ESPN Network:
ESPN.com
ESPN Deportes
Fantasy Games
|
|
|
| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:14 EST |
Miami Fusion: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
Charismatic Ray Hudson begins his first full season as the Fusion's head coach, and has already done much to stamp his personality on the team. In the offseason, Hudson and general manager Doug Hamilton acquired standout veterans Carlos Llamosa and Chris Henderson with an eye to get Miami back into the MLS Cup playoffs.
Diego Serna looks to have another banner season in 2001. |
Llamosa, who spent the last four seasons with D.C., will be slotted in the center of the Fusion defense, a position which has seen him excel to national team status. The native of Colombia will be flanked by talented young players like 2000 All-Star Pablo Mastroeni, Leo Cullen and Jamaican international Tyrone Marshall.
Jay Heaps, also an All-Star in 2000, may move up the right wing to midfield to provide quality to match Henderson's characterisitic work on the left wing. Captain Jim Rooney will continue his tireless work in filling the gaps at defensive midfield, while new signings Ian Bishop (England) and Alex Pineda Chacon (Honduras) should impact the creative side of the game, offering quality service to the forwards. Colombian Diego Serna led Miami with 16 goals while adding 10 assists in 2000.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando was a real revelation in goal last season for Miami. The former third-round SuperDraft choice moved from third-string to become the Fusion's starter and posted 10 of the squad's 12 wins. Veterans Jeff Cassar and Garth Lagerwey will be ready to step in when called on.
Key Additions:
D Carlos Llamosa, M Chris Henderson, M Ian
Bishop, M Alex Pineda Chacon, M Preki, M Antonio Otero.
Key Departures:
F Roy Lassiter, D Brian Kamler, M Martin Machon,
M Nelson Vargas.
|
2000 Fusion Leaders
|
|
Goals
|
16, Diego Serna
|
|
Assists
|
16, Martin Machon
|
|
Points
|
42, Diego Serna
|
|
GAA
|
1.84 Nick Rimando
|
Keep an eye on:
M/D Jay Heaps (five goals, six assists), the 1999 Rookie of the Year, continues to show significant improvement from season to season. F Diego Serna (16 goals) can carry the offense for spells, but needs to show more consistency. Defenders Leo Cullen, Pablo Mastroeni and Ivan McKinley may need to adjust to new roles with the addition of D Carlos Llamosa, who many consider to be the best man-marker in MLS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
