Charleston head coach Michael Anhaeuser returns to provide his inside thoughts on the USL First Division playoffs, weighing in on the First Round action that kicks off tonight

Offense: 
Vancouver is led by striker Jason Jordan who if left unmarked can finish at any moment in the game.  Jordan was very effective against us at Swanguard Stadium but did not start when the Whitecaps visited us at Blackbaud, however when he was inserted into the game in the second half I felt he was Vancouver’s most threatening player.

Richmond has struggled to score goals of late but I feel that they have the potential to cause problems with a selection of players in Delicate, Jeffrey, Burke, Worthen and Carrieri. If one or two of these players can get hot Richmond should tally more than once in the series.

Advantage: Vancouver

Defense: 
Vancouver has a solid and veteran crew in the back and Coach Lilley has always brought an organized defensive mentality to the teams he has coached.  With Vancouver’s number one goalkeeper injured, reserve Josh Wicks will have to step-up in a high-pressure situation.

Richmond also brings a veteran back-line that has played together for many years and it is always difficult to break them down. 

Advantage: Even

Intangibles: 
Swanguard Stadium has been a fortress for Vancouver in 2005 and the Whitecaps have been able to score multiple goals on several occasions while playing at home.  I feel that the series could swing to the team that is able to perform better on the road as this one could be a defensive battle that could come down to one mistake and one goal.

Advantage:  Vancouver

 

 

Offense: 
Roger Levesque has been Seattle’s main threat up top in 2005 with his tenacity and work-rate.  The Sounders also have a good rookie in Brent Whitfield who can get behind a defense either as a starter or coming off the bench.

Portland’s offense has stepped up at the end of the season with forward Dan Antoniuk leading the charge.  But Seattle must be careful not to only watch Antoniuk as sneaky Byron Alvarez is also a distinct threat.

Advantage: Portland

Defense: 
Seattle’s defense is led by veteran goalkeeper Preston Burpo and a quality group of defenders.  Portland will need to create quality chances to beat this stellar defensive unit. 

Portland’s defense has been a bit of a roller-coaster performance in 2005 but they are capable of shutting-out opponents particularly if goalkeeper Josh Saunders is in form.

Advantage: Seattle

Intangibles: 
This is one of the best rivalries in the USL First Division with no love lost between the teams.  Portland has some of the best fans in the league and this can help boost the home team especially if they can get one past Burpo early on.

Advantage:  Portland

Mike Anhaeuser is the head coach of the Charleston Battery. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do represent the views of USL or USLsoccer.com.