BDSL Premier Postgame Week 9

2019 Premier Postgame Week 9

BSC Raiders (6-0-1) 3 - Lackawanna FCY (6-0-1) 0

This match featured two of this year's Premier powerhouses going head to head in prime time.  This weeks BDSLRumors game of the week was marred by controversy in what seemed to be a great contest.  Ultimately, BSC Raiders showed why they have been at the top for a long time, shutting out a fiery Lackawanna FCY side.

Lackawanna FCY gave us their take on the match:

"Where should I start? I’ll start with the week leading up to this game. We knew everyone was looking forward to this matchup and so did we. I tried to prepare the team and to convince the guys to be available for this big game. Unfortunately the turnout for the preparation for this game did not go as planned. We know for a fact that the BSC Raiders will bring their best including the players from FC Buffalo. Starting the game short handed and our goalkeepers were not there was very disappointing. They took advantage and scored an early goal which gave them early momentum. We played hard and generated real good scoring chances that we should have finished it was physical at times with some normal trash talking and some really bad disgusting racist uncalled for things that one of the BSC Raiders players kept on saying every time he subbed in players from both teams hard him , after the game some of his teammates came to us to apologize for his stupidity and childish behavior .we were trying to focus on the game as best as we can , they got another chance to score and the did . We kept on playing creating more chances to score couldn’t put the ball in net on an easy tap in.when the score the the third goal that sealed the game . They’re a sold tough team .good game to them ."

Who was your best player?

"The whole team played hard .Ali Mohammed and Pa Lu had s good game ."

How about for Raiders?

"Colin O’keefe was their best player"

In a game as important as this one how is it possible that players arrive late and you guys had to start short handed? Do you think motivation is an issue ?

"I don’t think it’s a lack of motivation I think it’s a lack of responsibility, both goalies were late do to work , two defenders stuck in traffic on Peace Bridge coming back from Canada."

Are Raiders the best team you have faced this year?

"The Raiders definitely are the toughest team we faced this year.but I know we can compete and win against them hopefully we see them in the playoffs with couple of injured players coming back it will be helpful."

Our take:

It is not our place to discuss the childish behavior of whomever used racial slurs.  We love this league and what it stands for.  We hope that actions will be taken against the player in question and hope he realizes his mistakes and can change his mindset.

As far as the game goes, a strong showing in an important game for BSC Raiders.  Lackawanna FCY came in with a nice winning streak but their flame was sizzled out by the BDSL veteran squad.  BSC Raiders are still the class of the BDSL until another team can prove otherwise.  For Lackawanna, this was a tough result but it doesn't change our opinion of them for the most part.  We would have liked to see them pot a goal, but 2nd place in the division is very respectable.

Questions??

We have heard what our rep from Lackawanna FCY has said, but we find it very difficult to believe their isn't some sort of rift or unhappy players at Lackawanna.  How can you guys not be prepared for a game of this magnitude?  Where was Golden Boot leader Shaibi? 
For BSC Raiders, will they let off the gas now that they have clinched a playoff berth and likely will finish in 1st place? 

Clarence (4-2-2) 1 - Celtic United (3-4-0) 0

Clarence has found themselves in the playoff picture since week 1, while Celtic United started off slow but has been clinging to hope of a playoff spot.  If Celtic United could find a way to bring home 3 points, playoffs could be a possibility.  Clarence was able to find the lone goal of the game while Celtic United must rely on help for a top 6 spot.

We spoke with Clarence first:

"We are happy with the result. We played a real strong defense game as a whole unit. Celtic is very dangerous on the counter which I felt we eliminated."

Who was your best player?

"Back four + LP1 again. And I thought Clint held the ball up well/ created our goal."

How about for Celtic United?

"Tiedt/ Pablo, dangerous as usual."

This was an important win for you guys. What has been the most key to your teams success this summer?

"We have a great bunch of guys. Big team atmosphere this year. We have always had a talented roster but some negativity at times last year. Plus, adding some speed and depth during the transfer window helped us keep pushing."

What did you think of CU? Do they have what it takes to finish in a playoff spot this summer?

"Good group. Played against/with many for years. I don’t think playoffs are gonna happen for them with BUSS, Willies and Queenston all ahead of them."

Celtic United thought the field and refereeing left something to be desired:

"For starters the field was an absolute mess. No painted pk spot, no corner flags, long grass, divots, etc. The game was poorly officiated, to the point where both teams found comedic relief in the calls. However it was consistently poor both ways, aside from the AR deeming our goal offside, which was no where even close to being off."

