tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41921551034542730262024-03-14T00:43:47.773-06:00Keepin' It RealWhere Real Salt Lake fans come to Keep it Real.realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comBlogger749125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-14484586820855621302010-01-17T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-17T08:00:02.512-07:00Keepin’ It Real has moved!<p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S1KiBknUjaI/AAAAAAAADx0/8zv5ijEZoBw/s1600-h/moved%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="moved" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="153" alt="moved" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S1KiCQtSzzI/AAAAAAAADx4/B7ZYh6U3jIE/moved_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="754" border="0" /></a>  </font></p> <p> <br /><em><font face="Bookman Old Style" size="4">Although Blogger has served us well, we've made the jump to our own hosted solution with a little more robust functionality.  Mosey on over and check out the new site at </font></em><a href="http://www.keepinitrealsoccer.com"><em><strong><font face="Bookman Old Style" size="4">www.keepinitrealsoccer.com</font></strong></em></a><em><font size="4"><font face="Bookman Old Style"><font size="5">.</font>  </font></font></em></p> <p><em><font face="Bookman Old Style" size="4">Don't forget to update your bookmarks!</font></em></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-37164576288247453202010-01-14T22:16:00.001-07:002010-01-14T22:25:51.110-07:00RSL Draft-related Tidbit & Player Profiles<p>Real Salt Lake landed four players in the 2010 draft, but lost one in the process.  They ended up with:</p> <p><strong><font size="4">1st Round (#15) - Collen Warner, University of Portland:</font></strong> </p> <p>21 year-old two-way midfielder.  Partially drafted to replace the departing Clint Mathis.  Has good size.  Reported as a good wide player with good crossing skills, but according to coach Jason Kreis, that’s not his strong suit.  He will fit well into the “outside of our diamond”.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6N5s568I/AAAAAAAADxU/N2778-Tj4uw/s1600-h/Warner_Collen_web%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="Warner_Collen_web" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="154" alt="Warner_Collen_web" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6Of4YNWI/AAAAAAAADxY/A9RypQPESMw/Warner_Collen_web_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="122" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p></p> <h3><font size="2">Position: Midfielder </font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Height: 5-10</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Weight: 170</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Born: June 24, 1988 in Denver, Colo.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Hometown: Denver, Colo.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">College: Portland</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Citizenship: USA</font></h3> <p><b>UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND CAREER: </b>Concluded his UP career with 20 goals, 20 assists, 60 points and six game-winners in 79 games as a combination midfielder/forward … <b></b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>2009: </b>Completed his UP career by helping guide the Pilots to the Third Round of the NCAA postseason … During Portland’s run through the 2009 playoffs, Warner scored both goals during a 2-1 overtime win at New Mexico and  assisted on the game-winner in a 2-1 win at North Carolina State … Also went three-for-three on penalty kicks last fall … Led Portland last year with nine goals (three game-winners), seven assists, 60 shots and 25 shots on goal … Led the West Coast Conference in points (25), was tied for first in game-winners, tied for second in goals and he ranked third in assists … Named to his third consecutive All-WCC First Team …</p> <p><b>2008: </b>Named to the All-WCC First Team for the second consecutive year … Led the Pilots and the West Coast Conference with eight assists … Finished second on the team with five goals, 18 points and 43 shots … Ranked fourth in the WCC in points and was sixth in goals …</p> <p><b>2007: </b>Named to the All-WCC First Team and to Top Drawer Soccer’s All-Season Third Team … Finished second on the team with four assists and tied for third with 10 points … Also scored three goals and a game-winner … Started all 20 games he appeared in … </p> <p><b>2006:</b> Named to the All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team and named All-WCC Honorable Mention … Named to the Top Drawer Soccer All-Rookie Second Team … Finished third on the team with three goals … Also recorded an assist, one game-winner, 19 shots and eight shots on goal …</p> <p><b>OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM:</b> Member of the Colorado ODP state team from 2001-04 … Part of the Region IV team pool from 2002-04 and a region team member in 2004 … Scored two goals with the Region IV team at the 2004 Disney Showcase … </p> <p><b>DENVER EAST HS:</b> Four-year letterwinner for coach Beth Hinz … Team MVP and an All-Conference selection in 2005 … Team won the Denver Prep League in 2002 and 2004 and reached the Colorado State semifinals during freshman season …</p> <p><b>CLUB TEAM:</b> Played for the Colorado Rush club team for five years and trained with English Premier League players and coaches at the Liverpool Youth Academy in 2002 … Trained with Italy’s prestigious Serie "A" Club Youth Academy Atalanta in 2005 …</p> <p><b>PERSONAL:</b> Born on June 24, 1988 in Denver, Colo. … Parents are Marcia Scott-Warner and Darrick Warner … Major is Environmental Science.</p> <p> <hr /></p> <p><strong><font size="4">2nd Round (#32) – Justin Davis, University of New Mexico:</font></strong> </p> <p>21 year-old midfielder/forward will actually return to his “natural” position as a left-back. He initially played this position in college, but has been moved into an attackin<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6O7zoPYI/AAAAAAAADxc/6cjYHWa9rmY/s1600-h/Davis%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Davis" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="154" alt="Davis" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6PRyXcMI/AAAAAAAADxg/2unnc7yxc6A/Davis_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="112" align="right" border="0" /></a>g role.</p> <p></p> <h3><font size="2">Position: Defender</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Height: 6-0 </font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Weight: 170</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Born: May 6, 1988 in Avondale, Ariz.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Hometown: Litchfield Park, Ariz.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">College: New Mexico</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Citizenship: USA</font></h3> <p><b>UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO CAREER: </b>Not only a dangerous striker who was lethal from distance, but a versatile player that is comfortable anywhere on the field … Completed his four-year career last fall and was a two-time All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first-team selection … Selected to the All-Far West Region squad twice in his Lobo career, and earned two Academic All-MPSF nods … Finished his UNM career ranked ninth all-time in points with 58, tied for eighth in goals with 20 and tied for seventh in assists with 18 … The Litchfield Park, Ariz., native was fourth all-time in shots with 184 … </p> <p><b>2008 - SENIOR SEASON</b> <br />Davis led the Lobos in scoring with seven goals and six assists for 20 points on the year, earning All-Far West Region first-team honors … The Lobos posted a 12-7-1 mark in 2009, advancing to their seventh NCAA Tournament in the last nine years … New Mexico earned at at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and hosted Portland – and fellow RSL draftee Collen Warner – in a first round game, which the Lobos lost 2-1 in OT …</p> <p><b>2008 - JUNIOR SEASON</b> <br />Played in 17 games while starting 16 of them … Lobos' leading scorer with seven goals and six assists for 20 points … Also led the MPSF in scoring while earning First Team All-MPSF accolades … Earned Second Team All-Far West Region honors … Scored five game-winners against second ranked Akron, San Jose State, Sacramento State, at Stanford and Sacramento State in double overtime … Logged 1,310 minutes … </p> <p><b>2007 - SOPHOMORE SEASON</b> <br />Played in all 19 games, with 14 starts … Second on the team in scoring with five goals and three assists … Had game-winning goals at San Francisco and Air Force and against Sacramento State … Earned Academic All-MPSF honors …</p> <p><b>2006 - FRESHMAN SEASON</b> <br />Played in all 21 games on the year (10 starts) … Scored a goal and three assists … Had the game-winner in overtime against UNLV … </p> <p><b>HIGH SCHOOL</b> <br />Four-year letterman at Westview High School in Avondale, Ariz. … Three-time All-State and All-Region selection and two-time regional player of the year …</p> <p><b>CLUB</b> <br />Played club soccer for the Sereno Golden Eagles … Won the 2005 and 2006 Arizona Club State Championships … </p> <p><b>OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM</b> <br />Was a member of the Arizona '88 ODP squad …</p> <p><b>PERSONAL</b> <br />Born May 6, 1988, Justin is the son of Dan and Jackie Davis … He has one older brother, Jeff … Majoring in Business at New Mexico.</p> <p></p> <hr /> <p></p> <p><strong><font size="4">3rd Round (#39) – Chris Schuler, Creighton University:</font></strong> </p> <p>22 year-old central defender was added at a point in the draft, when RSL didn’t initially have a pick.  The player was projected by the media as a late first round, beginning of second round pick. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6P5UY0WI/AAAAAAAADxk/I663l7oXPMY/s1600-h/Schuler%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="Schuler" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="154" alt="Schuler" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6QbSjm1I/AAAAAAAADxo/7NhN3m3qMu4/Schuler_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="124" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p></p> <h3><font size="2">Position: Defender </font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Height: 6-4</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Weight: 195</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Born: September 6, 1987 in St. Louis, Mo.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Hometown: Aurora, Ill.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">College: Creighton</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Citizenship: USA</font></h3> <p><strong>CREIGHTON CAREER: </strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>2009 (Senior) </strong>Co-captain was named Second-Team All-Region in 2009, his third All-Region honor as a Bluejay … One of the most dominant defenders in school history, Schuler was a first-team honoree in 2008 and also earned second-team notice in 2007 … The 2008 MVC Defensive Player of the Year helped the Bluejays lead the MVC with a 0.76 goals against average in 2009, ranking among NCAA leaders in both GAA and shutout percentage (eight clean sheets in 16 matches) … Center back became the ninth player in school history to be named First-Team All-MVC three times - the first since MLS product David Wagenfuhr (2001-03) … CU posted 37 shutouts over the last four years with Schuler anchoring the defense …</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>2008 (Junior) – </strong>Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, NSCAA Second-Team All-America and NSCAA All-Midwest Region First-Team … All-MVC First-Team, MVC All-Tournament Team and College Soccer News Second-Team All-America honoree … Twice honored on the Soccer America National Team of the Week (Sept. 23, Oct. 7) and named MVC Defensive Player of the Week twice (Sept. 22, Oct. 6) … Led the team with 1,852 minutes played, playing every minute of every match with the exception of a 12-minute break against UMKC (Sept. 13) … Captain and anchor for record-setting defense which led the NCAA in shutout percentage (.650) and ranked second in goals against average (0.48) … Helped team set school record with 13 shutouts … Scored his only goal of the season against No. 22 Connecticut (Nov. 29) in the NCAA Tournament, the equalizer in the 79th minute of the overtime win … </p> <p><strong>2007 (Sophomore) –</strong> Tabbed First-Team All-MVC and Second-Team