After watching the last three games, I realized, hey, the Revs are probably going to lose Dempsey, Twellman, and Noonan for the month of the World Cup. Wow, they'll lose any offensive power they have. They could even go three straight games and only score one goal.
And the backups most likely are rookies. We didn't bring in anyone that we know can play at this level to help out if/when we lose these guys. Smith belongs at wing mid, I think everyone has figured that one out. So who starts up top if we lose those guys? Hell, Sims is hurt. deOlivera is a figment of everyone's imagination so far since no one has seen him.
Hey guys, remember when we signed Ricardo Phillips and then never played him? That was a pretty good one!
After watching the last three games, I don't think we have that much to worry about...Twellman does not appear to be going anywhere and Noonan may be on the outside looking in
Just can't say enough about the great job management is doing with player moves, etc. Maybe they're waiting for Sunil to return and help them out?
I don't think any of us are asking for that, but a simple question wouldn't you like to see us have more depth that we know can play at this level?
Okay, when was the last meaningful "move" by the Revolution? Daniel Hernandez? They still had his rights from a few years before, otherwise he'd be a Rapid right now. The current management drafts well. They do not make moves. They do not discover internationals. I don't think they should make a move for movements sake but if they are going to discover the touch AND open up the pocket book then doing it soon could make a big difference. At least if we assume we're losing as many people as we think to the WC.
Would players miss time if they were an alternate? You have to figure Noonan and Twellman will at least be alternates if they don't make the team.
I think Dempsey is a given and will most likely start. Twellman will go and play some spot minutes. Noonan, I'm not sure if he'll make it. All teams make moves. The Revs knew there was a chance they'd lose players for the WC and did nothing to prepare for it. They had to know they had no depth and did nothing about that either. Their draft picks can't help them and they cleaned out their development players last year so there's nobody coming along from inside. When they're tanking in June (we may not have to wait that long) and playing to an empty house, they'll only have themselves to blame
Sounds like your ready to be a Red Bull Fan. They always make lots of moves each year. Or maybe if you can't stand the stink from the swamp you would rather be a RSL fan who also made many major upgrades over the winter. Lets examine the reality of this season so far: ~The Revs have a stable roster of players who have been in the Conf final each of the past four years and in the Cup finals twice. ~This group of players has been touted as having one of the strongest midfields and most dangerous attacking group in the league ~The Revs did not bring in any established SI's but drafted for the forward position. It's important to remember that MOST of the SI's teams sign do not do well in MLS. ~The Revs preseason has been complicated by injuries to key players and the distraction of the preparation for the World Cup ~The team has played it's first three games on the road and come away with four points which is above the mark of "win at home and tie on the road" ~Our offense is not scoring but against the RB had 21 shots and 7 SOG. In KC they played a real stinker and yet if the Ref was consistant could well have come away with a tie. Considering the long standing ability of our current attacking players to score it's highly unlikely that the Revs scoring drought will continue. IMO, when the damn breakes the goals will flow. ~Our defense hasn't given up a goal in the ROP and if the old wisdom of "Defense Wins Championships" we are off to a good start. ~I for one would not trade our current roster for any other current MLS roster. All MLS teams have strengths and weaknesses. The Revs are currently, to most outside observers on of the top teams in MLS and I'm damn glad to be a Rev Fan
which so far would be?????? seriously, we have zero depth. we need to do something. I like some of our young guys, that fine. So you have to look at other spots.. (and I know this gets people nuts). You have to look at John. He's going to the wc, he doesn't look like he's a big part of SN's plan. you have to start to think about what else can be done with his roster spot. Not a shot at him, but can you get something better to fill the spot? we have tons of $$$ and I'm not saying spend it all, but .... you have to consider it.. you also have to consider pepe. that's a lot of $$$ to sit. maybe he is the right guy, but you have to ask those questions. can we do something better in that spot. Especially for the cash. Clearly he's another guy on the out of SNs model. If we are really out 3-4 guys for the wc (which me probably are), you need to do something to try and generate something up front. If three "world class" players aren't generating offense, what do you do when they are gone? I suspect some move is emminent. If not you have to think the FO has lost their mind
repped doc. lets look at it this way. on one hand, we don't bring internationals in and have no depth. on the other hand, we bring in cancela (he's not from Montevideo Indiana, last I checked), and he could arguably start for this team and many others. this team has a great defense, even with injuries, or different configurations. i have to hand it to Nicol, the d has looked good with any of the options back there. rock solid. the attack and middfield has been anemic, though it has enviable talent. i blame Nichol AND the players. i could go on about that, but i'll save that rant for another time. I predict the revs do just fine, on the strenght of the defense, durring the WC. you can't lose if the other team doesn't score. and cancela lovers - this is his big chance to take a spot.
I am not worried, as there are more good players in The Revs squad we haven't seen yet, and probably won't until June. Cheers Steve
same. I think he really adds something. there is a certain sophistication to the way he plays the ball that no one else on our team has. I don't know what it is exactly... whether it's the way he sees the field or the subtle touches and moves he can make, creativity, or the ways he can create space or work in small spaces or a little of all of the above. Shalrie and raly have it a little, but it's different... I don't know, can someone else put it in words?
First of all, I doubt we have to worry much about losing players for WC06. Dempsey will go, but I think that's it. Sorry, I just don't see any of our other guys being up to it. Noonan? He's basically just been horrible in every game he's played lately. Twellman? What's the point - if he can't score in MLS, how can he crack Italy (Ching has been scoring in MLS and he at least brings size - which TT doesn't)? Ralston - for a guy who made a career out of being an ironman, it's ALARMING what an injury run he's been on over the last year. Reis, nah. The lack of depth thing comes up every season. We are actually USING our depth right now. Riley and Dorman have actually played every minute so far. People always start complaining about the depth when we have 5 guys injured or missing for whatever reason. Truth is, any team that's missing enough guys will have "depth" problems. Injured: Ralston, Franchino, Smith, Sims, de Oliviera. That's quite a list, but the only one missing who is currently hurting us is Ralston. That means we DO have depth. It's only April. Why worry about what is going to happen in June when it is likely that many of those injured now will be back then (and possibly others injured)?
I think the real World Cup worries are for Twellman and Noonan. They should be hating MLS and the schedule right now. They really could use 2 more games to impress instead of one.
like usual another good post I think noonan has a shot. Arena seems to really likes him and I thinkhe'd be mind boggling to other teams. He seems to have a knack for throwing off MLS guys who see him week in and week out. As a sub for the nats, I think he could really scramble opponents (I agree, his current form is killing him though) Here's my though on ching--- he's Mc Bride light. I don't think he adds anything we don't already have. TT at least offers a different type of play, a scrappiness. Having said that, I've always felt TT would end up a Jason Kries so I'm surprised he's had this much chance to show for arena (don't get me wrong, I'm glad, but...) very. I hate to even speculate
