Segun noticia en El Vocero:

Chris Gores
Johannes Maliza
Fernando Zuleta
Raphel ‘Mime’ Ortiz
Alexis Rivera
Mike Mourelo
Marcos Vélez*
Edivaldo S. Da Silva
Isaac Nieves Rivera
Juan P. Irrera*
Alejandro González*
Isaías Bardales*
Josef Miso*
Drew Mcathy*
Romilio Gómez*
Dan Kennedy*
Corey Woolfolk*
Elloy Matos*

*first season with Islanders


There should be more, I dont see a GK. Maybe he is one of he names I never heard (josef, isaias or romilio)...and I think Mauricio Salles was coming back.

Isaias Bardales is an erstwhile MLSer (I think he was with the Galaxy.

Yup, here are his stats from MLSnet.com

Bardales, Isaias Jr.
Regular Season
GP GS MIN G A PTS
2001 Los Angeles 12 1 270 0 0 0
2003 Los Angeles 1 0 21 0 0 0
Two-year Totals 13 1 291 0 0 0

Are these signed players, or players in camp?

Dan Kennedy was a Timbers draft pick this year. I guess he didn't catch on with the Timbers.

I think Bardales has also played for the Salty Dogs and Sounders.

Wasn't Woolfolk with Syracuse last year? Seems I have a bad memory of him at the SportsPlex last season. Then again I have bad memories of the Islanders game at the Plex too.

Yes, Corey Woolfolk was with Syracuse last season, he played here in Pittsburgh, for the hounds before that and Minnesota before us.

www.goldentrianglesoccer.com
(Covering the hounds F.C. and Sparks)

oops sorry, no, he was in Rochester, not Syracuse

www.goldentrianglesoccer.com
(Covering the hounds F.C. and Sparks)

It had been reported that these are supposed to be the guys actually signed. But if you know anything about the press on soccer in Puerto Rico--let's just say that it may not always be one hundred per cent correct

Our keeper from last year, Mike Ueltschey is on trial with the Metrostars. Dan Kennedy was brought in just in case Mikey U does make the Metro's roster as a backup keeper. Kennedy was probably recommended by Drew McAthy. They both were UCSB Gauchos and played in last year's NCAA College Cup final. He was also selected by CHivasUSA in the MLS supplemental draft and he reportedly trained with the team in Guadalaja. Maybe when he came back, the Timbers had already moved on and didn't need him.
Allison is right as usual. He did play with the Seattle Sounders on loan from the LA Galaxy back in 2001. I'm not sure if he played with the club at some other time. I'm also not sure if he played for the SaltyDogs.

I saw the Islanders playing Copa de Campeones yesterday...they won 7-0

They used Dan Kennedy as GK. Found some info on Josef Miso, naturally from Slovenia (sp)...Hes 31 yrs old and he played on the first division of Costa Rica, he was the leading scorer (sp) of the league and was elected best foreing player. I think he has 5 goals in 2 games in the Copa de Campeones, 3 yesterday....

Thanks for the updates, Bro.

I did some research on the guy, too.
He has a lot of experience. He played for the prestigous Costa Rican club Alajuelense several seasons. During that time, he played in various international club championships like the CONCACAF Champion's Cup against the best MLS, Mexican Primera and other of the regions best teams.

I'm still waiting on more info from my Ticos (Costa Ricans) and friends that follow Alajuela. The guys is only 31? How did he end up in the USL? Why isn't he still playing in CR or why didn't he go to MLS or Mexico? I'm sure that Maradona's new assitant, the Tico, Toribio Rojas recommended him. I also don't doubt that he must be getting a better check than everyone else because he's got the best credentials. I'll share more info when I get it.

I read in the "Foro" at the Islanders' website that Marco lost his cool with some kid and slapped him? And the Mickey Mouse refs didn't give him a card.

You were at the game Bro, what really happened?
Did it go down like that?

And wtf? All of the sudden the Islanders are going to play the U-21's at Juan Ramaon Loubriel. What's the deal?

Yes I saw and HEARD the slap on the stands. And the referee just call them both and told them something AND he gave tha ball to the Islanders.
Marco was ejected later for sometihng I didnt saw.

As for the Islanders playing the U21 national team....That day (tomorrow i think) the Islanders where supossed to play Carolina for the Copa de Campeones. Carolina was ejected from the tournament for something disciplinary, the coach and 5 players are getting sanctioned. So now Islanders are playing a friendly with U21. They say that game will "help" both teams.

