BDSL May Grades
All 70 teams get a updated projections after a month of action in the league.
Premier Grades
Amherst Sharpshooters
May Grade: B+
Undefeated yes but score lines are all very tight. Need to kick it up a gear vs better teams.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd
May Prediction: 3rd
BSC International
May Grade: B+
Shown enough already to prove they belong in Premier. A team that looks up to the task of proving those who doubt them wrong.
Preseason Prediction: 11th
May Prediction: 9th
BSC Raiders
May Grade: A
What’s that? They are undefeated and have yet to concede despite missing many pieces in first two games? I wish you could see how shocked I am right now.
Preseason Prediction: 1st
Mat Prediction: 1st
Buffalo United SS
May Grade: F
Sure they are missing pieces but that was terrible money. May be some guys are hitting the proverbial wall. Step it up lads. Teams are catching up here Preseason Prediction:3rd
May Prediction: 6th
Celtic United
May Grade: B
Not a ton to consider here with United with only two games is. They could win out to Amherst here and proof themselves a real contender.
Preseason Prediction: 5th
May Prediction: 5th
Clarence
May Grade: A+
Exceptional job so far by this veteran team. Next three games are very tough. Survive that and they are sitting petty for postseason.
Preseason Prediction: 7th
May Prediction: 4th
Lackawanna FCY
May Grade: A+
Schedule is will get more difficult but so far it they’ve beaten teams up without much issues. Shaibi might be signing of the season already.
Preseason Prediction: 9th
May Prediction: 2nd
Pendleton United FC
May Grade: C-
May was a tough month schedule wise to be fare here to them. But they need to show they can score some goals here if they want to avoid the drop back down to Championship.
Preseason Prediction: 10th
May Prediction: 11th
Queenston FC
May Grade: D
Lots of warning flags and flashing red lights here for QFC. Next two games are absolute must wins or suddenly a playoff expected season turns to a relegation battle.
Preseason Prediction: 4th
May Prediction: 8th
Southtowns FPFC
May Grade: D+
No one expected much here and that’s about been shown correct. I will say they have shown some fire and passion on trying to right the ship but not shore how they can reverse there fortunes.
Preseason Prediction: 12th
May Prediction: 12th
Williamsville Willies
May Grade: B+
A major recruiting coup has lead the charge for the reborn Willies. In three games they have 1 goal for and against so I’m expecting tight games all year. If they find themselves on the right side of those then they might be a dark horse here.
Preseason Prediction: 8th
May Prediction: 7th
Wolves FC
May Grade: C
The remade roster is perhaps taking longer to find their groove then orginially expected. They have a lot of top teams left on the schedule so it’s a do or die spot here for early games in June.
Preseason Prediction: 6th
May Prediction: 9th
Championship Grades
Beast City SC
May Grade: A+
The preseason favorites are proving the critics correct. Impressive start to regular season mixed with dispatching Pendleton in Cup play. Cruising right now.
Preseason Prediction: 1st
May Prediction:1st
Celtic Hoops
May Grade: B-
By most accounts this is a better team then past for Hoops. They maybe lack some cohesion here. I wonder if by year end they could be a threat but just not enough time to make it happen now.
Preseason Prediction: 10th
May Prediction: 9th
East Aurora FC
May Grade: I
Giving them an incomplete grade seems fair with only 1 game under their belt. They played well vs OP Alliance and in a weak Championship that gives me enough confidence to have them 6th? Uhhhh I guess….
Preseason Prediction: 9th
May Prediction: 6th
Los Chupacabras
May Grade: D
Yuck. Not really inspiring confidence here is Chupa’s. A light roster here might require some reinforcements in June if they want to meet their true potential.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd
May Prediction: 5th
Lykan FC
May Grade: D+
They got popped by probably the top two teams in Championship here yes. I think a lot of these middle teams are very similar. So right now I have them at the bottom but I think they survive by years end.
Preseason Prediction: 7th
May Prediction: 12th
Mes Que FC
May Grade: B-
Pretty good start for them here in Championship. Win over Niagara is big for them. If this trend continues they’ll survive the drop as well. This is probably as high as they reach in the standings though.
