I don't know if he'll get drafted. That's why probably he is coming here on trial.Originally Posted by Ossington Mental Youth
I don't know if he'll get drafted. That's why probably he is coming here on trial.
yep and if hes good then ya trade off frei for a draft pick
Toronto FC is the first Canadian and non-American team in the MLS
wow....both CDN and non american...... thats crazy
Top 10 midfield prospects - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...ot=mls&cc=5901
After a couple of average seasons in the midfield ranks, which have largely been made up of solid defensive types with no real attacking flair, we now get a very promising pool. This might be the best midfield group since I started doing rankings, and I feel confident it is the best class since at least 2006.
The bumper crop is due to a good set of seniors who passed on Generation adidas deals in the last few years, combined with this year's Gen adidas class.
I've chosen to include four prospective Gen adidas players in my midfield list, two who have been confirmed by MLS and two I feel confident will sign GA deals. Even after those four we might see even more talent if MLS lands UCLA freshman Amobi Okugo, U.S. U-17 Luis Gil and UNC's Cameron Brown.
Top 10 2010 midfield prospects
1. Tony Tchani, Virginia -- The "next Sharlie Joseph" tag he's earned tells you only a little bit about this sophomore. A massive 6-foot-4, Tchani has frequently dominated the ACC for his first two seasons. ACC Freshman of the Year in 2008, multiple All-America nods this year, and 17 goals and seven assists in two seasons. Tchani can play multiple spots at the next level, but I think he'll start his career as a deep-lying midfielder. Tough as nails and big, he's an enforcer and has technical skills on top of that. He should be ready to start the minute he walks into an MLS camp. He's been reported to have signed with MLS, but it is not yet official. Tchani has the talent to go No. 1 overall.
2. Corben Bone, Wake Forest -- This junior is the best pure attacking talent to come out of the college game in several years. He's had discussions with MLS every year he's been in college but stayed at Wake for the outstanding tactical development in its program. He has phenomenal ball skills and passing vision. Bone may take a season to get 100 percent in the flow with MLS, but expect him to be running a team from the middle as a pure playmaker before too long. He was the 2007 ACC Freshman of the Year and has earned two first-team All-America nods since. Again not confirmed by MLS, but the U.S. U-20 has been reported as leaving Wake. The only question is where he's headed, MLS or Europe.
3. Toni Stahl, Connecticut -- The most complete and ready-to-go senior in the pool and a dogged, hard-nosed, pure-ball winner. He also should be ready to start in MLS on day one. By comparison, he offers less going forward than last year's senior gem, Sam Cronin, but is a better defender and tackler. Great size at 6-3 and tactically savvy enough for the modern pro midfield. Stahl is from Finland and was 2006 Big East Rookie of the Year in 2006 and first-team Big East every year since. He was also named 2009 Big East Midfielder of the Year and was a second-team All-American.
4. Dilly Duka, Rutgers -- A Generation adidas signing confirmed by MLS, Duka is a former Red Bulls youth player and really vaulted his status with his tremendous performance at the U-20 World Championships. Technically a sophomore, Duka skipped this season at Rutgers to focus on the worlds and has played only one season of college ball. The creative force in the U-20 midfield, Duka has terrific vision and field awareness. He's capable of making the special play to win games. Duka probably isn't ready to make an immediate impact in MLS, but in a couple of seasons he should really be excelling.
5. Blair Gavin, Akron -- A U.S. U-18 and U-20 youth international, this deep-lying junior holding mid has the vision to be a playmaker from deep. He's the anchor in the tremendous Zips midfield that allows their attacking force great freedom. Gavin is the second midfield Generation adidas signing confirmed by MLS. The 6-0 Gavin is a two-time first-team All-Mid-American Conference player. Gavin scored five goals this season, three of which were game winners, and added three assists while leading a defensive unit that had 19 shutouts, the second-highest shutout total in NCAA history.
6. Michael Stephens, UCLA -- The first of two Bruins seniors whose Generation adidas offers in previous years didn't come to fruition and thus enrich this class, Stephens held talks with MLS last year only to have them fall apart late in the process. He's a bit of a cautionary tale, as he's likely going to have cost himself draft status and a bunch of money by staying for one more season. His somewhat lackluster senior season, combined with no roster protection, means Stephens will have to compete for a senior roster spot in MLS. He was the 2008 Pac-10 Player of the Year, only the third such honor in UCLA's storied history. He recorded only seven assists this year for Stephens this year after leading the Pac-10 last year with seven goals and nine assists. Don't let the lesser senior stats fool you: This kid can play.