Hi. I'm back. Let's clarify. Most players in camp are not signed per se but they sure will soon. It's almost official.

At this moment here's the outlook...

GK: Kennedy LEFT. He was drafted 1st in MISL and while in PR wasn't really impressive anyway. Uelstchey is expected to return... OK, sorta... Add Rene Bezares, a young boricua keeper with loads of talent if raw. Made a couple of Casillas-like saves against the Isles while with Caguas in the tournament.

D: Zuleta, Alexis, Velez, Gores, Pablo Almagro? and get this: Mourelo has been switched to centerback... his height helps.

M: Maliza, Mime, Juninho Da Silva, Nieves, Irrera, and Eloy Matos (watch out this kid is a spark plug)

F: McAthy, Mauricio (when he ends his contract in Jamaica... on time don't worry), Bardales (or is he M?) and Woolfolk

UP: Offensive power
DOWN: Lack of bench depth... to be addressed tho...

Alejandro Gonzalez not staying?
I like what he did in the middle, he plays like Alcerro from last season. Quick and accurate.

I dont like Mourello, hes tall but I see him making defense mistakes and bad passes. But remember I dont know nothing :p

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I know that I posted this in the other thread. So now I'm moving it here....

------------------------------------------------
The whole thing about making the Boricuas tryout again except for Alex, Mime and Saito is obviously a very, very sore subject. I don't think that people are saying that guys that should be allowed to just sit back because they played with the team last year. I'm just saying "Con~o"! You're going to make them all try out again like you never even knew them? Especially after all of the economic sacrifices that they made and receiving something like $600 month pay last season? Papito, Joseph Toal, Carlos Garay,etc. A lot of the guys should be pissed off. It was a terrible way to handle things. That is just my opinion.
I love Alex, I love Mime. Don't get me started on Saito. I'm not saying that he can't play. I'm just saying he's NOT as good as he THINKS he is. Or the Islanders managment would have you believe. Maybe this season he will show us something more.

It helps a lot when your Daddy is a Vice President of the club. And that just pisses off people even more. If anything, they should be harder on him to avoid making it look like business as usual. El que tiene padrino se bautiza (figurative English translation: "it helps to be connected").

By the way, I heard that Bezares is better than Memendi. Didin't he start all of the the Gold Cup/Digicel games last November with the National team? What do YOU think?

Sorry rican! I forgot Alejandro... duh... ya he is in...

Bezares started 2 of 3 at Digicel.

The competition allowed only 18 players, so only two GKs could be kept. One was Memendi and the other a GK from Quintana IIRC.

Incredibly, it was Memendi left out and speculation was the Quintana keeper was a coach's homey (GK played fo him locally) or something. Oh shucks...

what happened to Carlos Garay ?

what happened to Carlos Garay ?

Well here is what is being said about Garay:

The team called (late) to have him come out to tryouts...

... but...

he already decided to move to the States and now holds a standard day job. You know, real life stuff...

So I'm told.

Thanks for the scoop! Carlos was a good kid and he worked hard. Since he has connections in our area and with the Kickers, a lot of us were pulling for him. Plus his parents seemed really nice as hell when I had the pleasure to meet them.

Sidenote: I will be curious to see if he ever returns to the Island play for Puerto Rico. With his VCU education, strong family and good work ethic, he should land a great job that will hopefully allow him time of in the years to come to go train and represent the country in internationl play in the future.

Con~o... "They called him late..."

Last year’s leading scoring Mauricio Salles is playing in Jamaica’s league and will join the club next month.


That from a new Islander's article on their website. Just updating whats up with the islanders y'all!

Salles already here...
I saw him saturday in Soccer Day

Dan Kennedy sat on the bench for Metrostars this weekend. Uelstchey is listed on their roster too. But neither has been announced as signed. Their #1 Jonny Walker is out injured for a little while. Maybe they'll sign and loan a GK to Puerto Rico? They're a natural fit for a working relationship. There's rumors LA Galaxy are going to sign Josh Saunders from Portland and loan him back to Portland. So maybe something like that will happen here?

Well, probably.

Chances are one stays with the MetroSexuals >D

And the other comes down here.

BTW swed, those Galaxy let us have McAthy this year...

