There's rumblings on the Metros board that the quakes picked up Ricardo Clark for an allocation and some goodies. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162159
I think that it is a great trade for San Jose and Clarke. He will blossom in San Jose if Moreno and Ching put their chances away. I think he is one of the most under-rated players in the league. If he stays healthy, I predict a breakout year.
His breakout year was excellent and his sophomore year not so much. That's just the kind of great prospect we get rid of.
I doubt anyone knows! From the financial side, it's simple. Allocations have dollar values. From an order of player selection persepective, mass chaos.
His sophmore year wasn't terrible. The main reason why he didn't play up to par his sophmore year was because of his groin injury. Once he began to heal fully from the injury, he started to return to form. Though he isn't as good as Mulronney, he has to be the potential to be a lot better player down the line. Very good acquistion for you guys in my mind.
His breakout year was excellent and his sophomore year not so much. That's just the kind of great prospect we get rid of.
I believe this is the first season which MLS has allowed the "splitting" of allocations. It is discussed some in some other forums, but the groundbreaking for this activity was the signing of John Thorrington for the Fire with part of an allocation. GMs have been pushing for it for years (and with good reason). But this is the first time I know of that literally part of an allocation was traded away. Onto the trade. I don't know how anyone can argue that it isn't a great one. Lets be honest: Allocations are going to be devalued in SJ because of their uncertain future. It will be hard to lure a player to the current SJ situation, so trading one for Clark makes tons of sense. I actually like what they have tried to do with the team up till now. Losing Alvarez was rough. But SJ has had him for a while. Perhaps they know something we don't. Right now SJ lines up (assuming DeRo is gone): -----------------Onstad------------------------- Barrett-----Dayak-------Robinson-----Hart/Roner Davis-------Clark-------O'Rourke-----------Mullan ---------Ching--------------Moreno-------------- With a bench consisting of the likes of Russell, Aloisi, Waibel, Cochrane, Levesque, and Conway. Seems a little light in attack, perhaps DeRo actually does have a chance to come back. Also quite heavy with outside defenders. The drafting of Klass looked more a luxury pick than a need one. But all in all, for a team in a rebuilding mold I think there are significantly worse lineups you could see. I really like the idea of O'Rourke holding the midfield with Rico being given the opportunity to assume more of a #10 role than he was allowed in NY where he was restrained by more of a DM position. Davis also seems to be a player that could used a change of scenery. The midfield will make or break the team IMO. If they gel SJ will be formidable. I really liked the Moreno addition, he could be a very good partner for Ching. I understand SJ has had a rough offseason with the loss of a bunch of their quality veteran talent. But I think Lalas got it right. The team without Donovan wasn't going to be competing for the title this season. So start the rebuilding process a little early by dumping Agoos. The loss of Mulrooney was unforseen, but I think they got decent value in return considering the circumstances.
The problem is, none of them are any good. They either suck, or don't have enough/any experience. Some of them, both. Barrett Waibel Hart Roner Aloisi Cochrane Goldthwaite Klaas Twellman
I understand what you mean.. my guess would be that Dom would try to keep some "vets" in the starting 11
I just don't feel that the Quakes are done with their changes yet. As someone pointed out, the Quakes still have 4 SI spots they have yet to fill. I would think that some of these areas that currently would be filled by a rookie or relative newbie (like Aloisi) will be addressed on the international market. The only rookie I expect to see playing substantial minutes is DanO. As for the inclusion of Barrett among the list of defenders that either "suck" or aren't any good, I strongly disagree. If Wade returns and plays like he was before he left us, he will be among the best defenders in MLS, IMO. Perhaps, his time overseas might even have added to his abilities?! I think Wade is a solid guy and I eagerly await the day I turn on my computer to read that he is once again a Quake.
I'm with you. Wade had his up and down games, but he also had games where he was the best player on the pitch. Getting him back will solve some big problems.