retired_kcnoodle@cox.ne

SYCLONES NEWS

Right before the Superdraft, the Toronto Syclones traded away central back Eddie Robinson for only a second round draft choice. Some may question this decision.

Coach Lung responds to Hopkins’ comment, “I think he is trying to pick a fight here. I let Eddie goes doesn’t mean I don’t want him, I know what he can bring to the table, I know what his value is. I let him go as cheap as it appeared just because he doesn’t fit my system, and his team does not have anything that fit my team. His lucky from last two seasons is going to run out soon, with ancient Shearer’s ability dropping as fast as he can, his unbelievable consecutive playoff appearance will not happen again. I am sure the Arctic Wolves will bounce back after a disappointing season, and as we can see, the Northmen will be the odd one out.”

Toronto draft choices
Despite anticipating a better draft class this year, it turns out that it is no better than a year before. The Syclones might as well think last year was even better. They drafted five players this year, but it is a long shot for them to make the final 28, it will need some serious camp performance to impress the coaching staff.

Transfer market
With 8 big US million transfer budget, the Syclones look to strengthen their team by bring in a couple of skilled players. They have added young Chilean starlet Leal on a loan contract, his contract is going to expire at the end of the calendar year, they planned to sign him on bosman later on, but now when the chance arise, they acquire his service and will have a good look on him during the season. The Syclones are hoping he will be the replacement of Guevara in a couple of year’s time.

Coach Lung also responds to the rumour saying that ‘Toronto boss Ricky Lung thinks Europe is a country rather than a continent.’, “I was laughing for almost a whole minute when I saw that on paper, did I really say that? You guys must have heard that wrong. I got A+ for Geography in high school.”

retired_terragyrl

Starlet Sold!!

New Liskeard Northmen sold their prize right-back Michael Svec to the unhearalded Dinamo Moscow yesterday, for the paltry sum of $480,000.

The 19 year old defender had been an integeral part of the New Liskeard setup since his arrival in the original MLS expansion draft, two years ago at the age of 17. During his northern stay, he had impressed fan and foe alike with his soft touch and footballing acumen. "Svec is Genius' was a common banner seen displayed during his time at the Widowmaker.

How could the Stu Hopkins proclaimed, 'the quissential footballer of the past, present, and future', be allowed to leave so cheaply?

In a word? Betrayal.

The ungrateful Czech owed much of his success to his gaffer, New Liskeard boss Hopkins. While improving, he was still very much a work in progress. Great things were expected for his future, and as such he was given tremendous leeway in the present. For two years, he lived the high life as a regular for the high profile New Liskeard franchise. Then, with his contract coming up for renewal...he balked.

Svec said he wasn't interested in resigning with the club that had nurtured and groomed his talents...that had taken a shy 17 year old and made him a household name on the cusp of greatness...that had provided him a stage to perform despite his immaturities....that had created him!

Hopkins swallowed his anger and tried to swing the Czech's heart with a promise of a boatload of cash...to no avail. Svec could not be persuaded to resign.

The next day...Svec was gone.

Good riddance.

retired_terragyrl

New Liskeard Rocked by Boston in Opening Day Debacle

In what has become a season opener tradition, New Liskeard were trounced by their opponents. FC Boston put the boots to the Northmen in a display reminiscint of several recent lower level German laeague matches. With the ref firmly in their pocket, the homeside marched off 4-1 victors, exploiting the vast holes left by the remaining 8 New Liskeard players to finish the match.

The game started ominiously, with thunderclouds rumbling in the distance, threatening the very kickoff. It got worse from there.

Last season's lone Northmen all-star representative, DC Chad Marshall, went down with a broken arm, 13 minutes in. His replacement, the steady Pablo Mastreoni, lasted just twenty minutes before receiving his marching papers for a straight red. The dubious call gifted the Boston side a penalty, a goal, and the better part of sixty minutes against 10 men.

The ambitious New Liskeard manager refused to strike the flag, and continued on the offensive. Counterattacking FC Boston exploited the extra room left by the marauding Northmen wingbacks to strike for a second, and a 2 goal lead.

Shortly after the restart, New Liskeard lost their other starting DC, the newly acquired Eddie Robinson, on another 'penalty' and straight red. 3-0. The game 9 man New Liskeard side continued to press on the offensive, determined to shave the advantage.

Despite hemming in the FC Boston side, overcoming the overwhelming numerical disadvantage, it was Boston who took a fourth goal in yet another counterattack, off of yet another penalty kick...and straight red.

