Exclusive: Hunter Freeman Interview Pt. III
By: Dave Martinez |
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So here we are, the final part of this trilogy. What have I learned so far? Well, Hunter is a straight shooter who isnt shy about giving an opinion - a refreshing change from the cookie cutter responses athletes usually give to dance around questions. I mean, how many times can you hear “Well, I do it for the team” or “The only thing that matters is winning”? Boring.
From Fruit Loops to Bruce Arena, Colorado to New York and back, Hunter has given us, in many respects, an inside view to a world otherwise unknown to us. And that kind of candor, in todays age of sports, is priceless.
Here, we cover the MLS in general, some talk on the impact of international players, and some standard predictions. Have a great read.
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Some MLS Talk
Now, obviously, the play in MLS has looked exponentially better in 2008 . . . what do you credit that to?I think, one, is the development of the league. Players that are coming, the designated players that have been bought in, they have brought more attention to the league and the majority of those guys have performed well. At the same time, that attention that has been brought to the league, you gets guys who arent designated players. They know more and hear more about the league and they see these bigger mae guys coming over, they say hey, you know what? Why don’t I give it a shot. So you see guys like Juan Toja for Dallas, Schelotto, even Dave Van Den Bergh, who has played for huge clubs, he is applying his trade over here now. With Beckham coming to the league, you get huge media, and people paying more attention to it, good bad or indifferent. But anything is good for us now.
And you see alot of younger guys too. Alot of young guys performing well. I think you see guys on the Olympic team and there are some guys that got left out where you would think, why did they get left out? Like a good friend of mine - Arturo Alvarez. Probably one of the best player in the league right now. He got left out, whether right, wrong or indifferent, thats anyones opinion. But that is the kind of competition we have on the Olympic team, and thats the kind of competition thats in the league now. The guys that can perform on the Olympic team can perform well in the league and vice versa. I think anytime you have that competition, its only going to raise the level. And I know from my first year with the league to now, there is much more competition within the league with each individual team. Before it was kind of like you would have maybe 12, 13 guys fighting for a spot. Now, its more like 15, 16 guys, some squads, 18. But when you can start getting into 18 to 20 guys? Thats when you are going to really see competition. Like I said, there are some teams where they have 16-18 guys that can step on a field and play. Thats how far we have gotten.
And though the international players do bring alot of good to the game, the American born players seems to get the short end of the stick with salaries. Its a double edged sword. What are your feelings on that?
I am not really against foreign guys coming in, because every league in the country is like that. But the only thing I see sometimes is the feeling that just because a guy is foreign, they pay them more. Obviously, I dont necessarily agree with that. I mean, there have been cases where a guy has been bought in, and they have performed well, and I would say, “Well yea, they definitely earned.” As a player, I am never going to say “Oh this guy shouldnt be getting that much” because, trust me, if I could sign a contract for that, I would do it too . . .
D: . . . AHEM DENILSON AHEM . . . excuse me . . . sorry . . .
No, I am never going to foul on a guy for making good money. Obviously, thats what we all want to do. But at the same time, I feel there are some guys that have been in the league for a while, and have contributed well, and do represent the American Soccer player, but arent getting maybe what they deserve, or maybe if its a little over what they deserve. Yet they have been in the league and I think thats why this past offseason you saw a lot of guys leave. For example, Pat Noonan, who has been in the league forever, and kind of symbolizes what the league is about, and you let him go. And yea, I know he is probably going for money . . . .
. . . I mean why else would you go?
Ya. And someone like Ngwenya, who has been in the league and had a breakout year and then he leaves.
Matt Pickens . . .
Ya Matt Pickens also. I mean, those guys are still young, you know? They are what? Any where from 25 to 28? I dont really know how old Noonan is, but they still have some longevity in there careers, at least 3-4 years. And for whatever reason, they are let go and I think thats disappointing. But it is what it is and I think it’ll only get better. Its just going to take time.
I think the more the league raises the cap, the more fair salaries would be towards US players
Right. And I think the best thing right now is there is not one owner that has 3-4 teams. I think every team is individually owned except for Houston and Los Angeles.
And even De La Hoya has a stake in Houston now . . .