7. Kyle Nakazawa, UCLA -- One of the stars of the U.S. team at the U-17 worlds back in 2005, Nakazawa negotiated with MLS before going to UCLA and then again after his freshman year. Three years later, he leaves UCLA as a senior saddled with a reputation for amazing skill and an apathetic work rate. The most dangerous free-kick taker in this class, Nakazawa has sublime skills with the ball. Capable of playing in the midfield or as a striker, he's arguably more talented than Stephens but is a less complete player. He had only one Pac-10 honor in his career, a second-team all-conference nod in 2007, before exploding this year with multiple All-America awards thanks to his leading the Bruins in scoring with 12 goals and seven assists.
8. Two-Boys Gumede, Alabama-Birmingham -- The redshirt senior and South Africa native is a second-team All-American and the Conference USA Player of the Year. Only the third player in UAB history with four all-conference nods, Gumede missed the entire 2007 season because of injury but showed in '08 and '09 that he was fully recovered. He's an excellent athlete with tremendous range, and it's the passing vision in the final third that got him the award as the best in Conference USA. Gumede leaves UAB with career totals of 11 goals and 18 assists.
9. Irving Garcia, UC Irvine -- If he weren't 5-5, Garcia might be a more coveted talent. Despite the small stature, Garcia is a terrific soccer player. Good enough on the ball, he has the potential to make it at the MLS level. He started his career at Yavapai College, where he was a JC All-American and a national champion before moving on to UC Irvine. A strong junior year, when he was first-team All-Big West, set up his outstanding senior season, which earned him Big West Offensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-America nod.
10. Nelson Becerra, St. John's -- A midfielder with a solid skill set, Becerra is a player whose intangibles and willpower make him better than his skills alone. He led the Red Storm to last year's College Cup while grabbing the Big East Midfield of the Year award on the strength of his eight goals (five game winners) and seven assists. Becerra is less of a playmaker and more of a difference maker who gets big goals in big games. 2009 was a bit of a step back for St. John's and Becerra. The native of Peru leaves St. John's with career totals of 14 goals (six game winners) and 11 assists.
Ten more seniors to watch
Eric Alexander, Indiana
Mauro Fuzetti, Michigan
Austin da Luz, Wake Forest
Conor O'Brien, Bucknell
Jon Ports, York College
Alan Sanchez, North Carolina State
Michael Strickland, Stanford
Michael Thomas, Notre Dame
Jonathan Villanueva, Virginia
Collen Warner, Portland
Animals Eaten:
pig, cow, lamb, moose, chicken, quail, kudu, ostrich, kangaroo, octopus, alligator, rabbit, shark, springbok, goat, bison, boar, caterpillars, turkey, fish, lobster, crab, oyster, prawn, antelope, camel, eel, squid
Top 10 defenders - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...ot=mls&cc=5901
While the 2009 rookie crop was a great draft class overall, it wasn't a great season for senior defenders. Most of the top defenders last season were either underclassmen or converted midfielders.
On the other hand, the 2010 group looks to be a bumper crop of seniors with some real talent on the defensive side of things. It reminds me a bit of 2007 when a whole bunch of picks stuck with teams through the first season at least. There are also quite a few diamonds in the rough, and a possibility that a genuine prospect might just pop up from quite low in the ranks.
In addition to the seniors, there are some really outstanding Generation Adidas targets. Names like U.S. U-20 international Gale Agbossoumonde, Cal junior A.J. Soares, and Duke freshman Christian Ibeagha. I don't usually include many possible GA signings and underclassmen, but this year there are two who warrant mention.
Top 10 2010 defenders
1. Ike Opara, Wake Forest -- I'm including the junior Opara, even though he has not officially signed with anyone, because he's the clear top choice. Opara has been the best defender in college the past two years. As a freshman he broke into the starting lineup due to a preseason injury to Julian Valentin. By the time Valentin returned, Opara had played so well coach Jay Vidovich shuffled his entire lineup to keep Opara on the field, moving several All-Americans to do so. Big, strong, fast and a smart defender, Opara is the complete package. He's probably the best defender to leave college since Chad Marshall and might be the best since Eddie Pope. That is if MLS can land him. Opara missed seven Wake games this year while starting for the U.S. at the U-20 World Cup and was still named ACC Defender of the Year, for the second time, and consensus first-team All-American. Opara has been the No. 1 prospect on my overall list two years in a row now and he should be the first overall pick this year.
