Season Preview: Gunning for an Upset

The 4 returning BSL teams must be considered the favorites for the coming season. With a year playing in BSL under their belts, they have an automatic advantage. More importantly, though, they were the best BSL had to offer last year. Their owners must know what they are doing and are certainly knowledgeable soccer fans. Our season preview begins with one of these teams, the Cure’s fist ever BSL opponent, CD Gunners. Will the Cure’s players be nervous before their first ever game? After taking a quick glance at the Gunners roster, they should be. First off, their two designated players are top notch. Fredy Montero was the surprise of last season and has the talent to lead MLS in scoring. Juan Pablo Angel drifted through a pretty miserable 2009. With the Red Bull Arena set to open, the franchise will be given a huge lift. So will Angel, escaping that dreadful turf. If surrounded with better talent, Angel should return to the top of the scoring charts. In addition to their DP’s, the Gunners have three other big names at forward. The only thing that will stop Brian McBride is old age--I just don't think its time for him to hang up his boots yet. Ryan Johnson is a beast. The confidence he gained from an excellent 2009 might lift him to the next level in 2010. Sergio Herrera may be the Fredy Montero of 2010. As a fifth rounder, and with Schelotto setting him up, he may be the Gunners shrewdest move of all. In goal, veteran Zach Thornton will get his share of shutouts. If the Gunners have a weakness, I’d say it’s their depth. None of their remaining players are proven MLS scorers. But with the stars they do have, they probably don’t need much depth. Still, an injury or two may be too much to overcome. Either way, I expect the Gunners to be in the playoff hunt. While they will be the favorites, I hope they overlook the Cure so we may be able to sneak a season opening win.