CSKA – A D3 Team

When last CSKA wrote it was on the back of promotion to D3. The team had one goal this season: stay up. There were rumors the manager may be asked to leave if the team was relegated back to D4.

The manager made several moves during the offseason and season, picking up veteran stalwarts like Kuzyaev, Varane, Walker-Peters, Maguire, Henderson in order to stave off the threat of relegation. Promising youths, particularly Mattia Liberali were sacrificed for the cause.

“I feel confident in our recruitment philosophy. We’ve won our share of lotteries, but we have an eye for hidden gems, including Liberali, Neves, Irankunda, Kone, and Mycael. Some must be sacrificed, even in ill-advised deals.”

The short-term thinking has translated to results. CSKA is closer to the playoffs than relegation and is quite close to the coveted 40 point mark. We also made the semifinals of the cup, and are still alive in the Youth Shield.

The manager can only hope that the handful of players on the verge of the first team can progress quickly to fill in the gaps from retirements and downgrades.

“We are close to an inflection point at the club. I can feel it. The supporters can feel. It’s an exciting time for American soccer.”