This time it was traitor Svec's replacement, some 27 year old south american whose name escapes me, that received his marching orders. Not the dreamt for debut.

In stoppage time, 8 man New Liskeard finally breached the DJ Contesses goal with a superb Ebbe Sand header that left the Boston keeper stranded.

Unfortunatley, time expired before New Liskeard could finish off their remarkable comeback. Fortunate indeed for the beleagured Boston side.

The ref could be very proud of his efforts, ensuring Boston the first three points of their MLS campaign.

retired_mallory08

Roundly Beaten in 2007 Season Opener

It wasn't a great start for Kentucky. 3-0, on the road to the Texas Longhorns.

"It would have been nice to avenge the playoff loss, but it wasn't our day. Texas has a pretty formidable side, and although the scoreline flattered them somewhat they look like they're going to be tough this season".

The bookies agreed. Texas were 2-1, Kentucky 20-1.

Ahead of the game, the roster deadline day presented no real surprises in the Bluegrass. Kirovski and Vanney won places on the squad and Mathis was sent packing. "He looks like a spent force. A shame, he was once a great player." Many of the youngsters remain, but Clark retained 9 of his 11 starters from 2006, so continuity should be a plus for the team this year.

So, "MLS First Kick" brought you an appetizing match up between the boys from Austin and the Kaisers. In reality, the game exploded for Texas with three goals in the first half. A missed pen before half time suggested it wasn't going to be the Kaiser's day. Despite some very strong play in the second half, Quentin Westberg's goal could not be breached. "Another Goalie MVP performance. Those get tired pretty quick."

Clark wasn't totally discouraged. The team is very balanced and so long as goals don't prove too hard to come by, the KK should be just fine. DMB patrolled the left wing on his debut and looked the part. Clark dropped Mapp to the bench, instead retaining Christian Gomez in the starting XI on the right. Those two will likely platoon on the right this season.

"A disappointing start - we're actually sitting bottom right now - but it's only been a game. If in a month we're still down there then I'll be both very surprised, and a little more worried."

retired_terragyrl

Your 2007 New Liskeard Northmen...

2007 has been designated as a term of rebuilding by the svengali of Canadian soccer, New Liskeard gaffer, Stu Hopkins. But such is the great man's prowess, noone would be surprised if New Liskeard found themselves in the playoffs yet again at the conclusion of the season. After all, Boston, Alaska, and Toronto still reside in the East, and there are fewer easy pickings than those three in the MLS world.

New Liskeard seems stuck between a team of young players still growing into themselves, and elder statesmen enjoying a final hurrah. A potent force for the future, but one whose future may still be a season or two away.

Several mainstays of the New Liskeard side were jettisoned in the offseason. Czech keeper Jaromir Blazek, sublime when healthy, was canned due to his inability to floss his teeth and simultaneously stay off of the injury reserve. Traitor Svec was sold for a can of beernuts. Unhappy Hutchinson gone too...by his choice. Vanney and Mathis released, before their cancer could rot the rest of the squad.

Keepers

Matt Pickins receives his final chance to seize control of his destiny. Long touted as the keeper of the future, he has done little but get himself injured the previous 2 campaigns.
Zach Wells remains in the mix, despite being perenially unhappy and (unrealistic), in his demands to be number one choice. He has proved capable in relief in the last two seasons, but far from earth shattering.
Kasey Keller joins the side from Muskegon. Hopefully the oldtimer will impart his wisdom from the bench...but more likely will be forced into service when Pickins gets hurt for the umpteenth time and Wells cries himself into the USL.

Central Defenders

Chad Marshall, has grown into the cornerstone that the team envisioned he would when he was drafted in the inaugural MLS expansion draft. All-star last season.
Geo Caicedo, is great too; and young.
Michael Parkhurst should step up this year into Marshall territory...makes a good right back too.
Eddie Robinson, stolen from Toronto. Provides a dependable elder statesman for the kids. And he won't complain when left to rot on the bench.

The Backs

Leroy Griffin anchors the left, he will hope to rebound from a subpar sophmore season.
That 27 year old S. American whose name I don't remember, his stats certainly appear to dwarf his predecessor's. Hopefully an upgrade.
Chris Williams...decent backup?

The Midfield Shield

Pablo Mastreoni, the gaffer keeps trying to replace him, but he keeps playing too well to be replaced. Also a very good DC replacement.
Danny O'Rourke, been crying for two years to get a chance. Here's his chance, arriving in his contract year. Excellent prospect...great things expected this year.

