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Message
re: Your 2017 Major League Soccer Thread: Previews, Highlights, News, Comments
Posted on 3/4/17 at 5:29 am to John Keating
Posted on 3/4/17 at 5:29 am to John Keating
DC United
Nickname: Black and Red
Colors: Black, White, & Red
Kit Sponsor: Leidos
Ground: RFK Stadium (45,596), grass
Owner: Jason Levien (USA), Erick Thohir (IDN)
Executive: GM Dave Kasper (USA)
Manager: Ben Olsen (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 4 (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004)
Supporters Shields Won: 4 (1997, 1999, 2006, 2007)
US Open Cups Won: 3 (1996, 2008, 2013)
2016 Record: 11-10-13, 4th place Eastern, 10th place overall
Farewells: F Kennedy Igboananike (to Veria), F Alvaro Saborio (retired)
Greetings: F Jose Guillermo Ortiz (from Herediano), M Sebastian Le Toux (from COL), M Ian Harkes (from Wake Forest)
Outlook: DC United has the potential to build on their sporadic success of last year to produce another playoff level squad this season. Patrick Mullins emerged as the go to goal scorer last year and needs to continue that form up top. Little Luciano Acosta will return as the central playmaker. DC spent more money to acquire him from Boca Juniors than they have ever spent for a player and when he is on a hot streak the offense is at another level. MLS veterans Loyd Sam and Patrick Nyarko return as wingers. Marcelo Sarvas, aged 35, will be pushed in midfield by grinder Jared Jeffrey and young Ian Harkes, a box to box MF who won the Hermann Trophy as the top collegiate player last year. The defense is solid with Taylor Kemp, Steve Birnbaum, Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell, and Nick Deleon on hand for the backline. Bill Hamid has dealt with injury often over the past couple years and just recently underwent knee surgery. When healthy, Hamid has been one of the best in MLS. Travis Worra will fill in for him again when necessary. Newly signed winger Jose Guillermo Ortiz and returnees Lamar Neagle and Chris Rolfe provide additional attacking talent and depth, as will MLS senior statesman Sebastien Le Toux. If Mullins can continue to score, Acosta can create chances with consistency, the defense plays to its capabilities, and another central MF steps up, this team could have a very good year.
Montreal Impact
Nickname: Impact, Blues
Colors: Blue, Black, & Silver
Kit Sponsor: BMO
Ground: Stade Saputo (20,801), grass
Owner: Giuseppe Saputo (CAN)
Executive: Director Adam Braz (CAN)
Manager: Mauro Biello (CAN)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
Canadian Championships Won: 3 (2008, 2013, 2014)
2016 Record: 11-11-12, 5th place Eastern, 11th place overall
Farewells: F Didier Drogba (possibly retired), M Lucas Ontivero (to Universidad de Chile), D Donny Toia (to ORL), M Johan Venegas (to MIN), M Harry Shipp (to SEA)
Greetings: D Chris Duvall (from NY), M Blerim Dzemaili (from Bologna), M Adrian Arregui (from Atletico Temperley), M Shamit Shome (from Edmonton)
Outlook: Some changes in personnel for a club that caught fire to finish strong last year. Matteo Mancosu forced Didier Drogba to the bench and returns as striker. He was one of the leading catalysts of Montreal’s torrid finish. Ignacio Piatti returns as the #10 after completing an MVP caliber season and is one of MLS’ best. Dominic Oduro is streaky and inconsistent yet fast and dangerous. He stretches defenses to create chances for Mancosu and Piatti but is also capable of scoring a goal. Elder statesman Patrice Bernier returns for one last tour in midfield. Marco Donadel and Hernan Bernadello will need to step up for Johan Venegas and Lucas Ontivero, two promising but now departed players. New DP Blerim Dzemaili will arrive from Bologna to help shore up the midfield after completing his season in Serie A. Adrian Arregui, on loan from Argentina, will help provide options in midfield. MLS veteran Chris Duvall was acquired by trade to fill the departure of Donny Toia at RB while Ambroise Oyongo returns to man the opposite side. Blossoming Argentinian Victor Cabrera and Belgian international Laurent Ciman make a very good CB combo while Evan Bush is one of the better keepers in the league. A lack of quality depth is a significant issue. Mauro Biello has deftly handled challenges thus far as manager. He took over a flailing team from a fired Frank Klopas more than halfway through the 2015 season and guided the squad to a winning record and deep playoff run. In his second year, Biello faced down an insubordinate legend in Didier Drogba until the DP accepted his new role as a sub and replaced him with new arrival Mancosu, who helped ignite another deep playoff run. Piatti, Mancosu, and Oduro are fun to watch and Biello has managed well.
