New Trialists

[Nuvinho]

Alexandre Boucicaut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Boucicaut

Martin Durica
I can't find a wiki on him but he played for MSK Zilina

Not here yet, but Ives reports Miguel Garcia on trial.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer)

[Daveisonfire]

Awesome...hope they can impress

Where did you find this?

[Nuvinho]

Sorry for double posting. I posted it in the FAU score, but also figured maybe we needed another thread on trialists.

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20090223&content_id=219273&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

[Shaughno]

Haven't found a good translation yet but..

Martin Durica

http://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_%C4%8Eurica (http://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_%C4%8Eurica)

[tfcmanu]

http://www.football24.bg/tools/administration/media/players/2172120px-Zilina.GIF MŠK Žilina

The Club (http://www.football24.bg/?gg=4&hh=7&ii=4&jj=6&ll=217&mm=0)

Players (http://www.football24.bg/?gg=4&hh=6&jj=6&ii=4&ll=217&oo=1695#)

Results (http://www.football24.bg/?gg=4&hh=9&ii=4&jj=6&ll=217&mm=0)
History (http://www.football24.bg/?gg=4&hh=10&ii=4&jj=6&ll=217&mm=0)

http://www.football24.bg/tools/administration/media/players/16955.jpg http://www.football24.bg/img/flags/sk.gif 26. Martin Ďurica Place of birth: Date of birth: 11-7-1981 Position: Midfielder Height: 178 см Weight: 74 кг
-- All players-- Dušan Perniš Martin Dúbravka Vladimír Leitner Mário Pečalka Peter Pekarík Jozef Piaček Ondřej Šourek Benjamín Vomáčka Ivan Belák Martin Ďurica Eldar Hasanovič Róbert Jež Mislav Karoglan Emil Rilke Zdeno Štrba Lukáš Tesák Admir Vladavič Evandro da Silva Adauto Ivan Lietava Peter Štyvar


Група Сезон ResultsMinutes playedGoalsYellow cardsRed cards European tournamens2008/09182000






http://www.football24.bg/?gg=4&hh=6&jj=6&ii=4&ll=217&oo=1695

[Nuvinho]

Still no CBs??

I found this interesting, one of the young kids moved to CB.


Amadou Sanyang, central midfield, moved to central defence after Harmse substitution

[anto7]

Awesome...hope they can impress

Where did you find this?
Well Danny Dichio might be impressed, they each set up one of his 2 goals !

[Nuvinho]

TFC bring in defender for trial


Toronto FC has brought on Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia for a trial. The former Sporting Lisbon right back has endured a rough few years. First, he saw a move to Reggina ruined by a major knee injury that cost him the one year he was with the Italian club. Then, Garcia signed with Standard Liege over the winter break, only to fail to earn minutes and move on after a few months.
Now Garcia, 26, is with Toronto and will be hoping to latch on and perhaps provide some insurance for a potential Marvell Wynne transfer this summer.


http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/02/mmcb-with-miami-bid-shaky-mls-expansion-race-is-even-tougher-to-predict.html

[Shaughno]

I'm wondering, with all these midfield trialists we seem to be bringing in... if either Robbo or Harmse may be moving to CB instead of just filling in there when needed?

[Daveisonfire]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/02/mmcb-with-miami-bid-shaky-mls-expansion-race-is-even-tougher-to-predict.html

Woah big news with Marvell!

As for Garcia..at first look he seems to be of good pedigree

[Stryker]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/02/mmcb-with-miami-bid-shaky-mls-expansion-race-is-even-tougher-to-predict.html
And theres your mystery latino wearing #25 we pointed out in the video yesterday.
:p

[Shaughno]

^^ Not really, still pure speculation at this point. We all know people are interested and the summer makes the most sense with the European Transfer window.

[Cambridge_Red]

According to Ives Garcia is in the same boat as Vitti. Someone with promise but has failed to find his place. (Garcia having some bad injuries)

[trane]

Sorry for double posting. I posted it in the FAU score, but also figured maybe we needed another thread on trialists.

