GCPL Season Preview: West Division

Home Venue: Wildcat Stadium

2017 Season: 2nd in west division; 6-2-0; 18 pts

Player to watch: Dril ‘Juno’ Mboungou (Midfielder) — A product of Alexandria FC’s youth system Crossroads SA, Mboungou has excelled to be one of the leagues more exciting midfielders. Tied for second in all-time assists (9), we can expect more of the same from Juno this summer. Maybe more so with a much improved supporting cast.

Coach’s Corner: Jeremy Poklemba – “We’ve been going at this since 2013 and this is the first time I feel we have utilized our resources well enough and have filled in some holes that offer us a more complete squad. Losing in the semis the way we did left a bad taste in our mouths, so we’re coming back stronger.”

Writer’s predictions: The Pool Boys finished their Cinderella run in 2017 falling to Gaffa FC in the semis, but the road to get there was enough to prove the Alexandria club has the tools to be league contenders. With the addition of some talent from local college, LSUA, we can expect to see a more quality product from PBFC. They could very well see themselves in Mobile come July.

Home Venue: Messmer Stadium

2017 Season: 3rd in west division; 6-2-0; 18 pts

Player to watch: Quesi Weston (Forward) — The Trinidad and Tobago international is a big demanding presence up top, with tremendous athleticism and grit. Weston has spent his last 2 seasons in Turkey playing in the Turkish Regional Amateur League, most recently with Yesilova S.K., and has steadily made name for himself. His return to BOCA FC this summer could be what the Knights need to make a playoff push.

Coach’s Corner: Larry Guerrero – “We went through a big roster change this season and are looking forward to all of our players having good chemistry together. Ultimately our goal is not just a GCPL title, but a shot at the USASA National Cup and to qualify for the 2019 US Open Cup.”

Writer’s predictions: Although the Knights have had a overhaul on their roster, the core players who have succeeded with BOCA have stayed. With Quesi Weston returning to the fold, this could be the year the Shreveport outfit make a strong push.

Home Venue: LUS Fiber Stadium

2017 Season: 1st in west division; 6-2-0; 18 pts; Finalist

Player to watch: Josh Hughes (Forward) — After a productive freshman year at Campbell University, the Lafayette native and Cajun SC academy graduate is primed to make an impact in his GCPL debut season.

Coach’s Corner: John Plumbar – “We are buzzing to get going. Expectations are high coming off the back of last year we have a great core group of  returners and great mix of new players. We look to improve on the previous season and win it.”

Writer’s predictions: Coming off their strongest season in the GCPL, Cajun return having assembled what might be their most experienced roster yet. With the addition of Josh Hughes, the inclusion of John Plumbar, Jacob Cunningham, Radar Massey and Alan Hannon bring a slew of experience with all having played in the NPSL or PDL. The potential for another trip to the finals is quite high for this group.

Home Venue: Gregg-Clarke Park

2017 Season: inaugural season

Player to watch: Blake Lander (Keeper) – A truly inspiring story comes from Lander’s will to defeat all odds. The Texas native suffered a spinal injury in 2008 that had doctors less than optimistic about his ability to ever play sports again. Overcoming the adversity, Landers has been outstanding between the sticks for Lobos.

Coach’s Corner: Felipe Arcos – “We’re looking forwad to the competion the GCPL has to offer. The odds are against as we have a good bit of traveling, but we are confident in our ability to defend our home turf and the quality of our players to gets some points on the road. Our sights are set on being very competitive this season.

Writer’s predictions: The GCPL’s first Texas based club will undoubtedly have the most tretcherous of traveling, but the Lobos have the experience to overcome this hurdle. An impressive showing in the US Open Cup qualifiers and winning the 2017 TPSL has proven the quality the Lobos bring to the table. An exciting group to keep an eye on this summer.

Home Venue: Cargill Park

2017 Season: inaugural season

Player to watch: JW Cox (Forward) – The CABOSA academy product will be the link to United’s success. Interchangeable in the attack, Cox’s progress may be the catalyst to how well the Srheveport unit will perform.

Coach’s Corner: Gary McCormick – “We see this as the next phase in our developmental model for our club. We’ll be featuring a lot of our younger prospects who have their sights set on playing at the next level.”

Writer’s predictions: The third Shreveport club to make an appearance in the GCPL, Shreveport United (CABOSA) are set up with a good mix of veterans and young talent. A handful of the senior players have NPSL experience and featured for the Shreveport Rafters during their GCPL season in 16-17. The port city outfit will only add to the already stout division set up in the west.