I was flipping through channels last night, and I caught site of a familiar thinning stringy long hair in a pony tail. (No, not Ed Puskarich ). Just a name recognition, I quit flipping the remote to watch. When is the last time Dallas had a name that soccer people would actually think, "I cannot miss this game, I've got to see what this guy will do tonight". A guy that when Dallas comes to thier venues the public also thinks, "better see this guy tonight or I may miss out on something special". By the way the old guy capturing my attention still has plenty of game left. He scored in the South American club championship, and was the organizing brain for his team as they knocked off the very talented Santos (BR) team. If a team who's ethnicity was all about winning were to add a player like him, (and of course actually use him), I might be inclined to think about making the hour and a half drive to Frisco whenever they played against FCD. I wonder if a player like him would consider MLS.
there is nothing FC Dallas can do to make you happy, so why don't you just focus on the South American leagues, they got everything you want, "attractive" soccer, latino players, guys in ponytails, and more diving then your local swim hole.
Oh no doubt, I like Pez is also one of my all time favorites, but I am temporarily limited by local cable offereings and would not have access to this one. Different long haired guy.
Nope, this Ecuadorian never was a Burn. I think he once was a Necaxa Rayo. Someone pegged it a coupel of posts ago. If you have FoxSportsEspanol you know who I am naming.
Oh yea. If I were a new franchise, I go after this guy to: put butts in seats, kick butts in practice and kick butts during games. I thought that he was too old, but he is still as good as he is ugly. If memory serves me right, wasn't their a rumor a year or two ago about him coming to MLS? I remember he seemed to be a very good PR kind of guy. When the Concacaf club championships were held in Las Vegas, I remember seeing him parading about the town with the mayor of LV and a gigantic key to the city.
About 5 years ago he was a no brainer for an MLS team. Despite your comments about his age not being a factor, I think his time is past and if not could be any day. If the Burn had had him those five years ago they would have overwhelmed teams. He was probably not interested then because of the money difference. The other MFL guy I wanted back then was Adomite (sp?). The blonde mid from Cruz Azul nicknamed El Russo. Dynamic passer and ran his ace off.
I agree to what he said Theo. Alex would be in the same form like Andrea Herzog was with the Galaxy. If he was 5 or 10 years younger, then he could have potential to boost the Burn midfield.
What a dilema for those of us who like the "jogo bonito". These type of guys are way out of our league, (literally), when in their prime. How do we get a good style of soccer in this country w/o the role models and people who understand that type of game? The people that can even have a discussion and understand that brand of soccer are evaporating on these boards. In ethnic circles or in foreign countries in clubs and federation club houses it is funny to see how the internal logic of the Latin style of the game IS so clear to them. In this country people think you are speaking a foreign language or are retarded when basic tactical or technical discussions take place from this perspective. I don't know. Maybe this abuelo, (Alex Aguinaga), still has enough tank in the gas for a couple more good rides. If I were a Chivas guy, I would strongly consider him. The Cienfuegos, Valderramas, Sutters, Parejas, are not being restocked. Could a returning Reyna be a "name" and soccer role model? Without these type of players the league is turning into unappealing crap. The hopefuls for the next generation like Martino, Adu, Nunez are going to still need tutoring. If we go strictly Euro-retread coaches and their USSF wanna-be's I am skeptical of the emergence of MLS as a game that people will support. I think that the very survival of this league depends upon getting such "names" from an educational and promotional aspect. I think that MLS is well below 2nd division Brasileiro. While soccer is not algebra, if Aguinaga can break down one of the best of Brazil, would he not make mince-meat of the KC's, DC's of this league? I think it is a gamble worth taking. If not this one, then get one even better. (and as was explained to me several times before, Diego is way out of MLS's budget.) You supply the "name" with game and you will get a good return for your investment.
The best thing that happened yesterday was a recent ex player who was a creative type won the whole thing. Now all the copycats will be looking for their own. Now everyone who said Leonel needed seasoning first needs to rethink. Now everyone who would have been able to claim Oscar isn't the answer might even reconsider their own thinking. I'll bet that Chicago is kicking themselves right now letting Novak go to DC. Think they want a coaching decision do over?
Some times it reminds me of the Scottish 1st Division and that is being nice. I see your idea, but unforunitly, having a big name player can have its ups and downs. But if Dallas did get a player, it should also be for marketing uses as well. Beckham comes to mind and while he isn't the greatest(nor will he), he can provide the marketing and expose to a team like Dallas.
While this may fall under the category of "game" vs "name", LA Galaxy's Steve Sampson is apparently wasting little time. He is reportedly close to a major $$$ signing of a CR creative man. I don't hear the Galaxy being impeded by salary cap constraints nor allocation slots, nor any of the other BS that is a ruse to keep payroll at a minimum.
Then you weren't around for Cobi Jones negotiations last year. The reason you aren't hearing about that is because with Herzog and Bo retiring, (and Moreno getting his green card), we have almost all of our SI slots open, and a ton of cash to play with. Bo took up an unforgivable amount of cap room.
Theo gets a deservedly bad rap in these forums, but he's onto the right idea here. However, could we not with discerning scouting entice young about-to-blossom players from Central and South America to show their wares here with the prospect of exposure and big future payday? I agree with the need for dynamic southern hemisphere soccer influence.
I will let history do my judging for me. Go back and research my posts. After you weed through all the pooh-poohing and naysaying, you can see that I have been as, or more correct more times than any of my critics. As for the Central and South American player thing. It is good to see you on my side on this one. You will be especially on my side when I share the following with you. Vergara runs a certain 1st division Central American Club which is far superior to any MLS side. He bought it a year or two ago, and went with young local talent. They righted their ship, and finished at the top of their national league. MLS teams go to enquire about their players, but soon find out that they are way too expensive. Market value is market value. Now you probably can guess where I am going.... Vergara and the national league have come to an agreement to where a boat load of the stars on the talent laden team are going to become free loans to Vergara's MLS team. For those of you assuming that Chivas USA would be a light weight, think again. Only Thomas Wrongen will be able to screw up an enourmous advantage that this club will start with.
Just had a thought last night. ROB is 25 right. He just signed a 4 yr contract. Why not market the team around him. But then again the marketing isn't the greatest in the world.