BDSL Premier Postgame Week 5
The BDSL Premier division in week 5 brought us some high scoring games. Teams are starting to see where they fit in the division, and we had the highest scoring week of the season with 43 goals in 6 games.
BSC International (1-1-2) 5 - Celtic United (1-2-0) 2
After being accused of terrible judgement last week for putting Celtic United at the bottom of our rankings, we had hoped they would rebound and prove us wrong. BSC International has had a steady season so far, finding themselves in the top 6. Unfortunately for Celtic United, and our accusers, they could not prove us wrong in BDSLRumors "Game of the Week".We spoke with BSC International first:
"We came out extremely flat and error prone in our own third. Terrible combination and Celtic’s midfield did very well with the extra time and space in our end. They put two away in the final minutes of the first half off of our lazy transition play. Ross tweaked our formation second half and the game flipped dramatically. After being gifted an own goal we were finding all kinds of space on the wings, which got our center mids downfield. We leveled quickly by putting sustained pressure in their end. Momentum carried from there."Who was your best player?
"Lorne, Jenaro, and lil Mo were outstanding second half"Who stood out for Celtic United?
"Pablo and their forwards. Their finishing was solid."You guys have far exceeded expectations so far, at least ours anyways. What do you contribute your success to?
"We attribute our success so far to knowing our own abilities and trusting our teammates. We have good team understanding and chemistry, and excellent leadership."Will you guys be active in the transfer window ?
"Transfer window could go either way"
Celtic United had this to say:
"We came out the gates hot going up 2-0 in the first half. Combination of EA music fest & bachelor party hangovers didn’t match well with the heat on the turf, as we conceded 5 in the second half and looked horrendous. We were a complete different team in the first half. BSC International played well and are a much improved side from the years prior."Who was your best player?
"Our best player was Pablo Ordonez. Pablo was the only consistent player all match and played some beautiful balls in."Who stood out for the opposing team?
"Best player for BSC was Brian Arcara who made some big saves, and provided strong distribution in the back."OUR TAKE
BSC International has been great so far. They seem like they play a team game and don't have anybody with a "me first" attitude. That is what makes them so successful. Their schedule seems pretty favorable as well with a tough game sprinkled in with some easier ones.
Celtic United is in real trouble. They have yet to play 3 of the top 6 teams currently in the division. We still think they will have trouble escaping the relegation zone.
QUESTIONS??
How will BSC Inter do against teams like Amherst, BSC Raiders (who they lost to in Tehel Cup action)? Can Jenaro and Mo Hussein continue to score goals at the pace they have so far?
When will Celtic United live up to potential? Will the return of Mitchell Ali help them product offensively? Do their players take the team seriously enough to keep themselves focused the night before a game?
Amherst Sharpshooters (3-0-1) 8 - Pendleton United (0-2-2) 0
In a game that would be expected to be a blowout, Amherst were able to get production from their young guys, to exceed expectations.Amherst had this to say:
"Pendleton only showed up with 10 guys. They tried to park the bus and defend, but it was never really going to work."Who was your best player?
"RJ Grampp had a great game at left back showing off some silky skills and picking up 3 assists. Taha Ahmed and Kyle Hofschneider each scored twice."Did anybody stand out for PUFC?
"Their best player was Matt Pickard. He threw himself around with some rough challenges, but at least he looked like he was trying."You guys are on quite a roll so far. Is there anything you need to work on? Attendance has been great, goals are going in, your defense is playing well. Anything concerning you?
"We have a big few days coming up. Tehel Cup on Thursday at the Cage then Raiders under the lights on Sunday night. Both will obviously be difficult games so we’ll have to make sure we’re playing our absolute best and taking our chances in both of those games."Will you guys be active during the transfer window?
"No I don’t think so. Our roster is full currently and all 22 players are healthy and committed"
Pendleton United had few words in defeat:
"We had 10 guys lads, not much to say"Injuries? Or just availability?
"Few injuries and a lot of availability. Our mate and leader Juszczak was out of town for work too"Do you see the attendance issues sorting themselves out?
"Yes, after this week we should be good to go. Few players sat out too so they are good to go next week."We noticed you don’t have 22 on the roster, do you plan to fill the last 2 spots?