The Engine Room

Christian Pulhac has proved himself invaluable on the left flank the last two seasons.
Willian, the young Brazilian had a great rookie year, and should build on it this year.
Freddy Guarin, was hurt for prolonged periods last season, should benefit from extended minutes this campaign to place his stamp firmly on the team.
Danny Szetela, already a proven campaigner at twenty. Great in a holding role or on the right flank.
Freddy Adu, 17 and getting better everyday, this'll probably be his first year as a starter.

The Drawing Cards/Finishers

Ian Hume, tremendously exciting with the ball at his feet. Gets better every year.
Jamie Peters, a new Cdn recruit from the depths of the English leagues, (Ipswich), another ball wizard.
Jon De Guzman, ready to explode on the MLS. Merucial talent.
Alan Shearer, still a goal machine, but may have lost a step, and will find his minutes tempered by the arrival of...
Ebbe Sand, foolishly released by Rochester, should combine well with Shearer to enable them both to have enjoyable and productive swansongs this year...(before both joining the New Liskeard coaching staff at season's end.)
Tomasz Radzinski, injuries derailed his 2006 campaign after great start, expected to resume where he left off.
Jon Pittman, young US striker was liberated from Championship league football at Forest...still very much a project.
Kenny Cooper, new arrival from Muskegon, should do well with new surroundings.

There is a couple of prospects on the roster too. Last year's first pick, Middie Paul Williams who shows great skill in every area except decision making, (where he is worse than your average 3 year old), this will probably stop his ascension to New Liskeard. Gomez is a holding mid gleaned from this year's draft who has impressed with his determination.

retired_spaulsen

Texas Cuts Ties with Rivaldo, Shovkovskyi

The Texas Longhorns released both Rivaldo and Olexandr Shovkovskyi from their respective contracts. Both veterans had occupied two of Texas' Senior International roster slots and their departures will give the team more flexibility for future moves.

Speaking about the transactions, Texas manager Ryan Thompson had this to say: "You never like to release players, especially two of this caliber. Everyone knows Rivaldo; he was a player of the highest quality in his prime. Unfortunately, he reached that certain age where you can't play at the level you were once capable. He may disagree with me, and I'd love to see him catch on elsewhere and do well for himself. He was essential for us in the first two years of our team's existence and helped our younger players. This move means more responsibility for our other midfielders like Juan Pablo Garcia, Thomas Prager, Danny Powers and others. I believe they'll be up to the task, but only they can prove this to be true. You all may also be aware that its because of this departure that we were able to sign Dahlberg.

"Shovkovskyi was always a true professional while he was here, but he took up one of our foreigner spots. I may not like it, but this is the system we have in place in this league and the rules by which we have to play. We have some younger keepers who I think can step in. As you all can guess by now, Quentin Westberg will be getting the first crack at being our top choice goalkeeper. He certainly has the natural talent; lets see if he can stay healthy and put it all together."

When asked if Texas had a player in mind to utitlize Shovkovksyi's vacated SI/YI spot, Thompson had no comment.

In other news, the Longhorns kicked off their new MLS season with a solid 3-0 home win over the Kentucky Kaisers. Though Texas took its foot off the pedal in the second half and perhaps should have been punished for it, the team will be encouraged by this start to the campaign. Speaking about the game, Thompson said, "the scoreline is a bit deceiving, though I'd say we were definitely the better side in the first half. But we could've easily given up three goals after the restart. Some of that is my fault, some of that is to the credit of Westberg. But its never a completely good thing when your keeper is the man of the match." Texas has also advanced to the semifinals in the North American Champions Cup.

retired_kcnoodle@cox.ne

SYCLONES OPENING DAY ROSTER

It is always tough to submit the final 28-men roster in MLS because of all the restrictions. The Toronto Syclones, heading into their third season, had cut a few prospects due to limitations. Being a franchise on Canadian soil, it is even tougher as the youth players who come out of the team’s academy are considered to be a youth international, and will count towards the seven foreigners rule. The Syclones had cut young versatile defender David Johnson, he is a very promising talent, who came out of the academy at the end of last season. They just cannot keep him because they have a load of young guns who are ready to play right now. They have also left out attacking midfield Thiago. Thiago has been with the team since the draft, but he was a disappointment, the Syclones expect much more than the number he had put up.