NSCAA All-Midwest Region … One of six Bluejays to start all 20 matches, while his 1,864 minutes played ranked second among field players … Played all but one minute in CU’s final 19 matches, playing every minute of CU’s final 15 contests … Leader on a CU defense which posted seven shutouts and led the MVC with a 0.79 goals against average …</p> <p><b><strong>2006 (Freshman) –</strong></b> Honored on the Soccer America Freshman All-America Second-Team and MVC All-Freshman Team … Named to the MVC All-Tournament Team after scoring the game-winning goal of the championship match … Each of his three goals were game-winners, two in overtime, ranking second on the team in game-winning goals … First collegiate goal came in the 99th minute against Georgetown (Sept. 1) to give CU a 3-2 win in his home debut …</p> <p><strong>2005 (Freshman/Indiana) –</strong> Redshirted in his only season at Indiana after appearing in the Hoosiers’ first exhibition match against UCLA … Tabbed a Top 100 Freshmen to Watch by College Soccer News … <br /><b> <br /><strong>PREP CAREER: </strong></b>Named a 2005 PARADE All-American for Waubonsie Valley HS … Ranked as the top defender and seventh-best player in the nation by StudentSportsSoccer.com … 2004 NSCAA/adidas Youth Boys Region II All-American and earned NSCAA/adidas All-Region V honors as a senior … First-Team All-State defender in Illinois as named by the Chicago Tribune ... Two-time All-Conference and All-Area First-Team honoree … Played high school soccer for 1978 Hermann Trophy winner Angelo DiBernardo … Played club soccer for the Chicago Magic, leading the team to State Cup Championships from 2001-04 and three regional championships … Served as four-year captain for the Magic … Member of the Illinois and Region II Olympic Development Program … Participated  in two events with the national team in summer 2005 … Tabbed the MVP at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in July 2006 …</p> <p><strong>PERSONAL: </strong>The son of Chris and Christina Schuler, Chris was born Sept. 6, 1987, in St. Louis, Mo. … Has one younger sister, Christen (21), who plays soccer at Northern Illinois University …. Management Information Systems major.</p> <p>  </p> <hr /> <p></p> <p><strong><font size="4">4th Round (#64) - Kris Banghart, University of Denver:</font></strong> </p> <p>21 year-old defender.  Gets the <strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6Q5NU4fI/AAAAAAAADxs/fizDCKmmhxM/s1600-h/Banghart%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="Banghart" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="154" alt="Banghart" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0_6RFP2kbI/AAAAAAAADxw/sQe1rBUs8HA/Banghart_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="116" align="right" border="0" /></a></strong>Mr. Irrelevant label as the last pick in the draft.  An extreme long shot to make the team. </p> <p></p> <h3><font size="2">Position: Defender</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Height: 6-1</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Weight: 190</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Born: March 1, 1988 in Loveland, Colo.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Hometown: Ft. Collins, Colo.</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">College: Denver</font></h3> <h3><font size="2">Citizenship: USA</font></h3> <p><b>2009:</b> Denver co-captain … Named to Duke Nike Classic All-Tournament Team … Earned All-MPSF First-Team honors … Selected to MPSF All-Tournament Team … Started in 16 games …</p> <p><b>2008: </b>Earned All-MPSF Second-Team honors … Started in all 19 games for the Pioneers<b> </b>… Tallied two shots at New Mexico and UC Davis … </p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>2007</b>: Started all 18 games for DU… All-MPSF Second-Team member … Tallied one shot …</p> <p><b>2006</b>: Started all 19 games for North Carolina Wesleyan during his freshman season … Recorded three points on a goal and an assist … </p> <p><b>High School</b>: Helped lead Fort Collins High School to the Colorado State Title …</p> <p><b>Personal</b>: Born March 1, 1988 in Loveland, Colo. … Son of Steve and Tommie Banghart … Has one sister, Katie … Enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, Frisbee golf and camping.</p> <blockquote> <p> </p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy Trading Places</font></u></strong></p> <p>Real Salt Lake did alot of trading places with the La Galaxy in this one.  They completed two trades with the team during the draft:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Trade #1:</strong> RSL sent Clint Mathis to the LA Galaxy along with their #16 pick for LA’s #15 pick, and a 3rd rounder in 2011.  Clint Mathis had asked to be traded to LA so that he could be closer to family.  Lagerwey mentioned that this was consistent with RSL being a player-friendly club (although I’m not sure that Yura Movsisyan would agree). </li> <li><strong>Trade #2:</strong> RSL traded LA their 2011 3rd round pick for LA’s #39 pick in this draft, which they turned into Chris Schuler. </li> </ul> <p>So what to make of it?  At the end of the day RSL and LAG swapped first rounders this year, and third rounders in 2011.  They also effectively traded Clint Mathis for Chris Schuler.  Good trades?  Depends on how good Schuler is, but Warner and Davis were the ones that Kreis and Lagerwey seemed most interested in.  I think LAG ended up with the best out of the situation, but when a player asks to be granted a trade (and to a specific location), it’s unlikely that you’ll get equal value.</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-69727625319924890892010-01-14T16:34:00.003-07:002010-01-14T16:43:01.341-07:00Garth Lagerwey on the Draft<p>While we are awaiting the real comments from Garth Lagerwey, here is what <a href="http://www.dailysoccerfix.com/2010/1/14/1251330/truth-revealed-about-todays-mls">Steve Davis says </a><em><strong><a href="http://www.dailysoccerfix.com/2010/1/14/1251330/truth-revealed-about-todays-mls">every</a></strong></em><a href="http://www.dailysoccerfix.com/2010/1/14/1251330/truth-revealed-about-todays-mls"> GM will be saying about their selections</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>At the end of the day, every official from every team will stand before the God, country, blogger and mainstream media scribe and declare, unflinchingly and unequivocally, that they got "exactly who they wanted."</em></p> </blockquote> I thought this was amusing. <div><br />Seriously though, we'll be talking to Collen Warner, Garth Lagerwey and Jason Kreis momentarily.</div>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-70178360725812891172010-01-14T16:28:00.002-07:002010-01-14T16:29:04.317-07:00Some Feedback/Insight on RSL’s Draft Selections<p>Jeff Carlisle’s analysis of <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=725456&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">RSL’s first round trade and pick</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><b>15. Real Salt Lake -- Collen Warner, M, Portland</b></p> <p>RSL created an odd end to the first round by shipping Clint Mathis to Los Angeles, swapping picks with the Galaxy, and getting a third-round selection next year. Evidently that was needed to acquire Warner, whose stock rose considerably at the combine, and could give the champs more of a classic wide presence on the right side of midfield.</p> </blockquote> <p>Additional comment by JR, “College Soccer Professor” from <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2010/01/14/1745318/2010-mls-superdraft-cover-it-live-with-goalcom">Goal.com’s draft coverage</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>LA traded their pick and a pick next year for Clint Mathis and RSL's pick. I like Collen Warner. I think he fill an outside mid spot on that team.</p> </blockquote> <p>Ives Galarcep’s comments on <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/sbi-2010-mls-mock-draft-final.html">Schuler and Warner</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>18. New York Red Bulls- CHRIS SCHULER, D, Creighton</strong></p> <p>Another big and confident centerback for the Red Bulls, Schuler quietly impressed at the Combine and his 6-foot-4, 200 pound frame should help New York's awful back-line.</p> <p><strong>19. San Jose Earthquakes- COLLEN WARNER, M, Portland</strong></p> <p>One of the draft's true sleepers, Warner comes from a small school but has impressive skill and can play on the right wing or centrally.</p> </blockquote> <p>Here are Buzz Carrick’s thoughts on <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=724284&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Warner</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=717301&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Schuler</a> and <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=722361&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Davis</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><b>19. Collen Warner, M, Portland</b>: His combine performance moves one of the best-kept West Coast secrets into the top 20. He's arguably the best wide midfielder in the pool and has good pace and a solid crosser, a combination that is rare these days.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><b>3. Chris Schuler, Creighton --</b> The first of two good defenders coming out of Creighton this year, Schuler is an intimidator and dominant physical presence in the back for the Bluejays. Schuler helped Creighton to eight shutouts this year, a school-record 13 last year and 39 total in his career. A top-10 prospect out of high school, Schuler redshirted at Indiana in 2005 before transferring to Creighton. Despite his size and power at 6-4, 185 pounds, Schuler plays a disciplined game, earning very few yellow cards.</p> <p><b>10. Justin Davis, New Mexico --</b> "Fast" and "lefty" are the two key words you need to know when talking about Davis, although "good long-range shot" and "nose for goal" don't hurt. Like Schilawski before him on this list, Davis might find a living out wide in midfield at the next level. With multiple Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first-team nods to his credit, Davis notched 13 goals and 12 assists through his junior year and then led the Lobos in scoring this season with seven goals and six assists.</p> </blockquote> <p>Interesting note: two tweets from <a href="http://twitter.com/RealSaltLake">RealSaltLake</a> refer to Davis as a defender. Are they planning on converting him? Everything I have read about him lists him as an attacking player.</p>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-81475126031159492652010-01-14T15:32:00.010-07:002010-01-14T16:02:25.275-07:00RSL and Galaxy Trade AgainIn what may have been a package deal, Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy announced a second trade on the day. In this one RSL received LA's 3rd round pick (#39), picking up Chris Schuler who a couple of weeks ago most speculated was an end of first round, top of second round player. RSL gave up a 2011 pick for the exchange. I'm still trying to confirm which pick in 2011 the LAG gets.<div><br /></div><div>The pick of Schuler comes on the heels of picking Justin Davis with their second round pick.picks gives RSL added defensive-depth which is needed. Schuler is a big central defender from Creighton who was projected at #18 in Ives most recent Mock Draft. He reportedly had a good Combine - I'm not sure why he dropped so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Garth Lagerwey tweeted this message regarding the Mathis trade. Still not sure that it makes sense to me:</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-family:'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><i>Took care of a veteran player in moving him where his wife's family is. All the best Clint we wish you well! RSLGM</i></blockquote></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-62590112914799434162010-01-14T14:34:00.001-07:002010-01-14T14:34:47.003-07:00Thoughts on Mathis Trade<p>The recent trade of Clint Mathis is a bit puzzling on both sides.  First of all, I don’t see Mathis and Beckham on the pitch together.  The two are both great on the offensive-side of the ball, but neither player has the endurance or speed to effectively cover and help out on the defensive end.  Both players have a lot of soccer savvy, good vision, and can deliver quality long balls forward to a player like Landon Donovan. Maybe a sign that Beckham is not likely to return?  I can’t imagine Bruce bringing in a $100K, 33-year old reserve player.