Greetings all:

This is normally the time of the year where I put out a newsletter and mention what a great season it's been to this point, and wish everyone luck in the final week-or-so's-worth of matches, and into the Maybry Cup. And I certainly do the latter this time as well; the former, unfortunately, is a bit more difficult to say this time around.

While I think the 2008 Spring Season has produced some great competition and several division races that will come down to the wire, the weather has played absolute havoc with the normal pace and pattern of fixtures. So in some cases, the pure volume of soccer of late (and lack thereof throughout March and April) has probably left at least some of us (myself included) feeling frustrated through much of the year, and a bit weary the last fortnight or so.

Having said that, if the weather cooperates, we should be in for quite a finish in nearly every race over the next week or so. Of our eight divisions, only one has been decided, and at least two have strong prospects for playoff matches:

* In the Men's Premier Division, for the first time in five years (10 seasons), a new name will occupy the top of the table at the end of this campaign. Either Memphis United or FC Celtic have held the top honor every season since Fall 2003, but not this time around. Darkside FC currently are five points clear of FC Europe and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker, and need only a draw in their final match vs. Memphis United to clinch the title. FC Europe have a game in hand, but will have to beat USFC and Celtic on back-to-back days, and hope for a Darkside loss.

* Men's First Division is also tight at the top. Memphis International currently lead the table on 21 points, but first-year side Flyers Legends currently sit two points back of Memphis International and with a game in hand and the head-to-head advantage. Both teams have matches remaining with United Old Bhoys over the weekend, so those games will prove vital to each teams prospects. Fire FC have also jumped back into the picture with their win over Colts Sunday night, but have only one game remaining. A win by either International or Legends will eliminate them from contention.

* The tightest and most complex race right now is in the Men's Second Division. Strangers FC and Maniax FC are deadlocked at the top on 19 points, each 5-0-4 on the year, drawing head-to-head. Memphis Crew are only two points back. DeSoto United are also in the picture, six points back after winning 3-1 over Rage FC Sunday night, and with a game in hand over each of the other three teams. In the most straight-away scenario of many, if Strangers (vs. DeSoto) and Maniax (vs. Crusaders) each win their respective games this coming Thursday, we'll have a playoff match between the two next Sunday night. A DeSoto win Thursday, however, would make things particularly interesting.

* The prospects are also high for a playoff in Men's Third Division. Strikers FC and Jam FC both sit atop the table undefeated with just a draw each, against each other last Thursday night. Jam have the tougher road to finish the season, facing fourth-place Inferno and third-place Academy FC on back-to-back days to close the season, while Strikers have only one game remaining against Midtown Sunday in mid-week. If both teams win out, the playoff will occur Thursday night, May 22nd. Any dropped points, and Academy FC could climb back into the picture.

* Men's Fourth Division is a two-team race to the finish, with Midtown SC holding a one-point advantage over Olympic Memphis, following their head-to-head victory last Thursday night. Midtown still need a win in their final match against Cambodian FC to assure themselves of the title and automatic promotion. A draw or loss, and Olympic can overtake them with a win against Warriors FC earlier that same night.

* It's another season but the same old story in Coed Premier Division, as Dragons FC can clinch their fifth consecutive division title with a win in either of their last two games. They currently hold a three point lead over second place Those Guys FC, and also hold the head-to-head win way back in February. Though not as dominating as the last few seasons, they've still done enough to put themselves within arms reach of another division title.

* In the Coed First Division, Hunter FC have the inside track, leading by four points of Strangers FC. Hunter can clinch with a win over the Sounds next week. Any dropped points will give Strangers a chance to jump over them in the last 10 days with a game in hand. Strangers also hold the head-to-head advantage.

* Coed Second Division is the lone division that has been decided to date. Predators FC have clinched the title and promotion to the first division, sitting on 20 points through eight games, seven points clear of second-place Rangers FC. In the odd statistic of the decade, Hydra FC have conceded only five goals all season through seven games, the fewest of any coed team in any division, yet sit in sixth place (out of seven teams) in their division.

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Other news:

* Summer league 7v7 sign-up will be starting soon (as soon as Dumas gets the payment form set up); the season itself is likely to begin on Sunday, June 22nd and run for the standard six weeks. More details will be posted on the website shortly.

* With the initial success of our men's indoor division, we're going to try to continue to run a Monday night men's league after our current one ends. Due to popular demand, we're also going to try to start a summer-only and winter-only league, that will play on Thursdays (men) and Tuesdays (coed). It will depend on the availability of the Southaven facility, but we're hopeful that we can make it work and get something lined up to start around mid-June.

The season won't be as long as the year-round Monday league, probably 8-10 weeks instead of 12 weeks, but we anticipate these session having very little overlap (if any) into the outdoor season...which will make them a more viable option for more teams. More details coming in the next week or two.

* Some of our friends in Middle Tennessee are sponsoring a 6v6 tournament June 6th through 8th. If you're interested, more information is available here: http://www.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=46151 

There will also be a 3v3 tournament coming to Nashville on June 14th-15th. Specifics will be announced soon here: http://www.kickit3v3.com/tournaments.aspx 

* Incidentally, the current distribution list for this newsletter has some "age" on it, so I'm going to be rebuilding it from our registration database this summer. If you're not an active player and would like to remain on the list, I encourage you to go to our "email signup" form on the website, and re-register to keep receiving it.

That's all for now. Think "dry weather" thoughts for the rest of the season. See you on the pitch.

Curt Rogers
GMSA