"Nope, roll with my guys since moving up every year"
OUR TAKE
Sharpshooters are on fire so far. Their young guys are really stepping up and filling some voids in their roster. We still see them at 1 or 2 in the division. This week will be a telling week for them. If they can beat Lackawanna FCY and BSC Raiders, they will take over our number one spot in the division.
Pendleton United is in serious trouble. Their talent may have brought the promotion last year, but Premier is a different animal. You need talent and attendance. On the other hand, they have had a difficult schedule so far. We would recommend filling out the roster during the transfer window though.
QUESTIONS??
How will they fare against two of the top teams in the division? Can they pull it all together and be the team to topple BSC Raiders?
Can PUFC bring a full squad? As the weather gets warmer, bringing 11 guys to a match is a recipe for disaster. Will the break in the schedule that they have after this Sunday do them good? Will they fill the roster?
B.U.S.S. (0-2-2) 5 - Clarence (2-1-1) 5
BUSS came into the game struggling for goals, while being stout defensively. Clarence were fresh off a trouncing from BSC Raiders. Clarence may be considered the come-back kids of the BDSL with their second come-from-behind draw of the season. This one from being down 5-0 and finishing 5-5.Clarence was first to respond to our questions:
"Came into the game knowing we would be missing 3 CBs again who are trying to get healthy. Never fun when you have to face BUSS. They controlled possession and played a lot of balls over the top in the 1st half. Went to halftime down 2-0. 2nd half we made some adjustments but they still got 3 on us from counters. About 60 minutes in we got 1 back then our game started taking over. Gary, Sammy and Berardi just took it to another level. We just kept pushing and got the 5-5 tie. So much heart from the guys yesterday."Who was your best player?
"Everyone was our best player yesterday who came and played."Who stood out for your opponents?
"Mo and Hunter up top were killing us for most of the game."2 incredible comebacks from you guys so far this season. Are you concerned that you guys are starting off so slow?
"Way more concerned with injuries. We got players playing out of position so it causes issues in the beginning of game. Adding some players in the transfer window should help us and our guys are coming back next week."Anybody you are targeting in the window? Or positions specifically?
"I’ll keep the names private lol. But a holding CM and a striker"
BUSS seemed hungover from the letdown:
"Do I have to? I’m still in shock from our collapse. Well, we came out strong early. But in typical fashion for us this season we couldn’t bury our first 4 chances. Clarence got a bit of possession once Clint entered the game, but they couldn’t handle our pace. Jason got our first goal by crashing the box on a cross. We put in a couple in a row, Mo C got one, Kyle got one. Then Hunter Sherman got a beauty from the corner of the 18 that landed upper 90. We went into halftime 4-0. After half we put in another one right away, and missed a couple more glorious opportunities. At that point some of our guys thought the game was over. A couple guys were nicked up and decided to sit the rest and let some other guys get some time. Clarence made us pay. I’m still not really sure what happened. It just seemed like every couple minutes the ball was in our net. We didn’t really start getting worried till like 5-3. Then we panicked at 5-4. Their 5th goal was a nice flick header off a set piece to tie it up. We put on some serious pressure the last 5 minutes but couldn’t take the lead. Well played to those guys though. It was a hell of a comeback. And shame on us for being so nonchalant thinking we had it in the bag. This result is typical of our season so far."Who was your best player?
"Polo was good, Prince played well. Jason probably gets man of the match to me. Just played really hard and gritty."Who stood out for Clarence?
"Sam Sutherland always gives us fits, I wish we were able to keep that guy. I love how he plays. Clint and Gary were strong as well."Where do you go from here?
"Good question, and I wish I had a strong answer for you. We just have to keep the intensity we had in the first half for the full 90. I take the blame for this collapse. As manager I should have stepped in and done a better job keeping our heads in it. We are in no position right now to ever think we have a game won before the final whistle blows. This won’t happen again to us."Will you be active in the transfer window?
