A Couple of Choice Words

I could resort to a few about now, but I'll resist.

Lovely timing with that last post, eh? You'll note my use of the Canadianism there. Quite appropriate given the signing of Dejan Jakovic, the Canuck-Serbo-Croatian, or whatever he is. While he's not exactly a Mivdun (23 and limited pro experience negates the "v" for "veteran"), a big kid with good feet and some high-level experience who happens to be in the frame for his national team is not a bad grab so late in the game. Now don't overwhelm the kid with friend requests or anything.

I wonder what this means for Peters and Veris, who I thought were both in with a shot at one of the remaining senior roster spots. With a new, big centerback on board, Platter likely to nab one of those spots, and Mediate's versatility in play for the third, the "monsterbacks" may be out of luck. If Danso is ready to sign for developmental chump change, I'd say he's the most likely of the three at the moment.

I'll pump out another "Refining the Roster" at some point this weekend with the new updates, but I'm a little gunshy at the moment. I'm sure you understand.

By the way, in case you missed the fan chat with Kevin Payne, go over and read the transcript. And prepare to scratch your head over such stadium gems as . . .

"plus some more high tech ideas we have, such as lasers and so forth"

Presumably the ill-tempered mutant sea bass will follow shortly.

Refining the Roster: Crying the River Forlorn

Well, it's not exactly the raft of updates we've come to expect from the Goffmeister, but it's an update nonetheless, so we'll run with it. Left back Mike Zaher has been let go, thus clarifying the developmental picture somewhat. More on why this is a boneheaded move by the FO after the revised lists, but without further ado, may I present . . .

The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D

4. Burch, D/M

5. McTavish, D/M

6. (I) Fred, M
7. Jacobson, M

8. Olsen, M
9. Simms, M

10. (I) Gomez, M/F
11. Khumalo, M/F

12. Pontius M/F

13. Quaranta, M/F

14. (I) Emilio, F

15. Moreno, F

16. (I) Doe, F
17. (I) N'Silu, F
18.
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . which now leaves us with three senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions. Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, we can have as many as six dev guys, thus reducing the senior roster to eighteen, but that's not going to happen. Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. (I) Kocic, GK - wonder if the arrival of Platter (and his 90-minute spell against Puerto Rico) signals that the SuperSerb isn't all the FO thought he was?
2. Platter, GK - USL1 import on trial, age (27) would require a senior roster spot
3. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot, if indeed we're keeping three keepers
4. (I) Danso, D - "signed", but Kasper says they're giving him an "opportunity to earn a spot"; center backs are needed, but is this the answer?
5. Peters, D - monster center back, small-college product, age (25) would require a senior roster spot, no pro experience
6. Veris, D - concussion hurts his chances, in a "winner-take-all" with Peters for a senior spot?
7. Miller, D/M - looking to provide flank depth on the right; developmental fodder
8. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot as defensive cover?
9. Barklage, M/F - can he get a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

I've given up hope on the Mivdun. That ship has sailed, by all appearances, at least until summer rolls around with its gaping transfer windows and mercenary free agents looking for a quick buck. Zaher has shuffled off, stage left. While we're on Zaher . . .

Okay, I get it, Pontius provides backup at left mid for Fred, Wallace can play either left mid or left back, and Burch + Fred is our likely starting left flank. So why am I upset that we let Zaher, who seems to be excess depth, go? Frankly, I thought he brought us a lot more options than Burch. Sure, I guess Burch might be able to play at left mid as well, but what does he bring to the table beyond size, a cannon shot and nice cross (that take a dog's age to launch, and so are rendered useless against a defense that knows what to expect), and questionable defense? Pardon me for wondering if we're going to get torched down that flank this year. I wonder if maybe Zaher wanted a senior deal or nothing?

Alright, alright, enough of that. How about the battles that are going on for the final spots? Turns out that, like in so much else, MLS's definition of the roster compliance "Deadline Day" is neither a deadline nor a day. It's just sort of a vague suggestion that FO's shouldn't have too many players already on the books and should feel free to keep stringing along the trialists and vacillating on the merits of various draftees, foreign imports, Euro-rejects, and journeyman mercenaries for weeks on end.

Swell.

Which leaves us the following:

(1) Three of the six questionables above are not going to make the roster. One of those will be a keeper--Platter, Thorpe, or Kocic--leaving one senior and one dev spot taken by netminders. I think Mediate's punched his golden ticket by virtue of his versatility (with reduced rosters, it'll be important to have guys who can cover multiple positions) and the incriminating photos he must have of somebody in the FO. That means one of Peters and Veris will be walking as well with just one senior spot left. Which leaves us Danso, Miller, and Barklage fighting to be the last man on the roster lifeboat. The fact that Miller has a number already means I'm just about ready to pencil him in as official. So it's Danso and Barklage in the Thunderdome.

(2) I hope none of our left sided players get hurt. Unless, of course, we're planning to have Mediate fill in at left back and Khumalo cover the left wing. Still, it seems like we've got way more depth up the right flank (Khumalo, Olsen, Quaranta, Namoff, McTavish, and likely Miller and Mediate) than the left (Burch, Fred, Pontius, Wallace).

(3) Assuming we sign either Peters or Veris as our requisite "monsterback" of prodigious physical gifts, but limited skill, and Danso as a project, that still leaves McTavish-Janicki as the starting pairing and options off the bench that aren't exactly ideal. Now maybe Janicki will carry on being decent, as he did down the stretch last year, but why-oh-why is McTavish penciled in as a starting center back? Did the FO burn the tapes from last year? If they did, did they also have their memories wiped as well? I like McTavish as versatile cover, and I think he can be a pretty good right back or defensive-minded right mid given time and some work on crossing, but a starting center back?


Color me unexcited for now. I think we've got a decent set of players, and probably have enough to challenge for a playoff spot, but I see too many holes and too little balance. I guess the best that I can come up with is that we're going to be exciting to watch. With a wealth of attacking options, a goalkeeper that likes to wander from his box, and a dearth of quality central defenders, we should regularly be featured on Goal of the Week clips--on both sides of the ball.

What do you think? Do you see gaping voids, a tilted field, and an FO in denial, or do you see young American solidarity and vigor propelling a flowering of attacking futbol from our aging Sudamericanos? If you're in the Morrissey-esque weepfest with me, who do you see walking the plank first from the FO? Or does Tommy get the early boot? Want to get even more maudlin? Which do you expect first--a stadium or an MLS Cup?

Sheesh. I think I might have missed taking my meds.

Nurse!

Pinging the Satellite of Love

How about some quick thoughts . . ?


Escape From LA?

Looks like the Bruce is doing some severe pruning on that tangled mess of a Galaxy roster. Of course, the biggest question marks will be hanging over his current Euro-exiles. Donovan's exclusion from Bayern's Champions' League squad, and said squad's subsequent away hammering of Sporting, would seem to indicate that Der Kapitan Kissypants is on his way back home when the loan ends. That said, I think his return may be short term. If he's really that eager to prove himself on the Euro-stage, a summer departure would seem likely.

And what about that other guy putzing around in Italy? What are the chances he'll be pulling on the Herbalife jersey this spring? A couple of weeks ago, I would have put it close to 5%. I still think a deal will probably get done, but the current silence and rounds of "he said, she said" is a bit strange. Of course, if Golden Balls does return, he'll fit right in with Arena's cast of grizzled 30-somethings.


Oh, Canada?

By now, I'm sure you've seen the numbers from Montreal. 55k packed in a dome. And in true north of the border style, they served up a steaming dish of 2-0 to their Mexican opposition. Impressive stuff. But let's see how the Islanders do tonight, and how Montreal's away leg goes before we start spreading our collective thighs for the wonders of USL1 futbol.

