|
|
En Route: Rookie Roundup
2010 rookies are off to a smashing start.
Apr 27, 2010 3:37:00 PM
By J.R. Eskilson
Five weeks into the season, and the 2010 rookie class has already put their stamp on the season. The talk about being the best draft class ever is premature at best, but there have been some very memorable moments through the first month and change. Here is a rundown of how some rookies have fared so far. (Rookies with 0 playing time were left off the list)
Taylor Twellman Group (aka The Lead Pack)
Named after the best draft pick ever to not win the Rookie of the Year title, he was disqualified from the award because he had already played with another professional team even though he was still a part of the draft. This is the group of rookies who are already in discussion for the Rookie of the Year award (in no particular order):
Ike Opara (San Jose Earthquakes)- 4 games started. 2 game winning goals.
The San Jose center back is flying across the country for classes during the week in North Carolina at Wake Forest University. Then hopping on a plane to wherever San Jose is playing that week. Through his first four games, he has two game winning goals. If there ever was any question about Opara’s impact, he has more than answered it
Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)- 5 games started.
The media darling in New York has enjoyed the praises from everyone especially his Head Coach Hans Backe comparing him to a young Rio Ferdinand. Through five games, New York has conceded four goals. For comparison’s sake, New York let in that many in the first two weeks last year. His comfort on the ball as a defender has been refreshing, his distribution as a rookie has been exquisite; bright future for this second round pick.
Zack Schilawski (New England Revolution)- 5 games played. 3 goals.
The New England striker had one prolific offensive explosion, which culminated in a hat trick against Toronto FC for one of the Rev’s two wins so far this year. He has played in all five New England games this season, and should be the owner of a few assists given his work against Los Angeles Galaxy in the first week of the season. His smart runs, and nose for the goal have translated well to the professional game.
Blair Gavin (Chivas USA)- 4 games played. 1 assist.
Gavin might be the missing piece for the Chivas USA midfield. He has stepped in brilliantly to a fill a role that has been a black hole for the Southern California club. He has one assist on the season, and now that his former college teammate, Ben Zemanski, has been slotted into the starting line-up, Gavin appears more comfortable in his role, which probably will increase his offensive production.
Brian Carroll Group (aka The Chase Pack)
The group of players who will never get enough credit for their contributions to the team. These players won’t be noticed as much as the lead pack but their roles are vital to their team’s success.
Michael Stephens (Los Angeles Galaxy) 5 games played.
Stephens has been brilliant for Bruce Arena’s squad at outside midfield. His early partnership with right back Sean Franklin allowed the right back to join the attack for two assists early in the season. Now, Franklin has gone down with a knock, the jury is waiting to see how effective Stephens can be without the speedy back behind him.
Zach Loyd (FC Dallas) 3 games played.
It is tough for any player to step into a new role without much experience. FC Dallas is employing Loyd at right back currently, and his pace has been an issue through the first set of games. However, Loyd has had good moments and the potential is clearly there for a great utility piece for the Hoops.
Seth Sinovic (New England Revolution) 5 games played.
The fullback has been rock solid since day one with the Revolution defense. The second round pick has been a significant addition to a shallow back line. The left back might be under-appreciated but his contribution to the squad hasn’t been overlooked by Head Coach Steve Nicol as he seems to have nailed down the starting left back position.
Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes)- 3 Games Started. 1 goal.
Since Beitashour’s introduction to San Jose’s line up, they have won two games and lost one. While that may seem just above average, San Jose only had that sort of success over a three game period twice last season! Beitashour was a bit of a surprise pick in the second round after not being invited to the combine, but the former San Diego State defender has proven his weight in wins through his first few starts.
Ben Zemanski (Chivas USA) 2 games played.
Zemanski is not going to get his credit ever for his work in college with Akron because he was surrounded by talented players and his role was downplayed. Now, he has stepped into a similar role with Chivas USA, he is truly the best comparison to Brian Carroll we may see in this league for a long time. Absolute steal of the draft in the third round.
