Behold, the Web's bounty...
- Since I couldn't see the game (which is not Comcastic), I read reports on the U.S. loss till they all sounded the same - e.g. man, did we lose and why, Eddie Gaven, why? A couple stood above the others, though. Dan Loney's reply to a reader email on "what it all meant" says what I wanted to say earlier...only better (Dan Loney Says It Better?). So, good thing I posted the video...
The best detail line I saw came from Jen Chang's analysis on his ESPN blog, in the section on Eddie Johnson. For what it's worth, I concur with this statement: "...[Johnson] still remains too much of a one-trick pony for me. He's great at running onto through balls, but that's about it." The elaboration from this point, particularly on EJ's hesitancy, is worth the gander too.
- DC United jumped on the Colorado Rapids Argentina-style last night (i.e. late, and by the same score), but the thing that caught my eye was Fred's evangelical celebration. Now, neither The DCenters or The Offside Rules took offense at Fred's choice of celebration - and they're absolutely correct in that; The Offside Rules took it a step farther by questioning the referee's decision to issue a yellow card. Yeah, Fred's free to don that shirt, but it just sticks in my craw that a player would catch all kinds of hell - and, likely, bad publicity - for showing a t-shirt with the message "There Is No God." Just makes me cross, the way free speech works sometimes...bet the player who wears an aggressively atheist shirt would get fined to boot...
- Anyone have any idea why MLS Newsstand is stuck on Monday? Did they move it? All I know is I'm not about to go back to checking all those damn regional papers.
- Is it just more or is this the wildest season for trades in MLS history? Fox Soccer has a useful feature recording all but the most recent trades.
- Finally, I don't do previews any more (I'm actually going to try something new shortly) but I still admire them when they're done well. And the one Wiz turned in for The Real Salt Lake Offside wonderfully frames this weekend's game between Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC. Give this man a job in the marketing department.
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Labels:
Argentina,
Copa America,
DC United,
evangelism,
Fred,
free speech,
Real Salt Lake,
Toronto FC,
U.S.
(* It occurs to me I should mention I'm not reporting an actual murder/suicide. Coach Clavijo is fine, so far as I know.)
Since it's not yet showing on MLSnet.com, I'm really hoping the post from (the highly reliable) Steve Goff about Colorado and DC United trading Greg Vanney for Facundo Erpen aren't true. I'm hoping for Fernando Clavijo's sake; that same post contains a notion on several minds:
Speculation on Clavijo's fate isn't exactly hard to find these days. Ian Plenderleith poked around the rot on USSoccerplayers.com, while the long-suffering Clint (well...it has been five games), desperate for relief, has hit the Web in search of conspiracies that explain the Clavijo era. (NOTE: I'm yanking Clint's chain, who links to something fairly interesting, for the record.)
To Coach Clavijo: you know you can just resign, right? You don't need to compel two players to move over 1,000 miles in a final flame-out because that carries the damage over to at least one other player...probably Erpen, though I'm not sure about Vanney either (DCenters has some thoughts on the Vanney side of this...toward the bottom). The vultures have spotted your body, man. Is upping the body count really the solution?
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Since it's not yet showing on MLSnet.com, I'm really hoping the post from (the highly reliable) Steve Goff about Colorado and DC United trading Greg Vanney for Facundo Erpen aren't true. I'm hoping for Fernando Clavijo's sake; that same post contains a notion on several minds:
"Also, the league buzz is that, if the Rapids lose this weekend, Fernando Clavijo could very well be out as coach. No word on potential candidates."
Speculation on Clavijo's fate isn't exactly hard to find these days. Ian Plenderleith poked around the rot on USSoccerplayers.com, while the long-suffering Clint (well...it has been five games), desperate for relief, has hit the Web in search of conspiracies that explain the Clavijo era. (NOTE: I'm yanking Clint's chain, who links to something fairly interesting, for the record.)
To Coach Clavijo: you know you can just resign, right? You don't need to compel two players to move over 1,000 miles in a final flame-out because that carries the damage over to at least one other player...probably Erpen, though I'm not sure about Vanney either (DCenters has some thoughts on the Vanney side of this...toward the bottom). The vultures have spotted your body, man. Is upping the body count really the solution?
(########)
We're rounding into July, so it must be time for my annual kvetch about the onset of my personal ambivalence.
Writing as someone who enjoys soccer to a marriage-hobbling extent, I have to say it: I'm fucking bored. After the ever-giddy start to the season, but before the late-season jockeying (spazzing?) for playoff position, the summer doldrums hit Major League Soccer (MLS) every summer; the games slow down, in part due to oppressive heat in many venues, but also because there's no harm in phoning in a week or ten's (fifteen's?) performances. And we all know why: a (flatly brilliant*) sidebar on drew epperley's WVHooligan clocks the current state of the playoff race (look below the calendar on the right), and it tells that story.
Look at the number of points that separate the best of the "Last Five Out" from the conference leaders: subtract RSL's 9 points from FC Dallas' 25 and you get 16 points. Now take into account that, excepting Dallas' freak-show 15 games played, most teams have played 12 or 13, leaving 18 or 17 games to go. Some quick math shows this allows each of these teams the (entirely unrealistic) maximum of 54 or 51 points available for these teams. Yes, 54 is more than 16...over three times more, in fact.
Even as I count this year's playoff format - e.g. the top two teams from each conference plus the next best four - an improvement over the straight conference breakdown, the same reality prevails: such a generous playoff format means a team only needs one solid run, plus a smattering of wins along the way, to make the eight-team post-season. This creates an unfortunate situation. To throw a question out there, at what "week" (e.g. Week 20? Week 23?) do regular-season games matter again? No league should want this question asked of their on-field product, but...there it is. I don't know how this question can be avoided. If I'm getting bored - me, a cheap, dirty whore for all things MLS - I can't imagine what this pernicious summer stretch does to casual soccer fans, never mind non-soccer fans.
Fixing this doesn't require a radical solution; either allow fewer teams in the playoffs or shrink the number of regular season games...PLEASE. Just don't let this continue...or promise me that the league will reach 16 teams by 2010...and that you won't do something friggin' stupid like up the number of regular season games when it does.
Please?
If you want weird, though, bored as I am, I'm still racking my brains to figure what games I'm going to watch this weekend....
(* I count this as proof-positive that he pours more thought and energy into his site than I do. Why do I admit these things? I think it's because I believe people deserve to know what they're getting.)
Writing as someone who enjoys soccer to a marriage-hobbling extent, I have to say it: I'm fucking bored. After the ever-giddy start to the season, but before the late-season jockeying (spazzing?) for playoff position, the summer doldrums hit Major League Soccer (MLS) every summer; the games slow down, in part due to oppressive heat in many venues, but also because there's no harm in phoning in a week or ten's (fifteen's?) performances. And we all know why: a (flatly brilliant*) sidebar on drew epperley's WVHooligan clocks the current state of the playoff race (look below the calendar on the right), and it tells that story.
Look at the number of points that separate the best of the "Last Five Out" from the conference leaders: subtract RSL's 9 points from FC Dallas' 25 and you get 16 points. Now take into account that, excepting Dallas' freak-show 15 games played, most teams have played 12 or 13, leaving 18 or 17 games to go. Some quick math shows this allows each of these teams the (entirely unrealistic) maximum of 54 or 51 points available for these teams. Yes, 54 is more than 16...over three times more, in fact.
Even as I count this year's playoff format - e.g. the top two teams from each conference plus the next best four - an improvement over the straight conference breakdown, the same reality prevails: such a generous playoff format means a team only needs one solid run, plus a smattering of wins along the way, to make the eight-team post-season. This creates an unfortunate situation. To throw a question out there, at what "week" (e.g. Week 20? Week 23?) do regular-season games matter again? No league should want this question asked of their on-field product, but...there it is. I don't know how this question can be avoided. If I'm getting bored - me, a cheap, dirty whore for all things MLS - I can't imagine what this pernicious summer stretch does to casual soccer fans, never mind non-soccer fans.
Fixing this doesn't require a radical solution; either allow fewer teams in the playoffs or shrink the number of regular season games...PLEASE. Just don't let this continue...or promise me that the league will reach 16 teams by 2010...and that you won't do something friggin' stupid like up the number of regular season games when it does.
Please?
If you want weird, though, bored as I am, I'm still racking my brains to figure what games I'm going to watch this weekend....
(* I count this as proof-positive that he pours more thought and energy into his site than I do. Why do I admit these things? I think it's because I believe people deserve to know what they're getting.)
Yup. The U.S. Men's team got taken behind the toolshed by the Argentine's big boys in last night's 4-1 loss. I'm OK with this. Wasn't this the expected outcome given all the givens? Even without the most noteworthy givens - e.g. the toddlers Team we sent - shouldn't we expect losses to Argentina, oh, eight, nine times out of ten?
We'll survive, it's possible we learned a thing or two (things like the fact that Eddie Gaven isn't ready for the senior team, or...), such as this little gem from Jeff Carlisle's analysis for ESPN:
There's something oddly relieving about the persistence of the problem Carlisle describes. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery, right? The real question is the dreaded two-parter of can we learn and, if so, how? At any rate, I'm relieved to hear we looked all right for 60 minutes; now let's work on that last 30, yeah? And to to, y'know, actually play soccer, as opposed to the run-n-gun stuff we seem to prefer.
And don't ask me why I chose this highlight reel (is the text on the video Hebrew?):
Turns out Haimrevivo1 (the guy who posted the first video) is a busy boy; he also found highlights from Paraguay's (our next opponent) rout of Colombia:
(#########)
We'll survive, it's possible we learned a thing or two (things like the fact that Eddie Gaven isn't ready for the senior team, or...), such as this little gem from Jeff Carlisle's analysis for ESPN:
"This was especially true in the U.S. midfield, which faded badly in the second half, continuing a trend from the Gold Cup that saw the Americans finish games poorly. In that tournament, the U.S. was not punished for this tendency, but on this night they found out the hard way how a good team treats such charity."
"Of course, part of how a team kills off games is by keeping possession, and this American team showed that it is still light years behind a side like Argentina in this regard."
There's something oddly relieving about the persistence of the problem Carlisle describes. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery, right? The real question is the dreaded two-parter of can we learn and, if so, how? At any rate, I'm relieved to hear we looked all right for 60 minutes; now let's work on that last 30, yeah? And to to, y'know, actually play soccer, as opposed to the run-n-gun stuff we seem to prefer.
And don't ask me why I chose this highlight reel (is the text on the video Hebrew?):
Turns out Haimrevivo1 (the guy who posted the first video) is a busy boy; he also found highlights from Paraguay's (our next opponent) rout of Colombia:
(#########)
In the order in which I wrote 'em....
- It turns out us Yanks aren't the only ones worrying about turning our youth into the soccer superstars of tomorrow; the Canadians have wrung hands of their own. But I couldn't help trip over one section in a Toronto Star article on the subject:
I don't know the state of this debate so well, but I seem to recall an argument that our kids need to be put in competitive games to sharpen their game. I'm wondering if that's the case - and I've certainly read compelling pieces (can't find them now) about the corrossive effect the win-at-all-costs mentality can have on how we teach the game. And who's going to argue with Ajax in any case? (Actually, it could be fair to ask why Dutch players tend to implode on the largest of occasions; maybe they need to light up that scoreboard a little before the first team?)
- I feel compelled to note Mexico's 2-0 win over Brazil. I can't say I pull for Mexico often, but if there's one thing I always pull for, it's a Brazil loss. Can't wait to see what we do tonight (and I'm not going to let the doom bring me down, either - or a loss by fewer than, oh, four goals for that matter).
- In happier tournament news, the U-20 FIFA Cup starts this weekend (wow!). And guess what? We go first! I don't know that anyone's carrying this (doesn't look like it), so you'll have to follow this where you can. Turning again to our northern neighbors, they seem pretty stoked to be hosting the U-20s; the more interesting question - especially when future World Cup qualifying is concerned - is are they loaded with talent?
- The Chicago Fire cleared some money/international space today by shit-canning Pascal Bedrossian; they got even more help with Ivan Guerrero picking up his green card. The real question, though, is whether they've got time to help themselves before July 1? (Isn't that when rosters have to be fixed?)
- Finally - and this really pisses me off - why is it that ESPN will carry (it's in there; trust me) a dog-n-pony show like goddamn World Series of Soccer, but they won't pony up for the U.S. games for the Copa America?
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- It turns out us Yanks aren't the only ones worrying about turning our youth into the soccer superstars of tomorrow; the Canadians have wrung hands of their own. But I couldn't help trip over one section in a Toronto Star article on the subject:
"The hope is that a handful will one day graduate to the senior side – "the [Ajax of Amsterdam] first team" – that has won four European championships. Until that day, the on-field scoreboards will not be lit up. No goal tally is kept during their games."
"European youth soccer focuses on skills development and little else. Winning is not important. Learning the skills needed to win is."
I don't know the state of this debate so well, but I seem to recall an argument that our kids need to be put in competitive games to sharpen their game. I'm wondering if that's the case - and I've certainly read compelling pieces (can't find them now) about the corrossive effect the win-at-all-costs mentality can have on how we teach the game. And who's going to argue with Ajax in any case? (Actually, it could be fair to ask why Dutch players tend to implode on the largest of occasions; maybe they need to light up that scoreboard a little before the first team?)
- I feel compelled to note Mexico's 2-0 win over Brazil. I can't say I pull for Mexico often, but if there's one thing I always pull for, it's a Brazil loss. Can't wait to see what we do tonight (and I'm not going to let the doom bring me down, either - or a loss by fewer than, oh, four goals for that matter).
- In happier tournament news, the U-20 FIFA Cup starts this weekend (wow!). And guess what? We go first! I don't know that anyone's carrying this (doesn't look like it), so you'll have to follow this where you can. Turning again to our northern neighbors, they seem pretty stoked to be hosting the U-20s; the more interesting question - especially when future World Cup qualifying is concerned - is are they loaded with talent?
- The Chicago Fire cleared some money/international space today by shit-canning Pascal Bedrossian; they got even more help with Ivan Guerrero picking up his green card. The real question, though, is whether they've got time to help themselves before July 1? (Isn't that when rosters have to be fixed?)
- Finally - and this really pisses me off - why is it that ESPN will carry (it's in there; trust me) a dog-n-pony show like goddamn World Series of Soccer, but they won't pony up for the U.S. games for the Copa America?
(##########)
....and it's gonna take more work to make that venue fly than I had originally anticipated.
Here's the deal: my daughter attended a breast cancer event with her Girl Scout troop, one that happened to be based at Hillsboro Stadium. That's significant becuase, assuming Kevin McGeehan has it right in his piece on likely candidates for MLS expansion (in which he endorses the Las Vegas bid; for the record, I endorse his endorsement), Hillsboro stadium enters into the equation for many observers:
Which brings us to what expanding that stadium will entail. Hillsboro Stadium is smaller than it looks from the four-lane highway that buzzes by it; the turf will likely need replacement as well. It's surrounded, at this point, by softball/baseball fields - will those be replaced by soccer fields, or will "America's game" hold its place? Tough as those issues sound, they're nothing next to figuring access to the stadium.
Finding the access to the stadium is hard enough, especially from the highway; to get past a Fred Meyer (local grocery chain) suburban complex signs will need to be put up at the very least. Once you find the right road, you find yourself on a stretch of via twisting, narrow one-lane pavement pinched by lava boulders on one side and lines of parked cars on the other. I happened to show up during a softball tournament of some kind, which had people stopping and parallel parking all over the damn place. In other words, given MLS's preference for Saturday games, it's pretty clear that those softball fields and a regular events drawing 15,000-20,000 cannot co-exist.
The set up in the parking lots that currently exist is insane, Those one-lane stretches of pavement (I can't bring myself to call them roads; they're too narrow) extend across the tops of the parking lot, but they go through these weird traffic cluster-fucks that confuse motorists to the extent of creating a sort of free-for-all - e.g. cars head on these extensions going both directions making it really hard to tell which lanes are supposed to go which way. That said, the parking area isn't all that bad and, really, would require some clearing to boost the number of available spaces (though additional construction will remain necessary).
While I'm sure the parking/access equation can be remedied - albeit at a cost in dollars and, essentially, starting over - limitations to the physical space cause additional concerns. I've implied the issues in play: the Fred Meyer shopping complex and the highway completely rules out growth in two directions; existing office parks take out another one, leaving exactly one direction for expansion - and that wouldn't be easy. The softball fields will likely have to go as well - either that, or the events on them scheduled away from potential MLS games.
None of this is to say that settling a Portland team in Hillsboro won't be possible. But the site means this will be more complicated by far than simply expanding the stadium: an overhaul of the infrastrucuture surrounding the stadium, almost completely revamping the parking set up, not to mention doing battle with local interests from Fred Meyer to whomever organizes softball games will be required to make this work. And these are expenses I didn't take into account the first time I posted on this (link below). I'll tell you one thing: unless we run the construction with the brutality of an old Soviet five-year plan - and with several times the efficiency as well - next season is definitely not an option.
And after all that the market that may prove fairly lukewarm in the end.
Here's the deal: my daughter attended a breast cancer event with her Girl Scout troop, one that happened to be based at Hillsboro Stadium. That's significant becuase, assuming Kevin McGeehan has it right in his piece on likely candidates for MLS expansion (in which he endorses the Las Vegas bid; for the record, I endorse his endorsement), Hillsboro stadium enters into the equation for many observers:
"The situation is fluid, and the ultimate decision may hinge on whether the SuperSonics decide to follow through on their threats to leave the Emerald City. At the moment, though, it looks like Portland may have a slight edge in the race due to plans to expand an existing stadium in Hillsboro, a suburb of Portland. If this plan works, it’s conceivable that a club could play in Portland next season."
Which brings us to what expanding that stadium will entail. Hillsboro Stadium is smaller than it looks from the four-lane highway that buzzes by it; the turf will likely need replacement as well. It's surrounded, at this point, by softball/baseball fields - will those be replaced by soccer fields, or will "America's game" hold its place? Tough as those issues sound, they're nothing next to figuring access to the stadium.
Finding the access to the stadium is hard enough, especially from the highway; to get past a Fred Meyer (local grocery chain) suburban complex signs will need to be put up at the very least. Once you find the right road, you find yourself on a stretch of via twisting, narrow one-lane pavement pinched by lava boulders on one side and lines of parked cars on the other. I happened to show up during a softball tournament of some kind, which had people stopping and parallel parking all over the damn place. In other words, given MLS's preference for Saturday games, it's pretty clear that those softball fields and a regular events drawing 15,000-20,000 cannot co-exist.
The set up in the parking lots that currently exist is insane, Those one-lane stretches of pavement (I can't bring myself to call them roads; they're too narrow) extend across the tops of the parking lot, but they go through these weird traffic cluster-fucks that confuse motorists to the extent of creating a sort of free-for-all - e.g. cars head on these extensions going both directions making it really hard to tell which lanes are supposed to go which way. That said, the parking area isn't all that bad and, really, would require some clearing to boost the number of available spaces (though additional construction will remain necessary).
While I'm sure the parking/access equation can be remedied - albeit at a cost in dollars and, essentially, starting over - limitations to the physical space cause additional concerns. I've implied the issues in play: the Fred Meyer shopping complex and the highway completely rules out growth in two directions; existing office parks take out another one, leaving exactly one direction for expansion - and that wouldn't be easy. The softball fields will likely have to go as well - either that, or the events on them scheduled away from potential MLS games.
None of this is to say that settling a Portland team in Hillsboro won't be possible. But the site means this will be more complicated by far than simply expanding the stadium: an overhaul of the infrastrucuture surrounding the stadium, almost completely revamping the parking set up, not to mention doing battle with local interests from Fred Meyer to whomever organizes softball games will be required to make this work. And these are expenses I didn't take into account the first time I posted on this (link below). I'll tell you one thing: unless we run the construction with the brutality of an old Soviet five-year plan - and with several times the efficiency as well - next season is definitely not an option.
And after all that the market that may prove fairly lukewarm in the end.
The Semi-Detached Pundit Collective (SDPC) lost a couple this week; I never saw ranking for The Other Football or Soccer by Ives - the latter is really slipping (though he said, through a spokesman*, that the Gold Cup and the Copa are keeping him too busy) (* I have never corresponded in any way with Mr. Galarcep - unless commenting on his site counts - and don’t believe he even has a spokesman; so, yeah, I made that up.)
Here are the sources for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Sideline Views (Andrea Canales)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
Fox Soccer Channel
And, once again, The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) merits honorable mention, as do the conference-based rankings provided by Who Ate All the Cupcakes. Dan Loney’s weekly rankings make the list today (though they weren’t plugged into the numbers below) courtesy of my admiration for his use of educational attainment as the means of ranking. Finally, I lifted the scariness rating for each team from On Soccer and entered that number after their collective ranking...I keep forgetting to check that out as a predictor...maybe he’ll do it one day.
Now, on to the numbers:
1. New England Revolution, 2.3 (4th - 4.3; SR: 2)
2/3. Houston Dynamo, 2.4 (7th - 6.5; SR: 1)
2/3. Red Bull New York, 2.4 (2nd - 2.6; SR: 8)
4. Kansas City Wizards, 4.4 (last week: 1st - 1.1; SR: 5)
5. FC Dallas, 4.9 (6th - 6.4; SR: 6)
6. DC United, 5.1 (3rd - 2.7; SR: 3)
7. Chivas USA, 7.4 (5th - 5.5; SR: 9)
8. Columbus Crew, 8.0 (12th - 11.5; SR: 4)
9. Toronto FC, 8.4 (8th - 7.3; SR: 7)
10. Colorado Rapids, 10.0 (9th - 9.1; SR: 13)
11. Chicago Fire, 11.7 (10th - 10.3; SR: 12)
12. Real Salt Lake, 12.0 (13th - 12.9; SR: 5)
13. Los Angeles Galaxy, 12.3 (11th - 10.8; SR: 11)
Some observations:
- We have a new consensus pick for worst team in MLS. Puke and cry, Alexi Lalas! Puke and cry!!
- The Colorado Rapids are your unanimous #10 pick...that’s not a good thing.
- Things look good for the Crew, on the other hand, whom the SDPC has officially judged to be a playoff team. Obviously, the Crew are also this week’s major climbers; they gained 3.5, which might be the biggest-ever jump in these rankings.
- Whoops. I take it back. The Dynamo rose 4.1. Yikes.
- Going the other way, pundits punished DC severely for the slip against RSL.
- As the season staggers (hey, it’s summer) to its midway point, the league’s teams seem be breaking into three groups: the top 6, the bubble teams of 7-9, and the apparent no-hopers from 11-13. You may have noticed that Colorado doesn’t fit into this scheme - yes, they are special.
- With regard to that top six, their inclusion in that group was universal (only Andrea Canales of Sideline Views plugged a top six team outside that range in their rankings - and it was DC United in Canales list). But look at what’s happening with the top three in the collective rankings: they’re essentially neck-and-neck, which says a lot about what this league knows from dominance as a concept. For the record, the Dynamo’s numbers were most tightly clustered, but New England gathered more #1 rankings than the other two; Red Bull snuck in by balancing their two 4’s against two 1’s. It’ll be interesting to see which team in this group breaks out.
- The Revolution’s climb is interesting. Their homestand kinda sucked, but they still climbed quite a bit (2.0). I’d put that down to them gaining the top spot and the stumbles of their competitors, as opposed to meaningful signs of life from New England. But competition is competition: you don’t always have to win to gain ground in a league set up.
All right. All for this week. There are some interesting times ahead.
(###########)
Here are the sources for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Sideline Views (Andrea Canales)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
Fox Soccer Channel
And, once again, The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) merits honorable mention, as do the conference-based rankings provided by Who Ate All the Cupcakes. Dan Loney’s weekly rankings make the list today (though they weren’t plugged into the numbers below) courtesy of my admiration for his use of educational attainment as the means of ranking. Finally, I lifted the scariness rating for each team from On Soccer and entered that number after their collective ranking...I keep forgetting to check that out as a predictor...maybe he’ll do it one day.
Now, on to the numbers:
1. New England Revolution, 2.3 (4th - 4.3; SR: 2)
2/3. Houston Dynamo, 2.4 (7th - 6.5; SR: 1)
2/3. Red Bull New York, 2.4 (2nd - 2.6; SR: 8)
4. Kansas City Wizards, 4.4 (last week: 1st - 1.1; SR: 5)
5. FC Dallas, 4.9 (6th - 6.4; SR: 6)
6. DC United, 5.1 (3rd - 2.7; SR: 3)
7. Chivas USA, 7.4 (5th - 5.5; SR: 9)
8. Columbus Crew, 8.0 (12th - 11.5; SR: 4)
9. Toronto FC, 8.4 (8th - 7.3; SR: 7)
10. Colorado Rapids, 10.0 (9th - 9.1; SR: 13)
11. Chicago Fire, 11.7 (10th - 10.3; SR: 12)
12. Real Salt Lake, 12.0 (13th - 12.9; SR: 5)
13. Los Angeles Galaxy, 12.3 (11th - 10.8; SR: 11)
Some observations:
- We have a new consensus pick for worst team in MLS. Puke and cry, Alexi Lalas! Puke and cry!!
- The Colorado Rapids are your unanimous #10 pick...that’s not a good thing.
- Things look good for the Crew, on the other hand, whom the SDPC has officially judged to be a playoff team. Obviously, the Crew are also this week’s major climbers; they gained 3.5, which might be the biggest-ever jump in these rankings.
- Whoops. I take it back. The Dynamo rose 4.1. Yikes.
- Going the other way, pundits punished DC severely for the slip against RSL.
- As the season staggers (hey, it’s summer) to its midway point, the league’s teams seem be breaking into three groups: the top 6, the bubble teams of 7-9, and the apparent no-hopers from 11-13. You may have noticed that Colorado doesn’t fit into this scheme - yes, they are special.
- With regard to that top six, their inclusion in that group was universal (only Andrea Canales of Sideline Views plugged a top six team outside that range in their rankings - and it was DC United in Canales list). But look at what’s happening with the top three in the collective rankings: they’re essentially neck-and-neck, which says a lot about what this league knows from dominance as a concept. For the record, the Dynamo’s numbers were most tightly clustered, but New England gathered more #1 rankings than the other two; Red Bull snuck in by balancing their two 4’s against two 1’s. It’ll be interesting to see which team in this group breaks out.
- The Revolution’s climb is interesting. Their homestand kinda sucked, but they still climbed quite a bit (2.0). I’d put that down to them gaining the top spot and the stumbles of their competitors, as opposed to meaningful signs of life from New England. But competition is competition: you don’t always have to win to gain ground in a league set up.
All right. All for this week. There are some interesting times ahead.
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In spite of a personal belief that it contains all the best stuff in the house, I decided "junk drawer" might sound like I was tossing out a bunch of surplus stuff. Yes..."Top 5" sounds so much more impressive...
- News that Chivas USA picked up the two Cuban national team players - Osvaldo Alonso and Lester Mor(e?) - who defected during this year's Gold Cup leaves me wishing that I'd watched more of the Gold Cup. In a side question, will Maykel Galindo ever stop giving to his team?
- All right, um, the rest-of-the-country's media: the Deseret News laid down the gauntlet with their complete history of Real Salt Lake trades. Not only do they name them, they manage to discuss them intelligently. Now, it's your turn...
- Soccer America reports that Chicago will announce their new coach early as next week...or, rather, that GM John Guppy would "like to make an announcement by the end of next week." Based on what's written there, Sunday's home game against the Colorado Rapids could be Denis Hamlett's sole game as Fire head coach. The way it's written makes one think Frank Klopas has as good a crack at the job as anyone.
- Call this 3A: speaking of Chicago Fire coaches, Luis Arroyave wrote a decent, somewhat personal, retrospective on David Sarachan's relationship with his little corner of the media.
- In run-of-the-mill trade news, the Toronto Star reports Mo Johnston finally got his (323rd) man: Collin Samuel has officially signed with Toronto FC. I don't know anything about Samuel and can't say how he'll do in MLS, but something in the Star's report leaves me wondering about the intensity of Mo's courtship: "Samuel, listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, scored 14 goals in 115 games with Dundee." Um....
- Finally, yeah, I admit it: I got a warm, fuzzy kick out of the "Futbol Meets Football" video clip featuring David "Show Pony" Beckham and Reggie "No Nickname" Bush. Hat-tip to Laurie at The LA Offside for posting it - and kudos for her bravery in admitting a soft spot for the segment as well.
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- News that Chivas USA picked up the two Cuban national team players - Osvaldo Alonso and Lester Mor(e?) - who defected during this year's Gold Cup leaves me wishing that I'd watched more of the Gold Cup. In a side question, will Maykel Galindo ever stop giving to his team?
- All right, um, the rest-of-the-country's media: the Deseret News laid down the gauntlet with their complete history of Real Salt Lake trades. Not only do they name them, they manage to discuss them intelligently. Now, it's your turn...
- Soccer America reports that Chicago will announce their new coach early as next week...or, rather, that GM John Guppy would "like to make an announcement by the end of next week." Based on what's written there, Sunday's home game against the Colorado Rapids could be Denis Hamlett's sole game as Fire head coach. The way it's written makes one think Frank Klopas has as good a crack at the job as anyone.
- Call this 3A: speaking of Chicago Fire coaches, Luis Arroyave wrote a decent, somewhat personal, retrospective on David Sarachan's relationship with his little corner of the media.
- In run-of-the-mill trade news, the Toronto Star reports Mo Johnston finally got his (323rd) man: Collin Samuel has officially signed with Toronto FC. I don't know anything about Samuel and can't say how he'll do in MLS, but something in the Star's report leaves me wondering about the intensity of Mo's courtship: "Samuel, listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, scored 14 goals in 115 games with Dundee." Um....
- Finally, yeah, I admit it: I got a warm, fuzzy kick out of the "Futbol Meets Football" video clip featuring David "Show Pony" Beckham and Reggie "No Nickname" Bush. Hat-tip to Laurie at The LA Offside for posting it - and kudos for her bravery in admitting a soft spot for the segment as well.
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Labels:
Chicago Fire,
Chivas USA,
coaching,
Dave Sarachan,
Lester More,
Osvaldo Alonso,
Real Salt Lake,
trades
As all y'all know by now, the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Toshiba Electronics Head-On Topical Analgesic Open Cup (let's see, that's LHUSTEH-OTAOC) wrapped up last night. And I'm sad to report that the only amateur team remaining in the tournament - Bavarian SC - didn't make it through last night...I hate you Carolina Railhawks...
You can find all the scores here, but it's The Big Board that tells us what happens next - e.g. who's playing what Major League Soccer (MLS) team (NOTE: I decided a bit ago that I have to stick with MLS, U.S. Men's news to prevent Mission Creep). And, to give full credit where it's due, Mike H over on My Soccer Blog provided the excellent service of stating where, specifically each third round game will go down.
With those resources at hand, here are my candidates for third-round upsets (and may they happen):
Rochester Raging Rhinos v. New England Revolution
I only say this because it's happened before...2005, if I'm not mistaken. (Yep, I'm mistaken...it was 2004.)
Richmond Kickers v. LA Galaxy
Have you seen LA's road record this year? Hell, have you seen LA?
Carolina Railhawks v. Chicago Fire
It's Chicago, so why not?
Anyway, I'm sure other upsets are possible - I mean, on their day, Colorado and FC Dallas could lose to a team of blind, one-legged orphans - but, in all honesty, I'm thinking LA has most reason to be nervous....though it sounds like they are already plenty nervous.
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You can find all the scores here, but it's The Big Board that tells us what happens next - e.g. who's playing what Major League Soccer (MLS) team (NOTE: I decided a bit ago that I have to stick with MLS, U.S. Men's news to prevent Mission Creep). And, to give full credit where it's due, Mike H over on My Soccer Blog provided the excellent service of stating where, specifically each third round game will go down.
With those resources at hand, here are my candidates for third-round upsets (and may they happen):
Rochester Raging Rhinos v. New England Revolution
I only say this because it's happened before...2005, if I'm not mistaken. (Yep, I'm mistaken...it was 2004.)
Richmond Kickers v. LA Galaxy
Have you seen LA's road record this year? Hell, have you seen LA?
Carolina Railhawks v. Chicago Fire
It's Chicago, so why not?
Anyway, I'm sure other upsets are possible - I mean, on their day, Colorado and FC Dallas could lose to a team of blind, one-legged orphans - but, in all honesty, I'm thinking LA has most reason to be nervous....though it sounds like they are already plenty nervous.
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I need a clever lead for this stuff...though that would probably up the "rip-off factor" of du Nord too far past tolerances.
Well....carry on, then...
- A nice little snippet from a United Soccer League Division 1 player (the Portland Timbers' Tom Poltl) on the depth of quality in Major League Soccer (MLS) appeared in The Oregonian's preview for tonight's Open Cup match:
Thoughts on this? Here's mine: as much as I like my Timbers, and even Poltl, throwing in the "after four to six players" line is like a one-legged man saying he could win a race if he had his other leg; those four to six players are there and that's the difference. For all that, he's right that USL-1 teams can compete with MLS clubs; it's just the winning part that gets tricky...
- Nearly everyone has heard by now that Red Bull swapped defenders with Toronto FC; Kevin Goldthwaite went South, while Todd Dunivant went north. For interested parties, commentary both bemused and thorough is out there. After reading the second of these, I'm not sure Red Bull did so bad.
- Steve Davis did his usual breakdown of the weekend's action for MLSnet.com and, let me tell you, the man does sharp analysis; I'm looking at the stuff on what Yallop did to LA's line-up, the stuff on Columbus' left-back situation, and his notes on KC v. Columbus in particular.
- I'm probably alone in thinking that the Copa following so closely after the Gold Cup is the only reason Hugo Sanchez hasn't lost his job - but there it is. Some heavy-hitting outfits (LINK and LINK) Sanchez' seat ain't about to cool off either.
- I don't normally go in for player profiles, but 3rd Degree's piece on Juan Carlos Toja is just so....so....damn cute. It also paints the picture of a very admirable pro. Seriously, Toja looks like one of the acquisitions of the off-season right now.
Well....carry on, then...
- A nice little snippet from a United Soccer League Division 1 player (the Portland Timbers' Tom Poltl) on the depth of quality in Major League Soccer (MLS) appeared in The Oregonian's preview for tonight's Open Cup match:
"The main difference between the leagues is that MLS players get paid to train year-round, said Tom Poltl, a Timbers midfielder who has spent time in MLS training camps in Los Angeles and New England. After the first four to six players on an MLS roster, Poltl said, USL-1 teams 'can compete with them without a doubt.'"
Thoughts on this? Here's mine: as much as I like my Timbers, and even Poltl, throwing in the "after four to six players" line is like a one-legged man saying he could win a race if he had his other leg; those four to six players are there and that's the difference. For all that, he's right that USL-1 teams can compete with MLS clubs; it's just the winning part that gets tricky...
- Nearly everyone has heard by now that Red Bull swapped defenders with Toronto FC; Kevin Goldthwaite went South, while Todd Dunivant went north. For interested parties, commentary both bemused and thorough is out there. After reading the second of these, I'm not sure Red Bull did so bad.
- Steve Davis did his usual breakdown of the weekend's action for MLSnet.com and, let me tell you, the man does sharp analysis; I'm looking at the stuff on what Yallop did to LA's line-up, the stuff on Columbus' left-back situation, and his notes on KC v. Columbus in particular.
- I'm probably alone in thinking that the Copa following so closely after the Gold Cup is the only reason Hugo Sanchez hasn't lost his job - but there it is. Some heavy-hitting outfits (LINK and LINK) Sanchez' seat ain't about to cool off either.
- I don't normally go in for player profiles, but 3rd Degree's piece on Juan Carlos Toja is just so....so....damn cute. It also paints the picture of a very admirable pro. Seriously, Toja looks like one of the acquisitions of the off-season right now.
I give up. Just when you think one - just one - Major League Soccer (MLS) team can hold their shit together and do a decent imitation of consistency, they spend 90 minutes running around with their pants around their ankles. It seems the Annual Mush of Sweaty Mediocrity (your people call it “summer”) has arrived.
For the record, the entire middle portion of these rankings was arrived at by writing each teams name on a piece of paper, scrambling those around my desk, and flipping them over in random order. OK, that’s a lie. But I don’t think that would produce less accurate, or even meaningful, results. In broad terms, some teams have noticeably improved - think Columbus and Houston here - while others revived their fortunes, but not without tripping over some question marks (New England); other teams suffered mysterious slips, thereby stitching big red question marks over those rainbows on their jerseys...the allusion should be obvious here.
As always, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (6) Houston Dynamo (% + nada)
They have out-scored the opposition 11-3 over the past five, racking up five wins on the way; that counts two away games as well. That constitutes a roll in my world. To top it all off, they’ve got Dallas next weekend, who they not only generally own, but, given that they won last weekend, should be due a loss this weekend.
2. (1) DC United (%)
In spite of what I read (all over the place), I’ll give DC the benefit of the doubt and call this weekend a brain-fart...but I also couldn’t leave them at #1 after they let RSL break their hot, steamy duck all over them.
3. (5) New England Revolution (@)
Yep, they’re officially top of the league. But it was a graceless win against a Toronto team apparently confused about being away from home. The finishing was there, but not much else. But they’re indisputably doing better than most (and, I just discovered, they’ve tied for scoring lead and have the best goal differential...hmm...).
4. (4) Red Bull New York (idle)
Holding steady...but they’ll drop quickly if they don’t sort out their defense.
5. (8) FC Dallas (far too much of @)
Unconvincing (and harrowingly boring) wins look a lot less impressive when bookended by losses - as this one will be (see above). The reality is, Dallas isn’t as erratic as I think, but the games-played “bubble” on which they’re sitting keeps me from thinking too much of them. Then again, their away record makes up for that. Very confusing team, this one.
6. (2) Kansas City Wizards ($ + nada)
Speaking of teams needing to sort out defense, KC is the real case-study for this. No doubt KC wishes Week 12 never happened. The picture looks a lot less rosy now that the offense has dried up.
7. (9) Columbus Crew ($ + $)
It’s only due to a belief that the “real” Columbus has shown up that I’m able to rank them inside the playoff picture. But the Crew’s two wins in Week 12 justifiably raise eyebrows - that each raises them for different reasons only reinforces the impression this team could be finding their feet.
8. (3) Chivas USA (%)
My previous, ridiculous ranking has more to do with this drop than the four-goal loss. Still, a score of Brad Davis 3 - 0 Chivas USA doesn’t look so hot. I’ll actually have to watch these guys this weekend to figure out what to do with ‘em.
9. (7) Toronto FC (@)
I can only say, the hell was that? If these guys don’t figure out how to avoid blowouts on the road, goal differential alone will keep them out of the post-season.
10. (11) Colorado Rapids (far too much of @)
They may not be the worst team in the league - so many good candidates below - but they’re pushing hard for “Team I’d Least Like to Watch” honors. It’s a shame what’s happening in Colorado; this year promised so much.
11. (10) Los Angeles Galaxy ($)
Ahem...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, HA!! 60 minutes with a man advantage - and against Columbus! Landon can’t arrive soon enough; neither can Pavon or Beckham. Incredibly, they may not be enough (though I think they will be).
12. (13) Real Salt Lake (%)
Robbie Findley (a good Oregon lad!) finally kicked the winless monkey off this team’s back. Better still, they catch something of a break in hosting Toronto this weekend (dammit! what to watch?!). Can they make it two? Do RSL fans dare to dream?
13. (12) Chicago Fire (idle)
I think I just don’t like Chicago. That the coming cavalry runs “exactly like elderly men run,” and the players sounding unsettled-to-pissed, things aren’t looking everywhere but up.
Please, lord, no more...it’s madness. Let’s do something concrete, like the standings (official edition here):
Eastern Conference
1. New England Revs: 22 pts. (6-2-4: 24 GF, 14 GA, +10; home, 3-1-2; away, 3-1-2)
2. Red Bull New York: 21 pts. (6-3-3: 24 GF, 15 GA, +9; home, 4-1-1; away, 2-2-2)
3. Kansas City Wiz: 20 pts. (6-4-2: 23 GF, 18 GA, +5; home, 3-2-0; away, 3-2-2)
4. DC United: 17 pts. (5-4-2: 18 GF, 16 GA, +2; home, 4-1-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. Columbus Crew: 15 pts. (3-4-6: 17 GF, 21 GA, -4; home, 2-1-4; away, 1-3-2)
6. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-6-2: 12 GF, 19 GA, -7; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
7. Toronto FC: 13 pts. (4-7-1: 14 GF, 21 GA, -7; home, 4-3-0; away, 0-4-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 25 pts. (8-6-1: 19 GF, 21 GA, -2; home, 3-2-0; away, 5-4-1)
2. Houston Dynamo: 22 pts. (7-5-1: 16 GF, 10 GA, +6; home, 4-2-1; away, 3-3-0)
3. Chivas USA: 17 pts. (5-4-2: 15 GF, 12 GA; +3; home, 4-0-1; away, 1-4-1)
4. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-6-3: 13 GF, 17 GA, -4; home 2-2-3; away, 2-4-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 9 pts. (2-5-3: 13 GF, 16 GA, -3; home, 2-3-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 9 pts. (1-5-6: 11 GF, 19 GA, -8; home, 1-2-3; away, 0-3-3)
For the record, the entire middle portion of these rankings was arrived at by writing each teams name on a piece of paper, scrambling those around my desk, and flipping them over in random order. OK, that’s a lie. But I don’t think that would produce less accurate, or even meaningful, results. In broad terms, some teams have noticeably improved - think Columbus and Houston here - while others revived their fortunes, but not without tripping over some question marks (New England); other teams suffered mysterious slips, thereby stitching big red question marks over those rainbows on their jerseys...the allusion should be obvious here.
As always, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (6) Houston Dynamo (% + nada)
They have out-scored the opposition 11-3 over the past five, racking up five wins on the way; that counts two away games as well. That constitutes a roll in my world. To top it all off, they’ve got Dallas next weekend, who they not only generally own, but, given that they won last weekend, should be due a loss this weekend.
2. (1) DC United (%)
In spite of what I read (all over the place), I’ll give DC the benefit of the doubt and call this weekend a brain-fart...but I also couldn’t leave them at #1 after they let RSL break their hot, steamy duck all over them.
3. (5) New England Revolution (@)
Yep, they’re officially top of the league. But it was a graceless win against a Toronto team apparently confused about being away from home. The finishing was there, but not much else. But they’re indisputably doing better than most (and, I just discovered, they’ve tied for scoring lead and have the best goal differential...hmm...).
4. (4) Red Bull New York (idle)
Holding steady...but they’ll drop quickly if they don’t sort out their defense.
5. (8) FC Dallas (far too much of @)
Unconvincing (and harrowingly boring) wins look a lot less impressive when bookended by losses - as this one will be (see above). The reality is, Dallas isn’t as erratic as I think, but the games-played “bubble” on which they’re sitting keeps me from thinking too much of them. Then again, their away record makes up for that. Very confusing team, this one.
6. (2) Kansas City Wizards ($ + nada)
Speaking of teams needing to sort out defense, KC is the real case-study for this. No doubt KC wishes Week 12 never happened. The picture looks a lot less rosy now that the offense has dried up.