</p> <p>For Real Salt Lake this takes away a quality, productive player who fit into the system pretty well.  Mathis was actually the best player on the roster during the first third of the season last year.  The only potential benefits of this trade that I can see are: 3rd round pick next season (worthless), moving ahead of LA to take a player LA was interested in (unlikely), or freeing up $$$ to bring in a new, younger midfielder (could be the case). Otherwise I don’t see the reason for making this trade.  Hopefully we can get some insight once the draft concludes.  </p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-4078944718562118862010-01-14T13:38:00.001-07:002010-01-14T14:02:15.004-07:00Real Salt Lake Trades Mathis & Picks Collen Warner<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0-FBCV7lKI/AAAAAAAADwM/IQwvMy6hMjQ/s1600-h/warnercolleniq8%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="warnercolleniq8" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="warnercolleniq8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0-FB3-xeTI/AAAAAAAADwQ/rgn93ozI6OI/warnercolleniq8_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Real Salt Lake has traded Clint Mathis and their 1st round pick (#16) to the LA Galaxy for the LA Galaxy’s 1st round pick (#15) and their 3rd round pick in 2011.  </p> <p>With the #15 pick, Real Salt Lake selected Collen Warner, the 21 year-old midfielder/forward from the University of Portland.  He can play the right wing or centrally. Warner was thought of as a potential “sleeper” pick, but was often listed in</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0-FCYjalXI/AAAAAAAADxE/WqPt13mfXsQ/s1600-h/JJMMHCve%5B10%5D.jpg"><img title="JJMMHCve" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="JJMMHCve" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0-FC8Lmm7I/AAAAAAAADwY/aRGdDLqEVkQ/JJMMHCve_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" align="right" border="0" /></a></p> <p> the middle to the end of the second round.  The website, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/"><strong>Pro Player Pipeline</strong></a>, had him ranked as the #13 player overall.</p> <p>Mathis has had a strong relationship with Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, through his time with the USMNT and with the New York Red Bulls.</p> <p>Mathis had also settled in Southern California prior to coming to Real Salt Lake.</p> <p>Warner was recently described as quick and dangerous, with a good passing touch.  He <a href="http://www.soccercityfc.com/2008/02/collegiate-corner-collen-warner.html"><strong>trained with the Liverpool Youth Academy</strong></a>.</p> <p>Warner finished this season at Portland with 9 goals and 7 assists.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0-FCYjalXI/AAAAAAAADxI/cfoqa_Wsx6s/s1600-h/JJMMHCve%5B7%5D.jpg"> </a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-23927618333428213072010-01-14T13:28:00.001-07:002010-01-14T13:28:20.464-07:00Haiti Relief Telethon<p>Here’s a chance to help out with the situation in Haiti.  RSL rookie Jean Alexandre is from Haiti, and currently has a couple of family members missing, including his father.  If you can donate, please do so.  If you would like to help man the phones, they are looking for volunteers who can help out in 1, 2 or 4-hour blocks.  If you would like to participate please <strong>email Trey Fitz-Gerald @ tfitz@realsaltlake.com</strong> letting him know when and for how long you can assist.</p> <p> <hr /></p> <p></p> <p><em></em></p> <b>KUTV 2 HAITI TELETHON <br />TOMORROW – Friday, January 15<sup>th</sup></b> <p></p> <p><b></b></p> <p>· Telethon will kick off at 6:00 am and will go until at least 6:30 pm.  If the phones are still active, we will continue until 10:40 pm.</p> <p>· The American Red Cross will be processing all donations.</p> <p>· The money raised will be put into the International Response Fund for Haiti.</p> <p>· The telethon will take place in the lobby of the Wells Fargo Center (299 South Main St, SLC, UT 84101)</p> <p>· We will have 12 phone banks going all day.</p> <p>· There will be a lot of exposure on TV.  We will be covering the telethon during all of our shows as well as the two shows we do on KJZZ.  We will also be cutting in throughout the day.</p> <p>· We will encourage individuals to call and donate or donate through the American Red Cross web-site.  </p> <p>· Please contact Stephanie Avis (o: 801.839.1154 or c: 801.635.7244) with any questions.</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-68395153733368118312010-01-14T09:45:00.001-07:002010-01-14T10:00:14.343-07:00MLS Superdraft 2010: RSL selects…<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S09KF40zdHI/AAAAAAAADwA/XTrGO1fjPxY/s1600-h/SD2010_NAT_300x250%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="SD2010_NAT_300x250" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="295" alt="SD2010_NAT_300x250" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S09KGMUsM9I/AAAAAAAADwE/CK5-cW3_RZ4/SD2010_NAT_300x250_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve been racking my brain over this one.  Last year I felt I at least knew the direction the team would go in, but was surprised as most were by the pick of Jean Alexandre.  This year it’s much more difficult to predict the direction that the team will go in.  Long-term depth is likely the key.  Real Salt Lake is least deep currently at defender, but among the current squad the midfield is the most likely to thin due to a couple of aging players (Mathis, Williams).  </p> <p>Based on recent conversations with Garth Lagerwey, I would expect RSL to play this one more straight forward (No Jean Alexandre picks from left field), but I would also bet they favor younger players or players with upside.  Think 2013 – that’s what RSL cares about with this pick.  </p> <p>Here are the latest projections for Real Salt Lake’s #16 pick by several online sources:</p> <p><strong>Goal.com:</strong> <em>Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn</em></p> <p><strong>MLS Draft Net:</strong> <em>Toni Stahl, M, UConn</em></p> <p><strong>Soccer By Ives: </strong><em>Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest</em></p> <p><strong>WVHooligan:</strong> <em>Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest</em></p> <p>I like the Schilawski pick, but I like his teammate Austin da Luz better.  I’m still doubting that Stahl will fall that far, despite a poor Combine performance.  Watson-Siriboe would be a decent pick, but could be gone.  </p> <p><strong><em><u>A few players that RSL fans should hope are still on the board:</u></em></strong> </p> <p><strong>Zach Lloyd:</strong> <em>Versatile N. Carolina midfielder.  Unlikely as his stock really rose during the Combine.  Likely top 10, could surprise and be top 5.</em></p> <p><strong>Blair Gavin:</strong> <em>Akron midfielder.  Generation Adidas status will also likely keep him in the top half of the draft. Likely around #10 spot.</em></p> <p><strong>Blair Wiedeman:</strong><em> California forward.  Poor Combine performance could push him our way.  Generation Adidas status would be a nice add.  Likely just out of top 10.</em></p> <p><strong>Side note:</strong> Ogden Outlaw alum, Nick Cardenas, could be available in the second round for RSL. He’s big, positions himself well, but has slow feet.  Think Nat Borchers.</p> <p>Who do you think RSL should pick at #16?</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-13198552830963706022010-01-13T14:35:00.001-07:002010-01-13T14:35:26.620-07:00Lagerwey says “No”<p>Real Salt Lake GM Garth Lagerwey has confirmed that River Plate did indeed make a bid for Jamison Olave, but the team has rejected the offer.  </p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-70832341507243569632010-01-13T08:09:00.001-07:002010-01-13T08:25:11.378-07:00Olave a goner?<p>New reports out of S. America indicate that River Plate is close to finalizing the signings of Jamison Olave AND Juan Pablo Angel.  After the end of the recent MLS season, Angel, a former River Plate star, had been speculated for a return to his old club.  This is the first time I have heard anything definitive about his return.  Stay tuned.</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-3037671927331553792010-01-12T21:39:00.001-07:002010-01-12T21:39:12.219-07:00Combine Reports: Day 3 & Wrap-up<p><strong><u>MLS Insider Blog:</u></strong> <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=893">VIDEO: Game 1 Commentary</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=898">VIDEO: Halftime Game 1</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=904">VIDEO: Game 1 Goal</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=904">VIDEO: Game 1 postgame</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=910">VIDEO: Halftime Game 2</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=918">VIDEO: Game 2 postgame</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=928">VIDEO: Game 2 Goal</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=919">VIDEO: Interview w/ Ben Olsen & Robin Fraser</a></p> <p><strong><u>MLSNet, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> <a href="http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20100112&content_id=7908288&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp">Combine notes</a></p> <p><strong><u>Goal.com, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> </p> <p><u><strong>MLSDraft.net, Sean Keay:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/291">Player Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/288">5 Up, 5 Down</a></p> <p><u><strong>Soccer By Ives, Ives Galarcep:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-day-2-recap.html"></a><a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/2010-mls-combine-matchday-three.html">Matchday 3 commentary</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/2010-mls-combine-matchday-three.html">Day 3 Recap</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/2010-mls-combine-matchday-three.html">Combines top performers</a></p> <p><strong><u>Pro Player Pipeline, Joe Mauceri:</u></strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/2010-combine-day-3-game-1/">Game 1 Recap</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/2010-combine-day-3-game-2/">Game 2 Recap</a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-1016070987270277192010-01-12T09:16:00.003-07:002010-01-12T21:41:34.991-07:00MLS Combine Reports: Day 2<p>Here are the reports from Day 2. Sounds like the weather is much better in Florida:</p> <p><strong><u>MLS Insider Blog:</u></strong> <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=841">VIDEO:Game 1 Preview</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=846">VIDEO: Game 1 Halftime (w/Alexi Lalas)</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=851">VIDEO: Game 1 Post-Game (w/Pat Onstad)</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=855">VIDEO: Game 2 Halftime</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=860">VIDEO: Game 1 Goals</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=866">VIDEO: Game 2 Post-game</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=886">VIDEO: Game 2 Goal</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=850">VIDEO: On the couch with Teal Bunbury</a></p> <p><strong><u>MLSNet, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> <a href="http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20100112&content_id=7903864&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp">Combine notes</a></p> <p><strong><u>Goal.com, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/55/main/2010/01/12/1739974/mls-combine-notebook-solid-on-day-two">Combine notebook</a>, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2010/01/11/1737987/monday-mls-breakdown-unlikely-weather-sets-stage-for">Monday MLS Breakdown</a></p> <p><u><strong>MLSDraft.net, Sean Keay:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/280">Combine Report</a>, <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/281">5 Up, 5 Down</a></p> <p><u><strong>Soccer By Ives, Ives Galarcep:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-day-2-recap.html"></a><a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-day-2-recap.html">Day 2 Sees Prospects Improve</a></p> <p><strong><u>Pro Player Pipeline, Joe Mauceri:</u></strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/2010-combine-day-2-game-1/">Game 1 Recap<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></a><a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/2010-combine-day-2-game-1/">Game 2 Recap</a></p><p><a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/2010-combine-day-2-game-1/"><br /></a></p>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-2594103840536284652010-01-12T08:20:00.001-07:002010-01-12T08:44:48.604-07:00Update: River Plate IS after Jamison Olave<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0yTIJsjP7I/AAAAAAAADvs/l6TZ0fH7ohw/s1600-h/olave_thumb%5B3%5D.png"><img title="olave_thumb" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="olave_thumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0yTInwyIqI/AAAAAAAADvw/WCVB6SbdckY/olave_thumb_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="213" align="left" border="0" /></a> Yesterday, you heard it first on Keepin’ It Real that River Plate was after Real Salt Lake’s massive defender, Jamison Olave.  