Match Previews & Predictions for March 6th

 

(Keep in mind that this is not the BBC and what follows wasn't necessarily written in utter earnestness.)

 

 

Lurkers v Scousers 

 

These two teams have faced each other three times. Scousers have won all three, outscoring the Lurkers 14 to 6.

 

The Scousers shouldn't take anything for granted, however. The Lurkers have 8 good, new players. 

 

And while the new-look Lurkers have lost their first two games, these losses did come at the hands of the most decorated team in WSP history (Chico's) and of the highest ranked team (Hammers). Most importantly, the losses were also narrow. Moreover, that most of the Lurkers had not played together before the start of this season would suggest that they're only going to improve.  

 

The Scousers will provide a formidable challenge. They're coming off their first championship win (last season at Grover Cleveland). And their current roster could be called a super squad: they've got most of the best players from their previous Williamsburg and Bushwicks teams.  

 

Scousers were arguably unlucky not to come away with a point in their first outing this season. In their second match, they beat a well organized Chico's for the first time.

 

I've got to go with experience and momentum here. But it should still be a close one by play and score. 

 

Prediction: Scousers by 1. 

 

 

Highlanders v Hammers 

 

These two teams have played each other twice. The record is 1-1, with Hammers outscoring their Highland Park League rivals 9 to 6.

 

Perhaps most notably, the Highlanders are the only team to have beaten the Hammers. This is something that's got to irk the latter. Hammers got their revenge by winning their last meeting; they'll be looking to firmly stamp down a winning record this Sunday. 

 

Though their previous two meetings were close games, and though the Highlanders have some significant new additions, I've got to go with the Hammers. They've played together for longer than any other team in WSP history. They've two U-23 NY State representatives, and a former (recent) captain of Boston University's D1 team (and most decorated player in the WSP), in Liz S. 

 

In contrast, the Highlanders are still looking to find their form. Early signs of good chemistry were there. But the players are far from gelling to the degree seen amongst this Sunday's competition. 

 

If the Highlanders don't get their first string defenders out for this game (and injury free) and don't also approach this game with a defensive plan for their midfielders, this one could be a heavy loss. Moreover, if they try to play a long ball game again, the Hammers will simply eat up the '50/50' ball. Balls in the air are not 50/50 when you've got the Hammer's height, speed and control. 

 

If the Highlanders are organized and fervent, the play could be close. But even if it is, I don't think the score-line will reflect this. The Hammers usually get the edge on chances. I'm guessing that they're going to get a dozen excellent chances on net and that they'll make good on a handful of them.

 

Prediction: Hammers by 3. 

 

 

 

Chico's Bail Bonds v Berry Park

 

History narrowly favors Chico's here with a record of 2-1, outscoring Berry Park 8 to 4. All games have been close, however, with the last the closet yet in both play and score (Berry Park 4-3).

 

Berry Park is a solid team but is much more than simply solid when (often absent) Mike G. takes to the pitch. He's one of those rare players who elevates the game of those around him. His energy alone is infectious. His drive and determination are pretty much unmatched in this league, with perhaps only the Hammer's captain giving him a run here. In fact, side by side and by style of play, you could easily mistake them for brothers. Hopefully we'll see them both on a WSP All Star squad one of these days. But first, Berry Park will be hoping Mike is able to make Sunday's game. 

 

Chico's are 1-1 this season, suffering a narrow loss last Sunday in what was a fine performance. The team is looking more on form this season than in any other. And remember: they've won two league titles and a cup. So any team facing them this season should be concerned.

 

Chico's has just lost their Co-captain, Eric A., to what may be a season-ending injury. This is certainly a blow to the team because they'll miss his commitment to winning ball and to making effective, short and crisp passes to his supporting players. But you won't see the last of him. He'll be on the sidelines in a managerial role, with co-captain Kevin P. stepping up to set the show by example. 

 

Berry Park always seem like they're out to prove something: that they're just as heavy as the teams with the hardware to cause their shelves at home to sag in the middle. Chico's will be looking to put Berry Park in what they feel may be their proper place: back on a stool drowning their sorrows at the bar from which they get their name.

 

Prediction: A tie.   

 

 

 

Wild Turkeys v FC Finest

 

Last week we wondered if FC Finest would weave a proper welcoming mat for its three newest players. Captain Niall perhaps said something to them, or simply gave them more playing time, because last Sunday night one of these new players got the game winner and another got the insurance.

 

Early last Sunday, the Wild Turkeys lost their  keeper (who was on loan from FC Finest) to a season-ending knee injury. That seemed to cost them in a heavy loss to the Daggers. But they've one of WSP's three best keepers to replace him this Sunday night in Kamil K. (another FC Finest player but who may or may not be on loan; this could be a permanent transfer, pending the outcome of on-going negotiations between the two sides).

 

Prediction: a tie. 

 

 

 

Soho Slacker v Daggers

 

History: 1-0 for Slackers (5 goals to 3).  

 

Slackers are experiencing a bit of a goal-scoring drought after getting blanked last weekend and scoring just one goal per game so far on average (in contrast to almost 4 per game last season). Last weekend, Daggers went on something of rout, scoring 8 and not conceding a single goal. But goal-scoring history favors the Slackers, who slotted 36 last season to the Daggers paltry 12.

 

This of course is a new season, and the Daggers have already, in just two games, scored 75% of their total tally from 11 games last season.  

 

Both teams also have a history of conceding a lot of goals. The Slackers let in 36 in 11 games last season. The Daggers let by 23. Again, it's a different season. The Daggers keeper has kept out all shots but one so far. 

 

Going on latest form, Daggers would be my pick. But it's an apprehensive one. Can they, I wonder, put two solid performances together? Their first game was a bit frenetic. Their second was fantastic. Consistency has been their biggest obstacle. My guess is that they're going to come out flying, and that while they'll leave openings in the back for the Slackers to exploit, the Slackers will leave bigger gaps. 

 

 

Prediction: Daggers by 2 in a goal-riddled game. 

 

 

Loonaticks v AC Kermans 

 

Given that it's the late game, I predict AC Kermans will be able to start with a full team and have the time to discuss a game plan to contain the Loonaticks' scintillating attack. If not, it's going to be a long night.

 

AC Kermans tends to punch above their weight when facing the big teams. And the Loonaticks are the biggest - in terms of talent and organization - in this division. But AC Kermans does have a significant size advantage. They'll need to use it, and to come out determined and well-drilled. I think they will, and that it will be the Loonaticks closest game yet.  

 

Prediction: Loonaticks by 2.