Prideaux is a solid back-up in MLS. I suspect he'll get picked up... probably by New York.

I smell LA for Prideaux. I mean, LA has about 2 defenders right now, correct?

I may be alone on this - but I really hope that Kpene finds some way into this club. I always felt he was a goal away from getting the confidence enough to be a real threat. I'd hate to see him claimed on waivers and then pounding in goals Ngwenya style for someone else.

Can either Kpene or Dyachenko fall back to a dev contract or is it senior roster or out for both of them.

Also, I don't believe three years at a dev contract was ever what was intended for the whole developmental system. I can mentally accept the dev contract as a one year apprenticeship minor stipend but once you hit three years like Moose it gets ridiculous. MLS teams need more than 18 players for depth and once you get to the dev players you either have experienced players treated poorly or newbies cycling every year. This structure just doesn't work for either the teams or the players.

Kpene fan, I'm with you. I feel the same way about Rod. Time will tell. Sometimes these guys never seem to get it together, but both have shown flashes of brilliance.

Kpene fan, I'm with you. I feel the same way about Rod. Time will tell. Sometimes these guys never seem to get it together, but both have shown flashes of brilliance.

Posted by: Matte | March 3, 2008 04:45 PM
------------------------------------------------

I was writing the same thing but got off track and scrapped it. They're in identical situations. Good players that haven't been able to turn the corner.

What happened to Cesar?

Prideaux would be wise to join Seattle and then play in MLS next year (assuming he didn't get picked up in the waiver draft).

Kpene can still go on the developmental roster, right? I would expect he goes there if we need a senior spot. The same goes for Rod if he's still eligible.

I agree, I would rather not see Kpene playing for another MLS side against us. Plus, I think with the schedule we have, it would be good to have him as a 4th forward, it would be cool to see him and Neil play some Open Cup or slightly less meaningful games and be running circles around defenders.

Jason- Cesar is there under possible developmental players as the slightly more exotic Cezar.

Both Kpene and Dyachenko are eligible for developmental status (I will add a note to the original thread)

Shouldn't there be more than 5 defenders on the senior roster? I feel like the team needs to have at least 6.

Tino has his work cut out for him to make this roster. I hope he's been eating his Cheerios.

I completely agree with DCU_Rick - only having five defenders on the senior roster scares me.

Perhaps they are counting on one of the developmental guys to step up. Regardless, I'd feel better if we had even one more defender in the 'Possible' section on the list above.

Tino has his work cut out for him to make this roster. I hope he's been eating his Cheerios.

Posted by: GoldenChild | March 3, 2008 04:59 PM
-----------------
Which begs the philosophical question..."can you trade your Cheerios and have them too?" :)

Can Mediate play a little at right back?

Listing double position trialists as both

4 unclaimed senior spots;4 unclaimed developmental spots

2 senior roster GK (no senior GK trialists);0 developmental roster GK (1 dev GK trialist)

5 senior roster defenders (no defender senior roster trialists);2 developmental roster defenders (3 defender senior roster trialists)

4 senior roster midfielders (4 senior midfield trialists);5 developmental midfielders (2 developmental midfield trialists)

3 senior roster forwards (5 senior forward trialists);0 developmental forwards (1 dev forward trialist)

Senor Goff -- what's the story on your status of "Expected" senior roster for Mediate? I'd assumed he was locked in at senior. Is there really some chance he'll be offered a developmental only (and would accept that)? Is there some serious chance he'll be gone?

I'm lukewarm about his play, but our lack of depth outside would take a serious hit if he weren't around. Especially missing Benny to start.

I never liked Prideaux, too slow, even by MLS standards. He is a liability.

That being said, someone may pick him up as an insurance policy. It won't be DC.

Prideaux is a no-brainer! We should bring him back. Let's get that boy his goal wearing DCU colors. Then he can retire into the sunset! Hollywood couldn't script it better.

:)

DC might cut Mediate if the feel that Kirk, Moose, Cordeiro, Quaranta and maybe McTavish are sufficient I think. If Tino isn't signed maybe Gardner beats him out but otherwise think he's safe.

When you look at the whole roster, I think you have to be pretty happy with where DCU are. No money pits, no problem guys, good balance of experince/youth, and a couple of options at each position. Everybody's pretty much pulling their weight.