I only reluctantly and half-heartedly passed along the rumor because it came from a River Plate message forum AND it mentioned that option as plan D in the River Plate master plan.  Well, either plans A-C didn’t work out, or <em><strong>PLAN OLAVE</strong></em> moved to the top of the list.  Today, two new reports - one out of Argentina, and one out of Colombia - have said that River Plate President is after Olave.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1220999"><strong>This report from La Nacion</strong></a> in Argentina mentions that Passarella has made an offer for Olave.</p> <p>While <a href="http://www.terra.com.co/deportes/articulo/html/dep732055-prensa-de-argentina-dice-que-jackson-arreglo-con-jaguares-de-mexico.htm"><strong>this report from Terra</strong></a> in Colombia mentions that Passarella has seen video of Olave and likes what he sees.  He has recommended the “hiring” of Olave, but says that the final word is in the hands of club manager, Leonardo Astrada.</p> <p>Once again, Jamison Olave has a contract with Real Salt Lake/MLS through 2012, and any movement for the player would have to be agreed upon by RSL management and would likely involve a significant transfer fee.</p> <p>I have an inquiry in with the team about this.  I will pass along anything that I find.</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-5161792321233401592010-01-11T14:21:00.000-07:002010-01-11T14:21:00.092-07:00MLS Superdraft 2010: What will the Champs do?<p>There alot of perks that come with winning the MLS Cup: there’s that trophy, an invite to CCC play, and some bragging rights.  But picking #16 isn’t one of them.  So what is RSL likely to do?</p> <p>Well, as Garth told KIR recently – in that position you simply need to look for the best potential talent.  Striker, central defender, and 3rd keeper are some of the “needs” for a team that has a solid core of players in the fold.  But at 16, you look at what’s available and take the best talent.  You aren’t looking for a player that can help you in 2010, but 2, 3, or 4 years down the road.  </p> <p>With this in mind, RSL may envision midfield being a higher priority need.  After all in 2013 it’s not likely that Mathis and Williams will still be in the league, and Morales will be edging towards mid-30’s.  But with the movement of players in and out of the league it’s impossible to predict what your lineup will look like 3 years out.  So forget about picking for position.</p> <p>Because there are few immediate needs, look for RSL to go for upside.  Young players, players from smaller schools, and “projects” will likely be favored over solid, but not exceptional seniors.</p> <p>Also, expect RSL to have a bias for “versatile” players, although sometimes in the draft that is synonymous with “not good at any particular position.”</p> <p>With this in mind, it’s impossible to know what players will be up for consideration.  Tomorrow’s DAY 2 of the Combine will move certain players down in many people’s eyes, and move other players up.  Here are a few players who are almost certain to be picked before RSL’s turn:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Danny Mwanga, F, Oregon State:</strong> done deal – headed to Philly</li> <li><strong>Ike Opara, D, Wake Forest:</strong> defensive standout, likely # 2 pick</li> <li><strong>Corben Bone, F, Wake Forest:</strong> will be top 10</li> <li><strong>Teal Bunbury, F, Akron:</strong> speedster also a sure fire top 10 pick</li> <li><strong>Toni Tchani, M, Virginia:</strong> d-mid that many think could one day emulate Shalrie Joseph</li> <li><strong>Andre Akpan, F, Harvard:</strong> great touch, and passing ability: can play back to the goal</li> <li><strong>Dilly Duka, M, Rutgers:</strong> Talented, but with question marks, former NYRB academy player</li> <li><strong>Zach Lloyd, D/M, UNC:</strong> versatile player, and “MLS ready”</li> <li><strong>Amobi Okugo, M, UCLA:</strong> d-mid from the Sam Cronin mold, lots of upside</li> </ul> <hr /> <p>Now if any of the players above are available at #16, it would be a surprise.  Most likely the team would snatch them up.  </p> <p>So who is likely to be available, and up for consideration in that spot?  Well, this is a tricky answer.  There is the standard list (below).  These are the guys that everyone assume are first rounders/early second rounders.  However, there are likely some “unknowns” that will find their way into the mix.  Some of these, like one of yesterdays standouts at the Combine, Andrew Hoaxie, will begin to generate a buzz over the next several days.  Other players are already on the radar of certain teams, but they are more than happy to keep quiet about them.  For now, though, here is the more traditional list of players expected to go in that range.</p> <ul> <li>Andrew Wiedeman, F, Cal</li> <li>Blair Gavin, M, Akron</li> <li>Toni Stahl, M, UConn</li> <li>Jack McInerney, F, U-17</li> <li>Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn</li> <li>Austin de Luz, M/F, Wake Forest</li> <li>Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana</li> <li>Kyle Nakazawa, M, UCLA</li> <li>Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest</li> <li>Mike Stephens, M, UCLA</li> <li>Chris Schular, D, Creighton</li> <li>Sean Johnson, GK, Central Florida</li> </ul> <p>Now among this 12, several of them will likely have been taken (in addition to the 9 "sure things” above) by the time RSL picks. I would rule Sean Johnson out. Four of the names really standout to me as potential to be picked by RSL if available:</p> <ul> <li><strong>McInerney:</strong> A high-risk, high-reward pick.  Could become a great player, or turn out to be a bust.  Very skillful but has yet to put it all together.  Had a poor showing at U-17 WC.</li> <li><strong>Gavin:</strong> young, skilled midfielder with a lot of upside.</li> <li><strong>Schilawski:</strong> talented striker sat in the shadows of a couple other great attackers at Wake, but was able to shine this year.  Best yet to come?</li> <li><strong>Stephens:</strong> outplayed more highly regarded midfielders at DAY 1 of the Combine, very versatile, which would fit the bill.</li> </ul> <p>My guess at the pick?  Who knows?  I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of the above, but my guess is young, player with upside will be the key.  </p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-53186670399591435962010-01-11T10:10:00.001-07:002010-01-11T10:10:11.485-07:00River Plate after Jamison Olave?<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0tbcT5fUeI/AAAAAAAADvk/20a7PByAAH8/s1600-h/olave%5B68%5D.png"><img title="olave" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="olave" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0tbcoSe75I/AAAAAAAADvo/OTl1ItLa02s/olave_thumb%5B68%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="212" align="left" border="0" /></a> Well, not exactly.  However, <a href="http://foros.riverplate.com/campo-de-juego/74915-plan-d-vd.html"><strong>this was an interesting read</strong></a>, from a River Plate online forum.</p> <p>The post suggests that Daniel Passarella, River Plate’s current president and Leonardo Astrade, the team’s manager are in possession of a DVD of Real Salt Lake’s Jamison Olave and are considering him to bolster the lineup. </p> <p>River Plate had been trying to work out a deal to get venerable Argentine defender Roberto Ayala to return to the club from Real Zaragoza in Spain.  This post seems to indicate that will not likely happen, and mentions Olave as not Plan A, Plan B or even Plan C, but Plan D.  </p> <p>The 28 year-old Colombian defender was, in my eyes, Real Salt Lake’s most valuable player in 2009.  It’s not surprising that his play has garnered some interest from abroad.  It’s also interesting to note that before arriving here on loan, Olave told the Colombian media that he hopes this (coming to RSL) could be a springboard for a move to Europe.</p> <p>This is also partially a side-effect of Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup.  This has raised the profile of the club (and its players) to those on the outside looking in.</p> <p>Olave’s rights were purchased by the club following a loan stint and is locked up through the 2012 season.  Any movement would require a transfer fee, and likely a fairly significant one.</p> <p>So should RSL fans worry?  Olave says “NO”.  The source for this info is hardly reliable, and only mentions this as a remote possibility.  A long shot at best.  </p> <p>At this point consider it flattery that the interest is there.</p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-75567214252108258822010-01-11T07:54:00.000-07:002010-01-11T07:54:00.330-07:00MLS Draft 2010: What are they thinking?<p>Most of the draft projections are in now.  There are some out there who spend alot of time analyzing these prospects.  There are 4 sites with mock drafts out there: <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/">SBI</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/">WVHooligan</a>, <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/">Goal.com</a>, and <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/">MLSDraft.net</a>.  I have taken their latest projections and listed them below.  In addition, the website <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/">Pro Player Pipeline</a> has ranked all of the draft prospects, and I have included their top 32 players on this list.  As you will see several players received only one nomination in the picks.  Others seem to have some pretty good consensus among the evaluators.  </p> <p>If tradition holds, the actual draft will look nothing like the picks below, but it can give you a good idea of some of the top prospects.  Enjoy!</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><strong><u>Player Name</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><strong><u>SBI</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><strong><u>WVH</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><strong><u>Goal</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><strong><u>MLSDraft.net</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><strong><u>Pro-Player</u></strong></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><strong><u>AVERAGE</u></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Danny Mwanga</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">6</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">2 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Ike Opara</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">2 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Corben Bone</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">5</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">4 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Teal Bunbury</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">4</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">4</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">4</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">9</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">5 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Mark Blades</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>5</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>5</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Tony Tchani</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">5</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">5</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">4</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">5</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">5 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Andre Akpan</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">6</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">6</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">6</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">6</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">19</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">9 