The Toronto Syclones went out and picked up two major pieces during the offseason. Francisco Leal, 19 years old Chilean, who had two caps with the national side already, will be the replacement of Guevara once he is done. Leal is an all around player, very similar to Guevara. He has all the tools already at his young age. He is also a very capable defender. Vitaliy Lysyts’kyi, an Ukraine defensive midfield, who is entering the prime of his career, will force Husain to play off the bench. Lysyts’kyi and Husain have the same style of play, Lysyts’kyi is a much better attacker. These two moves give the Syclones major upgrade at the middle and give them a better chance of challenging the Lions and the Kings for the north/east title.

Toronto Syclones Opening Day Roster

Goalkeeper
Nick Rimando – Giving the starting nod this year despite last year’s shaky performance.
Aaron Provan – Last year first round pick, will see action from time to time.

Defender
Nelson Akwari – Starting defender.
Adam Braz – The anchor of the defense.
Carlos Mendes – Very athletic defender, has lightning speed.
Ricardinho – Creative wing back.
Jack Jewsbury – Defensive minded wing back, lead the team in tackle last year.
Sergio Flores – Promoted from reserve, will be given some spot start throughout the year.
Ante Jazic – Backup wing back, will not see much action playing behind Ricardinho
Eddie Pope – Will not see much playing time, mainly to help out the youngster.
Kevin McKenna – Experienced defender, will play behind Braz.
Kevin Harmse – Young versatile defender, did not play much to show his stuff.

Midfielder
Vitaliy Lysyts’kyi – The heart and soul of the team, the link between the defender and attacker
Francisco Leal – Similar role compare to Lysyts’kyi, will play more up front.
Amado Guevara – Will share the time with Leal.
Ryan Jarvis – Attacking midfield partner of Donovan, wrap up with 10 assists last year, need to improve his decision making.
Landon Donovan – Creative player, can create individual chances or set his teamates up.
Claudio Husain – taken the starting job by Lysyts’kyi, will not see much action unless Lysyts’kyi goes down with injury.
Denys Dedechko – Talented attacking midfield, will come off the bench a lot like last couple of years.
Brian Bajek – a very capable defensive midfield, will play occasionally.

Striker
Brian Kelly – Young striker, given the backup duty after scoring 10 goals in reserve last year.
Oliver Occean – Starting striker, has been consistent last two years.

Recap of Season Opener
Toronto Syclones travelled to Alaska to face the Arctic Wolves for their season opener. The Wolves strike first shortly after the kickoff. Coach Lung let the team play through it, they found themselves leading 2-1 at the break with two quality possessions, Kelly and Donovan got on the scoresheet during the process.

The Syclones continued their pressure during the second half, Lysyts’kyi scored on his debut with a header from a freekick cross. Ricardinho added another one to make it 4-1. The game was pretty much over when the Wolves got a red trying to tackle from behind when Toronto was on a clear path. The Syclones won 4-2.

“…I am very pleased with the team display in the game. I hope they can do this in every game, we can be a major force if we can keep this up. Leal and Lysyts’kyi played well on their debut…”

“…With the luck of the Northmen running out as former English star Alan Shearer getting closer to retirement, they put the killing shot on their team when they signed another ancient striker, Sand. With that, the Syclones are guarantee a playoff spot in October…”

Up next is the Syclones' home opener against the defending champs Vancouver Lions.

retired_hellokity111

For full stats see the latest edition of MLS Gazette.

MLS Gazette - Tables, Rosters and Stats

retired_mallory08

Kaiser's Pick Up Form

[Taken from a recent Lexington Herald-Leader interview]

The Kentucky Kaisers, after just 7 games, find themselves happily atop of the East/South Conference. "This league is already wrapped up, the other teams might as well go home. .....you've not got the mic on yet have you?"

Indeed we did. But extravagant claims aside, it's been a very promising start to the third campaign for the Bluegrass Boys, and Clark is rightly proud of his team who picked themselves up after a bitterly disappointing opener against Texas to go 6 games unbeaten.

"It's clear that the South is the stronger conference. I'm not sure why, abd perhaps it's too early to say that, but early signs are that the South will be formidable this year. To think that Marquette are at the bottom is mind-blowing. This is clearly a division with strength throughout. There will be lots of 'upsets' this year as unfancied teams like Muskegon finally come good. We might be top now, but there's potential for us to finish bottom. It will likely be that close all year."

Early signs say Clark is correct. With Vancouver suffering a dose of the post Cup Hoodoo, just like Alaska before them, the North has been thrown wide open. "They wont be down there for long. I guarantee it."

