2019 BDSL Premier Postgame Week 6

BDSL Premier Postgame Week 6

BSC Raiders (4-0-0) 0 - Amherst Sharpshooters (4-0-1) 0

This matchup featured two of the division's unbeaten teams.  Both clubs came in with 4 victories while Sharpshooters drew Clarence.  BSC Raiders still have a game in hand on the division.  BDSLRumors game of the week seemed to be a bit of a dud as neither club could find the back of the net.

Sharpshooters gave us their take first:
"It was a relatively even game. They started strong but we settled in after 10-15 min. Most of the rest of the game was pretty even. Both teams had a few pretty good looks. Overall a point was probably a fair result."
Who was your best player?
"Quinn, Braun, Rouse, Grampp, Wood and Campana all played well in the back. 3rd straight clean sheet. Bartlo and Crawford were solid in midfield and Shawish was dangerous up top."
Who stood out for the opposing team?
" Their whole team is solid. No one necessarily stood out but they have no bad players. Johnny Grabs was all over the place like usual. Justin Figler made a few big saves."
Do you think that the Premier division runs through you guys and BSC? Does anybody else have a chance?
"Almost all teams in premier are quality. There’s never an easy game. Obviously BSC are the standard so we make it our goal to try to compete with them. The rest of premier can give anyone a run on any given day."
We are sorry to hear about Ventresca..will you keep the roster as is or look to fill his spot?
"We’re discussing that roster spot still and have a few options."
BSC Raiders had this to say:
".........."
 Who was your best player?
".........."
 Who stood out for the opposing team?
".........."

Our take:

We were really hoping to see a winner in this game.  Both teams, along with Lackawanna FCY, are undefeated so far, but none has been able to dethrone the other.  It would be silly of us to say that this result does anything but keep both teams still at 1 and 2 in the division.

Questions??

Was this game a major letdown for BSC Raiders?  If they wanted to assert their dominance and prove they are the top team in the league, Sunday's game would have been the perfect time.  Maybe the gap between 1 and 2 isn't quite as large as once thought.

Does this result prove to Amherst that they can topple BSC Raiders?  With 3 straight clean sheets is this the best Sharpshooters defensive crew we have seen in a while?

 

Clarence (2-1-2) 2 - Williamsville Willies (1-2-2) 4

Both Clarence and Willies have stayed steady, holding down playoff positions since early in the season.  Willies had been struggling to find goals, while Clarence has been forced to come from behind to steal points.  The result still left both clubs with a negative goal differential, but Willies were able to overtake Clarence with a win.

Our reporters spoke with Willies first: 
Boys where buzzing to bring home a big win for Father’s Day, we introduced a new formation which emphasizes an attacking mind set we did sacrifice a bit of possessions but overall this formation will make us more successful putting the ball back in the net. Clarence drew first blood with a unsuccessful clear from our part. We then settled into our new formation and exposed their outside backs with Bach and Matt Soos who lead to two quick back to back goals in a matter of minutes. Second half both teams had opportunities our were a bit more threatening. Clarence played a solid game but lacked subs"
Who was your best player?
"Bachwitz and Smith stood out for us."
Who stood out for the opposing team?
"For Clarence it was #5 (Brody) and #9 (Berardi) that were their best guys"
Do you think this new formation will be something you use every week or does it depend on your opponent?
"I think we needed a change to score goals. That’s what Yohan did when I was away and it worked out really well. I think we will continue to tweak it until it is perfect."
As of now you sit in a playoff spot. Do you think your squad will end up in the playoffs?
" I do see us being in the better half of teams in this division. But anything can happen no game is a gimme"
Clarence, who have been great in the second half, struggled Sunday:
"We played a great 1st 30 minutes and got the lead 1-0. Then things fell apart for us. We were lucky to be tied 2-2 at half. Second half we looked out of it. Couldn’t keep possession and we weren’t moving off the ball. Williamsville capitalized on there chances and desired the W. Disappointing result for us."
Who was your best player?
"Jason Falk, Clint and AC had good games for us"
 Who stood out for the opposing team?
"Noah Bachwitz and Ian Harris were great for them"
This result knocks you down to 6th place, the lowest of the campaign so far. Are you guys starting to slip up a bit?
"This past game got me worried but again still didn’t have 3 starters. I will have a full roster this Sunday for the 1st time since before Memorial Day."
Do you think Willies will finish in a playoff position this summer?
"I think the Willies are right there for a playoff spot. It’s gonna be a tight race all year."
Any other moves planned besides Reid from CU?
"We are in talks with a player right now but nothing to confirm as of yet."

Our take:

Two teams that have yet to really show where they will fit when all is said and done.  Both are sitting on 8 points, keeping their playoff dreams alive, but neither has been able to really put their foot down.  Willies really should be applauded for their form, as they should be playing in Championship this year.  Clarence needed these points to keep up with the league.  We think that Willies will finish higher but still just barely out of 6th place in the division.

Questions??

The signing of Alex Reid from Celtic United could be a steal for Clarence.  With Sutherland and Berardi producing already, will Reid be the third Musketeer to bring Clarence to glory?  Is attendance going to be an issue going forward?

