League1BC: Women's Predictions

The League1BC season is fast approaching. With the loss of the Victoria Highlanders, the league is now down to seven teams (which will change predicted points) and hopefully we do not lose any more. After all, the agreement the Highlanders refused was given to all teams. Who knows how different clubs have handled the new obstacles. As it stands here are my predictions ahead of the 2024 League1BC women’s season. 

Can Rivers recover this season and get into the midfield fight?

Rivers FC 

Last Season: 8th place, 3 Points 

Prediction: 7th place, 4 points 

2023 was a dreadful season for Rivers. Their only points were from a surprise win against the TSS Rovers. While I do not think that the team will have a massive turnaround this year, we could see them be more competitive overall in matches. I have them cutting their negative goal difference in half from –40 to roughly –20. I really hope this team proves me wrong and fights for a playoff spot, but this is primarily the same roster as last season. However, the major change at the helm with David Corke may turn losses into draws and draws into wins. 

Burnaby FC are League1BC's newest side

Burnaby FC 

Last Season: Did not participate 

Prediction: 6th place, 11 points 

The tough thing with predicting expansion teams is that expectations almost never meet reality, good or bad. The additions Burnaby made are strong. Many of these players could realistically fight for top spots in this league. The main concern is how this team will perform in the close, tough games. The club has great leadership which hopefully gets the girls on the same page fast. Some simple tactics to start may give this team a great foundation and hopefully something to build from. Luckily for Burnaby, many of their first games are at home which will give them an advantage to get them on pace with the league. Unity, Whitecaps, and TSS all in a row may prove to be troublesome though. 

Harbourside should be expecting a playoff spot this season. But can they earn it?

Harbourside FC 

Last Season: 5th place, 17 points 

Prediction: 5th place, 14 points 

Harbourside right out the gate proved to be a formidable team in this league. Despite a tough start against the Whitecaps, they had strong performances against Unity and the Rovers throughout the season. The team has remained mostly the same this year and they very well may clinch a playoff spot this year. It is a matter of finding the consistency they need to maintain high positions. It does not matter if you beat a strong team 2-1 if you are just going to drop points next week with a 4-0 loss. On their day, this team challenges at the top but you never know what you are getting into. 

Altitude are chasing down their first ever playoff berth. After a strong end to 2023, can they carry momentum into 2024?

Altitude FC 

Last Season: 6th place, 17 points 

Prediction: 4th place, 15 points 

Altitude in both seasons prior to this has never finished in the top four, but this year may be different. The team has secured some of their best players and could look for a great push this year. Andy Peat and Charlotte Ring at the helm could steer Altitude in the right direction. Statistically, Altitude had their moments similar to Harbourside. Almost all their games last year were close, win or lose. 2024 could be the season where they tip the scales in their favour and close out more of those highly contested matches. Their schedule switches in quality quite frequently which may make it difficult to get into a flow. However, the first three games, two against Rivers, should give them a strong starting boost. 

TSS are yet to crack 4th place in the regular season. Is this squad ready to aim high and hit the target?

TSS Rovers 

Last Season: 4th place, 21 points 

Prediction: 3rd place, 21 points 

The Rovers finished 4th in both previous seasons and should expect to improve now that Nautsa’mawt FC have left the league. With the return of Claire Ye and the addition of Kevin Booker at the helm, this club is a formidable opponent for any team to face. A tough start which includes Unity and the Whitecaps away is a tough launch into the sea but from there its smooth sailing for the pirates (Yarrrrrrrrrr) 

Unity FC are primed for a great 2024

Unity FC 

Last Season: 3rd place, 24 points 

Prediction: 2nd place, 21 points 

Unity is a team that I could realistically see lift the title this season. Their squad is top tier with names such as Danielle Cooper, Bryanna Buttar, and one of my personal favourites, Sophie Crowther all returning for another crack at it. With their new, far more accessible home ground we could see them earn all 3 points more frequently with the crowd behind them. If things go well this team can push for the title without a doubt. But to do so, giants must be toppled... 

The Whitecaps are world beaters. Can anyone stop their domination with FIVE trophies last season?

Whitecaps Elite 

Last Season: 1st place, 34 points 

Prediction: 1st place, 27 points 

The Whitecaps are an amazing team to watch. We could be looking at multiple players who may end up being part of the national team setup soon. In fact, Jeneva Hernandez-Gray has already been called up once for the senior team. If Project 8’s league was already competing, several WFC Elite players would be participating at this very second. They won the FIFA Blue Stars Cup. This is the best women's youth team in the world by that standard. The main concern is that the club is a youth side, and many players will see themselves graduate from the program during the season. Will that be enough to topple the league in another team’s favour? Probably not. But there could be a few playoff scares if they are not careful.