View from the Blues, Volume Four: On the Player Combine and Another Partnership

Looking back at the Blues Player Combine 

The Los Angeles Blues had their player combine in January. Manager Charlie Naimo, Assistant Coach Shayon Jalayer and Assistant Director of Player Personnel Salvador Mora were on hand to watch the action at Riverside Community College, Norco Campus. 

90 players from eight states and six different countries got to participate in two full matches, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. There were also sessions specifically geared towards evaluating the goal-keepers. 

“I think the training environment was top class from facilities to pitch, the backdrop of the mountains, and the beautiful weather we had,” said Jalayer “Add to that a crop of players who were very talented, eager and respectful and I think the event can only be categorized as a resounding success.” 

“The first day was very tiring," Naimo said. "As much as the staff organized the weekend we had a healthy amount of walk ups that made things interesting, but I am very happy with our technical staff as I feel a great effort was put in to get to know all the players. 

"After a three hour meeting with the staff Saturday night, we were able to watch all of the match ups we wanted to see on Day 2. The day ended with a quality match with quite a few players we are considering offering contracts to. In all, the event was a great success." 

Despite it all, Naimo and Jalayer admitted that much work needed to be done. 

“Now the real work begins for the staff as we evaluate the players and how that pertains to the needs of our squad,” Jalayer said. “A lot of times it's really cut and dry, but the group was so good that it is going to be difficult to make those final decisions.

"Regardless, we feel that we are going to acquire some great players and put a product on the field that will not only win games but play an attractive brand that will be pleasing to the fans of Southern California.” 

A partnership with Resolution Sports 

On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Blues announced a partnership with sports communication firm Resolution Sports. This evolves from an existing partnership between Resolution Sports with the two-time USL W-League Champion Pali Blues Soccer Club, which is the sister team of the men’s club. 

“We are excited to bring Resolution Sports on as a partner for the men’s pro team,” Naimo said on the partnership. “The relationship with our women’s team has been fantastic over our first three seasons, and we are confident it will be no different on the men’s side." 

Resolution Sports founder John Archibald said, “Speaking on behalf of Resolution Sports, I could not be any happier to have the company partnering with the Los Angeles Blues. I have had the pleasure of working with head coach Charlie Naimo with the Pali Blues over the past three W-League seasons, and I am honored to have the opportunity to expand that relationship with the men’s team. 

"The Blues brand and Charlie himself are synonymous with a championship level of soccer, and I expect nothing but the same as this new chapter with the organization begins.” 

More information on the company can be found at www.ResSports.com.