Good morning everybody. As MLS teams begin to report for rookie training camp and full training camp in the coming days and weeks, we here at SBI will try to keep you posted on any news and notes that emerge from those camps.
Veris on trial with D.C. United
Former Los Angeles Galaxy defender Kyle Veris has joined with D.C. United on trial and will be hoping to secure an MLS contract after leaving the league and spending a season with Norwegian club Hodd. A 6-foot-4 central defender who spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Galaxy, playing in 18 games before leaving for Norway.
Here is the rest of D.C. United's initial pre-season roster, courtesy of Behind the Badge.
Here are some other stories to get your day going:
Hertel in RSL camp
One of the more surprising developments at the 2009 MLS Draft was the fact that no team in the draft selected Michigan State fullback David Hertel, who enjoyed one of the better performances at the MLS Combine and who was considered one of the best left backs in the draft.
Hertel's chance to make it in MLS will now come courtesy of Real Salt Lake, which sources tell SBI has brought him in for a look. RSL's interest in Hertel adds fuel to the speculation that it is considering unloading Ian Joy and possibly trading Chris Wingert. The club currently has Joy, Wingert, 2008 first-round pick Tony Beltran and Robbie Russell as fullback options.
Sounders sign Graham
The Seattle Sounders added yet another familiar face from Seattle's USL club on Wednesday when it signed USL-1 Best XI central defender Taylor Graham. The former Kansas City Wizard and New York Red Bull helped lead the USL Sounders to the 2007 USL-1 championship and at 6-5, gives Seattle a big presence in the back-line.
Graham joins a defense that currently includes former KC central defender Tyson Wahl, former San Jose fullback James Riley and rookie second-round draft pick Evan Brown. Former New York central defender Jeff Parke has yet to reach an agreement with Seattle after being chosen in the expansion draft. Parke is currently out of contract.
Gotsmanov staying in school
New England second-round draft pick Andrei Gotsmanov will not be reporting to Revs training camp. He will be finishing school at Creighton and will not report to New England until May, Dunord confirmed on Wednesday.
A central midfielder who endured injuries during the MLS Combine, Gotsmanov was the 24th overall selection in the 2009 MLS Draft. He is the second player chosen in the second round of the draft to choose finishing school over reporting to his new team on time. New York Red Bulls draft pick and Santa Clara defender Babajide Ogunbiyi is also staying in school. The No. 18 pick in the draft will not join the Red Bulls until March at the earliest.
What do you think of the above stories? Think Veris can help D.C.'s defense? Can you see Hertel catching on with RSL? Do you see Taylor Graham enjoying a better run in MLS the second time around?
Share your thoughts below.
I agree noname. I love all these stupid trades that people want RSL to accept to give up Wingert. Ain’t happenin’ folks!
I laugh at all of the speculation regarding RSL. Get ReAL!
RSL needs strikers…hopefully RBNY can send Ocheverry and a pick for Wingert
Veris is originally from DC, not cleveland
Re Parke, I’m disappointed that he is not in camp, which started yesterday. I expect that he is still hoping for an offer he can’t refuse from Europe. I would sure like to see him sign with Seattle and join the first-year fun. Even if he signs, the Sounders still need Graham, who can play at the front or back of a diamond back four.
We are pleased to see prolific scorer Fredy Montero in camp. He is still hoping to land a contract with Real Betis, though. The rumor is that Seattle own 65% of Montero’s contract, but that could use some o-fish-ul confirmation. If Montero plays for Seattle, he may emerge as one of their top stars.
When I read that Taylor Graham is going to be part of MLS again, I just laughed!
I hope signing Graham isn’t a signal that Seattle doesn’t expect to land Parke.
Also, I’d love to hear what everybody thinks about Freddie Montero, the Columbian wunderkid who is in camp with Seattle.
Any thoughts on Montero, Ives? Anybody else?
That Mexico vs. Sweden match isn’t until next Wednesday. I’m assuming like all other “el tri” matches it will be on FSEspanol. At least that is where i watch Mexico and boooooooooo them. Because “we hate mexico more than you doo da doo da”
TFC cut Melo… we barely used him in 2 seasons… i think maybe 2 or 3 appearances.
I think Wingert is the most underrated player in the MLS and I hope comes to the Fire. As much confidence as I have in Conde, I just don’t think he wants to be in Chicago or with Blanco.
Man, I can’t wait for the season to start!
By the way can anyone tell me where Joey Melo is? With Toronto? I heard he made a move to Europe on trial?
Ives (or anyone else), any idea is the Mexico v Sweden match is gonna be televised? I would assume so, but dont know for sure.
Ives,
Do you know if the Red Bulls knew the situation with Babajide Ogunbiyi before drafting him?
I mean they need CB’s, especially right footed ones. I try to defend the front office, but sheesh…
I know nothing about Veris, but that’s the type of player DCU needs.
Ives,
Why do you think RSL is considering trading Wingert? He was a mainstay with the team last year. He only made $65K and I understand that he wants a raise, but with the departure of Kovalenko, Deuchar, Espindola I think RSL could easily double his salary if it came to that and be fine. I can see the team wanting to offload Joy, but with Russell’s rotator cuff surgery which will keep him out for the first part of the season, I’d be very surprised if RSL wanted to offload Wingert, much less Wingert and Joy.
Veris is from Cleveland
As far as Convey, I don’t think he stays in Reading. Reading picked up a versatile mid this week (Tabb) from Conventry and “we” already have Kebe that played LW last year in the French League 2. We have a young RW in Henry (English) who has looked good at times so I still feel like Convey is on his way out regardless if Hunt goes to Wigan.
Folks on the Reading board say that Convey looks to be out this week and headed to San Jose.
Ives why do you think teams passed on Michigan State fullback David Hertel
Any chance that Stephen Hunt’s likely move will cue a Convey revival at Reading?
Veris is a DC native and this seems a natural option for central defender-lite United.
However, Veris was VERY underwhelming in his time at the Galaxy. I don’t see how he will help United outside of his physical presence. Maybe a change of scenery will improve his game, but most likely not.