"We have a player on the radar during the transfer window. I can’t give a name of course but this guy will be a huge addition to us."OUR TAKE
Clarence refuses to give up a game. Coming back from 2 goals down in the last 5 minutes against Amherst, and 5 down in the second half against BUSS? Those two points earned may be what they need to propel them to the top. Their loss to Raiders is disheartening, but each of their other results has been favorable.
BUSS promised last week that once they got their first goal they would score in bunches. Well that happened but they forgot how to play defense. Giving up 5 goals in the second half just cannot happen if you want to be a top team. As it looks right now they aren't in that conversation. This result knocks them just out of playoff contention for us.
QUESTIONS??
Though Clarence claims their issues are from injuries and playing out of position, is there something else to discuss about their slow start? Is management unable to get their team motivated? Giving up 5 goals to a team who hasn't scored yet, regardless of quality, is a bad sign.
Why would BUSS, a team without a win, allow their top players to rest when they have yet to win a game. Is BUSS management on the hot seat?
Queenston FC (1-2-1) 7 - Southtowns FPFC (1-3-0) 0
Two teams with similar records, both needing a strong showing to put themselves near playoff contention. Only one team showed up to play though in another Week 5 blowout.Queenston praised the defense in the win:
"Yesterday we finally had everything click. Outside of one pitiful first half against Celtic United, our defense has been very strong this season, but we were plugging offensive weapons back there which stunted us going forward. With the return of Eric Albrecht and Dylan Duncan last night, we were able to get the right bodies forward. Our best performance to date. Probably could have had 10-12 goals if we did better in the final third. But we were flying out there"Who was your best player?
"Our best player was probably Jared Burns. He had 3 assists and looked like he was playing downhill while our opponents’ midfield played uphill. Shout out to Bryce Schiltz for his second goal which was an absolute peach"Did anybody stand out for your opponents?
"Will Smith was their best player and it was rather noticeable. He was playing CB last night and despite the score line I think he had a strong game regardless. When he pushes forward with the ball he reminds me of a Clydesdale. But I think once we bagged the third goal last night it was pretty telling the team around him was deflated. But you wouldn’t be able to tell by just watching Will"Do you think this will be your form going forward?
"I think so. Outside of one disastrous first half against Celtic United, we have conceded only twice this season. As long as our offense is confident we can be dangerous. The issue here is, our fixtures get harder now in the back half of the season, so we may not always get the results we think we deserve"Will you be active during the transfer window?
"Only if we think there’s a difference maker we can grab. We won’t force it"
Southtowns FPFC kept didn't have much to say:
"we didn’t play good soccer , not much to say about it other than we hope to respond positively on Sunday"Did anybody stand out for Queenston?
"netter played a great game in net and robbed us a few times , westatd and trey were dangerous all game . they are a very talented team and i’m sir they will win many games going forward"We were unable to get any more responses from SFPFC
OUR TAKE
Queenston has found their quality the last two games. The key to their success is defense first. They seem to have patched the holes in the last few games. With their recent showing we have no choice but to put them higher in the standings than last week.
SFPFC had a great showing last week, but this week they fell back into their lane. This result has all but assured them back into the relegation zone.
QUESTIONS??
Can Queenston keep marching forward, taking points along the way? Will their young players continue to pot goals in games that are tight affairs?
Can Southtowns FPFC find a player during the transfer window that can bring them out of the basement? Which Southtowns team can we expect week to week?
Lackawanna FCY (3-0-1) 6 - Wolves FC (1-3-0) 2
From all reports, the cage was rocking Sunday as Lackawanna FCY played in front of their home crowd for the first time this season. Their home fans were able to propel them to a strong showing to keep them at the top of the table this season.Lackawanna FCY were confident in their victory:
"This was our first game of the season on home field, we were excited and nervous. We were missing players because of a wedding in the community for one of our players ,(congratulations Abdul Albabeh.) Both teams were going back and forth .they scored first in the first half .second half we came out strong missing too many chances, we finally got a pk to tie the game , we scored another one to take the lead didn’t take long to tie the game 2-2 , after we scored the third goal we never looked back . Good clean game overall. All the players were playing great"Who was your best player?
"Ali Mohamed was unbelievable 2 goals and 3 assists , The back line were awesome."Did anybody stand out for Wolves?
