The Boys in Red topped Union SC 3 - 1 in Majors Cup play this week. They move to 6-1-0 all-time versus the Commissioner's team, remain undefeated in all postseason play, and now control their Majors Cup group.

"The play was really superb," the Flyers coach offered when prompted today during the team's cool-down session. "But we've got a lot of work to do still. We're not even definitely in to the Semis yet."

It's true, too. Some unfortunate results down the table mean that while the Flyers are in the driver's seat and could advance even with a loss next week, they're not through just yet. Beyond that, the field is chock full of teams pouring on five, six, or more points seemingly every week. The other side of the table is now resolved and both teams that are going through, Sporting KC and the OC Zodiac, are standing on a better PPG than the Rose City.

"PPG has never been our strongest statistical area," the coach said. "But this game is almost as much luck as anything else. Getting to the Semis and then winning the Cup will involve a bit of it. Maybe we'll go off or perhaps one of our opponents will have an off week. All we can do is play our best at this point and be proud of what we've accomplished this season."

Next week the team faces the New York Red Bulls, that ugly morass of marketing hubris, who have one more goal in the competition to date than the Flyers. It's going to be a close one for sure but the Boys in Red have done most of the hard work already. The dice are weighted heavily in their favor regardless of results.

Majors Cup Week Two

Week Two features the Commissioner's own Union SC who the Flyers are 5-1-0 all time against. Will this be the usual beatdown or will a Union team that has looked stronger this season fight for their first piece of hardware in a long time? Expect this one to be a fun ride. Hold on.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
DaMarcus Beasley
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Jeff Larentowiz
Peguy Luyindula
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Jordan Harvey
Jair Benitez
Aurelien Collin


Reserve
Drew Moor

Rose City Takes Week One

Rose City 6 - 2 DC United

The Flyers continued their postseason winning ways in Week One of the Majors Cup with a 6-2 win over DC United that placed them in the first position out of Group B. Next week, Rose City takes on the Commissioner's team Union SC and a win would nearly clinch a trip to the Semis.

Scores from Giles Barnes, Maxi Urruti, Lamar Neagle, Marco Di Vaio, and a brace from Jeff Larentowicz off the bench got the Boys in Red their six points. Peguy Luyindula scored a PK that stayed on the bench.

Majors Cup Week One vs DC United

Ahh. The Flyers are back in the postseason. This is a first too. In two previous seasons the team hasn't performed strongly enough after the break to make the Majors Cup but here we are. Week one is versus a streaking DC United team that, none the less puts up relatively few points it seems week in and week out. They're far more likely to win by shutting out the opponent and that's not strictly and option versus Rose City.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
DaMarcus Beasley
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Jordan Harvey
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Jair Benitez


Reserve
Drew Moor

Week 22: Does It Matter or Too Little Too Late?

With Gateway two points up and playing the freebie in Ohio this week, this likely doesn't matter for anything more than pride and potentially Majors Cup seeding. Missing the lineup last week was a boneheaded move (brought on by a busy schedule) but the way it turned out it would have been worth one point and still not enough. The games that really sunk any shot at the Playoffs this year were weeks seven and eight. Who would have guessed at the time? Still, this team has had a remarkable comeback and that's something to celebrate. Di Vaio's the captain for one last run.

Starters

Giles Barnes

DaMarcus Beasley

Aurelien Collin

Marco Di Vaio (C)

Diego Fagundez

Jordan Harvey

Drew Moor

Lamar Neagle

Jaime Penedo (GK)

Maxi Urruti

Rodney Wallace 

Subs

Jeff Larentowicz

Jair Benítez

Eric Alexander

Reserves

Peguy Luyindula

Week Twenty-One: Late Post

Please use the same lineup as last week.

Week Twenty: Freebies?

Last week didn't go as planned. The Flyers triumphant return to the post-season will have to wait at least another week or two thanks to a Landon Donovan hattrick and some poor luck versus Gateway United. That said, the week wasn't all bad. The team is still very much in contention for a spot in the Majors Cup (2nd place currently), maintained their place on the league table (5th, though the breathing room is all but gone), and picked up DaMarcus Beasley who, while he might contribute before the season's out, really bodes well for next season more than anything.

