If things are finalized enough that the league's own website is talking about it, why not say something about that specific event and then something along the lines of, "and other preseason plans are still to come!" or somesuch? You know, build some buzz? Besides your STH base, a fraction of the local soccer population, does anybody know much about the MLS preseason? The Patriots season is done, the Sox haven't started yet, now would be a good time to take advantage of the relative quiet in the Boston sports scene and get your name out there.
There's no problem with criticizing the team for the "real" things they do or don't do - I just have a problem when people criticize them for things that aren't real. I'm not defending (or criticizing) the team for announcing the plans late - but I take exception when someone claims they don't do it at all, because it's just not true. I think you're making the mistake of assuming that the same opportunities existed when they signed Niouky that existed when they signed Perovic. I find that highly unlikely. IF they had the opportunity to sign Perovic before the season, I think it's a no-brainer that they would have (last year's offseason, they were looking for "attacking talent" also). I think what happens with this team (and what's been happening since last season ended) is that they continuously look at and for players. When they find someone they want, they negotiate and try to sign them. But, they don't and won't take the approach of looking at a bunch of players and signing the best one they can. They have specific things that are looking for and don't compromise on them. I think Nicol is just very particular in what looks for in a player. I'm not saying it's a good or a bad approach, but I think it is their approach. One could say that with the number of misses they've had, they need to alter their approach. But, if anything, that probably should lead to them being even more careful and picky, not less.
If I'm reading this right, you're saying they are conservative in how they add, and you think maybe they should be even more?
There are two problems: 1) they have trouble locating/signing players that they feel suit their needs in a timely manner; and 2) they've had a low success rate with the players they've signed. So, in regards to the 2nd problem, I think they've gotten even more cautious and picky in their signings (making the first problem worse). Obviously the best solution would be to find a way to improve their scouting operations to address both problems at the same time!
How about change the guys doing the scouting operations? 3 years of diminishing returns would be enough in nearly any other industry. Think of it another way: if Burns is a private industry recruiter, would he still have a job?
This just in: Beggars can be choosers. In other news, a stitch in time does not necessarily save nine in every case, nor is the grass greener on the other side of the fence. Not only can you judge a book by it's cover, it is indeed a prudent thing to do. Speaking of prudent things to do, it is always a good idea to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially since the New Rules say it is now OK to count all the chickens before they hatch. Wow, the whole world has gone crazy today!
Who's job is it then? Nicol? Note I said guys, plural. It's some combination of the two. The Revs ain't gonna win the Cup under Nicol. Time for new blood in both cases.
Here ya go, folks: THE ATLANTA MLS CHALLENGE (is there a trophy involved?) http://www.ajc.com/sports/mls-teams-will-train-816814.html Atlanta MLS Challenge Where: Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium Tickets: Start at $20 and can be purchased at www.theatlantabeat.com The schedule March 9, 7:30 p.m.: Columbus vs. New England March 11, 7:30 p.m.: Columbus vs. Houston March 13, TBD: New England vs. Houston --Surely, they mean $20 for all 3 games, right? Otherwise, tickets "starting" at $20 are completely obscene for a single-game pre-season MLS fixture.
Which game is on a Thursday? Game in TN is Sunday the 6th, then the tourney in ATL is Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.
Full schedule out: Monday, January 31: Players report to preseason camp. (Entrance physicals and training) Monday, January, 31 – Friday, February 11: Local training (Dana-Farber Field House, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.) Monday, February 14 – Thursday, February 24: Training in Orlando, Fla. Monday, February 28 – Wednesday, March 2: Local training (Dana-Farber Field House, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.) Thursday, March 3 – Sunday, March 13: Training in Kennesaw, Ga. Sunday, March 6: vs. Columbus Crew (Finley Stadium, Chattanooga, Tenn.), 4 p.m. ET Atlanta MLS Challenge (Kennesaw State Soccer Stadium, Kennesaw, Ga.) Wednesday, March 9: vs. Columbus Crew (Kennesaw, Ga.), 7:30 p.m. ET Friday, March 11: Columbus Crew vs. Houston Dynamo (Kennesaw, Ga.), 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday, March, 13: vs. Houston Dynamo (Kennesaw, Ga.), 2 p.m. ET Monday, March 14: OFF Tuesday, March 15: Regular-season training schedule begins Wednesday, March 16: Revolution Media Day Friday, March 18: Depart for Los Angeles Saturday, March 19: Training in Carson, Calif. Sunday, March 20: 2011 season opener at LA Galaxy (Carson, Calif.), 8 p.m. ET http://revolutionsoccer.net/news/2011/01/2011-preseason-schedule-released
Totally different type of schedule for the Revs. 3 games against 2 different team, wonder if they plan on adding a game when they are in Orlando since they are there for 10 days. Looking at the schedule it would have made sense to stay down there until the mid March
I'm sorry I thought March 9th was a Thursday. We are flying down to Atlanta for the Wednesday night game V Columbas.
Since they are going to have a reserve team again this year and most of the competition for roster spots will be spots on that end of the roster, I hope they set up some extra scrimmages/games for the "B" team. In the past, they often haven't played enough games to get everyone some playing time to show what they can do.
I really hope that is the case. I'll be in Florida that week and even though I'll be two hours away from Orlando I'll make the trip to see them play.