Freddy Adu Group (aka Jury is still out)
The sample size is too small to get an accurate read on this group. There may be potential there, but it is a matter of finding the minutes to showcase the talent.
Danny Mwanga 2 games played. Amobi Okugo 2 games played. Jack McInerney 3 games played. (Philadelphia Union)
The Philadelphia trio of youngsters are still figuring out their roles with the squad. Mwanga’s MLS career started with a surprise appearance in a center midfield role in the Union’s debut against Seattle. He failed to impress, and has yet to start since. Okugo has picked up spot minutes in two games this season, but Philly fans are still waiting to see what the future boss of their midfield can do. McInerney has been the most consistent contributor with minutes in three games. The trio will be looking to leave a footprint on the squad this week in their U.S. Open Cup fixture against New York.
Tony Tchani (New York Red Bulls)- 2 games played.
New York fans seem to be disappointed in their second overall pick already. His lack of playing time has drawn some concern, and with a crowded center midfield in New York, minutes are not going to come easy for the rookie. Head Coach Hans Backe signaled he would give Tchani the start in the Open Cup game on Tuesday, so it might be time for the heralded former Cavalier to prove his worth.
Teal Bunbury (Kansas City Wizards) - 3 games played 1 goal (U.S. Open Cup)
Bunbury has only seen spot duty in MLS games so far. He started in the U.S. Open Cup game and scored KC’s lone goal. Now that Kansas City is eliminated from Open Cup play, Bunbury will be searching for minutes in league play.
David Estrada (Seattle Sounders)- 2 games played.
Sounders first round selection looked solid in his first MLS start against FC Dallas. He had a good touch and awareness on the field. It might be an uphill battle for the youngster to get minutes in the crowded Seattle midfield, but with the heavy schedule for the Sounders this season, he should be able to showcase his abilities from time to time.
Collen Warner (Real Salt Lake)- 2 games played.
Warner started in the U.S. Open Cup game but was pulled off after 69 minutes. He did well in his Open Cup play as RSL had the lead before he was taken off. RSL fans are still waiting on him to make a significant contribution in MLS play for the team.
Jeff Parke Group (aka Second Round or Later Picks)
Named after the last pick in the 2004 draft, this is the group of players that were selected in the second round or later who have seen spot duty beyond just one appearance in the dying moments.
Zak Boggs (New England)- 3 games played
Probably lost in the shadows of his two rookie teammates, Boggs has seen short appearances in three of New England’s five games. He hasn’t had enough time on the field to really display his talent.
Toni Stahl (Philadelphia Union)- 1 game played
Stahl started one game, lasted 41 minutes, and then was sent to the locker room with a red card. He may need the U.S. Open Cup to show what he is capable of beyond the referee’s book.
Ross LaBauex (Colorado Rapids)- 1 game played.
A quick appearance for the midfielder from Virginia is a positive sign for LaBauex’s future with the team, no other rookie has seen any time with the Rapids during MLS play yet. He went the full 90 in the 2-1 win over Kansas City Wizards in U.S. Open Cup play-in game.
Kwame Watson-Siriboe (Chicago Fire) 1 Game played
Watson-Siriboe had his name in the starting line-up in Fire’s second game of the season to spell an injured Willem Conde. Fire drew the game, and he had an adequate performance in his first MLS action.
Conor Chinn (New York Red Bulls)- 2 games played
Within seconds of entering the field for Chinn’s debut, he had an open header in front of Kasey Keller. To his credit, he put the header on frame, but right at the keeper. Chinn is a hard-working forward who will hopefully show that if you work hard in college for goals, the same will be true at the professional level.
Jason Yeisley (FC Dallas)-1 game played
Eric Alexander (FC Dallas)- 2 games played
The two FC Dallas rookies have beat out some of their rookies teammates (picked before them) for playing time and done incredibly well in their few minutes on the field. Yeisley drew a penalty kick in the dying moments on Thursday to preserve a point at home for Dallas.
Nane Joseph (Toronto FC)- 1 game played
Joseph’s one start came in the thrashing against New England Revolution. Hard to tell if he will see any consistent minutes with all the turn-over at TFC recently. He was a late round pick, so even one start is a positive contribution for the player.