Who was your best player?

"Our best player was Augustyn, who made some big saves. Also Keller / vince Cancilla had some great chances."

And how about for Clarence?

"They’re best player was AC Laflore who did a good job minimizing chances"

This result means you have to win the rest of your games to make the playoffs. Is your team up for that on top of having a tough match this week in Tehel Cup action. Are you focusing more on one or the other?

"We are equally focusing on both tehel cup, and playoff berth. Fully believe we have a chance to make a run in both."

Our take:

It will be VERY tough for Celtic United to make the playoffs this season.  They need a lot of help and frankly, we don't believe its going to happen.  We have been very hard on them this season.  They have proven they are not bottom of the table, but they are not one of the top teams either.  So we suppose it is a typical Celtic United team.
Clarence have kept rolling and beating the teams on paper they should beat.  We think that with this win they have put themselves in line for a definite playoff position.

Questions??

Will Celtic United get the help that they need from some teams above them?  Can they topple BUSS in the last week of the season to finish with 18 points when BSC Raiders forfeit their game?
Clarence has two tough games left as well with Queenston and Lackawanna still on the schedule.  Can they keep the team motivated enough to potentially find a bye in the first round?

Wolves FC (2-5-1) 1 - Buffalo United SS (2-3-3) 3

After a close victory last week Wolves needed to beat BUSS to protect them in the relegation battle.  With BUSS, Raiders, and Sharpshooters still on the schedule, and Wolves stuck at 7 points it is possible for them to be relegated.  BUSS has found their form at a good time.  They are finding goals and keeping opponents in check.  A victory for them would go a long way towards securing a playoff birth.  BUSS was able to earn the 3 points, putting them in position.  Wolves Premier lives are still in question with this result.

Wolves had this to say:

"Not a horrible game yesterday. We knew that they were going to be pretty explosive up front and it was just that. We had a few chances in the first half and they had about 10. We couldn’t score, and they got 2. One off of a broken play and another off a solid run from Channer. Went into half, just thinking we had to keep going at them. We were able to get one back off of a solid combo play between a few guys. They had a few more chances and luckily they didn’t score. We had a golden opportunity inside the six/eight yard from that was softly hit right at the goalie and that would have tied it up. They kept up the pressure and they got a third off of a nice ball that Clifford hit a good volley on with a minute or two left. We definitely were bullshitting with them through out the game which was fun. Good group of dudes."

Who was your best player?

"I’d say Joe Farrell was our best player yesterday. He got the goal and threaded a bunch of dangerous balls behind their guys."

How about for BUSS?

"Their attacking group collectively. The four forwards they rotate in and out were consistently dangerous. Fast, quick with the ball and can hammer it. It’s always a fun battle against Walsh too "

You guys have BSC Raiders and Sharpshooters left on the schedule. If you don't take any points from them you would finish the season with 7 points. That could potentially leave you guys in the bottom two. Are you worried about SFPFC or PUFC catching you guys?

"That math is correct, yes. Don’t see southtowns getting past BUSS. Im not too sure about Pendleton vs Celtic. Collectively, Celtic should beat them, they have more talent, but depends on who shows up and what state they are in."

Where does BUSS stand in terms of who you have played this simmer?

"I’d put them close to Lackawanna, but they seem to be clicking at the right time going in to the stretch. So that has them looking up. It’s probably a safe bet that the top four is going to be some combo of Raiders, Lackawanna, Sharpshooters and BUSS. Then The last two are a crapshoot."

 BUSS was happy with the way their team played:

"Yesterday was one of those games where I feel we should have done better. Wolves played great, the worked their asses off and fought till the end, but we had a bunch of mental lapses that hurt us. We missed a bunch of chances, most of which were stopped by their keeper. He is always robbing us. He did it last year in both our regular season game and their come from behind playoff victory over us. We also had a couple defensive errors that hurt us. One on their goal and another on what could have tied the game one on one with Bryce."

"I feel like we dominated possession. It was our best possession game of the season without a doubt. I've never seen our guys so patient with the ball, and running so well off the ball. I'd probably put the possession somewhere around 70/30 us. Maybe that's a bit high but I was extremely happy with our play."

"Kyle had a scrappy goal to put us up 1-0. Mo Channer got our second on a nice finish. They scored one in the second half to get it close but Kyle vollied home a perfect cross from Hunter Sherman."

Who was your best player?

