2012 MLS Combine Days 1 & 2 Recap

by Daniel Robertson on Jan 9, 2012 1:49 PM CST

The MLS combine has been taking place this weekend in Florida and I've compiled a bunch of articles worth reading to educate yourselves on the combine and draft which takes place a little over 72 hours from now.

I got a chance to watch some of the action yesterday and just a few observations from me: Sam Garza has looked great every time I've seen him. Will he be available at #11? Not sure, but if FCD wants to replace Eric Avila, Garza is the closest thing to him they'll find.

I really like what I see out of UNC center back Matt Hedges as a replacement for George John. Hedges doesn't quite have the passing out of the back that John, a converted midfielder, does, but he is every bit as dominant in the air and would slot in well next to Ugo Ihemelu. I highly doubt he would be available at #11 either, but a guy can dream. If teams rate Baptiste and the GA guys higher, there is a possibility.

When looking at the combine reports, notice the reports on guys like Garza, Hedges, Aaron Maund, and some of these other names that Drew mentioned.

First off some video-

All of the MLS "The Daily" videos around the combine have been great. Some really good analysis from the guys on the ground watching the games. Here is a link to the most recent Daily, you will see videos for all the previous ones on the right side. Highly recommended.

Joe Mauceri is a must-read this time of year and he has analysis of the players for both day 1 and day 2

Keep reading

Simon Borg, Travis Clark and Jason Saghini give their winners and losers from day 1 and day 2 of the combine.

You can find a wealth of Combine articles from MLS Soccer by following this link.

The great Kyle McCarthy has his recaps from day 1 and day 2 as well..

And finally...video highlights!

AdiPower 3 AdiPrime 2 (Friday)

AdiZero 0 AdiPure 0 (Friday)

AdiPower 2 AdiZero 1 (Sunday)

AdiPure 4 AdiPrime 2 (Sunday)

Any players caught your eye? Do you want Dallas to target a CB, winger, forward or outside back?

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yesterdays games

Really liked what I saw from Garza and Jean-Baptiste.

I couldn’t really judge his defending, but it looked like Maund’s distribution was great.

Andrew Duran looked pretty good at CB and RB, but it would be a huge overdraft at 11. Also thought Warren Creavalle looked good at RB considering he’s normally a d-mid. But he’d also be an overdraft. Also, don’t need a RB…

I didn’t really see that much from Hedges that impressed me.

As of now, hoping for Garza or Jean-Baptiste.

www.mavsmoneyball.com

by Wes Cox on Jan 9, 2012 2:06 PM CST reply actions

Yeah

Regarding Hedges, he didn’t have a good game yesterday. I believe his four year body of work speaks much higher than a combine. I love his aerial ability and the thought of him pairing with Ugo Ihemelu…and potentially his UNC center back partner Boyd Okwuono…in the future.

Every time I’ve seen Garza I’ve liked him, love the GA side of things. Just not sure if he will go before Dallas or if FCD is even looking offensive in the draft. The fact that no coaches are made available for comment makes it tough to find any insight into their thinking.

Maund was pretty good, I like the no nonsense aspect of his game…defend and get the ball out of danger.

www.bigdsoccer.com
-SB Nation Dallas/Ft. Worth-
-FC Dallas-

by Daniel Robertson on Jan 9, 2012 2:17 PM CST up reply actions

anyone on a GA contract

would be nice, leave us some extra cap space to fill the small gaps we’ve got left.

Amazing how a few signings can make things feel so much better.

by Timothy Winning Voyles on Jan 9, 2012 4:00 PM CST reply actions

Latest MLSSoccer.com mock draft

has Dallas taking either Austin Berry, Greg Jordan, or Casey Townsend.

I think Austin Berry has looked really good, but 11 is too high – especially since either Hedges or Jean-Baptiste could be available [assuming Dallas is thinking CB]. And nothing against Casey Townsend, but that pick wouldn’t make any sense.

MLS mocks are a pretty big waste of time though. Wish the draft would just happen already. I’m ready for soccer.

www.mavsmoneyball.com

by Wes Cox on Jan 9, 2012 10:32 PM CST reply actions

Last year's

mock draft for reference http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011-mls-superdraft-first-round-mock-draft

I haven’t gotten much of a look at Berry. At this point, I just really have no feel where Dallas is going. The team needs depth all over the field, it could be a wait and see thing to simply pick the best available player at #11. See what guy falls into your lap whether it’s Hedges, Garza or whoever…

www.bigdsoccer.com
-SB Nation Dallas/Ft. Worth-
-FC Dallas-

by Daniel Robertson on Jan 10, 2012 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

Just curious

Any idea on if the players are already signed with MLS other than GA players. Or do they have to sign them once they are drafted. If they are not signed how many end up going over to Europe instead of playing here?

by soccerroo on Jan 10, 2012 10:09 AM CST reply actions