Answering Machine
Q Crappy weather and a three-point lead, five weeks before the season opener: What's your guess at the crowd at RFK Thursday night? (Is "crowd" even the right word?)
A You know it's not a good sign when the DCU folks are asking me to write about tickets. So here goes: Tickets are available. Chance of rain, big lead in the series, mid-week, not much buzz about this game, hmmmm. I'm sure some Honduran fans will show to help turnout, but I'd be surprised if there were more than 10,000. To be honest, I have not asked the front office about their expectations.
Q How do you see the U.S. stacking up a the World Cup in 2010 -- e.g., is it realistic to expect the U.S. to make it out of an average-quality grouping? And what is your estimate as to when the U.S. can realistically hope to arrive as an elite team / World Cup contender -- say, on the level of England?
A Much too early to say how the U.S. will fare in 2010. We've got a good idea of the roster's core - Dempsey, Howard, Onyewu, Donovan, Beasley, Cherundolo, etc. -- but talent always emerges late in the cycle. The key to success in a World Cup for mid-level programs such as the U.S.'s is the draw. You get stuck in a rough one like 2006, you're probably doomed. You get put in a moderate one like 2002, you've got a shot to advance. As far as being an elite team on the world stage, it will be another few decades, I'm afraid.
Q If United did sign Jamil Fearrington, what are his chances of cracking the starting lineup and who might he replace?
A United is looking at Fearrington for defensive depth, not an instant starter. Over time, perhaps he'll evolve into a starting candidate, but this move would simply give the coaching staff more options in the back during a very busy year.
Q What are Kasali Yinka Casal 's chances of beating out Gros for the starting right midfield spot?
A Casal plays on the left, not the right, and at the moment, is regarded more as a prospect than a starter. Gros is a lock to start.
Q Given the 4-1 goal lead and the home venue, do you foresee any changes to the lineup and/or formation for Thursday, or will it be the same starting 3-5-2 as last week?
A No reason to change anything after a 4-1 victory. I'd be surprised if there were any changes in the starting lineup.
Q I'm not sure of the details but could you talk about the new women's league and what you are hearing as to what we might see. The doubleheaders with United and Freedom were great.
A Contrary to what the Associated Press wrote, the women's league is not certain to restart in 2008. A group of investors have stepped forward and committed to placing teams in six cities, including Washington, IF a league is launched. It is getting closer to fruition, but at the moment, there is no league. They're still hoping to add two more cities and perhaps launching the league next year.
Q From where do you like to watch the games at RFK (sideline, press box, Barra Brava)? What kind of beer do they serve in the press box?
A Press box, baby! No beer; just official MLS Pepsi products.
Q Have you heard anything about former DCU draft pick Kenney Bertz possibly being picked up to fill in the defense?
A No.
Q How has Dyachenko looked in practice? What are the chances he'll spell Moreno and/or Gomez on a consistent basis?
A He's a versatile attacking option off the bench. He can play up top, in central midfield and, the club believes, on the flank. I'm sure we'll see a lot of him this year.
Q Things are awfully quiet on the Zidane rumor front, aren't they? Is it time to put this issue to rest?
A It's dead ... for now.
Q What are the chances DCU trades one of our 4 or 5 defensive midfielders? (Olsen, Simms, Arguez, 2 Carrolls). I bet we could get a good player for B. Carroll or Simms. Leeds will be relegated (again). Unless Eddie Lewis wants to play some League 1 football he'll be changing teams this summer. Any chance of an Earnie Stewart-like transfer to DC?
A As far as I know, there are no trades in the works. Have not heard anything about Eddie Lewis coming to D.C.
Q I love getting your practice notes, but I understand it's not feasible if they're in Florida again or if the big bad Post has you stuck on college basketball duty. Are you going to be able to get out to practices much in the next month?
A I'll get out to training when I can, but the priority over the next month will be college basketball - and they need my help. United will actually be away a lot prior to the MLS opener. On Saturday they head to Florida for a week and assuming they advance to the next round of Champions' Cup, they'll also spend considerable time training in Mexico. So unfortunately, except for the matches, there will not be many opportunities to see them in person.
