Is anyone going to this? I RSVP'd in case I decided to go. But as it approaches I think I'll opt out and read about it online.
you should do it for the show. Might be more entertaining than the past couple of games. and you can always report back to us lonely folks here that don't go.
I rsvp'd but it depends on when I get out of work, plus going to these things alone tends to be boring and dull. Of course "the show" is worth it though.......I wonder how many soft questions will be asked, and how many tough questions will be dodged?
They read per-submitted questions, and then opened it up to the fans, but you had to speak into a microphone to ask your question and wait your turn in line. Although some idiots tried to blurt out questions, and then got pissed because the panel wouldn't answer them (even though they explained the rules 5x). It was a fun experience last year, plus The Don was there and he answered MLS specific questions very candidly. They actually read my pre-submitted question first, which was cool (they said the name of the person who submitted the question).
I don't know about epic, but it was worth the trip down to PPL. I thought Hackworth really carried himself well, and answered some tough questions, especially the first open fan question of the night. From the looks of it he's going to be to the leader taking us forward for the foreseeable future too (Nick S basically said so, most likely will be announced after the season). Albright is going to make a good coach, be it as an assistant or as a top guy one day. Basic Synopsis: - Parking: Lot A will eventually be paved. Lot B will NOT be paved, as it is marked for development (residential/retail/business and a parking structure). Nick S - Issues with Chester (i.e. proposed Tax increase, and most likely the not yet paid PILOT payments) should be resolved shortly, with a stronger partnership moving forward. Nick S - Away fans: working on a solution for when DCU and NYRB are in town (concourse issues), taking fan input to come up with a solution. Nick S, and the head of Fan Services - College Scouting: 16-18 scouts have been hired to form a new scouting network to scout the college ranks for the MLS Draft this fall. Rob V discussed this. - MacMath is he the guy, do they think he can be the guy: Yes, and Yes. He just turned 21, and is gaining experience. With youth comes ups and downs. This goes for the majority of the team as well. Rob V and Hack - Youth Development: Union have one of the best youth setups. Chris Albright. Also Hack praised Zach Pfeffer for captaining the U17 team to the GA Cup, and how his play and presence is great motivation for the the rest of the Academy (shows how close they are to being Pros). Rob V and Hack mentioned Zach Steffens and hinted that he could potentially be the next Home Grown Signing. - Dave Rowan praised the Fans efforts in voicing the need for a radio presence to CBS. Because of Fans efforts Union now have games broadcast on radio and also a weekly radio program. Said to contact the local TV stations to tell them that we want more Union Coverage on Local news casts sports. - Stadium expansion: When it does happen it will be on the Seaport Drive end. Room to accommodate an additional 8,000 seats. Also mentioned the possibility of a beer garden/Party Deck behind the River end. Nick S - Union Style of play: Attacking, aggressive, team oriented, never give up, play whistle to whistle, and fight till the end. - Practices/Focus: Spent 3/4 of today's practice on finishing - Hack. Coach also mentioned that Sunday against Chicago was frustrating for him, as the players passed up a lot of shot opportunities. That was a point of emphasis this week at practice. Gabe spoke of how now the practices have a focus, everyone knows what is expected of them. They know their opponents inside and out due to Rob V's video breakdowns. - Coaching Change's effects: Chris and Gabe spoke of the open communication. Every player knows where they stand. Gabe spoke of how Hack and the staff tell each player what they are doing well, and what they need to approve on everyday. As players, that's awesome as they always have something to work on each practice. - Open Cup: Nick S said they have and always will take it seriously. Mentioned CCL spot, winning championships, etc. Said they take all competitions seriously. Albright spoke of how the Open Cup gave great experience for the team as a whole (learning how to win knockout games, prep for playoffs), and also gave valuable/meaningful playing time to the younger players. - STH Loyalty points Program: Will be expanding this season to include purchasing items at concessions and the store. Also will be able to add money to your season ticket card to be able to use it to purchase concessions/apparel/team merch. Loyalty points will also be earned for making purchases in the stadium. Said it will be tested at the next home match, will be rolled out shortly there after. Fan Services I'm sure I missed some things, so feel free to add to this if you attended. Ohhhhhh yeah: - The whole Interim HC Tag/Coach search question: Nick S said he has a Head Coach, and is not interviewing anyone for the coaching job, nor is he taking any resumes. As for making an announcement............. hinted that that will be made after the season.
Thanks Jay Interesting about Z Steff as home grown. The kid is a beast and will no doubt be starting somewhere someday. But if he comes in how long before he eclipses ZacMac? Physically he already outshines him and from what I understand I real nice kid. Not a poke at ZacMac but ...
On another signing before close of the international transfer window, “We have a full compliment of foreign players right now. We’re focused on the players we have right now. We love the locker room we have right now.” Can someone help me understand why the Union aren't actively pursuing bigger name DPs? I guess I don't fully understand how the whole MLS-pays-the-salaries system integrates with the salary cap & the fact that each team also has its own investment group. Nick S. has repeatedly said (mostly during the Nowak firing interviews) that we have money to spend & cap space to spend it. Even if they love the locker room as it exists right now, what possible reason would they have to NOT spend it? Is it simply that it's more difficult to attract big name guys to non-LA/NYC locales? If there were no salary cap I'd completely understand how teams like LA & NYC might appear to have unlimited room for big name recruits, but under a cap + central MLS ownership it's confusing to me how there could be such an imbalance across the teams. Hope this doesn't sound like I'm ranting -- I'm more confused than angry.
I don't understand why people focus so much on "big name signings." I don't care who they sign as long as they perform. DP or otherwise. Adu is a big name and we see how well that's worked out. The last thing the Union need is a big name retiree here to collect one last paycheck.
Agreed -- I'm not talking about signing a "big name" without concern for legitimate quality. I'm thinking more about somebody who would either help bring out the best in our youthful core or maybe add a proven finisher's touch -- our consistent Achilles' heel. I realize these don't grow on trees. I don't have any in mind, etc. I just don't understand how NYRB adds Cahill (hardly a retiree) with Henry on the books while, under the same cap, we're apparently tapped out with Adu & a bunch of young'ns. Obviously there's a way to do it but that's what I'm confused/curious about.
