I was going to hold off on posting this audio clip of an interview I had with DaMarcus Beasley from today but he said too many interesting things to keep in from you guys.
I knew beforehand he was not answering any questions about his club status so I didn't bother to waste my time asking about that. Instead, we talked about Bob Bradley, playing in MLS versus playing in Europe, his own expectations for himself this year and Landon Donovan.
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Thursday, May 31, 2007
Delightful DeMerit
Jay DeMerit could be bitter about the opportunities denied him in the U.S., but instead, he became proactive and things worked out in his favor.
It does make one wonder about other players slipping through the cracks.
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It does make one wonder about other players slipping through the cracks.
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HDC is a palace
The entire Home Depot Center facility, from the main field to the training grounds, the locker rooms to the gym, is great. But what makes it stand out from the rest of the country is who uses the facility.
I showed up at about 10:30 today for USMNT training. I interviewed several US players, including DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra. Then, I walked to another training field with Andrea as well as Bob Holtzman of the LA Newspaper group or whatever they're called to another training ground. We talked to Preki and then walked over to Galaxy training where we caught up with Frank Yallop and Landon Donovan.
We pulled off the treble! Three teams in one day, hell, in 90 minutes.
Where else can you do that here in this country?
Of course, the US will leave us behind soon enough so we have to take full advantage while we can.
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I showed up at about 10:30 today for USMNT training. I interviewed several US players, including DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra. Then, I walked to another training field with Andrea as well as Bob Holtzman of the LA Newspaper group or whatever they're called to another training ground. We talked to Preki and then walked over to Galaxy training where we caught up with Frank Yallop and Landon Donovan.
We pulled off the treble! Three teams in one day, hell, in 90 minutes.
Where else can you do that here in this country?
Of course, the US will leave us behind soon enough so we have to take full advantage while we can.
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Two for the show
Bob Bradley said last week that he was figuring on 8-12 players for both Gold Cup and Copa America.
Go ahead and fill two of those slots in.
I asked Preki about Brad Guzan and Jonathan Bornstein and their participation in both tournaments and Preki said that both would be on the United States' Copa America roster.
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Go ahead and fill two of those slots in.
I asked Preki about Brad Guzan and Jonathan Bornstein and their participation in both tournaments and Preki said that both would be on the United States' Copa America roster.
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Benny back in Bruin country
It's probably especially nice for the California boys to make a national team camp, train at the top level and perhaps catch up with their peeps in the off-hours. Who knows, though, the Midwest guys probably enjoy the sunshine just as much and might even appreciate it more.
Anyway, here's a shot of two Bruin boys on the move - Benny and Bornstein.
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Donovan can't win
If Landon Donovan plays well for the national team, like he did against Ecuador, it's "Why isn't he in Europe?"
If he fails to score, it's, "Why is he in MLS, where his game is getting dragged down?"
It's not enough to score the most goals for the Galaxy in 2006, it's "Why didn't Donovan save them from missing the playoffs?"
If he wants to stay with the Galaxy to help them make the postseason in a year in which the team is under more scrutiny than ever before, it's "Why is Donovan too wimpy to play in the Copa America?"
My view is that the national team will only get stronger if it learns to play games and even tournaments without Donovan. It's not that I don't think he's talented, but it doesn't make sense to me that so many rail on Donovan's inconsistency and then insist on relying on him at the same time.
Why not develop other options, take some pressure off Donovan and yet push him to keep up at the same time?
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If he fails to score, it's, "Why is he in MLS, where his game is getting dragged down?"
It's not enough to score the most goals for the Galaxy in 2006, it's "Why didn't Donovan save them from missing the playoffs?"
If he wants to stay with the Galaxy to help them make the postseason in a year in which the team is under more scrutiny than ever before, it's "Why is Donovan too wimpy to play in the Copa America?"
My view is that the national team will only get stronger if it learns to play games and even tournaments without Donovan. It's not that I don't think he's talented, but it doesn't make sense to me that so many rail on Donovan's inconsistency and then insist on relying on him at the same time.
Why not develop other options, take some pressure off Donovan and yet push him to keep up at the same time?