"Hunter Sherman played really well, Nate had a fantastic game controlling the middle, Hunter Walsh was dangerous going forward, Kyle and Mo Channer put some in the net. Really everybody played well."

How about for Wolves?

"Terpin had some critical one on one defensive stops but it was Renkas who stole the show for them making a bunch of point blank/breakaway type saves."

You guys are on a bit of a run right now, you seem to be getting hot at the right time. What do you think is the reason behind this?

"I think the guys are coming together as a team. We have always had the skill to win but the team has been filled with "me first" kind of players. Our approach to the season this year was to find guys that would fit well in our system and would be team players as well. Our substitutions have been timed well and the guys don't have issues coming off the field. That has been key. Other than that we are being creative in the final third. That is leading to more opportunities and goals."

How do Wolves compare to other teams you have faced this summer?

"Skill wise they have some good players, I just don't think it comes together for them. Franco was one of their best players in our games last year and he wasn't there yesterday. He brings something that I didn't see from the squad yesterday, just that soccer IQ that he has. If he played more games they may be in a better spot but I'd have to say they are near the bottom of the teams we have played against. They worked hard, and wanted to win, but weren't really dangerous."

You sit in a playoff spot as of this writing. Do you think you will finish in the top 6?

"Yes, I think we win out in the league which would secure us a playoff spot, all though I think that last game against Celtic United could have a lot at stake. By the way we play Thursday night at 8:30 at D'Youville in the quarterfinals of the Tehel Cup."

Our take:

Wolves are in trouble, still.  A point would have done them wonders.  SFPFC and PUFC play each other.  If one of them earns 3 points and is able to sneak another victory Wolves would be relegated.  This has been a tough year for them.  We think they finish out of the relegation zone.
BUSS has shown themselves to be comparable to their strong squad of previous seasons.  A slow start has hampered them but the victories have helped them on their way.  They have been active during the transfer window as well, bringing in two players unknown to the BDSL.  We think they finish in the 5th spot.

Questions??

With their Premier lives on the line, can Wolves earn a point and survive?  How is team morale now that playoffs are out of the question?
Can BUSS keep their hot streak going?  They play SFPFC and CU to finish out the season, both winnable games on paper.  Can they finish higher than 5th?

Southtowns FPFC (1-7-0) 2 - Williamsville Willies (2-3-3) 4

Southtowns have had a rough go of it this Summer.  A couple suspensions have made things even worse for them.  Willies have had a better than expected start.  Things haven't been great for them lately though with a loss to CU and a draw against Wolves.  They were able to get things rolling, potting 4 goals in victory.

Willies had this to say:

"We had a 4-0 lead almost the whole game besides the final 20 mins when we took our foot off the gas. It was a fun game to play for the whole team."

Who was your best player?

"Our best is hard to decide. Noel had 2 goals and Bachwitz and Bonetto were non stop threats. Our defense played great as well."

How about for Southtowns?

"Their best player was their keeper. He made some great saves to keep us at only 4 goals"

As it sits right now you are outside the playoffs looking in. Will you consider the season a disappointment if it stays that way?

"Obviously the goal is playoffs. But we are playing with house money just playing in prem again this season. Staying up is positive and we’ve got 2 more games to sneak in to playoffs."

Do you think Southtowns deserve their place in the standings?

"I think south towns place is fair. We’ve been in Their shoes so hopefully they Bounce back next season."

Southowns blamed a slow start for their loss:

"We played a good game but we cam out flat footed and they took advantage of that. Early on they were able to find space behind our back line and they punished us. Second half was a different story though we were with them the whole time and played a solid 45minutes. Colin Archibald scored a great half volley and then assisted Seba off a free kick to get the second goal."

Who stood out for Willies?

"Noah Bachwitz was dangerous going forward for the other team."

Now that the season is wrapping up do you still think you will be playing in Premier next summer or do you think your fate is sealed back in Championship?

"Staying in premier is obviously the goal and we’re gonna do everything on our power to make sure that happens"

How did Willies compare to other teams you have faced this summer?

"Solid team but nothing special"

Our take:

We were really hoping Southtowns would make a push in the last half of the season to remain in Premier.  Unfortunately they haven't been able to steal the points needed to stay up.  Ultimately we see them being relegated to Championship in 2020.
These next two weeks are critical for Willies.  We will see exactly what they are made of.  Two wins will put them in most likely.  One win and they need help.  Two losses and they are out.  We still think they fall short with 12 points.

Questions??

