BAA. Royal Gazette sports reporter Patrick Bean takes a look at each of the ten sides competing in this season's First Division and offers his view on how they might fare.

Can Vasco repeat as champions of the First Division and once again prove the dominant force in Bermuda soccer. Or will other teams rise to take their place? That's the key question as the 1996-97 soccer season opens with the annual Charity Cup tomorrow night between Boulevard and Vasco.

Vasco were practically unstoppable last year, counting the league, Martonmere Cup, Dudley Eve Trophy and the Charity Cup among their collected wares.

And with no major departures from their ranks, the Portugese club undoubtedly enter as favourites to duplicate their showing of the last campaign.

Likely challengers would appear to be Boulevard, who have bolstered their squad with the additions of forward Rodney Bascome and goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson.

Meanwhile, Dandy Town may also have a role, although, on paper, the St. John's Road team appears slightly weaker than in previous years due to some key defections.

This season also marks the first time that Somerset Trojans are not involved in the top flight, the West Enders having been relegated at the end of last season.

Following are profiles of the teams in the First Division: VASCO Coach: John Rebello.

Last year: 23-3-4 (overall); 14-2-2 (league).

Accomplishments: Won league title; defeated Boulevard 2-0 to win Charity Cup; defeated Boulevard 3-1 to win Martonmere Cup; defeated Dandy Town 3-1 (aggregate) to win Dudley Eve Trophy.

Notable signings: Troy Harvey (from North Village), Sammy Swan (PHC), Trevor Dickinson (Somerset).

Notable departures: Scott Morton (to Dandy Town), Walton Burgess (Southampton).

The defending champions have never looked better -- on paper -- and the only opponents standing in the way of more glory are ego, ego and more ego.

Coach John Rebello will once again have to don his psychiatrist hat to protect from the individualism that prevented success prior to last season.

No one would deny that Vasco have the best players, but many question their hearts and any losing streak could spell doom for a club of such diversified talent.

Up front there can be no denying that the line-up featuring Irving Burgess, Dwight Basden and Corey Hill remains the most potent and is destined to cause more than a few worries for opposing coaches. Add the likes of wily veteran Sammy Swan to the mix and it almost seems unfair for one side to have so much.

The projected midfield of Steval Arorash, Karl Roberts and Voorhees Astwood is likewise solid, if not nearly so flashy, with Roberts as the anchor.

The defence could be suspect, but if you score a bundle, who cares? Predicted finish: First.

NORTH VILLAGE Coach: Wendell Baxter.

Last year: 16-6-6 (overall); 12-6-0 (league).

Accomplishments: Second in league.

Notable signings: None.

Notable departures: Troy Harvey (to Vasco), Wayne Augustus (Hotels), Clifford Roberts (Hotels), Chris Sabir (Hotels).

The Red Devils' lone claim to fame last season was the fact that they did not lose a single league match. Not one. But they didn't win anything either.

Despite a super league record they didn't advance to a single final in any of the cup competitions, and while a league title remains most clubs' main goal, it helps to at least be in contention for something else.

One thing Village did win was the coach-of-the-year award thanks to Wendell Baxter in his first year at the helm, but even he would have gladly traded that honour for the opportunity to grasp one piece of team silverware.

The early outlook for Village this time around appears more bleak, although with the local standard hovering a notch below mediocre anything is possible.

The loss of captain Damon Wade until at least December and the distinct possibility of being without a still hobbling Elliott Jennings -- both attack minded players -- does not bode well.

Yet Village have at least one area of strength: Defence, where they again look head and shoulders above the rest with goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams anchoring a stout back line that will also include Derek Bell, Michael Hansey and Kevin Grant.

Predicted finish: Third.

ST.GEORGE'S Coach: Earl Basden.

Last year: 13-2-11 (overall); 8-2-8 (league).

Accomplishments: Defeated Devonshire Colts 1-0 to win Friendship Trophy; third in league.

Notable signings: None.

Notable departures: Troy Hall (to Devonshire Colts), Ricky Hill (Hotels), Gregg Foggo (St. David's).

