I guess I am surprised by Vanney's "job appears safe status". For me, there wasn't much difference between Boswell and Vanney this year on the field - both were badly exposed at times, though I will concede that perhaps Vanney was more consistent.

Considering that Vanney's salary is several times that of Boswell, why would DCU stick with the older, more expensive player? Clearly the defense needs to be upgraded overall, but considering the two options and the overall salary cap situation, I can't see why DCU would pick Vanney over Boswell.

Thanks for posting this - I was salty all day yesterday due to the fact that there was no Eastern Conference Final at RFK last night.

It is time to transition Jaime out of the offenseive line. By slotting him as first or even second choice for the withdrawn forward, the opportunity cost of not acquiring, inserting or developing other forwards is pretty high - as we saw towards the end of the season when Kpene and Addlery couldn't muster much offensively. We need three or forward strong forwards to avoid a predictable offense subject to injuries and national team call-ups.

Thought provoking as usual. I would take exception with three of your classifications.
Kpene would be a "in danger of being waived" because the guy couldn't finish and was given substantial opportunity to show an ability to score at this level. He also is paid a senior salary if I remember correctly. DCU doesn't need another smallish, "cute" player that can't find the back of the net.
Dyachenko would be a "job appears safe." DCU has a 1st round pick sunk in him now - let him play regularly next year and see if he becomes consistent because he clearly has the tools.
Moose, my only question concerns his disappearance after the injury. Did he recover completely? If so and he lost form then I would probably agree with your classification.

Hard to argue with most of your analysis, but I wonder about Fred. For my money, the guy does not hold possession well and doesn't seem to have the speed or the moves to break down defenses. I think United should consider trading him at the least or even exposing him (depending on what his salary is).

Honestly now...you just bought some kind of job status Magic 8 ball, didn't you?

Surprised you think Addlery might be waived, I would think a trade or loss in the expansion draft would be more of a concern for him.

@ TMC,

You get rid of Boswell because he refused to renegotiate his contract, meaning he'll be looking overseas after the season. Good for him, but it means that DCU has no incentive to give him experience for some other teams benefit...he has to be better than Vanney right now, and he's not.

If faced with having to protect either Boswell or Vanney, I'd say protect Boswell. It's a gamble, I know, but Yallop has a proclivity for big, strong, somewhat slow center backs that he can mold. Vanney isn't Yallop's kind of center back, whereas Boswell is. Let Yallop choose between taking BC or Dyachenko off our hands (both are useful players, I know, but they play positions that we have other choices at; we are too thin as it is at CB).

Surprised you think Addlery might be waived, I would think a trade or loss in the expansion draft would be more of a concern for him.
-----

There is barely any outside interest in Addlery, unless you're counting USL teams.

@ uniteo;

Goff mentioned the other day that Boswell is signed through the end of the 2008 season. That was my point - let's say Boswell regains his form next year and then tries to move abroad this time next year.

It is not clear how much time Vanney has left before he retires or is not longer effective.

To me it still makes more sense to keep Boswell for his low salary than to keep Vanney for a much higher, even if he takes a pay cut, salary.

I look at it like either one will be around for only one more year, so why not keep the cheaper option and use the extra funds to go out and add some defensive depth?

I would think you would allow Vanney to be unprotected because it's unlikely he'd be picked up by the Quakes due to his salary and age. Personally, I would protect Boswell because if you leave him unprotected, he's gone. I can't see any possible way that the Quakes wouldn't pick up an unprotected Boswell due to his age and salary. Even if I was convinced Bos was the answer in the back, I protect him and offer him as part of a trade later. I leave Vanney unprotected believing he won't be picked up, and you can negotiate with him later. Letting Boswell go for free makes no sense.

i'd like to see Jamil back next year. at last night's meet the team, he said he was healed and already running. so, he's got all off-season to regain strength and speed.

"Bobby Boswell: Fell out of favor during the summer and struggled to regain starting job. He rejected a long-term contract offer last year and stayed on a low salary, which makes him appealing to an expansion team if he is not protected. A trade is also possible. Future uncertain."

Uh yea, and this won't help endure him to anyone.

http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/2007/11/dc-front-office-is-gonna-love-this.html

We have a strong core of players, but if the team loses Gomez or Moreno, and especially if we lose both, the team will flounder, as so much of the offense and possession goes through the two of them. Adding Veron will cushion the blow, but letting both go would be a very big mistake. No, don't leave Boswell unprotected. Thanks Steve for such great insights and coverage all season long.

I don't get all the hate for Fred. He has great skills, its true he needs to work on some of the mental aspects bad giveaways and stuff like that but he is solid(had some great goals and assists). Kpene as a lock I don't get he just hasn't gotten it done all year. Looking good in practice can only take you so far. . .

who was the defender we drafted last year? needham? has he impressed at all playing in the usl? i think united still owns his rights, maybe the club should look at him as a defensive option...

re boswell/vanney - what defensive players will other teams be exposing in the draft? Would Yallop be more interested in them than the options from DC, and take a more offensive focused player from DC ?

@ TMC,

You get rid of Boswell because he refused to renegotiate his contract, meaning he'll be looking overseas after the season. Good for him, but it means that DCU has no incentive to give him experience for some other teams benefit...he has to be better than Vanney right now, and he's not.