7. (9) Columbus Crew ($ + $)
It’s only due to a belief that the “real” Columbus has shown up that I’m able to rank them inside the playoff picture. But the Crew’s two wins in Week 12 justifiably raise eyebrows - that each raises them for different reasons only reinforces the impression this team could be finding their feet.
8. (3) Chivas USA (%)
My previous, ridiculous ranking has more to do with this drop than the four-goal loss. Still, a score of Brad Davis 3 - 0 Chivas USA doesn’t look so hot. I’ll actually have to watch these guys this weekend to figure out what to do with ‘em.
9. (7) Toronto FC (@)
I can only say, the hell was that? If these guys don’t figure out how to avoid blowouts on the road, goal differential alone will keep them out of the post-season.
10. (11) Colorado Rapids (far too much of @)
They may not be the worst team in the league - so many good candidates below - but they’re pushing hard for “Team I’d Least Like to Watch” honors. It’s a shame what’s happening in Colorado; this year promised so much.
11. (10) Los Angeles Galaxy ($)
Ahem...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, HA!! 60 minutes with a man advantage - and against Columbus! Landon can’t arrive soon enough; neither can Pavon or Beckham. Incredibly, they may not be enough (though I think they will be).
12. (13) Real Salt Lake (%)
Robbie Findley (a good Oregon lad!) finally kicked the winless monkey off this team’s back. Better still, they catch something of a break in hosting Toronto this weekend (dammit! what to watch?!). Can they make it two? Do RSL fans dare to dream?
13. (12) Chicago Fire (idle)
I think I just don’t like Chicago. That the coming cavalry runs “exactly like elderly men run,” and the players sounding unsettled-to-pissed, things aren’t looking everywhere but up.
Please, lord, no more...it’s madness. Let’s do something concrete, like the standings (official edition here):
Eastern Conference
1. New England Revs: 22 pts. (6-2-4: 24 GF, 14 GA, +10; home, 3-1-2; away, 3-1-2)
2. Red Bull New York: 21 pts. (6-3-3: 24 GF, 15 GA, +9; home, 4-1-1; away, 2-2-2)
3. Kansas City Wiz: 20 pts. (6-4-2: 23 GF, 18 GA, +5; home, 3-2-0; away, 3-2-2)
4. DC United: 17 pts. (5-4-2: 18 GF, 16 GA, +2; home, 4-1-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. Columbus Crew: 15 pts. (3-4-6: 17 GF, 21 GA, -4; home, 2-1-4; away, 1-3-2)
6. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-6-2: 12 GF, 19 GA, -7; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
7. Toronto FC: 13 pts. (4-7-1: 14 GF, 21 GA, -7; home, 4-3-0; away, 0-4-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 25 pts. (8-6-1: 19 GF, 21 GA, -2; home, 3-2-0; away, 5-4-1)
2. Houston Dynamo: 22 pts. (7-5-1: 16 GF, 10 GA, +6; home, 4-2-1; away, 3-3-0)
3. Chivas USA: 17 pts. (5-4-2: 15 GF, 12 GA; +3; home, 4-0-1; away, 1-4-1)
4. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-6-3: 13 GF, 17 GA, -4; home 2-2-3; away, 2-4-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 9 pts. (2-5-3: 13 GF, 16 GA, -3; home, 2-3-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 9 pts. (1-5-6: 11 GF, 19 GA, -8; home, 1-2-3; away, 0-3-3)
(I'll get the parenthetical stuff out of the way first: happy is the fan whose cable/satellite system carries Telefutura or GolTV; the rest of us must live on the, apparently, Mexico-only scraps the broadcasters kick to Univision. See? This effective blackout is making it very hard to get excited about the Copa...which is sad because there's a lot to get excited about. Moving on....)
We've all seen the roster the United States has sent to Venezuela for the Copa America. Now reports are coming out giving a dire, sheep-to-the-slaughter story lines; others highlight the some of the questionable invites and brow-raising snubs. Then again, still other articles have appeared bearing headlines suggesting the same gloomy story, only for the content beneath to read quite a bit differently.
As for me, I don't know what's going to happen, though, like everyone else, I've got my suspicions (and, yes, I'm still pissed off two paragraphs later that I won't be able to see this stuff first hand). But on the most basic level, I think Bob Bradley is handling this with long-term success in mind. His undefeated record will almost surely take a hit, but he should be applauded for keeping his eyes on the prize: qualifying for the World Cup and expanding the pool of available players able to cope with the atmosphere and physical rigors of tournament play. I'd be shocked if anything definitive comes of it - unless, say, Jay DeMerit and Jimmy Conrad hold off three very credible South American teams - but it's all educational, most of all for Bradley. If nothing else, he'll have more stickies for his player files.
In that spirit, I favor looking at the Copa the way Ives Galarcep did in his column for the Jersey paper. He names some of the most promising candidates on the roster and, more or less, calls it good. And I think that matches Bradley's mind-set for the Copa pretty well. Then again, if we win a game or two, advance to the knockout stages and, god forbid, beyond, well, I'll take that too.
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We've all seen the roster the United States has sent to Venezuela for the Copa America. Now reports are coming out giving a dire, sheep-to-the-slaughter story lines; others highlight the some of the questionable invites and brow-raising snubs. Then again, still other articles have appeared bearing headlines suggesting the same gloomy story, only for the content beneath to read quite a bit differently.
As for me, I don't know what's going to happen, though, like everyone else, I've got my suspicions (and, yes, I'm still pissed off two paragraphs later that I won't be able to see this stuff first hand). But on the most basic level, I think Bob Bradley is handling this with long-term success in mind. His undefeated record will almost surely take a hit, but he should be applauded for keeping his eyes on the prize: qualifying for the World Cup and expanding the pool of available players able to cope with the atmosphere and physical rigors of tournament play. I'd be shocked if anything definitive comes of it - unless, say, Jay DeMerit and Jimmy Conrad hold off three very credible South American teams - but it's all educational, most of all for Bradley. If nothing else, he'll have more stickies for his player files.
In that spirit, I favor looking at the Copa the way Ives Galarcep did in his column for the Jersey paper. He names some of the most promising candidates on the roster and, more or less, calls it good. And I think that matches Bradley's mind-set for the Copa pretty well. Then again, if we win a game or two, advance to the knockout stages and, god forbid, beyond, well, I'll take that too.
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The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup resumes with the Second Round today (scoreboard), but that's not the good news - especially given that seeing these games anywhere "normal" isn't an option (the "abnormal" avenues are, however, improving).
The heartening thing comes with evidence that various local media across the country have taken the time to churn out reports on their local teams. These aren't blow-out/fold-out special sections or anything - typically, they're back-page "blurbicles" (not quite articles, not quite blurbs) - but the existing coverage at least beats the echoing silence of yesteryear. No less significantly, the reporters writing these stories appear to have some sense of what they're writing about - e.g. they're hep to the teams involved (the report below* for the Richmond Kickers v. Cleveland City Stars is particularly solid in that regard) and they know that big, potentially more lucrative games (HA!) against Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs loom in the next round. Actually, the way the majority of these articles talk up those potential ties speaks to a growing cache for this country's first division.
But the nicest thing about all this is the fact I found every article linked to below through Our Sports Central - e.g. this stuff is easy to find if you know where to look. That's right: even the genuinely lazy can now keep up with this stuff, so let's have no more excuses, people.
So, without further ado, enjoy the partial primer for the U.S. Open Cup Second Round:
General
The U.S. Open Cup official site did fairly well with their all-in-one preview of tonight's action.
Regional Coverage (starting locally)
Seattle Sounders v. Portland Timbers
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Oregonian
On a personal note, I'm pissed this one's not in Portland. I finally have the time and money to go tonight and they're in Seattle (and, yeah, I know about this Saturday's game...can't make it...I've got critters). Dang it. Judging by the USL Division 1 standings and the one-eye-on-'em attention I've paid to the Timbers this year, this ought to be a decent game. And go Timbers.
Rochester Raging Rhinos v. Western Mass Pioneers
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
Charleston Battery v. El Paso Patriots
Charleston Post and Courier
Richmond Kickers v. Cleveland City Stars
Richmond Times-Dispatch (*I liked this one)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (One of my favorite paper names)
Ocean City Barons v. Harrisburg City Islanders
The Harrisburg(?) Patriot-News
Well, that's it for the Our Sports Central stuff - and I still count that a decent haul (must be feeling a little glass half-full today). Now, for shits and giggles, let's see what I can find on the games not found on that site...and I'm not going to cheat by searching blogs...at least not yet.
Carolina Railhawks v. Bavarian SC (viva los amateurs!)
Oh well. I went back to Our Sports for this one...feels like cheating somehow. Still, a Chicago paper (presumably; it looks at this from the Chicago Fire's perspective), The Daily Herald, at least mentions this game since the winner will play the Chicago Fire in the third round....lucky bastards. (OK, yeah, the actual article is about the U.S. Men's problems with finishing.)
Atlanta Silverbacks v. Charlotte Eagles
Mmm...I'm not going to say I didn't find anything (see?), but it all feels a little outdated.
Minnesota Thunder v. California Victory
Dang it! Glass is draining...I will not rely entirely on Our Sports...
I'd like to think it's getting better anyway. In any case, hope anyone who lives near any of the above teams has the time and money to get to a game. I've seen my share of Open Cup games and they're fun little things.
The heartening thing comes with evidence that various local media across the country have taken the time to churn out reports on their local teams. These aren't blow-out/fold-out special sections or anything - typically, they're back-page "blurbicles" (not quite articles, not quite blurbs) - but the existing coverage at least beats the echoing silence of yesteryear. No less significantly, the reporters writing these stories appear to have some sense of what they're writing about - e.g. they're hep to the teams involved (the report below* for the Richmond Kickers v. Cleveland City Stars is particularly solid in that regard) and they know that big, potentially more lucrative games (HA!) against Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs loom in the next round. Actually, the way the majority of these articles talk up those potential ties speaks to a growing cache for this country's first division.
But the nicest thing about all this is the fact I found every article linked to below through Our Sports Central - e.g. this stuff is easy to find if you know where to look. That's right: even the genuinely lazy can now keep up with this stuff, so let's have no more excuses, people.
So, without further ado, enjoy the partial primer for the U.S. Open Cup Second Round:
General
The U.S. Open Cup official site did fairly well with their all-in-one preview of tonight's action.
Regional Coverage (starting locally)
Seattle Sounders v. Portland Timbers
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Oregonian
On a personal note, I'm pissed this one's not in Portland. I finally have the time and money to go tonight and they're in Seattle (and, yeah, I know about this Saturday's game...can't make it...I've got critters). Dang it. Judging by the USL Division 1 standings and the one-eye-on-'em attention I've paid to the Timbers this year, this ought to be a decent game. And go Timbers.
Rochester Raging Rhinos v. Western Mass Pioneers
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
Charleston Battery v. El Paso Patriots
Charleston Post and Courier
Richmond Kickers v. Cleveland City Stars
Richmond Times-Dispatch (*I liked this one)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (One of my favorite paper names)
Ocean City Barons v. Harrisburg City Islanders
The Harrisburg(?) Patriot-News
Well, that's it for the Our Sports Central stuff - and I still count that a decent haul (must be feeling a little glass half-full today). Now, for shits and giggles, let's see what I can find on the games not found on that site...and I'm not going to cheat by searching blogs...at least not yet.
Carolina Railhawks v. Bavarian SC (viva los amateurs!)
Oh well. I went back to Our Sports for this one...feels like cheating somehow. Still, a Chicago paper (presumably; it looks at this from the Chicago Fire's perspective), The Daily Herald, at least mentions this game since the winner will play the Chicago Fire in the third round....lucky bastards. (OK, yeah, the actual article is about the U.S. Men's problems with finishing.)
Atlanta Silverbacks v. Charlotte Eagles
Mmm...I'm not going to say I didn't find anything (see?), but it all feels a little outdated.
Minnesota Thunder v. California Victory
Dang it! Glass is draining...I will not rely entirely on Our Sports...
I'd like to think it's getting better anyway. In any case, hope anyone who lives near any of the above teams has the time and money to get to a game. I've seen my share of Open Cup games and they're fun little things.
Rounding up some odds and ends from today...at least those not involving the Gold Cup....
- Maybe this is my chagrin at Colorado's play on Sunday morning talking, but a switch flipped in my head telling me that Fernando Clavijo will be the next coaching casualty in MLS ranks - or, rather, that he should be. It seems drew epperley at WVHooligan is also thinking about coaching hot seats, though his #1 is different (and no less justified) than mine. But, yeah, I'd be baying for pink slips if I were a Colorado fan.
- LA Soccer News reveals that the blown calls in Canada's semifinal against the U.S. still sting in some quarters. I can't say I blame 'em...even if I'm happy we went on to win.
- I don't think it's "official" yet - at least not in the sense of appearing on MLSnet.com - but it looks like Santino Quaranta will indeed move away from the ocean and into the American Heartland with a trade to the Kansas City Wizards. I'm not a Wizards fan, but can't say this would excite me if I were.
- If you want anecdotal evidence that Mexican fans second Alexi Lalas' tirade against the English Premier League, well, here you go.
- Finally, hats off to the Offside Rules for posting the best single item I've seen all day. Chivas fans - or at least the touchy ones - are advised to avoid the above link.
(##########)
- Maybe this is my chagrin at Colorado's play on Sunday morning talking, but a switch flipped in my head telling me that Fernando Clavijo will be the next coaching casualty in MLS ranks - or, rather, that he should be. It seems drew epperley at WVHooligan is also thinking about coaching hot seats, though his #1 is different (and no less justified) than mine. But, yeah, I'd be baying for pink slips if I were a Colorado fan.
- LA Soccer News reveals that the blown calls in Canada's semifinal against the U.S. still sting in some quarters. I can't say I blame 'em...even if I'm happy we went on to win.
- I don't think it's "official" yet - at least not in the sense of appearing on MLSnet.com - but it looks like Santino Quaranta will indeed move away from the ocean and into the American Heartland with a trade to the Kansas City Wizards. I'm not a Wizards fan, but can't say this would excite me if I were.
- If you want anecdotal evidence that Mexican fans second Alexi Lalas' tirade against the English Premier League, well, here you go.
- Finally, hats off to the Offside Rules for posting the best single item I've seen all day. Chivas fans - or at least the touchy ones - are advised to avoid the above link.
(##########)
As the cliche goes, it's all over but for the shouting - though there's still some of that going on. I finally did the grand tour of Gold Cup porn (e.g. all the stuff - some glowing, some more sober) on the Gold Cup final and found some interesting nuggets in a variety of places. I thought I'd post those as a kind of farewell to a happy 2007 tournament.
To begin with a personal note, how friggin' awesome was it to see a shirtless Frankie Hejduk walking onto the stage to give Sepp Blatter and other FIFA luminaries a naked, sweaty hug? He looked like a thinner David Lee Roth up there...and with hair; it was so quintessentially American.
To start with the best review I read, I'd have to give the honors to Mark Ziegler's report for the San Diego Union-Tribune. It didn't have the bits I'm lifting from the items below, but I thought he got to all the good stuff and in style. It's a personal thing...
And, speaking of good stuff, Pitchinvasion.net posted some great photos from the occasion...good to know they'll catch just about anything out of Chicago on that site.
Getting back to Hejduk, though, he threw out a good quote in the Houston Chronicle's drama-drenched write-up:
Good to know beer motivates him as well...
Speaking of player quotes, it's been fun seeing multiple examples of how seriously our players take this rivalry. When asked about missing the sitter Landon Donovan provided him to ice the game, DaMarcus Beasley provided the following to the Washington Post's Steve Goff:
Another noteworthy thing to have come out of this game may (or may not) be the growing respect for the U.S. team among Mexico's players. For instance, ine can find word that Carlos Salcido swapped jerseys with Donovan - or that he shook his hand at the very least; I read somewhere (can't recall where) that Mexican 'keeper, Oswaldo Sanchez, had good things to say after the game. With the sometimes ugly commenst that followed some of our wins I looked pretty hard for any disparaging words out of the Mexican camp and, happily, the worst I found appeared in the report behind the link in this paragraph in the form of a quote from Mexico's coach, Hugo Sanchesz. Here's that:
That sounds pretty sniveling - and maybe it is - but a fuller version of the same quote (from the Boston Globe's report) makes the whole thing read better:
On a number of levels, then, it's a little tempting to hope a corner has been turned.
On the personal level, a couple people walk away from this tournament with a bit of shine on their reputations. For instance, Bob Bradley's decision to replace Pablo Mastroeni with Ricardo Clark has drawn wide praise, up to a straight statement that this proved him most qualified for the job. Whatever you think of that particular asssertion, it's safe to say Bradley didn't hurt himsefl in the Gold Cup. And, to file under "numbers don't lie," who'd a thought Landon Donovan would tie two records in the 2007 Gold Cup? We all knew about his tying Eric Wynalda's all-time scoring record, on the way, no doubt, to setting a tough-to-top mark down the road. But how many out there knew Donovan also tied the record for Gold Cup goals? When he scored yesterday, he netted his 12th in Gold Cup play, tying Mexico's Luis Roberto "Zague" Alves.
While that's all to the good, I'll close here with some sobering points. Keeping with "the personal," it seems that a few people see this year's Gold Cup as the end of the road for Pablo Mastroeni - or at least that applies to a few people who responded to questions left by Luis Arroyanve on his Red Card blog. Writing as just about the only Mastroeni fan left on the planet, it pains me a little to acknowledge this is correct: the reality is, he's slowing down, or, no less accurately, he's being overtaken by younger players who have the incalcuable upside of being a lot younger when 2010 rolls around. He deserves a send-off, but, unquestionably, it's time to groom new people.
Finally, turning to another part of the team, as Ives Galarcep pointed out today, a basically improved performance yesterday aside, the reality is our defense still needs to improve. That can happen by improved cohesion and coordination or changes in personnel, but there's no question it needs to happen.
Ah well. It has been a fun couple weeks. It has had some very real highs and some bruising lows, but, given the happy ending, it would be churlish to call the 2007 Gold Cup anything but a good time for U.S. Soccer.
To begin with a personal note, how friggin' awesome was it to see a shirtless Frankie Hejduk walking onto the stage to give Sepp Blatter and other FIFA luminaries a naked, sweaty hug? He looked like a thinner David Lee Roth up there...and with hair; it was so quintessentially American.
To start with the best review I read, I'd have to give the honors to Mark Ziegler's report for the San Diego Union-Tribune. It didn't have the bits I'm lifting from the items below, but I thought he got to all the good stuff and in style. It's a personal thing...
And, speaking of good stuff, Pitchinvasion.net posted some great photos from the occasion...good to know they'll catch just about anything out of Chicago on that site.
Getting back to Hejduk, though, he threw out a good quote in the Houston Chronicle's drama-drenched write-up:
""We had 23 players standing around the cup in a circle. And everyone who wanted to see us lose were outside. We had all those thousands of people trying to get into there, doing everything they could to take the cup away from us in our own country. And we defended them all. We held them all off. The beer always tastes a little better when you do that."
Good to know beer motivates him as well...
Speaking of player quotes, it's been fun seeing multiple examples of how seriously our players take this rivalry. When asked about missing the sitter Landon Donovan provided him to ice the game, DaMarcus Beasley provided the following to the Washington Post's Steve Goff:
"If [Tim Howard] hadn't made that save, it would've been on me and I would've cried."
Another noteworthy thing to have come out of this game may (or may not) be the growing respect for the U.S. team among Mexico's players. For instance, ine can find word that Carlos Salcido swapped jerseys with Donovan - or that he shook his hand at the very least; I read somewhere (can't recall where) that Mexican 'keeper, Oswaldo Sanchez, had good things to say after the game. With the sometimes ugly commenst that followed some of our wins I looked pretty hard for any disparaging words out of the Mexican camp and, happily, the worst I found appeared in the report behind the link in this paragraph in the form of a quote from Mexico's coach, Hugo Sanchesz. Here's that:
" "I want the team that played the best to win," Mexican manager Hugo Sanchez said. "I don't want a team to win on the ref's call."
That sounds pretty sniveling - and maybe it is - but a fuller version of the same quote (from the Boston Globe's report) makes the whole thing read better:
"We were hoping the US would score on a brilliant play, plus there was one [penalty] on Omar Bravo. I would prefer that whoever wins is the better team and not the team that wins on a referee's call. Sometimes the best team doesn't win. But the US was maybe more practical and they deserved it."
On a number of levels, then, it's a little tempting to hope a corner has been turned.
On the personal level, a couple people walk away from this tournament with a bit of shine on their reputations. For instance, Bob Bradley's decision to replace Pablo Mastroeni with Ricardo Clark has drawn wide praise, up to a straight statement that this proved him most qualified for the job. Whatever you think of that particular asssertion, it's safe to say Bradley didn't hurt himsefl in the Gold Cup. And, to file under "numbers don't lie," who'd a thought Landon Donovan would tie two records in the 2007 Gold Cup? We all knew about his tying Eric Wynalda's all-time scoring record, on the way, no doubt, to setting a tough-to-top mark down the road. But how many out there knew Donovan also tied the record for Gold Cup goals? When he scored yesterday, he netted his 12th in Gold Cup play, tying Mexico's Luis Roberto "Zague" Alves.
While that's all to the good, I'll close here with some sobering points. Keeping with "the personal," it seems that a few people see this year's Gold Cup as the end of the road for Pablo Mastroeni - or at least that applies to a few people who responded to questions left by Luis Arroyanve on his Red Card blog. Writing as just about the only Mastroeni fan left on the planet, it pains me a little to acknowledge this is correct: the reality is, he's slowing down, or, no less accurately, he's being overtaken by younger players who have the incalcuable upside of being a lot younger when 2010 rolls around. He deserves a send-off, but, unquestionably, it's time to groom new people.
Finally, turning to another part of the team, as Ives Galarcep pointed out today, a basically improved performance yesterday aside, the reality is our defense still needs to improve. That can happen by improved cohesion and coordination or changes in personnel, but there's no question it needs to happen.
Ah well. It has been a fun couple weeks. It has had some very real highs and some bruising lows, but, given the happy ending, it would be churlish to call the 2007 Gold Cup anything but a good time for U.S. Soccer.
For the record, I did all my Major League Soccer (MLS) viewing on Sunday morning before the U.S./Mexico final. And, let me tell you, the two games I saw just paled in comparison: the play was slow, stilted, and, at times, uninterested. In one game in particular (first mentioned below), the players for both teams positively lumbered around as if high on cough medicine. Is this a function of the dog-days having arrived or does MLS always suffer against a direct comparison against national team games with everything on the line?
If it's the former - and I think it could be, 'cause I've seen some great MLS games in my day - the league's competition committee really needs to get this in hand. The two products I, ahem, enjoyed yesterday morning didn't hold up well.
Getting on to the games I saw and the ones for which I merely reviewed the highlights (noted in each instance)....
Colorado Rapids 0 - 1 FC Dallas
(Endured every minute of this pig...when I could help fast forwarding...ugh)
- Perhaps the rumors are true: perhaps Colorado really, really sucks. FC Dallas hardly shined either. And their defense looked almost amateur at times. This one made for a spectacle on par with watching necrophiliac porn...without the "creepy factor" to render the proceedings interesting. That both sides showed CPA-esque levels of creativity didn't help.
- Was it hot in Denver on Saturday? I can think of no other reason for a game involing professionals to suck that horribly hard.
- Is Fernando Clavijo's seat getting hot yet? If not, it should be.
- Badly as Dallas played, they at least manufactured a chance or two. One of these - the one that sent in Carlos Ruiz alone on goal - stands as an exemplar for the game as a whole: Ruiz hesitated to the point of paralysis, while Rapids 'keeper Bouna Coundoul pretty much sat down and fell on top of the ball. So...fucking...ugly...
New England Revolution 3 - 0 Toronto FC
(took in all of this affair...in spite of the periodic fit)
- Sure, I'm happy New England won and all, but this one wasn't much to look at either. New England won this duel of wayward balls over the top courtesy of a slight edge in quality of personnel, but choppy play and sloppy give-aways predominated.
- Toronto, for their part, looked downright feeble. Reis had a save or two to make (six? they credit him with six?), but Toronto offered nothing that stood out.
- Well, New England's third goal was pretty nice...and good to see Dorman get back on the goal-scoring pony. On a related note, Adam Cristman showed savvy beyond his years with the set-up to this one; anyone know where he is with Rookie-of-the-Year honors?
- And, OK, Noonan turned in a smart headed goal as well. Anyone know where Adam Cristman is in the rookie-So, yeah, the had its moments - and I have to confess that, every time I resorted to fast-forwarding the archived online video, something happened that required me to stop and go back.
- But I also remember being so achingly bored, and so often, that I continually resorted to fast-forwarding.
- The only player who really stood out for Toronto did so for all the wrong reasons: Kevin Goldthwaite had a rough night.
- All in all, this was a good, timely win for New England. But they looked far from polished, let alone interesting.
Moving on, now, to the highly impressionistic results-based reviews - I'll state I watched the highlights when I did and acknowledge it when I didn't. Taking things chronologically, I already posted something quick (and possibly useless) on the Houston Dynamo's rout of Chivas USA (and finally saw Brad Davis' hat trick - the second goal was a beaut), but never got to....
Columbus Crew 2 - 1 Kansas City Wizards
(Caught the highlights...fun stuff)
- Hindsight being 20/20 and all that, this was the beginning of a very good week for the Crew; how's 5th in the East sound Mr. Schmid?
- And get this: Eddie Gaven scored.
- As (ridiculously) proud as I am to have seen the Crew's streak coming (I'm not going to find it, but it's down in the archives), the Wizards' issues on defense strikes me as the more newsworthy item. The KC team definitely has some things to figure out.
Real Salt Lake 2 - 1 DC United
(highlights....and sweet, sweet ones at that)
- Could any individual from this country and associated with soccer be happier than Jason Kreis right now?
- Possibly: it may or may not be Robbie Findley; the rookie picked up both goals, the last of which (I think) was wonderfully taken off a break-away.
- Credit DC fans for seeing this one coming...at least I think they did. It looks like they have a West Brom Albion of their very own in RSL.
- Regarding DC's goal...shit...damn near unwatchable, that one. Hide the children....
- I don't think this unexpected result does much to my opinion of either team - but the hiccup for both is duly noted.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 - 3 Columbus Crew
(Delicious, heart-breaking highlights...I laughed and laughed)
- For my money, this week's Result of Note.
- And quelle embarrassing for LA: Columbus played them evenly - e.g. goal-for-goal - with a man down for 60 minutes. Those new recruits just can't come soon enough.
- To make things worse, it's only a lousier goal-differential that makes them better than 2007 whipping boys Real Salt Lake. Do we have a new whipee?
- Turning to Columbus, it'll be interesting to see where self-belief meets talent with this team. Seven points from a possible nine over the last three games should take care of the belief side.
- On the talent side, what to make of the Alejandro Moreno trade? Why does that look like the piece that brought everything together?
- Whatever it was, I'm guessing Red Bull New York - who sat idle this week - is looking at Columbus differently after this past weekend.
- The $64,000 question: how will the rest of LA respond to the arrival/return of Beckham, Carlos Pavon, and Landon Donovan? That's a lot of talent, too much, I'm thinking, for a turn-around to not happen. Then again, what if it doesn't?
Kansas City Wizards 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo
(Didn't catch a single sight of this one....hope it was OK)
- Yes...it's going to be very interesting to see how people view Kansas City after Week 12.
- Ditto with the Dynamo. At least one team in the West is waking up.
If it's the former - and I think it could be, 'cause I've seen some great MLS games in my day - the league's competition committee really needs to get this in hand. The two products I, ahem, enjoyed yesterday morning didn't hold up well.
Getting on to the games I saw and the ones for which I merely reviewed the highlights (noted in each instance)....
Colorado Rapids 0 - 1 FC Dallas
(Endured every minute of this pig...when I could help fast forwarding...ugh)
- Perhaps the rumors are true: perhaps Colorado really, really sucks. FC Dallas hardly shined either. And their defense looked almost amateur at times. This one made for a spectacle on par with watching necrophiliac porn...without the "creepy factor" to render the proceedings interesting. That both sides showed CPA-esque levels of creativity didn't help.
- Was it hot in Denver on Saturday? I can think of no other reason for a game involing professionals to suck that horribly hard.
- Is Fernando Clavijo's seat getting hot yet? If not, it should be.
- Badly as Dallas played, they at least manufactured a chance or two. One of these - the one that sent in Carlos Ruiz alone on goal - stands as an exemplar for the game as a whole: Ruiz hesitated to the point of paralysis, while Rapids 'keeper Bouna Coundoul pretty much sat down and fell on top of the ball. So...fucking...ugly...
New England Revolution 3 - 0 Toronto FC
(took in all of this affair...in spite of the periodic fit)
- Sure, I'm happy New England won and all, but this one wasn't much to look at either. New England won this duel of wayward balls over the top courtesy of a slight edge in quality of personnel, but choppy play and sloppy give-aways predominated.
- Toronto, for their part, looked downright feeble. Reis had a save or two to make (six? they credit him with six?), but Toronto offered nothing that stood out.
- Well, New England's third goal was pretty nice...and good to see Dorman get back on the goal-scoring pony. On a related note, Adam Cristman showed savvy beyond his years with the set-up to this one; anyone know where he is with Rookie-of-the-Year honors?
- And, OK, Noonan turned in a smart headed goal as well. Anyone know where Adam Cristman is in the rookie-So, yeah, the had its moments - and I have to confess that, every time I resorted to fast-forwarding the archived online video, something happened that required me to stop and go back.
- But I also remember being so achingly bored, and so often, that I continually resorted to fast-forwarding.
- The only player who really stood out for Toronto did so for all the wrong reasons: Kevin Goldthwaite had a rough night.
- All in all, this was a good, timely win for New England. But they looked far from polished, let alone interesting.
Moving on, now, to the highly impressionistic results-based reviews - I'll state I watched the highlights when I did and acknowledge it when I didn't. Taking things chronologically, I already posted something quick (and possibly useless) on the Houston Dynamo's rout of Chivas USA (and finally saw Brad Davis' hat trick - the second goal was a beaut), but never got to....
Columbus Crew 2 - 1 Kansas City Wizards
(Caught the highlights...fun stuff)
- Hindsight being 20/20 and all that, this was the beginning of a very good week for the Crew; how's 5th in the East sound Mr. Schmid?
- And get this: Eddie Gaven scored.
- As (ridiculously) proud as I am to have seen the Crew's streak coming (I'm not going to find it, but it's down in the archives), the Wizards' issues on defense strikes me as the more newsworthy item. The KC team definitely has some things to figure out.
Real Salt Lake 2 - 1 DC United
(highlights....and sweet, sweet ones at that)
- Could any individual from this country and associated with soccer be happier than Jason Kreis right now?
- Possibly: it may or may not be Robbie Findley; the rookie picked up both goals, the last of which (I think) was wonderfully taken off a break-away.
- Credit DC fans for seeing this one coming...at least I think they did. It looks like they have a West Brom Albion of their very own in RSL.
- Regarding DC's goal...shit...damn near unwatchable, that one. Hide the children....
- I don't think this unexpected result does much to my opinion of either team - but the hiccup for both is duly noted.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 - 3 Columbus Crew
(Delicious, heart-breaking highlights...I laughed and laughed)
- For my money, this week's Result of Note.
- And quelle embarrassing for LA: Columbus played them evenly - e.g. goal-for-goal - with a man down for 60 minutes. Those new recruits just can't come soon enough.
- To make things worse, it's only a lousier goal-differential that makes them better than 2007 whipping boys Real Salt Lake. Do we have a new whipee?
- Turning to Columbus, it'll be interesting to see where self-belief meets talent with this team. Seven points from a possible nine over the last three games should take care of the belief side.
- On the talent side, what to make of the Alejandro Moreno trade? Why does that look like the piece that brought everything together?
- Whatever it was, I'm guessing Red Bull New York - who sat idle this week - is looking at Columbus differently after this past weekend.
- The $64,000 question: how will the rest of LA respond to the arrival/return of Beckham, Carlos Pavon, and Landon Donovan? That's a lot of talent, too much, I'm thinking, for a turn-around to not happen. Then again, what if it doesn't?
Kansas City Wizards 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo
(Didn't catch a single sight of this one....hope it was OK)
- Yes...it's going to be very interesting to see how people view Kansas City after Week 12.
- Ditto with the Dynamo. At least one team in the West is waking up.
Knowing this is just one more stick of kindling on a bonfire of reports, commentary, rants, and celebration, I’ll (try to) keep this short - and bulleted.
- Dude, can we play Mexico every single day? They’re like the mechanical rabbit to our greyhound. Maybe it’s the green shirts; maybe we should ask all visiting teams to wear green. I don’t know. What I do know is we actually looked like the best team in the region yesterday.
- That quality went down to the micro-level: our guys played faster, smarter, and more crisply than we had in any game to this point. Whether it was a quick lateral pass by our players to get the ball out of danger and ready to head upfield at the half line, or that delightful string of quick passes at the top of the Mexican area that ended with, an admittedly feeble, shot on goal by Landon Donovan. We looked good in nearly every phase of the game to the extent that the exceptions showed as the merest of blemishes.
- Don’t get me wrong, though: winning was the important thing and I would have taken the crookedest of wins so long as things broke our way.
- Turning again to Donovan, c’mon and admit it: when he stepped up to take that PK, all y’all were waiting for a soft shot up the middle and an Oswaldo Sanchez save/shit-eating grin. So, here’s to Landon: way to step up, son.
- My man/men of the match (I have to go with two): Brian Ching and Carlos Bocanegra. The former left Mexican defenders in fits on two occasions with that spin while the latter contributed more timely interventions than any player on the field.
- And, yes, Benny Feilhaber’s goal was simply gorgeous...all the more so seeing as he missed his share of similar/easier shots in previous games.
- A special note to Jonathan Bornstein: all is forgiven; you had me at that shot on goal.
- Both 'keepers had sensational games. Sanchez kept the Mexicans alive more than once in the first half, while Tim Howard's late save on Bofo Bautista just settled onto the memory shelf of great U.S. Men's moments; it's right next to the winner Tab Ramos scored against Costa Rica way back when.
- All in all, we did remarkably well on both sides of the ball: Mexico had their chances, but we kept them down to a few (and Tim Howard mopped up the ones we let in); I’m still recovering from the shock of seeing us take the game to the Mexicans with a combination of grit, athleticism, and intelligence...it’s that last one that’s both big and not a little unusual.
- I haven’t read anything about how the Mexicans viewed the game, but can’t think of any grounds they have to complain. We done good and just beat ‘em.
Apart from noting my nearly-delirious happiness with the win, I’ll close with a couple questions (and, please, do weigh in):
1) Should the team we fielded stand as the U.S. starting eleven for the foreseeable future (allowing an exception here or there)?
2) Anyone think Hugo Sanchez might be looking for work any time soon? If not now, what would it take to lose him the job?
3) To make a bold statement: Clint Dempsey is our best field player. Anyone agree or disagree?
OK, that’s all I’ve got on this one. Can’t wait to read the gloating, moaning, general impressions that everyone else had.
(#########)
- Dude, can we play Mexico every single day? They’re like the mechanical rabbit to our greyhound. Maybe it’s the green shirts; maybe we should ask all visiting teams to wear green. I don’t know. What I do know is we actually looked like the best team in the region yesterday.
- That quality went down to the micro-level: our guys played faster, smarter, and more crisply than we had in any game to this point. Whether it was a quick lateral pass by our players to get the ball out of danger and ready to head upfield at the half line, or that delightful string of quick passes at the top of the Mexican area that ended with, an admittedly feeble, shot on goal by Landon Donovan. We looked good in nearly every phase of the game to the extent that the exceptions showed as the merest of blemishes.
- Don’t get me wrong, though: winning was the important thing and I would have taken the crookedest of wins so long as things broke our way.
- Turning again to Donovan, c’mon and admit it: when he stepped up to take that PK, all y’all were waiting for a soft shot up the middle and an Oswaldo Sanchez save/shit-eating grin. So, here’s to Landon: way to step up, son.
- My man/men of the match (I have to go with two): Brian Ching and Carlos Bocanegra. The former left Mexican defenders in fits on two occasions with that spin while the latter contributed more timely interventions than any player on the field.
- And, yes, Benny Feilhaber’s goal was simply gorgeous...all the more so seeing as he missed his share of similar/easier shots in previous games.
- A special note to Jonathan Bornstein: all is forgiven; you had me at that shot on goal.
- Both 'keepers had sensational games. Sanchez kept the Mexicans alive more than once in the first half, while Tim Howard's late save on Bofo Bautista just settled onto the memory shelf of great U.S. Men's moments; it's right next to the winner Tab Ramos scored against Costa Rica way back when.
- All in all, we did remarkably well on both sides of the ball: Mexico had their chances, but we kept them down to a few (and Tim Howard mopped up the ones we let in); I’m still recovering from the shock of seeing us take the game to the Mexicans with a combination of grit, athleticism, and intelligence...it’s that last one that’s both big and not a little unusual.
- I haven’t read anything about how the Mexicans viewed the game, but can’t think of any grounds they have to complain. We done good and just beat ‘em.
Apart from noting my nearly-delirious happiness with the win, I’ll close with a couple questions (and, please, do weigh in):
1) Should the team we fielded stand as the U.S. starting eleven for the foreseeable future (allowing an exception here or there)?
2) Anyone think Hugo Sanchez might be looking for work any time soon? If not now, what would it take to lose him the job?
3) To make a bold statement: Clint Dempsey is our best field player. Anyone agree or disagree?
OK, that’s all I’ve got on this one. Can’t wait to read the gloating, moaning, general impressions that everyone else had.
(#########)
Just as I was shutting down my brain for the weekend (yes, kids, the mystery of my match reports is answered!), I see Bob Bradley finally named the roster he'll send down to Venezuela for the Copa America. And mind you, this is the team that will face what's sounding an awful lot like an Argentine A-Team (can't say I know what kind of teams Paraguay and Colombia will field (and I know I could find them), but expect they'll be as good as they can)...and here they are (OK, you got me; taken from here):
General comments:
- Holy shit! Will this thing be chaperoned?! Are Conrad and Olsen the chaperones? Damn that's a young bunch...and to think how many of them will enjoy alcohol for the first time....
- I like that Bradely, basically, switched out the defenses (though I'm a bit down on the choice of Bornstein given my frustrations with him against Canada...ah...I'm over it. Good luck, Johnny!) The Gold Cup is showing the need for more auditions.
- I'll be shocked - and drunkenly delighted - if this bunch doesn't share the fate of the actual Children's Crusade (it didn't end well)
- Getting back to the chaperone jab, it's an interesting mix, even if the set up is a little "Greek" - e.g. manly mentors and, um, impressionable youths. Looks like Bradley is counting on Conrad, Olsen, and Twellman(?) to show a very green squad the ropes. Should be interesting...
Specific comments...where they come to me:
- I'm pretty interested in the Marvell experiment.
- I like the calls for Bobby Boswell, Dan Califf, and Jimmy Conrad.
- Heath Pearce is probably OK, too.
- I can't say I understand the call for Drew Moor.
- Where the hell is Michael Parkhurst?
- Anyone think Beckerman got on the phone with Mastroeni immediately upon getting word? I like that call as well.
- Will the sun ever shine again in Chicago (and isn't Mapp gimpy)?
- Ah! Bradley stole the entire Rapids' offense!! (Get it...that's Herculez...ah, never mind).
- It seems the Eddie Johnson experiment will not end.
Whatever happens, I hope it's a good experience for these guys.
(########)
"Goalkeepers (2) - Brad Guzan, Kasey Keller
Defenders (8) - Jonathan Bornstein, Bobby Boswell, Dan Califf, Jimmy Conrad, Jay DeMerit, Drew Moor, Heath Pearce, Marvell Wynne
Midfielders (8) - Kyle Beckerman, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Eddie Gaven, Sacha Kljestan, Justin Mapp, Lee Nguyen, Ben Olsen
Forwards (4) - Charlie Davies, Hercules Gomez, Eddie Johnson, Taylor Twellman
General comments:
- Holy shit! Will this thing be chaperoned?! Are Conrad and Olsen the chaperones? Damn that's a young bunch...and to think how many of them will enjoy alcohol for the first time....
- I like that Bradely, basically, switched out the defenses (though I'm a bit down on the choice of Bornstein given my frustrations with him against Canada...ah...I'm over it. Good luck, Johnny!) The Gold Cup is showing the need for more auditions.
- I'll be shocked - and drunkenly delighted - if this bunch doesn't share the fate of the actual Children's Crusade (it didn't end well)
- Getting back to the chaperone jab, it's an interesting mix, even if the set up is a little "Greek" - e.g. manly mentors and, um, impressionable youths. Looks like Bradley is counting on Conrad, Olsen, and Twellman(?) to show a very green squad the ropes. Should be interesting...
Specific comments...where they come to me:
- I'm pretty interested in the Marvell experiment.
- I like the calls for Bobby Boswell, Dan Califf, and Jimmy Conrad.
- Heath Pearce is probably OK, too.
- I can't say I understand the call for Drew Moor.
- Where the hell is Michael Parkhurst?
- Anyone think Beckerman got on the phone with Mastroeni immediately upon getting word? I like that call as well.
- Will the sun ever shine again in Chicago (and isn't Mapp gimpy)?
- Ah! Bradley stole the entire Rapids' offense!! (Get it...that's Herculez...ah, never mind).
- It seems the Eddie Johnson experiment will not end.
Whatever happens, I hope it's a good experience for these guys.
(########)
Since I've already had my post-dicey-win freakout, I'm now able to do the deep breath thing and add some points that don't rip the Americans for failing to make me happy. In no particular order...
- While the Canadians did get robbed on the offside call, it's not like all the officiating went against them. As pointed out on du Nord (somewhere in there), four minutes extra time was pretty generous - and the ref went over to boot. Also, nicely as Iain Hume rounded out his evening, it started with several reckless, uncautioned fouls (whoops....thanks to Throughball.com on that - and it's a great post besides).
- Pitchinvasion.net posted a depressing photo gallery of the crowd - or palpable lack thereof - for the first, "Mexico-less" half - of last night's double-header. He gives props to the passionate, but small Sam's Army contingent...but it's hard to get around the fact that it was small...
- On the happy side of things, I feel like I should draw more attention to something I noted in response to a comment on my freakout post: the subtle, if as not yet entirely unfulfilled, improvement to the U.S. attack. Between DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey, the U.S. brings a more complete, complex attack than we ever have. Sure, we're missing reliable, even periodically useful, forwards, but it's worth noting improvement where it comes. The best news about this: Beasley and Donovan are 25 and Dempsey, only 24.
All for now...on this anyway...
(#########)
- While the Canadians did get robbed on the offside call, it's not like all the officiating went against them. As pointed out on du Nord (somewhere in there), four minutes extra time was pretty generous - and the ref went over to boot. Also, nicely as Iain Hume rounded out his evening, it started with several reckless, uncautioned fouls (whoops....thanks to Throughball.com on that - and it's a great post besides).