Ya. Dallas and Colombus are the only teams to be owned by the same owner. I think once every team has its individual owner, maybe we will get away from single entity. That has helped the league be stable and grow. And team expansion coming every year now is a sign that the league is growing. But yet that we are expanding on the quality of players getting better, plus your signing good players, so all of that is a good sign.
Even with the team in San Jose. You have players there on the bench that are capable, ready and able to play on a professional level which is an improvement over the last expansion team with Real Salt Lake.Oh yea, like I said, San Jose, I feel they have a strong 12, 13 guys, and then they lack something. But those 11, 12, 13 players that they are starting their franchise with is alot better than what other expansion teams have started with. And thats a good sign for the league.
Ok finally . . . The Red Bulls will win the MLS CUP if . . .If we get healthy, keep not conceding goals and score a few more.
And you will definitely not with an MLS CUP . . .If we dont score goals.
Hah - straight to the point. Thanks Hunter.
Again, I would like to thank Hunter Freeman for the sit down. We at the Offside wish him alll the best this season.
Danleigh Bormans Celebration and Galaxy Highlights
By: Dave Martinez | Add Comments
First off, good looks to “BriGuy” for this find on the Red Bulls Reader.
You have to love Danes flip into nothingness - but more needs to be shown of that spectacular goal celebration.
Check out the highlights. Leave your comments.
Red Bulls Steal One in LA: 2-1
By: Dave Martinez | 10 Comments
The Red Bulls have never found the ugly win - even when they were known as the Metrostars.
Juan Carlos Osorio is bucking that trend.
Surviving what seemed to be a none stop second half onslaught, the Red Bulls take a crucial victory on the road against the Beckham/Donovan led Galaxy, earning an important three points, and now going undefeated in their last four games.
Altidore started. Angel started. Richards came back for his first start. And Freeman was outstanding. The point? The team is slowly coming back from its early season injury plagues, not withstanding Reyna and Stammler, and are finally starting to show promise.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Though Juan Pablo Angel did find the net as Osorio predicted, and the play of Sassano was adequet in Reyna and Stammlers absence, it was the marking of Jeff Parke that shut down the leagues most celebrated goal scorer in Landon Donovan. The unsung hero continues to quietly lead this defense. Whether asked to play the central in a 3-5-2 or the destroyer piece in a 4-4-2, Jeff Parke has been as dependable as the team could want. Holding Landon down tonight is definitely an early career highlight for their budding defensive leader.
TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH
Dane Richards coasts the wing . . . Juan Pablo clinically schools Cronin. Game over . . .
WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Danleigh Bormans Goal Scoring Celebration - Failed flip. Failed Blanco Pose. Pure Excitement. The best and worst goal celebration ever.
SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Steve Cronin, on the other hand, continues to be a huge weakness for the Galaxys defensive end. Lets face facts - Joe Cannon he is not. And as I said before the game, if Angel and Altidore can find a way of beating Vanney, Franklin and friends, Cronin would be the easy part. A very non inspiring game from their keeper.
All The Bull - Brunner, Stammler, Reyna, Galaxy and more
By: Dave Martinez | 5 Comments
Hey everyone. Its been a busy news day:
+ Eric Brunner, our 2nd round pick and first pick in the 2008 draft, has decided to forgo the meager amount of money that befits a developmental player and will begin exploring options in “USL and Europe” according to his agent (SBI has the scoop). Who can blame the kid? When you are promised something, and more than half of it is being taken away from under your feat, what else are you to do?
What I find interesting in this whole ordeal is this - Osorio has already earned quite the reputation as a defensive teacher and implementor. And somehow, he feels that Andrew Boyens would be a much more fruitful endevour than Brunner. What can it be about Brunners play that has made him this expendable? What makes Boyens a better prospect? (besides a few more inches in height).
Its sad to see a draftee go, but he has left the door open for future negotiations.
+ BAS is reporting that Reyna and Stammler will be no goes for the Galaxy game Saturday night. This is a devastating blow to our winning chances. With a sure bet of a 4-5-1 lineup, who will be our midfield destroyers? Ubi and Van Den Bergh? Throw on top of this storm of maladies the fact that Jozy may be sat due to “fatigue” and you have a concoction for disaster. What once looked like a hopefilled game is turning into a nightmare.
