The Dude Abides
D.C. United's offseason of transfers and trades, signings and near-signings reminds me of something said by the great 20th-century philosopher Jeffrey Lebowski:
"This is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous. And uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head."
So with mere days until training camp opens, what's rattling around in our brain?
*Peruvian goalkeeper Jose Carvallo says he is coming. My sources concur. United has no comment.
*According to my sources and media reports, Colombian defender Gonzalo Martinez is coming. United has no comment.
*According to my sources, Argentine forward Franco Niell is coming. United has no comment.
*Talks with Argentine defender Gonzalo Peralta supposedly broke down, but now media reports say he is coming. United has no comment.
*GM Dave Kasper says Jaime Moreno has agreed to a two-year, guaranteed contract.
*GM Dave Kasper says Christian Gomez needs to make up his mind very soon whether he want to re-sign.
*Paperwork is holding up the transfer of Bryan Arguez to Hertha Berlin.
It's probably safe to say that we will hear some, if not several, announcements from the club this week. Maybe not today, being a holiday, but soon. I promise. Really. Players will gather this weekend for meetings and medical exams, and, weather permitting, head outdoors at RFK next Monday for a workout. It's then off to Bradenton for two weeks.
Meanwhile.....
*It will be interesting to see how many U.S. players who appeared in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sweden will be retained for the Feb. 6 showdown with Mexico in Houston. Coming on an international fixture date, Bob Bradley will have the flexibility to call in his top European players. The USSF is hoping to finalize the roster by this weekend or early next week. Who would you like to see on the list?
*If you are like me and just can't get enough of the MLS draft (sarcasm alert), there is another one this Thursday! The supplemental draft, that is. Here's a look at some of the overlooked players who might get claimed.
*In case you missed it early yesterday, the USA women are champions of the Four Nations Tournament following a 1-0 victory over China.
Finally, enjoy second-half highlights of Ghana's 2-1 victory over Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations opener, especially Sulley Muntari's stunner near the end. Today's big match: Nigeria-Ivory Coast (Eagles vs. Elephants!).
By Steve Goff |
January 21, 2008; 8:53 AM ET
Misc.
Previous: On the USA Front..... |
Next: USA Updates
Posted by: Throwin | January 21, 2008 9:42 AM
Reyering, who is on schedule to be healthy by June, has a Euro-based agent. I've been told he would like to play in MLS, but if he's not selected, he could end up in perhaps the German second or third division.
Posted by: Goff | January 21, 2008 9:46 AM
Match 1 notwithstanding, if Guinea can play over the next couple years like they did in the LAST African Cup of Nations, they'll be playing in WC 2010.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 21, 2008 9:47 AM
No comment.
Posted by: Joe Doc | January 21, 2008 9:50 AM
Does anyone know a bar showing the African Nations Cup games?
Posted by: essien | January 21, 2008 9:51 AM
Question, Goffinho: Is the Supplemental Draft like the NFL's supplemental in that it costs you future draft picks or is essentially a do-over from Friday? Though I have concerns about his quickness, I would be ready to concede a future pick to get the big German.
Posted by: Throwin | January 21, 2008 9:51 AM
Supplemental draft is simply an extension of the regular draft, though clubs tend to select little-known players and those with local ties. I believe the entire event is conducted on a conference call.
Posted by: Goff | January 21, 2008 9:57 AM
Not on the rug, man.
Posted by: toolboy | January 21, 2008 10:05 AM
Maude Lebowski: What do you do for recreation?
The Dude: Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback.
Posted by: delantero | January 21, 2008 10:08 AM
The Dude: Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not "Mr. Lebowski". You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.
Posted by: Coen, Joel | January 21, 2008 10:10 AM
essien,
per a discussion on BigSoccer about places in DC area to watch the African Nations Cup, try Babylon Futbol Cafe in Bailey's Crossroads; Bukom Cafe in Adams Morgan; Nema's on U St; or Ghana Cafe on 18th St.
It's always good to call ahead of time to verify.
Also someone said Comcast digital channel 194 might be showing some games. It's a feed from a Nigerian station - I'm going to check it out at noon when Nigeria - Ivory Coast are scheduled to kick off. That could be the best matchup in the 1st Round: 2 great teams with a recent history and rivalry in the last World Cup qualifiers.
Posted by: garbaggio | January 21, 2008 10:18 AM
Lindsay Tarpley wins the Golden Boot, which looks more like an oversized ice cream dish. A good start for the new coach.
I had Sulley Muntari on my EPL fantasy team for a few weeks and he did squat for me. Now he's scoring match winning goals. I guess he just didn't thrive under my management style.
Posted by: I-270, Exit 1 | January 21, 2008 10:22 AM
Yahoo Sports is already showing Franco Neill on DC's roster with a uniform # of 16. Hmm....