Posted by: uniteo | November 9, 2007 12:43 PM

You protect Boswell, and have him play in a DC shirt next year, precisely because he is in his last year of his contract. Boswell will recognize that his career is at stake and will accordingly give it his all to play out of his mind. We get that at $32 K for the year. Why would we want to risk giving him up?

Yeah, I'm sure Boz really bothered to check out the shirt that lame RBNY fan was holding.
Seriously, Calvin pissing... 1997 called, it wants it's pop-culture reference back.

I think that walker could have played a big role this season with Moreno's absences. It was really unfortunate (for him, and for the team) that he was hurt.
To me, that Moreno position is the biggest question mark on the field. We have some players who sort of fit that role (Fred, maybe Rod D., even Gomez played there a few times) but nobody who is a ready-made replacement. I don't think there will be a lot of players good enough to fill that spot available here in the mls. Maybe we should hope for an out of the blue signing like Fred's. And if we can't get Veron, we should definitely spend that DP slot on a forward who can play along with Emilio.

Fred had just completed a full season in Australia and went without break into United's season.

I saw enough when he was relatively fresh early on that I think he's more than capable of being a complete and dangerous player in MLS.

Though he'd be better in the middle than on a flank.

Piss On Boswell, is this a real picture or what?

I think I'm more or less in agreement with two exceptions. I think Boswell is a "Job is Safe" due to his low low salary. And (as I've posted before), I think Kpene is "In Danger of Being Waived" simply because he's not taken advantage of his extensive chances and players with his physical pluses are a dime a dozen in Africa. That said, I don't know what he did in reserve games, and maybe he shone enough there to keep around another year.

I have to disagree that Vanney is "safe".

He is safe only if he agrees to play for something around $100k, viewing it as essentially an entry-level coaching job. Maybe he has broader ambitions but I can't imagine the team wouldn't be happy to have him as a 5th or 6th defender in a player/coach role at that price.

Also, I really hope the team invests one more season in Addlery. Big target forwards are hard to find and I think Emilio would work best running onto balls a target forward knocked down.

Nice prank RBNY, too bad the bigger joke is your team.

Great job, Steve.

I agree 100% with your analysis - with one minor exception, of course.

I would add a category of "Job as a starter is a Lock" with Simms, Burch, Olsen and Namoff.

I am a big Fred fan. If Gomez leaves, I can see Fred stepping up and taking the Atacking mid spot and developing a great chemistry with Emilio.

I am also a big fan o' Kpene. Sure, he didn't get it done this year, but I have a sneaking suspicion that next year he will step it up big time. I see lots of creativity and thought in everything he does on the field, and that makes me happy. when he gets some confidence, he will be a real asset.

It would be great if we could pick up a strong left wing (perhaps Burch develops a right foot and steps into midfield) and another target forward. Adderly, could maybe step into that role if he worked like the Dickens in the offseason, but I doubt it.

Sims is fantastic and all, but I'd like to see us use our DP for a team leader who could influence all aspects of the game. A Defensive Mid would be a good spot for that.

I would also like to hold onto the Bos. He would have no reason to not play his socks off.

On a different subject: AC Milan's Ronaldo has been contacted by NYRB and LA. Rumar is NY is offering $15 million.

Great analysis, Goff. The only player's status I might question is Vanney's for the reasons TMC outlined. Personally, I would hate to see Bowell traded or lost in the expansion draft right now; that would be selling while his stock is at the lowest possible point.

What's the source on that Ronaldo rumor? Someone's blog?

Um Dave...don't you think Emilio (potential league MVP) and Fred should be added to that list?

That photo of Boz is a crap photoshop. And he wasn't even wearing that training jersey last night. He was the only one not wearing any DCU gear but a regular tshirt with a dragon on it.

$15 mil for Ronaldo to coach NYRB...? I think they would be overpaying. Oh wait, does he still play?

I somewhat disagree with your analysis. This season, combined with the 2 prior years, has shown me that this team is just not capable of winning big games. The team needs a significant but not huge makeover.

First, I think Perkins is only an average MLS keeper based on this years performance. Time and time again he did not pull his defense out of the "Fire" no pun intended as he did last year. Either this year's huge drop off was a 2nd slump or Perkins is very mediocre.

Second, this year expose a major weakness with DC in the centerback position. Vanney is way past his prime and the league is just improving by leaps and bounds that it has passed him up. I just can't see keeping him especially for the salary. We just can't tolerate another slow defender.

Boswell was really bad this year. His poor positional play and decision making exposed his lack of speed.

Third, Gomez was a shadow of his play last year. Yeah, he did step it up a level in the 2nd half of the year, but he disappeared in way to many games for the type of money he is expecting. I think he is gone.

Fourth, DC has little or no wing play. Given Olsen all the credit in the world for his work down the one flank. The problem is he just doesn't have the speed to get behind defenders and is more effective in the middle of the field.

Losing Gros was a much bigger loss than people realize. His work rate and speed kept the opponents best wing in check and Gros had the endurance to counter. When Gros dropped out of the picture so did any significant wing play.

Fifth, DC has no depth at forward and has perhaps the weakest set of forwards for any team in the playoffs. Emilio is a terrific find. As much as I love Moreno, he is clearly in decline. He just doesn't have the speed and endurance to go after defenses. If he comes back next year, it has to be at a reduced salary and with a reduced role.

