Extended season preview, part three: Forwards

By: travis | March 24th, 2008

To cap it off, now it’s the time for those who find the net. The forwards. The big question that faces the Wizards (as I may have mentioned in the past) has to be how they will fare without Eddie Johnson.

Part Three: Forwards

Scott Sealy: Target man from Trinidad & Tobago. Second leading scorer last season behind EJ and should be the starter up front against United. Should benefit from the arrival of Trujillo and Lopez, as they will push him to either improve even more or to be relegated to the bench.

Ivan Trujillo: New arrival from Colombia (got that wrong earlier), signed from La Equidad. Impressive already during the preseason, scoring 4 goals in just 5 appearances. I predict that he’ll start up from along Sealy opening day against DC United. Just a hunch.

Ryan Pore: A back up to either forward position/attacking midfield. Appeared in 17 games last season and has seen a great deal of action this preseason. Gives the team depth, although is probably the fourth or fifth choice up top now that Lopez and Trujillo are there. Will fight hard to claim his playing time.

Eloy Colambano: Also can play attacking midfield. Saw limited action with the first team last season as he was signed in August 2007. Probably the first off the bench/could be a potential starter.

Claudio Lopez: Not much to add here. El Piojo is the Wizards DP. That means the pressure is on for him to perform or, well, be labeled a bust. A two time World Cup veteran, at 33 the big question is, did he come here to retire or did he come here to inspire? My prediction? Scores 10 goals and leads a deep playoff run. Not quite the scoring pace of Juan Pablo or Emilio, but he’ll put in his fair share.

Bottom Line: The forwards are deep. No doubt about that. Barring injuries, they are one of the stronger units in the league. That is, if Lopez and Trujillo bring results. Throw in Arnaud and it makes for a solid bunch. Coach Onfalo must be licking his chops, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already forgotten Eddie Johnson. If Trujillo’s form in preseason transfers over to the big time, let that be a warning to the rest of the league.