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Reunited
Aside from the first week of preparation for the Gold Cup, the current USMNT camp is sort of a reunion of the old Chicago Fire.
Bob Bradley, Peter Nowak, Ante Razov, Jesse Marsch, DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra have been present at camp all week. The Fire enjoyed three seasons with this particular bunch intact, the best of which was the first season they were all together - in 2000, when the Fire reached MLS Cup.
Here's what Jesse Marsch had to say about the former Fire players, all of whom have moved on from Chicago.
"That’s cool. It’s good to catch up with all these old guys. We certainly had some great times and some great games back in the day. Peter said to me today ‘You wish I was still playing’ and I said ‘Yeah, I do.’ It’s good. We all had a lot of respect for each other so when we get together again, it feels nice to see people, catch up and then get back on the field and get after it a little bit."
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Bob Bradley, Peter Nowak, Ante Razov, Jesse Marsch, DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra have been present at camp all week. The Fire enjoyed three seasons with this particular bunch intact, the best of which was the first season they were all together - in 2000, when the Fire reached MLS Cup.
Here's what Jesse Marsch had to say about the former Fire players, all of whom have moved on from Chicago.
"That’s cool. It’s good to catch up with all these old guys. We certainly had some great times and some great games back in the day. Peter said to me today ‘You wish I was still playing’ and I said ‘Yeah, I do.’ It’s good. We all had a lot of respect for each other so when we get together again, it feels nice to see people, catch up and then get back on the field and get after it a little bit."
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The next signing
The Galaxy was quick to sign Abel Xavier despite the international transfer window still weeks away.For whatever reason, the Galaxy's next target is not quite as straightforward as Xavier's own deal. But the club hopes that someone will arrive sometime after June 15 to add punch to a struggling forward line.
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Progress?
Under Steve Sampson in 2006: the Galaxy whimpered out of the gate. If Landon Donovan wasn't scoring goals or setting them up, it seemed like nobody would. The Galaxy had a paltry seven points before he left for U.S. national team duty. When he returned, he found a new coach waiting with open arms.Under Frank Yallop in 2007: the Galaxy whimpered out of the gate. If Landon Donovan isn't scoring goals or setting them up, nobody is. The Galaxy has a paltry five points with one game remaining before he leaves for U.S. national team duty. When he returns, will he find a new coach waiting with open arms?
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The first time
I interviewed DaMarcus Beasley, though he's still not talking about Europe. I asked about his debut instead.
"I’ll never forget it. It was against
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Guevara lands
at Motagua.
Please note that midfielder Amado Guevara has been loaned by Major League Soccer to Club Deportivo Motagua of the Honduran First Division for the remainder of 2007, effective May 15, 2007. Guevara was officially removed from Chivas USA's roster on May 11, although the club continues to maintain the player's rights.
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Please note that midfielder Amado Guevara has been loaned by Major League Soccer to Club Deportivo Motagua of the Honduran First Division for the remainder of 2007, effective May 15, 2007. Guevara was officially removed from Chivas USA's roster on May 11, although the club continues to maintain the player's rights.
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Moyes on vacay
Everton coach David Moyes stopped by the USMNT practice to check out his player, Tim Howard. I'm assuming that's his son next to him. Moyes is discussing something with USMNT manager Pam Perkins, who was brash enough to confess to Moyes that she's actually a Chelsea fan. Pam is also from England - I forgot where specifically, though.
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Head honcho
Jim Moorhouse, director of communications at US Soccer, mentioned a blog item to me today while I was waiting to interview players. So now people inside the federation are reading us, at least on occasion.
Also, look who gets a mention in the minute-by-minute account of a U.S. team practice. Here's a hint - it's not me, as I'm hardly ever early to anything.
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Also, look who gets a mention in the minute-by-minute account of a U.S. team practice. Here's a hint - it's not me, as I'm hardly ever early to anything.
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Blue versus yellow
The USMNT scrimmage was a nailbiter today. I didn't get there in time for the whole thing, but when I did arrive, I was struck by the fact that Bob Bradley was observing while camped out inside the goal of Tim Howard.
