Sunday, January 24, 2010

Jata Performs Well at Rowdies Combine

With the 3-day combine(in Tampa) over and done with, Rowdies executives now have to make their decision on who to sign. Based on what I've heard, I don't expect too many local players to be offered contracts. I'm assuming maybe five, at the most!

Jata felt confident about his tryout, but he still realizes that there is room for improvement. These combine sessions are really hard when it comes to judging a player. A great pass can be overlooked if the player on the receiving end looses it quickly. A great shot can look mediocre, if the goalie makes a great save. Obviously, team cohesion is not all there, but I believe this combine was a success overall.

Brian Shriver, Tanner Wolfe, Ryan Maxwell, Jordan Seabrook, Steven Morris and Richard Jata were just some of the established local players looking to make the cut, featured in this USL news article a little while back.

A few days ago, after the 2nd combine had finished, Jata was featured in another article written by Nicholas Murray of the Tampa Tribune, titled Players Impress Rowdies Management at Combine. Among the others mentioned in the article were Joe Donoho, Kirk LaBusch and Jay Ayers.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Richard Jata has been busy....will he reappear?

(pictured above) Free kick by Jata at Tampa Bay Rowdies tryout

With the 2010 MLS season right around the corner, the Philadelphia Union are set to make some moves. After picking up 15 players in the MLS expansion draft, they still have room on their roster for some bright young talent. Jata has been invited to a second tryout for a soon-to-be Tampa Bay Rowdies team. Will his quest lead him to the USL, or will he finally be able to find a MLS team looking for something more than just a soccer player? Maybe an entertainer? One who can put fans in the seats?