It's that time again boys and girl. Yes. It Is. November 1, 2004. Day 1 of B-Cup Season No. 27. I never thought it would get here. A couple of quick observations and reflections before I dig into my picks for those lucky qualifiers.
1. Are you guys still awestruck and the sheer power and dominance of FC benefit last season? What a powerhouse. Clearly the favorites to take this thing again this season. Not.
2. Brooklyn FC is not actually in Brooklyn anymore, goddamned. They are now Marina FC and their arena is Scott St. Any other moves out there. I know you people in Europe pretty much never move, do you? Especially the Welsh.
3. Welcome Julian of Sea Lane, who I last saw at a ridiculous Halloween party. Did you make it back to Manhattan ok? You guys don't have Halloween over there in Europe do you. Such a chasm between us.
OK. Here we go......a new format this season. A quick one-line summary of each group. Who gets in and who doesn't and why.
Group A
These teams all present particular difficulties for one another.
Who makes it?
Sea Lane
Too strong for Thunder and Delta and looking to make a splash. Plus, he's Argentinean and he's got a hot girlfriend who's in a band called the Lascivious Biddies, or something like that. He also works at the airport doing something having to do with those tunnels that get you on and off the planes.
Brooklyn (Marina) FC
He's doubly anxious to win this thing now that Boyd was the first US team to win last season. He hates the Tony Tuesday award and all it stands for. He wants to win, and he can't if he doesn't qualify. Look for a slow start, big finish.
Who Doesn't?
Chocolate is fighting for the top spot in his series. Too distracted.
Delta hasn't inspired me for a few seasons. But I still like you, dude. Are you gonna bring it this season?
Group B
These teams all present particular difficulties for one another.
Who makes it?
The Hated FC Bonerfried
Quick start in league play allows, ahem, defending champ Bonerfried some flexibility in B-Cup qualifying. He's not going to not defend his title. But nor will he successfully defend it.
Bajen Avalanche
Claus is due for a run. He's just been awful lately and I think Bonerfried's success will inspire him being the rivals that they are.
Who wont.
System is fighting for a league win. But if down early enough could present problems.
KCU is not going to repeat their feat from last season. Looking to autopromote and can't take too many risks this season.
Group C
These teams all present particular difficulties for one another.
Who makes it.
Maidstone Reunited
You want to see something really odd? Take a look at Stones league match against Luton on 10/30. They gave up possession 82-84% and still managed a draw. Counterattacking ability boasts well for this club, safely ensconced in their league position.
The Brooklyn Wind
I hate to say it but I've qualified in four straight, and i don't plan on not qualifying any time soon. In fact, I'm gunning for the Cup this year and not sure who can stop me.
Who's Not.
The Pus has nothing to lose but their confidence has to be non-existant.
Direwolf Athletic, who I really want to qualify is too busy fighting for that league top-spot.
Group D
These teams all present particular difficulties for one another. Except, MAYBE, Freaks.
Who makes it.
The Dirty Ratz
Ratz are very comfortable in 2nd place of their league and have nothing to lose, really. Despite their outward fear, they are inwardly confident. It's all part of the strategy. Don't buy it. They're advancing.
Le Tigre
Like Ratx, safe in the upper half of a league, Tigre is still bitter about underestimating Bonerfried in the final. They'll get back to the finals but it won't be easy.
Who won't.
Ellwood is the first B-Cup team to have a chance at promoting to the top league in their country. OK, it's only Wales, but they continue to improve and dominate. A recent loss to Platypuses set them back and makes for an interesting matchup at Soulcrew in Week 10. We should all be supporting Ellwood in this pioneering bid, and thank god he won't qualify.
If the
Freaks qualify I will lop me nutsack off.
OK, there ya have it!
Sea Lane
FCB
Bonerfried
Avs
Wind
Stones
Le Tigre
Ratz
Ciao and have a great B-Cup Run.
The Wop.
