As I was jumping around the web ... I was slightly disappointed when I read a small bit about tonight's game featuring Daniel Hernandez. Maybe I missed this thread, and if I did, I do apologize. I didn't think that he had such a problem with being here. Here are a couple of the quotes in the article that appears here: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/30/sports/soccer/01SOCCER.html "I have stayed clear of everything. I'm here to go to practice, do my job and go home. I'm living out of a hotel. I'm by myself and I stick to myself, just waiting for another day of practice and then the game. That's how I'm living.'' ``Right now, it's not a whole lot of fun.'' Apparently, he's also thinking of retiring after this year. Monty
Just to put things in perspective - Hernandez got ROYALLY screwed this year. Two years ago he's the core of the best defense in the MLS. Last year he's taking on a leadership role with the Metros as they make a run for the playoffs. At the start of this year he's made captain of the team. Then the wheels come off. The Metros struggle. The fans turn on him. Finally Nick the Sack makes a move out of the blue that sends him north, while the two head-case problems on the team (or rather, I should say, two of the more prominent head case problems on the team) - Jolley and Petke - get to stay but show their true colors. So now the guy's starting from scatch, living out of a hotel, and playing with a bunch of guys he barely knows and who were the hated enemy ony a few months ago. Hernandez is a very good player, but other than the Revs late-season success, this has been one crappy year for the guy.
I can't imagine he would retire or that he has any non-mls soccer options, but it is not a good sign that he is still living in a hotel after being here for 4 months.
Rodan, I agree with some of what you said, that he did get screwed in how he was dealt with. I can understand his animosity towards the Mutts. But if you're just hanging out in your hotel room all the time, and just going out for practice, then you're not even attempting to learn about your new (and with 2 years left on his contract) most likely future teammates. Monty
probably has something to do with the fact that the person responsible for helping the players find housing was laid off.....and the players usually have no idea how to do it themselves. Maybe someone in the marketing department can stop concentrating on Tom Brady and get this guy an apartment. Of course, if he's serious about leaving, then it's probably not a good idea to get tied down to a lease when the season will be over within a month.
I think what it actually has to do with is his situation back home in Dallas, where he has multiple sick family members and a stalker. I know that he is more than anxious to get home and try to sort some of those issues out. He was told he was being traded to Dallas in the morning, and then got hit with the piledriver that no, he was actually coming to NE later in the afternoon. I think he gets along ok with his teammates now, but this is a kid with a lot on his mind.
one other thought... If he is considering retirement, it could be to pursue an NFL kicking job...it is something he wants to take a crack at.
Monty, John's right about this one. We're not talking about a problem player with an attitude, but a guy who's dealing with enough *************** to keep Port-A-Let in business for years. Sounds like he can't concentrate on "making friends" as it were for the moment, and he's hardly the first Revolution player to live out of a hotel for such a long time. He's going about his job, making the most of his situation, while trying to deal with life issues that are a higher priority than soccer at the moment. While he was also the Revs whipping boy earlier on this season (to which I was guilty of cracking the whip), he's become an integral member of this team an I'd hate to lose him for the 2003 season. That being said, if he's not here, then perhaps he can go to Dallas where he'll be closer to family rather than dealing with the situation from afar. The Magpie
Hernandez is the best holding mid we have had. He is as good as Farias and better than Leo the Lion on the way down. He could be a great player in MLS, completely dominant. I hope he is able to sort things out at home and feel comfortable enough here to stay and star. JIM DOW
He and Wolde have lockers next to each other and seem to enjoy each other's banter. Whether that constitutes a "friend" or just a guy on the team who you get along with and can share a few laughs with is open to interpretation. Last week I did ask him about if there was any "Schadenfreude" about the Mutts missing the playoffs after the trade, and he basically brushed it off in a professional way, not willing to badmouth them. He did say that at first, he wasn't happy with the trade, but now it's all water under the bridge and he's glad to be part of a winning team, etc. The usual media-speak. After the season he'll go back to Dallas and hopefully sort everything out, and then come to camp ready to go. If we have to trade him to Dallas, sorry, they won't get him for anything less than full value. Having said that, I have no idea what the Burn's positional needs are (Morrow?), and if they even need a player like Daniel. Lastly, if it is true that the person who would normally help players get set up with housing and other off-the-field issues has been let go, shame on the Krafts. These kinds of things are no big deal if they are done, but if a player is distracted and has his personal life in disarray for preventable reasons like this, well, there is no excuse for it. If anything, Hernandez' play of late shows a lot of character if he does have that many distractions that could potentially hinder things. Tom
I think this one's relatively academic. How many American players can you name that can play central D, defensive mid, holding mid, or even attacking mid if necessary, and have the size, skill, vision, and attitude to play all of these positions? DH's versatility and combination of touch and toughness make him relatively unique in this league. I'm sure Dallas could use him in a bunch of places - but it should never come to that. The Revs should give the guy a healthy raise and bring him back next year after he's had time to sort out what he needs to sort out at home. Then the team can use him as one of the building blocks for the future. No brainer.
