[fknbuflobo]

You two are apparently more familiar with the mechanism by which MLS players transfer to Europe. Feel free to educate me on any particular point.

This I do know: The top MLS players transfer to the top European leagues all the time. By now, we have numerous examples of this occurring. How is playing in the MLS not a preferable first step to an international career?

A Jamaican in Canada seems incongruous? Try Norway!

Portmore, Jamaica = 17* 59’ N
Akron, OH = 41* 04’ N
Montreal, QC = 45* 30’ N
Seattle, WA = 47* 37’ N
Stavenger, Norway = 58* 58’ N

[Yaznasty]

I looked into Jamaica's recent call-ups to their national team just to kind of see where Jamaicans play overall. I know this isn't perfect because there can't really be an "overall" for a whole country, but whatever. It looks like a majority of Jamaican players play either domestically, in MLS, or in the Norwegian Premier League. Even though to us, Norway seemed random for Darren, he would actually be in company with some other Jamaican players. As far as playing in a bigger country, it doesn't look like their are any Jamaicans playing in the EPL or Serie A or Bundesliga. There are some Jamaicans playing in League 1 though. If Darren were to ever make it to a top league, he would probably at that point be one of the most successful Jamaican footballers (can't really be too sure though, since I'm not a Jamaican football historian).

[Crew8]

The MLS is probably the best option for Darren, if he can't succeed in the MLS, well I doubt he'll ever make it in Europe in a top division. Two, maybe four years at most in the MLS, he can make the move to Europe if he wishes. Most likely to a 2nd division type of league, or first division in France, Portugal, Sweden, etc. depending how well he's performing in the MLS.

If the Norwegian league was his best offer, the MLS is a better situation for Darren. The Norwegian league probably ranks 15-20th at best in Europe. Some of the best players have made the transition from MLS to Europe. As an example, just look at the USMNT, besides Landy Cakes, most of the best players have followed this route to Europe, and I expect more to follow this route.

EDIT: Although, I'm not saying the Norwegian league would be a bad start if Darren chose too. But players like Josh Gatt, Mikkel Diskerud, or Clarence Goodson who currently or have played in Norway didn't receive GA contracts either.

2nd EDIT: Mistake, Clarence Goodson did receive a GA contract in 2003 drafted by at the time Dallas Burn. Played for 3 years in MLS, and made a move to Norway.

[Crew8]

Since Darren turned down Djurgarden in Sweden, Djurgarden sign UVA Span

[Yaznasty]

Generation Adidas: 5 things to know about Darren Mattocks

[fknbuflobo]

Generation Adidas: 5 things to know about Darren Mattocks

People keep referencing Mattocks' speed. And to be sure, he has wheels.

I do not think he is the fastest on 2011 Zips.

Is he faster than Yedlin, Sarkodie, Valentin, or Zakuani?

Who are the fastest Zips in recent memory? Does anyone remember Mark Phister? That dude could roll.

[icchamp1]

I think Chris Korb could be placed on the list of the fastest Zips over the past few seasons.

[fknbuflobo]

I think Chris Korb could be placed on the list of the fastest Zips over the past few seasons.

Good point! I agree. For some reason, Korb has been an underrated player throughout his career. Whatever his deficiencies are, speed is not one.

[Zip_ME87]

I think Chris Korb could be placed on the list of the fastest Zips over the past few seasons.

Good point! I agree. For some reason, Korb has been an underrated player throughout his career. Whatever his deficiencies are, speed is not one.

DC United protected Chris for the expansion draft. I wouldn't consider that being underrated.

[bobbyake]

topdrawersoccer seems to believe Mattocks will go first to Montreal http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...-MLS-Mock-Draft

[Yaznasty]

topdrawersoccer seems to believe Mattocks will go first to Montreal http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...-MLS-Mock-Draft

I think that is a very high possibility. From everything I have read, Andrew Wenger is the best player in the draft, with the ability to play many positions. Darren however, is the best striker in the draft, and as of now, Montreal's best attacking option is a guy who would rather be in Houston and has made that clear. (I am still waiting to hear how that unfolds). I think Montreal takes Darren because they need him. I also think he gets good minutes there. If he falls second and gets taken by Vancouver, he doesn't play as much because they are deeper up top. That is the way I see it.

[Yaznasty]

I just double posted and don't know how to delete this one haha. Sorry.

[bobbyake]

topdrawersoccer seems to believe Mattocks will go first to Montreal http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...-MLS-Mock-Draft

I think that is a very high possibility. From everything I have read, Andrew Wenger is the best player in the draft, with the ability to play many positions. Darren however, is the best striker in the draft, and as of now, Montreal's best attacking option is a guy who would rather be in Houston and has made that clear. (I am still waiting to hear how that unfolds). I think Montreal takes Darren because they need him. I also think he gets good minutes there. If he falls second and gets taken by Vancouver, he doesn't play as much because they are deeper up top. That is the way I see it.

Montreal will trade Brian Ching for Kofi Sarkodie and draft Darren Mattocks which will leave them with 5 former Zips on the roster

[Yaznasty]

topdrawersoccer seems to believe Mattocks will go first to Montreal http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...-MLS-Mock-Draft

I think that is a very high possibility. From everything I have read, Andrew Wenger is the best player in the draft, with the ability to play many positions. Darren however, is the best striker in the draft, and as of now, Montreal's best attacking option is a guy who would rather be in Houston and has made that clear. (I am still waiting to hear how that unfolds). I think Montreal takes Darren because they need him. I also think he gets good minutes there. If he falls second and gets taken by Vancouver, he doesn't play as much because they are deeper up top. That is the way I see it.

Montreal will trade Brian Ching for Kofi Sarkodie and draft Darren Mattocks which will leave them with 5 former Zips on the roster

And they pick up Luke Holmes in the second round, change their name to "Zippers de Montreal"

[Zip_ME87]

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2011122...ts/sports3.html