By JOHN BOSCHINI
It’s the first full weekend of action the USL Pro as 18 teams take to the field.
Making their debut are the Rochester Rhinos, Los Angeles Blues, Harrisburg City Islanders, Dayton Dutch Lions, Wilmington Hammerheads and Antigua Barracuda FC.
The Rhinos and Blues play twice over the course of the weekend. Rochester is a veteran of the minor leagues of American soccer and should have no trouble getting out of the gate quickly. Originally tipped to join the eight-team NASL, the Rhinos are strong contenders in the USL in 2011. The Blues, on the other hand, are an expansion side desperate to start off their existence on the right foot despite playing in a highly-saturated soccer market.
The Charleston Battery looks to open the season with a two-game winning streak against Dayton while Pittsburgh tries to turn its season around after an opening loss.
Here is a look at this weekend’s USL Pro action.
Rochester Rhinos at Richmond Kickers (Friday, 7:00)
Relying on the addition of veteran midfielder Anthony Donatelli, the Rhinos face a tough test against Richmond, who tops the table with two-straight wins.
Los Angeles Blues at Sevilla FC Puerto Rico (Friday, 8:00)
The Blues face a trial by fire with their opener being in hostile territory. Sevilla twice let the lead slip away in its opening game and had to settle for a draw.
Orlando City at Charlotte Eagles (Saturday, 7:00)
Both Orlando and Charlotte are teams off to mixed starts. Orlando managed to rebound from a decisive opening-day loss to Richmond by thrashing FC New York. Charlotte played well but lost to Richmond in its opening match and will have to find some offense if it is to get a home result.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Harrisburg City Islanders (Saturday, 7:00)
With the addition of 2010 Maryland standout Jason Herrick, Harrisburg is poised to be an offensive threat this season. Pittsburgh will need to lock down a defense that has a pension for letting in late goals.
Charleston Battery at Dayton Dutch Lions (Saturday, 7:30)
Dayton is entering its second season as a club and, as their name suggests, has a definitive Dutch flair. The coaching staff and four players hail from the Netherlands. They will go up against a Charleston side who got off to a good start to its title defense with an opening victory.
Rochester Rhinos at Wilmington Hammerheads (Saturday 7:30)
Wilmington needed a miracle to even survive after a tumultuous off-season. Much of the 2010 team is gone and the newcomers will have to gel quickly. Working to their advantage could be a tired Rochester side who had played the night before.
Los Angeles Blues at Antigua Barracuda FC (Sunday, 7:00)
The road doesn’t get much easier after a trip to Puerto Rico for the Blues as they travel to Antigua. If they can steal a result in Puerto Rico, L.A. could carry that momentum into Antigua despite the short break
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What do you think of this weekend's action? Can Los Angeles start of on the right foot? Can Richmond extend its lead at the top of the table?
Share your thoughts below.
Let’s go Josh “the best hair in soccer” Tudela!!!!!!
lets go harrisburg!!!!!
there was no 2010 Wilmington Hammerheads
Rochester will win this year. Next year back in D2.
Maybe late goals impact their pensions?
“*pension for letting in late goals.” do you mean penchant?