Kyle Beckerman and RSL have a tough road ahead in 2010. (Getty Images)

We only have a few more clubs to go in our preseason look-ins. Now we’re getting in the home stretch with RSL today and hopefully closing out the rest of the week San Jose, Seattle and Toronto.

Today we take a look in to see how the defending Major League Soccer champs are doing this winter. Jason Kreis and company have started to really get into building up a core group of players to work around. That was key to their late run and success last year in the playoffs.

Now it becomes a question of do they have the depth to deal with a bigger and tougher schedule in 2010? They lost a few key players this winter like Clint Mathis to LA, Yura Movsisyan to Europe and Chris Seitz to the expansion club in Philadelphia. They did however pick a couple guys off waivers, which has been their bread and butter these last couple years along with drafting pretty well in January’s SuperDraft.

Lets see how well RSL is doing this winter and what pieces of the puzzle that they have left to build on. (Note: I’d like to thank Randy Davis from Keepin It Real for helping me out with this preview)Keepers:

Who they have:  Nick Rimando, Kyle Reynish.

Notes: We thought for years that the movement to Chris Seitz would finally happen in Salt Lake City, turns out that won’t take place now that he is gone to Philadelphia to show off his stuff. Thankfully though RSL still has trusty ol’ Nick Rimando. As long as he is healthy this club has little to worry about in this department.

They are trying to figure out what to do in terms of a backup here. Reynish is an alright choice but not one RSL fans are use to seeing. They’ll probably look to sign a developmental guy for their 3rd keeper as well. Davis tells me they’ve had a couple keepers in camp but so far none appear to be signed by the club.

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Defense:

Who they have: Tony Beltran, Robbie Russell, Jamison Olave, Nat Borchers, Chris Wingert, Rauwshan McKenzie, David Horst, Chris Schuler.

Notes: A solid group but at time last year could be really shaky due to lack of discipline. I think depth wise they could use a little more with the amount of games they will be taking on late in the year. I do like the fact that they are a seasoned bunch, not too young and not too old to handle this upcoming busy schedule.

Now I do wonder if they need more help on the outside of their backline. I think in the middle they’re set for now but something tells me they could wear down easy on the wings. I do expect Horst to stick around and get a roster spot but as for Schuler and McKenzie it may not happen at this point unless the rosters are some how expanded with a new CBA.

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Midfield:

Who they have: Andy Williams, Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, Alex Nimo, Jean Alexandre, Will Johnson, Ned Grabavoy, Collen Warner, Nelson González, Luis Gil, Raphael Cox.

Notes: The success and failures of this team rest on this group. Beckerman is a beast that I’d take on any team but say he gets a callup somehow this summer to South Africa (long shot at best for him at this point), you will see an immediate dip in this club’s performance. He’s the work horse on the field. Same goes for Williams who is just a class act all together.

Keep an eye on Warner, he has real potential to be a quality player in this league, possibly even a ROY candidate if he gets the proper playing time.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Cox be released once the roster compliance date is set. With the additions of Luis Gil in the last couple weeks it will put pressure on RSL to figure out what to do with Cox.

I think this group has some quality to it but again a lot of pressure is on them. Morales needs to return to his quality form of 2008 and not go in and out like in 2009. If he has another down year so will this group. Johnson also needs a good season as well, he wasn’t as impressive to me in 2009 as he was when he first came to the club in 2008.

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Forwards:

Who they have: Robbie Findley, Abe Thompson, Fabián Espíndola, Tino Nunez, Pablo Campos.

Notes: Findley is the X-Factor for them. When he is on he is damn good but sometimes he goes a bit too cold for my liking. He came on strong when it counted late last year so we do know he has some fire in him which may also lead him to South Africa. He has to know he needs a strong start to the season to be in South Africa.

If he does make it onto Bob Bradley’s team in June it will hit this club hard offensively. With the loss of Movsisyan I just don’t think they’ve done enough this winter to balance things out. I know they believe a lot more in Campos and Espindola than I do. I like those two but I’m not totally in love with the idea that they will be enough to carry this bunch offensively if Findley is gone for a while this summer.