J.R. Eskilson is the youth editor of Goal.com. Follow him at twitter.com/NCAAsoccer
Taylor Twellman Group (aka The Lead Pack)
Named after the best draft pick ever to not win the Rookie of the Year title, he was disqualified from the award because he had already played with another professional team even though he was still a part of the draft. This is the group of rookies who are already in discussion for the Rookie of the Year award (in no particular order):
Ike Opara (San Jose Earthquakes)- 4 games started. 2 game winning goals.
The San Jose center back is flying across the country for classes during the week in North Carolina at Wake Forest University. Then hopping on a plane to wherever San Jose is playing that week. Through his first four games, he has two game winning goals. If there ever was any question about Opara’s impact, he has more than answered it
Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)- 5 games started.
The media darling in New York has enjoyed the praises from everyone especially his Head Coach Hans Backe comparing him to a young Rio Ferdinand. Through five games, New York has conceded four goals. For comparison’s sake, New York let in that many in the first two weeks last year. His comfort on the ball as a defender has been refreshing, his distribution as a rookie has been exquisite; bright future for this second round pick.
Zack Schilawski (New England Revolution)- 5 games played. 3 goals.
The New England striker had one prolific offensive explosion, which culminated in a hat trick against Toronto FC for one of the Rev’s two wins so far this year. He has played in all five New England games this season, and should be the owner of a few assists given his work against Los Angeles Galaxy in the first week of the season. His smart runs, and nose for the goal have translated well to the professional game.
Blair Gavin (Chivas USA)- 4 games played. 1 assist.
Gavin might be the missing piece for the Chivas USA midfield. He has stepped in brilliantly to a fill a role that has been a black hole for the Southern California club. He has one assist on the season, and now that his former college teammate, Ben Zemanski, has been slotted into the starting line-up, Gavin appears more comfortable in his role, which probably will increase his offensive production.
Brian Carroll Group (aka The Chase Pack)
The group of players who will never get enough credit for their contributions to the team. These players won’t be noticed as much as the lead pack but their roles are vital to their team’s success.
Michael Stephens (Los Angeles Galaxy) 5 games played.
Stephens has been brilliant for Bruce Arena’s squad at outside midfield. His early partnership with right back Sean Franklin allowed the right back to join the attack for two assists early in the season. Now, Franklin has gone down with a knock, the jury is waiting to see how effective Stephens can be without the speedy back behind him.
Zach Loyd (FC Dallas) 3 games played.
It is tough for any player to step into a new role without much experience. FC Dallas is employing Loyd at right back currently, and his pace has been an issue through the first set of games. However, Loyd has had good moments and the potential is clearly there for a great utility piece for the Hoops.
Seth Sinovic (New England Revolution) 5 games played.
The fullback has been rock solid since day one with the Revolution defense. The second round pick has been a significant addition to a shallow back line. The left back might be under-appreciated but his contribution to the squad hasn’t been overlooked by Head Coach Steve Nicol as he seems to have nailed down the starting left back position.
Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes)- 3 Games Started. 1 goal.
Since Beitashour’s introduction to San Jose’s line up, they have won two games and lost one. While that may seem just above average, San Jose only had that sort of success over a three game period twice last season! Beitashour was a bit of a surprise pick in the second round after not being invited to the combine, but the former San Diego State defender has proven his weight in wins through his first few starts.
Ben Zemanski (Chivas USA) 2 games played.
Zemanski is not going to get his credit ever for his work in college with Akron because he was surrounded by talented players and his role was downplayed. Now, he has stepped into a similar role with Chivas USA, he is truly the best comparison to Brian Carroll we may see in this league for a long time. Absolute steal of the draft in the third round.
Freddy Adu Group (aka Jury is still out)
The sample size is too small to get an accurate read on this group. There may be potential there, but it is a matter of finding the minutes to showcase the talent.
