Doin' the annual January golf/football trip. Beautiful day for both.
AdiPower vs AdiPure: 0-0, Not a typical day 1 combine yawner, but a very poor match.
Jabulani vs AdiZero: 2-1, Again, not a typical day 1 combine yawner, but much better than previous match, good pace and tempo. Jabulani looks to be the strongest side.
I know it's just day 1 (unfamiliarity, nerves, rust, match fitness, etc.) but overall it would be easier to list the players who have no chance! And factor in that 4 Gen A players are with the USA u20s who have a camp going on across town as well.
If TFC want a player to stick on the 2011 roster from this draft they better trade up to round 1 or make sure they have great scouting on the round 2 pick because anything after round 2 ain't gonna cut it, unless they are the proverbial late bloomer.
Saw Mariner, Regan, Daso & Dichio. I'm told Winter is back in Amsterdam but will be at the draft.
Lone Canadian, Curtis Ushedo, started and played a full 90 but did nothing to impress; after day 1, I'd suggest that if he doesn't do something to stand out, he's fast tracking to the Supp Draft. Based on previous combines (who starts & player rotations) barring injuries, I don't see him getting another full 90 from either of Monday or Tuesday's matches.
Estupiñan & Plata (S. Americans) added themselves to some short lists today. Round 1 picks!
Justin Meram, Forward from Michigan (Jabulani) looked good; Dichio & Daso spent some time tracking Michigan. I saw Tim Regan talking to the Jabulani coach. He should be available for TFC's 2nd round pick if they want a winger.
Bobby Warsaw, Defender from Stanford (Jabulani) also made a statement today. Very quick and decisive. Good composure and distribution skills, And very vocal - confident. He too should be on the board for the round 2 pick.
Sideshow: Rooney didn't look out of place, but didn't stand out either, certainly not like Plata or Estupiñan. If his play improves, he'll be the novelty pick of the draft. And a rumour going around is that he has signed with MLS already.
None of the keepers stood out. So after day 1, no keeper made a case for a 1st round selection.
None TFC stuff:
I heard Will Johnson has signed on long term with RSL.
Dennis Hamlett is here with the Whitecaps staff.