I think you favor DiRaimondo’s chances more than I do. He’s got spirit and some steel, but he didn’t display too much skill, and he’s a tiny little thing. I think we’ve got some talented trialists that could beat him out.

Also, as far as Tino losing his form last year, that seemed to happen after his call up to the national team for Gold Cup duty. That shouldn’t be a concern this year, so he and Jakovic (and possibly Troy) can all keep the rhythm of the team going this year.

Looking forward to seeing a new DCU this season.

“New Feature” ,“Rolling Roster”, “all players invited to camp, their status, and chances of making the FINAL roster”. Uhhh. and F@ck FC Dallas…

- The only way Hamid isn’t on the team is if he’s loaned out. The idea is to develop him, which means surrounding him with good coaching and good veterans. With no disrespect to the keeper coaches and #1s at the local USL/NASL/whatever clubs, I think Simpson and Perkins would be the best teachers for him at this point. Thus, Wicks and Kocic are playing for one spot, and that’s how it should be.
- One of the pack of guys trying to be Namoff’s backup will be kept. Vaughn probably starts as the favorite, but Adams and Graye are far from no-hopes. Personally, I’m guessing Adams will be tough to beat; he was a big deal coming out of college, and his speed and size are things Vaughn can’t match. Graye, with similar athletic assets, was not as notable during his time playing the same position at a different big ACC soccer school.
- DiRaimondo has little hope of making the squad. There are just too many people capable of playing defensive midfield in camp that bring more technique (and Onalfo definitely favors technical guys). With Simms, McTavish, N’Galula, Wasson all eyeing that spot, and Szetela and Barklage (both are more attacking but could sit deep if needed) capable of fitting in there, and Wallace could shift up from left back…you get the picture. There are other factors, as well: Hamid seems safe, and Barklage is probably pretty likely to make it as well, leaving just 2 developmental slots. Even if DiRaimondo proves himself among this group, he could get cut out by our needs elsewhere.
- Wasson will have a hard time making the squad as a senior player. There just aren’t enough spots, especially if/when (please please please make it when) we pick up a playmaker and center back (not to mention another forward). This could be how Vaughn gets cut, since there are developmental-eligible guys fighting for his spot.

Internationals on the developmental roster don’t count against the international player cap this year. It’s on the MLS Rules & Regulations page on MLSNet.com…though this is MLS, so that could change tomorrow.

RE: Gomez. Did he get his green card? I remember that Emilio got his, but I don’t remember Gomez.

RE: Adams. I know he wanted to try his luck abroad last year, but do we have any indication he’s willing to settle for a developmental slot? Also, I know he was raised in Florida, but he’s Jamaican by birth. Does he have dual nationality or a green card?

RE: Wasson. He probably won’t settle for it, but the new rules indicate that a player can sign as developmental if he’s 25 or younger during the season, which he will be. Not a likely scenario, but there it is.

So…should I abandon the “Roster Reset” since you’ve decided to do a “Rolling Roster”?

;-)

DCU announced that Perkins will wear #23 now.