The Premier Development Leagues Mid Atlantic Division was a three-horse race last season, with the Long Island Rough Riders emerging to claim not only the regular season Division Crown but also the Eastern Conference title ahead of Reading United and the Jersey Express. The question now is whether history will repeat itself, or will a new side emerge to challenge for a playoff berth?
BALTIMORE BOHEMIANS
One of the new additions to the PDL, and thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign and uniforms the one generating the most attention, the Bohemians have a strong coaching staff led by Baltimore Bays legend Steve Nichols and Mike Lookingland leading the way that should ensure immediate competitiveness. Keep an eye on Christian Barreiro, who was an MLS SuperDraft selection this January, and had a standout college career in the Ivy League.
BERMUDA HOGGES
Bermuda was a side capable of surprises last season, and with the addition of former MLS player and Bermudan international Khano Smith to their roster they could achieve more this season. There is also the possibility that goalkeeper Daniel Johnson could join him as he aims to keep sharp during the summer, which would be another welcome boost.
BROOKLYN KNIGHTS
After struggling in 2011, the Knights had a major makeover in the offseason. Arriving is new coach Andreas Lindberg from C.W. Post, which reached the third round of the NCAA Division II tournament last fall, and a host of new players including former Chicago Fire player Stefan Dimitrov.
CENTRAL JERSEY SPARTANS
The Spartans saw a coaching change this offseason, with John Newman taking the reins in addition to his role as the Princeton Soccer Academy’s Director of Coaching.
JERSEY EXPRESS
The Express will need to replace standout goalkeeper Ryan Meara, now starting for the New York Red Bulls, but return All-Eastern Conference defender Shawn Foster. Former Seton Hall standout Brayan Martinez has joined the team.
LONG ISLAND ROUND RIDERS
After a run to the national semifinals a season ago, the Rough Riders have a number of familiar faces back with the team this spring. All-Eastern Conference selection Dominick Sarle is back to lead the attack.
NEW JERSEY RANGERS
The Rangers have three key players returning from a season ago in Pedro Vilar, Luis Andre and Alex Gorskie, who each played more than 1,100 minutes a season ago. Jeremy Cheeseman has moved on to the Dayton Dutch Lions in USL PRO.
OCEAN CITY NOR’EASTERS
The Nor’easters managed to draw half their regular season games a year ago, and could take a big jump forward this season with some better luck. Terry Gibbs returns to the side after recording three goals and four assists a season ago, while Penn’s Stephen Baker joins the side after scoring four game-winning goals for the Quakers this past fall.
READING UNITED
Reading will try to return to the playoffs with a very different roster from a year ago, with a number of its former players now in MLS. Returning, though, is midfielder Stephen Okai, while the addition of former ACC Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Finley should help maintain the side’s attacking options.
WESTCHESTER FLAMES
The Flames finished fourth in the division a season ago, and will be trying to bridge the gap to the top three with the help of Jake Keegan, who returns after his All-Eastern Conference selection a year ago. Goalkeeper Josh Weiner also returns, as does defender Diego Velazquez after playing in 13 games a season ago.
