Contenders or Pretenders?

After securing their straight President's Trophy, are the Wildcard due for a third straight playoff disappointment?

Before their loss to the Warriors on the final game of the 2010 season, the last time the Wildcards felt the agony of defeat was when it mattered most - in the playoffs.

In 2008, following a 14-0 shutout victory over the Bears, virtually unheard of in the WSL, the Wildcards entered the playoffs brimming with confidence. They had just won their first President's Trophy, and had defeated all comers in the final stretch of the season. And then when the pressure was on, suddenly, the Wildcards were not. Simple plays were bobbled, offensive weapons were stowed away. Meanwhile, their opponents stepped up and left the Wildcards defeated, disappointed, and confused. Last year, same scenario and same result; another first-round playoff exit at the hands of the eventual champions, the Bears.

This year looks like it may be following the same template. The Wildcards head into the post-season full of confidence, having completed an entire regular season with only a single loss. Teams around the league suspect the Wildcards may fall under a sense of complacency. The Wildcards themselves disagree.

"No I don't think we've become complacent." said Al "Hollywood" Fernando. "We still play hard each and every game. And now with the playoffs, I'm sure we'll play even harder - much harder."

Despite all of their regular season successes and accolades over the past four seasons, the Wildcards have surprisingly never won a playoff game (excluding all consolation games following losses). They have managed to win all consolation games to bring home B cups and D cups, but so far have failed to advance to the second and final round each and every season.

So the question must be asked: what are the Wildcards made of? Are they the team they were a few seasons ago - jittery, slightly unsure of themselves, and ready to break under pressure? Or are they truly the veteran, relaxed team that has come together, and has battled their way out of adversity this season?

"I find that at times our nerves tend to get the best of us, but we still bounce back and play hard." noted Jeanette "Bubba" Nisperos. "And still I think we have a solid team this year, we'll be fine."