CASA Spring 2007 Preview

For those who are unaware of the CASA Soccer League (which is highly likely). It is a non-profit soccer league based out of Philadelphia, PA. It's low-cost, well-run, and people-friendly. It's co-ed and real competitive. It is only two seasons into it's existence but has rapidly gained supporters and people who want to see it succeed. There are two divisions - Primera and Segunda - with promotion and relegation between the two. There is also a ban on slidetackling in order to avoid lawsuits in its nascent years. Me, I am the captain of South Jersey FC, the Fall 2006 champions. Here - to those from CASA who read this - is a brief preview of the Spring 2007 season.


South Jersey FC
A team mostly consisting of, what else, South Jerseyans; the only team from New Jersey in the league. SJFC has a good blend of skill levels - those that played in high school, in college, and never before. They were led by the goal scoring of Matt Acciani with 4 goals and the leadership of central midfielder Jorge Montoy. Other notable players include GK Eric Wirth, SW Brendan Oakes, DMC Brandon Bonnette. Schools represented are: Union College, Harvard University, Wheaton College, Rutgers-Camden.

Cannons FC

The Summer 2006/inaugural season champions return this spring looking to win 2 out of 3; they lost on penalty kicks to South Jersey FC in the fall of 2006. Solid throughout, Cannons fell upon some tough losses in the playoffs. Anthony Mitchell won the Fall 2006 Golden Boot with 15 goals. Other notable players to watch out for: SW Derek Segesdy, GK Evan Curtis, DRL Wakengo Mahaniah. Schools represented are: Allegheny College, Haverford College, and some others.

University of Penn Dental Molars

A large contingent team looking to intimidate with line changes (as there is no cap to subs). All of these players are fittingly from the UPenn Dental School plus several guest players I am sure. Their roster consists of 35 to be exact.

Real Men Wear Pink

A tough team which would be known for racking up an 11-0 win last year. Fell to South Jersey FC 5-2 in the second round of the Fall 2007 playoffs. They largely can contribute their late season run to playmaker Evan Anderson. Should be rather competitive this year.

The STEAGLES

Formerly the SEI Leg Cannons, the majority of these guys work for SEI and had a good showing last year. They were led by the scoring prowess of a man simply known as 'Tim' with 10 goals and Steve Andrews with 6.

McCrossen Cosmos

A late surge at the end of the season. McCrossen looks to improve their record and by the looks of their preseason roster, they should do so. On it there are two names that stand out: Dave Daigle who spent some time with the PDL team South Jersey Barons and Schools represented: Rowan University, Dario Mescia led the Cosmos with 4 goals last season.

West Philly FC

Second place in the regular season, but bowed out to Philly United in the play-offs. Solid up front with the presence of Jeremy Lane (10 goals) and Martin Kerin (5 goals) look to compete again this season.

The Skulls

The lone new team for the new season. Their roster looks rather deep and is highlighted by the presence of Andy Kulinski, an All-Atlantic 10 performer at Saint Joseph's University. As of yet, no logo and no real sense of what their team will play like.

CONTENDERS: South Jersey FC, West Philly FC, Cannons FC
UNKNOWNS: McCrossen Cosmos (with some interesting acquisitions, The Skulls (now)
RELEGATION BATTLERS: Real Men Wear Pink, UPenn Dental Molars

GOLDEN BOOT CHALLENGERS: Matt Acciani, Eric Danner, Jeremy Lane, "Tim", last year's Champion Anthony Mitchell

CASA Soccer Champions:
Summer 2006: Cannons FC
Fall 2006: South Jersey FC
Spring 2007: ?????????