Sorry, I don't have the link, but I am sure you all have or will read Steve Goff's article on Earnie's arrival. In the notes section it says that it is looking less and less likely that we will sign Harkes. First off, I have mixed feelings on his return, but wouldn't mind seeing him finish his career with us. Second, will any other team take him if we don't? I don't think so.........................but have been wrong on numerous occasions in the past as all my ex-girlfriends tell me.
I would imagine that he might not get too many offers from folks...it would be great to see John come back and retire with DC, but we can't waste a roster spot on a former USMNT player who is on the wrong side of 30, especially with the troubles that we've had for th elast 3 seasons. I like John and wish him the best, but I think it's time for him to concentrate on coaching, which is something he said he wanted to get into. Although, I could also see him cover some games, whether MLS or National Team, but whether that opportunity arrises, who knows? Cheers...
one up... harkes doesnt fit into the DC roster. With the arrivals of Earnie Stewart and Alecko, will John be able to hang on? I doubt it. Fill the remaining spot with someone we can use...
I think it's going to depend on whether or not we get DiGi in the weighted lottery. We seem to be the only team that wants Harkes, but Digi would probably be a better fit (younger, cheaper, probably better). If somebody else gets DiGi, then I think we'll wind up with him.
1. We have other priorities. As Hudson said, he'd like more support at D-mid (especially since we know Ryan Nelsen will be gone for a month). Harkes can help at D-mid but no-way would anyone look forward to having him start a month's worth of games at that spot. 2. If Kasper's comment about "no contract with the USL" regarding callups holds true, what that means is Harkes is guaranteed to be called up at some point during the season (if not by us, than someone). That's b/c, if a team gets a string of injuries and needs an emergency callup, they can't rely on their A-league team anymore. Instead, it will be...who is kicking around that isn't under contract? So guys like Gelnovatch or retired (Mark Simpson) or local ethnic leagues or players out of contract will be the ones picked up. And actually, I'd think John Maessner (now in C-ville) might be a better emergency callup in such a circumstance. He's younger, faster and by mid-season might be in better shape than Harkes (I'm only guessing--given Maessner's role with U.Va, his age). But if the USL thing doesn't change, at some point, someone will need a body for 2-3 games and they won't be able to call up Mike Burke or Bobby Simmonds.
It would be nice if DiGi works out and we land him...I worked with the Rapids when he was there and he had hussle and some decent talent...he would be a solid left sided player for us I think....doesn't mean I wouldn't miss seeing John go out one last time in the black uni though.... Cheers...
Mark my words, I'm absolutely certain this closed door lottery, down in the basement, in a closet with the sign "Beware of the Leopard" on it will somehow indicate that Lo and Behold, the Metrostars win another weighted lottery! Amazing how that always happens, and this time would be even more amazing as they trade away their only left wing, but magically end up with another. Hope I'm wrong, but just have that funny feeling.
Of course this will happen. Why do you think United is trying so hard to get DiGi put into the "Free Agent" draft at the end of this month in which we have the first pick.
Especially since they've only won two of them and traded away each of the guys they got within months, getting not a whole lot in return either time.
I'm not so sure that the SoS would be eager to add Digiamarino. They just brought Dillon Shepherd (a cheap South African left mid) in for a trial. He's younger than Digi, might be cheaper and (I'm only guessing) might be better (at least b/c he's played more competitive soccer recently). I'd think some other teams (Chicago, Colorado if they move Chung or Henderson into an A-mid role, San Jose, maybe even LA) would want him a lot. San Jose and Chicago in particular b/c Digi gives them a cheap veteran with speed (and both teams have holes on the outside--especially if DMB moves to A-mid as is the rumor). I think the primary attraction that Digi would have to the SoS is that they have a bunch of roster spots to fill and no cap room to fill them with. So a cheap veteran with some speed is a positive. But that applies to almost everyone but Dallas (which is stocked at outside mid).
Typical MLS Weighted Lottery: 100 entries broken down 14 Metros 10 New England 10 Columbus 10 Chicago 02 DC United 10 Colorado 10 Dallas 10 San Jose 14 L.A. 10 K.C. *- Special Rule, if the Metrostars or LA do not win the first drawing then a second drawing will be done. If the Metros or LA do not win the second drawing then a third will be held. If LA or the Metros do not win that drawing and DC United does not then the name drawn wins that lottery.
Any chances you think Harkes would consider playing for the Richmond Kickers. I heard that the Kickers went after him pretty hard last year but he was able to work out a one year deal with MLS. I personally wouldn't mind seeing him sign with the Kickers if DC passes on him.