New England Revolution
Nickname: Revolution, Revs
Colors: Blue, Red, & White
Kit Sponsor: UnitedHealthcare
Ground: Gillette Stadium (66,829), turf
Owner: Robert Kraft (USA)
Executive: President Brian Bilello (USA), Director Michael Burns (USA)
Manager: Jay Heaps (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 1 (2007)
2016 Record: 11-14-9, 7th place Eastern, 14th place overall
Farewells: GK Bobby Shuttleworth (to MIN), D Jose Goncalves (unsigned)
Greetings: D Antonio Mlinar Delamea (from Olimpija Ljubljana), D Benjamin Angoua (from EA Guingamp)
Outlook: After three successful years under Jay Heaps, the Revolution crashed last season. Inconsistent offense and defensive lapses prevented the team from ever developing a rhythm on the pitch as several key players failed to hit their stride. The talent is present yet several questions need to be answered for this squad on the pitch. Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo are the strikers up top. For Agudelo, age 24, now is the time for him to take the next step. The issue for Kamara is can he still be a consistent and reliable goal scorer at age 32 especially considering the drama surrounding him last year and his drop-off in production. Another question is who will drive the offense, Lee Nguyen or Kelyn Rowe? Nguyen struggled last year for the first time in recent history. Meanwhile, Rowe stepped in at point and the Revs had more success with him leading the attack. Rowe is gritty, fiery, and physical. Diego Fagundez needs to step up his game as well considering his ability. He is talented but disappears for long stretches of unproductive play. Xavier Kouassi was signed as a DP from Sion last year then blew his knee before ever stepping on the pitch for New England. His recovery has been a difficult one per his own words and he was still working his way back to form as of last month. The club really needs his return to fitness. Scott Caldwell is a very solid defensive MF. The CBs last year were disastrous so new signees Antonio Mlinar Delamea and Benjamin Angoua are the new faces at the positions. Andrew Farrell stays outside and Chris Tierney returns as a reliable LB. GK Bobby Shuttleworth was disappointing last year so he has been replaced with young Cody Cropper. Cropper needs to take this opportunity to solidify himself as a first choice keeper. New England believes that Femi Hollinger-Janzen is a F with some promise, if a bit raw in his play. Teal Bunbury, London Woodberry, and Je-Vaughn Watson offer serviceable depth.
Nickname: Black and Red
Colors: Black, White, & Red
Kit Sponsor: Leidos
Ground: RFK Stadium (45,596), grass
Owner: Jason Levien (USA), Erick Thohir (IDN)
Executive: GM Dave Kasper (USA)
Manager: Ben Olsen (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 4 (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004)
Supporters Shields Won: 4 (1997, 1999, 2006, 2007)
US Open Cups Won: 3 (1996, 2008, 2013)
2016 Record: 11-10-13, 4th place Eastern, 10th place overall
Farewells: F Kennedy Igboananike (to Veria), F Alvaro Saborio (retired)
Greetings: F Jose Guillermo Ortiz (from Herediano), M Sebastian Le Toux (from COL), M Ian Harkes (from Wake Forest)
Outlook: DC United has the potential to build on their sporadic success of last year to produce another playoff level squad this season. Patrick Mullins emerged as the go to goal scorer last year and needs to continue that form up top. Little Luciano Acosta will return as the central playmaker. DC spent more money to acquire him from Boca Juniors than they have ever spent for a player and when he is on a hot streak the offense is at another level. MLS veterans Loyd Sam and Patrick Nyarko return as wingers. Marcelo Sarvas, aged 35, will be pushed in midfield by grinder Jared Jeffrey and young Ian Harkes, a box to box MF who won the Hermann Trophy as the top collegiate player last year. The defense is solid with Taylor Kemp, Steve Birnbaum, Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell, and Nick Deleon on hand for the backline. Bill Hamid has dealt with injury often over the past couple years and just recently underwent knee surgery. When healthy, Hamid has been one of the best in MLS. Travis Worra will fill in for him again when necessary. Newly signed winger Jose Guillermo Ortiz and returnees Lamar Neagle and Chris Rolfe provide additional attacking talent and depth, as will MLS senior statesman Sebastien Le Toux. If Mullins can continue to score, Acosta can create chances with consistency, the defense plays to its capabilities, and another central MF steps up, this team could have a very good year.
