Some Thoughts Going Into The 2007 MLS Draft...
Over the weekend you saw me rely on Top Drawer Soccer's draft coverage for my analysis because 3rd Degree was having some technical difficulties. I believe everything is back up and running at 3rd Degree. Here is their Day 1 coverage and their Day 2. *Note. As I typed this and tried to link to Day 2, 3rd Degree crashed. I'll try to get back here and add the link once it is back up and running.*
Reviews of the 2007 MLS Combine have been less than glowing. Most things I've read have said Day 1 was a poor display of soccer. While Day 2 was an improvement, MLS is blaming the Florida heat for players' poor performances. No players have really grabbed the imagination of Combine attendees and only a handfull have gotten consistently high marks.
MLS' human quote machine, Alexi Lalas, confirms what many have said in a MLSnet.com article today.
While I doubt the 2007 MLS class will "take us to heights we've never seen," I don't doubt that someone will be able to pull one or two gems out of the lot.
Who are the potential gems? As pointed out in a previous post, Jonathan Bornstein's versatility really helped him earn a place in the 2006 Chivas USA side. He started playing at left back and eventually ran the entire left side of the field in three different positions depending on Bob Bradley's formation. While I don't know if Robbie Findley and Corey Ashe will be able to play left back, they seem to be able to cause defenders fits in the wing midfield role, and get into scoring positions as forwards. Josh Tudela and Greg Dalby have both shown that they can play on the back line or in the defensive midfield role.
As the new week kicks off we've got one final day of the combine to evaluate. There weren't any games on Sunday, giving the participants a well earned break from the heat. Tomorrow the real fun will start with all sorts of mock drafts posted around the Internet. You know FCTP will be throwing one out there, stay tuned.
Reviews of the 2007 MLS Combine have been less than glowing. Most things I've read have said Day 1 was a poor display of soccer. While Day 2 was an improvement, MLS is blaming the Florida heat for players' poor performances. No players have really grabbed the imagination of Combine attendees and only a handfull have gotten consistently high marks.
MLS' human quote machine, Alexi Lalas, confirms what many have said in a MLSnet.com article today.
"The prevailing wisdom is that the 2007 class is a weak class and there has not been a whole lot done in the past few days to change that wisdom," Lalas said. "Inevitably this will be the generation that becomes the one to take us to heights we've never seen."
While I doubt the 2007 MLS class will "take us to heights we've never seen," I don't doubt that someone will be able to pull one or two gems out of the lot.
Who are the potential gems? As pointed out in a previous post, Jonathan Bornstein's versatility really helped him earn a place in the 2006 Chivas USA side. He started playing at left back and eventually ran the entire left side of the field in three different positions depending on Bob Bradley's formation. While I don't know if Robbie Findley and Corey Ashe will be able to play left back, they seem to be able to cause defenders fits in the wing midfield role, and get into scoring positions as forwards. Josh Tudela and Greg Dalby have both shown that they can play on the back line or in the defensive midfield role.
As the new week kicks off we've got one final day of the combine to evaluate. There weren't any games on Sunday, giving the participants a well earned break from the heat. Tomorrow the real fun will start with all sorts of mock drafts posted around the Internet. You know FCTP will be throwing one out there, stay tuned.
posted by Bonji at
9:27 AM
1 Comments:
Also i believe someone you should look at that is somewhat unknown is a jr. forward / outside midfielder at Monmouth U named Damon Wilson. He is very dangerous, and has unbelievable pace. He is a classy player that at 21 plays as if he has had a couple of pro years under his belt. I believe he will be big pick up for an MLS team in the 07-08 draft.
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Anonymous, at 9:11 PM
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