The staggered start to the DODDS-Europe soccer season continues this weekend as close to a dozen schools take the field for their boys and girls openers.
Last Saturday, the official first day of the spring campaign, saw just a handful of games, mostly in Italy. But despite its small scale, the weekend was relatively eventful. Most notably, the two defending Division II champions – the Naples girls and Marymount boys – opened with convincing routs over solid rivals.
The race in Italy heats up further this weekend. American Overseas School of Rome, a strong runner-up to Marymount in last year’s boys Division II tournament, debuts with a visit from a worthy adversary in Naples. Division III hopefuls Florence and Sigonella, meanwhile, face off in Sicily hoping to land an early blow on a primary divisional rival.
In Germany, meanwhile, four Division I contenders kick off their seasons with games against smaller Division II opposition Saturday. Kaiserslautern is the only large school on the road as the Raiders make the short trip to Baumholder. Ramstein will host Bitburg, Wiesbaden will welcome Black Forest Academy and Patch entertains Ansbach.
Barring an upset, the weekend should represent a painless launch for the four big schools. All four of the school posted regular-season records above .500 last season, while none of their Saturday opponents did.
While Germany’s schedule is fraught with mismatches, more equitable competition can be found to the north.
Defending Division I champion International School of Brussels gets its rebuilding project off the ground with a tough game at Division II SHAPE. Though it’s an interdivisional matchup, ISB’s young roster and SHAPE’s annual elite status in Division II should serve to even the playing field.
AFNORTH is the busiest program to play this weekend with a Friday opener at Brussels followed by a Saturday visit from new Division II peer Alconbury.
Even as they start to gather momentum, DODDS-Europe teams can already look forward to a pause. Spring break arrives the weekend of April 12, just three weekends into the season for most teams.
Twitter: @broomestripes
