East notes: Ream impressing Backe
Rookie defender drawing praise from Red Bulls coach, in mix for starting XI
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"I was trained at a club where the system was all about being comfortable with the ball at your feet, knocking it around and keeping possession," Ream said. "I've kept that with me through the years."
Ream's comfort and dexterity on the ball captured the attention of New York's technical staff down at the MLS Player Combine as they sought to compile a rookie class in line with the club's new direction. New York coach Hans Backe and sporting director Erik Soler want to construct a possession-oriented, technical side in their first season in charge and needed more technical players to help move the team in that direction. Ream, who played three years at left back at Saint Louis University before switching to central defense during his senior season, presented an enticing second-round option to reinforce the defensive corps.
Most rookies have the opportunity to mesh into an established system, but Ream and his teammates have undergone a crash course in Backe's approach as the Swedish coach settles into life in MLS. Ream said the new coach and the new system aided his adjustment process and his comfort level as he started his first professional training camp.
"I feel like things have been going well," Ream said. "On our road trip to Spain, it was kind of a feeling out (process) for everybody. I didn't feel singled out (as a rookie) because everybody was in the same boat. It made everything easier. I've felt really comfortable for the whole preseason. I just felt that if I could into a camp and get drafted, I'd be able to show well. That's just what I'm doing right now."
Showing well could lead to a place on the field as New York plays its first MLS game in Red Bull Arena against Chicago on March 27. Ream has spent most of training camp sharing time with veterans Mike Petke and Andrew Boyens in the middle of the Red Bulls back four. Carlos Mendes recently returned from injury to make the trio a foursome, ensuring there will be plenty of competition for the rookie as he aims to secure a starting spot.
Backe has praised Ream's ability on the ball and his performances during preseason to date, but the 22-year-old isn't taking anything for granted even with the praise and with the security of a contract signed prior to the SuperDraft. As the battle continues while the Red Bulls take their training camp world tour to in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. this week, Ream said he needs to continue to lean on the principles he learned as a youth player in order to carve out his niche at the professional level.
"Obviously, it's working out for me (so far) because Hans is working toward a more technical team and a more possession-oriented team," Ream said. "Luckily, I fit the bill. I just have to keep plugging away."
The Backe effect: Ream said the Red Bulls are plugging away at building a team suited to Backe's vision. Backe and Soler have disassembled the often-mutable sides of the Juan Carlos Osorio era in the hopes of assuming a more European posture with considered play in possession and adroit work on the ball.
"He's trying to mold us in a different direction, which I think bodes well for us," Ream said. "We have some good guys and we're a pretty technical team. That's how he wants us to play -- very technical and very simple."
While Backe leans on Soler to acquire players and make personnel decisions, the Swedish coach takes charge on the training pitch. Ream called Backe methodical in his approach to practice sessions and noted his diligent work on the Red Bulls' defensive shape as one instance where his care has yielded dividends during training camp.
Robinson leaves Reds, embarks on Red Bulls trial: Toronto FC coach Preki understood he had a difficult decision to make regarding veteran midfielder Carl Robinson when he started his first training camp as Reds boss earlier this year.
"From the day I came here for the first day of camp, it seemed to me that he was unsettled," Preki told TorontoFC TV on Monday. "His mind wasn't here. I wasn't going to stand in his way. My job was to accommodate him and the people that really want to be here. We don't want him here."
Preki's perception about Robinson's discomfort might have played a role in the holding midfielder's departure from TFC over the weekend, but multiple factors contributed to the former Welsh international's release.
Robinson's hefty pay packet probably provides the principal reason for his need to find a new club, particularly with TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston searching for reinforcements in central defense and at striker. Although TFC will almost certainly have to carry a significant chunk of Robinson's guaranteed deal (approximately $300,000 in base compensation per season) on its salary budget in 2010 even if he plays for another MLS club, the move frees up some additional financial resources to make a move for on-trial Canadian international defender Adrian Cann or another potential contributor.
Even with his hefty salary counting in full against the salary budget, the steady Robinson may have retained his roster spot in 2010 if the Reds didn't possess ample cover in the center of the park. TFC designated player Julian de Guzman will feature in central midfield with Sam Cronin, Dwayne De Rosario and Amadou Sanyang offering other possibilities. With Preki's tendency to eschew more attack-minded central midfielders in mind, Cronin, a second-year man best suited to a holding role in front of the Reds back four, enters the post-Robinson world as the best bet to complement de Guzman's box-to-box industry in the center of the park.
"It's an opportunity for everybody, not just for Sam," Preki said."I'll be watching everybody every day. We'll see who is going to play in that spot. I have not made up my mind yet."
Preki, however, has made up his mind on Robinson, who linked up with long-rumored suitors New York on trial earlier this week and played 45 minutes in the Red Bulls' 4-0 friendly win against a local team on Tuesday. TFC might have to carry some of Robinson's contract on its salary budget and may receive a meager return for one of the most influential players during its short history, but Preki said the move needed to be made in order to move the team forward in search of its first playoff berth.
"It's a case of the numbers, it's a case of the salary cap, it's a case of everything and believing he's already made his mind that he's not coming back here," Preki said. "Combining all of those things, the decision was made."
Kyle McCarthy covers the New England Revolution for the Boston Herald and MLSnet.com and serves as a contributing editor for Goal.com USA. Kyle can be reached at kyle.mccarthy@goal.com.
