Round 2 Previews & Picks
Round 2 kicks of with a blockbuster crowd in Jacksonville and a couple of key games that could put a real dent in a handful of teams playoff chances.
Baltimore Blues vs Philadelphia Fight - 1pm Cedar Lane Park Field 7, 5081 Cedar Lane, Columbia. The Blues take on competition favorites Philadelphia Fight in Baltimore this weekend. The Blues will benefit with another solid week of training under their belt and playing another match close to home. Blues coach Dave Boyle has only had a couple of weeks with the team but should have his players better prepared for what will still be a difficult challenge. Expect a sizable score from the Fight (and fullback Chase Mason) but small victories for Blues can be measured in first points on the board IF they can get off to a quick start.
New Haven Warriors vs Boston 13s - 3pm Ken Strong Stadium The 13s travel to New Haven taking on the 2011 grand finalists hoping to keep their 100% record intact. The Warriors may have other ideas and playing their first game at home should see a strong turnout for players also hoping for two wins in a row. Speed and size will favor the 13s where the Warriors will benefit in match fitness with a number of their players just having switched over from playing Union. Expect a high scoring game that may go down to the wire and the bounce of the ball. Good luck to both teams!
Jacksonville Axemen vs Oneida FC - 5pm Hodges Stadium Who in their right mind would want to play the Axemen on their opening game of the season? The only positives for Oneida will be the opportunity to play in front a big crowd with dancing girls and many adoring fans. Unfortunately for them, Southern hospitality ends around the Mason-Dixon line which lies halfway between Jacksonville and the long journey home. All is not lost for Oneida as the team will benefit from playing on the road and the toughest of matches under their belt. Chin up lads!
Rhode Island Rebellion vs D.C. Slayers - 6pm Classical High School The Rhode Island Rebellion kick off their home opener in a grudge match not to be missed. Last year the Slayers edged out the Rebellion in the 4th quarter with a controversial score that knocked RIR out of the playoffs. Expect fireworks with this one as a desperate Slayers know the season may already be on the line with two very tough matches on their radar. The Rebellion will benefit playing in front of their home crowd but must improve greatly over last weeks disappointing opener against the Fight. This should be the closest of all the games but if the Slayers travel in numbers then the score should favor them as well.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!