Preseason Prediction: 12th
May Prediction: 11th
Niagara FC
May Grade: F
A completely unacceptable ay in my opinion. Yeah they lost players but they still had a good core and 3 losses with 2 shut outs isn’t really acceptable. A big hole to dig out of if they want to climb back into the playoff discussion.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd
May Prediction: 8th
OP Alliance
May Grade: B+
Still not 100 positive on just how just good this side is. They are certainly a playoff team but can they crack any of the three teams ahead of them?
Preseason Prediction: 5th
May Prediction: 4th
Polonia
May Grade: A+
Easily the breakout contenders of the divison Polonia are crushing teams a present with a balanced attack and an unrelenting defense. Big game in two weeks vs Roos FC will tell a lot.
Preseason Prediction: 6th
May Prediction: 3rd
Rangers
May Grade: D-
Average play from this side right now would be a welcome sight. Right now Rangers are living dangerously with relegation looking at them right in the face.
Preseason Prediction: 8th
May Prediction: 10th
Roos FC
May Grade: B+
The win over Niagara looks less impressive now but Roos are doing their job to stay near the top of the Championship table. Some better teams ahead for them here in June will tell us more.
Preseason Prediction: 4th
May Prediction: 2nd
West Side FC
May Grade: B+
Maybe sleeping on West Side was an error. Encouraging results from both games here. Menr might have to score in bunch a lot but this team is benefitting from the step back in quality of the division.
Preseason Prediction: 11th
May Prediction: 7th
1st Division Grades
Buffalo Celtic
May Grade: F+
Not much to say here. An abysmal start here for Buffalo Celtic. Maybe they can find comfort in the fact that the other 2 Celtic clubs in D1 are doing OK?
Preseason Prediction: 7th P
May Prediction: 9th P
Cavallucci Marini
May Grade:A-
Good results so far. I guess I woulda expected a wider margin of victory in the Ton U game but that’s nitpicking. So far so good for the preseason favorites.
Preseason Prediction: 1st P
May Prediction: 1st P
Celtic 1888
May Grade: C-
Tending the wrong way with the last two results, they need to kick it into the next gear here in June. A team that has a lot of room to improve and build. They need more from the supporting cast to reach the playoffs.
Preseason Prediction: 5th M
May Prediction: 7th M
Celtic Brigade
May Grade:B
Scattered results here but encouraging enough to make me think they aren’t in danger of being relegated. As far as playoffs? Unlikely in my opinion. Mid table for now.
Preseason Prediction: 8th P
May Prediction: 6th P
Crimson SPAL FC
May Grade: B+
Crimson are a smart team that cant play different styles to match their opponents. Well organized it’s hard to imagine them ever being out of a game this season. Another look at the playoffs in store for them.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd M
May Prediction: 3rd M
Dutch United
May Grade:C+
As discussed in the podcast (hey we have a podcast!) this team is sorta all over the board. A game of Jeykell and Hyde right now but seeing teams like GI and TU falter makes me think they’ll still do enough to be playoff side.
Preseason Prediction: 4th M
May Prediction: 4th M
FC Draco
May Grade: F
Easily the biggest flop in May for D1 this team got a rude welcome to BDSL life in their first few games. Gone are the flashy tweets as they maybe understand a bit more how difficult it might be to simply stay in D1.
Preseason Prediction: 4th M
May Prediction: 9th M
FC Quake
May Grade: C+
Similar to Crimson, a start well constructed team that will be in every game all year. They won’t blow anyone out though so they’ll need to maintain their composure every game. They are in a bigger first though then expected in my opinion for a postseason berth to postseason.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd M
May Prediction: 4th M
Grand Island FC
May Grade: D
This is your last chance for me to back you guys. The first two games were vs good teams but if you can’t get the act together here soon I’m totally out on you guys.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd P
May Prediction: 5th P
Honey Badgers
May Grade: C+
Good win vs Brigade here but they’ll need to maintain that sort of level of play for the rest of the year to make sure they aren’t a relegation candidate. For first time in their existence I think they can do it.
Preseason Prediction: 9th M
May Prediction: 8th M
Lykan United
May Grade: A
Impressive from the OG Lykan squad. Making their intentions to return to their former glory well known, they look to be a playoff team now for sure. Lots to like here from this team.
