BDSL Premier Postgame Playoff Primer Pregame

2019 Premier Postgame Playoff Primer Pregame Quarterfinal Edition

#3 Clarence (7-2-2)  - #6 Buffalo United SS (5-3-3) 

BDSLRumors game of the week features two clubs who have battled twice already this season.  Both in a regular season fixture and a Tehel Cup match.  The two teams battled to a 5-5 draw on an amazing comeback with Clarence being down 5-0 at one point.  BUSS was able to get the momentum back in their favor with a 3-1 victory, knocking Clarence out of the tournament.

Clarence surprised a number of people with a very stellar season.  They finished with 23 points with 27 goals for and 21 goals against.  Their much maligned home field of Clarence Town Hall was not a factor for them as they played their home games at 4 different locations throughout the season.

Highlight:

A 5-1 beat down of fellow 2019 Premier playoff team BSC International.

Lowlight:

The other BSC team known as the Raiders trounced them 6-1.

Here is what Clarence had to say before their Quarterfinal match:

"Gonna be a battle on Sunday. We will be concerned with there speed and athleticism up top. They run 4 deep. Probably the best forward group in the whole league. Should be a super fun and passionate game. I’d expect some cards for sure. I’d expect the whole team to show up and be ready to play. We will need our CMs to play an important role both attacking and defending."

Give us your prediction.

"2-1 or 3-2 Clarence or BUSS.  It’ll be a close game"

Come on now, what's your prediction?

"3-1 Win for us"

BUSS started off the season slowly but managed to put some results together to sneak themselves into the #6 and final playoff spot. They finished with 18 points with 33 goals for and 15 against.  They split their away games this season with 3 wins and 3 losses away from D'Youville.  

Highlight:

A 7-1 victory over Pendleton United.

Lowlight:

A 3-1 loss to Lackawanna FCY.

Here is what BUSS had to say:

"It should be a really good game. They have a strong defense and some skilled attackers. When Gary is around they are very dangerous. He is a very smart player. We are concerned with Sutherland, he always gives us fits. Also Reid and Berardi can change a game in an instant."

"For us I think that defensively Andre and Polo will be great. Both players have been lights out all season. In the midfield one of our newest adds Ted Roach will be a game changer. We have always struggled with Clint’s physicality. Ted is bigger and stronger and should match up well. In the attacking third Hunter Walsh is the most dangerous player in the league. When he is on he is unstoppable. I expect him to be on for this week."

Give us a prediction.

"I think Clarence is a strong team but I don’t see them beating us.  I think that we know how they play and we know we can beat them. I’m gonna go with 4-1 BUSS. 2 goals from Walsh, 1 from Kyle and Jason.

Our take:

BUSS has been on a great run lately, but Clarence have been grinding out results as well.  We think this game will be the better of the two playoff games.  We ultimately see BUSS getting the upset victory 2-1.

#4 Amherst Sharpshooters (6-2-3)  - #5 BSC International (5-2-4) 

In their only game this season, neither club was able to earn all 3 points.  Neither team was able to score any goals either as the game finished in a scoreless draw.  

Amherst started off hot, but injuries and attendance issues slowed them down towards the end of the season.  The #4 spot is their lowest finish since they entered the highest division in 2014.  They finished with 21 points with 22 goals for and 12 against.  They had 4 wins at home while suffering only one loss and one draw as well.

Highlight:

A 0-0 draw with BSC Raiders was the only time this season BSC didn't earn all 3 points.

Lowlight:

A 2-1 loss to Queenston.

Sharpshooters:

"Inter are really solid at the back between Rahim, Ross, Otto and those guys. Abdi, Mo and Jenaro are great on the counter. It’ll be a tough game. We’re hoping to get at least one of Braun and Martinez back from injury this week if not both. Vuc got off and running last week with a couple of great goals so hopefully he can keep that going."

 Give us a prediction.

"We’re not really in the business of predictions. I’m sure it’ll be a tough game and hopefully we’ll come out with a win."

BSC International had a great season in Premier after earning their way back in the division in 2018.  The last quarter of their season was a bit of a disappointment after hanging with the BDSL Premier powerhouses from the start.  They finished the regular season with 19 points with 17 goals for and 12 against.  They finished 2-1-3 in away games this year.

Highlight:

A 5-2 win over Celtic United.

Lowlight:

5-1 loss to Clarence or a 1-1 draw to Pendleton.

BSC Inter:

"We're looking forward to the rematch with Amherst.  It's always an interesting tactical battle with them as they're so good in possession.  I believe they'll be getting their forward Schmidt back for this game, so that will be a more physical challenge for our defense.  Our mindset going in is to work hard for each other, try to finish our opportunities."

"I think Max Wojtasik is due for a big game, he's been playing well recently"

 Give us a prediction.

"Prediction 10-0 Inter Victory"

Give us a serious prediction.

"I think best we can hope for is 2-1 win"

Our take:

This game has the potential for another upset.  But would it actually be an upset?  Both teams were close in points, close in goal differential, and tied in goals against.  Amherst had 5 more goals for and we think their offense will get things together and grind out the victory.  We would not be surprised if we are wrong and BSC International finds a way to pull this game out.  If they can keep Amherst from scoring, a defensive battle likely goes their way.  Ultimately we think we get a 2-0 Amherst Sharpshooter victory.