Predictions/INDEX:
1. D.C. United (PLAYOFFS)
2. Red Bull New York (PLAYOFFS)
3. New England Revolution (PLAYOFFS)
4. Kansas City Wizards (PLAYOFFS)
5. Toronto F.C.
6. Chicago Fire
7. Columbus Crew
Enjoy. Please give me feedback.
In order of projected finish:
D.C. United
Players In
Luciano Emilio (C.D. Olimpia), Fred (Melbourne Victory), Kasali Yinka Casal (Fulham F.C.), Jay Nolly (Real Salt Lake), Marc Burch (Columbus)
Players Out
Mattias Donnet (Belgrano), Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Alecko Eskandarian (Toronto F.C.), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Brandon Prideaux (Colorado)
Developmental Contracts:
Kiki Willis
Blurb:
D.C., along with Houston, looks like the favorite again. Even with the departures of quality contributors in Freddy Adu, Eskandarian, and Nick Rimando. New coach Tom Soehn has already made D.C.’s influence felt in the CONCACAF Champions Cup falling short however to Chivas Guadalajara mainly due to defensive miscues. That missing link will be the key to how United fares this season. Facundo Erpen specifically possesses the ability to make or break the performance of a team. His blunders often outweigh his brilliant attacking back play. Luciano Emilio, from CD Olimpa, has proven his worth already but how he will deal with MLS soccer, the scrapfest that it sometimes is, still remains to be seen. Fred is a question mark, but these acquisitions do falter, young possibilities exist in the form of tough gun Justin Moose, pacy Clyde Simms, and Rod Dyachenko who made the trip to Toronto only to come back a week later. Fulham Reserve young’un and Nigerian product Yinka Casal could see some considerable time as a versatile midfield and forward combination. With all that, D.C. looks to weather the storm of inconsistency and perform well this season within the MLS and also the SuperLiga.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Troy Perkins
DC: Bryan Namoff
DC: Bobby Boswell
DC: Facundo Erpen
MR: Fred
MC: Brian Carroll
MC: Bennie Olsen
MC: Christian Gomez
ML: Joshua Gros
FC: Luciano Emilio
FC: Jaime Moreno
Key Subs:
MF: Yinka Casal
MF: Justin Moose
DF: Stephen De Roux
MF: Bryan Arguez
MF: Rod Dyachenko
MF: Clyde Simms
Red Bull New York
Players In
Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Clint Mathis (Colorado Rapids), Hunter Freeman (Colorado Rapids), Dave Van Den Bergh (Kansas City Wizards), Richard Waterreus (AZ Alkmaar)
Players Out
Amado Guevara (Chivas USA), David Arvizu (Chivas USA), Abbe Ibrahim (Toronto F.C.), Steve Jolley (retired), Michael Behonick (Virginia Beach), Shawn Kuykendall (released), Mark Lisi (retired), Chris Henderson (retired), Youri Djorkaeff (retired), Tony Meola (released), Jordan Cila (retired), Edson Buddle (Toronto FC), Peter Canero (released)
Undrafted and Signed
Hugh MacDonald (Monmouth U.)
Blurb:
With this being Bruce Arena his belly’s first full season with New York, we should bank on seeing a good coach’s work in progress. He has the player pool to dramatically improve upon last year, but a lot depends on whether 17 year old prodigy Jozy Altidore can become a full-time starter. If not, Arena most likely has reinforcements on the way. The questions are: will it be before April 15th? Or will it wait until the secondary transfer window? Links to Chilean legend Marcelo Salas and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel have been plentiful. Get ready to see the continued education of Marvell Wynne and eventual molding into an international caliber full-back. Draftee Dane Richards will get a good amount of time in the middle even with the recent pick-up of Cletus Mathis. A lot rides on the health of Claudio Reyna and his Austrian counterpart Markus Schopp. Dave Van der Bergh has played well in his first MLS preseason. You will find that Van der Bergh gives Terry Cooke a run for his Most Assists title. The defense is rather strong and has depth in Seth Stammler and former Red Bull, turned Chivas USA, turned Bull again Tim Regan. Taylor Graham will most likely be shipped out at some point this season as his inconsistency is wasteful. At goalkeeper, former AZ, Rangers, and Manchester City netminder Ronald Waterreus will be formidable in goal and a big upgrade from recently released Tony Meola and trade-rumoured Jon Conway The Bulls’ season will not be decided within the first couple games so be ready for a late season good form run.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Ronald Waterreus
DR: Marvell Wynne
DC: Carlos Mendes
DC: Jeff Parke
DL: Todd Dunivant
MR: Markus Schopp (out injured)
MC: Dema Kovalenko
MC: Claudio Reyna
MC: Clint Mathis/Dane Richards
ML: Dave Van der Bergh
FC: Josmer Altidore
Key Subs:
DF: Seth Stammler
FC: John Wolyniec
MF: Dane Richards
DF: Tim Regan
MF: Mike Magee
New England Revolution
Players In
Players Out
Clint Dempsey (Fulham F.C.), Kyle Brown (Real Salt Lake), Jose Manuel Abundis (Queretaro F.C.)