Still, I'll admit to taking no small pleasure in watching Oswaldo Sanchez picking balls out of his net. One does wonder, however, if Sanchez and his amigos have so little respect for the US National Team, what kind of arrogance were Santos carrying into a match against second-division opposition from north of the border?


Minnesota Thunder United?

After last year's United Cast-Off Exodus to Vancouver, it looks like the northern migration of the UCOE will end in the Twin Cities this year, with "Iron" Rod Dyachenko and Quavas "Tiberius" Kirk washing up in Minnesota. Strangely, United have a Thunder player in their own camp (GK Nic Platter) on trial. Possible feedback loop?


Anything else pinging your Satellite of Love? Wonder if it's possible to only hire Rafa Benitez to coach your side in the Champions' League? Think Donovan will last the year in LA? Pulling for the USL sides in CONCACRAP? Wondering if United will sign a centerback before the roster deadline (4 days and counting . . .)? Dreading meeting the Thunder in the USOC and suffering the "wrath" of Iron Rod?

Fire away!

A Champions' League Poll

poll by twiigs.com

The Curse of #2?

Last year, I let it be known that I would be following the progress of Gonzalo Peralta particularly closely since he was sporting the number I wore through the majority of my playing career*. Though I often split time between right back and defensive midfield, I kept the number that my Anglophile traveling team coach assigned me as a ten-year old right back, #2.

Not content to have dragged my much-loved number though the proverbial Argentine mud, it seems that this year, the #2 has been passed to Ryan Miller. I guess that answers one of our developmental roster questions, doesn't it? Puzzling though. Between Zaher and Miller, it's only Zaher that I've seen mentioned as having any impact on the pre-season matches. And of the two, only Zaher made any impression last year. I suppose you could say that Zaher won't see any minutes behind Burch and Wallace on the left, but how much time would Miller see behind Namoff (and potentially McTavish, Mediate, and maybe even Olsen) on the right?

Ah well, maybe the staff sees something in Miller that I don't (or can't, given how few minutes I've actually seen him play). Here's hoping. In the meantime, the defender watch continues. Let's see, since last summer, we've . . .

1. Added a USL 2 youngster--check!
2. Dismissed our failed imports--check!
   
3. Drafted a winger converted to left back--check!
4. Resigned our only real veteran back--check!
5. Resigned two younger guys who haven't really impressed in defense--check!
6. Waved bye-bye to our Brazilian hope--check!
7. Invited a cast of MLS rejects and small-college types on trial--check!

Progress, indeed.

* For those interested, I also wore 10,17, and 20 for short stretches when 2 was already taken. And yes, I did grab the #2 jersey for my daughter in her first season of U-6 last fall. Like Peralta, she had little to contribute beyond flowing blond locks. Then again, she had just turned five, and it was her first experience with soccer and team sports in general. Or maybe the #2 is cursed?!?

Refining the Roster: A Sennight Remains

One week. That's all we've got left before roster deadline day. Since last we spoke, we've (1) signed trialist forward N'Silu, (2) failed to bring the Jamaican winger Vernan in on trial, (3) apparently dismissed the keeper we acquired from the Rapids as part of the Gomez trade, and (4) added another hulking, raw defensive prospect to the trialist brigade. You know the drill--updates are in bold red.

The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D

4. Burch, D/M

5. McTavish, D/M

6. (I) Fred, M
7. Jacobson, M

8. Olsen, M
9. Simms, M

10. (I) Gomez, M/F
11. Khumalo, M/F

12. Pontius M/F

13. Quaranta, M/F

14. (I) Emilio, F

15. Moreno, F

16. (I) Doe, F
17. (I) N'Silu, F - the Euro-journeyman should complete our forward line
18.
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . which now leaves us with three senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions (see last week's updates for where that extra one came from). Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, we can have as many as six dev guys, thus reducing the senior roster to eighteen, but that's not going to happen. Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. (I) Kocic, GK - wonder if the arrival of Platter (and his 90-minute spell against Puerto Rico) signals that the SuperSerb isn't all the FO thought he was?
2. Platter, GK - USL1 import on trial, age (27) would require a senior roster spot
3. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot, if indeed we're keeping three keepers
4. (I) Danso, D - "signed", but Kasper says they're giving him an "opportunity to earn a spot"; center backs are needed, but is this the answer?
5. (I) The "Mivdun", D - Jeebus, Danso better not be the answer here, because he's certainly no veteran
6. Peters, D - monster center back, small-college product, age (25) would require a senior roster spot, no pro experience
7. Veris, D - concussion hurts his chances, in a "winner-take-all" with Peters for a senior spot?

8. Zaher, D - fighting for scraps as fullback depth, Adams in Europe and Guerrero gone leaves the door wide open

9. Miller, D/M - ditto

10. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot as defensive cover?
11. Barklage, M/F - willing to sign a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

Graczyk didn't make the trip to Puerto Rico, so I'm assuming that he's been lobbed back into the MLS "keeper pool." I've removed both him and Adams, who I figure isn't going to show with just one week left to make an impression. Paradoxically, I've kept the Mivdun for now, more out of faint hope that the FO can get something done than anything else. So that makes eleven guys, assuming no other additions, fighting for six spots. Which leads us to the following arrangement of dominoes . . .

(1) It seems like we're looking for a second senior-roster keeper to ensure solid depth and protect against a mid-summer departure by Crayton. That puts Kocic and Platter in a fight to the death for that spot. Also, assuming that the number of keepers we've been looking at signals the FO's intention to have a third, developmental keeper, that makes Thorpe the favorite, with Kocic a potential competitor if he's willing to forgo opportunities abroad for chump change.

Result: Down to two senior, two developmental, 2-3 international depending on whether Kocic makes the cut.

(2) Unless the FO miraculously pulls a Mivdun out of its derrière, we're looking at two of Peters, Veris, and Mediate making the senior roster. Despite our desperate need for centerbacks, I'm betting we'll only take one of Peters and Veris because Mediate provides depth at right back (note where he played against the Islanders) and midfield as well.

Result: Senior roster filled, leaving two developmental and 2-3 international spots.

(3) Barklage, Miller, Zaher, and Danso are competing for two spots. The international wiggle room means that Danso's foreign status doesn't hurt him here. If this were my play, I'd take Danso and Zaher. Danso may wash out, but it wouldn't hurt to have another center back available, particularly one who impressed during the winter camp. Of course, Kocic impressed during that same camp, and he seems to be slipping off the depth chart. If Mediate returns, he provides good cover at right back (along with McTavish and perhaps Olsen), meaning that Miller is excess to requirements. On the left, we've got Burch and Wallace, but Wallace is also left wing depth, and what I've seen of Zaher says he has enough about him to challenge Burch for time. Barklage is a victim of just too much midfield and forward depth.

So that's how I would fill the slots at the moment. Of course, I'm not out there watching the practices, so I don't know who's showing particularly well. How about you? Who would make your final roster given the produce in the shop window? Also, are you concerned that the FO seems to take the keeper depth more seriously than the center back depth? Even if we can't land a Mivdun, why aren't we taking a look at some USL1 defensive veterans? Surely they've got more to offer than recent small-college grads (Peters and Danso)?

Monday Back-Pass: Simms, With Venom, From the Hot Tub!

Anything catch your eye this weekend? A few things jumped out of the scrying glass at me, so let's take the Grand Tour, shall we?