This week Burud Town comes to play, maybe. They haven't posted a lineup in almost a month and honestly, the Flyers will take it since the only two games remaining after than are versus the Battle and Zodiac.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Rodney Wallace
DaMarcus Beasley
Peguy Luyindula

Reserve
Jair Benítez

Acquisition

Just a quick note for now. The club will be dropping Ned Grabavoy to make space for DaMarcus Beasley. Expect a full write-up in the near future.

Week Nineteen Lineup

The long slog to the finish line starts now and the Flyers could use a few more points, especially before those tough final two weeks. The schedule for MLS is a bit strange this week so there are some notable faces that won't take the field including Barnes and Alexander but you play with who you've got.

A win this week coupled with a loss by the CD Gunners clinches a place in the Majors Cup. Cross your fingers!

Starters
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Ned Grabavoy
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti (C)
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Jair Benítez
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes

Reserve
Peguy Luyindula

Flyers Push Majors Cup Advantage

Rose City 5 - 3 Gold Coast

The Flyers took another major step toward some sort of post season appearance this week with another win. This time, they defeated Gold Coast and, in the process, put themselves four points clear of their nearest playoff rival and took first place in Majors Cup Qualifying. This was also the Flyers 30th win all time and tenth this season.

"We're in our third year in the league and we're averaging ten wins a season at the moment. That's pretty good if you ask me," the Flyers general manager said when asked. "We've still got four weeks to go too. There's a lot of room to add to the team's reputation as a top club in the league."

Next week, Rose City faces Gateway United who sit exactly four points back in the Honors Trophy table. Winning there could go a long way toward earning the Boys in Red their first simultaneous appearance in both post-season tournaments.

Week Eighteen: Back on the Horse

Okay. So last week wasn't so good. Usually in this league, scoring eight points is as close to a lock for a win as exists (aside from playing Ohio I guess) but it wasn't enough. On the bright side, the team's clearly capable, and they've gotten stronger in the last couple weeks with the pickup of Luyindula and Benítez. So it's all going on the line now. The team still sits (precariously) on playoff position and their MCQ standings look good. A few more wins and some things will start solidifying. For now, this week is Gold Coast who sit at 6-10-1 and 19pts on the season. Ten of those however, have come since Majors Cup Qualifying started so underestimating them could be dangerous.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Jair Benítez
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Rodney Wallace
Peguy Luyindula
Ned Grabavoy


Reserve
Lamar Neagle

Streak Ends with a Bang

Rose City 8 - 9 CD Gunners

Results don't lie, even if the main MLS page does and Rose City dropped three points this week. This game is the new league record holder for most points scored (topping even some Majors Cup games). The Gunners, it must be said are either lucky or good to get a hattrick from the aging former Flyer Rosales as well as a brace from Tierney who's been on the team less than a week. Still, even in a gunshow like this, someone's likely to lose.

Big plays came from some important places however including a Giles Barnes brace and a keeper brace by Jaime Penedo. Eight points is better than every score by the Flyers all year barring Week Nine. It's a lot of energy (and looks good for the team in the long run) but sadly nets nothing (except and APG increase) this week. Look for things to get even tighter in the run to the end of the season.

In addition, pending league approval, the Flyers will be swapping teammates. Drop Raul Fernandez and pick up Jair Benítez.

Week Seventeen: Stringing them Together

Here's where things get really interesting folks. The Flyers play the CD Gunners this week and, though the Gunners haven't had the strongest season, they're not slouches either. Playoff positions are tight and points are needed to make up for the start of the season if the boys are to stay where they are in that race.

MCQ standings are a different story. The Flyers share the top spot with Orange County and are seven points up on their closest competitors. That hasn't clinched a spot just yet, with six weeks left in the season, but it does provide some breathing room and a good hope that the Boys in Red will see some sort of postseason action. Stay tuned for this one.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Peguy Luyindula
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)

Subs
Rodney Wallace
Ned Grabavoy
Maxi Urruti

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Luyindula arrives in the Rose City

After a surprisingly short discussion with Second City, Peguy Luyindula will be arriving for the price of $12 in allocation cash. He's expected to bolster the abilities of the squad to compete in the last few weeks of the regular season plus increasingly likely post-season play.

New York's Peguy Luyindula

"With the approaching trade deadline, we felt it was important given our late season run to add some firepower. Peguy has already contributed a few goals this season and should but in a few more. Pending league approval, we'll be happy to see him wearing Rose City red," the Flyers manager added when asked about the transfer. "Allocation cash has made it increasingly difficult to find strong players as free transfers since now, signing a big name transfer only requires cash and the slot from your lowest performing player. Before, you would have a sort of cascade effect where strong league performers would be released anytime a bigtime DP would transfer in. We're just trying to find new ways of picking up power late in the season."