Maybe that intimidated the yellow team a little bit, as they fell behind early. Clint Dempsey scored at least one goal for the Blues, who were firing against Kasey Keller, who is a lot more vocal than Howard is in organizing the defense.
But the yellows pulled back to tie, thanks to goals by Chivas USA teammates Jonny Bornstein and Ante Razov. Razov's goal was a beaut - pinging in off the inside of the post.
Bradley decreed that the next goal would win, and the intensity of the match ratcheted up.
"Come on!" Oguchi Onyewu exhorted his Blues teammates. "We don't lose."
Lee Nguyen, on the opposing squad, said something right then to Gooch, but I couldn't catch it. Whatever it was, it provoked Gooch to reach over and give a good-natured tousle of Lee's hair.
A couple of chances were shut down, for both sides, one with a vintage Keller save on a shot by Dempsey. Carlos Bocanegra held off a Blues breakaway and then became the hero for the Yellows when he buried a low shot to the corner of the goal.
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Gooch wants, Gooch gets
I had a rather abbreviated interview with Benny Feilhaber today, partly because of Oguchi Onyewu. I had to wait until the team finished a lifting session, but then Jim Moorhouse, USSF communications director, helped me flag down Benny.Since the players were leaving in vans to the hotel, it was a walk-and-talk sort of interview, where the reporter has to be sure to roll tape and watch for curbs. Going by the distance to the vans, I was trying to make sure all the important questions were asked by the time we reached the parking lot.
But then brakes squealed nearby as a driver swerved into a sharp u-turn. Gooch pulled a rental van beside Benny and me. "Benny, you're being summoned," Gooch said.
"I'm doing an interview," Benny protested.
"Benny, get in," Gooch insisted. "We need the numbers - we're short."
I assumed that each van had to pull out with a certain amount of players, to ensure that the last van wasn't stuck with 15 players needing a ride. I didn't want to be the reason for Benny getting on Gooch's bad side, so I told him to go ahead and he hopped into the van.
As it pulled away, I had the odd feeling I'd seen something similar take place before, in a movie about a kidnapping.
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The boy wonder
Ok, he's not that young any more, but Lee Nguyen is nearly the youngest player in the USMNT camp right now.
The soccer prodigy from Texas was used to that situation.
"Growing up, in high school and national teams, I’ve always been with older players. All my friends – I pretty much grew up with older players. I’m friends with everyone here. Even back home, I’ll hang out with players older than me. It’s different (hanging out with his peers). Even at PSV, all the players are older, too. It’s just something I’m used to."
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Pekerman in Mexico
Former Argentina national team coach Jose Pekerman was at one point believed to be in the mix for the USMNT job. He had - and still has - all the credentials necessary for success.
But the US instead chose Bob Bradley and Pekerman was left out. Now, Pekerman has found a team: los Diablos Rojos del Toluca.
I still think that Pekerman could have done a great job with the US and it would have been very interesting to see him with the U.S. There is quite a bit of excitement right now because a new coach has the team just before his first tournament but I think that excitement would have been multiplied had Pekerman been in charge.
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But the US instead chose Bob Bradley and Pekerman was left out. Now, Pekerman has found a team: los Diablos Rojos del Toluca.
I still think that Pekerman could have done a great job with the US and it would have been very interesting to see him with the U.S. There is quite a bit of excitement right now because a new coach has the team just before his first tournament but I think that excitement would have been multiplied had Pekerman been in charge.
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Aging Ante
When I talked to Ante Razov about the U.S. national team call-up on Tuesday, I figured he'd be happy but that it would be a tempered happiness. It was, not surprisingly, the exact theme of our conversation. He was happy to be part of the team, would be willing to help out the squad and Bob Bradley in whatever way possible but recognized that he was not part of the future and was okay with all that.From my MLSnet.com story:
"Most national teams around the world don't have many 33-year-olds playing on their team," Razov said. "If the national team in the future is relying on a lot of guys 33, 34 or 35 years old, then we might be in some trouble."
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You Tube and MLS
Just got this press release on a partnership formed between MLS and YouTube.
