From SI Power Rankings Didn't want to start a whole new trend but I haven't seen this anywhere. Does anyone else like this trend in the MLS? I think that as long as it doesn't get out of hand it could be an interesting twist (would say tradition but not yet) that MLS has on other leagues, without Americanizing the rules. That said, I really really really really do not want to see it on any DC United jersey. Hopefully we could manage to be different by not doing it, though I am sure we could think up some good ones (personally I wonder if horseradish tree would fit). I think of this trend sort of like the PT Criuser or the Beetle, a welcome respite to the monotony of cars on the road, but damned if I will every be seen driving one. Thoughts?
I am waiting for the day I can buy a Josh Gros jersey that has "Mechanic" on the back of it. Worst. Trend. Ever.
The difference being our jersey is sacred and tradition laden. The players are well aware of its significance and of all of those that have wore it before. I don't see anybody making a mockery of it. The front office wouldn't stand for it and the fans sure as hell wouldn't stand for it. You could put ASSWIPE on the back of Guevarra's jersey and no one would notice. (actually, it kinda has a nice ring to it )
Leslie Fitzpatrick of RSL ("Tiger"), Thiago Martins ("Thiba") and Guillermo Ramirez of LA ("Pando") also have their nicknames on the back. Ezra Hendrickson has gone back to having "Ezra" on the back of his. At the post-game party, I was talking to United's Equipment Manager, Francisco Tobar, about this. He told me that those guys wanted Ezra and Thiba on their jerseys when they were here, but they weren't allowed. I'm guessing this is part of Kevin Payne's "We want to look like a soccer team" mentality. Still, I told Francisco that if a United player ever had their nickname on the back of their jersey I was gonna come looking for him. This reminds me way too much of 1997. Damian and Digital, anyone? The only player in MLS who should have his nickname on his jersey is Preki, because he's earned it. BTW, if you ever get a chance to talk to Francisco, he's a great guy. Always laughing about something.
Totally lame. Although it seems like RSL left winger Leslie Fitzpatrick really goes by the name Tiger. Anytime he's mentioned in the press he's referred to as Tiger. Still though, its a dumb trend and I hope it doesn't get out of hand.
Of course he does, he's got the greatest job in the world. I can verify Dave's assertion about Francisco. I spent alot of time with him in Bradenton and he was class all the way just like the rest of the guys.
Of course, Brazilians tend to go by single names, but that name becomes more than a moniker. I mean, who wants to meet Edson Nacimiento? Preki is Preki, not Mr. Radislevic or whatever his last name is. That's the only time a nickname works. Being called "Loco" on your jersey doesn't give me much idea of who the heck you are.
I'm pretty ambivalent about it, though I will allow that a "Diablo" #10 United jersey would look pretty cool.
Put the name by which the player is referred to be teammates etc. If it's Rodriguez, then Rodriguez, if it's Sequeira, then Sequeira, but if it's Douglas, put Douglas then! Simple. It's what we do in Brazil and we've won 5 World Cups.
... mod's note ... This doesn't really have much specifically to do with DC United so I'm gonna move it to the MLS General board.
I liked He Hate Me and I like this trend. Anything to distinguish a player from the vast anonymity that soccer players in America experience is a positive in my book. While I think some (Loco) don't really work, I'm going to trust the players to police themselves, and realize when they've got a stupid nickname on the back of their jerseys.
Let me join in in calling this trend LAME. Do we really want people equate the MLS to the XFL? If anyone needed a reminder, that league didn't go over so well.
I'm just waiting for the first player to put "IDIOTS" on the back of his jersey in response to all the others.
I missed last week's Chivas game. Did Sequeira really have "El Me Odia" on his back or is this some kind of running joke? Does anyone have a pic or something?
Either that, or could you imagine a player selling his "nickname" to a corporate sponsor. And now, starting at a forward spot, #9, MIKE PEPSI!