I intended to post this lineup much earlier but pushed it back when the Dallas/Philly game was. I hope the commish finds that acceptable.
Playing without Rimando this week will likely be no fun. Let's see if we can manage 3 points for the first time this season. History vs the Union says yes.
Starters
Quincy Amerikwa
Giles Barnes - C
Gaston Fernandez
Perry Kitchen
Sasha Kljestan
Nick Rimando - GK
Carlos Rivas
Robbie Rogers
Harry Shipp
Luis Silva
Rodney Wallace
Subs
Gonzalo Pineda
Hector Jimenez
Luke Mulholland
Reserve
Drew Moor
Showing posts with label Union SC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Union SC. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
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 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
Monday, October 6, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, September 19, 2014
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
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
Monday, September 15, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, June 2, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
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
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
Sunday, March 30, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
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
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
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Week Seventeen: The Rebound
The Flyers were absolutely destroyed last week by the Commissioner's Own Union SC by a score of 9-1. It can't really be helped. The Union had been averaging 2.1 ppg for the season and suddenly, every role player on their squad found their form at the same time.
"It happens in this game," Rose City's manager said after the game. "It was impressive. I wish it hadn't happened to us in the middle of a playoff chase, but what can you do? You've got to keep your highs low and your lows high and focus on the game in front of you."
And boy what a doozy it is. This week's matchup against the Spartans is a six pointer for the Flyers. 1612 sits just one place above Rose City in the league table and while a win last week would have made this the go-ahead game, three points paired with denying the Spartans three at the same time would go a long way toward buying the Boys in Red a playoff spot for the second straight year. For that matter, Alamo City could have finished them off last week too, but no. Make no mistake about it, the results this week could make or break Rose City's drive to once again find the playoffs. In addition Majors Cup Qualifying has been tight this season and the loss last week did no favors there either.
Finally, expect something of a "B" squad from the Flyers this week. Sure, a lot of the top names are there, but Gold Cup callups and a couple of injuries have made things more awkward than they need to be.
EDIT: In addition, given league approval, the team would like to acquire Jalil Anibaba (CHI) and drop Eric Hassli (DAL). If the transaction is approved, Anibaba will hold Hassli's assigned spot in the lineup.
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Teal Bunbury (SKC)
Jaime Castrillon (COL)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Danny Cruz (PHI)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
Eric Hassli (DAL)
Daniel Paladini (CHI)
Luis Robles (NY)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Subs
Martin Rivero (COL)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Reserve
Zach McMath (PHI)
"It happens in this game," Rose City's manager said after the game. "It was impressive. I wish it hadn't happened to us in the middle of a playoff chase, but what can you do? You've got to keep your highs low and your lows high and focus on the game in front of you."
And boy what a doozy it is. This week's matchup against the Spartans is a six pointer for the Flyers. 1612 sits just one place above Rose City in the league table and while a win last week would have made this the go-ahead game, three points paired with denying the Spartans three at the same time would go a long way toward buying the Boys in Red a playoff spot for the second straight year. For that matter, Alamo City could have finished them off last week too, but no. Make no mistake about it, the results this week could make or break Rose City's drive to once again find the playoffs. In addition Majors Cup Qualifying has been tight this season and the loss last week did no favors there either.
Finally, expect something of a "B" squad from the Flyers this week. Sure, a lot of the top names are there, but Gold Cup callups and a couple of injuries have made things more awkward than they need to be.
EDIT: In addition, given league approval, the team would like to acquire Jalil Anibaba (CHI) and drop Eric Hassli (DAL). If the transaction is approved, Anibaba will hold Hassli's assigned spot in the lineup.
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Teal Bunbury (SKC)
Jaime Castrillon (COL)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Danny Cruz (PHI)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
Eric Hassli (DAL)
Daniel Paladini (CHI)
Luis Robles (NY)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Subs
Martin Rivero (COL)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Reserve
Zach McMath (PHI)
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Week Sixteen: Flyers vs. Union
The boys are headed to Southern California to take on the Union for the second time this year in a game that could (if other results fall correctly this week) put the Flyers into a playoff spot for the first time this season. The Union have had dismal luck against the 2012 BSL Cup winners since their entrance into the league with Rose City owning the matchup 3-0-0 on an aggregate score of 10-6.
