United needs going into the draft...

[Cweedchop]

Now that the dust has settled on two big deals over the past few days, we have a working outline of who will be on the squad this season and what holes we need to fill...

I'm gonna put down all the scuttlebutt going around about who is rumoured to be coming in and whom we are thinking about drafting.. Feel free to add in any of your own thoughts on who we should get as well....



Heading into the January 17th Superdraft, United has the #1, #5, #11 and #14 picks (as well as the first pick in each subsequent round)..

Holes that need to be filled:

Forward
Defensive midfield
Defense depth
Backup Goalkeeper


Draft eligible players for each need:

Forwards:

Alecko Eskandarian - seems all but wrapped up as the #1 pick according to Hudspar

Pat Noonan - Indiana senior who was recruited by asst coach John Trask to Indiana - could be late round pick if still available

Nate Jaqua (still not committed) - tall rangy striker with decent skill on the ball.. Could be had at #5 or even possibly at #11

Roger Levesque - Stanford senior with good goal scoring instincts but is probably going to end up playing midfield in MLS


Defensive Midfield:


Ricardo Clark (still not signed to P-40 contract) - consensus top d-mid if he comes out.. Future National Team prospect.. Runs the U-20 WC midfield with skill and speed.. Hopefully will be available at #5 but I think the Metropukes will nab him at #2 if we select Alecko..

Brian Carroll - former youth team (U-17 and U-20 WC) defensive midfielder with decent skills and ball winning ability.. Could still be available at #11 or #14 but I doubt it..

Kenny Arena - tall and physical d-mid with limited skills but the tenacity of Armas and Williams.. Personally, the farther away from United the better for Arena professionally.. DC would not be a good fit for him...



Defensive Depth:

David Stokes - Eddie Pope lite.. Size, speed and skill are his assetts.. Likely will be gone at #5 but definitely worth a look if he is available..

Ricky Lewis - left sided defender with U-20 WC experience and coming off of a good senior season at Clemson.. Should be available at either 11 or 14..

Philip Salyer - left sided defender who has been with Werder Bremen reserves for the past year and formerly played at U of MD and with U-20 WC team in Argentina.. Great fit for MLS with the right team.. Probably gone by the 11th pick..

Ryan Cochrane - U-20 team defensive stalwart with great upside.. Decent size, good in the air and pretty good with the ball at his feet.. Definitely take if still available at 11 or 14...


Backup Goalkeeper:


You're guess is as good as mine.. With Rimando playing out of his skull (not to mention all 28 league matches), this position can be filled by a minimum wage A-Leaguer or local college keeper..



Players rumoured to be coming to United:


Joe-Max Moore - don't hold your breath.. It's probably gonna by New England or KC that gets him, but they will have to go through either the Metrotards or DC to get that allocation..

Earnie Stewart - another pipe dream.. Same deal as JMM.. Most likely Dallas or LA will beg us to take a player and pick or two off of them to get his rights.. If LA, ask for Elliott (LA simply won't part with him - even for Stewart) but settle for Vagenas and future #1 pick (which will probably end up being a #8-10 pick).. If Dallas, ask for Kreis straight up for the allocation..

Milton Nunez - out of contract in Mexico and would probably be a maximum salary player but would be well worth it IMHO.. Having Reyes here could easily sway Tyson our way.. Fingers crossed on this one..

Ossario - Admittedly I don't know much about this cat but from all of Hudspar's ravings, he would be a nice fit as well.....





This is what I would do if I were Hudspar (thank God I'm not or I'd be fired by now)..


#1 pick - Eskandarian - forgone conclusion

#5 - In order of preference and availability - Clark, Stokes, Lewis

#11 - Lewis, Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll

#14 - Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll, Noonan


Try like hell to sign Nunez....

Try like hell to get solid MLS defensive midfielder with one of the two allocation picks, or better yet, wait for the waiver draft to pick and choose player..


Have fun and looking forward to seeing what you would do....

