Also could we get a report on the following supposed Rapids players? Michael Harrington Marc Burch Dillon Serna (though we have semi-confirmed he's having back issues) Dillon Powers Marlon Hairston
Well hopefully O'Neil can hold onto a spot on U-23 roster, would be a completely lost year if one of the U-20's knocks him off (Which is not out of question given their talent and in case of one of them, actually getting Starts). He now has under a year left on contract given this past offseason article, Expires May/ June 2016.
My gut tells me O'Neil is better then Watts, Burch and Harrington are both better then Riley and Powers deserves to fit somewhere in the starting 11. Having said that, all of them played at various times, some extensively, during much of the first part of the season, winning twice. The others have played recently, also winning twice. The results aren't jiving with my gut feelings. I don't have an answer, but I do hold out the possibly my gut is wrong.
My gut feeling is that Shane has expressed his desire to head abroad sooner than later and he's being frozen out. Armed with an Irish passport and several "training" stints in England it's apparent that's where he sees himself. I can't blame him. But I don't understand the reluctance of not playing him. Given his age and experience Shane has value. Why kill that value when you can increase or at the very least maintain that value???
Given how TH reacted to @JasonMa "reporting" I could see him going global thermonuclear war because O'Neil said he was not interested in extending contract so he could go abroad on a free. Surprised they even release him for U-23 games.
FSL was a very weakened team, so it is possible your gut is right and we were able to win even without using our best. As for Vancouver, even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. My gut says the same thing, it tends to be about 80% right. Which means it could be wrong and Watts is a better option that O'Neill, but that would surprise me. Hearing Pablo's comments, I suspect it comes down to attitude. PM seems like the kind of coach who will put someone on the field based on how they approach the game (LaBrocca) rather than their potential. I can only laugh at how he would have treated Iverson (practice?) had he been a NBA coach. rod.
Throwing out FSL, 2 wins vs. 1? Hardly an endorsement for drawing any conclusions. Your blind squirrel may have found a nut earlier in Dallas or in the other Vancouver game. Of maybe the squirrel likes to pick cherry's My point is simply the season is lost, has been lost. My admittedly basic analysis causes me to refuse to believe there is a single answer to the myriad of problems.
Not sure what you are meaning here. I was saying that your gut may be right, the FSL win may be tainted by international callups and the Vancouver win may have been lucky. And I agree on the season. Although maybe we can play spoiler for some others.... rod.
I would like to know what is going on with these players because in my other experiences of following other professional sports in the US, reporters and fans give a damn about what is going on with the various players on the roster, whether it's obvious they can help the team improve, or are just organizational depth. It's part of following the team.
I also wonder what happened to Sjoberg. He was a mainstay in April and May, but hasn't logged a minute since 6/7. Don't get me wrong - I was clamoring for O'Neill to play in front of Sjoberg, but it is weird to see him fall 100% out of favor.
Totally agree. It's strange that no players have been allowed to speak with the media...In other leagues, players can chime in when things aren't going their way (not always to their coaches liking) I personally believe that TM has told PM not to play Shane after not re-signing and expressing desire to go to EU. 3rd Best Player at U20's and getting no minutes...hell, loan him to another club (USL, NASL, MLS... I don't care) and let him keep his transfer value.
Yes that would be the win/win for him and the organization, but the RFO may be about the only entity in the league w/ less wins than our team?
I just can't imagine what reasons PB/TH/PM would have for not letting a kid follow his dreams. For effing sake, PM/PB both played and know the journey. Keep him playing to keep his value high. Look at how well run FO's work...youth is the support for the future and potential revenue to be had. With that new WA youth club lawsuit (Yedlin i believe, as well as one in TX for Dempsey) claim for FIFA for payment on all future sales, you'd think the Rapids would be all over selling youth while value is high...letting him go for free is just plain stupid and a bad business choice.
Weird stuff happens with the Rapids. I could see them just believing O'Neill isn't ready for the 18. Getting back to fitness, poor lactate levels, still working on stuff, competing for a job, etc.
Curiouser and curiouser: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ne-landon-donovans-22-man-chipotle-mls-homegr Harry Shipp, Shane O'Neill headline Landon Donovan's 22-man Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game roster
Bravo claiming no deal is done yet: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ne-oneill-transfer-rumors-roger-johnson-trial
“We’ve chosen to give Shane some down time to recharge his battery,” Bravo said. 1. If a 21 year old needs to recharge his battery over the games he's played the last 4 months, he needs a serious health check and soccer may not be his best career choice. 2. Bravo is full of shit.
God, this is such f-ing bull sh**spewed straight from the horse's mouth. Chose to give him a rest??? C'mon now we aren't stupid! Bravo was quoted earlier in the article about it not being a secret where the Rapids are in the standings. Yet, these clowns chose to give Shane a rest. Where's the logic in that?? If he's supposedly of the best young talents -- don't you think he could help you climb the standings?? One of two things is happening here: A) Shane is in the doghouse or B) They knew international games were going to put him in the shop window. I don't care which one it is to be honest. it's the lack of transparency and outright lies that drives me f-ing nuts. Just say "yes, he's being shopped around" or "Shane is not in our current plans and he must work himself in to the rotation". It ain't hard! End of rant................................