Posted by: Longshoe | January 21, 2008 10:25 AM
Goff,
Any word on Vanney resigning or us trading him westward?
Posted by: strago | January 21, 2008 10:27 AM
I just checked channel 194 (Comcast digital cable) and they're showing Morocco v Namibia live right now (good quality transmission). Hopefully they show Nigeria - Ivory Coast at noon.
Get your instant fix of African soccer!
Posted by: garbaggio | January 21, 2008 10:29 AM
FIOS channel 914 is showing someone vs someone elss. The Mhz4 logo is blocking the team names, but the someone else is leading 3-1.
Posted by: I-270, Exit 1 | January 21, 2008 10:37 AM
Mr. Goff, any chance of a road trip for you to cover Algarve Cup and check in on Mr. Adu?
Posted by: WNT fan | January 21, 2008 10:39 AM
Hey Goff, the new kits were unveiled this past Friday, and there's a big gaping space in the middle of the shirt for a corporate logo.
What's the word?
Posted by: bdr | January 21, 2008 10:42 AM
It just seems that there is something going on at United, something peculiar. What are the reasons for not announcing anything yet? Are they waiting on something else? Is there a reason they have become so tight lipped on player acquisitions? Does it have to do with what happened with Veron? These are not questions I am expecting to receive answers to, but I wanted to vent.
Posted by: Mike | January 21, 2008 10:44 AM
P.S. Our friend and benefactor, Mr. Goff was interviewed. Not sure if this was posted anywhere already: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuAFIeN0Mew
Posted by: Mike | January 21, 2008 10:46 AM
RCN Digital Cable Montgomery has Nigerian ITV and the African Cup game on #193. Morocco 4-1 over Namibia at the half.
Posted by: sbg | January 21, 2008 10:50 AM
Just got word from my source on the new DC United uniform sponsor:
"Soccer Insider"
Steve, can you confirm?
Posted by: Joe Doc | January 21, 2008 10:56 AM
I would like to know if there are two national teams that have played each other more than the USA has played Mexico. Why not play someone else or someone new?
Posted by: peridigm | January 21, 2008 11:17 AM
You can pay 30$ and see every Group Stage fixture on Telesud. It's 14$ for all the Final Round Games.
http://www.ghana2008.tv/index_63_gb_US.html?S5REF=LIVESOCCER&session=
Posted by: Anonymous | January 21, 2008 11:24 AM
NO NEED TO PAY ....HERE IS THE LINK.....And of course the 500kbs is the best quality picture.......
Allez les Elephants....
Posted by: boris | January 21, 2008 11:27 AM
Posted by: boris | January 21, 2008 11:27 AM
Supplemental draft order at http://www.3rddegree.net/superdraft/
Just scroll down past the superdraft information.
DC with the 10th, 24th, 38th and 52nd picks.
Posted by: seahawkdad | January 21, 2008 11:30 AM
Re: Yahoo Sports showing Franco Niell as DC United #16: Under "Height", they say 0'0". Now I know we favor short players, but this is ridiculous. The BALL is taller than he is!
Posted by: Hedbal | January 21, 2008 11:36 AM
At 0'0", just think of the free kicks he'll draw by getting stepped on. Now, is it a handball if you're 0'0" and you get "attached" to the ball when someone else strikes it?
Posted by: griffin1108 | January 21, 2008 11:55 AM
Sounds like the Nigeria-Ivory Coast game is a real end-to-end stuff; close calls and many saves already made, according to the BBC.
Posted by: Red Devil | January 21, 2008 12:31 PM
WHat is the big hold up with Gomez's contract? Is it simply a second year? I would think that if we can give Moreno a two year deal, then certainly Gomez is worth it. The problem I see is that we have not addressed a possible Gomez-less team so we are forced to sign him just to keep the team rolling.
Posted by: gomez4prez | January 21, 2008 12:51 PM
Cooke for Gomez?
Posted by: Allen | January 21, 2008 12:56 PM
You can pick up eurosport off this site and get english coverage of the African cup.
Posted by: JC | January 21, 2008 12:59 PM
So far the Nigeria-Ivorty Coast game has been pretty amazing, great pace, lots of entertaining, attacking football, however, despite the draw Ivory Coast has looked the better side.
I know it is far too early to proclaim, but it wouldn't shock me to see an African team (Ghana, IC, Nigeria) go deep at South Africa 2010.
Posted by: Chase | January 21, 2008 12:59 PM
Gomez has offers from clubs in other countries. The DCU offer has not changed; he has to decide whether to accept it or go abroad. (There is also the chance of a trade within MLS to a team willing to pay him more than DCU.)
Posted by: Goff | January 21, 2008 12:59 PM
No, like I said, Woo peed on my rug.
