The All Things MLS, NWSL, USMNT/USWNT et al Thread
- Thread starter ucsdguy1
- Start date
What party?
Taxi Squad
oof but had to share.
He can go on season ending injury and that would open up a DP spot. The DP spot can be used at anytime.
I also believe they can exercise the season ending injury status at anytime also. So for example, they could wait and see (if it’s a minor scar tissue surgery) and bring Puig back by summer….or if recovery is not going well, pull the trigger and bring in a DP during the summer transfer window.
I had a feeling something was “wrong” with him as they never attempted to let him play even sub minutes or the November friendly. Who knows.
My take is, if Puig does not come back, and nothing is available for an attacking 10 in the winter window, then wait for the summer and get that DP then.
G’s played much better the 2nd half of the season without Puig….now with an improved back line and perhaps a new striker they could stay competitive until the summer transfer window and then make a move for the second half of the season.
ucsdguy1
Super Star
Really curious who knew what and when about this
Agreed. I think everyone wants to know for sure.
My theory: September/October (the time when Riqui was possibly able to return due to typical recovery time) Galaxy & Riqui saw that he was not meeting the progress benchmarks in his rehab. They continued rehab and tried perhaps different methods to achieve progress. They figured they had more time since the G's were a hot piece of garbage, so no need to bring him back. November and things are still not progressing as well, however Riqui is able to join in "training" (to what level of training, we probably won't ever know).
December....uh, oh now 3-4 months have passed and Riqui is no where able to get anywhere near match fit.
Something is clearly wrong.....and then we get to where we are today.
I assume there were multiple scans, MRI, Xray, CT scan, etc over the months, but nothing could be seen as a problem...until there was.
Either the graft failed, or Riqui's return to play rehab was over-cooked (whether his or the G's fault we won't know) and he tore/damaged the new graft.
It would be crazy to think there was a technical error in the original surgery, because Riqui went back to the same doctor for surgery two. So I don't think the Dr. failed on the first attempt.
...but I dunno, really. It's just a shame all around.
Kuntz has to map out a new future for the G's now.
Riqui was the all or nothing path. I don't think Kuntz ever considered plan "B" without Riqui.
I would assume now EVERYTHING is in play. One has to imagine a world where the killer P's never play together again.
I cannot believe that Kuntz is going to hang his team construction strategy on Riqui returning in '27.
Kid will not have played in two years, and on ACL surgery #2. The odds of him coming back the same Riqui are slim. It's a big risk.
What party?
Taxi Squad
Checked the internet:
Favorite comment:
"Guess who's back, back again
Waldo's back, tell a friend."
10/10- no notes.
**
They've already been (quasi) renamed the Bacon Waldo/wavy waldo. Now I can't unsee it and I have jokes. If in fact the "Bacon Waldo" sticks we could play "War Pigs" instead of the national anthem?
Too much? Yes, yes it is.
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With a bit more thinking about it........
With Puig gone for the season, I say the G's take his DP spot and get a bonafied DP striker.
Sign said striker for 2-3 years.
Then (if $$$ is still available) get a TAM #10 or #8 to fill in for Puig this season.
In 2027 when/if Puig comes back (assuming he is the Riqui of old) then you will have 4 DP's.
Assuming MLS does not go to 4 DP's for the new 2027 short season or 2027-28 long season.....then you have to get rid of a DP. Pretty simple, if Pec comes back into form this season, then sell him to Europe for big $$$, if he still looks like last season Pec, then Paintsil can easily be moved.
No need to buyout anyone.
If we look at last season's G's - combined with what may/could be:
Poor/absent striker -- DP striker this year would be an improvement over last season.
Poor CB's -- Two new top notch MLS CB's is an improvement over last season.
10 & 8 spots were avg to poor - TAM 8 or 10 this year would be an improvement.
Wings were "OK" -- Should be better with a legit striker and TAM 8 or 10
RB/LB/Wingbacks "ok/good" -- No need to change anything here - starters and subs are decent.
Goalkeepers were avg.at best -- Novak: play him or don't. Make up your mind. No more back and forth with Jmac (he's gone). Mix in Marcinkowski. Let him and Novak compete. "Should" be better this season.
Otherwise sell Novak, and cut your losses. Pick up a solid vet.
With Puig gone for the season, I say the G's take his DP spot and get a bonafied DP striker.
Sign said striker for 2-3 years.
Then (if $$$ is still available) get a TAM #10 or #8 to fill in for Puig this season.
In 2027 when/if Puig comes back (assuming he is the Riqui of old) then you will have 4 DP's.
Assuming MLS does not go to 4 DP's for the new 2027 short season or 2027-28 long season.....then you have to get rid of a DP. Pretty simple, if Pec comes back into form this season, then sell him to Europe for big $$$, if he still looks like last season Pec, then Paintsil can easily be moved.
No need to buyout anyone.
If we look at last season's G's - combined with what may/could be:
Poor/absent striker -- DP striker this year would be an improvement over last season.
Poor CB's -- Two new top notch MLS CB's is an improvement over last season.
10 & 8 spots were avg to poor - TAM 8 or 10 this year would be an improvement.
Wings were "OK" -- Should be better with a legit striker and TAM 8 or 10
RB/LB/Wingbacks "ok/good" -- No need to change anything here - starters and subs are decent.
Goalkeepers were avg.at best -- Novak: play him or don't. Make up your mind. No more back and forth with Jmac (he's gone). Mix in Marcinkowski. Let him and Novak compete. "Should" be better this season.
Otherwise sell Novak, and cut your losses. Pick up a solid vet.