Problem with Alecko is that he isn't a real finisher like Twellman or Ruiz or even - shudder - Ante. He's more of a creator, so I'm a little wary of he and Clint running into each other all the time. The real college prizes are Grabavoy of Indiana (pure No. 10) and Stokes of UNC (defender in the Pope mold), but no one knows if they're going to stay in school or not, as Grab is a sophomore and Stokes a junior. Noonan, also of Indiana, is a finisher and has drawn the interest of DCU though I have to say I wasn't that impressed with him last year.*Editor's note: I've been wrong a hell of a lot of times before. Guillermo Gonzalez, however, might be the biggest name to consider. He's a part of the current U-17 crop and has the biggest buzz from that group of anyone since Donovan (though not as much as Adu). He's 5-foot-11, 170 pounds of withdrawn forward/attacking mid who has already drawn the interest of several La Liga sides and most of the MFL - but is reportedly leaning towards MLS. He would be tough to turn down with the number two pick if he lasts that long, and is a steal at number five even though he isn't a perfect fit for the Metros personnel-wise. I guess Nate Jaqua should also be mentioned as he's a target-forward who's put up good numbers for U. Portland, and Knox Cameron - the "other" U-20 forward along with Johnson, Quaranta and Magee - if he comes out.
Also forgot to mention that Dallas pretty much has to get rid of Bobby Rhine this winter. He's out of contract while the other three guys (Kreis, Johnson, Cerritos) still have multiple years left, I believe. Rhine would be a great addition. He's a McBride type who won't ever stop running and doing the dirty work. Unfortunately he's as inconsistent finishing as McBride, but always seems to come through in the clutch. Frankly, I'd love to see him partnering Mathis next year and hope BB is able to work something out to bring him to the swamp.
Well, yes and no. Yes I didn't mention him, but no I didn't forget him. While Clark certainly has the goods to be an MLS star, I just don't know if another two way mid is really on the agenda. I think it's a big stretch to assume Bradley would spend either of the first round picks on him.
agreed - not sure if giving up Faria was the wise thing to do. He really came on in the second half. Besides, who knows how much longer Clint will be around for? We all know the defense sucked last year. Now we have no offense. Afraid we'll become the DC United next year.
Bradley won the League in 98 with a Fire team that excelled on defense and countered like crazy. We did rather well in 2000 with te same philosophy. Boom there you have it.
That's not really true. Dallas has only got four free agents this year (Rhine, Broome, Rodriguez, Jordan), none of them are due a significant pay increase, and if there's not a pressing reason for us to let Rhine go I don't see why they would do it, except maybe to make room for a draftee or discovery. But I doubt you'd get him for that cheap, in any case.
I don't think they should go either. I want this Metro team to actually have quality players on the bench as well. Akwari may very well win a starting position. I could see Petke being traded as well. He had a terrible season and takes up a lot of our Cap space for a guy who lost his man too many times. There is still a possibility that Balboa could fill one of the central defender positions, but he'd have really be 100% fit and healthy and willing to take a sizable pay cut (down to say $100K).
I will wager good money that one of Rhine, Cerritos or Johnson does not start the season with Dallas - and I would be happy to see any of those guys on Metro. Of course, we know Johnson isn't going anywhere and Cerritos is no longer worth his contract, so I doubt Bradley would pick him up. That leaves Rhine as the only "movable" player, and a perfect fit to boot.
I can see Johnson moving. Dallas really does not play him enough. I have hear rumors he is not happy sitting there. Paule? I'll help him pack his bags. What has he ever done in his time here? I would very much like us to hold onto Akwari.
I for one would be willing to part with the #5 pick and one of our starters for Johnson. The kid will be the next big thing in US Soccer. As for Faria, if you're running a fantasy league team, its great that he scores a nice amount of goals, but unfortunately for those like Donner who like to use statistics to explain everything, you can't do that in the real world. Its not a matter of production, Faria has great numbers, but he didn't produce when he should have, he is turning into a premadonna and his play is sloppy and inconsistent. No one will argue that at times he didn't produce, but he could have done alot more but didn't. Once again, with the same things in mind, Ross Paule is not a statistical standout, but really developed into a nice ballwinner. There is no spot for him in a 4-4-2, but he could easily thrive in a 3-5-2, ideally, a team like LA would suit his style well. He improved by leaps and bounds into a solid defender in his midfield slot, and he played great balls from our end to provide numerous scoring opportunities. Neither Faria or Paule should be judged solely statistics.
With the exception of maybe Ruiz and Twellman, this statement could apply to every attacking player in the league. Should the entire lot of them be sacked?