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."

A Different Kind of Foe

Wildcards look to secure first-place overall against different Bears squad

This Sunday the Wildcards hope to secure their third consecutive President's Trophy in as many years when they lock horns with the Bears in a late away game (8:30pm EST).

Although they have won the President's Trophy twice now, Wildcards CF Reza "r3z" Salehoun insists that winning the award has not became passe.

"Through our sweat, blood and tears,this team has been created soley for the purpose of winning seasons and championships. So, a 3-peat can only be seen as the stamp that verifies our dominance, and anything but boring."

Inspiring monologues aside, standing in their way is the same team that has ousted the Wildcards in the playoffs for three years running, the Bears.

This is surely not the same team that has inhibited the Wildcards on their pursuit for championship glory. This past-season, three months after winning second consecutive championship (oddly enough), the Bears went through dissension among their ranks, dissension so severe it led to the exile of several players that played key roles in the Bears' fortunes.

Star pitcher Carlos Sandana, whose mastery of the Wildcards has been nothing short of spectacular given their offesive potentcy: gone. Anthony Hardaway, whose solid play at shortstop and ability to strike fear in Wildcards' defensive hearts when at the plate: see ya. With the news that star rover Sandra Cohen will be lost for the remainder of this season and the entire 2011 campaign, and the team one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs, this is clearly a tumultuous time for the two-time defending champions. The Wildcards aren't exactly sure what to make of their recent misfortunes.

"They're going through a rough time, that's for sure." said RF Andrew "El Saviour" Bulos. "It's the nature of the game; things happen, sometimes seemingly all at once. You can't control it, you can only adapt and do what you can."

Although these are bleak times for the Bears, Bulos is certain they'll become a force again soon enough.

"Not a doubt in my mind, they'll be back for sure. And when they do, we'll be ready."