Preseason Prediction: 6th M
May Prediction: 2nd M
NMB FC
May Grade: A
Great bounce back from NMB after their drop back to D1. Loomis and Bundschuh proving to be a formmitable attacking partnership. Yet to keep a clean sheet I sorta feel like they are a defender away from a big threat to reclaim a Championship spot.
Preseason Prediction: 6th M
May Prediction: 4th M
Olean 1854FC
May Grade: A -
A good start to their season here. They will remain a huge favorite at home. This team is so well rounded that it’s hard to poke holes in the roster. Maybe they’ll miss the top end scoring From Mullin provided at some point but they are certainly a playoff team and big threat once again.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd M
May Prediction: 2nd M
SoHo FC
May Grade: B+
They trounced two of maybe the worst teams in the division and fell to the one good team they played. I don’t know though. Call it blind faith. Call it whatever you want. I still think they are still the best team in Mingle.
Preseason Prediction: 1st M
May Prediction: 1st M
Tonawanda United
May Grade: C
I just think for whatever reason this team is going to drop points in close games all year. The team isn’t bad by any stretch and they might have the highest ceiling out of any team I don’t have ranked in a playoff spot though.
Preseason Prediction: 5th M
May Prediction: 7th M
Ukraine
May Grade: D+
I just don’t think they are as good as the other teams in D1 based more on other teams rosters then their own.
Preseason Prediction: 9th M
May Prediction: 8th M
West Seneca FC
May Grade:C-
After a rough start they are starting to find their form here. Maybe right in time as the June slate is busy for them. I like this team more then I did to start season say. They will give anyone trouble this season with their top end talent.
Preseason Prediction: 8th M
May Prediction: 6th M
West Seneca Panthers
May Grade: B-
I don’t think the start is as bad as it looks. They were undermanned vs Olean week 1 and proved that in the Cup tie. This veteran team knows how to get things done and I think that means a playoff berth for them.
Preseason Prediction: 6th P
May Prediction: 3rd P
2nd Division Grades
Buffalo Brighten Stars
May Grade:B+
I’m a little perplexed by the loss to Tesla in week 1 but chalk it up to first time together as a unit. This team has a lot of room to improve too as they find more cohesion and settle into a play style. This is a good mix that has them a good threat for promotion.
Preseason Prediction: 2ndS
May Prediction: 3rd S
Buffalo Gunners
May Grade: D
Not great. I like the remade roster but growing pains appear to be the name of the game for them. They need to bounce back here to avoid the drop.
Preseason Prediction: 6th S
May Prediction: 8th S
Delco Academy
May Grade: B+
Super solid team that is finally enjoying some success and has them on track for the teams first every playoff berth. They are crying out for a top end goal scorer for me to think they could jump up to D1 though.
Preseason Prediction: 5th S
May Prediction: 2nd S
Devils
May Grade: Devils seem like they are the lower level version of Rangers. A middle of the road team that can play with anyone in the division. Nothing flashy nothing special just totally average. Some how to me that’s good for 4th here. Ya I don’t know either.
Preseason Prediction: 6th O
May Prediction: 4th O
FC Lackawanna
May Grade: D
Seamed to get the bottom of the barrel here in the Lackawanna talent pool. A lot of ground to make up if they don’t want to drop to D3. They’ve been able to compete some thus far though.
Preseason Prediction: 8th S
May Prediction: 9th S
FK Bosna
May Grade: C-
Seem to be missing something for me here right now. I do think they’ll rebound though and work themselves back into the playoff race.
Preseason Prediction: 4th O
May Prediction: 5th O
Great White Buffalo
May Grade: A+
Untouchable, unquestionable, unassuming kings of D2 and it might not be that close.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd O
May Prediction: 1st O
Hamburg FC
May Grade: F
Staring not just relegation but existence beyond this season right in the face.
Preseason Prediction: 7th O
May Prediction: 9th O
Kingsmen SC
May Grade: C+
I’m enjoying their seemingly improved outlook here and recommitment to the team. Hopefully that continues for them here.
Preseason Prediction: 9th O
May Prediction: 8th O
Lasalle FC
May Grade: B-
Hard to pin point what to expect week in and week out from them. With the rest of their conference a bit more dependable I’m steering clear from them for now.