Danny Mwanga 2 games played. Amobi Okugo 2 games played. Jack McInerney 3 games played. (Philadelphia Union)
The Philadelphia trio of youngsters are still figuring out their roles with the squad. Mwanga’s MLS career started with a surprise appearance in a center midfield role in the Union’s debut against Seattle. He failed to impress, and has yet to start since. Okugo has picked up spot minutes in two games this season, but Philly fans are still waiting to see what the future boss of their midfield can do. McInerney has been the most consistent contributor with minutes in three games. The trio will be looking to leave a footprint on the squad this week in their U.S. Open Cup fixture against New York.
Tony Tchani (New York Red Bulls)- 2 games played.
New York fans seem to be disappointed in their second overall pick already. His lack of playing time has drawn some concern, and with a crowded center midfield in New York, minutes are not going to come easy for the rookie. Head Coach Hans Backe signaled he would give Tchani the start in the Open Cup game on Tuesday, so it might be time for the heralded former Cavalier to prove his worth.
Teal Bunbury (Kansas City Wizards) - 3 games played 1 goal (U.S. Open Cup)
Bunbury has only seen spot duty in MLS games so far. He started in the U.S. Open Cup game and scored KC’s lone goal. Now that Kansas City is eliminated from Open Cup play, Bunbury will be searching for minutes in league play.
David Estrada (Seattle Sounders)- 2 games played.
Sounders first round selection looked solid in his first MLS start against FC Dallas. He had a good touch and awareness on the field. It might be an uphill battle for the youngster to get minutes in the crowded Seattle midfield, but with the heavy schedule for the Sounders this season, he should be able to showcase his abilities from time to time.
Collen Warner (Real Salt Lake)- 2 games played.
Warner started in the U.S. Open Cup game but was pulled off after 69 minutes. He did well in his Open Cup play as RSL had the lead before he was taken off. RSL fans are still waiting on him to make a significant contribution in MLS play for the team.
Jeff Parke Group (aka Second Round or Later Picks)
Named after the last pick in the 2004 draft, this is the group of players that were selected in the second round or later who have seen spot duty beyond just one appearance in the dying moments.
Zak Boggs (New England)- 3 games played
Probably lost in the shadows of his two rookie teammates, Boggs has seen short appearances in three of New England’s five games. He hasn’t had enough time on the field to really display his talent.
Toni Stahl (Philadelphia Union)- 1 game played
Stahl started one game, lasted 41 minutes, and then was sent to the locker room with a red card. He may need the U.S. Open Cup to show what he is capable of beyond the referee’s book.
Ross LaBauex (Colorado Rapids)- 1 game played.
A quick appearance for the midfielder from Virginia is a positive sign for LaBauex’s future with the team, no other rookie has seen any time with the Rapids during MLS play yet. He went the full 90 in the 2-1 win over Kansas City Wizards in U.S. Open Cup play-in game.
Kwame Watson-Siriboe (Chicago Fire) 1 Game played
Watson-Siriboe had his name in the starting line-up in Fire’s second game of the season to spell an injured Willem Conde. Fire drew the game, and he had an adequate performance in his first MLS action.
Conor Chinn (New York Red Bulls)- 2 games played
Within seconds of entering the field for Chinn’s debut, he had an open header in front of Kasey Keller. To his credit, he put the header on frame, but right at the keeper. Chinn is a hard-working forward who will hopefully show that if you work hard in college for goals, the same will be true at the professional level.
Jason Yeisley (FC Dallas)-1 game played
Eric Alexander (FC Dallas)- 2 games played
The two FC Dallas rookies have beat out some of their rookies teammates (picked before them) for playing time and done incredibly well in their few minutes on the field. Yeisley drew a penalty kick in the dying moments on Thursday to preserve a point at home for Dallas.
Nane Joseph (Toronto FC)- 1 game played
Joseph’s one start came in the thrashing against New England Revolution. Hard to tell if he will see any consistent minutes with all the turn-over at TFC recently. He was a late round pick, so even one start is a positive contribution for the player.
J.R. Eskilson is the youth editor of Goal.com. Follow him at twitter.com/NCAAsoccer
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.