Q Obviously it's early in the game but how do you rate Fearrington and Casals --just young guys who might be worth something in a year or could they push for starting time? And Welton--any sense of what type of forward he is? In other words, does he primarily spell Emilio or Moreno?
A Casal is on the team and will be an option on the flank. Fearrington's tryout begins this weekend and, as I said earlier, he would add depth to the back. Good question about Welton. The club sees him as a No. 9 striker, just like Emilio, but until they see more of him, they're not quite sure yet what his role would be.
Q Do you think MLS should increase the number of Senior International slots on a given roster?
A No. But I do think the league needs to increase the number of senior roster slots from 18 to 20 or 22, so more players earn a decent living and not have to get by on developmental salaries.
Q What cities are the most likely candidates for MLS expansion and what is the timeline for expansion?
A St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Seattle, Philadelphia and the SF area are mentioned often. The buzz has died down a bit, so I'd be surprised if any deals are reached in the next few months. I guess we're looking at 2009.
Q Kpene has apparently signed a contract with MLS, but there's been no official announcement from DC. Status?
A They are still finalizing the details, but it appears he will be among the developmental players. The team also has to complete the deals with Casal and perhaps Crowe.
Q Any word on Kiki Willis's status with the club? I know he was having toe infection issues that weren't healing, any chance he'd be brought back in for a look?
A When healthy, Kiki will probably get another look. No word on when that might be. He too would be a developmental candidate. Brad North, who suffered a hamstring injury, is in the same situation.
Q Three of United's 5 draft picks didn't make the team or didn't even try. Do you think this is "normal" or should United be making different decisions in the draft - making trades, passing on some players, drafting lesser players, etc.
A The failure to sign Needham was notable. Other than that, nothing to worry about. Few draft picks amount to much.
Q When are they starting construction of the new stadium at Poplar Point? What's the current status of the timeline for that?
A Yeah, yeah, zzzzz. Seriously, as I've said all along, I'll believe it when I see it. You're dealing with a massive bureaucracy and a city that does not care as much about soccer as it does about baseball. If a deal isn't reached soon, perhaps Mr. Macfarlane should turn his attention to a stadium project in the suburbs.
Q I have to say I don't really know much about Tommy Soehn. What can we expect from him? What's he like as a coach and just as a guy as compared to Peter, Bruce, Hudson, etc.?
A Down-to-earth, Midwest guy who worked his way up in U.S. soccer circles. I am planning to write a profile sometime before the MLS opener.
Q I thought one of MLS changes for this year was that every game would be televised. The schedule on the United web site shows that that is not the case. What gives?
A United and Comcast SportsNet typically do not finalize their contract until just before the season starts. Rest assured, almost all regular season games will be televised on Comcast, ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Fox Soccer Channel or a Spanish network.
Q As per your blog entry Robbie Rogers will be entered in a lottery draft, what's the breakdown of the probability of each teams chances of getting him. Do you happen to know if DC is interested?
A IF Rogers signs with MLS and IF indeed a lottery is used, the best teams over the last year or two have the longest odds of acquiring him. Like all MLS teams, DCU is interested.
Q Is United in any discussions with a company over a shirt sponsorship like the potential Citigroup-LA Galaxy deal? On another note, does the Post offer summer internships in any field?
A No, I wouldn't expect any major shirt sponsorships this season. Yes, the Post has summer internships for college students. There are thousands of applicants every year and only about 25 are chosen to work in various newsroom departments for three months at staff salary. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1 for the following summer. For more info, call the main number at 202-334-6000 and ask for the Internship Coordinator.
Q Which coaches would you consider as "on the hot seat" going into the early season, if any?
A Sigi Schmid could use a good year in Columbus. Dave Sarachan, maybe?
Q In your opinion, do you think D.C. United is talented enough to compete on a regular basis with teams from the Premiership? Besides the big four of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, I could see United being competitive against the likes of Bolton, Wigan, Watford and West Ham.