A few important guys are missing this week, mainly due to MLS byes. Some injuries could still be an issue but it's a pretty clear roster. That's good because the Gold Cup is about to mess with rosters big time, MLS and BSL alike.
Other league games are a big deal for the Flyers this week as well. Fourth place Spartans take on a number one Alamo City side that doesn't look to be losing any time soon so a win for the Rose City could put them even on points. 1612 will likely still have a slight apg advantage but a great week by the Flyers and a dismal one in New York could flip that as well. Six points hasn't been an uncommon score of the Flyers recently. In addition, Burud Town and Orange County, who are numbers three and two respectively go head to head this week and both of them continue to look catchable. Root for the OC in this one simply because the Stags are closer to the Flyers in the standings. Finally, MCQ standings are really volatile right now as well. APG is all that separates the 4th to 6th spots on the table while teams as far up as third and as low as ninth could realistically do a lot of moving there this week. Keep your eyes open and pull for your Boys in Red.
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Teal Bunbury (SKC)
Jaime Castrillon (COL)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Danny Cruz (PHI)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
Zach McMath (PHI)
Daniel Paladini (CHI)
Martin Rivero (COL)
Subs
Eric Hassli (DAL)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Reserve
Luis Robles (NY)
A few important guys are missing this week, mainly due to MLS byes. Some injuries could still be an issue but it's a pretty clear roster. That's good because the Gold Cup is about to mess with rosters big time, MLS and BSL alike.
Other league games are a big deal for the Flyers this week as well. Fourth place Spartans take on a number one Alamo City side that doesn't look to be losing any time soon so a win for the Rose City could put them even on points. 1612 will likely still have a slight apg advantage but a great week by the Flyers and a dismal one in New York could flip that as well. Six points hasn't been an uncommon score of the Flyers recently. In addition, Burud Town and Orange County, who are numbers three and two respectively go head to head this week and both of them continue to look catchable. Root for the OC in this one simply because the Stags are closer to the Flyers in the standings. Finally, MCQ standings are really volatile right now as well. APG is all that separates the 4th to 6th spots on the table while teams as far up as third and as low as ninth could realistically do a lot of moving there this week. Keep your eyes open and pull for your Boys in Red.
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Teal Bunbury (SKC)
Jaime Castrillon (COL)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Danny Cruz (PHI)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
Zach McMath (PHI)
Daniel Paladini (CHI)
Martin Rivero (COL)
Subs
Eric Hassli (DAL)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Reserve
Luis Robles (NY)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Flyers Dismantle Alliance FC
Rose City 6 - 0 Alliance
The international break doesn't seem to have slowed down the Flyers. The team crushed Alliance 6 - 0 this week in what is starting to become a seasonal ritual. The winning goal was the first one from none other than Marco Di Vaio but the talk of the town this week will be the continually rising star of Rodney Wallace. After receiving a call-up from Costa Rica but seeing zero minutes on the field, the winger was only available for one of Portland's two games this week. He only needed the one, putting in an assist hattrick to earn himself Man of the Match. Those points are important too.
While the win squeaked Rose City to within three points of a playoff spot thanks to a Spartans loss to Gold Coast, the points pushed the team's APG to 3.0 for the season and 4.0 since Majors Cup Qualifying began. Those points appear more and more likely to matter as the last two BSL playoff places and all of the MCQ spots seem to be up for grabs during a rapidly closing BSL season. There are only seven weeks left to play in the regular season and the Flyers face some imminently beatable competition. Lets take a look.
