Just a crackpot theory here, but maybe Yi sees a chance to crack the U.S. lineup (or at least roster) at left back for 2006. Hard to say if/how much he was getting scouted in Belgium, but he wasn't getting called in for camps -- neither has Gooch, except once, sort of -- and he won't get the chance to play in the Olympics this year either. A good half season in MLS would probably get him a look.
Well, IIRC, close to home for Alex Yi is in SoCal, right? How would the Galaxy swing that deal? EDIT: My bad, Yi went to UCLA, but is actually from Maryland. So DC United would be the preferred home club. I am sure they would be delighted to get a very, very good central defender.
And with Nelson possible out for a long time, it seems like DC would be a perfect fit. I would love to have him in Chicago though. Him and Jimmy in the middle would be a lanky pairing.
no, nellie to columbus to officially rename the crew-the yellow kiwis. yi to DC, nellie to columbus, szetela to NY, and arena goes home to live with mom and dad. hmmm...
Dunno. I've never understood why one player would be an allocation, another would be a discovery, and another would go into a lottery. Never looked into it.
Short Answer: Allocation drafts had been arranged in the past when more than one club made requests for that player.
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Left back? Has he ever played there for youth national teams? I thought he was exclusively a center back.
Since's he not a USMNT pool player, no allocation needed. No lottery unless more than 1 team puts in a claim for him. I believe the closest precedent to this is not the recent Svetla signing, but when Phil Salyer joined MLS about mid-way through 2003. Dallas wanted him. No other team put in a claim, so the Burn got him. I'm not sure if he'd have to be a full roster player or could be a DP. Since Salyer had only played with Bremen's reserves, I think he was allowed DP status. Hasn't Yi been playing 1st team ball? (all this from Buzz of 3rddegree)
You're right. . . it's just a crackpot theory. But who's to say. Right now if you want to catch Bruce's eye, MLS is the place to be.
He has been in antwerp for two years. I applaud your remarkable grasp for the obvious. It has nothing to do with living at home. It has eveerything to do with my desire to see more and more of the talent on our teams come from local communities. Give crowds something they don't get in other sports. Hand him to DC please.