- Pitchinvasion.net posted a depressing photo gallery of the crowd - or palpable lack thereof - for the first, "Mexico-less" half - of last night's double-header. He gives props to the passionate, but small Sam's Army contingent...but it's hard to get around the fact that it was small...
- On the happy side of things, I feel like I should draw more attention to something I noted in response to a comment on my freakout post: the subtle, if as not yet entirely unfulfilled, improvement to the U.S. attack. Between DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey, the U.S. brings a more complete, complex attack than we ever have. Sure, we're missing reliable, even periodically useful, forwards, but it's worth noting improvement where it comes. The best news about this: Beasley and Donovan are 25 and Dempsey, only 24.
All for now...on this anyway...
(#########)
"We did things to put ourselves in that position, whether it was a bad call or not," Canadian goalie Patrick Onstad, also of the Dynamo, said. "We dug ourselves a hole."
Houston Chronicle, 06.22.07 (LINK)
Or maybe Canadians are just too nice. That's how you handle losing with class...someone ought to tell the Mexicans.
(########)
Suddenly, my burgeoning love affair with Chivas USA looks misguided.
Put another way, the goal differential that wooed me suddenly look trivial against all those warnings about poor road form that others forwarded and that I ignored.
On the other hand, Houston is finally making the expected noise. In fact, it bears noting that both preseason favorites - the other being DC United - have rather abruptly resumed their anticipated roles, even if the return for either club isn't complete or definitive.
After that, the most eye-catching thing about last night's game: Brad Davis showing up. If he and Brian Mullan get back on their games, Houston will cause problems.
(##########)
Put another way, the goal differential that wooed me suddenly look trivial against all those warnings about poor road form that others forwarded and that I ignored.
On the other hand, Houston is finally making the expected noise. In fact, it bears noting that both preseason favorites - the other being DC United - have rather abruptly resumed their anticipated roles, even if the return for either club isn't complete or definitive.
After that, the most eye-catching thing about last night's game: Brad Davis showing up. If he and Brian Mullan get back on their games, Houston will cause problems.
(##########)
To put my thoughts on last night’s game on a bitter simmer...and, as with all things simmered, this will be long.
The U.S. lost. On every level but the final score, we lost last night. Canada carried about 2/3 of the game and played with greater intelligence and precision. The blown offside call thwarted the Canadian rally in the end, but that may be better understood as a unique and plain symbol of a game in which Fortune, by and large, favored the undeserving.
And before going any further, I want to get in this: Sunday’s final is going to be fucking torture.
Now, where to begin?
As implied above, Canada certainly looked the better team - more certain in their approach and execution. They moved the ball far more effectively and, with the exception of long, crossing passes and wayward passes aside, to places where the receiving player was 90% certain to get it. Apart from the two times we laudably broke through - and on the couple occasions where we nearly did - the Maple Leaf’s defense ably contained the American attack, especially our forwards.
On the American side, we destroyed more ably than we created. The outstanding disturbing element in our game last night, however, came with our passing; I saw so many short, bobbled, indecisive - just flat-out worthless - passes; no less a problem were the series of clumsy attempts to dribble out of trouble in the defensive third, our players stabbed and/or entirely missed clearances, and the general air of panic. When we didn’t botch short passes, we resorted to long balls too often and too soon, especially out of the back; this evidenced some anxiety about playing through the Canadian midfield, particularly in the first half.
We did have some good spells and, not coincidentally, we scored our goals during one of them. Frankie Hejduk did score a peach and he looked at least as shocked to score it as I was to see him do so, but our play in the stretch before it made that, and Donovan’s penalty kick, possible. But Hejduk’s goal was more noteworthy in that it shows our capacity to build from the back and establish possession in the opposition half. The goal did come, if memory serves, from a set-play, but we earned that set-play by making the Canadians chase us in dangerous parts of the field. And that’s the pisser: we can do it. And, when the Canadians had to chase the game a little to start the second half, we did well with that...till our legs gave way to jittering fatigue, that is.
The maddening, and not a little eerie, reality is the fact the game played out precisely as expected, particularly within the context of the 2007 Gold Cup tournament; the game unfolded almost as if scripted. We score - once, twice, it doesn’t matter - and simply cannot maintain and hold things together. It almost begs the question of what scares American players so goddamn much about scoring?
As most attacks before them, the Canadians stretched and scrambled most of the back four - Hejduk, somewhat surprisingly, stood as the exception - the difference being that they could exploit the gaps. Given when the Maple Leaf’s finally managed their actual breakthroughs, I assume fatigue played a role; it’s more likely, however, that fatigue - and rather stupid attrition - hit our midfield by the end, thereby exposing a rickety defense. The inability of our more offensive players to maintain possession and kill the game meant more time spent chasing, hence more fatigue, etc. It’s a grand, knock-on effect in the end and the pieces keep falling till they run into - and, last night, over - a defense that has yet to cohere - and, in terms of the specific personnel, perhaps never will.
Looking back on the tournament as a whole, the U.S. turned in exactly one comprehensive performance - the win over El Salvador. We’re now in the final against the team arguably best equipped to exploit the highly apparent disorganization that has featured in...every...single...game except that one game; then again, in our favor, the Mexicans have hardly lit up defenses poorer than ours. But still....anyone feel like we’re a solid favorite?
The hard reality is, even if we win the final, this tournament leaves me feeling LESS secure about the future of the U.S. Men’s National Team. We have very real problems to sort out, starting with our back line; we need to get that sorted out to alleviate some worry about what happens when the up-field players can’t swing their part.
That's the free-flowing part: time to turn to player rankings and such. For the record, a 5.0 rating denotes a performance that didn’t hurt or appreciably help. Before that, however, let’s dispense with the honors for the game:
Man of the Match: Canada’s Ian Hume. He came onto the field like a one-man shot of adrenaline, not only scoring the Leaf’s goal, but adding vital bite to the Canadian midfield.
The U.S. Man of the Match: Frankie Hejduk, hands down - he’s the inspiration for the title to this post. He played like he had balls on loan from half the team...too many of whom played as if they’d loaned out theirs.
Kasey Keller, 4.0: Damn, did he have issues with decisiveness. And starting him over Tim Howard still has me scratching my head.
Frankie Hejduk, 8.5: If his passing and crossing were better, he’d go higher. But Hejduk shut down the Canadian left, tackled like a demon, stretched the Canadians going forward and he scored a goal. It flat-out sucks he misses the final...even though I’m pretty sure he left his legs on Soldier Field last night.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: Lucky not to have been sent off for the tackle on de Guzman. His interventions on defense connected poorly too often, whether with his body on a player on with his feet to the ball.
Oguchi Onyewu, 4.0: He bumbled when playing out of danger more than once and drifted out of position too often. I’m ready to look elsewhere.
(By way of general comment, Onyewu and Bocanegra are not the central defensive pairing of the future. There’s a palpable lack of organization in general in the back that relies too much on desperate, pack defending that has our players to get in one another’s way.)
Jonathan Bornstein, 2.5: I don’t want to see this guy in a U.S. jersey for a couple years, period; I wouldn’t lose sleep over never either. Last night exposed all my worries about his penchant for getting beat - Bernier ate him alive in the first half - and his, frankly, shitty traps in bad places.
DaMarcus Beasley, 6.0: Add a flash or two on offense - he did well to cause the penalty - to overall sound defensive work and harassing of the Canadian back line and you get a good overall game. Not as good as he can be, but good.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: He would have scored quite a bit higher, but that was about the dumbest goddamn red card I’ve seen this year. Apart from that, however, Bradley was strong and active, one of our better players out there.
Pablo Mastroeni, 6.0: Until Hume came on for Canada, I thought both Mastroeni and Bradley did really well. Pablo tired by the end, but, before that, he played the d-mid role pretty well.
Landon Donovan, 5.5: The odd thing is, Donovan kind of did what people want him to last night: force the game. Trouble is, he didn’t do it all that well; he carried into dead ends too often, didn’t pass early enough, etc. It’s depressingly remarkable that he was still our most dangerous player. His PK technique is weird - and I don’t mean his ritual; it’s the bombing it up the middle thing.
Eddie Johnson, 4.0: Will someone please pull the plug on the EJ Experiment? He lacks confidence and aggressiveness at this level, pure and simple. Did he run at anyone? Not that I recall. Did his passing push the offense? Rarely. Take away the time Donovan played him behind the Canadian defense - a great, alert run that petered out with, yep, a lack of aggression - and his rating goes lower.
Clint Dempsey, 5.0: He may actually be our best passer, but he was a step off last night. The moves he had been making all tournament to keep possession didn’t work last night. He just looked flat. (UPDATE: I finally read a report or two, which reminded me of the good things Demspey did - much of which goes back to the "best passer" line, but which also include his near-miss header - and acknowledge I rated him too low: so revise this to read, Clint Dempsey
Subs:
Benny Feilhaber, 4.5: Needs to orient his brain to a possession game...or cede the job to someone who can. Feilhaber didn’t actually perform badly, but he should have recognized the need to slow down the game instead of pushing it forward.
Taylor Twellman, 6.0: I can’t believe this, but, in the short time Twellman was on the field, he was the only one who seemed to appreciate the need to keep the ball in the Canadian end of the field. He wasn’t always successful, but at least he tried.
Ricardo Clark, 5.0: He barely merits ranking, though I’m tempted to ding him for reaching his foot up to a ball in our penalty area that he needed to control more decisively.
Bob Bradely, 3.5: Yep, the coach gets a number because, in my view, he impacted the game in all the wrong ways. Where were the subs? Clint Dempsey appeared stumbling tired by the 70th minute, if not early, and Donovan looked ready for a breather; Eddie Johnson never started and should have been subbed by the half. Clark should have come on sooner for Mastroeni, he started Keller over Howard for reasons that beg explanation, etc.
OK. I’m done. I can’t think of the last time I’ve been so disappointed with a win. It’s games like this that make qualifying for the World Cup look a lot more complicated today than it did in May 2007.
The U.S. lost. On every level but the final score, we lost last night. Canada carried about 2/3 of the game and played with greater intelligence and precision. The blown offside call thwarted the Canadian rally in the end, but that may be better understood as a unique and plain symbol of a game in which Fortune, by and large, favored the undeserving.
And before going any further, I want to get in this: Sunday’s final is going to be fucking torture.
Now, where to begin?
As implied above, Canada certainly looked the better team - more certain in their approach and execution. They moved the ball far more effectively and, with the exception of long, crossing passes and wayward passes aside, to places where the receiving player was 90% certain to get it. Apart from the two times we laudably broke through - and on the couple occasions where we nearly did - the Maple Leaf’s defense ably contained the American attack, especially our forwards.
On the American side, we destroyed more ably than we created. The outstanding disturbing element in our game last night, however, came with our passing; I saw so many short, bobbled, indecisive - just flat-out worthless - passes; no less a problem were the series of clumsy attempts to dribble out of trouble in the defensive third, our players stabbed and/or entirely missed clearances, and the general air of panic. When we didn’t botch short passes, we resorted to long balls too often and too soon, especially out of the back; this evidenced some anxiety about playing through the Canadian midfield, particularly in the first half.
We did have some good spells and, not coincidentally, we scored our goals during one of them. Frankie Hejduk did score a peach and he looked at least as shocked to score it as I was to see him do so, but our play in the stretch before it made that, and Donovan’s penalty kick, possible. But Hejduk’s goal was more noteworthy in that it shows our capacity to build from the back and establish possession in the opposition half. The goal did come, if memory serves, from a set-play, but we earned that set-play by making the Canadians chase us in dangerous parts of the field. And that’s the pisser: we can do it. And, when the Canadians had to chase the game a little to start the second half, we did well with that...till our legs gave way to jittering fatigue, that is.
The maddening, and not a little eerie, reality is the fact the game played out precisely as expected, particularly within the context of the 2007 Gold Cup tournament; the game unfolded almost as if scripted. We score - once, twice, it doesn’t matter - and simply cannot maintain and hold things together. It almost begs the question of what scares American players so goddamn much about scoring?
As most attacks before them, the Canadians stretched and scrambled most of the back four - Hejduk, somewhat surprisingly, stood as the exception - the difference being that they could exploit the gaps. Given when the Maple Leaf’s finally managed their actual breakthroughs, I assume fatigue played a role; it’s more likely, however, that fatigue - and rather stupid attrition - hit our midfield by the end, thereby exposing a rickety defense. The inability of our more offensive players to maintain possession and kill the game meant more time spent chasing, hence more fatigue, etc. It’s a grand, knock-on effect in the end and the pieces keep falling till they run into - and, last night, over - a defense that has yet to cohere - and, in terms of the specific personnel, perhaps never will.
Looking back on the tournament as a whole, the U.S. turned in exactly one comprehensive performance - the win over El Salvador. We’re now in the final against the team arguably best equipped to exploit the highly apparent disorganization that has featured in...every...single...game except that one game; then again, in our favor, the Mexicans have hardly lit up defenses poorer than ours. But still....anyone feel like we’re a solid favorite?
The hard reality is, even if we win the final, this tournament leaves me feeling LESS secure about the future of the U.S. Men’s National Team. We have very real problems to sort out, starting with our back line; we need to get that sorted out to alleviate some worry about what happens when the up-field players can’t swing their part.
That's the free-flowing part: time to turn to player rankings and such. For the record, a 5.0 rating denotes a performance that didn’t hurt or appreciably help. Before that, however, let’s dispense with the honors for the game:
Man of the Match: Canada’s Ian Hume. He came onto the field like a one-man shot of adrenaline, not only scoring the Leaf’s goal, but adding vital bite to the Canadian midfield.
The U.S. Man of the Match: Frankie Hejduk, hands down - he’s the inspiration for the title to this post. He played like he had balls on loan from half the team...too many of whom played as if they’d loaned out theirs.
Kasey Keller, 4.0: Damn, did he have issues with decisiveness. And starting him over Tim Howard still has me scratching my head.
Frankie Hejduk, 8.5: If his passing and crossing were better, he’d go higher. But Hejduk shut down the Canadian left, tackled like a demon, stretched the Canadians going forward and he scored a goal. It flat-out sucks he misses the final...even though I’m pretty sure he left his legs on Soldier Field last night.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: Lucky not to have been sent off for the tackle on de Guzman. His interventions on defense connected poorly too often, whether with his body on a player on with his feet to the ball.
Oguchi Onyewu, 4.0: He bumbled when playing out of danger more than once and drifted out of position too often. I’m ready to look elsewhere.
(By way of general comment, Onyewu and Bocanegra are not the central defensive pairing of the future. There’s a palpable lack of organization in general in the back that relies too much on desperate, pack defending that has our players to get in one another’s way.)
Jonathan Bornstein, 2.5: I don’t want to see this guy in a U.S. jersey for a couple years, period; I wouldn’t lose sleep over never either. Last night exposed all my worries about his penchant for getting beat - Bernier ate him alive in the first half - and his, frankly, shitty traps in bad places.
DaMarcus Beasley, 6.0: Add a flash or two on offense - he did well to cause the penalty - to overall sound defensive work and harassing of the Canadian back line and you get a good overall game. Not as good as he can be, but good.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: He would have scored quite a bit higher, but that was about the dumbest goddamn red card I’ve seen this year. Apart from that, however, Bradley was strong and active, one of our better players out there.
Pablo Mastroeni, 6.0: Until Hume came on for Canada, I thought both Mastroeni and Bradley did really well. Pablo tired by the end, but, before that, he played the d-mid role pretty well.
Landon Donovan, 5.5: The odd thing is, Donovan kind of did what people want him to last night: force the game. Trouble is, he didn’t do it all that well; he carried into dead ends too often, didn’t pass early enough, etc. It’s depressingly remarkable that he was still our most dangerous player. His PK technique is weird - and I don’t mean his ritual; it’s the bombing it up the middle thing.
Eddie Johnson, 4.0: Will someone please pull the plug on the EJ Experiment? He lacks confidence and aggressiveness at this level, pure and simple. Did he run at anyone? Not that I recall. Did his passing push the offense? Rarely. Take away the time Donovan played him behind the Canadian defense - a great, alert run that petered out with, yep, a lack of aggression - and his rating goes lower.
Clint Dempsey, 5.0: He may actually be our best passer, but he was a step off last night. The moves he had been making all tournament to keep possession didn’t work last night. He just looked flat. (UPDATE: I finally read a report or two, which reminded me of the good things Demspey did - much of which goes back to the "best passer" line, but which also include his near-miss header - and acknowledge I rated him too low: so revise this to read, Clint Dempsey
Subs:
Benny Feilhaber, 4.5: Needs to orient his brain to a possession game...or cede the job to someone who can. Feilhaber didn’t actually perform badly, but he should have recognized the need to slow down the game instead of pushing it forward.
Taylor Twellman, 6.0: I can’t believe this, but, in the short time Twellman was on the field, he was the only one who seemed to appreciate the need to keep the ball in the Canadian end of the field. He wasn’t always successful, but at least he tried.
Ricardo Clark, 5.0: He barely merits ranking, though I’m tempted to ding him for reaching his foot up to a ball in our penalty area that he needed to control more decisively.
Bob Bradely, 3.5: Yep, the coach gets a number because, in my view, he impacted the game in all the wrong ways. Where were the subs? Clint Dempsey appeared stumbling tired by the 70th minute, if not early, and Donovan looked ready for a breather; Eddie Johnson never started and should have been subbed by the half. Clark should have come on sooner for Mastroeni, he started Keller over Howard for reasons that beg explanation, etc.
OK. I’m done. I can’t think of the last time I’ve been so disappointed with a win. It’s games like this that make qualifying for the World Cup look a lot more complicated today than it did in May 2007.
I'll deal a whole hell of a lot better with a loss to Canada tonight than I will to a loss to Mexico in the final. Hell, a loss to Guadeloupe in the final wouldn't make me nearly as cross as losing to Mexico.
There is simply nothing - nothing - worse than losing to Mexico.
What a great rivalry...
I don't think we're going to lose tonight...but, with the way my year is going, losing to Mexico would be like one giant bow...made of poop.
(##########)
There is simply nothing - nothing - worse than losing to Mexico.
What a great rivalry...
I don't think we're going to lose tonight...but, with the way my year is going, losing to Mexico would be like one giant bow...made of poop.
(##########)
Good news: a couple more pundits came forward - or, rather, were discovered - this week, thus growing the Semi-Detached Pundit Collective (SDPC). The “new normal” established last week will carry over to this - e.g. the rankings below will show this week’s ranking, last week’s ranking, and each team’s scariness rating. It should be acknowledged at least that increasing the number of pundits could screw up the results. Then again, what do I care? I’m not a statistician...
Here are the new and - damn right! - improved sources for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Sideline Views (Andrea Canales) NEW!!
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
Fox Soccer Channel NEW!!
Soccer by Ives
And, once again, The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) merits honorable mention...wish I could figure out how to get them in here.
Now, on to the numbers:
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.1 (last week: 1st - 1.3; SR: 5)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.6 (2nd - 2.8; SR: 6)
3. DC United, 2.7 (4th - 3.3; SR: 2)
4. New England Revolution, 4.3 (3rd - 2.9; SR: 8)
5. Chivas USA, 5.5 (7th - 6.8; SR: 1)
6. FC Dallas, 6.4 (5th - 5.5; SR: 9)
7. Houston Dynamo, 6.5 (6th - 6.1; SR: 4)
8. Toronto FC, 7.3 (9th - 8.9; SR: 3)
9. Colorado Rapids, 9.1 (8th - 7.9; SR: 13)
10. Chicago Fire, 10.3 (10th - 9.9; SR: 12)
11. Los Angeles Galaxy, 10.8 (11/12th - 11.6; SR: 7)
12. Columbus Crew, 11.5 (11/12th - 11.6; SR: 10)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.9 (13th - 12.6; SR: 11)
Some observations:
- I need an explanation as to how anyone can rank Chicago above 12. As I discovered when compiling my power rankings, Chicago has been every bit as bad as Real Salt Lake over the past eight games (4 points earned for each). To make matters worse, a case can be made the Chicago is actually worse; RSL has managed a result in four games, while the Fire has done so on only two occasions. That arguably makes RSL the more consistent team. (So, why’d I rank RSL lower? Call-ups will return for the Fire and Blanco will come; RSL just gets back Freddy Adu...).
- This week’s big climbers are pretty obvious: Chivas USA and Toronto FC. I think Chivas is flying too low for people to notice, but they’re looking pretty solid.
- FC Dallas took a hit - and rightly so. That’s what they get for edging RSL and getting slaughtered by TFC.
- I know I was alone in folding last night’s Columbus win into my rankings (everyone else posted before it happened); I’m really wondering what that will do for the Crew.
- On a related note, I really wonder what that will do to KC’s rankings. It seems like no one notices the number of goals that team is allowing. As I said in my rankings, they’ve got the league’s fifth-worst offense - and the competition on that sucks.
- It should also be noted that Dallas is pretty dire on defense...I think they’re league worst.
- Boldest call of the week: My Soccer Blog put Toronto at #4.
- Craziest call of the week: Andrea Canales putting DC United at #6...and FC Dallas at #3.
Here are the new and - damn right! - improved sources for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Sideline Views (Andrea Canales) NEW!!
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
Fox Soccer Channel NEW!!
Soccer by Ives
And, once again, The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) merits honorable mention...wish I could figure out how to get them in here.
Now, on to the numbers:
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.1 (last week: 1st - 1.3; SR: 5)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.6 (2nd - 2.8; SR: 6)
3. DC United, 2.7 (4th - 3.3; SR: 2)
4. New England Revolution, 4.3 (3rd - 2.9; SR: 8)
5. Chivas USA, 5.5 (7th - 6.8; SR: 1)
6. FC Dallas, 6.4 (5th - 5.5; SR: 9)
7. Houston Dynamo, 6.5 (6th - 6.1; SR: 4)
8. Toronto FC, 7.3 (9th - 8.9; SR: 3)
9. Colorado Rapids, 9.1 (8th - 7.9; SR: 13)
10. Chicago Fire, 10.3 (10th - 9.9; SR: 12)
11. Los Angeles Galaxy, 10.8 (11/12th - 11.6; SR: 7)
12. Columbus Crew, 11.5 (11/12th - 11.6; SR: 10)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.9 (13th - 12.6; SR: 11)
Some observations:
- I need an explanation as to how anyone can rank Chicago above 12. As I discovered when compiling my power rankings, Chicago has been every bit as bad as Real Salt Lake over the past eight games (4 points earned for each). To make matters worse, a case can be made the Chicago is actually worse; RSL has managed a result in four games, while the Fire has done so on only two occasions. That arguably makes RSL the more consistent team. (So, why’d I rank RSL lower? Call-ups will return for the Fire and Blanco will come; RSL just gets back Freddy Adu...).
- This week’s big climbers are pretty obvious: Chivas USA and Toronto FC. I think Chivas is flying too low for people to notice, but they’re looking pretty solid.
- FC Dallas took a hit - and rightly so. That’s what they get for edging RSL and getting slaughtered by TFC.
- I know I was alone in folding last night’s Columbus win into my rankings (everyone else posted before it happened); I’m really wondering what that will do for the Crew.
- On a related note, I really wonder what that will do to KC’s rankings. It seems like no one notices the number of goals that team is allowing. As I said in my rankings, they’ve got the league’s fifth-worst offense - and the competition on that sucks.
- It should also be noted that Dallas is pretty dire on defense...I think they’re league worst.
- Boldest call of the week: My Soccer Blog put Toronto at #4.
- Craziest call of the week: Andrea Canales putting DC United at #6...and FC Dallas at #3.
Let it be established that each “Major League Soccer (MLS) Week” shall begin at 12 a.m. each Thursday till the end of the 2007 season...or maybe not. Damn those scheduling interns. The real problem is last night’s game, in which Columbus snuck a win over Kansas City (I told you the Crew would cause problems for some good teams; just didn't think it would match this week's); seeing as I can’t wash that one out of my mind, I’m just going to incorporate it below.
As always, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com.
For the record, I like my top three; or, rather, I think I can justify my thinking on those. #4 - 6 is a bit of a mash-up - and it’s possible #6 may blow up in my face within 12 hours. I like #7. #8-11 are, essentially, inter-changeable. The bottom two, however, are solid.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (2) DC United (didn’t see it, didn’t hear it...)
No, I haven’t seen these guys play in weeks. The thing is, DC is about the only team in the league doing well on both sides of the ball.
2. (3) Kansas City Wizards ($ + 1/2 of @)
Five MLS teams have allowed more goals than KC; trouble is, those teams suck (except, arguably, Dallas - but their defense sucks). If the goals dry up - as they did last night - the slipshod defense hurts this team.
3. (5) Chivas USA (%)
Chivas has earned the same number of points as DC - even if a weaker Western Conference has something to do with that - and the same argument for their ranking applies. Count tonight a “statement game” - or a cliché. While they can’t actually take over top spot in the West, a win would say just as much.
4. (1) Red Bull New York ($)
This team’s defensive problems are serious and don’t appear to be going away any time soon. I regret last week’s ranking error.
5. (4) New England Revolution (@)
Nice as it was to see Adam Cristman score two (though his leering come-hither to Pat Noonan must be blacked out to keep the skin from crawling) - hell, nice as it was to see Noonan look like himself - the Revs has issues. The luck that carried them through a few games nearly dried up last week; was the last drop sprinkled on Cristman’s first goal?
6. (6) Houston Dynamo (idle)
Some weeks you don’t have to do anything to hold steady. But, as with Chivas, tonight is statement time. Anyone else see a nice little rivalry blossoming between those two teams?
7. (9) Toronto FC ($)
Re-enacted The Burning Bed over a weary FC Dallas* and they look a safe bet to avoid the whole “worst team in history” tag. It’s time to see if they can make their hard-knock game work on the road. (*Such horrible analogies come to me all day, every day and, I assure you, the original edit was worse. My internal censor took a half-day.)
8. (7) FC Dallas (1/2 hour of @ + %)
Let’s see...they BARELY beat the league’s accidental comedy troupe and then got mauled by Canadians. Canadians! (kidding...I’m just warming up for tonight.) Were it not for the fact they play consistent .500 ball, they’d drop further.
9. (10) Columbus Crew (@ + 1/2 of @)
I stand firmly in the column that assumes this team is better than their record. Again, with the odds of the Crew picking up four points against their past two opponents, I really, REALLY wish I had a sports book nearby.
10. (12) Los Angeles Galaxy (@)
LA hasn’t given teams or fans cause to respect them this season. Yeah, they beat RSL...rah, rah. The best thing you can say about them is they’re trying to improve.
11. (8) Colorado Rapids (%)
These cats haven’t won since May. And, unlike LA, I’m not seeing them doing anything to improve. To make matters worse, Dallas’s on-off pattern augurs a win for the Colorado side this weekend.
12. (11) Chicago Fire (didn’t see it, didn’t hear it...)
Reduced to the quality of a college team by injuries and call-ups, why believe a new coach can turn things around. It took some math to realize just how bad things are in Chicago: they’ve taken 4 POINTS from their last 8 games. For the record, that’s RSL bad - literally. RSL has equaled Chicago for points over the past 8 games.
13. (13) Real Salt Lake (1/2 hour of @ + @)
Setting the standard for sucking in 2007 and building on a proud tradition.
Moving on to the standings (painstakingly recreated by Franklin Mint engravers from the current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Red Bull New York: 21 pts. (6-3-3: 24 GF, 15 GA, +9; home, 4-1-1; away, 2-2-2)
2. Kansas City Wiz: 20 pts. (6-3-2: 23 GF, 17 GA, +6; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-2-2)
3. New England Revs: 19 pts. (5-2-4: 21 GF, 14 GA, +7; home, 2-1-2; away, 3-1-2)
4. DC United: 17 pts. (5-3-2: 17 GF, 14 GA, +3; home, 4-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
5. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-6-2: 12 GF, 19 GA, -7; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
6. Toronto FC: 13 pts. (4-6-1: 14 GF, 18 GA, -4; home, 4-3-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 12 pts. (2-4-6: 14 GF, 19 GA, -5; home, 2-1-4; away, 0-3-2)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 22 pts. (7-6-1: 18 GF, 21 GA, -3; home, 3-2-0; away, 4-4-1)
2. Chivas USA: 17 pts. (5-3-2: 15 GF, 8 GA; +7; home, 4-0-1; away, 1-3-1)
3. Houston Dynamo: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 11 GF, 10 GA, +1; home, 3-2-1; away, 2-3-0)
4. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-5-3: 13 GF, 16 GA, -3; home 2-1-3; away, 2-4-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 9 pts. (2-4-3: 11 GF, 13 GA, -2; home, 2-2-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-5-6: 9 GF, 18 GA, -9; home, 0-2-3; away, 0-3-3)
As always, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com.
For the record, I like my top three; or, rather, I think I can justify my thinking on those. #4 - 6 is a bit of a mash-up - and it’s possible #6 may blow up in my face within 12 hours. I like #7. #8-11 are, essentially, inter-changeable. The bottom two, however, are solid.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (2) DC United (didn’t see it, didn’t hear it...)
No, I haven’t seen these guys play in weeks. The thing is, DC is about the only team in the league doing well on both sides of the ball.
2. (3) Kansas City Wizards ($ + 1/2 of @)
Five MLS teams have allowed more goals than KC; trouble is, those teams suck (except, arguably, Dallas - but their defense sucks). If the goals dry up - as they did last night - the slipshod defense hurts this team.
3. (5) Chivas USA (%)
Chivas has earned the same number of points as DC - even if a weaker Western Conference has something to do with that - and the same argument for their ranking applies. Count tonight a “statement game” - or a cliché. While they can’t actually take over top spot in the West, a win would say just as much.
4. (1) Red Bull New York ($)
This team’s defensive problems are serious and don’t appear to be going away any time soon. I regret last week’s ranking error.
5. (4) New England Revolution (@)
Nice as it was to see Adam Cristman score two (though his leering come-hither to Pat Noonan must be blacked out to keep the skin from crawling) - hell, nice as it was to see Noonan look like himself - the Revs has issues. The luck that carried them through a few games nearly dried up last week; was the last drop sprinkled on Cristman’s first goal?
6. (6) Houston Dynamo (idle)
Some weeks you don’t have to do anything to hold steady. But, as with Chivas, tonight is statement time. Anyone else see a nice little rivalry blossoming between those two teams?
7. (9) Toronto FC ($)
Re-enacted The Burning Bed over a weary FC Dallas* and they look a safe bet to avoid the whole “worst team in history” tag. It’s time to see if they can make their hard-knock game work on the road. (*Such horrible analogies come to me all day, every day and, I assure you, the original edit was worse. My internal censor took a half-day.)
8. (7) FC Dallas (1/2 hour of @ + %)
Let’s see...they BARELY beat the league’s accidental comedy troupe and then got mauled by Canadians. Canadians! (kidding...I’m just warming up for tonight.) Were it not for the fact they play consistent .500 ball, they’d drop further.
9. (10) Columbus Crew (@ + 1/2 of @)
I stand firmly in the column that assumes this team is better than their record. Again, with the odds of the Crew picking up four points against their past two opponents, I really, REALLY wish I had a sports book nearby.
10. (12) Los Angeles Galaxy (@)
LA hasn’t given teams or fans cause to respect them this season. Yeah, they beat RSL...rah, rah. The best thing you can say about them is they’re trying to improve.
11. (8) Colorado Rapids (%)
These cats haven’t won since May. And, unlike LA, I’m not seeing them doing anything to improve. To make matters worse, Dallas’s on-off pattern augurs a win for the Colorado side this weekend.
12. (11) Chicago Fire (didn’t see it, didn’t hear it...)
Reduced to the quality of a college team by injuries and call-ups, why believe a new coach can turn things around. It took some math to realize just how bad things are in Chicago: they’ve taken 4 POINTS from their last 8 games. For the record, that’s RSL bad - literally. RSL has equaled Chicago for points over the past 8 games.
13. (13) Real Salt Lake (1/2 hour of @ + @)
Setting the standard for sucking in 2007 and building on a proud tradition.
Moving on to the standings (painstakingly recreated by Franklin Mint engravers from the current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Red Bull New York: 21 pts. (6-3-3: 24 GF, 15 GA, +9; home, 4-1-1; away, 2-2-2)
2. Kansas City Wiz: 20 pts. (6-3-2: 23 GF, 17 GA, +6; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-2-2)
3. New England Revs: 19 pts. (5-2-4: 21 GF, 14 GA, +7; home, 2-1-2; away, 3-1-2)
4. DC United: 17 pts. (5-3-2: 17 GF, 14 GA, +3; home, 4-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
5. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-6-2: 12 GF, 19 GA, -7; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
6. Toronto FC: 13 pts. (4-6-1: 14 GF, 18 GA, -4; home, 4-3-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 12 pts. (2-4-6: 14 GF, 19 GA, -5; home, 2-1-4; away, 0-3-2)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 22 pts. (7-6-1: 18 GF, 21 GA, -3; home, 3-2-0; away, 4-4-1)
2. Chivas USA: 17 pts. (5-3-2: 15 GF, 8 GA; +7; home, 4-0-1; away, 1-3-1)
3. Houston Dynamo: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 11 GF, 10 GA, +1; home, 3-2-1; away, 2-3-0)
4. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-5-3: 13 GF, 16 GA, -3; home 2-1-3; away, 2-4-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 9 pts. (2-4-3: 11 GF, 13 GA, -2; home, 2-2-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-5-6: 9 GF, 18 GA, -9; home, 0-2-3; away, 0-3-3)
And, to round out my day, here's a quick round-up of other items of interest (now limiting myself to five...yes, I'm growing...)
- Count Jorge Vergara among the Mexican fans taking a dim view of the early days of the Hugo Sanchez era.
- While New England adds a player here, another player there - and two years later...and grudgingly - the Kansas City Wizards can't stop adding 'em...and they're attacking players! Dammit! There's also some interesting chatter in that same Down the Byline post about a soccer-specific stadium in the KC area.
- The Columbus Dispatch ran a little piece (carrying a curious, though applaudable, lead) on Guillermo Schelotto, who sounds happy about his move to Columbus. All I know is I've never seen a less enthusiastic goal celebration than the one he turned in last Saturday. Oh, and it sounds like Gaven will start in place of Robbie Rogers this weekend...should be interesting.
- Bill Urban wrote a good piece on the apparent tension between talent and expansion. For what it's worth, I say roll the dice. God meant for expansion teams to suffer; Toronto has it all wrong. They'll catch up in time.
- Finally, the Las Vegas Sun builds an article on a Big Soccer thread. Suddenly, I don't feel so bad about all those book reports written from Cliff's Notes*.
(* OK, for the record, I've never once used Cliff's Notes; I enjoy reading too much.)
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- Count Jorge Vergara among the Mexican fans taking a dim view of the early days of the Hugo Sanchez era.
- While New England adds a player here, another player there - and two years later...and grudgingly - the Kansas City Wizards can't stop adding 'em...and they're attacking players! Dammit! There's also some interesting chatter in that same Down the Byline post about a soccer-specific stadium in the KC area.
- The Columbus Dispatch ran a little piece (carrying a curious, though applaudable, lead) on Guillermo Schelotto, who sounds happy about his move to Columbus. All I know is I've never seen a less enthusiastic goal celebration than the one he turned in last Saturday. Oh, and it sounds like Gaven will start in place of Robbie Rogers this weekend...should be interesting.
- Bill Urban wrote a good piece on the apparent tension between talent and expansion. For what it's worth, I say roll the dice. God meant for expansion teams to suffer; Toronto has it all wrong. They'll catch up in time.
- Finally, the Las Vegas Sun builds an article on a Big Soccer thread. Suddenly, I don't feel so bad about all those book reports written from Cliff's Notes*.
(* OK, for the record, I've never once used Cliff's Notes; I enjoy reading too much.)
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Just a thing or two to throw out ahead of the Gold Cup.
On the practical level, Jeff Carlisle turned in his usual good work with his previews of tomorrow's games for ESPN.
But the one item that really caught my eye appeared at the bottom of a San Diego Union-Tribune article previewing the Gold Cup semis:
Someone call Twellman's mother. We need someone to seize his ear and yank him to the kitchen table for a stern talking to.
Who cares? WHO CARES?!
I'll tell you who cares, young man. About a third of the number of people showing in the Nielsens for U.S. Soccer games, that's who! You're paid to score goals, son. If I had an accountant doing his job as poorly as you did against Panama, he'd lose my business...and I'll warrant the business of many others as well.
Shape up, youngster.
On the practical level, Jeff Carlisle turned in his usual good work with his previews of tomorrow's games for ESPN.
But the one item that really caught my eye appeared at the bottom of a San Diego Union-Tribune article previewing the Gold Cup semis:
“It was just one of those days,” U.S. forward Taylor Twellman said after missing several easy chances in front of the net against Panama. “But we won, so who really cares?”
Someone call Twellman's mother. We need someone to seize his ear and yank him to the kitchen table for a stern talking to.
Who cares? WHO CARES?!
I'll tell you who cares, young man. About a third of the number of people showing in the Nielsens for U.S. Soccer games, that's who! You're paid to score goals, son. If I had an accountant doing his job as poorly as you did against Panama, he'd lose my business...and I'll warrant the business of many others as well.
Shape up, youngster.
I already posted my immediate reaction to the sacking of "Big" Dave Sarachan, but have come across some good stuff since then...just thought I'd share.
To begin, no commentary could be complete without checking in with The Chicago Fire Offside blog. Naturally, a good post appeared there and you'll find some real gems in the comments.
Elsewhere, Luis Arroyave throws in more quotes from Chris Armas, who was clearly unhappy with Sarachan being "relieved" of his duties. The money line in that collection:
Finally, Ives Galarcep weighed in as well and, I'm bound to admit, he framed the writing on the wall a little better than I did:
When I write about a "lack of sunshine on the horizon" that's what I'm getting at: even with the full squad that started the season, Chicago didn't look like much; they were too old in some places, too young in others.
Knowing Armas will retire after this season, I kind of feel for the guy - not least because he's definitely had his share of shitty luck. Anyway, your swan-song ought to be pretty...as opposed to the sound of the swan beind slowly strangled...
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To begin, no commentary could be complete without checking in with The Chicago Fire Offside blog. Naturally, a good post appeared there and you'll find some real gems in the comments.
Elsewhere, Luis Arroyave throws in more quotes from Chris Armas, who was clearly unhappy with Sarachan being "relieved" of his duties. The money line in that collection:
"Dave believed in the organization. He loved the players," Armas said. "As he goes, Jesse [Marsch] goes, and then we leave--what's left out there? Maybe a whole new team."
Finally, Ives Galarcep weighed in as well and, I'm bound to admit, he framed the writing on the wall a little better than I did:
"Chicago was respectable last season but instead of building on that the Fire has been mediocre and could be in danger of missing the playoffs."
When I write about a "lack of sunshine on the horizon" that's what I'm getting at: even with the full squad that started the season, Chicago didn't look like much; they were too old in some places, too young in others.
Knowing Armas will retire after this season, I kind of feel for the guy - not least because he's definitely had his share of shitty luck. Anyway, your swan-song ought to be pretty...as opposed to the sound of the swan beind slowly strangled...
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The Boston Globe reported this morning (or possibly yesterday) that the New England Revolution waived Daniel Hernandez - a personal favorite of mine, for the record - and that Joe Franchino will miss the rest of 2007. The same article mentions the impending/potential arrival of replacements, who are described by Revs coach Steve Nicol thusly:
To be blunt, those "couple" players had better be something more than a couple names I read in the paper. The Revs are stagnating so far as I'm concerned and that opinion doesn't lack for seconds. The team needs new blood - preferably in bodies more than a year or two removed from the college game. And suggestions that Steve Nicol views the "emergence" of Jeff "Big Red" Larentowicz to justify letting Hernandez go only ups the anxiety. (Yeah, I know Soccer New England's reporter wrote the line, but Nicol suggests it in his quotes in the prior link.)
Tell me you're ditching Hernandez to clear space, or because a train wrecked in his groin, that's one thing: but telling me Larentowicz is anywhere near as good...I'm not buying it.
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"We are working on a couple. One's a name and the other's not a name but we think he will be a great player. We are close with some stuff, but it's not done until it's done."
To be blunt, those "couple" players had better be something more than a couple names I read in the paper. The Revs are stagnating so far as I'm concerned and that opinion doesn't lack for seconds. The team needs new blood - preferably in bodies more than a year or two removed from the college game. And suggestions that Steve Nicol views the "emergence" of Jeff "Big Red" Larentowicz to justify letting Hernandez go only ups the anxiety. (Yeah, I know Soccer New England's reporter wrote the line, but Nicol suggests it in his quotes in the prior link.)
Tell me you're ditching Hernandez to clear space, or because a train wrecked in his groin, that's one thing: but telling me Larentowicz is anywhere near as good...I'm not buying it.
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The Sacramento Bee noted an interesting milestone reached by the U.S. Men's National Team (Yanquis) last Saturday: we've compiled a .500 all-time record, by going 189-111-189 (W-T-L).
I'm not the first site to note this, so I thought I'd add this (arguably) worthwhile (and wholly obvious) thought: between The Bruce's winning record and Bob Bradley's near-flawless start, we musta been pretty bad for pretty long.
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I'm not the first site to note this, so I thought I'd add this (arguably) worthwhile (and wholly obvious) thought: between The Bruce's winning record and Bob Bradley's near-flawless start, we musta been pretty bad for pretty long.
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Or the least surprising piece of news you will read this month.
In case it's not clear from the pun/title, the Chicago Fire canned Dave Sarachan. For my money, It wasn't so much the horrible current form - though that couldn't have helped - as the lack of sunshine on the horizon.
Speaking for myself - and, it should be emphasized, not as a Fire fan (lordy, I would be pissed if I was one) - I would have let Sarachan hang on through the end of 2007 and undertook the rebuilding in the off-season. I don't know how well, or even how, Chicago will recover over the 18 games remaining, but I wouldn't be optimistic.
UPDATE: Looks like Fire midfielder Chris Armas agrees the firing might have been premature, or, as I see it, potentially counter-productive.
By the way, here's the elephant in the room I missed: who does the Fire hire to replace "Big Dave"?
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In case it's not clear from the pun/title, the Chicago Fire canned Dave Sarachan. For my money, It wasn't so much the horrible current form - though that couldn't have helped - as the lack of sunshine on the horizon.
Speaking for myself - and, it should be emphasized, not as a Fire fan (lordy, I would be pissed if I was one) - I would have let Sarachan hang on through the end of 2007 and undertook the rebuilding in the off-season. I don't know how well, or even how, Chicago will recover over the 18 games remaining, but I wouldn't be optimistic.
UPDATE: Looks like Fire midfielder Chris Armas agrees the firing might have been premature, or, as I see it, potentially counter-productive.
By the way, here's the elephant in the room I missed: who does the Fire hire to replace "Big Dave"?
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A second, successful wrap of the interesting stuff I found around the Web today....
- While few seem willing to cut Red Bull New York much slack for their injury problems - I mean, they just kinda have to work it out, right? - it's fair to acknowledge they're real. And, speaking from personal experience, playing in an unfamiliar position ain't easy at any level. Fortunately for them, they've got a bye week ahead.
- Speaking of Red Bull, Ives Galarcep did a piece on their youth program...good stuff.
