The Eve of MLS '09: New Players, New Feature, and Welcoming MLS Newcomers
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Tuesday, 17 March 2009 22:02
Though the off-season moves leading up to this Thursday's season opener haven't exactly been the most mindblowing, there is still a lot to look forward to in 2009. The following feature will show up every Tuesday in an effort to track the impact and play of each MLS "newcomer." I wanted to add possible breakout players like San Jose's Ryan Johnson or FC Dallas' Eric Avila but then things got way too confusing...for me (it doesn't take much).
The initial ranking is based purely on perceived hype throughout the league's preseason. Feel free to disagree and add your own entries in the comments section as I'm sure I have missed some. It's 10 points for the first position, 1 point for the 10th position in the list. Arbitrary but it should be fun. Suggestions to make things better are welcome too.

1. Freddy Montero (Seattle)

Despite interest from Real Betis in La Liga, the 21-year old Montero was a surprise capture for the Sounders expansion campaign. The majority of MLS enthusiasts are still scratching their heads asking "what's the catch?". A 21-year old Colombian international, proven goalscorer in with Deportivo Cali and Huila. Montero has shown over the pre-season that he could be the real deal, but he has certainly drawn the most hype.

2. Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle)

The former Arsenal terror will most likely miss the home opener, but many will be itching to see Ljungberg return from his hiatus. The Swedish Beckham has had an extensive history of injuries but at 31, if healthy, he can offer an awful lot to the expansion Sounders' midfield. The hype is high. Can Freddie deliver?

3. Bobby Convey (San Jose)

Another injury case. It seems like Bobby should be retiring soon, but at 25, he still has a lot to prove. Convey returns from Reading and joins a San Jose squad that lost several midfield options in the off-season in his second MLS stint. When healthy and in-form, the Philly native is dangerous on the wing and even working up the middle. Unfortunately, the past couple years staying healthy has become the biggest challenge of the midfielder's career. Still, with 45 USMNT caps under his belt, Convey provides international experience and a spark to go with the new and seemingly improved Quakes.

4. Albert Celades (New York)

RBNY's website even says Celades could be the piece to the puzzle that eliminates the Cinderella label this season. Well there is no questioning his resume, easily the most impressive in the league, but there will still be questions. Celades has reiterated several times since his signing that he is not here on vacation, but here to win a championship. I don't doubt him, but prove it.....


5. Pablo Vitti (Toronto FC)

Vitti was at one time one of the most discussed Argentine attacking prospects. With only one goal in the last 3 years, Toronto FC coach John Carver is hoping he can turn that all around. At 23, he still has the youth to do that and lead a seemingly improved TFC line-up to the top of the Eastern Conference.

6. Santiago Hirsig (Kansas City)

A lot of question marks here but really not a huge amount of hype. Frankly, I'm more interested to see how Claudio Lopez does in his second but first non-DP MLS season. It will be season early on if Hirsig is going to provide the playmaking ability that can spark a Wizards offense in need of a continuation of their late 2008 efforts. Or will former San Lorenzo midfielder Hirsig become just another afterthought like Carlos Marinelli?

7. Tristan Bowen (Los Angeles)

It'll be Tristan's first season with the Galaxy. As the first academy product signed, Bowen's progress will be tracked by many. He's not expected to blow people away but with the "academy generation" starting to grow (Tyler Deric of Houston was No. 2), MLS fans will be looking to see how the homegrown products pan out in the pro ranks. At RBNY's media day recently, there was speculation that the third MLS academy product may come from New York.


8. Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles)

The former Terp and NCAA champion has very Sean Franklin-esque job ahead of him this year. It's highly likely the massive Gonzalez will be part of a hugely questionable back line that Bruce Arena has pieced together...one that could be led by 37-year old Tony Sanneh. A former NCAA defensive player of the year, the 20-year old Gonzalez is hoping to transition quickly and help turn the fortunes of the Galaxy around. Can he do it?

9. David Ferreira (FC Dallas)

Oddly enough, there hasn't been much hype coming out of the FC Dallas camp about the 29-year old Ferreira. Yet something makes me believe this guy is going to rocket up the list. Despite his diminutive size, reports and rumors out of Dallas say the Colombian international is no Franco Neill. Another product of the great Atletico Paranaense/FCD strategic partnership and a true #10, Ferreira seems to have all the makings of a transfer steal.

10. Sam Cronin (Toronto FC)

With the acquisition of Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto's midfield has almost become crowded this year. If there's one thing the Reds will take, however, it is depth. Cronin, the second pick overall in the 2009 Superdraft, will add that and learn from great MLS midfielders Guevara, Robinson, and DeRo. With international duties looming, it's not a matter of if but when Cronin gets on the field to show what he can offer. A productive offseason has people excited to see what he can do.

OTHERS TO WATCH:

Cam Weaver (San Jose), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle), Sanna Nyassi (Seattle), Dejan Jekovic (DC United), Donovan Ricketts (Los Angeles), Steve Zakuani (Seattle), Stefan Frei (Toronto FC), Jeremy Hall (New York), Raphael Cox (Real Salt Lake), Steve Purdy (FC Dallas), Eduardo Lillingston (Chivas USA)

Are there others I missed?

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