Official: Union Alumni, Where Are They Now?

No. I meant played.

 

It's just too easy to blame the kid. He has been a textbook case of how to destroy the confidence and drive of a young player. Unless Spencer and his staff are completely incompetent, Danny has a shot at being the player we were all hoping for two years ago.

 

Sounds like its easier to blame everyone else but him, based on the general sentiment here.

 

Hopefully.........but he's stated that he's not a target striker. Portland already has a goal poacher in Boyd. The acquisition of Mwanga now moves Boyd's current strike partner Nagbe back to midfield. So who exactly is going to open space up for Mwanga? Has he ever scored a goal with his head? Has he ever gone into the 18 yd box with reckless abandon to take on players and pounce on scoring opportunities? I seem to recall Spencer and Paulson saying the exact same things about Kenny Cooper prior to last season. I'm sorry, but square pegs do not fit round holes. I hope DM reaches and exceeds his potential, but I just don't think Portland's style of play fits him, or how he fits into their system.

The telling quote from Nowak was him stating that Mwanga has to decide what type of soccer player he wants to be. There's an old expression: you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Coaching only takes players so far, eventually they have to take it upon themselves to put all that coaching into action on the field. Until DM does that consistently, he's not going to progress further as a player.

 

I think Danny going back home will be a breath of fresh air for him. He has a lot of talent and going back to a familiar atmosphere will be a world of change for him, I wish him the best.

 

Boyd is apparently moving to Rapid Vienna in Austria this week. We'll see what Mwanga can('t) do...

 

That's Terrence Boyd, the 19 yr old USMNT wunderkind, not Kris Boyd.

 

That's what I get for not reading the article! ha

 

Letoux with the game winner in Vancouver tonight on a hell of a goal!

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-van-v-col/highlights?videoID=188832

Man, that guy really is terrible!

 

And Mapp scored... which his righr foot none the less...

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-16-mtl-v-sea/highlights?videoID=188847

 

Our strikers need to watch that video. Not because it was Le Toux, but because Le Toux hit that ball first time. I think it was Hoppenot who had a ball delivered right to him in the box and he just dribbled around before taking the shot. Our strikers are getting in good positions, but they're afraid to pull the trigger. I think that comes down to their age, and it's something Hack can work out. I hope.

 

I agree completely. A good striker will take many, many shots. Some will be completely off target while others are deadly strikes. Our strikers need to just pull the trigger and fire; put it on frame and good things will happen. For whatever reason (the main being the man who just left the building), our strikers this season seem to be reluctant to shoot instead opting for a pass. Take a shot, see what happens. Don't assume that someone else will score when you have the opportunity.

 

a striker scared to shoot is like a butcher scared to slaughter. Just shoot the ball.

 

that's a nice looking shirt.

 

sayonara. we hardly knew ya!

 

I thought Nowak was no longer around?!?!?!

 

Justin Mapp returns to PPL on Saturday.................. I wonder if there will be any Tifo, or chants for him?

 

I'll applaud him pregame. Then again that's all I did ( and deservedly should do) the first time someone comes around post Union.