Jeff Parke, defender, Metros, "Mr. Irrelevant" in the draft this year. I mean, have you seen this guy play? He's a rock back there. Strong in the air, always well positioned, never flusters (did you see that cheeky back heel to a teammate to get out of some trouble in the deep corner yesterday?). The guy acts like he's been around for 5 years, not like he's just off the bus from Drexel, and he seems to have supplanted Bonseau, at least for now. What a steal by Bradley (although after two games, who knows how long it will last?).
I agree, FlashMan. I watched him yesterday against NER and was impressed with his poise. Too bad the new forwards didn't do as well.
A guy who yet again emphasizes MLS's need for 1. Increased rosters and larger drafts 2. Reserve teams Parke has been extremely impressive for an unheralded guy coming out of a mediocre program, and I think his ability to step in and do quite well (plus a similar performance last year from Borchers, etc.) implies that MLS is missing several guys who could be quality players in this league. My guy, unoriginally, is Eddie Gaven, who's looked great, and Brian Carroll, who I don't think anybody but his mom thought was going to be starting this year.
Jean Philippe Peguero or just Pedro. Came from a soccer hotbed, Hati, to become starter for the Rapids usually none too special front line. Off to a good start getting the first goal at Invesco. He's added a ton of pace, heading ability and creativity to the Rapids attack. He's going to get at least 10 goals this season.
My vote goes to Brian Carrol. I had never even heard of this guy, but when I saw him play he looked very effective.
clint dempsey, of the revolution? id say him, he has done damn well so far. i hope he conitnues his fine play. forza inter
That's interesting. Hertzog's stock keeps diving and soaring. It's hard to tell. He looked good against NE, but looked woeful against DC. I actually wasn't expecting Tyrone Marshall to be one of my favorite Galaxy players. Marshall has really made the difference in a few games - turning our defence from reactive to proactive
Of course it's easy to point out that Parke and Carroll have exceeded expectations so far. Also, as a United fan, I've been surprised by Josh Gros who I think has 2 assists as a rookie. I also would have to say I've been surprised by Ruiz. I know he's already an established star. But he had one great year and you say, "he can't repeat that performance". 24 goals in 2002 was impressive. Then he had another great year and you say, "He's legit, but he can't keep up that pace. Besides, with 15 goals that's 9 less than the year before". Then he starts the season the way he has and I am just in awe of his scoring ability. The point is that Ruiz exceeds my expectations. It's harder to be a known entity around the league and still excel.
Has he even scored yet? I haven't heard anything about him scoring, and coming off all the hype he received last year with SJ. Hope he finds his form. Its importnant for US soccer that our so called Poster Boy plays well. Not that I really care, but still...
I have to agree with you on Ruiz.. Even though I hate the guy 5 Goals 1 Assist in 4 games is a pretty impressive start to any season, Hell its an impressive 5 games mid season and quite the surprise. While I was impressed with Fabien Taylor in the DC / Mets game.. He hasnt done anything else this year and one good game doesnt exactly put him up there on my "surprise player board" I still think its way to early to put people on the surprise wagon. At this point, 1 good game by a player puts them on the list. Im more interested in consistency then one game efforts that will be forgoten by next sunday.
Thanks for the assist update. Good to hear. Assists are too often underrated. Having said that...Landon, score!