Rev News, 8/31: "Revolution poised to sign Mexico's Abundis"

[The Magpie]

** Just an editorial aside, but in reading this article, I can't help but have serious reservations about efforts/plans to sign this player:

Abundis would be quite a score: Revolution close to signing striker
By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff | August 31, 2006

http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2006/08/31/abundis_would_be_quite_a_score/

[BrianLBI]

** Just an editorial aside, but in reading this article, I can't help but have serious reservations about efforts/plans to sign this player:


Care to elaborate?

[firstshirt]

** Just an editorial aside, but in reading this article, I can't help but have serious reservations about efforts/plans to sign this player:

Abundis would be quite a score: Revolution close to signing striker
By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff | August 31, 2006

http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2006/08/31/abundis_would_be_quite_a_score/
I see this as the same as that guy from panama last year....A signing for the sake of signing someone. If they actually do sign him,,,,I doubt he sees that pitch that much

[Autogolazo]

Just FYI, Toluca plays at 8,000 feet of altitude, so he should be "fit" in lung capacity, if not match fit.

The problem for Abundis lies in the different reffing standards. He isn't fast and isn't too big--he does stuff by trickery and has accurate in-the-box shooting. He won't get the calls that he'd get in Mexico. I think he'll get battered around a lot and frustrated because his type of game gets no respect from MLS officials.

He's a decent passer of the ball. I don't know how many times I've seen him about 40 yards out flick balls into space for other attackers. He can start counters but he's not fast enough to finish them.

So: Good passer, decent poacher (air and ground), questionable match fitness and toughness (for this league's reffing), no speed.

Like Jovan Kirovski with an aerial game.

He could be most valuable to the Revs as a sub, when the other team is worn down a bit, when N.E. has possession and is looking for an accurate shot in the 18.

He's a completely different player from "El Paton" Phillips, who had tremendous speed but less close control.

I just hope Nicol isn't expecting Abundis to play too much defense. We need to let our attackers attack and stop harnessing them to the yoke of team defense.

[JMMUSA8]

I see this as the same as that guy from panama last year....A signing for the sake of signing someone. If they actually do sign him,,,,I doubt he sees that pitch that much
The Revs don't sign for the sake of signing. They just make bad signings. And how bout you give him a chance first before writing him off.

[Jon Martin]

The problem for Abundis lies in the different reffing standards.... He won't get the calls that he'd get in Mexico. I think he'll get battered around a lot and frustrated because his type of game gets no respect from MLS officials.

He's a decent passer of the ball. I don't know how many times I've seen him about 40 yards out flick balls into space for other attackers. He can start counters but he's not fast enough to finish them....

I just hope Nicol isn't expecting Abundis to play too much defense. We need to let our attackers attack and stop harnassing them to the yoke of team defense.
Interesting comments re: the reffing. Perhaps someone should have told him that MLS doesn't believe in PKs.

I still think the team's greater need is for someone who can finish the 40 yd. flicks (already provided at times by Cancela.) I suspect that the forwards' defensive obligations are also (indirectly) a result of the lack of team speed; With our slow forwards and wings, the oppositions' D and mids can cheat up, and overwhelm the middle third unless the forwards help. The fact that we see Sims as fast is telling.

[firstshirt]

The Revs don't sign for the sake of signing. They just make bad signings. And how bout you give him a chance first before writing him off.
nah

[JMMUSA8]

nah
pathetic.

[The Magpie]

Care to elaborate?

Abundis seems less a targeted signing (i.e. someone who Nicol and or the Revs have scouted in advance or have otherwise been tracking), but one of opportunity. Nicol himself is quoted in the above article as saying "We are finding out about him," which suggests that Abundis isn't a player Nicol or the Revs have had an eye on. Abudnis seems to have fallen in their lap, and only after looking first to Queretarto in Mexico, Racing in Argentina, then the Los Angeles Galaxy and CD Chivas USA in MLS*, and that is not encouraging.

