I don't know why he wouldn't. Chacon's skills have deteriorated with his age a little bit probably, thus he doesn't get the call. Reyes however, is only 27 and is in no way losing any of his game so I have no clue why he wouldn't be called up.
Well I was planing on asking you guys that same question but hadn't gotten around to it. I think they're nuts for not calling up Jocon Reyes and the only explanation I have ever heard is that "Chelato" (Honduras'coach) thinks that this young kid Edgard Alvarez is better. What is the prevailing opinion of DC fans on the quality of Reyes' play? He has looked great to me, wish San Jose had him.
Personally, I think Reyes is the best right sided defender in the league. There isn't anyone even close. He was our best field player last season (not that that says too much).
I would be shocked if Reyes weren't a stalwart of their National Team. IMHO, he's the best right back in the history of MLS, better than Sonora, everyone. I think his only weaknesses are mediocre crossing ability and occasionally plays unnecessarily physical in and around the edge of the box when he doesn't need to do so. Fantastic defender, awesome attacker, great tactical awareness and technical skill, super speed and stamina, great attitude and determination, wonderful versatility. Really, he's got it all. I seriously doubt that his National Coach things he has a kid that's better. -Tron
Milton was in the Honduras squad that came to RFK during World Cup Qualifying and beat the Nats . I recall Milton being one of the players on that team that impressed me, along with Tyson Nunez and Carlos Pavon. Based on that match, and obviously from what we've seen of Milton this past season (Our best outfield player, as others have said), if the Honduran coach thinks he's got someone better, I want to see him.
Well that's what I thought, but when Milton began not to get called up i started wondering if I'm not missing something so wanted to get the opinion of United fans. Edgard Alvarez is #19 ,the replay is on right now (1pm ET) on Telemundo.
Something makes me think part of the reason we got Reyes was that Honduras didn't qualify for the World Cup. If that was indeed the case, he was part of the WC team at that time. It's also possible that Honduras is doing what the US and Argentina are also doing... getting the young local players some Caps before WC Qualifying begins again. As for the question posed by TerremotoFan, Reyes is incredible. And being the best defender on our team, speaks volumes. Our defense was killer last year. Even when Pope was 100%, I still thought Reyes was the best out there.
We are in the infancy of the World Cup Cycle. Almost every national team is trying out it's young guns. The USA v. Canada was no different, and when the USA plays Argentina and Jamaica both of those teams should play many young guns as well. It's not at all unusual to test these guys now because they already know Reyes' ability. It's kinda the same thing as Claudio Reyna or Kasey Keller not being called in for a friendly. Bruce knows exactly what he adds to the team. What Bruce want's to find out is how these young guys stack up, and it allows him to get them used to his system. When real games start happening you'll see Reyes there I'm sure. -Tron
Yeah, that's what I think too. So that makes me wonder if Reyes will be playing this summer in the Gold Cup.
D-tron is right about WCQ infancy and call-ups at this point. Additionally, remember this: Honduras is a very poor (and often poorly administered) football administration. Remember, they almost backed out of the Olympics qualifer b/c the federation wouldn't provide meal money for the players--it was resolved the day before they were to play! That said, that means coaches of poor countries don't go flying around the world to watch players and see their form. Instead, they are likely to go with local players (especially ones they don't have to pay for airfare to fly them back to San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa for a week of practice). If you think I'm being extreme, remember, Bruce Arena has never seen Johnny Walker (late of Catolico of Chile) play--none of us really have any idea how good that kid is. Unless someone is clearly head of the class (Nunez or Suazo) OR available on video recently, why not go with the local talent? And as for the earlier query, Reyes was a stud last year. Too chippy at the beginning of the season (but most defenders coming from Guatemala or Honduras are guilty of this b/c of the league play) and he needed to adjust his game, also not as disciplined as he eventually needs to be. Otherwise, the man's got game. Probably the best attacking outside back in MLS. Technically superb. Physically even more impressive. Astute and doesn't quit. Huge heart. An absolute presence on the field. The only reason he isn't playing with a top team in Europe is that b/c of the limits for foreign players, a premiership team would prefer to use a foreign slot on an offensive talent (like a finisher or A-mid) so some good defenders who could play in Western Europe instead don't get offers. I know, I know--there are the Roberto Carlos' or Sammi Kaffour's as example--but those guys are among the best in the world. Reyes isn't that good--only good enough to start for at least half of the teams in the premiership.
I am looking forward to seeing Reyes with a year of MLS under his belt and Ben Olsen playing in front of him for the season. This should be fun!!
(R) Argentina vs Honduras I'm told that eight of the starting 11 for Honduras against Argentina last Friday were getting their first start. I don't think M. Reyes' not being in the line-up had anything to do with them questioning his ability. I believe that the game was in Miami so travel costs should not have been a factor. Spoiler space being added now as result follows below....... Honduras played down two men due to red cards, and Argentina won 3-1. I only know this from a reliable Honduran friend who said he watched the game.
Honduras during the last few years has had a potent offensive attack with guys like Carlos Pavon, David Suazo and Milton Nunez. The mid-field is also solid. What made them so explosive was their speed. Reyes was used (and also in Motagua of Honduras) as a winger of a 3-5-2 formation. The over all consensus in Honduras is that they want to develop young players in their defense. Honduras is now a player in CONCACAF/CONFUT qualifying. More so than Costa Rica IMHO. The Honduran National Team DT Chelato Ucles, is using local talent to fill in and scout future WCQ talent. Although Honduras has one of the premier CONCACAF/CONFUT defenders in Samuel Caballero (Udinese of Italy), but he's now 29. As for Alverez (reportedly signed with River Plate of Argentina), people in Honduras seem to think he is the next big winger. He is reportedly faster and more skillful than Reyes. Not to mention that he is in his early 20's. Who knows....time will tell!
Reyes is THE MAN! NOONE showed more commitment. His work rate is excellent. The man is wicked fast, shows tons of heart, and vision. Yeah, he came in playing a rougher style, but adapted quickly. Going into his second MLS season, I am sure he will draw fewer cards than last season. As for call-ups for his national team, I hope they don't, we need him here. U.S. National team call-ups will be devestating enough, with possibly Benny, Nick, Bobby, Earnie, and Tino missing. Mark