With joy in the air and consumerism driving television right now, my dreams are of big purchases for the Seattle Sounders. A little girl may want two front teeth, I'd rather two amazing fullbacks, possibly one as a youth DP. I know enough that these are just dreams, the reality is more likely a player like Heiner Mora and Ever Alvarado.
Mora is a 27 year old Costa Rican right back/midfielder with less Costa Rican senior experience than Leo Gonzalez.. During his club career he's primarily been with Brujas and Saprissa. He certainly seems serviceable, but it's kind of like getting an electric shaver - useful.
Alvarado is a 19 year old Honduran left back Like getting a novel by an author you've never read the appeal here is the unknown. Currently playing for Real Espana he already has an appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League against Metapan in a 1:2 loss where he earned a Yellow. Still there's promise in youth.
But sometimes I like to dream big. Like the kid that wants a new bicycle, or cutting edge video game system, or trip to Disneyland the dream isn't real, but it is fun. It could also lead to disappointment.
A player like Ehsan Hajsafi is one that causes me to drool. Qualifying for the new youth DP rule. An attacking left back who already has several years of senior play on the fairly decent Iranian National Team (oddly coached by a group with US connections). He has AFC Champions League experience and in 2007 was in the Club World Cup. Yes, there's the little problem of his currently serving his mandatory two years in the military by playing for the Iranian Army team, but still I want a player like that like I want a Red Rider BB Gun.
Youth DPs are all the new rage, unless you are New England who re-upped Shalrie Joseph as a DP, or the Montreal Impact who seem fairly likely to get Nicolas Anelka, or the constant Del Piero and David Trezeguet rumors. Like the Portland Timbers likely grabbing Jose Adolfo Valencia I dream of Seattle entering that realm of development and sell-on of great young talent. Color me silly, but even though I'd like Lee Nguyen in Rave Green after his signing and distribution by MLS, I dream of more.
Reality may be a bit different, but dreaming can be fun.