Oh, I smell sweet revenge...

this squad on the pitch for DC means MLS VICTORY...

I can not WAIT...

Mediate is too old for developmental. I EXPECT him to make the final roster, but with any reserve player, it's always wise to hedge a little bit.

OT -- Martin Taylor -- 3 games??? Did I miss an Insider thread on this? That seems unbelievable to me.

The roster is looking good. Now let's just hope that the team can gel (quickly)!

Vamos!

The Carrolls and Brandon Owens will probably provide the defensive depth to the roster.

So when did the MLS Rules Committee change the Developmental age limit from 24 to 25?? Goff were you aware of this? Or is this just another example of the MLS changing the rules as they go along?

Only reason I know for sure it said 24 just two months ago is that I wrote a blog specifically quoting that portion of the rules. Anyway, we should be happy that a rule change is actually benefitting us.

My guess on cuts: Gardner or Quaranta (despite Tino's pedigree this weeks' games are HUGE for him) Blumer, Walker (if he's truly lost his speed, he's lost his most valuable asset (and maybe only asset) and has no worth to DC U.

Too bad there's no room for a true reserve team/2nd team/feeder team.

And yes, I'm currently speaking out of my arse as I have not seen any of these guys play this year.

DCUMD:

Nice post on your blog.

One note: I think Carvallo has his Green Card, meaning DCU could keep Cezar if they want to without cutting another international player.

15 days to the first home match!

I agree about Taylor, how does an amputation get only 3 games but a face slap (mild at that and by both) get you 4?? Strange ref committee in UK

I'm still worried about Gallardo. A friend of mine from Argentina, who is a diehard River fan, said Gallardo can be a nightmare for coaches and single-handedly got a coach fired at River back in the day. He says he's always been a skilled professional but he also tends to be a bit lazy - especially if his heart isn't in it.

Sorry to buck the poistive posts on this string but call me a bit skeptical as to whether the doll can deliver.

The question with Taylor is intent. If there was an intent to foul, then I'd say the penalty is ridiculously light. If there was no intent -- just an awkward, missed tackle -- then it's an excessive bow to the publicity surrounding the gruesome injury that resulted. Either way, the penalty feels wrong -- which probably means it's a wise compromise.

I still don't get the Kpene-love... Just to remind everyone of his 2007 production:

MLS Regular Games: 626 minutes, 2 assists, 0 goals
MLS Reserve Games: 100 minutes, 0 assists, 0 goals

I realize that stats can't capture all kind of intangibles, not do they necessarily reflect potential, but 700+ minutes and 0 goals by a forward is pretty poor...

Curious, would you mind sparing us the countdowns? We can all count...

edgeonyou, no soccer knowledge

""but both have shown flashes of brilliance.""

Where has Kpene shown flashes of brilliance?

edgeonyou, no soccer knowledge

Posted by: zogoal | March 3, 2008 07:47 PM
---------------------------------------------

Oh please... give me a break. You base that on what? I was all fired up about Kpene at the start of last season. Love his speed and love the idea of having a young guy who would develop into a reliable and dangerous sub and spot starter. But at some point as a forward, you have to put the ball in the net. Or not? Maybe as you say, I have no soccer knowledge and I've misunderstood the intent of the game. I thought it was to outscore the opponent.

Jeez, I'm not even saying he should be cut. All I'm saying is that I don't get why people on this board seem to like him so much. I assume it's purely based on his potential, but at what point does having potential not cut it? I'd love for him to tear it up this year.

How much potential does Kpene even have left? He is 24 years old! It's not like he's 18.

Senor Goff -- Can you clarify your comment re: Mediate being too old for developmental? Not that I think we'd sign him to anything other than a senior roster position, but my understanding was that 25 was the age limit for developmental, and he's 25.

Mediate is 26 this year

Re: posts by "edgeonyou"

While Kpene's stats may not be impressive, I don't think we can base our judgment of him on stats alone. I mean, while Kpene has scored 0 goals, Rod Dyachenko has only scored 1--and considering they seem to be the two competing, they are pretty even for the spot by the numbers. However, Rod's sole red card sort of balances out the sole goal, don't you think? Besides, Kpene's skill is very impressive on the field. It's hard to judge any player by his numbers, but especially this guy.

