MLS announced today that the Rapids have dealt Kyle Beckerman to Real Salt Lake for Mehdi Ballouchy. This makes neither team much better, as both midfielders are having subpar years. Beckerman has a goal and two assists this season, while Ballouchy has yet to make it onto the scorer's sheet. Last year, however, was a different story for both of these players, as Ballouchy was a finalist for Rookie of the Year, playing primarily on the left, and Beckerman had a breakout year that included seven goals. Ah, the heady days of last season.
If Real are realists, than the move was likely made to clear the way for a Senior International roster spot next year, as the Moroccan-born Ballouchy will lose his Youth International designation next April when he turns 25. If they aren't already, RSL should be in rebuilding mode. Of course, Kyle Beckerman would not be the guy I would start with. Ex-coach John Ellinger tried moving Ballouchy to central mid this season and the experiment failed miserably. And Beckerman was probably the only central mid on the market. A change in scenery could make a difference for Beckerman who has the ability to be a much better player than he has so far.
Turning to Colorado, dumping Beckerman for Ballouchy seems stupid at first glance. Beckerman either scored or assisted in three of Colorado's four wins, but the fact that they have the third lowest goals scored total in the league, speaks volumes to Beckerman's inability to be the engine for this team. Coach Fernando Clavijo tried to use him as an attacking midfielder before settling on him as a holding mid, in the absence of Pablo Mastroeni (either due to injury or call-ups) or when Mastroeni was dropped into central defense. But Ballouchy isn't the answer in the center, either. The best option would be to place him on the left wing with Terry Cooke on the right and keep Jovan Kirovski as the attacking midfielder, with Mastroeni behind him. Not a line-up that's going to strike fear into the hearts of any MLS defenses. Next season when Ballouchy turns 25, whoever is coaching the Rapids can decide if he's earned a Senior International roster spot.
Here's the article on the trade
About Me
- The Yankee Hooligan
- TYH is a masked avenger for the righteousness of American soccer, converting nonbelievers and destroying those who stand in the way of our country's glorious destiny as a soccer world power.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Becks traded. Not that one.
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3 comments:
Kyle has not played in the attacking position this year, Jovan Kirovki has. The team has suffered accordingly.
Any solution that puts Jovan Kirovski in the attacking mid role is doomed to failure. He lacks the quickness, won't move to receive the ball, doesn't combine with other players, and while he has a wonderful first touch, he is slow in decision making. These are all problems at forward as well, but they're a severe handicap in midfield. This is particularly true for a player that won't play defense and can be knocked off his game by one tough tackle.
I agree Jovan isn't the answer there and he himself said he doesn't feel comfortable in that role. I think Clavijo is trying to plug the holes of a sinking ship. Not sure Ballouchy will play defense for you either. Thanks for reading.
TYH
I know this is an older post, and I'm not as saavy on player stats and such as you... but RLS has a championship now... :-) Beckerman has been great for this team, now we need to build on it. Thanks for your blog, you're helping me get more into all sides of the sport, not just is my team's record good or not, and the knowledge I have from playing H.S. soccer years ago.
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