Been thinking about this...and I can't see him not returning to the MLS after the season he's having here. He's really shown he's a capable keeper and when he's not hung out to dry by the defense, which should be better thanks to Schuler, he usually puts up clean sheets. I think he's gone after this season. Thoughts?
I would hope so. the only real mistake i've seen him make would be the first goal from the home opener vs aztecs. that was a super powerful shot, but should have been at least punched out, if not caught. he really has been fantastic though! minus the last pk, the other 2 were superb. plus the ridiculously great save on the impact free kick from the 3-0 win. outstanding. did he sign a contract for multiple seasons? i do know there are fantastic goalkeepers on multiple teams. which begs the question of if he is under contract for multiple seasons, why would another team want to buy him out of a contract? they could get someone of equal quality cheaper. i think he'll still be here. of course this is all pending on if ac survives until next year. i hope they do, i've had a blast following a local team for once.
the thing to remember is that if there's one position that the USA cranks out quality, its Keeper. If he was a great center back or striker there would be more fear of losing him (to my mind). There are quality keepers out there and like stated above you can get a lot of them for free. Dufty has had a great half a season and hopefully he keeps it up. If he finishes the season strong then he will be on somebody's radar, but I would think we could keep him here if we survive.
let's not forget that MLS expands by 2 new teams next year. If he wasn't picked up as a starting keeper, he could definitely fit in somewhere as a backup.
Maybe the money would be better as an MLS backup with their new minimum salaries, but in the long run, I would think it would be better for his development to play every game in the 2nd division, and then move up to MLS only if he has a reasonable shot at being the starter.
Well...true...there are new teams coming...and a 20th which has yet to be announced. (crossing fingers in vain...lol) Ask yourself is he better than the goalies in Vancouver or Portland?
I would say Cronin is a lock to stay on in Portland. He's had a good some good time in MLS and would probably rank higher than Dufty on a scouting list. Vancouver has Nolly on the roster. Don't really know how he's doing this season, but he's got a lot of MLS experience. I would think our biggest fear for Dufty right now is that somebody can pick him up as a back up inexpensively. If he continues to play lights out his value goes up and more vultures will be circling.
Granted...I'm not the most knoweldgeable soccer fan, but it seems each week he's got more and more confidence and he's really making a name for himself. Anybody know anything about our backup?
1) I meant about his soccer abilities, and more precisely, his goalkeeping. 2) Hooters wings are NOT delicious at all.
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Translation: Dude, I've not been to the River City casino where the girls wear fish net stockings, a dress the size of a mini skirt and have their dresses cut down to their navel. Check it out, kids.
Ok, well back to the original topic....no, Dufty isn't of MLS caliber right now. Doesn't mean he won't be in two years, but he needs the playing time under his belt to step it up to that level.
I mostly agree with this. I think he is almost good enough, he could be a backup but it wouldn't do his career any good to be on the bench and playing reserve games. So, yes maybe another year or two before making the move. Hopefully he is smart enough to recognize this if/when offers come his way.
Yes. It IS in the county, but it's the Casino where I have the easiest time NOT smoking, due to their short history. The others I've smoked a lot in them...so there you go.
I would also say that a starting keeper in NASL could make more than a back-up in MLS. Maybe not here in STL now with our financial woes, but in general since NASL doesn't have a salary cap. I guess a more legitimate worry would be that another NASL or USL team offers him more money than he's making here. That could definitely happen if he ends up having a pretty good season overall.
Plus, there are no reserve games. At least not right now. They got rid of the reserve league and haven't brought it back yet. Unless you're talking about cup games and superliga and such.
