Looking back at the Duncan Football Team’s 2023 season, I can’t help but reflect on how external factors—much like the COVID-19 disruptions referenced in that MPBL quote—can derail even the most promising campaigns. I remember watching the team early in the season and thinking, "This could be their year." And honestly, for large stretches, it looked like it would be. But then, just as in that basketball league where protocols and defaults altered destinies, Duncan faced its own share of unexpected setbacks. Let’s dive into the stats, the standout performances, and the moments where things could have gone differently.
First off, the offense. Duncan’s attacking unit was nothing short of electric for the first half of the season. They averaged 2.4 goals per game through the first 15 matches, with midfielder Jake Torres leading the charge. From my perspective, Torres was the engine of this team—his vision and ability to pick out passes in tight spaces reminded me of seasoned playmakers I’ve watched in European leagues. He finished the season with 12 assists and 8 goals, though I suspect his impact went beyond the numbers. One game that stands out in my memory was their 4-1 victory over rivals Carson FC, where Torres orchestrated three of those goals with pinpoint through balls. Defensively, however, there were cracks. The team conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game, and I noticed a recurring issue with set-piece defending. It’s something I’ve seen undermine otherwise solid sides—just a few lapses in concentration, and suddenly you’re dropping points you shouldn’t.
Then there’s the goalkeeping situation, which, in my opinion, was a rollercoaster. Starting keeper Liam O’Connell had moments of brilliance, pulling off what I’d call at least five game-saving stops in the first half of the season. His save percentage hovered around 78% through week 18, but injuries mid-season saw that drop to just 68% by the final match. I’ve always believed a reliable keeper can be worth 10-15 points over a season, and in Duncan’s case, that might have made all the difference. When you look at the broader picture, the team finished with 58 points—just three shy of a playoff spot. It’s frustrating, really, because with slightly better luck, especially in those narrow 1-0 losses, they could have easily clinched it.
Individual performances aside, the collective resilience of the squad deserves praise. Take young forward Ben Carter, for example. At just 21, he netted 14 goals and showed a fearlessness in front of goal that you don’t often see in players his age. I remember one match where he scored a brace under pouring rain, sliding into challenges and pressing relentlessly. That kind of hunger is infectious. On the flip side, the midfield depth was tested when veteran playmaker Marco Silva went down with an ankle injury in October. His absence coincided with a four-game winless streak, and it highlighted how thin the squad was in creative roles. In my view, the management might need to address that in the upcoming transfer window—maybe bring in a dynamic midfielder who can share the creative load.
Of course, stats only tell part of the story. Watching the team week in and week out, I noticed how morale seemed to dip during that tough November stretch. There was a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Harrison United that felt like a loss, and you could see the frustration on the players’ faces. It reminded me of that quote about the MPBL team derailed by COVID protocols—sometimes, it’s not just about talent or tactics, but momentum and morale. Duncan had the quality to compete for the title, I’m sure of it, but a combination of injuries, shaky defending in key moments, and maybe a bit of inexperience cost them.
As the season wrapped up, Duncan finished sixth in the table, which isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t reflect what they were capable of. If they can tighten up at the back—maybe reduce those conceded goals by even 0.2 per game—and maintain their offensive flair, I see no reason why they can’t challenge for top honors next year. From where I stand, this team is on the cusp of something special. They’ve got the youth, the talent, and now, hopefully, the lessons from a season of what-ifs. Here’s to 2024—I, for one, will be watching closely.