Over There

Yes, yes, Liverpool's failure to get maximum points at home to struggling Manchester City means that the race for the Premier League crown is all but secure in Sir Alex's sack o' trophies yet again (It's still freakin' February, fer chrissakes! Thank the man upstairs that the jackbooted Parity Police of MLS will be keeping things much more competitive on the domestic front.), but what really caught my attention was some terrifyingly inept refereeing in multiple matches. Somewhere, Graham Poll is smiling . . .


Our Guys, Over There

Maybe I'm missing somebody blindingly obvious, but the only Yank that really made an impression from the matches and highlights I caught was Clint Dempsey. Deuce cracked a long-range effort off the woodwork and generally looked lively. I like how Hodgson has him playing at Fulham. He's ostensibly a wide midfielder, but spends much of his time centrally behind the front pair or pushed up level, or even past, Johnson and Zamora. Dempsey is confident again, and that can only spell good things for Bob Bradley.

Wait, check that. There was one other Yank who made an impression. After a long spell out injured, Jonathan Spector played at right back for West Ham and had a nice assist in a losing cause. And I think I saw Donovan clearing a ball off the line for Bayern as they went down to defeat. Not the end of the pitch you want to see Der Kapitan Kissypants making his mark, but at least he showed up in the highlights.


Meanwhile, Stateside (Sort Of . . .)

DC United managed another pre-season victory, this time at the hands of USL1's Puerto Rico Islanders, who are warming up for the resumption of the CONCACRAP Champions' League. You remember? The tournament that we got bounced out of pretty soundly in the fall?

Any Positives?

Well, Gomez smacked in a free kick, and the Clydewinder Missile is apparently still in full effect, with Simms blasting one in from prodigious distance. Initial claims of 30-35 yards will be sure to grow in the popular imagination until we hear apocryphal reports of Simms actually having been climbing out of the hot tub at the team hotel when the ball fell to him and he smashed it, with venomous accuracy, over a distance of several miles into the upper 90.

Also, but for a late penalty, the back line almost pitched a shutout, apparently with no small thanks being owed to trialist Nic Platter in the net. Hmmm, wonder if SuperSerb Milos Kocic might have to suck it up and compete for a developmental spot or pack his bags for Europe in search of a payday? In case you missed it, the "D" included one Anthony Peters, a center back of massive size (6'5", 205 lbs), but limited professional experience, who happens to have joined United on trial. At the age of 25, he would require a senior roster spot, which puts him in direct competition with our other man-mountain trialist, 6'4" Kyle Veris.


On that note, I think we'll call it a weekend. I'll be revisiting the land of Roster Refinement later today, so keep your feed readers wide so I can lob that happy grenado down their gaping maws. Anything else jump out at you this weekend?

Some Quick Roster Thoughts

I'll knock out another full "Refining the Roster" in a few days, but in the meantime, I'll leave you with this quick set of considerations.

(1) Width Matters: Goff is saying that the trial for the Jamaican winger, Eric Vernan, isn't going to happen. Ah well, forget I said anything about gaining width.

(2) Forwarding Addressed: The addition of N'Silu to our crop of forwards leaves us with a boatload of options up top from the pure strikers (Emilio, Doe, N'Silu) to the tricksy types (Moreno, Pontius) to the hybrid forward-mids (Gomez, Quaranta, Fred, Boyzzz). That's an awful lot of cover when you look at the bare cupboards at the back. Assuming we sign Veris and Danso to back up McTavish and Janicki, and either Miller or Zaher as a fourth fullback (behind Namoff, Burch, and Wallace), we have the semblance of depth, but is there enough quality depth? I remain unconvinced.

(3) International Spots: I've been laboring under the assumption that we had the standard set of eight international spots, but looking back at the Gomez deal, we seem to have acquired another for our set as part of that swap. That gives us nine in total, with six (Fred, Emilio, N'Silu, Doe, Crayton, Gomez) being used already. With Vernan out of the picture, that leaves space for Danso, Kocic, and the Mivdun. Speaking of which . . .

(4) Whither the Mivdun?: The hour is growing late. We are almost a month to the day away from kicking off the season, and all signs seem to be pointing to no Mivdun, at least until the summer transfer window. Woe unto Crayton!

(5) Feature Complete?: There are 10 days until the roster needs to be complete. Barring any dramatic, last-minute transfer swoops, then I'd assume the three remaining senior spots go to . . . Veris (need CB depth, any depth!), Mediate (useful as a utility player, but will probably be axed to make way for a summer signing unless somebody else is really stinking up the joint), and one of Kocic/Platter (the backup keeper). The three developmental spots get eaten up by one of Zaher/Miller (the fourth fullback option) and two out of Barklage/Danso/Thorpe. That said, if Mediate is looked on as fullback depth, then Zaher/Miller may be fighting the Barklage/Danso/Thorpe Trio for scraps. Literally. You've seen what developmental salaries look like, right?

Ready to break out the doom and gloom or cautiously optimistic? I'll be interested to have a gander at the lineup Tommy runs out against the Puerto Rico tomorrow. That should give us confirmation of the system he plans to play and who he sees as his starters, though I think we can make some pretty decent assumptions about those at this point.

Width Does Not Require Height

One of my off-season bugaboos has been the lack of any consistent wide threat on the DC United roster. Sure, we've signed Boyzzzzzzz, a journeyman lower-division winger in his late 20's, but what do we have outside of that, particularly now that Guerrero has been sent packing?

Answer: guys who want to drift inside--Fred, Tino . . .

So that's why the flirtation with 21-year old Portmore United and Jamaica winger Eric Vernan seems so exciting. An honest to goodness wide player, who can play on either flank, and, if his performances in the Digicel Caribbean Championships (MVP!) are to be believed, is ready to make a step up in the level of his play. Did I mention that he's 21? Unfortunately, he's also the only current member of the Jamaica squad not to have an entry on Wikipedia yet (get on that, internet minions!) So what type of player is he?

Well, Jamaica head man (and former England and Liverpool great) John Barnes gives us this puzzling assessment (via the Jamaica Observer). . .

"We know what small men are like, look at Adolph Hitler, Napoleon and people like that. So he is tenacious and when you are small you have to play like that,"

Ouch! Well, we know he's short, so that fits the United bill, right? How about someone with a more football-specific measure? Fortunately, Barnes' assistant, Theodore Whitmore, comes to the rescue with (also from the Jamaica Observer). . .

"Eric reminds me of a young Ricardo Gardener when he was just coming through"

Ah, now that's more like it! Bolton's winger/wingback is a player that I've always enjoyed watching, particularly this year, when he's playing in a more unfettered role on the left wing.

So, a young, short, hard working, tricksy winger that can score goals and set them up. That's the picture I'm getting. If that is in any way accurate, I'll be a happy fullback. Of course, given the FO's recent body of work, we may be looking at this guy instead.

Fictional corpses aside, what do you think? Happy to see the wings addressed? Pleased that we're adding a young gun emerging on the international stage? Think we should, I don't know, maybe try to land a defender or two before First Kick? Wonder if we're going to put the 2008, score-in-bunches, but surrender-in-bushels Galaxy in the shade?

Refining the Roster: Trimming the Fat

The streets of America are running red from the hemorrhaging of jobs, and DC United is no exception to the bloodbath. Zach Wells finally choose to walk away from the game since last we spoke, and Joe Vide has been given his marching orders, thus freeing up yet another senior roster spot. Crayton is back from Africa and, though not in perfect health, seems to be working hard to get there. Top all that off with the fact that roster deadline day is less than two weeks away, and it's time to start making some hard decisions, Vide presumably being but the first. A reminder to faithful readers that updates are in bold red.


