Rookie Dane Richards Impresses in Camp

March 13, 2007

By Stephen Zaffuto / NewYorkRedBulls.com

For many young soccer players, the first season as a professional can be a difficult transition. After being the stars of their former teams and leagues, many draft picks have a tough time adjusting to the speed, skill and overall quality of play in the MLS.

However, for some rookies this transition comes much more easily, as in the case of Dane Richards, the Red Bulls’ second round selection (19th overall) in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

“It’s not easy for some players. It takes longer to pan out sometimes and other guys just get straight into it, but he’s done a good job,” said Red Bulls assistant coach John Harkes. “We have no qualms about him at all right now. He’s been doing well.”

But saying that Richards is just “doing well” so far seems to be a huge understatement. In the team’s first preseason camp in Bradenton, Fla., Richards was able to score a goal in each of the Red Bulls’ first two scrimmages against the U.S. U-17 national team and the Kansas City Wizards. He was lauded for his performance against the Galaxy on Saturday after nearly scoring his third goal of the preseason and assisting on two others.

“He is very fast,” said second year midfielder Elie Ikangu as Richards motored down the sideline, closing down a through-ball during training last week. “Very fast.”

Speed. Pace. Call it what you will, but one thing is for sure: Richards has a lot of it. While it is perhaps his most impressive quality, he has done well to show that it is not his only area of strength.

“One thing I think that he provides for us is not just that pace down the wing, but the kind of service he puts in there with the crosses — that’s important to us,” Harkes said. “You’ve got to be able to have good quality service in the final third and I think Dane Richards has done a fine job.”

As far as what position on the field you will see the young Jamaican patrolling this year, the issue seems to be settled. While he was able to score 23 goals in two seasons while playing forward at Clemson and may tempt the club to utilize his versatility there, Harkes revealed, “for us, he’s more of a right-sided cover player right now.”

Richards supported Harkes’ view, stating, “I’ll be playing wide right, getting behind the defense, crossing the ball and scoring goals.”

The projected starter in the right midfield slot, Markus Schopp, is currently recovering from a strained groin/hip flexor that may keep him out of action for much of the Los Angeles trip. This could give Richards more time on the field with the first team during their four scrimmages at The Home Depot Center, with the Red Bulls training in California until March 16.

“When opportunity comes, I just need to take it and do my best,” Richards said. “I hope Markus Schopp gets well soon, but if the opportunity rises for me, I’ll just do my best.”