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20090223&content_id=219273&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

I know that this is of topic but Dichio scored the first goal. He is a real fucking striker, I do not give a shit if it was a tap in, if he has an opportunity he takes it. Is still think that if he can stay healthy all season he would net at least 10 goals and get another 5 assists. You can not ask for much more. Health is the issue.

[Stouffville_RPB]

Alexandre Boucicaut 2006 club...Independiente.

[Daveisonfire]

^^ Not really, still pure speculation at this point. We all know people are interested and the summer makes the most sense with the European Transfer window.

Yeah true...actually I read it without seeing the 'perhaps' so not as big as I initally thought

[Shaughno]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer)

[tfc]

I'm wondering, with all these midfield trialists we seem to be bringing in... if either Robbo or Harmse may be moving to CB instead of just filling in there when needed?

Robbo will not, and should not, play in CB. More than that, look at the videos where he is asked about it, it does not look like he even enjoys the thought of it.

Harmse, however, is a different story. I have a feeling he will play back there as a depth player every once and a while.

[Shaughno]

"He had a serious knee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee) injury in October 2007, and did not play a single match the entire season for the Italian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy) side. On March 17 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_17), 2008 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008), Reggina communicated the decision to rescind his contract"


Info on Miguel.

[trane]

Do we not have enough Midfileders? I know that we can always upgrade, but should we not looking at CB, or at least backs.

[Shaughno]

Robbo will not, and should not, play in CB. More than that, look at the videos where he is asked about it, it does not look like he even enjoys the thought of it.

Harmse, however, is a different story. I have a feeling he will play back there as a depth player every once and a while.


Robbo has played their for various teams including his national side. If we need him to play there, I highly doubt he'll say no. Especially if Cronin is the real deal in the mid as he seems to be shaping up to be.

[BFin]

And we still have Dichio's buddy he mentioned on twitter signing too right?
He must be a defender, maybe not a CB, but a defender.
Gotta love off season excitement.

[Nuvinho]

Is Danny friends with any of these players?

[Ossington Mental Youth]

nah, Robbo is definitely not going back, im sure Harmse is.
Im curious if we have the CB position filled and are waiting for the paper work.
Im also curious about Garcia, seems like hes got decent pedigree but does that mean Wynne is expected to leave this season?

[Shaughno]

Do we not have enough Midfileders? I know that we can always upgrade, but should we not looking at CB, or at least backs.


That's what has me curious.

[Stryker]

Cronins great!
If Carvers smart he'll take a page from my Fifa 09 play book and sub out a striker to have Cronin join Robbo when we have a lead in the back half of a game.
The two of em will lock shit down in the middle.

[Shaughno]

nah, Robbo is definitely not going back, im sure Harmse is.
Im curious if we have the CB position filled and are waiting for the paper work.
Im also curious about Garcia, seems like hes got decent pedigree but does that mean Wynne is expected to leave this season?


We need a signing back there regardless of whether he's leaving or not IMO.

[Nuvinho]

2-6-2 formation....1st of its kind in football.

[anto7]

Alexandre Boucicaut 2006 club...Independiente.
Columbian version not Argentinian

[Ossington Mental Youth]

We need a signing back there regardless of whether he's leaving or not IMO.


true, im just wondering if Garcia would really wanna sit on the bench tho...

[Ossington Mental Youth]

regardless fascinating stuff

[Shaughno]

Why would he be on the bench at this point?

Nevermind.. I'm a dumbass :D

[tfcmanu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer)

Wikipedia link not bringing anything up: try this one it seems to work don't ask.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer), I tried again not working, however if you google his name he comes up in wikipedia.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Miguel+Garcia+&btnG=Google+Search&meta= then click on Miguel Garcia (footballer) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer)), (born 1983), Portuguese footballer

[Ossington Mental Youth]

well i would assume that Wynne would be starting 11, im not saying its absolute truth but hes been around longer, evidently hes improved his game, now i do think Garcia has better pedigree and prob has better technique, its all speculation tho...

[Shaughno]

Wikipedia link not bringing anything up: try this one it seems to work don't ask.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer), I tried again not working, however if you google his name he comes up in wikipedia.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Miguel+Garcia+&btnG=Google+Search&meta= then click on Miguel Garcia (footballer) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Garcia_(footballer)), (born 1983), Portuguese footballer


Stupid code didn't accept the last ) Just add that to the end of the link and it works.