For extra clarity... The age limit says that any player who will turn 25 during this calendar year is eligible for the Developmental roster, meaning anyone born in 1983 or later. Mediate is currently 25 but will turn 26 this year.

I agree with edgeonyou on Kpene. Potential is only good for so long before you have to start producing. But granted, 2007 was his rookie year in MLS. Hopefully he scores some this year, but it will be tough to do it from the bench when he is behind Niell on the depth chart, and probably behind Walker too (since Walker actually knows how to score)

With Olsen out, MF is thin. Seems that Quaranta -- if in shape and a new attitude -- would be in, Dyachenko as well because of size and technical ability. Mediate is one who really is on the bubble -- not fast, limited offensive skills and mediocre defense. Isn't Moose at least faster?
Kpene -- feh, he is not the second Ngwenya. He isn't even the second Ali Curtis.

Re: posts by "edgeonyou"

While Kpene's stats may not be impressive, I don't think we can base our judgment of him on stats alone.
-----------------------------------------
Posted by: Catherine-Lucia | March 3, 2008 08:24 PM

I agree 100%, which I why I said "I realize that stats can't capture all kind of intangibles"

-----------------------------------------
I mean, while Kpene has scored 0 goals, Rod Dyachenko has only scored 1--and considering they seem to be the two competing, they are pretty even for the spot by the numbers.

Posted by: Catherine-Lucia | March 3, 2008 08:24 PM
----------------------------------------
True enough, although I believe Dyachenko played many fewer minutes than Kpene, blah blah blah. But also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, although he's listed as a forward didn't Dyachenko play a bit in MF? Obviously this is all apples and oranges anyway since we agree that stats in soccer are largely useless.
-----------------------------------------

Besides, Kpene's skill is very impressive on the field. It's hard to judge any player by his numbers, but especially this guy.

Posted by: Catherine-Lucia | March 3, 2008 08:24 PM
----------------------------------------

I guess my whole question is at what point does that skill need to reflected in results. Unlike Jaime, who also doesn't really score in the run of play, Kpene certainly doesn't seem to make others around him any better.

But this is all just hot air as we wait for the season to start. Like I said, hopefully he blossoms this year. Obviously he's got something going for him if he's still around after last year.

The point is that getting paid 12000 0r 17000 a year, its ashamed for development players. Players like Justin Moose that accepted that for three straight years, they know that they can not play anywhere else but reserves games . 0ther wise they would go somewhere else like Jay Nedham and Mira Mupier did.

For what it's worth, I think Kpene's all-around game is better than Ngwenya's after their respective rookie seasons. Now, that's not saying he's going to turn into a player of that level, but the potential is there.

His lack of even a single goal is certainly not the best thing in the world, but if you watched him closely, you had to notice that it never wore on him. He's one of those strikers that doesn't let misses throw him off. Emilio is the same way: he could miss a sitter, and it will already be gone from his thoughts by the time the goal kick is taken. That's why I believe Kpene should get another season. He's got the skills, he's quick, and he causes problems for other teams.

When is the roster deadline? A comment on another blog said it was this week; I can't find anything on MLSnet about it (big surprise).

Obviously he's got something going for him if he's still around after last year.

Posted by: edgeonyou | March 3, 2008 08:45 PM
___________________

Good point. :)

Kpene's last goals came for the Brooklyn Knights in the PDL, where he played with Jeff Carroll. "I did not know that."

Is Eduardo really getting his leg amputated???

""but both have shown flashes of brilliance.""

Where has Kpene shown flashes of brilliance?

Posted by: delantero | March 3, 2008 07:57 PM
___________________________________________

IMO his touch and skill on the ball is above average than most MLS forwards, you can tell he has the creativity and touch, its just his finishing that is not there, i bet if he puts in just one as someone stated earlier it will put him at ease and at a better place than he was last year.

I hope we keep kpene and make the best of him, Dyachenko not so much, hes got the skill but man is he SLOW!!! I perfer Kpene over him. What do you guys think? Yes his goal was nice against AMERICA, but thats all i remember of his season.

MLS changed the developmental age limit to 25 for this season. Similar to the addition of a international roster spot as well as no longer differentiating senior v. youth international, these rule changes are designed to deepen the talent pool needed for MLS with the numerous expansion teams being added each year in the next few years.

