Reviewing Results

Last week was a mixed bag for results, with some matches going the way we expected and plenty offering surprising scorelines. Spokane Zephyr knocking off Tampa Bay Sun 2-1 was a bit of a surprise, considering the two teams in seemingly opposite form, but there’s plenty of reasons to think Zephyr will be competitive in the rest of the season, more on that in a sec.

Dallas Trinity beating Brooklyn FC 3-0 was not really a shocker, but the fact that Dallas has beaten front-running Brooklyn with a combined 9-0 scoreline in the last two matches is. Brooklyn looks out of sorts and needs to figure it out quickly, given the rest of the pack catching up fast. We thought DC Power would be the fix, but they drew 1-1 on Sunday, leaving BFC with even more things to worry about.

Spokane the Spoiler

Spokane started off this season with all the promise of every other club in a brand new league, but the reality of the situation is that Zephyr struggled to finish games, choking away points in the last minutes of match over and over again. Now the team is in the second half of the season with little to play for, down 8 points from making the playoffs. It’s not that they CAN’T make it, but they probably won’t, given the form of those at the top of the table.

But they can fuck up other teams chances and play the spoiler. Like they did against Fort Lauderdale United this weekend, earning a draw in a match that FTL should have won.

Spokane has an exciting frontline with Emina Ekić and McKenzie Weinert on the wings. I’d argue Ekić is the most talented player in a league full of talented players, but that’s my opinion. However, the addition of Ally Cook up top is really making this Spokane offense sing. This team can beat anyone, even if it might not change their end of season fate. I think if you’re one of the top 5 teams all vying for a spot in the playoffs, circle the date you’re playing Spokane and make sure you tie your laces tight.

This Weekend’s Matches

Just two matches on the docket this weekend, with Brooklyn hosting Tampa Bay Sun and Carolina Ascent hosting Dallas Trinity. Not sure which of these matches I like more, but both should be tasty battles. All four of these teams are in the top five and looking primed to challenge for playoff spots. Brooklyn NEEDS to get a win, but Tampa is playing well and could easily get the win here. Dallas has been playing well, but Carolina is a tough out. Like I said, two very good matchups between four very good teams.

- Dan Vaughn