[Shaughno]

well i would assume that Wynne would be starting 11, im not saying its absolute truth but hes been around longer, evidently hes improved his game, now i do think Garcia has better pedigree and prob has better technique, its all speculation tho...


Yeah, revised as I didn't notice he was RB at first. ;)

[BakaGaijin]

Alexandre Boucicaut 2006 club...Independiente.


Ya, the Colombian one.......

Seems like he was already a Fire and Rapids reject.

[Shaughno]

Ya, the Colombian one.......

Seems like he was already a Fire and Rapids reject.


A few years ago though, he may have drastically changed as a player.... or not. :p

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Yeah, revised as I didn't notice he was RB at first. ;)


HAHA no worries, you do bring up a good argument tho, theres nothing saying that he couldnt or wouldnt displace Wynne (i just dont see it happening really but its possible)

[rocker]

Still no CBs??

Ives says

sources tell me the club is close to introducing a central defender in the next week or two.

[Nuvinho]

^^ Isn't there a chance Wynne may miss a bunch of games b/c he'll be playing for the US team this year?

[Nuvinho]

Ives says

sources tell me the club is close to introducing a central defender in the next week or two.

damn. I didn't read that!!! I feel better.....well, not really!!! I want one now!!!:)

[Corpand]

for what its worth...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oX2pBn9X0k

[tfcmanu]

THE IMPROBABLE HERO:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/bolanaarea/MiguelGarciaUEFA.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07qT2iVggHc54/610x.jpg
http://terceiroanel.weblog.com.pt/arquivo/0506SportingVarzim.JPG
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08ofc8A1rk3vU/340x.jpg
Yahoo Babel Translation: 41 years later, the Sporting is in the end of a European competition, after a simply epic game. It was already in the additions of the prolongation that Miguel Garci'a, as many times criticized by adepts and social communication, obtained to cabecear successfully and to guarantee the apuramento of the lions for so desired final. It equips it of the AZ entered the gas all, looking for since soon gaining advantage in the eliminatory one. E of fact, to 5' already if it found in advantage in the marker, when Perez, in the marking of one I sing, cabeceia for the deep one of the beacon of Ricardo. The leonine players had shaken with golo suffered, but to the few they had been seating its soccer, creating some good plays, but reaching deserved golo he only ties up to of it for intermediary of Liedson, in the last seconds of the first time. The complementary stage started with equips of the new house of trying to take the control of the meeting, equips pressuring it leonine that, to the measure that the chronometer advanced, it went withdrawing in the land. E to 78' , in a tremendous imperfection of marking of the leonine central offices, the AZ used to advantage to recolocar itself in advantage in the marker and tying up to the eliminatory one. The prolongation arrived and who had more cold head, would arrive at the end of Alvalade. To 108' Cabeceia Jaliens for 3º golo of the AZ and the dream of the Sporting seemed to be to be led by the rain that fell on the relvado one. But the leonine players had believed and pressured the last dutch redoubt, exactly when the forces already seemed to lack. To 120' I sing in favor of the Sporting. Tello points the same, crossing with respect to the interior of the area where next to the first pole Miguel Garci'a - for moments he seemed that Ricardo would be the author of the victorious cabeçada one - the ball in the beacon of Timmer introduces, marking that one that would be golo that it dictated the leonine apuramento. The joy and the sadness had changed of face, freezing the dutches and placing rubro the emotions of the Portuguese. Few seconds later, the confirmation of that the leonine dream if becomes reality. The Sporting obtained in this game a double victory. It fulfills the objectivo to be present in the end of Goblet the UEFA, to be disputed in its proper stadium and obtains to place itself in the European elite to the end of as many years. Peseiro, liking itself or not it, has the merit to have equips placed it leonine to practise good soccer and gave to it European dimension to it that lacked, culminated in a game that will be part of one of the prettiest pages of the rich leonine historial. Day 18 of May, in full Alvalade XXI, the Sporting will confrot the CSKA Moscovo - an old one known of the Portuguese, therefore this time already confrotted in the European competitions the FC Port and the Benfica -, this if the Italian lobby not to guarantee the Parma in the place of the Moscovite, after the incidents that if registaram in the other game of the stocking-ends
http://bolaarea.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html

[Shaughno]

Wow that's a tough read. :lol:

[reggie]

maybe they will try garcia at cd...

