97 Boys PPL Predictions 10/10

by hoff1032 10/7/2009, 1:48 pm

97 Boys PPL Weekend of 10/10

Group 1

Game of the Week

FWU N Blue (2-0-1) vs. ASG (1-1) – Both teams are coming off of unusually difficult games. FWU was able to earn a hard-fought 1-0 win over Texas Xtreme, while ASG was not so fortunate in a 2-1 loss to TFC White. This game has the potential to be a knock-down, drag-out affair. FWU has the vaunted offense, while ASG prides itself on defense. I predict that ASG will once again end up on the wrong side of a 2-1 score as FWU stays unbeaten.

Monterrey (2-0) vs. Solar Silver (0-1-1) – Monterrey survived 2-1 against TLSC on an unfortunate own goal, but TLSC clearly made progress from the QT. Solar Silver earned a 0-0 tie with Nationals last weekend. Monterrey keeps the streak alive, 3-0.

Texas Xtreme (0-2) vs. Nationals FC (0-3) – Texas Xtreme left a strong impression on FWU N Blue in holding their potent attack to just one goal last week. That doesn’t bode well for a Nationals FC team that has been outscored 21-0 through three games. Xtreme gets off the schnide, 3-0.

TFC White (2-0) vs. Nationals (0-1-1) – TFC surprised us all by knocking off ASG 2-1 last time out. TFC had a tendency to play up one week and down the next last season but they have put together two consecutive strong games to start the Fall. They will make it three in a row against the Nats, 2-0.

TLSC (1-1) vs. Solar Gold (1-0-1) – Solar will stay undefeated and knock off TLSC 3-2.

(10/11 game) TLSC (1-1) vs. TFC White (2-0) – With the quick turnaround, TLSC will feel the desperation to get back to .500 and will surprise TFC 2-1.

Group 2

Game of the Week

Aces (2-0-1) vs. Blaze (2-1) – The Blaze come off a tough 7-1 mauling by the Tigers, while the Aces recovered from their last-minute tie against McKinney FC by sacking the Texas Blitz 4-0. The Blaze had not been truly tested before the loss to the Tigers, and Aces will be another strong test. The Aces have given up just one goal in three games so far, tied for best in PPL, and has shown to be a very stout defense. I expect Aces to come away with a 2-0 win.

Tigers (3-0) vs. Celtic United (1-2) – This may be one of the biggest mismatches of the season, The Tigers are scoring on everyone, notching 17 goals through three games. Celtic United got their first two goals last week against Inferno to earn their first victory. Celtic won’t score here, and the Tigers win big, 7-0.

FWU N White (1-2) vs. Inferno (0-3-1) – FWU will take care of business and defeat a winless Inferno team who has scored just one goal all season. FWU 4-0.

McKinney FC (1-1-1) vs. FCD White (1-2) – FCD has struggled a bit this season, but they won a tight 3-2 game against the HPSA Scots for their first victory. McKinney will give FCD trouble with their stingy defense and will take a 2-0 decision.

Boca Jrs (2-1) vs. Texas Blitz (0-2-1) – Boca can score with the best of them, but their defense has left something to be desired as their opponents have been able to score on them as well. Texas Blitz will have a tough time keeping up with the Boca offense though, as they have only scored once in three games. Boca will prevail 5-1.

Valencia (3-0) vs. HPSA Scots (1-3) – Valencia, like Aces, has only allowed one goal so far. The Scots have not got the results to show for it, but they are improving. In the end, the Valencia size will be too much to overcome, and the Scots will fall to 1-4 in the 5-0 loss.

(10/11 game) Blaze (2-1) vs. Celtic United (1-2) – The Blaze will catch fire again and will rebound with a 4-0 win over the Celtics.

by yoda 10/7/2009, 3:53 pm

Hey Hoff as always great insight into the games this weekend. However I was wondering what your predication is on if the games would even be played?

by hoff1032 10/7/2009, 5:06 pm

I predict a 23% chance of games being played this weekend, with the huge storms that are being predicted for Thursday night. As another poster so eloquently put it, Monther Nature 1 - Soccer 0.

by dfwobserver 10/7/2009, 7:43 pm

Hoff - As always, GREAT WRITE UPS! We are lucky your son plays in PPL so we can receive your predictions and commentary each week.

I agree with all of your predictions except one. While TLSC/Ayses is always tough, they seem to have trouble winning the big matches. TFC White is clearly improved this year and I think they will take this Sunday game 2-1. I was impressed watching some of their game against ASG and expect them to be the victor in this one.

I do agree with your prediction that Solar Gold will defeat TLSC on Saturday. However, I think they will shut them out in a 2-0 win. Solar's defense is stout and I don't think too many teams will score on them this year.

by Soccernovice 10/7/2009, 11:03 pm

I have to disagree with DFWObserver, TLSC beat Texans White in qualified and they have improved as team since then. I expect TLSC will win both their games this week-end or tie on Saturday and win on Sunday. TFC White is a much improved team over last year. I just feel TLSC has improved more year over year.

by hoff1032 10/7/2009, 11:08 pm

Thanks DFWO. My problem is now that we're in Group 2, I don't get to see any of these great Group 1 games, so I'm basing these predictions on what I knew of these teams before, on current standings and on scores alone. I don't get any of the flavor of having played these teams like when we were all one big happy division.

I like the new two division structure, but don't like it at the same time. There will be 2-3 teams in Group 2 that will be able to give any of the Group 1 teams a run for their money by the end of the Fall, but won't get to prove it on the pitch. Oh well, something to aspire to for next year I guess.

Good luck to all this weekend, as long as the weather holds.

by hoff1032 10/7/2009, 11:10 pm

By the way DFWO, you recognize my avatar? It was shot in the tournament when we played against you. That's my boy deflecting one of your 87 shots on goal! 97 Boys PPL Predictions 10/10 Icon_tongue

by dfwobserver 10/8/2009, 8:47 am

Soccernovice - I hope you are right about winning this weekend (or at least getting a tie on Saturday). Solar Gold looks pretty darn good. If would be nice to see you guys take them out since I belive they will be near the top of the standings this year.

By the way, what is the feedback on Monterrey? They were the surprise of the QT and have now been able to get by TLSC twice in the past 8 weeks. Are they big? physical? fast? Are they the CDI of 2009/2010?

by Soccernovice 10/8/2009, 3:39 pm

Yes they are skilled, smart, mature, aggressive, and can finish. We scored first on Monteray then gave up an own goal and another goal in short period of time. We can match up but obviously Monteray can take full advantage of mistakes. I can not speak to their consistency but boys were solid at all positions and coaching was good. I believe they are better than CDI team from last year overall.

by hoff1032 10/8/2009, 5:05 pm

Soccernovice wrote:Yes they are skilled, smart, mature, aggressive, and can finish. We scored first on Monteray then gave up an own goal and another goal in short period of time. We can match up but obviously Monteray can take full advantage of mistakes. I can not speak to their consistency but boys were solid at all positions and coaching was good. I believe they are better than CDI team from last year overall.

How do teams like this just appear out of nowhere? It's one thing to see a team improve, add players, and "grow up" over the course of time. I'm astounded when I see a first-time team show up and be that good from the start.