World Footy News

USFootyNews.com is counting down the 2010 Preseason Top 10. At Number 9 is the San Diego Lions.

2009 was certainly not the best season in the Lions' history. They finished under 500 (to non-Americans that's a win-loss ratio under 50%) after a disappointing Nationals campaign. However, it is not always about the Ws. According to Lions Head Coach Simon Schenk, "As is the case in footy, the barometer for success is not always wins and losses. Last year was a very rewarding season at the Lions. For all our games about 80% of our players were Americans, and in one of our 4 quarter games we fielded an entirely American side. In most of our games 15-16 out the 18 on the field were Americans. This is a great testament to the club in their efforts to not rely on Australians, and to really foster the American influence. Our board is also comprised entirely of Americans. So great stuff."

Photo: The Lions in the Yellow and Maroon take on arch rivals the OC Bombers.

As they have for the last couple of years, the Lions will be looking to big Revo, Justin Valley, to be a target and kick goals as a key forward. In 2009, Valley played second fiddle to Brian O'Reilly, who was the Lions leading goal scorer with 12. O'Reilly impressed Schenk with his ability to score. "Brian is one of our talented American players. He is a natural athlete and has played varsity soccer and tennis. Although not especially tall, he is a great competitor in the air, as well as on the ground, and has an uncanny ability to know where the goals are. While he needs to work on his set shot kicking, he is lethal in broken play." In the middle, the Lions will be counting on Head Coach Simon Schenk to show off his skills and pace.

In 2010 the Lions add the Dallas Magpies to their normal schedule of games against the West Coast teams. "It has been a few years since we played Dallas. I think 2006 was the last time, so we’re looking forward to the challenge. They always seem to do well in the regular season against some seasoned sides, so it should be a great test for the club. We’re looking forward to the trip," says Schenk.

However, the big game of the year is probably the "local derby" against OC. Schenk is excited about it. "As is the case with every year, OC games are the big games on the calendar, and it is always a great contest. Last year OC had a fantastic team, and they’ve done a great job fostering their American players as well, so it should be a great tussle between the 2 sides."

The Lions run a metro competition that will kick off at the end of April with 5 weeks of Friday night footy.

San Diego Lions 2010 Schedule (Tentative)

San Diego @ Las Vegas, Las Vegas NV 17.04.10

San Diego @ Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 22.05.10

San Diego @ Dallas, Dallas TX 05.06.10

Dallas @ San Diego, San Diego CA 26.06.10

San Diego @ Golden Gate, San Francisco CA 24.07.10

Arizona @ San Diego, San Diego CA 25.09.10