- Even though I have seen most the players named to the U.S. U-20 roster first-hand, I'm still having trouble believing, as Andrea Canales repeatedly states in her analysis, that we're fielding the best anything in that tournament (we've got South Korea, Poland, and Brazil in the first round and that still holds?) Still, she's watching closer than me, so I hope she's right.
- Speaking of Canales, I have to give her props for something she wrote about the competitiveness in the CONCACAF region:
Let's hear it for bold, beautiful calls.
- It sounds like FC Dallas picked up a Brazilian (not the body wax...yucky!), at least that's what 3rd Degree tells me. The post throws in a couple more names as well...glad I found that site again.
- Finally, if you're in the mood for a depressing look at the Real Salt Lake defense, the Deseret News obliges.
- While few seem willing to cut Red Bull New York much slack for their injury problems - I mean, they just kinda have to work it out, right? - it's fair to acknowledge they're real. And, speaking from personal experience, playing in an unfamiliar position ain't easy at any level. Fortunately for them, they've got a bye week ahead.
- Speaking of Red Bull, Ives Galarcep did a piece on their youth program...good stuff.
- Even though I have seen most the players named to the U.S. U-20 roster first-hand, I'm still having trouble believing, as Andrea Canales repeatedly states in her analysis, that we're fielding the best anything in that tournament (we've got South Korea, Poland, and Brazil in the first round and that still holds?) Still, she's watching closer than me, so I hope she's right.
- Speaking of Canales, I have to give her props for something she wrote about the competitiveness in the CONCACAF region:
"...So I disagree that Mexico and the U.S. qualifying for the World Cup is going to be a foregone conclusion. In fact, I predict that within the next couple of cycles, one of the two won't make it. On current form, it could be Mexico.
"
Let's hear it for bold, beautiful calls.
- It sounds like FC Dallas picked up a Brazilian (not the body wax...yucky!), at least that's what 3rd Degree tells me. The post throws in a couple more names as well...glad I found that site again.
- Finally, if you're in the mood for a depressing look at the Real Salt Lake defense, the Deseret News obliges.
Two days and, oh, fifteen minutes from now, I'll be cracking the first of what will likely be several drinks ahead of the Gold Cup semifinal between the United States and Canada. And - boy howdy! - am I excited about this one. Judging by the steady stream of commentary, it seems like a lot of other people are too.
To begin, there's a fair amount of looking forward going on. For instance, Ives Galarcep chucked out his usual pre-game roster speculation/analysis; there's nothing too shocking/offensive in there, though I'd point to interested parties to the comments to this post, where a visitor to the site makes a case for avoiding starting both Pablo Mastroeni and Oguchi Onyewu. Other forward-looking stuff deals specifically with scouting the Canadians, though a lot of what I'm reading there just chucks out names and positions.
It also bears noting that the Canadians are watching us...
One of the revelations of my day came with learning that only three teams (!) have lifted the (remarkably hideous) CONCACAF Gold Cup. I found this so hard to believe that I bounced over to Wikipedia to check it out (yeah, yeah, I know): sure enough, that's accurate...provided you chuck the results from the CONCACAF Championship. Put another way, so long as you're talking about the event named the Gold Cup, only three teams have won it. Two of these are thoroughly obvious - the United States and Mexico - but the surprise comes with the third team: Canada. Who knew? (Not that they won it, mind you. The fact that Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000 comes up plenty; it's just the fact that no one else, say, Costa Rica or Honduras, that's surprising.)
Sitting as we are in the doldrums, now seems the time to take a look back at how the U.S. squad reached this point. One curious, yet persistent talking point grows from a sneaking sense insecurity among U.S. fans that our team has, now and again, dropped their guard and what they could mean against the sharper teams we're now facing. U.S. coach Bob Bradley has certainly noticed it (and that's to his credit). Turning to others, Ken Pendleton, writing for USSoccerplayers.com, threw this thought into the mixer:
I think Pendleton is on to something with that. More to the point, that's one of those things that you read and absorb with the realization that it's something you've been thinking all along, but without that specific thought forming cleanly in your head. Another addition in that regard came from Greg Lalas' Sports Illustrated analysis - though what he said here had more to do with why I found it so hard to write about the U.S. v. Panama quarterfinal after it had happened:
The overall performance versus Panama produced feelings not so much of anxiety as something similar to boredom. Once we went up 2-0 - and possibly before then - I never had the feeling the Canaleros were going to get back into it. Sure, they scored their goal, but...I dunno. The game just kind of plugged along. Had they equalized, the experience would have been something like waking from a boring dream to a house on fire, but, as things turned out, the boring dream was reality. There was, perhaps even is, this sense that we're marching toward the final with Mexico and everything else in between is just a rehearsal for that...
...which leaves me fully expecting a horrible, stressful game against Canada. Again, Canada has won it all before, if only once, but that was back when we were "good." The question is whether I actually want that kind of stimulation.
To begin, there's a fair amount of looking forward going on. For instance, Ives Galarcep chucked out his usual pre-game roster speculation/analysis; there's nothing too shocking/offensive in there, though I'd point to interested parties to the comments to this post, where a visitor to the site makes a case for avoiding starting both Pablo Mastroeni and Oguchi Onyewu. Other forward-looking stuff deals specifically with scouting the Canadians, though a lot of what I'm reading there just chucks out names and positions.
It also bears noting that the Canadians are watching us...
One of the revelations of my day came with learning that only three teams (!) have lifted the (remarkably hideous) CONCACAF Gold Cup. I found this so hard to believe that I bounced over to Wikipedia to check it out (yeah, yeah, I know): sure enough, that's accurate...provided you chuck the results from the CONCACAF Championship. Put another way, so long as you're talking about the event named the Gold Cup, only three teams have won it. Two of these are thoroughly obvious - the United States and Mexico - but the surprise comes with the third team: Canada. Who knew? (Not that they won it, mind you. The fact that Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000 comes up plenty; it's just the fact that no one else, say, Costa Rica or Honduras, that's surprising.)
Sitting as we are in the doldrums, now seems the time to take a look back at how the U.S. squad reached this point. One curious, yet persistent talking point grows from a sneaking sense insecurity among U.S. fans that our team has, now and again, dropped their guard and what they could mean against the sharper teams we're now facing. U.S. coach Bob Bradley has certainly noticed it (and that's to his credit). Turning to others, Ken Pendleton, writing for USSoccerplayers.com, threw this thought into the mixer:
"The dominance of good individual performances to the detriment of group play might just be the story of this tournament for the United States, and one of the major reasons has been the lineup shuffling."
I think Pendleton is on to something with that. More to the point, that's one of those things that you read and absorb with the realization that it's something you've been thinking all along, but without that specific thought forming cleanly in your head. Another addition in that regard came from Greg Lalas' Sports Illustrated analysis - though what he said here had more to do with why I found it so hard to write about the U.S. v. Panama quarterfinal after it had happened:
"Well, here I am writing about it, but I'm feeling anything but rocked. The Americans got a 2-1 win, the result they needed to advance to the semifinals -- where they'll meet Canada, who cruised past Guatemala 3-0 -- but they didn't exactly fill me with confidence."
The overall performance versus Panama produced feelings not so much of anxiety as something similar to boredom. Once we went up 2-0 - and possibly before then - I never had the feeling the Canaleros were going to get back into it. Sure, they scored their goal, but...I dunno. The game just kind of plugged along. Had they equalized, the experience would have been something like waking from a boring dream to a house on fire, but, as things turned out, the boring dream was reality. There was, perhaps even is, this sense that we're marching toward the final with Mexico and everything else in between is just a rehearsal for that...
...which leaves me fully expecting a horrible, stressful game against Canada. Again, Canada has won it all before, if only once, but that was back when we were "good." The question is whether I actually want that kind of stimulation.
Do I really want to do this? Mmmm....maybe...yeah...all right. Let's get it over with.
Any American soccer fan (and probably a fair chunk of the English ones) who does not live inside a cardboard box in the middle of their living room knows by now what Los Angeles Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas said about the English Premier League (EPL) and Major League Soccer's (MLS) quality relative to it (if you don't, here you go). And, yes, Lalas said some silly things as he is wont to do; not surprisingly, Lalas' comments propagated a slew of equally silly comments in response. And, here I am, chucking one more silly comment on this raging bonfire of inanity...(don't blame me; I didn't lower the threshold for publishing into the public sphere - I'm pretty sure that was god - me, I'm just exploiting it):
Who cares what the Brits think about the American game? Seriously. We owe them one, solitary debt when it comes to soccer: the creation of the game. OK, they get bonus points for spreading it (though someone once told me it was the Scots who invented the forward pass...whoops, a Scot is a Brit...moving on....). After that, they're just one other team in the world and we'll find out who is better next time we play them. Maybe someday their clubs will meet ours in a setting that is in some way meaningful, etc. All in all, it's pretty simple: you can tell which league is better by what they do on the field.
Moving on to some of the specifics:
Is the EPL an "inferior product"?: I say yes, though the first question that follows is "inferior to what?" I'll address the competitiveness angle below, but I find the league boring because, not only do the same few teams always win, but there's also very little change in who is meaningfully competitive. And, from an aesthetic point of view, I don't find the sometimes-skilled (depends on the player) hyper-drive spazzing of the EPL all that fun to watch. But that's how I get my kicks. Others like what they like and, eventually, the market - TV, tickets, etc. - will decide which is "better." But in terms of dollar-value across the 20 team EPL, I'd say the collected fans of, oh, 14 EPL teams get the shaft week-in and out due to the competitive imbalance in the EPL. Even the goddamn FA Cup is going stale.
MLS players wouldn't "miss a beat" in the EPL?: Had Alexi not said this, his comments would have been entirely uncontroversial - or, rather, they should have been. For what it's worth, if an all-MLS team containing as many players and available reserves as the EPL average transplanted to England for a season, I think they'd hover right around mid-table. In this little fantasy, we're talking about a team featuring the league's best; I'm guessing an expanded, average-quality MLS team would fight the drop all season. So, in this sense, I think it's fair to admit the EPL isn't inferior...
Anyway, there's some concern the Brits might laugh at us Americans via Alexi. Eh, so what? We dragged them into an endless war...like to see them top that...
(#########)
Any American soccer fan (and probably a fair chunk of the English ones) who does not live inside a cardboard box in the middle of their living room knows by now what Los Angeles Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas said about the English Premier League (EPL) and Major League Soccer's (MLS) quality relative to it (if you don't, here you go). And, yes, Lalas said some silly things as he is wont to do; not surprisingly, Lalas' comments propagated a slew of equally silly comments in response. And, here I am, chucking one more silly comment on this raging bonfire of inanity...(don't blame me; I didn't lower the threshold for publishing into the public sphere - I'm pretty sure that was god - me, I'm just exploiting it):
Who cares what the Brits think about the American game? Seriously. We owe them one, solitary debt when it comes to soccer: the creation of the game. OK, they get bonus points for spreading it (though someone once told me it was the Scots who invented the forward pass...whoops, a Scot is a Brit...moving on....). After that, they're just one other team in the world and we'll find out who is better next time we play them. Maybe someday their clubs will meet ours in a setting that is in some way meaningful, etc. All in all, it's pretty simple: you can tell which league is better by what they do on the field.
Moving on to some of the specifics:
Is the EPL an "inferior product"?: I say yes, though the first question that follows is "inferior to what?" I'll address the competitiveness angle below, but I find the league boring because, not only do the same few teams always win, but there's also very little change in who is meaningfully competitive. And, from an aesthetic point of view, I don't find the sometimes-skilled (depends on the player) hyper-drive spazzing of the EPL all that fun to watch. But that's how I get my kicks. Others like what they like and, eventually, the market - TV, tickets, etc. - will decide which is "better." But in terms of dollar-value across the 20 team EPL, I'd say the collected fans of, oh, 14 EPL teams get the shaft week-in and out due to the competitive imbalance in the EPL. Even the goddamn FA Cup is going stale.
MLS players wouldn't "miss a beat" in the EPL?: Had Alexi not said this, his comments would have been entirely uncontroversial - or, rather, they should have been. For what it's worth, if an all-MLS team containing as many players and available reserves as the EPL average transplanted to England for a season, I think they'd hover right around mid-table. In this little fantasy, we're talking about a team featuring the league's best; I'm guessing an expanded, average-quality MLS team would fight the drop all season. So, in this sense, I think it's fair to admit the EPL isn't inferior...
Anyway, there's some concern the Brits might laugh at us Americans via Alexi. Eh, so what? We dragged them into an endless war...like to see them top that...
(#########)
Hold on a sec....I'm in the process of picking my jaw off the floor after reading this gem from new Toronto FC defender Tyrone Marshall (LINK):
Never mind the injury: was Tyrone Marshall the last defender between Cooper and the goal? Yep. That's a red-card foul, right? Fold in the cheap-shot/professional nature of the thing and you've got your three-game suspension. No mystery there.
(#########)
"[Kenny Cooper] broke his leg, which is unfortunate, but I don't think the tackle itself was a red-card foul. At the time the referee took out his yellow card and then he had a conversation with the linesman and he came back and gave me the red card."
"If it was an inch higher it would probably be a little shakeup and that's it, but on the tackle, our shin guards collided. It's unfortunate."
Never mind the injury: was Tyrone Marshall the last defender between Cooper and the goal? Yep. That's a red-card foul, right? Fold in the cheap-shot/professional nature of the thing and you've got your three-game suspension. No mystery there.
(#########)
I'm trying, for what must be the sixth time, to post a daily/weekly/periodic round-up of all the good, good things I find in my online travels; my total failure in managing a weekly round-up tells me it's time to give daily a shot again.
At any rate, it's primarily giving the nod to the work of others, though I'll sneak in my share of comments. Here goes:
- To lead with what I led with, fans of some Major League Soccer (MLS) teams that endured tough weekends laid into their clubs. Two personal favorites:
+ The Real Salt Lake Offside blog writes:
+ My favorite hit, however, appeared on FC Rocky under the title "Plenty of Goats to Go Around":
In other news, commentary, and drama....
- Ian Plenderleith posted something (that I can't link to; c'mon USSoccerplayers.com, let's get that permalink situation squared away) on Toronto FC (by way of commenting on Chicago) that I thought worth noting:
Yeah, I think he's implying that they're thugs...
- Speaking of Toronto FC - or rather FC Dallas - The Offside blogger for that team (that's Toronto, not Dallas) noted something in his match report of the Texas team's blowout loss to TFC that has puzzled me quite a bit this year: Dallas' mysteriously condensed schedule - e.g. they've played 14 games, while no other team has played more than 12; naturally, they're griping about fatigue, arguably with justification. The thing is, I checked out Dallas' schedule and I'm not seeing many gaps in there outside of August. Between Superliga, exhibitions, and (presumably) Open Cup play, these cats are nearly as busy as LA. So, if the current roster can't handle the workload, I'd expect this team to stay close to .500.
- Down the Byline's offered a good perspective of the PK that allowed Red Bull to equalize:
- As explained in a taunting post by Ives Galarcep, New England could have signed Guillermo Barros Schelotto. These are the days Steve Nicol frustrates me.
- It sounds like the LA Galaxy's signing of Honduran forward Carlos Pavon is as close to official as one can get without actually being official. That should be interesting....
- Finally, with a hat-tip to Offside Rules, who checked one of the few political blogs I normally visit, Slate.com ran a cool feature on our lack of tradition where our uniforms are concerned. It's a cool, quick trip through the past and sharply written as well. Well worth the gander.
At any rate, it's primarily giving the nod to the work of others, though I'll sneak in my share of comments. Here goes:
- To lead with what I led with, fans of some Major League Soccer (MLS) teams that endured tough weekends laid into their clubs. Two personal favorites:
+ The Real Salt Lake Offside blog writes:
"We now, officially, have a worst team in the MLS. It was a hard-fought battle for the basement spot, and at times, both sides played like they wanted it, but congratulations to the LA Galaxy … you’re slightly better than the worst team in the MLS."
+ My favorite hit, however, appeared on FC Rocky under the title "Plenty of Goats to Go Around":
"When it comes time to make FIFA 2009, the video game's programmers should create four difficulty settings: easy, medium, hard and Rapids."
In other news, commentary, and drama....
- Ian Plenderleith posted something (that I can't link to; c'mon USSoccerplayers.com, let's get that permalink situation squared away) on Toronto FC (by way of commenting on Chicago) that I thought worth noting:
"Teams above [the Chicago Fire] have more points, and have mostly played less games, while Toronto FC is breathing down its neck (or more likely tugging at its shirt and kicking at its calves), also with a game in hand."
Yeah, I think he's implying that they're thugs...
- Speaking of Toronto FC - or rather FC Dallas - The Offside blogger for that team (that's Toronto, not Dallas) noted something in his match report of the Texas team's blowout loss to TFC that has puzzled me quite a bit this year: Dallas' mysteriously condensed schedule - e.g. they've played 14 games, while no other team has played more than 12; naturally, they're griping about fatigue, arguably with justification. The thing is, I checked out Dallas' schedule and I'm not seeing many gaps in there outside of August. Between Superliga, exhibitions, and (presumably) Open Cup play, these cats are nearly as busy as LA. So, if the current roster can't handle the workload, I'd expect this team to stay close to .500.
- Down the Byline's offered a good perspective of the PK that allowed Red Bull to equalize:
"While the PK was a bad call in my opinion, Jose Burciaga Jr. has to be smarter then that in those situations, the ball looked to be going over John Wolyniec's head, and Burciaga went clumsily into the challenge, even if it was a bad call you can't go into the challenge like that."
- As explained in a taunting post by Ives Galarcep, New England could have signed Guillermo Barros Schelotto. These are the days Steve Nicol frustrates me.
- It sounds like the LA Galaxy's signing of Honduran forward Carlos Pavon is as close to official as one can get without actually being official. That should be interesting....
- Finally, with a hat-tip to Offside Rules, who checked one of the few political blogs I normally visit, Slate.com ran a cool feature on our lack of tradition where our uniforms are concerned. It's a cool, quick trip through the past and sharply written as well. Well worth the gander.
Against my usual practice, I read a thing or two about the game before sitting down to type this short post (what can I say? Didn’t feel like turning this over Saturday or Sunday). But one paragraph in the conclusion to Ives Galarcep’s analysis of the game provides the basic, crucial take-away:
In all honesty, you could do worse than to skip what follows and simply read Galarcep’s summary. It pretty reliably captures where things appear to be...though I’m thinking the title - “U.S. passes first real test with flying colors” - overdoes it, even disconnects from the article, a bit.
To add my two cents:
- I’ll start with our next opponents: by what voodoo do the Canadians suddenly seem like the 1998 edition of France. Don’t get me wrong: this isn’t a straight comparison, but a perceptual thing. Normally, when I see Canada on the schedule, I add the three points to our standing total and start scouting the next opponent. Not this time.
- It probably has something to do with them beating Guatemala 3-0 (walking away, no less); the same Guatemalan side over whom we gutted out a 1-0 win.
- Then there are the myriad seams and gaps we’ve all seen in the U.S. defense over the past couple weeks.
- Strange thing about that, though: the holes have been there, but the goals haven’t followed. And if one looks at the one goal we did concede, it took a lucky bounce combined with some panicked defending for Blas Perez - a plenty good striker - to find space for that goal.
- The operational theory, however, must rely on the assumption that Canada’s players have sufficient talent to exploit the kind of opening Perez did - and several others before him almost did.
- Turning, now, to happy talk: are we creating chances or who?
- Sadly, too many of those chances go begging - and we’re all looking at you Taylor Twellman...and don’t you try to hide back there Landycakes (that’s Landon Donovan for people with normal lives/interests). In all honesty, though, Twellman has been the worst culprit, missing a number of opportunities of the bread-and-butter variety; worse, his passes haven't been the best in terms of advisability and accuracy. Is it possible, as Galarcep suggests, that Twellman is the best player available in that position? I don’t know. What I do know is that his misses so far warrant a benching.
- Returning to happy thoughts, does anyone else think Donovan should consider ceding free-kick duty to DaMarcus Beasley? (OK, our Justin Mapp; I won’t pretend I didn’t name Mapp over Beasley in my proposed starting line-up...something “demarcus beasley” didn’t like.) His service on the Bocanegra’s goal was pretty sharp and, if memory serves, he didn’t balloon his crosses as often Donovan does.
- Speaking of Donovan, is anyone else uneasy with the quality of his PKs? Had the Panamanian ‘keeper guessed right, he would have been lying on the ground several days before Donovan’s feeble shot rolled into his arms. Fortunately, it didn’t play out thattaway.
- In a related note, did anyone anywhere seriously doubt the PK was the correct call? That was a great ball in by (was it?) Bradley, good run by Donovan; we deserved something.
- The Oguchi Onyewu/Carlos Bocanegra central pairing looked good enough. I’ve mentioned this before, but I’d also be perfectly comfortable trying Jay DeMerit over Onyewu; Bocanegra, on the other hand, is nearly automatic right now. Speaking of changes, in spite of his considerable, useful industry on the right, I’d also try Frank Simek over Hejduk.
- On the other hand, I’m willing to raise my hand and admit that, yes, Jonathan Bornstein looks like the best option at left back...even if he did get burned once or twice.
- I’m not sold on the Michael Bradley/Pablo Mastroeni central midfield combo, but will gladly sign on to the Bradley/Mastroeni/Benny Feilhaber triangle Galarcep mentions in his analysis.
- Anyone know why Ching is gimpy?
- And, yes, I’m still neutral with regard to the left side of our midfield; but if you play Mapp out there, that dictates the kind of player the Yanquis field at left back. Is it fair to ask whether that’s more trouble than just starting DaMarcus and being done with it? Absolutely.
- Overall, I was actually pleased the Yanqui’s play on Saturday- just not to the extent of using “flying colors” to describe it like ESPN’s headline writer. In all honesty, though, it wasn’t till Perez scored that anything other than a respectable, even comfortable, win even occurred to me. That speaks pretty well of our day, I suppose. (And, it’s worth noting, we didn’t need the ref to drag our asses into the semis.)
- Looking very much forward to Thursday semifinal versus Canada. Expect a lot more obsessive geekiness between here and there.
“From the shaky moments on defense, to the wasted chances offensively, Saturday's win against Panama provided the U.S. team with plenty of the type of adversity Bob Bradley wants his team to deal with.”
In all honesty, you could do worse than to skip what follows and simply read Galarcep’s summary. It pretty reliably captures where things appear to be...though I’m thinking the title - “U.S. passes first real test with flying colors” - overdoes it, even disconnects from the article, a bit.
To add my two cents:
- I’ll start with our next opponents: by what voodoo do the Canadians suddenly seem like the 1998 edition of France. Don’t get me wrong: this isn’t a straight comparison, but a perceptual thing. Normally, when I see Canada on the schedule, I add the three points to our standing total and start scouting the next opponent. Not this time.
- It probably has something to do with them beating Guatemala 3-0 (walking away, no less); the same Guatemalan side over whom we gutted out a 1-0 win.
- Then there are the myriad seams and gaps we’ve all seen in the U.S. defense over the past couple weeks.
- Strange thing about that, though: the holes have been there, but the goals haven’t followed. And if one looks at the one goal we did concede, it took a lucky bounce combined with some panicked defending for Blas Perez - a plenty good striker - to find space for that goal.
- The operational theory, however, must rely on the assumption that Canada’s players have sufficient talent to exploit the kind of opening Perez did - and several others before him almost did.
- Turning, now, to happy talk: are we creating chances or who?
- Sadly, too many of those chances go begging - and we’re all looking at you Taylor Twellman...and don’t you try to hide back there Landycakes (that’s Landon Donovan for people with normal lives/interests). In all honesty, though, Twellman has been the worst culprit, missing a number of opportunities of the bread-and-butter variety; worse, his passes haven't been the best in terms of advisability and accuracy. Is it possible, as Galarcep suggests, that Twellman is the best player available in that position? I don’t know. What I do know is that his misses so far warrant a benching.
- Returning to happy thoughts, does anyone else think Donovan should consider ceding free-kick duty to DaMarcus Beasley? (OK, our Justin Mapp; I won’t pretend I didn’t name Mapp over Beasley in my proposed starting line-up...something “demarcus beasley” didn’t like.) His service on the Bocanegra’s goal was pretty sharp and, if memory serves, he didn’t balloon his crosses as often Donovan does.
- Speaking of Donovan, is anyone else uneasy with the quality of his PKs? Had the Panamanian ‘keeper guessed right, he would have been lying on the ground several days before Donovan’s feeble shot rolled into his arms. Fortunately, it didn’t play out thattaway.
- In a related note, did anyone anywhere seriously doubt the PK was the correct call? That was a great ball in by (was it?) Bradley, good run by Donovan; we deserved something.
- The Oguchi Onyewu/Carlos Bocanegra central pairing looked good enough. I’ve mentioned this before, but I’d also be perfectly comfortable trying Jay DeMerit over Onyewu; Bocanegra, on the other hand, is nearly automatic right now. Speaking of changes, in spite of his considerable, useful industry on the right, I’d also try Frank Simek over Hejduk.
- On the other hand, I’m willing to raise my hand and admit that, yes, Jonathan Bornstein looks like the best option at left back...even if he did get burned once or twice.
- I’m not sold on the Michael Bradley/Pablo Mastroeni central midfield combo, but will gladly sign on to the Bradley/Mastroeni/Benny Feilhaber triangle Galarcep mentions in his analysis.
- Anyone know why Ching is gimpy?
- And, yes, I’m still neutral with regard to the left side of our midfield; but if you play Mapp out there, that dictates the kind of player the Yanquis field at left back. Is it fair to ask whether that’s more trouble than just starting DaMarcus and being done with it? Absolutely.
- Overall, I was actually pleased the Yanqui’s play on Saturday- just not to the extent of using “flying colors” to describe it like ESPN’s headline writer. In all honesty, though, it wasn’t till Perez scored that anything other than a respectable, even comfortable, win even occurred to me. That speaks pretty well of our day, I suppose. (And, it’s worth noting, we didn’t need the ref to drag our asses into the semis.)
- Looking very much forward to Thursday semifinal versus Canada. Expect a lot more obsessive geekiness between here and there.
Alternately, is there a Spanish word for “shame?”
Courtesy of Mexico’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica, I spent Sunday afternoon yelling phrases containing the words, “you,” “cheating,” and “bitches” at my television. I haven’t read much on the game to this point - I can recall only Luis Bueno’s wrap up for Sports Illustrated - but read enough to know that the referee was American, Terry Vaughn. Bottom line: I have never seen a ref get played like Vaughan did on Sunday. That dude is blind, gullible, or corrupt - or some combination of all three.
Libel laws being what they are, I’ll shy away from the last of those.
Some observations on the game:
- What is missing from the Mexican game? They move the ball well enough, find and utilize space, and generally get themselves in dangerous places. The Mexican defense stands up well enough and, shockingly given what happens on the other side of the ball, plays fairly clean. So, why did it take them nearly 100 minutes (if not more) to break down a Costa Rican side that defended well, if a little desperately, while not causing too much trouble at the other end? The answer, off the top of my head, is trouble with the dreaded “final ball.”
- There’s also a predilection among Mexican players for dicking around with the ball - e.g. a flank player (say, Medina) will chase a ball down the flank and instead of playing a first-time ball, he’ll pull up, twist and turn in the corner for a while (prelude to sleeping?), pull up, putz around a little more....then drop the ball back down the line to another player. So much momentum went down the Mexican flanks only to die.
- I can’t put my finger on the moment when the Mexicans stopped playing soccer to focus on conning the ref, but that might have come not long after Vaughn ejected a Costa Rican player (Aleman) for DISSENT?! Look, nothing short of producing a photo of his mother fucking a horse while his grandmother spanks her butt should bring Vaughn to a second yellow. And given the way he allowed players from both sides to crowd and hector him all day, I can’t imagine why Aleman’s behavior stood out...barring that photograph, that is.
- While looking into how to spell Terry Vauhgn’s name, I came across an article featuring Costa Rican coach Hernan Medford suggesting a conspiracy to get the U.S. and Mexico to square off. Well, Hernan, can’t say I blame you. I was a neutral and I'm struggling to find an explanation for Vaughn's officiating.
- In any case, the Mexicans proceeded to milk Vaughn’s bottomless gullibility/vision impairment for all it was worth. Is it any friggin’ wonder American refs don’t go to the World Cup? Would you want Terry Vaughn calling your game? Are you fucking crazy?
- In terms of the worst bit of Mexican fakery, I’m torn between the player who play acted a head-butt from a Costa Rican - which, naturally, Vaughn and the linesman bought - and Cuauhtemoc Blanco parlaying the slightest touch to his shoulder to the Hammer of Thor smiting on his face. I think I’ll go with the head-butt, seeing as that resulted in the second sending off for Costa Rica.
- Whether they deserved it or not, I was praying for a Costa Rican equalizer, then rout. Simple justice demanded no less.
- Not surprisingly, I’m hoping that Guadeloupe not only pounds the holy, humiliating shit out of Mexico in the semis, but that every Mexican players’ shorts simultaneously fall to their ankles at or around the 65th minute.
- I’m expecting neither to happen, but would gladly take a Meatballs-style shorts-rip and would pay (in installments) any resultant fines leveled against Guadeloupe.
Courtesy of Mexico’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica, I spent Sunday afternoon yelling phrases containing the words, “you,” “cheating,” and “bitches” at my television. I haven’t read much on the game to this point - I can recall only Luis Bueno’s wrap up for Sports Illustrated - but read enough to know that the referee was American, Terry Vaughn. Bottom line: I have never seen a ref get played like Vaughan did on Sunday. That dude is blind, gullible, or corrupt - or some combination of all three.
Libel laws being what they are, I’ll shy away from the last of those.
Some observations on the game:
- What is missing from the Mexican game? They move the ball well enough, find and utilize space, and generally get themselves in dangerous places. The Mexican defense stands up well enough and, shockingly given what happens on the other side of the ball, plays fairly clean. So, why did it take them nearly 100 minutes (if not more) to break down a Costa Rican side that defended well, if a little desperately, while not causing too much trouble at the other end? The answer, off the top of my head, is trouble with the dreaded “final ball.”
- There’s also a predilection among Mexican players for dicking around with the ball - e.g. a flank player (say, Medina) will chase a ball down the flank and instead of playing a first-time ball, he’ll pull up, twist and turn in the corner for a while (prelude to sleeping?), pull up, putz around a little more....then drop the ball back down the line to another player. So much momentum went down the Mexican flanks only to die.
- I can’t put my finger on the moment when the Mexicans stopped playing soccer to focus on conning the ref, but that might have come not long after Vaughn ejected a Costa Rican player (Aleman) for DISSENT?! Look, nothing short of producing a photo of his mother fucking a horse while his grandmother spanks her butt should bring Vaughn to a second yellow. And given the way he allowed players from both sides to crowd and hector him all day, I can’t imagine why Aleman’s behavior stood out...barring that photograph, that is.
- While looking into how to spell Terry Vauhgn’s name, I came across an article featuring Costa Rican coach Hernan Medford suggesting a conspiracy to get the U.S. and Mexico to square off. Well, Hernan, can’t say I blame you. I was a neutral and I'm struggling to find an explanation for Vaughn's officiating.
- In any case, the Mexicans proceeded to milk Vaughn’s bottomless gullibility/vision impairment for all it was worth. Is it any friggin’ wonder American refs don’t go to the World Cup? Would you want Terry Vaughn calling your game? Are you fucking crazy?
- In terms of the worst bit of Mexican fakery, I’m torn between the player who play acted a head-butt from a Costa Rican - which, naturally, Vaughn and the linesman bought - and Cuauhtemoc Blanco parlaying the slightest touch to his shoulder to the Hammer of Thor smiting on his face. I think I’ll go with the head-butt, seeing as that resulted in the second sending off for Costa Rica.
- Whether they deserved it or not, I was praying for a Costa Rican equalizer, then rout. Simple justice demanded no less.
- Not surprisingly, I’m hoping that Guadeloupe not only pounds the holy, humiliating shit out of Mexico in the semis, but that every Mexican players’ shorts simultaneously fall to their ankles at or around the 65th minute.
- I’m expecting neither to happen, but would gladly take a Meatballs-style shorts-rip and would pay (in installments) any resultant fines leveled against Guadeloupe.
Some blogger out there discovered that his satellite package picked up Telefutura; sadly, I can't say the same thing, which is why I'm only able to speak to the U.S. v. Panama quarterfinal. I figure that's enough given where I'm writing...though I'm a bit cross about having nothing intelligent to say about the Panamanians...
There are a few preview pieces out there, though the Panama-specific commentary reads a bit thin. For instance, I first got wind of Panama being a couple players short courtesy of red-card suspensions in Jeff Carlisle's (pretty solid) recap of where the U.S. squad has been and where it's headed: he names midfielder Rolando Escobar and defender Ramon Torres as the unwilling absentees. Ridge Mahoney adds a third player in his preview - Gabriel Gomez - but having not seen the current Panama squad play, I'm having trouble judging what the Panamanians will be missing. Another Soccer America article, this one by Paul Kennedy, adds some other players to watch - Felipe Baloy, Ricardo Phillips (at least for shooting off the post against Mexico), "and their forwards, Jose Luis Garces and Blas Perez" (who looks usefully menacing in the picture at the top of the piece) - but, again, I'm really wishing I had caught a Panama game. Put another way, I'm hoping those names mean something to someone, 'cause they're not saying anything to me that I can understand.
What I do understand, however, is this: Panama did pretty well in the group stage, beating eventual first-place squad Honduras in their opener, tying (and, reportedly, almost beating) Cuba, before making Mexico sweat in the final game. So, like everyone else, I'm expecting our hardest game yet...and that's a good thing...
All that's left now is talking about the team I know well: the Yanquis. And the rest of the online world has gotten off to a good start on this. Ives Galarcep turned in a nice study of our progress for ESPN, as well as playing the "roster game" on his blog. And my urge to join in the fun tells me I'm excited about this game.
If I was Yanqui coach Bob Bradley, here's the line-up I'd field:
------------------ Howard ----------------
-- Simek - DeMerit - Onyewu - Bocanegra --
-- Donovan - Feilhaber - Mastroeni - Mapp -
------- Dempsey --------- Ching ------
Basically, screw all the Christmas-business. Also, that's not my typical first-choice central defensive set-up, but I'm going with it because Galarcep tells me we need big bodies to contain Panama's forwards, whom he describes as "great in the air and very dangerous." That detail and my near-total ignorance of the Panamanian team keeps me from going with Michael Parkhurst...and I'm still tempted. Starting Bocanegra at left back over Bornstein is another weird call, but that goes back to the size issue; the notion of having Boca stay at home often as not is what leaves me feeling comfortable about playing Mapp on the right. The central idea in all this is playing a little conservative in the back - to begin at least - and counting on five-to-six-to-if-things-break-well-early-seven players to carry the attack. But it's that foundation of five players - the four defenders plus Mastroeni - that I'd have us lean on to give the offense time and space to get rolling.
As such, I view Mastroeni as the only "must-start." The Feilhaber/Bradely combo is probably smarter, but, if we're in a dogfight, I want a true terrier in there scrapping - hence Pablo. And I'm going with Feilhaber over Bradley because we've got to have some offense. With Donovan, the weight of the commentary I'm seeing has me thinking I'm the only one who has liked him on the right, but I think that has worked well enough. And I bought into the Dempsey as a forward thing before the tournament started (see?) and I think his play in that role has supported that call.
Finally, the Revs fan in me is feeling a little guilt about favoring Ching over Twellman. But even before nodding along with Galarcep's point that Ching is a better passer than both Twellman or Johnson (that's in his "study" piece, by the way), the fact is I couldn't erase Twellman's several wretched give-aways against El Salvador, one of which was almost comically bad. Johnson, who I'm nearly certain will start for some damn reason, doesn't get his head up enough in general for me to pick him; as a sub, however, give the man a half-hour at least.
Hmmm....can't say I'm making much sense, even to myself. Hope the above reads better than gibberish. I blame the new allergy medication.....
Happy viewing this weekend, y'all.
(########)
There are a few preview pieces out there, though the Panama-specific commentary reads a bit thin. For instance, I first got wind of Panama being a couple players short courtesy of red-card suspensions in Jeff Carlisle's (pretty solid) recap of where the U.S. squad has been and where it's headed: he names midfielder Rolando Escobar and defender Ramon Torres as the unwilling absentees. Ridge Mahoney adds a third player in his preview - Gabriel Gomez - but having not seen the current Panama squad play, I'm having trouble judging what the Panamanians will be missing. Another Soccer America article, this one by Paul Kennedy, adds some other players to watch - Felipe Baloy, Ricardo Phillips (at least for shooting off the post against Mexico), "and their forwards, Jose Luis Garces and Blas Perez" (who looks usefully menacing in the picture at the top of the piece) - but, again, I'm really wishing I had caught a Panama game. Put another way, I'm hoping those names mean something to someone, 'cause they're not saying anything to me that I can understand.
What I do understand, however, is this: Panama did pretty well in the group stage, beating eventual first-place squad Honduras in their opener, tying (and, reportedly, almost beating) Cuba, before making Mexico sweat in the final game. So, like everyone else, I'm expecting our hardest game yet...and that's a good thing...
All that's left now is talking about the team I know well: the Yanquis. And the rest of the online world has gotten off to a good start on this. Ives Galarcep turned in a nice study of our progress for ESPN, as well as playing the "roster game" on his blog. And my urge to join in the fun tells me I'm excited about this game.
If I was Yanqui coach Bob Bradley, here's the line-up I'd field:
------------------ Howard ----------------
-- Simek - DeMerit - Onyewu - Bocanegra --
-- Donovan - Feilhaber - Mastroeni - Mapp -
------- Dempsey --------- Ching ------
Basically, screw all the Christmas-business. Also, that's not my typical first-choice central defensive set-up, but I'm going with it because Galarcep tells me we need big bodies to contain Panama's forwards, whom he describes as "great in the air and very dangerous." That detail and my near-total ignorance of the Panamanian team keeps me from going with Michael Parkhurst...and I'm still tempted. Starting Bocanegra at left back over Bornstein is another weird call, but that goes back to the size issue; the notion of having Boca stay at home often as not is what leaves me feeling comfortable about playing Mapp on the right. The central idea in all this is playing a little conservative in the back - to begin at least - and counting on five-to-six-to-if-things-break-well-early-seven players to carry the attack. But it's that foundation of five players - the four defenders plus Mastroeni - that I'd have us lean on to give the offense time and space to get rolling.
As such, I view Mastroeni as the only "must-start." The Feilhaber/Bradely combo is probably smarter, but, if we're in a dogfight, I want a true terrier in there scrapping - hence Pablo. And I'm going with Feilhaber over Bradley because we've got to have some offense. With Donovan, the weight of the commentary I'm seeing has me thinking I'm the only one who has liked him on the right, but I think that has worked well enough. And I bought into the Dempsey as a forward thing before the tournament started (see?) and I think his play in that role has supported that call.
Finally, the Revs fan in me is feeling a little guilt about favoring Ching over Twellman. But even before nodding along with Galarcep's point that Ching is a better passer than both Twellman or Johnson (that's in his "study" piece, by the way), the fact is I couldn't erase Twellman's several wretched give-aways against El Salvador, one of which was almost comically bad. Johnson, who I'm nearly certain will start for some damn reason, doesn't get his head up enough in general for me to pick him; as a sub, however, give the man a half-hour at least.
Hmmm....can't say I'm making much sense, even to myself. Hope the above reads better than gibberish. I blame the new allergy medication.....
Happy viewing this weekend, y'all.
(########)
As all y'all know, Real Salt Lake (or, for those who prefer to remember happier times, DC United) defender Eddie Pope will retire at the end of the 2007 season. Citing chronic physical pain, Pope will gut out what currently looks like a year of chronic psychic pain and humiliation before heading off into the sunset...no doubt with that same seemingly ambling, yet shockingly effective, pace that has made him one of the best defenders MLS has ever known.
I've always loved Pope as a player, in spite of every split-second, pants-shitting moment he had me convinced he was beat only to pull off a patented recovery and careful separation of the ball from the attacking player. His expression and body language so contrasted with my perception of the play in motion, that it's almost fair to say Eddie always knew he'd get the ball even when I didn't (I only say "almost" 'cause I'm pretty sure Eddie never once thought about me while defending - and thank god, 'cause that would be weird).
There's something in the tribute piece Michael Lewis wrote for MLSnet.com that gets at this mind-set I perceive. And, speaking from personal experience as a long-time and generally mediocre rec player, what Pope talks about in the quote below is precisely what helped me improve my game to the high end of mediocrity:
The mind-set Pope describes should be pounded into the head of every kid playing the game. The key is to keep your head and keep at it.
Yessir. Eddie is a great player...I just didn't know he was a philosopher.
I've always loved Pope as a player, in spite of every split-second, pants-shitting moment he had me convinced he was beat only to pull off a patented recovery and careful separation of the ball from the attacking player. His expression and body language so contrasted with my perception of the play in motion, that it's almost fair to say Eddie always knew he'd get the ball even when I didn't (I only say "almost" 'cause I'm pretty sure Eddie never once thought about me while defending - and thank god, 'cause that would be weird).
There's something in the tribute piece Michael Lewis wrote for MLSnet.com that gets at this mind-set I perceive. And, speaking from personal experience as a long-time and generally mediocre rec player, what Pope talks about in the quote below is precisely what helped me improve my game to the high end of mediocrity:
"At times you can look great and at times you can look bad, you can look horrible," he said. "But mentally you have to be strong enough to believe in yourself, to believe in your skills, no matter whether a coach thinks you're not any good or whether he thinks you're great...Hopefully, you are able to string together a lot of those good last games and to play well. When that bad one comes, and they usually do for every defender in the league, you take it with a grain of salt. More on, learn from your mistakes and get better."
The mind-set Pope describes should be pounded into the head of every kid playing the game. The key is to keep your head and keep at it.
Yessir. Eddie is a great player...I just didn't know he was a philosopher.
If one report on last night's game between Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas is to be believed, the score constitutes the most interesting thing about the proceedings. Against that, another site dubbed the game "entertaining enough." Call it a mixed bag. Whatever happened, you can find the box numbers in MLSnet.com's report.
As for me, I caught the last half-hour of the game. Apparently, I caught the better portion - or at least that part of the game containing all the stuff people are talking about: e.g. RSL Coach Jason Kreis' ejection, Alecko's tussle with Marcelo Saragosa, the winning goal and the no-call that immediately preceded it, etc.
Based on that limited viewing, here's what I saw (supplemented by links!):
- After reading upwards of a dozen interviews with Kreis, I've formed this image of the guy as a kind of posi-core, clean-cut, can-do motivator. As such, I was surprised to see him, um, misplace his shit when Clarence Goodson's (probable) foul sent Atiba Harris to ground just outside Dallas' penalty area. I don't quite buy Ian Plenderleith's lead that the particular officiating theory (e.g. shoulder-to-shoulder play versus body check) was "all that separated the two teams" - after all, this wasn't a PK - but I accept this wasn't a particularly popular call in Rice-Eccles. Kreis' post-game comments (really) should keep him out of fine trouble with the league, but the foul wasn't bad as all that...or at least not as bad as how RSL played.