Current Standings:
Five of the seven remaining opponents sit below the halfway line on the league table. Most of them have an APG of under three, and it doesn't appear to be improving. Meanwhile, Rose City has been clinging tightly to the fifth place spot for several weeks with an APG that continues to increase. As of the end of week fifteen, the Flyers hold a 3.0 APG and have been averaging 4.6 goals per game since week nine when many of the club's injured players started to return. Indeed, since that week nine game against Gateway United the Boys in Red have put up at least four points all but once and put up six points three separate times.
Our other two opponents, the Orange County Zodiac and Spartans 1612 sit above the Flyers in the league table and currently occupy playoff positions. While the Zodiac appear uncatchable with thirty-one points, the Spartans are on twenty-six and are only one win out of the Flyers' grasp. They face top-of-the-table Alamo City next week and then are under Rose City's own control in Week Seventeen. Look for the next two weeks to really define those playoff spots.
The international break doesn't seem to have slowed down the Flyers. The team crushed Alliance 6 - 0 this week in what is starting to become a seasonal ritual. The winning goal was the first one from none other than Marco Di Vaio but the talk of the town this week will be the continually rising star of Rodney Wallace. After receiving a call-up from Costa Rica but seeing zero minutes on the field, the winger was only available for one of Portland's two games this week. He only needed the one, putting in an assist hattrick to earn himself Man of the Match. Those points are important too.
Current Standings:
- Week 16: Union Southern California 9th, 5-7-3, 2.1 apg
- Week 17: Spartans 1612 4th, 8-5-2, 3.4 apg
- Week 18: Gold Coast 10th, 5-9-1, 2.5 apg
- Week 19: Capital District Gunners 8th, 5-7-3, 2.9 apg
- Week 20: Orange County Zodiac 2nd 10-4-1, 3.7 apg
- Week 21: Pennsylvania Stoners 12th, 2-12-1, 2.5 apg
- Week 22: Gateway United 7th, 5-7-3, 3.3 apg
Five of the seven remaining opponents sit below the halfway line on the league table. Most of them have an APG of under three, and it doesn't appear to be improving. Meanwhile, Rose City has been clinging tightly to the fifth place spot for several weeks with an APG that continues to increase. As of the end of week fifteen, the Flyers hold a 3.0 APG and have been averaging 4.6 goals per game since week nine when many of the club's injured players started to return. Indeed, since that week nine game against Gateway United the Boys in Red have put up at least four points all but once and put up six points three separate times.
Our other two opponents, the Orange County Zodiac and Spartans 1612 sit above the Flyers in the league table and currently occupy playoff positions. While the Zodiac appear uncatchable with thirty-one points, the Spartans are on twenty-six and are only one win out of the Flyers' grasp. They face top-of-the-table Alamo City next week and then are under Rose City's own control in Week Seventeen. Look for the next two weeks to really define those playoff spots.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
New Superstar? Week 4 Review
Rose City 2 - 1 Union Southern California
The Flyers squeeked it out again this week with a 2-1 decision versus the Union. They move to 3-0 all time versus the Commissioner's Club. But don't think this celebration comes without some introspection. There were quite a few lucky breaks for the Boys in Red, formost among them Jose Correa's deflected shot tallied as an Own Goal for Jalil Anibaba of Chicago. Jeff Laurentowicz did everything in his power to ruin the scoreline as well.
The question instead, since the scoreline remained in the Flyers favor is this? Just how much value did the team pickup with Patrice Bernier? Will he continue to prove to be the goal hound the team needs while the injured players get up to speed? Will the magic stop if (when?) the Montreal Impact lose some of their early season sparkle? In the club's opinion having the combination of Bernier and Di Vaio makes all the difference.
"Being able to potentially pick up two points off one well executed play like we did this weekend is big game," the Flyers coach offered when asked. "It's not as easy as it looks to put a true goal scoring run together so being able to double up like that is invaluable."
Week Five sees the Flyers, now coming off a two game winning streak face a hot Burud Town. The team is undefeated at 3-0-1 so far this season and looked impressive in taking down the previously unstoppable OC Zodiac 6-3 in Week Four.