[SLBuu]

if case any of you missed it..... that goal in the video sent Sporting to the EUFA CUP Final a few years back.

That's why the craziness ensued! lol

[Damien]

You only need an average defence in the MLS to be atop the table. As long as our offence makes up for it.

[trane]

^ What is average in MLS terms? Just shite in overal professional footy terms, pure shite being bellow average, and not complete shite being great in MLS terms.

[Shaughno]

We still need to have a fucking defense though! :lol:

[trane]

No we just play 2-6-2 as some one suggested. I would play it as a 2-6-1-1 Here it is;



--------------------9-------------------
------------------- 19------------------
-------------8---------------14-------------
----11------------20------------------10
------------------33---------------------
---------------3---------16---------------

that would be great. We would score like 4 goals a game, sure we would concede 5 but it would entertain the americans.

[TFCREDNWHITE]

Why do we have Midfielders still trialing!?!

We need defenders not midfielders!!

I say bring in garcia, but if Sporting, Reggina and Standard Liege all don't want him due to his knee injury.......Why do we want him??

[trane]

^ Because maybe his knee will get better playing on concrete covered by rubber.

[BFin]

I'm with shaugno on this one, sure improving at every position should be of concern at all times, however when our defence is this weak, we should be focussing on trialing guys there. Or if not trialing, having someone in camp who can get used to the team, and the flow of the MLS before the season starts.
Fact remains, we need D.

[bhoybobby]

I know that this is of topic but Dichio scored the first goal. He is a real fucking striker, I do not give a shit if it was a tap in, if he has an opportunity he takes it. Is still think that if he can stay healthy all season he would net at least 10 goals and get another 5 assists. You can not ask for much more. Health is the issue.


Absolutley, he'll get his minutes, horses for courses, I actually think he could do CB as well. Like Chris Sutton

[bhoybobby]

^ Because maybe his knee will get better playing on concrete covered by rubber.

lol. That's not how our field is constructed

[TFCREDNWHITE]

Meanwhile, the NYRB's are trialing,

The Red Bulls have brought in former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid defender Albert Celades in for a trial in Argentina, where the club is currently training. Celades, 33, most recently played for Real Zaragoza, spending three seasons with the club, which was relegated to the Spanish second division during his stint there.

[Lucky Strike]

Woah big news with Marvell!

As for Garcia..at first look he seems to be of good pedigree

Could you cut and paste (or summarize) what's said at Ives about Wynne? The filter at work won't let me access his site. :(

[tfc]

Meanwhile, the NYRB's are trialing,

The Red Bulls have brought in former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid defender Albert Celades in for a trial in Argentina, where the club is currently training. Celades, 33, most recently played for Real Zaragoza, spending three seasons with the club, which was relegated to the Spanish second division during his stint there.

yea, but he's old and mo has shown with his activities this off-season that that is not the direction he wants to take.

also, red bulls are shite, so it doesnt matter who they bring in they will always suck. common, thats just common knowledge. :D

[Lucky Strike]

Why do we have Midfielders still trialing!?!

We need defenders not midfielders!!

I say bring in garcia, but if Sporting, Reggina and Standard Liege all don't want him due to his knee injury.......Why do we want him??

Not to nitpick, but he left Sporting for Reggina before his injury. This is the trialist I'm most interested in right now because he's a defender. Yes, everyone has him listed as RB, but perhaps his secondary position is CB?

We should always be looking to improve every position, but we should clearly focus on the defending.

[Nuvinho]

Could you cut and paste (or summarize) what's said at Ives about Wynne? The filter at work won't let me access his site. :(

here you go:



TFC bring in defender for trial


Toronto FC has brought on Portuguese defender Miguel Garcia for a trial. The former Sporting Lisbon right back has endured a rough few years. First, he saw a move to Reggina ruined by a major knee injury that cost him the one year he was with the Italian club. Then, Garcia signed with Standard Liege over the winter break, only to fail to earn minutes and move on after a few months.
Now Garcia, 26, is with Toronto and will be hoping to latch on and perhaps provide some insurance for a potential Marvell Wynne transfer this summer. Still no announcements on a central defender, but sources tell me the club is close to introducing a central defender in the next week or two.