Montreal Impact
Nickname: Impact, Blues
Colors: Blue, Black, & Silver
Kit Sponsor: BMO
Ground: Stade Saputo (20,801), grass
Owner: Giuseppe Saputo (CAN)
Executive: Director Adam Braz (CAN)
Manager: Mauro Biello (CAN)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
Canadian Championships Won: 3 (2008, 2013, 2014)
2016 Record: 11-11-12, 5th place Eastern, 11th place overall
Farewells: F Didier Drogba (possibly retired), M Lucas Ontivero (to Universidad de Chile), D Donny Toia (to ORL), M Johan Venegas (to MIN), M Harry Shipp (to SEA)
Greetings: D Chris Duvall (from NY), M Blerim Dzemaili (from Bologna), M Adrian Arregui (from Atletico Temperley), M Shamit Shome (from Edmonton)
Outlook: Some changes in personnel for a club that caught fire to finish strong last year. Matteo Mancosu forced Didier Drogba to the bench and returns as striker. He was one of the leading catalysts of Montreal’s torrid finish. Ignacio Piatti returns as the #10 after completing an MVP caliber season and is one of MLS’ best. Dominic Oduro is streaky and inconsistent yet fast and dangerous. He stretches defenses to create chances for Mancosu and Piatti but is also capable of scoring a goal. Elder statesman Patrice Bernier returns for one last tour in midfield. Marco Donadel and Hernan Bernadello will need to step up for Johan Venegas and Lucas Ontivero, two promising but now departed players. New DP Blerim Dzemaili will arrive from Bologna to help shore up the midfield after completing his season in Serie A. Adrian Arregui, on loan from Argentina, will help provide options in midfield. MLS veteran Chris Duvall was acquired by trade to fill the departure of Donny Toia at RB while Ambroise Oyongo returns to man the opposite side. Blossoming Argentinian Victor Cabrera and Belgian international Laurent Ciman make a very good CB combo while Evan Bush is one of the better keepers in the league. A lack of quality depth is a significant issue. Mauro Biello has deftly handled challenges thus far as manager. He took over a flailing team from a fired Frank Klopas more than halfway through the 2015 season and guided the squad to a winning record and deep playoff run. In his second year, Biello faced down an insubordinate legend in Didier Drogba until the DP accepted his new role as a sub and replaced him with new arrival Mancosu, who helped ignite another deep playoff run. Piatti, Mancosu, and Oduro are fun to watch and Biello has managed well.
New England Revolution
Nickname: Revolution, Revs
Colors: Blue, Red, & White
Kit Sponsor: UnitedHealthcare
Ground: Gillette Stadium (66,829), turf
Owner: Robert Kraft (USA)
Executive: President Brian Bilello (USA), Director Michael Burns (USA)
Manager: Jay Heaps (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 1 (2007)
2016 Record: 11-14-9, 7th place Eastern, 14th place overall
Farewells: GK Bobby Shuttleworth (to MIN), D Jose Goncalves (unsigned)
Greetings: D Antonio Mlinar Delamea (from Olimpija Ljubljana), D Benjamin Angoua (from EA Guingamp)
Outlook: After three successful years under Jay Heaps, the Revolution crashed last season. Inconsistent offense and defensive lapses prevented the team from ever developing a rhythm on the pitch as several key players failed to hit their stride. The talent is present yet several questions need to be answered for this squad on the pitch. Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo are the strikers up top. For Agudelo, age 24, now is the time for him to take the next step. The issue for Kamara is can he still be a consistent and reliable goal scorer at age 32 especially considering the drama surrounding him last year and his drop-off in production. Another question is who will drive the offense, Lee Nguyen or Kelyn Rowe? Nguyen struggled last year for the first time in recent history. Meanwhile, Rowe stepped in at point and the Revs had more success with him leading the attack. Rowe is gritty, fiery, and physical. Diego Fagundez needs to step up his game as well considering his ability. He is talented but disappears for long stretches of unproductive play. Xavier Kouassi was signed as a DP from Sion last year then blew his knee before ever stepping on the pitch for New England. His recovery has been a difficult one per his own words and he was still working his way back to form as of last month. The club really needs his return to fitness. Scott Caldwell is a very solid defensive MF. The CBs last year were disastrous so new signees Antonio Mlinar Delamea and Benjamin Angoua are the new faces at the positions. Andrew Farrell stays outside and Chris Tierney returns as a reliable LB. GK Bobby Shuttleworth was disappointing last year so he has been replaced with young Cody Cropper. Cropper needs to take this opportunity to solidify himself as a first choice keeper. New England believes that Femi Hollinger-Janzen is a F with some promise, if a bit raw in his play. Teal Bunbury, London Woodberry, and Je-Vaughn Watson offer serviceable depth.