DC United has problems with size and speed, up top, on the wings and at centerback. For United to seriously compete for MLS Cup next year these needs have to be addressed.

re Ronaldo

This site
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64260

references this paper
http://www.tuttosport.com/sportnetwork/

Any Italian speakers out there ?

Does Brian Carroll still have a future in MLS? I'm doubtful that anyone is going to pick him up if DC lets him go.

OK Steve

based upon the above list - who would YOU protect in the expansion draft? I think posting that (acknowledging whatever variable may be in place for Moreno/Gomez) would be extremely interesting.

Unless of course, you have too much "inside information" and can't say anything as yet...

Hard to argue with most of your analysis, but I wonder about Fred. For my money, the guy does not hold possession well and doesn't seem to have the speed or the moves to break down defenses. I think United should consider trading him at the least or even exposing him (depending on what his salary is).

Posted by: Terp | November 9, 2007 12:41 PM

Totally agree with Terp about Fred...I have never been convinced by him either.
He is not comfortable on the wing, doesn't have the speed needed to play there. He can not play in the middle either...he does not hold possession well and lose too many balls. He will be a disaster waiting to happen.
Finally, between Vanney and Boswell...I would pick the latter. Hopefully, he can get back to his last year's form!

Are you kidding? If we leave BC unprotected he'll definitely be picked up by San Jose.
Yes, he had a rather mediocre year, but that was a result of the formation change. BC is better than Simms in a 3-5-2, Simms is better in the 4-4-2. Pretty simple.

Troy Perkins
2006 stats
1.13 gaa
100 saves
8 clean sheets
15 wins
74.62 save %

2007 stats
1.10 gaa
117 saves
8 clean sheets
16 wins
75.48 save %

Drop off? You had better check your notes my friend.

Tuttosport is notoriously unreliable. They are essentially a mouthpiece for Juventus, and cannot be trusted at all. Tribal football is not much better.

Nick I agree with some of your article but I don't think this team needs a significant makeover. That is something New York has done since year 1 and they suck every year. There was a strech there when United was playing the best football in the league(aka FC Dallas game or near then) and then peaked at the wrong time. Its all about timing your unbeaten streaks so you peak at the height of the playoffs(aka 2004 United). BTW I'm not saying roster aquisitions are bad, I'm just saying that United doesn't need to aquire like 7 players

sorry not article. I meant reply

Thanks emanon re Ronaldo.
I agree with you 100% Nick from Big Soccer regarding the analysis.

That whole analysis and the ensuing discussion is great. It'll help me as I watch MLS' version of the Hot Stove Season unfold.

Speaking of MLS, I was amazed that there's even a TV show in the UK devoted to the league (and no, I dunno who the blogger is. I found her site by accident).

http://tifosi.hooverdam.net/?p=72

Regarding Kpene, I think his skills aren't suited for the possession style DC United plays. I think he would be much better on a team that plays more of a direct style, kicking long balls ahead for him to run onto. Same with Jamil. On the right team, I can see both becoming players that could give you 4-8 goals a season. But I don't see that happening with the way DC United plays.

Which comes first? Expansion draft or waivers? Meaning do we have to possibly protect someone who will wind up getting waived if the right offer doesn't come along? Or perhaps we'll get stuck into keeping someone because we can only leave one Sr. Int. exposed in the draft and we have to protect someone we might be waiving anyway?

Inquiring minds need to know.

Thx,

Jay!

Fred seems to be suffering from Freddy Adu Syndrome. Getting bashed for playing out of position.

Boswell had a training top over his shirt at one point. I think someone from FO asked him to or something.

Perkins is safe; he's a good goalie, he just made a few really noticeable mistakes this year. But, I remember some crummy goalkeeper making similar mistakes when he started out.... what was his name.... Friedel, I think.

Anyway, I have faith that the DC front office will make reasonable moves. Thank goodness we don't have the same sort of schmucks in our front office as LA and NY.

Nah, Fred is just being overcoached...

Nah, Fred is just being overcoached...

In my country, defender cannot be slow. If he slow, he put in cage. Or they let gypsy cut offs his hram.

How in US and A, the DC Uniteds let their slow defender walks free? Why they not in cage?

I don't see how Kpene is safe.

He turns 25 next season and thus would have to be a Senior International. If and only if you lose Gomez can you make this move (with Veron coming on board - and it will happen).

You don't sign an unproductive SI from your YI ranks.

Now, if he somehow miraculously gets a green card over the winter, well then, that's different.

>>>>>Regarding Kpene, I think his skills aren't suited for the possession style DC United plays. I think he would be much better on a team that plays more of a direct style, kicking long balls ahead for him to run onto.

There's the rub. You need to be able to play whatever style will get you results. If you can't stretch the field vertically, your possession game is less effective. Particularly on the flanks it's necessary to add some speed. Then the possession game has the effect of sucking the defense in, opening up those vectors in the corners. If all you do is possess but don't go for the kill, the other side will be happy to let you knock it around and counterattack (remember the playoff(s)?).

One trick ponies don't win at the highest levels, IMO.

Juan-John - could she have been referring to the UK version of Beckham's Soccer USA ?