The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D

4. Burch, D/M

5. McTavish, D/M

6. (I) Fred, M
7. Jacobson, M

8. Olsen, M
9. Simms, M

10. (I) Gomez, M/F
11. Khumalo, M/F

12. Pontius M/F

13. Quaranta, M/F

14. (I) Emilio, F

15. Moreno, F

16. (I) Doe, F
17.
18.
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . which now leaves us with four senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions. Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, we can have as many as six, thus reducing the senior roster to eighteen, but that seems to me like a suicidal approach with multiple competitions on the docket. Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. Graczyk, GK - league spackle-keeper last year, acquired from Colorado and fighting for scraps
2. (I) Kocic, GK - still negotiating, the way the Roger thing ended and the acquisition of another keeper leaves me wondering . . . and worrying
3. Platter, GK - USL1 import on trial, age (27) would require a senior roster spot
4. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot?
5. Adams, D - still wandering around Europe
6. (I) Danso, D - "signed", but Kasper says they're giving him an "opportunity to earn a spot"; center backs are needed, but is this the answer?
7. (I) The "Mivdun", D - Jeebus, Danso better not be the answer here, because he's certainly no veteran
8. Veris, D - big center back on trial; concussion doesn't help chances, but he's still around

9. Zaher, D - fighting for scraps as fullback depth, Adams in Europe and Guerrero gone leaves the door wide open

10. Miller, D/M - ditto

11. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot as defensive help?
12. Barklage, M/F - willing to sign a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

13. (I) Vernan, M - young (21) Jamaican right winger who may be coming in on trial
14. (I) N'Silu, F - another big forward on trial, Euro-journeyman

Okay, so what else do we know? On the Goffblog, we get word that the traveling party for Puerto Rico is 28 players, including four keepers. That leaves one of the four "Questionable" keepers up there on the sidelines, and means that I only come up with 27 currently in camp from my list, unless you include Vernan. Mystery trialist?

Also, I've taken the liberty of removing Martinez from the "Questionable" ranks, as we've heard nothing about him, and am on the verge of pulling the trigger on Adams, unless he returns from Europe with tail solidly between legs in the next week or so.

So we're left for now with three big questions . . .

(1) What does the cutting of Vide signal? I think the one thing we can be absolutely certain of now is that Soehn is not going to play 3-5-2 or any formation with two holding mids. Even assuming Olsen is healthy enough to play significant minutes, that leaves you Olsen and Simms starting and only Jacobson for cover. More likely is that Jacobson is Simms' backup at DMid and that we're playing a rhombus/diamond midfield with Gomez on the attacking point. Olsen is utility cover for pretty much any midfield position.

I guess the other thing we can take from this is that Jacobson is showing well in camp. Here's hoping he can translate that into gametime, because we need someone to really push Simms, not only to inspire a higher level of play, but to absorb some of those minutes that really punished Clyde down the stretch. Not having to play Clyde for 90 minutes every match should pay big dividends in the fall.

(2) When exactly does the defensive cavalry arrive? Danso is nice to have as a project, but where is the real help? Are we really going to start this season with a back line that reads: Burch-McTavish-Janicki-Namoff? I'm confident in exactly one of those guys. Yes, Burch will probably be pressed by Zaher (if he signs developmental terms) and Wallace, but what are we going to do about the center of defense?

I don't remember being too impressed with trialist Veris on his first MLS go-around, but he's potentially useful depth. Mediate? Sorry to say, but I think it's time for Mediate to find his level in USL. If he's our center back depth, we're in for a lot of hurt. Come on, FO, whither the Mivdun? I know you got bitten last off-season, but the answer is not to do the opposite and sign nobody. Your pursuit of Roger indicates that you know this.

(3) How many keepers are we going to carry? I've been thinking that the new roster restrictions would lead to signing just two and using the MLS pool as cover, but the number of keepers in camp would seem to indicate otherwise. The quotes from Crayton on the Goffblog look positive for him sticking around past the summer, so we're fairly assured of our starter. Where it gets interesting is the backups.

We've got a USL1 guy on trial who would require a senior spot, but I think all of the others are eligible for developmental deals. I wonder if bringing in Platter indicates that none of the younger guys looks ready to be a reliable backup yet? Perhaps this is another reason for the dropping of Vide--to clear a senior roster spot for a backup keeper?

Many questions, few answers thus far. Of course, with less than two weeks until the roster has to be finalized, I'm sure they'll start coming thick and fast. So what do you think? Are you confident in the offense that the FO has assembled? Think they'll be able to score enough goals to overcome our defensive frailties? Wonder where that elusive wide threat is going to be coming from? Think Tommy will be around come mid-summer?

A Handful of Thoughts

Long weekend, eh? Well, let's get back into the swing of things with some thoughts generated by a handful of notes that tumbled out of the monitor and onto my desk.

Thought #1: Yes, yes, Payne's comments on the possible effect of the stadium move on fans end with "But our fans are very, very loyal. ... We expect those fans to come with us." But that's mitigated somewhat by the preceding ""Our largest fan base is from Northern Virginia. ... We recognize that we may have to change our fan base a little bit." That's a fantastic reward for over a decade of passion, huh?

Look, I'm up here in my Pennsylvania mountain citadel, and I only get down to a handful of games every year, so a few extra minutes on the Metro is no skin off my back for a shiny new home, but that's not the kind of stuff you want coming out of your FO. How about something along the lines of the new stadium being a better fit for the noise and passion of the fans, compensations that will more than make up for the extra travel time, not "Well if they don't wanna come out anymore, we'll find somebody else"?

And while we're mentioning the Metro, I see that Goff says five out of the seven possible sites are "near" Metro stops. If anything breaks the camel's back for me, it's this particular straw. If there's no Metro, my stadium visits will be few and far between . . .


Thought #2: Jumping continents . . . did anybody catch Ryan Giggs' performance for Manchester United this weekend? I only saw highlights, so I'm wondering if anybody caught the whole match and can confirm that he was as outstanding as the highlights showed. He was playing in a more advanced central role--a sort of withdrawn, free-role forward. Dancing on the ball, facing goal, back to goal, slick little one touch stuff, and the standard dribbling wizardry. Those highlights were a joy to watch, even if it was Manchester United.


Thought #3: . . . And we're back to United. It's official. Wells has retired. And Boswell failed to make his Euro-move and has resigned with the Dynamo. Hindsight is 20/20, but considering the gaping abyss at center back . . .

The question now becomes: how many keepers are United going to keep? We've got three guys fighting for scraps, but will it be two-out-of-three or a Highlander-esque "there can be only one" showdown? With only 24 roster spots available, can you afford to devote an eighth of the roster to keepers when only one of them will probably see significant playing time? Probably not. If I'm the FO, I sign a backup and then rely upon the rotating keeper pool to provide an emergency third if necessary. If somebody goes down long-term, that's when you look to rejigger the roster.

One things for certain, barring the presence of any Scots, if it's a "there can be only one" scenario, my money is on the tall dude with the accent. Milos Kocic, what number do you want?

Refining the Roster: Danso's No Mivdun

Stadium rumors are nice and all, and Monday will bring what news it may, but how about we take a look at some more pressing concerns, notably the state of the United roster? We're just over a month away from First Kick (March 22nd, people!), and that big hole in central defense is just as gaping as it's been all off-season. Is the answer a small-college African import? Gods, I hope not! Without further ado, let's hit those updates (in bold red).