The Flyers squeeked it out again this week with a 2-1 decision versus the Union. They move to 3-0 all time versus the Commissioner's Club. But don't think this celebration comes without some introspection. There were quite a few lucky breaks for the Boys in Red, formost among them Jose Correa's deflected shot tallied as an Own Goal for Jalil Anibaba of Chicago. Jeff Laurentowicz did everything in his power to ruin the scoreline as well.
The question instead, since the scoreline remained in the Flyers favor is this? Just how much value did the team pickup with Patrice Bernier? Will he continue to prove to be the goal hound the team needs while the injured players get up to speed? Will the magic stop if (when?) the Montreal Impact lose some of their early season sparkle? In the club's opinion having the combination of Bernier and Di Vaio makes all the difference.
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| Di Vaio and Bernier celebrate after combining for the game winning strike. |
Week Five sees the Flyers, now coming off a two game winning streak face a hot Burud Town. The team is undefeated at 3-0-1 so far this season and looked impressive in taking down the previously unstoppable OC Zodiac 6-3 in Week Four.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Week Four: Rough One
There's no doubt about it. The early schedule hasn't been kind to Rose City with regards to their injured players or which MLS teams get early season breaks. This week, it seems that half the team won't take the field anywhere. Portland and Philly have bye weeks leaving the team without Harrington, Piquionne, the newly acquired Wallace, or keeper McMath in addition to the already injured guys. At least it looks like no one else has received a National Team call-up.
"We've just got to go out and set up the guys who will be on the field to make the plays," the Flyers Coach offered when asked about the situation. "It seemed to work out for us okay last week. Bernier came in, played off Di Vaio and helped us put some points on the board. Rosales ought to see more minutes this week too. We've got some heavy hitters available."
In addition, the Flyers are announcing now, pending league approval, the waiver of Kwame Watson-Siriboe (RSL) for David Estrada (SEA).
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
David Estrada (SEA)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
YP Lee (VAN)
Zach McMath (PHI)
Sanna Nyassi (MTL)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Chris Tierney (NE)
Subs
Michael Harrington (POR)
Frederic Piquionne (POR)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Reserve
Martin Rivero (COL)
"We've just got to go out and set up the guys who will be on the field to make the plays," the Flyers Coach offered when asked about the situation. "It seemed to work out for us okay last week. Bernier came in, played off Di Vaio and helped us put some points on the board. Rosales ought to see more minutes this week too. We've got some heavy hitters available."
In addition, the Flyers are announcing now, pending league approval, the waiver of Kwame Watson-Siriboe (RSL) for David Estrada (SEA).
Starters
Patrice Bernier (MTL)
Marvin Chavez (SJ)
Aurelien Collin (SKC)
Marco Di Vaio (MTL)
David Estrada (SEA)
Alan Gordon (SJ)
YP Lee (VAN)
Zach McMath (PHI)
Sanna Nyassi (MTL)
Mauro Rosales (SEA)
Chris Tierney (NE)
Subs
Michael Harrington (POR)
Frederic Piquionne (POR)
Rodney Wallace (POR)
Reserve
Martin Rivero (COL)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Lineup, Week Fourteen
So Rose City has managed it again. Say what you will about this year's hottest new team, they seem to get just the right amount of points. Most of the time. The Flyers finished off the Blues in week thirteen in a tight 2-1 win. Adam Moffat found the back of the net and C.J. Sapong put up a point for the first time in several weeks. But are they going to put up enough points down the stretch to stay where they are? Or is there an inevitable crash coming? Will Marco Di Vaio prove to be as strong a pickup as the team hopes when he arrives after the transfer window opens next week? Only time will tell.
Week fourteen is an exciting rematch with Gateway in another game of the week. The Saints gave Rose City a startling jolt into the BSL with a 3-1 win in the Flyers first ever league game at the beginning of the season. Let's see if Rose City can turn the tables this time.