This post was edited on 3/9/17 at 6:07 pm
1
Posted on 3/4/17 at 5:29 am to John Keating
New York City FC
Nickname: Pigeons, Blues
Colors: Navy Blue, Sky Blue, & Orange
Kit Sponsor: Etihad
Ground: Yankee Stadium (49,642), grass
Owner: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE), Hank Steinbrenner (USA), Hal Steinbrenner (USA)
Executive: President Jon Patricof (USA), Director Claudio Reyna (USA)
Manager: Patrick Vieira (FRA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 15-9-10, 2nd place Eastern, 4th place overall
Farewells: M Frank Lampard (retired), M Andoni Iraola (retired), M Mix Diskerud (unsigned), GK Josh Saunders (to ORL), M Federico Bravo (to Panetolikos), D Connor Brandt (unsigned), D Jason Hernandez (unsigned)
Greetings: GK Sean Johnson (from CHI), M Maxi Moralez (from Leon), M Alexander Ring (from FC Kaiserslautern), D Alexander Callens (from Numancia), M Rodney Wallace (from Sport Recife), M Miguel Camargo (from Chorillo), F Sean Okoli (from FC Cincinnati), M Yangel Herrera (from Manchester City), F Jonathan Lewis (from Akron)
Outlook: Patrick Vieira led NYC to a productive season on the pitch even though they fell flat in the playoffs, an end result that some said was partly caused by over tinkering on Vieira’s part. This club has great chemistry on and off the pitch and is pleasing to watch. Reigning MVP David Villa returns and his skills remain very sharp. He also plays with high energy and intensity while leading on and off the pitch. Jack Harrison is immensely talented on the wing and will look to be more consistent over an entire season. Tommy McNamara can play as a winger or central MF with equal capability. Khiry Shelton displayed flashes of brilliance in his second year. Andrea Pirlo returns as the maestro of midfield, driving the offense from the back with aplomb even if a bit less mobility can be detected. His positioning, awareness, and vision are all still superlative. Serie A and Liga MX veteran Maxi Moralez arrives to be the attacking MF in place of retired legend Frank Lampard. Newly signed Finnish international Alexander Ring could be the replacement for retired Andoni Iraola, who was an excellent #6 for NYC. Young Panamanian international Miguel Camargo is also an option in midfield. Ronald Matarrita blossomed at FB, drawing interest from Europe, while R.J. Allen provided steady performance on the opposite side of the backline. CB and GK were key weaknesses last season and steps were taken to address those concerns. Peruvian international Alexander Callens joins returning players Maxime Chanot and Frederic Brillant at CB with the hope of shoring up the position. GK Josh Saunders was jettisoned and Sean Johnson was acquired by trade as his replacement. He should be a significant upgrade between the posts. Sean Okoli was the USL MVP at FC Cincinnati last season and will provide depth up top along with top draft pick Jonathan Lewis and veteran Rodney Wallace. Mikey Lopez offers additional depth for the midfield while loanee Yangel Herrera will receive a look. Ethan White is a quality backup on the back end. NYC has the capability to be one of the best in the league.