The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D

4. Burch, D/M

5. McTavish, D/M

6. (I) Fred, M
7. Jacobson, M

8. Olsen, M
9. Simms, M

10. Vide, M

11. (I) Gomez, M/F
12. Khumalo, M/F

13. Pontius M/F

14. Quaranta, M/F

15. (I) Emilio, F

16. Moreno, F

17. (I) Doe, F
18.
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . which still leaves us with three senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions. Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, we can have as many as six, thus reducing the senior roster to eighteen, but that seems to me like suicidal approach with multiple competitions on the docket. Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. Graczyk, GK - league spackle-keeper last year, acquired from Colorado and fighting for scraps
2. (I) Kocic, GK - still negotiating, the way the Roger thing ended and the acquisition of another keeper leaves me wondering . . . and worrying
3. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot?
4. Wells, GK - almost certainly retiring
5. Adams, D - still wandering around Europe
6. (I) Danso, D - "signed", but Kasper says they're giving him an "opportunity to earn a spot"; center backs are needed, but is this the answer?
7. (I) Gonzalo Martinez, D - option not picked up; almost certainly gone
8. (I) The "Mivdun", D - Jeebus, Danso better not be the answer here, because he's certainly no veteran
9. Veris, D - big center back on trial; concussion doesn't help chances, but he's still around

10. Zaher, D - fighting for scraps as fullback depth, Adams in Europe and Guerrero gone leaves the door wide open

11. Miller, D/M - ditto

12. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot as defensive help?
13. Barklage, M/F - willing to sign a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

14. (I) Vernan, M - young (21) Jamaican right winger who may be coming in on trial
15. (I) N'Silu, F - another big forward on trial, Euro-journeyman

Atieno's trial has ended, leaving N'Silu as the front runner if the FO wants to pad the depth up top. I'm guessing that Danso would be on the developmental roster if signed. It's also important to note that he would take one of the three international spots, which means we can only bring in two of the Mivdun, Vernan, Kocic, or N'Silu.

Also under consideration is what happens with those three remaining senior roster spots. I think we can safely assume that one goes to Veris or the Mivdun. One will probably also go to a fourth forward unless Pontius proves he's ready to claim that spot. But what happens to that third spot? If we do bring in Vernan, and he impresses, does Khumalo need to worry about his spot? And what are we doing about the keeper situation? We certainly have enough of them, but are we going to carry two or three? And are we going to use two senior roster spots on keepers?

With just over a month till kickoff, that's a lot of questions yet to be resolved. What do you think? Are we actually going to land a veteran center back? The FO's chasing of Roger shows that they appreciate the need, but can they get a deal done for the right guy? Outside of central defense and perhaps true wingers, we've got a fair amount of depth . . . for now. After the dust settles, and the roster is trimmed to 24 . . ?

Pack Your Bags?

Hmmm . . ?


Thoughts?

Worldwide Suckitude

A refreshing reminder from Ollie Irish over at BigSoccer that we're not alone in the pain that the Mouse/ABC/ESPN put us through . . .

I watched the whole match on ITV. Their football coverage continues to lower the bar. Who the hell was choosing which cameras to go to? Viewers missed David Villa's disallowed goal in the first half, for example, because we were watching, er, something else. There were several occasions when action was missed because we were watching David Beckham warm-up, or Fabio Capello looking grim. Terrible by ITV, again.

The perils of globalization writ large upon the televised sporting landscape?

USA Match Reaction: Dos a Cero Redux

Times change, but the song remains the same. Bradley Jr. gets to be the hero, and, once again, it's Marquez and Sanchez who lay claim to the goat horns. The opening ten minutes looked a little dicey, with Mexico applying pressure and working hard, creating an early golden opportunity that went for naught. In fact, both halves started with early chances for El Tri, but a combination of poor finishing and Super Timmy kept them out (as usual). To the talking points!

* Don't you hate it when cliches come home to roost? You know, that old footballing maxim about the most important, game-changing portion of the match being the five minutes on either side of halftime? Bradley gets a goal off a set play, and Mexico has a golden chance to do the same on the other side of the break, but fails to do so.

* How often have we seen this pattern? Mexico looks comfortable on the ball, pinging it around and approaching the final third carrying a whiff of danger. But then, as soon as they get within sight of goal--poof!--nada. It looked for a while there as if the quick forwards would be a problem. Actually, it looked that way for much of the match, with some moments of slack defending requiring last-ditch interventions and scrambled clearances.

* My early notes were complaining that Beasley looked a step behind--like a player who wasn't fully fit and getting regular minutes--but as the game wore on, he started to become more influential. He even beat a defender on the dribble to launch a cross. I don't remember how long it's been since I've seen him do that. Promising signs. Here's hoping for more minutes at Rangers or a summer move to someplace he can flourish.

* I'll give Bob credit for one thing. I love the way he has Dempsey and Beasley pinching in beneath the forwards, creating room for the overlapping fullbacks to rampage down the wings. Gods do I hope the United FO was paying attention! Actually, I have to give him credit for two things. The quick, one-touch stuff was generally good to watch.

* Pearce really solidified himself at left back. I still have a few issues, most notably his often-negative first touch. It was maddening to have him work into advanced positions, only to pull the ball back rather than taking on the defender or looking for the ball forward. Except, of course, in the final five minutes, when he made ill-advised dashes forward and pinged balls into hopeless thickets of players. Still, for the most part he did the job.

* Super Timmy! 'Nuff said.

* Yes, Donovan did play a major part in both goals, but I though that he saw far to much of the ball with his back to goal, a position that doesn't suit him and doesn't maximize his strengths for us. Or maybe the voodoo dolls worked?

* Mexico's early high pressure and lack of jawing at the ref were worrying. Both had me wondering if the streak might be about to die. But they couldn't maintain the pressure over 90 minutes, and when they backed off, the time and space allowed the US to settle into the game. Predictably, they also managed at least that one moment of madness. Stay classy, Rafa!

* I don't mind bringing in Rico Clark when he has a chance to settle into the game, but with only five minutes left, he never got up to the speed of the game and lost the ball several times in bad positions. While I thought the Jozy sub for Chinger was timed about right (Ching was looking gassed and Jozy's speed opens things up, particularly against tired defenders playing a man down), I think I might have either left Kljestan on or brought Clark in a little earlier, when the Mexicans weren't closing down so hard and desperate for the equalizer.

* Tell me which was supposed to feel better--Bradley netting the late second to bring back our familiar 2-0 friend, or watching Sanchez' reaction after the ball slipped under him? I guess the "F$%K YES!" scrawled over my note page says I favor the former for its immediacy, but I think I'll savor Sanchez' shame over time.

* Castillo going off early after a blow from the Bum Hammy Hammer was helpful, but I can't help but wonder if his uncanny resemblance to Claudio Reyna will curse him injury-wise. Ah well, it could be worse. At least he doesn't look so much like John O'Brien!

So, in the final analysis, it was a victory well-earned, but one that could have gone the other way, given a surer finishing touch on that early Mexico chance and a Marquez that can resist taking cheap shots in the air. Step one is out of the way, and it was one that we needed to get the Hex off to a solid start. I'm still worried about both fullback positions (natch!), and wouldn't mind some options to present themselves up top before next summer rolls around, but Bob has the qualification ship pointed in the right direction. I have no doubts he'll get us to the big dance. The question is: what does he do when we get there?

The Other Side

While the United blogosphere is, well . . . united, for lack of a better word, in its estimation that the FO overpaid to get Gomez back, I wonder what's happening on the other side of this bargain? With Colin Clark a lock at left wing, it looks to me like the Rapids are bringing in Guerrero as a left back--the spot where I thought he would have been tremendous for United.

I hope Burch does something to prove me wrong this year, but I just don't see that he carries the same level of threat. When he does get forward, he tends to cross from deeper positions or push inside for the shot. In both situations, it takes him a dog's age to pull the trigger. A more typical passage of play is pinging pretty, but ultimately hopeless, balls to the opposite wing or resorting to the easy dink to Simms in the middle.

