You said that if Evander gets his Visa that the Timbers would not have to use an International Spot? I don't think that's right, is it? You have to use an International spot for any player who is not a US Citizen, correct? The Visa Evander is getting should be a P-1 Visa (which most International players get) which allows him to work here legally. Now, if he had a Green Card, THAT would not require the use of an International spot, because he would have the intent of becoming a permanent resident alien, or even apply for US Citizenship. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not sure why the team would move on from Zuparic this season. He was, as you mentioned, their most stable and reliable defender last year, and has been a solid-to-great performer his entire time as a Timber.
Yes, he's on a very large contract, but that very large contract ends at the end of this season; even if this year starts a decline for him, it would have to be a catastrophic decline, that I just don't see coming from him, to make his being here a problem. It would be a stretch to find a team that would trade value for a 32 year old in the last year of a deal like that, when they can get him as a free agent next winter at a much better, renegotiated rate, I would think.
I still believe that if a defender's gonna be moved, it's Zac McGraw. He's young, on an extremely team-friendly deal, and would bring some value in return. It's a bummer to think that, I had hoped he'd work out here, but it just hasn't clicked for him so maybe a new team would do him some good.
If they moved on from Zup, would it be possible that all 4 remaining CB's could get called up at the same time for international duty? I know Zac hadn't been called up the last time with Canada but he has in the past.
Yeah, I'm not sure I'd be interested in Zup beyond this year, at least not on those wages at his age. But I'm good with him finishing out this contract, he's been a sea of stability in a gigantic mess back there overall. But next winter, let him test out the FA market and see what happens. If nothing happens? Maybe he re-signs here at a much more team-friendly salary, or maybe he catches on overseas somewhere for one last payday.
Either way, we got the best of him, and I have no regrets about him still being around.
No Evander I'd definitely go with a 3 man backline and two hard working midfielders and three forwards and two wingbacks. Yes Evander, then go back to the 4-2-3-1.
Considering that’s been the only formation we’ve used for both preseason games, I’d say that’s the plan. And to me it makes perfect sense. Allows wingbacks to provide width, Moreno can come inside and create to sort of act like a 10 at times, Rodriguez doesn’t have to defend as much and he can be a second forward at times. Great backup plan if we have to start the season without a ten available/fit.
Can never look into preseason games in any way too much, but I’d certainly rest easier if Ayala, Surman, and Mosquera started getting playing time in Coachella.
Definitely! The three you mention are big pieces and to not see them get game time is concerning. Fitness, wanting to showcase other players for other teams, missing the team breakfast, not laughing at Phil's jokes, who knows why, but I'd like to see them in there. Can't wait for Coachella.
You said that if Evander gets his Visa that the Timbers would not have to use an International Spot? I don't think that's right, is it? You have to use an International spot for any player who is not a US Citizen, correct? The Visa Evander is getting should be a P-1 Visa (which most International players get) which allows him to work here legally. Now, if he had a Green Card, THAT would not require the use of an International spot, because he would have the intent of becoming a permanent resident alien, or even apply for US Citizenship. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Ah yep you are correct - my bad!! Got my convoluted American bureaucratic processes confused!
That's OK. Now if you can just explain how TAM and GAM work I'll be set. Just kidding, nobody actually understands that :)
I'm not sure why the team would move on from Zuparic this season. He was, as you mentioned, their most stable and reliable defender last year, and has been a solid-to-great performer his entire time as a Timber.
Yes, he's on a very large contract, but that very large contract ends at the end of this season; even if this year starts a decline for him, it would have to be a catastrophic decline, that I just don't see coming from him, to make his being here a problem. It would be a stretch to find a team that would trade value for a 32 year old in the last year of a deal like that, when they can get him as a free agent next winter at a much better, renegotiated rate, I would think.
I still believe that if a defender's gonna be moved, it's Zac McGraw. He's young, on an extremely team-friendly deal, and would bring some value in return. It's a bummer to think that, I had hoped he'd work out here, but it just hasn't clicked for him so maybe a new team would do him some good.
If they moved on from Zup, would it be possible that all 4 remaining CB's could get called up at the same time for international duty? I know Zac hadn't been called up the last time with Canada but he has in the past.
That is a definite possibility, and one of the reasons I’d keep Zup for at least this year
Yeah, I'm not sure I'd be interested in Zup beyond this year, at least not on those wages at his age. But I'm good with him finishing out this contract, he's been a sea of stability in a gigantic mess back there overall. But next winter, let him test out the FA market and see what happens. If nothing happens? Maybe he re-signs here at a much more team-friendly salary, or maybe he catches on overseas somewhere for one last payday.
Either way, we got the best of him, and I have no regrets about him still being around.
No Evander I'd definitely go with a 3 man backline and two hard working midfielders and three forwards and two wingbacks. Yes Evander, then go back to the 4-2-3-1.
Considering that’s been the only formation we’ve used for both preseason games, I’d say that’s the plan. And to me it makes perfect sense. Allows wingbacks to provide width, Moreno can come inside and create to sort of act like a 10 at times, Rodriguez doesn’t have to defend as much and he can be a second forward at times. Great backup plan if we have to start the season without a ten available/fit.
Can never look into preseason games in any way too much, but I’d certainly rest easier if Ayala, Surman, and Mosquera started getting playing time in Coachella.
Definitely! The three you mention are big pieces and to not see them get game time is concerning. Fitness, wanting to showcase other players for other teams, missing the team breakfast, not laughing at Phil's jokes, who knows why, but I'd like to see them in there. Can't wait for Coachella.