Showing posts with label Fusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fusion. Show all posts

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Player Profile: Kyle Beckerman

Kyle Beckerman



Position: Holding Midfielder
Date of Birth: April 23, 1982 (25)
Place of Birth: Crofton, MD
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 165
Previous Clubs: Colorado Rapids, Miami Fusion
National Team Exp: United States (3 caps)
Jersey Number: #5
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: Traded from Colorado Rapids for Mehdi Ballouchi.

Personal summary: Likes to surf and play guitar. Has been spotted in the off-season in Costa Rica and other exotic locales.

Professional summary/highlights: Signed as a Project 40 member in 2000 and was then claimed by the Miami Fusion. Only played in 1 game with Miami before suffering a broken leg. Was then claimed by Colorado the next season in the dispersal draft. Started most of the games in his 6 seasons with Colorado registering 10 goals and 16 assists. Was traded in 2007 to Real Salt Lake for Mehdi Ballouchy.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: Goal (versus NYRB), US MNT One-on-One (Must see), Player Profile w/ Dunseth (Must see), AYL Double Talk (with Robbie Findley)

Other links: MLS Player profile: Kyle Beckerman/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Kyle Beckerman/Wiki, AYL Podcast (Rocky Mountain Cup edition), AYL chat

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: While there are a few questions about the midfield for this season, one thing that’s for sure is that Beckerman will be in the mix. Many would argue that his natural position is as a true defensive midfielder. I like him in this role, but I’d like to see him have a little more freedom to help support the offense. He will start most if not all games, and if Talley is in the lineup he’ll push out wide, otherwise he’ll be locking down the opponent just in front of the defense.

Fans Scorecard Rating: Beckerman Rating

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Played the #10 as a youth, before converting to a defensive midfielder in the MLS.

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Player Profile: Nick Rimando

Nick Rimando


Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: June 17, 1979 (28)
Place of Birth: Montclair, CA, USA
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 184
Previous Clubs: DC United, Miami Fusion, UCLA
National Team Exp: United States – 3 Caps
Jersey Number: #18
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: via trade with NYRB (initially trade with DCU)

Personal summary: Married to Jacqui Little who played in the WUSA for the Washington Freedom. Wedding was performed by teammate Ben Olsen.

Professional summary/highlights: Drafted by Miami Fusion in 2000 and took over starting job from Jeff Cassar in rookie season. Helped the Fusion win the Supporters Shield in his second season. Selected by DC United in 2002 allocation draft after the Fusion were contracted. Lost the starting job to Troy Perkins in the 2004 season, after suffering an injury at the end of 2003. Regained the starting job and helped DC win the MLS Cup. Traded to Real Salt Lake prior to the 2007 season. Named club MVP, after leading the league with 146 saves.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: Profile interview with Dunseth (must view): Rimando/Dunseth, Rapids match 2007: Save of the Year, AYL Double Talk (with Chris Wingert)

Other links: MLS Player profile: Nick Rimando/MLSNet ; Wikipedia Page: Rimando/Wiki

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Will start 90% of matches. Will be challenged less as RSL midfield holds ball better, and defense is much improved. Will still have great year, and be in the running for GK of the Year.

Fans Scorecard Ratings: Rimando Rating

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: During the 2007 hosted teammate Alecko Eskandarian as a housemate.

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