Denver Outlaws trade for attackman Connor DeSimone
By Nick Zoroya | Dec 11, 2023
On Friday the first transaction of the Denver Outlaws era was made as head coach and general manager Tim Soudan traded midfielder Cole Williams to the Utah Archers for attackmen Connor DeSimone.
The addition of DeSimone provides added flexibility headed into free agency and the 2024 draft. Last season the team finished last in several offensive metrics and the absence of a full-time Brendan Nichtern at X was a contributing factor. With Jackson Morrill traded to the Whipsnakes and the Outlaws likely taking Brennan O’Neill with the first overall pick during the draft, the team is still looking for an answer at X.
DeSimone gives coach Soudan a righty that can play anywhere the team needs.
“Connor is a versatile player that can play at X or even out of the midfield. He is a shifty player that can score in many ways. I think he is a guy that can come in and win a spot. I have also heard great things about him as a culture fit for us. We are excited to see him at training camp.”
This versatility means that DeSimone will get a shot to be the guy at X allowing Soudan to focus on deepening the midfield during the off-season. If he lands at attack we could see Logan Wisnauskas or O’Neill on the left-handed wing, while the other comes out of the box. If attack isn’t the best fit he’s more than capable and projects as a top-six midfielder and adding a much-needed scoring threat.
When comparing DeSimone to last year's most effective X attackmen, Jackson Morrill, he is a bit more athletic with a quicker first step and improved dodging ability.
Williams could help Archers in the Champ Series where he was above average last year. DeSimone gets a shot at the open attack spot. Win-Win for both teams, low risk - high reward https://t.co/sWw6J92uFl
— Nick Zoroya (@NicholasZoroya) December 8, 2023
It’s too early to tell exactly how this trade will pan out, but with Cole Williams stuck in healthy scratch purgatory, the decision to trade for a skilled attackman was a no-brainer for all involved. DeSimone now gets a chance to earn a starting role while Williams can contribute immediately at the Champ Series and try to earn his own spot with the Archers.
