Monday, December 8, 2008

Naked Cartwheeler Off to Deutschland?

Let’s hope Andy Iro can jump. The rookie Liverpool native who the Crew picked up in the 2008 Super Draft may have to grow up real fast in the Black and Gold defense.

MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall is in Mainz, Germany, today for a try out with FSV Mainz 05. He is scheduled to remain with the club through Thursday.

Mainz is in the second division of the storied German Bundesliga soccer league. El Luchador’s anonymous sources indicate Mainz are very interested in the 6-4 California native, and a signing there is likely.

Jeff Goff of Soccer Insider has reported that Marshall’s reps are seeking $500,000 for any oversees transfer. He earned $148,000 in 2008, not including bonuses and incentives, well over the average for an MLS non-designated player, but about average for a regular roster player.
Just one year after a nearly career-ending concussion injury, Marshall not only won Defender of the Year, but scored the equalizer over Brian McBride in the Eastern Conference final and made the go-ahead goal in MLS Cup just seconds after New York had scored an early second half equalizer.

"Chad has grown by leaps and bounds," said soon-to-be-ex Crew Coach Sigi Schmid. "I don't see how (U.S. National Team Coach) Bob Bradley can look past him anymore with the national team. He's a guy that definitely deserves a solid look. He's matured as a player and, on the offensive end, on set pieces, there's obviously not a player who's a better target in the league than Chad Marshall is right now."

Marshall is also known for his celebratory Naked Cartwheel, which he performed in front of countless media in the locker room of the Home Depot Center after the Crew’s MLS Cup victory.

"It's something I do sometimes to lighten up our spirits, so I am glad I could do it today in front of all the media," Marshall said. "I can't wait to see how many internet sites it pops up on."

Memo to Marshall: When you land in Germany, have the Mainz publicity boys shoot a new head shot. Dude, you look so baked.

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