Who could/should we pick up?

[mgrayscale]

I heard about another possible signing in time for the New England match. Eddie Johnson has had discussions with Adrian (according to the Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/chester-fc/2009/01/23/aztecs-looking-to-resurrect-johnson-transfer-64375-22758916/)).

Eddie (http://www.chester-city.co.uk/player_eddie_johnson_0809.asp)(age 24) plays for Chester City in a midfield position, and apparently, the discussions had been ongoing until a hiccup. However, personal terms are being worked out now.

Here are some stats (http://www.football.co.uk/chester_city/players/eddie_johnson_105684.shtml)that will give you a peak at what he's done this season.

[explosionsinthesky]

I'm not too familar with Johnson but from what I can tell, I'm guessing he would compliment Austin as a forward or even a midfielder. He has played with Man UTD's youth team, has solid English football experience, but has struggled to find a club to settle in. Obviously there is talent in E. Johnson, its only a matter of Heath bringing out that talent and sustaining it.
I'm sure we will know soon what will become of this.

[VioletCrown]

So, it's probably a reach (http://www.centerlinesoccer.com/http:/www.centerlinesoccer.com/obrienim-definitely-not-coming-back/), but I mostly liked him when he was up with the Hoops.

[mgrayscale]

The Aztex have announced the signing of 3 additional players (http://www.austinaztex.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72540+L3/Display+E+NDX+NDX+303135)to the USL1 squad (that's a 100% increase in one day).

Name: Wes Allen
Position: Center-Back
DOB: 9/17/86
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Last club: Austin Aztex PDL
Hometown: Austin, Texas


Name: Jarius Holmes
Position: Winger
DOB: 3/26/86
Weight: 160 lbs.
Height: 5’8”
Last club: St. Louis Lions
Hometown: O'Fallon, Illinois



Name: Alex Tapp
Position: Center Midfielder
DOB: 6/7/82
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Last club: Milton Keynes Dons
Hometown: Surrey, England

[VioletCrown]

The Aztex have announced the signing of 3 additional players (http://www.austinaztex.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72540+L3/Display+E+NDX+NDX+303135)to the USL1 squad (that's a 100% increase in one day).

Name: Wes Allen
Position: Center-Back
DOB: 9/17/86
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Last club: Austin Aztex PDL
Hometown: Austin, Texas


Name: Jarius Holmes
Position: Winger
DOB: 3/26/86
Weight: 160 lbs.
Height: 5’8”
Last club: St. Louis Lions
Hometown: O'Fallon, Illinois



Name: Alex Tapp
Position: Center Midfielder
DOB: 6/7/82
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Last club: Milton Keynes Dons
Hometown: Surrey, England


Congrats, all three, but especially Wes! From a name in the Chronicle article about the hundreds of players at the open tryout a year ago to a pro this year!

[JC Tottenham Hotspur]

I'm so pleased to see that Wes has been signed. I thought he was outstanding last season. He seems to be one of those players that can read the game very well. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time so that nothing much gets past him.

Arrgggh, I can't wait for the games to begin. Still 30 more days to go until the first MLS game against New England :(

[Shipdawg]

Congrats Juice!!!!! Light'em up!!!!

[Alejo]

and since there's all ready one comment for Wes, and one comment for Juice on this thread I'll take Mr. Tapp

It seems, like The Gift, he should have a much better opportunity to shine here then he did in the various leagues in England. Welcome to the weird city my simpatico friend, ma brotha from another mother.

[mgrayscale]

It would appear that the Aztex are closer now to signing Eddie Johnson (Chester midfielder) as he and Chester City have mutually agreed to cancel his contract with the team. This will free him up for a free transfer to the Aztex. Check out the article in the Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/sport/chester-fc/2009/01/30/city-in-groundbreaking-deal-with-world-s-wealthiest-club-64375-22815269/).

[VioletCrown]

This is going to be an interesting team. I'm not very surprised (considering ownership and coach) that they're drawing a lot from England. 'A lot' being three so far, apparently. While also trying to make that hispanic/Mexico connection. Still, we're limited to only 7 internationals, and only 5 on game day. Not sure if Keiron still counts as a foreigner or not. I also wonder if Miguel is a foreigner.

We could be very close to having all our international spots filled.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our mini British Invasion blends in with our local boys. I can't wait!

[Blackburn]

This is going to be an interesting team. I'm not very surprised (considering ownership and coach) that they're drawing a lot from England. 'A lot' being three so far, apparently. While also trying to make that hispanic/Mexico connection. Still, we're limited to only 7 internationals, and only 5 on game day. Not sure if Keiron still counts as a foreigner or not. I also wonder if Miguel is a foreigner.

We could be very close to having all our international spots filled.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our mini British Invasion blends in with our local boys. I can't wait!

I'm just happy I'll have someone who can commiserate with me about Paul Ince. Alex Tapp, prepare to be mined for information incessantly.

[mgrayscale]

This is going to be an interesting team. I'm not very surprised (considering ownership and coach) that they're drawing a lot from England. 'A lot' being three so far, apparently. While also trying to make that hispanic/Mexico connection. Still, we're limited to only 7 internationals, and only 5 on game day. Not sure if Keiron still counts as a foreigner or not. I also wonder if Miguel is a foreigner.

We could be very close to having all our international spots filled.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our mini British Invasion blends in with our local boys. I can't wait!

That's a good question on both Kieron and Miguel. I think Miguel would not be considered a international as I think he's a US Citizen (although born in Mexico). I'm pretty confidant though that Kieron is a Jamaican citizen, and in the US on either a student or now football visa (would that be a H1-B?).

[Blackburn]

That's a good question on both Kieron and Miguel. I think Miguel would not be considered a international as I think he's a US Citizen (although born in Mexico). I'm pretty confidant though that Kieron is a Jamaican citizen, and in the US on either a student or now football visa (would that be a H1-B?).

I also wonder if there's a home grown exception similar to England, where even if you have a foreign national on the squad, they don't count as such if brought up through your organization.

...not that we've had an organization long enough for that mind you, but...

[VioletCrown]

I also wonder if there's a home grown exception similar to England, where even if you have a foreign national on the squad, they don't count as such if brought up through your organization.

...not that we've had an organization long enough for that mind you, but...

I doubt it. I'm pretty sure the rules in the USL and MLS regarding foreigners are the same, and need to hone very closely to US labor laws: 'Foreign' is anyone not on a green card or a US citizen.

[mgrayscale]

I doubt it. I'm pretty sure the rules in the USL and MLS regarding foreigners are the same, and need to hone very closely to US labor laws: 'Foreign' is anyone not on a green card or a US citizen.

Well, even if FIFA can't get the 6+5 rule instituted in Europe, they can feel happy that it's instituted in the US. :mad:

[FrogHammer]

I think you can have 7 foreigners on your team, but I am not sure.

[VioletCrown]

I think you can have 7 foreigners on your team, but I am not sure.

We're limited to 7 internationals, and only 5 on game day (http://www.uslsoccer.com/aboutusl/rules/index_E.html).

[mgrayscale]

According to the Chester Evening Leader (http://www.chestereveningleader.co.uk/chester-city/Six-leave-Chester-before-window.4940610.jp), Eddie Johnson has agreed to a deal with the Aztex. I've not seen anything on the Aztex site this morning, so not sure if this is accurate or not.

[Alejo]

well considering all the talk, and considering that's their boy, and thats their site, i would assume that that is a big 10-4 senor Mgray. ;)

[Alejo]

Again, like are other foreign signings soo far, EJ looks to be yet another young talent that, if properly managed and we got the man for that in inchy, he will shine out here in the wild frontier of football.