With no "true" wingers on the roster outside of perhaps Khumalo, the attacking width should be coming from fullbacks bombing forward. Of course, Zaher and Wallace both seem to have the tools to be effective attacking left fullbacks, so perhaps they'll make the cliched "step up." And I recognize that we had too much depth on the left flank (Fred, Guerrero, Wallace, Burch, Zaher) relative to the condensed roster sizes, so we were always going to deal (or cut) somebody. Still, wouldn't it have been better to deal Burch and bring the kids up under the tutelage of Guerrero, a wingback of proven MLS and international quality, as well as a model professional?

There are a few reasons why this might not have been possible (or palatable):

1. The FO needs salary cap space for more signings and Burch costs less than Guerrero.
2. Colorado realized Burch's limitations having endured Burciaga (Jeebus, replace that "iaga" with an "h", and what do you get? A limited defender with a howitzer left from distance. Sound familiar?).
3. Burch fits the FO's new "young Americans" policy. Guerrero does not.
   

What do you think?

Just Sayin'

Via the Goffblog:

Tonight: Low of 39, 50 percent chance of rain, 25-35 mph winds with gusts over 40 mph

Just sayin'.

Crewzin'

So, DC took out the Crew by a 2-1 count, with the Crew's one being something of a fluke. Of course, all we've got now is lineups and some tweets. But since when has that ever stopped the righteous hyperbole of the internet!?!

Thoughts?

* We're still playing four at the back. I had speculated earlier today that one way we might accommodate the return of Gomez was by switching back to a 3-5-2. Based on a single pre-season friendly the day after the trade went down, I'm prepared to put that speculation to bed ;-). Okay, not quite ready yet. The opener coming off a cross from a fullback (Zaher) is promising though.

* Wallace got time both on the left wing and at left back. I wonder if the staff thinks he's ready to pick up more minutes than they had originally planned. That might (and I'm providing them plenty of rope here) justify letting Guerrero go.

* Jacobson went off early for the second match running. Is he just struggling with the same injury or have we signed easily damaged goods? His record with Lorient would suggest that he spends a lot of time on the treatment table. Not an auspicious beginning to his United career.

* Pontius hit the winner after what seems like a chance he fashioned for himself. Rookie forwards creating their own chances? Hmmm. Are they allowed to do that? I'm assuming he was going against trialists and the dregs of the Crew roster, but still . . .

* Thorpe played with the "A" team in the first half. Wonder if Kocic's star has dimmed somewhat? The manner of the Crew's goal won't do him any favors. Perhaps that 19th-string keeper acquired from the Rapids is here for a reason? Or maybe Tommy is just giving Thorpe a fair shot at earning his spot?

Now, back to my tea leaves and ouija board and idle speculation with the other artistes at the café.

Go "British"?

Rather than snow and blustery cold, it looks like Columbus is going to throw down a Wednesday night in the high 40's with plenty of rain and wind. Not exactly ideal conditions for Bob's "modern" possession game is it? Then again, considering that pretty much Mexico's only option is to get the ball down, slow the pace, and play, I wonder if Bob might consider going "British" on Sven's boys.

What do I mean by that?

I really, really hate to say this, but . . . maybe the best tactic is the least attractive for this game. Lump it up to Chinger/Jozy/Dempsey and let Donovan, Beasley, etc. play opportunist with the scraps. Play fast, physical, and let the conditions do their nasty worst. This also has the benefit of playing on Mexico's already fragile psychological state. Given more and more situations where they're uncomfortable and have to make decisions quickly, they're bound to pull a Portsmouth and cough up the chances.

Ugly. But true.

Refining the Roster: Gomez Returneth

So we took a quality (if aging and slowing) left back/winger, a second round pick in the increasingly useless draft, and a DP spot, and exchanged them for a big question mark at a reduced salary and yet another keeper? Hello? FO? Anybody paying attention in there? Well, at least Goff confirms that the search for defensive help is back on (bring back the Mivdun!). And what do I know about putting together a roster beyond the digital confines of Football Manager anyway?

Updates in bold red touch down in 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .


The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D

4. Burch, D/M

5. McTavish, D/M

6. (I) Fred, M
7. Jacobson, M - so, are we still "finalizing" his deal, like we were with Roger?

8. Olsen, M - still wishin' and hopin'
9. Simms, M

10. Vide, M

11. (I) Gomez, M/F
12. Khumalo, M/F

13. Pontius M/F

14. Quaranta, M/F

15. (I) Emilio, F

16. Moreno, F

17. (I) Doe, F
18.
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . leaving three senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions. Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, we can have as many as six, thus reducing the senior roster to eighteen. And, I'd like to point out, we have five, count them!, five defenders on the roster. Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. Graczyk, GK - league spackle-keeper last year, acquired from Colorado
2. (I?) Kocic, GK - still negotiating, the way the Roger thing ended and the acquisition of another keeper leaves me wondering . . . and worrying
3. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot?
4. Wells, GK - almost certainly retiring
5. Adams, D - still wandering around Europe
6. (I) Gonzalo Martinez, D - option not picked up; almost certainly gone
7. (I) The "Mivdun", D - the FO is hunting for foreign defenders again in the wake of Roger's departure
8. Veris, D - big center back on trial

9. Zaher, D - fighting for scraps as fullback depth, Adams in Europe and Guerrero gone leaves the door wide open

10. Miller, D/M - ditto

11. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot as defensive help?
12. Barklage, M/F - willing to sign a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

13. Atieno, F - big target forward on trial, USL 1 import
14. N'Silu, F - another big forward on trial, Euro-journeyman

Bush (GK) and De Jong (M) have left camp, though young De Jong (linguistic pun most definitely intended!) may be back in the summer. So . . .

(1) How many keepers are we going to carry? Can we afford to have three on the books, thus taking up 1/8 of our roster for a spot that, realistically, is only going to provide one guy who picks up solid minutes? Is the FO getting nervous about Kocic, either that he might not be all they figured him to be, or that he wants a senior deal they're not willing to give him? Big question marks.

(2) We got rid of a guy who plays as an attacking left back for a decent international squad, and are going to give his position to Burch? Okay . . ? I wish I could say I trusted the FO, but it feels to me like we're snatching at straws here and purging quality for some nebulous "spirit of the young Americans" that is supposed to carry us to glory. At least Goff says they're trying to find another Mivdun (Mystery Veteran Defender of Unknown Nationality). Of course, even with that Mivdun, our second central defensive starter is one of Janicki, Veris, or McTavish. Doesn't exactly strike fear in the heart now, does it? Then again, maybe we're looking at a back three . . ?

(3) I'll be eager to see what sort of formation Tommy thinks he's going to use this year. The reason? Gomez needs cover behind him if he's in central midfield, perhaps more cover than Simms alone can provide. Are we thinking of going back to the 3-5-2? Shouldn't we then have kept Guerrero, who is much more a left wingback than Fred or Burch are ever going to be? Are we planning a sort of 4-4-1-1 with Gomez and Moreno platooning as the withdrawn, playmaking forward? If so, shouldn't we have, again, kept Guerrero, who plays a wider role than Fred? And also, if we're going to such a formation, why do we have so many forwards, both on the roster and on trial?

Many, many questions. Like much of the United blogosphere, I like and respect Gomez as a player but feel we gave up way too much to get him back, particularly given the question marks dancing around his fitness and Colorado's eagerness to unload him. At least we're hearing noises about a continued search for defensive help. But when does the search turn to a desperation grab that results in disaster?

Monday Back-Pass: The End is the Beginning is the End

Let's hit the rewind button and see what caught my eye this weekend from around the world of futbol . . .


