2015 MLU Championship Preview: Tyler Chan to lead Boston Whitecaps in Championship game

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW (Boston Whitecaps v. Seattle Rainmakers)In terms of preparing for the final in Philadelphia, Gussin is convinced that the Rainmakers are still preparing to reach their full potential: “The focus for the next four weeks is going to be the same as it’s been all season. We’re all about the process and about growth. We feel like we still haven’t played our best game of the season yet, and we’re going to keep working hard to make sure that our last game is the best one we play all year.” It remains to be seen whether the extra week of rest will help Seattle in their championship quest, or if the significantly longer trip will play a factor in the game.

Similarly, Boston seems to be peaking at just the right time. Tufts standout Tyler Chan has continued his terrific college play in the MLU, and he adds another level of speed to an already-dangerous Boston O-line. With the return of Phan, El-Salaam, and Feeley (the former two on return from national U23 team duties), it will be interesting to see who Seattle assigns the Chan matchup, especially when Markette and Graham are on the line as well.

As is often the case with cross-divisional play, these teams will be much less familiar with each other than their previous opponents. The first half should begin with relative parity as the teams start breaking each other down; expect the second half to be much more intense as they adjust to what has been hurting them.Another question mark is whether experience will be an issue.

Boston has already won the MLU championship once; the Rainmakers are rookies in the title game. Having already won an away game against the hometown favorite, though, Seattle seems to have embraced the underdog title. In just a few days, we’ll see if they can keep it up for another 40 minutes in Philadelphia.

via 2015 MLU Championship Preview & Conference Finals Recap | Ultiworld.