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Andrew Wiedeman</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">8</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">8</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">9</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">12</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">9 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Dilly Duka</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">12</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">12</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">8</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">15</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">10 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Zach Lloyd</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">9</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">11</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">10</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">13</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">10 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Blair Gavin</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">14</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">12</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">13</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">12</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">11 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Toni Stahl</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">10</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">9</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">9</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">24</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">12 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Jack McInerney</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">11</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">15</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">11</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">15</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">7</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">12 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Amobi Okugo</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">8</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">10</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">10</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">11</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">25</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">13 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Kwame Watson-Siriboe</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">13</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">18</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">16</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">19</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">4</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">14 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Austin Da Luz</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">15</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">16</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">15</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">17</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">16 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Ofori Sarkodie</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">21</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">13</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">17</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">13</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">16 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Justin Morrow</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>16</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>16</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Kyle Nakazawa</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">17</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">17</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">19</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">14</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">17 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Zack Schilawski</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">16</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">14</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">14</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">25</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">18</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">17 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Michael Stephens</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">18</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">19</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">18</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">22</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">19 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Kwaku Nyameke</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>20</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>20</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Michael Thomas</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">27</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">14</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">21 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Paulo da Silva</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">21</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">21</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">21 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Nelson Becerra</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">26</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">23</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">24</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">11</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">21 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Chris Schuler</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">19</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">22</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">24</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">21</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">22 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Tim Ream</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">26</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">17</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">22 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Collen Warner</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">22</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">23</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">22</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">22 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Sean Johnson</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">20</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">20</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">30</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">20</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">23 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Jovan Bubonja</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">25</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">25</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">29</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">26</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">10</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">23 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Nick Cardenas</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">23</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">24</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">26</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">23</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">24 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Zachary Herold</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">32</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">22</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">18</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">24 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Irving Garcia</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">27</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">21</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">24 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Brian Perk</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">32</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">30</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">20</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">16</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">25 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Phil Edgington</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">24</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">27</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">26 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Two-Boys Gumede</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center">28</p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">23</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">26 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">J.T. Noone</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">26</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">26 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Neil Barlow</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">27</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">27 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">David Walker</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">27</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">25</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">32</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">28 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Ross LaBauex</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">28</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">29</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">29 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Drew Yates</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em>29</em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>29</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Ryan Petterman</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">31</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">28</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">28</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">29 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Bright Dike</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em>29</em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>29 </em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Ryan Soroka</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>29</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>29</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Conor O'Brien</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">32</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center">28</p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">30 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Seth Sinovic</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em>30</em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>30 </em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Jon Ports</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>30</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>30</em> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left">Ronnie Bouemboue</p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center">30</p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center">31</p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center">31</p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center">31 </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Mike Pezza</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em>31</em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>31 </em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Michael Seamon</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em>31</em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>31 </em></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="195"> <p align="left"><em>Barry Rice</em></p> </td> <td width="54"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="64"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="59"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="103"> <p align="center"><em>32</em></p> </td> <td width="84"> <p align="center"><em> </em></p> </td> <td width="74"> <p align="center"><em>32</em> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-58236282524132804412010-01-10T14:27:00.001-07:002010-01-10T14:27:08.207-07:00MLS Combine Reports<p>Having watched the web closely for info from the MLS Combine last year, my impression is that there is a little more coverage of it this time around.  