Hello.
Just got back from the 6v6 intrasquad match where I got to see some familiar faces, some new faces and a couple of surprises, one of great interest.
I ain't no match reporter (too busy enjoying the game) but the score was Blue team over White team, 5-3.
On the Blue team: Mike Madigan, Dustin Branan, Chris Vorenkamp, Chris Brunt, Jay Albert, Greg Wheaton, Amos Magee, Zafer Kilickan, Aaron Paye, Craig Miller
On the White team: Joe Warren, Nate Knox, Mike Wilson, Kevin Friedland, Marco Ferruzzi, Evan Richardson, Juan Ramon Solis, Eric Pankoke, Godfrey Tenoff, Melvin Tarley
Obviously, indoor soccer tends to make keepers look more vulnerable than they really are. So given that, both Warren and Madigan looked pretty good. Once again Madigan started out looking a bit unsure of himself, letting in two quick goals. But he settled down after that and wound up making some very good saves.
Dustin continues to look very solid on defense. He seems to be approaching this season with the self-assurance of a veteran.
Chris Vorenkamp is definitely one of the revelations of the preseason. He has added some impressive dribbling skills to his hard-nosed defensive play.
Chris Brunt also continues to impress. He promises to add even more toughness to the Thunder back line. There were a few times last year when the Thunder defense had problems with the kind of big strong forwards you tend to find in the East. It's beginning to look as if it's not going to be a problem this year.
Jay Albert is a new prospect with fairly impressive credentials:
http://yalebulldogs.ocsn.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/alberts_jay00.html http://yalebulldogs.ocsn.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/012004aaa.html His play showed a lot of scrappiness. He's the type of player who relies on dogged effort to get results. A Buzz type of player, for sure.
Greg Wheaton played his usual steady type of game. Nothing spectacular, but always in the right place at the right time.
Amos played exclusively in the first half. It looks like he'll be primarily a coach and also provide fresh attacking legs during the heavier parts of the schedule. I think he'll be the decider in quite a few of the close games the Thunder will face this year.
Zaf and Marco are rounding into shape on schedule. Both scored during the game and looked to be nicely recovered from last season's injuries.
Aaron Paye was very impressive in his second outing with the Thunder. He showed more of the speed and moves he displayed in Madison, plus he was a little stronger on the ball. He had the assist of the night, juggling the ball on his right foot for three taps before flipping the ball to an open man right in front of the goal for the score.
Craig Miller was one of the players who caught my eye at the combine. He showed a lot of straight-ahead speed and hustle this past February, but his shot was a bit off. It wasn't last night. This guy has a foot that might match Schulte's for power.
Nate Knox is getting a thorough looking over by the Thunder staff. Between the combine, Madison, and last night, I think I've seen him play just about every position except goalkeeper. His body type and the way he runs kind of reminds me of Thunder great Gerald Lagos.
I got my first glimpse of our latest signing, Mike Wilson. Mike is another scrapper who seems to play in the direct American style. He pressures well and gives us extra depth in the defensive midfield.
Kevin Friedland continued to show great speed and agressiveness as a wing defender. His energy seems boundless and he promises to provide dangerous penetrations into the offensive end without leaving his fellow defenders exposed.
It was good to see Evan Richardson again. I suspect that this will be a make or break year for him. His competition is fierce this year, but I think his determination will see him through.
Eric Pankoke continues to have a solid preseason. While unspectacular, his play has been solid and he has displayed a great amount of versatility. He may not be a game breaker, but he won't make the mistake that costs you a game, either.
The word to discribe Godfrey Tenoff is smooth. He seems to play the game with deceptive ease. He is crafty and can beat his man with moves that don't seem spectacular until you see the results. I'm really looking forward to seeing him on a full-sized pitch.
Melvin Tarley looks ready to assume the starters role up front this year. He has added some bulk while retaining his speed. He has become much better at holding the ball and is more confidant in his moves. If he can be more direct in his finishing, he could serve as that post-up forward we have lacked since Gerald Lagos retired.
Last, but not least, we might be in the process of pulling off a bit of a coup with Juan Ramon Solis:
http://www.343soccer.com/curriculum_solis.htm http://tools.search.yahoo.com/language/translation/translatedPage.php?tt=url&lp=es_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sanfranciscofc.com%2Fmostrarjugador.php%3Fid%3D4
According to the official website of Panama's soccer federation, he is listed as a current member of Panama's U-20, U-23, and senior national team. He plays economically, getting great results directly and simply. He seemed to fit right in with the team, with little sign of having to adjust to unfamiliar teammates.
Over the last couple of years, Minnesota has been a fast, well-coached, defensive-minded team who could sometimes be muscled and who sometimes got worn down as a team during the heavier parts of the schedule.
If the preseason so far is any indication, we have retained the positive aspects of those past teams while adding size, strength, and much greater depth in talent.
The turnover in personnel has been unusually large, but if the team can develop enough cohesiveness by opening day, we could become as dangerous a team as the 1999 championship edition.
Wondering if it's too late to get us scheduled as a split squad so as to have the opportunity to play ourselves for the championship
, I remain
That little old jersey collector
Me.
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