Thursday, January 24, 2008

Roundup and Rumors for January 24, 2008

Cristian Gomez situation finally settled?

The general consensus from the DC front (being led by super-blogger Steven Goff) is that Cristian Gomez will not be returning next year. Appaerantly he wanted DP money, and DC weren't willing to pay that (they used it on Marcelo Gallardo) for someone of his age and status. Seeing as that's the kind of money he's demanding, it looks like MLS could be losing one of it's best #10's.

DC have signed 22 year old Romanian international Banel Nicolita according to reports. He won't join until the Romanian season is over, but sounds like an excellent signing for United.

Aberdeen give Lapira a shot

Toronto draftee Joseph Lapira looks like he might have snagged up an opportunity overseas, as the 21 year old Irishman has earned a trial with Scottish club Aberdeen. Seems like Toronto's gamble won't be paying off, but props for rolling the dice and not playing the safe route.

Fredy Thompson to MLS?

Municipal and Guatemala captain Fred Thompson is being shopped around to several MLS clubs according to several rumors. San Jose and Real Salt Lake are the clubs interested it seems, and he would make a solid addition to MLS. As to what kind of money he expects, we'll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, enjoy his website, I know I did.

The Mormons add a Saint

Real Salt Lake have acquired American Ian Joy from FC St. Pauli. Can't say much about him as I've never seen him play, but should be a solid acquisition for Salt Lake.

Addlery and Nolly to Vancouver

DC United reserves Jay Nolly and Nicholas Addlery have been acquired by Vancouver Whitecaps FC of the USL-1. The USL-1 powerhouses continue to build their squad, hopefully they can build a case for an MLS squad, I'd love to see a rivalry in the Northwest.

More exports?

Will John is on trial with Randers FC of Denmark, Bouna Coundoul is rumored to be gaining interest from a "European club", and Cristian Gomez is apparently done with MLS. Should make for some good drama in the coming weeks.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Roundup and Rumors for January 23, 2008

Eddie Johnson to Fulham

We knew it was coming, now it's official. Fulhamerica continue their trend of signing MLS and American players under three managers....something's going on over there.

Pat Noonan joins Aalesunds FK

Noonan joins another ex-Rev, Adin Brown, in Norway. As a Revs fan I'm pretty upset with this move, and just adds to my list of reasons I hate my beloved Revs (intentional irony...get it?)

Colorado are greedy, egotistical bastards!

Word on the street (there's only one street in America if any foreigners are reading this) is that Colorado are asking too much in return for Pablo Mastroeni. Apparently (again, from the same street) Chivas USA and New England are interested, but both have withdrawn offers based on the CRapids estimated value for Pablo.

DC strengthen their squad

DC United have added Gonzalo Martinez and are apparently still looking to sign a few more South Americans. Take notes LA, this is how you (legally) build a team...

Marcelo Gallardo is rumored to be on his way within the next few days.

Fabrice Panracte รก le Feu?

New Fuego boss (that's two languages in under ten words!) Dennis Hamlett is looking at making his first major acquisition by signing Frenchman Fabrice Pancrate from Paris St. Germain. Pancrate is currently on loan at Sochaux and isn't seeing much first team action (should be a great pick-up...) but apparently he's done something to impress.

MLS teams to earn frequent flyer miles?

Ives Galarcep is reporting that MLS will allow all teams to use chartered jets to get to and from games now, meaning I can no longer stalk Taylor Twellman. He's so dreamy too....I need some alone time.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Interview with Eric Brunner

Give us the story of your career thus far; what were key moments that led to you getting into the college game and eventually MLS? What advice would you give to anyone trying to get to this level?

I played competitively since I was around the age of 8. I didn't start to realize that I wanted to play college ball until I started to improve as a player. I did ODP (Olympic development program) which allowed me to further my ability, and ultimately get to a college program. I told myself that if I would improve more as a player than the professional game was an option. At an early age I had aspirations, but I didn't realize it until I was in college that is was attainable. Advice for people that want to get to the next level, whatever that may be, is just work hard and don't be contempt with how you're playing. Even at the professional level you can constantly learn as a player.

Walk us through the entire draft experience, from the end of the season, to the combine, and eventually the draft itself.

