Left Wing Speculation - Philip Salyer

Gamblor · Jan 23, 2003

MLS Confidential

Keeper Jonny Walker, who has played the past few seasons for Chilean club Universidad Catolica, heads a list of players who could be headed to MLS in the next few weeks.

Walker has packed up his bags and sold his Ford Bronco in Santiago. He had hoped to move to a Mexican club during the interval between the autumn and spring seasons but nothing panned out.

Deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis confirmed the league has discussed a deal with Walker, who reportedly earned about $100,000 with Catolica last season. A source said Walker's proposed MLS salary-cap number is considerably lower than was his salary at Catolica. His contract with Catolica expired last month.

Walker was picked by Dallas in the third round of the 1996 supplemental draft but left after four months and joined Catolica in 1997. He has been the No. 1 keeper the past three seasons.

Defenders Philip Salyer and Ian Joy, both former members of the U.S. under-20 national team, have been discussing MLS contracts. Those talks are continuing and if they do sign, they'll be placed in a special lottery draft.

Salyer, 21, left the University of Maryland early to join German club Werder Bremen last year and will reportedly be given a free transfer Feb. 1. He played 50 games for the U.S. under-20s in 2000 and 2001 and had two very brief appearances as a sub at the World Youth Championships in Argentina.

Joy, 21, was born in San Diego and has been on the books at English club Tranmere Rovers but has never played in a League match. He played three games for the under-20s in 2000.
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He would be a great pickup for us, IMO, if we were to land him in the weighted lottery draft, or select him if he's placed in the supplemental draft with the A-League players.

Metrosuccess · Jan 23, 2003

Why not as a discovery selection?? Is there some rule here against this?

Gamblor · Jan 25, 2003

Rules are moving targets in MLS, so I suppose anything is possible (e.g. Alexi Lalas to LA). We may be able to pursue him outside of a draft situation.

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/soccer/5029390.htm

Moore and Yallop said the Earthquakes probably will sign another goalkeeper before the season starts in April. Among the candidates is Johnny Walker, an American who played the past two years for Universidad Catolica of Chile's first division. Walker is not under contract, and the Earthquakes have been in talks with his agents.
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Sounds like SJ are pursuing Walker directly, but there still may be draft.

Partizan_fc · Jan 26, 2003

Ive seen Walker play when Catolica played Colo Colo. Hes got very good reflexes.

metroflip73 · Jan 26, 2003

How about somebody else that's left-sided?

Metrogo · Jan 27, 2003

Not another political thread!

Serie Zed · Jan 27, 2003

I'd be careful with posting anything "left wing" or Seagroves will demonstrate his ever-present Christian Charity.