Rose City will be dropping New England's Saer Sene who, while a strong player, hasn't received enough minutes to make a true impact this season to make roster space.

Just Keep Rolling

Rose City 2 - 0 Pennsylvania

Count the Flyers lucky on this one. Scoring only two goals is a quick way to lose games in the BSL but Giles Barnes and Eric Alexander got it done this week. That puts the Flyers riding a seven game winning streak back into relevance headed into a big match against the CD Gunners with just six weeks left in the season. Expecting the streak to end sooner, rather than later is a good idea but a loss next week could drop the Boys in Red back out of the playoff race. A few more wins will be required to really lock things up this season.

MCQ standings are a bit more solid. The Rose City continues to share the honor of only remaining club undefeated in qualifying with the OC Zodiac and the next two teams trail by seven points each. That's not an iron-clad grip yet, but with the weeks winding away quickly it could turn into one without much notice. Expect the next few weeks to really resolve things for a lot of teams in both sets of standings.

Week Sixteen: Looking for Seven

The Flyers are on a six game winning streak. It's really the only reason that the Boys in Red are still relevant this season, but that doesn't change the fact that they're planning to make a run for it. Currently sitting in fifth which is the last (and new) playoff position for the Honors Trophy, it'll take a lot of luck and some skill too to stay relevant there. The streak has, however made the MCQ a more realistic possibility. The Flyers are one of two undefeated teams left in MCQ and will retain their second place position there even if they lose this week.

This week's opponent is the long-running Pennsylvania Stoners and the series is currently tied 3-3. The Stoners have had a rough season and can't really catch the Flyers anywhere on the table, however three points are pretty needed to stay in place for the Honors Trophy. Capital District is currently two points ahead with Gateway just one behind. Lots of possible positions could change based on this match and a few others.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Jordan Harvey
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Jeff Larentowicz
Saer Sene
Ned Grabavoy

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Week Fifteen: Post World Cup

This one's about as close to a gimme as it comes in the BSL. The Flyers get another rest this week versus the no-show Ohio Toffees. The most important thing is to run up the score so that the Boys in Red have the best possible APG. It'll be a nice boost in Majors Cup Qualifying and, having missed so many early season points, could be a crucial tiebreaker for a playoff spot.

Perhaps more interestingly, the two teams immediately ahead of the Flyers in the Honors Trophy race play each other this week so, barring a tie between the two (or a goose egg by the Flyers), the Rose City will end the week in playoff position.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Jordan Harvey
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti
Rodney Wallace

Subs
Ned Grabavoy
Saer Sene
Jeff Larentowicz

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Week Fourteen: Five Alive

Rose City 3 - 2 Second City

What a way to go into the World Cup break. Rose City has won five in a row, although this time it took a little luck with Second City's game tying goal from Soony Saad left on the bench to make it happen. Play doesn't resume until the 25th and the question is this: will the Flyers be as good after that much downtime?

Let's focus on the here and now though. Rose City's grit has moved them into range of being relevant, not just to the Majors Cup where they're in a solid second, but the Playoffs as well. They currently sit sixth on that table and are just two points of of being in playoff contention. Add on that the first week post-World Cup is as near to a freebie as it gets in this league vs the Toffees and things look good.

Check back in for all the fun once the World Cup is complete. USMNT all the way.

Week Fourteen: Big Break for the World Cup

This is the last fixture before the World Cup break and it's probably a good thing. A few guys on the roster could use a breather.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Diego Fagundez (C)
Ned Grabavoy
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Saer Sene
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Rodney Wallace
Marco Di Vaio
Aurelien Collin

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Flyers Start Majors Cup Qualifying 2-0

Rose City 5 - 3 Union SC

The Flyers maintained their dominant form versus the League Commissioner's team this week with a 5 - 3 win. Five different players put a point on the board and that was all while both Fagundez and Collin were held quiet. Speaking of Collin, the already beat up SKC centerback left his game after less than ten minutes of play this week with an apparent hamstring issue. The severity remains to be seen, but Rose City is likely without their local bruiser for at least a week or two. With that in mind it's even better news that the entire team seems to be finding its form.