Although I saw an article on the Islanders website said that, I don't think it's accurate. The Galaxy drafted McAthy, but there was never anything said about signing him - he's probably owned entirely by the Islanders, and is a great pickup. With Woolfolk and McAthy, the team's attack looks to be much improved this year - I just hope there's room for some Puerto Ricans to get playing time...

GOOD!!! I freaking LOVE that Brasileiro!
Not only is he a good player, but he's smart. Look at the way he embraced the fans. That dude ran around with the Puerto Rican flag more than a lot of the Boricuas (slang for Puerto Rican).

Even after the diappointing loss in Richmond. He came out over to greet the Barra. The only other guy from the team who did was Carlos Garay and that's because he had a lot of friends and family there after playing for Virginia Commonwealth University and the Richmond Kickers PDL.
Salles is a FAN FAVORITE.

Thanks Swedcrip! Appreciate the info.
Nothing would make me happier than to have the Metros sign Mikey U and loan him back to us. The fans really took a liking to him. I know that I did.

Same thing goes for JASON HERNANDEZ. If they aren't going to actually use him, loan him to the Islanders. The more Puerto Ricans that the team can actually give playing time, the better. It will help ease the fact that so many got Boricuas got cut after last season. It would help ease the wounds a bit. He's a good player. Obviously, I want to see him play in MLS. But it would be a good fit if they aren't going to use him very much.

Well, if we are going to get one, I would prefer MIKEY U...

Especially after some of you guys saying that Kennedy didn't show to much when he was down there.

ChrisE:

For Puerto Ricans to get playing time, they'd have to improve not only their skills, but most of all their ATTITUDE.

Here is a motivation for them to train harder, play harder, get better...

They don't do it. I can hear their cynical comments in the stadium/fields, I constantly talk to soccer people (coaches, "apoderados", fed guys) down here, I watch Mayor games (Ex.: coach is furious cause players are sleepwalking!)...

There is this kid Mollito. Great attacker, raw talent BUT everybody in the know agrees he doesn't work hard as he should. Shame. He could be da bomb. He may still be called into the PRI roster later. Maybe he can wake up.

They don't have the right attitude EXCEPT for Mime, Alexis (both with the team go figure), Memendi, Papito and the new kid in azul Eloy Ramos who I saw in Liga Mayor. At most 2-3 more.

Here's the thing: Yeah, Saito (who can play, OK?) is son of an investor and Mourelo is dating the daughter of another investor IIRC (whatever). Yadda yadda yadda. BUT YOU CANNOT KEEP WHINING ABOUT IT WHEN THEY ONLY COVER 2 ROSTER SPOTS!!! PLAYERS ARE LIKE OH SAITO AND MOURELO ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY HOMEYS AND WE WILL NOT GET FAIR TREATMENT BOO-HOOOO... F*** ISLANDERS THEY ARE THIS PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB. BOO HOO IT'S NOT FAIR!!!

THAT WILL NOT GET THEM IN. PLAY YOUR F**** A*** OFF AND LET CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY. IF THE ISLES WON'T SIGN YA MAYBE ANOTHER USL TEAM. HELLO??

So..I see Kennedy and Ueltschey on the Metrostars rooster.

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/players/roster.jsp?club=met

Is that loan thing possible?

He's only there as a temporary fix. Walker will be back in another week or two and then Wells will be our back-up.

We've had a bunch of quality keepers in camp but none stayed on the squad. Possibly this is our cheap solution to a third string keeper but I rather doubt it. The Metros have never had more then two keepers and when one go's down we usually dip into the A-League for a back up. We used to use Andracki from Rochester a lot back in the day and I believe Paul Grafer jumped from the Rough Riders before eventually signing on with the Metro.

Honestly...I wouldn't look much into it. He might see some time if Wells go's down with a freak injury...otherwise I don't see much playing time comming his way. Hope he enjoys Jersey though.

Islander J, first things first: you know that you are my "Pana". I count on you guys that actually live down on the island to educate me. You can see everything first hand and can give us all an insider's few on what's going on with Puerto Rican soccer better than I ever could. And I am always grateful to hear what you and our other brothers who live down there think.

