fc london control their own destiny
July 10th, 2013
The next 90 minutes on the soccer pitch could make or break FC London's Division Title hopes.
The Blues sit in second place, two points behind the Michigan Bucks with a game in hand.
They've never won the Division title in the franchise's existence. But that's not what the franchise in gunning for.
"It's a secondary goal," says head coach Martin Painter. "If we manage to win the division that's great. If not, we're not going to be too upset about it. The key thing is getting into playoffs and then elevating our game from there."
The team's five year existence culminated in the PDL title last season - a title that 60 other teams spread over the United States and Canada also vie for. Now they're on course to defend that title, and barring a few minor tweaks that need to be addressed, the team looks healthy.
Bring on the Michigan Bucks.
The Bucks are a team that London has often struggled against. If the Blues come away with a tie and then win their final three games, it would guarantee them first place in the Division and a bye to the final division playoff game at home.
Any thing more for Michigan and London would concede for a second place finish, That would still guarantee London a home game against the third placed team, but the division final would be on the road.
"Once you get into playoffs, the likelihood of playing games away from home is more," added Painter. "It is single elimination so that does pose a challenge, but everyone else is in the same boat too."
"There will be 16 teams in the playoffs, and we'll be one of them."
Consistency is the only thing that concerns Painter as his team now slowly turns their attention to playoffs. "Being able to put 90 minutes together with as much quality as possible," he says. "We've shown some really good stuff and then we've had some lulls."
Painter looks back at the disastrous trip to Chicago where the Blues picked up one out of a possible six points. FC London bounced back last Friday, shutting out the Toronto Lynx 2-0.
That's all the past now.
The success though is lasting.
FC London's Remaining Games
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The next 90 minutes on the soccer pitch could make or break FC London's Division Title hopes.
The Blues sit in second place, two points behind the Michigan Bucks with a game in hand.
They've never won the Division title in the franchise's existence. But that's not what the franchise in gunning for.
"It's a secondary goal," says head coach Martin Painter. "If we manage to win the division that's great. If not, we're not going to be too upset about it. The key thing is getting into playoffs and then elevating our game from there."
The team's five year existence culminated in the PDL title last season - a title that 60 other teams spread over the United States and Canada also vie for. Now they're on course to defend that title, and barring a few minor tweaks that need to be addressed, the team looks healthy.
Bring on the Michigan Bucks.
The Bucks are a team that London has often struggled against. If the Blues come away with a tie and then win their final three games, it would guarantee them first place in the Division and a bye to the final division playoff game at home.
Any thing more for Michigan and London would concede for a second place finish, That would still guarantee London a home game against the third placed team, but the division final would be on the road.
"Once you get into playoffs, the likelihood of playing games away from home is more," added Painter. "It is single elimination so that does pose a challenge, but everyone else is in the same boat too."
"There will be 16 teams in the playoffs, and we'll be one of them."
Consistency is the only thing that concerns Painter as his team now slowly turns their attention to playoffs. "Being able to put 90 minutes together with as much quality as possible," he says. "We've shown some really good stuff and then we've had some lulls."
Painter looks back at the disastrous trip to Chicago where the Blues picked up one out of a possible six points. FC London bounced back last Friday, shutting out the Toronto Lynx 2-0.
That's all the past now.
The success though is lasting.
FC London's Remaining Games
- July 10 at Michigan
- July 12 vs Chicago Fire
- July 14 at Toronto
- July 19 vs KW United FC
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