Nyarko Late Season 'Slo-Mo' Finally Explained

John made the observation last year that Nyarko looked like he had lost a step after returning from the knee injury he suffered earlier in the year. I never heard an official explanation for that, until I saw this blurb in the Trib...

Feeling better: Patrick Nyarko's knee continued to bother him even after his MCL surgery in August. According to the Fire forward, a cyst built up in the back of his knee after the surgery."At the end of last season, I was getting shots before games," said Nyarko about the pain.Nyarko had the cyst removed after the MLS season and spent about a month on crutches. The 23-year old forward since has recovered and has not missed any time during the pre-season."There's some soreness, so I ice it after practice," Nyarko said. "But the knee is getting stronger every day."

John's future as an MLS trainer or talent scout is secure. We'll know Nyarko is fully recovered when we see John add him to his Fantasy Roster!

Mapp Scores, Nyarko Continues to Show

Justin Mapp scored the Fire's only goal in a preseason freindly today vs a Mexican side in Mexico. Reports say it was a right footed effort assisted by Chris Rolfe.

Nyarko played forward, again getting valuable minutes to show his stuff pre-season. The Trib had an interview in which Nyarko reported that most of his time has been at Temo's position, and the "obviously, he would need to give it up". Nyarko sounded a bit worried about his prospects to break into the line against Rolfe, McBride, Mapp, Temo, Thorrington, and Papa. He reported that he's been working hard on his "defensive positioning". Could it be that Nyarko thinks his best chance is to move from Forward to holding mid and challenge Logan Pause for his spot? Nyarko's coming after Logan's spot from the front and Conde's coming from the back. Sucks to be Pause.

Ofcourse, Conde can only advance to mid if Brown or Robinson can step into the roll of ceterback. So far, I haven't heard anything about Brown this year and his injuries. Again this year we might have more talent than we know what to do with. Sweet.

Major League Fantasy 2009

The 2009 Fantasy Soccer League kicks off this Sunday (Feb 22)! Feel free to start your teams immediately. Remember, unlimited transfers until opening day.

I'll post more on what prizes we'll have this year.

Obviously, if you haven't been paying attention to the preseason, the time to start is now!

Find the links you need to navigate to the site on the sidebar - same as last year.

Get Jason!

Pan Pacific Tourney Kicks Off Tomorrow

The Pan Pacific Tournament, which features the LA Galaxy vs. Asia (the continent) starts Wednesday, February 18, at 7:30 CST. Two games will be played the first night (the second game starts at 10:00) and two games will be played Saturday (same times).

I'm actually interested to see the Galaxy without Donovan and Beckham. What will Lewis do? Who will they put in goal? Will there be anything remotely resembling a defense on the field?

All games will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel.

The Prodigal Son Returns...

At the border they don't take American Express...but that's ok, cuz Conde's got a Visa!

Our beloved unfrozen caveman fullback has cleared customs and immigration and it back for another season of "Conde CRUSH Little Man" and "Conde SMASH Bouncy Ball" and "Conde no like man with tweety whistle"

Let's hope this is a smooth year for Conde. On the bright side, he's only missed half of the pre-season. His agent is a known factor. And, since he gave his phone away (see earlier posts), JCO can't call him and sow dissent ("Tricksy Words Make Conde Brain Hurt").

All I know is - It's a good season for me when Conde is in the back!! GO FIRE!!

Conde Watch

The Word from Diego....Conde is resolving Visa issues and will be reporting to camp as soon as those matters are...um...resolved.

A negotiating tactic? I have no idea. You would, however, think that by now US immigration would realize he's a soccer player (and not the Progressive Insurance spokesman) and wave him through.

Regardless, the Fire dropped a pre-season game today to the Wizards, 3-2. Nyarko scored 2 (John will be happy), but then gave up three (one on PK). Busch, Rolfe, and Thorrington are in USMNT camp, so Nobel had the GK duties. Defense was same as last year, except no Conde and no Diego.

Hurry Conde! Baky misses you!