The 2007 Season Members of arguably one of the most competitive divisions in the league, where the top four teams were separated by a mere two points, the Seals found themselves in a tough situation last year in trying to establish a regular form and finished at 6-8-2, their first-ever losing campaign in seven years at the PDL level of USL play.
The club opened with a win on the road against Lancaster, but a 5-2 defeat at Fresno in the second meeting was the first of two straight losses. The Seals, however, would rebound, posting consecutive victories over Southern California and Bakersfield, but the two-game win streak was the best the club could do on the season.
The 2008 Season The Seals return only seven players from their 2007 squad, most notably, the Seals get back their leader in minutes played, midfielder Rawlston Masaniai, who logged 1440 minutes and netted two goals. They also get another year out of defender Richard Halvorsen, who coupled a goal and three assists with over 1,000 minutes of solid defense last season.
“Masaniai and Halvorsen are senior members of our team, but they are still young guys,” said Seals General Manager, Tom Simpson. “They are the two guys we look towards for quality play and they have great leadership skills as well.”
Among the late arrivals the Seals will pick up later in the season, Victor Cortez ranks among the most important. A hybrid midfielder and defender, Cortez recently joined the US U20 National Team on their trip to Beja, Portugal for the Campos Verdes International Tournament. He played nearly every minute of the seven games he appeared in last season for the Seals and was a West Coast Conference All-Freshman Selection at the University of San Francisco in 2007.
“I talked to Victor and he said he plans on playing with us this season,” said Simpson. “He is a very young player but is just outstanding on the ball and especially in the air. At only 5’8” I have never seen him lose a ball in the air. He just has that nose for the game. Victor is a solid talent and, I am sure, a future professional.”
Barely outdone is former Seals center back Chris Rodd, who signed with Bryne FK of the Norwegian Second Division in January. Since his arrival, Rodd has played in every preseason match and started the first three games of the ‘Serie’ season in which Bryne has gone 3-8-5.
“From last year’s squad, I would have picked Chris the most likely to sign a professional contract during the offseason,” said Simpson. “Two years ago he had a tryout with an English Premier League team and they really liked him, but he wanted to come back and finish his colligate career at the University of San Francisco. They have a lot of Norwegian contacts at USF and that is where he ended up. I hear he is doing very well, too.”
“I am not the least bit surprised either,” added Simpson. “Chris is a 6’3” center back who is very aggressive – how could you leave him on the sideline? He should have a solid professional career.”
Despite the losses, look for Simpson and his Seals to peak late in the season with the addition of Cortez, Tyler Berry and Cory Heldress.
“We have a couple of very good players coming in,” said Simpson. “Until then, Masaniai can fill in at center back. He is quite good back there.”
The First Five
It is not an easy road to open the 2008 season for San Francisco. First, they meet the defending division and conference champion Fuego on Fresno April 26. Then they take a short road trip to face their Bay rival San Jose, who finished third last year, on May 2. They get a reprieve, based on last year’s results, when they visit Lancaster (10th) on May 9 and host Orange County (9th) on May 17, but Orange County’s 2007 finish was very atypical for the Blue Star, who had won the division twice and finished second twice in the previous four campaigns. The Seals wrap up the first five at home against Ventura County (4th) on May 24.