Starters
Steven Beitashour
Marvin Chavez
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Kosuke Kimura
Mike Magee
Adam Moffat
Darlington Nagbe
Mauro Rosales (Captain)
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Justin Braun
Bjorn Runstrom
Marco Di Vaio
Week fourteen is an exciting rematch with Gateway in another game of the week. The Saints gave Rose City a startling jolt into the BSL with a 3-1 win in the Flyers first ever league game at the beginning of the season. Let's see if Rose City can turn the tables this time.
Starters
Steven Beitashour
Marvin Chavez
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Kosuke Kimura
Mike Magee
Adam Moffat
Darlington Nagbe
Mauro Rosales (Captain)
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Justin Braun
Bjorn Runstrom
Marco Di Vaio
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Week Thirteen: Lineup and Recap
After a long break in MLS play, week thirteen is here. Let's recap!
The Flyers currently sit in second after a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Pennsylvania in week twelve. That was also the first week of Majors Qualifying so, even in second in the standings, the boys have some work to do. Still, with 24 points they seem to be in a comfortable position to make a playoff appearance assuming nothing untoward happens in the meantime.
Week thirteen is against the Blues who lost the first meeting of the season 6-4. Still, Rose City hasn't put that many points on the board since then. Look for this to be a close match. Lineups are still tricky. Rose City dropped onetime captain Alejandro Moreno a week ago for lack of production and both Marvin Chavez and newly aquired Steven Beitashour will sit out while San Jose takes another week break. Marco Di Vaio has arrived in la métropole but won't be making his first MLS appearance for another week at least. Still, things look good.
Starters
Justin Braun
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Kosuke Kimura
Mike Magee
Adam Moffat
Darlington Nagbe
Mauro Rosales (Captain)
Bjorn Runstrom
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Marco Di Vaio
Steven Beitashour
Marvin Chavez
The Flyers currently sit in second after a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Pennsylvania in week twelve. That was also the first week of Majors Qualifying so, even in second in the standings, the boys have some work to do. Still, with 24 points they seem to be in a comfortable position to make a playoff appearance assuming nothing untoward happens in the meantime.
Week thirteen is against the Blues who lost the first meeting of the season 6-4. Still, Rose City hasn't put that many points on the board since then. Look for this to be a close match. Lineups are still tricky. Rose City dropped onetime captain Alejandro Moreno a week ago for lack of production and both Marvin Chavez and newly aquired Steven Beitashour will sit out while San Jose takes another week break. Marco Di Vaio has arrived in la métropole but won't be making his first MLS appearance for another week at least. Still, things look good.
Starters
Justin Braun
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Kosuke Kimura
Mike Magee
Adam Moffat
Darlington Nagbe
Mauro Rosales (Captain)
Bjorn Runstrom
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Marco Di Vaio
Steven Beitashour
Marvin Chavez
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Diamond in the Rough
Rose City 6 - 4 Union SC
Rose City came up big in week four with six points and a win over the struggling Union SC. A pair of braces, first from the departing Maicon Santos and then Darlington Nagbe made sure the Flyers were in it to win it and Sapong make sure the job was finished.
"We really went out and did the job. I think we're proving that you don't need a big pile of DPs to be competitive in this league," the Flyers head coach was quoted as saying at the end of match presser. Addressing the departure of Santos he had this to say: "Sure, we evaluated Maicon incorrectly. We screwed up and he's obviously capable of strong performances. We appreciate that there aren't any hard feelings and that he went out and played his best game for us knowing it was his last. We wish him all the best wherever he ends up."
Santos was unceremoniously dropped to make way for league newcomer Bjorn Runstrom. "We wanted to find someone we believed could bring the fire up top. Little did we know, we had him all along," a member of the front office said on condition of anonymity. "Now we can only wish Maicon Santos good luck and hope that Runstrom can be the heavy hitter in this league we were looking for."
Rose City is now 3-1-0 and sitting in third in the league tables. Off to a good start.
Rose City came up big in week four with six points and a win over the struggling Union SC. A pair of braces, first from the departing Maicon Santos and then Darlington Nagbe made sure the Flyers were in it to win it and Sapong make sure the job was finished.