New York Red Bulls
Nickname: Red Bulls
Colors: White, Red, Yellow, & Blue
Kit Sponsor: Red Bull
Ground: Red Bull Arena (25,000), grass
Owner: Dietrich Mateschitz (AUT), Chaleo Yoovidhya (THA)
Executive: Associate Director Michael Holody (USA), Assistant Director Denis Hamlet (CRC)
Manager: Jesse Marsch (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 2 (2013, 2015)
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 16-9-9, 1st place Eastern, 3rd place overall
Farewells: M Dax McCarty (to CHI), D Chris Duvall (to MON), D Ronald Zubar (to Red Star FC), F Omar Damari (to RB Leipzig), D Karl Ouimette (to San Francisco)
Greetings: D Michael Amir Murillo (from San Francisco FC), Hassan Ndam (from Rainbow FC)
Outlook: Jesse Marsch has earned a reputation as one of the best and brightest managers in MLS. His presence and influence has grown at NY to the point where he is clearly the man in charge of the club. He is not shy about making a bold move, as witnessed by the trade of Dax McCarty. He has his vision and the power to implement that vision as he sees fit, for better or for worse. NY’s bread and butter was the trio of McCarty, Kljestan, and Wright-Phillips: McCarty holding down the rear, starting the run of play with his vision and passing then following in support, Kljestan breaking down the defense with vision, passing, and off the ball movement, and finally Wright-Phillips finishing for goal. Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips return as the most lethal 1-2 punch in MLS; Kljestan led the league in assists and chances created while Wright-Phillips led the league in goals. Kljestan also offers crucial leadership. Homegrown Sean Davis will be tasked with filling McCarty’s role. Davis has 35 appearances over the past two years and has played well while growing into the position. His game thus far has been one of caution and intelligence. Marsch believes he is ready for the job. We shall see. Experienced and productive veteran Felipe will partner with him in midfield. The Red Bulls would like for DP Gonzalo Veron to finally live up to the idea they had when he signed; something, anything, even if it is just stretching the defense allowing more space for Kljestan and Wright-Phillips to work. Mike Grella has been a unsung hero at winger. Austrian Daniel Royer arrived from Denmark in late August last year and will be counted on for further contributions. Once again, there are many questions for the backline going into this season. CB Aurelian Collin was procured through trade early last year to help patch the hemorrhaging defense and made an immediate impact. He is undoubtedly the anchor of the backline. Second teamer Aaron Long has been given the opportunity to claim the CB position alongside Collin and NY desperately needs him to do so. Hassan Ndam was signed from Cameroon for depth. Sal Zizzo has worked his way to an everyday player at RB. Michael Amir Murillo will receive looks at RB. Young and green Justin Bilyeu will be given the chance at LB. Experienced veteran D Damien Perrinelle continues his return from knee injury at age 33. Kemar Lawrence has quality experience at FB. Luis Robles is highly experienced and one of the better keepers in MLS. Depth is provided largely by homegrown players from NY’s very successful academy that have worked their way up through the reserve team. Still, a lack of experienced depth is a concern. NY will score goals. Their season may be determined by the results of the McCarty to Davis succession and the answers to the open questions of the back line.
Nickname: Pigeons, Blues
Colors: Navy Blue, Sky Blue, & Orange
Kit Sponsor: Etihad
Ground: Yankee Stadium (49,642), grass
Owner: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE), Hank Steinbrenner (USA), Hal Steinbrenner (USA)
Executive: President Jon Patricof (USA), Director Claudio Reyna (USA)
Manager: Patrick Vieira (FRA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 15-9-10, 2nd place Eastern, 4th place overall
Farewells: M Frank Lampard (retired), M Andoni Iraola (retired), M Mix Diskerud (unsigned), GK Josh Saunders (to ORL), M Federico Bravo (to Panetolikos), D Connor Brandt (unsigned), D Jason Hernandez (unsigned)
Greetings: GK Sean Johnson (from CHI), M Maxi Moralez (from Leon), M Alexander Ring (from FC Kaiserslautern), D Alexander Callens (from Numancia), M Rodney Wallace (from Sport Recife), M Miguel Camargo (from Chorillo), F Sean Okoli (from FC Cincinnati), M Yangel Herrera (from Manchester City), F Jonathan Lewis (from Akron)
Outlook: Patrick Vieira led NYC to a productive season on the pitch even though they fell flat in the playoffs, an end result that some said was partly caused by over tinkering on Vieira’s part. This club has great chemistry on and off the pitch and is pleasing to watch. Reigning MVP David Villa returns and his skills remain very sharp. He also plays with high energy and intensity while leading on and off the pitch. Jack Harrison is immensely talented on the wing and will look to be more consistent over an entire season. Tommy McNamara can play as a winger or central MF with equal capability. Khiry Shelton displayed flashes of brilliance in his second year. Andrea Pirlo returns as the maestro of midfield, driving the offense from the back with aplomb even if a bit less mobility can be detected. His positioning, awareness, and vision are all still superlative. Serie A and Liga MX veteran Maxi Moralez arrives to be the attacking MF in place of retired legend Frank Lampard. Newly signed Finnish international Alexander Ring could be the replacement for retired Andoni Iraola, who was an excellent #6 for NYC. Young Panamanian international Miguel Camargo is also an option in midfield. Ronald Matarrita blossomed at FB, drawing interest from Europe, while R.J. Allen provided steady performance on the opposite side of the backline. CB and GK were key weaknesses last season and steps were taken to address those concerns. Peruvian international Alexander Callens joins returning players Maxime Chanot and Frederic Brillant at CB with the hope of shoring up the position. GK Josh Saunders was jettisoned and Sean Johnson was acquired by trade as his replacement. He should be a significant upgrade between the posts. Sean Okoli was the USL MVP at FC Cincinnati last season and will provide depth up top along with top draft pick Jonathan Lewis and veteran Rodney Wallace. Mikey Lopez offers additional depth for the midfield while loanee Yangel Herrera will receive a look. Ethan White is a quality backup on the back end. NYC has the capability to be one of the best in the league.