The episodes are easy to find on youtube - and from the couple of clips I've seen the show is much better than the version aired in the States.

PROTECTED:
rod - he's the next Jaime. write it down. you heard it here first.
luci - duh
fred - he's above average
mctavish - low price + big upside = draft lock if he's exposed.
namoff - well above average defender
olsen - as stated: heart and soul
perk - hard keepers are good to find
simms - low price + big upside = draft lock if he's exposed.
boz - he'll be better this year. high incentive as stated above.
burch - low price + big upside = draft lock if he's exposed.
kpene - the only thing he needs to add to his game is 15 pounds of muscle. If he can keep from getting pushed off the ball he'll be fine.

WE'LL PROBABLY LOSE ONE OF THESE GUYS:
mediate - solid contributor next season, low price
moose - solid future contributor, low price
walker - he's a burner and speed kills
nolly - the best backup keeper exposed in the draft will get picked ... will it be Nolly?

OR WE MIGHT LOSE ONE OF THESE GUYS:
deroux - speedy, but with plenty of play time still has yet to convince.
arguez - potential potential potential
jaime - past his prime, but still has skills ... can san jose stomach his salary?
carroll B - price tag is too high for the production we got out of him this season. will san jose see it differently?
gomez - will san jose pay the man what he wants? BTW, he's the same age as Jaime.
vanney - how much would san jose be willing to pay for his experience?

THESE GUYS ARE GONE ... AND NOT THRU THE DRAFT:
north
monteiro
mupier
addlery
crowe
carroll J

PROTECTED:
rod - he's the next Jaime. write it down. you heard it here first.
Posted by: Matte | November 9, 2007 04:03 PM

At Rod's age, Jaime was already Jaime.

Thx,

Jay!

Nick's post echos most of my thoughts as well. I disagree with him about Perkins quality rating. I find the big issue here is one of consistency. Gros is a huge loss and this was evident down the stretch. Whether Fred is a winger needs to be determined early on; he has pace whereas Olsen tires in the second half.

We have three solid defenders: Burch, McTavish, & Namhoff but the 4th is questionable. Boswell is slow which was clearly a problem this year. Vanney's best days are past.

We need a striker who is good in the air. It's hard to see where goals are going to come from next year.

DC does not need a major off season overhaul. Not even a minor off season overhaul. We won the Shield this year. For the second year running. We're awesome. Nothing less than awesome. So we didn't win MLS Cup? It's pretty hard to win the double. In MLS history that feat has been accomplished 4 times. We're just spoiled, cause of those 4 times we've done it twice.

Assume we lose Jaime or Gomez this year. Let's assume both. Assume we land Veron, or a comparable impact player. Push.

Our weaknesses as I see them are lack of speed on defense and poor service from the flanks. I don't think you can assume either one will be addressed in the offseason.

Next year starting 11:
Perk
Namoff Boz Burch
Olsen Simms Rod Veron Fred
Luci Kpene

Yes, it's the return of the 3-5-1!!!!

PROTECTED:
rod - he's the next Jaime. write it down. you heard it here first.
Posted by: Matte | November 9, 2007 04:03 PM

At Rod's age, Jaime was already Jaime.

Thx,

Jay!

Posted by: JayRockers! | November 9, 2007 04:06 PM

Jay, I find it hard to argue with your cogent logic. I'm still sold on the kid. But you're right. Jaime was/is the real deal.

Or 3-5-2 :)

B Carroll might be able to play on a local rec league team next year but it would be helpful if he could complete a pass.

I don't see any reason to protect him and I agree that nobody is going to take him for the $ he is currently making.

Alec is correct about B Carroll and the formation change. I believe we can say the same about Boz. Does well in 3 back but sucks in a 4 back formation.
There seems to be a lot more question marks going into this offseason than last. Makes me worried.

Goff, I have a question. When teams expose players to the draft, does the league unveil all the players simultaneously? I mean we can't look at the list and say "there are already a bunch of great keepers there so let's not protect Nolly - hat chance they'd pick him given the others." Or can we? Makes a huge difference if we can see some of the other teams' lists first.

Oh and meant to add my comments: Kpene - I'm done with him. Addlery I'd hang on to. He's a beast if he can finish...
Vanney - even with a lower price I wouldn't sign him again. Too slow and not getting faster with age at this point. Team signed him for leadership. So make him an assistant coach and retire his a$$.
Spend money on a quality younger central defender. Moreno should hang up his boots. Time is his enemy. Maybe a last 20 minute sub but that's IT. Replace Gros. Moose isn't the answer. Need more size.
PROTECT
Olsen
Gomez if he's returning
Fred
Simms
Namoff
Burch
McTavish
Dyachenko - a little more polish to see the pearl but it will come
Emilio
Perkins
Boswell by the skin of his teeth but he best get faster and regain confidence

"players with his physical pluses are a dime a dozen in Africa"

anyone else find this comment ridiculous?

Heck, I didn't know there WAS a UK version...

And you're right -- it looks way better than the dreck they show over here.

-----------
"Juan-John - could she have been referring to the UK version of Beckham's Soccer USA ?

The episodes are easy to find on youtube - and from the couple of clips I've seen the show is much better than the version aired in the States.

Posted by: emanon | November 9, 2007 04:00 PM "

Ridiculously racist!

