Gauchos in MLS

As a UC Santa Barbara alum, and former soccer broadcaster, the Men’s soccer program is close to my heart and here is the current status of the former Gaucho greats in Major League Soccer

Chris Pontius (DC United, M/F) – Got his third consecutive start, and similarly to last week was positioned as a wide midfielder. He didn’t play as well as the previous weeks, but had some good touches and headers that sailed to high. Tom Soehn should put Pontius up top where he seems to thrive a little more, pairing him with Luciano Emilio, Ange N’Silu or even Jaime Moreno.

Andy Iro (Columbus Crew, D) – He got in the game at the 85th minute in the 4-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. Sunday he got the nod to start against Chivas USA. He scored his second career goal off a bad clearance to tie the game 1-1. Unfortunately his good performance was erased by the red card he received from a horrible tackle to Chivas’ Carey Talley. Iro will be out for the Crew’s next game against Colorado.

Eric Avila (FC Dallas, M) – Was subbed in at the 88th minute in the 2-1 lose against New England. Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman hasn’t been as favorable to see Avila play as the previous coach was. But with Dallas with only 0 points and 3 losses, Hyndman might have to shuffle his line-up and give Avila the nod to start.

Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA, GK) – Did not play. He’s still nursing an injury on his right knee. Since Chivas is getting results with Thorton at goal, Kennedy’s position as #1 goalkeeper might be doubt when he comes back.

Tino Nuñez (Real Salt Lake, F) – Did not play and wasn’t in the bench for the 4-1 victory against Columbus. Hasn’t seen any paying time this year, even though he did play nine games last seasoned and tallied a goal. But with Morales and Movsisyan hot, it will be hard for Nuñez to get any playing time.

Kyle Reynish (Real Salt Lake, GK) – Did not play nor was in the bench. Same situation as Nuñez, with Rimando and Seitz in front of him in the depth chart, it’s going to be hard for Reynish was he can do between the pipes.