Hopefully things will evolve to a point where the games are at least streamed on the net, if not televised.</p> <p>Here is some of the coverage of Day 1 that I’ve come across.  Today’s matches have been cancelled because of the weather.  Tomorrow was a scheduled off day.  Not sure if they will play them then to make up:</p> <p><strong><u>MLS Insider Blog: </u></strong><a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=734">Game 1 Preview</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=762">VIDEO: Game 1 Pregame</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=755">Game 2 Preview</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=789">VIDEO: Game 1 Halftime</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=793">VIDEO: Interview with Ike Opara and Brian Perk</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=803">VIDEO: Game 1 Highlights</a>, <a href="http://mlsinsiderblog.com/?p=809">VIDEO: Interview with Andre Akpan</a></p> <p><strong><u>MLSNet, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> <a href="http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20100110&content_id=7896084&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp">Combine notes</a></p> <p><strong><u>Goal.com, Kyle McCarthy:</u></strong> <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2010/01/10/1736090/mls-combine-notebook-drenched-on-day-one">Combine notebook</a></p> <p><u><strong>MLSDraft.net, Sean Keay:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/279">5 Up, 5 Down</a></p> <p><u><strong>Soccer By Ives, Ives Galarcep:</strong></u> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-preview-and-some-day-one-updates.html">MLS Combine Preview</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-matchday-commentary.html">Day One Commentary</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-day-one-a-quick-recap.html">Day One Quick Recap</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/mls-combine-day-one-rewind-1.html">Day One Rewind</a></p> <p><strong><u>Pro Player Pipeline, Joe Mauceri:</u></strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/2010-combine-day-1-game-1/">Game 1 Recap</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/2010-combine-day-1-game-2/">Game 2 Recap</a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-15605868660729517242010-01-10T13:36:00.002-07:002010-01-10T18:58:36.803-07:00Draft Resources: Final Update<p>Final update of draft resources (below). Added new mock drafts for SBI and WVHooligan. Also included the forward rankings from Buzz Carrick.</p> <p> </p><p></p> I’ll pass along some of the Combine info from Day 1, and give you my thoughts on RSL’s draft in the next couple of days. <hr /><p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>ESPN,</strong> Buzz Carrick<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=715050&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=717301&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=719595&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Midfielder Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=722361&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Forward Rankings</a></p> <p><strong>Pro Player Pipeline,</strong> Joe Mauceri<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/">Overall Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/2010-mls-draft-goalkeeper-rankings/">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-defender-rankings/">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-midfielder-rankings/">Midfielder Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-forward-rankings/">Forward Rankings</a></p> <p><strong>Soccer By Ives,</strong> Ives Galarcep<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/01/sbi-2010-mls-mock-draft-version-30.html%20%20%20">Mock Draft 3.0</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-2010-mls-mock-draft-version-20.html">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-mls-draft-big-board-version-40.html#more">Draft Big Board</a></p> <p><strong>MLSDraft.net,</strong> Sean Keay<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21">Mock Draft 3.0</a>, <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21&mock=2">Mock Draft 1.0</a></p> <p><strong>WVHooligan,</strong> Drew Epperley<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2010/01/08/wvh-mock-draft-4-0/">Mock Draft 4.0</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/31/wvh-mock-draft-3-0/">Mock Draft 3.0</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/24/wvh-mock-draft-version-2-0/">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/17/wvh-mock-draft-version-1-0/">Mock Draft 1.0</a></p> <p><strong>Goal.com, </strong>J.R. Eskilson<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2010/01/04/1726023/college-soccer-professor-mock-draft-v20">Mock Draft 2.0</a><strong>,</strong> <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2009/12/18/1694544/college-soccer-professor-mock-2010-mls-superdraft-rounds-1-2">College Soccer Professor: 2010 Mock Draft</a></p>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-37749162746589831812010-01-08T01:04:00.004-07:002010-01-08T01:21:52.158-07:00CAMP CARSON: January 2010 editionMake sure you check out the <a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/">US Soccer website</a>, and <a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/Social/MNT-Blog.aspx?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=1a697a53-a181-4302-aa61-f454d97c88fd&plckPostId=Blog%3a1a697a53-a181-4302-aa61-f454d97c88fdPost%3a3a900350-ec42-42ef-8980-520ce7cacf9e&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest">blog</a> for info coming out about the camp currently being held in Carson. As you know, RSL'ers Nick Rimando, Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman are taking part in the action there. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0brHW64dpI/AAAAAAAADvc/M3xzcsvQxUY/s1600-h/c2f0e960-e1cb-4a9c-a688-04c32edf6884.Large%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="c2f0e960-e1cb-4a9c-a688-04c32edf6884.Large" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="372" alt="c2f0e960-e1cb-4a9c-a688-04c32edf6884.Large" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0brH9Fs4jI/AAAAAAAADvg/PElzKYkeFOE/c2f0e960-e1cb-4a9c-a688-04c32edf6884.Large_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" border="0" /></a> <br /><span style="font-size: 78%"><span style="font-style: italic">pic courtesy of US Soccer</span> <br /></span></div> Here are some facts about the last three teams in camp in January during World Cup years, and a video with interviews with several of the participants including Robbie Findley. <br /> <br /><a style="font-weight: bold" href="http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2010/01/Comparing-Camps-A-Look-at-the-January-MNT-Camps-of-2002-2006-and-2010.aspx">Comparing the last three WC January camps</a> <br /> <br /><a style="font-weight: bold" href="http://www.ussoccer.com/Multimedia/Media-Center.aspx#/id=8f4fb8a9-5a5f-4e22-a223-b09849f7b6b4">Video: including RSL's Robbie Findley</a> <p></p> <p>In addition, here is an update on the condition of NT striker Charlie Davies:</p> <p><a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/01/davies_update_and_other_notes.html?wprss=soccerinsider"><strong>Soccer Insider: Davies Update</strong></a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-25611426723981328452010-01-06T15:15:00.001-07:002010-01-06T15:15:10.167-07:00Updated MLS Draft Resources<p>Updated draft resources (below).  Added new mock drafts for MLSDraft.net and Goal.com.  Also included some older versions of the mock drafts for this who might be interested.  Still no forward rankings from Buzz, but hopefully that will come out in the next couple of days.</p> <p>Coming up I intend to give my thoughts on RSL draft strategy based on my knowledge of RSL needs, philosophy, and players available.  Also, I’ll pass along some of the MLS Combine info as soon as it starts to come out from this weekend’s action – the schedule of games is as follows, and you can find the rosters <a href="http://www.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20100104&content_id=7872440&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp"><strong>here</strong></a>:</p> <p><b>Saturday, January 9</b> <br />3:00 p.m.   Predator X vs. Jabulani 4:45 p.m.   Condivo vs. F50i </p> <p><b>Sunday, January 10</b> <br />2:00 p.m.   Predator X vs. Condivo 3:45p.m.   F50i vs. Jabulani </p> <p><b>Tuesday, January 12</b> <br />9:30 a.m.   Jabulani vs. Condivo 11:15 a.m.   Predator X vs. F50i </p> <p>  <hr /></p> <p><strong>ESPN,</strong> Buzz Carrick<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=715050&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=717301&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=719595&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Midfielder Rankings</a>, Forward Rankings</p> <p><strong>Pro Player Pipeline,</strong> Joe Mauceri<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/">Overall Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/2010-mls-draft-goalkeeper-rankings/">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-defender-rankings/">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-midfielder-rankings/">Midfielder Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-forward-rankings/">Forward Rankings</a></p> <p><strong>Soccer By Ives,</strong> Ives Galarcep<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-2010-mls-mock-draft-version-20.html">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-mls-draft-big-board-version-40.html#more">Draft Big Board</a></p> <p><strong>MLSDraft.net,</strong> Sean Keay<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21&mock=4">Mock Draft 3.0</a>, <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21&mock=2">Mock Draft 1.0</a></p> <p><strong>WVHooligan,</strong> Drew Epperley<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/31/wvh-mock-draft-3-0/">Mock Draft 3.0</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/24/wvh-mock-draft-version-2-0/">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/17/wvh-mock-draft-version-1-0/">Mock Draft 1.0</a></p> <p><strong>Goal.com, </strong>J.R. Eskilson<strong>:</strong> <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2010/01/04/1726023/college-soccer-professor-mock-draft-v20">Mock Draft 2.0</a><strong>,</strong> <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2009/12/18/1694544/college-soccer-professor-mock-2010-mls-superdraft-rounds-1-2">College Soccer Professor: 2010 Mock Draft</a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-84388791123422788502010-01-06T08:40:00.007-07:002010-01-06T08:55:01.970-07:00Some Worthwhile Reading<p>Four interesting articles:</p><p>First article is very enlightening on Mwanga's thought process relative to MLS.</p><p>I thought the second one was a joke at first, but read it through – he’s serious.</p><p>The third shows the positioning that’s starting to go on between the two sides in the CBA negotiations, with FIFPro as an ally to the players union. </p><p>The final article tries to clarify some of the assertions that FIFPro is trying to make. It’s becoming more clear that this is (at least partially) a clash between the traditional structure of American sports and the structure of international club sports. Of course, the single-entity structure is somewhat unique to both cultures.</p><p><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/01/osus_danny_mwanga_no_1_pick_in.html"><strong>OSU's Danny Mwanga: No. 1 pick in MLS SuperDraft?:</strong></a> Toshio Suzuki, OregonLive.com</p><blockquote>"I wanted to go to Europe," he said, "and I didn't want to be in the MLS for that long." </blockquote><blockquote>"One week after meeting with Nowak, Mwanga changed his mind about the MLS. His contract includes a marketing aspect from Adidas and performance incentives from the league."