FCD Signs John, Waives Four Players
March 3rd, 2009 . 10:28 am . By: Buzz Carrick
FC Dallas made some roster moves yesterday, although all of them are technicalities. First the Red Stripes signed first round draft pick George John, then they waived four players: Jamie Watson, Chase Wileman, Sean Bucknor, and Andrew Daniels. It’s important to remember in this context that FCD had to be roster compliant on Monday, March 2nd. FCD went to Brazil with their 24 man team in tact and roster compliant. George John was FCD’s second first-round pick from this year’s SuperDraft. It was only a matter of time before John was signed and the delay was likely only till his injury cleared up enough for him to pass his physical. Jamie Watson didn’t have his option picked up this winter and FCD has been very clear to call him a trialist all along. However he was part of Hyndman’s 24 man roster that went to Brazil. Yes, FCD is still looking at other players. No, Watson hasn’t signed. But right now Watson is third on the depth chart at striker. Since he is not yet signed and since the roster compliance date passed, Watson had to be waived even though he’s part of the 24 as of now. It remains to be seen of course if Watson does indeed sign and/or if he opts for the Austin Aztex where he might actually make more money and for sure would get more PT. Chase Wileman is another player who’s option wasn’t picked up this winter that was invited back to try out this year. As a lefty he does bring something of interest. Unfortunately for Wileman he injured his knee early this spring and never really got a chance. His waiver comes as no surprise. Given his history with Hyndman, it seem highly likely he’ll get an extended tryout once his knee recovers. Sean Bucknor is the former University of Tampa and Jamaican striker FCD signed as a discovery this spring that didn’t work out. As we reported last week this waiver was coming and is a real cut. Although I for one would like to see him around as a practice player to see how he develops with high level coaching and training. He is in desperate need of games. Andrew Daniels effectively retired this winter. His option wasn’t picked up either and he was invited back, but FCD let him knew they were looking for some center backs and that he would have to come in and compete for a job. Being a graduate of Brown it’s not all shocking that he has moved on from his soccer career. Once he showed no interest in coming back, FCD has been operating under the assumption he was done and this waiver confirms Daniels’ “retirement.” So now the only question that remains is will FCD sign some other player or keep Watson. I still maintain my opinion that due to Peri Marosevic’s inexperience the extra player for FCD, at least early in the year, needs to be a striker. FCD needs another fast forward, but in addition to, not instead of, Watson. They should be dropping one of the five center backs instead. Here’s the FCD PR on the moves… FC DALLAS SIGNS GEORGE JOHN, WAIVES FOURFRISCO, TX (Tuesday, March 3, 2009) – FC Dallas today announced that the team has signed first round draft pick George John to the senior roster. The club also announced that it has waived the rights to Jamie Watson, Sean Bucknor, Chase Wileman and Andrew Daniels. Per league rules, all players that were on the roster in 2008 that are not under contract as of today must be waived. Dallas is now both roster and salary cap compliant, with one less player on the current roster than the league maximum of 24. FCD drafted John with the 14th overall selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The 6-3 defender made 65 appearances during his four-year career at the University of Washington and was named to the First Team All-Pac-10 in 2007 and 2008. Watson made one appearance with FC Dallas during the 2008 season. He will continue his trial with FCD in Curitiba, Brazil, where the team is conducting preseason training at the home of Brazilian partner Clube Atletico Paranaense through March 6. Bucknor was originally signed on January 30, 2009 but did not accompany the team to Brazil. Wileman participated in the first two weeks of this year’s training camp, while Daniels did not attend. Both players were under contract from 2007-2008. FC Dallas will begin the 2009 MLS season on March 21 versus the Chicago Fire at Pizza Hut Park (7:30 p.m. CT). Name: George John 8 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
Judging by the preseason scores it looks like FCD should still be looking for defenders. While playing low level competition they are conceeding 2-3-4 goals in too many matches.
John Cunliffe was released…would he make a better backup forward than Watson?
i think these are good “moves”…i do agree with you, buzz that we should be looking at strikers, as the defense hasn’t had time to gel, while having cunningham at the age he is, and cooper possibly here for another season, add to the attack, not the defense…
Yo, Buzz — you see that Joe Germanese (New England Revolution) was waived today? Any chance FCD makes a move?
I’d love that but I doubt it.
John Cunlife too. I’d take a look at him as well.
One thing about smaller rosters – I can’t remember anticipating the waiver draft quite so keenly in years past.
Thanks!!! Buzz