Oh, we’re halfway there.
Whoa-oa.
York is on a tear!
We have arrived at the midway point of the CPL season and this has been the best season yet!
If you told me you predicted this is where the table would be right now, you’re a liar.
It has been brilliant, exciting and unpredictable football up to this point. Some teams have exceeded expectations, some have been underwhelming, and two CPL teams are making noise in the Canadian Championship (read last week’s CPL Corner for more on that).
I made some preseason predictions that I plan on reviewing at the end of the season so I can laugh at myself. But at the 25% mark of the season, I made some suggestions for each team to take into the second quarter that I want to review to see how each team has done.
So as we did last time, in no particular order (except from first to last), let’s go.
Atletico Ottawa
Brett’s Suggestion: Don’t let confidence become arrogance
Grade: B-
Atletico was absolutely flying through seven matches and they looked to be pretty much unbeatable. Since then, a 3-2-2 record in their last seven has rocked the boat a little bit, but they are still the best team in the league and have a +13 goal differential that is kilometres above anyone else.
York United
Brett’s Suggestion: Believe in Mauro
Grade: A
Since Mauro Estaquio took over coaching duties for the Nine Stripes, they are a league best 5-1-2. Brian Wright and Austin Ricci have been a dynamic duo up front and Frank Sturing has been an underrated signing. I didn’t have them making the playoffs, but could this be the year York makes a final?
Forge FC
Brett’s Suggestion: Remember you’re built for the playoffs
Grade: B+
Watch out, the 4x champs are on their way up. The team has climbed the table while still being more focused on the Canadian Championship where they are 90 minutes away from taking down their second MLS side in a row. At the halfway stage, Forge are in a great position for the rest of the regular season.
Vancouver FC
Brett’s Suggestion: A consistent backline
Grade: D
The Eagles came out of the gates on a mission to make the playoffs in season two. They were scoring like mad, and looked dominant at times, but conceded 10 goals through 7 matches. The next 7 matches, they saw their opponents score 15 times. This team needs to get things sorted out at the back and fast, or they will be watching the playoffs for a second straight year.
Pacific FC
Brett’s Suggestion: Fill the void left by Manny Aparicio
Grade: D
Things have pretty much been the status quo for the islanders all season. Ayman Sellouf’s 3 goals lead the team but they have all been from the spot. Outside of that, Sean Young is the only other player with more than one goal. Thomas Meilleur-Giguere has been fantastic this season though, but they need more up front. You can continue to expect minimal scoring on either side of the pitch during a Pacific FC match.
Cavalry FC
Brett’s Suggestion: Find a way to get the three points
Grade: C-
With all the talent Cavalry has in their lineup, it is ridiculous that they have failed to score twice in the last 8 matches. Every game just feels like a struggle for this side right now, which is so unlike Tommy Wheeldon’s group. They get a C- because they picked up 2 wins in the second quarter of the season compared to just 1 in the first.
Valour FC
Brett’s Suggestion: Add to the backline
Grade: C-
Things looked like Valour might be turning around in Winnipeg, but it’s been one step forward and two steps back (shoutout to Paula Abdul).Valour hasn’t brought in anyone to solidify the defense and they are a league worst -11 goal differential. The emergence of Themi Antonoglu bumps them up from a D to a C-.
Halifax Wanderers
Brett’s Suggestion: A stiff drink
Grade: B-
I’m pretty sure Carrie brought the club some One Ball Gin to celebrate them not just picking up their first win, but winning two straight! Since we last checked in, Halifax is 2-3-1 and even though they sit 8 points out of a playoff spot, they’re on the rise and have games in hand on the rest of the league.
That’s it. I may be putting too high of expectations of some of these clubs, but I actually think I did alright here. The summer of football has a short break before the Olympics get underway and we cheer on the CANWNT/CANXNT. So get outside this weekend and watch some local football in person!!
