News: 2022 - DCU Club Discussion and Analysis

That’s good to hear, I thought he was a winger in the Jamaica set up.

 

He had a good season with Derby as an 8/10, so I think it's fair to say his salary would have gone up no matter who signed him. At his age, he's not moving overseas as a resume builder, either. And, it turns out, DC isn't in California, where players play for free.

From the highlight reel, he's a ball-secure shuttler and a facilitator with good vision in the final third. I'd style him as Djeffal with 5 more years of experience. I don't think he's a game-changer, but he's certainly an upgrade in midfield.

 

I know sizzle reels aren't everything, but I see a lot there that shows Morrison should be able to combine quite well with Fountas. Fountas is definitely going to be making the runs that Morrison rewarded throughout that video.

 

Thata a good description.

Can also carry the ball and play thru pressure unlike everyone else on the team.

 

He doesnt play high up the pitch enough to use goals to judge him.

 

Agreed.

Still, I lucked out. I have seen him play live twice on two separate loans to QPR and, in one game, he did score twice.

 

Toronto still wants a top 3 of Insigne Belotti and Bernadeschi. 2 of them are officially signed and they hope to the seal the deal for the final piece sooner than later. 🇮🇹🔜

— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) July 14, 2022

Maybe we can use the TAM we just got to buy one of these guys?

 

I meant the guys LA and Toronto would be ditching

 

We desperately need to bring in a few high quality defenders. Much more than we need attacking players or even midfielders. Or offensive output isn't great but it isn't awful either, it needs a lot less improvement than our porous defense. We have the fewest games played in the league and are tied for most goals conceded at 39. When you concede over two goals per game on average, it is nearly impossible to win games. We definitely need to make upgrades in midfield and the attack but defense should be top priority in my opinion.

 

I think if we upgrade the midfield you’ll see the defense improve. Having said that, Hines-Ike, Pines, and Alfaro are struggling for sure.

 

Agree. A midfield that can recover possession and also hold possession takes a great deal of pressure off the defenders. Given the woeful state of DCU's midfield this year, the last line of defense has faced too many jail breaks. Those usually end badly unless you have a Carlos Alberto type defender back there and there are none like that in MLS, or most other places TBH.

 

I've said it before, we need a DM. Not a Canouse or a Nyeman or even a Durkin. We need a guy who wakes up at 7 AM every morning, sits down with a bowl of twigs 'n gruel, stares intently at the wall across from him, and repeats to himself "How can I better shield the back line today?"

 

I remember the years Sharlie Joseph was a beast in that position for the NE Revolution.

 

That's a good man!

 

Eff this, let’s get a goal and make their butt pucker.

 

Guediri, not good.

 

Wrong thread

 

I think Hines-Ike has been pretty good - maybe even our best defender. But I agree on Pines and Alfaro. Pines has height and great speed, once he gets going, but it takes time for him to get up to escape velocity.

 

There is also something wrong with Birnbaum, slow to close down, slow to get in the air on set pieces. Him backing away from a player not facing the goal allowed that nifty flick for a goal. And its not the first time.
Maybe exhaustion olays a oart not just from the schedule but having no help in front. Hopefully the switch to 4 backs and 2 dmids helps...but of course it matters who's in front of him
Would be nice to get the old Cannouse back.

 

Who will play alongside Phil Jones? I assume Birnbaum?

 

He's getting old, has a lot of injuries and concussions.

 

Yes that too i feel bad for him because he gives everything and the 3 back d had to accelerate his wear and tear. But he needs to be replaced before he has worse issues and moved to backup role. Which leads me to say i used to only focus on how dreadful the midfield is but man do we need help in back just as urgently.

 

Birnbaum has been a loyal servant to the team and I think everyone appreciates that but he doesn't seem capable of playing a major role anymore. Some players age out faster than others. Birnbaum is 31 and at that age some players are just about done while others are still in their prime. I think all the injuries Birnbaum has had and our midfield issues play a role but he might also just be the sort of player that doesn't have great longevity. His salary is too big for the kind of contribution he is likely to make.

 

Given how many concussions he has had, he ought to be moved to a backup role. I'm not convinced he is done, but I would not mind if he was, for his sake. Seems like he could be an assistant coach candidate.

 

DC has acquired forward Miguel Berry from Columbus.

Sources: D.C. United agree deal to acquire forward Miguel Berry from the Columbus Crew. A number of other teams interested, but D.C. got the deal done.

Berry, 24, has 10g/2a in 1,817 mins in MLS with Columbus. pic.twitter.com/8js67r8BxA

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 18, 2022

Thomas Floyd, who's covering local soccer this week while Goff is on vacation, says this is for $225k GAM + possible incentives.