- And, to their credit, a few players seemed to concede as much. During that half hour, I saw RSL repeatedly squander possession, mainly through long, cross-field passes that fell well short of the target. Worse, I saw players unwilling to shoot on goal - notably Andy Williams, who I know can strike from range (Mehdi Ballouchy took a respectable crack, though) - which seems damned peculiar given this team's awareness of its problem with scoring. But it was the passing, coming as it did during a period when RSL ever-so-slightly held the upper hand, that really stood out. While you can't win if you can't shoot, it's somewhat fair to say you can't get to a place where you can shoot unless you can pass. More to the point, given the consensus view that RSL played better in the second half, I'm envisioning a first half in which they ran around the field like greased pigs.
- That brings up a curious, possibly irrelevant, detail: home-field advantage. At one point - actually, this came shortly after ESPN's commentating crew complained about the speed and general shittiness of the Rice-Eccles turf - Freddy Adu took a decent pass from a teammate on the left side of the field; he turned this decent pass into a great opportunity with a step-over, then a touch that sent the ball inside the defender....though, tragically, too far; Adu lost possession (and mysteriously chewed out Alecko Eskandarian for failing to read his pheromones or some such). RSL players should know that field better than any team in the league; they should know how hard to touch the ball, how fast it rolls and bounces, where, when, etc. The thing with Adu wasn't an isolated incident; at times, Dallas seemed the more comfortable of the two teams. There should come time when that crappy surface plays to their advantage - and yet it doesn't. It all gets me thinking back to the rhomboid field my JV squad played on in high school: we all knew which corner pinched in, where all the sprinkler spigots lay hidden just beneath the grass, which bald patches made the ball skip and which made them hop. We figured this out as fairly bad 15- and 16-year-old kids playing in rural, Eastern Washington. So, what's with RSL's players?
(########)
As for me, I caught the last half-hour of the game. Apparently, I caught the better portion - or at least that part of the game containing all the stuff people are talking about: e.g. RSL Coach Jason Kreis' ejection, Alecko's tussle with Marcelo Saragosa, the winning goal and the no-call that immediately preceded it, etc.
Based on that limited viewing, here's what I saw (supplemented by links!):
- After reading upwards of a dozen interviews with Kreis, I've formed this image of the guy as a kind of posi-core, clean-cut, can-do motivator. As such, I was surprised to see him, um, misplace his shit when Clarence Goodson's (probable) foul sent Atiba Harris to ground just outside Dallas' penalty area. I don't quite buy Ian Plenderleith's lead that the particular officiating theory (e.g. shoulder-to-shoulder play versus body check) was "all that separated the two teams" - after all, this wasn't a PK - but I accept this wasn't a particularly popular call in Rice-Eccles. Kreis' post-game comments (really) should keep him out of fine trouble with the league, but the foul wasn't bad as all that...or at least not as bad as how RSL played.
- And, to their credit, a few players seemed to concede as much. During that half hour, I saw RSL repeatedly squander possession, mainly through long, cross-field passes that fell well short of the target. Worse, I saw players unwilling to shoot on goal - notably Andy Williams, who I know can strike from range (Mehdi Ballouchy took a respectable crack, though) - which seems damned peculiar given this team's awareness of its problem with scoring. But it was the passing, coming as it did during a period when RSL ever-so-slightly held the upper hand, that really stood out. While you can't win if you can't shoot, it's somewhat fair to say you can't get to a place where you can shoot unless you can pass. More to the point, given the consensus view that RSL played better in the second half, I'm envisioning a first half in which they ran around the field like greased pigs.
- That brings up a curious, possibly irrelevant, detail: home-field advantage. At one point - actually, this came shortly after ESPN's commentating crew complained about the speed and general shittiness of the Rice-Eccles turf - Freddy Adu took a decent pass from a teammate on the left side of the field; he turned this decent pass into a great opportunity with a step-over, then a touch that sent the ball inside the defender....though, tragically, too far; Adu lost possession (and mysteriously chewed out Alecko Eskandarian for failing to read his pheromones or some such). RSL players should know that field better than any team in the league; they should know how hard to touch the ball, how fast it rolls and bounces, where, when, etc. The thing with Adu wasn't an isolated incident; at times, Dallas seemed the more comfortable of the two teams. There should come time when that crappy surface plays to their advantage - and yet it doesn't. It all gets me thinking back to the rhomboid field my JV squad played on in high school: we all knew which corner pinched in, where all the sprinkler spigots lay hidden just beneath the grass, which bald patches made the ball skip and which made them hop. We figured this out as fairly bad 15- and 16-year-old kids playing in rural, Eastern Washington. So, what's with RSL's players?
(########)
A week ago Tuesday, I took a stab at predicting the quarterfinals for the Gold Cup. Here's what I came up with:
Costa Rica v. Guatemala
U.S.A. v. Canada
Mexico v. El Salvador
Haiti v. Panama
So, how'd I do? Here's what how things panned out:
Canada v. Guatemala
U.S.A. v. Panama
Honduras v. Guadeloupe
Mexico v. Costa Rica
Obviously, I missed a few, especially when it came to who would face whom. Then again, I got - let's see - six of the eight teams placed...not so hard, I suppose, given only twelve teams in the hat.
Seeing as my first stab at predictions went so swimmingly, I'll just confine myself to some observations. Taking it by bullet points:
- I don't envy Canada the game against Guatemala. Still, I hope our neighbors to the north beat the Central Americans. It's not that I'm nervous about meeting the latter again, so much as I'm not relishing the idea of watching a second U.S. v. Guatemala (which, unless I'm misreading things - again - is what would happen; but semifinal #1 pits the winner of quarterfinals #1 and #2, right?).
- Speaking of, Panama won't be a walk in the park either. But I'm thinking it will be a good game.
- Honduras looks hot, or at least that's one possible reading of the 5-0 drubbing they meted out on Cuba in their final group game. Guadeloupe looked a lot better after the win over Canada than they do after letting a seemingly lackluster Costa Rica into the quarters.
- It's this last detail that makes me think Mexico got the biggest kiss for the quarters.
All right, then. Nothing to do now but peruse some previews and wait for the weekend's action. Good stuff.
(#########)
Costa Rica v. Guatemala
U.S.A. v. Canada
Mexico v. El Salvador
Haiti v. Panama
So, how'd I do? Here's what how things panned out:
Canada v. Guatemala
U.S.A. v. Panama
Honduras v. Guadeloupe
Mexico v. Costa Rica
Obviously, I missed a few, especially when it came to who would face whom. Then again, I got - let's see - six of the eight teams placed...not so hard, I suppose, given only twelve teams in the hat.
Seeing as my first stab at predictions went so swimmingly, I'll just confine myself to some observations. Taking it by bullet points:
- I don't envy Canada the game against Guatemala. Still, I hope our neighbors to the north beat the Central Americans. It's not that I'm nervous about meeting the latter again, so much as I'm not relishing the idea of watching a second U.S. v. Guatemala (which, unless I'm misreading things - again - is what would happen; but semifinal #1 pits the winner of quarterfinals #1 and #2, right?).
- Speaking of, Panama won't be a walk in the park either. But I'm thinking it will be a good game.
- Honduras looks hot, or at least that's one possible reading of the 5-0 drubbing they meted out on Cuba in their final group game. Guadeloupe looked a lot better after the win over Canada than they do after letting a seemingly lackluster Costa Rica into the quarters.
- It's this last detail that makes me think Mexico got the biggest kiss for the quarters.
All right, then. Nothing to do now but peruse some previews and wait for the weekend's action. Good stuff.
(#########)
I’m not 100% certain of this, but it appears that the shiny allure of the Gold Cup has momentarily distracted Ives Galarcep from compiling power rankings. No matter, the roster of (unwittingly) drafted pundits remains at eight for this week, thanks to Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Hunt getting in his numbers a day earlier than usual.
And thus, the Semi-Detached Pundit Collective (SDPC) has rendered judgment on Week 10 of Major League Soccer action. And, once again, I’m adding a little feature. A guy named Pat Eyler, who runs On Soccer, came up with a pretty cool mechanism for tracking the state of MLS play; he calls them the Scariness Ratings. Because the formula for ranking differs so much - e.g. he uses math, while the rest of us go rummaging around the obscure corners of our asses - they don’t quite work with everyone else’s. Still, I’m of the opinion that Eyler could be on to something that may or may not be more useful that what the rest of us have. On the chance he is, I’m going to slip Eyler’s scariness figure (kinda like Beyers for horse racing) into the data-dump; the number for each team will follow the initials SR. And here’s a link to Eyler’s Scariness ratings.
I will once again acknowledge where each team stood in last week’s rankings parenthetically.
Moving on, here’s the source material for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
A couple other rankings systems deserve honorable mention: The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) and Who Ate All The Cupcakes by-conference rankings.
Finally with the SDPC’s numbers:
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.3 (last week: 1st - 1.1; SR: 3)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.8 (2nd - 2.0; SR: 5)
3. New England Revolution, 2.9 (3rd - 3.1; SR: 7)
4. DC United, 3.3 (4th - 4.4; SR: 1)
5. FC Dallas, 5.5 (6th - 6.9; SR: 6)
6. Houston Dynamo, 6.1 (9th - 8.4; SR: 4)
7. Chivas USA, 6.8 (8th - 8.0; SR: 2)
8. Colorado Rapids, 7.9 (5th - 5.1; SR: 10)
9. Toronto FC, 8.9 (7th - 7.1; SR: 9)
10. Chicago Fire, 9.9 (10th - 9.0; SR: 11)
11/12. Los Angeles Galaxy, 11.6 (11th - 11.3; SR: 12)
11/12. Columbus Crew, 11.6 (12th - 12.0; SR: 13)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.6 (13th - 12.6; SR: 8)
Some observations:
- Last week, I focused on numerical rises and falls, but this week changes in placement are also catching my eye. For instance, look at what happened with Houston: from 9th to 6th in one week’s time (their numbers moved around a lot as well). Roughly the same thing happened with Toronto, albeit going the other way. Funny how one result can change perceptions so sharply - though that’s often a case of building on a streak (as with Houston) or in dashing expectations (as with Toronto and winning at home).
- OK, I admit it. I single-handedly skewed KC’s ranking by placing them third; everyone else has them at 1st. Let’s just say I’m holding judgment till I see what their defense does.
- While we're on the subject of outlying calls, here are some notable ones. I kinda lead the pack with, not only with the KC call, but with how I see Columbus, Red Bull, and Chivas USA; we'll see how those pan out in the weeks ahead. I also hate the Fire more than anyone else. Some other weird ones: ESPN has bought in the least on DC's rise; My Soccer Blog is alone in not considering Chivas playoff material...and, well, that's it. So, yeah, I wasn't kidding about me leading on weird calls.
- Speaking of consistency - and I’m part of the group this time (take that, epperley!) - Colorado was very nearly a universal #8 - and thus, “if the season ended today,” the final playoff team. Sorry, TFC.
- The second and third spots are worth a glance as well. Red Bull’s drop makes some sense (though I think it’s exaggerated...we shall see...), but more curious is New England’s little rise on an idle week.
- No less curious is Dallas’ rather impressive hop - especially that 1.4 in points.
- Returning to the Scariness ratings, I think the most interesting thing with those will be the extent to which they’re predictive; keep an eye on Chivas for that. And Real Salt Lake for that matter.
(########)
And thus, the Semi-Detached Pundit Collective (SDPC) has rendered judgment on Week 10 of Major League Soccer action. And, once again, I’m adding a little feature. A guy named Pat Eyler, who runs On Soccer, came up with a pretty cool mechanism for tracking the state of MLS play; he calls them the Scariness Ratings. Because the formula for ranking differs so much - e.g. he uses math, while the rest of us go rummaging around the obscure corners of our asses - they don’t quite work with everyone else’s. Still, I’m of the opinion that Eyler could be on to something that may or may not be more useful that what the rest of us have. On the chance he is, I’m going to slip Eyler’s scariness figure (kinda like Beyers for horse racing) into the data-dump; the number for each team will follow the initials SR. And here’s a link to Eyler’s Scariness ratings.
I will once again acknowledge where each team stood in last week’s rankings parenthetically.
Moving on, here’s the source material for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
SI - Ryan Hunt
A couple other rankings systems deserve honorable mention: The DCenters Freezer (kinda like reverse rankings) and Who Ate All The Cupcakes by-conference rankings.
Finally with the SDPC’s numbers:
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.3 (last week: 1st - 1.1; SR: 3)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.8 (2nd - 2.0; SR: 5)
3. New England Revolution, 2.9 (3rd - 3.1; SR: 7)
4. DC United, 3.3 (4th - 4.4; SR: 1)
5. FC Dallas, 5.5 (6th - 6.9; SR: 6)
6. Houston Dynamo, 6.1 (9th - 8.4; SR: 4)
7. Chivas USA, 6.8 (8th - 8.0; SR: 2)
8. Colorado Rapids, 7.9 (5th - 5.1; SR: 10)
9. Toronto FC, 8.9 (7th - 7.1; SR: 9)
10. Chicago Fire, 9.9 (10th - 9.0; SR: 11)
11/12. Los Angeles Galaxy, 11.6 (11th - 11.3; SR: 12)
11/12. Columbus Crew, 11.6 (12th - 12.0; SR: 13)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.6 (13th - 12.6; SR: 8)
Some observations:
- Last week, I focused on numerical rises and falls, but this week changes in placement are also catching my eye. For instance, look at what happened with Houston: from 9th to 6th in one week’s time (their numbers moved around a lot as well). Roughly the same thing happened with Toronto, albeit going the other way. Funny how one result can change perceptions so sharply - though that’s often a case of building on a streak (as with Houston) or in dashing expectations (as with Toronto and winning at home).
- OK, I admit it. I single-handedly skewed KC’s ranking by placing them third; everyone else has them at 1st. Let’s just say I’m holding judgment till I see what their defense does.
- While we're on the subject of outlying calls, here are some notable ones. I kinda lead the pack with, not only with the KC call, but with how I see Columbus, Red Bull, and Chivas USA; we'll see how those pan out in the weeks ahead. I also hate the Fire more than anyone else. Some other weird ones: ESPN has bought in the least on DC's rise; My Soccer Blog is alone in not considering Chivas playoff material...and, well, that's it. So, yeah, I wasn't kidding about me leading on weird calls.
- Speaking of consistency - and I’m part of the group this time (take that, epperley!) - Colorado was very nearly a universal #8 - and thus, “if the season ended today,” the final playoff team. Sorry, TFC.
- The second and third spots are worth a glance as well. Red Bull’s drop makes some sense (though I think it’s exaggerated...we shall see...), but more curious is New England’s little rise on an idle week.
- No less curious is Dallas’ rather impressive hop - especially that 1.4 in points.
- Returning to the Scariness ratings, I think the most interesting thing with those will be the extent to which they’re predictive; keep an eye on Chivas for that. And Real Salt Lake for that matter.
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By the end of the night, we'll all know who meets whom in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup...which takes me to the correction - or, rather, the clarification. At the end of last night's post, I figured we'd get Guadeloupe in the quarters. But several items I've come across today tell me we're more likely to pick up the third-place team from Group C. It's not a huge deal, but this is what happens when a body doesn't pay enough attention to the details in the formula for placement (e.g. with "3A" appearing twice and "3B" and "3C" appearing only once, it's "3A" that gets moved around).
Then again, this kind of is a big deal if it means we get Mexico in the quarters. And that's certainly not outside the realm of possibility. The Associated Press' think-piece aside, Mexico would have to screw up royal - or Panama would have to channel Argentina - for the Tricolores to fall behind El Salvador for the relevant spot.
Don't get me wrong: I certainly think we're good enough to beat Mexico. But can anyone say with a straight face that they'd rather face them than Guadeloupe?
In other Gold Cup-related news, I came across a couple interesting passages on Landon Donovan today. The first came out of Greg Lalas' review of last night's game for Sports Illustrated - and you'll find it waayyyy down the page (or right here):
I think Lalas is on to something there. Did Landon demand the "heart and soul" job or was it thrust upon him? A few things, not least the decision to bail on Europe, suggests to me it fell in his lap due to his record scoring numbers. But maybe he should simply be a really, really good player for us and we'll get someone else to look after the leadership side (I'll take Jimmy Conrad).
Finally, another bit on Donovan came from something Marc Connolly wrote (can't link to it), but I think there's some truth to this as well:
OK, I'm done. Happy viewing tonight, for those who can see it. And, again, Forza Panama! Forza to the tune of five goals!
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Then again, this kind of is a big deal if it means we get Mexico in the quarters. And that's certainly not outside the realm of possibility. The Associated Press' think-piece aside, Mexico would have to screw up royal - or Panama would have to channel Argentina - for the Tricolores to fall behind El Salvador for the relevant spot.
Don't get me wrong: I certainly think we're good enough to beat Mexico. But can anyone say with a straight face that they'd rather face them than Guadeloupe?
In other Gold Cup-related news, I came across a couple interesting passages on Landon Donovan today. The first came out of Greg Lalas' review of last night's game for Sports Illustrated - and you'll find it waayyyy down the page (or right here):
"It was nice to see Landon being Landon. He's not the heart and soul of the U.S. national team. He never was and he never will be, no matter how much the media and the fans wish it to be true. He's a scientist, almost, a clinical striker with the cold creativity and precision of an assassin. Maybe that's why he crosses himself so often. Asking for forgiveness as much as for luck."
I think Lalas is on to something there. Did Landon demand the "heart and soul" job or was it thrust upon him? A few things, not least the decision to bail on Europe, suggests to me it fell in his lap due to his record scoring numbers. But maybe he should simply be a really, really good player for us and we'll get someone else to look after the leadership side (I'll take Jimmy Conrad).
Finally, another bit on Donovan came from something Marc Connolly wrote (can't link to it), but I think there's some truth to this as well:
"I don’t believe the FSC cameras caught this, but it was interesting to see Donovan shaking his head in frustration even after scoring on his second penalty kick try during that odd sequence of events at the end of the half. That, right there, is a quick snapshot of what makes him a good player."
OK, I'm done. Happy viewing tonight, for those who can see it. And, again, Forza Panama! Forza to the tune of five goals!
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Though I've got to be the last guy to comment on this trade, the essential weirdness of it compels me to comment on it.
As all y'all already know, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC completed a trade today that sent defender Tyrone Marshall to the latter in exchange for sending forward Edson Buddle to the former. By now, I've read views that like this from LA's point of view or that like it from Toronto's (albeit with heavy dissent in the comments). As for me, I'm elsewhere on this...as in, why did this trade happen at all?
Toronto does pick up some defensive depth, but, as everyone points out, they're getting a player who seems past it - if not well past it (at least Marshall is not suspended...at least not yet anyway). I've been pretty impressed with Toronto coach Mo Johnston's more recent moves (e.g. Cunningham for Eskandarian, as well as bringing in Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite), but does Marshall constitute a genuine improvement on their current crop of defenders? If so, not by much.
Going the other way, LA - a team that can't score reliably - picked up a forward....who can't score reliably?
I don't get it...
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As all y'all already know, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC completed a trade today that sent defender Tyrone Marshall to the latter in exchange for sending forward Edson Buddle to the former. By now, I've read views that like this from LA's point of view or that like it from Toronto's (albeit with heavy dissent in the comments). As for me, I'm elsewhere on this...as in, why did this trade happen at all?
Toronto does pick up some defensive depth, but, as everyone points out, they're getting a player who seems past it - if not well past it (at least Marshall is not suspended...at least not yet anyway). I've been pretty impressed with Toronto coach Mo Johnston's more recent moves (e.g. Cunningham for Eskandarian, as well as bringing in Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite), but does Marshall constitute a genuine improvement on their current crop of defenders? If so, not by much.
Going the other way, LA - a team that can't score reliably - picked up a forward....who can't score reliably?
I don't get it...
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I’m in a mood today and it’s going to affect what appears below. Yesterday’s mega project - the one in which I wrapped my head around where things are at the 1/3 point of the season - has me thinking a little differently about some Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. It’s mainly a gut thing, but I’m going to be thinking about the future as much as the present in what comes below. Anyway, that should explain some of the weirder calls I make below...
As usual, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com. Later today, I’ll compare what I’ve got below with the other rankings I’ve found - though, as always, I compiled my rankings without reference to anyone else’s. And, wow, was this week’s viewing spotty.
In keeping with my tradition of blaming health/sleep-deprivation for any silly something that appears below, holy shit, are allergies kicking my ass. My eyes looked like fucking glazed donuts last night and I got two nosebleeds from the pressure in my head. I came across some site on the internet that matches your zip code to likely allergens; that’s where I learned that walnut trees are the likely culprit. So, if you live in the Hillsboro, Oregon area and you see a bald, alcohol-crazed dude taking an axe to a walnut tree, well, that’d be me. Motherfuckers must pay!
Ahem...at any rate, this week got a little messy. For the record, I’m thinking #1-4 are essentially interchangeable; the same goes for #5-8...and #10-13 for that matter. I have strong feelings only for #9.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (2) Red Bull New York ($ + %)
Yeah, I know, I know. Why does a team still nursing a sore ass from the last weekend actually rise in the standings? It goes back to the project mentioned at the top: I think the Red Bulls are fundamentally sound. With Angel in the mix they’re scoring steadily and they’ve got a good defense when it’s actually on the field...then again, I won’t be surprised if this one goes sideways, though.
2. (3) DC United (%)
Sadly, I couldn’t get a great sense of this game from the highlights. I only know that DC is on a very good run. I expect it will continue - maybe not to the same degree, but I do think this team has rediscovered its rhythm.
3. (1) Kansas City Wizards (idle)
Again, why? And, again, it’s the project. I can’t get the goals their defense is surrendering out of my head. And it’s not like Eddie Johnson is going to score a hat-trick every weekend; that’s low-percentage stuff. Count this another dubious call, but it’s the one I’m making.
4. (5) New England Revolution (idle)
This represents the one time I go against The Project (I think I’ve referred to it enough to capitalize): New England simply has a good balance to its team. I stand by my belief that they’ve been more lucky than good, but a good defense plus a good-enough offense equals a decent team. The only question is whether they come around.
5. (7) Chivas USA (%)
Another hat-tip to The Project: Chivas’ fourth-place looks a whole lot different when you look at the details: two games in hand and the best goal differential and best defensive record in the West suggests to me they’ll creep up the table.
6. (8) Houston Dynamo (%)
It’s not so much the three consecutive wins (against so-far decent teams no less...OK, except Columbus) as it’s the fact the charge is being led by the bench. Kinnear should force the stars to fight to regain their spots. But the controlling factor here was how Houston played even when they were losing: pretty well, overall, and they created chances. If Ching won’t score them, maybe Ngwenya will.
7. (9) FC Dallas (@)
This was one of the harder ones. For one, I think their defense is killing them; for two, one fat, possibly disgruntled, guy plus one (cruelly) injured player leads their forward line. So, why put them so high (OK, kinda high)? I suppose it’s because they’re #1 in the West for a reason. A basically solid May got lost behind two untimely, consecutive losses (5/26 and 6/3).
8. (4) Colorado Rapids (%)
It took a long time, but I’ve finally given up on Colorado - not completely, but just about. I still think they have the players, but, without that ol’ home-field magic - and 2-1-3 at home ain’t “magic” - they’re in for another roller-coaster season. They’ll kick around a team or two, but I can’t think of them as contenders any more (and can’t say why I ever did).
9. (7) Toronto FC ($)
The fact they can still slip, even at home, keeps the question marks handy with this team. They’re one home game away from a long, long road-trip that should go a good distance to pegging this team in the standings. Speaking for myself, I’ve got a feeling it’s not going to go well (I’m guessing between 6 and 10 points out of 24). I’m starting to feel a bit skittish about rating them this high.
10. (13) Columbus Crew ($)
Welcome to my biggest, dumbest longshot. I don’t know why, but I’m thinking Columbus, who only need a little confidence, will blitz a few teams and soon - quite possibly starting with New England this weekend. If I had a friendly, neighborhood sports-book, I’d go drop a wad on that game. My personal theory is that New England somehow cornered some kind of fixed quantity of luck within the Eastern Conference, and Columbus somehow lost their entire portion. They'll turn things around - to the point of respectability, at least.
11. (11) Chicago Fire (%)
I’m perfectly sincere in the view that this team is one Chad Barrett goal away from being widely viewed as worse than Columbus. And, obviously, since I placed ‘em one spot below I think they are worse.
12. (10) Los Angeles Galaxy (@)
Watching these guys over a full game was an eye-opening experience last weekend; their uninterested, disjointed second half was bad as anything I had seen in MLS all year. They’ll improve with the return of several starters (not just Donovan, but Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse), but the total lack of depth makes me wonder how much...can’t wait to see the Western Conference Toilet Bowl this weekend (in which these hacks will meet the team immediately below).
13. (12) Real Salt Lake (idle - and, boy, did they need it)
Again, they can’t win (neither can Houston...or LA, for that matter; it just feels different). Moreover, I can’t see things improving dramatically. I want to, but I can’t.
Moving on to the standings (current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Red Bull New York: 20 pts. (6-3-2: 21 GF, 12 GA, +9; home, 4-1-0; away, 2-2-2)
2. Kansas City Wiz: 19 pts. (6-2-1: 19 GF, 12 GA, +7; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-1-1)
3. New England Revs: 18 pts. (5-2-3: 18 GF, 11 GA, +7; home, 2-1-1; away, 3-1-2)
4. DC United: 14 pts. (4-3-2: 14 GF, 13 GA, +1; home, 3-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
5. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-5-2: 11 GF, 16 GA, -5; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
6. Toronto FC: 10 pts. (3-6-1: 9 GF, 16 GA, -8; home, 3-3-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 8 pts. (1-4-5: 9 GF, 15 GA, -6; home, 1-1-4; away, 0-3-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 19 pts. (6-5-1: 17 GF, 17 GA, 0; home, 2-2-0; away, 3-3-1)
2. Houston Dynamo: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 11 GF, 10 GA, +1; home, 3-2-1; away, 2-3-0)
3. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-4-3: 13 GF, 14 GA, -1; home 2-1-3; away, 2-3-0)
4. Chivas USA: 14 pts. (4-3-2: 13 GF, 8 GA; +5; home, 3-0-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 6 pts. (1-4-3: 8 GF, 11 GA, -3; home, 1-2-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-3-6: 7 GF, 14 GA, -7; home, 0-1-3; away, 0-2-3)
As usual, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “%” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com. Later today, I’ll compare what I’ve got below with the other rankings I’ve found - though, as always, I compiled my rankings without reference to anyone else’s. And, wow, was this week’s viewing spotty.
In keeping with my tradition of blaming health/sleep-deprivation for any silly something that appears below, holy shit, are allergies kicking my ass. My eyes looked like fucking glazed donuts last night and I got two nosebleeds from the pressure in my head. I came across some site on the internet that matches your zip code to likely allergens; that’s where I learned that walnut trees are the likely culprit. So, if you live in the Hillsboro, Oregon area and you see a bald, alcohol-crazed dude taking an axe to a walnut tree, well, that’d be me. Motherfuckers must pay!
Ahem...at any rate, this week got a little messy. For the record, I’m thinking #1-4 are essentially interchangeable; the same goes for #5-8...and #10-13 for that matter. I have strong feelings only for #9.
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (2) Red Bull New York ($ + %)
Yeah, I know, I know. Why does a team still nursing a sore ass from the last weekend actually rise in the standings? It goes back to the project mentioned at the top: I think the Red Bulls are fundamentally sound. With Angel in the mix they’re scoring steadily and they’ve got a good defense when it’s actually on the field...then again, I won’t be surprised if this one goes sideways, though.
2. (3) DC United (%)
Sadly, I couldn’t get a great sense of this game from the highlights. I only know that DC is on a very good run. I expect it will continue - maybe not to the same degree, but I do think this team has rediscovered its rhythm.
3. (1) Kansas City Wizards (idle)
Again, why? And, again, it’s the project. I can’t get the goals their defense is surrendering out of my head. And it’s not like Eddie Johnson is going to score a hat-trick every weekend; that’s low-percentage stuff. Count this another dubious call, but it’s the one I’m making.
4. (5) New England Revolution (idle)
This represents the one time I go against The Project (I think I’ve referred to it enough to capitalize): New England simply has a good balance to its team. I stand by my belief that they’ve been more lucky than good, but a good defense plus a good-enough offense equals a decent team. The only question is whether they come around.
5. (7) Chivas USA (%)
Another hat-tip to The Project: Chivas’ fourth-place looks a whole lot different when you look at the details: two games in hand and the best goal differential and best defensive record in the West suggests to me they’ll creep up the table.
6. (8) Houston Dynamo (%)
It’s not so much the three consecutive wins (against so-far decent teams no less...OK, except Columbus) as it’s the fact the charge is being led by the bench. Kinnear should force the stars to fight to regain their spots. But the controlling factor here was how Houston played even when they were losing: pretty well, overall, and they created chances. If Ching won’t score them, maybe Ngwenya will.
7. (9) FC Dallas (@)
This was one of the harder ones. For one, I think their defense is killing them; for two, one fat, possibly disgruntled, guy plus one (cruelly) injured player leads their forward line. So, why put them so high (OK, kinda high)? I suppose it’s because they’re #1 in the West for a reason. A basically solid May got lost behind two untimely, consecutive losses (5/26 and 6/3).
8. (4) Colorado Rapids (%)
It took a long time, but I’ve finally given up on Colorado - not completely, but just about. I still think they have the players, but, without that ol’ home-field magic - and 2-1-3 at home ain’t “magic” - they’re in for another roller-coaster season. They’ll kick around a team or two, but I can’t think of them as contenders any more (and can’t say why I ever did).
9. (7) Toronto FC ($)
The fact they can still slip, even at home, keeps the question marks handy with this team. They’re one home game away from a long, long road-trip that should go a good distance to pegging this team in the standings. Speaking for myself, I’ve got a feeling it’s not going to go well (I’m guessing between 6 and 10 points out of 24). I’m starting to feel a bit skittish about rating them this high.
10. (13) Columbus Crew ($)
Welcome to my biggest, dumbest longshot. I don’t know why, but I’m thinking Columbus, who only need a little confidence, will blitz a few teams and soon - quite possibly starting with New England this weekend. If I had a friendly, neighborhood sports-book, I’d go drop a wad on that game. My personal theory is that New England somehow cornered some kind of fixed quantity of luck within the Eastern Conference, and Columbus somehow lost their entire portion. They'll turn things around - to the point of respectability, at least.
11. (11) Chicago Fire (%)
I’m perfectly sincere in the view that this team is one Chad Barrett goal away from being widely viewed as worse than Columbus. And, obviously, since I placed ‘em one spot below I think they are worse.
12. (10) Los Angeles Galaxy (@)
Watching these guys over a full game was an eye-opening experience last weekend; their uninterested, disjointed second half was bad as anything I had seen in MLS all year. They’ll improve with the return of several starters (not just Donovan, but Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse), but the total lack of depth makes me wonder how much...can’t wait to see the Western Conference Toilet Bowl this weekend (in which these hacks will meet the team immediately below).
13. (12) Real Salt Lake (idle - and, boy, did they need it)
Again, they can’t win (neither can Houston...or LA, for that matter; it just feels different). Moreover, I can’t see things improving dramatically. I want to, but I can’t.
Moving on to the standings (current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Red Bull New York: 20 pts. (6-3-2: 21 GF, 12 GA, +9; home, 4-1-0; away, 2-2-2)
2. Kansas City Wiz: 19 pts. (6-2-1: 19 GF, 12 GA, +7; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-1-1)
3. New England Revs: 18 pts. (5-2-3: 18 GF, 11 GA, +7; home, 2-1-1; away, 3-1-2)
4. DC United: 14 pts. (4-3-2: 14 GF, 13 GA, +1; home, 3-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
5. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-5-2: 11 GF, 16 GA, -5; home, 3-2-1; away, 1-3-1)
6. Toronto FC: 10 pts. (3-6-1: 9 GF, 16 GA, -8; home, 3-3-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 8 pts. (1-4-5: 9 GF, 15 GA, -6; home, 1-1-4; away, 0-3-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 19 pts. (6-5-1: 17 GF, 17 GA, 0; home, 2-2-0; away, 3-3-1)
2. Houston Dynamo: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 11 GF, 10 GA, +1; home, 3-2-1; away, 2-3-0)
3. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-4-3: 13 GF, 14 GA, -1; home 2-1-3; away, 2-3-0)
4. Chivas USA: 14 pts. (4-3-2: 13 GF, 8 GA; +5; home, 3-0-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 6 pts. (1-4-3: 8 GF, 11 GA, -3; home, 1-2-1; away, 0-2-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-3-6: 7 GF, 14 GA, -7; home, 0-1-3; away, 0-2-3)
Or did we just happen to match well with El Salvador?
I'm making the case here for the title. Quite simply, this was the best American performance so far - and that had less to do with the score than the way we played. More to the point, the way we played produced the score. Some quick observations:
- My man of the match: Clint Dempsey. He didn't score - though he almost did late - but he did a million, myriad little, crucial things that kept possession in the Salvadoran half, nearly all his passes connected (not least on the really impressive fourth goal), and he was simply the most troublesome, complicated player on the field.
- Apart from a twenty, twenty-five minute spell, we owned this game. Even when we didn't own it, we had things under control. The MAJOR difference between tonight's game and the two that preceded it: instead of having half a player in the right position defensively, we had a whole player plus support to keep the Salvadorans in front of the defense and away from our goal.
- Better still, through our sustained possession, we didn't just kill this game, we murdered it. No, scratch that: we murthered it.
- Another big shout-out: Michael Parkhurst. Nope, this wasn't Italy (or, more appropriately, the Czech Republic...still stings), but Parkhurst showed what makes him so effective. I swear that guy knows every inch of his body, whether it's how to squeeze it around a forward trying to shield the ball for a timely deflection, or what to do after he has lost the fight for a header. The thing to remember with Parkhurst: he's a young player; his game ought to improve.
- Our worst player tonight - and it feels churlish to even note this - was Michael Bradley. A few errant passes meets some sloppy tackles and, voila, you have some give-aways, some lost possession. Still, nothing fatal came of it.
- Finally, credit the Salvadorans for coming out to pla-ay. Even in the first half, when they played most their team behind ball, they did well enough to keep the game open and half-decent to watch. When they raised their energy level and pushed some players forward in the second, they tested us a bit...thankfully, we passed.
- 4-3-2-1: This is what happens when soccer dorks think too hard. It didn't look remotely like this on the field - and thank God. We generally moved pieces around as needed on top of a back four...and that's a good thing.
- Bottom line: we had fun out there. You could see it. And that's why we won like we did.
Well, knowing I could go on all night, let's turn things over to player ratings, with a 5.0 serving as the perfectly neutral score...
Tim Howard, 5.0: Didn't need to do much did he?
Jonathan Spector, 5.5: Some nice runs forward made up for a slip or two on defense.
Oguchi Onyewu, 5.0: I'm mostly pissed about the yellow, but he also did well enough...though not well enough to make him an automatic first-choice starter; his play overall his reopened that question.
Michael Parkhurst, 7.5: I won't lie: I love this kid. So freakin' composed. Only modesty keeps me from rating him higher.
Jonathan Bornstein, 6.5: Got beat badly once, but otherwise contributed a good deal on both sides of the ball.
Landon Donovan, 7.0: The lad done good; he keeps doing good. I still don't know what happened on the PK, but didn't think much of either attempt. And I'd appreciate it if someone could report the whereabouts of his missing left foot. But he had a typically good game.
Pablo Mastroeni, 6.0: Again, dumb, dumb yellow. Mastroeni needs to find the off-switch for these occasions. But I love him as a player, seriously. He brings so much upside that his hard-fouling downside doesn't bother me.
Benny Feilhaber, 6.0: I finally get it. Feilhaber can make some fantastic passes, but he also gave away a fair number through cheek. But I have finally seen his future and it is good.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: Whoops. Pegged Howard's number lower. Call him our worst field player, but that's like coming 50th in Miss USA - e.g. you're still pretty hot. Anyway, I griped about his shortcomings above.
DaMarcus Beasley, 8.0: Two goals - and good ones at that - are plenty swell, but Beasley turned in a great, great game...second only to...
Clint Dempsey, 8.5: Quite simply did almost everything right. If he scored a goal, I'd be forced to give him a flatly ridiculous rating...so count yer blessings.
And the subs....
Taylor Twellman, 6.0: Saved by his goal, which was pretty nice. He gave away his share of passes too - especially that groaner that could very well have resulted in a Salvadoran goal. But he's just so dang industrious that I can't fault him much. In that tough 25 minute stretch, Twellman was our upfield pressure.
Brian Ching, 6.5: My only complaint: Ching should never play wide...just doesn't suit him. Great ball to Twellman for the third goal, though.
Frank Simek, 6.0: Didn't get much of a crack. Still, I want to see more of him...as proven by the fact I almost rated him at 6.5.
OK, all for now. Time to go to bed happy.
Whoops. In other news, Guatemala tied Trinibago (still so angry that I can't use the "and symbol." That should get them to four points and second in Group B...so, hello Canada in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, that means we should get Guadeloupe (right?).
I'm making the case here for the title. Quite simply, this was the best American performance so far - and that had less to do with the score than the way we played. More to the point, the way we played produced the score. Some quick observations:
- My man of the match: Clint Dempsey. He didn't score - though he almost did late - but he did a million, myriad little, crucial things that kept possession in the Salvadoran half, nearly all his passes connected (not least on the really impressive fourth goal), and he was simply the most troublesome, complicated player on the field.
- Apart from a twenty, twenty-five minute spell, we owned this game. Even when we didn't own it, we had things under control. The MAJOR difference between tonight's game and the two that preceded it: instead of having half a player in the right position defensively, we had a whole player plus support to keep the Salvadorans in front of the defense and away from our goal.
- Better still, through our sustained possession, we didn't just kill this game, we murdered it. No, scratch that: we murthered it.
- Another big shout-out: Michael Parkhurst. Nope, this wasn't Italy (or, more appropriately, the Czech Republic...still stings), but Parkhurst showed what makes him so effective. I swear that guy knows every inch of his body, whether it's how to squeeze it around a forward trying to shield the ball for a timely deflection, or what to do after he has lost the fight for a header. The thing to remember with Parkhurst: he's a young player; his game ought to improve.
- Our worst player tonight - and it feels churlish to even note this - was Michael Bradley. A few errant passes meets some sloppy tackles and, voila, you have some give-aways, some lost possession. Still, nothing fatal came of it.
- Finally, credit the Salvadorans for coming out to pla-ay. Even in the first half, when they played most their team behind ball, they did well enough to keep the game open and half-decent to watch. When they raised their energy level and pushed some players forward in the second, they tested us a bit...thankfully, we passed.
- 4-3-2-1: This is what happens when soccer dorks think too hard. It didn't look remotely like this on the field - and thank God. We generally moved pieces around as needed on top of a back four...and that's a good thing.
- Bottom line: we had fun out there. You could see it. And that's why we won like we did.
Well, knowing I could go on all night, let's turn things over to player ratings, with a 5.0 serving as the perfectly neutral score...
Tim Howard, 5.0: Didn't need to do much did he?
Jonathan Spector, 5.5: Some nice runs forward made up for a slip or two on defense.
Oguchi Onyewu, 5.0: I'm mostly pissed about the yellow, but he also did well enough...though not well enough to make him an automatic first-choice starter; his play overall his reopened that question.
Michael Parkhurst, 7.5: I won't lie: I love this kid. So freakin' composed. Only modesty keeps me from rating him higher.
Jonathan Bornstein, 6.5: Got beat badly once, but otherwise contributed a good deal on both sides of the ball.
Landon Donovan, 7.0: The lad done good; he keeps doing good. I still don't know what happened on the PK, but didn't think much of either attempt. And I'd appreciate it if someone could report the whereabouts of his missing left foot. But he had a typically good game.
Pablo Mastroeni, 6.0: Again, dumb, dumb yellow. Mastroeni needs to find the off-switch for these occasions. But I love him as a player, seriously. He brings so much upside that his hard-fouling downside doesn't bother me.
Benny Feilhaber, 6.0: I finally get it. Feilhaber can make some fantastic passes, but he also gave away a fair number through cheek. But I have finally seen his future and it is good.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: Whoops. Pegged Howard's number lower. Call him our worst field player, but that's like coming 50th in Miss USA - e.g. you're still pretty hot. Anyway, I griped about his shortcomings above.
DaMarcus Beasley, 8.0: Two goals - and good ones at that - are plenty swell, but Beasley turned in a great, great game...second only to...
Clint Dempsey, 8.5: Quite simply did almost everything right. If he scored a goal, I'd be forced to give him a flatly ridiculous rating...so count yer blessings.
And the subs....
Taylor Twellman, 6.0: Saved by his goal, which was pretty nice. He gave away his share of passes too - especially that groaner that could very well have resulted in a Salvadoran goal. But he's just so dang industrious that I can't fault him much. In that tough 25 minute stretch, Twellman was our upfield pressure.
Brian Ching, 6.5: My only complaint: Ching should never play wide...just doesn't suit him. Great ball to Twellman for the third goal, though.
Frank Simek, 6.0: Didn't get much of a crack. Still, I want to see more of him...as proven by the fact I almost rated him at 6.5.
OK, all for now. Time to go to bed happy.
Whoops. In other news, Guatemala tied Trinibago (still so angry that I can't use the "and symbol." That should get them to four points and second in Group B...so, hello Canada in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, that means we should get Guadeloupe (right?).
Naturally, individual results provide the pieces necessary to building the Big Picture in any sports league - but I've already covered first impressions of those in earlier posts (LINK, LINK, LINK). But with the 2007 season of Major League Soccer (MLS) officially one third completed, the time seems ripe to take a wide-angle view of the state of the league’s 13 teams - which teams are up, which are down, and which are merely holding steady...and which are wallowing in the muck.
It’s well worth noting that not all MLS teams have played 10 games at this point; for instance, FC Dallas has 12 games under their belt while the Los Angeles Galaxy has played a league-low 9 games. Details like that will be noted for each team along with their record and the total number of points so far. With the Eastern Conference being the stronger of the two thus far, starting in the East seems appropriate.
Here goes....(and, for the record, I'm most proud of the stuff on Kansas City, Chivas USA, and New England...maybe DC United and RSL)...
Red Bull New York, 6-3-2; 20 pts. (11 games)
If you told anyone - Red Bull fan or otherwise - that their team would lead MLS at Week 10, the response would have been a poorly-contained laugh or a pitying shake of the head. Credit Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel - who has kicked his name onto the score-sheet in every game he’s played so far - for sharpening the Red Bull attack. Given that Red Bull defense started so strongly - they kept a collective clean-sheet for all of April; they weren’t too shabby in May either - it’s a little surprising that defense now looms as the biggest threat to their league-leading record. Blame injuries and midfielders playing as defenders for that. Once their back-line recovers, Red Bull should build on a solid start.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...in a good place (e.g. #1).