[ursula]

Yeah: forward, d-mid, depth in defense, and I'd also add depth at wing.

I would add depth on the wing positions, especially left wing since right now we have ITT and Chino as the backups there. Right wing is better with Dema (not great) and Q1 if we can afford to move him from forward. reyes could possibly fill in at both wing spots. Still this all seems jury-rigged to me, but that makes sense since we aren't done dealing yet.

It's kind of hard to see United drafting more than one forward since what we have there already is youth to develop (Q1, Q2, Curtis) and what we need is veteran leadership. So after Escadarian, I'd say we pass on the rest.

Also remember today's Post has us looking at a Bulgarian defender. I see this as making sense especailly if we might deal one of our current defenders. Maybe Petke really is to be turned around and traded, but I think Hudson would rather trade Prideaux. Still it's possible we might just add another defender rather than get caught in the odd game where we have to start Namoff. But in that case I'd imagine United drafting a defender.

As for your d-mid list, I hope we pick up one of those for development with Clark being everyone's fave. I wonder how Hudson is thinking of Alegria and Mckinley these days. it sure looks like their stock is declining.

[JAnderson14]

Originally posted by Cweedchop
This is what I would do if I were Hudspar (thank God I'm not or I'd be fired by now)..

#1 pick - Eskandarian - forgone conclusion

#5 - In order of preference and availability - Clark, Stokes, Lewis

#11 - Lewis, Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll

#14 - Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll, Noonan

Try like hell to sign Nunez....

Try like hell to get solid MLS defensive midfielder with one of the two allocation picks, or better yet, wait for the waiver draft to pick and choose player..
I'd take Clark with the #1. Eskandarian is not going to be able to contribute right away, and he wants to play for the metros anyway. The #5 pick, I'd like to take Ricky Lewis or Phil Salyer. Not that there's anything wrong with Stokes, but we need a decent left back.

Of course, if Nate Jacqua looks to be going out early, we should get him ASAP. Height and power at forward is something we've been sorely lacking for awhile now. If we can be sure he'll be around at the 11 pick, then take him with that. If not, use the #5 on Jacqua and the #11 on Salyer (Lewis will probably be gone by then).

The #14 pick...I don't know. Noonan will not do well at all in MLS, and if we take Clark we have no need for Carroll. Maybe we can throw the pick in a deal for a good, experienced defensive midfielder?

I agree on backup keeper, any decent A-League vet will do. Rimando won't be on the bench anyway.

[subbuteo]

Originally posted by JAnderson14
...Eskandarian is not going to be able to contribute right away...
...I don't know. Noonan will not do well at all in MLS, and if we take Clark we have no need for Carroll. Maybe we can throw the pick in a deal for a good, experienced defensive midfielder?
...

How do you know?

As for the d-mid situation, why did DC trade away an experienced d-mid (Williams) and still, people, expect United to somehow pick up an experienced d-mid in the league somewhere?
I think we'll see someone on the current roster being called upon to fill-out that role...unless the d-mid comes from an allocation.

[BBRovers]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JAnderson14
[B]I'd take Clark with the #1. Eskandarian is not going to be able to contribute right away, and he wants to play for the metros anyway.

????

Here is a statistical look at Eskandarian for his career at Virginia:

Year GP/GS Min Sh G A
2000 24/22 1,858 102 16 6
2001 16/14 1,321 69 9 3
2002 20/20 1,386 101 25 4
Totals 60/56 4,565 272 50 13

He led the NCAA in 2002 with 1.25 goals per game. It will be nice to have a pure goal scorer on the team for a change. His tenacity will also fit in well with Olsen and Kovalenko.

He's from NJ, but he's lived in VA for the past 3 years, so I think he won't mind playing in DC (also Bruce Arena's back yard).

