With over half the season behind us, most of us are tired of the same worn-out opinions from the Onesoccer commentators and want a fresh opinion on their team. So there was no one better to ask than the fans themselves.
I asked one fan from each team in the CPL the exact same 4 questions which were:
- Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
- Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
- What could your team improve on?
- Who is the best player on your team?
Below are their answers, in the order I received them from. It would surprise you how hard it is to find 8 people across the country to answer 4 fairly simple questions.
The answers have some slight editing for spelling and clarity.
Tony Lacoviello – Forge FC
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
Forge has been at or near the top of the table all season long so it’s hard to complain about that but, as Coach Bobby and the players have acknowledged, they’re not yet playing up to the form expected by the fans or by themselves. They had a tough run of games as they do every year but are starting to solidify around a more regular core 8 or 9 players. Hopefully can keep building that momentum as we near the end of the season and playoffs and make a run for the regular season title, North Star Shield, and at least claim one of the two available CONCACAF spots.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
Yes, absolutely. We’ve made the finals four years in a row and while the table is extra tight at the moment, I don’t think not making the playoffs is a possibility or an option at this point. Forge has a tendency to come into form and peak at the right time. In Bobby we trust.
What could your team improve on?
Basically, the same problem we’ve struggled with for a long time is just being more aggressive in the attacking third. We have a tendency to get too comfortable just being in possession and often are more likely to choose a backward outlet pass than risking a forward push. When we do look forward first we’re dangerous on just about every play. You can see guys like Campbell, Choiniere, and Pacius in position signalling for a through ball so they can make a run on the keeper. They’re itching for goals. We should also increase consistency in our starting lineup which has seemed to have taken shape over the last few matches and will hopefully continue.
Who is the best player on your team?
There are fortunately a lot to choose from but I have to give it to Triston Henry this year especially. He’s kept us in matches and saved us even through the toughest spots. Lots of other guys deserve a tonne of credit but for my money, he’s been the most consistent and clutch guy for us this year so far.
Andrew Harley-Vancouver FC
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
I think the season has been about what you’d expect for an expansion team. Building a squad from scratch and expecting them to compete for the North Star right out of the gate wasn’t a realistic expectation.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
I think at this point in the season, no. I think VFC still lack consistency and still finding their identity.
What could your team improve on?
Lol, well there’s a lot… keeping the ball out of the net would be the biggest improvement. Not to say that’s solely on Callum, the club has some defensive issues (positioning, assignments, etc.) they’ll need to address.
Who is the best player on your team?
Good question, I think there are lots of players with good qualities on the squad, but I don’t think one single player stands out above the rest. If I have to pick I’ll give a shoutout to the local kid, TJ Tahid.
Michael Elder – Cavalry
Just halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
Quite well overall. The start to the season was tough with a number of draws and points that were dropped late. There were a number of new signings that joined the team, so I’d imagine that part of the initial struggles was the new players getting used to each other and the system. Cavalry has had much better results recently (except when playing against Atletico Ottawa) including a number of exciting matches against Vancouver, Pacific and HFX. The majority of their remaining matches are at home, so we’re well-placed to continue to do well leading to the season’s end.
Do you think that they will make the playoffs? And why?
I’d be very surprised if we don’t make the playoffs at this point – the main question is what seed Cavalry will be ranked? The squad’s goal differential is second best in the league; points-wise (as of early August), they’re only two points behind league leader Pacific. Combined with Tommy Wheeldon and much of the squad’s experience I’m confident that they’ll be competing for the top spot until the end of the year. While there is the potential that all of HFX, Atletico or York could jump ahead of the Cavs, I don’t envision all three would have the consistency to do so for the remaining 10+ matches
What could your team improve on?
Other than beating Atletico? Overall consistency, both in defence and attack. The defence has made a number of bad mistakes in big moments costing points; it still doesn’t feel that the backline is fully established and used to playing with each other. Similarly, upfront on a good day, Bevin and Musse can be unstoppable, but on a bad day the front line doesn’t click and we look ineffective. If I had to pick one, erasing mistakes on defence would be the number one thing I’d like to see for the remainder of the season
Who is the best player on your team?
This is a tough one – the last two players of the year (Yao and Escalante) have moved on to other clubs. I’ve been really impressed by the additions of Kobza and Daley in midfield (especially with the former also helping as a centreback), but it would have to be between Beven and Musse up front. Both have had a number of amazing goals and assists so far this year. If I had to choose – Beven is tied for first in goals in the league and has three assists; his selflessness and playmaking in attack combined with how lethal he can be in scoring goals would ultimately make me give it to him.
Vincenzo Mancini -Valour
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
In all honesty, this is probably one of the most disappointing seasons in Valour’s short five-year history. The likelihood of making the playoffs is incredibly low, which will mark the fifth consecutive season without a playoff birth. 13 goals in 17 matches defines itself.
