Rookie Life: The Season Begins - Episode 7

With the MLS season underway and Richard Jata still looking for a team, Rookie Life: Diary of a Draft Pick follows him to South Carolina for his trial with the Charleston Battery. They also take a look at how the other rookies played in week one. Almost all of rookies got playing time in week one and fellow teammates and coaches commented on their perfomances. Some shined more than others, but for the most part each player had the opportunity to prove that this is where they belong.

NEW! Rookie Life: The Season Begins - Episode 7

Rookie Life: Teams Take Shape - Episode Six

A new episode of Rookie Life: Diary of a Draft Pick came out today and it brings you some great footage as the preseason comes to an end. Some of the rookies see their playing time increase because the coach still isn't sure where they fit in. There are new player interviews, but for Richard Jata there is some unexpected news followed by a memorable confessional. For the first time you'll get to see what it's like for a player when the coach decides to let them go.

NEW! Rookie Life: Teams Take Shape - Episode Six

Do The Chicago Fire Need Richard Jata?

After a disappointing tie last night, I'm beginning to question whether or not the Chicago Fire need to make some changes. They let a 2-0 lead slip away after some late and questionable subs. Marco Pappa played a great game in place for Justin Mapp, but the defense looked lost at times. Tim ward didn't play the best of games and Thorrington played well, but lost the ball when he tried to take on opposing defenders. It looks as if the Fire are lacking some solid talent off the bench, even though the depth of their bench was heavily praised before the season even started.

Besides the fact that Chicago almost gave the game away, that isn't their only problem. Where did the Fire's fan base go? Last night only 10,000 fans showed up on a Saturday night game. Last year their attendance was near the top of the league and this year a lot has changed. The Fire still remain undefeated, which makes it even more perplexing as to why their fan base is shrinking and not growing. Bringing Richard Jata back to the team has the potential to stir up some talk among Fire fans. His draft speech has been heard around the world and people want to see what this kid can bring to the table. As it stands now, Justin Mapp, Peter Lowry, CJ Brown, Daniel Woolard and Calen Carr are all out with injuries. It looks as if the depth they used to have is running out.

Chicago has one of the best teams and best facilities in the league, but they really need to improve on their marketing and advertising. Give some tickets out during the week. Send some to the radio stations and have people call in to win them. Do some promotions at the local pubs and clubs. Visit the schools and give out some apparel. Pay more attention to the fan base by giving them what they want. Maybe the fans want Richard Jata. If that's the case, bringing him back may not be a bad idea. After all, Jata was the last remaining trialist in camp until the rosters were finalized, plus he played through most of the preseason with a groin injury. Obviously he has talent to be in the pros, otherwise he would've been sent home a lot earlier.

Should the Chicago Fire bring Richard Jata back this year?

Jata Turns Down USL-1 Offer (New Rookie Life)

After spending the last three weeks with the Charleston Battery, Richard Jata has declined an offer to stay with the team through this season. Obviously moving from the Chicago Fire to USL is a step down and Jata didn't see himself fitting into their system. The Battery already had their team established for the upcoming year and they had very little to offer in the salary department. Look for Jata to test the waters in Europe, unless the MLS comes calling first. Some countries already showing interest are Norway, Argentina, Germany and the United Kingdom.

NEW! Rookie Life: Preseason Begins - Episode Five

This episode talks briefly about the rookies getting used to their respective teams and what they're learning from the veteran players.

Rookie Life: First Impressions - Episode Four

The fourth episode of Rookie Life: Diary of a Draft Pick follows the players as they make the move to their respective cities. Most of these rookies still had classes to take online while the preseason was just getting started. This task became even more difficult because each team travels a lot and it's hard to stay focused on your school work when you're trying to make it as a professional.

Rookie Life: First Impressions (Episode Four)

Jata Still On Trial With Charleston Battery

After spending almost two weeks with the Charleston Battery and surviving numerous cuts, Richard Jata still awaits the fate of his future in professional soccer. The USL season starts on April 11th, which gives the Charleston coach just 5 days to decide whether or not Jata is the right fit for the team. The Battery tied the Wilmington Hammerheads the other day, where fellow MLS Combine participant Calum Angus is on trial.

With the MLS season clearly underway, the chances of Jata returning to the Chicago Fire are getting slimer. If the Battery sign Jata in the next few days, the Fire will be left without his services for the entire season. This could be a big signing for the Charleston Battery and a big loss for the Fire. However, if Jata only signs a one-year contract, the Fire can still bring him back for next years' preseason.

More updates to come..........