Columbus Crew: 2012 Roster Thread: 2011-12 Off Season Edition

Time for the reinstatement of the Trialist portion of the program.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/covering-the-crew/2012/01/but-its-our-first-day.html

I. Senior Roster/On Budget (SR): Players under Contract. 18/18-20, club's option. Salary Cap at $2.81 million.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 30, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 29, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 27, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 31, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 31, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
6. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 27, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
7. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 25, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
8. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 28, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
9. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 22, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
10. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 25, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
11. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
12. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 22, 9-15-89, $90,000/$223,000.
13. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
14. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 23, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
15. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 23, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
16. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 27, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
17. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
18. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 24, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
19.
20.

At least two open spots here. The DP signing is rumored, and Francis, Anor, and Heinemann can all move down, where we have at least 4 spots open, though Speas would surely take one.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Exempt Roster/Off-Budget (ER): Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown/UNC, $???/$???
22. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
23. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 23, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
24. M Cole Grossman, USA, 22, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.

I put Speas and Finaly at the top here. Maybe Homegrowns are automatically on the apprentice roster, I have no idea, but I think those two players (along with Gehrig) are the off-budget guys most likely to contribute this year.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster/Off Budget (AR): Spots 25-30. 10/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2012 (Do not turn 25 in 2012). Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 24, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600 (turns 25 in 2012, not in-season)
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 20, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 19, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
29. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
30. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, 21, 1-30-90, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
-----------------
31. M Kirk Urso, USA, 21, 3-6-90, 1st round Supplemental pick, UNC
32. D Jamie Finch, USA, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd round Supplemental pick, Washington
33. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, ??, 6-02-??, 3rd round Supplemental pick. Liberty
34. F Andrew Bulls, USA, 22, 10-9-89, 4th round Supplemental pick, Balt-Maryland

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team last year. He does seem to violate the age restriction this year, but MLS is notorious for not being clear, and his salary prevents him from being in a higher spot. So unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. I'm putting the 2/3 of the Homegrowns here, but that could change when salary info is released.

Also put all the Supplemental picks here.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 8 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) and Tony Tchani (Cameroon) have Green Cards, and do not count as International Players. So does Expo (Nigeria), so his return, if it comes to pass, would not use up an international spot.

1. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, On Budget Roster
2. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, On Budget Roster
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, On Budget Roster
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, On Budget Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
6. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
------------------------------
7. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, Off-Budget Roster (2nd round pick)
8. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, Off-Budget rostser, 3rd Round Supplemental pick


V. Out of Contract = 1.

Doubtful Ekpo comes back, but anything is possible.

1. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
-------------------------

VII. In = 8.

1. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 30, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
2. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
5. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown (UNC), $???/$???
6. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
7. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
8. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
==================

VII. Out = 9

1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200/$49,200 (SR) (Expansion Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, International, $159,996/$170,496 (SR) (waived).
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, International, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (waived)
4. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, International, $500k/$595k (SR) (option declined)
5. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500 (SR) (option declined)
6. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (SR/ER) (option declined)
7. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600. (AR) (option declined)
8. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (option declined)
9. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (OOC, signed w/ Leeds)

VII. Trialists
1. F Travis Wall, USA, F, Ohio Weslelyan (Upper Arlington), possible HG
2. D Lance Laing, Jamaica, 23, 2-28-88, Fort Lauderdale Strikers (LB)
3. M Silvio Spann, Trinidad & Tobago, 30, 8-21-81, W Connection
4. F Nermin Krnkic, USA, Sandviken (Sweden)
5. M John Daniele, USA, 26, 9-13-85, UC La Estrella (Spain)

----------------------------

 

Some updates from Jardy this week.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/covering-the-crew/2012/02/seattle-up-next.html

First off, trailists Silvio Spahn and Nermin Crnkic have been sent home, and each of our 7 draftees are still with the team, though Speas (abdomin) and Finch (knee) are hurt at the moment. I know Travis Wall didn't travel, but I didn't hear any word on him being out of it. And I have to word on Daniele, or missed the word if there was some.

Jardy thinks trialist Lance Laing (LB) has a good shot at making the squad, and Warzycha had some kind words fro Urso, Tchani, and Grossman.

Anyway, with Jardy saying we are planning to start with 29 players (to leave room for 1 DP), I currently have 36, counting Wall and Daniele for a total of four trialists. If they are out of it, then we have 34 for 29 spots.