[Lowecifer]

Originally posted by BBRovers
Here is a statistical look at Eskandarian for his career at Virginia:

Year GP/GS Min Sh G A
2000 24/22 1,858 102 16 6
2001 16/14 1,321 69 9 3
2002 20/20 1,386 101 25 4
Totals 60/56 4,565 272 50 13

He led the NCAA in 2002 with 1.25 goals per game. It will be nice to have a pure goal scorer on the team for a change.

Against college defenders (e.g. human cones)

:rolleyes:

Go check Chris Albright's career stats and then compare that to his MLS production. Hell, I think Richie Williams scored a hat trick for UVA at one point.

I agree with Jason, I don't think this kid will make the leap to consistent MLS goalscorer right away, and perhaps he never will. He has a hot temper and will be sent off frequently until he learns how to control it. As good a league as the ACC is, its defenders still pale in comparison to even the most pedestrian of MLS defenders. Alecko will struggle.

I'm not as intimately familiar with the college game as Tron and Sandon, but I've seen enough matches to be able to predict the style of play I'm going to see on a given day. Watching Alecko play against young professinoals from around the world showed that he is a tricky little player, but not a dominating force.

[BBRovers]

I think that's a fair point, but I think you would agree that his nose for the goal is a bit more impressive than Albright's. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. My point is that it will be nice to have a pure goal scorer, someone who can drill a volley into the top corner on the first touch (something lacking in Moreno, Lassiter, or any other forward DC has ever had).

[jelliot]

I believe the only way to draft, is by selecting the best available player, who has the most talent. If that means goalkeeeper than so be it, if that means striker than so be it.

[saroccer]

Originally posted by jelliot
I believe the only way to draft, is by selecting the best available player, who has the most talent. If that means goalkeeeper than so be it, if that means striker than so be it.

Even if we don't need the 'best' player, such as a defender? If we don't need one, but can only get a good defender would they be worth anything but a potential trade or to deepen our bench?

[rymannryan]

We essentially have two scenarios.

1.

#1 pick - Eskandarian

#5 pick - Stokes/Lewis

#11 pick - Jacqua

#14 pick - Carroll

2.

#1 pick - Clark

#5 pick - Stokes/Lewis

#11 pick - Jacqua

#14 pick - If Stokes wasn't available at #5, then we'd get Lewis, that leaves this spot open to maybe a winger or another forward.

Anyone know of any good college wingers?

[subbuteo]

Originally posted by Lowecifer
Against college defenders (e.g. human cones)

:rolleyes:

Go check Chris Albright's career stats and then compare that to his MLS production. Hell, I think Richie Williams scored a hat trick for UVA at one point.

I agree with Jason, I don't think this kid will make the leap to consistent MLS goalscorer right away, and perhaps he never will. He has a hot temper and will be sent off frequently until he learns how to control it. As good a league as the ACC is, its defenders still pale in comparison to even the most pedestrian of MLS defenders. Alecko will struggle.

I'm not as intimately familiar with the college game as Tron and Sandon, but I've seen enough matches to be able to predict the style of play I'm going to see on a given day. Watching Alecko play against young professinoals from around the world showed that he is a tricky little player, but not a dominating force.

well, in MLS Eskandarian won't have three defenders on him all the time. Personally I like his chances against one MLS defender more so than against three ACC defenders. What I'm getting at is that I think he'll get even more looks in MLS than in college and given his finishing ability and that since it's the pros teams can't afford to use a third of their field players tracking one guy. MLS goalkeepers will be earning their paychecks a few times a game.

[shawn12011]

I would expect that Eskandarian will have some very early success. Then I would expect him to hit a wall and slump. It is what he does to get out of that slump that will determine if he bcomes Albright or Twellman.

[grumpydcu]

Originally posted by Cweedchop

Backup Goalkeeper:


You're guess is as good as mine.. With Rimando playing out of his skull (not to mention all 28 league matches), this position can be filled by a minimum wage A-Leaguer or local college keeper..






If Rimando gets hurt, do you really want a developmental player to be starting?

Also, I read a post by Diceson stating that Eskadarian's contract is not P-40 and will count against the cap and roster. Can DCU still afford him if that is the case?

