Why is it called Camp Cupcake? And is that the January camp or something else?
Yeah, the Jan camp.
Generally referred to as Cupcake because its usually filled with mediocre MLS lifers (with the occasionally younger guy with promise) who only get to go because there's literally nobody else with a pulse available. (its not a FIFA sanctioned match date, so no European based players other than the occasional rando from one of the Scandinavian leagues that take a longer winter break) Its a couple of weeks of no-pressure practice followed by a friendly that's usually against a really poor opponent (often some country's B or even C team)
There's really no reason it HAS to be so bad. It would be great for Poch to use the opportunity to begin getting familiar with some of our prospects who are still in MLS. I'm pretty sure that we can come up with an exciting 'wish list' of a roster. Include the MLS guys who have made recent USMNT rosters (Ream, Miles, Schulte, Tolkin, etc.) and then load up on young guys who we can imagine developing to where they're useful for us in the next few years (Neal, McGlynn, Luna, Miller, etc.). Bonus points for any dual Nationals we can include.
I would guess those guys probably WILL be there. I believe Miles has been there the last few years and unless Ream (in his advanced age) just wants time to rest, he'll probably be there too.
I dont see Tolkin as piece for the future. Schulte certainly could be, as the GK position is completely up in the air at the moment.
Dont get me wrong...there's usually at least a handful of viable players there. But the back end of the roster usually ends up being a ROUGH group of guys that are basically getting a "thanks for being an Ok American MLS player" participation medal.
But yeah, in theory, you could put together a lineup of all guys who MIGHT have some sort of future with the program. But then they're still playing a lousy opponent.