I. Senior Roster/On Budget (SR): Players under Contract. 18/18-20, club's option. Salary Cap at $2.81 million.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 30, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 29, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 27, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 31, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 31, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
6. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 27, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
7. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 25, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
8. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 28, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
9. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 22, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
10. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 25, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
11. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
12. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 22, 9-15-89, $90,000/$223,000.
13. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
14. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 23, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
15. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 23, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
16. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 27, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
17. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
18. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 24, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
19.
20.

At least two open spots here. The DP signing is rumored, and Francis, Anor, and Heinemann can all move down, where we have at least 4 spots open, though Speas would surely take one.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Exempt Roster/Off-Budget (ER): Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown/UNC, $???/$???
22. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
23. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 23, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
24. M Cole Grossman, USA, 22, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.

I put Speas and Finlay at the top here. Maybe Homegrowns are automatically on the apprentice roster, I have no idea, but I think those two players (along with Gehrig) are the off-budget guys most likely to contribute this year.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster/Off Budget (AR): Spots 25-30. 10/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2012 (Do not turn 25 in 2012). Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 24, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600 (turns 25 in 2012, not in-season)
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 20, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 19, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
29. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
30. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, 21, 1-30-90, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
-----------------
31. M Kirk Urso, USA, 21, 3-6-90, 1st round Supplemental pick, UNC
32. D Jamie Finch, USA, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd round Supplemental pick, Washington
33. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, ??, 6-02-??, 3rd round Supplemental pick. Liberty
34. F Andrew Bulls, USA, 22, 10-9-89, 4th round Supplemental pick, Balt-Maryland

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team last year. He does seem to violate the age restriction this year, but MLS is notorious for not being clear, and his salary prevents him from being in a higher spot. So unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. I'm putting the 2/3 of the Homegrowns here, but that could change when salary info is released.

Also put all the Supplemental picks here.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 8 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) and Tony Tchani (Cameroon) have Green Cards, and do not count as International Players. So does Expo (Nigeria), so his return, if it comes to pass, would not use up an international spot.

1. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, On Budget Roster
2. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, On Budget Roster
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, On Budget Roster
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, On Budget Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
6. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
------------------------------
7. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, Off-Budget Roster (2nd round pick)
8. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, Off-Budget rostser, 3rd Round Supplemental pick


V. Out of Contract = 1.

Doubtful Ekpo comes back, but anything is possible.

1. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
-------------------------

VII. In = 8.

1. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 30, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
2. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
5. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown (UNC), $???/$???
6. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
7. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
8. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
==================

VII. Out = 9

1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200k (SR) (Exp. Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, Int. $159,996/$170,496 (SR) (waived)
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, Int., $32,600k (AR) (waived)
4. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, Int., $500k/$595k (DP) (option declined)
5. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500 (SR) (option declined)
6. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (SR/ER) (option declined)
7. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600. (AR) (option declined)
8. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (option declined)
9. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (OOC, signed w/ Leeds)

VII. Trialists
1. D Lance Laing, Jamaica, 23, 2-28-88, Fort Lauderdale Strikers (LB)
2. D/M Kasali Casal, UK/Nigeria, 24, 10-21-87, Vasas SC (Hungary)
3. F Travis Wall, USA, F, Ohio Weslelyan (Upper Arlington), possible HG (not in FLA)
4. M John Daniele, USA, 26, 9-13-85, UC La Estrella (Spain) (status unknown)

 

Cool. Thanks for the info. Though I thought since he had ties to the Crew previously (as a possible HG), there might be a chance we were keeping an eye on him for the future.


I'll delete him from the next update.

 

Thanks. In fact, Molde FK is a pretty big deal in Norway right now. Managed by former ManU legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reigning Norwegian champs, and home of promising USA youth international Josh Gatt. Manu is at least the second ex-Crew to go to Norway to play, joining Brian West (Fredrikstad).

Anyway, bye to Ekpo and also to Travis Wall, at least for now.

I. Senior Roster/On Budget (SR): Players under Contract. 18/18-20, club's option. Salary Cap at $2.81 million.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 30, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 29, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 27, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 31, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 31, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
6. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 27, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
7. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 25, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
8. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 28, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
9. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 22, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
10. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 25, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
11. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
12. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 22, 9-15-89, $90,000/$223,000.
13. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
14. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 23, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
15. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 23, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
16. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 27, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
17. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
18. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 24, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
19.
20.