Was that really St.George's marching the Friendship Trophy at the end of last season and boasting of qualification for the Martonmere Cup this season.

Miracles do happen. Alas, glory can be oh so fleeting and a swift return to the doldrums is likely for this year's brigade.

Pity coach Herbie Bascome, who, like Moses, led a bunch of overachievers to the promised land, only to find them in preference of that from whence they had come.

So ungrateful were they that not even a dime was cast in the direction of the well-meaning guide, at least not until their conscience was pricked by the publicity.

The disarray that has followed, with little more than five members bothering to turn out for coachless preseason training sessions, not to mention the departure of their lone legitimate star player, Troy Hall, indicates a quick return to the lower reaches.

Predicted finish: Ninth.

DANDY TOWN Coach: Mark Trott.

Last year: 10-5-12 (overall); 7-4-7 (league).

Accomplishments: Lost 3-1 (aggregate) to Vasco in Dudley Eve Trophy final.

Fourth in league.

Notable signings: Damon Ming (from Devonshire Colts -- pending appeal), Scott Morton (Hotels), Reggie Tucker (Somerset).

Notable departures: Diallo Sharrieff (to Hotels -- pending appeal), Anthony Wilson (Devonshire Colts), Ascento Russsell (Southampton), Michael Richardson (BAA), Peter Sampson (Social Club), Khari Sharrieff (Wolves), Joseph Weeks (Hotels).

What has happened to the Hornets? From being one of the premier sides on the Island two years ago, the team have somehow slipped back into the pack of pretenders.

True, injuries -- specifically that to striker Carlos Smith -- have taken their toll during this period, yet it remains a mystery why Town have been unable to maintain consistency despite an abundance of talent.

Mark Trott makes a belated return to the helm, replacing Devarr Boyles, who may have lent himself to tinkering a bit too much in his inaugural campaign.

Still, matters may get worse before they get better, with several role players having departed in the off-season and Trott may find it difficult plugging the gaps.

Certainly needing to step up are Darren Simons and Smith, a dangerous strike tandem when healthy. An already suspect defence was further weakened by the departure of veteran Anthony Wilson and the possibility that Diallo Sharrieff may too be allowed to fly the coup could sound a death knell as far as a championship is concerned.

Predicted finish: Fourth.

BOULEVARD Coach: Donnie Hill.

Last year: 14-9-7 (overall); 5-9-4 (league).

Accomplishments: Defeated Southampton 2-1 to win FA Cup. Fourth in league.

Notable signings: Rodney Bascome (from Somerset), Andre Hendrickson (Somerset).

Notable departures: Hewvonnie Brown (to Wolves), Clinton Caisey (Vasco).

The Blazers may have been the overall winners in the transfer market, dramatically upgrading two problem areas, scoring and goalkeeping.

Both improvements came via the west end, with forlorn Somerset Trojans supplying Rodney Bascome and Andre Hendrickson.

Bascome can immediately fill the void up front for the Blazers, who are the most delightful to watch during the build-up phase, but equally dreadful when it comes to finishing.

Those weary of the weekly nightmare perpetrated by erratic Mitchell Steede now have a new channel in Hendrickson, but be wary, the crossed ball may provide flashbacks.

The nucleus remains the same, with Payback, Roy, Diamond and the rest of the crew returning for another shot after an off year.

Of all the contenders, Boulevard have the guns to challenge Vasco for honours.

The question is, are they loaded? Predicted finish: Second.

PHC Coach: Jack Castle.

Last year: 8-3-10 (overall); 7-3-8 (league).

Accomplishments: Sixth in league.

Notable signings: Brian Anderson (from Devonshire Cougars), Craig Darrell (Southampton).

Notable departures: Sammy Swan (to Vasco), Jahma Charles (Social Club), Walter Crockwell (Hotels), Dennis Robinson (Hotels), Kenny Burt (Paget), Ty Williams (Hotels), Tokia Russell (Social Club).

Had to fight all the way to the end to avoid relegation last season and may find themselves in similar position this time around.

