By Steve Pastorino
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (Mar 28, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- There are ample ways to preview a season. I thought I’d share an 11-man squad of players that I’m looking forward to watching in 2008. This isn’t a Best XI. Some of the reasons are personal, some professional, and some from a pure fan’s point of view. They represent 11 different clubs. I threw in a coach for good measure.
GK - Joe Cannon. San Jose Earthquakes: While it’s good to see the career MLS backup keepers get their shot (Cronin in LA, Wells in DC), watching an expansion team with an all-star keeper should be entertaining as well. He may challenge DJ Countess’ numbers in 2005 for shots faced before all is said and done. Cannon will stop more of them though.
DEF - CJ Brown, Chicago Fire:
I thought we might be watching the farewell tour for this Fire
original, who turns 33 this summer. But teammate Diego Gutierrez said
he thinks C.J. “will play five more years.” It’s a testament to
Brown’s fitness that the bruising back is still around. A fierce
competitor on the field, you’re hard-pressed to find a nicer human
being off of it. I’m glad I’ll be able to witness his 250th regular
season match for the Fire, Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
DEF - Jamison Olave, Real Salt Lake:
He’s apparently an absolute monster in central defense and turned down
Colombia’s biggest clubs to come join the 38-person Colombian community
in Utah. Garth must be paying him well – he’d better deliver.
DEF - Scott Palguta, Red Bull NY: OK, I thought I read that the USL Rochester Rhinos has loaned him to the Red Bulls, but now I’m not so sure. He may never see a minute of playing time in MLS, but if he does, I’m sure it will mean the world to him. The Cornell grad has been on the fringe of an MLS deal for several years – I love to see long-time USL players get the chance to prove they can stick on an MLS roster. Same goes for Joey Worthen. Either could be this generation’s CJ Brown.
MID - Dax McCarty, FC Dallas:
He hangs in there against the biggest blokes on the block and plays a
no-nonsense, possession midfield. I love watching him play. I didn’t
even realize he had 9 assists for FC Dallas in all competitions in 2007
– six coming off of set pieces. The kid can play.
MID - Raphael Wicky, Chivas USA:
Amidst the flotilla of Argentines coming to MLS, I’m excited to see a
fantastic European player come to this league with 70 caps, years of
Bundesliga experience and a World Cup to his credit. I met Wicky’s
agent in Hannover 2+ years ago and was not at all surprised to hear of
this move. He’s a quality player who I hope makes a huge impact on MLS.
MID - Stuart Holden, Houston Dynamo: I love how this guy has emerged in the past 12 months. I like his technical play and his vision and command for the game. I see heaps of upside in this guy.
MID - Mehdi Ballouchy, Colorado Rapids: With the addition of Christian Gomez, where does Mehdi fit in? He has some sublime skills and phenomenal fitness – will he have a chance to showcase either this year? It seems like he’s hardly been mentioned all off season. I wonder if he shouldn’t head to France's Ligue 1 and see how his game translates there – it may be a better fit for him.
FWD - Franco Niell, DC United: He admits to being 5’4." I want to stand him next to Dax McCarty, who claims 5’ 9." I scoffed when DCU signed him in the offseason, but I saw enough against Harbour View to want to see more. Five-four forward? I’m not sure who to even compare him too.
FWD - Carlos Ruiz, LA Galaxy: He’s going to come back with a vengeance and be scary good. 20 goals good. Unfortunately, he may lose about 20 games as well. They’ll be fun 4-3 affairs. What’s Chris Klein think of this team?
FWD - Jeff Cunningham, Toronto FC:
I’m sure Jeff desperately wants to be loved by TFC fans and reward
their patience with his injury-prone 2007. I predict at least a dozen
goals, some classic celebrations, memorable quotes … and a couple
different hairstyles, to boot. I wonder if Commissioner Garber will
show up for his 100th goal?
Coach - Curt Onalfo, Kansas City:
This may be his year. The Wizards toil in relative anonymity in KC, but
then they sneak up on you. Hopefully Onalfo’s competitiveness seeps
down through the troops and they respond. Let’s see what he can get
out of the Latin connection of Marinelli, Lopez, Colombano and
Trujillo. I also hope no one trips on the pitching mound or first base.
Honorable Mention: Brek Shea, Andy Williams, Chris Klein, Ronnie O’Brien, Shalrie Joseph, Tony Beltran, Francisco Mendoza.
Steve Pastorino spent a decade in the front office of the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake. Visit his blog at Not Just A Hat Rack. Steve welcomes your feedback at pastorinosoccer@comcast.net.
