Squandering an Opportunity I would love to see Kyle regularly on the pitch. Beckerman has tons of talent if given the chance to prove himself early this season. However, after seeing the Rapids play Musa in a playoff game (What were they thinking???) and the coaching staff's opening stunt against the DiveQuake (Let's draw player positions from a hat!), I'm certain Kyle stays on the bench. Why play Kyle when you can destroy his confidence by benching him against crappy teams and then giving him 5 minutes at the end of a game late in the season?
This situation may be similar to that of Kyle Martino in Columbus right now. They certainly have similar pedigrees, but Martino has been given the opportunity to succeed (even last year got some good PT) and is already showing this year that it is paying off. While Beckerman has had stints with the youth NT's, he is yet to see any real time on the field and that troubles me. Without those opportunities, he will never really get the chance to make an impact and solidify his role on a team that, right now, is looking to fill holes in the midfield. Even 3 games would demonstrate whether or not he was ready for the step up, but will he get that chance? Have any of the veterans been quoted on his talents? What would Mastro, Hendo or Spencer have to say?
The Rapids lineup for opening day was a complete fiasco. Its pretty clear that Hankinson has little strategic sense and that he feels pressure to play his foreign internationals even if they are not fit or performing i.e. Spencer, Roberts Mr. Hanki should give Beckerman a chance after the great preseason he had.
Re: Squandering an Opportunity Ths is very funny in a sick way and it basically sums up my feelings. I want Kyle out there and think he is the best guy for the job, but I have serious doubts that Hankinson will give this guy a fair chance.
I think Kyle should be on the pitch and be given the chance to prove if he can play or not. Do I think it will happen? Nobody knows except Hankinson. Obviously we the fans, players and media have no idea what Hanki and staff were thinking in the first game (and last season at times). I do know this, I no longer have the patience to deal with the situation (Hankinson's decisions) if the bizarre behavior continues. We (fans) have supported our team from the beginning and would like to see a consistant effort being made to be competitive (at the very least). All I ask is please put the best players we have, in their best postitions and at least give us a chance for a victory. Is there a problem with evaluating talent? Are we (the fans) seeing something totally different? How are we supposed to know. The communication from our team (coaching staff, front office, website, etc.) to us, the fans, is non-existent. I would like to trust our coaching staff to make the correct decision, but I am starting to doubt that they are. Does the coaching staff know and see the players more than us? Of course. Do they know more about soccer than us? I would hope they know more than 80% - 95% (if not more) of the fans. Are our opinions valid? Yes, to an extent. Do many of us know what we are talking about? Yes. I would like to see some consistancy with the lineup. I believe then we could see what players can do what, work well with each other, play well, etc. Just getting some of the frustration out after the first game. Sorry for the rant.
I believe I read somewhere that Hanikinson reads this board from time to time. Not sure where I read that but if it's true and you are reading this right now, PLEASE, PLEASE don't experiment. Put the guys where they were in the preseason and lets win. Garrett
I haven't seen this on any other threads, so... http://www.mlsnet.com/content/03/90min0417beckerman.html He certainly sounds hungry enough, and you can add him to the list of players (along with Pablo) who were perplexed by last week's starting lineup.
What's Up?? I'd appreciate Greenie or one of the insiders letting us know about this situation. The supporters of Beckerman seem to feel that he is outstanding, and I know his pedegree coming in had great potential. Nonetheless, he doesn't play. That either means he doesn't play up to the hype, or the coach or ownership don't like him. On the one hand, I'd love to see him get a chance, but after last week, our lineup needs some consistency as soon as possible. I would just like to know more!!! Thanks in advance for any responses.
Re: What's Up?? Hell if I can come up with a reason why the kid doesn't even get minues as a sub against San Jose. Pretty disappointing that you look around the league and you see plenty of other teams more than willing to give their young players a shot while Beckerman sits for 90 minutes. I've thought he's looked decent enough in training to warrant a position on the team. So have many other fans and soccer-minded reporters. You'd think he'd be given a chance to make it or break it in a real game situation. I'm not sure what's more confusing at this point. Rearranging the midfield and starting Crawford in back, or the continued lack of playing time for Kyle.
Thanks Again!!! I appreciate your honest answer. Far too many boards belittle newbies who ask questions. It's the only way I know to find answers to questions. I guess we will find out soon what is on tap for the Rapids. Hearing it from you along with so many other posters, it sounds as though Kyle is due to get an opportunity, and not just as an 87th minute sub. For both the Rapids and Kyle, I hope this happens soon. Go Raps! Beat DC!!!
hankinson is from the old mindset that a young player can not play in the middle..or t he doesn't like kyle. no other coach would play a certain way in preseason and not use that lineup...I couldn't understand why he put in kingsley(who really wasn't truely back from injury) instead of moving chung to the outside and putting kyle in the middle.It certainly says something about his confidence in him.. Hopefully he will give him a fair shot at playing numerous games and mins and not overly scrutinize him.I feel he showed his talent in preseason and on his olympic trips with mooch..
If any of you had the chance to watch Columbus play the last couple of weeks got a chance to see a team play a 21 year old center mid and see him and the team excel. I'm not saying that Becks is Martino but how will we ever know if he can't get on the freakin' field? I'm about at the end of my rope with Hanki and his clueless decisions.