They didn't pick up his option last season either, then re-signed him late. "With Donovan headed to Germany and sources indicating that Ramiro Corrales will likely to be playing in Norway next year, the Earthquakes will need to find a new partner for Richard Mulrooney in the central midfield." This is a bit like replacing the engine in your car. So let's see, we could pair Mulrooney with Dombrowski, Alvarez, or even Roner. Still, I'd like to see the Quakes use an SI spot or a discovery option to grab a central midfielder from Central America or even the Caribean. Get a guy who sees MLS as an oportunity to strut his stuff on a bigger stage. Someone who will be motivated to give his all every time he steps on the pitch. I like this too. "Ekelund said he hopes to remain in MLS. The Earthquakes still own his rights within the league, meaning if he finds another team to play for, a trade would have to be worked out." Maybe RSL will take him. Could you see a central midfield tandem of Andy Williams and Ekelund? No wait, they probably hate each other. But he could end up elsewhere in the league. GO QUAKES!! - Mark
RSL is playing on turf for a couple of years, right? I could be wrong, but I don't see Ekelund and turf, even the good kind of new turf, being a good match. Certainly mixed feelings about this. Ekelund was one of the architects of these last four wonderful years and is still an amazing player, when he is healthy. But its better to trade a guy a year too early than a year too late. And I think its a year too late. Tony
Ramiro in Norway? That just doesn't seem like a good fit at all ("tall goal" jokes aside ). Maybe a good move financially but.... When is their season? If it's during the winter, that would be brutal. I hope he knows how little daylight they have in the winter. If he wants to get away from MLS for a while, Mexico would obviously be a much better fit. He spent several years of his youth there (ages 7-15, I think, according to his bio) and I think has some family there.
Yeah, Ramiro going to Norway was a shocker. Maybe they meant DeRo? It was mentioned before that DeRo is scouting teams in Norway....
The likely culprit would be the salary cap. He did have to restructure his contract to play this year. More reshuffling coming up for the 2005 season...
He already has a contact in Norway (Wade Barrett). I wonder if Wade (or his agent) has had anything to do with this.
Not a suprise. I wasn't expecting him back this year. Although he had a decent year, he just didn't seem to have impact on the field as past years. Going to miss how he didn't back from challenges and his short passing ability which allowed the midfield to control the game. Also, along with Agoos and Dayak, his leadership meant a lot to a young team. A true professional... One of my favorite Ronnie memory will be the first (direct kick) goal in MLS Cup 2003, but the favorite has to be the direct kick from about 30-35 yards out at Spartan when Richard flicked the ball in the air and Ronnie blasted the ball in the back of the net. As for Corrales, I would be suprised to see him anywhere else (I.e. other than MLS). Of course, I was surprised to see him started on the USMNT!
a great moment... followed by the Shake with the Quakes, when someone asked where they learned that, Richard simply said "Playstation." and it was a Playstation moment...