Not that the fans have any bearing on the starter but in reality it should be the best player so far this year. Dave says it is Henry's job, and I agree he should have his chance to start because he has paid his dues here, but if one of the other keepers is playing better and is more consistant after Henry starts the season, he should get the job. The coaching staff will have a much better idea after the Portugal trip.
who should start? I'm in agreeance that the best keeper should hold the job, but that's not always the case. Sure Ring has paid his dues, but he hasn't even played yet this year (until probably today) due to his injury from last year. I searched on net about the labrum tear, it's said that it is very difficult to judge recovery time and injury status. I also got the impression that it could be reinjured easily if not fully healed. Tough injury for a keeper to endure. Countess is Countess, enough said. However, I'm biased towards Pickens because I know him personally, and the feeling is regardless of outstanding performance, his inexperience at the pro level and/or international experience is going to hurt his chances of even being on the bench this year unless someone above his gets injured.
Re: who should start? Probably the good news for Pickens is that Countess has also had his share of injuries, including shoulder surgery, and the potential for Pickens to play with Milwaukee should be strong since I am sure DJ would not want to subject himself to the "lower" level.
Re: Re: who should start? I can assure you that if Pickens sign's a developmental contract it would be for 1 season. A goalkeeper of his abilities needn't be wasted in A-League. It's unfortunate for him to have 2 experienced keepers in his way. He's good enough to start or at least backup on other MLS teams. I would think that if he doesn't get much playing time at the pro level then he would want to move on. Too much talent to be wasted. When I coached him in high school many refs who had been doing this for like 20 years said they had never seen a keeper of his caliber, and we're talking St. Louis soccer.