"We really went out and did the job. I think we're proving that you don't need a big pile of DPs to be competitive in this league," the Flyers head coach was quoted as saying at the end of match presser. Addressing the departure of Santos he had this to say: "Sure, we evaluated Maicon incorrectly. We screwed up and he's obviously capable of strong performances. We appreciate that there aren't any hard feelings and that he went out and played his best game for us knowing it was his last. We wish him all the best wherever he ends up."
Santos was unceremoniously dropped to make way for league newcomer Bjorn Runstrom. "We wanted to find someone we believed could bring the fire up top. Little did we know, we had him all along," a member of the front office said on condition of anonymity. "Now we can only wish Maicon Santos good luck and hope that Runstrom can be the heavy hitter in this league we were looking for."
Rose City is now 3-1-0 and sitting in third in the league tables. Off to a good start.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Preliminary Lineup, Week 4
Week four is nearly upon us and that means it's time for another lineup. There's good news and bad new for the Flyers and a couple of players that will be evaluated right up to kick off. Bill Hamid is back with the team after the heartbreak that was the US U-23 performance in Olympic Qualifying. He did however suffer some injury in the final game against El Salvador. It currently appears to be nothing to major, either a bone bruise or a sprain, but he will most likely be sitting on the bench for his first game back with the team.
Mauro Rosales is still being patched up by team doctors as well and will be evaluated day to day. That said, the Flyers got the job done last week with just the starting XI and expect that they can do it again. "Oh yeah. We take the Blues very seriously," a rain soaked coach said when asked during weekday practice. "Their record may not show it right now, but they'll put up a fight. The fact is, they've simply been massively out scored for several weeks while putting up quite a few points of their own. We think we can win, but we don't expect a walk in the park."
Starters
Justin Braun
Marvin Chavez
Bright Dike
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Mike Magee
Alejandro Moreno (Captain)
Darlington Nagbe
Maicon Santos
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Bill Hamid (Keeper)
Mauro Rosales
Adam Moffat
Roster could change until kickoff.
Mauro Rosales is still being patched up by team doctors as well and will be evaluated day to day. That said, the Flyers got the job done last week with just the starting XI and expect that they can do it again. "Oh yeah. We take the Blues very seriously," a rain soaked coach said when asked during weekday practice. "Their record may not show it right now, but they'll put up a fight. The fact is, they've simply been massively out scored for several weeks while putting up quite a few points of their own. We think we can win, but we don't expect a walk in the park."
Starters
Justin Braun
Marvin Chavez
Bright Dike
Dan Kennedy (Keeper)
Mike Magee
Alejandro Moreno (Captain)
Darlington Nagbe
Maicon Santos
C.J. Sapong
Subs
Bill Hamid (Keeper)
Mauro Rosales
Adam Moffat
Roster could change until kickoff.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Rose City Wins Again
Rose City 2 - 0 KC Quest
Rose City pulled off a win versus the expansion Quest in Week 3's Match of the Week. Standouts included Dan Kennedy's keeping and the assist from Marvin Chavez.
"We just went out, did what we could do, and played our game," Moreno, said. "That's all you ever can do. We put two in the back of the net and they didn't. That's obviously how we'd like it to always turn out, but you have to take it one game at a time, you know?"
The Flyers improve the 2-1-0 on the season with six points scored. The team finds itself in fourth place in the league and the last ranked team to have two wins. Their standings should improve in this week's Power Rankings before they face a Union SC team still looking for its first win.
Rose City pulled off a win versus the expansion Quest in Week 3's Match of the Week. Standouts included Dan Kennedy's keeping and the assist from Marvin Chavez.
"We just went out, did what we could do, and played our game," Moreno, said. "That's all you ever can do. We put two in the back of the net and they didn't. That's obviously how we'd like it to always turn out, but you have to take it one game at a time, you know?"
The Flyers improve the 2-1-0 on the season with six points scored. The team finds itself in fourth place in the league and the last ranked team to have two wins. Their standings should improve in this week's Power Rankings before they face a Union SC team still looking for its first win.
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