The Patriots might as well change their name to the Cowboys. For some of you that are pondering the meaning, I feel like the owner, Enrique Cervantes, might actually be the coach a la Jerry Jones. Maybe that explains why his son has started the last two games and really has no business playing. You have several guys on the bench who had very decent college careers at several different schools that could be playing on the wings, but instead you have a kid who barely played, if at all, at Division I whipping boy TCU. Yes he scored this last game, but I could score for the Patriots given the chance. I have had the experience of playing with Cervantes and with some of the other players that are not getting to play right now and I think that it is a crock. If Mr. Jones, I mean Cervantes, is going to run the team this way, then as much as I hate to say it but the Patriots deserve to lose until they field the best team regardless of last name.

I didn't realize this. But, on the other hand, if the kid is good, don't hold it against him. However, if there are players on the bench who are better, then one can wonder.

Heck, have you noticed Kenny Arena is now playing in MLS (can't rember if it is for Metrostars or DC United)? First game was 2 minutes, second game I saw was more like 5-8 minutes and this past weekend he started. I'm still not sure he's any good but he's got the name Arena.

There's another kid out there in MLS with the last name Eskederian (sp?) whose daddy was a big time NASL player and he's been playing. This happens more in good ol' baseball but sometimes the sons ARE decent...some times they are not.

I think what is a bit maddening is that the sons of high profile people get a shot when other players who don't have the connections don't and, often, they'd be as good if not better than these kids with names but they'll never get their chance.

Having players on the bench who are "obviously" better than some of those actually getting playing time is happening all over the A-League right now. However, it is only obvious to everyone EXCEPT the coach who has his agenda.

It's life in the pros.

To be fair, Kenny Arena is really only playing because of injuries and National Team call-ups from the Metrostars. He is viewed as an interesting project, with a tremendous work rate, that has a familiar last name. Once they get their full compliment of players, I doubt the Metros have much intention of using him.

As for Alecko Eskandarian, he was THE #1 pick in the MLS Super Draft. He is perceived to be one of the best of the next generation of American strikers.

He is starting right now for a somwhat weak D.C. United squad and gaining invaluable experience. He's not taking anyone's roster spot by any stretch and he is definitely a big part of United's future MLS plans.

Jeff

I'm not one of those big stats/info nuts but if memory serves me there has been more than one top 3 MISL draft pick that fizzed out real quickly and several guys drafted WAAY down the line that have now set MISL career marks.

I can think of at least two or three top draftees who have yet to live up to the hype they received when drafted. Some are "okay" players and some are not even that good. Some are not even in the league anymore after only 2-3 years.

I still believe pedigree often overshadows/colors perception, especially by the media.
Sorry, this is one of my "blind" spots.

Let's see what happens, for instance, to the million dollar child soccer player recently signed by Nike.

I really do believe much of the media is climbing on his bandwagon, whether or not they have any idea of his true potential. It's just not "cool" to NOT be on the bandwagon. It's a better story ON the bandwagon. For American soccer's future I hope he is as good as they say he is.

Then, again, he's a naturalized American, like several of those in the USMT pool. Not quite the same thing as "home grown", is it? Then, again, how many foreigners are in MLB?

Drafting in any sport is a crap shoot. Soccer is no different. When teams draft in MLS they take one of two stances. They either draft on potential or they draft "ready to play now." There are a lot of success and failure stories on both sides.

Hype is a major problem in soccer. Anyone remember the hype surrounding the Brazilian player Denilsson? At age 18 he was supposed to be the best player in the world and some even said he might have the potential to be the best player ever. He doesn't get out of his parking attendant booth much nowadays.

A great American example is Eddie Johnson of the Dallas Burn. For most he is a shoo-in for the National Team. Well, right now he is completely playing himself off the ROSTER of Dallas. He has probably been one of the biggest disappointments in the franchise's history.

I can't argue that favoritism plays a big part of all this. Arena and Eskandarian may be nice players or they may bust. Same as lots of other players that are drafted or go undrafted.

Jeff

good comments

I was curious about whether he was s Cervantes son or not. Now I know.

My question is this - can the Pat's ever be successful on (and off) the field with Cervantes in charge? This man has an unquestionable love for the game and the team, but maybe him wanting to do things his way are finally catching up to him.