Done and Dusted?

Even though Liverpool managed to ride the late, late Torres-show to victory yet again, I think you saw this weekend why the race for the Prem is dead. Man United went away to one of the form teams in the league missing some key components and, though they suffered a few nervous moments, last ditch tackles and interceptions kept West Ham from ever really threatening van der Saar's long shutout streak.

Liverpool, on the other hand, needed to fight back to level terms twice and grab the late winner against a side that's been nothing short of miserable in recent months. Yes, yes, they were playing an experimental lineup without many of their regular starters, but that lack of true depth is going to hamstring them down the stretch run. And you can't count on every Prem side to throw up the kind of defensive and mental miscues that Portsmouth did on Sunday.

What about the other contenders? What other contenders? Arsenal? Fading into oblivion with a damaged squad. Even with a team full of Lazaruses (Lazari?), 12 points is a huge margin to overcome. Chelsea? A draw at home to a Hull City club in free-fall? Yeah, not so much. Villa? Maybe the only ones that might press Liverpool for #2, but they might be a little thin to do even that. Still, a Champions' League spot should be fitting reward for an excellent season. Fitting, until of course, participation in said tourney undermines their league form next year.

But what about the domestic front . . ?


Roger-less in DC?

Oh dear. The veteran hand that was supposed to steady the young United back line has decided that the American Dream isn't for him. So where does that leave United? Desperately looking for a veteran presence in defense, I'd say. Can they get a signing done quickly enough to integrate the newcomer before First Kick, or were all of the FO's eggs in one Brazilian basket?

I'll hope for the former, but prepare for the latter. Are you ready for Janicki-Veris? I suppose those of you hoping for a Mediate resigning will be happy, but if Mediate is our centerback depth, I'm more than a little worried. Besides, putting a guy who missed most of last season due to concussion-related problems in the one spot on the field where he's most likely to head the ball and encounter flying elbows seems a bit . . . questionable?

We shall see. Even with the addition of Roger, I still felt we were entirely too thin on defense. Without Roger? Yikes!

In other, somewhat related defensive depth news . . .


Not Many Choices

That's the situation Bob Bradley is looking at as he heads into the opening round of the Hex. A look at his 20-man roster reveals that most of the team pretty much picks itself. Chinger-Donovan up top, Dempsey on the right flank, Bradley Jr.-Kljestan in the center of midfield, Timmy Howard in goal, Gooch-Boca in front of him. That leaves just three spots up for grabs, but of those, I only see one that I would question.

Beasley's been out injured and hasn't been playing much for Rangers, but given the inexperienced alternatives (Rogers and Torres), I think he starts on the left. Similarly, I think Bob gives Hejduk the nod over Wynne for similar reasons. Which leaves left back, where we have the Bornstein-Pearce Conundrum. Pearce hasn't been getting regular minutes, but he's been the starter. Bornstein isn't in-season, so that probably negates any playing-time benefit he would see. I think Pearce gets the nod as Bob looks to continuity.

And finally . . .


Arrivederci, Becks?

Look, we know it's happening, it's just a matter of how much money MLS can get for him. After Milan showed their initial cards at $10 million, the Gals went hardball at $22 million to open. So where will the dust settle? Milan puts up $14 million, Becks kicks in $4 million in desperation-to-escape-LA money, and MLS pockets $18 million. That's my guess.

What do you think? Think LA and Milan can work a deal? Does Bob have any surprises in store for Sven? Where does the United FO go next in their search for defensive help? Can anybody catch Sir Alex and his red machine?

Los Pollos Locos?

I've never been prouder to be a Netflix customer. Why? This is why. And fair warning, Benedict Blockbuster Arnold--don't bother trying this one with Honduras when the Hex dials them up as our opposition. I saw my Honduran neighbors putting little red envelopes in their mailbox just a couple of days ago, so clearly you've already lost them.

Hmmm #1. I wonder if this has anything to do with why US fans are being encouraged to wear red? If not . . . Netflix--you listening? Get all over this one, and make it so! I smell opportunity, and it smells like red confetti in the shape of tiny Netflix envelopes being rained down upon the Columbus pitch whenever the US scores.

Hmmm #2. An arrogant former titan of the rental industry fighting a furious rear guard action to stave off the advances of a younger, more forward-looking company that's taking over the joint. Why does that sound like a familiar scenario? Birds of a feather and all that. Los Pollos Locos?

Refining the Roster: Bold Clubbing Update

First things first: this won't be a full update. I just wanted to clear the decks about what we learned and what we can assume based on practice reports and the 4-1 bold clubbing at the hands of Vejle Boldklub. Of course, it's early pre-season, so "results don't matter", "we're just looking at fitness and communication", and "trust us, we absolutely, definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, are happy with the depth we have in every position." Got it? ;-)

With that in mind, what can we learn from the lineups and the reaction from those in attendance . . ?

• N'Silu and Atieno seem to be cut from the same bruising Addlery mold. Both are young enough to qualify for developmental deals, but do you think either will join us for that kind of money? Me neither. At most, we sign one of them, though lower-division journeyman target forwards are a poor substitute for the #3 forward on Honduras' depth chart (adios, Walter Martinez). If we're headed this direction, and assuming we still need at least one more senior center back, somebody on the existing senior roster is getting cut or traded.
• Bob De Jong turns out to be a central midfielder with decent technique and distribution. At 17, you've got to wonder what he's doing in the US, but if he's willing to sign a developmental deal, a 17 year old with good skill brought up in a professional environment is probably a better investment than a 22 year old recent college grad who's tooled around in the PDL.
  
• Looks like Quaranta/Boyzzz is the answer at right wing for now.
  
• Perhaps I'm reading too much into this at too early a stage, but McTavish getting time at right back says to me that he's Mr. Utility again this year, not a starting center back. At least that's what I hope! Namoff isn't getting any younger, so it's reasonable to assume that perhaps McTavish is being groomed as his successor.
• Word on Jacobson is that he's looking good. Between Vide, Jacobson, Simms, and perhaps Olsen, we've got a potentially strong core of central midfielders. Depending upon what sort of formation we're going to play this year, we might even have have too many. Trade bait?
  
• Roger should bring poise and distribution at the back. Diceson mentioned in one of his previous practice writeups that everybody spoke at least a little English this year, in contrast to last year. Does that mean that Roger does as well? If so, that would be a big boost for organization at the back.
• Everything I've been reading about Olsen says that he's going to be depth, not a reliable starter this year. I see him in the Carroll role from a couple of years back, a second holding mid brought on to close out games where we have the lead. He'll probably also pick up a few utility starts at right mid and perhaps right back. Olsen carries much too high a salary to justify such a role, but (1) the contract is guaranteed so it's not like we can get out from under it, and (2) the spirit and drive his presence brings, even if it's just on the bench, might cover the balance.

Hmmm. That seems like an awful lot to be reading into a couple of practice reports and a friendly featuring mostly rookies and trialists, doesn't it? Ah well, I suppose that is what the internet exists for, right? How are you feeling about the roster? Anybody else wondering why we're entertaining more attackers than defenders on trial?

PS: In a related note about player development, Part 3 of Soccernet's USSF youth development series is up. Why is this in a United post? Well, turns out that Kevin Payne was the chair of a task force investigating youth development systems overseas. Who knew?

Random Pings From The Footiverse

A quick gaze across the vast expanse of the midweek Footiverse reveals . . .