* Abundis was linked to a move to San Jose in the summer of 2000

This is a player who's spent his entire career as a professional in Mexico, and there isn't the greatest track record of high-profile Mexican players succeeding in this league. For a player looking for opportunities in Argentina, then to two clubs in Los Angeles, New England would seem to exist squarely outside his comfort zone, and when considering his age and prefered choice of destinations, one has to wonder how much he wants to be here, in New England, and playing for this club rather than just for himself, which seems the case when he basically admits that his interest in the Revolution is, in part, one of convenience.

Since joining Toluca before the start of the 2003-2004 Clausura in Mexico, Abundis played in 72 matches for the club, scoring a total of 17 goals. That is neither the best nor the worst strike rate, and overall, seems decidedly average. There is also the question why he saw his playing time reduced this past year for Toluca, and why a new contract couldn't be agreed to. If he's a player of such skill and established pedigree, then why is he finding it difficult to find a club? Considering that Nicol has effectively suggested that he won't pursue a player who isn't someone they really want, and isn't someone they think could be an impact player, then it seems somewhat odd that they might seriously be considering a player like Abundis, who doesn't give any indication that he does or might otherwise meet Nicol's criteria.

My best guess is that the Revolution would consider extending an offer to the player, with MLS offering him a contract through the end of the season. Considering the issues surroundnig Twellman, and the continuing injury concerns about Noonan, he could be a cheap insurance pick-up that might pay dividends. That being said, and looking to similar moves made in the past, the odds of that aren't great... if Abundis is signed, he just doesn't seem like the type of player who'll be here for the long-term, and while the Revolution certanily need help, a stop-gap measure is not the answer.

For my money, and for a club where spending money is such an issue, I'd just assume the Revs tell Abundis "Thanks, but no thanks," save some money, give the playing time to Simms, and see how he might develop over the remainder of the season, especially seeing that the odds of his staying with New England are probably greater than that of Abundis if he signs.

I'm not ready to put his name next to Howey, Phillips, and Cassio at this point, but I have the chalk in my hand.

The Magpie

[firstshirt]

pathetic.
lighten up francis....it was a joke

[dncm]

Abundis seems less a targeted signing (i.e. someone who Nicol and or the Revs have scouted in advance or have otherwise been tracking), but one of opportunity. Nicol himself is quote in the above article as saying "We are finding out about him..." In short, Abudnis seems to have fallen in their lap, and only after looking first to Racing in Argentina, then the Los Angeles Galaxy and CD Chivas USA in MLS*, and that is not encouraging.


Magpie is right on here.

I would only also add, that I'm sure the Revs FO is expecting a huge attendance boost with this addition - ha!

[dncm]

His name is actually Jose Manuel Abundis. He was a target of the Kraft organization for San Jose back in 2000, after Kraft management vetoed coach Lothar Osiander's attempts to bring in a European striker with the Eddie Lewis allocation. Krafts wanted instead to bring in a token Mexican. Supposedly they had a deal with Abundis, but three times he didn't show up for his flight to the US.

From the thread in the MLS:N/A section from a former San Jose Earthquake supporter.

[patfan1]

I just hope Nicol isn't expecting Abundis to play too much defense. We need to let our attackers attack and stop harnessing them to the yoke of team defense.
Well then he'll be sitting right next to Pepe on the bench.

Interesting comments re: the reffing. Perhaps someone should have told him that MLS doesn't believe in PKs.
Unless you're DC.

Abundis seems less a targeted signing (i.e. someone who Nicol and or the Revs have scouted in advance or have otherwise been tracking), but one of opportunity. Nicol himself is quoted in the above article as saying "We are finding out about him," which suggests that Abundis isn't a player Nicol or the Revs have had an eye on. Abudnis seems to have fallen in their lap, and only after looking first to Racing in Argentina, then the Los Angeles Galaxy and CD Chivas USA in MLS*, and that is not encouraging.
But Evabs ... this is perfect. The Revs didn't have to spend money to ... you know ... go out and scout! It's their new way of finding players. "Damn, I'd like to find a spot in MLS ... hmm ... the teams I know of have no space ... is there anyone ... oh wait ... who is this New Eng-er-land team?"