They did make an effort by trying to get some guys from South America, particularly a couple young strikers from Quilmes: Quique and Olivares. Bad luck would have it that neither are coming to RSL anytime soon.

I think down the road they’ll need to add another part here to handle the heavier slate towards the end of the season.

(Update: RSL released Thompson earlier today.)

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Overall:

A lot is going to need to take place for RSL to repeat as MLS Champions in 2010. This team is good but let’s not forget for a minute that they were a sub-.500 team last year that got hot when it mattered. There are still plenty of holes to fill not to mention they have the added pressure of being the defending champions now.

Another thing they must improve on quickly is their road performance. With only two wins during the regular season on the road last year it is still a mystery to some how they even did so well late.

This team has talent and can win we know that but the inconsistent play has to stop if they want to repeat. The schedule won’t be too kind on them either, especially late in the year. But if Kreis can pull off another magical run this year it could be fun to watch.

unable to speak with gil…doind a deal with real salt lake

part of transfer fee, 2nd, and intl slot

We knew yesterday that an international roster slot was part of the deal. From the sounds of things probably some allocation money as well to help pave the way for a couple international players that the Wizards are reportedly looking to sign here. The Wizards also want a portion of any transfer fee that Gil gets if/when he leaves MLS to go to Europe (smart move on their part).

Give some credit to KC here folks, they’re really looking to get back in the thick of things in the east here. As for as Gil to RSL goes I do like this move, Jason Kreis will be a good coach for Gil here though I was hoping to see him in Seattle with Sigi Schmid.

Once things become more official I’ll let you all know.

Update: Here’s the official release from the league.

So which west coast team will end up with Gil? The one who gives up the most of course. KC is interested in an international slot for starters, according to Down the Byline the Wizards are after either a midfielder or a defender (article mentions midfielder but this Tweet talks defense).

I’d imagine some allocation would be apart of the mix here if not maybe a future draft pick. Or both, someone could be desperate to get Gil here for all we know.

So what are the odds? Its a four team race as I am concerned with LA and Seattle having the bet shot at trading for Gil. Most fans want to see him go to either place as both Bruce Arena and Sigi Schmid are great with young players. But don’t sleep on Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake here either.

Once we hear who deals for Gil I’ll have an update here.

Update: Looks as though KC is hoping to hold on to him a little bit longer here. The Wizards want to see if Gil is interested in coming to KC (yeah right) before they take offers from Seattle, RSL and probably the two LA teams. Honestly it sounds like none of the clubs offered the right deal to KC for Gil here, maybe a day or two of dealing will get it sorted out.

This is a nice little gem that just came in from the MLS Insider. Major League Soccer has gotten themselves another prized youngster in US U-17 star Luis Gil.

A weighted lottery on Monday will determine where Gil ends up. I’d imagine the weight system will be based on last year’s results, along with Philly having a higher weight based on their expansion club status. Edit: According to Steve Goff, Philly will have the worst chance of landing Gil, with NY having the top chance.

That doesn’t always mean the worst club will end up with Gil. Last year when Kyle Davies was a subject of the lottery system he ended up in Real Salt Lake, who then traded him to Dallas days later. RSL was near the bottom of the table at that time but definitely not the club holding the most ping-pond balls.

We’ll have more on this on Monday.

To learn more about Luis Gil check out his profile from U.S. Soccer.

Also the roster includes midfielder Sebastian Lletget, who missed out on the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

The camp, which will be the first of the 2011 cycle, will be held in Chula Vista, California and will run from December 16-23.

