From Zlatan to Adu: Harry Shipp - S

This is the eight installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth

Harrison Shipp - Midfielder - Montreal Impact - DOB: 11/7/1991

So what's the deal with this guy?

Currently in his third MLS campaign, Harry Shipp had a strong rookie season and has stayed consistent racking up 12 goals and 17 assists in 85 career league appearances.

He's 24 and only in his third year. Did he go to college?

Yeah, graduated from Notre Dame and everything.

College soccer doesn't develop players

Say what you will about NCAA footy, Shipp led the Fighting Irish to a national championship his senior season, won Most Outstanding Player of the College Cup and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

Still, he doesn't look like much

By his own admission, Shipp will never be the fastest or strongest or whatever other cliche there is, but, add another, better cliche, he tries to be the smartest. 

I'm not sold

Ugh, fine. Yeah, Shipp is a not a freak physical specimen at 5'9" but he's creative and skillful on the ball. While he's usually deployed on the wing and has a penchant for serving some tempting crosses, he can also move into the center of the pitch. Finding space is something Shipp is also known to do.

Listening

Then watch this, mostly because it's also fun.

That was fun

I know. The guy is also passionate. When he was traded from his hometown club, the Chicago Fire, to Montreal he iPhone Noted a heartfelt goodbye. And he already self-identifies as "southern," according to his Twitter bio.

Why would Atlanta United want Harry Shipp?

Relatively young with a couple MLS years under his belt. Versatility and creativity in the midfield. Focused more on attacking then a Chris McCann likely will be. Service is needed for Tito and Kenwyne Jones. Oh yeah, best part, less than $130,000 a year and he wouldn't take up an international roster spot.

Does this make sense?

We have no idea how long Montreal signed Shipp for. Plus they gave away a decent bit in terms of money and what not to get Harry. Would we like to see some salutes in Atlanta? Sure, but we also may not be able to pry him away.  

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e06

It's only been 3 months so I updated the podcast cover art for a more Atlanta United theme.

Speaking of, Atlanta United made some signings and is rumored for more..

Freddy Adu is finally playing.

And some Drew Carey because why not.

Why is Freddy Adu great at everything? Golf Edition

Why is this man so good at everything?

I really need to know more about Freddy Adu and his golf game. 

Does he have a handicap? 

How often is he playing?

I wonder who he's playing with.

Why doesn't he tweet about this more?

Does he play anywhere else besides Rocky Point?

Will someone please have a charity auction where the prize is a round of golf with Freddy Adu.

Please, Tampa Bay Rowdies. Please

What did Freddy A-do this weekend?

Was apart of the largest crowd to ever watch a soccer game at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa

He got to watch the NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies take on the Jacksonville Armada with 7690 other people and Freddy probably had one of the best seats in the house. From the bench. He was an unused sub in the first game of the NASL Fall Season.

Saw a Flo Rida concert

Renowned hip-pop artist Flo Rida gave the record crowd in Tampa Bay a free concert on the pitch after the Rowdies match. I'm sure he partook at least a bit.

Caught some fireworks

I assume. It was the Fourth of July and all.

Probably watched Batman vs. Superman again

Freddy Adu loves superhero flix and will tell you which versions you should be watching.

Highly recommend you guys check out the ultimate version of BvS that just got released. 1000 times better than theatrical one. 3 hours long!

— Freddy Adu (@FreddyAdu) July 2, 2016

We try the Freddy Adu-approved Stouffer's Fit Kitchen meal to see if if holds up to Atlanta United standards

.@STOUFFERS #FitKitchen meals are convenient to make, satisfying and delicious. #ThisIsFit #ad pic.twitter.com/6qe9MkCISQ

— Freddy Adu (@FreddyAdu) April 7, 2016

The main man Freddy Adu has caught some flack for gettin that paper, aka sponsoring some products on Twitter. He's got a new one that he's flashed a couple times now, Stouffer's Fit Kitchen.   

So is this all it takes to be a world class athlete? If I eat this will I be able to make an MLS roster?

 It's about time I make good on my unmade promise to make an Atlanta United 18. But first, we need to go to gym.

These are today's gym clothes. There are many like them, but these are mine.

Notice the mismatched brands. I am a free agent, so to speak. Translation: plz send me sponsors.