Matte, I agree that Rod shows a lot of Jaime potential. A very good holding midfielder with the ability to set-up others, and maybe even as a withdrawn forward.

I also think that we got thoroughly out coached for almost the entire playoffs (barring the last 30 minutes). Soehn should have played every availble reserve he had, not to insult columbus; but to preserve his team and go into the playoffs with that same un-beaten mentality that they had the second half of the season.

I disagree with the negative comments about Carroll. I agree that Simms has beaten him out and that he should be unprotected, but the idea that he can't play in this league strikes me as silly.

My guess is that the only way he doesn't go in the expansion draft is if Boswell is unprotected, and I'm against that. Too much upside potential; modest salary; younger than Vanney.

Bottom line on who we lose: Boswell if both he amd Carroll are unprotected; Carroll if Boswell is protected. I can't see any good way to protect both, which I'd like to do. I hate the expansion draft.

Keep: Perkins, Namoff, McT, Burch, Boswell, Olsen, Simms, Fred, Emilio, Gomez, and Moreno.

Unless he's a problem in the locker room, I don't see how you let Boswell go. He's a bargain at $32K. Vanney would only be good for one more year anyway, so go with the cheaper option. Plus, I think Boswell's problem was mental this year. He can bounce back.

I don't think any of our other younger prospects are that good - Dyanchenko, Kpene, Adderly, Nolly, and Moose.

I'd hate to lose Carroll - who I think could come back really strong next year - but he has a relatively high salary.

I believe Goff mentioned in an earlier post that Kpene has a green card.

(http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2007/11/its_getting_drafty_in_here.html)

Hopefully, that didn't break the page.

I agree that United does NOT need a major overhaul. We are an excellent team as we are. We did win the Supporters' Shield. Let's add Veron, some speed and service on the wings, a quick defender, and try to minimize our losses in the draft. That's it.

I also agree it's good our front office keeps a cool head and, unlike NY, doesn't make big sweeping changes.

Completely unrelated, but it is now official, Seattle will become the 15th team of MLS:

SEATTLE -- Major League Soccer has granted an expansion franchise to Seattle and it could begin playing as soon as 2009, a league official confirmed Friday.

"I can confirm that commissioner Don Garber is going to travel to Seattle for an announcement Tuesday of the expansion of Major League Soccer for the future into the Seattle market," Dan Courtemanche said, MLS senior vice president for marketing and communications, said Friday while on the telephone from league headquarters in New York.

Courtemanche said the team, which has been rumored to be coming for months and will likely play at Qwest Field at least initially, could begin competing as soon as the spring of '09. He said confirmation of exactly when the Seattle franchise will debut will be part of Tuesday's announcement.

MLS seasons run from April into November.

The league is bringing a team back to San Jose for the 2008 season to create two, balanced conferences of seven teams each. MLS has already stated its intentions of expanding to 16 teams in the next few years.

This will be the first time the highest level of professional soccer in North America has a had a team in Seattle since the Sounders played in the North American Soccer League from 1974 until the team folded in 1983.

The reborn Sounders have been one of the top franchises in the second-tier United Soccer Leagues, winning four league championships in the last 12 years -- including in 2005 and again this past season.

I'm going to argue that Jaime should stay on the pitch. He's still so dangerous -- especially the way he continues to draw defenders and then sneak in a key pass. He orchestrates our potent offense and will still be very effective at that next year.

The front office should make it clear, however, that if he wants to keep his job, he will have to train with a sprint/middle-distance track coach in the off season to get his cadence up.

Boswell unprotected? That's crazy. Given how the Galaxy played, we should trade Boz and get something, anything, even a draft pick if we are willing to part with him.

more unrelated MLS news - Cobi Jones is officially becomming Gullit's ast coach.

In order to help him make that adjustment quicker, Gullit and the Galaxy named Cobi Jones as an assistant coach. Gullit will rely on Jones' knowledge of MLS and U.S. soccer to help him identify players to bring into the squad.

Jones, who retired at the end of this season, is taking a new step in his career as well and made it known he was excited to do so.

"I'm happy to be here as an assistant coach and to be able to say that I can actually work with Ruud Gullit," said Jones. "I'm happy to be part of this organization and continue to work with Tim and Alexi in the next natural step in my career. Obviously it will be a little bit of a change for me, but it's something that I look forward to."

http://www.mlsnet.com//news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20071109&content_id=128814&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

If it were up to me, I would definitely get rid of both Boswell and Vanney. They both suck. Neither of them are leaders, they lack skill, and speed. Force Moreno as a sub. We need younger, more productive stikers up top with Emilio. Switch Fred in the middle, get 2 new wingers with tons of energy and speed. I hate Perkins, he is ugly, and cost us the CONCACAF Champions Cup with his blunder. Gomez is leaving. My question about Veron is why do we need another aging international? I would rather pay the big pucks to someone who is younger and has more skill such as Riquelme. We need to improve our depth. It sucks. We need to develop a KILLER INSTINCT. That begins with coaching, and it lacked all season during games when it mattered the most. Winning the Supporters Shield is good and all, but what does it say when the so-called best team can't perform during tournament time. Our goals for next should be to win the Champions Cup, US Open Cup, SuperLiga, and MLS Cup. 2 out of would be nice. IN NO WAY DO WE BRING BACK BOSWELL AND CARROLL. THEY BLOW, and this season proved it. If we add speed, youth, and tactical skill, we will be a better team next season.