With relegation a real possibility, can Southtowns find a way to prove us wrong?
Can Willies beat a team higher then them in the standings?  Can they beat both?

Pendleton United FC (0-6-2) 1 - BSC International (4-2-2) 1

PUFC have been a disappointment this season.  After having such a successful season last summer in Championship they have yet to find a win in BDSL's highest division.  BSC International comes into the game fresh off a loss to league leaders BSC Raiders.  Would Inter be able to regain their confidence in what should be an easy game for them?  Pendelton United was able to put together their best game of the season to earn a point.

We spoke with BSC International first:

"Really poor game, especially compared to the rest of our season to date. We were missing some key pieces, and other guys were playing hurt, but really no excuses, we never got into our game at all. Their goal may as well have been an own goal - it started out with an ill-advised short goal kick, and a miscommunication between the two center backs. Honestly, the theme of the day was bad team organization and shape."

"Not the greatest game from the center ref as well, as it seemed like his primary goal was to appease these parents."

Who was your best player?

"Ameya has a good first half and caused them problems, eventually leading to Ayoub's goal. Jamaican Jay had a solid game in midfield. But as a team, I'd grade this game an F-. Nobody could take a clean first touch, we would turn the wrong way, or pick the wrong pass all evening."

Who stood out for PUFC?

"There was nobody that impressive or memorable on the opposing team save maybe a dozen parents of Pendleton kids in attendance."

Pendleton has told us that this was the best they have played all season? Do you think it was more of them playing well or you guys having a poor game?

"No - they were a stronger side last year. Rudimentary long ball tactics from them, limited ability. I'm sure this felt like a huge win from their point of view. Any other week we would have crushed this team 5-0 or 6-0. It was the perfect storm or absences, injuries, a hot day on a huge field, and just everyone picking the same day to have their worst game of the year."

"Credit to the Pendleton kids for running hard and playing their little hearts out though"

You guys have Sharpshooters and Willies left on the schedule. Both teams are capable opponents. Are you guys at all concerned that your current 15 points won't be enough for a playoff berth?

"We'll give it our best shot"

Despite BSC Inter claiming they had a poor game, PUFC thought they played the best they had all season:

"I thought yesterday was our best game of the year, really shows you what happens when we get all our best guys there for a game."

Who was your best player?

"Best player had to be Juzy at CB, one of his best games of the season."

How about for BSC International?

"Their tall CB stood out, dominated the middle and cleaned up majority of our runs."

The way it stands right now you guys will have to win out to have a chance of escaping relegation. Do you think that is possible for your squad? Can you get all "your best guys there" for the rest of the season?

"A tie and a win could also do it if Wolves give up a shit ton of goals, got this calculated to a science here. If we played the way we did Sunday against Inter then yes I think we have a shot. A little late, but there is still hope!"

In their recap they kind of talked down to you guys. “Credit to the Pendleton kids for running hard and playing their little hearts out though” Was there bad blood on the field?

"Not really, they just had a couple guys that were out of control and their captain was telling them to “shut the F*** up” so I think they were the true kids"

Our take:

This result has us shaking our heads.  For starters, BSC hasn't really had a let down game yet this season.  So for them, this type of game was probably overdue.  However, against the last place team this is more than a hiccup.  They need to bounce back strong next week against Sharpshooters, with many teams making their way up the table.
PUFC proved that they want to be in Premier next year.  To put up a fight, this late in the season, against one of the top teams in the division is admirable.  We hope they can continue to do so to finish out the season, just to shake things up.  Ultimately, we still see them being relegated but fighting till the end. 

Questions??

Have BSC Inter played above their potential this season?  Should they be worried that they may not find themselves in the top 6 at the end of the season?  Or was this just a small stumble for them?
Can PUFC shock the world and somehow find a way to keep themselves in the division next summer?  Both CU and SFPFC are on the schedule and can be beaten.  Can they do it?

Amherst Sharpshooters (5-1-2) 1 - Queenston FC (2-4-2) 2

  Sharpshooters have been slowing down a little bit, getting manhandled by Lackawanna last week, after losing out in Tehel Cup action the week before to the same team.  Attendance has been a bit of an issue, after rarely having attendance problems in previous seasons.  Queenston was beaten by BUSS last week in a game we feel they had to win for playoffs.  With playoffs basically out of the question, an upset victory over Sharpshooters was just what they needed to be safe to stay in Premier.  This match provided us with one of the biggest upsets of the season as Queenston was able to earn the 3 points. 

