Nutmeg
15 Oct 2003, 10:20 PM
Chicago Fire
Kelly Gray - Kelly has really become a solid part of the Chicago back line, and has to be strongly considered for the Olympic team. Tonight, Kelly made a couple of very strong tackles on the ball, one in particular that denied Clint Mathis a shot on goal. He also had a nice little carry forward on the ball where he got past about 5 Metrostars before he dropped it off to a teammate. His skill, confidence, and composure on the ball all highlight the reason why transforming a forward or midfielder into a defender often makes sense. I imagine Mooch will be watching Kelly closely.
DaMarcus Beasley - I thought tonight was by in large a down game for DMB. For whatever reason, he had a hard time holding the ball on the dribble or connecting passes to his teammates. He was ineffectual in this particular match.
Metrostars
Ricardo Clark - Tonight was the best I have seen Rico play in a while. He reminded me why my jaw dropped watching him at Furman last year. His control and composure on the ball in tight space, his ability and confidence to work out of a jam, his strength and tenacity on both sides of the ball all add up to a potentially world-class player. He switched fields beautifully, a couple of times finding players making runs all the way across the field and laying dimes to them. Then he showed that he's still young and miss on a couple of easier passes, showing he still lacks some concentration. There is room for improvement, and what is scary is that by this time next year he will already be the best DMid in MLS.
Eddie Gaven - I focused on Eddie watching the game today, and the impression I walked away with was that he's an extremely talented young kid (much better than the player we saw in Finland) who is already more solid on the ball in the dribble than about 90% of MLS players. Occasionally he can use his creativity and strength on the dribble to make plays, and he can also occasionally find his frontrunning forwards with an inciteful pass. But, to be honest, I thought that tonight at least he tried to do too much, and didn't look to involve his teammates more. Two very encouraging factors play into that. One, he's young. Two, he's played with his Metros teammates on a regular basis now for a total of what - two months? This kid is going to be a player.
Mike Magee - Magee came on as a substitute and didn't leave a mark. A decent free kick attempt, and that's about it. Nothing really notable, good or bad, that caught my eye.
Kelly Gray - Kelly has really become a solid part of the Chicago back line, and has to be strongly considered for the Olympic team. Tonight, Kelly made a couple of very strong tackles on the ball, one in particular that denied Clint Mathis a shot on goal. He also had a nice little carry forward on the ball where he got past about 5 Metrostars before he dropped it off to a teammate. His skill, confidence, and composure on the ball all highlight the reason why transforming a forward or midfielder into a defender often makes sense. I imagine Mooch will be watching Kelly closely.
DaMarcus Beasley - I thought tonight was by in large a down game for DMB. For whatever reason, he had a hard time holding the ball on the dribble or connecting passes to his teammates. He was ineffectual in this particular match.
Metrostars
Ricardo Clark - Tonight was the best I have seen Rico play in a while. He reminded me why my jaw dropped watching him at Furman last year. His control and composure on the ball in tight space, his ability and confidence to work out of a jam, his strength and tenacity on both sides of the ball all add up to a potentially world-class player. He switched fields beautifully, a couple of times finding players making runs all the way across the field and laying dimes to them. Then he showed that he's still young and miss on a couple of easier passes, showing he still lacks some concentration. There is room for improvement, and what is scary is that by this time next year he will already be the best DMid in MLS.
Eddie Gaven - I focused on Eddie watching the game today, and the impression I walked away with was that he's an extremely talented young kid (much better than the player we saw in Finland) who is already more solid on the ball in the dribble than about 90% of MLS players. Occasionally he can use his creativity and strength on the dribble to make plays, and he can also occasionally find his frontrunning forwards with an inciteful pass. But, to be honest, I thought that tonight at least he tried to do too much, and didn't look to involve his teammates more. Two very encouraging factors play into that. One, he's young. Two, he's played with his Metros teammates on a regular basis now for a total of what - two months? This kid is going to be a player.
Mike Magee - Magee came on as a substitute and didn't leave a mark. A decent free kick attempt, and that's about it. Nothing really notable, good or bad, that caught my eye.