http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=298548&cc=5901 To make room for their signing of Vuk Rasovic, the Kansas City Wizards waived Stephen Armstrong. Should United, with their propensity for recycling former players, bring him back for a look? The way I see it, there are some pros and cons about Armstrong in regards to United: PRO - I always thought he was very skillful and had a great motor. He'd be a great substitute as a wingback or midfielder. I like Joshua Gros a lot but I think his touch is nowhere near as good as Armstrong's. His work rate would seemingly appeal to Nowak. CON - He's a senior international. United has one SI slot open, but using that on a player that might be a role player is not necessarily the best thing for the team. I'm guessing that's why the Wizards let him go. I'm not sure what kind of salary he makes and if he'd fit under the cap, so that's be another con. Plus United already has a crowded midfield and could probably use a defender instead.
Armstrong only makes 31K, so there wouldn't be too much to count against the cap. But we have too many one-footed players as it is, and he doesn't address our need of a striker.
This is entirely a "coach's call." Bringing in an experienced, yet marginal player where there is no immediate need in his position is only a good move when the coach knows the player well and has another move in mind. So, I think the fan's opinions don't have much import in the matter. Tim
Were he to get a green card, he'd be the ideal MLS role player. He can play defender, midfield or up top. That SI tag, though, makes him much less appealing. Plus, he's trying to get over hernia surgery.
The SI tag is meaning less and less these days though. With one spot open, and making only 31k it seems to be a good deal if he is at all fit.
I've always liked Armstrong, but brining on another midfielder would only put Dema, or Bobby on the bench, but would solve the problems of having a midfielder on the left side. I don't think that Nowak does anything to the chemistry of the team for quite a while.
Regardless of Gansler's emphasis on defense, I think it's telling that a team that is struggling to score goals would waive an attacking player in favor of a defender.
I think Armstrong would be a great fit since as a midfielder he has the versatility to interchange several different positions. I doubt we sign him though.
i haven't seen much of KC recently, but i remember when Armstrong was here he had a real nice touch, good motor, and a lefty. he played left mid or left back and got up and down the field. I was actually quite perturbed when we traded him. i dont know how he's played since then... i happen to like Guttierez's game (i might be the only one), so it doesn't surprise me that he lost that battle for PT. if he's playing well (which as i say, i haven't seen KC play), having somebody on the flank who can go endline to endline, with skill, cross well, defend well... it sounds like a good proposition to me. His salary sounds even better. the only knock is whether Nowak is holding onto that SI tag for a int'l stiker to come over the summer. my guess is that he is holding on for a striker and we'll let armstrong slip by....
If he is healthy, definately bring him in. He is a good utility sub, like a Kamler or Maessener was in the past. I don't see the SI issue being a problem. A slot is available, so use it. Not like the salary cap situation allows bringing in a more expensive one anyways. If Convey goes, and cap space materializes, send him packing. Assuming he is still playing at the level when he left, I think he brings more to the table than Quintanilla.
I agree with this. I have a feeling that Nowak does not want to tinker with what he has been building thus far. Unless maybe someone goes down due to injury (or unless we stumble upon that elusive goalscoring machine that all the other teams have been finding while we're off checking to see if we can re-sign RDA or Lassiter...)
I don't think we have the cap space for Armstrong. Indeed, as I hear it we're basically maxed out if not actually over already. And as loose as the salary "budget" is, I have to doubt that MLS is eager to stretch things to accomodate Stephen Armstrong.
Well as much wrangling as they did to get him here, they should - he seems like a guy who was either shafted by the league - or over-hyped by Payne to get him here.