Former Kickers players who have advanced to MLS include Mike Clark (Columbus Crew), Dwayne DeRosario (San Jose Earthquakes), Brian Kamler (D.C. United, Miami Fusion, New England Revolution), Brian Bates (Colorado Rapids, Dallas Burn), Scott Budnick (Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay Mutiny), Scott Cannon (Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Tampa Bay Mutiny), Jeff Causey (New England Revolution, D.C. United), Ben Crawley (D.C. United), Danny Care (D.C. United), Ted Gillen (NY/NJ Metrostars), Gary Glasgow (Kansas City Wizards), Onandi Lowe (Kansas City Wizards), Mike McGinty (D.C. United), Mark Simpson (D.C. United), Todd Yeagley (Columbus Crew), Ihor Dotsenko (Kansas City Wizards), Rob Ukrop (New England Revolution) and Richie Williams (D.C. United, NY/NJ Metrostars). THat's quite a list.
What's the over/under for the Crew and MLS getting their money's worth for this purchase? I can understand the Crew's reasoning behind this... Testo has pro-league credentials and has proven himself in a league under MLS in relative terms. Although he really did nothing for the Crew in 2004 there is still potential on the back-burner. MLS signs him and the Crew still have rights to him in a league that just expanded by two teams and by two additional players per roster. He has one year of experience with this team and should know the players, coaches and area by now. He was a discovery option, better save face by actually doing something with that option. The Crew see what shakes out of the super draft (combine, thresher, whatever) and then evaluate the newly acquired potential against Testo and others in his situation then reevaluate keeping him or looking to pawn him off on another team for "future considerations" and/or draft picks next season. Worst case scenario, we're stuck with a somewhat expensive bench warmer that doesn't produce with the minutes he's given. Oh well. I don't think any Crew players are quaking in their boots... Probably few Crew fans, too.
Clint: Richmond Kickers are run. not surprisingly, by actual soccer people who know what they're doing, love the game and have found a niche. And they're the nicest people in American soccer. We need about 100 more. As for this acquisition, the guy has value on the open market particularly - as noted by the always prescient Grouchy - in an expanded league. It wouldn't be surprising if the guy woulld rather start over elsewhere, but he'll get his shot here sooner or later.
I hate to be negative, but why in the world does the Richmond Kickers website have this before the Columbus Crew's? These new reserve games should be a great indicator or where Testo should be. If he excels, that proves he can play on some MLS team, If he just blends in, he will know to go back to USL Division 1.
I don't think I've ever hidden the fact I like Testo and have high hopes for his potential. He's got good to average speed, good on the ball, a powerful shot with both feet and towards the later part of the year, I understand he started to show the professionalism that is needed on the practice pitch for an MLS player. I don't know if he'll be a good forward or not, but I think he has the skills to light the league up as a LM in a 4-4-2 system with Wingert at LB and making overlapping runs. As for cost I don't think Testo would cost that much, no more then 35K or less and since his transfer fee was contingent on his loan perfermance, I don't think the fee was that high either.