Some of the highlights:
-- Major League Soccer (MLS), the premier professional soccer league in the United States, and YouTube, the leader in online video, today announced a strategic content and advertising partnership that will see MLS game and featured highlights uploaded on a dedicated channel, www.youtube.com/MLS.
The agreement will enable users to access video highlights of MLS regular season and playoff games, which will be available within 24 hours after the end of the original broadcast, in addition to other on and off the field footage and features.
“The worldwide exposure provided by YouTube provides a tremendous opportunity for Major League Soccer to extend our footprint in the new media landscape,” said Mark Abbott, president of Major League Soccer. “This is a platform that our fans requested, and we are excited to join forces with such an innovative company.”
“Soccer has one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in the world and we are excited to work with MLS to provide fans on YouTube with compelling new content,” said Jordan Hoffner, head of premium content partnerships. "Today’s agreement is yet another example of how major sports leagues are embracing YouTube as a means for distribution.” --
I just hope this doesn't mean they'll put an end to regular fan videos such as those great ones from climbingtheladder.
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Some of the highlights:
-- Major League Soccer (MLS), the premier professional soccer league in the United States, and YouTube, the leader in online video, today announced a strategic content and advertising partnership that will see MLS game and featured highlights uploaded on a dedicated channel, www.youtube.com/MLS.
The agreement will enable users to access video highlights of MLS regular season and playoff games, which will be available within 24 hours after the end of the original broadcast, in addition to other on and off the field footage and features.
“The worldwide exposure provided by YouTube provides a tremendous opportunity for Major League Soccer to extend our footprint in the new media landscape,” said Mark Abbott, president of Major League Soccer. “This is a platform that our fans requested, and we are excited to join forces with such an innovative company.”
“Soccer has one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in the world and we are excited to work with MLS to provide fans on YouTube with compelling new content,” said Jordan Hoffner, head of premium content partnerships. "Today’s agreement is yet another example of how major sports leagues are embracing YouTube as a means for distribution.” --
I just hope this doesn't mean they'll put an end to regular fan videos such as those great ones from climbingtheladder.
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Seattle-bound
Brad Guzan will probably be with club - not country - on Saturday. Chivas USA does not have a league game but they will play a friendly at the Seattle Sounders, former home of both Maykel Galindo and Preston "Stone" Burpo.But since both Tim Howard and Kasey Keller will be available and will likely split time the first two games of the Gold Cup, that leaves Brad Guzan the odd man out.
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Strong in the middle
One thing Bob Bradley harped on last year with Chivas was strength in the middle of the field. Now that he's the US coach, he still has the same philosophy and has a pair of strong central defenders that will serve as anchors in the middle of the field.Carlos Bocanegra, a former Bradley player in Chicago, and Oguchi Onyewu are strong and experienced and one of the reasons why the US should do well in the Gold Cup.
Bocanegra is more polished and more experienced internationally than Onyewu but both players are capable of performing at the highest level. I expect to see other players in central defense throughout the tournament but Bocanegra and Onyewu will play together when it matters the most.
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Chivas USA trio
Okay, well, there were actually five Chivas USA players out at training on Tuesday. But two of them are on the Gold Cup squad - Jonathan Bornstein and Brad Guzan. The other three - Ante Razov, Jesse Marsch and Sacha Kljestan, were called in to help the squad prepare for China and begin the initial preparations for the Gold Cup.
And they weren't the only members of Chivas USA out there.
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Jesse's Resurrection
Maybe Jesse really is Jesús, a little, or at least a bit of a rising phoenix, as I believe the gap he may manage between caps, if he plays, is six years.
That's a pretty impressive comeback, even given the unique situation of the China game.
Basically, Beckham's comeback has nothing on Jesse's.
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Kasey likes it!
Kasey Keller may not be Bradley's starter for the Gold Cup opener, but he still seems to be enjoying himself in camp.
He had never been to the Home Depot Center stadium and complex before this camp. He seemed to like everything about the facility in Carson, though he did point out that it is slightly isolated from a major top-choice hotel where the team can stay nearby.