It couldn't be coming at a better time either with Second City coming to town early in the week. They trail the Flyers only on APG in the standings, though they're back several spots in the MCQ table. Still, if the Boys in Red are serious about turning around their season (and they've put good effort into it), a win over Second City is going to be required.

Week Thirteen: Union SC

Aurelin Collin should be back in for SKC and Rodney Wallace joins the squad. He's available for Portland vs Chivas. Will he see the field? The week starts early. Let's get to work.


Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Ned Grabavoy
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Rodney Wallace
Saer Sene
Drew Moor

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Starting of the Back Half Right

Rose City 4 - 1 Spartans 1612

The Flyers just handed the Spartans their third loss in as many weeks and is definitely having an effect on the league if only by making them much easier to catch for the rest of the top table teams. But enough of that.

What's more important is that the Boys in Red are on a three game winning streak. What's more important is, more play like the last few weeks could put them in a position to threaten the playoffs. What's more important is that the Flyers are currently sitting in third for Majors Cup Qualifying. The team has never played in the Majors Cup and it's a big goal for the squad. One week in, you can't ever tell how things will play out, but getting a win in week one of qualifying is the best way to start. Look for next week's lineup soon.

Transaction

Pending league approval and the end of the week, Rose City will drop Marcelo Sarvas and pick up Rodney Wallace.

Week 12

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez (C)
Raul Fagundez (GK)
Ned Grabavoy
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Jordan Harvey
Saer Sene
Marcelo Sarvas

Reserve
Jaime Penedo (GK)

Flyers on a Winning Streak

Rose City 5 - 2 Pennsylvania Stoners

Rose City's officially on a winning streak. Two wins in a row in convincing fashion leave a big question about upcoming Majors Cup Qualifying. Can the Flyers actually play spoiler in the second half of the season? It all starts next week with a rapid rematch versus the Spartans who should be out for blood after the Flyers killed their shot at the record books.

Week 11: Wild Ride

Last week was one wild ride. A win versus the league's top team is a big deal and the team that showed up for that match is the one the front office saw when they were drafting. Let's be honest though, the Flyers are out for the Cup this year just from owner apathy in the first third of the season. It's all about the Majors Cup now and if that's true then this week, the last before the break, is pretty much a throw away. That said, we'd like to rack up some more allocation cash, and show that last week wasn't a fluke.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes (C)
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Raul Fernandez (GK)
Ned Grabavoy
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Saer Sene
Marcelo Sarvas
Jordan Harvey

Reserve
Jaime Penedo (GK)

Week Ten

Boy. What a week to get back on the horse. We're posting a lineup on time. That's a thing. But there's one big hurdle. The Spartans are 9-0. One more win and they hold the BSL record for best start to a season. Upside, some of the guys for the Flyers are starting to look alright. Let's get to work and see what we can do.

Before we get to the lineup, we have some roster moves to make though. Pending league approval Rose City will be dropping Robbie Findley for Raul Fernandez.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes (C)
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio
Diego Fagundez
Ned Grabavoy
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Drew Moor
Saer Sene
Marcelo Sarvas

Reserve
Raul Fernandez

Trying again.

Hey folks. It's been a while. Life's been crazy and I've not had time/desire for this. But things are looking up and so, I'm going to try again. I know I'm late, but I was genuinely planning to post before games kicked off this weekend. I guess we're gunning for the Majors Cup now?

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes (C)
Diego Fagundez
Robbie Findley
Ned Grabavoy
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Marcelo Sarvas
Saer Sene

Subs
Jordan Harvey
Maxi Urruti
Aurelien Collin

Reserves
Marco Di Vaio

Week Six: CD Gunners

Week five didn't go so well. Every guy on the club is capable of scoring, but they can't seem to do it all at the same time. Second City got their first win off of the Flyers and that leaves the Rose City in ninth. This week is the CD Gunners who look good but not great. Is this the week the Flyers figure it out?

Two big things to keep in mind this week. One, Collin is sitting out his bye week with the rest of SKC. That's one proven scorer off the field. Two, Fagundez hasn't figured out how to hit the back of the net yet, despite an attractive looking bicycle attempt in play last week.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Marco Di Vaio (C)
Diego Fagundez
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Saer Sene
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Marcelo Sarvas
Ned Grabavoy
Robbie Findley

Reserve
Aurelien Collin

Week Five: Second City

It's been a good two weeks for the Flyers after a rough start to their third year in the league. The team still looks better on paper than ever before and, if some guys start putting points on the board it will be that way for real too.

