Stokes on TV - Virginia Beach vs Rochester [R]

[Sandon Mibut]

As I type, David Stokes just came into the game for the Hampton Roads Mariners. With the hometeam leading 1-0 against Rochester, Stokes came in in the 59th minute, playing right back.

The game is live on Fox Sports World.

Also playing in this game are former United players Roy Lassiter (nice assist on the goal), for HR and David Hayes, for Rochester.

And as I type, the Columbia, Md. combo just hooked up for a goal. Hamisi Amani-Dove, who scored the first goal, set up Dante Washington to make it 2-0.

[Lanky134]

Invisile marking by Rochester on that goal.

Stokes looking good. He can pass the ball nicely out of the back, rather than hoof it.

[Sandon Mibut]

Stokes wasn't really tested or involved too much as as soon as he came in, HR put it away and really took the wind out of Rochester's sails.

Stokes had one nice tackle where he broke up a threat at the 18 and another time where he chested an errant through ball down in traffic and then showed nice composure by calmly distributing the ball to a teammate to start the attack rather than just boot it out.

That was pretty much it till the end when he came up for a corner and, when looking to make room for a cross after the corner bounced out, was called for pushing off. Still even running back to his defensive end after that play, he looks like an athlete - long, natural, graceful strides that show no hints that he's 6-3 and built like a brickhouse.

And speaking of brickhouses, Rochester had a player whose last name was Commodore. You'd think he'd have more luch in a navy town like Hampton Roads!

Finally, really liked former Fusion player Jeff Bilyk in D-mid. I know he played for Ray in Miami and I wouldn't be surprised if he is someone Ray brings in for a look-see at some point this year. He's a good little player.

[Knave]

Lassiter is blonde! :eek:

[GoDC]

Stokes did get beat on the dribble by Hayes just after he came in. Hayes then hit a cross that went right across the six with no one from either team touching it!!! Afte that, Stokes shut everything down and did show some nice touch out of the back.

[terp fan]

I'd like to see Stokes over 90 minutes. I know he hasn't gotten much live competition lately but appears overweight so I question his fitness. About 185-190 is a good playing weight for Stokes and he is currently 210 plus. Again it was hard to judge anything last night because he hasn't played in awhile and he is unfamilar with his team in the back. He did okay given the situation. One other observation is that David is best as an outside back instead of a centerback. He plays with more confidence when he has cover and also has the ability to get forward with speed and skill.
He is a work progress and it's good to see him playing even if not with DCU.