Originally Posted by
Yohan
My list of players TFC should be targeting. Criteria are, not an untouchable by current team, salary relative to value, production, and my own random gut feeling. Basically a player that I think TFC has high chance of getting, if the price and circumstances are right. Base salary listed
Austin Berry, 25, CB, CHI, 63k
-Fire supporters will scream bloody murder if Berry gets traded, but probably best production for money value defender. Does everything relatively well, and gets unnoticed. One of those unsung heroes that you can build a team around.
Tristian Bowen, 22, ST, CHV, 125k
-Former Galaxy youth academy player who is only 5'11, but strong like an ox and a handful. Game is similar to Bright Dike's. Still growing into the game, but I can see him having a breakout season sooner than later.
Josh Williams, 25, LB, CLB, 52k
-Big fullback who can take free kicks, and also a threat during set pieces. Nothing fancy in his game, but one of those cheap, solid American FBs you need for depth.
Martin Rivero, 23, AM/CM, COL, 75k
-A playmaker who suffered a long term injury and came back to find his spot have been taken over and hard breaking back into stacked Colorado midfield. 8 assists last year. He can pass the ball.
Walker Zimmerman, 20, CB, DAL, 75k
-Tall CB who was projected to be a top 3 pick in 2013 draft, but ended up bit later. Couldn't break into stacked Dallas CB corps, and found game mins limited and may want to go someplace where he can get regular mins. (He's like 4th or 5th on depth chart) He'd be a starter for TFC, and IIRC, still on GA contract.
Chris Korb, 25, RB, DCU, 50k
-Wouldn't be a starter on most MLS teams, but he's another one of those decent depth American FBs that every team can use. (He was starter for DCU most of 2013)
Jason Johnson, 22, ST, HOU, 70k
-Pacey Jamaican international who is starting to get used to MLS. Seemed to have learned work ethic, and now developing some finishing to go along.
Teal Bunbury, 23, ST, SKC, 110k
-As much as I despise him, and I highly doubt he'll play for a Canadian team, but Bunbury is coming off a major injury, and he's 4th in SKC striker depth chart. If he's got any chance of reaching the potential that he showed before his ACL injury, he'd be worth a shot.
Kofi Opare, 22, CB, LAG, 35k
-If Bruce Arena thinks you're good enough to play CB for him during some big games, then you must have some game. (I'd love to get either McBean or Villareal from LA...)
Andrew Wenger, 22, ST, MTL, 120k
-A player that Montreal can't make up their mind where to play, and after 2 seasons, patience might be running out. Can play practically every position, but I'd try him as 2nd striker in supporting role.
Juan Toja, 28, AM/LW, NER, 275k
-Was a stud with Dallas, European stint didn't work out and now can't break into NE setup. A creative attacking midfielder who can play left winger, if he ever recaptures the form he had with Dallas, he'd be worth every penny, and he's still young enough.
Connor Lade, 23, RM/RB, NYRB, 55k
-Had an outstanding rookie season but suffered a major injury and now coming back. Speedy on flanks.
Roger Torres, 22, AM, PHI, 122k
-One dimensional young attacking midfielder who can't get mins because Hackworth wants box to box mids. Wait, so does Nelsen... Well, he's got flair to boot and can pass the ball.
David Horst, 27, CB, POR, 70k
-Big centre back who is coming back from major injury, and for sure next season, Portland will be getting rid of some of their excess CBs. (6 good CBs on books) Think slightly more mobile and tough, and more skilled version of Andy Boyens. Good for depth
Robbie Findley, 28, ST, RSL, 175k
-Former US int who has pace. Got enough starter mins with RSL, but haven't found the same level of mojo before he moved to England. With the rise of Sandoval and Plata, Kreis (if he sticks around) may think Findley is a luxury that he can't afford.
Eriq Zavaleta, 21, ST, SEA, 65k
-Was on loan with NASL San Antonio where he did well apparently. Can't see him breaking in as a striker in a stacked Sounders offence. He can also play CB and may have better chance there, but either way, if he wants game mins, he'll have to look elsewhere. A GA player.
Nana Attakora, 24, CB/RB, SJ, 62k
-Time to come home, prodigal son. Had a terrible season with SJ where injuries and depth meant he didn't get mins. Plus taking up an int spot, I suspect SJ will rather keep Ty Harden than Attakora.
Darren Mattocks, 23, ST, VAN, 120k
-He's a prick, and I'll never forgive him for celebrating his goal in front of 112. But he's got pace to burn and just enough finishing to wonder if he can bust out of sophomore slump he had. Certain Caps supporters seemed to have run out of patience with him. And if he still counts as GA in 2014, even better.