[T_Mizz]

I don't understand when everyone says we should be improving every position? You can't do that under a salary cap, also our midfield is one of if not the, strongest midfields in the league

[Shaughno]

I don't understand when everyone says we should be improving every position? You can't do that under a salary cap, also our midfield is one of if not the, strongest midfields in the league

If you could find a cheaper option who can perform at the same level, would you turn it down?

[Pigfynn]

CB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now please. This has gone on long enough.

[Lucky Strike]

here you go:

Ah so it was already done, just didn't realize it. Thanks anyway! :D

[Lucky Strike]

If you could find a cheaper option who can perform at the same level, would you turn it down?

+1½.

[Shaughno]

I mean look, priority #1 is find a solid commanding CB.

Outside of that, I've always been of the mindset that you NEVER turn down a trialist, especially when you have a cap to deal with. You need to always be evaluating the squad's performance vs pay.

Much like Manchester United will trial kids from all over the world, usually for no reason at all, but you'll never find the diamond in the rough if you don't look for it.

[Stryker]

Fucking sweet.
Found out that Garcia does indeed play RCB also.
Bye bye Velez.

[Dirtybird]

I am a new member of the forum and a supporter of TFC since day one.
I have to say as a Marvell Wynne fan the news of him possibly moving onto greener pastures doesn't surprise me but it sucks none the less.
At least i will always have my Wynne TFC jersey. We will surely miss his blazing speed up and down the right side of the pitch.
hopefully we can get another season or two out of him before he goes.

[Shaughno]

Fucking sweet.
Found out that Garcia does indeed play RCB also.
Bye bye Velez.


We got rid of Marshall, no way Velez is leaving unless we pick up TWO cb's. I'll bet you a pint on it.

[Stryker]

We got rid of Marshall, no way Velez is leaving unless we pick up TWO cb's. I'll bet you a pint on it.
I meant bye bye starting eleven. ;)

[Shaughno]

Who's going to start over him?

[Pigfynn]

^ uhhhh I think he's saying Garcia will. You ok today Jay? lol

[Shaughno]

Who plays beside him then? :lol:

Two CB's, Garcia and....

[Pigfynn]

You wanna know what I think?

[TorontoBlades]

Robbo!

[Stryker]

Who plays beside him then? :lol:

Two CB's, Garcia and....
Ethier the next guy coming in or Harmse.
I think Velez's days starting days are done.

[Shaughno]

Nah, unless something has seriously changed I honestly think Velez will start at CB.

[Pigfynn]

Nah, I think Brennan. I know, I know LB...but I think we could get a LB easier then we could a CB and Jimmy has done well at CB for us.

[Shaughno]

Nah, Carver seems to have confidance in Velez. Like I said, unless something has changed, I seriously think Velez has a starting spot.

[TorontoBlades]

Velez was a rookie last year, thrust into a starting lineup...the change of pace that he is accustomed to must have been mind-blowing. I'm thinking he'll be a much better CB than he was last year - it's whether or not he's starting XI on a championship quality side - after all you're only as strong as your weakest link....and that seems to be Velez at this point

[Yohan]

Velez was a rookie last year, thrust into a starting lineup...the change of pace that he is accustomed to must have been mind-blowing. I'm thinking he'll be a much better CB than he was last year - it's whether or not he's starting XI on a championship quality side - after all you're only as strong as your weakest link....and that seems to be Velez at this point
dude is like 27 or something, with lots of professional football under his belt

not really a rookie

[Shaughno]

dude is like 27 or something, with lots of professional football under his belt

not really a rookie

In the MLS he was. Jump in talent from USL to MLS is a bigger gap than most people think. Despite single game results.

He's a natural RB, and was forced into a starting CB role in a basically new league to him. Not exactly the best circumstances and despite his poor performances he also had some good games.