New coach Jack Castle has a solid nucleus of young players to work with, but with youth comes inconsistency and he must be able to pick moments where the need is to crack the whip and others when a bit of cajoling is required.

Any success will likely rest on the young shoulders of Ottis Steede, Shawn Simons and Raynell Lightbourne, with patience a key requirement for the team's supporters.

Predicted finish: Sixth.

DEV. COLTS Coach: Vic Ball.

Last year: 10-8-6 (overall); 5-8-5 (league).

Accomplishments: Lost 1-0 (to St.George's) in final of Friendship Trophy.

Seventh in league.

Notable signings: Troy Hall (from St.George's), Anthony Wilson (Dandy Town).

Notable departures: Randy Darrell (to Southampton), Dennis Williams (Paget), Dean Smith (BAA), Damon Ming (Dandy Town -- pending appeal), Yul Wade (BAA).

As unpredictable as they come, but guaranteed to provide excitement, whether in victory or defeat.

Coach Vic Ball failed to impress during his debut season, but with a year under his belt may be ready to mould the club into more than mere spoilers.

Once viewed as a young brigade on the rise, Colts have stagnated in recent years, falling from the upper echelon into the cellar region. They could fall further if the transfer of Damon Ming goes through. His attempted transfer to the Hornets was denied by a BFA tribunal.

Anthony Wilson adds experience to a young defence which is sure to have a lion's share of the work once again. Skipper Shannon Burgess stands as heart and soul of the side and Colts will need his tender hamstrings to hold up if they are to enjoy any success.

Predicted finish: Fifth.

SOUTHAMPTON Coach: Gary Darrell.

Last year: 10-2-14 (overall); 7-1-10 (league).

Accomplishments: Lost 2-1 (to Boulevard) in FA Cup final. Eighth in league.

Notable signings: Randy Darrell (from Devonshire Colts); Walton Burgess (Vasco), Ascento Russell (Dandy Town), Jerry Webb (Somerset).

Notable departures: Craig Darrell (to PHC).

Surprised several teams early during the 1995-96 campaign, but faded badly down the stretch, barely avoiding a swift return to the Second Division.

Will continue to struggle for survival, making another fast start extremely important as far as building confidence.

A team of fighters and Gary Darrell will once again need to squeeze every ounce of that spirit for Rangers to rise above the role of spoilers.

Predicted finish: Seventh.

ST. DAVID'S Coach: Andrew Bascome.

Last year: 10-4-4 (overall); 8-4-2 (Second Division).

Accomplishments: Second place; promoted to First Division.

Notable signing: Gregg Foggo (from St. George's).

Notable departures: None.

An unknown quantity, with the only gauge being their giving Vasco all they could handle during a seven-goal thriller during the first round of the FA Cup back in January.

Andrew Bascome was reinstated as head coach following a seven-month hiatus, but the question begs: Will he be around for the duration? Loaded with creative knowledge, Bascome has routinely baffled with his penchant to disappear. The Islanders possess an abundance of raw, young talent and are led by the steady play of captain Patrick White, nothing flashy, but effective.

They are destined to struggle as they get their feet wet, but just may have enough to avoid a return trip.

Predicted finish: Eighth.

DEV COUGARS Coach: Josef Gooden.

Last year: 16-2-3 (overall); 11-2-1 (Second Division).

Accomplishments: First in Second Division; promoted to First Division; lost 2-0 (to Paget) in Shield final.

Notable signings: None.

Notable departures: Brian Anderson (to PHC), Kenneth Darrell (Boulevard).

Winners of the Second Division, Cougars are destined for a season in purgatory and a swift return unless more commitment is shown by players towards training and carrying out coach's requests.

However, new head man Josef Gooden was unable to do just that at Somerset a year ago and look where they ended up. Can a change of scenery make that much of a difference? Gooden must find a way to maintain a hungry attitude among his troops, known for folding when the chips are down.

Predicted finish: Tenth.

DANGEROUS DUO -- Neil Robinson (left) and Dwight Warren will be key players as Boulevard attempt to knock Vasco off their perch this season.