hey guys, what are the hopes for the new season? Any of last years squad returning?

There are indeed some returning starters, but I must say that there are many new players who will take it to the PDL this season. The team is loaded with D-1 players from NATIONAL programs (like Michigan State, Kentucky, Notre Dame) and there seem to be no holes in the line-up. Coach Mann has done a great job of pulling in men from everywhere and filling spots....now let's see if he can keep everyone happy! Most of his players aren't used to sitting, and it seems as though some of the players from previous years aren't happy either? IF he can keep the team together, we will bring home some wins and maybe a title or two?

[PDL] For the eighth year in a row, there won't be back-to-back champions in the Premier Development League as the 2010 champion Portland Timbers U-23s failed to make the 2011 playoffs. The Des Moines Menace and Victoria Highlanders became the final two teams to clinch berths in the playoff field of 20 with victories on Sunday night. Conference champions will be crowned at four locations this weekend.

The Long Island Rough Riders (Eastern Conference), Michigan Bucks (Central), Mississippi Brilla FC (Southern) and Fresno Fuego (Western) will host the conference final fours.

Michigan and Des Moines are among six former champions that have qualified for the playoffs.

Fresno (13-0-3) and the Ventura County Fusion (10-0-6) are the only unbeaten teams in the playoffs.

Schedule:
Northeast Division, Final
July 26 in Portland, Maine
MPS Portland vs. New Hampshire
South Atlantic Division, Final
July 26 in Greensboro, N.C.
Carolina vs. Northern Virginia

Mid-Atlantic Division, Final
July 26 in Reading Pa.
Reading United vs. Jersey
Great Lakes Division, Final
July 26 in Bridgeview, Ill.
Chicago Fire Premier vs. Forest City London

Eastern Conference, Semifinals
July 29 in South Huntington, N.Y.
Long Island vs. MPS Portland-New Hampshire winner
Reading United-Jersey winner vs. Carolina-Northern Virginia winner

Central Conference, Semifinals
July 29 in Pontiac, Mich.
Michigan vs. Des Moines
Thunder Bay vs. Chicago Fire Premier-Forest City London winner

Southern Conference, Semifinals
July 29 in Clinton, Miss.
Mississippi Brilla FC vs. Chivas El Paso
Central Florida vs. Laredo Heat on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Western Conference, Semifinals
July 30 in Fresno, Calif.
Fresno vs. Victoria
Kitsap vs. Ventura County