The MLS draft is much closer to the MLB Draft then it is to the NFL Draft: i.e. The chances of getting an immediate franchise changing player is slim to none. The MLS draft is for getting immediate depth, and players to develop for the future. College Soccer is a 3 month season. MLS starts in mid-late January and goes to the last weekend in Oct at a minimum, and the first weekend in Dec if you make the MLS cup final. MLS rookies (like their NBA counterparts) hit a wall around July. The reality is that the Union will draft a midfielder and a Defender for the future/depth. Hopefully they'll sign (foreign players who have some experience) some game changers for the midfield this off-season, as that is what this team is sorely lacking. The defense is solid for the most part, and we have one of the best young keepers in MLS, despite what the haters and negative Nancy's want everyone to believe. Another more dynamic striker would be nice as well. This team lacks a true box to box, 2-way MF in the mold of a Gerard (younger days) or Michael Bradley. Also if this player isn't shy from pulling the trigger from distance that'd be nice too. The Union have been lacking this element since Mapp left. I'm sorry but those of you who believe the Union will get immediate starters from the MLS draft, you really need to lower your expectations. It usually takes 2-3 seasons before a draft pick is a consistent performer on the MLS level. Their are exceptions, and it can happen, but it's not likely.
They can't get much lower............. There's about 10 things they could do in the off-season to help if they wanted to, I just question what we've seen from them that shows they want to. They have the same 2 problems they've had since Mapp and Harvey left: * no left side. * no central playmaker Even if they choose to stay stuck in a bucket, it would be really nice to have an available option in the 18 that could be used to change hactics(TM) in a given situtation. MacMath got better as a shot stopper when he got pushed. If the pusher is gone after this season I'm afraid of a regression........and his distribution remains a work in progress. International FA....trades.......draft.......whatever works. Starting left back. LM/LW. legit CAM. back-up G. That's where seriousness begins for me. I'll take your F if they can find room.......but I'm good if they keep all they have up top. Somebody (other than me) mentioned Zakuani. Make the damn call. Find out what Sigi might want. I'm all in. Begin there.........and start emptying your trash can.
wasn't meaning to relate them-seeing as neither Justin nor Jordan played there. Just that it's been a glaring weakness.
Legit questions. I'm inclined to see how he does w/the picks and flexibility w/the cap. I think Hack is our guy to get the youth plan to work, but the team will outgrow him before too long. On one hand, I defnitely see where you're coming from. On the other, DC beat RSL at RSL to win silverware. Their record shows they haven't been a good team, but their USOC wins were all against MLS teams (they advanced past Richmond on PKs). To be fair, Hamid made a solid save. It wasn't as if Jack hit it softly into Hamid's chest. It's easy to remember all the scoring problems, but I also recall a couple games where the U could have put more in the net except for the opposing keeper having a really good game. Without hyperbole, a true must win. I can't figure him out. He was more willing to shoot from distance early playing out wide, but he also played like he had no defensive responsibilities when he is usually too defensive, for me at least - who knows what Hack's directives are, and hardly ever shoots. The key to a strong team w/depth in this league is finding good role players. Those guys that aren't stars but get he job done like Larentowicz, DeLeon, Jacobsen, Mapp, Marvel Wynne, Corey Ashe. For now, this type of player is found int he draft and has been noted, usually take a couple years to blossom.
Why's that? I've been unimpressed with his use of our young players. Our homegrowns, Torres, Anding, and other young players can't buy minutes. The only real young players he uses are Jack, Amobi, and (at least earlier in the season) Fernandes. Jack and Amobi were already known quantities with youth international experience before Hack became coach.
I'm looking at the first generation of youth...MacMath, Okugo, JM9, Williams. I'd even include Gaddis, maybe DC44. Developing these guys as pros sets up the team for at least 5 years in terms of leadership and team character. I think LT11 was brought back for his character and work ethic - nobody is going to outwork him on the field or in the community. A guy like that leads by example and rubs off on younger guys. Similarly, I think that's why BC7 has the armband. Parke and Casey model the bruiser role. I don't see this team as being built for much more than developing character. They just happened to get some decent results and find themselves in the playoff race. Anyway, I think Hack is a nurturing type of manager. How well he manages older talent certainly can be debated. Another year or two more of seasoning and these guys will be experienced pros rather than young talent and be ready for a more challenging manager. It's totally possible I'm connecting unrelated dots on a scatter plot and there is no plan and the U are just winging it. Personally, I find it more interesting to be optimistic than rip the team since I really can't do anything about it one way or the other.
Anyone know what the controversy with the FO was? I saw a few rumblings on twitter about a FO rep sitting with our traveling fans and censoring certain chants. Any truth to this?
I'm curious as well. It definitely sparked some Twitter conversations. Mostly of the "This is what happens when you get into bed with the FO financially" variety.
Boring game overall.....but what a shot by DeLeon! Kleberson has passed Daniel for goals and assists in two games. We have only scored more than 1 goal once in the last 8 games. Need to breakout in these next two games!!
Well, even at the end of last year when we were all but mathematically eliminated he only played Jimmy for about 15 minutes. Instead, he stuck with his same usual guys. It drove me insane that he would rather play veterans in meaningless games rather than give our youngsters real minutes.
The fact that Casual Jeff won't step up to challenge a player offered acres of space by Invisible Brian is becoming a problem. DeLeon scored the same goal Kelyn Rowe already did twice.
Starting out with Williams and Fabinho both missing put us in a tight spot, but that was the hand we were dealt. The fact that LeToux is your next choice at right back is glaring evidence that the team is not built well. Hack's fault IMO. You have to know going into that game that an injury on defense is your weak point and plan the bench accordingly. Hack didn't do that obviously, or he wouldn't have had to resort to Kassel as the sub for LeToux. We really looked like we were playing w/ 10 men when Kassel was in there. I would have rather seen anything... Wheeler, or maybe move Okugo over... or Jack Mac as the early sub with 3 at the back. In short, I think Hackworth took a bad situation and made it worse.