But having said that, I have some observations and questions. I want to make it crystal clear. It's nothing personal with you or anyone else who may disagree:


Ok. No doubt that that there is a lot off truth to what you say. But do you mean to tell me that some of the guys from last year like Carlos Garay and Joseph Toal didn't work hard? That they didn't have the right attitude? Memendi and Papito were also forced to "try out" again. Are you saying that in the whole of the Ligas Mayor, Premier, Oeste, the universities, etc. that there are only maybe 2-3 more Boricuas good enough that have the skills, attitude and good work ethic to play with the club? I'm not saying that you are wrong 'Mano. I'm just saying that I HOPE that you are NOT RIGHT. Because that would be a very sorry state for a country that loves sports so much to find itself in.

I never said Saito "can't play". I said that Saito "isn't as good as he THINKS that he is or Islanders management would lead you to believe".
Besides, he comes off like an arrogant little pendejo (NOW THAT WAS "PERSONAL". BECAUSE I AM SPEAKING FROM MY OWN, PERSONAL EXPERIENCE--WHEN IT'S "PERSONAL", I WILL ALWAYS MAKE IT CLEAR SO THERE ARE NO DOUBTS). So it's good to know that el principito (little prince) can play. Because he's taking up a roster spot. And he behaves like he thinks that he is "God's gift" to Puerto Rican Futbol.

You are dead on. WHINING DOESN'T GET YOU ANYWHERE. Those are only two spots. That means that there are others to be won. But the Islanders are like an F****ing country club in a lot of ways. Don't you think that Islanders' management has played a huge role in creating the perception that local players can't get a fair shot? Like someone posted in el foro (message board) on the clubs website last month, players do get discouraged when they don't feel that they have even a fighting chance to be seriously considered to make the club. And we've seen that making the club and working hard just isn't enough. That is still get down to having a padrino (godfather).

So the bitterness, while NOT PRODUCTIVE is very understandable. Working hard has proven to not be enough. Carlos G, Toal, Memendi, Papito and some others worked there @sses off last season when they had the chance and they got treated like hijastros (stepchildren) when it was all said and done. Those chips fell: It showed that dedication and hard work isn't always enough for Islanders' management.

What players need to do is use the anger as MOTIVATION and not just as an EXCUSE. Saying "F**** the Islanders", while being justified in some cases is all too EASY and it's not enough. They should say "F**** the Islanders--WORK REALLY HARD TO IMPROVE and then I'm going to SHOW THEM"!

They need to train hard. So that they can get better. to make it HARDER for the Islanders to JUSTIFY the COUNTRY CLUB with the public. They need to TRAIN HARDER because if RIVERPR does ever actually become a reality, the need to be PREPARED. They need to make the most of the time that they have. Then they will better put themselves into a position to find VINDICATION after proving that they are good enough to make a USL club. Like they say, "SUCCESS IS SWEETEST FORM OF REVENGE".
THEY NEED TO WORK HARDER TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR THE CLUB'S MANAGEMENT TO DISMISS THEM SO EASILY.

But let's be serious. If RiverPR doesn't materialize then the chances of guys down on the Island getting picked up by a USL club or any other club are slim and none. Because no one is scouting for soccer talent down there.

Much Respect Islander J. I understand what you are saying. But I can also see the other side.

Woah! Settle down people! YOu guys are dropping F-bombs like the invasion of Bahgdad. I don't know about the whole country club aspect of things but you need to consider this about local talent. People have jobs and lives and I am sure whatever they are offering local players is not enough to justify going through practice day in day out. What matters is the shot at the bigtime, MLS, and that is by showing what you can do in USL's top division. Now as for talent on the island and local players there is definitely talent but sticking with a strict regiment of practice and running is not every local's idea of fun. I have played against players that are perfect athletes and have the size to compete in any league of the world with plenty of talent to boot. These same players will play 90 minutes of solid games and then walk off the field smoking a cigarette and later hitting the bars for a Cuba Libre. Then there are the potheads that think they are being Jamaican. Its really like highschool athletes from the 70's that would do drugs and then play crazy during a game. Not everyone uses drugs obviously but what I'm saying is you have to be militant about playing for a pro club. You can't take your shot at the bigtime and have fun on the side at the same time. You have to stay focused and really work your *** off, who knows what personal problems certain players have, if they don't take it seriously 100% of the time they will never get farther than they already are.


Cheers, have a brew on me!

Hey, we were showing some restraint. We used the estrellitas (********).

