Prost Amerika’s opinionated video columnist Alan Hinton shared his thoughts in the latest Hinton Unleashed on the controversial Gold Cup, newest high-profile Major League Soccer arrivals (Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips), Seattle Sounders FC, the overall state of MLS and his upcoming trip to England.
CONCACAF Gold Cup
“I thought it was disgraceful and, frankly stupid, that he (USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann) played his whole team…against Cuba when we didn’t even need to win.”
The former English First Division winger criticized various elements of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Hinton took the Mexican fans to task for throwing objects on the pitch during their match against Panama, and the poor refereeing decisions by American Mark Geiger.
He felt USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann erred in playing Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey in a meaningless group stage game against Cuba. The duo should have been rested in preparation for their knockout match against Jamaica.
Didier Drogba signs contract with Montreal Impact
“He will be the most recognizable player in Major League Soccer.”
Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea forward, inked an 18-month contract with the Montreal Impact. Hinton commented on the latest MLS acquisition as another sign of the U.S. domestic league’s increased global visibility. Besides Drogba, another English Premier League standout Shaun Wright-Phillips plans to join his brother Bradley and play for the New York Red Bulls.
Seattle Sounders FC
“There’s no point in going out there and getting an ordinary player.”
With several MLS teams acquiring high-profile players, Hinton didn’t think the Sounders needed to panic and make a rash decision. With Obafemi Martins and Stefan Frei almost healed from their injuries and the return of Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans from the Gold Cup, Seattle should return to form and make a run for a spot in the playoffs.
Alan’s return to Derby County
Hinton played for Derby County in 1975 when they won the league championship. The former left winger will join other team members to commemorate the 40-year anniversary of that accomplishment.
While in England for most of August and early September, the Prost Amerika columnist will take in a number of English Premier League and Championship matches. Hinton shared his predictions for the upcoming EPL season.