"FRANCESCO CARDILLO strong game by him."Can you guys keep your momentum going?
"We are confident that the squad we have now are capable of winning against any team the issue is the players attendance on game day also injuries could be a factor for any team."Will you be active during the transfer window?
"Yes , we will be somewhat active during the transfer for one maybe two out and one or two in ."Can you give us some names? Or maybe positions you are looking for?
"No, not now, sorry."
Wolves FC had an issue with the referee:
"Think we played as solid as a first half we could have. We had chances to snag more than the one goal lead, just couldnt capitalize. They had chances too. Dubious pk call that was outside the box, and the ref even admitted he didn’t see where it was, but was then aided by the words of two of their players and he gave a pk. Half time whistle blew after that. As we walked off, we saw the head ref with his arm around one of their players joking and laughing, which continued through out the second. They scored early on and we battled back to tie it, but we just fell apart with sloppy play. Had a few chances that we couldn’t convert. "Who was your best player?
"It was great having Franco back in the fold. His ability really stood out for us. Brian Comerford also had a very solid game at center back."Did anybody stand out for LFCY?
"Ali Mohammed was their best player. He was buzzing all over the offensive third."What will it take to bring it all together for Wolves?
"A positive result. We’re not far off. Just need to convert more of our chances. They are there."Will you be active in the transfer window?
"We’re looking at a few potential things. Could happen."OUR TAKE
After a bit of a setback last week, Lackawanna was able to get some strong play from their shortened roster. No doubt being in front of their home fans was a lift to them as well. We still don't think this result puts them in the top 2 but definitely a close 3rd.
Wolves have only one win this season, and that was against a struggling SFPFC side. Good new is that they get to play Celtic United this week, who are struggling themselves. A convincing victory could give them the confidence they need going into the transfer window.
QUESTIONS??
It was helpful for Lackawanna to have Ali Mohammed back in the lineup this week. We think he is the piece, along with Mateo, they need to contend with the top 2. Can he be available every week for them? Can they take down Amherst this week in Tehel Cup action?
What has happened to Wolves? Has last summer's Cinderella story lost their magic? Has the carriage turned back into a pumpkin? Can Franco be available for them every week to help dig them out of the hole they are currently sitting in?
Williamsville Willies (1-1-2) 0 - BSC Raiders (3-0-0) 3
Here at BDSL Premier Postgame, we try to be unbiased and fair to every team. However this week we were informed that BSC Raiders are not allowing their players to do these interviews. We aren't sure how big the stick is up their managers ass is, but we assume its an extra large one. So from this point on we will not be approaching them for questioning any more. We hope that they stop taking themselves so seriously and realize that this is an amateur league and our questions don't hurt anybody.With that being said, here is our representative from Williamsville Willes:
"Not much to say when playing the raiders. Went scoreless in the first half. They scored then We hit a crossbar and Figler made a great point blank save off the rebound. I hate to say it but their second goal was a beautiful strike from their guy and the pk for their 3rd I thought was weak."
"It was 3-0 but we still are not producing the offense to take the pressure off our defense."Who was your best player?
" I’d say or best player was either Wilkinson in the middle or any of our defenders."Who stood out for the opposing team?
"O’Keefe was a threat all day. The kid just doesn’t stop working ever, it’s tiring to watch."
OUR TAKE
Willies need to find some goals somewhere. They need somebody to step up, or a transfer from the outside during the window to put some goals in. Maybe a formation switch could help them bag some goals?
Despite being stifled and censored by their management, BSC Raiders keep racking up wins. We don't see them being beaten easily this summer.
QUESTIONS??
Can Willies grab a guy like Vucic from Wolves, Reid from Celtic United, or Sherman from BUSS? Guys who have proven they can score goals at this level and are playing on struggling teams this year?
PLAYOFF PREDICITONS
1. Raiders
2. Sharpshooters
3. Lackawanna
4. BSC International
5. Clarence
6. Queenston FC
JUST OUTSIDE
7. Buffalo United SS
8. Willies
9. Wolves
10. Southtowns FPFC
RELEGATION
11. Celtic United
12. Pendleton United
Thanks for reading, we will catch you next week!