There's no better time to start making a run than now. Second City has struggled up to now also and much tougher teams wait down the road. Points need to be gathered, and quickly to get the Boys in Red back into the middle of the scrum. Worth noting is this: the Flyers are 4-0-0 all time versus the Second City and keeping that domination going is what needs to happen this weekend.


Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio (C)
Diego Fagundez
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Saer Sene
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Jordan Harvey
Ned Grabavoy
Marcelo Sarvas

Reserves
Robbie Findey

Things are Looking Up

Rose City 3 - 1 Union SC

The Flyers extended their all time lead versus the Commissioner's club this week to 4-1-0. That's about as good as the news should have gotten for the Boys in Red. However, the club's late challenge to the result versus Gold Coast last week (originally recorded as a 1-1 draw) was successful after MLS awarded Lamar Neagle credit for what had originally been ruled an own goal. That lifts the Rose City to 2-2-0 this season with six points and a chance to be relevant.

The team's 2.2 APG could use some work but the win this week dragged them up to eighth place. That's the highest ranking so far this season and higher than the team finished in 2013. Still, there's a long way to go and a lot of games to play. Getting that APG up, keeping points in the box score instead of on the bench, and figuring out who's not seeing the playing time they were expected to is going to be the trick now. A point has been left on the bench three weeks in a row now. Versus the Union it didn't change the outcome, but last week (before the call reversal) it would have changed a draw to a win and the week before a loss would have been a draw. When asked, the Flyers GM had this to say.

"We've set ourselves up for a new problem this year. There is very little chaff in our 2014 draft group so figuring out who of the five or six guys near the bottom of the pecking order are going to sit any given week gets interesting. When no one is injured and every MLS team plays it's kind of drawing straws based on who's looked good recently. And with guys like this, every one of them will contribute five or six to the scoreboard by the end of the season. Not missing those points because they've maybe not produced in the last couple of weeks is tricky."

The real elephant in the room at this point is the crickets emanating from the spot big offseason signing Diego Fagundez is supposed to be occupying. The Revolution only just scored their first goal this week so something is going on with their team.

"We have faith in Diego," the GM offered. "You don't bag 20 BSL goals at the age of nineteen on a fluke. He'll get it sorted out and when he does, this team will be a lot more dangerous." The young Revolution striker has played all but one available minute for his MLS team so far and has twelve shots with five on goal. It would appear that everything is going right except the finishing. Look for that to change, soon.

Week Four: Di Vaio's Back

Not much time for now. The notables are these. The Flyers managed a point last week by some amount of luck. Beyond that, Marco Di Vaio is back and this week's opponent is the Commissioner's own Union SC. They're off to an even worse start on zero points after three weeks and, in Rose City's two years in the league, have yet to win a head to head. Lineup as follows.

EDIT: In addition, the team has a dispute with the league pending over an unrecorded goal from last week that would (if allowed) result in a Flyers win.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Giles Barnes
Aurelien Collin
Marco Di Vaio (C)
Diego Fagundez
Ned Grabavoy
Jeff Larentowicz
Drew Moor
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Marcelo Sarvas

Subs
Maxi Urruti
Saer Sene
Jordan Harvey

Reserve
Robbie Findley

Week Three: Good News/Bad News

The Flyers have dropped two games to start the season. That's the bad news. More of it, it could have been a tie last week if the managers had had more faith in Larentowicz. Finally, Giles Barnes has the week off. The good news however, is this. This is Di Vaio's last game sitting out. He's back next week. In addition, Collin looks like his old self with a BSL brace last week, Penedo is back from his bye week, and Sene continues to see more play than expected. Here's this week's lineup.

Starters
Eric Alexander
Aurelien Collin
Diego Fagundez
Robbie Findley
Ned Grabavoy
Jordan Harvey
Jeff Larentowicz
Lamar Neagle
Jaime Penedo (GK)
Marcelo Sarvas
Maxi Urruti

Subs
Saer Sene
Drew Moor
Giles Barnes

Reserve
Marco Di Vaio

Week Two Lineup

The Flyers fell in Week one 1 - 2 to the Zodiac but it was just that, Week one. There's a lot more football to played, hopefully with a slightly more optimal lineup. With that in mind, Marco Di Vaio won't be back until Week Four but good news is already appearing on other fronts. Saer Sene saw a quarter hour of play last week and should see more soon.

