I forgot about the 20 player thing. WNY needed to cut one, so might as well trade one. And they certainly would never choose disposing Alex Sahlen over Mercado. Oh God now, we can't have that going on in WNY. Owner's daughter vs. poor Mercado. Hmmm? Which will they keep?
I'm not so sure that the Breakers came out on top. They did fill a need, but barring a major injury, I don't think Mercado was going to get any meaningful minutes for the Flash. Time will tell if this deal works out for them. However, giving up a draft pick in one of the most highly regarded classes could end up hurting them more than getting a defender will help them. If the league survives a couple more seasons, it's more likely that the Breakers will end up regretting this move.
Mercado was good, but your assertion that Mercado had a better college career than Cloee's so far is pretty shaky. Colohan's accolades so far are just as good, plus she matched up against Morgan and held her and her team scoreless, and individually has outscored any college team Alex Morgan has been on in head to head competition.
Oh I would definitely rather have Colohan defending Morgan than Mercado marking her. Colohan is more of a "mark" defender on a superstar. Mercado's value is more in her versatility, and in getting the job done in so many areas, but not in marking Alex Morgan. Mercado is < Colohan at that.
Colohan played midfield this year for BYU on a team that got a 1 seed. Do you know anything at all about her?
But her optimal prospective position (professionally and/or internationally) is as a defender. Of course I know she was a midfielder, see my post in this linked thread below about where I think she ends up (the post about Vancouver's 2014 roster in the link below). Yes I have her drafted as a midfielder by Vancouver in that post, but she ultimately will be a defender ............ https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/nwsl-general-info-comments-news.1981032/page-17 That's like saying Killion is a midfielder vs. a defender, as far as her prospective position at the highest level. She can play both, but her ultimate future will be as a defender (DM perhaps, but we'll see).
Breakers have added the extra 1000 seats. We've added a little more atmosphere to the stadium ... 1,000 more seats! pic.twitter.com/YEmiOEouau— Boston Breakers (@BostonBreakers) May 4, 2013
The new seats are closer to the field than the bleachers on the other side. You also get a better feel for the players (I could tell HAO was talking to the coach during the game about something and HAO was frustrated). On another note, I saw a tweet from the team that was looking to reinvigorate the Riptide. There were a handful of gents in the new stands with Riptide scarves and signs and singing a song for Sydney (to the tune of "Yellow Submarine.")
And just what the Breakers needed... another scoring threat: Mexico Women's National Team forward Anisa Guajardo has landed in Boston! She will join the team Tuesday for her first training— Boston Breakers (@BostonBreakers) May 7, 2013 Mexico Women's National Team forward Anisa Guajardo has landed in Boston!
Well maybe they need another GK as Equalizer is reporting Alyssa Naeher, late of Turbine Potsdam will be joining the Breakers.
Is Lisa Marie Woods still on Breakers team? I was at Red Stars-Breakers game last Sunday and no sign of her. Is she injured?
The Breakers are going all in with the partnership with Scorpions SC. Everything will be branded "Breakers" and they will wear replica uniforms. This tidbit is interesting: As the partnership grows, Boston Breakers players will also be a part of the staff, coaching teams at all levels. During the first year of transition, the Boston Breakers professional players will take part in club trainings and camps. Six Boston Breakers professional players will serve as age group mentors to the girls teams. The role will be to see every team and have direct contact with players in the specific age group they are mentoring. Additionally, the Breakers players will attend tryouts to help the staff evaluate players, and over the course of the season, host educational classes with Breakers Academy players in regards to being a student athlete, nutrition, fitness, becoming a pro player, and to give advice on the college recruitment process. Looks like they are institutionalizing opportunities for the Breakers (and the reserves) to make additional money and to stay in the Boston area offseason (assuming that is all within the league rules). The teams start at U9. I expect the Ocean Spray contract be more lucrative now. http://www.bostonbreakerssoccer.com/NEWS/728979.html
(June 14, 2013) – The Boston Breakers will look to maintain their unbeaten record at home as well as avenge their worst defeat of the season when they welcome to Sky Blue FC on Sunday. The Breakers are winless in their last three games – including a 5-1 loss to Sky Blue FC on June 1 in which Boston set a record for most goals allowed in an NWSL Game.
"The Breakers have called up four players for Sunday’s match which includes midfielders Kate Russell, Shawna Gordon, and Monique LaMotte, and defender Jen LaPonte." Nice of Boston to call up the ladies on the "taxi" squad. They've certainly paid their dues to stay & play on the reserve team (at their own expense). How much will they be paid while they are "called up"?
The reserves have been living in Boston since March and paying their own room and board. Boston gonna pick up those expenses?
The reserves were invited to stay in Boston, find a job & housing, but would not be paid if they were lucky enough to be called up. This was all discussed at the same time the Breakers announced that four "experienced" defenders would be on the roster and if any injuries occurred in the back, a midfielder would be moved to the back line.
Regardless, they aren't getting paid to play in the games and only travel expenses are covered -- NWSL rules.