2. Zach Loyd, North Carolina -- A midfielder or an outside back for most of his college career, Loyd was forced to move to center back this season because of injuries, and he excelled in that position. A first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC, Loyd led the Tar Heels back line to 12 shutouts and only 12 goals allowed all season. Loyd is an extraordinarily fit and athletic player with a great motor and work rate. A smart player and tactically flexible, Loyd can play multiple positions, although I feel his best position and future as a pro is in midfield (even though I left him with the defenders), which just happens to be where MLS listed him for the combine. At 5-foot-9 he's probably considered too short to play center back for most MLS coaches.
3. Chris Schuler, Creighton -- The first of two good defenders coming out of Creighton this year, Schuler is an intimidator and dominant physical presence in the back for the Bluejays. Schuler helped Creighton to eight shutouts this year, a school-record 13 last year and 39 total in his career. A top-10 prospect out of high school, Schuler redshirted at Indiana in 2005 before transferring to Creighton. Despite his size and power at 6-4, 185 pounds, Schuler plays a disciplined game, earning very few yellow cards.
4. Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Connecticut -- The massive Watson-Siriboe (6-3, 196 pounds) dominated play in the Big East this year with UConn to earn the Big East Co-Defender of the Year nod. A former U.S. U-18 player, Watson-Siriboe broke out in 2007 for UConn and might have been ranked higher on this list if not for missing half of 2008 with injury. The UConn back line allowed only 10 goals in 19 games this season while posting 13 shutouts. His superlative senior season should be enough to erase any injury concerns. Watson-Siriboe has pace to go with his size, making him very tough to beat.
5. Sheanon Williams, North Carolina -- Theoretically only a sophomore, Williams left UNC after his outstanding freshman year to focus on the U.S. U-20 team in hopes of signing a professional contract. The somewhat disappointing performance of the U.S. team at the Worlds may have hampered his status as Williams remains "unattached" to any pro club despite trials in Europe. MLS rules can be a bit ambiguous, but, having sat out a season, Williams should be able to sign with MLS as a free agent after the MLS SuperDraft if he doesn't sign a Generation Adidas deal in advance. An outside back with terrific pace, Williams can both defend and get forward to create havoc. He is also a former U.S. U-17 residency player and he did play some PDL soccer with the Carolina Dynamo this past summer.
6. Nick Cardenas, San Diego State -- The towering 6-5 Cardenas was effective at both ends of the pitch for the Aztecs, leaving SDSU with 12 goals and seven assists in his career. A four-time Pac-10 honoree, including Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2006, Cardenas has excelled against heavyweight competition week in and week out and is capable of shutting down an offense. A former U.S. U-20 call-up, Cardenas has been involved in 21 shutouts in his college career.
7. Ryan Peterman, University of San Diego -- Being named West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a left back is a nice feat to pull off. Peterman was also WCC First Team in 2008 and All-Rookie Team back in 2006. Peterman likes the ball at his feet and relishes taking players on the dribble. He was a marked man in 2009, literally, as some teams tried to counter him with a marking forward. Peterman has a really nice left foot and is the kind of two-way player who should excel in MLS.
8. Barry Rice, Kentucky -- A tremendous athlete, Rice is the best player ever produced by the University of Kentucky. He earned back-to-back Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year nods in 2007 and 2008, followed up with an All-American award in 2009. Rice is only 5-11, but is blessed with a tremendous vertical. Kentucky added a stat to its game-tracking just for Rice: headers contested/won. Over '08 and '09 Rice won an astounding 315 of the 373 headers he contested, roughly 84 percent. Rice can get forward dangerously too, leaving UK with career tallies of 12 goals and seven assists. He was also recently named one of 15 players on the ESPN High School All-Decade Team for leading St. Ignatius to back-to-back Ohio state titles.
9. Phil Edginton, Louisville -- Another big (6-3) center back out of the Big East, Edginton was named Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the 2009 All-Big East First Team. He led the Cardinal D to 13 shutouts in 20 games and only 12 goals allowed all year. Edginton can provide a little something going forward as well; he grabbed two goals and two assists this season. Recently called to the New Zealand senior national team, Edginton is a former Kiwi U-20, U-16, and U-14 youth international.