"You’re not playing at El Camino Community College and just saying that you’re a professional franchise. You now have a facility that matches the term “professional”. As MLS continues to grow and move in that direction with their stadiums, it’s going to add a lot to the league in perception and what people can associate with going to watch professional sports. That’s why people go to professional sports. It’s because it’s something that’s above anything they could achieve. If they think, “My little Johnny plays in the same stadium as these guys,” it doesn’t have the same effect. Now that you can come here and maybe play tennis or watch practice and see what you can aspire to – that’s what professional sports is all about. It’s about that dream and this shows that the dream makes sense."
"Manhattan Beach Southern California any time of the year and not worry about the weather and just do what you need to do – and that’s training as hard as you can."
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He had never been to the Home Depot Center stadium and complex before this camp. He seemed to like everything about the facility in Carson, though he did point out that it is slightly isolated from a major top-choice hotel where the team can stay nearby.
"You’re not playing at El Camino Community College and just saying that you’re a professional franchise. You now have a facility that matches the term “professional”. As MLS continues to grow and move in that direction with their stadiums, it’s going to add a lot to the league in perception and what people can associate with going to watch professional sports. That’s why people go to professional sports. It’s because it’s something that’s above anything they could achieve. If they think, “My little Johnny plays in the same stadium as these guys,” it doesn’t have the same effect. Now that you can come here and maybe play tennis or watch practice and see what you can aspire to – that’s what professional sports is all about. It’s about that dream and this shows that the dream makes sense."
"
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Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Kasey a Keeper
The past, present and future of US goalkeepers as Kasey Keller, Tim Howard and Brad Guzan run through drills on Tuesday.Kasey Keller has made it no secret that he would like to play in Major League Soccer. But he's also made it clear that he won't take just any offer. In fact, he told Andrea that he received an offer from a Romanian club that was twice as much as an offer he received from MLS.
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More dissent
Now, I couldn't tell what they were saying but I think it went something like this:
Shaggy-haired dude: 'Yeah, he put Colorado at number one.'
Bob Bradley: 'Is this accurate? Did he really put the Rapids first overall?'
Computer guy: 'I'm afraid that's what it says right here: Memorial Day rankings and it's got Colorado number one.'
Mike Sorber: 'The Colorado Rapids? At number one? What's this guy on?'
Peter Nowak: 'What a joke. Where this guy at? I kick his ass.'
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Sprints
The customary post-training sprints.
That's how the teams were divided today for their short-sided games.
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Quick pic
I've got to run off, but I wanted to post one pic of Jesse Marsch, back in camp with the national team for the first time in six years. Jesse has one cap all-time and one of the guys he was tangling with in the scrimmage he's known since the kid was three and first kicking a ball.
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Startling Real-ization
Real Madrid and David Beckham seemed to be on the outs with each other in January and February. But Real's rise to the top coincided with Beckham's inclusion in the starting lineup and subsequent stellar play.
It's no surprise then that some are wondering if he can stick around.
SI's Grant Wahl was in Madrid for Saturday's match and provides his always stellar commentary. He also brings up some dates that could conflict with England's schedule, including Nov. 18. The way the Galaxy is playing leads you to believe that the Galaxy stand no more of a chance than Tampa Bay to play in MLS Cup but with Beckham on the field the Galaxy's odds figure to rise.
The other games, though, will include the Galaxy. Home games against Colorado, Chivas USA, Toronto and New York could be played with Beckham in Europe somewhere. That would suck for the fans who bought those tickets with Becks in mind but it's a risk you take in soccer that is unique to soccer.
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It's no surprise then that some are wondering if he can stick around.
SI's Grant Wahl was in Madrid for Saturday's match and provides his always stellar commentary. He also brings up some dates that could conflict with England's schedule, including Nov. 18. The way the Galaxy is playing leads you to believe that the Galaxy stand no more of a chance than Tampa Bay to play in MLS Cup but with Beckham on the field the Galaxy's odds figure to rise.
The other games, though, will include the Galaxy. Home games against Colorado, Chivas USA, Toronto and New York could be played with Beckham in Europe somewhere. That would suck for the fans who bought those tickets with Becks in mind but it's a risk you take in soccer that is unique to soccer.