+ The Hunter Freeman interview concludes this weekend, with his thoughts on MLS, player salaries, foreign players and some predictions. Thank you all for your kind words. The interview and response has been a blast.
+ And for my preview of this weeks Galaxy game, check out, as always, ASR (first to break the Brunner story!).
Category: Seth Stammler, +++ MY INFO +++, Sinisa Ubiparapovich, Eric Brunner, All The Bull, BigAppleSoccer.com, Dave Van Den Bergh, SBI Ives Galarcep - http://www.soccerbyives.net, News, Red Bulls, Claudio Reyna, ROLL CALL, +++ daveredbulls@hotmail.com +++, CURRENT ROSTER
Tags: los angeles, california, mls, soccer, futbol, football, CURRENT ROSTER, Red Bulls, News, Claudio Reyna, ROLL CALL, +++ daveredbulls@hotmail.com +++, SBI Ives Galarcep - http:--www.soccerbyives.net, Dave Van Den Bergh, +++ MY INFO +++, Seth Stammler, Sinisa Ubiparapovich, Eric Brunner, BigAppleSoccer.com, All The Bull, Tag IndexMSG Commercial Hyping Beckham and LA
By: Dave Martinez | 2 Comments
This is a cool little spot running on MSG promoting the LA game, featuring Beckovan. Remember, the game is on 10:30pm Saturday, and Running with the Bulls is on at 10. Only on MSG.
Thanks to Iced Media for the hook up.
All The Bull - Andrew Boyens, Jozy Altidore and more
By: Dave Martinez | 16 Comments
Here are some tidbits on the Red Bulls for this week:
+ As many know, the Red Bulls have signed Andrew Boyens, a central defender with Lurch like height, formerly of Toronto FC, to shore up some depth for our back three. Now the early clammoring has been “Why Boyens? Where is Innes? Did we do enough to get Marmol? But Conde wants New York!” And as always, I am here to be the calming voice in the midst of all this ruckus.
Bottom line? If Coach Osorio is able to make people like Kevin Goldthwaite and Chris Leitch shine, where so many thought they were useless players just a season ago, he can turn around a young 6′4″ central defending beast. So before everyone takes their frustrations out on the young Kiwi, lets see him on the field first - then judge.
+ To make room for Boyens, Michael Palacio has been placed on the season ending injury list. Mike, we hardly knew you.
+ And there is even more shockwaves from one bench riding central defender! My boys at American Soccer Reader started a little bit of a storm yesterday. Eric Brunner has been asked to take a massive paycut by the Red Bulls organization - taking him from 36k (44k garunteed) to 17k at best - a developmental deal.
Sources reported Brunners (obvious) dissatisfaction with the decision, and AMR was told that our first rounder would be holding out of training, perhaps going back home to Ohio. BigAppleSoccer straightened out the situation - it turns out Brunner is “exploring all options.” Stating that the paycut would make it impossible to live in the area, Brunner continues to train with the team until a deal can be reached. Once he knows his footing, he will decide whether he will leave MLS all together or trudge on and suck it up.
+ In an insightful piece by “Ivesinho” Galarcep, Coach Osorio is basically saying that the travel, wear and tear of nearly a full year of playing football is starting to get to our young star Jozy Altidore. Mind you, not so much the playing, as the non stop traveling that can way a young kid down. They may actually sit him out for the big Galaxy game this Saturday night.
+ The third part of the Hunter Freeman interview will be out later tonite/early tommorrow morning. Sorry for the delay.
+ Finally, lets not forget that, just over the horizon is the two headed beast of BECKOVAN awaiting us in LA this weekend. Will Parke, Goldie and Leitch be able to hold them back? Can’t wait to find out . . .
EXCLUSIVE: Hunter Freeman Q&A - PT. 2
By: Dave Martinez | 1 Comment
Welcome back.
So while I was conducting this interview, there were kids sitting all around, doing homework, reading, minding their own business, and sporting their local Colleges gear.