I disagree with the negative comments about Carroll. I agree that Simms has beaten him out and that he should be unprotected, but the idea that he can't play in this league strikes me as silly.

Bottom line on who we lose: Boswell if both he amd Carroll are unprotected; Carroll if Boswell is protected. I can't see any good way to protect both, which I'd like to do. I hate the expansion draft.

Posted by: Dave | November 9, 2007 05:32 PM

At $115,000 Carroll really can't play in this league. I don't know how anyone can justify him making double that of Gros and Simms.

What team would rather have Carroll instead of 2 Gros/Simms caliber players?

Re: DC United Fan's last post.
Wow... just wow.
That's all I've got to say.

Ummm... Brian Carrol is easily a much better SOCCER player that Gros. Anyone debating that has no business debating soccer.

Simms is simply underpaid, and will hopefully be receiving a well-deserved raise this winter.

Bottom-line: If Carrol is unprotected, San Jose will take him, and gladly pay him 116k a year. If Carrol is protected, United will receive equal value for him in a trade.

Re: DC United Fan's last post.
Wow... just wow.
That's all I've got to say.

I only make these comments based on what I have seen this past season, and I very much believe in what I say.

At $115,000 Carroll really can't play in this league. I don't know how anyone can justify him making double that of Gros and Simms.

What team would rather have Carroll instead of 2 Gros/Simms caliber players?

Posted by: Southeasterner | November 9, 2007 06:28 PM

I dont think any team would rather have Carroll than 2 Gros/Simms caliber players, and I certainly don't believe I said that.

But the question is, who is unprotected? I assume Carroll is not and Simms is, so San Jose doesn't get to pick between those two.

They presumably don't pick Gros either because of health issues.

The question for Yallop is who from the unprotected DC United list does he pick. That will be influenced by who else is unprotected by us and by other teams, and yes, by Carroll's salary.

My guess is that Carroll will be the most desireable player among the unprotected -- unless Boswell is unprotected, in which case, I'd bet that San Jose would take Boswell.

What Yallop won't get is a choice between Simms and Carroll. No way we don't protect Simms.

Goff, I have a question. When teams expose players to the draft, does the league unveil all the players simultaneously? I mean we can't look at the list and say "there are already a bunch of great keepers there so let's not protect Nolly - hat chance they'd pick him given the others." Or can we? Makes a huge difference if we can see some of the other teams' lists first.

Posted by: David | November 9, 2007 04:59 PM
-----------------------------------------

If it isn't simultaneous, how would they determine the order in which lists are revealed?

I have to say I generally agree with Nick's analysis. Boz was terrible this year -- he's slow and didn't seem to have any instincts to cmake up for that. Olsen was inspirational, but he's slow -- not ideal on the flank. Frankly, based on what I saw during that last half of futbol. Fred should be on the right flank, and Benny either out left, or on the inside.

Carroll will probably be picked up, if unprotected, but I don't see a better option. I'd rather see Boswell go, but don't know who would replace him.

Simms is inconsistent, but, man oh man, did he strike two beautiful goals in big games! Kpene -- is he really 25? I thought he just needed some time to develop, but he should be there already. He did look dangerous early on, but he seemed lost and devoid of any creativity or confidence in the final games.

We definitely need to improve up top. Anyone have any creative ideas?

On Veron -- yeah, he's not young, but the notion that anyone with his skills, and with his best years ahead of him, would come and play in the MLS? That's just not going to happen -- not for the next ten years, at least. I welcome him, in advance, to DC. If he needs to meet some Argentines locally before he makes the call, I can introduce him to my neighbor. She's happily married, but very pretty....

Jaime simply must stay. To see him in anyone else's uniform ain't gonna cut it. He is no speedster anymore, and 90 minutes are not always on tap, but he provides a presence, a craftiness, and vision up front. Match him with Emilio and another striker or strong attacking mid and he can easily be the engine that drives this fine car.

Oh, and we gotta keep him -- who else would take PKs? ;)

She may fall into Veron even though she is happily married...who knows...don't get him to trouble!

Why is college soccer team jerseys have no names on them? I can't understand it?? And why they always have to play OT and PK rather than taking point for draw?

NCAA rules prohibit names on jerseys in most NCAA sports.

That's why EA Sports NCAA games don't have players named, just numbers. (Not counting players you recruit after the first season, since they're just made up anyway).

It has to do with players maintaining amateur status, and if they sold jerseys with player's names on them, you'd have to pay the player.

Math Wiz.

Be very careful about using stats in a non stats oriented game. Soccer is not baseball and often stats don't tell the real story.

Perkins is an excellent example of a player that on the surface went through all the motions and played resonably well. A closer observation notes that Perkins rarely came up big to make up for mistakes in front of him. Yes he made both routine and very good saves, but unlike last year did not make the critical save.

For example, in all three breakdowns by centerbacks against Chicago, Perkins did not come up with the save. Last year Perkins would have come up with one or two critical saves that helped win the game. That just didn't happen this year.

Don't get me wrong I'm not blaming Perkins for the losses, I just saying he did little to distinquish his actions.