Blurb:
Clearly, my pick of Adam Cristman starting at forward is a bit of a stretch. My disdain for Joey ‘the Rat’ Franchino far exceeded my know how that Cristman probably wouldn’t be starting. His recent performances in the preseason however almost warrant a starting position up next to Twellman. Another preseason standout, Arsene Oka, will probably get little time but he looks to be involved, at least, in the future of the organization. A solid midfield and a disciplined defense could lead these guys back to the MLS Cup, but the missing ingredient is a skilled and fiery midfielder like Clint Dempsey to provide that spark of creativity needed to win clutch games. A DP might solve that problem, but the midfield contingent now is more than capable of winning most games (problems arise, however, with the possible departure of Shalrie Joseph soon). Speaking of clutch, or lack thereof, Jay Heaps will look for redemption in the back and the only way to do that is to win an MLS Cup championship. Parkhurst will continue to progress to Boswell status this year as the foundation of the Revolution back line. OVerall, Nicol will have them ready to perform as the Revolution always seem to be.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Matt Reis (just signed a new contract)
DR: Jay Heaps
DC: Michael Parkhurst
DC: Avery John
MR: Steve Ralston
MC: Jeff Larentowicz
MC: Shalrie Joseph
MC: Andy Dorman
ML: Pat Noonan
FC: Taylor Twellman
FC: Adam Cristman
Key Subs:
MF: Amaechi Igwe
DF: Daniel Hernandez
FC: Khano Smith
MF: Joey Franchino
MF: Arsene Oka
Kansas City Wizards
Players In
Kevin Hartman (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Players Out
Alex Zotinca (Chivas USA), Shavar Thomas (Los Angeles Galaxy), Bo Oshoniyi (waived), Dave Van Den Bergh (Red Bull New York), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich), Will Hesmer (Columbus)
Blurb:
The starting lineup looks promising, but the lack of depth with Kansas City is potentially very troublesome. As injury prone as KC has been in the past, it looks to be a tough year for the Wizards. However, if their lineup stays intact with a couple additions here and there, this squad could regain its’ previous form. Speaking of additions, there is rumor of a Carlos Marinelli signing, but no confirmation has materialized as of late. A couple personnel changes put Curt Onalfo in charge and brought Kris Kelderman and Chris Henderson in as assistant coaches. Onalfo proceeded to decide not to toy with the lineup too much and instead try his luck in the draft, which has always treated the Wizards pretty well. They picked up UNC fullback Michael Harrington who was slated to start at rightback until recent info has stated that Jewsbury will be moving back there. Another draftee Michael Kraus and second year Yuri Movsisyan could see significant time this year barring the recent inconsistent health of Sasha Victorine and Davy Arnaud. Also look for Jose Burciaga, Jr. to have another big 8 goal, 8 assist year as he is on a mission to find his way into the U.S. Men's National Team. Overall, it should be either a bright or dim year for KC, no real room for middle ground.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Kevin Hartman
DR: Jack Jewsbury/Michael Harrington
DC: Jimmy Conrad
DC: Nick Garcia
DL: Jose Burciaga, Jr.
MR: Davy Arnaud
MC: Kerry Zavagnin
MC: Sasha Victorine
ML: Michael Harrington/Edson Elcock
FC: Scott Sealy
FC: Eddie Johnson
Key Subs:
MF: Will John
DF: Matt Groenwald
FC: Yura Movsisyan
MF: Lance Watson
Toronto FC
Players In
Carl Robinson (Norwich City), Andy Welsh (Sunderland), Richard Mulrooney (F.C. Dallas), Ronnie O’Brien (F.C Dallas), Abbe Ibrahim (Red Bull New York), Jim Brennan (Southampton), Conor Casey (FC Mainz), Edson Buddle (Red Bull New York)
Players Out
Danny O’Rourke (Columbus Crew), Adrian Serioux (F.C. Dallas), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew)
Developmental Contracts
Tomer Chencinski, Andrew Gray, David Guzman, Andrea Lombardo, Stephen Lumley
Blurb:
Head Coach Mo Johnston has done a great job of finding the right pieces to the puzzle that is an expansion team. A couple injury problems (to Ronnie O’Brien and #1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu) will keep Toronto, however, from fielding their strongest team heading into their game against Chivas USA tomorrow. Draftee Andrew Boyens from New Mexico looks to possibly start at right-back, but Canadian international Adam Braz could fill the role just as well. Johnston and TFC will be reeling from recent news that all 14,000 season ticket plans are now officially sold out. Toronto’s first season may very well be a question mark, but in no way will it be as turbulent and unsuccessful as RSL and Chivas USA’s first year. With enough injuries, however, the true inconsistencies and weaknesses of this squad could be realized. Underneath it all, Johnston has a slew of young’uns signed to developmental contracts. My verdict: with health comes success.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Chris Sutton
