http://www.dispatch.com/crew/crew.php?story=dispatch/news/sports03/feb03/1639713.html I'm glad to see Dante is still in the mix - even as a temp/guest. Where did the Paule story come from? I hadn't seen that anywhere. We are short on middies and long front and back, but how would Paule fit into the mix? How could we cover the salary?
I don't subscribe to The Disgrace and I won't pay them $4.95 a month for reading their crap online. So if you wouldn't mind explaining a little more of what it says...
here ya go bill Unsigned Crew forward Dante Washington is traveling with the team and awaiting final approval to be added to the roster for the two CONCACAF Champions Cup matches next month. He would be a temporary replacement for Brian McBride, who is on loan to Everton of the English Premier League through March. Smith did not rule out the possibility of Washington re-signing with the Crew for the season. "You never know what could happen,'' Smith said. "If Brian's loan is extended, he could be our cover.'' Also joining the Crew in Portugal is former Colorado and New York-New Jersey midfielder Ross Paule, 26. The 1998 and '99 MLS All-Star had two goals and two assists and started 26 games for the MetroStars last season. He was released last month.
Same article, always copied on 1460... http://www.1460thefan.com/tf.php?story=dispatch/news/sports03/feb03/1639713.html
Thanks gentlemen. Interesting stuff. It would appear that MLS rosters are hardening up and Paule is in the same boat as Dante and a bunch of other guys - the big names get theirs because they sell tickets and the kids catch on because they're so bloody cheap. The middle salary guys are getting squeezed hard.
You're right on middle guys, Bill. I remember Paule but seems to me he was a D-mid. The only guy that really stood out on their team (to me) was Hernandez (now of the Revs). Was Paule a man for all seasons or just a d-mid. I don't even remember him as an All-star.
Here's something funny: Burn adds another All-Star Seems were being two timed. Paule is just using the Crew to get a free trip to Portugal.
I'd love to get Ross Paule...I've been a fan of him since I saw him play in the NCAA final four a few years back for Creighton.... -PB20
Interesting McKeon is there too. I remember McKeon particularly well. What possibilities he could have as a central defender. Does anybody remember the big sweeper Leeds had at the friendly in the shoe? That guy could cover some ground and was really powerful in the box. Paule still doesn't standout ex. name recognition. I remember him on the field, but have no great impressions either way. Looks like he's making the rounds.
It's interesting that Smith didn't say one way or another if MLS would allow Everton to extend McBride's loan. All that is there is a mention of the possibility. That should be interesting to watch develop. But I remember Smith saying when ut happened that McBride would definately be back for the opener, so it seems he may be in a bind.
Dante was interviewed yesterday by Channel 10 at Port Columbus as the Crew were trying to get to Newark on their way to Portugal. He was relating travel-related tales.
Jon Busch was on Fox news at the airport saying he was just glad to get out of Columbus because it was so cold.
It seemed to me to be a mistake to go to Newark last night...it's worse there than here. Should have rerouted some other way?
I would love to see Ross Paule in a Crew uniform. He would provide additional d-mid help in case Maze isn't 100% (injuries or age) and Oughton gets hurt. The guy was an All-Star in 98 an 99 at Colorado and was stuck in a bad place (MetroSucks) for the last two years.
What I like, he has a bit of a nasty streak too. Like Duncan, he is not afraid to get stuck in. I'm not sure if we have a roster spot for him, but he would make nice cover for midfield injuries.
It would seem that one major contribution Andrulis is making is the addition of some nasties of our own. How many years did McBride's teammates stand around watching him get butchered by talentless hacks and do nothing? Now if stinkin CJ Brown wants to go spikes up into BMB's ankles, we have McCarty and maybe a guy like Paule to fukk Ante up in return. Anybody notice that McBride spent a lot more time on his feet last year after Chad made the regular lineup? Fitzgerald always wanted to play pretty ball, and that's great but it ignored reality. If the opponent has some enforcers with a mean streak, then you have to have some too or you're gonna get kicked around. MLS refs have no balls, and you gotta protect yourself first.
As much as I rip McCarty, I do have to appreciate him for the "goon" factor he brings into games for the Crew. He can "mix it up" with the best of them, although no one presently can compare to the king of hacks, Cle Kooiman. You wanna elbow and hack McBride? Fine. Just don't bitch when McCarty returns the favor to YOUR star forward
Paule will do the dirty work...as i said before...he can be a great player...he has the potential..I just do not think he has found the right place for him yet....Hopefully we can land...I think he would be great asset.. Does anyone know the details of what is going on with him as a far as a contract?? -PB20
Let's not compare McCardme with either Klie (the machte) Kooiman or Lubos (elbows to the Throat/Kidneys/Gut) Kubick. McCarty looks physical without the trash shots those two (+ that big black goon on the Rapids) dished out. I agree with Hector. Our defenders are begininng to have a little more attitude in their play. Paule could join Clark, McCarty,Heyduk and Duncan in that category. Paule might make some sense if you consider Mais and Martino as our only two proven attacking mids and akawari as a defender. If you sign Paule though, I have to think Torres is odd man out. Could Paule be our Harkes replacement, Dennis? We sure could field a nice 3-5-2 with him around.
Raoul, I agree that we could definitely switch to a 3-5-2 with the personnel we have. The surplus of midfielders screams for that formation as well. Paule would be a good acquisition. Still young enough and a good solid player. I think he would be a great d-mid in that 3-5-2 (yes, in the role that Harkes performed). Maze or Oughton could be the other d-mid with Martino or Walsh running the show in the middle. I'd start Garcia on the left and Buddle or Luchi on the right, with McBride and Buddle or Dante up front. Bring on Jeff at the hour mark and use his speed to create havoc on a tired defense. Hejduk can overlap from the right and Denton from the left with Dunseth sitting back at home. A late lead can put you in a 4-4-2 with McCarty or Clark becoming the other man marker in the back. Me thinks me like this. It'll be a fun year.
Does letting McBride stay with Everton until the end of the EPL season free up enough Cap to pay for Paule? Is that how loans work? If so, it gives us some cap space for an established US player. The next question is a roster spot...
IIRC Ross was waived and is in essentially the same position Harkes was last year (and is in this year as well): he has no contract that anyone is obliged to honor. I think (and I may have his status wrong but I don't think so) that he gets a trial and if Andrulis wants him then he says "Look Ross, we've got X amounht of money left under the cap" and he has to take it or leave it.