10. Seth Sinovic, Creighton -- The other top-notch defender out of Creighton this season is the lefty left back Seth Sinovic. Selected to the MLS Combine last year, the redshirt senior Sinovic made the decision to pull out of the event and return for a final year with the Bluejays. Granted a hardship year by the NCAA, Sinovic had an outstanding season, being named to his second straight All-MVC First Team, his third conference nod in four seasons. A defender capable of shutting down an opposing player one-on-one, Sinovic also contributed offensively. He tied for the Creighton lead in assists with six in 2008, then grabbed three goals and four assists this season to finish second on the team scoring charts.
Ten more seniors to watch
Kris Banghart, Denver
Nick Barclay, Gonzaga
Mark Blades, Northwestern
Kevin Gallaugher, Cal State Dominguez Hills
Joel Gustafsson, St John's
Martin Hedevag, UC Santa Barbara
Tim Ream, St Louis
Ofori Sarkodie, Indiana
Doug Verhoff, Ohio State
Adam Welch, Lehigh
Animals Eaten:
pig, cow, lamb, moose, chicken, quail, kudu, ostrich, kangaroo, octopus, alligator, rabbit, shark, springbok, goat, bison, boar, caterpillars, turkey, fish, lobster, crab, oyster, prawn, antelope, camel, eel, squid
Ives Mock Draft - TFC gets Phil Edgington
Obviously don't know much about these college players, but apparently he's a solid defender.
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_b...cer+By+Ives%29
Last edited by mastermixer; 01-08-2010 at 12:24 PM.
What are the chances of Mo-Jo trading for a higher pick on draft day?
Id like Bunbury to come home to play, he seems like the real deal. He would be a good forward prospect.
If not, I know the clubs defense was weak, but our wide players were worse and I think in many cases hurt our backline being unable to move the ball forward, make crisp crosses or spread the opponents backline to give players like Gerba, DeRo et al room in the centre of the pitch. If there was someone we could take to play out on the right side I would take him.
Look through the roster. Who on the first team are you ready to give up that someone else would want? Think Cronin, Frei, White, maybe Wynne, or one of the Gambians.
Personally, my preference is to let the draft be this year.
If you get a solid established CB, then we have either Serioux and/or Nana who can play RB. I would try to trade Wynne for a top 5 to 10 pick (depending if someone bits). As well, if Frei you feel is gonna stick around at TFC, then trade Edwards, since it seems we have some Canadian keepers on trial.
If you feel Frei is going to leave, trade him (once again, if you find anyone who bits).
I think I'd rather have the transfer fee that Frie might generate if and when he leaves, but I would suspect that will be another year or two away. If I was in his position, I'd rather play as a starter in MLS than play as a reservist in some other league.
Hey guys, just a little update.... landed in Miami this afternoon and just would like to let you guys know there will be updates daily about the combine on MLSDraft.net
I know we dont have a huge pick, but have a look and click some ads... hahah
But seriously, if you check out the site thanks alot!
This article has Oregon State's Danny Mwanga going first overall to Philly. He recently signed with Generation Adidas and MLS.
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/ind...1_pick_in.html
http://www.mlsdraft.net/
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Article on Teal Bunbury:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/2010/..._prodigie.html
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
hope your enjoying the cold weather Sean!
Anyone going to the draft? while i know it won't be a specatular event for TFC this year, i am leaving 4-5am thursday morning if anyone wants a seat in my car.
RPB Road Warrior. Crew 5/26/07, Boston 6/23/07, Chi 7/7/07, NY 8/11/07, DC 9/29/07, LA 10/13/07, MLS Cup 11/18/07, C-Bus 3/25/08, DC 5/24/08, MTL 5/27/08, Chi 7/12/08, KC 9/20/08, KC Opener 3/21/09, C-Bus 3/28/09, DC March 5/9/09, Super Draft 2010, CCC 2010, MTL 5/12/10, Philly 7/17/10, Honduras 8/3/10, NY 8/11/10, Mexico 9/21/10, Turkey 01/29/11
oh and great website sean, well done!