• Another trialist at DC United's pre-season camp. Another forward? We've already got how many forwards and semi-forwards on the roster at the moment? Excuse me, FO, but this smacks of more death-by-lack-of-defensive-depth. What are we, Real Madrid of the early Naughts? The LA Galaxy? Jumpin' Jesus on a pogo stick, where are the defenders? Wait--don't tell me--you're happy with the depth you've got and you feel that there are guys on the roster ready to "step up" and play significant minutes. Broken record, guys. Broken record.
• Does anybody really think Beckham will be a Galaxy player come March? Hey, MLS! Go on, take the money and run. He doesn't want to be here. If you love somebody, set them free. How many more song lyrics can I crib?
  
• Magic of the Cup? Gosling just turned 19 (love that his Wikipedia page is already updated to reflect the goal!) I wonder what he'll have to do to top that for an emotional high in his playing career. In related news . . . apparently, it's not just ABC/ESPN that hates soccer.
  

Anything else catch your eye?

Refining the Roster: Walk-Ons and Walkabouts

Since last we delved into the messy business of roster refinement, United has decamped to Florida, brought in a new batch of trialists, and seen their backup goalkeeper go walkabout. There is still no news of what will be done to address the Gallardo-sized hole in the midfield and on the wage bill. So where do we stand now? (updates in bold red)


The (Incomplete) Roster

1. (I) Crayton, GK
2. Janicki, D

3. Namoff, D
4. (I) Roger, D

5. Burch, D/M

6. Guerrero, D/M

7. McTavish, D/M

8. (I) Fred, M
9. Jacobson, M

10. Olsen, M - hope I don't jinx this by removing him from the "Questionable" list
11. Simms, M

12. Vide, M

13. Khumalo, M/F

14. Pontius M/F - clarification on senior/developmental status? assuming senior

15. Quaranta, M/F - promising signs for a continued rebirth

16. (I) Emilio, F

17. Moreno, F

18. (I) Doe, F
19.

20.

21. (D,GA) Wallace, D/M

22.

23.

24.

. . . leaving two senior and three developmental spots to fill, as well as three open international spots for potential additions. Of course, if we can convince more players to accept ridiculous developmental deals, the roster regulations would permit as many as six developmental players, thus making the senior roster "feature complete." Now on to . . .


The Questionables

1. Bush, GK - on trial, fighting for Thorpe for the #3 spot
2. (I?) Kocic, GK - negotiating, Wells' walkout opens potential for senior roster deal
3. Thorpe, GK - fighting for the #3 spot?
4. Wells, GK - future uncertain, possibly retiring from the game
5. Adams, D - still wandering around Europe
6. (I) Gonzalo Martinez, D - option not picked up; almost certainly gone
7. Veris, D - big center back on trial

8. Zaher, D - fighting for scraps as fullback depth, Adams in Europe opens the door

9. Miller, D/M - ditto

10. Mediate, D/M - will he be able to earn a senior roster spot?
11. De Jong, M - Dutch teenager on trial, no word on what midfield spot he plays

12. Barklage, M/F - willing to sign a dev deal? no Cordeiro/Kirk/Thomspon = fighting chance

13. Taiwo Atieno, F - big target forward on trial, USL 1 import

Confirmation of Walter Martinez' short-term move to Alaves in Spain removes him from the list. Trialists (Atieno, De Jong, Bush) have been added, and Olsen and Wells have swapped lists for now. There are two major points that I get from looking at the lists.

(1) With only two senior roster spots to fill, I can't see a playmaking midfielder being added (read as: no Gomez--at least not as things currently stand). While we could perhaps get by with only one goalkeeper on the senior roster, I think it's likely that Kocic is going to get a senior deal. Interest from a big club in Europe, the FO's high rating of him, and Wells soul-searching hiatus all combine to make such a deal more likely. That takes care of one of the available senior spots. The other? The central defense is still thin. You've got to think that the second senior roster spot will have to be filled with a center back to provide size and competition for Janicki, Roger, and utility-man McTavish. Veris is the front-runner right now, but only by virtue of his considerable size and lack of competition. Will there be any challengers?

(2) I can't help but wonder about trades and the potential for some of the current roster to be dropped entirely. Let's look at where we're loaded.

• Left fullback - Roger, Burch, Guerrero, Wallace, Zaher. Ostensibly, we've brought in Roger to play in the center, and Guerrero has played more in the midfield for us (and will continue to if Fred moves inside or to the right), though he plays internationally as an attacking wingback. Wallace is probably not going to step in right away, but Zaher showed promise in limited appearances last year, particularly getting forward. I wonder about Burch. He's a reasonably solid player, but his defensive positioning and molasses attacking movements make him vulnerable to the up-and-coming young guns. And exactly how many left backs do we need? If Zaher accepts a developmental deal, I wonder about Burch's future. Trade bait?
  
• Holding/Defensive midfield - Olsen, Vide, Simms, Jacobson. Much depends upon how United is going to play this year. If we go with two holding central midfielders, then the current roster probably suffices. However, if we're only going to play one in the holding role, somebody might get the bullet, though it would be hard to do so without knowing how much Olsen can give you this year.

A case could also be made for wide midfield (on both sides), but most of our wide midfielders also project as depth/starters at other positions, so I'm not looking at that until we firm the roster up elsewhere. So what thoughts do you have out there in the electronic ether? Confused? Concerned? Curious? Mildly enthusiastic? What's your starting eleven at the moment?

Product Review: Touch of Grey?

As much of a supporter of the USMNT as I am, it's pretty pathetic that the only show of support my wardrobe can provide is a tattered old US Soccer t-shirt. And with the big 2-0 Border Smackdown on the horizon, it's with much relief that I greeted the arrival of our friends over at SoccerPro.com, riding to the rescue with the Nike USA Away Jersey 2008.

While I'm not a huge fan of the "hooped" home kit, I've always had a bit of a hankering for the modest simplicity of the away shirt. Of course, I freely confess that I'm probably more of a fan of minimalism and subdued, perhaps even dour, colors, than the normal soccer fan. With that qualification, let's take a look at some pros and cons of the shirt . . .

PROS
* The gray is a bit darker than the pictures or TV would indicate, but that's fine by me.
* I've never had occasion to wear a "Dri-Fit" (or Fit Dry or Nike-Fit, or whatever Nike is calling it these days) shirt before, and I haven't had a chance to work up a sweat in it yet, but the shirt feels lighter than most soccer jerseys I've worn, almost to the point of feeling like it's not even there. I'll be interested to see what it feels like when playing in a downpour, but given the sub-freezing temperatures around these parts, I'm unlikely to run around in a wet shirt any time soon.
* The stitching on the badge and logo are solid--better than most other replica jerseys in my ensemble.

CONS
* While I don't mind the red on the back of the collar, the red + lighter gray trim on the sleeves (it's tough to see in pictures) offends my minimalist sensibilities. If only they'd stuck with just the red (or better yet, no color accent at all)! Still, that's a fairly minor quibble, and while we're talking quibbles . . .
* Does the Nike logo have to be so large? Make it a little smaller and push it a bit higher on the shirt and it would be perfect.
* While the stars and stripes with the "Don't Tread On Me" slogan on the inside of the collar are a distinguishing and patriotic touch, they feel a little gimmicky to me. Horses for courses, I suppose.

So while the shirt isn't perfect by any means and has caught flack in some quarters for its dour color scheme, I'm really pleased with it. In addition to making it my regular couch-wear for US games, I can also head out to the grocery store or kick the ball around in the yard with my daughter without feeling like a peacock in some garishly hued or striped shirt, though if you're into that sort of thing, our friends at SoccerPro.com can help you out with a more ostentatious selection of replica soccer jerseys as well.

February 11th is fast approaching. What will you be wearing? A Touch of Grey, perhaps?




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Product(s) for this review were provided to FBF by SoccerPro.com.