GCPL Season Preview: East Division

Home Venue: Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium

2017 Season: 6th in west division; 1-6-3; 6 pts

Player to watch: David Valverde (Midfielder) – The Costa Rican U20 international just finished off his Senior season at UAB, with All-Conference 2nd Team honors. The center midfielder will bring much needed experience to the Azaleas middle third.

Coach’s Corner: Nate Nicholas – “The goal is to continue improving and showing a quality product on the field. We had all the support we can ask for last year, now we’re focused on returning the favor by giving Mobile a winning club. We want to repay our fans by being one of the teams that will be playing the finals in Mobile this year.”

Writer’s predictions: AFC Mobile came on to the scene in 2017 and were an immediate success in the city of Mobile. Averaging 900+ fans a game, the Azaleas raised the bar to for the game day experience in the GCPL. However the results did not go their way and finished the season last in the east. With a much improved roster AFC Mobile could find themselves in the playoff mix come July.

Home Venue: Ashton Brosnaham Stadium

2017 Season: 3rd in east division; 6-3-1; 19 pts

Player to watch: Dillon Gallet (Forward) – The speedy forward shared the runner -up golden boot award with eight goals in last season’s campaign. The former Cajun SC academy product will be looking to replicate those numbers this season, if not better.

Coach’s Corner: Nolan Intermoia – “There were a few areas of our system last year that we didn’t execute well. We let some games slip away from us that we should have come away with a result. This year we’re focusing getting on track and a shot at the title.”

Writer’s predictions: A bit unlucky for Pensacola last season to not make the playoffs, they saw themselves edged out by Motagua on goal differentials. Pensacola FC return for their second year in the GCPL with much of the same core players that almost pushed them into the playoffs last season. With majority of the roster having played at West Florida, the team chemistry PFC has, and will continue to have, will be the strength of the unit. Could easily be the kings of the east division.

Home Venue: Herbert Wilson Stadium

2017 Season: 4th in west division; 4-6-0; 16 pts

Player to watch: Patrick Harrison (Midfielder) — A seasoned veteran in the GCPL and an integral part in Port City’s success. Harrison has proven to be one of the better midfielders in the league and with a more well rounded supporting cast, could take his game to another level.

Coach’s Corner: Henrik Madsen – “We want to play fun and attractive soccer that will make the fans enjoy the game. We’re looking to be a little more consistent from last year in our overall play.”

Writer’s predictions: The newly revamped club, formerly Biloxi City FC, stayed very busy in the off-season restructuring their developmental model and coaching staff. The addition of coach Madsen has played a little part in the abundance of seasoned college players and local prospects stacking the roster for Port City. This could very well be their year to bring home the trophy.

Home Venue: Dantzler Stadium

2017 Season: inaugural season

Player to watch: Todd Langlinaus (Keeper) – The 40+ year old keeper will look to be the leader of this young group. The former William Carey standout still has it in him to come up big for the Riverhawks this season.

Coach’s Corner:  Chad Smith – “This season we’re focusing on getting the publicity we need to grow our club through higher competitive play. Our youth club teams will see a pathway to their future goals of becoming Pro Soccer Players.”

Writer’s predictions: Real United will play their inaugural season in the GCPL this summer, but the Moss Point club has been around the soccer scene since 2013. Much of their roster will offer some new faces to the GCPL, but a few names on there have their fair share of GCPL experience. The challenge Riverhawks look to face this season will be finding their position in an already stacked east division.