Kansas City Wizards, 6-2-1; 19 pts. (9 games)
After sputtering out of the gate, the Wizards now see-saw between first and second in the East with Red Bull. Even as one can’t seriously talk around the standings, there’s something suspect about the Wizards rise to contender status. There is, undoubtedly, much to love about forward Eddie Johnson, who registered back-to-back hat tricks in Week 8 and 9; against that, though, the Wizards conceded five goals in those same games. But questions have hovered over KC from the beginning: their 4-0-2 (W-T-L) start didn’t impress due to two wins coming against an expansion Toronto FC still finding its feet and another to the Columbus Crew. Time will tell whether the offense - and Johnson - can keep banging in the goals and/or whether the KC defense will take away some pressure by keeping them out. Whatever happens, KC is playing some of the prettiest soccer in MLS right now. I'm serious. They've gone from being a team I wouldn't watch if I were in a coma to one whose name I look for on the schedule.
Rating: UP
New England Revolution, 5-2-3; 18 pts. (10 games)
As you read this, please keep in mind that I’m a Revolution fan - and a hard-to-please one at that. That said, the hard reality is that New England has been more lucky than good so far. A 4-3 home loss to the Wizards - in which New England only held their own on the back of fluky goals - suggested it, but a home draw to Real Salt Lake, who are widely regarded as the league’s worst team, confirmed it. New England has the pieces to compete in the correct, if uninspiring, proportions: a defense good enough to keep them in any game balanced with forwards capable of turning half-chances into goals. Too often this season, however, they have struggled not only to impose their game, but with something as fundamental as possession. What amounts to a rope-a-dope approach has worked so far, but it sure looks like a low-percentage game.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...but flirting with the edge.
DC United, 4-3-2; 14 pts. (9 games)
DC didn’t win at all in April and, when the wins did come, it still took some convincing for even the truest of believers to hope for more than a dreaded “transition year.” But now, with a lone goalless draw (against the LA Galaxy in Week 9) planting a hiccup between three straight 2-1 wins and Week 10’s emphatic and dramatic win over Red Bull (noted above), the April funk seems to have evaporated. What has improved? It’s not like Ben Olsen’s hat trick will translate automatically to great things on offense; after all, this past weekend’s hat trick was Olsen’s first-ever and he’s an 8th-year pro. Still, they have clearly figured out something; the question is what and to what extent. No matter what it is, you can bet that every other team in the East is keeping close tabs on DC’s slow rise.
Rating: UP...no question, up.
Chicago Fire, 4-5-2; 14 pts. (11 games)
Like Red Bull, the Fire started with a 3-0-1 record. Basic math tells the tale that follows: 1 win, 5 losses, and 1 draw. Chicago is falling apart damned quickly and on both sides of the ball. This team’s persistent issue surrounds scoring, but that shortcoming ballooned into imminent doom during May when the Fire bled goals at a three-a-game clip. Chicago’s greatest hope comes in the person of Cuauthemoc Blanco, a Mexican midfield legend who will join the team after the ongoing Gold Cup. If he can’t turn around the offense, the Fire will again rely on Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe - who are both quality players - to carry the load as they did to start the season; and thus the great hope reveals itself as a thin one. Rumors mention a Chilean star - Marcelo Salas, and it’s tempting to dub him a “former star” - joining the Mexican legend, but faith is in short supply.
Rating: DOWN...and nearing the muck.
Toronto FC, 3-6-1; 10 pts. (10 games)
When Toronto took the field for a May 12 contest versus Chicago one question stood out: when would TFC score their first-ever goal? Winning wasn’t part of the discussion back then. But something special started the 3-1 win that followed: Toronto’s irrepressible fans shouted on an improving and tough-as-nails team thereby making an away game at BMO Field an anxious occasion for visitors. Even after going 3-2-1 to turn around an 0-4-0 start, TFC still has quite a ways to go. The encouraging thing, however, is that they have started. When head coach Mo Johnston thinks he needs players, just goes and gets them: thus Danny Dichio and Jeff Cunningham joined the offense, while Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite improved the defense. With the changes seeming to take, virtually no one thinks TFC will match the low-water mark set by Chivas USA’s in 2005.
Rating: UP...and they're the league bandwagon to boot.
Columbus Crew, 1-4-5; 8 pts. (10 games)
The unknown Crew player who kicked the corner flag out of the ground following his team’s 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo, said it all. Columbus’ chief accomplishment for the season so far amounts to alienating their fans and driving their coach mad. They can play well, even beautifully, all over the field...until the attacking third. At that point, well, no one can say what happens, but all agree it’s hard to watch. Nothing - neither trades, nor the acquisition of an Argetine legend (Guillermo Schelotto; MLS is big on legends this season) - seems up to fixing the problem and, to make matters worse, the once-mighty Crew defense is slipping as well. The standings say the Crew isn’t the worst in MLS, but, when you’re in the basement with the lights out, questions about how dark things are get academic pretty fast.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
Moving now, to the Western Conference...
FC Dallas, 6-5-1; 19 pts. (12 games)
FC Dallas has mastered only one thing: book-ending confidence-building streaks with crushing losses. This habit plays havoc with perceptions; in spite of going 4-2-0 since the start of May and leading the West, a select sample of the punditry pegs them as the sixth-best team in MLS. Perhaps nothing better explains Dallas’ wayward path to the top of the West as the perfect balance they achieved in goals for and goals against: 17 on each side of the ledger, making them fourth in the league for goals for and second for goals against. Dallas’ young defense hurts them, which makes signs of offensive woes ahead - e.g. star forward Carlos Ruiz’s somewhat indifferent season so far, as well as the brutal and unfortunate injury to his partner Kenny Cooper - more ominous.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...but definitely shaky.
Houston Dynamo, 5-5-1; 16 pts. (11 games)
What has happened to Houston so far shows that being last year’s champions only places extra emphasis on the phrase “last year’s” - as in, what have they done for Houston fans lately? By way of good news, Houston has (partially) atoned for a wretched early season by rattling off three straight wins; sadly, those had to compensate for the 2-5-1 record, as well as the long, long scoreless stretch, that came before. But the weirdest thing about all this is the fact that Houston picked up two of those wins absent notable starters like Ricardo Clark and perennial MVP candidate Dwayne DeRosario. Who needs star-power when you’ve got Joseph Ngwenya?
Rating: UP...but they had nowhere else to go.
Colorado Rapids, 4-4-3; 15 pts. (11 games)
Who knew “Colorado Rapids” was a synonym for “erratic?” To further complicate matters, the Rapids have ditched last year’s good-at-home, lousy-on-the-road formula; only three points separate their home 2-1-3 record from their away 2-3-0. Even the quality of the opposition doesn’t seem relevant: they’ll draw Real Salt Lake at home the week before beating Red Bull on the road. Baffling as they are, the Rapids have interesting players and a coach with an unbelievable eye for talent - which, unfortunately, doesn’t translate to getting that talent to perform on game day. The one consistent truth about Colorado is that they’ll likely remain inconsistent.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...on a roller coaster.
Chivas USA, 4-3-2; 14 pts. (9 games)
Chivas’ fourth-place position looks bad till you realize they sit only five points behind West-leading FC Dallas with two games in hand. They hit some of the weaker teams early (Real Salt Lake, Columbus, Los Angeles Galaxy) and hitt good teams in moments of weakness (DC United in early May - and they still lost), but look at the standings and you’ll see they’ve got the most respectable goal differential in the West: +5 where the next best team is rocking a +1. No, they’re not burning up the league in goals, but get this: they have the best goals-against average in MLS. Things will definitely get harder - though Chivas adjusted for this by adding a bit of defensive toughness in Paolo Nagamura and Shavar Thomas. And they could really use offensive support to help first-year revelation Maykel Galindo. But, all in all, Chivas has kind of snuck into the pack - and those two games in hand look an awful lot like an ambush.
Rating: UP...thanks to situational dynamics.
Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-4-3; 6 pts. (8 games)
Small wonder talk about David Beckham bailing on his MLS contract are flying: no one in their right mind would want to join the Galaxy at this point. They enjoy the same goal-a-game attack as Chicago and, with injuries stacking up fast their defense no longer appears up to keeping them in games. With Landon Donovan out of the line-up (Gold Cup - and possibly Copa America) LA goes from a team bitten by a misfiring bug to a downright average outfit. If you’re looking for a silver lining, here’s the best possible: their next three games are against Columbus, Chicago, and Real Salt Lake - and all of them are at home.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
Real Salt Lake, 0-3-6; 6 pts. (9 games)
At least RSL is won one competition this season: they fired and replaced their coach before any other MLS team. They also beat the Chinese National Team - but that doesn’t help them in the league. What is there to say about the only team in the league still without a win? Nothing much more than, it can only get better...maybe...then again, all those draws could become losses. Unbelievably, RSL has enjoyed a mini-renaissance under rookie-coach (and MLS legend) Jason Kreis; he has taught them the art of tying, replacing the four-goal losses from the season’s early days with goalless draws. On the other hand, that’s just not enough. Barring a major, possibly even implausible, turnaround RSL looks likely to maintain its perfect, post-season-free record.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
It’s well worth noting that not all MLS teams have played 10 games at this point; for instance, FC Dallas has 12 games under their belt while the Los Angeles Galaxy has played a league-low 9 games. Details like that will be noted for each team along with their record and the total number of points so far. With the Eastern Conference being the stronger of the two thus far, starting in the East seems appropriate.
Here goes....(and, for the record, I'm most proud of the stuff on Kansas City, Chivas USA, and New England...maybe DC United and RSL)...
Red Bull New York, 6-3-2; 20 pts. (11 games)
If you told anyone - Red Bull fan or otherwise - that their team would lead MLS at Week 10, the response would have been a poorly-contained laugh or a pitying shake of the head. Credit Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel - who has kicked his name onto the score-sheet in every game he’s played so far - for sharpening the Red Bull attack. Given that Red Bull defense started so strongly - they kept a collective clean-sheet for all of April; they weren’t too shabby in May either - it’s a little surprising that defense now looms as the biggest threat to their league-leading record. Blame injuries and midfielders playing as defenders for that. Once their back-line recovers, Red Bull should build on a solid start.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...in a good place (e.g. #1).
Kansas City Wizards, 6-2-1; 19 pts. (9 games)
After sputtering out of the gate, the Wizards now see-saw between first and second in the East with Red Bull. Even as one can’t seriously talk around the standings, there’s something suspect about the Wizards rise to contender status. There is, undoubtedly, much to love about forward Eddie Johnson, who registered back-to-back hat tricks in Week 8 and 9; against that, though, the Wizards conceded five goals in those same games. But questions have hovered over KC from the beginning: their 4-0-2 (W-T-L) start didn’t impress due to two wins coming against an expansion Toronto FC still finding its feet and another to the Columbus Crew. Time will tell whether the offense - and Johnson - can keep banging in the goals and/or whether the KC defense will take away some pressure by keeping them out. Whatever happens, KC is playing some of the prettiest soccer in MLS right now. I'm serious. They've gone from being a team I wouldn't watch if I were in a coma to one whose name I look for on the schedule.
Rating: UP
New England Revolution, 5-2-3; 18 pts. (10 games)
As you read this, please keep in mind that I’m a Revolution fan - and a hard-to-please one at that. That said, the hard reality is that New England has been more lucky than good so far. A 4-3 home loss to the Wizards - in which New England only held their own on the back of fluky goals - suggested it, but a home draw to Real Salt Lake, who are widely regarded as the league’s worst team, confirmed it. New England has the pieces to compete in the correct, if uninspiring, proportions: a defense good enough to keep them in any game balanced with forwards capable of turning half-chances into goals. Too often this season, however, they have struggled not only to impose their game, but with something as fundamental as possession. What amounts to a rope-a-dope approach has worked so far, but it sure looks like a low-percentage game.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...but flirting with the edge.
DC United, 4-3-2; 14 pts. (9 games)
DC didn’t win at all in April and, when the wins did come, it still took some convincing for even the truest of believers to hope for more than a dreaded “transition year.” But now, with a lone goalless draw (against the LA Galaxy in Week 9) planting a hiccup between three straight 2-1 wins and Week 10’s emphatic and dramatic win over Red Bull (noted above), the April funk seems to have evaporated. What has improved? It’s not like Ben Olsen’s hat trick will translate automatically to great things on offense; after all, this past weekend’s hat trick was Olsen’s first-ever and he’s an 8th-year pro. Still, they have clearly figured out something; the question is what and to what extent. No matter what it is, you can bet that every other team in the East is keeping close tabs on DC’s slow rise.
Rating: UP...no question, up.
Chicago Fire, 4-5-2; 14 pts. (11 games)
Like Red Bull, the Fire started with a 3-0-1 record. Basic math tells the tale that follows: 1 win, 5 losses, and 1 draw. Chicago is falling apart damned quickly and on both sides of the ball. This team’s persistent issue surrounds scoring, but that shortcoming ballooned into imminent doom during May when the Fire bled goals at a three-a-game clip. Chicago’s greatest hope comes in the person of Cuauthemoc Blanco, a Mexican midfield legend who will join the team after the ongoing Gold Cup. If he can’t turn around the offense, the Fire will again rely on Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe - who are both quality players - to carry the load as they did to start the season; and thus the great hope reveals itself as a thin one. Rumors mention a Chilean star - Marcelo Salas, and it’s tempting to dub him a “former star” - joining the Mexican legend, but faith is in short supply.
Rating: DOWN...and nearing the muck.
Toronto FC, 3-6-1; 10 pts. (10 games)
When Toronto took the field for a May 12 contest versus Chicago one question stood out: when would TFC score their first-ever goal? Winning wasn’t part of the discussion back then. But something special started the 3-1 win that followed: Toronto’s irrepressible fans shouted on an improving and tough-as-nails team thereby making an away game at BMO Field an anxious occasion for visitors. Even after going 3-2-1 to turn around an 0-4-0 start, TFC still has quite a ways to go. The encouraging thing, however, is that they have started. When head coach Mo Johnston thinks he needs players, just goes and gets them: thus Danny Dichio and Jeff Cunningham joined the offense, while Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite improved the defense. With the changes seeming to take, virtually no one thinks TFC will match the low-water mark set by Chivas USA’s in 2005.
Rating: UP...and they're the league bandwagon to boot.
Columbus Crew, 1-4-5; 8 pts. (10 games)
The unknown Crew player who kicked the corner flag out of the ground following his team’s 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo, said it all. Columbus’ chief accomplishment for the season so far amounts to alienating their fans and driving their coach mad. They can play well, even beautifully, all over the field...until the attacking third. At that point, well, no one can say what happens, but all agree it’s hard to watch. Nothing - neither trades, nor the acquisition of an Argetine legend (Guillermo Schelotto; MLS is big on legends this season) - seems up to fixing the problem and, to make matters worse, the once-mighty Crew defense is slipping as well. The standings say the Crew isn’t the worst in MLS, but, when you’re in the basement with the lights out, questions about how dark things are get academic pretty fast.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
Moving now, to the Western Conference...
FC Dallas, 6-5-1; 19 pts. (12 games)
FC Dallas has mastered only one thing: book-ending confidence-building streaks with crushing losses. This habit plays havoc with perceptions; in spite of going 4-2-0 since the start of May and leading the West, a select sample of the punditry pegs them as the sixth-best team in MLS. Perhaps nothing better explains Dallas’ wayward path to the top of the West as the perfect balance they achieved in goals for and goals against: 17 on each side of the ledger, making them fourth in the league for goals for and second for goals against. Dallas’ young defense hurts them, which makes signs of offensive woes ahead - e.g. star forward Carlos Ruiz’s somewhat indifferent season so far, as well as the brutal and unfortunate injury to his partner Kenny Cooper - more ominous.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...but definitely shaky.
Houston Dynamo, 5-5-1; 16 pts. (11 games)
What has happened to Houston so far shows that being last year’s champions only places extra emphasis on the phrase “last year’s” - as in, what have they done for Houston fans lately? By way of good news, Houston has (partially) atoned for a wretched early season by rattling off three straight wins; sadly, those had to compensate for the 2-5-1 record, as well as the long, long scoreless stretch, that came before. But the weirdest thing about all this is the fact that Houston picked up two of those wins absent notable starters like Ricardo Clark and perennial MVP candidate Dwayne DeRosario. Who needs star-power when you’ve got Joseph Ngwenya?
Rating: UP...but they had nowhere else to go.
Colorado Rapids, 4-4-3; 15 pts. (11 games)
Who knew “Colorado Rapids” was a synonym for “erratic?” To further complicate matters, the Rapids have ditched last year’s good-at-home, lousy-on-the-road formula; only three points separate their home 2-1-3 record from their away 2-3-0. Even the quality of the opposition doesn’t seem relevant: they’ll draw Real Salt Lake at home the week before beating Red Bull on the road. Baffling as they are, the Rapids have interesting players and a coach with an unbelievable eye for talent - which, unfortunately, doesn’t translate to getting that talent to perform on game day. The one consistent truth about Colorado is that they’ll likely remain inconsistent.
Rating: HOLDING STEADY...on a roller coaster.
Chivas USA, 4-3-2; 14 pts. (9 games)
Chivas’ fourth-place position looks bad till you realize they sit only five points behind West-leading FC Dallas with two games in hand. They hit some of the weaker teams early (Real Salt Lake, Columbus, Los Angeles Galaxy) and hitt good teams in moments of weakness (DC United in early May - and they still lost), but look at the standings and you’ll see they’ve got the most respectable goal differential in the West: +5 where the next best team is rocking a +1. No, they’re not burning up the league in goals, but get this: they have the best goals-against average in MLS. Things will definitely get harder - though Chivas adjusted for this by adding a bit of defensive toughness in Paolo Nagamura and Shavar Thomas. And they could really use offensive support to help first-year revelation Maykel Galindo. But, all in all, Chivas has kind of snuck into the pack - and those two games in hand look an awful lot like an ambush.
Rating: UP...thanks to situational dynamics.
Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-4-3; 6 pts. (8 games)
Small wonder talk about David Beckham bailing on his MLS contract are flying: no one in their right mind would want to join the Galaxy at this point. They enjoy the same goal-a-game attack as Chicago and, with injuries stacking up fast their defense no longer appears up to keeping them in games. With Landon Donovan out of the line-up (Gold Cup - and possibly Copa America) LA goes from a team bitten by a misfiring bug to a downright average outfit. If you’re looking for a silver lining, here’s the best possible: their next three games are against Columbus, Chicago, and Real Salt Lake - and all of them are at home.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
Real Salt Lake, 0-3-6; 6 pts. (9 games)
At least RSL is won one competition this season: they fired and replaced their coach before any other MLS team. They also beat the Chinese National Team - but that doesn’t help them in the league. What is there to say about the only team in the league still without a win? Nothing much more than, it can only get better...maybe...then again, all those draws could become losses. Unbelievably, RSL has enjoyed a mini-renaissance under rookie-coach (and MLS legend) Jason Kreis; he has taught them the art of tying, replacing the four-goal losses from the season’s early days with goalless draws. On the other hand, that’s just not enough. Barring a major, possibly even implausible, turnaround RSL looks likely to maintain its perfect, post-season-free record.
Rating: WALLOWING IN THE MUCK.
Group A wrapped up last night in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup with something of a restoration. Costa Rica beat upstart Guadeloupe while Canada knocked off Haiti - and so order and perception returned to the region.
No less consequentially, Guadeloupe's three games in the tournament set the third-place bar at 4 points with a goal-differential of zero. In any case, the tournament's quarterfinal formula leaves Guadeloupe waiting on results from Groups B & C to see whether they'll have the honor of playing the first-place team from Group B (guess who?) or Group C - or none of the above.
Looking at the two remaining groups going forward, the U.S. could do Guadeloupe a big favor tonight by knocking off El Salvador; said loss would stall that team on three points, thereby sending the French protectorate into the quarterfinals with no more questions asked. Then again, a "Trinibago" upset of Guatemala would do the same. For their part, El Salvador might be wise to play for the draw, counting on an competitive assist from an American team looking to avoid injury and stave off fatigue - though there's a question as to whether whiny fans (like me!) will tolerate such cynicism. In fact, a draw for either El Salvador or Guatemala would then depend on goal-differential and, by association (I think), the total number of goals scored. And the totals are interesting here: Guadeloupe managed three goals so far, while El Salvador has two and Guatemala one. With that in mind, I'm thinking the Guatemalans will play hard tonight.
By way of a curious, relevant aside, the lead paragraph to the match report on Canada's win over Guadeloupe reads, "Canada is poised for another CONCACAF Gold Cup title." Assuming Guatemala meets (well, my) expectations, they'd meet Canada in the quarters...that ought to be interesting...more so than that lead would suggest.
Turning to Group C, Panama could certainly either draw or upset an anxious Mexico, though the fact that the latter has three goals to their credit means they'd pass Guadeloupe in anything but a goalless draw; what happens in that event, I don't know on the larger scale. Within Group C, though, that goalless draw would leave Mexico second best to Honduras, who already have four points and four goals scored. assuming the latter gets a result of any kind against Cuba. Taken together, however, Mexico has the tougher road and needs the most help.
Last but not least, I found a little to like in Jamie Trecker's most recent column on the evovling relationship between the United States' team and its fans. Trecker's basic premise - that U.S. fans not only expect results now, but are increasingly expecting good ones - strikes me as uncontroversial; put another way, I know this applies to me. But one line - and it's one I happen to like - may get a rise out of some readers:
Hmmm...discuss...I mean, if you wanna....
No less consequentially, Guadeloupe's three games in the tournament set the third-place bar at 4 points with a goal-differential of zero. In any case, the tournament's quarterfinal formula leaves Guadeloupe waiting on results from Groups B & C to see whether they'll have the honor of playing the first-place team from Group B (guess who?) or Group C - or none of the above.
Looking at the two remaining groups going forward, the U.S. could do Guadeloupe a big favor tonight by knocking off El Salvador; said loss would stall that team on three points, thereby sending the French protectorate into the quarterfinals with no more questions asked. Then again, a "Trinibago" upset of Guatemala would do the same. For their part, El Salvador might be wise to play for the draw, counting on an competitive assist from an American team looking to avoid injury and stave off fatigue - though there's a question as to whether whiny fans (like me!) will tolerate such cynicism. In fact, a draw for either El Salvador or Guatemala would then depend on goal-differential and, by association (I think), the total number of goals scored. And the totals are interesting here: Guadeloupe managed three goals so far, while El Salvador has two and Guatemala one. With that in mind, I'm thinking the Guatemalans will play hard tonight.
By way of a curious, relevant aside, the lead paragraph to the match report on Canada's win over Guadeloupe reads, "Canada is poised for another CONCACAF Gold Cup title." Assuming Guatemala meets (well, my) expectations, they'd meet Canada in the quarters...that ought to be interesting...more so than that lead would suggest.
Turning to Group C, Panama could certainly either draw or upset an anxious Mexico, though the fact that the latter has three goals to their credit means they'd pass Guadeloupe in anything but a goalless draw; what happens in that event, I don't know on the larger scale. Within Group C, though, that goalless draw would leave Mexico second best to Honduras, who already have four points and four goals scored. assuming the latter gets a result of any kind against Cuba. Taken together, however, Mexico has the tougher road and needs the most help.
Last but not least, I found a little to like in Jamie Trecker's most recent column on the evovling relationship between the United States' team and its fans. Trecker's basic premise - that U.S. fans not only expect results now, but are increasingly expecting good ones - strikes me as uncontroversial; put another way, I know this applies to me. But one line - and it's one I happen to like - may get a rise out of some readers:
"Some fans have the odd notion that cautions and cards are supposed to be doled out equally among teams. And some fans countenance nary a discouraging word, just as some fans inexplicably worship, say, the Cleveland Browns."
"But where fans of this ilk were once the only people paying attention to the sport, today they're in the minority. The soccer geeks are being overrun by the jocks. This means that news coverage and the reactions to the team's performances are becoming more sophisticated and more nuanced.
Hmmm...discuss...I mean, if you wanna....
With this being, officially, the one-third point of the season, I've got a grander project in mind in terms of clocking where things are in Major League Soccer. That will come later, though. For now, I want to wrap up the two remaining games from teh weekend. I didn't have time to catch, or even watch an archived version, of either game - though I did watch highlights of both - so I'll treat these only briefly and let others who did see them do the talking.
Red Bull New York 2 - 4 DC United
- Unless I'm mistaken, it's impossible to beat The DCenters debriefing posts in terms of links to the world of reportage and opinion and DC United games. If you go there, you'll find what you need.
- At the same time, any time Ben Olsen notches a hat trick (any time?), the thing that needs to be said is pretty obvious. I've always liked Benny well enough, in spite of the incredible volume of whining he directs at the referee, so this feels like a cause for celebration. Besides, it's not like he's going to "pull an EJ" and get one next weekend; by my count, he's due for the next one sometime in retirement.
- For all that, DC sure sounds like they're feeling jiggy. And with them going 4-0-2 (w-l-t) over the past six - and they're hitting some tough teams - it's hard to blame 'em.
- Red Bull, on the other hand, seems to be slowing a bit. The loss itself wasn't so shocking - well, considering when two of Olsen's goals came (e.g. after Bobby Boswell's ejection) maybe it was - but how badly they were exposed on the weak side on two of those goals simply has to ruin one night's sleep for Bruce Arena.
Columbus Crew 1 - 2 Houston Dynamo
- Here are the reports I bothered digging up: The Columbus Dispatch; The Houston Chronicle; ESPN.
- The anonymous (to me, anyway) Columbus player who kicked a corner flag out of the ground in disgust said plenty as I see it. Based on what I read, Columbus did well enough in this game, but still managed to lose it. Ouch. At a certain point, losing games like this requires a certain kind of magic - which makes the Crew the David Freakin' Copperfields of MLS. An own-goal by Chad Marshall (maybe the effects of that concussion are lingering?) and a beautiful, yet half–wacky headed goal by Joseph Ngwenya erased a plenty nice goal by Alejandro Moreno.
- Given the above, it seems appropriate to single out the pained musings posted on the Crew Offside regarding the state of all things Columbus and Crew. The cold, hard reality is that, after Columbus, only Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy fans have cause to feel so blue as Crew fans these days (OK, honorable mention to Chicago). Is it time, as Jim suggests, for Sigi Schmid to go? Hard to say. Though it's hard to argue at this point that it will make things any worse.
OK, I'll be working on that "big picture" thing for a bit. Observing radio silence....
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Red Bull New York 2 - 4 DC United
- Unless I'm mistaken, it's impossible to beat The DCenters debriefing posts in terms of links to the world of reportage and opinion and DC United games. If you go there, you'll find what you need.
- At the same time, any time Ben Olsen notches a hat trick (any time?), the thing that needs to be said is pretty obvious. I've always liked Benny well enough, in spite of the incredible volume of whining he directs at the referee, so this feels like a cause for celebration. Besides, it's not like he's going to "pull an EJ" and get one next weekend; by my count, he's due for the next one sometime in retirement.
- For all that, DC sure sounds like they're feeling jiggy. And with them going 4-0-2 (w-l-t) over the past six - and they're hitting some tough teams - it's hard to blame 'em.
- Red Bull, on the other hand, seems to be slowing a bit. The loss itself wasn't so shocking - well, considering when two of Olsen's goals came (e.g. after Bobby Boswell's ejection) maybe it was - but how badly they were exposed on the weak side on two of those goals simply has to ruin one night's sleep for Bruce Arena.
Columbus Crew 1 - 2 Houston Dynamo
- Here are the reports I bothered digging up: The Columbus Dispatch; The Houston Chronicle; ESPN.
- The anonymous (to me, anyway) Columbus player who kicked a corner flag out of the ground in disgust said plenty as I see it. Based on what I read, Columbus did well enough in this game, but still managed to lose it. Ouch. At a certain point, losing games like this requires a certain kind of magic - which makes the Crew the David Freakin' Copperfields of MLS. An own-goal by Chad Marshall (maybe the effects of that concussion are lingering?) and a beautiful, yet half–wacky headed goal by Joseph Ngwenya erased a plenty nice goal by Alejandro Moreno.
- Given the above, it seems appropriate to single out the pained musings posted on the Crew Offside regarding the state of all things Columbus and Crew. The cold, hard reality is that, after Columbus, only Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy fans have cause to feel so blue as Crew fans these days (OK, honorable mention to Chicago). Is it time, as Jim suggests, for Sigi Schmid to go? Hard to say. Though it's hard to argue at this point that it will make things any worse.
OK, I'll be working on that "big picture" thing for a bit. Observing radio silence....
(#########)
With astonishing rapidity, the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup continued yesterday - and how!
Not only did Mexico stumble against Honduras (enjoy Luis Bueno's clinical breakdown), but yesterday featured another shock or two to perceptions: for instance, Guadeloupe beating Canada and Costa Rica's continued fizzle. A look at the standings (which show here, but I'll replicate them for convenience's sake below) only confirms that his been a delightfully unpredictable edition of the regional championship - and, thankfully, a few thousand people are getting out to see it.
At any rate, here are those standings:
Group A
Guadeloupe: 1-1-0 (w-d-l); 4 pts.
Canada: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Haiti: 0-2-0; 2 pts.
Costa Rica: 0-1-1; 1 pt.
Group B
United States: 2-0-0; 6 pts.
El Salvador: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Guatemala: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Trinidad and Tobago: 0-0-2; 0 pts.
Group C
Panama: 1-1-0; 4 pts.
Honduras: 1-1-0; 4 pts.
Mexico: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Cuba: 0-1-1; 1 pt.
With this tournament now hitting warp-speed, if only apparently, the big story still centers on Mexico's, um...delicate...situation. For reasons of mathematical/competitive incompetence, I thought a U.S. v. Mexico game couldn't possibly arrive in the next round (thanks to the quarterfinal system that has: 1A v. 2b; 1B v. 3A/3C; 1C v. 3A/3B; 2A v. 2C) till Steve Goff suggested otherwise. With that possibility in mind, I tried to work out the math, starting by checking who plays who in their final game; add that to the knowledge that the relevant spot (e.g. the team that the U.S. team plays) goes to the better of the third-place teams in Group A or C (though even that could get tricky, with the 1C v. 3A/3B game in play). So to start with who plays who:
June 11 (e.g. tonight): Costa Rica v. Guadeloupe; Haiti v. Canada
June 12: United States v. El Salvador; Guatemala v. "Trinibago"
June 13: Cuba v. Honduras; Mexico v. Panama
As someone, somewhere pointed out, it hardly begs imagining that Panama could top Mexico (and, if you think they're whining now...whoa nelly), which would strand them on three points; obviously, a draw would leave them stalled at four. Turning our gaze up to Group A, that would pit them against, potentially, any of the teams in Group A (with Costa Rica looking the long-shot). The scarier thing for Mexico (and those Group A teams) is that Honduras has Cuba, the weaker team of Group C so far...though who would be surprised if Cuba dropped Honduras? Then again, a Honduran win makes a Mexican one required, thus upping the stakes (delicious).
At any rate, it's probably possible for Mexico to come third in Group C for the same reasons it's possible for El Salvador to, currently, sit ahead of Guatemala in the Group B standings; goal-differential and the like. But is anyone out there seriously upset that we close with the Salvadorans? Maybe it's possible to nail down the permutations at this point and figure out who is likeliest to go where, but I'm not about to attempt it. Suffice to say, my first choice involves Mexico dropping out. No offense to them and, as proved so far in this Gold Cup, that would hardly level the hills and straighten the road to a U.S. victory...but, when potential enters the equation, things would look simpler without Mexico in the frame.
So, Forza Panama!
In any case, Ives Galarcep went and compiled Gold Cup power rankings post. It's a pretty interesting read and, funny as it seems to all of us who feel anxious about the U.S. performance so far, we are the only "perfect" team in there. Go us!
Not only did Mexico stumble against Honduras (enjoy Luis Bueno's clinical breakdown), but yesterday featured another shock or two to perceptions: for instance, Guadeloupe beating Canada and Costa Rica's continued fizzle. A look at the standings (which show here, but I'll replicate them for convenience's sake below) only confirms that his been a delightfully unpredictable edition of the regional championship - and, thankfully, a few thousand people are getting out to see it.
At any rate, here are those standings:
Group A
Guadeloupe: 1-1-0 (w-d-l); 4 pts.
Canada: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Haiti: 0-2-0; 2 pts.
Costa Rica: 0-1-1; 1 pt.
Group B
United States: 2-0-0; 6 pts.
El Salvador: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Guatemala: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Trinidad and Tobago: 0-0-2; 0 pts.
Group C
Panama: 1-1-0; 4 pts.
Honduras: 1-1-0; 4 pts.
Mexico: 1-0-1; 3 pts.
Cuba: 0-1-1; 1 pt.
With this tournament now hitting warp-speed, if only apparently, the big story still centers on Mexico's, um...delicate...situation. For reasons of mathematical/competitive incompetence, I thought a U.S. v. Mexico game couldn't possibly arrive in the next round (thanks to the quarterfinal system that has: 1A v. 2b; 1B v. 3A/3C; 1C v. 3A/3B; 2A v. 2C) till Steve Goff suggested otherwise. With that possibility in mind, I tried to work out the math, starting by checking who plays who in their final game; add that to the knowledge that the relevant spot (e.g. the team that the U.S. team plays) goes to the better of the third-place teams in Group A or C (though even that could get tricky, with the 1C v. 3A/3B game in play). So to start with who plays who:
June 11 (e.g. tonight): Costa Rica v. Guadeloupe; Haiti v. Canada
June 12: United States v. El Salvador; Guatemala v. "Trinibago"
June 13: Cuba v. Honduras; Mexico v. Panama
As someone, somewhere pointed out, it hardly begs imagining that Panama could top Mexico (and, if you think they're whining now...whoa nelly), which would strand them on three points; obviously, a draw would leave them stalled at four. Turning our gaze up to Group A, that would pit them against, potentially, any of the teams in Group A (with Costa Rica looking the long-shot). The scarier thing for Mexico (and those Group A teams) is that Honduras has Cuba, the weaker team of Group C so far...though who would be surprised if Cuba dropped Honduras? Then again, a Honduran win makes a Mexican one required, thus upping the stakes (delicious).
At any rate, it's probably possible for Mexico to come third in Group C for the same reasons it's possible for El Salvador to, currently, sit ahead of Guatemala in the Group B standings; goal-differential and the like. But is anyone out there seriously upset that we close with the Salvadorans? Maybe it's possible to nail down the permutations at this point and figure out who is likeliest to go where, but I'm not about to attempt it. Suffice to say, my first choice involves Mexico dropping out. No offense to them and, as proved so far in this Gold Cup, that would hardly level the hills and straighten the road to a U.S. victory...but, when potential enters the equation, things would look simpler without Mexico in the frame.
So, Forza Panama!
In any case, Ives Galarcep went and compiled Gold Cup power rankings post. It's a pretty interesting read and, funny as it seems to all of us who feel anxious about the U.S. performance so far, we are the only "perfect" team in there. Go us!
It wasn't till I read Paul Oberjuerge's article for the Daily Breeze that I gave much thought to the tiffle over whether Landon "Golden Boy" Donovan should play in both of this summer's tournaments, the Gold Cup and the Copa America. Oberjuerge makes his case more from the Galaxy's point of view than anywhere - and he extends this to a case that this would be "better for American soccer" which I don't quite buy, though I get his thinking.
But my recently-claimed choice of sides on this comes from something simpler: there's no compelling reason for Donovan to play in the Copa. At best, he'll lead a squad of inexperienced sheep to the slaughter; at worst, he'll dilute the biggest upside the Copa offers U.S. Soccer. As such, he kind of defaults back to playing for LA...and, on that, I don't really care much, probably 'cause I don't like LA....
Here's the thing: playing in the Copa appeals to so many fans on the theory that it will pit American players against better teams than what CONCACAF has to offer and in hostile environments. But the reason I wouldn't mind Donovan not going grows from the composition of the team we're likely to send: by general consensus, it won't be the U.S. "A-team" - and the argument for sending our best was lost months ago. As such, this won't be a case of working out the kinks with a likely first team - e.g. building a better team in the crucible of a tougher tournament - but in carrying the U.S. team (much like he's doing, to a sometimes disturbing degree in the Gold Cup) as far as his small frame can take them in Venezuela.
Given the above, I'm not seeing what either Landon, or U.S. Soccer, gains by having him go to Venezuela. With two World Cups to his credit, it's pretty easy to argue Donovan already knows from high-pressure situations against better teams; he shined on one occasion and shrank on the other, so let's call the experiment so far a draw. But the expectation that one South American tournament will substantively change this is hard to credit.
With the decision to send a weaker squad to Venezuela already made, I see greater value in building the experience of other field players - i.e. training the U.S. team to win/get results/score without Donovan. Why not work on unearthing successors and alternates to the Golden Boy in the best possible environment? As I see it, Donovan being there will just get in the way of figuring that out.
(########)
But my recently-claimed choice of sides on this comes from something simpler: there's no compelling reason for Donovan to play in the Copa. At best, he'll lead a squad of inexperienced sheep to the slaughter; at worst, he'll dilute the biggest upside the Copa offers U.S. Soccer. As such, he kind of defaults back to playing for LA...and, on that, I don't really care much, probably 'cause I don't like LA....
Here's the thing: playing in the Copa appeals to so many fans on the theory that it will pit American players against better teams than what CONCACAF has to offer and in hostile environments. But the reason I wouldn't mind Donovan not going grows from the composition of the team we're likely to send: by general consensus, it won't be the U.S. "A-team" - and the argument for sending our best was lost months ago. As such, this won't be a case of working out the kinks with a likely first team - e.g. building a better team in the crucible of a tougher tournament - but in carrying the U.S. team (much like he's doing, to a sometimes disturbing degree in the Gold Cup) as far as his small frame can take them in Venezuela.
Given the above, I'm not seeing what either Landon, or U.S. Soccer, gains by having him go to Venezuela. With two World Cups to his credit, it's pretty easy to argue Donovan already knows from high-pressure situations against better teams; he shined on one occasion and shrank on the other, so let's call the experiment so far a draw. But the expectation that one South American tournament will substantively change this is hard to credit.
With the decision to send a weaker squad to Venezuela already made, I see greater value in building the experience of other field players - i.e. training the U.S. team to win/get results/score without Donovan. Why not work on unearthing successors and alternates to the Golden Boy in the best possible environment? As I see it, Donovan being there will just get in the way of figuring that out.
(########)
Starting with the unobserved game (though I did watch the highlights)...
Chicago Fire 0 - 1 Chivas USA
- Having not watched this game, I can't judge the evening authoritatively, but...if those were the highlights, this one wasn't much.
- Based on what I saw, though, Chivas deserved the win. And it looked like Maykel Galindo, again, shined for the California side.
- Has Dave Sarachan been fired yet? Is he preparing a letter to the front office about "wanting to spend more time with his family?" If not, is there perhaps someone who can write this for him?
- Seriously, after starting the season 3-0-1, Chicago has gone 1-5-1, adding only four points over - wow - seven games. Four points out of 21 sucks.
- Worse, apart from a couple decent turns in dangerous places by Chad Barrett, they simply didn't look all that threatening.
- Grim, grim times in Chicago.
Turning now, to what I endured this morning...
FC Dallas 3 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy
- Speaking of hot seats, I'm betting blisters are building Frank Yallop's ass.
- While neither team looked sharp - especially in the first half - LA was downriight DIRE. By the second half they were FEEBLE, TIRED...just awful.
- What separated Dallas from LA, though - or, rather, who - Juan Carlos Toja. His ability to shield the ball, keep his head up and make passes that maintain possession and switch the attack all at once just stood out on a men among boys level.
- Returning to LA's second half, the rot is growing fatal. Either this team is utterly demoralized...or they just plain suck. How many passes went miles off target, and how many straight to Dallas players? With their players rarely connecting, LA got steamrolled by opposition doing quite a bit of misfiring of their own.
- A real mystery to me came with why Yallop didn't sub out Tyrone Marshall, who was clearly hobbling, far sooner. In a sense, the clumsy and brutal tackle that wiped out Kenny Cooper was an accident waiting to happen. Limping and straining for twenty minutes prior - at least - Marshall knew he couldn't keep up...and so he fouled him. Cooper paid an awful price for that.
- Oh, the irony of the Joe Cannon trade. It's not that the talk of him being the "missing piece" for LA hasn't proved accurate; it's only that, instead of helping the team maintain wins, he's preventing LA from suffering blowouts.
- After Cannon, if there was a man of the match for LA, it was - sadly - Nate Jaqua. Martino might get honorable mention, but he was largely anonymous. Jaqua could at least hold up the ball in Dallas' third.
- On the Dallas goals, even if the first might have been offside (I didn't think it was) and call for the PK that made the second was harsh, Dallas was simply the better team.
- To be clear, though, that's not saying much. Dallas had their share of high, searching (read: wayward) balls.
- At least Dallas improved as the game went on. Pablo Ricchetti, especially, pushed into the attack to great effect in the second half - so maybe Steve Morrow deserves some credit for making adjustments at the half, I don't know. One sequence in the second half, though, where Dallas just danced through the LA midfield and rushed onto their defense - this was the sequence that ended with Kenny Cooper running onto a pretty back-heel from Michael Saragosa - revealed the extent to which one team improved as the game progressed, while the other collapsed.
- I feel sorry for David Beckham. Really. The English press may be piping a lot of bullshit about MLS hurting Beckham's game, but, badly as LA is playing, they may yet have a point.
Chicago Fire 0 - 1 Chivas USA
- Having not watched this game, I can't judge the evening authoritatively, but...if those were the highlights, this one wasn't much.
- Based on what I saw, though, Chivas deserved the win. And it looked like Maykel Galindo, again, shined for the California side.
- Has Dave Sarachan been fired yet? Is he preparing a letter to the front office about "wanting to spend more time with his family?" If not, is there perhaps someone who can write this for him?
- Seriously, after starting the season 3-0-1, Chicago has gone 1-5-1, adding only four points over - wow - seven games. Four points out of 21 sucks.
- Worse, apart from a couple decent turns in dangerous places by Chad Barrett, they simply didn't look all that threatening.
- Grim, grim times in Chicago.
Turning now, to what I endured this morning...
FC Dallas 3 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy
- Speaking of hot seats, I'm betting blisters are building Frank Yallop's ass.
- While neither team looked sharp - especially in the first half - LA was downriight DIRE. By the second half they were FEEBLE, TIRED...just awful.
- What separated Dallas from LA, though - or, rather, who - Juan Carlos Toja. His ability to shield the ball, keep his head up and make passes that maintain possession and switch the attack all at once just stood out on a men among boys level.
- Returning to LA's second half, the rot is growing fatal. Either this team is utterly demoralized...or they just plain suck. How many passes went miles off target, and how many straight to Dallas players? With their players rarely connecting, LA got steamrolled by opposition doing quite a bit of misfiring of their own.
- A real mystery to me came with why Yallop didn't sub out Tyrone Marshall, who was clearly hobbling, far sooner. In a sense, the clumsy and brutal tackle that wiped out Kenny Cooper was an accident waiting to happen. Limping and straining for twenty minutes prior - at least - Marshall knew he couldn't keep up...and so he fouled him. Cooper paid an awful price for that.
- Oh, the irony of the Joe Cannon trade. It's not that the talk of him being the "missing piece" for LA hasn't proved accurate; it's only that, instead of helping the team maintain wins, he's preventing LA from suffering blowouts.