RPB Road Warrior. Crew 5/26/07, Boston 6/23/07, Chi 7/7/07, NY 8/11/07, DC 9/29/07, LA 10/13/07, MLS Cup 11/18/07, C-Bus 3/25/08, DC 5/24/08, MTL 5/27/08, Chi 7/12/08, KC 9/20/08, KC Opener 3/21/09, C-Bus 3/28/09, DC March 5/9/09, Super Draft 2010, CCC 2010, MTL 5/12/10, Philly 7/17/10, Honduras 8/3/10, NY 8/11/10, Mexico 9/21/10, Turkey 01/29/11
Top 10 Forwards - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/section?id=us&cc=5901
As we get to the final positional ranking of the this year's previews, we now know most of the Generation adidas class. As usually happens with the strikers, those signings take us from an average senior class to a good one overall. Every year, MLS is plucking more of the top-tier forward talent out of the pool early. That's a trend that is only going to continue. With the Generation adidas additions, there are players spaced well through the top 10 who could get playing time early in MLS.
One interesting aspect in evaluating strikers, particularly senior strikers, is that many will be changing positions at the next level (Seattle's Brad Evans is a good example). Some will make the attempt at the combine, and some will be moved once they are chosen by MLS coaches.
Top 10 2010 forward prospects
1. Danny Mwanga, Oregon State -- The difference between the top two on this list isn't great. Mwanga is the likely top pick because Philadelphia coach Peter Nowak helped convince the Beavers sophomore to sign a Generation adidas contract. This was Mwanga's last college season either way, as he had trials lined up in France, so landing the exciting attacking threat is a real get for MLS, even if he will command a hefty salary. Mwanga is the first player in Oregon State history to be named Pac-10 Player of the Year, and he led the conference in five statistical categories: points, points per game, goals scored, goals per game and game-winning goals. Second team All-American in 2009 and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in '08. A citizen of the Republic of Congo, Mwanga has a U.S. refugee travel document, a U.S. green card and resident alien card. He is strong, fast, dynamic, dangerous, has terrific feet, wonderful skill and instincts, and some good size (6-foot-2, 175 pounds) to go with the amazing athleticism.
2. Teal Bunbury, Akron -- The other exciting, dynamic, game-changing talent in this pool is Akron's terrific striker. A former Canadian U-17 international, Bunbury is the son of Canadian international Alex Bunbury, who played for West Ham, Maritimo (Portugal) and the Kansas City Wizards. After making 10 starts as a freshman, Teal Bunbury stepped into the spot vacated by last year's No. 1 pick, Steve Zakuani, and proceeded to light up the MAC with 17 goals and five assists. Bunbury is very similar to Mwanga in skill set, albeit with less polish and perhaps a touch less top-end speed. By comparison, Bunbury is a more pure striker than Zakuani, his Akron predecessor. The Hermann finalist is a first team All-American and the MAC Player of the Year.
3. Andre Akpan, Harvard -- A Generation adidas target for three straight seasons, Akpan continually passed on the MLS offers so he could get his Harvard degree instead. MLS finally gets its man this year, signing our top-ranked senior to a contract prior to the combine. A member of the powerhouse Dallas Texans 88 team that won multiple national championships and the Dallas Cup Super Group, Akpan moved on to Harvard rather than a standard name-brand soccer program. The lack of competitiveness in the Ivy League, frequently mentioned as a knock, doesn't seem to have hurt his game based on his strong performances with the U.S. U-20s in the previous cycle. Not surprisingly, Akpan is a very smart and tactically savvy player with impressive positional sense. Akpan does have some pace but isn't a pure burner like the previous two strikers on this list. Instead, Akpan is a high striker who can play with his back to the goal if needed, but also excels at getting into dangerous scoring positions and putting away goals. Akpan is a three-time All-American and four-time Ivy League first-teamer, leaving Harvard with 47 career goals and 33 assists.
4. Andrew Wiedeman, California -- The third Generation adidas striker on our list, the Cal junior is a former U.S. U-18 and U-20 international. A three-time Pac-10 honoree, first team in 2008 and '09, and an All-American in '08; Wiedeman leaves the Bears with 30 goals and 16 assists in three seasons of Pac-10 play. While he does have a fair number of assists, Wiedeman has a reputation as a goal poacher, scrapper and opportunistic goal scorer.