Preseason Prediction: 7th S
May Prediction: 7th S
Medina Mustangs FC
May Grade: F---
Utterly embrassing start to life in D3. Playoffs are a pipe dream here at this point. What the hell happened here? I’m not sure even they know.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd O
May Prediction: 7th O
NY Elite
May Grade: A
Beat up on some bad teams so far so I’m not like super impressed here by scores but they appear to be a legit playoff threat and could be one of the only teams with the roster to play with GWB.
Preseason Prediction: 5th O
May Prediction: 3rd O
Revolution SC
May Grade: B+
Revs actually remind me a lot of the same things I said about Devils. They both have a lot of similarities between their sides. But in a depper field in Simpkin I have them at 6th.
Preseason Prediction: 4th S
May Prediction: 6th S
Tesla FC
May Grade: B+
Pay no mind to this team. They just keep doing well when most others think they’ll hit a wall. A true testament to a team that knows its strengths and weaknesses and how to play within that.
Preseason Prediction: 9th S
May Prediction: 5th S
Twin Village Dutch
May Grade:C
Not the greatest of starts here but they have faced my two number one teams in each conference. I expect to see them score some more W’s in June here and move up the table to a playoff spot.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd S
May Prediction: 4th S
USAB FC
May Grade:A-
This is a team that wants to coax you into turning games into track field because they have the weapons to run you out of the building. If you can keep them to a slower pace there is hope. Would probably be the 1 seed if they played in Simpkin.
Preseason Prediction: 1st O
May Prediction: 2nd O
WNY United Reds
May Grade: A+
Excellent start for a rebuilt Reds. Some shrewd recruits has led to them finally getting Duerr some reliable attacking help. The schedule will get harder here on them and they’ll probably end up a middle of the pack team that will battle for a playoff spot.
Preseason Prediction: 8th O
May Prediction: 6th O
Youngstown Marksmen
May Grade: B
I still like them to take top spot in Simpkin but the conference is closer then expected. Ian Wright putting in a player of year performance for them so far. The Marksmen really control their own fate the most of any D2 team factoring in their division and roster.
Preseason Prediction: 1st S
May Prediction: 1st S
3rd Division Grades
Bangarang FC
May Grade:B+
I want say we should ignore that huge score line vs Meerkats some but even if it was closer it would’ve been an impressive win. Bangarang are looking like a team that has maybe finally figured it out here.
Preseason Prediction: 7th
May Prediction:3rd
Big Green SC
May Grade: I
Incomplete grade for a team that has only placed once here this year. So they move up only based on what I’ve seen around them. Get a better field guys…
Preseason Prediction: 4th
May Prediction: 2nd
Celtic Classic
May Grade: F+
Nah. Pass.
Preseason Prediction: 8th
May Prediction: 10th
Cheektowaga
May Grade: A
One of the early feel good story’s within the BDSL. This team has been a joy to watch rebuild itself on the fly really. Their new direction has them poised to threaten upsetting the power struggle in D3.
Preseason Prediction: 10th
May Prediction: 5th
Iron Lungz FC
May Grade: C-
Just kinda a meh team. I think they are here to show up and place and that’s pretty much it.
Preseason Prediction: 6th
May Prediction: 8th
Meerkats FC
May Grade: C
Even though they were hammered in their last league game, when they have their full line up I still favor them vs every team in the division so for now I remain strong in thinking they’ll finish atop the pile.
Preseason Prediction: 1st
May Prediction: 1st
Moby Ducks FC
May Grade: F
Woof. I had a weird feeling about them before the season but I stuck them at two based on a relatively unchanged squad. Maybe that’s the problem? Other teams have closed the gap and Ducks simply weren’t ready for that it appears.
Preseason Prediction: 2nd
May Prediction: 7th
North Buffalo FC
May Grade: B+
That 2-1 record looks good but neither win was against top D3 teams. So they are off to a good start but they’ll have to play better to stay towards the top of the table.
Preseason Prediction: 5th
May Prediction:6th
Rust Belt United
May Grade: B
Rust Belt drawing instead of losing is pretty much them winning!
Preseason Prediction: 9th
May Prediction: 9th
Westside Blitz
May Grade: B
I like the direction here. This team seems to have a bond right off the bat. Chris Irakoze is making a name for himself here in D3. I dropped them sure but that’s only because of the improvement of some of the other teams in D3 and less about how good I think they are.
Preseason Prediction: 3rd
May Prediction: 4th