Just wanted to inform people (if they didn't know already) that Klingenberg was the 24th allocated U.S. player, and she confirmed to play overseas (instead of in this league) at the last second, which more or less forced the allocation to be at 23 players for the U.S.
Really? There was no plan for what to do if somebody declined to play in the league? I bet somebody would have taken the money.
It almost looks like they went through a few of the 2012 camp players and tried to fill list, and thought they had it until the last minute. They couldn't use Averbuch because of a contract. Mewis and Nairn are likely high draft picks. Press was out of contract so I am surprised she wasn't offered the spot given she was an Olympic alternate. Maybe she waited to see if she was going to be an allocated player and signed with Tyreso when she was told she wasn't. Then Klingenberg changed her mind opening a spot up that Press could have taken. Maybe Klingenberg heard she was going to a team or coach she didn't want to play for and changed her mind. Maybe Press was offered the spot first and passed. There are alot of ways it could have gone, mostly it appears Klingenberg said yes and changed her mind at the last minute leaving them in a lurch. They needed to get the list out and didn't have time to fill it in again. Perhaps they will spend the next few weeks and find another that wants to play and is willing to be allocated, that the teams would take.
It was a late confirmation from Klingenberg. Apparently there was no back up choice. I totally feel what you're saying on that. There should have been Plan B for this: http://equalizersoccer.com/2013/01/09/nwsl-allocation-and-rules-what-we-know-thus-far/
LOL, did you see Hope Solo's recent tweet from a couple hours ago? https://twitter.com/hopesolo Hope Solo @hopesolo Who can guess where ill be allocated? Hmmm....boston? #fb RETWEETS 205FAVORITES 5hDina Bass @dinabass @hopesolo Hoping for Seattle. Expand 4hjodi @ohbell @hopesolo nah, Kansas City sounds waaaaaay more like your style.........#dontkillme Expand 4hHope Solo @hopesolo @ohbell i did LOVE St. Louis! Expand 3hMike Amrock @MikeAmrock @hopesolo St Louis...Atlanta...Boca... Hey @SeattleReignFC you sure you want to go down this road??? Expand 3hGerry Marrone @GerryMarrone @MikeAmrock Too funny...trainwreck Expand
This reaction from Marta is CLASSIC, when she first hears from Abby that the U.S. National team has "committed" to playing in the NWSL. This was the very first time that a player representative from the U.S. national team publicly spoke about "official commitment" to the NWSL. You can tell Marta was a little stunned by it, at the exact second that Abby began to speak about it (it certainly caught Marta's attention). It's like Abby and Alex Morgan didn't tell Marta before hand earlier that evening, and it was the first time Marta had heard it. She wasn't shocked (nobody is by this news in the long run), but I think she was "stunned" that it was announced right there, and that they didn't tell her before, when they were probably conversating with each other before this ceremony about soccer and their upcoming plans for 2013, etc. And yes, these players do talk, especially when three great players like this get together, they do talk before the ceremony(and during it). Even Marta, who doesn't speak very good English, but can understand it somewhat (more than she used to). Marta's reaction is at 2:15 in this video... She's like, "Whoa, like really Abby? Why didn't you guys tell me that an hour ago when we were talking about 2013 with each other?".
The 24 players to be allocated are those with (or will have) WNT contracts. As Sunil said from the beginning, it was possible not all would play with the new league. There was never a "back up" or "Plan B".
There are currently 30 players who are in the national team players pool. None are college players. Not all have been picked for team rosters, and of those, at least Winters and Klingenberg were offered. It seems there were still more options.
Exactly. What Sunil said when the league was announce was there would be up to 24 allocated players because some might choose to play over seas. If that's the case then there is still no way I get them not paying Press regardless of where she elects to play. She and Engen r the two that I see as most likely to get moved up to the big team. Press certainly made an impression to be named Olympic alternate. If Sermanni wants to use her say on the Algarve Cup roster, USSoccer will have to pay her per the contract. Maybe Im just old fashion dumb but I just cant see the fact that they choose not to use that slot for a league player doesnt shout that they r using that slot for a player who is playing over seas, and not Klingenberg.
AAAAAANND the results are in! http://www.ussoccer.com/News/NWSL/2...-55-National-Team-Players-to-Eight-Clubs.aspx My one thought: Damn, Becky went to KC T_T
Portland is the loaded team, but not for the reasons we expected: Portland Thorns FC Rachel Buehler (USA) Tobin Heath (USA) Alex Morgan (USA) Luz Saucedo (MEX) Marlene Sandoval (MEX) Karina LeBlanc (CAN) Christine Sinclair (CAN)
At first glance it looks like Portland is the most balanced! Western New York Flash Carli Lloyd (USA) Abby Wambach (USA) Bryana McCarthy (CAN) Jodi-Ann Robinson (CAN) Veronica Perez (MEX) Pamela Tajonar (MEX) The Flash only allocated 2 US players. I wondering if they can pick up another? Also didn't Jodi-Ann Robinson sign with Kansas City?WUWT?
I think when they spoke of "parity" they must've been only referring to balance among the allotments from each team, rather than the overall dispensation of athletes.
Buehler is the only player on that list that could be considered a weak pick by some. But sheesh, Morgan and Sinclair back together? Talk about trouble for every other team. My ranking of the allocation: 1- Portland 2- Seattle 3- DC 4- SkyBlue 5- WNY 6- KC 7- Boston 8- Chicago
From the ongoing con call: Liviu Bird liviubird [Alex] Morgan: "We're still looking to finalize our negotiations with U.S. Soccer" regarding NWSL and USWNT contracts.
Obviously we can't really grade the teams overall since this will represent barely over a third of their roster. But based on who I think made out the best from this allocation. 1. Portland 2. Boston 3. KC 4. Seattle (would be higher if Pinoe was full season) 5. WNY 6. Washington 7. Sky Blue 8. Chicago
I would say Buehldozer is perfect bouncer for her Trinity: Alex, Tobin and Sincy. Alex always appreciated her work in practice games. What a team!
Im wondering why Megan Rapinoe went to Seattle and Alex Morgan to Portland? Wouldn't it have been more balanced & more ideal for both players the other way around?
I imagine that as two of the most marketable players, Morgan and Solo had to be allocated to separate teams.
More balanced relatively speaking. But I think both scenarios aren't ideal if that's what they were really after. At least if Pinoe went to Portland you could say she was there for a half season and with Alex and Hope you could say well at least it's a keeper+field player. But still in terms of not only roster strength but star power (ie ticket sales) neither of those help establish much league equilibrium.