As Columbus has just let Dante go, what do you guys think about bringing him back to Dallas? We're not having any real success finding other forwards out there, and I know that's one of the Burns' priorities heading into the new season. Dante was a great hard-working forward for us before he went back to Columbus. He got along really well with all of the players. He seemed to have a really good relationship with Pareja, for instance. It would be great for our continuing attempts to wean EJ, pushing the kid when it comes to the forward pecking order. Also, I belive Dante would be a team player, and is mature enough to spend time on the bench or play a sub-role if that's what's needed.
I liked Dante when he was here in Dallas. And if he'd be willing to come here and be a sub, I'd like that.
I would take Dante in a second. Right now, he is the best striker Dallas would have. I loved the way Dante just astrolled around the center stripe, waiting for some space to open. Once it did, though, if the Burn could just get a pass close to him, he would run it down, and if he got a step on the defender, he was gone. How many times did we see that? If you distinguish between forward and striker, the burn have three forwards (Jason, Ronald, Bobby) and one striker (EJ). We all love EJ's talent, but he is injured and unproven. Of course, the final SI spot might figure in here. As a substitute, though, I am not sure how much value Dante would have. As I recall, it often took him a while to warm up. Even so, he is the preditor the Burn lack.
I like the move. More depth up top. A player of a different style than Kreis or Rhine. Maybe he can teach EJ a thing or two. Wonder how much money he'd want. Wonder if we'd owe CBus anything. (I don't think so) Wonder who we'd cut to get him. Maybe Buzz could suggest it to the staff down in Chile.
We'd have to cut a forward for a forward. I really don't think that will happen. Besides, aside from an SI striker/forward move, I don't see anything changing... for now. Heh, maybe we could work Dante into a trade with Chicago for Faria. Dante and Rhine for Faria?
I'm not so sure about that. Many of the Burn's defenders and midfielders are versatile and can play several positions -- Broome is solid at both left back and left mid; Vaca at right and center mid; Suarez and Bonseu at right and center defense; and so on. So while normally a team might want to carry a total of 19 or so defenders, midfielders, and GK's on its roster, the Burn only need 17 or so: D (4): Bonseu (SI), Morrow (SI), Suarez, Gbandi D/M (3): Broome, Behncke, Bussey or ?? M (7): Pareja, O'Brien, Vaca, Deering, Martinez, Davis, Stone (P-40) GK (3): Countess (P-40), Cassar, ?? (Dev) Since the Burn have a 24-man roster, and presently have 6 forwards: F (6): Kreis, Cerritos, Rhine, Johnson (P-40), Thompson (P-40), Rosenband (Dev) That leaves 1 remaining roster spot for the Burn to fill. Possibilities include: 1) SI Discovery Player 2) A waived MLS vet -- Dante Washinton or Matt McKeon, etc 3) Trialist -- Arturo Bernhardt or Bruno França, etc 4) Draft pick -- Shavar Thomas
All top teams have a scorer who is hoped to start every game and play majority minutes. Having a 'bunch of forwards' and an injured, unproven striker is by no means... hopeful. We need an impact striker/forward that can fit the bill. L.A. had a solid core of players before they landed the Fish. Dallas can do the same. Oh, and did I mention 'hope'?
I agree. I was just pointing out that it isn't necessary for the Burn to cut a forward to pick up that proven go-to striker we all feel they need.
I don't see it happening, not that I would mind too terribly much. I just don't think Dante will make that much of an impact. He won't be a starter. He'd be our 5th forward - a sub for 15 minutes every other game or so. He'd be behind Rhine, Cerritos and EJ. We've got cap space and an SI slot. I would think Jefferies would use that space on an impact type player - a potential regular starter. Dante might help - but he's how old now? And who would he push off the roster? The problem is - we haven't been able to find a suitable impact player up front. So who knows?
I disagree that Washington wouldn't make an impact, he should. He's obviously way better than Cerritos. I'd say he's a lil bit better than Rhine. Long term EJ is your future so I'd platoon those two. Kreis and Washington up top with EJ subbing for Washington.......maybe working EJ into the starting roll by the end of the season. I do however agree that if you have the cap room and the SI spot open, you might wanna keep your options open for a potential starter.
Obviously? This could be argued either way. In Dallas, we remember Dante converting one chance out of every 12.
I like Dante better than Cerritos, but DC will be looking for another player after Hristo's little mishap. I don't know if he'd want to play sporadically, but...his influence on EJ is something that no one else on the team can accomplish. Problem is I like Salyer, and want him to make the team. It does not make sense to pick up Dante when you can make a case that he's no better or worse than what you have, and you have to pass on Salyer to pick him up. I would not be disappointed if they did pick him up. I've always like Dante, and hope he does get on somewhere.