USCL Title Defense - Week 1

The Dallas Destiny kicks off their USCL title defense tomorrow (August 27) against the San Francisco Mechanics. The offseason proved to be a productive one for members of the 2007 squad as IM Davorin Kuljasevic and FM Keaton Kiewra both made Grandmaster norms in Europe. Our 2008 roster includes a few new faces and overall I am pleased with our depth and strength:

1. IM Marko Zivanic: 2506
2. IM Davorin Kuljasevic: 2517
3. IM Drasko Boskovic: 2508
4. IM John Bartholomew: 2485
5. FM Igor Schneider: 2392
6. NM Tautvydas Vedrickas: 2335
7. NM Chaitanya Vaidya: 2324
8. WFM Bayaraa Zorigt: 2219

Alternates:
1. FM Andrei Zaremba: 2366
2. WFM Karina Vazirova: 2108

The loss of Jacek Stopa and Keaton Kiewra due to conflicts with UTD class schedules was unfortunate, but I hope the trio of Schneider - Vedrickas - Vaidya can fill their shoes. Our most notable gain is at board 1, where Serbian IM Marko 'Zica' Zivanic will be a powerful force. Boskovic, Kuljasevic, Zorigt, and myself are all returning to round out the team.

It seems that the USCL blogosphere isn't giving us much credit again this year. In fact, not a single blog I've read has even picked us to win our first match. You know what? We're fine with flying under the radar. Expect the Destiny to calmly take care of business in 2008.

Log into ICC tomorrow at 7:30 CST for the opening week of our season! Check back here for Dallas Destiny pictures and player bios.