At least two open spots here. The DP signing is rumored, and Francis, Anor, and Heinemann can all move down, where we have at least 4 spots open, though Speas would surely take one.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Exempt Roster/Off-Budget (ER): Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown/UNC, $???/$???
22. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
23. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 23, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
24. M Cole Grossman, USA, 22, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.

I put Speas and Finlay at the top here. Maybe Homegrowns are automatically on the apprentice roster, I have no idea, but I think those two players (along with Gehrig) are the off-budget guys most likely to contribute this year.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster/Off Budget (AR): Spots 25-30. 10/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2012 (Do not turn 25 in 2012). Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 24, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600 (turns 25 in 2012, not in-season)
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 20, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 19, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
29. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
30. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, 21, 1-30-90, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
-----------------
31. M Kirk Urso, USA, 21, 3-6-90, 1st round Supplemental pick, UNC
32. D Jamie Finch, USA, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd round Supplemental pick, Washington
33. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, ??, 6-02-??, 3rd round Supplemental pick. Liberty
34. F Andrew Bulls, USA, 22, 10-9-89, 4th round Supplemental pick, Balt-Maryland

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team last year. He does seem to violate the age restriction this year, but MLS is notorious for not being clear, and his salary prevents him from being in a higher spot. So unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. I'm putting the 2/3 of the Homegrowns here, but that could change when salary info is released.

Also put all the Supplemental picks here.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 8 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) and Tony Tchani (Cameroon) have Green Cards, and do not count as International Players. So does Expo (Nigeria), so his return, if it comes to pass, would not use up an international spot.

1. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, On Budget Roster
2. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, On Budget Roster
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, On Budget Roster
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, On Budget Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
6. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
------------------------------
7. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, Off-Budget Roster (2nd round pick)
8. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, Off-Budget rostser, 3rd Round Supplemental pick
-------------------------------------
Note: Trialists Lang and Casal are also Internationals, plus we are supposedly leaving space for a DP. But George, Amoo, Lang, and Casal may not make the team, of course.

------------------------

V. In = 8.

1. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 30, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
2. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
5. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown (UNC), $???/$???
6. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
7. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
8. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
==================

VI. Out = 10

1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200k (SR) (Exp. Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, Int. $159,996/$170,496 (SR) (waived)
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, Int., $32,600k (AR) (waived)
4. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, Int., $500k/$595k (DP) (option declined)
5. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500 (SR) (option declined)
6. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (SR/ER) (option declined)
7. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600. (AR) (option declined)
8. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (option declined)
9. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (OOC, signed w/ Leeds)
10. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, GC, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
---------------------------

VII. Trialists
1. D Lance Laing, Jamaica, 23, 2-28-88, Fort Lauderdale Strikers (LB)
2. D/M Kasali Casal, UK/Nigeria, 24, 10-21-87, Vasas SC (Hungary)
3. M John Daniele, USA, 26, 9-13-85, UC La Estrella (Spain) (status unknown)

 

Well, Laing started the last game with us. Got a link?

 

You had me (and the Crew) at Indiana.

 

Got a link to confirm this, per Jardy. Warzycha says we're still in contact with them, but you are correct that neither is with the Crew now. Both are removed from the trialist section. RW also said we may bring some more guys in.

Currently, I have 33 players for 30 spots, if we still have one trialist. If not, then 32 for 30. 29 really, as we are planning to leave a spot open for a DP.

I. Senior Roster/On Budget (SR): Players under Contract. 18/18-20, club's option. Salary Cap at $2.81 million.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 30, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 29, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 27, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 31, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 31, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
6. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 27, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
7. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 25, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
8. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 28, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
9. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 22, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
10. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 25, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
11. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
12. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 22, 9-15-89, $90,000/$223,000.
13. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
14. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 23, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
15. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 23, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
16. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 27, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
17. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
18. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 24, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
19.
20.

At least two open spots here. The DP signing is rumored, and Francis, Anor, and Heinemann can all move down, where we have at least 4 spots open, though Speas would surely take one.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Exempt Roster/Off-Budget (ER): Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown/UNC, $???/$???
22. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
23. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 23, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
24. M Cole Grossman, USA, 22, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.

