Its prospects are good
MLS may tap into Gambian pipeline
Former Revolution striker Mamadou Diallo could become a key to supplying Major League Soccer with players from West Africa.
Natick-based agent Patrick McCabe recently returned from a scouting trip to Senegal and The Gambia, meeting with Diallo in Dakar in a player search inspired by the success of Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi with the Revolution.
"Mamadou wants to do it the right way," McCabe said. "He is in real estate management and he is also still playing with the Senegal beach soccer team."
Senegal, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, has established itself among the powers of African soccer. But McCabe believes The Gambia could offer better prospects than its much larger neighbor.
"The Gambia is an easier market to work with, it's not picked over like other African countries," McCabe said. "It's a better fit for the MLS for a lot of reasons - language [English] being one of them. Banjul is a modern city, with big apartment buildings, lots of good hotels. But it's also cheaper than Senegal."
Senegal, a former French colony, traditionally sends its best prospects to Belgium and France. The Gambia's first significant export to Europe was midfielder Alhaji Momodo Nije, known as "Biri Biri," who performed for Derby County and Sevilla in the 1970s. And Gambian players only recently have started to be exported in numbers, sparked by the success of the under-17 and under-20 national teams.
"We watched The Gambia defeat Senegal, 3-0, in a U-20 game and the Gambians were much better," McCabe said. "They don't have a lot of guys at the top level now and they need better coaching at the local level. They have never qualified for the World Cup or even the African Nations Cup, but the junior teams' success has jump-started the idea that they can be a force.
"Their intent is to get players out so they can play at a higher level and on a more professional basis, and that will have an impact on the national team."
McCabe said the Revolution have become popular in The Gambia since games are received on ESPN International broadcasts.
Los Angeles Galaxy director of soccer Paul Bravo also went on the trip and, McCabe said, "the Galaxy will have first option" on any prospects.
Stoppage time action
The Revolution's 2-1 victory over the Galaxy last Friday marked their last MLS game until Aug. 9, when they meet Chicago at Gillette Stadium. Until then, the Revolution could play as many as six games, starting with tonight's match against Crystal Palace Baltimore in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup in New Britain, Conn. The Baltimore team is affiliated with Crystal Palace FC, one of London's most historic clubs (established in 1905). The added competitions require the Revolution to develop depth. This could be another chance for first-year professionals Sam Brill and Joe Germanese, who scored in a 3-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers in their debuts last week. The Revolution won the US Open Cup last year, beating FC Dallas, 3-2, in the final. The winner of tonight's game will meet Chicago or D.C. United Aug. 12. The final is set for Aug. 26, the day the Revolution are scheduled to visit Joe Public FC in Trinidad and Tobago in the preliminary round of the CONCACAF Champions League. Mexican powers Santos Laguna (Sunday) and Pachuca (July 16) will visit the Revolution in the group stages of the second annual SuperLiga, a $1 million competition. The Revolution (10-4-3, 33 points) are in the midst of a front-loaded MLS schedule. Though the Revolution lost four regulars from last season, the team has adjusted to the crowded schedule and has an 8-1-2 record (20-9 goal differential) in all games since May 3 . . . Revolution striker Adam Cristman, who scored twice Friday, was named MLS Player of the Week . . . Cristiano Ronaldo underwent right ankle surgery and could miss the start of Manchester United's season next month. The Portuguese winger has been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid . . . Superstars Ronaldinho and Robinho will play for Brazil at the Beijing Olympics.Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.
