SRC: New Connolly article http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=262801&cc=5901 He makes a good point, the entire league is going to be considerably better this year, imo. From what I've seen, though, the Revs may have found three new starters in the offseason (Noonan over Kamler, JMM over Wolde, and perhaps Joseph over Cullen or one of our back 4. Not bad for an MLS cup runner-up to add three new starters.
I definately think this is going to be a good year talent-wise all around for the league. I think one of the biggest arguments against expansion is trying to reach a critical mass in terms of that talent, because all I see is the pool of talent getting deeper and deeper, it'd be a shame to dillute that.
"... Noonan over Kamler..." Not so sure about that at this point. While the Indiana grad has reportedly shown some good form in pre-season, I think he'll have to beat out Kamler, and that won't be as easy as it seems. His experience and ability to play both ways are good qualities, whereas youthful fearlessness might be the strongest asset for Noonan. We'll see, maybe getting a glimpse on Saturday. The Magpie
With the salary cap, good players are priced out and forced to the A-League (i.e. Ted Chronopolous) that would be able to find homes on expansion teams. So the talent won't be so diluted, and more players will get the opportunity to develop. The down side is: I foresee JMM heading home to Oklahoma in the next expansion draft.
I would argue just the opposite. I think that the critical mass was reached this off season. With current cap restrictions, good senior players aren't getting the money they expect (deserve?). The current talent pool in MLS is definitely deep enough for two more teams without an NHL type of drop off.
He'll be pretty much done by 2005. Maybe he'll have a last hurrah to help jump start the new franchise, but I don't think it'd be a big loss for us by then.
rkupp beat me to it. This is a cold, cynical business, and by the time Oklahoma City (as opposed to crosstown rivals Oklahoma United) get off the ground, JMM will be of a lot more value to them than to us as a "marquee" drawing card, and as a player. Tom
expierenced veterin or washed up pro. it's all in your perception. I too wish salary caps were higher,there have been guys going over seas,to nominal clubs because of this but otherwise i don't see a problem with them being in the A-league, they're still on American soil and it benefits the A-league, all good.
I don't think it will happen right away, but Nicol was pretty quick to switch to Noonan in Costa Rica.
I don't see a problem with them being in the A-league either. I just think there is enough talent out there, not currently in MLS for salary cap reasons, but would be in MLS if there were more teams. When (if) MLS expands in 2005, I don't think it will dilute the talent very much, if at all.