</blockquote><blockquote>"Both of Mwanga's former coaches agree that Nowak's willingness to fly to Portland and make a personal appeal is a strong indication Mwanga could be the No. 1 pick in the draft."</blockquote><p></p><p><strong></p><a href="http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/06/1s6socpage/"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/06/1s6socpage/"><p>A birth certificate worth questioning:</strong></a> Mark Zeigler, The San Diego Union-Tribune</p><blockquote><p>"He is 20 now and headed for his sixth pro club in seven years, meaning we can no longer pass off his rapidly spiraling career to mere youth and inexperience. Instead, we are left with two basic explanations:</p><p>1. He has crumbled under the weight of unrealistic expectations.</p><p>2. He’s not how old he says he is."</p></blockquote><p><a href="http://www.mls-daily.com/2010/01/donovan-keller-blast-league-over-cba.html"><strong>Updated: Donovan, Keller Blast League Over CBA Talks:</strong></a> TJ, MLS Daily</p><blockquote><p>• Player contracts are routinely terminated by the league during their term, as almost 80% of players in MLS do not have guaranteed contracts;<br />• MLS operates as a cartel in that every player’s contract must be entered into with the league instead of his club;<br />• The contract of virtually every player in the league contains multiple unilateral one-year options that may only be exercised by the league;<br />• Virtually any player in the league can be transferred to another club within the league without his consent even if such transfer is international, such as a transfer from an MLS club in the United States to or from an MLS club in Canada;<br />• There is no freedom of movement for any MLS player to any other MLS clubs when his contract expires – in fact, even if a player’s contract is unilaterally terminated by a club during its term, that club continues to hold such player’s rights and he is prohibited from signing with another club in the league.</p></blockquote><p><a href="http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=36171"><strong>FIFPro's latest salvo: fact and fiction:</strong></a> Ridge Mahoney, Soccer America Daily </p><blockquote><p>"Stalemated in its efforts to spark momentum in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with MLS, the players' union is rallying more support overseas. FIFPro, the international players' union, has fired another salvo to apply pressure on MLS as well as FIFA. Without taking sides, Soccer America is presenting FIFPro's <a href="http://www.fifpro.org/news/news_details/122">statement</a> in its entirety in italics, along with clarifications or counterpoints marked in bold letters following each issue of contention."</p></blockquote>realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-89687182441245132592010-01-05T21:20:00.001-07:002010-01-05T21:40:53.529-07:00MLS Draft: A Real Crapshoot<p> </p> <p>The MLS Draft is coming up next week.  Real Salt Lake holds three picks in the draft, picking last in the first, second and fourth rounds (Note: some sources have indicated RSL has a 3rd, but not a 4th, but this contradicts <a href="http://keepinitrealsl.blogspot.com/2009/12/thoughts-from-garth-lagerwey-part-iii.html">the info from Garth Lagerwey</a>).  What can they expect?  The answer is probably not alot.  </p> <p>I pulled out some of the noteworthy picks through the last decade (avoiding the temptation to list all of the flops).  In many cases these are the better players that have shown their worth in MLS, on the US international team and playing abroad.  I have left off some equally deserving players in some cases in the the interest of brevity.  </p> <p>So what does it show?  Well to be honest the jury is still out on 2008 & 2009.  Generally speaking, however, there are between 3-5 above average players that come through the draft annually.  That’s it.  A few other decent players sprinkled in that aren’t listed, and you hardly have the talent to field a viable team from each years selections in the draft.    </p> <p><b><u>2009</u></b> <br />Steve Zakuani (1) <br />Sam Cronin (2) <br />AJ DeLaGarza (19)</p> <p><b><u>2008</u></b> <br />Brek Shea (2) <br />Tony Beltran (3) <br />Geoff Cameron (42)</p> <p><b><u>2007</u></b> <br />Maurice Edu (1) <br />Bakary Soumare (2) <br />Robbie Findley (16) <br />Omar Cummings (31) <br /><b><u> <br />2006</u></b> <br />Marvell Wynne (1) <br />Yura Movsisyan (4) <br />Sacha Kljestan (5) <br />Josy Altidore (17) <br />Jonathon Bornstein (37)</p> <p><strong><u>2005</u></strong> <br />Brad Guzan (2) <br />Chris Rolfe (29) <br />Gonzo Segares (35)</p> <p><u><b>2004</b></u> <br />Freddy Adu (1) <br />Chad Marshall (2) <br />Joseph Ngwenya (3) <br />Clarence Goodson (7) <br />Clint Dempsey (8) <br />Matt Pickens (19) <br />Zach Wells (20) <br />Jeremiah White (23) <br />Michael Bradley (36)</p> <p><u><b>2003</b></u> <br />Ricardo Clark (2) <br />Pat Noonan (9) <br />Arturo Alvarez (13)</p> <p><u><b>2002</b></u> <br />Taylor Twellman (2) <br />Brad Davis (3) <br />Shalrie Joseph (14) <br />Alejandro Moreno (27)</p> <p><u><b>2001 </b></u> <br />Brian Ching (16) <br />Eddie Johnson (19) <br /><b><u> <br />2000</u></b> <br />Nick Garcia (2) <br />Carlos Bocanegra (4) <br />Danny Califf (6) <br />Bobby Convey (12) <br />Nick Rimando (35)</p> <p> </p> <hr /> <p>With Real Salt Lake holding picks #16 and #32 for their first two picks, I thought I would focus on those two selections to see what those picks would normally yield (see charts below).</p> <p>There is some good news.  Pick #16 has brought Brian Ching and Robbie Findley into the league.  As would be expected, over the last 12 years Pick #32 has not led to any players yielding significant dividends. So while there is hope, it’s very slim.  Hopefully RSL can find this years Geoff Cameron, or Omar Cummings – but don’t count on it.  </p> <p>Generally speaking, there have been very few picks below #15 that have produced significant dividends.  Some would argue that there are too few worthwhile picks ABOVE #15 to make the draft meaningful.  </p> <p>As an RSL fan – put all your stock in the open transfer market, but hope for a minor miracle from the draft.</p> <p align="left"><strong><font size="3"><u>History of Pick #16</u></font></strong></p> <table cellpadding="0" width="619" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td> <p><b>Year</b></p> </td> <td> <p><b>Rd</b></p> </td> <td> <p><b>Pick</b></p> </td> <td width="174"> <p><b>Team</b></p> </td> <td width="126"> <p><b>Player</b></p> </td> <td width="227"> <p><b>Previous Team</b></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2009</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Seattle Sounders</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Evan Brown</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Wake Forest University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2008</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>New York Red Bull</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Eric Brunner</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Ohio State University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2007</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Los Angeles Galaxy</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Robbie Findley</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Oregon State University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2006</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Kansas City Wizards</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Lance Watson</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>University of New Mexico</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2005</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Kansas City Wizards</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Ryan Pore</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>University of Tulsa</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2004</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Colorado Rapids</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Adrian Cann</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>University of Louisville</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2003</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Los Angeles Galaxy</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Scot Thompson</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>UCLA</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2002</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Colorado Rapids</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Danny Jackson</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>University of North Carolina </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2001</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Los Angeles Galaxy</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Brian Ching</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Spokane Shadow</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2000</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>San Jose Earthquakes</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Justin Evans</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Pittsburgh Riverhounds</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1999</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>New York MetroStars</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Kevin Knight</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>James Madison University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1998</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>New York MetroStars</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Billy Walsh</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Rutgers University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1997</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>Dallas Burn</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Alan Branigan</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Rutgers University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1996</p> </td> <td> <p>2</p> </td> <td> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="174"> <p>New England Revolution</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Imad Baba</p> </td> <td width="227"> <p>Clemson University</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote></blockquote> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="left"><strong><font size="3"><u>History of Pick #32</u></font></strong></p> <table cellpadding="0" width="622" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td> <p><b>Year</b></p> </td> <td> <p><b>Rd</b></p> </td> <td> <p><b>Pick</b></p> </td> <td width="172"> <p><b>Team</b></p> </td> <td width="126"> <p><b>Player</b></p> </td> <td width="232"> <p><b>Previous Team</b></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2009</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Seattle Sounders</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Jared Karkas</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Azusa Pacific</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2008</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>New York Red Bull</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Luke Sassano</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>UC Berkeley</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2007</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>D.C. United</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Jay Needham</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Southern Methodist University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2006</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Houston Dynamo</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Andre Schmid</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>St. John's University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2005</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>San Jose Earthquakes </p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>C.J. Klass</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>University of Washington</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2004</p> </td> <td> <p>4</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Columbus Crew</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Jamal Sutton</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Missouri State University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2003</p> </td> <td> <p>4</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>New York MetroStars</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Kenny Arena</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>University