Last week you got to read a preview of some of the debates one is likely to see once the U.S. Open Cup kicks off later this year. One thing that was distinctly mentioned, though, were players and if they can live up to expectations. In the upcoming season there will be many notable players and in this week's column I'd like to take some time to spotlight some guys from around the league that you might just want to keep your eye on.
Atlanta Silverbacks
John Barry Nusum: most people already know about Jamel Mitchell and Iggy Moleka but this rookie out of Furman University could move right into the 'Backs starting line-up, seriously.
Alan Woods: the former Charleston Battery and New England Revolution defender should be rock solid for Atlanta and he's one of the harder workers when he's on the field.
Calgary Storm
Lars Hirschfeld: starred in Canada's run in the Gold Cup and has been courting offers from Europe. If he does stay in the Calgary fold it could be tough going for their opponents. Right now, signs point to his being signed in England, though.
Charleston Battery
Eric Wynalda: well, he's Wynalda and just watching for his reactions alone will be interesting. Will he be the man on a mission to show he's got more left in the tank or will he tank knowing that he's getting more? I'm betting he'll do more than enough to prove his worth to the Battery faithful.
Morgan Zeba: supposedly has a temper that can get him in trouble. Uh-oh, remember John Ball? Well, so far things seem safe for the Swede but he will be another fun one to watch in Battery-land.
Terry Phelan: the former Irish international will look to extend his career and trophy cabinet with his stay in Charleston and his speed on the left side of defense for the Battery could prove deadly for other teams. The bottom line on Phelan is that he is still a joy to watch despite his age.
Charlotte Eagles
Dustin Swinehart: this is a no-brainer. When he's on the ball just sit back and enjoy… or be terrified if you're an opposing fan or defender.
Carlos Calderson: has shown well in pre-season and is another player that could scare opposing defenses.
Caleb Norkus: versatile player who seems to have added more size and a bit more speed to his game. When given the chance he can be dangerous.
Cincinnati Riverhawks
Simon Lowey: the skillful midfielder will be one of the main cogs if the Riverhawks are to pick themselves up out of their doldrums. It will take discipline and skillful displays but this man is capable of both on occasion.
Ryan Lucas: going out on a limb but Lucas has the appearance of possibly having a breakout year especially if Lowey plays up to potential and creates chances for the forwards. This could be the man from Barbados' chance to make an even bigger name for himself.
El Paso Patriots
Jose Lomeli: he could impress on a squad of largely unknown players for the Pats this season.
Hampton Roads
Kevin Knott: was an up and coming player last season and should continue to raise his game. The Mariners will need him to have a good season.
Darren Warham: another defender who is versatile enough to play in midfield if absolutely necessary. He's also a man on a mission after an ugly departure from Charleston after last season.
Indiana Blast
Dustin Ottesen: for lack of further player signings this midfielder could have a decent year for the Blast provided he has someone, anyone, around him.
Milwaukee Rampage
John Wolyniec: this hitman makes his return to what will likely be a full A-League slate this year after his journeys with the Chicago Fire last season. He could threaten to be near the top among goal scorers if he gets good service from the Ramps midfield.
Dan Popik: the Milwaukee goalkeeper has a knack for making the plays when they are most needed. I think the Rampage will need him to be very sharp this year if they are to go anywhere.
Minnesota Thunder
Mark Schulte: could become one of the league's elite defenders this year and likely should.
John Menyongar: the explosive Liberian should have more time to settle back into his 2000 form this year since he likely won't spend as much time flying to his home country and back. If he gets back to his old form, watch out.
Jakob Fenger: one of the most explosive players in the league last season with Nashville gets his shot with Minnesota. It should be fun, if nothing else, finding out if he can perform for a possible contender.
Montreal Impact
*Eduardo Sebrango: the biggest interest in the possible signing of Sebrango comes due to his previous experience under Lilley. With so little news coming out of the Impact camp until the last day or so I think we'll see a lot of shuffling but at the end of it all Sebrango could be one of the more entertaining players to watch in Montreal.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Jeff Houser: this forward surprised many with an excellent season in Nashville last year and he will look to surprise once again by breaking into the 'Hounds starting line-up.
Henry Gutierrez: is one of those 'MLS Castoffs' from two years ago who still has his skills when he wants to show them off. For the fans in Pittsburgh let's hope he shows some of those brilliant flashes from his previous years.
Portland Timbers
Mckinley Tennyson: the former UCLA Bruin was highly touted going into the draft a couple of years ago and now he finally has the chance to wow the domestic crowd after a stint in Sweden.
Matt Napoleon: once considered one of the best young 'keepers in the U.S. his star seemed to fall while sitting behind Mark Dougherty in Columbus. He had a very solid year with the Timbers last season and will look to improve upon it.
Fadi Afash: mentioned last week as a player to watch who is making the jump from the D3. The man can score but how regularly against A-League defenses?
Richmond Kickers
Marco Ferruzzi: a classy midfielder with some bite to his game, Ferruzzi, will do well to lead one of the more solid, top to bottom, teams in the league.
Chris Fox: coming off of an injury that cost him his season, Fox, will be looking to show that he is the classiest defender in the league. Don't bet against him doing it either.
Mike Burke: plays like a mosquito darting quickly all over the place and stinging you when you aren't paying attention. Burke has always been fun to watch.
Rochester Rhinos
Greg Simmonds: this former Fusion and Wildcats player will look to settle into a Rochester side that is simply loaded.
Craig Demmin: this dynamic defender returns to the site of his past success where he can easily help ensure that the Rhinos contend once again.
Lenin Steenkamp: this man turned down the Metrostars in order to keep his position (and paycheck) with the Rhinos. The payoff for the fans will be watching the guy play yet another season in the confines of Frontier Field.
Seattle Sounders
Brian Ching: had some success with the L.A. Galaxy last year in a part-time role and will look to have an even better year with the Sounders. After playing with Spokane in the PDL there should be some familiarity for the forward.
Darren Sawatzky: will be interesting to watch this guy if for not other reason than watching him go against the Timbers a few times.
Toronto Lynx
Robbie Aristodemo: he was last year's rookie of the year and he could be poised for even better things especially with a threat like Darren Tilley up front for the Lynx.
Darren Tilley: a lot like Charleston's Paul Conway in many respects, this man just continues to score. His presence should help solve some of Toronto's scoring woes from last season.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Jason Jordan: the forward was courted early in the pre-season by the Colorado Rapids but was returned to the Whitecaps. Now he'll look to show MLS what it missed out on.
John Sulentic: expect another solid year from Sulentic but keep an eye because I have a hunch this could be one of his better years with enough playing time.
So that's the look at several players that the fans and media may want to keep an eye on as we head into the opening of the 2002 A-League season. Some may disappoint, some may live up to billing, and then there are likely several players who will come from out of nowhere to surprise everybody. Surely there are some players that might have deserved stronger consideration for this list but we'll just have to see who makes the cut and who does not. Next week you'll want to be on the lookout for a season preview from yours truly… if you're good.
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