O.K., Let's Get Rolling

So where to begin discussing the new season? Since our last post, two major developments have taken place. The Club has signed Christian Castillo and named Curt OnaIfo Head Coach. I like both steps. Curt Onalfo (while not the first choice) knows the value of the Badge. He's played here, assisted here, and he brings the requisite experience to understand our League's strange rules. With a capable Coaching Staff and Front Office, things are looking up. I also like the Castillo signing. A fast young player with skills is usually a good thing. The only question I have is can he adapt to MLS?


So what about the roster? Let's start at the back and work forward. Josh Wicks is said to be likely to return to practice a couple of weeks before the scheduled start of the season. Both Milos Kocic and Bill Hamid are to return. I can live with that scenario. I think it will be a good test for Milos to see if he can handle the number one job temporarily. I also think Josh Wicks is a solid #1 Keeper. I know that the team is always looking to improve, but I thinks we have other positions of need before another keeper.


Let's talk about the defense. This is a group that has taken quite a bit of flak for leaking so many goals. But I am optimistic. The reports that I have read state the the Namoff is recovering well from the head issue. I have also read that one of the offseason priorites for the team was finding an experienced central defender with an eye to pairing him with Dejan in the middle of a four man backline. I think that is an outstanding idea. With some salary cap space freed up from departing players, we should be able to spend a reasonable amount here. The left back is a question in my mind. I think that Burch has made strides and would be much better in a four man line than a three man line. Rodney Wallace may be another option here.


The midfield, on the other hand, is going to need significant retooling. With Benny's retirement and Jacobson gone to Philly, we have lost two solid holding middies (thank goodness for Clyde Simms...). It also appears likely that Christian Gomez will not return. So we have Clyde, Danny Szetela, Fred, Santino, Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius retuning. The club is also said to be optimistic about Brandon Barkledge. It is also worth noting that the upcoming draft is loaded with midfielders. I also think that Ponius and/or Tino should be playing as frowards. At any rate, it seems to me that our 2010 midfield will be very different from last year. Do we play Fred on the right wing? I think that we should look at him playing the Central Attacking role if Christian Gomez does not return. But if he is in the middle, who is the right wing?


So what about the forwards? It appears that Luciano Emilio will not be returning, but that Jaime Moreno will (He was at the Meet the Coach event last night). As I have stated before, I would like to see Chris Pontius and Santino play as forwards. Along with Jaime, we have three solid options up top.


So here is my summary:





GK: Wicks/Kocic (Hamid as depth)


D: Namoff, Jakovic, TBD, Burch? Wallace? (James as depth inside, not sure about outside depth)


MF: Simms (Holding), Castillo (Left wing), Fred (either CAM or Right Wing), TBD (Where does Szetela fit in? Barkledge?)


F: Pontius, Moreno, Quaranta (Khumalo for late sub/depth)



Bench: James, Habarugira, McTavish




See you at the draft in Philly.