For allocation money........ http://www.dcunited.com/press-release/2011/06/dc-united-acquires-defender-brandon-mcdonald Seems like a pretty positive move if another defender is still in the waiting.
Seems like a pretty solid move. Big, physical dude. I always liked him when I watched SJ game highlights. Not the most technically gifted defender, but with Jakovic that's not really a need. Always seemed to be the 'enforcer' type... I kind of doubt we're going after a CB in the summer transfer window anymore. Perhaps this deal is the outward manifestation of that falling through? The team knows it needs an experienced defender, but the overseas deal fell through and this is what we're getting? I still would like to see a creative CM instead anyway. EDIT: I would think Kitchen is more likely affected by this deal than White...
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByocNRSkEyA"]YouTube - Brandon McDonald's Goal of the Week‏[/ame] I feel like this is obligatory. I think of it every time I think "Brandon McDonald".
Good utility player. Can be a starter or a solid depth guy. Unless the team gave up a huge allocation (which I doubt), I can't really quibble with this acquisition. Also, I'd like to echo the call to try Perry Kitchen at D-mid.
I would argue that Kitchen's various mistakes at central defense shows he's still trying to catch up to the game at this level mentally. He'll get it eventually, but at the moment he needs to be out on the flank. Also, moving him to a third position in the same year will screw with his head - he's a rookie . . . . KISS applies. I'd say the same about mental speed for E.White, but he doesn't have a second position, and his physicality is a big bonus in the middle of defense. Also, as good as Zayner is, I get a feeling that he doesn't fit Olsen's idea of a right fullback. I think Bennie expects his fullbacks to be fully involved in the offense. Zayner does do it, but Kitchen's passing out of that position, is superior to Zayner, and they both are about equal in defensive skills at this point. Kitchen will get better. I think it's a good trade. A average or slightly above average MLS defender coming into his peak years will improve things for at least the next couple of seasons. Assume Jacovic comes back, then you've got three good choices - Jacovic, White, McDonald - for central defense. Likewise, you strengthen the outside - Zayner, Woollard, Kitchen. A couple of extra bodies - Burch, Shano(ph)sky (disappointment!), McTavish. However, I don't disagree with the sentiment that Simms could be upgraded
Add me to the "Kitchen to D-Mid" list. (Except that I wouldn't mind seeing Dax tending more to defense as well.)
How would that mess with his head? Kitchen's played that postion before and more importantly won in that position. He will immediately make the defense better by relieving pressure off the back line, which is something Dax, Simms, and King cannot do. He's a ball winner and great passer. So hello to more wins!!
Seems like a perfectly good lateral move. He provides depth, but he's not the veteran presence we need.
from Kasper Q&A: "Brandon, we think he’s a guy that will add some presence to our backline, he can also play as a holding mid. He’s an organizer, he’s a ball-winner – he’s someone who can help our younger defenders along."
And this could be the step linked with DeRo .... Kitchen competing with Simms Dax released More goals and stronger defense and fierce competition to play in the midfield.
I still never quite understood why we let JJ go considering he was a relatively inexpensive and serviceable player at one of our weakest positions. I guess BMcD is a little younger, taller, cheaper, and doesn't take up an international slot though. Plus he does have playoff experience (all three games of it mind you) if that counts for anything. Net net it's pretty much a wash.
4X , but with a qualifier. BMcD is a bruiser. His rookie season was "Red Card Waiting." Oddly enough, I think Frankie Yallup was the perfect coach for him, and probably the only reason he's not playing in the USL at the moment. BMcD is a little wild. He throws E-bows and take up a lot of space on set pieces. Is he a starter? He'll have to get away from the "God's gift" attitude and earn his position. Ultimately, he'll get rid of McT and/or Burch, but wil have to fight for a starting spot with a 1st round draft pick next year.
Disclosure - A big fan of BMac for almost 8 years. No idea what DC is like this season and BMac will be at DC only till the end of the season; period. He "dropped" to fourth in the CB rotation because he told the SJ FO there was no way he was coming back at the end of last season. The contract calls for three years before a player can move without a transfer fee and BMAC is in his fourth season. See link below. He was drafted by the LA Gals in the 4th round out of USF. He watched a few matches for Ruud before being inserted into CM next to Golden Balls. BMac earned 12k as a development player while his teammate earned $56M. While paired together, the Gals broke every sort of MLS scoring record. BMac went down with an injury and the Gals one match later started on 12 match winless streak. Ruud left and Arena arrived. Once BMac was healthy enough to play, Arena sat him. Arena put him in once the Gals were on the verge of elimination and for a few matches the Gals made an improbable run at a spot. Arena took BMac out again and the Gals missed the playoffs. I am not saying BMac caused any of this, way to many other players involved. But Arena kept BMac around until the last day of the next pre-season before cutting him. To late for BMac to try and get on with another side. BMac went back to the bay area, where ex-USF Quake GM John Doyle gave him a shot. Yallop sat BMac on the bench until the Quakes were out of the playoffs by July. After inserting BMac into the mid-field, the Quakes began winning balls in the middle and up the field. The Quakes finished the season very well (I read somewhere the second best record behind RSL during that time frame). Last season, BMac got moved to CB where he shut down Casey, Findley, Cunningham, Buddle, Henry, Angel, Agudelo and the whomever was the flavor of the month. The only I guy I saw who beat him in 4 years in the MLS was Donovan. Speed is his achilles, he has quickness, touch, power and does not back down. You might remember last season's match in DC where Moreno tried to take some space without earning it and BMac held his ground. Both getting ejected. All of his cards (both colors) are for activity not in the run of play. He is fouled more then he fouls and usually gets the calls. Call it what you will, but if you want someone to own their space on the pitch; BMac is your guy. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/06/27/quakes-decision-trade-mcdonald-numbers-game
Maybe not. But no way JJ is ever going to score a goal like that. Yeah it's BobbyBoswell.com all over again, except without the internet. He's got a half season to prove he merits a new contract, and DC has a half season to prove he should want one here. I'm not upset by this, it was a small deal. If he's smart, he'll leave.