Here is the full roster:

GOALKEEPERS: Earl Edwards (Nomads SC), Justin Luthy (Boston College), Spencer Richey (Crossfire Premier)

DEFENDERS: Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC), Paolo Del Piccolo (Louisville), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas Juniors), Zachary Herold (West Pines United), Perry Kitchen (Chicago Magic), Tyler Polak (CSA Legacy), Kofi Sarkodie (Akron), Zarek Valentin (Akron), Jared Watts (North Meck SC; Statesville, N.C.), Ethan White (Maryland), Cesar Zamora (Chivas USA), Eriq Zavaleta (FC Pride)

MIDFIELDERS: Jose Altamirano (San Diego State), Christian Castaneda (Hertha Berlin), Marlon Duran (Latino Americana), Luis Gil (Pateadores), Sebastian Lletget (West Ham United), Andrew Lubahn (Wake Forest), Carlos Martinez (Wilmington Jrs.), Colin Murphy (Boston College), Amobi Okugo (UCLA), Will Packwood (Birmingham City), Nicholas Palodichuk (Washington Premier FC), Fabrice Picault (Cagliari Calcio), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame)

FORWARDS: Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Will Bates (Virginia), Tristan Bowen (Los Angeles Galaxy), Victor Chavez (Real So Cal), Ryan Finley (Duke), Stefan Jerome (West Pines United), Jack McInerney (Cobb SC), Dominick Sarle (BW Gottschee)

Tough decisions all around Philadelphia right now for Peter Nowak and company. If the expansion draft wasn’t enough the club now has the fun of figuring out who exactly to take with their first overall pick in next month’s SuperDraft. Yesterday afternoon the college soccer season came to a close and right away a few names jumped out for who they should take.

Obviously nothing is set in stone with some of these guys and the debate can go around and around some circles but a few guys below might declare for the draft in the coming weeks as either they sign with the league as a Generation adidas player or just sign with the league like most rookies will eventually do around the draf time.

Below are a few guys I see fit as solid choices for the number one pick. Feel free to leave your thoughts below with who you think should be the top pick.

- Ike Opera (Wake Forest): Lots of folks have him as the top choice and as we’ve seen in years past the leading guy going into the draft to be the top pick isn’t always the case (2008 most expect Patrick Nyarko to be number one, he wasn’t). While Union does have a solid set of defenders already grabbing Opera wouldn’t be a dumb pick at all, it would set their defense up for a few years to come as Opera is an instant starter in my mind on day one.

- Tony Tchani (Virginia): One thing this club lacks right now is a playmaker in the midfield and Tchani could be that guy that helps them out in that department. He reminds me a lot of a Shalrie Joseph type workhorse, with the size and skill. But he may even had some of the offensive skill that we see in a playmaker like what Christian Gomez has been in the past.

- Dilly Duka (U-20s): Already signed with the league but the question will become does Philly grab him as trade bait for New York? Could be a move they make but I still have a feeling he ends up in New York no matter what (similar to Freddy Adu).

- Teal Bunbury (Akron): His skills are raw but this kid showed me a lot over the last few months. No doubt he will be a Generation adidas player if he comes out and signs with the league. One thing the Union do need is good attacking options and Bunbury up top with Alejandro Moreno could be a very fun combination to watch.

- Austin de Luz (Wake Forest): Up until this past weekend I hadn’t seen Wake Forest play in a few weeks and I must say I forgot exactly how good this kid was over that time. de Luz may be one of the most MLS ready players out there right now. He’s a lefty that some coaches would love to have right now and even better he makes those around him so much better. He’s a playmaker that could really develop into something special on the next level. Thing is most don’t have him as a top overall pick right now but he’s definitely going in the top ten.

- Luis Gil (U-17s): The big IF is Gil. IF he signs with the league he very well could be a top pick in the draft. He’s young and loaded with potential but the thing is he wouldn’t be in the league for long as he is the type that will be looking to make a jump overseas. Is it worth taking someone that may need some development that won’t be on the roster in a couple years? Toronto did it with Maurice Edu and you can be the judge if that’s paid off for them.

- Corben Bone (Wake Forest): Another dangerous offensive player that would be a great fit in Philadelphia. Some have him rated very high for this draft and I’m one of them as well. No doubt he’ll be a top five pick, just wonder can he sneak up the board to the top spot? When Philly needed some offense it may very well happen.

