The United States Soccer League Officially released a Preview for the Premier Development Leagues Mid Atlantic Division that features the Bermuda Hogges.
The Mid Atlantic Division remains the largest, and one of the most competitive, in the league, with a number of its alumni going on to feature in Major League Soccer.
Baltimore Bohemians – The Bohs had a strong second half in their inaugural season, going 5-3-1 and taking victories against playoff sides Reading United and the Jersey Express. Coach Steve Nichols will have a strong squad to work with, as 2012’s leading scorer Kingsley Okwuna returns after scoring five goals last summer.
Bermuda Hogges – Bermuda was able to record some upsets in 2012, but the team is looking to become a playoff contender this season. The club has installed Bermuda National Team coach Andrew Bascome as its new head coach as he aims to steward the top young players in the country forward, and will be hopeful that Antwan Russell and Kieshen Bean can improve on their seven combined goals from a season ago.
Central Jersey Spartans – After struggling a season ago, the Spartans appointed Jimmy Quinn to be the club’s new coach in the offseason, with the former Northern Ireland international aiming to push his team back toward the top of the standings.
F.A. Euro – New York Magic – A new addition to the division, the F.A. Euro – New York Magic will hope to contend immediately as they build off a strong youth organization in New York. Former Rutgers standout Sam Archer, who won the Chicago Fire’s Open Tryout this spring but didn’t earn a place on the roster, will lead the team.
Jersey Express – With former Coach George Vichniakov being promoted to become the club’s Sporting Director, the Express enter the new season with former Charleston Battery player Jeff Matteo at the helm. With the club looking to return to the playoffs, the Express have again built a strong squad, with former Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Neal Kitson set to lead the team alongside former Westchester Flames standout Jake Keegan.
Long Island Rough Riders – After missing the playoffs a season ago, the Rough Riders return a number of familiar faces as they look to make a move back up the standings this summer. Ben Arikian returns after finishing tied for the team lead with 14 points in 14 games, including five goals, a season ago.
NJ LUSO Rangers FC – After finishing fourth a season ago, the Rangers will try to move into the playoff places this summer. Among those aiming to push the side on are defender Pedro Vilar, who appeared in 14 games last season, and goalkeeper Paul Killian, who recorded a 1.268 goals-against average in his 13 appearances.
Ocean City Nor’easters – After finishing mid-table in 2011, recording draws in half of their games, the Nor’easters surged to the top of the standings, and the Eastern Conference overall, under the leadership of Tim Oswald in 2012.
Reading United – Making its fifth consecutive U.S. Open Cup appearance, Reading is aiming for its first conference title since 2010 with a re-tooled roster that saw a number of alumni go pro this spring.
Westchester Flames – Westchester is looking to return to its former glory of the late 2000s after finishing bottom of the division a season ago. Veteran coach Gus Skoufis no longer has forward Jake Keegan at his disposal, but the addition of Zach Gosse and Dwayne Reid has the side hopeful of success.
