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."

Back to Reality

Wildcards Let Game Slip, First Loss Comes on the Last Day

On the final day of the regular season, with history beckoning, the Wildcards knew they had the opportunity to do something special. Yet they were unable to come through with a win to secure the undefeated season, falling 18-12 to the TD Waterhouse Warriors.

The Wildcards were not on their A game at either end of the plate. Their opponents on the other hand, most definitely were. After failing to score in the first inning, the Warriors responded with three of their own in the bottom half. They never looked back afterwards. All season the 'Cards have been able to score runs in bunches, but not last night.; the offensive tap was sputtering rather than gushing.

It's a disappointing end to a fantastic season for a team that has come together so wonderfully over the past three seasons. And yet, some are finding a real positive in the one and only loss of the season.

"The perfect season would've been nice, " commented captain Redoblado. "but now it's the playoffs. The pressure of perfection is off our backs now, and we can focus on the task at hand."

OF Reza "r3z" Salehoun believes this loss took the team's collective heads out of the proverbial cloud, and it could not have happened at a better time.

"It's humbling. Also kind of a wake-up call. It could be a good thing with playoffs starting in two weeks."

3B Steve Saks didn't find any disappointment in losing. "We're the #1 team in the league, there's nothing to be disappointed in. And now we have a chance to win the whole thing."

The Wildcards may have been out of sync defensively due to some experimenting in preparation for the post-season. They attempted an outfield defensive shift that saw perennial right fielders Ricky "B.Kiddo" Wong and Andrew "El Saviour" Bulos switch with usual rover Jeanette "Bubba" Nisperos. Nisperos wondered what had taken the coaching staff so long to recognize the need for change.

"I'm younger, faster, and better-looking than either of them. They have done nothing defensively all season. It's about time people recognize that."

Wong and Bulos refused comment after the game.

NOTES: P Andrew "El Saviour" Bulos had a wardrobe malfunction prior to the game, having lost his glove - it was found before game time.

School of Hard Knocks

Wildcards run over TNT, one win away from clinching President's Trophy.

It's no question that The New Team, better known by the acronym TNT, are learning the ropes of the WSL. On Sunday, the Wildcards showed exactly why TNT has a long way to go as they march towards a third-straight WSL President's Trophy with a dominant 23-3 drubbing.

The Wildcards were airtight in nearly every aspect of the game. Offence was constant, well-spread throughout the abbreviated five inning contest. Defence was, as always, stellar, with the exception of a lazy miscue by self-proclaimed franchise player Travis "The Franchise" Fernando.





Travis Fernando attempts to show style points in missing the "should've-been-game-ending" play. P Reyes bailed him out by retiring the next batter.

He did manage to find humour in the situation afterwards. "You know, people love to hate on me when I screw up. I think they love it because they barely get a chance to do it; I'm near perfect."

And with Sunday evening's crucial contest against The Warriors cancelled with no make-up date, the Wildcards suddenly find themselves in the driver's seat towards the end of the season. A win on Sunday against the Bears will clinch first place, and a third-straight President's Trophy for the Wildcards.

"It'd be an honour, but really I want 16-0." said Bryan "Blue" San Luis. "I know we can do it."

Bryan San Luis awaits a pitch from TNT pitcher Ray Shugar. San Luis finished 1 for 3 on the day.

Unfortunately, the Wildcards will not have the opportunity to go 16-0, given that league commissioner Bill Airt has refused to declare a make-up date for the cancelled game with the Warriors. Whether he is actively attempting to prevent the elusive 16-0 record San Luis mentioned is unknown.

"Well, undefeated is fine by me."

Despite skipping a date with their biggest threat this season, the Wildcards were surprisingly disappointed to be missing the 8:30pm game.

"Man, I'm kind of disappointed." said Brynn "Sinbad" Sinclair. "I was ready to go for this one, and I'm sure the rest of the team were as well."

Brynn Sinclair refused to move from his position even after league commissioner Bill Airt cancelled the game. Sinclair had to be removed from the premises by security.

Wildcards rookie Stella "Yikes" Lee, who finished the day 1 for 3 - including a bases loaded single in the 4th - also noted disappointment. , stating she was anxious to put a face to "this team that everyone talks about."

"I don't know, I'm new to this league so they remain a mystery to me. But I guess we'll see them in two weeks time."