5. Zach Schilawski, Wake Forest -- What happens when you are a terrific attacking talent, but you go to a school where Cody Arnoux and Marcus Tracy play? You don't start is what happens. But when those two terrific players leave for Europe, if you are good enough, you do what Schilawski did -- and that's lead the ACC with 14 goals, five of them game winners, to earn a third-team All-American nod and a first-team ACC nod. Not being a starter at Wake doesn't mean the kid can't play; he was a key contributor on the great Wake teams of the last few years. He has remarkable career totals of 26 goals and 13 assists in only 18 starts though his junior year. Schilawski has the skills to be a nice off striker or wide mid at the next level; he likes to break down players on the dribble and can play in combination through midfield or on the run.
6. Jack McInerney, U.S. U-17 -- Despite the fact that he's shown great potential, McInerney is a high-risk, high-reward pick at 17 years old. Few teams in the top half of the draft can take a flier on a kid this young, even if he is this talented. McInerney made his name with fans at this year's U-17 Worlds after his terrific performance in the U-17 qualifiers. Blessed with nice feet and touch, McInerney tends to play slightly behind a high striker for the U.S. He likes to shoot from range, but can also dribble through gaps and play off his partner. Nice work by MLS to keep him home and not let him get away to Europe. At 5-foot-8, McInerney is probably still growing, but the size and the physical nature of MLS will be a factor early in his career.
7. Jason Yeisley, Penn State -- What might this young man's career have been without injury? Big Ten second team as a freshman before tearing his MCL in 2006. Rebounded in 2007 before tearing both his MCL and ACL late in the year. Still managed a Big 10 first-team nod despite missing the last month of that season. Redshirted in 2008 rehabbing the knee, missed the entire season, and then came back strong in 2009 to be named Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year with eight goals and five assists. That's 24 goals and 16 assists in a truncated 63-game career. While the knee injuries will scare off some teams, perhaps the clear determination, resiliency and work ethic it takes to recover from that kind of injury and not miss a step will attract some instead.
8. David Estrada, UCLA -- Many people seem to have forgotten how good Estrada was when he burst onto the scene in his walk-on freshman campaign. Estrada led UCLA with a school freshman-record 12 goals and was named almost everyone's national Freshman of the Year that season. A marked man since, Estrada has been given little room to work and not a lot of help up top the last few seasons. Surgery for a fractured metatarsal cost him the first half of the 2007 season. Fully healthy in 2009, Estrada picked up his fourth career Pac-10 nod with a first-team honor on the strength of his three goals and seven assists. A former U.S. U-18 with terrific feet, vision and ball skill, Estrada has always been a combination striker who flourishes in a good partnership. Estrada leaves UCLA with 22 goals and 14 assists in four seasons.
9. Bright Dike, Notre Dame -- At 6-1 and 223 pounds, Dike (pronounced Dee-Kay) is the kind of physical specimen who makes scouts drool, fans cheer and defenders flinch. Big, strong and fast, Dike can blast it with either foot but doesn't have great close control. Dike is kind of an old-fashioned big American striker. Only four starts prior to 2008, and he missed 2007 for a lack of academic credits; Dike demolished defenses in the Big East the last two seasons with 12 goals in 2008 and 11 goals in '09, earning first-team Big East nods each time, and adding Big East Offensive Player of the Year this season.
10. Justin Davis, New Mexico -- "Fast" and "lefty" are the two key words you need to know when talking about Davis, although "good long-range shot" and "nose for goal" don't hurt. Like Schilawski before him on this list, Davis might find a living out wide in midfield at the next level. With multiple Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first-team nods to his credit, Davis notched 13 goals and 12 assists through his junior year and then led the Lobos in scoring this season with seven goals and six assists.
Ten more seniors to watch
Conor Chinn, San Francisco
Chris Cutshaw, Bradley
David Walker, UCSB
Garrett Webb, Drake
Ronnie Bouemboue, North Carolina State
Mike Seamon, Villanova
Andrew Hoxie, William and Mary
Carlos Villa, Hartford
Connor O'Brien, Bucknell
Sam Maheu, St. Bonaventure
Animals Eaten:
pig, cow, lamb, moose, chicken, quail, kudu, ostrich, kangaroo, octopus, alligator, rabbit, shark, springbok, goat, bison, boar, caterpillars, turkey, fish, lobster, crab, oyster, prawn, antelope, camel, eel, squid
You know werewolf, that's a very dangerous thing to post on a TFC supporters' website. Mo might read that, and try to get all ten of those players, on the way to his idea of a "Perfect 10" formation (1 goalie, 10 midfielders, and no defenders or forwards).
http://web.mlsnet.com/media/video.js...ent_id=7148255
Video of Nick Cardenas, on his trip to the combine.