Lineup
Eric Alexander (NY)
Giles Barnes (HOU)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Diego Fagundez (C -NE)
Ned Grabavoy (RSL)
Jordan Harvey (VAN)
Drew Moor (COL)
Lamar Neagle (SEA)
Jaime Penedo (GK - LA)
Marcelo Sarvas (LA)
Maxi Urruti (POR)

Subs
Saer Sene (NE)
Jeff Larentowicz (CHI)
Robbie Findley (RSL)

Reserve
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)

C - Captain
GK - Keeper

Week One: Lineup

The BSL Regular Season kicks off this week for a rejuvenated Rose City versus last years rookies, the Orange County Zodiac. The Flyers will be without Robbie Findley who's still working on some preseason knocks but is expected to be back soon. In addition, Marco Di Vaio will be sitting the first three games of the season due to the red card he earned during the fracas at the end of Montreal's only playoff game last year.

There's no better time for the team to step up and show that this year's version of the Flyers is a three dimensional team. Expect some combination of Giles Barnes, Diego Fagundez, Jaime Penedo, and Aurelien Collin to do the heavy lifting with perhaps some other names showing up in the box score as well. The lineup is as follows.

Lineup
Eric Alexander (NY)
Giles Barnes (HOU)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Diego Fagundez (C - NE)
Ned Grabavoy (RSL)
Jordan Harvey (VAN)
Jeff Laurentowicz (CHI)
Lamar Neagle (SEA)
Jaime Penedo (GK - LA)
Marcelo Sarvas (LA)
Maxi Urruti (POR)

Subs
Drew Moor (COL)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
Robbie Findley (RSL)

Reserve
Saer Sene (NE)

C - Captain
GK - Keeper

Season Preview: Analyzing the Draft

The draft is over and the BSL season is preparing to kick off on March eighth along with MLS. Rose City will face last year's newbies Orange County in Week One and the Boys in Red are prepared to bring it. First though, let's take a look at the draft through the eyes of the Flyers coach.

Rose City's draft this year is almost certainly the best group put together to kick off a season in the three years the Flyers have been around. The inaugural draft class was downright bad as has been noted here and elsewhere. The first pick produced one point all season and the BSL Cup was won by the tireless work of guys who came on board in the middle of the season. Perhaps more important than anyone else from that group is Marco Di Vaio who still occupies one of Rose City's DP slots. Year two was a stronger class on paper, but too large a percentage of the picks spent time on the bench injured, especially at the beginning of the year. Guys like Alan Gordon and Martin Rivero, while having a strong pedigree didn't see the field often enough to make the impact they needed to.

This year's class appears to be different. There are a few risks that were taken in full knowledge, but, top to bottom, the group is far more capable of scoring goals in large quantities than any Flyers team before.

Marco Di Vaio (F - MTL) - The headliner, club favorite, member of the old guard. Di Vaio challenged for the Golden Boot in MLS last season, putting twenty goals in the net and he's expected to do it again. It may be Marco's last season of professional soccer, but he's still got it when it comes to finding space, hanging off a defender's shoulder, and putting it on frame. Look for him to put up numbers for Rose City.

Diego Fagundez

Diego Fagundez (F - NE) - The newcomer, the kid, the hope for the future. Fagundez is only nineteen, but he's already proven that he knows what he's doing. He scored twenty points in the BSL last year, just two short of Di Vaio, and he's the main target for the attack in New England. He's got a nose for goal and an entire, well improved New England team looking to get him the ball in dangerous spaces. Look for him to put up significant numbers this season and to stay with the Flyers for a long time to come.

Maxi Urruti (F - POR) - The wildcard. Urruti spent part of last season with Toronto before moving to Portland and joining the Timbers' forward corps. He scored just once. But he hasn't played anything close to a full season yet. With Ryan Johnson now plying his trade in China, Urruti is the closest thing the Timbers have to a target forward. Look for him to either be scoring big goals already or out on his ass inside of two months.

Giles Barnes

Giles Barnes (M - HOU) - The stalwart. Barnes isn't a forward, but that didn't stop him from being worth thirteen BSL points last season. He remains a steady rock in the midfield for Houston, one of MLS' most consistent teams. Look for him to make up for others when someone has a bye week or has to step out for a slight knock. He'll most likely be there all season long, chugging away. This guy was a steal for the fourth round.

