Wednesday, January 12, 2005 ESPNsoccernet: February 4, 4:17 PM UK
Besagno slated to go first
Marc Connolly
CARSON, Calif. -- Most every one of the 12 MLS head coaches gave a deer-in-the-headlights blank stare when asked to vote for the MVP of the 2005 MLS Combine. It's not that they didn't have an opinion about which of the 74 players performed the best during the three-day event. It's just that they didn't want to show their cards.
Jay Nolly and Drew Moor: Indiana teammates figure to be drafted Friday. (Paul Riley/Other)
"At this point," says one head coach, "you can't believe what anyone tells you and that's if they're even willing to talk. Everyone here is keeping it pretty close to the vest, so don't think for a second that the votes weren't made without an agenda being there."That's what makes it difficult to forecast just where combine MVP Luke Kreamalmeyer -- try fitting that on a back of a jersey -- will end up in Friday's four-round MLS SuperDraft. In other words, and as several coaches quietly commented, Kreamalmeyer was a perfect player to vote for because they felt he was excellent at the Home Depot Center, yet they're not sure if he'll excel at the next level due to his size (5-foot-8) and lack of strength.Yet, it's without question that Kreamalmeyer heads of the following list of players whose stock rose this past week:Stock rising
Luke Kreamalmeyer, Bradley University -- A crafty midfielder who was strongest when playing in an attacking role behind the strikers. When he was on the flank, several coaches felt he had a hard time getting by his marker. Regardless, this unknown prospect from a week ago is now a player who'll definitely get drafted, perhaps in the second or third round.
Scott Sealy, Wake Forest -- The consensus top forward at the combine, and regarded as the best striker available in the draft. "He makes great, mature type of runs," says one assistant coach. "You can tell he's been playing forward his whole life from the way he can turn with the ball and his calmness in front of the goal." That was seen at the Combine, since both of his two goals came off of well-timed runs that saw him go in on the goalkeeper one-on-one and finish with ease.
Gonzalo Segares, Virginia Commonwealth University - Once he moved into the central defense from left back, this 22-year-old Costa Rican showed what he can do. "He reads the game well and steps in nicely on tackles," said one assistant coach. Perhaps his most shining moment came on the third day when he ran down Sealy, who isn't slow by any means, and made a goal-saving tackle in the box with a perfectly-executed slide tackle.
James Riley, Wake Forest -- Another Demon Deacon who impressed coaches from the first game on. At Wake, he played left back in a three-back system alongside adidas Elite - the new name for Project-40 players - and All-American Michael Parkhurst, and U-20 national team starter Patrick Phelan. Yet, this is a player who can lineup on both sides in the back and as a wide midfielder on either side, as he did at the combine. His athleticism, tackling ability and range impressed several coaching staffs.
Danny O'Rourke, Indiana - It's usually difficult to say that the newly-crowned Hermann Trophy winner's stock went up, but that's exactly what happened during the past week. "He's simply on a different playing field than everyone else here," said one head coach who believes he's the only player ready to step into the league and make an impact. "Even in the rain, his touch was flawless and every decision was a good one." Playing as a holding midfielder for the most part, the two-time NCAA National Champion won several balls and kept the ball moving for his side that went undefeated during the week. What also helped O'Rourke was the fact that the coaches got to see his strong leadership qualities and how he handled himself off the field. "What a gentleman, too," said one head coach. "I saw him asking his coaches here questions and trying to help those around him, sensing they were nervous and unsettled in the game."
Troy Roberts, California - Really stood out at times in the back during the week. His college coach, Kevin Grimes, was in attendance, and said that a few MLS clubs have mentioned their interest in a player that he deemed to be "the full package" after playing for him the past four years. "He's a superb athlete who can dominate forwards," said Grimes. "He's the type of player that you know the entire defensive group will be composed, and have a strong foundation, since he's back there organizing."
