D.C. United signs John Thorrington; looks like a worthwhile move
Jan 21, 2013, 10:27 AM EDT
John Thorrington has spent a career being so confounding close to greatness. Don’t forget, this was a guy signed by Manchester United at age 17 … about as close to the edge of greatness as a man can get.
When the two-way midfielder was not offered a professional contract at Old Trafford, he moved to Germany, and then to back to England (in the lower tiers) and eventually made his way to Chicago.
With the Fire, Thorrington was frequently a figure who could make a mark on a game, whether by his big effort, his soccer smarts or by a massive goal, like the one in 2007 on the final regular season day that famously kept David Beckham and the Galaxy out of the MLS playoffs.
I’ve always admired and enjoyed watching Thorrington (pictured, left) when he was healthy enough to be a difference-maker – and there’s the rub. This guy’s injury luck is just a little bit better than John O’Brien’s, and that’s not saying much.
Thorrington is 33 now, so even if he could get completely healthy, he may be past the time where he can be a full-time, game-after-game contributing element.
But D.C. United is betting that he can still contribute something, today announcing Thorrington’s signing.
United selected Thorrington during Stage-2 of the re-entry draft process back in December. It’s an interesting signing, especially as he started just 23 league matches over two seasons for Vancouver.
Still, if Ben Olsen can get some leadership, some key minutes here and there and a solid, stabilizing locker room presence, this sure smells like a worthwhile move.
-
Full circle: Misantrope’s revival could land Benítez in Paris, Madrid, or Naples
May 22, 2013, 11:06 PM EDT
Over the last three months, Rafa Benítez has reignited a floundering career.
-
It’s piling on for Reign FC, who may permanently lose Megan Rapinoe to Lyon
May 22, 2013, 10:14 PM EDT
The hits just keep on coming for the NWSL’s hard-luck team.
-
U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team
May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT
The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.
-
With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out
May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT
Getty Images
If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.
-
Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner
May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT
Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.
-
Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices
May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT
Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.
-
José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans
May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.
-
Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.
-
We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?
-
Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch
May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT
Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.
-
Well, what took them so long to get into the party?
-
How Tony Pulis removal at Stoke City may affect U.S. internationals Cameron, Shea and Edu
May 22, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
Getty Images
Looks like a mixed bag for the American trio:
-
Getty Images
As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?
-
Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern
May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT
Reuters
With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?
-
AP
Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.
-
They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:
-
Getty Images
The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…
-
Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football
May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT
New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?
-
Reuters
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?
-
Getty Images
The magic of the Cup lives on, as four PDL sides now face trips to MLS teams in the third-round. Is this the stuff dreams are made of?