[REVS FAN 1]

Damn and we just came up with that great Chivas USA/MEXICO chant....oh well, back to the drawing boards:p

[patfan1]

Damn and we just came up with that great Chivas USA/MEXICO chant....oh well, back to the drawing boards:p
Well considering he played for four teams, all not named Chivas ... maybe he'd like it? ;)

[Soccer Doc]

My best guess is that the Revolution would consider extending an offer to the player, with MLS offering him a contract through the end of the season. Considering the issues surroundnig Twellman, and the continuing injury concerns about Noonan, he could be a cheap insurance pick-up that might pay dividends. That being said, and looking to similar moves made in the past, the odds of that aren't great... if Abundis is signed, he just doesn't seem like the type of player who'll be here for the long-term, and while the Revolution certanily need help, a stop-gap measure is not the answer.

I'm not ready to put his name next to Howey, Phillips, and Cassio at this point, but I have the chalk in my hand.


I don't think this needs to be framed as a good/bad potential signing. I agree with what Evan writes above and see it as a win/win situation. For sure he's a traget of opportunity signing. For sure he's only being viewed as a short team potentail fix. For sure we need help at the Forward position. If he turns out as a player that helps---great. If not they have lost nothing------- and-----Monty gets something else he can bitch and moan about. ;)

As to linking Howey, Phillips and Cassio to together I see the only thing they have in common is that they didn't work out and were let go. Howey was a free-be defender brought in when the team often didn't even have three healthy substitute players on the bench during a game. At best Howey was seen as a band-aid. OTOH, Cassio and Phillips were both typical MLS SI signings: good track records in other leagues, reasonably young but experienced and unable to make the adjustment to MLS. Like it or not---most MLS teams results with SI is at best a mixed bag. I will admit in recent years the Revs record has been poor. Both Cassio and Phillips were potentially good MLS players that just didn't work out but I will argue that when they were signed they both were good risks and good signings.

[peabrainedidiot]

I know he doesn't look like a terriffic signing based on the little we know, but I'm going to take the optimisic view and say maybe he didn't work for LA and chivas, because they already have what he brings. he may just work here because it appears he may have a little finesse up top, which we do not have.
I say what the hell. he can't be much worse than twellman has been lately

[jw]

Sounds like he offers just a tad more than Simms.
Experience, and a limited ability to poach a goal or two.

With the Revs anemic offense this season, (sadly, it appears their future depends on how hot Larentowicz can get!), they are looking for ANYONE that may be able to score "a GOAL."

[The Magpie]

For sure we need help at the Forward position. If he turns out as a player that helps---great. If not they have lost nothing------- and-----Monty gets something else he can bitch and moan about...

Well, the one thing they lose is an opportunity to further develop a young player like Willie Sims. Granted, he's accuracy has been waaaay off the mark, but he's not been playing poorly, he has been getting into scoring position, and unlike Abundis, is probably more likely to stick around.

All things being equal, which they might be between Sims and Abundis, why not give the kid a chance? I'd rather do that than waste money on a player who's very much an unknown quantity at this point, and see if a demonstration of faith in Nicol's part might serve to provide Sims with the confidence to step up his game.

Remember, Andy Dorman wasn't much to write home about at the start, yet with some regular playing time, is developing into a good professional, one of the Rev's better players this year. Clint Dempsey, who wasn't expected to see regular, early playing time when drafted, did quite well after getting regular playing time. What about Jeff Larentowicz, who was a staple for the reserves last season, yet is slowly emerging as a developing pro this season, and perhaps down the line, might very well earn a spot as a starting midfielder.

Why not give Sims the same chance... why not show some faith now?

The Magpie

[The Magpie]

I know he doesn't look like a terriffic signing based on the little we know, but I'm going to take the optimisic view and say maybe he didn't work for LA and chivas, because they already have what he brings...

According to today's Globe:

``It was a matter of economics in Toluca. I couldn't agree to a contract. The Mexican [transfer window] is closed now, so I looked at the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, but they are at the limit with foreign players, then this opportunity came up."