You're right. Grass, Marlboros, Rum&Coke, and football don't mix too well...

You have to be disciplined and focused if you want to make it.

So I appreciate the responses, but I really don't care all that much for club politics. I was hoping y'all could answer a couple of questions for me -

1. Who's Saito? Is that a nickname, because I can't match him to anybody who played for the team last year, or is he a newcomer?

2. What's the projected lineup look like? Based on the information in this thread, I'd guess something like:

----------Bezares-----------
-Alexis-Velez--Gores--Zuleta
-----------Mime-------------
---Maliza-------Juninho-----
-Salles---McAthy---Woolfolk

But this is going off some very minimal knowledge of the team.

3. Has the Islanders team had any effect on the Puerto Rico national team to this point, other than recruiting Gores into the side?

Chris E.

Our discussion about the club politics and state of Puerto Rican football was going to take place anyways. It's a recurring theme. Just some "family bizness" that we Islanders and Puerto Rico fans go through. Just check out our message board sometime. It's pretty much par for the course...

Oh I understand, I wasn't complaining at all. Really just trying to get a couple of answers to some stuff I was interested in.

1. Saito = Isaac Nieves, played last year

2. I dont know about having 3 fwds and I think Alejandro Gonzalez should be regular, playin midfield. Defense is like u said. Theres a new rumor about Ueltschey (GK) coming to the island on the 14th april.

3. Effect on Nat. team? Im not an expert on PR soccer history, but maybe the Islanders helped revive (is that a word?) the futbol passion and boosted more interest for the national team.


Thanks 4 the interest in our team, guess u got to know the enemy!

Chris E.
The stupid computer froze when I was just about to submit my post with the answers to your questions. I freakin' lost everything. Then I had to call down to Puerto Rico and holler at MIGHTYMOUSE for a few minutes. OK.

1. See the official Saito bio. Here is the link:
http://www.islandersfc.org/Isaac%20Nieves.htm

I have no comments regarding the validity of the statements found there. Sorry but there is currently no picture active.


2. Potential Lineup:

------------?-------------
---------GORES------------
MIME--------------VELEZ---
---------ZULETA-----------
--MALIZA----------ALEXIS--
---------GONZALEZ---------
-----SALLES----MCATHY-----


"?" Not a good thing. Could be Bezares. Could be Memendi if he decides to come back. Could even be Kennedy even though he reportedly was less than impressive when he was down on the island. Who ever it is knows that the job is Mickey U's if he gets cut or loaned back by the Metros. Let's just say that a lot of fans are worried about it. I'm sorry to hear that he's not going to make it with the Metros becuase I want Mikey U to make it in MLS. But with Jonny Walker and Zach Wells ahead of him, Mikey U won't get a real shot with the Metros barring other Metro injuries. I'm glad that my man Pr'rican said that he will be coming back. "Bad" for him. Good for us.


3. I think that it is hard to say what effect the Islanders have had on the National Team. I think their existence convinced Marco Velez to commit sooner.

Last November, the National team featured ten Islanders players from last season. Most of those guys are now gone. It is still too early to early to know. The team was captined by Vitor Barros who was fired after a month and a half of coaching the Islanders in their inaugural A-League season last year. Keep in mind that the Federation President, Joe Serralta is also an Islanders official.

Time will tell. In my opinion, I would say that without the Islanders experience the team wouldn't have gotten the tie against Surinam in in Qualifying last year.

Like my Man, Pr'rican stated: We really appreciate your interest in our club. The fact that you would take the time to even bother to think about the lineup, let alone break it down is really impressive. You did a great job. You get mad props! Maybe we will give you some sort of special official sounding title or something...

Much Respect.

IMHO, eventually Memendi will be called up... if he accepts BTW. Think you need 3 GKs on a roster to always guarantee a back-up on every match.

Maybe Toal too... if he is not p****d at what was done to him.

The attitude thing: I was referring more to those players on the outside looking in. Yeah, Toal, Garay, Memendi DO have a reason to be upset.

(Then again only Memendi of those 3 showed enough results IMHO... Garay no goals and few starts... Toal 2-3 games and one bad ejection I remember very well...)

(Then again 2: Saito was just OK in a few games and Mourelo no goals not much... hey, why not put 'em as scouts then???)

Now, explain Eloy Ramos... no "Godfather", just speed, spark, and kick... and cajones. He got in. So... "Country Club" or not, it's the talent and energy that made it for him... for now at least...