I put Speas and Finlay at the top here. Maybe Homegrowns are automatically on the apprentice roster, I have no idea, but I think those two players (along with Gehrig) are the off-budget guys most likely to contribute this year.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster/Off Budget (AR): Spots 25-30. 10/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2012 (Do not turn 25 in 2012). Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 24, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600 (turns 25 in 2012, not in-season)
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 20, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 19, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
29. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
30. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, 21, 1-30-90, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
-----------------
31. M Kirk Urso, USA, 21, 3-6-90, 1st round Supplemental pick, UNC
32. D Jamie Finch, USA, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd round Supplemental pick, Washington
33. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, ??, 6-02-??, 3rd round Supplemental pick. Liberty
34. F Andrew Bulls, USA, 22, 10-9-89, 4th round Supplemental pick, Balt-Maryland

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team last year. He does seem to violate the age restriction this year, but MLS is notorious for not being clear, and his salary prevents him from being in a higher spot. So unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. I'm putting the 2/3 of the Homegrowns here, but that could change when salary info is released.

Also put all the Supplemental picks here.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 8 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) and Tony Tchani (Cameroon) have Green Cards, and do not count as International Players. So does Expo (Nigeria), so his return, if it comes to pass, would not use up an international spot.

1. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, On Budget Roster
2. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, On Budget Roster
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, On Budget Roster
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, On Budget Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
6. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, On Budget Roster/Exempt Roster
------------------------------
7. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, Off-Budget Roster (2nd round pick)
8. F Darren Amoo, Ghana, Off-Budget rostser, 3rd Round Supplemental pick
-------------------------------------
Note: We are supposedly leaving space for a DP. But George and Amoo may not make the team, of course.
------------------------

V. In = 8.

1. D Carlos Mendes, USA, 30, 12-25-80, $98,175/$101,300
2. GK Matt Lampson, USA, 22, 9-6-89, Homegrown, $???/$???
3. M Milovan Mirosevic, Chile, 31, 6-20-80, International, $???/$???
4. F Olman Vargas, Costa Rica, 26, 4-15-85, International, $???/$???
5. F Ben Speas, USA, 20, 1-17-91, Homegrown (UNC), $???/$???
6. M/F Ethan Finlay, USA, 21, 8-6-90, Creighton, 1st Round Pick, $???/$???
7. D Aubrey Perry, USA, 20, 1-20-91, 2nd Round pick, $???/$???
8. M Kevan George, Trinidad & Tobago, ??, ??-??-??, 2nd Round pick. $???/$???
==================

VI. Out = 10

1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200k (SR) (Exp. Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, Int. $159,996/$170,496 (SR) (waived)
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, Int., $32,600k (AR) (waived)
4. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, Int., $500k/$595k (DP) (option declined)
5. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500 (SR) (option declined)
6. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (SR/ER) (option declined)
7. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600. (AR) (option declined)
8. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (option declined)
9. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (OOC, signed w/ Leeds)
10. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, GC, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
---------------------------

VII. Trialists
1. M John Daniele, USA, 26, 9-13-85, UC La Estrella (Spain) (status unknown)

 

Well, I'm not sure if Duka will be absent because of the U-23/Olympic qualifying or not. If he is available, he starts at LM. If not, then I think we'll go like this:

------------Hesmer-------------
Miranda--Marshall--Mendes--Francis
-----------Tchani---------------
Gaven-----Mirosevic-----Anor(Duka)
--------Renteria---Vargas--------

Bench: Andy G; O'Rourke, Balchan; Gehrig, Finlay; Meram, Heinemann

 

Well, we went 4-4-2 vs. Charleston the other day. But it looks like we switched to 4-5-1 with Mirosevic as the CAM/WF in the 2nd half. So half of one, half of the other. No surprise there. RW has gone through entire seasons w/out figuring out his best XI, you think he'll figure out our formation before the season starts?

Duka wasn't back from the U-23's yet, so Finlay started in his place. Hesmer isn't back yet, so the Hammer got the start in goal, and I think Balchan is still out. But we are getting closer to our best XI.

-------------Gruenebaum-------------
Miranda---Marshall---Mendes---Francis
---------------Tchani----------------
Gaven--------Mirosevic--------Finlay
---------Renteria-----Vargas----------

Subs:
'46: Namanja Vukovic (trialist) for Francis (straight LB swap)
'46: Urso for Vargas (switch to a 4-5-1 with Urso as CM and Milosevic up to CAM/WF)
'61: O'Rourke for Tchani. Straight swap.
'70: Heinemann for Renteria. Straight swap.
'82: Horton for Finlay.
'84: Grossman for Mirosevic


http://www.thecrew.com/news/2012/02/crew-opens-carolina-challenge-cup-2-2-draw-battery