A Assuming all teams are in mid-season form and fitness, United could play with some Premiership clubs, but over the course of a long season, they would not fare well. The gap, top to bottom, between the Premiership and MLS is awfully wide.
Q Has there been any word on whether Christian Gomez's younger brother will be granted another trial with the club? Will there be any more announcements about youth players committed to playing for our youth initiative?
A No more Gomezs. Sorry. The club already announced commitments from three local players. I'm sure there will be more later this year.
Q Steve, I know that every MLS preseason there are a bunch of Euro players out of contract whose agents start calling and they try out with a bunch of MLS teams hoping to hook on somewhere. Welton, Fearrington and Casal--to what extent are they here b/c of DC United scouting/contacts versus just luck of the draw? I'm wondering if these are guys that Kasper and Co. spotted and invited or they contacted us--any insight on this?
A United has a network of agents and scouts around the world, but they also make trips to Europe and Latin America in search of talent. They watch tapes, they do their homework, they determine how much they would be willing to offer if they like the player, and then they decide whether to offer a tryout. Obviously, they didn't scout Welton in Saudi Arabia. Fearrington has U.S. ties, so teams were aware of him, but he does have a U.S.-based contact working on his behalf.
Q I'm looking to head to Florida in a week or so for Spring Break. If United advances on Thursday, what sort of schedule can we expect for the next few weeks of the offseason? I assume some more time in Branderton as well as the game at Lockhart?
A United heads to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area on Saturday for a week of training. I believe they will use fields in Sunrise, Fla. They are also tentatively scheduled to play Motagua of Honduras on March 9. Apparently, that match will be played at Lockhart or at Tropical Park (??), where the USL team is based.
Q Don't you think that Carlos Tevez would be a great fit for MLS this season? His star has really dimmed in Europe and he has burned bridges in South America. MLS could get him fairly cheap and if he has a great year, they could sell him for a huge profit.
A MLS can't afford Tevez.
Q What's the deal with NE not being able to use the $2+ million they received for Dempsey on a good player? I think that Robbie Fowler would be huge for the Revs and the league, but it seems that the league is keeping them down so that Becks can be assured a trophy...seems kinda fishy to me. Your thoughts?
A New England is up to something, I just don't know what.
Q Is there any possibility of DCU starting an Arsenal/Rapids or RSL/Real Madrid style partnership with a well-known Euro squad? Will/would tickets be more or less expensive at the Poplar Point stadium?
A No partnerships pending. What stadium? If a new arena is ever built, yes, ticket prices will go up.
Q Your prediction regarding the National Team Coaching situation?
A Gulati grows tired and frustrated with the process of pursuing a foreign coach and gives the job to Bradley.
By Steve Goff |
February 28, 2007; 9:47 AM ET
Q&A
Previous: Kansas City Update |
Next: Quick DCU Update
Posted by: Kim | February 28, 2007 10:17 AM
Steve: Would you mind posting more videos in your blog like the Arsenal/Chelsea one? Unfortunately, I have limited time but a LOT of interest in soccer and find these snippets the highlight of the day. Plus, my work blocks access to youtube, so it's hard for me to surf for great goals, etc.
thanks!!
Posted by: No time | February 28, 2007 10:38 AM
Steve,
C'mon, I know you're kidding about just Pepsi products in press box. As a former summer intern (albeit not with the Post) all those press boxes and tents have at least one beer on tap. I'm guessing it's Bud.
Follow up question -- when are we going to see you organize a pub crawl a la La Canfora with his Redskins Insider last weekend? Maybe at the end of the college basketball season? You know there are a ton of great places to check out. You can probably even get goofy hat Steinberg to come.
Posted by: Grant | February 28, 2007 11:06 AM
I think you left John Ellinger off the list of coaches in trouble. The only thing that could keep him at RSL longer (assuming that they will fail again this year) is that their front office makes every mistake it can.
Posted by: Chest Rockwell | February 28, 2007 11:23 AM
i was going to post this as a comment to initial blog about USA in 2018, but figured no one is checking there anymore. anyways, Blatter says that his preference for 2018 is North America:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6403761.stm
Posted by: pat | February 28, 2007 11:31 AM
Steve is not kidding about DC's press box chow and libations. You're better off paying for stadium stuff.