Willies play their next games against teams below them in the standings.  Can they get 9 of 9 points in the next 3 games?  Will this new style of play open up opposing defenses, allowing them to score more goals?
 

Buffalo United SS (0-2-3) 7 - Pendleton United (0-3-2) 1

 BUSS finally found their shooting boots last week, scoring 5 goals against Clarence, while also giving up more goals than in their previous 4 games.  Pendleton United came off a rough 8-0 beating from Amherst Sharpshooters in week 5.  Unfortunately for Pendleton, BUSS seems to fallen into a groove and put another 7 goals past them.

 We spoke with BUSS first:
"I feel like we played our best game of the season yesterday. The passing was on point, our finishing was quality, and our movement off the ball was fantastic. We scored 3 in the first half I believe. Pendleton United didn't have any answers for us. They had a couple decent looks in the first half that missed the net. They missed their chances while we buried ours. In the 2nd minute we put our first one in.  After scoring 2 more in the next 15-20 minutes the game was all but over.  It looked like they had kind of given up at that point.  But after last weeks 2nd half debacle we weren't going to let up one bit."
"We potted 4 more in the second half, and probably should have had at least 1 or 2 more if not for some good saves from their keeper."
 Who was your best player?
"Everybody on the squad played great yesterday. If I had to pick a couple guys I would say Mo Saif, Hunter Walsh, Mo Channer, Wes, and Polo."
 Who stood out for the opposing team?
"For Pendleton United I can't really say anybody stood out. I didn't see many guys who were really working hard either. Their striker was maybe one of the only guys I saw giving his all.  They would try to send him in on long balls but Polo and Wes would eat it up.  It's always nice to see former teammates, and they have Parker Shetler and Mateo May, two guys we have always liked."
You guys have scored 12 in the last two games after only scoring 1 the previous 4. What has been the difference for you?
"I think the biggest difference is that we have had our play makers back in the lineup. We have also switched our formation a bit to give our outside backs more options when playing out of the back. In the first couple games we couldn't really keep possession of the ball, now we are able to knock it around a bit more freely."
As it stands right now you guys are still on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Will you be in the top 6 when the regular season ends?
"If you look at our schedule you will see that we have played some really tough opponents right off the bat this year. Our first 5 games featured teams that currently sit in a playoff position. That combined with our low numbers the first few weeks put us a little behind the pack. We are confident that we will finish in a playoff spot."
We have not been able to reach Pendleton United for comment, but judging by their latest tweet, they are having second thoughts about the BDSL Premier division:
"yeah this division is quite literally eviscerating every single drop of love for this sport."

Our take:

YIKES, this result has Pendleton United losing their love of the sport.  Double YIKES, BUSS has 12 goals in 2 regular season games, 19 if you count their Tehel Cup victory Monday.  This match was a tale of two clubs going in opposite directions.  BUSS is picking up steam, while Pendleton United seems to have rips in their sails, and a hole in the boat.  This result puts Pendleton United's relegation threat level to CRITICAL.  BUSS is back in the playoff race with this result.  We think they fit in at #4.

Questions??

How many players will request a transfer from Pendleton United?  Will they be able to sell off some assets?  Or is there a player available that can help them sneak out some points to finish at #10?
Can BUSS continue to score goals at this pace?  Next week pits them against Lackawanna FCY, a team that is more than capable of stopping BUSS's momentum.  Will week 7 be a make or break match for them?

Celtic United (1-3-0) 2 - Wolves FC (1-4-0) 0

 This fixture featured two squads who had big hype going into the season but haven't lived up to expectations so far.  Both have also had a rough month of June, losing in both week 4 and 5.  Celtic United put the pieces together Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive.  

 We spoke with Celtic United first:
"The first half of yesterday’s match was pretty back and forth. Although it ended 0-0, both sides had some great chances. In the second half we picked up our play in the attacking 3rd, where both Alex Cancilla & Tiedt found Keller - both of which were converted. Our back line & gk nick smith did a fantastic job stopping their counters to Vucic."
Who was your best player?
"If we must narrow down to one, our MOTM was Nick Smith. it’s tough to select as we had an overall strong team performance. Nick Smith made some huge saves to keep the clean sheet & see out the win."
Who stood out for the opposing team?
"Their MOTM was Kleckner. He was their most consistent player all 90 mins, and did a good job getting the ball of their backline and into their attackers."
A strong result that brings you guys out of the relegation zone. We have been awfully tough on your squad. Do you have anything to say to those who doubt you guys?
"Haha which is fair, we have far too much talent to be dropping games, especially by the margins they have. Guess we don’t mind being slept on, once we continue clicking we can take anyone."
Do you think Wolves have the talent to escape relegation?
"I think wolves will stay up. They are a big, physical, hardworking team which can be tough to play against for for sides."
Any plans to be active now that the transfer window has opened?
"With Reid leaving to Clarence, we have an open spot which will likely go to Sammy Wasson, who is unofficially on our IR. Mitchell Ali will be out of the country for a few weeks of the season, one could speculate we may remove him and bring someone in."

