I understand that Irving is looking for new talent but it seems that the "talent" is still missing. Granted I have only seen two preseason games but....Last night UNCW gave the Hammerheads all they could handle... Looks like Irving needs to "rethink" the new players and look at bringing back some veterans

I wouldn't be so quick to judge. Lots of teams in the league are still working out the kinks. They have plenty of talent - just have to learn how to play together. That's what pre-season is all about.

I understand but, I was really concerned about the unforced errors. Several times players lost control of the ball without a defender being present. At this level you should not lose the ball out of bounds without being pressured. Also players taking weak shots outside the 18 in the second half. Where's the hussle? Hopefully it's just a case of pre-season nerves. Thank goodness Junior played the whole game or it would have been a big L......

lets see what happens with the Battery on Sat. That will be a good test. By the way, I would like to see more of Zarate!

YOU GUYS MUST BE WATCHIN A DIFFERENT JUNIOR TO ME!

Junior got in in the 73rd minute and got a great assist!

The team played well together against The Battery on Saturday I was pleasantly surprised and saw some new talent. For one, our new Frenchie looks good.

Considering that 3 or 4 potential starters were out injured and didn't play against the Battery, it was a great performance.
Despite what the moaning minnies think earlier in the thread, I believe that we may have a stronger and deeper squad than last year.
Lets face it your so called veterans (Paul Chase,Ryan Miller,Kenny Bundy Brady Bryant & Phil Hufstader presumably) they just weren't able to deliver the same consistency last year, as they had in previous years.
To my mind the best 4 players weren't even available to come back. Maher,Bagley,Nylen, & Lancaster. They all now with DivOne teams.
Remaining veterans George Corrie, Junior Zarate, Derek Popovich & Chad Crandell are all likely to be pushed to get playing time unless first choice newcomers are injured.
And Hammerman to my mind Junior still needs to show a great deal more than he did against the Battery, despite the great assist!

Hey, if you can't play and don't have enough to offer you shouldn't be on the pitch, After all, the boy's are there to win games. I've talked with Junior a handful of times in the last two years and he always has time for me. I think he's a hell of a guy and a great player and I really wish him well....

I will admit the team looked better than during previous games. Some of the ousted "veterans" still have the legs to play and are still better in my opinion than some of Irving's new players. Granted some veterans needed to leave but others need to be there. Some of our current veterans need "walkers" to move. Junior has slowed also but his desire remains and I think he will be a good mentor to the new guys. If they win this year, Irving is the hero, if they lose, then maybe it's time for Irving to go back across the pond