(RADS) - As has become an annual tradition, Rads’ 2006 tournament predictions are here. The predictions this year were delayed for a month after the draw. Normally I do them right after but I wanted to let some time pass so that I can see some of the other teams in action. Some groups were too tough to call that early and there were also some key matches for many teams that I wanted to take into account before making my final prognostication. The delay may have been long but I’m sure it will be well worth the wait. Without further delay, here is my report on how I see things playing out this Labour Day weekend.
GROUP A
St. Catherines Hrvat | Windsor Croatia | Norval Croatia | Adria Sudbury
This group is without a doubt one of the easiest one to come out in years. There’s not one team ranked in the top 10 of the latest North American Croatian soccer rankings. Norval Croatia has been a huge disappointment in their inaugural season in the OSL. Apparently they are going to sign some new players to bolster their chances. I however don’t think it will do much to salvage their beleaguered season. That may get out of this group but don’t expect them to get much further. Windsor made the quarterfinals of the tournament last year and should be good enough to get back there this season. They are the best team in this group and should advance with ease. Sudbury and St. Catherine’s may actually have a chance of pulling out an upset but I don’t see it happening. Therefore I think Norval will be able to sneak into the final 8.
~ WINNER: Croatia Windsor; WILD CARD: Croatia Norval
GROUP B
CBP Jadran Chicago | Karlovac-Velebit Milton | Dalmacija Streetsville | Toronto Zagreb
Every year when the draw is released, teams look where they are grouped and then look where Chicago CBP is. When you’re not in a group with them, you breathe a sigh or relief. When you are, you can pretty much kiss any chance of winning the group good-bye. Chicago shouldn’t have much trouble at all with this group although Zagreb and Karlovac-Velebit are both formidable opponents. Those two teams might have a shot at a wild-card but I’m thinking that even with 6 points, it might not be enough on the goal differential to get them through. Dalmacija will be there to enjoy the Florida fun and sun. They won’t get out of the group but they regularly pack the banquet and always have a good time…definitely one of the teams that truly knows what the tournament is about.
~ WINNER: Chicago CBP
GROUP C
Oakville Livno | Croatia Mississauga | London Croatia | Cleveland Dragovoljac
Everyone take out their pen and circle Livno as the Group C winner. The team is in fine form and their run to the Ontario Cup semifinals has shown that they can compete with the best teams out there. They’re on track to win the OSL title as well this year and a solid performance in the Croatian tournament would cap off what has been a rejuvenating year for the club. London should also have a decent shot at advancing and as long as they can play Livno tight and win their other two matches. Mississauga Croatia and Dragovoljac will try to play spoiler and will be hard-pressed to advance.
~ WINNER: Livno Oakville; WILD CARD: London Croatia
GROUP D (The 'D' stands for DEATH - again)
Hrvatski Orlovi Milwuakee | Cleveland Croatia | Zrinski Chicago
Kitchener Hrvat | Chicago Hrvat
The group of death for 2006. This is clearly the toughest group this year and rivals some of the strongest groups that we have seen in years. It’s not inconceivable that any one of the five teams could come out of this group. While this draw may have been bad news for the five teams involved, it’s sweet music to the fans in Florida who will get to witness some very entertaining soccer matches.
Defending champs Zrinjski Chicago will have a tough time defending their title but they are the slim favourite in this group. If their recent run to the final of the US Amateur Cup is any indication, the team is in fine form and ready to etch their name in the trophy again. Their toughest challenges will come from Milwaukee and Cleveland Croatia. These two teams are always tournament contenders and it’s difficult to remember the last time when both of them didn’t make it to the quarterfinals. Hrvat Kitchener was a semifinalist the last two years but finds themselves as an underdog in this group. Hrvat Chicago are no slouches either but alas they find themselves as the biggest underdog of all. Sadly with the weakness of groups A and C, it is possible only one of these five teams will make the second round. Still I will predict that two of these powers will emerge.
~ WINNER: Zrinjski Chicago; WILD CARD: Cleveland Croatia
GROUP E
Florida Croatia | Hamilton Croatia | Toronto Croatia | New York Polet
Toronto Croatia breathed a sigh of relief this season when the realized they would not be grouped with Chicago CBP. Their nemesis from the Windy City knocked them out in the group stage the last two years and defeated them in the finals the prior two years. Toronto will not have that problem this year and will have no one to blame but themselves if they fail to advance. Hamilton, who finished third last season, will have difficulty this year getting back to that level. Besides Toronto, they’ll have to battle the host team from Florida in hopes of getting a wild card and advance. If their recent performances are any indication, this tournament will be a step back for Hamilton. The match against Florida however should be an entertaining one but I foresee a draw, which will knock both of them out. Polet is the new kid on the block and, just like the new kid at school, they’ll likely get picked on in their first tournament.
~ WINNER: Toronto Croatia
Therefore your quarterfinalists are:
Windsor Croatia, Norval Croatia, CBP-Jadran Chicago, Livno Oakville, London Croatia, Zrinjski Chicago, Cleveland Croatia, and Toronto Croatia.
~ And the winner will be...Cleveland Croatia
Always on the doorstep of winning this tournament, Cleveland seems ready to capture their fourth title and should do so this year in Florida. The team was in fine form in league play and last year proved that they could compete with the best teams in the continent. If they can get out of group D, they can definitely go all the way.
~ Dark Horse: Livno Oakville
Livno has taken a huge step forward in 2006 and looks poised to make things happen this year. The team has showed a renewed dedication to fitness and training and could make some noise when they get to the quarterfinals this year.
That’s it for my 2006 predictions. See you in Coral Springs.
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