Simone Salinno, St. John's - Though he was forced to miss the third match with an injured hamstring, the Italian midfielder showed much composure in the middle of the field. "He was good at combining in the midfield and was willing to do the work it takes when his team lost possession," said one coach. The 23-year-old told me that defensive midfield is a new position for him. He played as a striker for coach Dave Masur the first three years he was in New York, but it's one he feels confident he can play at the next level. One assistant coach said that Salinno was the best-looking holding midfielder of the litter after O'Rourke.Stock Dropping
Jamie Watson, North Carolina -- The former U-17 National Team striker showed some skill and creativity, but few coaches seemed impressed. "He should have stayed in school," said one assistant coach. One assistant coach made mention of his reputation of being a prima donna, saying that he's not the type of person you want as your 17th or 18th player.
Nik Besagno, U-17 National Team - Though he's set to be the first selection in the draft (more on that below), this 16-year-old midfielder failed to impress many coaches. "He's got some soccer in him, but he just looked young out there too many times," said one head coach. While he showcased his ability to make hard tackles and seemed comfortable on the ball, especially as a holding midfielder, no one seems to know where he'll play at the next level. "It's a win-now type of league, and Besagno is simply a player who needs a lot of time to develop."
Tony Lochhead, UC-Santa Barbara - Played as a left back at the combine and showed his hardness on tackles and maturity as a defender, yet wasn't as quick or fast as several coaches thought he'd be. In the first match of the weekend, Marcus Storey blew by him and went in for a goal, which was noticed by several in attendance. "If you're not able to track guys like that in MLS, you won't see the field," said one head coach.
Quavas Kirk, U-17 National Team - Failed to impress hardly anyone on hand during the week. Playing as a wide midfielder, he simply didn't make an impact. "It's a travesty that a kid like this is coming out," says one general manager. "He's a long ways away from being a professional player." At 6-1, 165 pounds, this 16-year-old striker showed speed and athleticism, but his touch and comfort level on the ball just wasn't consistent.
Marcus Storey, North Carolina - Though he scored a couple of highlight-reel goals at the combine and led the tournament with three strikes, there wasn't one coach that seemed to be high on him. They quietly questioned his toughness, size (5-9, 150 pounds) and attitude. "He's just not as tenacious as he needs to be," said one assistant coach. Another assistant coach commented that he won't be a good outside midfielder, which is where he played at the combine, at the next level because of his lack of defensive prowess.
Jay Nolly, Indiana -- This huge (6-3, 210 pounds) goalkeeper failed to impress most coaches in attendance, as they mentioned his poor footwork and how he "hesitated on his line" a few times during matches. Even though Bill Gaudette was a late addition to the combine, the St. John's goalkeeper was the stronger of the two.
Ryan Pore, Tulsa - The All-American striker had a very poor showing at the combine after there was quite a bit of buzz about him going into the weekend. Said one coach: "He just didn't show any strength. If he's drafted, it won't be until late in the day."And now to the nitty-gritty.After spending the past four days on the West Coast talking with members of each of the 12 MLS coaching staffs and general managers, college coaches, league insiders and agents, here is a look at the way things are shaping up for the 2005 MLS SuperDraft:MOCK DRAFT1. Real Salt Lake: Nick Besagno.Los Angeles has made an effort to move up and gain the top selection, but John Ellinger told me he is not going to bite and that they're going to keep the pick. With it, the expansion franchise will take the 16-year-old, who Ellinger quickly fell in love with when he joined the residency program in April.
