Matt McKeon

he died.

 

Last I heard of him, he was trying out with Dallas in February, but didn't hold out much hope of making the team. He's only 29, so unless he's hurt he should turn up somewhere.

 

When did that happen?

 

He tried out with both Dallas and DC. Theres a guy that services the glue systems in the plant I work at thats big into soccer here in St. Louis. He gets together a pick up game every Tuesday and said that McKeon was at a couple of them earlier in the spring.

I doubt anyone in MLS will want to put money toward McKeon. The league's skill level rose beyond his skill level. In 1996-98 he got the nickname "The Train" because he could dribble through the opponent and score goals from the midfield. After that he had to just become the enforcer in dmid. He wore that role out with too many cards, so KC went another direction.

 

I totally disagree. In the last few weeks, I have witnessed a lot of MLS players with far inferior assets (skill, physique, stamina, etc) than McKeon. These players got signed by MLS probably because they are willing to play for a lot less than what McKeon was willing to accept. I wish more of the journeymen like McKeon are still around.

 

Journeymen? He played for two teams in 7 years not exactly what I call a journeymen. Being from KC I would say that I have a fairly good account of McKeon's skill. One of two things happened, either the league's skill has gone up, or McKeon's skill has gone down, which of the two is most likely?

Lets look at your listed assets.
Skill- run straight up the middle twice a game and lose the ball. Walk back to your d-mid spot. Sit around and let Kerry Zavagnin make you look good.

Physique- he is big

Stamina- he doesn't run, but for two times a game. But he can sure walk and trot for 90 minutes.

You are right, you can get someone with equal talent as his to play for a lot less money. As well as they should.

 

Then you must have forgotten what it was like to watch McKeon play. I on the other hand saw it week in and week out right before my very eyes. If you look back at 1996-98 and watched McKeon play a game there were numerous times he dominated games and was one of the Wizards best attacking threats, save Preki.
Fast forward to 2001, he couldnt do any of that from the midfield. It can be said that he was moved back a little to a dmid role, but I dont buy it. Because 1) he still made offensive runs, he just got stripped and stopped when he made them and 2) he had a defensive role in the early days as well.
If you dont think the talent in MLS has risen of the last few years, then I'm speechless. And McKeon's skill stayed steady or slipped a bit during that time.

 

I just checked www.uslsoccer.com and he doesn't show up on any A-League roster.

Didn't he play indoor before MLS came around?

 

McKeon went straight from College to the 1996 Olympic Team and the Wizards in 1996.

 

His skills may or may not be enough, but it's pretty common knowledge why he's out. His back is toast. No one wants to risk a spot on a player who will not be able to last the season, and that's how he's percieved right now.

 

I will do a little checking around the St. Louis scene and get an update on Matt's whereabouts.

 

I don't mean to say that McKeon is a great player. My main point is that far inferior players are now signed by MLS for financial and not footballing reasons. There is a group of players like McKeon that has been squeezed out of the MLS employment line. One can argue that this is necessary for the financial survival of MLS. I am just not sold that it is good for the quality of soccer played.

 

McKeon's skill level was never in question in my opinion. His health and MLS team finances and what they are willing to pay are the real issues at play.

 

give me a list of d-mids who are worse that aren't on a development roster.

 

Take Tom's comments with a grain of salt. If there were ever a McKeon apologist it is Tom. There have been many conversation, a while back, between Tom and basically every other Wizard fan about McKeon.

Yes, his skill level went below the level of the league. First not all teams play with a d-mid system. KC does, but Zavagnin, Gomez, Gutierrez, Talley, etc. are all much better than Q. Metros do, but ABMOD and Clark are better than Q. Colorado has Masteroni, LA has Bo. Sure, money was also a bit of an issue, but also it was very apparent from the interaction between the Cauldron and the players (McKeon in this case) that he did not like being a sub. If a player doesnt like or accept his role on a team, of course hes going to get let go.

 

Hey Ben,

I have been involved in conversation with every other Wizard Fan regarding McKeon? Huh? What? Are you suffering from delusional psychosis? I think you may be more than a little mistaken son. You must be referring to that tiny little band of anti McKeonite's that populate the Wizards Fan Forum? All 6 of you guys?

