Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com
Friday, December 23, 2011
FULLERTON, Calif. – With all Blues players and roster candidates taking a welcome break from training over the holidays, there are some whose work never stops. They are the Blues coaching staff led by Charlie Naimo and Shayon Jalayer, for whom the merriest of seasons is a time to recap the past few months as well as the team’s signings for 2012, and to deduce from this the strategy going forward.
Three significant contributors from the past campaign have long been secured by Los Angeles in attacker Israel Sesay, defender Erlys Garcia and defender-midfielder Carlos Borja. In addition, the USL PRO club recently signed experienced Scottish striker Allan Russell and versatile American prospect Bryan Burke, whom the coaching staff looks at primarily as a right back. Jalayer summarized where the moves leave his side heading into the break.
“I think it’s fair to say that we have identified one or two starters for each line on the field, from the defenders to the midfielder and the forwards,” the Blues Associate Head Coach said. “We’ve found a potential right back in Bryan Burke. Not only is he very athletic, he might also bring some pace to our backline, which is something we were missing last season. We’re also getting close to completing our tandem up top. After signing Allan Russell, we’re now trying to find the proper pairing for him.”
The Blues coaches have been very active in their search for a strike partner to complement the former Scottish Premier League player. The club currently has contract offers out to two rising young forwards, one of whom has had significant experience and past success in USL PRO.
Meanwhile, it is far from settled who will be called on as the Blues shot-stopper. The 18-year-old Amir Abedzadeh, son of Iranian goalkeeping legend Ahmad Abedzadeh, may well return to the club after showing promise in his four starts last season, but his lack of experience means he would not be guaranteed the starting gig.
“To be honest, that position is still up for grabs,” Jalayer said. “We’re definitely hoping to secure Amir for 2012, because we think he has the potential to become a big-time professional and we’d like to continue grooming him. But he’s still very young, so we’re absolutely open to a player or two coming in to challenge for the number one spot.”
The biggest change in style for the Blues will likely come in the center of the park.
“I’d say we’re still looking for something more in midfield,” Jalayer said. “Last season we were very technical there, but we feel like next year we need to have a bit more of a two-way approach, with guys who can both defend and attack. We already have our eyes on a couple of players who have that ability. At the same time, of course we want to stay within the parameters of our philosophy, which is to play attractive soccer.”