The really unfortunate thing about Valour FC is the team’s lack of growth and progression year by year. This team development seems to be going backwards, not forwards. We have sold and let go of players that are now names and staples in the CPL. We continue to ignore the fact that this squad is lacking a clinical final third and our ownership group is more concerned with the CFL, not the CPL.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
In my personal opinion, Valour probably has less than a five percent chance of making the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. My reasoning falls on Dos Santos. He just hasn’t been able to unlock this team’s offensive abilities from pretty much the start of this season. This squad’s final third is inexistent. Dos Santos has been hit with a large number of unfortunate injuries since the start of this season, but our depth and tactics should at least be able to unlock the ability to push through some of these close matches. Overall, I cannot see this team’s offensive troubles improve over the next 11 games. Especially with the squad’s current morale and its ability to not adapt to another formation.
What could your team improve on?
This is a very simple question to answer. They MUST become more clinical within the final third. Significant improvement is needed with crosses coming from the left or right flanks. We have a good ability to get into great positions on the left and right-wing; however, our quality in crosses is frankly atrocious. Our fullbacks tend to lack the ability to push forward and overlap our wingers to create more space and lanes. This is crucial when you play a 4-2-3-1. Our shots from just outside of the eighteen-yard box tend to usually lack pace and direction. Weak shots directly to the goalkeeper, leaving us open for counterattacks.
This team has a fairly good press, a strong midfield and a good backline with a wonderful young goalkeeper. If this squad could just start to put the ball in the back of the net more frequently, Valour could easily be a playoff-contending team.
Who is the best player on your team?
We are incredibly lucky to have Rayane Yesli as our starting goalkeeper. He hands down is Valour FC’s best and most important player. His growth after replacing Sirois last year and becoming our starter this year is very impressive. One thing that I have noticed is the improvements he has made in playing the ball out from the back. He is more composed with the ball at his feet and does a fairly good job with his distribution. With some of his recent wonder saves made, he is clearly becoming a fan favourite.
The Road To Olympic Gold – FC13 Podcast
Thomas Hewitt -York United
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
I think York United has significantly improved from last season, even if this squad is hot-and-cold. They have seven wins, which is phenomenal and just two short of last season, but also eight losses. It also does feel as though York plays more narrow games than one-sided contests. Aside from a couple of blowouts, most losses have been valiant efforts, and York just couldn’t come up with the goods. Just look at the second (or third) meeting with Pacific, one of the best teams in the league this year. Every match is exciting, for better or for worse.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
I believe that York will qualify for the playoffs, and I’d even go as far as to say they’ll have a home match by pulling into third or fourth place. (Obviously, a home game might not be the best given the record at York Lions Stadium, but it’d be nice for that type of occasion to come.) In a league with handfuls of draws, York winning or losing isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The thing is, York is such a streaky team, particularly on offence where Osaze De Rosario hasn’t scored in bunches yet. Worse even, guys like Mo Babouli and Matthew Baldisimo have been garnering yellows and stopping the momentum. It seems like those guys and others take a little bit of settling back into the squad. Regardless, I think they can do it, but the home form has to be far better. Four of their last five matches are at home, and come September they’ll be hoping to clinch rather than still be in the fight on the bubble. I’d say fourth because Martin Nash has a good game plan which got York a five-match unbeaten streak back in late May/early June. If they stick to his principles of defensively-strong, good quick plays passing out wide then they can be a threat.
What could your team improve on?
Consistency is the easy way to take this question, but in my opinion, York needs to find a 10. Babouli has lost some lust this season, and Oussama Alou has shown he can be electric in that role. There is absolutely no reason why he’s been relegated to holding midfielder when there are plenty of fillers that aren’t injured. He’s too stuck in place when he’s back there, and I feel that his chemistry with guys like Kévin Dos Santos and Clément Bayiha is better than Babouli’s. Alou is also a bit more of an in-the-box guy, and York needs numbers inside the 18 because they’re constantly outnumbered and swarmed there. Too many crosses have been low and thus unattainable for De Rosario. I think Alou does a good job there, but we know how much Babouli came alive this time last year. Either way, Nash has got to pick someone who can get the ball to the wingers and fullbacks, positions that have been pretty strong for York
Who is the best player on your team?
This is a tough one, especially this season when we’ve seen some stellar performances. I’ll go for Paris Gee. He’s played fullback, centre-back, and defensive midfielder, alternating between sides of the pitch with ease. His offence has been held back a bit due to dropping back into positions where you can’t be too adventurous up top, but without a doubt, he’s been stellar. He’s also so adaptable off-the-pitch, there’s no grudges that he can’t play his original position. A class act, someone who I feel that if he sticks around could be a major contender for the captain’s armband.
Chris Searle -Halifx Wanderer’s
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
Expectations exceeded.
