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Behind the Badge: The Official Blog of D.C. United

Franco Niell released

06/26/2008 3:48 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll officially announce shortly that Franco Niell has been released.  The 25-year old saw time in seven League games (three starts) and collected an assist in 279 total minutes on the pitch.  In reserve division play, Niell notched four goals and an assist in five games (all starts). 

With an open roster spot, what type of player would you like to see the club go after? 


Comments

23 Comments

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 4:46 PM by dcuoffside

    With 150k to play with, I'd hope we could find a winger that has real service ability, or a real goalkeeping option.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 4:47 PM by Eric in Baltimore

    Well, I would like to see us get a speedy winger or a another Goalkeeper.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 4:49 PM by TCompton

    I'd go for a goalkeeper that will challenge Wells for No. 1. But if we could get a clone of Emilio, I'd go for that too.

    Of course, if we're into cloning, a healthy clone of Benny Olsen would be appreciated.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 4:57 PM by Dave Lifton

    Tall.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 5:06 PM by Comulles

    I'm thinking this is a precursor for a GK signing.

    Why was he released? It looks as though he was relatively capable. Maybe Soehn has something up his sleeve?

    150K...I would love Jermaine Pennant; love the guys game. But doubtful he'll move across the pond for that kind of money. Maybe Charlie Davies? Kamani Hill? Would love those pickups, too.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 5:15 PM by jgildea

    His contract would of been guaranteed as of July 1st and we do not need reserve players taking $100k+ of cap space. And Doe is a better option anyways.
    Go get a goalie please...
    We do not have forwards to get on the end of a cross anyways so Fred and Q can just keep cutting inside and squaring short balls or shooting for now.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 5:19 PM by EdTheRed

    i can has 'keeper?

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 5:39 PM by GrillMaster

    Not much, just a young, tall guy with touch, an ability to put any ball in the net and, oh yeah, with sufficient pace to be worrisome to defenses.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 5:57 PM by stewartdc8

    I feel a bit bad for Niell.

    So this one of those scenarios where we don't have to keep paying his wages then, like Goff said? I bet DC already had a few targets lined up.

    If not Jermaine Pennant, I heard a rumor of another Liverpool rumor coming to MLS... Harry Kewell. But my guess is both would want WAY more money than that.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 6:04 PM by brian5534

    Is the Jermaine Pennant talk just hope, or is there some indication he wants to come to MLS?

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 6:12 PM by Kim Kolb

    Player? I say Franco stays on as a golf cart driver.

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 6:29 PM by DC_DURSK

    What are the chances that DCU can land Kasey Keller?

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 7:59 PM by BBBulldog

    Keeper please

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 9:09 PM by Konoha7

    I would like to see either a strong, more confident keeper or a cheap, young c.ronaldo

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 9:35 PM by Ryan C.

    Do we get the full $150,000 back for salary cap or a portion of that?

  • user avatar

    06/26/2008 11:18 PM by shadyDC92

    I believe that DC might want to save that money right now and let this roster finish the season off. The roster is very talented and I dont think that another player will be necessary.
    If Ben Olsen cant come back (which I hope he does), DC can go out looking for a new Midfielder. But, I think that they need a young defender that could come off the bench and make an impact when needed.

  • user avatar

    06/27/2008 4:07 AM by stewartdc8

    Yeah, i think it's not enough money to bring in a quality player like Keller or Pennant or Kewell. Maybe we'll upgrade someone or sign a scrub with potential.
    There is some Thierry Henry to MLS rumors, so maybe...
    http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8284110/Thierry-Henry-says-he-can-'see-himself'-in-MLS

  • user avatar

    06/27/2008 3:04 PM by DCUMD

    I hear Vern Troyer is available

  • user avatar

    06/28/2008 6:30 AM by Joe Public

    I hear Zidane wants to come to MLS. Apparently he loves the hot, humid D.C. summers, and has taken a vow of poverty to atone for the head-butt against Italy in the 2006 World Cup.

  • user avatar

    06/28/2008 9:51 AM by chawk

    We need a great big shiny-headed keeper.

  • user avatar

    06/28/2008 10:21 AM by Kyle Sheldon

    Those bald ones all seem to be pretty good, don't they? Huh.

  • user avatar

    06/28/2008 10:45 AM by DC_DURSK

    yeah! Bring in Kasey Keller or Marcus Hahnemann. There are all these big talks about bringing in the Chilean MF/DF Dagoberto Currimilla. Behind the Badge you got the inside scoop??

  • user avatar

    06/28/2008 5:10 PM by chawk

    Exactly, Kyle. Since we're kinda short on time to bring in a new keeper, maybe some of the players could corner Wells before the game tomorrow and give his noggin a close shave and polish. Maybe it wouldn't help, but could it really hurt?


 

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