Yankiboy, no problem. We cool. We cool. Your opinions are fine.

A little news from your keeper Kennedy at the link below..see league news.

http://www.e10undergound.com/wst_page4.html

Thanks 4 the link jred....

shortcut to the article:
http://bigapplesoccer.com/article.php?article_id=2190

Copy/Paste of part:

Kennedy, 22, was drafted by expansion C.D. Chivas USA in the fourth round of the supplemental draft (38th overall), but he said he opted out of his contract with the club. He plans to play with the Puerto Rico Islanders (USL First Division).

"As a player you evaluate the situation on where you feel like you're going to develop the most," Kennedy said. "For me it was a bad situation. Here, I feel like it's an excellent situation. They've had some goalkeepers that had some injuries. That's part of the sport. Once the goalkeepers get healthy again, I'll go back to (the Islanders). We'll go our separate ways. Hopefully I'll come back again."

Kennedy had been training with the Islanders in Puerto Rico and plans to return there on April 13 for their April 28 season opener.

Great responses guys - pr'rican, don't know what you're talking about with the enemy. I'm not a fan of any particular A-league team (living nowhere near a market), but I think the Islanders are definitely one of the most interesting and promising clubs in the league (from a style standpoint, from a fanbase standpoint, from potential to be successful, etc.)...unless you were talking about the national team, in which case, no offense, but I don't think Puerto Rico qualifies as an enemy of the USNMT just yet.

As for the lineups, thanks for the more accurate descriptions. If y'all are really signing Woolfolk, I'd be really surprised if he doesn't start for this team - it's always harder to find talented attackers than defenders, and Corey scored a bunch of goals for Rochester last year. Do you think there's any possibility of Salles being moved to the midfield? Yanki - the lineup you posted is just 10 players, so it would easy to just move Salles in there.

What's the deal with the Chileno Gonzalez? Where'd he come from, why are you so impressed with him? He's an attacking midfielder I gather?

I don't really think that the GK situation is that much to worry about, Y. The team didn't find Ueltschey until midway through last year and, while I'm sure he's good, there's countless talented goalkeepers in America. If he doesn't get loaned back, and the Puerto Ricans aren't ready, the team can just go looking for a guy who didn't make an MLS roster (Taly Goode, Clint Baumstark, and Jorge Geddes got cut between 2004 and 2005). I've gotta disagree about Ueltschey returning being "bad" for him - GK's need playing time to mature, and the USL is the best place to get it right now - currently, five MLS goalkeepers spent significant time in the A-league before moving up.

As for the NT - what happens to the guys who left the team between last year and 2005? Do they end up playing in the local Puerto Rican league, or dropping out altogether? If so, how are they doing - are they any better than before joining the Islanders?

Chris E:

Thanks for letting me know that I failed to do a lineup of 11 guys. Like I said, I had to type the stupid thing twice because of the @!@# computer freezing. I forgot Juninho!


2. (Revised) Potential Lineup:

------------?-------------
---------GORES------------
MIME--------------VELEZ---
---------ZULETA-----------
-MALIZA--Juninho--ALEXIS--
---------GONZALEZ---------
-----SALLES----MCATHY-----

I don't know why but I think that Mcathy might get to start over Woolfolk. I gues because he was getting more press in the preseason. I think Woolfolk will come off the bench with JP Irrera. The only reason that I think that JP will not be starting at the beginning of the year is because my man has to finish his exams so tht he can get his paper (diploma) before he will get down to join the team. When we corresponded he told me that he was trying to push his exams up with his professors so that he could complete his coursework and hopefully get down to PR by opening weekend against the Impact. It is very ambitious but he is a very determined guy. So it's not impossible. It's just going to be really, really hard. He's got more to take care of than just the coursework. There's the whole logistical thing. Anways, we'll see what happens...

I don't know how that found out about the Chileno Gonzalez. I have no clue. Keep in mind that I haven't seen anyone of the team play this preseason since I don't live down there. Gonzalez played in the Chilean Primera with a club called Palestino. I don't know jack after that. My Chilean friends haven't been able to tell me anything. I'm not saying that he's not a good player. I'm just saying that no one that I know who follows Chilean futbol can he even say that they know who the heck he is. But I can live with that. Because before last season, we didn't know who Salles or Juninho were either. So who know?