The end of the season fortunately enough for me ended with being in the national championship, though we didn't win, it gave me an advantage of still being match fit. As soon as that was over, I found my agent, and started working out for the combine. The combine itself was run by MLS and took place in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and comprised of 3 games over 4 days. It was definitely tough because you're playing for you future. I had a very good combine over I felt, and was fortunate enough to win MVP of it, which is something I'll cherish. The draft was crazy, the fans that were there were chanting the whole time, the whole scenario of I'm going to become a professional soccer player was unreal. I had my mother, father, and my cousin there for support and it was a great feeling once I heard my name called as the first pick for the New York Red Bulls.

How has communication with New York and MLS been so far? Have you met with any of the Red Bulls' coaching staff and/or players?

Communication with New York began before I even went to the combine. They contacted me to set up a meeting with them while I was at the combine. The meeting was basically just to figure me out as an individual off the field and see if I would fit in with their organization. Oddly enough, it was the most intense meeting I had, and from what others had said about it they thought the same thing. But I found out later that I was the first person that they interviewed. As for meeting with the coaching staff, I met with them at the combine, but also after I was drafted, the whole staff and my family went out to dinner to celebrate. It was a very fun meal, just picking the brain of them and as they did of me. I know a player already that plays for them and him and I are friends, so that's a plus. I talked with Renya while I was in Baltimore briefly so that was cool.

How difficult has it been making the jump to a professional league so far? Obviously you have yet to touch the field, but think more in terms of contract negotiations, finding an agent, etc. Is this something MLS helps out with or do you have to seek the help yourself?

I mean it's a process I've never encountered before. I had to find an agent that I completely trusted and knew would look out for me, as he did. As for contracts, he handles everything and goes over it with me. He's with a very well known agency so I know I'm in good hands. At the combine we had a Union meeting with the Players Union to figure out some things and also with the league, but mostly it's your agent that handles everything.

Prior to this year, had you known of any interest from other teams? Perhaps someone overseas or a USL team? Had anyone encouraged you to enter the draft early?

Entering the draft early is very tough because a few MLS coaches have to want you, and if that occurs the league will approach you. I had never heard anything about leaving early for the draft.

Had soccer not worked out for you, where would you be right now?

I would still be attending school at The Ohio State University, and would be looking for a job. Maybe pursuing a coaching career.

The Red Bulls defense was tied for the third worst in the league last season, Toronto and Los Angeles being the only teams to concede more goals. It's obvious Osorio drafted you, a tall defender with a solid left foot, to address this problem. Keeping this in mind, what are your expectations for this season?

I think most of all not give up as many goals. I think we have the firepower up top and they're doing their job up there, so for the defense we need to keep goals out.

I see that you've made personal trips to the UK to watch Premiership games. Has this experience been beneficial to your footballing mind in some way?

As soccer has grown here in America it's opened up opportunities for people to watch more European soccer, with FSC coming about. I think wactching the best players in the world can only help you as a player. You can learn a lot by watching and seeing how they handle certain scenarios. I think the one thing you can pick up is they do the simple things consistently and more often than trying to do the difficult thing.

Anything you'd like to add to the New York faithful?

Glad to be with the organization and hope that I can contribute in a positive manner!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Roundup and Rumors

-The draft concluded today, not much action outside of the draft other than Chris Albright being dealt to New England and Alecko Eskanderian to Chivas USA.

-The US are going to travel to Spain at a venue to be named for a friendly on June 4th.

-Eddie Johnson's deal should be done this weekend, his appeal seems to have been won and should be in a Fulham shirt by next match day (after tomorrow that is....)

-Fulham scouts will be at the US v Sweden friendly tomorrow to gather more info on Brad Guzan. You'd have thought that the American trend wouldn't have continued with three managers in under a year, but you'd be wrong.

-Columbus were apparently shopping Eddie Gaven around today, he'd be a player I'd love to have in New England.

-Columbus are also trying to free up some cap room for their "European DP". Okocha? Zurawski? During the draft today, Stone had said something about a Romanian player, no word on that yet.

-Paraguay great Jose Cardozo is headed off to Chivas USA, don't know why they want a 36 year old forward that hasn't played in over a year.