DR: Andrew Boyens
DC: Chris Pozniak
DC: Marco Reda
DL: Jim Brennan
MR: Ronnie O’Brien (now injured)
MC: Carl Robinson
MC: Paulo Nagamura/Jose Cancela
ML: Andy Welsh
FC: Conor Casey
FC: Alecko Eskandarian/Edson Buddle
Key Subs:
MF: Maurice Edu
DF: Adam Braz
FC: Abbe Ibrahim
GK: Tomer Chencinski
FC: Andrea Lombardo
Chicago Fire
Players In
Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Club America), Erik Hort (Sparta Prague)
Players Out
Andy Herron (Columbus Crew), Zach Thornton (Colorado Rapids), Nate Jaqua (Toronto FC)
Blurb:
The Fire has the roster which ostensibly possesses the potential to be drastically underestimated. That was even before the recent DP signing of the fiery Mexican legend Cuauhtemac Blanco from Club America. With that signing though, Chicago’s total number of aging starting lineup members comes to three. Blanco, Armas, and Gutierrez all fit the bill. Pascal Bedrossian, the injury-riddled Frenchman, looks to breakthrough and find himself a starting lineup. With the wear and tear of the MLS season, it seems he might get his chance (however, he is only a good 2 years younger than the 3 veterans). Another player waiting in the wings will be forward Calen Carr and U.S. international Chad Barrett (who might well start depending on where Blanco goes). Thiago could fit in at an attacking midfielder position pushing Diego Gutierrez out of the line-up. Coach Dave Sarachan is bullish on his defense but whether they’ll go flat back four or a straight three is yet to be seen. He has a solid defensive setting in veterans Brown and Curtin, an attack-minded wingback in Gonzalo Segares, and a budding star in Dasan Robinson. Look for Virginia defensive stud Bakary Soumare to get some time in his first year. Former Yanks Abroad Czech Republic and Sparta Prague representative Erik Hort might get a run if any injuries arise.
POTENTIAL LINEUP
GK: Matt Pickens
DR: C.J. Brown
DC: Dasan Robinson
DC: Jim Curtin
DL: Gonzalo Segares
MR: Ivan Guerrero
MC: Chris Armas
MC: Diego Gutierrez
ML: Justin Mapp
FC: Cuauhtemac Blanco
FC: Chris Rolfe
Key Subs:
FC: Chad Barrett
MC: Thiago
MC: Pascal Bedrossian
FC: Calen Carr
DRL: Bakary Soumare
Columbus Crew
Players In
Robbie Rogers (Heerenveen), Stefani Miglioranzi (Los Angeles Galaxy), Danny O’Rourke (Toronto F.C.), Andy Herron (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Toronto F.C.)
Players Out
Sebastian Rozental (waived), Jon Busch (waived), Chris Leitch (waived), Jonny Walker (retired)
Blurb:
We all knew the signing of Sebastian Rozental last preseason was a mistake at its core. Therefore, the release of Rozental was no surprise. Columbus looks to have improved marginally this year, but there will certainly be some bright spots to watch out for. Yanks Abroad and former Heerenveen reserves wing midfielder Robbie Rogers looks to put a definitive mark on his first year in the MLS. If new acquisition Miglioranzi can stay healthy, he most definitely could be a factor in sparking the Crew attack. The consistent development of Ricardo Virtuoso could also be the key to a Crew rejuvenation. Otherwise, it looks to be another troublesome year for Sigi Schmid’s boys. The fight at goalkeeper became wide open when Schmid cut Jon Busch and Jonny Walker retired in the off-season leaving three: Bill Gaudette, Andy Greunebaum, and Will Hesmer to share the position. Gaudette is the most experienced out of the three, but my guess is they will go with Greunebaum as he has shown the most promise as of late. At forward, it will fall upon Kamara to up his goal tally alongside the formidable presence of Andy Herron. The depth is somewhat weak based on last season’s performances of former Maryland Terp Jason Garey. Joseph Ngwenya will help shoulder the burden. As far as the season is concerned, I have learned to not expect too much from the Crew.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP
GK: Andy Greunebaum
DR: Frankie Hejduk
DC: Chad Marshall
DC: Marcos Gonzalez
DL: Tim Ward
MR: Eddie Gaven
MC: Danny O’Rourke
MC: Stefano Miglioranzi
ML: Ricardo Virtuoso
FC: Kei Kamara/Joseph Ngwenya
FC: Andy Herron
Key Subs:
DF: Ezra Hendrickson
FC: Jason Garey
MF: Danny Szetela
MF: Ned Grabavoy
MF: Duncan Oughton
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