You are right. Keeper's really do need to play in order to stay sharp. I'm trying to verify if Mikey U may be assigned to the Metro Reserve squad. That may be a possibility.

For the guys who got dropped from last season:

1.Carlos Garay has returned to the states (probaly his homestate of VA but I don't really know). Info courtesy of IslanderJ.

2.Memendi is playing with Fraigcomar.

3. Hector "Papito" Rivera has formed a soccer club that has the mission or reaching out to underprivelaged kids, trying to give them a love of the game called "Sport Latin".

Someone please chime in about other guys who have returned to play in the Mayor, Premier, Oeste, etc.

Toal is also with Fraigcomar. The coach of Fraigcomar: Vitor Hugo Barros... remember him??

Good to know that Kennedy is pretty much assured. Now, about only having 16 players so far... that is NOT good. Get some fillers at least...

Heck try getting Jason Hernandez loaned...

Have you guys ever coached a team? Talent doesn't always make the best player. A team needs to work together, bad attitudes, laziness, and cry babies are contagious.

Look at Real Madrid too many premadonnas that don't want to play thier role and the team suffers.

When one player gets lazy then other players decide they can be lazy too and the team suffers.The coach has to let these players go.

The coach is sending a message that everybody's job is up for sale. The players that want the position will earn it the players who want a position given to them need to go the hell home.

Where your from matters on a national team beyond that putting the best team on the pitch is number one.

The Puerto Rican players should work thier butts off for the team because it has the PR name. If all they want to do is party, show off, or run thier mouths leave them on the island and bring the best team you can get to represent.

As a fan you want the best team remember your coach wants the same thing.

Skee Flea:

We appreciate the comments but in my opinion, what has taken place with our club is not as simple as that.

A good example would be Carlos Garay. Ex VCU, Ex Richmond Kickers PDL. That guy has a great attitude and an excellent work ethic. He never would have made it after playing so many years of high class club soccer, VCU and during his brief time with your fine organization. I saw the reception that he got last year during his "Richmond Homecoming". A lot of people were thrilled to see him. Not just family and friends but folks from the Kickers organization.

Yet Carlos appears to have been screwed royaly by our club's management.

So it's not just as simple as "sending a message".
It goes deeper than that.
Much Respect.

When you say that you think Memendi showed enough
results, do you mean he did well in practice? How many games did he actually make it into? I didn't remember him getting any real playing time.
I would explain it like this: A good young talent with the skills and attitude that made it hard to deny him an opportunity. I am very happy to hear about him. You have to keep us updated as to his progress.

Yankiboy, you don't remember Memendi had 4-5 starts? First game was a shotout for him BTW. I was there watching.

Garay: from what I understand it was more lackadaisical management letting him go... they called him, yes... too late...

Oh, and Yankiboy: why did Eloy Ramos make it and not other local players? DUH.

Eloy never cried because two players have "padrinos", therefore proving my point about attitude.

Gimme 5 Boricua guys like that and I'll give you 5 more Puerto Ricans on the roster... OK, 4, Garay won't come back... still...

Yeah. Attitude is crucial. Great skills+Bad attitude=Bad situation. I'm excited about Eloy.

Honestly, I forgot about Mememdi playing in the 4-5 games. The beginning of last season seems like such a blur. Especially with me living so far away and following and having to follow the club via internet. I still would feel better if Vitor Barros has used him more in the Digicel/Gold Cup games.

Whoever our keeper is--just like with any keeper, he needs to play well.

Vitor was not the main coach. Memendi was left out of Digicel when PR found out the roster was 18 and not 23.

Bro. Are you sure that Vitor was not the main coach? All the press that I read said that he was and one of the players on the team gave me the impression that he was.

Nope I think it was Oscar Rosa of Quintana IIRC, unless they were doing a duo...

BTW IIRC this MIGHT be our roster:

GK:
Kennedy
Bezares

DEF:
Alexis
Gores
Zuleta
Velez
Mourelo
Pablo... something...??

DEF/M:
Mime

M:
Juninho
Gonzalez
Maliza
J.P. Irrera
Saito
Eloy

F:
McAthy
Bardales
Mauricio
Woolfolk

2 GK, 6 DEF (too low, even with Mime as the DEF/M) 6 MidF (1 more needed) and 4 forwards, and the aforementioned D/M.

That's a just enough roster. We cannot have injuries. Yes, Garay (M) and Memendi (GK) should be there but are not. That would have given us 3-7-7-4 if Mime is counted as a Def.