New York Red Bulls
Nickname: Red Bulls
Colors: White, Red, Yellow, & Blue
Kit Sponsor: Red Bull
Ground: Red Bull Arena (25,000), grass
Owner: Dietrich Mateschitz (AUT), Chaleo Yoovidhya (THA)
Executive: Associate Director Michael Holody (USA), Assistant Director Denis Hamlet (CRC)
Manager: Jesse Marsch (USA)
MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 2 (2013, 2015)
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 16-9-9, 1st place Eastern, 3rd place overall
Farewells: M Dax McCarty (to CHI), D Chris Duvall (to MON), D Ronald Zubar (to Red Star FC), F Omar Damari (to RB Leipzig), D Karl Ouimette (to San Francisco)
Greetings: D Michael Amir Murillo (from San Francisco FC), Hassan Ndam (from Rainbow FC)
Outlook: Jesse Marsch has earned a reputation as one of the best and brightest managers in MLS. His presence and influence has grown at NY to the point where he is clearly the man in charge of the club. He is not shy about making a bold move, as witnessed by the trade of Dax McCarty. He has his vision and the power to implement that vision as he sees fit, for better or for worse. NY’s bread and butter was the trio of McCarty, Kljestan, and Wright-Phillips: McCarty holding down the rear, starting the run of play with his vision and passing then following in support, Kljestan breaking down the defense with vision, passing, and off the ball movement, and finally Wright-Phillips finishing for goal. Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips return as the most lethal 1-2 punch in MLS; Kljestan led the league in assists and chances created while Wright-Phillips led the league in goals. Kljestan also offers crucial leadership. Homegrown Sean Davis will be tasked with filling McCarty’s role. Davis has 35 appearances over the past two years and has played well while growing into the position. His game thus far has been one of caution and intelligence. Marsch believes he is ready for the job. We shall see. Experienced and productive veteran Felipe will partner with him in midfield. The Red Bulls would like for DP Gonzalo Veron to finally live up to the idea they had when he signed; something, anything, even if it is just stretching the defense allowing more space for Kljestan and Wright-Phillips to work. Mike Grella has been a unsung hero at winger. Austrian Daniel Royer arrived from Denmark in late August last year and will be counted on for further contributions. Once again, there are many questions for the backline going into this season. CB Aurelian Collin was procured through trade early last year to help patch the hemorrhaging defense and made an immediate impact. He is undoubtedly the anchor of the backline. Second teamer Aaron Long has been given the opportunity to claim the CB position alongside Collin and NY desperately needs him to do so. Hassan Ndam was signed from Cameroon for depth. Sal Zizzo has worked his way to an everyday player at RB. Michael Amir Murillo will receive looks at RB. Young and green Justin Bilyeu will be given the chance at LB. Experienced veteran D Damien Perrinelle continues his return from knee injury at age 33. Kemar Lawrence has quality experience at FB. Luis Robles is highly experienced and one of the better keepers in MLS. Depth is provided largely by homegrown players from NY’s very successful academy that have worked their way up through the reserve team. Still, a lack of experienced depth is a concern. NY will score goals. Their season may be determined by the results of the McCarty to Davis succession and the answers to the open questions of the back line.
This post was edited on 3/9/17 at 6:21 pm
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