Saer Sene (F - NE) - The risk. Sene won't be suiting up at the start of the season. He's still recovering from the horrific injury he suffered in the box last October. You're unlikely to see him in the Starting XI until at least May but, unlike the entire broken roster of last season, the Flyers are okay waiting this one out. He was good for ten points in just 1200 minutes last season so, if he even comes close to repeating that performance once he's back the risk will have been worth it. He was picked up very late.

Jaime Penedo (GK - LA) - The brick wall. Penedo rolled into LA last season and saved the Galaxy from themselves (and Carlo Cudicini). He performed well and, with a solid back line of guys like DeLaGarza and Gonzo in front of him and a full preseason with his team behind him, look for a lot of clean sheet points. No more keeper juggling for the Flyers. He was taken in Round Five while most others waited two or even three rounds later to pick up their netminders for just this reason.

Robbie Findley

Eric Alexander (M - RSL), Robbie Findley (M - RSL), Ned Grabavoy (M - RSL), Lamar Neagle (F - SEA), Marcelo Sarvas (M - LA), Jeff Larentowicz (M - CHI) - The boys. These guys are the meat of the club. They aren't flashy (though they all could become so, potentially) and they don't put up the numbers of guys that go in the first or second round but each of these guys are a threat to contribute to the scoreline any given week. This is a major improvement for Rose City who's previous rosters had a lot more chaff than this. Expect a higher APG this season mostly because of these guys right here. If anyone turns into a superstar, expect it to be Neagle, who had twelve BSL points last season. If anything stops him it'll be chemistry with Seattle's much turned-over roster.

Aurelien Collin (D - SKC), Jordan Harvey (D - VAN), Drew Moor (D - COL) - The defense. These three defenders all regularly get shots on goals or assists and, occasionally, will tap one in themselves on a set piece or a lucky sitter. They have the quality to cross into the box on the attack and pick up assists that way. They're also all extremely important to their teams. Collin did well enough last season to be Rose City's Retention selection. Expect them to see a lot of minutes. Don't look for them to score a lot, but every point counts.

Even the filler here, for lack of a better term, is of a higher quality than any previous Rose City team. Everyone has made a mark on the league and provides contributions to their home clubs. Even more importantly, they all saw regular minutes last season and, though that can sometimes change, it's an important starting place. You won't ever score points if you don't see the field. Were there guys who got away? Sure. That's the nature of the draft. However, there's a solid club here. Every season requires luck as well as skill, but this is a good jumping off point. There's a team in the now and some eyes cast toward the future as well. Look for Rose City to compete again. Sophomore slumps are for sophomores. If that's really true, look for a win over the Zodiac this coming weekend.

Today's Draft Haul

Flyers Add More Talent

The Flyers continued their strong draft today by  Jaime Penedo, Marcelo Sarvas, and Lamar Neagle in rounds five through seven. It seems like the team is deeper than ever with a list of guys who are all capable of adding points to the board any day of the week.

Penedo, the Galaxy's savior last season when he came in on a free transfer to fix their serious keeper issues, is a strong netminder who, when paired with a strong Galaxy backline, is a threat to keep a clean sheet every week. He stops shots on reflex like few else in the league and, if the Galaxy are in top form, could provide the Flyers with more than one point on occasion. No longer will keeper issues trouble the Rose City.

Sarvas breezes by Jeff Parke 

Marcelo Sarvas, who spends time up in midfield from Penedo is one of the fulcrums of LA's strong attack. Last season it was not uncommon to see him figuring out a way to put points on the board when guys further of the field were sputtering. Finally, Lamar Neagle sees play both up top and on the left wing in every system the Seattle Sounders have run in the last two years. A breakout campaign last season netted him twelve points in the BSL and he could very well do better this year.

Keep up to date on the BSL draft and who will be wearing the Red this season by watching this space.

Flyers Looking Strong in Draft

Flyers add Urruti, Barnes, and Findley in First Four Rounds

After finishing the preseason with three very strong players, Rose City has come out of the gates and added a ton more quality with their first three draft picks. Added to the roster are Houston stalwart Giles Barnes, USMNT player Robbie Findley, and Timbers front man Maxi Urruti.

Of the three, Urruti is the biggest risk, scoring only one goal in his short time in the league last season. However, he's looked strong in preseason play, is well fitted for Caleb Porter's possession and pressure offense, and has now had an entire preseason to mesh with his teammates. Everyone in the Timbers' front four should put up big numbers in assists and goals this season.

