Preview of the Fall Schedule

At last, we play.  This season has taken FOREVER to start.  We're going to have to deal with that and be ready for the opening whistle at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday night.

Let's look at the schedule this season.

• FALL 2011

• -----------------------------

• Sun. Sept. 11, 5:00 p.m. vs FC Arlington (Blair HS in Silver Spring)

• Sun. Sept 18, 2:00 p.m. vs Funky Town (Galludet U in DC)

• Sun. Sept 25, 8:00 a.m. vs Red Devils (Galludet U in DC)

• Sun. Oct. 2, 1:15 p.m. vs Far Post (Trinity College in DC)

• Sun. Oct. 9, 10:00 a.m. vs Unathletic DC (Ridge in DC)

• Sun. Oct. 16, 9:45 a.m. vs Our Kicks Don't Lie (Trinity College in DC)

• Sun. Oct. 23 - BYE WEEK

• Sun. Oct. 30th - MAKE UP GAMES (TBA)

• PLAYOFFS

• --------------------------

• TBA - could be a 2 week or 3 week process

Our first fixture versus Two Left Feet was a dud.  The other team forfeited.  We collected a 3-0 win on the books but it doesn't mean squat because we didn't break in the boots.

The game this weekend is versus FC Arlington, a new team in the division.  It's a wildcard game, I cannot say for sure what to expect.  We are planning to face a seriously good team, and that is more likely than not anyway.  FC Arlington jumped over from the less organized and less competitive S Leagues.  They likely had their fill in that league and were looking for more.  Like this team, but 5 years later, they are ready for more and will probably be on the rise.  Expect them to be one of the best teams in the division.

The next week we start a 2-game stand at Galludet University.  It's a nice enough field I guess.  The first afternoon game will be nice.  The next week, at the crack of 8:00 a.m., won't 

be.  Don't even think about it.  You're showing up.

The last three games will be trying, but the field selection is nice.  Two at Trinity and a third to be determined (our make up game).  Far Post won its first game 8-0.  Granted, they probably faced a partial squad, but clearly it's going to take several goals to beat them.  

That last game versus the Commissioner's team in DC Divided figures to be a thriller.  Most likely both teams will be playing for a top spot or a playoff spot at least.  DC Divided has beaten us before and is perfectly capable of doing it again.  Unless...

Please keep a few things in mind:

- We'll need bodies for the 8:00 a.m. game.  We aren't carrying a huge roster.

- We'll need people to be flexible for the makeup.  I don't know where or when it will be yet.

- WHEN we make the playoffs, it will go pretty deep into the fall.  If we don't finish first, and that's not something any keen manager will count on, then we'll have to win out in the playoffs.  That will require focus and attendance.  

So save those dates, please.