I think things have evolved quickly enough that we can't really make statements like this and assume they are true. There was a time not too long ago that FCD didn't want to have a lower division team, but they obviously figured that one out. Given that and the fact that Andre Zanotta is the GM now, I have confidence that they have a new outlook on selling players.
McKenzie and Aaronson start for Philly. Real is on the bench. They host NYRB. Nealis is on the bench for them. Game should be starting soon on FS1, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports Go, and Fox Soccer Match Pass.
Don’t agree about FCD not wanting to sell Pomykal. They have set up a system where if a player that has excelled doesn’t move on it blocks the next guy behind him. FCD sold Mauro Diaz to create room for Pomykal because they thought he was ready. Unfortunately he had health issues and didn’t play the whole season. Contrast to Cannon who now has two years under him and is ready to move with Reynolds ready to move up. I’m not sure Roberts is ready to start but I expect him to be in the mixer next year and if Pomykal stays healthy and keeps improving next year should be his last and a Roberts becomes the starter the year after.
This is pretty much how I see it as well. Their whole player development system is structured to sell and move players up, not to mention the self funding aspect. With that being said they shouldn't be accepting the first lowball offer that comes along. I mean that might make the typical self-loathing, Europe first, BS Nats poster happy, but ultimately I don't see that as viable long term business strategy.
I think we're all pretty much on the same page with Paxton's valuation and next step. Somewhere from $5-8m to a mid-tier Bundesliga club like Schalke, Frankfurt, Leverkusen, Hertha, or Hoffenheim, unless there's some interest from Ajax or PSV. He's trained a bunch at Hoffenheim in the past so I won't be surprised if they're still keeping tabs on him. I'm more curious where Cannon goes. Will one of those teams want him enough, or is he going to be one of those guys who goes to a Championship club and tries to fight upwards? That Marseille rumor from awhile back was MLS Transfers BS but that level of club in France, Spain, or Italy would be cool, too.
So this game is bananas. The pace has been ridiculous and both McKenzie and Aaronson have been heavily involved. These single game elimination matches have really increased the intensity.
I'd love to see Pax on a mid-tier Bundesliga team. I'm concerned that his health issues might be what keep a move like that from happening. He's still young so he has time. More so then Cannon I'm interested to see what happens with Jordan Morris. I wouldn't be surprised if he moves this winter.
He probably has some mystique in Germany from Klinsmann taking so much of a liking in him early. Helped compel the Werder offer. Morris has gotten better since then, so that type of move still should be available if he wants it this time around. But I think his style would fit well on a mid-table EPL club. They'd seldom dominate to restrict space, but would always give him adequate service, while he could exploit space in behind, and help them always have a puncher's chance. Hopefully there's a mini wave like I thought there would be because of the increased NT inclusions and official matches recently. Need more to play under pressure weekly before WC qualifying. The injury will probably preclude Pomykal and it's still early in his career. But hoping for 4 at least - Morris, Long, Cannon, Lima, etc.
For the final first round playoff match-up, Dotson and Toye will start on the bench for Minnesota while Araujo is on the bench for the Galaxy. Game starts at 8:30 eastern on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and Watch ESPN.
I actually think that selling Morris, this winter, would be good for all parties involved including AOC. Some time on the wing would do the young striker some good and get him more first team minutes. Leicester City or Wolves would be a perfect fit for Morris if could qualify for a work permit.
The earlier game and Seattle vs FCD were great from a HG perspective and in general. Pretty incredible how intense the Philly crowd gets despite their lack of playoff success up until this year.
Yo almost all of these games have been intense. I watched the Union match after the Liverpool game and honestly, quality aside, the pace and intensity was similar. Very entertaining match.
I've watched two playoff games. The FCD-Seattle contest and the Philly-NYRB. Loads of young players. Seattle is one of the oldest teams in the league. I think we can see the next generation of young players coming thru there, and lets hope for even more playing time next season. We can say that the quality of play isn't what we see on a weekly basis in the "big" Euro leagues. But the entertainment value was off the charts this weekend.
I agree with you here but hope we are both wrong. Would have liked to see Pax go now and not get comfortable in MLS. Heard he is shopping for houses locally and it may mean nothing but could be a sign he plans to stay for awhile. Maybe good for FCD fans but not for USMNT. Main thing is he needs to get healthy and stay healthy for a long stretch of games to show good form consistently.
Anyone want to take a stab at how we think some of our most promising players will do next season from a quantitative/qualitative/movement perspective? Eg. Busio becomes a key starter for SKC, puts up 5g 8a in 30 appearances. Moves up to the US U23’s Pomykal shows his dominance more consistently for FCD, puts up 7g 6a in 28 appearances. Called up regularly to full USNT. Leaves for Bauer Leverkusen at the end of the season. Plenty of other players this could be done for like Ferreira, Aaronson, Servania, Leyva, Pepi, etc.
Another interesting exercise would be predictions on players that go from zeroish minutes this year to significant minutes next year. For example, Ferreira, Aaronson and Amaya all were in the top 10 for U20's in minutes this year but had a combined 3 minutes (Ferreira had one app), last year. Who is next? Let's stick with players that most would find as a surprise....Bello for example would probably not be a huge surprise if he is healthy next year. Ferreira probaby wouldn't have been a surprise except for how many minutes he earned. He could be considered a surprise because it might have been legitimate to expect 500-1000ish minutes but he turned out to be the top u20 minute earner at 2454 minutes in the reg season. Edit: While I find this interesting, I don't know the pool, so am hoping that some of you that do will give your predictions. I am sorry for not "doing my own work". Thanks in advance.
I'll try two: Araujo will more than double his minutes. He will become a regular starter and earn 2k+ minutes. No guesses on stats. Servania will more than double his minutes. Will be a regular starter and a key part of FCD midfield and earn 2k+ minutes.
Parks starts for NYCFC. Sands is on the bench. They "host" Toronto in the Conference Semifinals at Citi Field. Game starts at 7 eastern on FS1, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports Go, and Fox Soccer Match Pass
Some details on Robinson’s extension Atlanta gave Miles Robinson a big contract. Per a couple sources: Average of $650k per season for the three guaranteed years, plus a huge option with a pretty easy auto-trigger in 2023.2020 is the final year of Gressel’s deal. How much do they give him this winter?— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) October 25, 2019