Before the season started my most ambitious expectation was fighting for 5th and even if they came up short, wanting and needing to see progression was important. That might be the actual end result of the season, but the quality of play and the desire of this squad makes it feel like that’s the floor, not the ceiling, for the 2023 season.It wasn’t until June that the confidence sparked, after the 3-0 home loss to York, and the 2-0 road loss to Ottawa, something clicked with this club, and the run they are on right now has been exceptional. New squad, new staff, and with the supporters beginning to wane with every dropped result early on it felt ominous. That whole mood has changed. This has been the most enjoyable time as a Wanderers supporter over the last 5 years.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
I do, but I’m still remaining cautiously optimistic because as tight as things are between 1st and 6th, all it’ll take is a bit of poor form for any one of those clubs to fall out of 5th. I don’t see many clubs in the league playing “better” than the Wanderers right now, so I am growing with optimism that hosting a home playoff game isn’t that far out of the realm of possibility. Long answer short: I think we finish 3rd. I’m more and more confident we won’t be 6th or lower.
What could your team improve on?
The easy answer to this one is to finish the job. Turning losses into draws and draws into wins. With all the positives this season there have been a few dropped points that should be on the board. I will say, however, the three things I was hoping to see an improvement on from the beginning of the season, have all been fulfilled: “outdo the 2022 point total, finish intervals strong (don’t concede late in the half or match), play more complete football. All three have been achieved, but the middle option of closing out halves can still use a touch of work. I feel like as the confidence has grown this will be something that come 2024 we won’t have to worry about.
The finishing could use a touch of work as well still, but considering that’s been a 5-year issue, the slight improvement so far this year seems much bigger than it is. We still need an attacking spark to show itself weekly – but proud of the attacking improvements this year so far.
Who is the best player on your team?
For the first time maybe in the club’s history, there are more than 1 or 2 players that are stepping up to the plate and performing at a top level. There are genuinely half a dozen players who I could say is the best player on the team this season, including the returning Morelli, but I think when you look at what’s changed from 2019 til now, possession and balance are at an all-time high. That lives and breathes through Lorenzo Callegari. I feel like this will be a one-year stay and Lorenzo will find a new home – he’s levels above this league in his positioning, distribution, and vision. So much of what the Wanderers do goes through him. For a club who have had great midfielders over the years from Elton John to Abou Sissoko, to Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare, and of course to the legendary Andre Rampersad… Lorenzo is better than them all.
In my opinion, he’s a quiet contender for league MVP.
Bryce Crossman – Atletico Ottawa
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
Things are looking up for our team. After a sluggish start with some missing pieces, we’ve added some great players during the transfer window and the team is finally looking complete. We had a gaping hole in the middle of our formation and were asking players to play out of position to cover, but now we’ve filled that hole with Alberto Zapater. The veteran from Zaragoza has completely changed the heart of our formation and we can see that stability spreading as players get back to where they are most comfortable.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
I think Ottawa will definitely make the playoffs. We are in the mix now, have a somewhat favourable schedule to end the season, and the team is stronger than it was a month ago. With a little luck and a couple more wins, we could be battling for that trophy that actually matters, the regular season shield. Playoffs are just a bonus. One good thing is that we have no worries about u21 minutes this season, so if we do qualify we know we will be playing.
What could your team improve on?
In the short term, stop giving up fouls near our penalty area because defending set pieces has been an issue this season. In the longer term, start signing and playing some young players from the National Capital Region. Not only would it generate more interest in our local press, but we would much rather have those friends and family coming to cheer with us instead of against us.
Who is the best player on your team?
I think most of our supporters will pick one of our young studs, but I think Carl Haworth has been the best player FOR our team so far this season. He overcame an injury early in the year and has been a solid influence on the younger team we have this season. We knew we’d lose some leadership on the field with Drew Beckie retiring, but Carl has really stepped up. And the old man has even found the net recently, which is something some of those young studs haven’t been able to do.
Brenton Walters – Pacific FC
Just over halfway into the season how do you think your team is doing?
Pacific is one of the top teams in the league and led by a lot right out of the gates. A five-game slump saw them get pulled back into a tight title race, but they look to have righted the ship. They have the most dynamic attack in the league, a solid defence, and chance-creators all over the field. James Merriman has his team playing as a pretty cohesive unit, defending as a team, pressing and winning the ball really effectively, and he has used his entire squad well, getting everyone minutes and needed rest. Their one glaring weakness has been in the net, but with no gaffes in a couple of months, fingers crossed they’ve worked that out.
Do you think they will make the playoffs? and why?
I wouldn’t say Pacific is a lock to make the playoffs, but they’re so clearly one of the best teams in the league and should make the playoffs easily. They score plenty, they have one of the best defensive records, and they don’t struggle on the road. Considering York’s issues with U21 minutes, Pacific would have to do very poorly and finish 6th to miss.
What could your team improve on?
Considering the struggles their keepers have had, Pacific should probably look at limiting their opponents’ shooting opportunities. They also need to get more consistent play from their fullbacks, both defensively and in the attacking third. And finally, they need to tighten up a bit in transition – Pacific is a little loose when they give up possession.
Who is the best player on your team?
Aparicio, Sellouf, Heard, Young, Didic and TMG have all been fantastic this year. Ayman Sellouf is the most skilled player on the team and can create chances from nothing, but Manny Aparicio is our most important player.
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