Jack McInerney is a young player with a bright future.

As I mentioned a week ago I am hoping to get this into a regular thing for at least the next few weeks as we really start to gear up for the 2010 SuperDraft in just a couple (yes only a couple) months away. The response has been pretty solid so far and I’ll be honest a few of you have mentioned some players that I had not heard of yet until now. I’m glad you did because now some of them are going to be making these watch lists.

Today has a heavier focus on some guys that could be in line for a Generation adidas contract this year. I know I’ve already mentioned a couple in my last two posts (round 1 & 2) but today I have a couple more names. Since the US U-20 and U-17 World Cup runs are over now a lot of folks are saying we could see a number of players get offered GA contracts for this year’s draft. I will also start off with two from the U-20 team that were both on the watch list last year for a GA contract.

Again, some of these kids may go the MLS route and some may not. That we will have to wait and see in a few weeks as the college seasons wrap up.

And just like last week, if you know of some guys that are worthy to be looked at here please email me or send their names to me via Twitter so I can include them in the next batch.

Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC/US U-20): Now this may not end up being a SuperDraft player as he is playing for the USL/TOA/whatever’s Miami FC right now. But one has to figure that he will get a look at from some MLS clubs that need defensive help. He’s still a little raw but the talent is there and he could possibly still be in line for a Generation adidas contract. Draft or no draft he is a name we all need to keep an eye on.

Sheanon Williams (unattached): He left UNC last year after his sophomore season and has been unattached ever since. Would he still be worth a GA contract or even a late round draft pick? I still believe so. I was pretty high on him last year and he did have some solid play this year with the U-20 World Cup.Why he hasn’t been picked up anywhere is anyone’s guess. I believe he tried to get on somewhere in Europe and failed. It might be time for him to just come to MLS and play.

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Luis Gil (U-17s): We mentioned a couple days ago that Gil is reportedly going the MLS route after the World Cup in Nigeria with the U-17s. Gotta believe he will get a GA contract if that is indeed the case.

Jack McInerney (U-17s): After Gil and the other prized U-17s (Charles Renken, Joseph Gyau), McInerney is probably one of the most talked about. He scored a solid goal against the UAE in the group stages of the Cup and he one of the most consistent shooters of the team (he also scored the lone goal against Spain). He’s got loads of talent and I’d imagine a few MLS clubs would love to have him as a long-term project.

Zac MacMath (Maryland): He’s only a sophomore but lots of people are already talking about him going pro from what I’ve been told. He’s certainly talented but with guys like Brian Perk and Sean Johnson (see below) probably rated above him would he risk going? It all depends on if he gets a GA contract or not I think. Right now there are a lot of quality keepers out there and I kind of think he’d be better off staying at Maryland for another year.

Sean Johnson (U-20s): He was with Central Florida but he saw some time with the U-20s this year but mostly sat on the bench behind Perk. If you haven’t seen this kid its too bad because he has plenty of upside. He reminds me a lot of Chris Seitz with how he handles things in front of the goal. I only hope he goes to a club that actually plays him instead of keeping him locked away on the bench.

Brian Ownby (Virginia): Didn’t see a lot of time with UVa this fall because of his time with the U-20 squad in Egypt. He’s definitely a guy I could see be in line for a GA contract. He’s quick and good on his feet. He’s also a pretty proven scorer which can go a long way on the next level. More than likely I think he will be converted to a wing player on the next level but he certainly knows how to score.

Ofori Sarkodie (Indiana): This senior defender should certainly be high on some draft boards. He doesn’t post monster numbers in terms of goals or assists but what he does do best is clean up in front of his own goal and handle possession pretty darn well. He has pretty good speed and size which is always good to have on the pro level.

Barry Rice (Kentucky): Another senior defender that loads of folks seem pretty high on and for good reason. UK people tell me he is the best defender the school has ever seen. I have a feeling he will have to put on a good show at the MLS Combine but we should see his name called in an early round come January.