Curious, I like your countdowns. I can't think more than a day in advance. Keep them coming.

Dyachenko's skill set is somewhat similar to Jaime's, though not at all at the same level. He can hold the ball and make the killer pass. He also is more inclined to shoot than Jaime, who seems very reluctant to pull the trigger and would rather make a nice pass than take a chance on a shot. For those reasons, I think it would be smart to keep Rod on the squad, somehow. (Ditto with Quaranta - if he is even remotely as skilled as when he last played, he should be the odds on favorite to play in Ben's spot while those abused ankles heal.)

Have not seen anything about Eduardo getting his foot cut off. Guess that's a figure of speach? If you can't rationalize what happened to Eduardo how can you pass judgement on the dude who hurt him?
Or maybe we missed the story about the amputation just like the guy who missed the discussion about "what should happen to Taylor"...
Truth is who cares. Arsenal will fall tommorow and that's that.
Kpene has shown some sparks, I have thought a couple more chances could yield a goal. Little less hairstyle and a lot more shots on goal maybe?...
His sequence is out of order. Goal, Confidence, then the bleached ends...
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSE
You could always start bike messengering, you might make more money.
And catch a couple matches at the lucky bar...

we have to be the first club in which three brothers played for the same club (albeit not at the same time)

additionally, if we do not sign Kpene whom, may I ask, is our fourth forward?

Read this as soon as you get to work. Be late for that staff meeting. Tell them I said it was important.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030302989_2.html

I amend my comment - I guess Dyachenko or even Quaranta could be the fourth forward. It would seem odd that traded a first round draft pick to regain Dyachenko and then not have him sign. If we can get them there, let's sign him and Kpene to developmental contracts and have them earn their senior spots.

by the way, I would also like for us to sign Dane Murphy, if for nothing else to re-establish our DC United - UVA connection

I thought Mediate was given a contract extension at the end of last season, while Moose was unsigned... I thought Moose would be too old for a dev. spot this time too.

No, Mediate doesn't turn 26 until June.

I liked the new article. Thanks for the continued good work.

I agree with sitruc--this morning's article was really great.

IS THERE A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE PLAYERS AVAILABLE IN TODAY'S WAIVAER DRAFT?

Rod is terrible, let him go. Kpene can stick around. Numbers look good for Tino if he shows anything in camp.

For years I remember thinking of Tino as a project who never quite made it. He's had his chances elsewhere and he never proved himself. Now he's right back here again.

Kpene and Dyachenko can be described exactly like Tino was a few years ago. Projects. Talent with flaws. Kpene hasn't finished when he's needed to but is menacing and plays to win. Dyachenko has the size and skills to become a #10, which is a true commodity in this league, and toward the end of the season and in the playoffs he had some sweet passes that kept us in the game.

If it comes to a coin toss and we need to lose one; if none shine in the remaining pre-season or if all three shine bright, I'd say we'd need to drop Tino because wingers are more readily found than true forwards or players with A-mid potential. He is neither.

Just my humble opinion.

@I-270, Exit 1: get some sleep, my friend.

David: No, Kpene and Dyachenko can't be described as where Tino was a few years ago, since a few years ago, Tino had still scored a decent number of goals for his playing time, while Dyachenko has scored next to none, and Kpene has scored exactly zero.

As far as wingers being easier to find . . .I dunno whether that's true in general, but it hasn't been true for United. We haven't had solid wing play since 2004. Not that Tino solves that problem, of course, since he's not a winger -- just someone that gets played out there often.

I think the "amoutation" comment on Eduardo was in reference to the tackle itself, which nearly took his leg off. Not the fact that he is in surgery at the moment.

'Course, I could be wrong.

"Amputation".

kantt spele

If it comes down to Kpene or Dyachenko, it has to go to Dyachenko. I always felt, at the end of the year, that our team play improved when he came in. I felt the opposite about Kpene, though I agree he showed flashes. The wildcard is Quaranta. If he is fit, healthy, motivated and (it must be said) grown up, then he could have a greater impact right away, particularly with Olson hurt.

All that said, I like our coaching staff and trust their decisions and am looking forward to seeing what those decisions are.

@I-270, Exit 1: get some sleep, my friend.

Posted by: Joe Doc | March 4, 2008 08:52 AM
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I do that at the office, after catching up on SocIn.