So MLS soccer has this saying we signed Edu (On trial in pre-season). So where do we get 2 International slots? If this report out of Brazil is to be believed, Casey and Cummings could have a new partner soon. Former Sao Paulo and Real Betis striker Edu has reportedly signed a contract with the Colorado Rapids. (PORTUGUESE) http://globoesporte.globo.com/futeb...ar-no-colorado-rapids-dos-estados-unidos.html
The Rapids tweeted yesterday that "the Brazilian" was training with the team again but nothing about a signing. Let's wait and see if this is really a signing or just another trial.
Well seeing that we heard earlier that Hinchey said they were trying to sign Edu but his agent was being a pain, it would seem odd to bring him back unless a deal had been reached.
If he's signed then it might explain the "evaluation" of Amarikwa. We would replace him with Edu and maybe trade Q for the international spot. Then Smith gets his green card and we're back in roster compliance.
Hinchey tweeted earlier look at Rapids.com for a new signing. He also mentioned to someone on twitter that Edu would be a really great guess...
It's official - pending the visa issue - he's in line behind heneo The question is where does he fit?
Amarikwa has been in the cross-hairs ever since Oscar took over. Pareja has just been waiting for him to either step up, or for a suitable replacement to come along.
Just got the answer. Roster compliance applies when the player's paperwork is complete and he joins the team. So we have one international spot open right now while Smith is on IR. When Henao joins the team later this week he'll take that spot. Once Edu's paperwork is complete we'll have to make some sort of move to acquire or free up an international spot to allow him to join the team. We'll have to do the same thing when Smith comes off the IR. I think one way or the other Janniere's time is limited since we now need two international spots in the coming weeks.
Agreed, Janniere is gone. He is likely to be released although he may have a small trade value to one of the Canadian teams. I would not expect much in any case as Janniere remains an unproven and untested project. Also, I do not see Amerikwa bringing much in trade. Perhaps the pair might bring an international slot but I doubt it. Jamie Smith. IMO he is gone. Replacing Janniere & Smith with Henao & Edu seems to be an upgrade to me; a young Colombian to develop replacing injured and IMO retiring Mastroeni and an older, savvy Brazilian to augment the attacking corps. I say, "Good on ya!" to Pareja for recognizing shortcomings and possessing a willingness to try to do something about them. As much goodwill and fan following for Smith & Amerikwa have garnered neither fits the teams needs currently; Amerikwa because he is not now and never will be good enough & Smith because of age & frequently injury.
Dave - in my opinion he fits in well for us. This is a guy who I believe can play the center-forward role and be Casey's backup. Let's not forget that Casey is coming back from a major injury and his rehab has been less than ideal (eg, hernia surgery, illness, possible groin issues). Having a guy with Edu's skillset behind Casey is a good move.
One baffling point to me is why didn't these player changes happen before season even started. There was a lot of speculation here on who would fit new style/ tactics, becuase people here recognized this. Seems like OP (even with shorted off-season with late hiring) would of seen this very early in his training. Why did it take OP or Bravo so much more time to realize, we need to switch out a few "horses"?
I think he was more referring to where on the roster does he fit since we were at our international roster spots limit even before Henao signed. I do agree though that I think they are looking for Edu to play CF if Casey isn't healthy. Hopefully Casey is back for good though and Edu becomes a super sub. You could almost look at it as they finally replaced Caleb Folan.
Thanks Josh, that's exactly what I got from when you posted about him a while back. I love depth, but I would also like all the best players on the field at one time. If that means playing a 4-5-4, so be it
I think they realized it, just look at the sheer number of trialists that came through preseason camp. Knowing you need to make a change and actually finding the players to change to are two different things though. Heck Edu had already been here once and then left (reportedly) because they couldn't reach a deal with him.
Just a guess, but I suspect it has simply taken a while to fully assess the team and even longer (the long pole in the tent) to find suitable replacements. I'm giving OP the benefit of the doubt, for sure. I want to think his moves were made with deliberate pace ensuring the proper amount of research and analysis to ensure the players health, quality and ability to fit into the organization and style of play.
Good point, But I would rather do like other MLS teams and just cut who doesn't fit and leave roster slots open until they are found. Think RSL had 4 open slots at season opening and some other team (I have forgotten) had 6 openings.
Yeah but then you lose the trade value (however minimal) of those players. If we're able to trade Amarikwa and/or Janniere for a draft pick or an international roster spot that's still more than we would have had if we had cut them. Not to mention Amarikwa's goal.
Brazilian basketball hero: Oscar Schmidt (He was awesome! He was in range once he could see the rim.)
Firstly, let me state that I am not an Oscar Pareja apologist, however, I have been from the outset and remain an Oscar Pareja fan. I have been and remain willing to put my opinion of him, Wilmer Cabrera and the decision to bring them in for all to see and to criticize if need be. Secondly, having said the above I do understand Pareja’s early roster decisions. This is his first professional team head coaching gig. He came inexperienced and recognized the tumult often caused by immediately cleaning house. He needed to try players in his system, in his philosophy, he needed to identify replacement players and, for what it is worth, he needed to woo the front office and the Rapids fans. Caleb Folan was replaced with fresh air to breath. He was excess, empty baggage to the Rapids!
I say we petition the league to allow us to play a 4-5-4 under the soon-to-be-created "DP defficiency" rule
Excellent. For every DP player on the opposing team, the Rapids can add another player to the field. So against L.A. (and NYRB?) the Rapids could field a 4-5-4 and pair Matt with Ceus in goal. Sadly, we'll still probably give up goals to open headers on set pieces.
