Part 9 in our team-by-team preview where we try to answer these questions: how could they succeed, and how could they stumble?
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
One of two expansion sides in 2022, Hailstorm FC finished just out of the playoff bubble. They finished the season strong, going 3-1-0 in their final four matches, but finished one win short of Charlotte Independence.
Along the way, USL veteran Irvin Parra put up 12 goals and 4 assists, while Trevor Amann contributed another 5 goals and 4 assists, and Brecc Evans scored four more from the backfield. Arthur Rogers won defender of the year and had 8 assists, with Rob Cornwall putting up another 4 assists from the backfield. All five return in 2023.
In fact, most of the core returns, with only 8 members of the 2022 squad departing. Out: Lachlan McLean (4 goals, 2 assists; retired). In: Billy King, who has 43 goals over 306 appearances across Scottish and Irish top flights and English lower leagues. In: Brandon Rosas who has over 100 goals in the second and third Mexican leagues.
How Hailstorm FC could succeed in 2023
“Professionalism, dedication to the club, and, well, goals” – Brandon Rosas
We previously called Billy King the wild card, and that’s still true. We don’t know how he’ll fit in with the league, but if he does, this squad was already likely to be a contender.
But on Tuesday, the club introduced a second wild card in Brandon Rosas. After a pair of pre-season hat tricks as a trialist, he was quickly signed to the regular squad. Last season, Rosas scored 6 goals in 19 matches for Alacranes de Durango in Liga de Expansión MX. In 2021-2022, Rosas scored 27 goals to help Alacranes with promotion to Liga de Expansión.
If 2022 was chaotic in USL League One, 2023 is shaping up to be something out of this world. Hailstorm could lead the way with goals and barrel their way into the playoffs if King and Rosas click with Parra, Amann, Rogers, and Evans.
Speaking of Parra, after some indications of a possible medical scare, he appears to be back and as good as ever. And that’s great news for the club and the league.
It took us a while to warm up to the slow-growing off-season moves in Windsor, but we’re now sold on this team.
How Hailstorm FC could stumble in 2023
A slow start with a too-late push
It’s unfortunate that this amount of talent won’t have their permanent home until probably September. It’s concerning that they have to spend the first six matches on the road when geography is already at a disadvantage. That being said, they did the first five on the road last year and came out with a respectable 2-1-2 record. Then they struggled through the middle of the season, before finally settling into going 3-1-0 in their final four matches. But as we mentioned, by then it was too late.
The good thing is, they’ll at least have a home, even if it isn’t their permanent home at TicketSmarter stadium. Starting May 27th, match seven, they’ll play on one of the smaller facilities at the Future Legends complex. But extended road trips from a geographically isolated location (compared to the rest of the league) are always a concern.
And of course, there is the fan factor. Can Hailstorm FC grow its appeal in Northern Colorado and attract more fans this year? The talent is there, the facilities are there. Fan support may be key to motivating the team, and the fans weren’t exactly there with the confusing stadium situation last year.
But then again, goals, and well goals.
An offense-driven squad that boosted its offensive prowess in the off-season. A league where “goals, and well, goals” are now pretty much expected to make it to the top half of the table and deep into the playoffs. And this newcomer Brandon Rosas, who has the signs of someone who can challenge for the Golden Boot. Maybe that will be enough to get the fans out, and propel this club into the top tiers of the league.