Rookie contributions

devNull · 06-23-2005, 01:43 PM

During the recent slump and especially after the Universidad Catolica game I had been wondering why Ellinger wasn't giving some of our rookies a chance to show their stuff instead of repeatedly using veterans who weren't producing. Last night I was ecstatic to see the contributions of Watson, Cutler, and Knowles.

Watson...what else can I say? It is hard to argue with results. He brings the energy and effort that seem to be creating chances lately. He of course has some points of his game that need a bit of work, but who doesn't? I vote to keep starting Jamie...it seems that Ellinger agrees <yeah>.

Knowles showed last night (I also thought that he played well in the Catolica game) that he can play at the level required. He should be the first central defender off the bench when Pope and/or Dunseth aren't available. Too bad Behnke. You have had your second chance, but just aren't consistent enough.

Cutler has been steadily improving and I would like to see him continue to start in the defensive midfield. It would be nice to see a few more offensive bursts and a bit more creativity from him, but his defense has been quite steady which is what I think is most important for his position. I even think that I would keep Cutler in the defensive midfield position when our defense is healthy and Kamler is no longer needed in the back. I think Kamler deserves to stay in the starting line-up, but maybe move him to left midfield and keep developing Cutler. I don't think that the quality of play between Kamler and Cutler is terribly different and I would rather see the development of a young player for that position.

Anyway, I guess the moral of the post is that I am excited to see the youngsters contributing. It increases my confidence in the brilliance of bringing in Ellinger who has experience with many of the young American players.

Aero · 06-23-2005, 01:53 PM

I definitely think that we do have some good rookies and youngsters that we can develop, along with draft picks, into a great team over the next few years. Look at Watson, Cutler, Besagno, Knowles, Kreamelmeyer, Cila, and Tiger. That could be the basis for a really good team in a year or two.

SoccerPrime · 06-24-2005, 05:56 AM

I don't know if you guys knew this, but Knowles is actually from New Zealand and is predicted to be on their national team (with Brian Nelson of DC/Blackburn and Simon Elliot of Crew).
Just a FYI.

But I agree, the rookies are adding some needed passion back in the team. Watson scoring doesn't hurt either!

Stucki · 06-24-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

I definitely think that we do have some good rookies and youngsters that we can develop, along with draft picks, into a great team over the next few years. Look at Watson, Cutler, Besagno, Knowles, Kreamelmeyer, Cila, and Tiger. That could be the basis for a really good team in a year or two.

We can't play all of them together yet though. It will be good to see them develop and take over for our veteran players in the next few years.

I hope that we get a local player that can take the field for the red and blue in the next few years.

Aero · 06-24-2005, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrstucki

We can't play all of them together yet though. It will be good to see them develop and take over for our veteran players in the next few years.

I agree. We don't want to play them all at once this year, but it will be good when we have brought them along and they are all playing for the team in a few years. Throw in a couple of good veterans and we are looking good for the future.

the Bardguy · 06-24-2005, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

Throw in a couple of good veterans and we are looking good for the future.

I do think that this is one of the many bright spots...very bright. Coach E has worked with the youth so long that he know what to look for in youth and he knows how to develop them into great players. I am looking forward to our team's improvement this year and in the coming years. :signluvpl