The guy pictured here with Freeman? Well, meet Morris.. As I was conducting the interview, Morris was deep into some textbook and papers. And every now and then, I would catch a glance from our next table neighbor. As a Starbucks noob, I immediately thought “Damn, I am disturbing college kids. I read somewhere Starbucks is this generations version of a library . . . ” But I trudged on, conducted the interview, the whole time thinking Morris was furious with our endless chatter.
Turns out he is a Red Bulls fan. And in exchange for taking a couple of pictures for me, I took his. Thanks for doing the photog work for me pal! (didnt I tell you I would post this?)
Part II relates more to Hunter Freemans time in Colorado, 2007 and the transition, followed by his Olympic experience and opinions.
And yes. There will be a part III.
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EXCLUSIVE: Hunter Freeman Q&A - PT. 1
By: Dave Martinez | 9 Comments
Hunter Freeman has been sidelined all season with a sprained ankle suffered at the Olympic Qualifiers. Nearly six weeks later, he has finally managed to find his way back into the starting lineup - playing against rival Toronto FC.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Freeman, grab some Starbucks, and talk a little bit about his career; from his time in Colorado, to his recent trials and tribulatuions. But we started things with a question from his end of the table.
“Where do you live?” I found it pretty interesting. So I told him - “I have a little studio apartment in the Forest Hills section of Queens. Just me, my dog, and a big screen TV . . . ”
With a laugh, he replies “Hey, thats 2 of mans best friends right there - a TV and a dog.”
You’ll find that, through a career that has featured success on nearly every level he has played in, including his work with the U-23 Nationals, he doesn’t let any of it get to his head. A straight arrow kind of Texan, Hunter Freeman, in many ways, is an open book.
We covered a lot of topics, so this will be part 1 of a 2 (or 3) part series.
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Angel Is Clearly Hurting
By: Dave Martinez | 2 Comments
For those watching Juan Pablo Angels early season performances, it has become painfully obvious that something terrible is going on. He looks slower, he didn’t line up for the free kick against TFC (which was netted by Van Den Bergh), he was rarely even a factor.
Yet, reading the sentiments of the fans from this past game, some have the audacity to point out his play as being “weak” or “soft.” Whether helpful or not, Juanpi is obviously playing hurt, so such critisism should be a moot point. In my opinion, his only job that against Toronto was to be a decoy, freeing up other players to find the net. When the free kick was drawn, which led to the Van Den Bergh goal, who did not think, including the crowd at TFC, that Angel would line up for the blast? Low and behold, its Magee and Van Den Bergh behind the ball.
If that doesn’t scream out PROBLEM, I don’t know what does. No knock on Magee or DVB mind you - its just that this would be an ideal situation for a healthy Angel to produce a cracker, top shelf. But it was not to be.
Before judging Angel, realize he is on the pitch with some type of injury. If there was a bit more transparency in this league with injury reports, maybe people wouldn’t jump to their own, more negative conclusions, and crucify a player for nothing. But since there isn’t, lets have a bit of consideration for a player who is putting himself out there, even if he is not at 100%.
POST GAME: Its a tie : RBNY 1 - TFC 1
By: Dave Martinez | 3 Comments
So my prediction was only half right.
The Bulls take one away from the surging Maple Leafs, with a well earned point on the road. They really did well in keeping possession and putting on pressure - but the finishing was completely ghost.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Seth Stammler impressed me tonite. He was the Dema Kovalenko we all thought was lost. Stammlers presence neutralized the attack, in particular, Amado Guevara. Excellent play tonite.
TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH
Do ties have turning points? To be honest, I can’t name one. I guess its Van Den Berghs excellent set piece tying goal. The game turned from a loss to a tie. Makes sense . . .
WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH
The Starting Line Up takes it tonite. Hunter Freeman starting! Mike Magee at central! Jozy Altidore on the left wing?! For those that thought the 3-5-2 would be snuck in a bit more were mistaken. 4-5-1 ruled, and goal scorer Dave Van Den Bergh even fell back for some LB work. What made things nuttier was seeing Dane Richards getting minutes as well. Who saw any of that coming?
SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Greg Sutton played well, but what was he thinking on that Dave Van Den Bergh strike?! I credit DVB for the goal 100%, but Sutton did not do his part in covering the net, period. He gambled more than he should have.
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