Player Profile: Andy Williams

Andy "Bomma" Williams

Position: Central Midfielder
Date of Birth: September 23, 1977 (31)
Place of Birth: Toronto, Canada
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Weight: 171
Previous Clubs: Chicago Fire, MetroStars, New England, Miami, Columbus, Harbour View
National Team Exp: Jamaica (82 caps)
Jersey Number: #77
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: 2004 Expansion Draft

Personal summary: Andy was born in Toronto, but has Jamaican citizenship, and now holds a US green card. Married to Marcia Karyo. The two met when she was vacationing in Jamaica. They have a daughter together. Andy also has a son, and Marcia a daughter from a prior marriage. The two have experienced the hardships of a talented, but challenged athlete in a league that is trying to find it's identity (see Money magazine article below). Andy has had ups and downs from a salary standpoint, much of it stemming from his previous international status (he now has a green card).

Professional summary/highlights: Andy played college soccer at Rhode Island and was drafted by Columbus in 1998. Andy was traded to Miami in 2000. Unfortunately Andy set a MLS record for bouncing around to 6 teams over an 8 year span. His greatest success was likely in New England and in Chicago. In New England, he was named the team MVP in 2001. In Chicago, Andy had some great Open Cup and MLS playoff moments to go with his solid play in league games

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: MLS Goal of the Year? (shoulda been)

Other links: MLS Player profile: Andy Williams/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Andy Williams/Wiki, Money Magazine (must read)

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Another player that is a definite starter this season. His creative ability, and his ability from set pieces make him a valuable asset. He will be the clear starter at #10 this season. My opinion is that he will get some recognition as one of the better midfielders in the league.

Fans Scorecard Ratings: Bomma Ratings

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote:

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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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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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