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Life
I had some things to post about Ramon Ramirez's retirement and pictures and such that I took on Saturday. I was all set to write up the story early Sunday morning for MLSnet when I saw they'd translated the Spanish version instead, so that took the wind out of my sails. Sunday and Monday were both busy days for me outside of work; I had my girls with me both days. So I chose to spend the time with them and with some extended family on both days and wasn't around the computer very much at all.
At this point, the US has arrived and the well-informed Andrea was quick to check up on the USMNT for our benefit. I'll probably be out at training on Tuesday bright and early (I'm hoping to squeeze in a morning workout, hopefully the usual 20-minute stairmaster, 20-minute precor routine) so there will be plenty to post tomorrow.
Anyway, I'll be doing a better job of keeping all of you informed about the goings-on with the USMNT, so keep an eye out for that.
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At this point, the US has arrived and the well-informed Andrea was quick to check up on the USMNT for our benefit. I'll probably be out at training on Tuesday bright and early (I'm hoping to squeeze in a morning workout, hopefully the usual 20-minute stairmaster, 20-minute precor routine) so there will be plenty to post tomorrow.
Anyway, I'll be doing a better job of keeping all of you informed about the goings-on with the USMNT, so keep an eye out for that.
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Monday, May 28, 2007
El Equipo de Mexico
I spent part of my Memorial Day morning writing and the other part keeping Yvie and Kennedy from crawling all over me and my computer. Sometimes, dealing with that pair can be quite a challenge. Okay, well, most of the times it is challenging but I'm working on it...
Anyway, the writing part is not as difficult I must say. On Monday morning, I figured I may as well write something on the Mexican league for The Press-Enterprise since I doubt many other newspapers around the U.S. would have picked up on the incredible soccer story that unfolded south of the border on the weekend.
Actually, at first, I was meaning to write about Cuauhtemoc Blanco and how Sunday was his last game for America before 'Temo joins the Chicago Fire. But after pondering on the relevance of his move versus the importance of Pachuca's championship, I instead chose to follow the Tuzo angle.
Pachuca is easily the class in Mexico right now. There is no debate. Every other team is so far behind, there shouldn't be a number two. Pachuca's glory takes up spots Nos. 1 and 2 as far as I'm concerned.
I'd go into the arguments but I'll just post the link to my PE story on Pachuca so you can read for yourself.
In short, however, Pachuca is strong regardless of who is in charge. The club has won five titles since the Invierno 99 season, and five different coaches have been in charge. Pachuca is hardly the base of the Mexican national team and, in fact, have only role players on El Tri (though Juan Carlos Cacho could change that).
Chivas, America, Pumas and Cruz Azul may take all the glory but Pachuca will gladly take the hardware. The four most popular teams in Mexico have combined for six titles since Mexico went to the current short-season format in 1996. Pachuca has five on their own since then. Toluca also has five but Pachuca gets the nod over los Diablos Rojos because it is Pachuca who became the first and only Mexican club to win a South American tournament.
I don't know about anyone else but to me July 24 (Galaxy-Pachuca at HDC) can't get here fast enough.
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Anyway, the writing part is not as difficult I must say. On Monday morning, I figured I may as well write something on the Mexican league for The Press-Enterprise since I doubt many other newspapers around the U.S. would have picked up on the incredible soccer story that unfolded south of the border on the weekend.
Actually, at first, I was meaning to write about Cuauhtemoc Blanco and how Sunday was his last game for America before 'Temo joins the Chicago Fire. But after pondering on the relevance of his move versus the importance of Pachuca's championship, I instead chose to follow the Tuzo angle.
Pachuca is easily the class in Mexico right now. There is no debate. Every other team is so far behind, there shouldn't be a number two. Pachuca's glory takes up spots Nos. 1 and 2 as far as I'm concerned.
I'd go into the arguments but I'll just post the link to my PE story on Pachuca so you can read for yourself.
In short, however, Pachuca is strong regardless of who is in charge. The club has won five titles since the Invierno 99 season, and five different coaches have been in charge. Pachuca is hardly the base of the Mexican national team and, in fact, have only role players on El Tri (though Juan Carlos Cacho could change that).