Posted by: The Dude | January 21, 2008 1:06 PM
Hey goff, there's a story going on in Arg. that Marcelo Gallardo had an offer from San Lorezno, but has a significant offer thats more money from an unnamed US Team, could that be us? Becasue if so, i say let Gomez go and try out Gallardo so we can take home the concacaf title, and go to the World Cup of clubs this year.
Linke to the said article.
Posted by: Bolivian DC Fan | January 21, 2008 1:08 PM
http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=555581
Goal.com cites unnamed "local press" as believing that's DCU. Is it significant that the Gomez trade rumors and Gallardo to MLS rumors rekindle at the same time?
Posted by: Stan | January 21, 2008 1:22 PM
Goal Ivory Coast...the Eurosport feed is probably the best.
Posted by: RK | January 21, 2008 1:25 PM
If we got him, it would be on a free transfer.
Posted by: Bolivian DC Fan | January 21, 2008 1:26 PM
***Spoiler Alert***
Goal!!
Nigeria 0-1 Ivory Coast
Posted by: Red Devil | January 21, 2008 1:27 PM
I'd take Gallardo in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Chico | January 21, 2008 1:27 PM
Amazing run and finish by Solomon Kalou to put Ivory Coast in front.
Posted by: Matt | January 21, 2008 1:27 PM
I heard that its the Red Bulls who are pursuing Marcelo Gallardo and that Juan Carlos Osoiro is in S. America negotiating the deal.
Posted by: DC United Fan | January 21, 2008 1:29 PM
I wish my Comcast didn't suck. It's not fair to this match that anybody would have to watch this on a computer screen.
Posted by: sitruc | January 21, 2008 1:30 PM
How are the RedBulls going to be able to pay him what amounts to DP money with Angel and Reyna on their roster?
Posted by: DirtyHarry | January 21, 2008 1:32 PM
Always have faith. Kasper and Payne know what they are doing!
VAMOS UNITED!
Posted by: strago | January 21, 2008 1:35 PM
Anyone have a list of CAN teams, their players, and their club teams?
Posted by: RK | January 21, 2008 1:38 PM
Strago,
I agree...but we all know that even the best personnel managers make bad decisions from time to time...and I'm real nervous about this season if we don't get these signings + Gomez in...
Course....we could have Lexi Lala as our GM and then we'd all be real screwed...so I guess we have absolutely no reason to complain
Posted by: Matt Y | January 21, 2008 2:20 PM
Power outages at sporting events are always fun.
Posted by: sitruc | January 21, 2008 2:33 PM
Ahhh, The Big Lebowski.
Awesome Goff, awesome.
I even have my 14 y/o daughter lovin' that movie.
Posted by: White Russian | January 21, 2008 3:42 PM
Anyone notice Colorado Rapids cast off Junior Agogo was the man tripped for Ghana's first goal (penalty kick) yesterday?
Posted by: A Rickey | January 21, 2008 4:13 PM
It would be great if Gallardo signed with Red Bull just so you guys could complain about it.
Posted by: Smith | January 21, 2008 6:58 PM
It would be great if Gallardo signed with Red Bull just so you so he could be a loser.
Posted by: Smith | January 21, 2008 06:58 PM
FYP.
Posted by: Winoman | January 21, 2008 7:50 PM
Winoman? Is that because you drink a lot due to your inability to meet women?
Also, your grammar is terrible. Please go back to school.
Good God! You're an illiterate! I'm sorry to make fun of you on a blog you probably can't even read without help.
My apologies.
Posted by: Smith | January 21, 2008 9:41 PM
*sigh* Silly Metroscum trolls.
Why don't you try starting a rivalry with a team you actually have some semblance of a chance of beating occasionally, like Rochester.
Posted by: AlecW81 | January 21, 2008 9:48 PM
give us something on Gallardo. this guy would be huge for any MLS team. don't make us play the dcu vs metrobulls roulette any longer.
Posted by: help us, ob-1-goff, you're our only help | January 21, 2008 10:47 PM
I've heard that most recent news has Gallardo coming to DCU with Gomez being traded to Colorado for multiple players. Could this be true Goff?!?!?
Posted by: werd | January 21, 2008 11:18 PM
Breaking NEWS!!
Posted by: Jcromero01 | January 22, 2008 12:00 AM
Are any of the practices in Bradenton open to the public? My parents live there and they are desperate for any contact with the soccer world ever since they lost the Mutiny.
Posted by: Crewgrrl | January 22, 2008 12:15 AM
Since the Big Lebowski, I've never been able to look at a can of Folger's coffee without laughing.
Posted by: Doug | January 22, 2008 1:14 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Thanks for succinct summary, Goffinho. I doubt it will satisfy many of the Chicken Littles who have been around all weekend, but at least we all know where things stand at the moment. Do you have any word on Reyering's rehab and if the June date for his returning to action is accurate? How about B'liga 2 or other German interest? I wouldn't mind seeing him in Black and Red next season at all...