In the league’s trade deadline, there wasn’t much movement from organizations usually set up preparation for either the playoffs or future seasons. Charlotte executed trades involving seven players, the most on the day. Boston and New York dipped their hands in the trading pot and worked out a last minute trade before the window closed at 4 p.m.
When the Lizards acquired Stephen Berger, it seemed as though the midfield unit had gotten a monstrous player back in their lineup. However, with lots of new talent coming into the mix and some inverting of attackmen, it seemed as though Berger was having a tough time finding his groove tallying only 13 points in nine games. In their most previous game against Rochester, Berger had his second best game of the season scoring three goals. His best came against Ohio where he recorded four goals and two assists. Berger’s 13 points this season marks his lowest total since he was drafted by the Lizards in 2005, where he recorded 18 points. True, the season isn’t over yet, but Berger may have a tough time getting to the 39 points he threw up last season in Charlotte. Still a top midfielder in the league, Berger can hopefully find his momentum joining Boston and the likes of Paul Rabil and Mike Stone at the midfield.
Rookie Steve Mock hasn’t seen time at all this season, which makes this trade scarce for New York. Fortunately, there’s one person that is especially happy to see Mock, and that’s Rob Pannell. The two Cornell grads worked wonders for the Big Red during their Senior campaign, helping their team to the NCAA Final Four this past season. Connection and knowing what the other player is doing can greatly increase your chances of a killer offense. Putting Pannell and Mock together again will do just that for New York.
