I'll try and track down links and add it in here in a sec. I'm surprised no-one has commented about two Burn players being among the 30 on Bruce's camp list... plus TWO Burn players being called in by Rongen for the U-20 qualifiers next month. Maybe I'm just out of the loop, and y'all already know about all this stuff... http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=23339&itype=113&iCategoryID=0
He's "in the pool". Basically, it's a courtesty/recognition of your efforts invite to the Nat Camp before the friendly. He's not expected to make the actual roster.
That's a little harsh, don't you think? Rhine is young, has potential, he has tremendous work ethic and a great attitude. There is stuff to build off of. Chris Albright got more than his fair share of call ups with a lot less MLS stats to point at.
Statisically, Rhine had a pretty good season this year. Although his play on the field was inconsistent, he did put up pretty decent numbers. How many American forwards age 26 or younger scored 7 or more goals in MLS during the past regular season? Just 6. The players were: Jeff Cunningham, 14 goals, age 26 Edson Buddle, 9 goals, age 21 Taylor Twellman, 23 goals, age 22 Chris Carrieri, 11 goals, age 22 Bobby Rhine, 7 goals, age 26 Landon Donovan, 7 goals, age 20
for real, I don't know why everyone dogs Rhine so much, sure he makes some bone-headed plays, but I think Johnson should be more dogged then Rhine
Rhine is a good possession player. Now watch him shine in camp. He's versatile (can play mid in a pinch) and DURABLE. He's not had a serious injury yet in MLS. He logged 1600 minutes this year, and 20 something starts. He earned his way there, and Rhine is the kind of guy who will work his way into the lineup by sheer will. Right now, no one expects him to be on the roster in DC vs. El Salvador. Don't dismiss it. The guy has a will to play that rivals anyone the Burn has ever had, and he's unselflish as all hell. It was no accident that neither Cerritos nor Johnson ever displaced him from the starting line up for more than a game or two. Might make it, might not, but I would not bet against him making a mark.
How can he be a good possession player when he hardly ever wins the ball and when he does he usually loses it. Chart him Viking. Look at a couple of the last games and chart how often when the ball comes into his area he wins the ball or doesn't win possession of it. Also, chart how many times he wins the ball or doesn't win possession when the ball is passed deliberately to him. What I'm seeing is that he very seldom wins possession.
This is the main reason why I can't see Rhine on the Burn roster as a starter. We need a solid possession forward who will give other forwards a chance to get in position for real playmaking. We should keep Rhine as an energy pump for subbing purposes.