There's an open room at my house since I'm away at college now...oh wait..theres also an ultra annoying 10 year old sister. I know Rusty lives with a family in Foxboro...I'm sure something like that would be better than living out of a hotel, unless he's set against it.
I've heard/read many references to Hernandez' family problems back home in Texas but I've never learned the details. Can someone sum them up for me in a few words? He's been essential in your late season run. It would be a pity if he threw in the towel next year and tried his hand in pointyball or gave up sports altogether. I even think this guy has Nats possibilities if he can just concentrate for a year or two and continue to play good soccer.
Daniel Hernández I just read all of your comments and stuff about Daniel Hernåndez's situation, and I'm coming to a conclusion: It's not easy being a star player at all, especially if you're living in a hotel like he is! This came as a shocker to me, but that's okay because I'd really like to know more about him because he's a very good player, and I like his work ethic. I'm glad he's in a Revs uniform. I hope Daniel resolves all of his problems off the field and return for the 2003 season. God will make a way to help him. He'll be okay (Daniel, that is) because he'll probably go back to Dallas (I'm assuming) before training camp starts. ¡Viva la emoción de Daniel Hernández! Long live the emotion of Daniel Hernåndez! RevsGirl26 (Ondrea)
I gave him an extra yell at the the end when he came over and applauded our area...he really deserves a lot of credit on the second goal (and for all his efforts this year), getting through those two Fire players was one sweet move. Nice work tonite, birthday buddy!
I gave him alot of ************ as well as alot of other fans because he seemed to be dogging it his first4-5 games and after reading these posts I kinda see why. He has become a terrific holding midfielder not the best but the best we've had. Hopefully everything works out for him because he doesn't seem as happy as the other players at the end of the gaem. Maybe winning the cup will take some of the pain away.
Danny- We like you. You are an attacking midfielder. We doubted these things before, we were wrong, and we apologize. Now, what can we do to help you enjoy playing for our soccer team?
Didn't realize all the non-trade or non-Rev related stuff that is going on for him. I can certainly understand wanting to get home and resolve some of these things and how soccer isn't the main focus for him right now. It's not easy being traded, especially when you're told one thing and another happens, and having so much on your plate makes it even harder. I wish Daniel the best and thank him for what he's done for the Revs this year. I hope he can get things worked out and as Magpie said, if he doesn't return to New England, maybe he can go to Dallas and be with/near his family, so he can take care of the unresolved issues and take care of himself.
Hernandez was IMMENSE last night. Hopefully he can find some happiness with assurance of a long-term place on the Revolution roster. If I were Nicol, I'd tell him "you keep playing like you can and you'll be here as long as I am". I was somewhat disappointed to see Twellman run all over the field like a chicken w/o it's head after scoring goal number two. He should have headed straight over to DH and kissed his boots! Lesser players would've ended up with a yellow card or worse by planting his elbow in Curtin's teeth, rather than fighting through the abuse to make the play.