Oft-injured American right back/midfielder Robbie Russell (who played in the Champions League back when he was with Rosenborg) has left Viborg, who claim he will soon have a trial with RSL. Here's a link, but you won't be able to understand much from any potential computer translation. http://vff.dk/ContentId/11291/Default.aspx
..a quick translation : - "Robbie has, just like Jacob Olesen, had a tough time getting on the team and when he now got the possibility of returning home to the US and at the same time play as a regular, then this was a good solution. We thank Robbie for the years in VFF, and wish him good luck in the USA," VFF director of football Steffen Højer said. .
...at the bottom it says that Russell was on trial at Salt Lake City earlier this month, but that they do not know if he is going to play for them or continue his career at some other club.. .
http://www.hvemvandt.dk/arkiv/visspiller_alltime.php?id=954 Debut ; 19-07-2006 Last game : 13-08-2007 ...so just around 11 month ago... --- btw, Yanks who have played in the Superliga (since 1991); http://www.hvemvandt.dk/arkiv/visudl-land.php?land=USA .
Robbie must have really been decimated by injuries in Denmark, because from what I've read, it sounds like he was a very touted right back in the Norwegian Tippeligaen for Sogndal & then Rosenborg. I hope he can get things back on track in MLS should he choose to return. There was a time when I thought he'd become Steve Cherundolo's primary backup at RB.
It's kinda weird he's coming to MLS now when so many players from the 2001 college draft he's played in are already out of soccer or, at least, out of MLS. The only players still in MLS from this draft are: 8. Santino Quaranta (DC) 9. Brian Mullan (LA) 10. Duncan Oughton (CLB) 12. Jose Burciaga (KC) --- 15. Bryan Namoff (DC) 16. Brian Ching (LA) 20. Eddie Robinson (SJ) 22. Robbie Russell (LA) ----- 27. Edson Buddle (CLB, from A-League) 29. Jim Curtin (Chicago) 31. Craig Waibel (SJ, from A-League) (2. Ryan Nelsen and 19. Eddie Johnson are in the EPL; .40 Cory Gibbs is trying to resurect career in Europe.) A handful of players are still in USL-1. I have no idea if Russell has anything left in the tank but if he does, I think he'd be a good addition to most MLS teams, especially if he's not commanding a big cap hit. Not a lot of depth on MLS teams to begin with and even less with Champions' League experience.
I followed Robbie pretty heavily leading up to the '06 WC and he showed to be a damn good prospect at the time. Strong, physical, and could move into the attack without fail. A shame injuries derailed his career somewhat. It all happened after his move to Rosenborg. If healthy he would be a very good addition to RSL. He needs a fresh start and coming home, I hope, will provide that opportunity.
Correct me if I'm wrong but he'd been in a couple US camps but picked up injuries and couldn't play in the games. Not the best of luck for him lately but he certainly can help some teams here. He was a very good prospect for a while in Norway.
Yeah, three times the injury bug bit him preventing him from earning a cap. Twice in camp he picked up an injury and once several days before a camp opened up. Like you said crappy luck the last two years but I hope MLS is a fresh start.
Which should give a good reply to those who ask, "How many US players have gone on to bigger leagues out of Norway or Denmark?" On average, the overall "major league" careers aren't very long and the percentage of people who "make it" isn't very high. Full 2001 Draft : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_MLS_SuperDraft Although, some MLS wash-outs can apparently make it to the Ohio State University. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devin_Barclay
After all the injuries I don't think he'd be the fastest player on any team but he's a good player. I'm surprised RSL wanted him since he and Beckerman are basically the same player. I supoose RR will play the holding role and free Beckerman to get forward. Can't have too many good players.
Interesting RSL see him as a rightsided midfielder when he's spent most of his career as a RB ableit one who likes to attack. Glad to see him home and I hope he can put all his injuries aside and plug himself into the lineup at RSL.
"He and Beckerman are the same player".....eh? No way he's the fastest on the team after injuries he's had. I wouldn't be surprised if he's as much a bench player as starter by the end of the year (or injured). He's barely played in the last 2 years. Odd Lagerway's statement 'the guy they wanted'. A good depth pick-up and maybe he even can shine for a couple seasons, but hardly what one could consider some big catch.
I've always thought of him as more of a flank player and Beckerman as more of a holding, central, mid. Somehow I think RSL will manage to get them both on the field. I think the persons who should be more worried about this move are Wingert, Joy and Beltran.
I don't think Wingert has anything to worry about. He has had a great season. I actually would like to see him on the backline for RSL, with their style of pushing the outside backs forward his speed could be valuable. Earlier this month he clocked the fastest 40 time on the team. Faster than both Findley and Beltran, and that's no easy feat.