Darren Mattocks

[fknbuflobo]

Signing with a Norwegian club is no better than signing with an MLS club, especially with a GA contract.

[bisbee]

Signing with a Norwegian club is no better than signing with an MLS club, especially with a GA contract.

I totally disagree. Once in Europe,if you are playing and doing well,the opportunities are endless. Playing in the MLS is really a dead end as far as international play is concerned. I guess it comes down to what the player wants for a career.

[Zip_ME87]

Ives made a mock draft somewhere, he should have the list there.

Thank you again. Ives did a mock draft for Fox Soccer, and it appears that New England does indeed have the 3rd pick (as opposed to having traded it to Toronto FC).

[fknbuflobo]

Bisbee, surely you recognize that not all European leagues are the same. The Norwegian league is arguably at a lower level than the ever-improving MLS.

Nowadays, representatives from EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga and Primera Liga scout MLS matches as much as they do any lesser European league. MLS is firmly on the Big 4’s radar now.

I definitely agree with your point if you mean Mattocks should jump at a chance to play in one of the Big 4 leagues. Barring that, the GA contract is likely his best choice.

[TheTank123]

Bisbee, surely you recognize that not all European leagues are the same. The Norwegian league is arguably at a lower level than the ever-improving MLS.

Nowadays, representatives from EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga and Primera Liga scout MLS matches as much as they do any lesser European league. MLS is firmly on the Big 4’s radar now.

I definitely agree with your point if you mean Mattocks should jump at a chance to play in one of the Big 4 leagues. Barring that, the GA contract is likely his best choice.

You're forgetting how the MLS works. It is not easy to go from MLS to Europe no matter how much you get scouted.

[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

[yazan07]

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

[yazan07]

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

[yazan07]

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.

[yazan07]

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

[yazan07]

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

[johnnyzip84]

Nice article on Darren in The Jamaica Observer

[fknbuflobo]

I just spouted off on BigSoccer, so I copied it here. Beats working!

Whether live, video, or film, I have watched every match of Darren Mattocks' career @ Akron, both home and away. (You know I speak truth on that point). He is the most natural finisher I have ever witnessed at the collegiate level. That comparison includes many already playing MLS. Sure, he has other deficiencies. But during his Sophomore season, he demonstrated a willingness to work on his weaknesses. For instance, his passing has improved dramatically over one year. He was actually a rather poor passer upon arrival @ Akron.

Contributing to his inconsistency is his lack of brute strength. As he is still young, some strength will be gained without much effort. I would have loved for him to remain a Zip another year. But he should take the opportunity given. If I needed a Striker, as Montreal Impact apparently do, I would draft Darren Mattocks with the first pick tomorrow. No bout a doubt it!

[Crew8]

I just spouted off on BigSoccer, so I copied it here. Beats working!

Whether live, video, or film, I have watched every match of Darren Mattocks' career @ Akron, both home and away. (You know I speak truth on that point). He is the most natural finisher I have ever witnessed at the collegiate level. That comparison includes many already playing MLS. Sure, he has other deficiencies. But during his Sophomore season, he demonstrated a willingness to work on his weaknesses. For instance, his passing has improved dramatically over one year. He was actually a rather poor passer upon arrival @ Akron.

Contributing to his inconsistency is his lack of brute strength. As he is still young, some strength will be gained without much effort. I would have loved for him to remain a Zip another year. But he should take the opportunity given. If I needed a Striker, as Montreal Impact apparently do, I would draft Darren Mattocks with the first pick tomorrow. No bout a doubt it!

If Montreal decides to pass on Mattocks tomorrow for Wenger, he'll be chosen no later than #3 to New England. It's just how the draft works sometimes. I wonder where Holmes will land or if drafted at all in the 2nd Round, but that's yet to be determined.

[yazan07]

I think it was Ives who I saw posted a picture of Darren talking to Impact head coach Jesse Marsch the other day after one of the games. Maybe a sign of what is coming tomorrow?

As for Luke, I really hope he gets picked up. Remember, if he doesn't get picked up tomorrow, the supplemental draft is Tuesday and he could get drafted then. Just from his updates on twitter I can tell he's been worried about it. Gosh twitter is so creepy. I feel weird just following a person's life who I've never talked to. Oh well, that's what it's there for.

[Zip_ME87]

I think it was Ives who I saw posted a picture of Darren talking to Impact head coach Jesse Marsch the other day after one of the games. Maybe a sign of what is coming tomorrow?

As for Luke, I really hope he gets picked up. Remember, if he doesn't get picked up tomorrow, the supplemental draft is Tuesday and he could get drafted then. Just from his updates on twitter I can tell he's been worried about it. Gosh twitter is so creepy. I feel weird just following a person's life who I've never talked to. Oh well, that's what it's there for.

I really hope Luke gets picked up, too. I hope he doesn't get too down if it doesn't happen tomorrow since there is another opportunity in a few days. I remember talking to Chris Korb at the national championship celebration last year the night before the draft. Feeling confident he would be drafted, I wished him the best for draft day, but I knew he was worried.

Also, you're right about twitter. It's even kinda creepy reading that stuff when you have talked to the person in the past. I noticed on Zarek's twitter account that he (and Steve Zakuani and other former Zips) got together in Akron around January 4th or so. Made feel like I'm stalking them even though it was information open to anyone. I could never be paparazzi. Ewww!