We spoke to Queenston after their victory:

"Yesterdays game was vintage Queenston. We conceded possession throughout the match - probably 60/40, with the hopes to counter. A tweak in formation was instituted to do this and I think we finally stuck with a plan and it paid off. Amherst scored with 5 seconds left in the half (literally) which was a massive stomach punch, since we had played such a strong defensive half and got past (what would be the largest of the game) a wave of Sharpshooter offensive threats.  But we withstood the storm outside that goal which came on a play where their player was offsides but our defender made a play on the ball and enabled Loncar to finish one past Netter legally. So kudos to the officiating all the way through there.  Second half we didn’t panic; this game felt differently than Inter, for instance, where we tried to force things and make the impossible possible. Mid way through the second half we had some nice play up the gut of their midfield that eventually got to Jake Westadt and he made a couple of very nice 1v1 moves to level the game. This was a huge relief because quite honestly I was already thinking we were about to lose another close game where I think we should have earned a point (draw yesterday probably would’ve been the most fair result, but we were owed these points given other games’ outcomes previously if I have to be honest). Then the game winner came off of a Sharpshooters corner: Netter grabbed the ball out of the air, threw it to about midfield and Jared Burns went the rest of the way for the finish."

Who was your best player?

"Our best players yesterday were Ross Suitor and Eric Albrecht (both CBs). Honorable mention to Joey Zachary who was clever for us in the 10 role"

Who stood out for Sharpshooters?

"Their best player was probably Ishaan Kashyap or Loncar. Although the Sharpshooters are always a collective effort of solid"

Would you consider this season to be a disappointment? Or do you think with a bunch of new young guys it was a growing season for you?

"I don’t think it’s a disappointment even if we don’t make the playoffs. This league is tight from team 2-9 so you just never know."

"Just nice now to put relegation thoughts behind us (officially safe for 2020) and actually we do control our own playoff destiny; although it’s still quite the mountain to climb. Would have to win out against Clarence, Lackawanna and then Raiders"

Would you put Sharpshooters as one of the better teams you have faced this season?

"Yes Sharpshooters is one of the better teams we have faced. Probably behind only BUSS and equal to the version of Willies that we saw week 1 (that apparently no one has seen since, unfortunately)"

 Our Sharpshooters rep says the team is struggling with attendance and injuries:

"I thought we had the better of the play yesterday, but couldn’t seem to put it together in the final third. Netter made a few decent saves but we didn’t create or do enough with the chances we did create. Queenston sat in and defended well and hit us with their pace on the counter. They’re definitely dangerous on the break with their young guys with pace up front. It seems like we play the same game against them every year and the result tends to go against us."

Who was your best player?

" Ishaan played well for us in the center of the midfield. Rouse and Bartlo both did well filling in at center back."

How about for Queenston?

"For them Suitor and Albrecht were solid at center back and made things difficult for us. Jared, Bryce, and Trey were all dangerous on the counter."

Two weeks in a row you guys have suffered defeats after a hot start. What seems to be the issue? Is it attendance or do you think the guys are lacking motivation?

"We have had some key injury/attendance issues which haven’t helped us any, but I think it’s just not quite clicking at the moment. Once we start to find the net again we should be fine. Hopefully the timing is good and it comes as we get into playoffs."

Based on their play yesterday do you think they are a playoff team?

"I definitely think they’re good enough to compete with the other playoff teams, but based on their remaining schedule and the help they need I think they’ll end up just missing out."

Our take:

Queenston always seems to sneak out at least one of these victories every year.  Maybe they got Sharpshooters at the right time?  Or maybe they have started clicking even though it may be a bit too late.  This win has made sure they stay in Premier for another season.
For Sharpshooters, could we be seeing them start to crumble a bit.  After two straight losses to Lackawanna, and now a loss to Queenston, things seem to be falling apart.  We see them in the playoffs still but for the first time this season, there is a possibility that they miss out.

Questions??

Can Queenston finish strong and build on something towards next year?  They have a tough schedule but beating Amherst proves they have the talent to do so.
Are we seeing the fall of the BDSL powerhouse?  Are these injuries something that they should be concerned with going forward?

 

 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

1. Raiders

2. Lackawanna

3. Clarence

4. Sharpshooters

5. BUSS

6. BSC International


JUST OUTSIDE

7. Willies

8. Queenston

9. Celtic United

10.Wolves FC


RELEGATION

11. Southtowns FPFC

12. Pendleton United






Thanks for reading, we will catch you next week!