- After Cannon, if there was a man of the match for LA, it was - sadly - Nate Jaqua. Martino might get honorable mention, but he was largely anonymous. Jaqua could at least hold up the ball in Dallas' third.
- On the Dallas goals, even if the first might have been offside (I didn't think it was) and call for the PK that made the second was harsh, Dallas was simply the better team.
- To be clear, though, that's not saying much. Dallas had their share of high, searching (read: wayward) balls.
- At least Dallas improved as the game went on. Pablo Ricchetti, especially, pushed into the attack to great effect in the second half - so maybe Steve Morrow deserves some credit for making adjustments at the half, I don't know. One sequence in the second half, though, where Dallas just danced through the LA midfield and rushed onto their defense - this was the sequence that ended with Kenny Cooper running onto a pretty back-heel from Michael Saragosa - revealed the extent to which one team improved as the game progressed, while the other collapsed.
- I feel sorry for David Beckham. Really. The English press may be piping a lot of bullshit about MLS hurting Beckham's game, but, badly as LA is playing, they may yet have a point.
U.S. 2 - 0 Trinidad + Tobago
I’ll begin by leveling with anyone who may read this. I watched this game while: first doing a bit of a home work-out, followed by a brief yoga routine - that also involved the further distraction of teaching one of my daughters a few poses. So...we’re not talking undivided attention.
With that in mind, here goes:
- Speaking of “undivided attention” - or, more appropriately - speaking of attention spans, what the hell is our collective problem? The U.S. Men are showing the concentration of three-year-olds on a Cocoa Puffs bender. The parade of defensive breakdowns with which the first half closed, not to mention how poorly we’re managing games/possession - again - don’t speak well of our chances of retaining the title.
- This was, after all, Trinidad + Tobago.
- No, scratch that. This was T + T’s B-team.
- For all that, I never got the sense the U.S. would lose this game, scrappy as it got.
- The coolest thing about that: we essentially fielded a second-team of our own. That we can do that in an international game of any kind is just flat-out great. Sure, the defense looked shaky from time to time and, sure, we had some trouble with possession. But we were still able to field a team that may not beat anyone on the world stage, but it wouldn’t get embarrassed either. That’s depth, baby.
- Turning to specifics, I’m not sold on Benny Feilhaber. What he did show against T + T is that, if you give him time on the ball - and T + T undoubtedly and stupidly did so - he will hurt you. He certainly has the playing skills for that. But, as with the Guatemala game, he gets pushed around when the going gets ugly. The way to stop Feilhaber is to get someone on him right away - and make sure that someone lets him know they’re there.
- Hell, Justin Mapp looked tougher. Moreover, for every time Mapp got caught on the dribble, he played the ball quickly and effectively.
- Brian Ching just seems to be the kind of forward who takes four chances to score one. As such, it’s just a matter of him positioning himself to get those five chances. It’s not ideal, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
- We all bitch about Landon Donovan, but, for my money, he showed how effective he can be. And it’s the little things, like checking his run just that little bit on the counter for the second U.S. goal. Like it or not, and his maddening ability to get occasionally overwhelmed aside, he's our best offensive player...period.
- You know who’s really on my mind, though? Eddie Johnson - and, specifically, what is lacking in his game. Here’s a short list: he doesn’t play the ball quickly enough; when he gets the ball in a forward position, he never gets his head up and looks forward, but instead seems to think about whether to run with the ball before dishing it backwards. More plays went to EJ to die yesterday than I can count.
- I like Jay DeMerit. I trust Jay DeMerit to keep the U.S. goal safe.
- Apart from some shaky moments, Michael Parkhurst showed a little of what makes him effective in defense; it’s kind of a judo thing. On the other hand, his lack of size certainly does show on occasion.
- Jonathan Spector was all right, but Frank Simeks’ side of the field felt safer.
- I know Ricardo Clark played, but can’t remember anything remarkable.
- All in all, I got to the disturbing piece of this game above: if we can’t manage the game better - e.g. blunt the opposition attack with some spells of game-throttling possession - we’re not going to improve much on the Bruce Arena era.
- The officiating wasn’t the best, but it was better than the Guatemala game. The worst thing? How many offside calls did the officiating crew blow in the first half? I remember three - and good job on the replays FSC.
- Finally, we won and that’s the important thing. We’ll probably beat El Salvador as well and win the group with a perfect record. So....why don’t I feel confident about what follows?
And, as everyone knows, the other Group B result of the day surprised no one: Guatemala beat El Salvador 1-0.
I’ll begin by leveling with anyone who may read this. I watched this game while: first doing a bit of a home work-out, followed by a brief yoga routine - that also involved the further distraction of teaching one of my daughters a few poses. So...we’re not talking undivided attention.
With that in mind, here goes:
- Speaking of “undivided attention” - or, more appropriately - speaking of attention spans, what the hell is our collective problem? The U.S. Men are showing the concentration of three-year-olds on a Cocoa Puffs bender. The parade of defensive breakdowns with which the first half closed, not to mention how poorly we’re managing games/possession - again - don’t speak well of our chances of retaining the title.
- This was, after all, Trinidad + Tobago.
- No, scratch that. This was T + T’s B-team.
- For all that, I never got the sense the U.S. would lose this game, scrappy as it got.
- The coolest thing about that: we essentially fielded a second-team of our own. That we can do that in an international game of any kind is just flat-out great. Sure, the defense looked shaky from time to time and, sure, we had some trouble with possession. But we were still able to field a team that may not beat anyone on the world stage, but it wouldn’t get embarrassed either. That’s depth, baby.
- Turning to specifics, I’m not sold on Benny Feilhaber. What he did show against T + T is that, if you give him time on the ball - and T + T undoubtedly and stupidly did so - he will hurt you. He certainly has the playing skills for that. But, as with the Guatemala game, he gets pushed around when the going gets ugly. The way to stop Feilhaber is to get someone on him right away - and make sure that someone lets him know they’re there.
- Hell, Justin Mapp looked tougher. Moreover, for every time Mapp got caught on the dribble, he played the ball quickly and effectively.
- Brian Ching just seems to be the kind of forward who takes four chances to score one. As such, it’s just a matter of him positioning himself to get those five chances. It’s not ideal, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
- We all bitch about Landon Donovan, but, for my money, he showed how effective he can be. And it’s the little things, like checking his run just that little bit on the counter for the second U.S. goal. Like it or not, and his maddening ability to get occasionally overwhelmed aside, he's our best offensive player...period.
- You know who’s really on my mind, though? Eddie Johnson - and, specifically, what is lacking in his game. Here’s a short list: he doesn’t play the ball quickly enough; when he gets the ball in a forward position, he never gets his head up and looks forward, but instead seems to think about whether to run with the ball before dishing it backwards. More plays went to EJ to die yesterday than I can count.
- I like Jay DeMerit. I trust Jay DeMerit to keep the U.S. goal safe.
- Apart from some shaky moments, Michael Parkhurst showed a little of what makes him effective in defense; it’s kind of a judo thing. On the other hand, his lack of size certainly does show on occasion.
- Jonathan Spector was all right, but Frank Simeks’ side of the field felt safer.
- I know Ricardo Clark played, but can’t remember anything remarkable.
- All in all, I got to the disturbing piece of this game above: if we can’t manage the game better - e.g. blunt the opposition attack with some spells of game-throttling possession - we’re not going to improve much on the Bruce Arena era.
- The officiating wasn’t the best, but it was better than the Guatemala game. The worst thing? How many offside calls did the officiating crew blow in the first half? I remember three - and good job on the replays FSC.
- Finally, we won and that’s the important thing. We’ll probably beat El Salvador as well and win the group with a perfect record. So....why don’t I feel confident about what follows?
And, as everyone knows, the other Group B result of the day surprised no one: Guatemala beat El Salvador 1-0.
First of all, I can't believe it's already Week 10. Where does the time go?
As all y'all know, Major League Soccer's (MLS) Week 10 is already two games old. Andd here are the two results, with some quick-and-dirty notes on each:
Toronto FC 1 - 2 Red Bull New York
- Try to ignore another "angel" pun in the headline. I know...just do your best.
- I'm not sure what to make of Juan Pablo Angel - and I don't mean as to whether he's a good player or not because, clearly, he is. My concern is whether he's exposing the level of play...or maybe he's just that sneaky. Whatever it is, the guy has six goals in five games...he's starting to make the league look bad.
- Even if they rode Angel's back to the victory, I'm still impressed by teams winning in Toronto.
- The previous line looms large because, at least judging by the Quick Kick highlights, Toronto looked like the stronger team on the day. And how close to Ronnie O'Brien go to equalizing right at the end?
- Andy Welsh is growing on me. He seems tireless out there.
Houston Dynamo 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids
- It wasn't till I realized this game played in Houston that I could stop thinking about how low I would have to move Colorado in the ol' power rankings. A road loss to Houston ain't that bad.
- On the flipside, though, does this mean Houston is finally waking up.
- If Stuart Holden can crack a goal like the winner, hey, it could be.
- As admitted above, I didn't watch this one - and I only caught the short(-bus) version of the highlights. As such, there wasn't a lot I could gleen about Colorado's performance. It's significant enough that they lost, but, still...it feels a little thin for passing judgment.
- In truth, the same goes for Houston.
(########)
As all y'all know, Major League Soccer's (MLS) Week 10 is already two games old. Andd here are the two results, with some quick-and-dirty notes on each:
Toronto FC 1 - 2 Red Bull New York
- Try to ignore another "angel" pun in the headline. I know...just do your best.
- I'm not sure what to make of Juan Pablo Angel - and I don't mean as to whether he's a good player or not because, clearly, he is. My concern is whether he's exposing the level of play...or maybe he's just that sneaky. Whatever it is, the guy has six goals in five games...he's starting to make the league look bad.
- Even if they rode Angel's back to the victory, I'm still impressed by teams winning in Toronto.
- The previous line looms large because, at least judging by the Quick Kick highlights, Toronto looked like the stronger team on the day. And how close to Ronnie O'Brien go to equalizing right at the end?
- Andy Welsh is growing on me. He seems tireless out there.
Houston Dynamo 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids
- It wasn't till I realized this game played in Houston that I could stop thinking about how low I would have to move Colorado in the ol' power rankings. A road loss to Houston ain't that bad.
- On the flipside, though, does this mean Houston is finally waking up.
- If Stuart Holden can crack a goal like the winner, hey, it could be.
- As admitted above, I didn't watch this one - and I only caught the short(-bus) version of the highlights. As such, there wasn't a lot I could gleen about Colorado's performance. It's significant enough that they lost, but, still...it feels a little thin for passing judgment.
- In truth, the same goes for Houston.
(########)
In keeping with usual practice, what appears below comes before reading a single line of anyone else’s scribblings (the theory* behind this is explained below, in case you’re curious).
United States 1 - 0 Guatemala
Big Picture
Sloppy. Sloppy and ugly. Wait. Sloppy, anxious, and ugly. A few more adjectives probably apply, but those get at the meat of things. The CONCACAF rankings peg the U.S. Men (Yanquis) at #2 in the region and Guatemala at #10, but the proverbial Man from Mars wouldn’t have thought as much - at least not in the second half. We started strongly enough - and a few Yanquis had strong nights throughout - but we had surrendered the upper hand in this game well before Oguchi Onyewu received his marching orders. All in all, the players on the field looked nervous as I felt watching them.
Bottom line, though, we won. We played well enough, had just enough moments of brilliance, as well as the proper mix of share of timely interventions and lucky bounces, to win this important, opening game. The down side: at this point, we don’t look like a team that’s going to win this tournament.
Moving on to details:
- I friggin’ HATE watching the Yanquis play Guatemala. Just drives me nuts. They are U.S. Men’s Bolton Wanderers. Since it’s possible I’m not current on my EPL bogey-men, let me rephrase that: they are the team your guys really should beat, but against whom they always, always struggle. While the Guatemalans’ use of gamesmanship is both expert and maddening, the real rub is their prodigious ability to keep their shape combined with having just enough talent on hand to catch out a good team.
- That said, our defense pulled off the impressive trick of blocking my throat with my heart; they achieved the feat with a generally harried appearance. On a couple occasions, my heart even tried to make an escape - think the near-own goal by Carlos Bocanegra and the joint flubbing of a series of Guatemalan long-balls over the top early in the second half. Apparently, my heart had the good sense to try to leave the room rather than sit through those 25 minutes of torture.
- Speaking of, nearly everyone noted Onyewu’s unsettled performance. There was, of course, the red card, but that only slapped a big, red exclamation mark on a rocky evening. Regarding the card, it’s possible that Onyewu shouldn’t have picked up that first yellow, but, on the second, the ref simply had no choice. And it’s not like the man didn’t know he had the card...a detail that should have made that hip-check the last course of action.
- The subject of the officiating does, however, bear noting. I can’t dredge up the man’s name right now, in spite of hissing it to my wife late in the second half. While he didn’t have much choice with Onyewu, the ref did seem a little card-happy when it came to the Yanquis. This only grew upsetting after seeing U.S. players carded for the first offense, while DaMarcus Beasley endured three consecutive fouls without a single Guatemalan player getting so much as whistled.
- The officiating does, however, open a pathway to some praise for the commentary - I know...weird, right? Late in the game, Christopher “You’re From Where Now?” Sullivan offered an insight that might have made the officiating seem less bizarre. He noted that the ref seemed to be letting certain kinds of contact go unpunished; if memory serves, it involved using one’s arms a certain way and then getting the legs involved. I wasn’t watching the officiating on the same level so I can’t say whether he was on to something, but I appreciated commentary that spoke on that level of detail.
- For a spell in the first half and until the Guatemalans got hold of the game from the start of the second half till about the 80th minute, players started bypassing the midfield and sending high, hopeful balls over the top, or long, semi-desperate leading passes down the wings. Not surprisingly, we lost a good deal of possession through these tactics. Bad idea.
- We did look good for a couple stretches. For instance, we started strong (either that or the Guatemalans ceded too much of the ball) and closed the first half so strongly that the start of the second half felt a lot like a let-down.
- But the part of the game that most impressed me came with the end, when, perhaps, the Guatemalan side wore out. Still, we pushed into their half for much of the closing ten minutes and kept possession better than we had at any point during the rest of the second half...
U.S. Player Ratings
...y’know, in order to keep this from sprawling indefinitely, I’m just going to rate the U.S. field players and call it good (suddenly, I understand why people do this). By way of scale, it’s a 1-to-10 affair, with 5.0 signifying entirely adequate play that involved doing no harm, but also doing little in the way of noticeable good.
Tim Howard, 6.0: Didn’t have a lot to do, but did it well enough. I like that he’s a yeller. All ‘keepers should be yellers as far as I’m concerned (I’m looking at you, Troy Perkins).
Frankie Hejduk, 4.5: Nice headlock tackle, Frankie. Columbus is rubbing off on you. In all seriousness, his defending was tolerable (and would have yielded a “good enough” 5.0), but his passing and forays forward had me yelling, “NO!” at the screen.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: Just too nervous, as evidenced by nearly slicing in an own-goal, and passed too long, too often.
Oguchi Onyewu, 3.5: Frankly, “Gooch” played unsteady, uncertain, barely controlled soccer. And going in for obstruction so clearly that he may as well waved the linesman's flag for him and while carrying a yellow, that was just a dumb play.
Jonathan Bornstein, 5.5: My comparative bright spot in the back line.
Benny Feilhaber, 5.0: Apart from a flash here or a decent, defense-upsetting pass there (few and far between), Benny seemed relatively anonymous out there. Came on stronger during the second half, but a pretty unremarkable outing.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: Roughly the same applied here as to Feilhaber, but I caught more of Bradley disrupting.
DaMarcus Beasley, 6.0: Take a good first half and add some useful things in the second on both sides of the ball and Beasley did pretty well for himself.
Landon Donovan, 6.5: He was the Yanqui’s man of the match for me. Yeah, a few free-kicks really sucked, but he did more than most to keep the Guatemalans honest in the back. Oh, and does anyone know what happened between him and Ruiz?
Clint Dempsey, 6.0: Great awareness on the goal in terms of separating from his marker; he did it so well he had one of the Guatemalan defenders jumping in frustration. Deuce had a decent day in general, though he held the ball too much on a few occasions.
Taylor Twellman, 5.5: Good day on the whole, not least on the assist to Dempsey’s goal (incredibly, he outran someone from behind to play that in). He would have ranked higher - by quite a bit - if it weren’t for boning that header on goal...after calling off Dempsey. But his worse habit was trying to pass with his head too often; it was great when it worked, but he also killed a lot of plays when he didn’t hit these little passes just right.
Eddie Johnson, 5.0: While he didn’t do much in terms of breaking down the Guatemalans, he made some smart plays in keeping possession toward the end.
Jay DeMerit, 6.0: I think he did very well in stabilizing the back-line when the U.S. went a man down; the overall picture felt more composed. He should start against Trinidad and, if he performs well there, he should get the start till he loses it.
Did we have another sub? We must have, right? Can’t recall who right now, which probably means they did OK. All for now. Looking forward to Saturday - enough so that I’ll probably post over the weekend.
- Crap. Credit to Jeff Carlisle for reminding me that Steve Ralston came on as a sub. Moreover, he did fairly well - call it a 5.0. But he gains at 0.1 on that ranking for corralling Bocanegra late in the game.
(* OK, here’s the theory behind the commenting before reading. If I write down what I think I saw, it teaches me something about what I’m seeing and not seeing when I watch a game. That way when I do go back and read everyone else’s stuff, I get a stronger sense of what I’m not catching in games.)
United States 1 - 0 Guatemala
Big Picture
Sloppy. Sloppy and ugly. Wait. Sloppy, anxious, and ugly. A few more adjectives probably apply, but those get at the meat of things. The CONCACAF rankings peg the U.S. Men (Yanquis) at #2 in the region and Guatemala at #10, but the proverbial Man from Mars wouldn’t have thought as much - at least not in the second half. We started strongly enough - and a few Yanquis had strong nights throughout - but we had surrendered the upper hand in this game well before Oguchi Onyewu received his marching orders. All in all, the players on the field looked nervous as I felt watching them.
Bottom line, though, we won. We played well enough, had just enough moments of brilliance, as well as the proper mix of share of timely interventions and lucky bounces, to win this important, opening game. The down side: at this point, we don’t look like a team that’s going to win this tournament.
Moving on to details:
- I friggin’ HATE watching the Yanquis play Guatemala. Just drives me nuts. They are U.S. Men’s Bolton Wanderers. Since it’s possible I’m not current on my EPL bogey-men, let me rephrase that: they are the team your guys really should beat, but against whom they always, always struggle. While the Guatemalans’ use of gamesmanship is both expert and maddening, the real rub is their prodigious ability to keep their shape combined with having just enough talent on hand to catch out a good team.
- That said, our defense pulled off the impressive trick of blocking my throat with my heart; they achieved the feat with a generally harried appearance. On a couple occasions, my heart even tried to make an escape - think the near-own goal by Carlos Bocanegra and the joint flubbing of a series of Guatemalan long-balls over the top early in the second half. Apparently, my heart had the good sense to try to leave the room rather than sit through those 25 minutes of torture.
- Speaking of, nearly everyone noted Onyewu’s unsettled performance. There was, of course, the red card, but that only slapped a big, red exclamation mark on a rocky evening. Regarding the card, it’s possible that Onyewu shouldn’t have picked up that first yellow, but, on the second, the ref simply had no choice. And it’s not like the man didn’t know he had the card...a detail that should have made that hip-check the last course of action.
- The subject of the officiating does, however, bear noting. I can’t dredge up the man’s name right now, in spite of hissing it to my wife late in the second half. While he didn’t have much choice with Onyewu, the ref did seem a little card-happy when it came to the Yanquis. This only grew upsetting after seeing U.S. players carded for the first offense, while DaMarcus Beasley endured three consecutive fouls without a single Guatemalan player getting so much as whistled.
- The officiating does, however, open a pathway to some praise for the commentary - I know...weird, right? Late in the game, Christopher “You’re From Where Now?” Sullivan offered an insight that might have made the officiating seem less bizarre. He noted that the ref seemed to be letting certain kinds of contact go unpunished; if memory serves, it involved using one’s arms a certain way and then getting the legs involved. I wasn’t watching the officiating on the same level so I can’t say whether he was on to something, but I appreciated commentary that spoke on that level of detail.
- For a spell in the first half and until the Guatemalans got hold of the game from the start of the second half till about the 80th minute, players started bypassing the midfield and sending high, hopeful balls over the top, or long, semi-desperate leading passes down the wings. Not surprisingly, we lost a good deal of possession through these tactics. Bad idea.
- We did look good for a couple stretches. For instance, we started strong (either that or the Guatemalans ceded too much of the ball) and closed the first half so strongly that the start of the second half felt a lot like a let-down.
- But the part of the game that most impressed me came with the end, when, perhaps, the Guatemalan side wore out. Still, we pushed into their half for much of the closing ten minutes and kept possession better than we had at any point during the rest of the second half...
U.S. Player Ratings
...y’know, in order to keep this from sprawling indefinitely, I’m just going to rate the U.S. field players and call it good (suddenly, I understand why people do this). By way of scale, it’s a 1-to-10 affair, with 5.0 signifying entirely adequate play that involved doing no harm, but also doing little in the way of noticeable good.
Tim Howard, 6.0: Didn’t have a lot to do, but did it well enough. I like that he’s a yeller. All ‘keepers should be yellers as far as I’m concerned (I’m looking at you, Troy Perkins).
Frankie Hejduk, 4.5: Nice headlock tackle, Frankie. Columbus is rubbing off on you. In all seriousness, his defending was tolerable (and would have yielded a “good enough” 5.0), but his passing and forays forward had me yelling, “NO!” at the screen.
Carlos Bocanegra, 4.5: Just too nervous, as evidenced by nearly slicing in an own-goal, and passed too long, too often.
Oguchi Onyewu, 3.5: Frankly, “Gooch” played unsteady, uncertain, barely controlled soccer. And going in for obstruction so clearly that he may as well waved the linesman's flag for him and while carrying a yellow, that was just a dumb play.
Jonathan Bornstein, 5.5: My comparative bright spot in the back line.
Benny Feilhaber, 5.0: Apart from a flash here or a decent, defense-upsetting pass there (few and far between), Benny seemed relatively anonymous out there. Came on stronger during the second half, but a pretty unremarkable outing.
Michael Bradley, 5.5: Roughly the same applied here as to Feilhaber, but I caught more of Bradley disrupting.
DaMarcus Beasley, 6.0: Take a good first half and add some useful things in the second on both sides of the ball and Beasley did pretty well for himself.
Landon Donovan, 6.5: He was the Yanqui’s man of the match for me. Yeah, a few free-kicks really sucked, but he did more than most to keep the Guatemalans honest in the back. Oh, and does anyone know what happened between him and Ruiz?
Clint Dempsey, 6.0: Great awareness on the goal in terms of separating from his marker; he did it so well he had one of the Guatemalan defenders jumping in frustration. Deuce had a decent day in general, though he held the ball too much on a few occasions.
Taylor Twellman, 5.5: Good day on the whole, not least on the assist to Dempsey’s goal (incredibly, he outran someone from behind to play that in). He would have ranked higher - by quite a bit - if it weren’t for boning that header on goal...after calling off Dempsey. But his worse habit was trying to pass with his head too often; it was great when it worked, but he also killed a lot of plays when he didn’t hit these little passes just right.
Eddie Johnson, 5.0: While he didn’t do much in terms of breaking down the Guatemalans, he made some smart plays in keeping possession toward the end.
Jay DeMerit, 6.0: I think he did very well in stabilizing the back-line when the U.S. went a man down; the overall picture felt more composed. He should start against Trinidad and, if he performs well there, he should get the start till he loses it.
Did we have another sub? We must have, right? Can’t recall who right now, which probably means they did OK. All for now. Looking forward to Saturday - enough so that I’ll probably post over the weekend.
- Crap. Credit to Jeff Carlisle for reminding me that Steve Ralston came on as a sub. Moreover, he did fairly well - call it a 5.0. But he gains at 0.1 on that ranking for corralling Bocanegra late in the game.
(* OK, here’s the theory behind the commenting before reading. If I write down what I think I saw, it teaches me something about what I’m seeing and not seeing when I watch a game. That way when I do go back and read everyone else’s stuff, I get a stronger sense of what I’m not catching in games.)
Before picking through the past two days’ MLS and U.S. Men’s-related Gold Cup results (I’ve had “things,” none of which should interest the present audience), I wanted to post some brief comments on the tournament in general.
Even though the print coverage has been pretty swell in general, I thought I'd chuck in a one-stop update or those not keeping tabs. The Gold Cup’s first two days turned in the following results:
Canada 2 - 1 Costa Rica (what?! Forza Canada!!)
Haiti 1 - 1 Guadeloupe
El Salvador 2 - 1 Trinidad & Tobago
All I want to say about that is, what a delightfully baffling tournament so far - especially the Canada/Costa Rica result. Costa Rica needing results from the next twoo sets up some lovely intrigue in Group A; I figured Haiti might cause some headaches, but now have to wonder whether 1) Guadeloupe might as well, or, 2) whether Haiti is weaker than I suspected. Good stuff.
The Group B results followed expectations a bit more closely, what with the chaos in the Trinidadian camp. And, without digging too deeply into my thoughts on the U.S.’s performance against Guatemala (more later), let’s just say I’m happy to be getting Trinidad first.
In semi-related materials, something that ran a couple days ago in the Houston Chronicle - something I had intended to pass on yesterday, but couldn’t due to “things” - laid out CONCACAF-only rankings for the participating teams. The rankings themselves aren’t all that shocking - e.g. Mexico is #1, we’re #2, Costa Rica’s #3, etc. - but it’s kinda nice to have rankings within the larger FIFA rankings available.
The 1-2 set-up, however, begs a question that the present tournament may or may not answer: why is Mexico, who the U.S. Men have beaten with meaningful regularity, still ranked #1? For what it’s worth, I don’t think the ranking is wrong so much as it could use some explaining. Here’s a stab at it: while we do beat Mexico, we don’t often look like world-beaters doing it; also, there’s the fact that we’ve never beat them in Mexico...everywhere else, yes, but Mexico, no.
That last detail is a curious thing, but it’s one that strikes me as especially meaningful. It provides a rejoinder of sorts to a contention in an Ives Galarcep article that the U.S. could “prove something” by beating Mexico in the Gold Cup final. While the contention that we need to prove anything is controversial on its own, it's the home-field angle that leaves me dubious on signing off on Galarcep's specific argument. Here’s the thing, we could deliver a humiliating, tear-provoking ass-pounding in the final, riding the score up to 14-0 and I’m around 90% certain the Mexican players and coaches would unpack the usual comments about American’s “playing like women.”
Given that, I don’t personally believe that the coming Gold Cup final - assuming both the U.S. and Mexico make it - will bring any meaningful changes in the perception of both teams. Even if we win our second consecutive Gold Cup, the changing of the guard will only come if and when Mexico perceives itself as the weaker team - and I can only see that day coming when we beat Mexico in Mexico. That’s when the denials will finally ring hollow and the crown fall from Mexico’s head. After all, we’ve gone 7-1-0 (W-L-T) in the past eight meetings and that hasn’t changed a thing. In other words, so long as any form of comforting excuse remains at hand, Mexicans won't buy into second-place status.
Another way to dry up the excuses would be to play the Gold Cup outside the U.S. (how is it we keep winning this no-bid hosting gig?) I'm less certain of this, but beating Mexico in any other Central venue would do go some distance to drying up excuses as well. But, seeing as that can’t come about for another couple years, seems like we’ll have an earlier crack at winning in Mexico.
Can we do it? Sure. Paraguay did just a couple weeks ago. And I don't even think they've got Mexico's number like we have lately.
Even though the print coverage has been pretty swell in general, I thought I'd chuck in a one-stop update or those not keeping tabs. The Gold Cup’s first two days turned in the following results:
Canada 2 - 1 Costa Rica (what?! Forza Canada!!)
Haiti 1 - 1 Guadeloupe
El Salvador 2 - 1 Trinidad & Tobago
All I want to say about that is, what a delightfully baffling tournament so far - especially the Canada/Costa Rica result. Costa Rica needing results from the next twoo sets up some lovely intrigue in Group A; I figured Haiti might cause some headaches, but now have to wonder whether 1) Guadeloupe might as well, or, 2) whether Haiti is weaker than I suspected. Good stuff.
The Group B results followed expectations a bit more closely, what with the chaos in the Trinidadian camp. And, without digging too deeply into my thoughts on the U.S.’s performance against Guatemala (more later), let’s just say I’m happy to be getting Trinidad first.
In semi-related materials, something that ran a couple days ago in the Houston Chronicle - something I had intended to pass on yesterday, but couldn’t due to “things” - laid out CONCACAF-only rankings for the participating teams. The rankings themselves aren’t all that shocking - e.g. Mexico is #1, we’re #2, Costa Rica’s #3, etc. - but it’s kinda nice to have rankings within the larger FIFA rankings available.
The 1-2 set-up, however, begs a question that the present tournament may or may not answer: why is Mexico, who the U.S. Men have beaten with meaningful regularity, still ranked #1? For what it’s worth, I don’t think the ranking is wrong so much as it could use some explaining. Here’s a stab at it: while we do beat Mexico, we don’t often look like world-beaters doing it; also, there’s the fact that we’ve never beat them in Mexico...everywhere else, yes, but Mexico, no.
That last detail is a curious thing, but it’s one that strikes me as especially meaningful. It provides a rejoinder of sorts to a contention in an Ives Galarcep article that the U.S. could “prove something” by beating Mexico in the Gold Cup final. While the contention that we need to prove anything is controversial on its own, it's the home-field angle that leaves me dubious on signing off on Galarcep's specific argument. Here’s the thing, we could deliver a humiliating, tear-provoking ass-pounding in the final, riding the score up to 14-0 and I’m around 90% certain the Mexican players and coaches would unpack the usual comments about American’s “playing like women.”
Given that, I don’t personally believe that the coming Gold Cup final - assuming both the U.S. and Mexico make it - will bring any meaningful changes in the perception of both teams. Even if we win our second consecutive Gold Cup, the changing of the guard will only come if and when Mexico perceives itself as the weaker team - and I can only see that day coming when we beat Mexico in Mexico. That’s when the denials will finally ring hollow and the crown fall from Mexico’s head. After all, we’ve gone 7-1-0 (W-L-T) in the past eight meetings and that hasn’t changed a thing. In other words, so long as any form of comforting excuse remains at hand, Mexicans won't buy into second-place status.
Another way to dry up the excuses would be to play the Gold Cup outside the U.S. (how is it we keep winning this no-bid hosting gig?) I'm less certain of this, but beating Mexico in any other Central venue would do go some distance to drying up excuses as well. But, seeing as that can’t come about for another couple years, seems like we’ll have an earlier crack at winning in Mexico.
Can we do it? Sure. Paraguay did just a couple weeks ago. And I don't even think they've got Mexico's number like we have lately.
With one exception, Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Hunt, the Semi-Detached Pundit Collective (SDPC) has rendered its somewhat baffled judgment on Week 9 of Major League Soccer’s 2007 season. Since I don’t have time for a lot of commentary today, here’s the short version: dude, it’s a mess.
Perhaps to compensate for the loss of Msr. Hunt’s contribution, this week’s collective rankings adds a feature: a parenthetical acknowledgement of where each team stood in last week’s rankings.
Moving on, here’s the source material for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Soccer by Ives (Ives Galarcep)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
Und jetz, der rankings!
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.1 (last week: 2/3; 2.8)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.0 (last week: 1st; 1.1)
3. New England Revolution, 3.1 (last week: 2/3; 2.8)
4. DC United, 4.4 (last week: 6th; 5.4)
5. Colorado Rapids, 5.1 (last week: 4th; 3.9)
6. FC Dallas, 6.9 (last week: 5th; 5.1)
7. Toronto FC, 7.1 (last week: 8th; 8.9)
8. Chivas USA, 8.0 (last week: 7th; 7.4)
9. Houston Dynamo, 8.4 (last week: 9th; 9.4)
10. Chicago Fire, 9.0 (last week, 11th: 10.5)
11. Los Angeles Galaxy, 11.3 (last week: 10th; 9.9)
12. Columbus Crew, 12.0 (last week: 12th; 11.3)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.6 (last week: 13th, 12.9)
OK, really, some quick comments:
- There's fairly real buy-in for DC's improvement and, appropriately, a more subtle buy-in for the more subtle improvements occurring with Real Salt Lake; Houston also gets honorable mention, but that could have as much to do with the lousy West and picking up their first win in ages.
- The bigger climbers, though, include: the Chicago Fire (for an aggregate improvement of 1.5!?); the Wizards (1.7); and, the winners by a hair, Toronto FC (1.8). Holy crap. Maybe they are playoff-bound.
- The big losers: the Rapids 1.1 is a pretty big drop, as was the 1.4 slap put on LA; but that 1.8 hurt the Collective put on Dallas says the most.
All for now. Gotta go.
Perhaps to compensate for the loss of Msr. Hunt’s contribution, this week’s collective rankings adds a feature: a parenthetical acknowledgement of where each team stood in last week’s rankings.
Moving on, here’s the source material for this week’s SPDC rankings:
It’s a Simple Game
The Other Football
Sideline Views (Luis Bueno)
Soccer by Ives (Ives Galarcep)
WVHooligan
My Soccer Blog
MLS Underground
ESPN
Und jetz, der rankings!
1. Kansas City Wizards, 1.1 (last week: 2/3; 2.8)
2. Red Bull New York, 2.0 (last week: 1st; 1.1)
3. New England Revolution, 3.1 (last week: 2/3; 2.8)
4. DC United, 4.4 (last week: 6th; 5.4)
5. Colorado Rapids, 5.1 (last week: 4th; 3.9)
6. FC Dallas, 6.9 (last week: 5th; 5.1)
7. Toronto FC, 7.1 (last week: 8th; 8.9)
8. Chivas USA, 8.0 (last week: 7th; 7.4)
9. Houston Dynamo, 8.4 (last week: 9th; 9.4)
10. Chicago Fire, 9.0 (last week, 11th: 10.5)
11. Los Angeles Galaxy, 11.3 (last week: 10th; 9.9)
12. Columbus Crew, 12.0 (last week: 12th; 11.3)
13. Real Salt Lake, 12.6 (last week: 13th, 12.9)
OK, really, some quick comments:
- There's fairly real buy-in for DC's improvement and, appropriately, a more subtle buy-in for the more subtle improvements occurring with Real Salt Lake; Houston also gets honorable mention, but that could have as much to do with the lousy West and picking up their first win in ages.
- The bigger climbers, though, include: the Chicago Fire (for an aggregate improvement of 1.5!?); the Wizards (1.7); and, the winners by a hair, Toronto FC (1.8). Holy crap. Maybe they are playoff-bound.
- The big losers: the Rapids 1.1 is a pretty big drop, as was the 1.4 slap put on LA; but that 1.8 hurt the Collective put on Dallas says the most.
All for now. Gotta go.
As usual, last week’s ranking appears in parentheses immediately after this week’s ranking. So as to not misrepresent my judgment as entirely first-hand, here’s a key for my viewing: “@” means I watched a given team’s most recent performance in its entirety; “$” means I caught it through Quick Kicks, which provides extended highlights; “&” means I watched only the rump highlights available through MLSnet.com. Later today, I’ll compare what I’ve got below with the other rankings I’ve found - though, as always, I compiled my rankings without reference to anyone else’s.
By way of general commentary, I only want to say to the teams ranked from, oh, #3 to #10: you disgust me. Wait. There’s one exception to that: Toronto FC. You guys are OK. As for Chivas USA, I’ll give you guys a pass if you’re nice to me. The rest of you, though, SHAME! SHAME!! Can’t you just do something to help make sense of this damn league? A meaningful streak? Start sucking in earnest? SOMETHING?!
In news not relevant to what comes below - though it will affect the quality - I fell asleep standing up on the train today (not completely, mind, but I did drop my book).
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (1) Kansas City Wizards (2/3 @ + $)
It’s not the win against the previous #1. It’s not even the EJ hat trick; it even seems fair to call it a little fluky given it has never happened before. It’s the way the Wizards played, the ball movement, the pressure; it’s the way they controlled the game. See below.
2. (2) Red Bull New York (2/3 @ + $)
How close did I come to leaving Red Bull at #1? I started typing the entry. That I couldn’t follow through tells me something. But I also can’t shake the feeling that last weekend’s (very good) game didn’t tell observers enough about the two teams. Injuries play a role as well. Bottom line: I’m just not 100% sure KC is really the better team. They were last week, though, and that’s why they’re higher.
3. (5) DC United (&)
DC is the one-eyed man in the Land of the Blind; I don’t seriously think they’re the third-best team in the league right now. But they have managed one thing those below have not: consistency. If and when they figure their shit out, that puts them in a better position.
4. (3) Colorado Rapids (1/2 @ + $)
In spite of watching a lot of this one, I didn’t internalize the Rapids performance until the FC Rocky blog framed it proper (which is down just now). The Rapids are a good team, but something is missing. And that missing “something” bit them on the butt last Saturday.
5. (4) New England Revolution ($)
An element of the arbitrary informs power ranking. But, by way of showing it isn’t totally arbitrary, I restrained myself from further punishing New England for Saturday’s goalless tie with the team that, often as not, shows as the worst in the league. The next couple games should fill in some blanks about this team - and, on current form, the complete picture could go either way.
6. (8) Toronto FC (1/2 @ + $)
I don’t think anyone wants to play this team at home. And as much as people look at their road form, a trip back through MLS history to see where the cutoff for the playoffs comes - especially the two 30-game seasons (LINK and LINK) - says something. Yeah, I know; different playoff format and all that, but that could help Toronto if the West keeps sucking. At any rate, on current form, they’ll take 18 of the 30 points at home; add that to their current 10, that takes you to 28 - and that doesn’t look so bad against the 33 point “haul” that got one team into the playoffs a few years back. They may not need that much on the road.
7. (7) Chivas USA (@)
Idle this week. With so many uninspiring performances from teams above and below, it seems wise to check in later with this bunch.
8. (10) Houston Dynamo (nada)
I’ve heard tell of first-half flatness and that fits their profile so far. A win does make them look somewhat capable, though. Shame it has to come before half the team starts playing elsewhere. By the way, is there a Fire Kinnear movement afoot? I’d be shocked, but thought I’d check.
9. (6) FC Dallas (nada)
Straight .500 soccer just isn’t impressive; under a more “real world” format, they wouldn’t be a playoff team playing as they are. Maybe dropping them so far as this goes too far (probably does, in fact), but there’s something about this team that leaves me skittish.
10. (9) Los Angeles Galaxy (&)
Seriously, guys. Can I join the team? It’s not like you don’t need the players. I’m pretty bad in front of goal, but that’s apparently all right out LA way.
11. (13) Chicago Fire (@)
Oh, hey. Is that you, Mr. Sarachan? You’re still here? Wow. OK, I’ve already praised Chad Barrett’s goal - great stuff and crucial in the game - but I’m not sold on this team’s capacity to build on last week’s win. Too bad they have Chivas next weekend...send more tea leaves, guys.
12. (12) Real Salt Lake ($)
Inching, biting, clawing...I’m embarrassed by the extent to which I’m buying into the Kreis program. True, they’re not winning; in fact, they have yet to win. But improving things on one half of the field - and the correct half - at least lays the foundation.
13. (7) Columbus Crew (@)
Seriously, if Barrett doesn’t score that goal last Sunday, Columbus’s second was coming; and who knows what would have happened then? Still, the Crew don’t play in an alternate universe; they play in this one...where things are going very, very badly. It must be maddening to look and play better, but...but...dang. In their defense, things wouldn’t look so bad if they played in the West.
Moving on to the standings (current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Kansas City Wiz: 19 pts. (6-2-1: 19 GF, 12 GA, +7; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-1-1)
2. New England Revs: 18 pts. (5-2-3: 18 GF, 11 GA, +7; home, 2-1-1; away, 3-1-2)
3. Red Bull New York: 17 pts. (5-2-2: 17 GF, 7 GA, +10; home, 4-1-0; away, 1-1-2)
4. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-4-2: 11 GF, 15 GA, -4; home, 3-1-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. DC United: 11 pts. (3-3-2: 10 GF, 11 GA, -1; home, 2-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
6. Toronto FC: 10 pts. (3-5-1: 9 GF, 16 GA, -7; home, 3-2-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 8 pts. (1-2-5: 6 GF, 10 GA, -4; home, 1-0-4; away, 0-2-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 14 GF, 16 GA, -2; home, 2-2-0; away, 3-3-1)
2. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-3-3: 12 GF, 12 GA, 0; home 2-1-3; away, 2-2-0)
3. Chivas USA: 11 pts. (3-3-2: 12 GF, 8 GA; +4; home, 3-0-1; away, 0-3-1)
4. Houston Dynamo: 10 pts. (3-5-1: 7 GF, 8 GA, -1; home, 2-2-1; away, 1-3-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 6 pts. (1-3-3: 7 GF, 8 GA, -1; home, 1-2-1; away, 0-1-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-3-6: 7 GF, 14 GA, -7; home, 0-1-3; away, 0-2-3)
By way of general commentary, I only want to say to the teams ranked from, oh, #3 to #10: you disgust me. Wait. There’s one exception to that: Toronto FC. You guys are OK. As for Chivas USA, I’ll give you guys a pass if you’re nice to me. The rest of you, though, SHAME! SHAME!! Can’t you just do something to help make sense of this damn league? A meaningful streak? Start sucking in earnest? SOMETHING?!
In news not relevant to what comes below - though it will affect the quality - I fell asleep standing up on the train today (not completely, mind, but I did drop my book).
Here goes...and after the rankings, you’ll find a current listing of the standings for the permanent record.
1. (1) Kansas City Wizards (2/3 @ + $)
It’s not the win against the previous #1. It’s not even the EJ hat trick; it even seems fair to call it a little fluky given it has never happened before. It’s the way the Wizards played, the ball movement, the pressure; it’s the way they controlled the game. See below.
2. (2) Red Bull New York (2/3 @ + $)
How close did I come to leaving Red Bull at #1? I started typing the entry. That I couldn’t follow through tells me something. But I also can’t shake the feeling that last weekend’s (very good) game didn’t tell observers enough about the two teams. Injuries play a role as well. Bottom line: I’m just not 100% sure KC is really the better team. They were last week, though, and that’s why they’re higher.
3. (5) DC United (&)
DC is the one-eyed man in the Land of the Blind; I don’t seriously think they’re the third-best team in the league right now. But they have managed one thing those below have not: consistency. If and when they figure their shit out, that puts them in a better position.
4. (3) Colorado Rapids (1/2 @ + $)
In spite of watching a lot of this one, I didn’t internalize the Rapids performance until the FC Rocky blog framed it proper (which is down just now). The Rapids are a good team, but something is missing. And that missing “something” bit them on the butt last Saturday.
5. (4) New England Revolution ($)
An element of the arbitrary informs power ranking. But, by way of showing it isn’t totally arbitrary, I restrained myself from further punishing New England for Saturday’s goalless tie with the team that, often as not, shows as the worst in the league. The next couple games should fill in some blanks about this team - and, on current form, the complete picture could go either way.