[deejay]

Originally posted by Cweedchop

Backup Goalkeeper:

You're guess is as good as mine.. With Rimando playing out of his skull (not to mention all 28 league matches), this position can be filled by a minimum wage A-Leaguer or local college keeper..



I think they'll go after Warren with the #5 pick. There have been rumors of an unamed DCU player who has been gathering interest in Europe. My guess is that it's Rimando. How many years does he have on his contract? One? He's obviously good enough for Europe. Other MLS goalies have been looked at also. If this is the case, DCU needs a backup that could be the starter in two years time. Certainly it's not something to take lightly.

[subbuteo]

Originally posted by deejay
... There have been rumors of an unamed DCU player who has been gathering interest in Europe. ...

Man, if that's not a regular BS post I don't know what is.

Thanks for the scoop ;)

[nick]

cweedchop,

Sometimes I think you read my mind. I agree with you needs list, but I might approach the draft a little differently.

I'm not convinced we have college level players in attack that are able to compete at MLS level. The leading goalscorers in college year after year turn out to be busts. However, the college game has been able to generate servicable midfielders and defenders.

Given this context, I would go with drafting Clark #1 with Stokes/Lewis with the #5 pick.

As for forwards I would be looking at using Allocations, Discovery picks or trades to fill that need.

I would love to be able to get a combination of Nunez (allocation) and say Wolff (trade allocation and/or pick) as our two forwards.


If we were lucky enough to get those three look at this line up.


-----------------Rimando-------------------------

-----Petke--------Nelsen-----------Prideaux------

-------------------Clark--------------------------

--------Kovalenko-----------Convey--------------

--Reyes--------------Etch-----------Olsen--------

-----------Nunez-----------Wolff-----------------



Yikes....... That is a competative team.....

[rymannryan]

Originally posted by nick
cweedchop,

Sometimes I think you read my mind. I agree with you needs list, but I might approach the draft a little differently.

I'm not convinced we have college level players in attack that are able to compete at MLS level. The leading goalscorers in college year after year turn out to be busts. However, the college game has been able to generate servicable midfielders and defenders.

Given this context, I would go with drafting Clark #1 with Stokes/Lewis with the #5 pick.

As for forwards I would be looking at using Allocations, Discovery picks or trades to fill that need.

I would love to be able to get a combination of Nunez (allocation) and say Wolff (trade allocation and/or pick) as our two forwards.


If we were lucky enough to get those three look at this line up.


-----------------Rimando-------------------------

-----Petke--------Nelsen-----------Prideaux------

-------------------Clark--------------------------

--------Kovalenko-----------Convey--------------

--Reyes--------------Etch-----------Olsen--------

-----------Nunez-----------Wolff-----------------



Yikes....... That is a competative team.....


Yeah with 12 players on the field, we should have a pretty good run at the other team every game. :)

[Cweedchop]

Originally posted by nick

I'm not convinced we have college level players in attack that are able to compete at MLS level. The leading goalscorers in college year after year turn out to be busts. However, the college game has been able to generate servicable midfielders and defenders.

Given this context, I would go with drafting Clark #1 with Stokes/Lewis with the #5 pick.






You know this and I know this but it's rather apparent that Hudspar is dead set on Eskandarian.. Don't hold out ANY hope of drafting Clark #1..

The only possible scenario of Clark being taken #1 is if we get BOTH Wolff and Nunez before the draft, which ain't gonna happen..

Nunez is probably our best shot at getting a major allocation at the moment.. If he comes aboard, we have Nunez, Quaranta, Eskandarian, Curtis and Quintanilla.. If that is our forwards, expect Curtis to go bye-bye...

[subbuteo]

Originally posted by rymannryan
Yeah with 12 players on the field, we should have a pretty good run at the other team every game. :)

:D

[nick]

Oooooooooops.
One to many cut and pastes...

Hey if Canadian Football has 12 a side why not MLS.