Once in the gym you should only be doing one thing - squats. I usually do about 500 consecutive squats and 25 sit-ups (to keep it tight) before dipping out.

All legs, no chest.

Time to refuel those quad muscles. Head to Publix and find the Fit Kitchen for $3.99 in the freezer section.

Procured. Went with the roasted chicken, potatoes and broccoli because thats what Freddy had in his tweet, but some of the others had sweet potatoes and looked more "appetizing."

What else we got in this stuff?

Dammmmmmmn. Salt bomb, as to be expected. Less than 300 calories though so its LA Fitness  Atlanta United appropriate (don't ask how it just is). 

Looks about right. Time to "prep," as in peel the corner of the film and stick it in office Emerson for 5 minutes [ed note: nothing being promoted as healthy should be in a plastic microwaved tray for 8 minutes.]

*beep^ding*microwave noise^

Time to stir.

Wait, do I stir the wine sauce in with everything? I'm going to stir the wine sauce with everything.

Put back in for final 3 minutes.

You should always move Lean Cuisine-type meals onto company provided paper plates once finished cooking to convince your coworkers you brought that ish from home. Also, choose the appropriate beverage for your Adu-inspired creation. Yeah, I know it's not Sierra Mist but you try to find some.

The taste? The broccoli is surprising good and the chicken and potatoes faired ok out of the nuke. That sauce is liquid NaCl tho.

How good am I feeling? Freaking strong. Bout to run through a wall. Definitely ready for another open tryout to come around.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e05

Atlanta United has some thoughts on when to make a "big signing."

MLS Fantasy should be all about the cheap keeper. And Atlanta United may have one next year in Alex Tambakis. 

Freddy Adu is out here hitting ish.

Drew Carey gives Oswald a second story line and throws a parade with a bunch of guest stars.

Freddy Adu hits free kick with precision and beauty

Freddy Adu and the Tampa Bay Rowdies were taking on the University of Tampa Spartans in the NASL team's last preseason exhibition when the Rowdies got a free kick right outside the box.

Up steps Freddy and drills the set piece. It was pretty.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e04

New US Soccer crest. Atlanta United supporters group had some get togethers. There some player news over with the Charleston Battery. Oh hey, season tickets.

MLS Fantasy season is upon us. Be prepared for annoying talk around that.

Freddy Adu has not had much preseason time on the field, even against his former teams.

Drew Carey gets a new girlfriend, we find out how he lost his virginity and we met the devil.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e03

Atlanta United has season ticket prices, even if the team doesn't have a stadium.

Freddy Adu was on everyone's mind.

ATLUTD was able to make some player signings with Junior Burgos and Alex Tambakis. That's because of this Charleston Battery USL deal. 

Drew and Kate had some relationship issues on The Drew Carey Show.

Atlanta United signs NASL Goal of the Year winner Junior Burgos

The second signing for Atlanta United will spend the year in Tampa Bay with the Rowdies recruiting playing with Freddy Adu.

Junior Burgos has spent time as an Atlanta Silverbacks, which is where he dropped that bomb you see above.

Burgos was originally drafted by Toronto FC back in 2012.

He's also got a couple caps with the El Salvador national team.

We are happy with this.

Did Atlanta need the Silverbacks, NASL?

Yes, because now how am I going to see Freddy Adu play?

Because really, where do I have to travel?

Closest I can get to Freddy Adu is now, what, Cary, NC? Jacksonville, FL?

May as well drive to Tampa Bay and see a Rowdies home game.

Better question: does Atlanta United troll the Atlanta Ultras and buy the Atlanta Silverbacks and use it as a USL team?

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 s02e02

It's fun (and time to record a pod) when there's a lot of outstanding Atlanta United news.

Like - player rumors, coach rumors, new hires, TV deals.

Freddy Adu broke his cell phone screen.

And we have a new character on the Drew Carey Show.

Freddy Adu resigns with Tampa Bay Rowdies, AMERICA REJOICES

In the best news of this Tuesday, Freddy Adu is staying with the Tampa Bay Rowdies through 2016 and with a club option for 2017.

Hope we don't see that 2017 option picked up, or at least if it is it is used to loan Freddy to Atlanta United for the inaugural season.