-Colorado are looking at "two South American players; a goal-scorer and a #10." No clue who they could be.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Tales from the Off-Season: Part 1

The Schelotto saga

He wants to go, no wait he wants to stay, wait he wants to go again. At this point I have no clue what's on Guille's mind. Columbus fans are surely biting their nails as their best player is doing a quality Mitt Romney impersonation, changing his mind daily it seems. I don't expect this to end quietly. I wouldn't be surprised if Schelotto offers the Crew an ultimatum, "Pay me more or I'm gone!"

DP rumors a plenty

Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Veron, Shevchenko, Zurawski and just about anyone over the age of 30 who has had a decent career have been linked with a potential MLS move. Some of these (Veron, Figo, Zurawski) I see happening in the summer, others (everyone else) I don't envision ever coming to fruition. It will be interesting to see who the second batch of Designated Players will be, but expect more ridiculous rumors as time goes on.

Who's leaving?

Eddie Johnson has several teams chasing him, Taylor Twellman and Kenny Cooper want out of MLS, while Troy Perkins, Clarence Goodson and others have already jumped ship. The revolving door of talent that is MLS will ask for new stars to step up this year as it seems the league is having a "clearance sale". I'm honestly worried where the goals will come from if all our top strikers want out, but I'm hoping the league higher-ups will bend the rules a bit to allow for more pay to keep some of the guys here. In short, I'm worried.

MLS in the national team

The U-23 camp and current senior team camp are almost entirely made of MLS players and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the US' upcoming fixtures. There really isn't much to talk about, just more of a "congrtulations" to the boys.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The ongoing saga with Taylor Twellman's potential transfer

It's obvious by his brash public nature regarding the situation that Twellman is not pleased with New England/MLS' decision to deny a move overseas. Admittedly, Championship side Preston North End aren't the most alluring of sides, their current league position puts them in the relegation zone, but it's been made apparent Twellman wanted the move and feels as if the league is holding him back. Sound familiar? If you're a New England fan, it is. The past two years have seen frustrating battles between the front office and players; Clint Dempsey in 2006, Shalrie Joseph in 2007, and now it seems Twellman's set to take on that role in 2008.

As a Revs fan, I have two views on the move. One side of me would love to see Taylor go, we could use that money to sign the new Toja or Emilio, possibly throw some of the Twellman and Dempsey money into a youth academy, and start re-shaping the squad that has lost three consecutive MLS Cups. However, reality settles in and after years of supporting this club, I know it's not going to happen. I know the money would be sat on or traded for draft picks, much like Dempsey's allocation was. We wouldn't go out and sign anyone outside of the draft, and if we were to, the player would not be ready for first team football.

Call me negative if you must, but Revs fans as a whole tend to share this opinion, and history only enforces it. In recent years, major outgoing transfers have included Andy Dorman, James Riley, Clint Dempsey and Jose Cancela, just to name a few. In terms of players coming in, the only non-draft acquisition who has made a significant impact on the field would be Khano Smith, who joined the club in 2005. Even then it's easy to find the negatives, as it wasn't until this past season when he finally broke out of his erratic style of play into a deadly left-sided force.

Somehow the genius of Steve Nicol has held this team together as a consistently well performer in MLS, but again, Revs fans feel this isn't good enough. Don't get me wrong, I'd take an MLS Cup final appearance over a last place finish any day, but our problem is that we have unused allocations, large amounts of salary cap room and free roster spots that could ultimately be used on the final pieces of an MLS Cup winning squad; a catalyst if you will.

Ultimately, I share Twellman's frustration with the front office, but I can't escape overseas. It's that love/hate relationship every sports fan shares with their team that keeps pulling me back in. However, we Revs supporters as a whole have shown we won't settle for mediocrity, as last year's "Pay Shalrie" saga will show. In my honest opinion, I don't see this season being as hunky-dory as it was last year. I feel a bitter clash between supporters and the front office will ensue and our opinions will be made loud and clear. We will demand a full roster, making acquisitions when needed, and putting more some passion and effort into this team.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

We're back!

MLS Insight is back from the dead! I'm sure no one will be reading this anytime soon, but for the handful that might be, a restructuring of the blog and new articles will be coming in the near future. There's a lot on my plate right now, but expect numerous changes to the site and frequent updates very soon.