Barnes and Findley are more known quantities. Both have EPL experience and put up numbers regularly. Barnes finished the previous BSL season with 13 points and Findley had eight. Both are important parts of their teams' attacking strength and both are proven to be dangerous.

The draft is going well, with plenty of strong performing players left to pick up in the next few rounds. Check back here for more.

Season Schedule and Announcement

The BSL Front Office has officially released the league schedule for the upcoming 2014 BSL season. It features the now standard twenty-two games before two months worth of playoff action including the BSL Cup and Majors Cup.

The Rose City Flyers begin and end the season with last season's upstarts, the Orange County Zodiac. Also of interest is a home and away separated by a week with Spartans 1612 in weeks ten and twelve. The Flyers front office is already eying that one as a way to climb the standings rapidly (or solidify their place at the top). In addition, the Boys in Red will face Alliance replacements the Ohio Toffees in weeks seven and fifteen. That's unfortunate because it's likely the first time front office will have a handle on things by then.

Finally, Rose City would like to announce this season's new kit updates! The sponsor will remain, as ever, Powell's City of Books but a new look will be appearing on the pitch this season. Check it out below and tell the ownership what you think in the comments.

Flyers Acquire Diego Fagundez

Fagundez arrives in exchange for First Round pick

Trickles and hints of rumors have been floating around all winter about who the Flyers might be looking to bring to the Rose City this off season. Those rumors amped up when only one DP was announced, leaving some names that have been with the club for a while like Mauro Rosales and Marvin Chavez on the outside looking in. Today however, it's confirmed. Diego Fagundez, the New England Revolution/Alamo City Battle striker who put up twenty points in the BSL last season will be making his way to the Rose City as the team's second DP. In exchange, the Flyers sent the Battle their highly coveted first round pick.

In addition to some startling hair, the striker's numbers in MLS last season startled some themselves. Seeing some minutes the year before, he's become one of the most important cogs in Jay Heaps' increasingly dangerous side. He's safe too. He's been signed to a multi-year contract within MLS where he can continue to grow and start scoring for the Flyers.

"We looked at it as an opportunity," the Flyers General Manager said when asked. "We had a good first round pick for sure, but that translated into a trade for basically anyone in the league. Instead of chancing it on the draft, we opted to pick up a guy we were sure we were looking for, who's a known quantity. Diego is a top notch guy and a rising star in both MLS and the BSL."

This brings the Flyers confirmed lineup for 2014 to three including Fagundez, Marco Di Vaio who himself put up twenty-two points last season, and the squad's first Retention Player, Aurelien Collin. Together they form the backbone of a squad looking to set things right from last season, get back into the picture for the BSL Cup, and earn the Rose City's first birth in the Majors Cup. It's a group that's just the right mix of young and experienced.

"Marco [Di Vaio] is likely retiring at the end of this MLS season and so it's important to both have a strong squad to send him off with a bang, and have some concept of where we're going once he's gone," the Flyers Head Coach explained. "We were increasingly relying on older guys or guys not getting much time last year in addition to a slew of injuries. We're starting this season off differently. We've had discussions about where to go from here and we have a strong idea of who else we'd like to have wearing the Red and Black."

2014: A New Season

It's a new season in the Rose City!

After taking the league by storm in its first season, the Rose City Flyers experienced the classic Sophomore Slump. A poor draft coupled by a squad plagued by injuries at the beginning and end of the season spelled doom for the Boys in Red. A lot of games were lost by one goal or by poor lineup choices and the front office promises that this season will be stronger.

 "We've always made strong acquisitions during the season, but for our short time in the league, we've never made a splash during the draft. That's one thing we're looking to change and change quickly," a team representative said when questioned. "Finding the strongest option at our draft position has been something we've struggled with. Hopefully, with a high draft number after two seasons near the bottom, our club can make some strong choices."

To start that transition to season three, the club is happy to announce their first news regarding returning players. Marco Di Vaio will, once again occupy one of the club's Designated Player spots and backline bruiser Aurelien Collin will be the clubs first Retention Player under the league's new rule.

"Marco has been one of the strongest players we've had since he entered the league a year and a half ago. He's clinical, puts up points, and is always a threat. Likewise, Aurelien came through for us more times last year than anyone else. We're happy to see him returning to the club this season," the club's manager said when questioned at the season starting press conference.