of Virginia</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2002</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Kansas City Wizards</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>O'neil Peart</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Long Island Rough Riders</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2001</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Colorado Rapids</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Ryan Lee</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>UCLA</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>2000</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Chicago Fire</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Yuri Lavrinenko</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Indiana University</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1999</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Colorado Rapids</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Bobby Meyer</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Dartmouth College</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p>1998</p> </td> <td> <p>3</p> </td> <td> <p>32</p> </td> <td width="172"> <p>Kansas City Wizards</p> </td> <td width="126"> <p>Mario Sanchez</p> </td> <td width="232"> <p>Fresno State University</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-9982849861459416472010-01-03T09:30:00.000-07:002010-01-03T09:30:00.162-07:00Thoughts from Garth Lagerwey: Part V – Effects of CBA negotiations<p><img style="display: inline; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px" src="http://i.media.goal.com/g/26794_news.jpg" align="left" /> This is the final segment of a 5-part series with thoughts from Real Salt Lake General Manager Garth Lagerwey. </p> <p>I wanted to get his thoughts on the following topics: </p> <ul> <ul> <ul> <ul> <ul> <ul> <li><a href="http://keepinitrealsl.blogspot.com/2009/12/thoughts-from-garth-lagerwey-part-i.html">the current squad</a> </li> <li><a href="http://keepinitrealsl.blogspot.com/2009/12/thoughts-from-garth-lagerwey-part-ii.html">offseason needs</a> </li> <li><a href="http://keepinitrealsl.blogspot.com/2009/12/thoughts-from-garth-lagerwey-part-iii.html">the upcoming draft</a> </li> <li><a href="http://keepinitrealsl.blogspot.com/2009/12/thoughts-from-garth-lagerwey-part-iv.html">the RSL youth program</a> </li> <li><strong>some of the consequences of the current CBA negotiations.</strong> </li> </ul> </ul> </ul> </ul> </ul> </ul> <p>Here is part 5:</p> <p></p> <hr /> <p></p> <p>The collective bargaining negotiations in Major League Soccer are bound to have many impacts.  Since the league is a single-entity system, the negotiations are technically between the league and the players union, with little involvement from the individual clubs.  I’ve asked Garth Lagerwey about the status of these discussions on several occasions, and he genuinely acts like he has little information (although it’s also possible that he’s subject to a gag rule of sorts).  However, he’s clearly planning for all possibilities during this offseason.</p> <p>My first concern was how the CBA negotiations would affect the preseason plans. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“We signed up for the Carolina Cup, and we’re close to locking down the first segment of our preseason which looks like it’s going to be somewhere out west. All of those contracts have clauses that say in the event of a work stoppage we won’t be participating. You have to make those plans, but you try to do so in a way that isn’t damaging to the club in the event of a work stoppage.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>My next concern was how the CBA negotiations would impact the clubs ability to recruit foreign players.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“For the foreign players you are just not going to get into it (the CBA negotiations). You are just going to say here is what we are willing to commit at this point and that is what is. My job is always about making your best guess about how things are going to come out. So you make a prediction and you try to allocate resources according to that best guess, and you try to get a contract done. With the foreign signings it tends to be strike while the anvil is hot. Either the player is interested or he is not. And he’s either going to play in the salary range that you want him to play in or he won’t. Those conversations are often very brief. So if you have someone who is interested, then there is usually a way to get a deal done – at least to have him come in and have us have a look at him.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>I also wanted to understand how the CBA and the January transfer window could play out.  From Lagerwey’s perspective a delay in getting the CBA renewed may slow things down, but wouldn’t be the end of the world.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“It’s short in Europe, but you need to remember our window is from January 15<sup>th</sup> to April 15<sup>th</sup>. Often times, the high-priced guys don’t become available until after the Europe window closes, because everybody thinks that they can sign in Europe for a million dollars. It turns out that not all of them can, and they reduce their expectations in some cases, and our willing to come for a lot less in February. I would suspect that you may not hear anything for a long time, but then you may hear a lot all of the sudden.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>This is probably especially relevant since Real Salt Lake has shown a propensity for recruiting from South America.  Recent reports had RSL looking at a couple of players from Quilmes, but apparently losing out on both of them. </p> <p>For RSL’s GM, the important thing is to be ready for any outcome.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“The CBA is the primary piece, and you need to be ready to go when it closes.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p><em>I hope you enjoyed this series.  This was the final installment.  Look for more good things to come in 2010!</em></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4192155103454273026.post-41273925360744134112010-01-03T00:29:00.001-07:002010-01-03T00:29:42.084-07:002010 MLS Draft: General Resources and RSL Speculation<p>Here is some information on the upcoming MLS draft which will be held on January 14th.  There have been four players listed as going to RSL in the first round in Mock Draft’s from various sources.  Here are the four players with some links to information, and ratings regarding the players.  Following that you’ll find the sources for these picks, and then some general draft resources.  I will try to give my thoughts on RSL’s draft decision after I have had time to absorb the information a little more thoroughly.</p> <p><strong>Jack McInerney, M, US U-17</strong></p> <p>– <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/">ranked 6th best overall player by Joe Mauceri at Pro Player Pipeline</a></p> <p>- <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/9&id=134">profile at MLSdraft.net</a></p> <p>- <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/11/chase-for-usa-under17s-heats-up.html">reportedly was courted by Hertha Berlin and Vitesse Arnhem</a></p> <p><strong>Brian Perk, GK, UCLA</strong> </p> <p>- <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=715050&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">ranked 3rd by Buzz Carrick in what he calls a “solid but not spectacular” crop of keepers.</a></p> <p>- <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/9&id=58">profile at MLSdraft.net</a></p> <p><strong>Zack Schilawski, F, Wake Forest</strong> </p> <p>- <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-forward-rankings/">ranked 3rd among forwards at Pro Player Pipeline</a></p> <p>- <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/9&id=97">profile at MLSdraft.net</a></p> <p><strong>Zach Lloyd, D, North Carolina</strong></p> <p>- <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/">ranked 9th best player overall at Pro Player Pipeline</a></p> <p>- <a href="http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/9&id=106">profile at MLSdraft.net</a></p> <p>  </p> <hr /> <p></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b><font size="3"><u>SBI 2010 MLS Mock Draft</u></font></b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>16. Real Salt Lake-JACK McINERNEY, F, U.S. Under-17</b></p> <p>The champions head into 2010 with all its key players set to return so there's not much on the need list. Adding a 17-year-old prospect as highly-regarded as McInerney makes the most sense, assuming McInerney slides this far. RSL could use a goalkeeper, but taking one here would be a reach.</p> <p><b>32.Real Salt Lake- BRIAN PERK, GK, UCLA</b></p> <p>The champs traded back-up goalkeeper Chris Seitz to Philly, but land a quality prospect in Perk, who is cut from the Nick Rimando mold as a quick and aggressive shot-stopper (who also happens to come from goalkeeper factory UCLA).</p> <p> </p> <p><b><font size="3"><u>MLS Draft Net Mock Draft</u></font></b></p> <p> <table cellpadding="0" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td width="4%"> <p>16</p> </td> <td width="7%"> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0BHY5KY8-I/AAAAAAAADvM/gcJGah96afk/s1600-h/clip_image001%5B3%5D.gif"><img title="clip_image001" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="44" alt="clip_image001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0C2715GX9S0/S0BHZcPbJ0I/AAAAAAAADvQ/ITMe6k55JVI/clip_image001_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" width="44" border="0" /></a></p> </td> <td> <p><a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/9&id=58">Brian Perk</a></p> </td> <td> <p><b>Comments: </b>With Chris Seitz moving, and Nick Rimando not getting any younger, the defending champs have to look to find themselves a strong backup and a face for the future. Perk is the safest and possibly the best option for keeper in this year’s draft.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">WVHooligan Mock Draft</font></u></strong></p> <p><strong>16. Real Salt Lake – <strong><strong>Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest</strong></strong></strong></p> <p>RSL is a club I go back and forth on here but the more I hear from folks out there the more it sounds like they are leaning on taking a guy with experience rather than a project player. Schilawski fills a need up top for RSL and gives them someone that can step in early and contribute.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">Goal.com’s Soccer Professor</font></u></strong></p> <p>16. Real Salt Lake – Zach Lloyd, D, North Carolina</p> <p>32. Real Salt Lake – Eric Alexander, M, Indiana</p> <p>  <hr /></p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">Draft Resources:</font></u></strong> </p> <p><strong>ESPN, Buzz Carrick:</strong> <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=715050&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=717301&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=719595&sec=mls&root=mls&cc=5901">Midfielder Rankings</a>, Forward Rankings</p> <p><strong>Pro Player Pipeline, Joe Mauceri:</strong> <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/2010-mls-draft-overall-rankings/">Overall Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/2010-mls-draft-goalkeeper-rankings/">Goalkeeper Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-defender-rankings/">Defender Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-midfielder-rankings/">Midfielder Rankings</a>, <a href="http://proplayerpipeline.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/2010-mls-draft-forward-rankings/">Forward Rankings</a></p> <p><strong>Soccer By Ives, Ives Galarcep:</strong> <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-2010-mls-mock-draft-version-20.html">Mock Draft 2.0</a>, <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/12/sbi-mls-draft-big-board-version-40.html#more">Draft Big Board</a></p> <p><strong>MLSDraft.net, Sean Keay:</strong> <a href="http://mlsdraft.net/?q=node/21">Mock Draft 2.0</a></p> <p><strong>WVHooligan, Drew Epperley:</strong> <a href="http://wvhooligan.com/2009/12/31/wvh-mock-draft-3-0/">Mock Draft 3.0</a></p> <p><strong>Goal.com, J.R. Eskilson:</strong> <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2009/12/18/1694544/college-soccer-professor-mock-2010-mls-superdraft-rounds-1-2">College Soccer Professor: 2010 Mock Draft</a></p> realslfanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03452126350223589317noreply@blogger.com