Stokes made the cut after all ... Doug Warren David Stokes Brian Carroll Bobby Convey Alecko Eskandarian http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=51995&itype=113&iCategoryID=0
Who would have believed ten years ago that we would filed an Olympic team where every member has professional experience? What a great looking squad.
Actually, Wingert has not yet played professionally having just been drafted last week by Columbus. And Testo (whom I believe is now on Columbus's roster) has only played at the A league level up to this point. But, your point is well taken. Add to that the fact that there are many players (Casey, Onyewu, Yi, Kenny Cooper, Karboysian (sp?), Simek, etc.) who are playing overseas with professional contracts who are not on the roster (although they could be added if we qualify).
Stokes and Eskandarian must have had impressive camps to earn their way to Mexico as one can imagine other players they were competing against who had better credentials on paper. Good for them!
Re: Add 3 That's assuming we add three overage players. Given that MLS is in full swing and the Euro season acutally overlaps with the Games, we may not be in a position to add three overage players of any note. Sachin
Sort of -- according to the article, two more must still be cut by the 31st, so they're all getting a trip to Mexico, but two won't be on the squad. Here's hoping all five of ours get some action.
Re: Re: Add 3 I think it's a given that we will add the overage players, haven't we always done so? This team could obviously use the help, a GK and centerback would be a good start.
Re: Re: Re: Add 3 It seems that everyone is assuming that Mooch will add a goalkeeper, I am guessing if Mooch and the coaching staff are comfortable with Warren and Countess they would much rather add field players than use one of the three slots on a GK. Not to say that there aren't more experienced GK's available but, Warren and Countess have done well and with the addition of a mid or defender that will make the defense even stronger. Guess it is a moot point until we qualify!
Re: Re: Re: Add 3 I believe that according to Olympic rules Donovan and Beasley are consider overage players because they played in the 2000 Sydney Games. If I remember correctly Reyna, who was on the team, was considered overage in 2000, despite being a Under-23 age player at that time, because he already had played in the 1996 Atlanta games. I may be wrong because this is strictly coming from memory but I think that that is the case.
Good Point M.T. Nets. Sounds like Warren and Countess have created a very intense competition for the starting role, which is great for the team. Hopefully everyone's game will rise to a new a level, giving the coaching staff more confidence in playing an all 23 team. I know it will not happen but it will definitely make some decisions easier. are the Euro based clubs setting a precedent not releasing players for qualifying? will they be released in July/August??
Re: Re: Re: Re: Add 3 In previous years an appearance on Olympic team would have prevented you from playing on the Olympic team again. With Beasley, Donovan and Casey( if we qualify and he is added to the final roster) because they are age eligible they can participate and not be counted as an overage player. The qualification process requires that only those players that are age eligible (1981 or later) be allowed to participate. This was a rule change from prior years.