Please Ben get a grip on reality.

What you say and think along with your like thinking fellow Cauldronite's hardly represent the full body of opinion relative to an individual players skill set. (Please note:the above is only directed at the sheep like followers of Ben's band of anti McKeonite's and not the other open minded good Wizard fan's that congregate in the Cauldron area)

Your comments need to be taken with a TRACTOR TRAILER full of salt.

WTF are you talking about regarding the interaction of McKeon and the Cauldron? Are you admitting that there was and still is a anti-McKeon bias from your little band of Misfits?

Do you know of any player that becomes happy riding the pine? Isn't it a natural player reaction to dislike not starting after always being a starter your entire career?

I was under the impression that McKeon was a good soldier and did not complain around the team and locker-room regarding his reduced playing role with the Wizards last year.

Let me make one thing clear, I do not have to apologize ever for McKeon's career achievements as they speak volumes on their own merit. I have on occasion felt the need to DEFEND him based on some of the idiotic commentary spewing forth from knuckleheads such as yourself.

Personally I hope McKeon regains his health and continues his soccer career but if not I salute him on a job well done!

 

Wow.
1. When I first joined BigSoccer, one of the first things I can remember was reading threads involving you arguing with anyone and everyone about how great McKeon is. "Every other" should have been elaborated, I meant many other regulars in the KC forum.
2. I liked McKeon, still do, but I realize he isnt cut out for MLS anymore. In fact besides Preki he was my favorite Wizard for many years. So no, I'm not an anti-McKeon Cauldronite, I'm realistic about his ability in 2003.
3. Dislike the Cauldron much? Sheesh.
4. As discussed in the past, you got the impression from St. Louis about how the team chemistry was? I've been there at every game, saw the players and talked with many of them. Yes, getting benched sucks, but McKeon was a baby about it. Peter Vermes on the other hand told me on two occasions how it sucked to get demoted, but he understood the situation. I guess its a matter of class.
5. Speaking of class, the interaction you might remember hearing about is when McKeon actually threatened to kick someones ass in our section at a USOC game. He was playing like crap, and someone called him out on it. He then comes over and tries to get a few of us to tell him who it was, and threatens to kick some ass. So yes, there was "interaction". Not to mention countless times players go by the tunnel and we get to ask questions and have them answered on a weekly basis.

Why you gotta attack me? Just cause I warned others to take your comments with a grain of salt because you hold McKeon's ability higher than anyone else I've ever heard? Then you go off about me and the Cauldron? My comment was fair given your past, I'm not so sure your comments were anywhere near fair.

 

Ben,

I see you joined BigSoccer in Feb, 2001 which was directly after the Wizards won MLS Cup 2000. Matt McKeon was an intregal leader of that Championship Team and played wonderfully all season long! Thanks so much for reminding me that I was absolutely correct in pointing out during those recent past days how fine a player McKeon was!

Now perhaps if Matt regains his health....

By the way if McKeon was indeed your second favorite player I would hate to have been your 3rd favorite based on the way you treat him.

 

No, thank you. End of discussion.

 

OK.

 

Tom you don't know crap about the Wizards. You just know what the television tells you. Tell me how much media coverage does St. Louis TV give the Wizards, because they don't do crap in KC. How many of those games in 2000 that you claim he was an integral leader did you actually go to see. Unless you have some crazy panoramic TV with a special wide angle lens camera that beams it directly to your house that none of else can get you can not see what you would see at a game.

McKeon was good until 2001, then his stock was on a frieght elevator to hell. What career stats prove that he was a great player. Was it the 13 goals in 172 games, or was it the 389 fouls committed. Maybe it was the two ejections, or the 39 yellow cards. Or was it the 6 blocks. No way it had to be the 19 assists, (Note- Tom may have some basis on the 2000 thing, he had 11 assists that year) OK so you take out 2000 that is 8 assists in 142 games.

Seems to me that McKeon's claim to fame is being on a team that won a championship. Guess what so was Tahj Jankins, Gary Galsgow, and Brian Johnson.

 

The above post makes perfect sense to me as long as one understands that injuries have a big impact on playing ability!

 

Ben's sheep are beginning to arrive! Baaaa! Baaaa!