Rumor: Summer window trialists/ signings

So for those interested, per the Rapids:
3 Slots open (doesn't break out Senior slots- but Pablo's must be available)
2 International players can be brought in to fill above 3 slots.

http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2012/07/look-roster-july-16-2012

 

In the above link, I saw this mentioned:

Jamie Smith, Jaime Castrillon, Edu, Martin Rivero, and Luis Zapata occupy five of the seven available international roster spots. One of the free spots was acquired in the trade with Kimura, and the other became available with the waiving of Henao.

I guess Smith doesn't have his green card yet? If it had been pointed out, sorry I missed it. Didn't this type of thing keep Ballouchy out of Toronto?

 

No, that was a different issue, with his visa.

 

I noticed that too. It actually makes me wonder if his green card was denied or he was informed he would have to wait for some extended amount of time.

Also, Davy Armstrong is being listed as a Defender. I think that is a first, or am I having the opposite problem that I had with Dillon Serna?

 

I know Armstrong has practiced some at defender, but he started as more a midfielder.

 

How can a US Green Card issue keep someone out of Canada, you know its a whole different country right?

Green Cards take a long time to process, it is not safe to assume one has been refused or delayed or to start a rumor to that effect, it simply takes a long time.

 

I actually like him better at CB, like there has been talk. Although I am not sure rapids can afford him, compared to Europe.

 

Currently I do recognize Canada's sovereignty, though the Nickelback situation is increasingly tense.

I've heard there are restrictions on leaving the US during the approval process, maybe that's not true. I do know Ballouchy couldn't go, but it must have been something else, as JasonMa pointed out.

 

If travel is required during the final stage this is covered by a document called Advanced Parole (AP) it is sent to border agents and linked to a document the applicant carries with them. This is cancelled when the GC is approved and issued.

 

Isn't there some allocation order that you have to go through with current/former US internationals? Didn't we already move mountains (ok, molehills) to get Kamani through this process (you know, the guy we never play)?

 

No clue how you would get that done because dealing with Homeland Security (where INS falls since 2002) is basically impossible, chekcing on status is almost impossible and seldom accurate. Walk in wait which we tried once was like 5 hours even though we were lined up before doors opened (they fit in around scheduled appointments). You can't scheduled appointments, you get notices in mail of where and when and if you miss them...
It will be one of the most frustrating experiences in your life. Think Smith is backing this up since they have been talking for like 2 months about him getting greencard but he still doesn't have it.

 

SKC is working on signing him now per this:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/07/17/skc-notebook-vermes-confirms-talks-ex-barcelona-df

 

The current processing time for an Adjustment of Status (Green Card) is 4 months from receipt of application.

 

Per this article, Houston still owns his MLS rights and with Cameron going to Stoke City, Sounds like they are front runners to bring Clark back.

http://wvhooligan.com/2012/07/18/14094/is-ricardo-clark-headed-back-to-houston/

 

This is just wild wishful thinking on my part-- but I think the Rapids should try to get Brek Shea from Dallas. Brek is clearly upset at Dallas and his career needs a change of venue. He and Oscar probably know each other from Oscar's days at Dallas. Brek's not nearly such a risk to jet off to Europe as he was a year ago.

I'm just spitballin' here. But Shea appears to be a player looking for a new home, and I think the Rapids could do very nicely with a new wide threat. We'd probably have to give up one or two players, money, and maybe an international slot to get him.

Happy to hear why it's not a good idea. The thought just occurred to me yesterday as I was listening to the Extra Time Radio discussion of how Shea is in a rut down in Dallas.

 

I had this exact thought earlier today. My only concern is, who would we give up for him? Internal strife or not, Dallas knows they could get a lot for him on the transfer market if he gets back to form. Pareja isn't likely to give up any of his underperforming newbies, and Dallas's biggest need right now is at the forward position. I don't want to trade Conor or Omar for him, because Shea's likely to bolt in the next 18 months.

 

And get, at most, 18 months from Shea? Not worth it. Especially with our current striker depth, that looked so promising on paper, but hasn't played out that well. No reason to fill one hole while opening up another.

 

My thought was immediately, "Would I trade Omar for Shea straight up?" The answer, I would, but Dallas wouldn't do it. I would bet that Dallas would want more than Omar. My only problem with it is that bringing Brek here would stifle Cascio for 18 months which I don't like that idea. I think he is an MLS Lifer and will be a very serviceable player once he matures his game. If he doesn't play much though, he might not reach that level. So then I wonder, would they trade Omar and Cascio for Brek? I wouldn't, but I could see the Rapids doing it and Dallas accepting it.

 

Seriously guys. If you're going to sit around and do a bunch of drugs, at least invite me along.