"So far so good" said Clark, "We can't do any more than be top. We've just got to keep it going."

"I want to single out a couple of guys for praise, not something I do often; Kai has been outstanding this year and looks like he's ready to fill Carlos Ruiz's sizeable boots. His partnership with fellow Brazillian Soho has only started to blossom. Compatriot Leozinho has continued his MVP form and is clearly one of the top players in the league. Ricardo Clark has also been excellent this season playing in a few different positions. He's versatile and has chipped in 2 goals and 3 helpers."

Any news on the transfer front? It's seldom quite in Kentucky!

"Indeed, and it so happens we have sourced a new player. He's another Brazillian - given the success of the other four why not - called Francismar. He was the top rated player my scouts found over the last three years. We've chased him since then and to say his transfer has been signed off. He'll be here in August at the window. "

A foreigner? But you have no space?

"That's true. We will make room for him one way or another. I don't think you need a PhD in Soccer to know who the odd man out will be. We wouldn't have made this deal if Gomez had come out and showed us a 1st class player, but he's getting on a bit and has averaged below 7.00 since joining us. His 12 assists last term were excellent but he's drawn a blank in 5 starts this season and we see it as the beginning of the end for him. He's been a great player in MLS and the boy has said he'd like to hang around if he can get another gig. If not, he will likely head to his homeland to finish his career. I'm open to offers if someone else would like to pick him up. He's versatile (AM RLC), cheap ($60k a year) and not too old at 32. I'd take a late pick for him else they can put an offer in once he's been released."

Any other moves?

"Not that we're anticipating. Rumors Claudio Reyna's time is over are far from the truth. We're retraining him to play at DC and he's a great presence in the locker room as club Captain. His minutes will drop with Biglia stepping in, but his contibution transcends even the great work he does on the field. Everyone know's I'm a hockey man. Reyna is our Trevor Linden."

How are the youngsters and reserves shaping up?

"Juan Manuel Lucero [Luca] has been lighting itup in the reserve league with over 15 goals in a half dozen games - that's an average of almost a hattrick a game! Jacob Lensky has looked good, as has Tyrone Marshall. Knox Cameron continues to score and these four are really the first line of reserves for the squad. Others are doing okay, but the draft picks thus far haven't shown too much upside. We've still got 3 of them on the roster for now, this year's 1st Rounder, last years 1st Rounder and a GK who is the third string goalie. Luca has a goal for the senior side and he and Jovan Kirovski will have to fight it out for the starting role should either Kai or Soho get injured or suspended. The competition for places in our team continues to raise the bar."

retired_mallory08

SQUAD PROFILE:

GK:

Kentucky have always had a strong presence between the pipes since the new MLS kicked off. From Brad Freidel, Joe Cannon, Jon Busch and Kevin Hartman, all have represented the US national team. The current batch of Cannon, Busch and Martin is slightly weaker than previous campagins, but given Cannon helped lure DMB to town, no one in the Bluegrass is complaining!

#1 Kevin Hartman - it's been his job more or less since the first kick. After stepping in for an injured Friedel, the US's best ever keeper never got another sniff. He's seen of competition for the starting job from Big Joe Cannon and will likely do the same from ex-Crew player, Jon Busch.
#2 Jon Busch - a solid keeper, the KK have an abke back up. A starter for many teams in the league, he's player for the US and is still young enough to challenge Hartman.
#3 Mike Martin - picked up in the 2006 draft, he's developing, though most of the coaches agree that his prorgess has been inadequate. He's getting games for the reserves and is running out of time to convince Clark and the Kaiser's he has a future at this level. Unlikely to see MLS minutes in all but the most dire of circumstances.

DEFENCE:

With a masterclass of talent in the backline, Kentucky are truley spoiled for choice come match days. Once some cross-training is complete the depth will be mind blowing.

DR - Chris Albright. The USMNT regular is KY's #1 fullback. Attack minded, the converted striker is no slouch on 'D' either.
DL - Jimmy Conrad. Capable of playing literally any position in defence, JC has found himself platooning at DL. It only shows how good he is that he looks natural there. Full fitness will guarantee JC a starting spot somewhere in the rearguard.
DC - Oguchi Onyewu. The man-mountain. This hulking behemoth is a formidable presence at centre half and a match physically for any attacker. Seldom out of position, his speed and strength put him above most of his peers. A USMNT fixture.
DC - Gabrinho. The cultured Brazillian centre back gives KY an added dimension with the ability to play from the back. His technique is befitting a #10, and his assuredness in defence comes with a grace that only a Brazillian knows. Reportedly unhappy at his wages only 6 months after joining. A big pay day awaits him somewhere, even if his demands take him beyond the confines of mLS and Kentucky.

