Reads like more than we were paying Kei and…gulp…a false9 to pair Kacper up with. edit: could be worse….An Ode to Tom Barlow https://medium.com/@martineznotjose/an-ode-to-tom-barlow-cd6a23445e22 “Barlow can hear the subtle groans of the crowd when he comes on, no staff member can prevent him from seeing all of the hate online. Barlow cuts a downtrodden figure at times, his head down and showing obvious signs of discouragement. One can clearly see the confidence declining with every missed opportunity, the raising of his hands in exasperation make an accurate meter. But he keeps running, keeps pushing for his team. Even after so many missed chances he’s always looking for the next one, always searching for a breakthrough.” So now we have two strikers that don’t score much and fans like to hate
i guess it's a good point made that it's only $250k guaranteed let's hope he hits whatever targets unlock the other $150k
"Barlow has a very specific skill set, and it’s not a crowd-pleaser. He is among the best in the league in what he does, no one presses as much or as well as he does. His defensive impact is important for the way the Red Bulls play, and is what keeps him in the team season after season." All the anti-run folks are gonna be mad
*This question is more rhetorical than anything* Are we a high press team now? Is that what the new coach wants to do? Who is the new coach? Why is Heitz signing players before the coach is selected? This is just the umpteenth example of poor roster construction by Heitz.
So apparently he may be a late match defensive replacement. Kinda glad he has some different skills than Koutsias.
The price seems about right and his salary listed for 2023 is quite low ($207k). His skills, while somewhat modest, appear to be complimentary to Koutsias and, presumably, our new DP9. Even his detractors say he is a hard worker. He does not need an international slot or require a U22 or DP slot. He deserves a chance to prove himself. It is not like Fire are invested heavily in him!
Trabsfermark says Barlow's contract is up, unless there's an option or a new deal. It's not a vote of confidence in the prospects of Victor Bezerra (contract through 2024) & Missa Rodriguez (contract through 2025).
If Vic isn't good enough for this sorry first team, but has nothing to prove at the Next Pro level then . . . .
Sources seem to differ on his contract expiration. Couple sources say YE23, one is blank (unusual), one says 2026 and MLSPA free agent listing shows RB have “option” as opposed to expired. One logical guess would be that he signed a 4 year deal expiring 12-23 with 3 one year options when he was promoted from RB II. Not for sure, just my guess. If so, his 2024 salary may not be much more than Bezerra and Rodriguez. And ,yes, that would not be a vote of confidence in them.
We/he haven't been given enough look to know...and based on this clubs history of 'pecking order' BS for minutes...it's not always about the player.
Vic, and to a lesser extent Oregel Jr. were injured a lot of last season. They had VG seasons in 2022.
I'd love to see both those guys get their shot (as the weakest player on a good MLS XI, vs expected to be better than say...Herbers).