Then we really have excess spots!
Ballouchy Retires
- Thread starter Fantazma
- Start date
Then we really have excess spots!
Of those players, we should protect Shannon Gomez, Ethan White, or TT99.
Gomez has upside at right back and looked pretty good all things considered in the USOpenCup.
If White is left unprotected, there's a chance he's taken instead of Hernandez since he's younger and cheaper. Don't want to get stuck with Hernandez.
TT99 provides instant speed and physicality as an offensive sub. If we don't protect him and he's taken, we should sign the kid from our USL team that scored the goal in the friendly.
Nobody is taking Brandt after a 2-year injury.
Nobody is taking a 3rd string keeper from a team that couldn't keep balls out of the net.
If somebody wants to take Mikey, I won't stop them. There are plenty more young Americans that would be Cap-friendly and aren't yellow card liabilities the moment they step on the field.
I actually think Mena will be taken over Hernandez if both are left unprotected. As an expansion team GM, I'd be inclined to get the player with the tremendous upside of Speed/Marking over the older journeyman that is slow & positionally unaware. Tell the CBs to clear the ball first time rather than dink around with it - only NYCFC plays a style not totally suited to the roster.
BLUUUUUUUEEE CHEEEEEESEE
Jokes aside, Ballouchy was the definition of an MLS veteran. Some quality (good technique - look at that amazing goal he scored), but yet enough flaws to not make it to a higher level, i.e. the Ballouchy backpass. A guy that could come in and help you hold the ball but not offers much going forward. Watched him for years in the league. All the best to him.
Jokes aside, Ballouchy was the definition of an MLS veteran. Some quality (good technique - look at that amazing goal he scored), but yet enough flaws to not make it to a higher level, i.e. the Ballouchy backpass. A guy that could come in and help you hold the ball but not offers much going forward. Watched him for years in the league. All the best to him.
You make a good point on Mena. I expect he would be a super value for money on a lot of teams.
where is harrison?
I believe that Generation Adidas players who haven't graduated from the program are automatically protected so we don't have to use a slot to protect Jack.
I met Ballouchy at a meet and greet during the first season. Classy guy. And he was a really good player before the knee surgeries. Best wishes to him in his retirement.
Last edited:
Would not be surprised to see Harrison graduated from the Generation Adidas program before the expansion draft.
Ballouchy was not making a whole lot of money, so I wouldn't be surprised if he simply thinks he can do better in another career at this point.
If Mix is gone - i.e. if we cut him - then Saunders has to be back, because we can only cut one player in each off-season without the buyout hitting our salary cap.
Ballouchy was not making a whole lot of money, so I wouldn't be surprised if he simply thinks he can do better in another career at this point.
If Mix is gone - i.e. if we cut him - then Saunders has to be back, because we can only cut one player in each off-season without the buyout hitting our salary cap.
Seven
Registered
I believe it was already announced who was graduating from GA, and that Jack wasn't one of them.
ETA:
Anybody hiring?
Damn, getting some serious Shining vibes if you zoom in on that picture.
"Mr Villa.....you have always been the captain"
I think we protect TT99 and Mikey.
I know. Everyone go ahead and scream at me for Mikey. But he performs a specific role. PV likes him there. He's cheap and American. And I expect PV to try to keep him.
How has he gotten a reputation as a performer of any role? What role?
I'm happy to have him back as a late match guy to help close things out. After his early season run in the starting lineup, he appeared in 7 of 8 matches as a sub between June 18th and July 30th as a sub, playing between 6 and 27 minutes per match. Six of those were wins. As you note, he's cheap and doesn't use an international spot. He's very "roster efficient" and can do a job when we are trying to protect a lead or, perhaps, a draw on the road. But he should never start a match or come on in any scenario where we need to score a goal because he just doesn't have any on the ball skills.
The world needs ditch diggers too
PV clearly likes him for defensive formations. And FWIW, the 60 minutes he was in for us during the playoffs: TFC 0 - NYCFC 0. The 120 minutes he was out, TFC 7 - NYCFC 0.
ETA: And yes, I realize that's highly reductionist.
Sheesh. You totally won the thread with a carefully reasoned yet somewhat controversial statement, fully backed with slanted stats and evidence. And then you had to go and ruin it with a disclaimer-of-truth instead of claiming your fully earned victory.
You could'a gone out a winner, man. Could'a gone out a winner.
But the feeling is that the loan will either be extended or he will be purchased after the expansion window?
Personally yes. Vieira was high on Gomez before his injury and I tend to agree. I think they'll purchase him outright.