In the meantime, the Atlanta Silverbacks may not even exist in 2016 so no telling how close Freddy Adu makes it to Atlanta.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e01

This week is [flames].

Freddy Adu got real on Twitter.

There is a whole new batch of the Drew Carey Show. Season two starts with a musical number.

Atlanta United is hosting tryouts and needs a new place to live and there's another Atlanta United podcast you could probably check out.

Other products Freddy Adu could promote on his Twitter

Freddy Adu caught a lot of flack on Twitter for this tweet. Which like, the man is getting PAID to tweet about some shit all of us have to do anyway. He even got a free vacuum out of it. I can't say I've ever gotten a free Swiffer and I use that shit on the reg to get all the dog hair off my hardwood. Not even a refill of pads.

Freddy's got to keep this up though. We have some other items he can start sponsoring and endorsing on Twitter.

WARBY PARKER

Look at the avi, he likes a bold frame.

G-SHOCK WATCHES

Look at the avi, he likes big faces.

SLIPPER GENIE

The man looks like he keep his floors clean.

MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER

They share similar hair styles.

BRAWNY PAPER TOWELS

I bet Freddy Adu has a flannel shirt around somewhere.

SUBWAY

If it's good enough for Pele...

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s01e10

We're toasting to you, Drew.

We made it through the first season of the Drew Carey Show.

We got to watch Freddy Adu play.

Atlanta United has a store.

MLS Fantasy ended.

Just listen.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s01e09

It's the penultimate episode of season one of The Freddy Adu and Drew Carey 2 Podcast, the go-to Atlanta United audio outlet that exclusively covers Freddy Adu and the Drew Carey Show.

ATLUTD does have the youth academy set up to talk about.

MLS Fantasy is winding down with the MLS regular season. 

BIGGEST NEWS IS FREDDY ADU IS PLAYING LIKE A CHAMP IN TAMPA BAY. AND HE'S COMING TO ATLANTA.

Drew Carey and crew are still toiling in Drew/Lisa/Kate/Jay drama.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s01e08

The best Atlanta United podcast no one listens to returns.

Freddy Adu is back getting PT with the Tampa Bay Rowdies so we skipped ahead of the normal, inconsistent recording to drop a Friday episode.

Atlanta United fans have continued to pop up new supporters groups, like Resurgence.

MLS Fantasy is winding down and Wild Cards should not be this hard.

Drew and Lisa really need to get their shit together as we near the end of season one of The Drew Carey Show.

Freddy Adu adds assist in first start for Tampa Bay Rowdies

Glad you're back, Freddy.

Freddy Adu got his first start in a Tampa Bay Rowdies uniform Wednesday night against the Indy Eleven and he instantly rewarded his club with a solid outing.

Adu got an assist off an in-swinging corner to Long Tan in the second half. 

Keep that shit up, young man. 

From Zlatan to Adu: Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Z

This is the first installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Forward - Paris Saint-Germain - DOB 10/3/81

Runway Ready

I mean we already know he'd look good in a (possible) Atlanta United jersey  considering his AC Milan days.

Plus the international community will always need to check in on Zlatan antics. It's required r/soccer reading.

What a way to ring in a new MLS franchise.

 What's Zlatan Ever Done? 

Let's take a look at Wikipedia shall we?

Do not forget the man is Sweden's all-time scorer at the international level with 56 goals in 105 appearances.

Age will obviously be a factor for when he would be in Atlanta (35 in March 2017) but look at what Didier Drogba has been able to do at Montreal when available. 

And I'm not scout / expert, but Drogba and Zlatan play very similarly. Good in the air. Great target forwards. Excellent finishers. Aging DPs are an issue in MLS, but Zlatan could still be productive for two years in America. Look, His scoring has not fallen off in France even though he's over 30.

His hamstrings could lift an elephant.

He's Got A Book

Zlatan would be the first and only Atlanta United player to have an autobiography - I Am Zlatan - already published while still playing. You can write that in wet cement. 

 Likelihood? 

To MLS? Pretty good. To Atlanta? Probably not as much. We're not New York or Los Angeles.

 PODCAST

Special edition of the Atlanta United podcast coming. Just some fan fiction where Zlatan visits Magic City in 2017.