The Scorpions are more than halfway through the season now and if they keep on track, they will end up finishing the season on top of the table for the league. Last year the RailHawks also had a stellar year. They posted an exceptional record and their coach, Martin Rennie, was hired by the Vancouver Whitecaps, which he brought his number one goal-scorer, E. Barbara, with him. Thereafter, the RailHawks had to completely rebuild after the season as they saw their coach and many of their players leave after the great season they had. In 2012, the RailHawks have preformed towards the bottom of the table, but still had a good US Open Cup run that ended in the 4th Round. San Antonio had planned on signing players on a one year contract and if they haven't extended some of those contracts, we may end up seeing some of the Scorpions best leave at the end of the season. The most important person to stay should be Tim Hankinson. Even if we lose players, he has the ability to find and bring in more players with skill that could put the Scorpions on top next season as well. Players I could see leaving: Pablo Campos, Striker - he is in good form; he was the #2 goal-scorer in the league last season and is currently the leader in goals scored this season. It may grant him another chance in MLS. Esteban Bayona, Striker - If he can continue setting up goals and scoring a few too, he will definitely be given a chance in MLS, or possibly by enterprising NASL teams looking to bolster their offense -- Cosmos possibly? Walter Ramirez, Left-midfielder - This guy is probably the best player on the Scorpions that hasn't gotten the credit he deserves. He is an outstanding player that other teams will definitely be after. This is simply a player the Scorpions must keep. Daryl Sattler, Goalkeeper - MLS may call on this keeper as a backup or even a greater threat that the expansion team, NY Cosmos, could end up with this keeper. I could definitely see the Cosmos trying to pick off our best players. Ryan Cochrane and Greg Janicki, defenders - The Scorpions defense is the main reason they have had a good season thus far. If San Antonio is continue winning games keeping seasoned defenders such as Cochrane, Janicki, Knight, and Wagner will be incredibly important. Ultimately, with the expansion team, NY Cosmos, and MLS being at 19 teams, we could see San Antonio's best leave at the end of the year. Hopefully, they can keep the team together and see the team enter their new stadium next year with most of the team held together. There are a lot of positives for players and staff to stay around but money talks, so we'll see what the end result is ultimately.
It is lower division soccer. You are always rebuilding since players are moving. It is a year to year business. Your best players are going to leave to challenge themselves at a higher level. And you might lose a player to another NASL or USL team. Just as the Scorpions got Campos. Expect roster turnover every year. The difference between the RailHawks this year and last was they didn't have Rennie to go find them players to replace those that left.