What do you Sky Blue FC fans think??? Ok folks - we have 17 players signed. We can only have 18 and then our 4 developmental players. We have the 6th pick in the draft. If you were me - which I wouldn't like too much because then I would be out of a job - what would you do? Sign someone else before the draft? If so, who would you sign? Remember, they couldn't be a current college player. Who would you draft? Would you trade the pick for someone else? And remember - there is a salary cap we must work with - so remember - we're not the Yankees! Love to hear what you have to say.....
Re: What do you Sky Blue FC fans think??? Well I think your team is set at the forward and midfield positions. The only reason for you to seek a defender would be if you do not think a college defender would be good right off the bat to fill a defensive spot. I think you guys have a lot of firepower up front but lacking one defensemen with the loss of Rampone. I do not know much about the top NCAA defenders outside of Engen and there is a good chance she could go top 5. I think either way is a risk, but like I said, you are full of firepower which should offset any defensive blunders. Koster, Asante, and Dowling are very capable but I think you need 1 more strong person back there. I definitely would be thinking from the defensive aspect.
Re: What do you Sky Blue FC fans think??? Thanks! Anita Asante had ACL surgery in November, so our depth in defense is a bigger issue. I hope to have Anita back soon, but I doubt it will be for opening day. There are several strong defenders in this draft beyond Engen. I agree - I think she will go before our pick - but there are Edwards, Marshall and Taylor all coming out.
Gerry, the answer to your backline problem is Kasey Moore.... We'll take Carli in return... You're welcome!
Re: What do you Sky Blue FC fans think??? Since you asked... The first question any perspective GM would need answered is are teams required to sign their first round draft pick? The second would be does the salary structure allow a first round pick to fit w/in your current cap situation. For the purpose of this thread, I'll assume 1) no and 2) yes. I do think, of the three lines, your defensive situation needs the most attention. Asante & Rampone will be out for a portion of the year and not likely to be in 2009 fitness for the rest of the year. Luckily, defenders are usually cheaper than strikers Not being privy to your scouting, but if you think Edwards, Marshall, or Taylor (the three you've named, I might include a couple of others) would be good partners in the middle for Koster (balance strengths/weaknesses) then keep the pick. You'll get a relatively cheap but quality defender. I (and many others) think this particular draft year is fairly deep so making a smart pick will get you a good player w/ very solid pro-potential. You can always pick then trade. On the other hand, if you could get a good offer for the pick that would fill your defensive need (ie a player w/ proven experience and cap space + another pick). I just don't see that much demand for a no. 6 pick. The only team I could see that might be interested would be STL as they have no 1st round pick but I doubt they're willing to give up McNeill or Weber (nor do I know if either would fit under your cap--or are willing to hit the bench when your first choice folks are back).
Revs fan - I was born in the day, but not yesterday - thanks for the offer! Kool - very astute summary - perhaps you could intern?? Anyway - no we are not required to sign any draft pick. And yes, I think I can make it work in our current situation - but just barely. I completely agree with your summary - pretty much how we are thinking as well. Actually - PHI doesn't have a first round pick either - they traded both of theirs. There may be someone down there I would be interested in.....I am interested to hear your summary of who the top 6-8 defenders in the draft are - you've been so good so far I could use the help...
Philly. I forgot about Philly. some GM I'd make. And thank you for the internship offer. But I live far away from NJ and am too old to take a job without health insurance (and a salary). If WPS were in NC, I'd be willing to start negotiations There is a thread on the WPS draft in the main forum where a bunch of folks are talking about players. There are other folks who've seen some of the top defenders much more than I have so are better equipped to evaluate them.
Obvious short list of defensive players/candidates are in the U23 camp taking place right now at Home Depot center. Good chance to scout several players all at once.....however don't believe that Engen there in camp, but not sure she will be around by the 6th pick depending on what Chicago and LA does on draft day.
Actually Engen was called into camp but is nursing an injury. We were at the camp doing our thing - lots of talent. But who knows - the draft order may change before the 15th..........
She had an ankle issue earlier in the season as was visibly hobbling at the end of the final. I wouldn't be surprised if several players passed on this particular U23 camp due to injury or need to finish up some school stuff.
Exactly. Did you all hear that the home opener has been announced? Sunday April 11th at Yurcak Field here in the great state of NJ - Sky Blue FC begins their title defense against the Red Stars of Chicago.
Agree - no Edwards and no Engen. Perhaps missing one or two others, but a lot of other defensive candidates there (both WPS players and college players) who could fill the bill in NJ. Plus all in one location, so would seem like a good scouting opportunity to me.
Glad Sky Blue went to the U23 camp in LA and checked out the players up close and personal. I think today is the last day of camp and this afternoon is the final set of scrimmage games. Assume you were joined by several other WPS teams doing the same thing?
Yes, there were several teams there - a great way to see a larger group all at one time. We had a decent turnout for our open tryouts this week, and will be having another 1/5 & 1/6 - several big names from college already confirmed.
Hey just a question...have you had a look at Kimberly Brandao? She is from NJ and a good strong international experienced centre-back. She plays for Portugal but is an American so you won't be using up any international slots on her. So if you can't find a ready made CB in the college draft.. i would take a look at Brandao. She is at least experienced and has the home field advantage but is also a good CB.
Inside the Open Tryouts of Sky Blue FC mentioned that a "Portuguese National Team veteran" was there, so quite likely it's her.
Yes, Kim was at our try out and I believe is coming back for the next one in January. She is in the mix right now. Great pick up!