[TorontoBlades]

dude is like 27 or something, with lots of professional football under his belt

not really a rookie

rookie is not an age thing - it's an experience thing

you could be driving all your life...doesn't mean shit on the F1 circuit....

[Shaughno]

FYI, Velez named in starting XI alongside Brennan, Harmse and Garcia. ;)

[Stryker]

First up, Soccer By Ives is reporting Toronto FC is bringing in Portuguese 26-year old right back Miguel Garcia for a trial. He's been at Sporting Lisbon, Reggina (where he suffered a serious knee injury and didn't play), and he was last seen at Standard Liege where he's struggled to get playing time.
I asked Score Tonight host and Portuguese soccer enthusiast Sid Seixeiro for his opinion on Garica. Here's what he said:

"Decent player. Was never the best guy on the field, but I think he'll help them out. Meat and potatoes kind of defender. Played a long stretch with Sporting. If Mo signs him, then Carver will play him. A lot. Just my opinion."
Does he have the physique to play centre-half?

"Not really. But he's seen enough top flight football to make that conversion in the MLS. I have great confidence in that."
Another two trialists got into some game action in TFC's 3-0 win over Florida Atlantic on the weekend:

Alexandre Boucicaut - A 27-year Haitian midfielder with 6 goals in 31 caps. He's been playing for Violette AC of the Haitian League, but has been on the books with both the Chicago Fire and Colorado Rapids previously.

Martin Durica - A Slovakian midfielder, last seen at MSK Zilina of the Slovak top flight.

Striker Gregory Richardson and Midfielder/Defender Amadou Sanyang also got time in the game on the weekend.

http://my.thescore.com/footyblog/default.aspx (http://my.thescore.com/footyblog/default.aspx)

[T_Mizz]

If you could find a cheaper option who can perform at the same level, would you turn it down?
I suppose not but the chances aren't very good of someone being better than DeRo, Robbo, Guevara, Ricketts, and Cronin while being paid less than all of them especially as Ricketts, Robbo, and DeRo all signed new contracts and Cronin is a rookie that can't possibly be making all that much

[T_Mizz]

I heard Velez has been working his ass off to improve this off season I hope for his sake it's paid off or he'll be booed right out of town

[nick.mastro]

lets hope Garcia can play good at CB. hes gotta definatly be better than VELEZ.

one thing im worried about.. even if we do sign a CB, i can see Harmse being on the bench and Velez starting :S

[Nuvinho]

We have 4 spots open (correct me if I am wrong)....one for Hall, one for Richardson, and 2 for CBs. So if Garcia impresses, we can sign him and bring in one more defender. So Velez and Harmse may both be on the bench.

[Shaughno]

I suppose not but the chances aren't very good of someone being better than DeRo, Robbo, Guevara, Ricketts, and Cronin while being paid less than all of them especially as Ricketts, Robbo, and DeRo all signed new contracts and Cronin is a rookie that can't possibly be making all that much

Robbo was making $330k last year? Even if they brought him down to under $300k, I'm sure you could find a cheaper, yet viable option if you wanted to. That's all I'm saying. Who knows, maybe you find a Makalele for $100k.


I heard Velez has been working his ass off to improve this off season I hope for his sake it's paid off or he'll be booed right out of town


lets hope Garcia can play good at CB. hes gotta definatly be better than VELEZ.

one thing im worried about.. even if we do sign a CB, i can see Harmse being on the bench and Velez starting :S

I've said it all along, Velez isn't THAT bad. If he really was, why would Carver still rely on him? He made some mistakes sure, but he plays hard, with passion and is an 'ok' defender in this league.

[BakaGaijin]

Ethier the next guy coming in or Harmse.
I think Velez's days starting days are done.

I seriously doubt it. Velez was signed as a back up option for Wynne. That need is still there, especially with Wynne's international call-up's. Velez is not going anywhere.

[Shaughno]

Exactly. Again I state...

VELEZ IS A NATURAL RB AND WAS PLAYED OUT OF POSITION ALL LAST SEASON.