6. (8) Toronto FC (1/2 @ + $)
I don’t think anyone wants to play this team at home. And as much as people look at their road form, a trip back through MLS history to see where the cutoff for the playoffs comes - especially the two 30-game seasons (LINK and LINK) - says something. Yeah, I know; different playoff format and all that, but that could help Toronto if the West keeps sucking. At any rate, on current form, they’ll take 18 of the 30 points at home; add that to their current 10, that takes you to 28 - and that doesn’t look so bad against the 33 point “haul” that got one team into the playoffs a few years back. They may not need that much on the road.
7. (7) Chivas USA (@)
Idle this week. With so many uninspiring performances from teams above and below, it seems wise to check in later with this bunch.
8. (10) Houston Dynamo (nada)
I’ve heard tell of first-half flatness and that fits their profile so far. A win does make them look somewhat capable, though. Shame it has to come before half the team starts playing elsewhere. By the way, is there a Fire Kinnear movement afoot? I’d be shocked, but thought I’d check.
9. (6) FC Dallas (nada)
Straight .500 soccer just isn’t impressive; under a more “real world” format, they wouldn’t be a playoff team playing as they are. Maybe dropping them so far as this goes too far (probably does, in fact), but there’s something about this team that leaves me skittish.
10. (9) Los Angeles Galaxy (&)
Seriously, guys. Can I join the team? It’s not like you don’t need the players. I’m pretty bad in front of goal, but that’s apparently all right out LA way.
11. (13) Chicago Fire (@)
Oh, hey. Is that you, Mr. Sarachan? You’re still here? Wow. OK, I’ve already praised Chad Barrett’s goal - great stuff and crucial in the game - but I’m not sold on this team’s capacity to build on last week’s win. Too bad they have Chivas next weekend...send more tea leaves, guys.
12. (12) Real Salt Lake ($)
Inching, biting, clawing...I’m embarrassed by the extent to which I’m buying into the Kreis program. True, they’re not winning; in fact, they have yet to win. But improving things on one half of the field - and the correct half - at least lays the foundation.
13. (7) Columbus Crew (@)
Seriously, if Barrett doesn’t score that goal last Sunday, Columbus’s second was coming; and who knows what would have happened then? Still, the Crew don’t play in an alternate universe; they play in this one...where things are going very, very badly. It must be maddening to look and play better, but...but...dang. In their defense, things wouldn’t look so bad if they played in the West.
Moving on to the standings (current official ones):
Eastern Conference
1. Kansas City Wiz: 19 pts. (6-2-1: 19 GF, 12 GA, +7; home, 3-1-0; away, 3-1-1)
2. New England Revs: 18 pts. (5-2-3: 18 GF, 11 GA, +7; home, 2-1-1; away, 3-1-2)
3. Red Bull New York: 17 pts. (5-2-2: 17 GF, 7 GA, +10; home, 4-1-0; away, 1-1-2)
4. Chicago Fire: 14 pts. (4-4-2: 11 GF, 15 GA, -4; home, 3-1-1; away, 1-3-1)
5. DC United: 11 pts. (3-3-2: 10 GF, 11 GA, -1; home, 2-1-1; away, 1-2-1)
6. Toronto FC: 10 pts. (3-5-1: 9 GF, 16 GA, -7; home, 3-2-0; away, 0-3-1)
7. Columbus Crew: 8 pts. (1-2-5: 6 GF, 10 GA, -4; home, 1-0-4; away, 0-2-1)
Western Conference
1. FC Dallas: 16 pts. (5-5-1: 14 GF, 16 GA, -2; home, 2-2-0; away, 3-3-1)
2. Colorado Rapids: 15 pts. (4-3-3: 12 GF, 12 GA, 0; home 2-1-3; away, 2-2-0)
3. Chivas USA: 11 pts. (3-3-2: 12 GF, 8 GA; +4; home, 3-0-1; away, 0-3-1)
4. Houston Dynamo: 10 pts. (3-5-1: 7 GF, 8 GA, -1; home, 2-2-1; away, 1-3-0)
5. Los Angeles Galaxy: 6 pts. (1-3-3: 7 GF, 8 GA, -1; home, 1-2-1; away, 0-1-2)
6. Real Salt Lake: 6 pts. (0-3-6: 7 GF, 14 GA, -7; home, 0-1-3; away, 0-2-3)
WAGs here stands for "wild-ass guesses."
For whatever reason - maybe it's just a barren spell in international play that remotely interests me - I'm pants-pissing excited about the 2007 Gold Cup...and so, SO pissed that I don't get Galavision (for non-(stupid)-Galavision listings, check the full TV schedule; thank god for Univision).
It seems I'm not alone in thinking about primers; du Nord was good enough to chuck out a first-round fixture list and link to TV listings, but I'm getting the biggest assist on sorthing things out from the Gold Cup preview good ol' reliable Ives typed up for ESPN - for, without that, how could I pass on my WAGs about what will happen? Anyway, he gives the usual spiel about players to watch for, as well as clocking the impact of "bonus" stuff one can expect from the CONCACAF region - e.g. the financial shit-storm hitting Trinidad and Tobago (My Soccer Blog did a good post on this).
Anyway, I'm going to parlay those scraps into a grand, complete series of predictive commentary for the entire tournament. Before going further, I feel compelled to warn anyone who may read this that I possess very little current knowledge of the teams in play; so take a tablespoon of salt at least while reading.
Tournament Format
Dang. I have to write this down to keep things straight. It's pretty simple in general, in that the top two teams from each of the three groups qualify for the quarterfinals. But, because that yields only six teams, the organizers went for the familiar "best third-place team" formulation to select the other two. For the record, and the Fox Sports layout does pretty well with this, the best third-place team from either Group A or C will play the first-place team from Group A in the quarters, while the best third-place team from either Group A or B will play the first-place team from Group C.
Now...let's look at those groups.
The Groups
Group A: Canada, Costa Rica, Haiti, Guadelope
Unless there's something I don't know about them, Guadelope sure seems like the odd man out. I wouldn't take Haiti lightly - and not just 'cause Ives tells me not to - but because they seem to have caused their share of headaches in recent Gold Cups. I'd think Canada ought to get the jitters; Costa Rica not so much.
Group B: El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S.A.
Shit. Who did we bribe? We ought to keep tabs for the next World Cup draw. I'll be pretty cross if we don't top this group; I'll be pissed off to a vow of silence if we finish third; failing to qualify....well, best not write that down as it could prove self-incriminating in future. Circumstances look to have rendered T and T into tournament fodder, while I haven't heard anything - good or bad - about El Salvador in so long that I take that as a bad thing. So, it's down to Guatemala and us, eh? That first game suddenly looks important...
Group C: Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Panama
This being CONCACAF, we don't do Groups of Death, but this one looks pretty stiff. Mexico could certainly slip against Honduras and we all know what Panama did last time around. Again, Mexico just has to get out of this group; the only question is where.
Quarterfinal WAGs
Based on what I'm seeing above, it's tempting to say the third-place teams will come from the stronger groups - e.g. Groups A and C. It's also possible those teams will pick each other apart, while a slapped-together T and T could give a team like El Salvador a leg-up - a lucky (or not) draw against Guatemala (better not be against the U.S.) and they've got four points, right?
Well, assuming Guadelope is bad - and for no better reason than I've never heard of them - I'll pick one third-place team from Group A and - what the hell? - the other from Group B. Now, let's set up totally hypothetical quarterfinal pairings based on those assumptions:
Costa Rica v. Guatemala (hell, could be us)
U.S.A. v. Canada (better from our end than Haiti as I see it)
Mexico v. El Salvador
Haiti v. Panama (Honduras? Hell, I don't know)
Semifinal WAGs
Wow...I'm not even sure about the quarterfinal pairings; goes to show this year's tourney shouldn't be without intrigue. BUT, based on that, here's what I'd pick:
Guatemala v. U.S.A. (seriously? Is this possible?)
Mexico v. Haiti (seems the most fun)
The Final
Maybe everyone is right. Maybe this is inevitable. Kind of a downer, really. Still, it seems appropriate to have the big dogs square off.
Anyway, I'm pulling for as many upsets as possible...provided, of course, they don't hit us. Happy viewing.
For whatever reason - maybe it's just a barren spell in international play that remotely interests me - I'm pants-pissing excited about the 2007 Gold Cup...and so, SO pissed that I don't get Galavision (for non-(stupid)-Galavision listings, check the full TV schedule; thank god for Univision).
It seems I'm not alone in thinking about primers; du Nord was good enough to chuck out a first-round fixture list and link to TV listings, but I'm getting the biggest assist on sorthing things out from the Gold Cup preview good ol' reliable Ives typed up for ESPN - for, without that, how could I pass on my WAGs about what will happen? Anyway, he gives the usual spiel about players to watch for, as well as clocking the impact of "bonus" stuff one can expect from the CONCACAF region - e.g. the financial shit-storm hitting Trinidad and Tobago (My Soccer Blog did a good post on this).
Anyway, I'm going to parlay those scraps into a grand, complete series of predictive commentary for the entire tournament. Before going further, I feel compelled to warn anyone who may read this that I possess very little current knowledge of the teams in play; so take a tablespoon of salt at least while reading.
Tournament Format
Dang. I have to write this down to keep things straight. It's pretty simple in general, in that the top two teams from each of the three groups qualify for the quarterfinals. But, because that yields only six teams, the organizers went for the familiar "best third-place team" formulation to select the other two. For the record, and the Fox Sports layout does pretty well with this, the best third-place team from either Group A or C will play the first-place team from Group A in the quarters, while the best third-place team from either Group A or B will play the first-place team from Group C.
Now...let's look at those groups.
The Groups
Group A: Canada, Costa Rica, Haiti, Guadelope
Unless there's something I don't know about them, Guadelope sure seems like the odd man out. I wouldn't take Haiti lightly - and not just 'cause Ives tells me not to - but because they seem to have caused their share of headaches in recent Gold Cups. I'd think Canada ought to get the jitters; Costa Rica not so much.
Group B: El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S.A.
Shit. Who did we bribe? We ought to keep tabs for the next World Cup draw. I'll be pretty cross if we don't top this group; I'll be pissed off to a vow of silence if we finish third; failing to qualify....well, best not write that down as it could prove self-incriminating in future. Circumstances look to have rendered T and T into tournament fodder, while I haven't heard anything - good or bad - about El Salvador in so long that I take that as a bad thing. So, it's down to Guatemala and us, eh? That first game suddenly looks important...
Group C: Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Panama
This being CONCACAF, we don't do Groups of Death, but this one looks pretty stiff. Mexico could certainly slip against Honduras and we all know what Panama did last time around. Again, Mexico just has to get out of this group; the only question is where.
Quarterfinal WAGs
Based on what I'm seeing above, it's tempting to say the third-place teams will come from the stronger groups - e.g. Groups A and C. It's also possible those teams will pick each other apart, while a slapped-together T and T could give a team like El Salvador a leg-up - a lucky (or not) draw against Guatemala (better not be against the U.S.) and they've got four points, right?
Well, assuming Guadelope is bad - and for no better reason than I've never heard of them - I'll pick one third-place team from Group A and - what the hell? - the other from Group B. Now, let's set up totally hypothetical quarterfinal pairings based on those assumptions:
Costa Rica v. Guatemala (hell, could be us)
U.S.A. v. Canada (better from our end than Haiti as I see it)
Mexico v. El Salvador
Haiti v. Panama (Honduras? Hell, I don't know)
Semifinal WAGs
Wow...I'm not even sure about the quarterfinal pairings; goes to show this year's tourney shouldn't be without intrigue. BUT, based on that, here's what I'd pick:
Guatemala v. U.S.A. (seriously? Is this possible?)
Mexico v. Haiti (seems the most fun)
The Final
Maybe everyone is right. Maybe this is inevitable. Kind of a downer, really. Still, it seems appropriate to have the big dogs square off.
Anyway, I'm pulling for as many upsets as possible...provided, of course, they don't hit us. Happy viewing.
What appears below is more or less an argument as to why any “money man” would be insane to try to establish a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the Portland, Oregon metro area. The bottom-line of this argument relates more to what the picture looks like heading into the investment; I’m neither pretending nor claiming to know what will happen if the decision to move into the Portland area occurs - though I do have my guess.
I’ll wrap up by saying where I think the present suitor - a real estate developer named James Reston - would do best...and that’s not going to be popular...
To begin with a full disclosure, here’s where I am on the whole question of MLS coming to PDX: I’m for it, but with no strings attached beyond the team being sufficiently successful to sustain itself. I don’t care if they put it in PGE Park, Hillsboro, Gresham, or the left side of my ass; if it works, it works. I am partial to PGE Park and for some selfish reasons - e.g. it’s central, there’s “stuff” around it, including adjacent public transportation options; I like that stuff plenty, but it’s not the controlling issue for me. But I’m not going to ignore a team in the greater Portland area, either. I like the game too much and for its own sake; if I notice the “atmosphere” that means I’m bored; typically, the action on the field gives me enough to yell about. Also, I’m perfectly happy with the status quo; I don’t have to live in an MLS market ‘cause that’s why god made TVs, right?
Part I: Why We're Doomed
Consider the following scenarios as investments and - this is crucial - think of the money and risk as being yours:
Scenario 1: Move into a decent facility smack in the middle of the city with respectable public transportation access, but lousy parking (I anticipate a rejoinder about bikes, but would only say, don’t over-estimate the extent to which your lifestyle decisions and preferences are shared). A secondary problem arises from the fact the facility is already in use by: two club teams, one of which you’d likely supplant and another that plays not only in another league, but another sport; there’s also the nearby, rather large public university, who have ambitions for their football team and, as such, the need for somewhere to play - e.g the same facility. The current contracts for the two club teams run one year past the generally understood window for getting an MLS team (I think, the Beavers/Timbers are there till 2011 and MLS is looking to get to 16 teams by 2010; after that, who knows?), which make negotiations with multiple entities both necessary and complicated - oh, and the city leaders, they don’t give a shit about any of this. You’ll also have to pony up for some kind of bleachers to get around the field - though that can wait - and refurbishing the turf, which, in all honesty, can’t. If you do grass - which the locals, sensibly, want - you’ll have pay for upkeep in a wet, rainy environment.
Scenario 2: There’s a stadium that sits immediately adjacent to a freeway that knots up, oh, two to three times daily. Unlike that highway/freeway (it’s not an official interstate, I suppose), no public transportation comes close to said stadium - and that means parking, which means driving, which, under current arrangements, means congestion. The parking, of course, will be built, but negotiations loom on paying for and providing for general transportation infrastructure to reach said parking. Arrangements could be made to ease congestion with the local transportation agency - perhaps by setting up shuttles from the light-rail that does, in fact, run not so far off - though that’s more negotiation with a partner with different priorities. Making all this more complicated is the fact that a fair chunk of the die-hard support for the current local club team is explicitly hostile to a suburban stadium and for reasons that run from sincere to delusional. Said support turns out in impressive-for-second-tier soccer numbers (and, frankly, that’s it; it’s no Rochester or Montreal) and they provide nearly all the color and noise at the current team’s games; that won’t matter so much as they say they’re not showing up in any suburban venue. Oh, and you’ll have to pay to refurbish the field here as well, not to mention chuck up another set of stands opposite the one that exists. Oh, one more thing: the youth soccer fields that seem part of the league model - you’re on the hook for those as well.
OK: Would you choose #1 or #2? Now, here’s the real question: why would you choose either one?
Expensive and complicated as both scenarios sound, the bigger rub is more fundamental: Portlanders - e.g. the ones who live in the city, work there and value the lifestyle - don’t seem to like professional sports, neither in terms of funding nor as a top choice for recreation, at least not much beyond the numbers that show up to see the USL Division 1 Portland Timbers. Can I prove that? Not really, but, assuming it’s at all accurate, it forms the decisive part of the problem. What follows from here is an attempt to explain why I’m thinking an MLS team in Portland won’t fly. The arguments grow from nearly nine years of residence in the Portland area (sigh...if you must know: 1995-97 and 2000-2005 in Portland proper (inner NE and Overlook neighborhoods); 2005-07 in Hillsboro) and, to some extent, the comments I’m seeing on local blogs and message boards tells me that a combination of factors would scuttle a Portland MLS franchise. On the most fundamental of levels, however, a curious intersection of competing lifestyle choices lays at the root of the situation. Is that wrong? I’ll get into this more below, but...are you fucking kidding me? Since when is supporting your local team a civic obligation?
The tenor of the current debate, which is generally ignored outside soccer circles (see what I mean about the market?), effectively splits a sports-ambivalent population into still smaller chunks. Assume the key investor in this, James Reston, follows the advice most often seen on the Soccer City USA message board and goes for PGE Park. This plan relies on slivers within slivers of the general population to sustain the business side: urban dwellers, and largely liberal ones, who are not only generic sports fans, but soccer fans to boot. If Reston goes this route and centers operations in PGE Park, he’ll lose just about anyone who wants to drive to games (good riddance, you say? You’re an idiot, I say, unless you fit a sensible profile*). A lot goes into this: the local paper tells me families are fleeing Portland; declining school enrollments tell me the same thing. So, where will those fans come from who “grew up with the game” if their parents can’t/won’t drive them? Yeah, there’s public transportation, and, yeah, it’s easier to use park-n-rides to get the family into the city center as opposed to the other way around, but how many families will do that - and often enough to make the numbers tally? Lose the families, you lose a huge chunk of your market.
The flipside of this, and this could be specific to the Portland area, is the apparent reality that, by placing a team in the suburbs, a potential MLS franchise loses 5,000 dedicated fans right off the bat. While the odds are good you’ll retain a some of those fans (desperation will get a few of you), any kind of walk-up crowd will be lost outright (I swear, I’ve seen people at PGE Park exclusively and specifically to take advantage of the Thirsty Thursday promotion - which used to be much better, by the way). Whatever drives this - whether it’s an eco-conscious shunning of the suburban model, or just knee-jerk anti-suburban snobbery (hey, I thought like that till two years ago and feel OK calling it what it is) - the money to fund this thing belongs to the people who will spend it. And, if they don’t want to, fine; watching soccer isn’t a civic obligation - and, if one comes at it from the environmental side, that’s a higher calling...even if the steps one takes me be meaningless against the larger cultural backdrop (I’m just saying...). And, for the record, my environmental conscience isn’t sufficient to keep me from driving cross-town for the game.
The thing is, I see the tensions in play in the Portland area as, essentially, fatal to any potential MLS franchise. I don’t believe the “urban-only” crowd has the numbers to sustain a team - especially given the seeming preference among so many of Portland’s general population for the entire array of outdoor activities available in Portland. That crowd could, on the other hand, scuttle a suburban team by declining to make the entertainment commute. And I can’t see suburbanites pouring into Portland’s PGE Park for 15-25 games per season absent a parking and transportation infrastructure that will let them drive to the games. So, yeah, between this demographic/planning Charybdis and Scylla, I think we’re screwed.
Part II - in which I Think Like a Capitalist
If, on the other hand, I was compelled to invest, I’d go suburban. On the general level, America is still growing in the ‘burbs - and that pertains even to Portland, OR. Even with a good chunk of people relocating to Portland specifically, a big enough slice of Portland’s projected 1 million-plus future residents will fuel robust long-term growth in Washington County as well. And, sure, there’s an ongoing debate as to how well the re-urbanization/density boosting planning model will work here - and that’s certainly part of the appeal for people coming to the area - but, with a lot of that density looking set, again, for the Western suburbs of Portland (e.g. Hillsboro), planting a stadium out that-a-way keeps up with the reality that, in spite of global warming and Al Gore, we are still a car-based culture - (psstt...that drives demand for parking). Add a personal theory about where “mainstream” America wants to live (sorry...it’s the suburbs) and consider for a second what will happen if the MLS did go mainstream: yup, they’d cart the team off to a shiny new, publicly-financed stadium in the ‘burbs after all the families bitched about the lack of parking. Chuck in what I’d assume to be easier marketing to youth soccer teams (hey, can we have your mailing list? Sure!) and the whole thing just seems easier.
Against that, though, name me the segment of the population with the greatest disposable income: isn’t it the 20-35 range, y’know, before the critters come? They tend to favor cities, right? Then again, will the incoming population match the cultural profile of the people currently in Portand - e.g. lukewarm to professional sports? See? I’m back to the ‘burbs...messy stuff.
Before walking away for this subject, I do want to give a shout-out to one vocal sub-population in the local debate: the people who prefer the Timbers as they are. To put it crudely, they’d rather have a “boutique soccer team” that they can see and support on terms they prefer and enjoy. And I respect the hell out of that because it understands that losing the family crowd constitutes a trade-off and accepts it. What I can’t abide is the assumption that a team at PGE Park will somehow be successful because, hey, it worked in Toronto, right? And that’s based on - what? - the precisely nine games of Toronto’s existence and wishing away differences in the public life of both cities? The best one can say is what looks to be working for Toronto might work Portland....and I doubt that.
(NOTE: I thought I had read a post somewhere that did a really phrased the above position well; can't find it now...starting to wonder if I imagined it.)
Anyway, that’s my mental project for the past couple days all wrapped up. I spent a stupid amount of time trying to find useful population projections for Multnoman (Portland) and Washington (Hillsboro) county, but instead labored through a series of articles by people for and against Portland’s “smart growth” policy...and the quality of that work, as judged by my layman’s eye, varied wildly. If anyone has access to population projections - good ones, dammit - feel free to pass ‘em on; all this does have me curious. The thing is, I know what’s planned for the region - I read page after page of that vague, "build-it-they-will-come" pap and can tell you all about who participated and what we'd all really, really like to see happen...what I don’t know is what will happen when that planning meets stubborn, irrational human beings....God bless ‘em....
But, bottom line, I do think Reston would have to be crazy to invest in Portland. That said, I hope he stays off his meds long enough for a live test.
I’ll wrap up by saying where I think the present suitor - a real estate developer named James Reston - would do best...and that’s not going to be popular...
To begin with a full disclosure, here’s where I am on the whole question of MLS coming to PDX: I’m for it, but with no strings attached beyond the team being sufficiently successful to sustain itself. I don’t care if they put it in PGE Park, Hillsboro, Gresham, or the left side of my ass; if it works, it works. I am partial to PGE Park and for some selfish reasons - e.g. it’s central, there’s “stuff” around it, including adjacent public transportation options; I like that stuff plenty, but it’s not the controlling issue for me. But I’m not going to ignore a team in the greater Portland area, either. I like the game too much and for its own sake; if I notice the “atmosphere” that means I’m bored; typically, the action on the field gives me enough to yell about. Also, I’m perfectly happy with the status quo; I don’t have to live in an MLS market ‘cause that’s why god made TVs, right?
Part I: Why We're Doomed
Consider the following scenarios as investments and - this is crucial - think of the money and risk as being yours:
Scenario 1: Move into a decent facility smack in the middle of the city with respectable public transportation access, but lousy parking (I anticipate a rejoinder about bikes, but would only say, don’t over-estimate the extent to which your lifestyle decisions and preferences are shared). A secondary problem arises from the fact the facility is already in use by: two club teams, one of which you’d likely supplant and another that plays not only in another league, but another sport; there’s also the nearby, rather large public university, who have ambitions for their football team and, as such, the need for somewhere to play - e.g the same facility. The current contracts for the two club teams run one year past the generally understood window for getting an MLS team (I think, the Beavers/Timbers are there till 2011 and MLS is looking to get to 16 teams by 2010; after that, who knows?), which make negotiations with multiple entities both necessary and complicated - oh, and the city leaders, they don’t give a shit about any of this. You’ll also have to pony up for some kind of bleachers to get around the field - though that can wait - and refurbishing the turf, which, in all honesty, can’t. If you do grass - which the locals, sensibly, want - you’ll have pay for upkeep in a wet, rainy environment.
Scenario 2: There’s a stadium that sits immediately adjacent to a freeway that knots up, oh, two to three times daily. Unlike that highway/freeway (it’s not an official interstate, I suppose), no public transportation comes close to said stadium - and that means parking, which means driving, which, under current arrangements, means congestion. The parking, of course, will be built, but negotiations loom on paying for and providing for general transportation infrastructure to reach said parking. Arrangements could be made to ease congestion with the local transportation agency - perhaps by setting up shuttles from the light-rail that does, in fact, run not so far off - though that’s more negotiation with a partner with different priorities. Making all this more complicated is the fact that a fair chunk of the die-hard support for the current local club team is explicitly hostile to a suburban stadium and for reasons that run from sincere to delusional. Said support turns out in impressive-for-second-tier soccer numbers (and, frankly, that’s it; it’s no Rochester or Montreal) and they provide nearly all the color and noise at the current team’s games; that won’t matter so much as they say they’re not showing up in any suburban venue. Oh, and you’ll have to pay to refurbish the field here as well, not to mention chuck up another set of stands opposite the one that exists. Oh, one more thing: the youth soccer fields that seem part of the league model - you’re on the hook for those as well.
OK: Would you choose #1 or #2? Now, here’s the real question: why would you choose either one?
Expensive and complicated as both scenarios sound, the bigger rub is more fundamental: Portlanders - e.g. the ones who live in the city, work there and value the lifestyle - don’t seem to like professional sports, neither in terms of funding nor as a top choice for recreation, at least not much beyond the numbers that show up to see the USL Division 1 Portland Timbers. Can I prove that? Not really, but, assuming it’s at all accurate, it forms the decisive part of the problem. What follows from here is an attempt to explain why I’m thinking an MLS team in Portland won’t fly. The arguments grow from nearly nine years of residence in the Portland area (sigh...if you must know: 1995-97 and 2000-2005 in Portland proper (inner NE and Overlook neighborhoods); 2005-07 in Hillsboro) and, to some extent, the comments I’m seeing on local blogs and message boards tells me that a combination of factors would scuttle a Portland MLS franchise. On the most fundamental of levels, however, a curious intersection of competing lifestyle choices lays at the root of the situation. Is that wrong? I’ll get into this more below, but...are you fucking kidding me? Since when is supporting your local team a civic obligation?
The tenor of the current debate, which is generally ignored outside soccer circles (see what I mean about the market?), effectively splits a sports-ambivalent population into still smaller chunks. Assume the key investor in this, James Reston, follows the advice most often seen on the Soccer City USA message board and goes for PGE Park. This plan relies on slivers within slivers of the general population to sustain the business side: urban dwellers, and largely liberal ones, who are not only generic sports fans, but soccer fans to boot. If Reston goes this route and centers operations in PGE Park, he’ll lose just about anyone who wants to drive to games (good riddance, you say? You’re an idiot, I say, unless you fit a sensible profile*). A lot goes into this: the local paper tells me families are fleeing Portland; declining school enrollments tell me the same thing. So, where will those fans come from who “grew up with the game” if their parents can’t/won’t drive them? Yeah, there’s public transportation, and, yeah, it’s easier to use park-n-rides to get the family into the city center as opposed to the other way around, but how many families will do that - and often enough to make the numbers tally? Lose the families, you lose a huge chunk of your market.
The flipside of this, and this could be specific to the Portland area, is the apparent reality that, by placing a team in the suburbs, a potential MLS franchise loses 5,000 dedicated fans right off the bat. While the odds are good you’ll retain a some of those fans (desperation will get a few of you), any kind of walk-up crowd will be lost outright (I swear, I’ve seen people at PGE Park exclusively and specifically to take advantage of the Thirsty Thursday promotion - which used to be much better, by the way). Whatever drives this - whether it’s an eco-conscious shunning of the suburban model, or just knee-jerk anti-suburban snobbery (hey, I thought like that till two years ago and feel OK calling it what it is) - the money to fund this thing belongs to the people who will spend it. And, if they don’t want to, fine; watching soccer isn’t a civic obligation - and, if one comes at it from the environmental side, that’s a higher calling...even if the steps one takes me be meaningless against the larger cultural backdrop (I’m just saying...). And, for the record, my environmental conscience isn’t sufficient to keep me from driving cross-town for the game.
The thing is, I see the tensions in play in the Portland area as, essentially, fatal to any potential MLS franchise. I don’t believe the “urban-only” crowd has the numbers to sustain a team - especially given the seeming preference among so many of Portland’s general population for the entire array of outdoor activities available in Portland. That crowd could, on the other hand, scuttle a suburban team by declining to make the entertainment commute. And I can’t see suburbanites pouring into Portland’s PGE Park for 15-25 games per season absent a parking and transportation infrastructure that will let them drive to the games. So, yeah, between this demographic/planning Charybdis and Scylla, I think we’re screwed.
Part II - in which I Think Like a Capitalist
If, on the other hand, I was compelled to invest, I’d go suburban. On the general level, America is still growing in the ‘burbs - and that pertains even to Portland, OR. Even with a good chunk of people relocating to Portland specifically, a big enough slice of Portland’s projected 1 million-plus future residents will fuel robust long-term growth in Washington County as well. And, sure, there’s an ongoing debate as to how well the re-urbanization/density boosting planning model will work here - and that’s certainly part of the appeal for people coming to the area - but, with a lot of that density looking set, again, for the Western suburbs of Portland (e.g. Hillsboro), planting a stadium out that-a-way keeps up with the reality that, in spite of global warming and Al Gore, we are still a car-based culture - (psstt...that drives demand for parking). Add a personal theory about where “mainstream” America wants to live (sorry...it’s the suburbs) and consider for a second what will happen if the MLS did go mainstream: yup, they’d cart the team off to a shiny new, publicly-financed stadium in the ‘burbs after all the families bitched about the lack of parking. Chuck in what I’d assume to be easier marketing to youth soccer teams (hey, can we have your mailing list? Sure!) and the whole thing just seems easier.
Against that, though, name me the segment of the population with the greatest disposable income: isn’t it the 20-35 range, y’know, before the critters come? They tend to favor cities, right? Then again, will the incoming population match the cultural profile of the people currently in Portand - e.g. lukewarm to professional sports? See? I’m back to the ‘burbs...messy stuff.
Before walking away for this subject, I do want to give a shout-out to one vocal sub-population in the local debate: the people who prefer the Timbers as they are. To put it crudely, they’d rather have a “boutique soccer team” that they can see and support on terms they prefer and enjoy. And I respect the hell out of that because it understands that losing the family crowd constitutes a trade-off and accepts it. What I can’t abide is the assumption that a team at PGE Park will somehow be successful because, hey, it worked in Toronto, right? And that’s based on - what? - the precisely nine games of Toronto’s existence and wishing away differences in the public life of both cities? The best one can say is what looks to be working for Toronto might work Portland....and I doubt that.
(NOTE: I thought I had read a post somewhere that did a really phrased the above position well; can't find it now...starting to wonder if I imagined it.)
Anyway, that’s my mental project for the past couple days all wrapped up. I spent a stupid amount of time trying to find useful population projections for Multnoman (Portland) and Washington (Hillsboro) county, but instead labored through a series of articles by people for and against Portland’s “smart growth” policy...and the quality of that work, as judged by my layman’s eye, varied wildly. If anyone has access to population projections - good ones, dammit - feel free to pass ‘em on; all this does have me curious. The thing is, I know what’s planned for the region - I read page after page of that vague, "build-it-they-will-come" pap and can tell you all about who participated and what we'd all really, really like to see happen...what I don’t know is what will happen when that planning meets stubborn, irrational human beings....God bless ‘em....
But, bottom line, I do think Reston would have to be crazy to invest in Portland. That said, I hope he stays off his meds long enough for a live test.
Major League Soccer: Dispatches from Week 9
Welcome to the second edition of one man’s off-the-cuff impressions of Week 9 of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) regular season. On a big picture level, it is tempting to express varying degrees of surprise at some of this week’s results - see the New England Revolution v. Real Salt Lake below - but when that same statement holds for each successive week, is surprise a rational response?
That’s a bigger question for another day. But one event of very present concern is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off this week (yippee!). The United States holds the title at present and calling up the personnel to defend it will certainly hit MLS clubs, though some (say, New England) more than others (FC Dallas). But call-ups from other countries - e.g. Canada and Guatemala to name two - adds some hurt to a team or two.
Now, on to the reports on Week 9. The “hand” at which each game was viewed (e.g. first, second, etc.) appears below the score.
Toronto FC 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids
(Watched all of first half; Quick Kicks highlights for the rest)
- For those who have never visited, Quick Kicks puts a title on each clip of their highlights, typically featuring phrases like “Gomez Rips It,” or “Eskandarian Run,” or “Cunningham fouled.” When it comes to Toronto games, I swear titles containing variations on the word “foul” out number the rest by 2-to-1.
- That said, the ref for this game seemed a bit whistle-happy, especially in the second half.
- And no incident spoke to this so much as the ejection of Toronto defender Kevin Goldthwaite. There was no physical incident I could see, so I’m guessing Goldthwaite said something nasty to the ref. Then again, speculation of this sort is just one of the benefits of writing this without reading anything...
- Turning to the game, the big picture take away is significant: Toronto has advanced to the point where a road draw against them constitutes a decent result. That’s pretty big.
- Marvell Wynne, who may not be the best player in the world, showed - again - what straight-up speed can do; his assist on TFC’s first was top drawer.
- I wonder who many cards Danny Dichio picked up in England; that dude is, um...physical.
- On the other side of the ball, Colorado showed they are a competitive team; they had chances to equalize at the end - even if they tended to the random variety - but they’re good enough to press at the very least.
- Conor Casey still looks a bit lost - a weird transition for a Yank in MLS. But his through-ball that set up Herculez Gomez’ (excellent) goal? Again, top drawer.
New England Revolution 0 - 0 Real Salt Lake
(Quick Kick highlights)
- A surprising result on paper, but the goalless draw makes a lot of sense given two general trends: 1) Real Salt Lake’s new emphasis on tightening their defense; 2) a theory that New England’s place in the standings doesn’t match their on-field performance.
- To rephrase that last point, New England has defended well enough, if only by using ‘keeper Matt Reis as a back-stop time and again, and their strike-force has been precise, opportunist, and not a little lucky. But that’s all the available sunshine: apart from the game against Los Angeles, however, they’ve been sloppy in possession and have generally failed to take the game to anyone.
- For Real, though, picking up a point on the road - and against what is, really, a solid New England team - should be cause for quiet celebration...very quiet, given the team remains winless.
- Perhaps it should be quieter still given the impression from the highlights of New England knocking and knocking on and around the goal-mouth, but failing to score. Forward Taylor Twellman hit the crossbar at least once (twice, I think), but the action generally looked one-way.
- With only six points to their credit, RSL is in genuine trouble.
- The past few weeks without a result haven’t done the Revolution any favors either, especially with three key starters - Twellman, midfielder Steve Ralston, and defender Michael Parkhurst - departing for the Gold Cup. Given that, a turn-around in form, 1) seems unlikely, or, 2) if it does come, the departed players will come back to a different team.
Kansas City Wizards 3 - 2 Red Bull New York
(Viewed 2/3 uninterrupted; the rest TiVo-style)
- Two big talking points for this game of the week: 1) the harsh ejection of Clint Mathis, which left Red Bull down for just shy of 60 minutes; 2) Eddie Johnson’s second, consecutive hat-trick.
- Mathis was ejected for an elbow to KC midfielder Kerry Zavagnin’s throat; after watching that - shoot - six times or so, it looks for the world like Mathis is using his arms to push off. He’s doing so clumsily, but he’s certainly not taking a swing at Zavagnin. Scratch the “harsh” above; this was a flat-out bad call.
- The “good” in this game came with Johnson’s hat-trick, comprised as it was of three great goals: the first, a high-degree-of-difficulty lob over Red Bull ‘keeper Jon Conway; the second a sharp-angel tap-in that came from a smartly-timed run; the third, a cool finish after finding space and meeting a beautiful diagonal pass from Sasha Victorine. Taken together, it was simply magnificent. If Johnson’s lacking in confidence by now, he’s pathological.
- While Red Bull can point to the man down as an excuse for the loss, no similar defense can explain the serial defensive breaks at the beginning of the second half that let one KC player after another in alone on Conway’s goal; count Red Bull damned lucky they kept the score close.
- To give credit where it’s due, not only did Red Bull open the scoring with a beauty of their own, but they fought back pretty well toward the end.
- On the other hand, KC looked very impressive even against a full-sided Red Bull. They move and pass well and show a rare ability to actually breakdown the opposition. In all seriousness: KC looks for real.
- The larger tragedy of this game, though, is what it couldn’t tell us: e.g who is the better team between Red Bull and the now-league leading KC Wizards. That sending off mucked up everything - that it was unjustified only makes thing worse. The ref owes every MLS fan a pint.
Los Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 DC United
(Brief, as in just over 3 minute, highlights)
- The most remarkable thing in this one was the number of hamstring injuries that occurred; that, in itself, says something about the game.first, Ian Russell for LA, then Tyrone Marshall (LA again), and, finally, Fred for DC United. Don’t know that any of these have been diagnosed or the length of any lay-offs determined.
- The highlights showed a scoreless draw preserved by desperate, yet timely, defending on both ends of the field. Then again, if those highlights are to be trusted, the chances didn’t look like golden.
- - The two injuries to LA mean they're in serious trouble in terms of depth. The list of hobbling players keeps growing while Gold Cup call-ups (Landon Donovan to the U.S., Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse to Canada; then there's the Copa America...) and makes an already high hurdle for the months of June and July look a lot like a wall.
Welcome to the second edition of one man’s off-the-cuff impressions of Week 9 of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) regular season. On a big picture level, it is tempting to express varying degrees of surprise at some of this week’s results - see the New England Revolution v. Real Salt Lake below - but when that same statement holds for each successive week, is surprise a rational response?
That’s a bigger question for another day. But one event of very present concern is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off this week (yippee!). The United States holds the title at present and calling up the personnel to defend it will certainly hit MLS clubs, though some (say, New England) more than others (FC Dallas). But call-ups from other countries - e.g. Canada and Guatemala to name two - adds some hurt to a team or two.
Now, on to the reports on Week 9. The “hand” at which each game was viewed (e.g. first, second, etc.) appears below the score.
Toronto FC 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids
(Watched all of first half; Quick Kicks highlights for the rest)
- For those who have never visited, Quick Kicks puts a title on each clip of their highlights, typically featuring phrases like “Gomez Rips It,” or “Eskandarian Run,” or “Cunningham fouled.” When it comes to Toronto games, I swear titles containing variations on the word “foul” out number the rest by 2-to-1.
- That said, the ref for this game seemed a bit whistle-happy, especially in the second half.
- And no incident spoke to this so much as the ejection of Toronto defender Kevin Goldthwaite. There was no physical incident I could see, so I’m guessing Goldthwaite said something nasty to the ref. Then again, speculation of this sort is just one of the benefits of writing this without reading anything...
- Turning to the game, the big picture take away is significant: Toronto has advanced to the point where a road draw against them constitutes a decent result. That’s pretty big.
- Marvell Wynne, who may not be the best player in the world, showed - again - what straight-up speed can do; his assist on TFC’s first was top drawer.
- I wonder who many cards Danny Dichio picked up in England; that dude is, um...physical.
- On the other side of the ball, Colorado showed they are a competitive team; they had chances to equalize at the end - even if they tended to the random variety - but they’re good enough to press at the very least.
- Conor Casey still looks a bit lost - a weird transition for a Yank in MLS. But his through-ball that set up Herculez Gomez’ (excellent) goal? Again, top drawer.
New England Revolution 0 - 0 Real Salt Lake
(Quick Kick highlights)
- A surprising result on paper, but the goalless draw makes a lot of sense given two general trends: 1) Real Salt Lake’s new emphasis on tightening their defense; 2) a theory that New England’s place in the standings doesn’t match their on-field performance.
- To rephrase that last point, New England has defended well enough, if only by using ‘keeper Matt Reis as a back-stop time and again, and their strike-force has been precise, opportunist, and not a little lucky. But that’s all the available sunshine: apart from the game against Los Angeles, however, they’ve been sloppy in possession and have generally failed to take the game to anyone.
- For Real, though, picking up a point on the road - and against what is, really, a solid New England team - should be cause for quiet celebration...very quiet, given the team remains winless.
- Perhaps it should be quieter still given the impression from the highlights of New England knocking and knocking on and around the goal-mouth, but failing to score. Forward Taylor Twellman hit the crossbar at least once (twice, I think), but the action generally looked one-way.
- With only six points to their credit, RSL is in genuine trouble.
- The past few weeks without a result haven’t done the Revolution any favors either, especially with three key starters - Twellman, midfielder Steve Ralston, and defender Michael Parkhurst - departing for the Gold Cup. Given that, a turn-around in form, 1) seems unlikely, or, 2) if it does come, the departed players will come back to a different team.
Kansas City Wizards 3 - 2 Red Bull New York
(Viewed 2/3 uninterrupted; the rest TiVo-style)
- Two big talking points for this game of the week: 1) the harsh ejection of Clint Mathis, which left Red Bull down for just shy of 60 minutes; 2) Eddie Johnson’s second, consecutive hat-trick.
- Mathis was ejected for an elbow to KC midfielder Kerry Zavagnin’s throat; after watching that - shoot - six times or so, it looks for the world like Mathis is using his arms to push off. He’s doing so clumsily, but he’s certainly not taking a swing at Zavagnin. Scratch the “harsh” above; this was a flat-out bad call.
- The “good” in this game came with Johnson’s hat-trick, comprised as it was of three great goals: the first, a high-degree-of-difficulty lob over Red Bull ‘keeper Jon Conway; the second a sharp-angel tap-in that came from a smartly-timed run; the third, a cool finish after finding space and meeting a beautiful diagonal pass from Sasha Victorine. Taken together, it was simply magnificent. If Johnson’s lacking in confidence by now, he’s pathological.
- While Red Bull can point to the man down as an excuse for the loss, no similar defense can explain the serial defensive breaks at the beginning of the second half that let one KC player after another in alone on Conway’s goal; count Red Bull damned lucky they kept the score close.
- To give credit where it’s due, not only did Red Bull open the scoring with a beauty of their own, but they fought back pretty well toward the end.
- On the other hand, KC looked very impressive even against a full-sided Red Bull. They move and pass well and show a rare ability to actually breakdown the opposition. In all seriousness: KC looks for real.
- The larger tragedy of this game, though, is what it couldn’t tell us: e.g who is the better team between Red Bull and the now-league leading KC Wizards. That sending off mucked up everything - that it was unjustified only makes thing worse. The ref owes every MLS fan a pint.
Los Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 DC United
(Brief, as in just over 3 minute, highlights)
- The most remarkable thing in this one was the number of hamstring injuries that occurred; that, in itself, says something about the game.first, Ian Russell for LA, then Tyrone Marshall (LA again), and, finally, Fred for DC United. Don’t know that any of these have been diagnosed or the length of any lay-offs determined.
- The highlights showed a scoreless draw preserved by desperate, yet timely, defending on both ends of the field. Then again, if those highlights are to be trusted, the chances didn’t look like golden.
- - The two injuries to LA mean they're in serious trouble in terms of depth. The list of hobbling players keeps growing while Gold Cup call-ups (Landon Donovan to the U.S., Ante Jazic and Kevin Harmse to Canada; then there's the Copa America...) and makes an already high hurdle for the months of June and July look a lot like a wall.