It’s hard to believe it, but the Canadian Premier League is already 25% complete.
With plenty of surprising results, off-field drama and a jumbled up table that nobody could have expected, why don’t we do a brief 1/4 season review up to this point and name one thing that every team needs going into the next seven matchdays.
So, in no particular order (except from first to last), let’s go:
Atletico Ottawa
Need: Don’t let confidence become arrogance
It’s all going according to el plan for Atletico. Undefeated and top of the table. A 3-0 win vs Forge last weekend solidified them as top club. They’re playing brilliant football, Ruben del Campo can’t stop scoring goals and the offseason additions have all been a hit. Life is good in the nation’s capital.
Vancouver FC
Need: A consistent backline
It might be early but did anyone see the Eagles flying this high? In my preseason predictions, I did say they would make the playoffs but they are exceeding expectations. The biggest problem, only one clean sheet through seven matches. You know it will be a focus for Afshin Ghotbi going forward.
Pacific FC
Need: Fill the void left by Manny Aparicio
On the surface, things seem to be going just fine on Vancouver Island. Many, myself included, saw this team taking a step back this season but that hasn’t been the case. This team needs someone to create more chances though with only 6 goals in 7 matches. Aparicio led the Tridents with 45 shots last year, someone needs to be the guy to draw in opposing defenders.
Forge FC
Need: Remember you’re built for playoffs
When you look at the first part of the season for Forge, the team has been strangely average. Some matches, they look like the 4x champs and the next week, they seem to lose their identity. If I’m Bobby Smyrniotis though, my focus is purely on TFC and the Canadian Championship.
York United
Need: Believe in Mauro
So far, the Nine Stripes are the definition of “middle of the pack.” A 3-1-3 record and 0 goal differential has York in the final playoff spot. York replacing head coach Martin Nash with Mauro Estaquio was the first major bombshell of the season. York’s 1-0 with Mauro at the helm, if they can buy into his vision and execute, they could rise.
Cavalry FC
Need: Find a way to get the three points
5 draws in 7 matches, this team just seems to love sharing the spoils with their opponents. They’ve given up leads, come from behind, been strong offensively, defensively. The pieces are there, but when the final whistle goes, the score is level. This team should have more than one win to their name right now. They are missing Ali Musse who’s been out with injury.
Valour FC
Need: Add to the backline
Things didn’t start well for the Winnipegers. Some poor form in the first part of the season while giving up a league leading 15 goals. But, things have been improving with points in back to back matches and this team has scored some worldies. They need to bring in veteran presence to sure up the defending and just keep fighting as a unit.
Halifax Wanderers
Need: A stiff drink
Seeing Halifax in the basement is an absolute shocker. Nothing is going the way of the Wanderers right now. I don’t know the answer right now. Sign Ayo Akinola, bring in a player on loan, FPSC’s own Carrie Ryan comes in as coach? My opinion for now, Halifax should drink some One Ball Gin, reset and be happy there’s 21 games left.
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