WVHooligan - Soccer Blog

Slow start to the day but a couple things to mention to get us going.

According to sources, and the ol’ mighty Goff, Taylor Twellman had been courted by a European club. At first we didn’t know which club, but thanks to Goff we now do and it was struggling English Championship side Preston North End.

The league and New England turned down the deal. My bet it was a pathetic pitch for Twellman’s services but thankfully it was turned down. Even though you have to think Twellman would get instant playing time at a struggling side like Preston, but I honestly don’t think he would be able to benefit by going to the second division in England if he were to move aboard.

Speaking of New England, would it be a terribly bad idea for owner Robert Kraft to make a pitch for Luis Figo?

Some like Bruce at du Nord think it would be a wonderful idea. I agree, the amount of Portuguese people in Boston is pretty large and they likely their Figo.

————————————————————————————-

FC Dallas had discussions with defender Duilio Davino yesterday. Once I get news on this I will pass it along to you but I wanted to share more thoughts about this potential signing.

First and foremost, this guy is a dirty player. Having watched some highlights of him I can say I do not want to see him in a Dallas uniform even if he does tone down his cheap shots. The only bright side is his experience (something that the back-line of the Hoops need). He had loads of it but would it even matter in a league that loves to card players for barely touching others?

I question this move mainly because if he isn’t wanted back in Mexico by anyone (America released him last month), then why would anyone in the MLS want him as well? His age isn’t a huge factor, 31-years old isn’t exactly old. But for a club like America to release him and for him to get little interest in the MFL makes me really question this move.

I am kind of thinking this is a pure marketing scheme by the Dallas front office, more importantly, their GM Michael Hitchcock. We all know my feelings on that guy at this point but if this is another Denilson type signing, you can already bet this won’t work out for Dallas next year. A cheap shot artist never sits well with any club in my mind unless the entire club is dirty. Dallas did rack up a lot of fouls last year but I don’t exactly see them as a dirty club.

Maybe I am reading too much into this and I know a deal is probably far from being reached here.

More on this to come…

———————————————————————–

DC United continues their scouting of Argentina for their next big talent. Goff is reporting that things are looking good for the acquisition of forward Franco Niell from Argentinos Juniors, but talks with second-division defender Gonzalo Peralta have cooled considerably.

For those who don’t know anything about Niell, he is a 24-year old forward, who has scored ten goals in 60 games for Juniors. I like the idea of getting a young forward to pair with Emilio. For one he will be able to learn under him and also provide a good spark off the bench when he doesn’t start for United.

Also, at that age, he has plenty of upside for the future. Nice to see DC looking for a young player with plenty of potential.

Lastly, if a deal is reached, it would be a one-year loan with option to purchase.
——————————————————————————

Sources in Chicago tell me that keeper Matt Pickens is not in Carson with the US National team, but rather in Norwich England on a trial. Very interesting but very good to hear for Pickens.

I said weeks ago, there would be plenty of players to go to Europe on trail this winter and hopefully it will pay off for all of them.

——————————————————————————-

And finally, staying in the Windy City, word around the league is that the Fire are looking heavily at Houston Dynamo assistant John Spencer.

Spencer, who just finished his second season as an assistant with the defending MLS champions, is one of three candidates for the Fire job (longtime Chicago assistant Denis Hamlett and Duke assistant Mike Jeffries are the others).

A decision could come today as it is down to Hamlett and Spencer.

The Fire have to get a coach in place this week before the SuperDraft this month.

Honestly, Spencer is the right man if you ask me, even though Hamlett has more experience with the Fire and the city. Losing Hamlet would be a tough blow to Houston however, who would be losing a great scout and a solid assisnt if Chicago is to land him.

More to come on that story as it unfolds today….

Popularity: 3% [?]