[T_Mizz]

Robbo was making $330k last year? Even if they brought him down to under $300k, I'm sure you could find a cheaper, yet viable option if you wanted to. That's all I'm saying. Who knows, maybe you find a Makalele for $100k.
I've said it all along, Velez isn't THAT bad. If he really was, why would Carver still rely on him? He made some mistakes sure, but he plays hard, with passion and is an 'ok' defender in this league.
I think the fact that Carver gave him the armband and he went ahead and got a stupid red card should've been the last straw for Carver if he didn't already trust him

[Shaughno]

I think the fact that Carver gave him the armband and he went ahead and got a stupid red card should've been the last straw for Carver if he didn't already trust him


Or... completely opposite. It shows he's passionate about his role in the club. Who knows though. All I know is that unless we sign two CB's Velez will be starting.

[giambac]

rookie is not an age thing - it's an experience thing

you could be driving all your life...doesn't mean shit on the F1 circuit....


okay so if we get a player from Europe say 32 years old who ha splayed in Europe for the apst 10 years. IF he comes over to TFC your going to call him a rookie and cut him slack?????

Why do people constantly lok for excuses when a player performs poorly. Bootom line is taht Valez struggled last season and that's it. Don't start with the rookie or change of league crap. He ha sbeen playing sooocer all his life. MLS is by far no where near the quality and level of play of other leagues around the world. He should have been able to adapt.

[GabrielHurl]

okay so if we get a player from Europe say 32 years old who ha splayed in Europe for the apst 10 years. IF he comes over to TFC your going to call him a rookie and cut him slack?????

Why do people constantly lok for excuses when a player performs poorly. Bootom line is taht Valez struggled last season and that's it. Don't start with the rookie or change of league crap. He ha sbeen playing sooocer all his life. MLS is by far no where near the quality and level of play of other leagues around the world. He should have been able to adapt.

Even if he's stepping up a level?

[Shaughno]

okay so if we get a player from Europe say 32 years old who ha splayed in Europe for the apst 10 years. IF he comes over to TFC your going to call him a rookie and cut him slack?????

Why do people constantly lok for excuses when a player performs poorly. Bootom line is taht Valez struggled last season and that's it. Don't start with the rookie or change of league crap. He ha sbeen playing sooocer all his life. MLS is by far no where near the quality and level of play of other leagues around the world. He should have been able to adapt.

Completely opposite situtations. You're talking about a player moving UP a league and a player moving DOWN a league. How can you compare that?

As for rookie, if you've never played in the league before, would you not be considered a rookie of the league? :lol:

[JonO]

As for rookie, if you've never played in the league before, would you not be considered a rookie of the league? :lol:
Shaughno - you're arguing with Giambic - rookie mistake :D

[Shaughno]

Nah I do it for fun. No real work today anyway. ;) Hence the Inter TFC thread.

So realistically, veteran move. :rofl:

[Benficachop20]

whoa i forgot all about Miguel Garcia, Can be a good player in the mls imo, but he plays at a rb, so don't know wat the have in mind about Wynne then.

[T_Mizz]

I think we would cut him slack wouldn't we? I mean look at Ricketts, every kept saying "wait until he has time to adjust to the MLS, and has a proper preseason" didn't they?

[TorontoBlades]

okay so if we get a player from Europe say 32 years old who ha splayed in Europe for the apst 10 years. IF he comes over to TFC your going to call him a rookie and cut him slack?????

Why do people constantly lok for excuses when a player performs poorly. Bootom line is taht Valez struggled last season and that's it. Don't start with the rookie or change of league crap. He ha sbeen playing sooocer all his life. MLS is by far no where near the quality and level of play of other leagues around the world. He should have been able to adapt.

Yeah and if your aunt had balls she'd be your uncle :noidea:

[DRock]

okay so if we get a player from Europe say 32 years old who ha splayed in Europe for the apst 10 years. IF he comes over to TFC your going to call him a rookie and cut him slack?????

Why do people constantly lok for excuses when a player performs poorly. Bootom line is taht Valez struggled last season and that's it. Don't start with the rookie or change of league crap. He ha sbeen playing sooocer all his life. MLS is by far no where near the quality and level of play of other leagues around the world. He should have been able to adapt.

I'm just trying to figure out what this game of sooocer is that you speak of!