Reserves:

DLC - Greg Vanney. Has started and is a great fit in KY. Currently platoons with JC at DL. A veteran, he's slow, but wiley and reads the game well. Great on set pieces and has already scored for his new club. A great pick up.
DC - Tyrone Marshall. Once a top 3 defender in MLS, he's now a great fill in man. He knows his role and lets no one down. American 2nd nationality keeps him around. Jamiacan stalwart.
DRC - Frankie Simek. Recent found the DR starting role his after an injury to #1 Albright. Has recently retrained to cover DC and is now a young and versatile player on Clark's squad that was DR heavy. He;s going nowhere now.
D/WB/R - James Riley. Picked up in the offseason on a free, the ex-Revs and Boston wing back has struggled to settle in KY. His below-par performances for the reserves will likely see him "last man in, first man out' material should Clark need a roster spot.
DL - Richard Taylor - last years #1 pick, th efull back has made slow progress. Clark is still hopeful that he can fulfil his undoubted potential and realise the starting role in 2008 or 2009.

MIDFIELD:

AMR - Ricardo Clark. Not his preferred position but has played exceptionally well since moving there after Gomez let the position slip away from him. Scoring, creating and showing just how versatile the normal DMC can be.
AML - DeMarkus Beasley. A true superstar of the league, Clark is overjoyed to have the mercurial playmaker on the Kaiser's squad. Great left boot and craft.
AMC - Leozinho. Reigning Rookie of the Year, Kaiser's MVP and bona fide star. He has the complete package, but is best going forward. Creates and scores and is the true Brazillian #10. A credit to the shirt and all that preceded him.
DMC - Lucas Biglia. The Argie is one of the most technically complete players ever to grace MLS. If his performances can match the ability he will be the best player in the league - bar none. Currently keeping club captain out of the line-up, Biglia has all the tools to be game-winner for Kentucky.

Reserves:

MC - Claudio Reyna. He's got 127 caps for his country and has been the King of US Soccer for more than a decade. Will soon be a DC, extending his usefulness and tenure with the club. Overpaid, but worth it.
AMRLC - Christian Gomez. Versatile, cheap, and bags of abillity. Not playing well this year cost him the starting job. He'll be third in the pecking order once Francismar arrives. Good enough to start on most teams.
AMRL - Justin Mapp. Should be starting, but not everyone has to go up against DMB. Still developing, but a young star of the game in the US. Going nowhere but up int he world. Will get plenty of time in the 1st team.
AMRC - Jacob Lensky. Young Canadian has been on the team since 18. He's really developing. Clark knew he was a project but with so much upside the KK are staying the course inthe hope they unearthed one of the true gems of the re-insuguration draft.
AMC - Brian Mascarenhas. Young lefty creative mid is coming along nicely. Out of the Spurs academy, he's going to be given time to improve. Nice prospect.
AMR - Brian Mullan. Seemingly out of the plans of the gaffer, his reluctance to restructure his wages from $95k will soon see him depart. He may make the end of the year but his contract will not be renewed. Scored some vital goals over the last two years, which is exactly why he's still here.


ATTACK:

FC - Kai. The young Brazillian, now in his 3rd year with the club, is finally fulfilling his potential. Electric and finally finding consistency infront of goal, he's been the top player in the young 2007 season. Will have added competition once Francismar arrives, who can also play SC. Retraining as an AMR, he has a ton of speed and a boatload of tricks.
FC - Soho. Another Brazillian and new recruit for 2007. He was a big money move in the off season. Will it be $5.5m well spent? A pricey gamble but his beauty of a lob makes it clear he can produce. A goal ratio of 4/5 games in Brazil's top flight says it too

Reserves:

SC - Knox Cameron. Young American has filled out and scoring regularly in the reserves. Threatened to start this year but didn't have a great pre-season. Will be ready soon and will be a big time scorer in the league.
SC - Luca. The Argie is blazing hot for the B team, avaeraging almost 3 goals a game this year. Is on the verge of the 1st team, and is usually 1st off the bench. If his form continues Clark will have choice but to implement a rotation policy.
SC - Jovan Kirovski. The USMNT vet beat out several other players to get the last striking role. He played well in the preseason but has seen limited action so far. Greateful for another chance at the top level, he's cheap and great to have around.