Empty stands were a common sight at Pizza Hut Park this year. (Getty Images)

I hope everyone is getting use to the longer days again after the time change this weekend. Nothing like getting darker a bit earlier again here but that’s just how it goes. I have a few goodies to discuss tonight leading off with a big time look at something former Chicago Fire GM Peter Wilt sent Alexi Lalas a few years back. After that I have an update on a U-17 player possibly turning pro and the defense of Tom Soehn.

Back to Peter Wilt though. Buzz Carrick at 3rdDegree wrote a big story on this earlier today and he implied this material towards FC Dallas. I think not only FC Dallas front office members need to look into this but so do a few other clubs in the league. It stems from a email that Peter Wilt wrote Alexi Lalas right before Lalas took over as the GM of the old San Jose Earthquakes back in 2004.

Basically it is 12 keys to running a franchise along with 10 secrets to sell MLS. Obviously Lalas never really took half of these items to heart as he was canned by the Quakes and then the Red Bulls and then the Galaxy all within a couple years. But the items listed are certainly valuable that a lot of clubs outside of DC, Houston, Seattle, and Toronto need to pay attention to.

Now I won’t go and list everything off here but there are some key points that would certainly improve a lot of clubs attendance numbers and possibly their on-field production. One that jumped out at me was “Get people to CARE about the sport, team and league”. It seems far too often teams aren’t going after the real crowd that does care about those three things. I’ve always said a way to fix the attendance issues to is to market to your own, meaning market to those that already love the sport not just the mom and pop crowds that we’ve seen for years. Look at Toronto and Seattle for example do you think they market to the soccer moms out there? Hell no, they quickly marketed this new club to those hardcore fans who then were able to amp up the excitement to those less hardcore about the sport.

Another that jumped out to me was in the secrets to MLS area. Wilt said to use the phones and emails to get folks back. Now I know a lot of folks hate cold calls or junk email but believe me they do work in ways that you’d never believe if done correctly. Especially with email and the internet. We live in an email world these days and I can’t tell you how many clubs I get emails from that don’t give ticket info and what not. I know ticket salesman don’t have the easiest of jobs but I think at the end of the day you have to try and some clubs just don’t try hard enough.

I really don’t believe it is rocket science to get people to come to MLS games. Wilt had the right idea before he was canned in Chicago. Some clubs just get it and others continue to fall behind the bar.

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The Case for Tom Soehn

Link

I’ve thought about defending Tom Soehn for his job at DC for these last couple weeks even though I’ve had him on the hot seat for a while. Steve Goff the Soccer Insider just beat me to it at the end of the day and his numbers presented here do bring up a fair argument that could help Soehn out. I still believe he’ll get canned but the fact that his club has had one of the busiest schedules over the last couple seasons and they’ve been a little above .500% at the same time does show how tough it is to be a manager in this league. Goff says that when Soehn was given a full week to prepare for a game his club typically came out on top (in the 14 games that he had a week to prep United was 8-3-3). Next season DC will only have league games and US Open Cup games to deal with so maybe they should keep Soehn around for another year. Maybe.

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Gil To Turn Pro After U-17 World Cup?

Link

I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the US’s U-17 team play in this year’s World Cup but the pieces I have seen have mostly been about Luis Gil. He’s thinking of turning pro after this year’s Cup and even thinking of going the MLS route. Gil is still very young and very raw but he will be a solid Generation adidas candidate if he does go pro.

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Beckham Going Back To Milan

Link

Yeah GoldenBalls got his wish yet again and I am honestly happy for both LA and Beckham that this deal got done now and not later on. Beckham will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and remain with the club throughout their season which ends on May 16, 2010. He will then re-join the Galaxy when the summer transfer window opens in July 2010. We all knew he would return here after the World Cup which means if England goes far we won’t see him until August. I know the releases all said July but lets be honest he won’t come back until August.

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