Which 2006 MLS Draftee Will Shine in 2007...Part I...
Bill Urban put a nice piece together over at ussoccerplayers.com. He took a page out of my book looking at the young guys and asking who will step up. I'm going to throw some more names out there to go along with his list.
Let’s go team by team in three parts….first the “C” teams.
Chicago – Brian Plotkin. Plotkin became a midfield sparkplug for the Fire, being used as a late game sub most often by coach Sarachan. In his rookie season he notched fourteen appearances while only four were starts. There is certainly room for Plotkin to take hold of an outside midfield position with Armas, Thiago and eventually Blanco holding the central midfield spots. Mapp on one flank and Plotkin could certainly look like a strong combination if Plotkin continues his growth as a professional. He has the pedigree being an IU grad, M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Award finalist and two time NCAA College Cup Champion and now he needs to make a sophomore statement firming up a starting eleven spot.
Chivas USA - David Arvizu. Arvizu amazed many American soccer fans with his displays on the field at U-17 Residency events. I remember a video on ussoccer.com where he hit a couple amazing goals and even I salivated at the thought of Arvizu and Adu at the 2010 World Cup. However, as I have learned, U-17 glory does not translate into professional success. Arvizu spent 2006 on the Red Bulls’ roster but he didn’t see a professional game as he was often training with the national team in preparation for this summer’s 2007 U-20 World Cup. Bruce Arena decided young David wasn’t needed this off-season and traded him to California, closer to his Santa Ana home. Chivas USA will certainly lose a few players to National Team duty during this summer’s Gold Cup and Copa America so Arvizu will get his chance if he works hard. The talent is certainly there.
Columbus - Robbie Rogers. I know what you’re thinking. Rogers is a MLS rookie. Yes, you’re right but he isn’t a professional rookie. He took some time playing in Holland professionally, and then when everything seemed to be on the up and up for him, he decided he didn’t like it and he moved back to the states. Columbus is a very young team and Sigi Schmid will have his hands full putting together a winning line up. If Rogers can show he learned a thing or two from the Dutch, he should be able to cement a starting spot. If not, I’m going to be blogging more about players leaving college, getting a lot of unnecessary hype by going to Europe and then coming back as a failed soccer experiment.
Colorado - Daniel Wasson. Wasson was the Rapids last 2006 Supplemental Draft pick and he quietly became a super-sub for the Rapids defense during the 2006 season while also helping the Rapids Reserves to the 2006 Reserve League Championship. The Colorado Springs product has showed the Rapids staff that he understands the game and can keep up with the physical side of the league. In 2007 he is going to need to show he can step in for Captain Pablo Mastroeni and Ugo Ihemelu when they go play for the US National team this summer (Yes, I know Ugo isn’t in the player pool but there is a chance, right?). Wasson has a lot of weight on his shoulders going into the 2007 season. My sources tell me he is trying to get a senior contract worked out and the team has until July to come to terms. If they don’t, he’s ready to walk away from his home team. The departure of Aitor Karanka and the seeming downhill nature of Mike Petke’s game means that central defense has a potential opening. If Wasson can step up he’ll get that senior contract and stay in Denver. If not…..
What do you think? Who will be the break out MLS Sophomores?
Check back tomorrow for the next group.
Let’s go team by team in three parts….first the “C” teams.
Chicago – Brian Plotkin. Plotkin became a midfield sparkplug for the Fire, being used as a late game sub most often by coach Sarachan. In his rookie season he notched fourteen appearances while only four were starts. There is certainly room for Plotkin to take hold of an outside midfield position with Armas, Thiago and eventually Blanco holding the central midfield spots. Mapp on one flank and Plotkin could certainly look like a strong combination if Plotkin continues his growth as a professional. He has the pedigree being an IU grad, M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Award finalist and two time NCAA College Cup Champion and now he needs to make a sophomore statement firming up a starting eleven spot.
Chivas USA - David Arvizu. Arvizu amazed many American soccer fans with his displays on the field at U-17 Residency events. I remember a video on ussoccer.com where he hit a couple amazing goals and even I salivated at the thought of Arvizu and Adu at the 2010 World Cup. However, as I have learned, U-17 glory does not translate into professional success. Arvizu spent 2006 on the Red Bulls’ roster but he didn’t see a professional game as he was often training with the national team in preparation for this summer’s 2007 U-20 World Cup. Bruce Arena decided young David wasn’t needed this off-season and traded him to California, closer to his Santa Ana home. Chivas USA will certainly lose a few players to National Team duty during this summer’s Gold Cup and Copa America so Arvizu will get his chance if he works hard. The talent is certainly there.
Columbus - Robbie Rogers. I know what you’re thinking. Rogers is a MLS rookie. Yes, you’re right but he isn’t a professional rookie. He took some time playing in Holland professionally, and then when everything seemed to be on the up and up for him, he decided he didn’t like it and he moved back to the states. Columbus is a very young team and Sigi Schmid will have his hands full putting together a winning line up. If Rogers can show he learned a thing or two from the Dutch, he should be able to cement a starting spot. If not, I’m going to be blogging more about players leaving college, getting a lot of unnecessary hype by going to Europe and then coming back as a failed soccer experiment.
Colorado - Daniel Wasson. Wasson was the Rapids last 2006 Supplemental Draft pick and he quietly became a super-sub for the Rapids defense during the 2006 season while also helping the Rapids Reserves to the 2006 Reserve League Championship. The Colorado Springs product has showed the Rapids staff that he understands the game and can keep up with the physical side of the league. In 2007 he is going to need to show he can step in for Captain Pablo Mastroeni and Ugo Ihemelu when they go play for the US National team this summer (Yes, I know Ugo isn’t in the player pool but there is a chance, right?). Wasson has a lot of weight on his shoulders going into the 2007 season. My sources tell me he is trying to get a senior contract worked out and the team has until July to come to terms. If they don’t, he’s ready to walk away from his home team. The departure of Aitor Karanka and the seeming downhill nature of Mike Petke’s game means that central defense has a potential opening. If Wasson can step up he’ll get that senior contract and stay in Denver. If not…..
What do you think? Who will be the break out MLS Sophomores?
Check back tomorrow for the next group.
Labels: Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew
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