Didn't see a specific topic devoted to Carroll and Eskandarian's play on Saturday, but I thought they deserved one. Eskandarian was lively and committed until being subbed and the goal was genuine class on any pitch worldwide. Looked like a guy who could create problems and also like the kid I watched at UVA two years ago -- scoring from half chances. Carroll was tidy and always available and didn't look at all like a guy playing his first MLS minutes. I'd also like to point out how much more active/fluid the team was than last year and suggest that a big part of it was the absence of the late, great MAE.
The way the team played yesterday was head and shoulders above anything displayed last year, or the year before and the year before..you get the point. I think nowak deserves a bunch of credit for changing attitudes, creating competition and stressing fitness. DC's midfield was buzzing all over the place that game for the full 90. San jose had no where to go with their passing game because everytime one of their players received the ball there were 2 defenders buzzing around them. that said, Carroll had a stellar debut, I only saw him give the ball away a couple times....but lets be honest, DC's best defensive mid Richie Williams never gave the ball away?? I can't rate Stokes, but some of his touches were nervous looking, and Alecko started off poorly, falling down a little bit too much, but seemed to adjust to the game and improved as the match went on.
I re-watched the game and asside from Alecko causing havoc, I don't think he had his best game... he had a lot of trouble getting around some of the San Jose defenders, but at least he was pushing the whole time he was out there. His goal was a beauty though, and his "should have been" assist to Stewart was right on the money. Carroll looked fiesty the whole game. It's great to see him getting lots of time. Stokes looked a little bit nervous at first, but at least he's getting some time in. He's also got one hell of a throw-in. I don't remember how Gros did, it was hard to see him from the tape... but it's good that he got in the game too. Freddy didn't screw up, and that's pretty good in my opinion. If he were just another 14 year old, I'd be very pleased with his performance, so that's how I look at it. Either way, it's good (and sad - what was Hudson doing?) that Carroll, Stokes, Gros, and Freddy all made their debut in the same game. Ugh!
Fine game by all the rookies. If Stokes keeps getting those minutes every game (preferably more minutes, which I expect will happen throughout the season until he's a spot starter, which will probably happen, considering Nelsen will be gone to NZ in the summer) he will improve. Gros I think stopped a few attacks at the end of the game and cleared it, but it might have been Olsen, considering they have almost the same build, hair-cut and play the same position.
A lot of folks discount the short amount of time that rookies tend to get near the end of matches. I'm glad as heck our young'uns are finally getting some playing time! All it does is let them know that they can be counted on in actual game situations, if only briefly. It gives them some hope for the future and some props for the present, that they're playing well enough to be on the pitch. When they are part of a win, like Saturday's match, that's all the better. More's the pity they didn't get any of that last year.
Well said. I agree completely. I was very very very very happy that all of these players finally got to make their debut. When Stokes came in, I do remember a wild touch in the back but nothing came of it, so it was not a big deal. Caroll and Esky both played very well. Adu didn't do too much, but he didn't make mistakes either. All in all, a good debut for all. Also, I believe someone said that this was Stokes' debut. Actually, I think he did log a couple of minutes at the end of a regular season game last year, so I don't think this was his first game in MLS.
Rimando shows himself for a nag, Carroll and Esky continue to shine. Note to DCU: I'm not cheap, but I can be bought out of my current contract.
I thought Stokes looked pretty good, and wouldn't mind seeing what he'd bring to a whole game. And he got his head on a corner. Gros was average tonight, which I think is in comparrison to his great start to the season. Seemed a bit slow. Carroll is still playing well every week, save for that moon ball he shot in the 1st half. But I'd like to see him after a whole season of starting, he'll be outright dangerous. Adu - nice goal, of course. But better yet, his corner was better than what Earnie serves up. Maybe Fred to Stokes is the answer to our corner woes?
Stokes made some very impressive plays, but then would follow up w/ some horrible passing decisions. He looks a little too casual on the ball as well. Maybe that's just his style. I see why he wasn't playing last year. Carroll is eye-poppingly good. I thought Gros was useful tonight. Adu's goal was great, but he still makes a few bad decisions.