Kaiserslautern signed Chistopher Lancos (former U Maryland player) until 2007 to play on their amature team. Kaiserslautern II (amatures) play in the Bundesliga 3 Regional South. Anyone know anything about him? Is he any good? US-Spieler zum FCK II Für seine Regionalliga-Mannschaft hat der 1. FC Kaiserslautern mit US-Spieler Christopher Joseph Lancos (21) von der University of Maryland einen weiteren neuen Akteur verpflichtet, der in Abwehr und defensivem Mittelfeld eingesetzt werden kann. Der U 17- und U 20-Nationalspieler erhielt einen Vertrag bis zum 30. Juni 2007. Zuvor waren in der Winterpause schon Stanko Pavlovic vom 1. FC Eschborn und Thomas Klasen von Eintracht Trier zum Team von Trainer Hans Werner Moser gekommen.
I watched him with Maryland and thought he was precisely the kind of player who would benefit from some European seasoning out of college -- he didn't appear likely to leap right into a MLS lineup. This seems like a good match. He's a big outside back with some skill.
He was drafted in the MLS Supplemental draft #41 by Real Salt Lake. This strikes me as maybe a better option and certainly the pay must be better. Good luck to Chris.
Wow, this is great for Chris. Hope he develops well over there and comes back to MLS to spread the wealth of knowledge.
Does Amateurs have a different meaning in Germany? Not trying to be snarky, just wondering if this a reserve team where the players are paid, or a genuine amateur side of young players and hopefuls?
Lancos is a big, strong, skilled right back who's about as fast as a glacier. If he had any speed to speak of he'd have been a first-round pick in the MLS draft; as is, he lasted til the 4th round, and probably wouldn't have made the final roster because of his lack of athleticism.
Yes they are paid, it is a reserve team. They are currently playing in Bundesliga 3 Regional South (two regions in 3rd level), which is as high as they can go since they are a reserve team. They can be relegated to lower levels. I think this is a good move for him. If he plays well he could move up to the Bundesliga side which is in desperate need of defenders.
by the time he would move up, however, the Bundesliga side will be 2. Bundesliga, which is still a nice level of play.
He's not THAT slow. He's not Beasley or Frankie fast, but reading the various remarks around here in the various threads you'd think he couldn't move at all. He plays with a good game speed though, and I feel that is more important than being able to run a 4.4 40. On the field, he's almost the walking definition of a wingback. At Maryland they play a 4-4-2, and Lancos was the right back. However, he regularly pushed forward into the attack, both down the wing and cutting inside. His crossing was top notch as well. I'd say his biggest problem was focus on defense. At the start of his junior year he was tried at center back and his side just got torched repeatedly. He'll have a few lapses on defense, mainly positionally, but his tackling is adequate. He'll have to improve to make the first team there, but right now this is probably a good place to refine his skills.
Thanks for all the info guys. I will pass on his progress, but it is difficult to get info on the Amature team. He should learn a lot on this team and maybe in a year or two play in the top flight. Should be a great learning experience.
If he is as slow as you say he is he never would have been signed by a European team. He may have played in the MLS, even started, but a lack of athleticism does not work in the Bundesliga at any level.
Well, for now he's not playing in MLS or the Bundesliga. He'll get his start in Germany's D3. From there I suppose it's up to him.
Interesting that the guy at 'Lautern seemed to leave door open for Lancos to play this spring (so it seems to read) in BL1 IF he plays well at D3... Cory Gibbs, part deux..
Lancos must of really impressed at the trial or FCK are really desperate. I imagine its a combo of both. What's really interesting is that they will play him as a DMF. I guess it has to do with ability to move forward in the attack. If he attacked from the back at Maryland, it should ease his transition from FB.