Latest ESPN mock-draft.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...ot=mls&cc=5901
1. Philadelphia Union -- Danny Mwanga, Forward, Oregon State
The Union scouted Mwanga early and pegged him as a dangerous striker with freakish speed and skill. With a contract rumored to be worth $200,000 a season, Mwanga will be under pressure to perform right away.
2. New York Red Bulls -- Tony Tchani, Midfielder, Virginia
The Red Bulls had long been expected to grab Opara to help the club's dire defensive issues, but Tchani has the look of a franchise midfielder, making the decision a tough one. Opara makes a bit more sense as far as need, but Tchani ultimately proves too good to pass up. Don't rule out a deal being made for this pick because several teams absolutely love Tchani.
3. San Jose Earthquakes -- Ike Opara, Defender, Wake Forest
The Earthquakes could use a striker like Teal Bunbury, but ultimately it will be too tough to pass on Opara, a freakishly athletic center back who is just 20 but already boasts better tools than many MLS defenders. Another factor that could affect Opara's stock is that he's considering staying in school till May.
4. Kansas City Wizards -- Teal Bunbury, Forward, Akron
The Wizards could have used Tchani but will be happy to take Bunbury, a fast and big striker who also happens to be the son of former Wizard Alex Bunbury. Also 20, Bunbury has shown some flaws in his finishing, but his top gear is impressive and his size/speed combo will fit in well with the Wizards' other forwards.
5. FC Dallas (from Toronto) -- Corben Bone, Midfielder, Wake Forest
Coach Schellas Hyndman doesn't really need more young players, but Bone is a special talent who also happens to be from the Dallas area. A playmaker who makes things easy for his teammates, Bone didn't have the best combine but his talent is undeniable.
6. FC Dallas -- Zach Loyd, Midfielder, North Carolina
While Tchani wowed scouts, Loyd left plenty of teams impressed at the combine with his versatility and ability to excel no matter where he was played. A defensive midfielder by trade, Loyd can play at right back and in central defense. He's as MLS-ready a player as there is in the draft.
7. D.C. United -- Amobi Okugo, Midfielder, UCLA
The coach Curt Onalfo era promises to feature attacking soccer, but this pick will be a defensive midfielder. Okugo's size, strength and technical ability are truly impressive for an 18-year-old. D.C. could grab Dilly Duka -- and drive New York Red Bulls fans crazy since Duka is a Red Bull academy product -- but Okugo helps fill the void left by Ben Olsen's retirement and Andrew Jacobsen's departure to Philadelphia.
8. Columbus Crew (from Colorado) -- Dilly Duka, Midfielder, U.S. U-20
The Crew would prefer to move up and land Tchani or Bunbury, but with both long gone, the Crew can focus on a skillful and tough central midfielder with great promise. A creative attacking player who isn't afraid to defend and deliver tackles, Duka showed enough creativity at the combine to move into the top 10.
9. New England Revolution -- Toni Stahl, Midfielder, Connecticut
The Revs could use a forward, but disappointing combine performances among the draft's top forwards are likely to make them think about other needs. One potential problem is Revs midfielder Jeff Larentowicz's possible departure for Europe this offseason (he is out of contract). Stahl could step in and replace Larentowicz, giving the Revs a player who isn't as tough but who may be more technically gifted than Larentowicz.
10. Chivas USA -- Blair Gavin, Midfielder, Akron
While central defense is more of a need, Chivas USA will be hard-pressed to pass on a skilled and promising young holding midfielder in Gavin, who is a smooth facilitator with good upside.
11. Seattle Sounders -- Jack McInerney, Forward, U.S. U-17
The Sounders could use depth at forward and will need to choose between McInerney and Cal striker Andrew Wiedeman. With Wiedeman disappointing at the combine, look for coach Sigi Schmid to grab a 17-year-old striker who looked very comfortable playing against older players at the combine.
