Standing outside of Empire Gym waiting for the New York City Empire's home opener. We find season ticket holder Marc Sunshine. Although his team started 0-2 on the road, he still has much faith in his team.
"I've waited a long time for the league to get over labor talks and start playing again. In my opinion, I am so lucky to live in New York to see the greatest team play. We have been blessed with a really good squad the past few years." - Marc
That is the same faith most everyone in Empire Gym had during the Interceptors/Empire game. Most everyone interviewed said that the Empire would definitely make the big dance. But after another lackluster performance from the Empire, and especially super-diva Williame, the fans and the everyone around the league are starting to have their doubts.
During the off-season the Empire had another great regiment with 3 improvements of players. Riding high at #6 coming into a crazy good North with the Dizzy Devils and Seadogs, who have both ranked #1 in the season so far. And to add to the craziness, the Empire easily have the toughest schedule this season. Facing the Seadogs and Dizzy Devils twice. Then out of division games with the Toros, Dragonfish, and Interceptors. All Championship contenders.
The Season began in London as the Seadogs opened up their brand new Seadog Place. The Empire were slammed in 2 sets, but no worries because it was the first rusty game and the Seadogs were really good. The worry really really began when EMP traveled to Minnesota to play the supposed easy win Margays. And looking at their schedule, they needed all the easy wins they could get their hands on. Now, the Margays played tough, but the Empire still were much more talented and lost in 3 sets, ending the Margays unreal home drought.
Panic seriously set in outside of the dedicated fan base. It may seem like only 2 games, but in the past 5 years, only 1 of the 21 teams that have started 0-2 have made the post season! And in the history of the Empire they had never been ranked #15 or #16 ever, green or red rankings. But if there were any team talented enough to make it, it would have to be this one. A young promising center in Lawrence, Garcia starting to really contribute, and of course Williame centering it all.
Team Owner Chris Ramos was bombarded with complaints by the shareholders after this shameful loss. He told everyone to keep cool and look at his track record. They quieted and knew that the Interceptors game would be the real litmus test.
"This is our shot to show everyone we are not only relevant, but a real force to be reckoned with in the North that we have OWNED for years now." -Lawrence #44 before the Interceptors game
It was seriously a playoff atmosphere as the unbeaten and highly touted Midwestern juggernaut entered Empire Gym on a sunny afternoon. It was do or die mode. It showed in the players desperation throughout the game. Effort was definitely there. But the Interceptors were a brick wall. They kept Garcia and Williame out of the game and rolled on to a 3-set victory. Empire Gym collectively held it head in disbelief.
"Were looking for a mircale at this point! And it's crazy because we still have the Dizzy Devils, Seadogs and Dragonfish coming into our building!! Not to mention the away games I have to sit through on TV!" -A very worried Marc Sunshine.
He has reason to be worried, in the history of the league only the Cat's in the 2008-3 season have started 0-3 or worse and made the playoffs. And with the schedule the Empire have, it'll be even harder than those odds.
I sat down with owner Ramos and asked him about the outlook on the rest of the season, here is the gist:
"We have to take it one came at a time. But it is looking tough realistically"
"We are looking not to rebuild, but reload next year. Contracts might be shaken up, personnel may be shaken up too."
"I don't care if the media knows, Williame is on the hot seat, what has he done for us in 3 years?"
"I have already had one horrible (4-6) season under my reign, and we bounced back strong (2 #1 ranked seasons) quickly. The shareholders need to calm down I got this."
"I hope our fans show their dedication and keep coming to our games, the team needs support."
The Empire's next game pits them against the Margays, hoping to get their revenge and sting of embarrassment out of their system. It would be a nice first step on the road to recovery. Good Luck.
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