Posted by: Benkman | February 28, 2007 11:53 AM
Goff - I wasn't able to get this question in on time, but was the coaching staff pleased with the performance of Justin Moose in the Olimpia game? He came in and seemed to have a positive impact on the game with his speed and a little creativity.
Posted by: Mark | February 28, 2007 11:53 AM
I think your blog is one of the best reads anywhere concerning MLS - even if it is primarily focused on D.C. United.
Just a little thanks from a Fire fan tired of our 2nd rate blogger, Luis Ricosuave, or whatever his useless ass is called.
Thanks again.
Posted by: Let's Go Fire! | February 28, 2007 12:25 PM
No Time:
Check if your cable provider has Fox Soccer Channel and GOL TV. All the football you want to see is there.
Posted by: Vic | February 28, 2007 12:31 PM
-----
Would you mind posting more videos in your blog like the Arsenal/Chelsea one? Unfortunately, I have limited time but a LOT of interest in soccer and find these snippets the highlight of the day.
-----
a good clearing house for soccer info and highlights is at footie411.com
Posted by: Don | February 28, 2007 12:42 PM
Any news on contract extension for Gomez? Is he just looking for more money or is he intent on looking overseas next year?
Same question for Boswell.
Posted by: gomez4prez | February 28, 2007 1:59 PM
There is beer available in Euro press areas, but not in America.
Sorry, no pub crawls by me! All my time is spent hydrating the thirsty blog. :-)
Yes, I should have mentioned Ellinger at the top of the coaching danger list. My bad. I answered some of those questions too early this morning.
Coaching staff is very encouraged by Moose's development this preseason. He's going to get some minutes this year.
Posted by: Goff | February 28, 2007 2:02 PM
I think it's unfair to call the group in 2002 that the USA came out of "average." When I saw the draw I thought we had no shot, portugal's golden generation more or less in its prime and the host country (which has never failed to advance) made it tough to see us getting through.
Posted by: Paul Bear | February 28, 2007 2:59 PM
re: question about televised games:
http://www.mlsnet.com/mls/schedule/2007/national_tv/
by the way - 'waiting for NFL' was just the team name that I gave my washingtonpost.com World Cup fantasy game winning club - quite the opposite, my sons and I are waiting for futbol in Phoenix, AZ - went to and enjoyed the USA-Mexico in Glendale match - went to and enjoyed Crew v. FC Dallas scrimmage in Phx. Why isn't Phoenix on the list for expansion?
Posted by: waiting for NFL | February 28, 2007 3:06 PM
In 2002, yes, the group was challenging, but despite being host, Korea had never won a WC game in their history; Portugal, despite their immense talent, was a bit of a WC mystery; and Poland was not highly regarded. Every WC is difficult. I just thought 06 was much more intimidating than 02.
No news on the Gomez or Boswell contract front.
MLS will only expand to cities that have an investment group ready to step forward and a plan for a medium-sized stadium. As far as I know, Phoenix has neither at the moment.
Posted by: Goff | February 28, 2007 3:23 PM
I think one thing to consider from here on out when it comes to the US and future World Cups is that the US is basically at the top of the second tier National Teams.
The first tier would obviously include teams like Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, England, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands.
The US is firmly entrenched I believe in that second tier of squads which would include Mexico, any of the top African sides, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and a few of the Asian teams like South Korea, Japan and Australia.
Considering all of that, the US would most likely always get drawn into a tough group based on being a solid #2 or #3 seed for group seeding.
Posted by: Big Chop | February 28, 2007 4:27 PM
Every hardcore DCU fan knows that we always win important matches in the rain!
Posted by: SEKim | February 28, 2007 9:24 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
How about this for a roster idea:
Standard MLS/Open Cup roster: 18 players.
Two additional players (and associated cap/budget room) for each extra/international competition that a team is entered in.
20 would also be a good starting point. 18 guys seems a little too tight of a number for the amount of games played.