Crystal Palace USA 2008 Thread

Word has it that things went flipping awful in Pittsburgh - and Jim/Pete flipped out too. Sour way for the lads to end the season.

Guess CP needs 24 new players next year, or maybe a new coach who can manage (players and their personalities) and take talent to the next level, not deter it? That's not to say some players' work rate was often questionable and injuies depleted the bench.

C'mon Jim/Pete, manage the operation, build your academy, build your stadium, find another solid investor, improve marketing and bring in a solid coach (who attracts talent). Look what a high caliber coach did in Cleveland in 2 years, did in Carolina this year and watched (laughed) at what a lesser coach did in Cleveland this year - good evidence what effect a coach has on his players and organization.

 

I've said it before, Pete and Jim are not good coaches, their training techniques are limited and cannot seem to keep talented players.
Last season Almir Barbosa was in their preseason camp and they let him go, he ended up playing for Western Mass. scoring 9 goals in 2009. Garry Brooks is another issue.

 

You obviously have to be a player knowing what happened b2 P&J. Everyone cracks me up how much they know they can do so much better! Pete and Jim have done a great job in my book how can they help it if they have "passionless" players who all they care about is getting to USL 1 or MLS or across the pond none the less. .... They will have a stadium soon in a year or two right in the city which will be great! Also next year they will have new players who want to play and who care if they win or lose a game.

Also regarding gary brooks... you have to be kidding me.. that guy no matter what team he plays for scores more yellow and reds than goals... Any team he plays for the fans yell at him whenever he starts his whining... That sounds like a player we NEVER want to have again!!! Good riddins Brooks.... Plus his life off the field isn't anywhere close to what you would want your kids seeing... is real signing him again?

 

J and P are good guys, even thought they can not beat us anymore. They are smart enought to try and build a stadium and they hired some fantastic people to run their academy. For the good of the league, lets hope they keep going!

 

J&P are good guys with good intentions and vision, but they are not what the organization needs to improve enough to consider moving to USL-1 which is the objective. Ideally a stadium would be ready in time for the step up and the team needs a higher level of coaching (and developing players) to make the move.

The team was 3-4-3 against top 4 clubs: Rich,Wilm,Char,Harrisburg (and should have been 3-3-4 were it not for a horrible call by the ref in last 20 sec. of game against Charlotte). Against Real,Mass,Pit and Bermuda the team was 3-5-2 demonstrating their intensity and ability to play with the top teams and lackluster performances against the rest of the league, especially against Real.

Of positive note: Shintara made 1st team and Marshall and Texiera 2nd team USL-2 all stars. Congratulations lads.