Another way to look at it is to consider someone like Joe Cannon compared to Perkins. Based on just Stats, Perkins is way ahead of Cannon with a 1.10 GAA verses 1.59. However, Cannon was amazing this year for the Galaxy making up for a horrible defense with a whole host of critical saves.

Sean,

In my analysis, I am not advocating a huge makeover of United, but I am saying their are more pieces missing for this squad to be a championship team than some are suggesting. We need at least 3 players, in order of priority: a compliment to Emilio up top that has size and speed to really go at teams (this is where I think we need our DP), a big strong centerback to lead the defense and an above average wing midfielder that can get behind a defense and deliver a killer cross.

Goff,

Who from the job is safe category might get exposed in the expansion draft?

I've discussed Veron with my son's team's trainer, who is Argentinian and who was in the Boca Jrs training system until he blew out his knee, and he tells me that Veron is the most complete player he has ever personally watched play. I asked him about Veron's age and whether United would not prefer someone younger like Riquelme, and he said that despite Veron's age, the balance to his game and his attitude is unbeatable. He also said that should they sign Veron, he would immediately buy season tickets for United, and he knows many others who would as well. So the notion of instant credibility conferred by a Veron signing may carry some weight.

Perkins is an excellent example of a player that on the surface went through all the motions and played resonably well. A closer observation notes that Perkins rarely came up big to make up for mistakes in front of him. Yes he made both routine and very good saves, but unlike last year did not make the critical save.
Nick from Big Soccer
___________________________________________

Enough with the revisionist history. Rarely came up big? Perkins would consistently put his body on the line all the times our backline broke down and made many game saving stops thoughout the season. Our backline was like a sieve this year and there were two reasons we didn't pay attention to it. One was Perkins and all the saves he did make. Two was when we played all the lame offenses that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a shot. The difference in the Chicago series is that Rolfe is a lethal striker and Barrett became one on his opportunity.

""Perkins rarely came up big to make up for mistakes in front of him.""

You don't remember the number of great stops Troy made this season? There were more than a few games that Troy saved the teams backside.

I think he had 10 saves in one of them, not to mention a point blank save on Barrett (I think) in the RFK Chicago tie.

I only make these comments based on what I have seen this past season, and I very much believe in what I say.

Excerpt from DC United Fan

-------------------------------------------

Well then I thank God everyday that Tom Soehn is in charge of United and you are not.

I agree with Alec. Wow, just wow....

What great Sat. morning reading/viewing. Jaime is way past his prime. Loyalty may be the only thing, if anything, that keeps Carroll in a United uni next season. Can't wait for Goffer to break the Veron signing. Not sure who will be the casualties of that transaction.

Perkins is an excellent example of a player that on the surface went through all the motions and played resonably well. A closer observation notes that Perkins rarely came up big to make up for mistakes in front of him. Yes he made both routine and very good saves, but unlike last year did not make the critical save.

Nick from Big Soccer

-------------------------------------------

Exhibit A - DC United 1 KC 0 on July 4th.

Perkins won that game by himself, often with one-v-one saves

Exhibit B - DC 1 Chicago 1 in Chicago

Perkins comes up with two saves late in the game to keep the score even. One of which on Soumare that was stunning.

Exhibit C - DC 0 Chicago 0 at RFK

Troy single handidly keeps a clean sheet with numerous one-v-one stops.

Exhibit D - DC 2 Chivas USA 1 at RFK

First win of the season and he came up with at least three key saves late in the game to keep United ahead.

That right there is just four examples proving your hypothesis quite wrong. I was not a big supporter of Perkins when he took over for Rimando and I said at the time the only reason why I didn't like him was because he didn't have that "big save" ability to keep the game close or outright win games. Well, I've been gladly proven wrong on that end of things.

Troy doesn't make every big save (just like any other keeper on the planet), but he does his fair share to bail out his defenders. He's done plenty in that regard this season as my four examples above provide.

If Kpene is back I can only imagine he has shown something in practice that he hasn't shown on the pitch, but in my opinion every time he was on the pitch it was like playing a man down. He can't finish, he's too small, and half the time he's just not in the right place. Seems a big jump from PDL and college to starting up front for a club of United's pedigree. I don't think he pulled it off -- maybe he needs to spend a little time in Richmond.

On the flip side, the club was not the same without Jaimie Moreno on the pitch. If he is truly done here, finding a replcement who can possess the ball and feed the big guns is a priority, because it's not something Fred (or Emilio, for that matter) is good at.

Funny you should mention Joe Cannon. Yes, he makes amazing, "Oh My God" saves. However, he blows easy chances, and is HORRIBLE at reading the game, getting beat on crosses worse than Rimando.

Fred deserves to be put into a position besides left wing before he is judged too harshly. Boswell must go, he is a cancer on that defense. Kpene is a waste of a shirt, given the minutes he had.

Dyachenko shows much raw talent that somehow needs to find definition on the pitch. I think in general the strikers besides the starting two showed a remarkable lack of development or usefulness throughout the season. Going against the generally bush-league defenders of MLS one would expect a little more.

Bring in a little more width by slotting Fred on the right and allowing him to overlap/exchange with whoever is in center and stick Dyachenko up top with Emilio (I know he hasn't shown IT, but he has the right attitude and will find his game given more opportunity). That might be a decent configuration, perhaps giving more of a slashing attack.