[Pachuco]

I think we would cut him slack wouldn't we? I mean look at Ricketts, every kept saying "wait until he has time to adjust to the MLS, and has a proper preseason" didn't they?

Velez had a proper pre-season last year.

[Nuvinho]

I'm just trying to figure out what this game of sooocer is that you speak of!

I am a big sooocer fan, its a combination of snooker and soccer I think.

[T_Mizz]

^^That he did but it doesn't change the fact it was his first season, I'm just taking the specific situation Ricketts was involved in as an example of how people make excuses in order to cut people slack

[Inklink]

if case any of you missed it..... that goal in the video sent Sporting to the EUFA CUP Final a few years back.

That's why the craziness ensued! lol

LOL! Thanks for that. I was wondering what Garcia did to make grown men cry :rofl:

[Beach_Red]

I think the fact that Carver gave him the armband and he went ahead and got a stupid red card should've been the last straw for Carver if he didn't already trust him


Or, it just shows Carver was right, MLS refs can't get anything right.

[jloome]

Exactly. Again I state...

VELEZ IS A NATURAL RB AND WAS PLAYED OUT OF POSITION ALL LAST SEASON.

No dude, he played both right back and centre half at Puerto Rico. He had two seasons of playing in the centre, off and on, before he came here.

But he was a target forward ala Jarrod Smith coming out of college, and was converted to fullback by Seattle. Then in Puerto Rico he was deputized into playing centrally several times and eventually moved there.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

regardless its expected he will do better this year or he will definitely be sent packing.
I do agree with the statement that he wasnt as bad as people make out to be (we love to villainize on this board ALOT)

[DigzTFC!]

No, Velez was that bad. When you have a solid game outside of two moments where you almost scored on yourself or you let a player burn you for a break away....it means you had a bad game. Defenders are paid to go unnoticed and when all the pundits are waiting for the "Velez Moment" of the game, you have to think something is wrong. He can get better but he's not a young prospect and the ceiling for potential is starring him in the face. He's just cheap and fits within the cap.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

we can agree to disagree :)

[jloome]

IT's easy to disagree on. I think he was generally very solid but had two or three total disaster games.

It's sometimes easy to forget that a lot of our problems on the road in the first half of the season stemmed from our fullbacks being caught upfield. Every time that happened, our two centre halfs were stretched out of position, and that often contributed to Velez looking worse than he was.

I think his history for red cards (he had several prominent ones in the usl, including for popping Nevio Pizzolitio in the mouth) suggests he's a bit hotheaded, so perhaps the answer is to platoon him out after two or three games in a row, to cool off for a game and sit us a backup cb/rb.

[DigzTFC!]

If I had it my way I would trade Velez for Ihemelu. Same price, younger and can count as a domestic. Plus, this guy isn't "really" going to be called to any national team. But that's a completely different topic.

Velez had moments of being serviceable, but he was such a liability that it discredited any positives that he may have achieved during the course of a game.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

IT's easy to disagree on. I think he was generally very solid but had two or three total disaster games.

It's sometimes easy to forget that a lot of our problems on the road in the first half of the season stemmed from our fullbacks being caught upfield. Every time that happened, our two centre halfs were stretched out of position, and that often contributed to Velez looking worse than he was.

I think his history for red cards (he had several prominent ones in the usl, including for popping Nevio Pizzolitio in the mouth) suggests he's a bit hotheaded, so perhaps the answer is to platoon him out after two or three games in a row, to cool off for a game and sit us a backup cb/rb.

All fantastic points in his defense.
I agree whole heartedly, like i said tho its up to him to prove his worth this season. Also i wouldnt be opposed to a trade for Ihemlu if there was a chance of that happening (which there isnt)

[jloome]

All fantastic points in his defense.
I agree whole heartedly, like i said tho its up to him to prove his worth this season. Also i wouldnt be opposed to a trade for Ihemlu if there was a chance of that happening (which there isnt)

Probably not. He just signed a new four-year deal last week, so I'd assume he's happy in colorado. But I think he has Canadian work status, doesn't he?

[Luanda]

But what about those currently on trial?
We seem to have few on the spot news from Florida.