The Supplemental Draft starts at 10:45 today. The Quakes have picks 25, 44, and 63, and according the official MLS Twitter, they just acqured pick #73 from Kansas City in exchange for the rights to Michael Thomas (drafted in the SuperDraft 2nd round last year but didn't sign and went to Sweden).
This is so far deep into the college ranks that I have no opinion about any of these guys. I just hope that we get a good player or two out of this. Mostly, we're looking for depth. If we get someone who can become a useful contributor in the next season or three, that would be a win. GO QUAKES!! - Mark
He stood out at their local combine...but with most of these players, not sure if MLS quality. Sure wish we could get a CD, but with each passing moment...it's looking less and less likely. Going into the season with 3 CD is a recipe for disaster, With Leitchie gone, I wonder which player Frank will force into that spot? Khari, Gordon, RAMIRO! EDIT: David Tiemstra is a CD! We're gonna win the league!
So ... Cesar Diaz Pizarro (UC Riverside) Position: FW David Tiemstra (Ohio State) Position: D James Kiffe (UC Santa Barbara) Position: D Tyler Krumpe (Loyola) Position: D So a forward to push guys in practice and maybe be a long-shot backup player, and three defenders because we need another defender. Probably one of these three sticks, even if only for one season. GO QUAKES!!! - Mark
Considering we had no pick in the first round, I think we did very well today. I have not seen these guys play aside from Kiffe but based on what I have read I like them. Cezar Pizzaro 9 goals in 19 games, good not great, and he was co-offensive player of the year for his conference. Can come into camp and try to challenge Mcloughlin for 4th striker. Tiemstra 6'2, 200 pound centerback from Ohio State. Fills a need. #46 on Mauceri's top 100 seniors at start of 2011 season: James Kiffe - left back from UCSB. Fills a need. Good assists guy in college. 6 assists last season. Looked decent at the combine. He was not on the field when his back line coughed up 4 goals in the first half of game 2.
SJ - can you expand a bit more on Kiffe and his defensive skills? Sounds like he was good going forward, but how does he defend? Is he mobile, does he bring any speed? Even though these guys are late draft picks and absolute longshots to make the team, there have been successes by guys taken late in the draft. Wondo was #89 in 2005, so stranger things have happened.
3 defenders selected- two of which are CB's. seems like we're looking for one of those, though i guess the outside back could impress and make it but that would mean #4 on the depth chart at CB has to come from the current roster like you or somebody joked; ramiro, ring, etc.
Kiffe does not have elite speed but he still gets up and down the sideline very well. Pretty good technical skills. Haven't seen enough of him to comment on his tackling/marking other than to say that he did not stand out for making any mistakes at the combine like Polak, Estridge, and other defenders did. I don't know if he has enough to make the roster but I think he was a great pick at that late of round. Here are some video highlights of him: http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/01/12/james-kiffe-ucsb-d
Why wouldn't both one of the CBs and the LB drafted today make the roster? The Quakes have plenty of open slots to use. In addition to the two guys drafted today, they also have Kyle Davies in camp on trial, and he is a central defender. So they have several options at a #4 central defender that don't involve using someone already on the roster.
Not sure why the cheap shot on the sideline at the combine made the highlight reel, but he kind of reminds me of Wade Barrett on the offensive highlights.
Kiffe is a left-footed converted defender. Until he filled in for our left back (Tetteh) when he got injured, Kiffe had played as an attacking player at SB City College and in high school. The last two years, he has played as an attacking, box-to-box wingback, particularly this past year. Kiffe woulod bring some versatility on the left side. He has a great left-footed shot, good enough to shoot lay-offs on free kicks. He scored at least one this year on a shot from outside the box (at UC Davis from Luis Silva). His speed (both acceleration and pace) were a great advantage for him in college. He injured his ankle as UCSB headed into the playoffs, and that partly explains UCSB not getting past the Sweet 16. If Garza and/or Kiffe start getting some PT, I might just feel compelled to drive down the 880 and catch some matches Go Quakes! Go Gauchos!
I agree that the Kiffe pick late was a great value. Given we sorely need depth at left back i think he'll stick. We'll at least keep him in the reserves. and i LOVE that we brought Kyle Davies in to compete, i really like the guy as a depth option.
And Tiemstra, i just remembered that name! lol, i like him too. Hes one of those guys that has rediculous jumping ability like Opara. Hes got good size too i really like that pick. Tiemstra and Kiffe have the best chance to make the roster for me.
If any of the supplemental draft guys make the roster it will be a huge win. I wish them all well, but most of our dead weight is already gone. GO QUAKES!! - Mark
we enough open spots, dont see why we cant keep em all around. I really think Tiemstra and Kiffe have the best chance of making it. But if we can get em all on the roster, then why not i say. and i like Kyle Davies as a trial guy who can make it.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft.../17/san-jose-get-defensive-supplemental-draft Kiffe was Big West defensive player of the year and Tiemstra was Big 10 defensive player of the year.
yup, and Kyle Davies was a U-20's captain, he'd be a fine #4 option as well. really happy we brought him in for a look that was a good decision. Kiffe may need two-three years before he's MLS ready but thats what the reserves are for. Gives him valuable gametime. But since hes a left back he will be given that time to develop. I do think Tiemstra is the most ready of the bunch.