Ray Hudson giving Dave Kasper a lot of respect right now Bayern v. Stutgart. He was speaking of Technical Directors and mentioned Dave as being one of the best out there.

Why the insistence that we must have a "big, physical" forward to pair with Emilio, and a "big, physical" defender to anchor our defense and give it bite? I give you two names of players who definitely do NOT fit this mold but who would make DCU better instantly: Chris Rolfe and Michael Parkhurst.

With the money they pay these kids that are good aka Burch, Its a good thing they are not married or have kids. This needs to be addressed now or this league will fold again with lack of young talent.

Ummm... Brian Carrol is easily a much better SOCCER player that Gros. Anyone debating that has no business debating soccer.

Posted by: AlecW81 | November 9, 2007 07:27 PM
First of all its Carroll not Carrol.

Even with multiple injuries Gros played 1854 minutes vs. Carroll with 1801, Gros started in 22 games vs. 19 for Carroll, although Carroll came on as a sub for 9 games. So for the season we had 84 min per game for Gros vs. 64 min per game for Carroll.

When we look at on the field performance Gros had one of the best shots on goal percentages on the team having put 8 of 11 shots on goal with one goal and one assist vs. Carroll who had 7 shots with only 1 on goal and 0 goals but 4 assists. If you remember some of those shots they weren't pretty.

On defense even though Carroll had less time on the field he committed 39 fouls vs. just 22 for Gros and had 7 cards vs. 3 for Gros. It should also be pointed out that fouls just outside of the box committed by Carroll led to 4 goals.

So even though I guess I have no business debating soccer since I would rather have two Gros caliber players vs. Carroll I still need a lot of convincing from the Carroll lovers as to how he justifies his salary.

Yes, because statistics really prove who the better player is... *rolleyes*

Carroll is bad. Not good-bad. Bad-bad. Really bad.

Stats don't lie ;)

Carroll had a bad 2nd half season we all wish he didn't, but a player needs to get as much cash as he can and when he does, good for him. To bad about Gros his whole life to this point was soccer now what?. For the record DC really need a forward that can finish ...that's why their sitting on their tails like the rest of us.

As I see it, Luciano is more of a poacher. To complement him would be either a dedicated setup guy who can also score (Fred?), or a speedy striker who makes runs into space for the oft-maligned "long ball". In general, saying you don't play long balls is like saying you don't like stretching the opponent's defense. You don't have to do it all the time for it to be effective, but if you don't do it, you're one-dimensional.

Yes, because statistics really prove who the better player is... *rolleyes*

Posted by: AlecW81 | November 10, 2007 08:15 PM

Coaches typically bench the better player?

If Carroll is that important why did Soehn start benching him? Or I guess in your opinion Soehn probably had no business debating soccer either since he didn't start him.

Even in a different formation if Carroll is that great, as you say, Soehn would have found a place for him on the field. Instead he found a place on the bench. So if stats and performance don't justify your arguement what am I missing?

I can't see the team waining Jaime. HE is the heart and soul of the club. Look how we played we he was in vs when he was out. He just got called up to Bolivian nats. He still has game. Keep him at all costs. BUT change his role. He is no longer able to play as speedy forward. Make him the play maker. He did it well when he deputized for El Diablo. He has the control and smarts to really run the midfield.

Keep at all costs
Fred
Olsen
Simms
Burch
McTavish
Emilio

Prefer to Keep
Kpene
Dyachenko
Gomez

Lose
Boswell
Brian Carroll

I'm a wash on Gomez. He was absent for many games and it didn't seem to matter. He never really showed up this year. If we get a Veron, he is expendable.

But most of all we need a tall, fast, strong, solid central defender. A Gooch-type defender. Any ideas?

I think the loss of Gross is MUCH larger than any one realizes. If someone would put together our record when Gross was either out or at fullback vs when he was in the midfield the results will be rather shocking.

That's pretty cold saying Addlery might be waived. Addlery did score a goal for United against the Rapids, Kpene didn't. Plus, if Jamil Walker, Jaime Moreno, and Josh Gros retire, you need back-ups - a speedy one for Walker (deRoux), a dependible forward (Addlery), and a midfielder that could also go in the defense (Simms). DeRoux, Addlery, and Simms are stayin.

The big thing to me is that DC only can lose one player to the expansion draft. Who gets unprotected is the biggest question at this point.
I think BC is unprotected due to salary and other options - most notably Simms, with Arguez behind him. And Vanney due to age, lead feet, salary, etc. There will be other depth players like Moose, DeRoux and so on.
But the guy who I see missing next year is B Carroll. He would be a good pick-up for SJ and wouldn't be too painful a loss for DC.
So, when is the list made public?
And with Seattle coming in next year, I assume we go thru it all again in 12 months time?

It's good to see that Fred has been appreciated (mostly) by the fans in DC.

We have really missed him this season in Melbourne. If you want to see him at his best, try and get hold of a copy of the 'A' League Grand Final which Melbourne Victory won 6-0. Although Archie Thompson scored 5 of the goals I think Fred assisted four of them and had a fantastic game.

We've replaced Fred with Carlos Hernandes from Costa Rica who is only now just getting into the pace of the game. We've also signed another Brazilian, Leandro Love, who I'd happily ship over to the States, he looks hopeless!