2. Chivas USA: Brad Guzan (South Carolina).There are rumors that this pick could be dealt before the draft begins on Friday -- perhaps to Colorado -- but it's likely that Thomas Rongen will keep it and go after the top goalkeeper available. Known for being excellent with his feet, his strong build (6-4, 210) and seeing the game extremely well, Guzan will have a chance to come right in and compete for the starting job.3. Chicago Fire: Jack Stewart (Notre Dame).A strong source has told me that a deal has been done that'll bring Tony Sanneh from Columbus to the Fire in exchange for striker Ante Razov. It's no longer set in stone that they take a defender with this pick, which was suspected entering the combine. However, unless they go with U-20 national team midfielder Will John, Chicago is still likely to take this hard-nosed defender from the Fighting Irish to play with Jim Curtin in the back.4. FC Dallas: Drew Moor (Indiana)A 21-year-old defender from Dallas is a no-brainer for Colin Clarke and his staff. As a two-time national champion in college and a starter from the U-20 side that played in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championships, Moor is one of the most experienced and successful players available in the draft, and gives FC Dallas another versatile back to add to its growing stable.5. Los Angeles Galaxy: Mike Enfield (UCLA)The Galaxy moved up one selection to the five-spot by swapping picks with San Jose in a trade that saw Todd Dunivant and goalkeeper Steve Cronin go to L.A. in exchange for striker Alejandro Moreno and the rights to defender Chris Aloisi.With this pick, it's no secret that the Galaxy staff is enamored with this midfielder that's been playing in their backyard for the past four years. Not to mention he's a player who Steve Sampson coached at SoCal United. With Andy Herzog's retirement, Enfield is exactly the type of two-way central midfielder who can cover a lot of ground that L.A. needs.6. San Jose Earthquakes: Chad Barrett (U-20 National Team)A high-scoring forward who is currently starting alongside Freddy Adu with the U-20s in FIFA World Youth Championship qualification. Now that Landon Donovan and Dwayne DeRosario are gone, Dom Kinnear is looking for someone to play up front with Brian Ching.With Dunivant gone to L.A., it appears that San Jose will be signing left back Wade Barrett, who was a Best XI standout two seasons ago for the Earthquakes before going abroad to play in Europe the past two seasons. Kinnear told me that the team has been in contact with him."We're in talks," said the Earthquakes head coach. "He's a proven talent in MLS and was getting recognition by the national team before he left the league, so of course he's a player we would want and would welcome back. He's also a good person who the players liked having as a teammate."7. Colorado Rapids: Danny O'RourkeSince the Rapids have more cap room than most every club out there, they can afford to go after a non-adidas Elite player.Said one member of the Rapids coaching staff about O'Rourke: "He's a winner, first and foremost. He's someone out here (combine) that can make the jump to the league as an outside back or as an outside midfielder, and then as a defensive midfielder someday in the future."A team picking higher may have a change of heart and open up cap room to get O'Rourke, but even if they don't, this is the lowest he'll slide.8. Los Angeles Galaxy: Gonzalo SegaresBeing a former Under-17 national team player for Costa Rica, this is a player that Sampson knows all about, and will have a hard time passing up in this slot.9. New England Revolution: Michael Parkhurst (Wake Forest)The Revs coaching staff have expressed an interest in the versatile Parkhurst. The Wake Forest product can play either in a three-back system as he did in college, (which is what New England was playing in at the end of the 2004 campaign), or as one of two centerbacks in a 4-4-2 formation. He can also play as a holding midfielder. Now that Rusty Pierce is gone, there's a definite need in that position."He's the smartest player who sees the game the best of all the players coming out," said one assistant coach. His own coaches at Wake Forest said he's like having a coach on the field based on his ability to organize the defense. "He was the top player I've seen in the ACC since I've been here," added Wake Forest assistant coach Bobby Muuss.While Parkhurst's destination of choice is the Fire since his girlfriend is from Chicago, going to Massachusetts would be a homecoming of sorts since he's from Cranston, Rhode Island, just a short drive away from Gillette Stadium.10. Chicago Fire: Will JohnChicago obtain the tenth pick from L.A. from a previous deal. John could be an interesting partner for Damani Ralph. The Under-20 National Team striker led the Billikens in scoring with 24 points (10 goals, 4 assists), and totalled 19 goals and 9 assists during his two-year college career.11. Kansas City Wizards: Tim Ward (St. Louis)A versatile back that can play in most every position on defense, including in a holding midfielder role. He wasn't involved in the combine since he's with the U-20 national team, but he is a player that the Wizards have been eyeing for sometime. Should Ward go higher, the next bet for K.C. is Notre Dame left back Kevin Goldthwaite, who trained with Bob Gansler's side last summer.12. D.C. United: Hunter Freeman (Virginia)Can play either as a left back or as a right back for the defending MLS Cup champions. Considering he led the Cavaliers in scoring with 27 points (3 goals and 21 assists), there's no question about how he could add diversity to Peter Nowak's side on counterattacks by getting forward up the flank. Might also be a nice combination to have on one side of the field with a speedy player like Josh Gros who covers a lot of ground in the midfield.Marc Connolly covers soccer for ESPN.com. He can be reached at: marc@oakwoodsoccer.com.
