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SOME ARENA FUTBOL
Red Bulls coach talks about the newcomers
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
East Rutherford, N.J. -- About two weeks ago, some 10 days into pre-season training in Bradenton, Fla., I asked Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena for his impressions about a number of young players -- draft choices and those on trial.
On Wednesday, I asked Arena for some updated thoughts about them.
Here's what he had to say:
Midfielder Dane Richards, third-round selection, MLS SuperDraft
"He's a player with a lot of promise. Obviously, he's got a lot of pace. We've been playing him on the right side of midfield. I think he gets better every week. Obviously, you can't coach speed and he can certainly run by people and that's something. If he understands how to use his speed and we understand how to take advantage, he can be a dangerous player for us on attack."
Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, fourth-round pick, MLS SuperDraft
"He's a good player. Obviously, still young. Learning to play at this level, playing a little bit quicker, getting the ball at his feet a little bit quicker. But technically pretty good. Good passer of the ball and good around the goal as well.”
Forward Randi Patterson, first-round choice, MLS supplemental draft:
"Young forward. Obviously needs a lot more experience, but promising. Local kid. Had a good college career. I think he has shown progress in a month here. I'm hopeful he's a guy who can develop on our team."
Midfielder Sal Caccavale, second-round pick, MLS supplemental draft
"A good, young busy player, actually a little bit out of the mold of Richie Williams. That kind of guy. Gets around the ball pretty well, gets it off his feet quickly. A good team player."
Goalkeeper Danny Cepero, fourth-round selection, MLS supplemental draft:
"I think a good goalkeeper. I've been very impressed with him. He gets better and better. He's had a bunch of good goalkeepers to work with every day in training from Ronald (Waterreus) to Jon (Conway) to Nick (Rimando) and he's taken advantage of that. I think he's going to be all right."
Forward Ansu Toure, who is on trial:
"Promising. I wouldn't have thought he would last this long, but he has gotten better each week here and I think he is going to position himself to try to make our roster."
Midfielder Craig Capano, who is on trial:
"Good player. Still young. Can be a developmental player. Haven't talked to him about that. He missed a fair amount (of training) in Florida because of an injury. We want to get him back on the field in L.A. and see what he can do with us."
Defender Hugh MacDonald, who is on trial:
"He's done a good job. Young kid, local kid again. Trains hard. Smart. Again, we're going to look at him and see where he goes."
Chip shots
Defender Taylor Graham, sidelined after post-season surgery (left patella tendon repaired), participated in his first practice of the pre-season.
Bruce Arena!
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