Well, that's what it is so... let's get it on. Who knows? We do have quality players...

Two weeks and counting. Gotta get ready. We will be better than last year. You're right. We definitely do have a better roster...

Ok. So the team took Dan Kennedy and Rene Berzales to Aruba for the friendlies with the Aruban national champion and runner ups.

So they are both in. So now we go forward. We know where we stand.


http://www.islandersfc.org/prensa_2005.htm#abril13a

And while they took only 15 to Aruba, Zuleta IIRC is injured and um there is this cost control thingie, so Eloy, the Pablo dude I can't still identify, and youth Irrera stay in PR. But I believe those are in the mix.

I think that JP Irrera is in Columbia, Missouri preparing for his university final exams.

Official roster:

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/97274.html

That's 17... hmmm, should go up later in the season. I don't think Woolfolk, Gonzalez, McAthy... came cheap. That could explain the REALLY short roster.

I understand the other 2 I mentioned could be inserted into the lineup later in the year.

Oh well, let the 29 come...

Acabado de recibir:

Jonathan Lopuski
Mas Info

One more player is coming... I cannot say it, tho...

So you have the 411 (the info) and you aren't allowed to share it, huh?
Ok. We will just have to wait to see who it is.

Besides Lopesky?

Who? They got Alcerro again? The fans have been calling for him.

That's who I was thinking.
I'll believe it when I see it. I'll be even more surpised if he makes it to the end of the season...

Alcerro....I hope

I know hes on the Island and hes going as a fan/spectator 2day vs Rochester.

Yanki and Pr'rican, check out my late nite post at "Hinchas autoconvocados" forum.

Sorry Pr'rican, I think I credited Islander J. with your comment about Alcerro being on the isle.

My bad.

No problem, im glad that you spoke with him and the things he said.
BTW...over in HIA I am M12-B

Petter Villagas-Espana ????

Aparece como sustituto en las estadisticas de 5/13 vs Rochester.

No recuerdo verlo entrar....#15...27 minutos

Estadisticas aqui

I followed Petter Villegas' career for years. First when he was with Metrostars and then with my beloved DC United. I also tried to follow him when he left MLS and played back in his native Ecuador, most recently with defending Ecuadoran league champs Cuenca.

I am very excited that he has just joined the Islanders.

For those interested, you can check out my post on the other website "Hinchas Autoconvocados"...

Si, Pr'rican...el 15, uno bajito prieto que tenia como dos trencitas en el pelo. Pero que yo recuerde no entro a los 27... entro en la segunda mitad quizas faltando 27 min. Yo me estaba preguntando quien rayos seria.

Sin querer ser presenta'o, pero ¿por que un nombre diferente en cada foro? ¿Y que significa M12-B?

It was Villegas I knew they would sign. That was my secret info

He had been to the Impact games, actually. The Isles and Villegas were in talks at the time.

When the Rochester radio guys saw Villegas joined the Islanders they were like wow! You guys have a great player there! Maybe they know the dude can bring it.

We'll see... my guess is he starts today.

jejeje....lo que trate de decir fue que jugo 27 minutos en la segunda mitad :rolleyes:

Lo del nombre en HIA, lo que pasa es que alla casi todos somos "pr'ricans"
Cuando me inscribi decia que habian 11 miembros, y me puse M12-B, significa Miembro #12 de Bayamon.

Jajaja...que loco!!! Si chico, me di cuenta despues de postear, de lo que querias decir...cuando entre al link de los "stats" del juego.

'ta creativo el nombre. Suena como algo de ciencia ficcion, Star Wars o Startrek. Espero acordarme que eres tu en cada foro.

Idea...voy a asignarme estas ecuaciones mentales Pr'rican=Superman y M12-B=Clark Kent pa' acordarme que son una sola persona.

Yo tambien soy del Chicharron, natural de, nacido y criado y vivo en Sierra B.

Ya ahorita nos van a botar de aqui como bolsa por estar escribiendo en español.

Nos vemos en HIA y en el Loubriel mas tarde cuando estemos gritando los goles.

superman y clark kent, ya no se te olvida jejjeje

Versalles aqui.