Wolves blamed the loss on their inability to score:
 "Started off well. Had a fair amount of chances. Couldn’t cash in on em. Started off a tad slow in the second. They got two. We had a few more chances, couldn’t score."
Who was your best player?
"I think it would be fair to say we didn’t really have anyone stand out particularly. We were just kind of meh. Snake bitten."
Who stood out for Celtic United?
"Their best player was Pablo. Dude is always slinging the ball around"
 Where you guys stand currently in the table relegation is a real possibility. What do you plan to do to escape the relegation zone?
"It’s very close throughout the entire league. We have the guys. We just need to score. That’s one thing we haven’t done this year. Plenty of opportunities. Just haven’t finished. I myself haven’t been good enough in between the pipes. I need to better for my guys at the same time."
And it seems like you have the most difficult schedule remaining of all the BDSL teams, with Sharpshooters, Raiders, BUSS, and Willies left. Do you think you guys have what it takes to persevere?
"I absolutely do. I think every guy on the roster would say that."

Our take:

We here at BDSL Premier Postgame have to disagree with Wolves.  They really badly needed a win Sunday.  We see them only getting 1 more win this summer, putting them near the bottom of the table.  They are in a must win situation this week against Willies.  If they can't they may be fighting for their lives against BUSS, BSC Raiders, and Sharpshooters the last 3 weeks of the season.  
Celtic United still hasn't shown what they are capable of yet.  Or maybe everybody is just too high on them?  3 points is 3 points, but we really would have liked to see a comprehensive 4-0 or 4-1 score.  They move up our table but still aren't quite in the playoff picture yet.

Questions??

Who will step up to fill in for Alex Reid with his impending departure to Clarence?  Behind Keller, nobody has more than 1 goal on the United roster.  They mentioned Sammy Wasson, will he be fit to help out before it is too late?
Wolves need a boost ASAP.  Is anybody available to help them out?  Franchise players are few and far between.  Is it too late for them?

BSC International (2-1-2) 2 - Southtowns FPFC (1-4-0) 0

 BSC International continued their impressive 2019 BDSL Premier season with a victory over bottom dwellers Southtowns FPFC Sunday.

BSC Inter spoke first:
"Pretty uneventful first half with a couple chances both teams should have put away. Both sides didn’t really move the ball well. Second half we moved our attacking mid further upfield to link our striker and it turned the game for us. Southtowns seemed to tire with less subs and a first half injury and we began to connect in their third. Once we got the first it felt like 3 more should come but Southtowns played tough for 90."
Who was your best player?
"Rahim with credit to Ross for playing hurt."
Did anybody stand out for Southtowns?
"Southtowns’ center midfield is their strength. They communicate well and losing one to injury hurt them."
Do you think that Southtowns deserve their place in the standings?
"It's clear they have some real talent, especially in midfield. I think they were hurt by relatively low attendance. They played with a single striker, #14, for most of the match, and he was very isolated from the rest of the team. I think they need to find a way to hold the ball up top and allow the rest of the players to advance up the field, or get the striker somebody to play with up there, either alongside or right behind. Their wingers, especially #10, preferred to sit deep and wide, pick up the ball, and attempt to run through our defense. He never made it very far. He was a pretty quick player, and a better use of his speed would be staying high and wide and attempting to make runs in behind. I could really sum up the whole match by saying that Southtowns attempted to play a possession style, but never really could possess in our half so instead hit it around the back and deep midfield. They made frequent errors of passing and or we would takle and win the ball, and immediately, sensing that we had favorable matchups up top and wide, tried to attack as quickly as possible with aggressive forward passing. This didn't work very often either, we were simply trying to attack too quickly and directly at every opportunity. Towards the end of the match it seemed like they tired out and we started to play more in and around the Southtowns box, and were eventually rewarded with 2 goals."
As per usual, Southtowns kept responses to a minimum:
"tough loss yesterday, very easily could have walked away with a win there , we are looking forward to next week and looking to land a couple transfers, we have no quit and will come out and play hard for the full 90 every week ."
Who was your best player?
"josh barker was a rock in the back as he is week in and week out"

Our take:

We aren't sure why, but Southtowns FPFC has our rooting interests.  We don't think that they are the same team that their record indicates.  With this being their second year in the division, we think they will find some points down the stretch to make it 3 years in Premier.  With that being said, they also have a VERY difficult schedule left to play, including Raiders this week.  Can they #Shocktheworld?
BSC International just keeps on rolling, earning points regularly.  They have a bit of a difficult schedule yet to play.  But they also play a couple lower teams as well.  We think they stay the course and end up playing a quarterfinal match.

Questions??

Can Inter keep their form against Queenston this week in what we anticipate to be an underrated fixture?  Can they earn enough points that their games against BSC Raiders and Amherst won't matter?
Can SFPFC pull themselves from the bottom and leap over a struggling Wolves FC club?
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

1. Raiders

2. Sharpshooters

3. Lackawanna

4. BUSS

5. BSC International

6. Queenston FC


JUST OUTSIDE

7. Willies

8. Clarence

9. Celtic United

10. Southtowns FPFC


RELEGATION

11. Wolves FC

12. Pendleton United






Thanks for reading, we will catch you next week!

 

 

 

 

 

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