12. Columbus Crew -- Andrew Wiedeman, Forward, California
The Crew could look elsewhere for a replacement for Alejandro Moreno but will be happy to find Wiedeman this late. Coming off a disappointing showing at the combine, Wiedeman could thrive in the Crew attack.
13. Chicago Fire -- Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Defender, Connecticut
The Fire have some serious offseason moves brewing, so it's tough to project what they will do here. A forward or right winger could help, but Chicago needs some depth in central defense and Watson-Siriboe has established himself as the second-best center back in this draft.
14. New York Red Bulls (via Houston) -- Austin Da Luz, Midfielder, Wake Forest
After taking Tchani with their first pick, the Red Bulls could be tempted to grab a center back next. However, with none rated this highly, the Red Bulls grab Da Luz, a creative midfielder who could play on the left flank or in a playmaking role. The Red Bulls could also trade up from this spot to try to add Duka.
15. Los Angeles Galaxy -- Zack Schilawski, Forward, Wake Forest
The Galaxy added three young Brazilian players this winter, which could be called its own draft haul, but Los Angeles can still use some depth at forward and Schilawski can provide just that. The Wake Forest product is quick, intelligent and a good finisher.
16. Real Salt Lake -- Andre Akpan, Forward, Harvard
The defending champion will be happy to find Akpan fall this far, which is a possibility after the Harvard striker's disappointing combine showing. If Akpan isn't around, look for Real Salt Lake to add the best forward available, or potentially a midfielder like local product Kyle Nakazawa from UCLA.
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http://www.mlsdraft.net/?q=node/292
Final Mock Draft before the big day.. live chat on draft day. Ive heard mo is trying to make a move for a top pick but not sure if hes going to pull the trigger.
Teal bunbury and julien edwards are two canadian prospects who both look like they will be decent professionals.
Tommarow is the big day. Hopefully MoJo can work some magic with San Jose or Kansas City to get Bunbury. If not oh well. I just want to see any moves that will make us better now and in the future.
from Ives Q&A, here are some of his comments:
As far as trade rumblings, I've heard that Kansas City is trying to move into the No. 2 spot and I've heard that Toronto, Columbus and Los Angeles are all trying to move up in the draft. As far as players who could be on the move on draft day, I'd say Toronto's Marvell Wynne, Columbus' Frankie Hejduk and New England's Chris Albright have all been mentioned in talks.CHAD- KC has the fourth pick. There are rumors we'll trade it (maybe to Toronto). How do you see this playing out? Do you still see us taking Bunbury?
IVES- If KC deals the pick, it won’t be to move down. The trade talk I’ve heard has involved KC and New York in a potential swap of the 2 and 4 picks with a player or cash being involved. The sense I get is that the Wizards will push for a deal to try and get Tchani, but if that doesn’t work the Wizards will take Bunbury.JIM- Rumours up north are that Mo is willing to deal Frei and Wynne to grab a stud CB. What are you hearing? And how much influence could Preki have on what TFC does? Any chance for Bunbury to play in a Canadian shirt like his dad used to?
IVES- listen, unless John Terry somehow entered this draft I’m not sure how there’s a center back worth Frei and Wynne. I know Toronto wants to move up, but the problem for TFC is that so many teams love Tony Tchani that it’s making it that much tougher for TFC to swing a deal. That, coupled with Bunbury looking good at the Combine means he’s likely to stay a Top Four pick and unless Toronto can work out a deal with long-time trade partner San Jose, I don’t see a deal happening.
So it looks like San Jose holds the keys to us getting Bunbury. I wonder if they would go for Wynne and mabey some allocation or another roster player such as Robbo.
The way i look at it i would be happy if the deal involved eitther Robinson, barrett, wynne.
guess we will just have to wait and see
I want to see some draft magic tomorrow.
meh, id like to see some talented vets brought in, in the positions we need em
Hey guys, just a quick question.... If i hosted a chat would you guys log in, im just debating doing more a live chat but only if we can get like alot of viewers going on. Last year I had about 75 guys on the chat and it was good, but because a lot of my viewers are canadian and with TFC only having a mid 2nd round pick... im debating just doing an updating blog post.
Let me know..
I would join. I was actually looking forward to tomorrow at 2pm. I made sure that my schedule was clean so I can watch online the draft and check out the message boards....but just a few hours ago....I got a meeting scheduled for 2pm....damn these people...don't they know Trader Mo is going to wheel n' deal....haha!!!
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