Tech - Your thoughts on this tournament.
Give us a short one. Some good teams here. A little analysis might help you warm up your Surf Cup Specs.
RSC
Alvarez
Macias
Galaxy SB
Arsenal EGSL - RB (I think)
Bracket A
Albion SC - Academy
Arsenal FC - LA - EGSL
LA Galaxy - SB - Elite
Rebels - Gold
Group Breakdown: On paper, the two favorites in this tournament are RSC and CDA Slammers, so it's no surprise that the home team has cooked the brackets in their favor. That being said Bracket A is still a very competitive group, but the toughest match up any team would face would be in Bracket B.
Albion had some decent results at their tournament, but as they progress into the season they will face much stiffer competition, and they will definitely be tested by both Galaxy and Rebels.
Arsenal - LA, is a "Flight II" team that is looking to make the transition to tougher competition this season. Their first foray into the mix hasn't yielded the results they want and it won't get any easier at this event either. They'll be able to press and push against Galaxy and Rebels who tend to be more technical teams but I don't imagine it will be enough to carry them beyond the group round.
LA Galaxy has started to turn heads after their opening weekend of CRL and if they continue that success this weekend, they'll no longer be under the radar. They "should" be favored to win this group but both Albion and Rebels are right there with them.
Rebels, always a fun team to watch, very patient and composed with an emphasis on technical skills. The game to watch in this group will be Galaxy vs. Rebels.
Bracket B
Beach FC - SB
CDA Slammers - Cerritos - Macias
Real So Cal - EGSL
Strikers FC - South Coast - Alvarez
Group Breakdown: This group will provide one of the more entertaining match ups Pre-Surf Cup in CDA vs. RSC. Throw in some Strikers - Alvarez and you spice this group up with some history. Add a sprinkle of Beach FC - SB and you have a very tough group.
Strikers - Alvarez could be key in deciding this group. Especially if RSC and CDA end up in a draw. Alvarez may not win this group but they will be competitive in all 3 games.
Best of luck to everyone this weekend! Keep us posted with scores and observations!