Chivas, America, Pumas and Cruz Azul may take all the glory but Pachuca will gladly take the hardware. The four most popular teams in Mexico have combined for six titles since Mexico went to the current short-season format in 1996. Pachuca has five on their own since then. Toluca also has five but Pachuca gets the nod over los Diablos Rojos because it is Pachuca who became the first and only Mexican club to win a South American tournament.
I don't know about anyone else but to me July 24 (Galaxy-Pachuca at HDC) can't get here fast enough.
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Much Ado - not Adu-related
In a way that's reminiscent of how Beckham's contract, instead of being reported as simply 5 million plus incentives, was listed everywhere as $250 million (the upper limit if all incentives and sponsorships maxed out), Alexi Lalas' recent words about David Beckham were mischaracterized all over the world.
Lalas never said Beckham couldn't play a friendly on a FIFA-approved date. He went out of his way to say Beckham getting called up was a wonderful thing. He said that the Galaxy would be willing to release Beckham for competitive matches, but not for every friendly that came along, because his club needs him.
Of course Lalas was aware that clubs need to be FIFA-compliant on official dates set aside for friendlies, (notice there are only two listed for all of 2007) but he also knows that many friendlies aren't on those days. For example, the U.S./Denmark match that kicked off the Bob Bradley era.
How, "We don't want Beckham to play in every friendly" becomes "We will defy FIFA and keep Beckham from playing" well, just ask Pete Vagenas how easily press can spin quotes a certain way.
But FIFA couldn't resist the impulse to flex authoritative muscle, stating that all clubs must release players on FIFA international friendly dates.
Duh. Talk about making a story of a non-story.
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Lalas never said Beckham couldn't play a friendly on a FIFA-approved date. He went out of his way to say Beckham getting called up was a wonderful thing. He said that the Galaxy would be willing to release Beckham for competitive matches, but not for every friendly that came along, because his club needs him.
Of course Lalas was aware that clubs need to be FIFA-compliant on official dates set aside for friendlies, (notice there are only two listed for all of 2007) but he also knows that many friendlies aren't on those days. For example, the U.S./Denmark match that kicked off the Bob Bradley era.
How, "We don't want Beckham to play in every friendly" becomes "We will defy FIFA and keep Beckham from playing" well, just ask Pete Vagenas how easily press can spin quotes a certain way.
But FIFA couldn't resist the impulse to flex authoritative muscle, stating that all clubs must release players on FIFA international friendly dates.
Duh. Talk about making a story of a non-story.
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Cuauhtamarena
The arrival of Blanco looms ever closer. The latest issue of Futbol Mundial has an article I wrote about his coming.
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Old moves versus current moves
Some more food for thought regarding Frank Yallop's tenure with the Galaxy:
In many ways, Frank Yallop was given a free pass by fans and the media. So tremendous was the lack of support for Steve Sampson that the Galaxy could have brought in anyone with a pulse to take over and it would have seemed like an upgrade. However, look at the first offseason Sampson had with the team to the first offseason Yallop has had with the team and judge for yourself.
The following played for the Galaxy at MLS Cup 2005 or were on the team then that were not on the club when Steve Sampson took over in August 2004: Ugo Ihemelu, Todd Dunivant, Paulo Nagamura, Naldo, Pando Ramirez, Pablo Chinchilla, Troy Roberts, Landon Donovan, Herculez Gomez (he actually got a ring in 2002 but he was well off the radar before training camp in 2005), Alan Gordon (though he was drafted by Sigi Schmid, Sampson was high on Gordon from the start).
The following played against Colorado or are on the roster in some shape as I type that did not play under Steve Sampson: Joe Cannon, Ty Harden, Ante Jazic, Santino Quaranta, Kevin Harmse, Nate Jaqua, Robbie Findley, Ian Russell, Abel Xavier, David Beckham.
Now, Sampson gets no more credit for the Galaxy acquiring Landon Donovan than Frank does for the Galaxy landing David Beckham. Those moves were made at the highest levels.
Ihemelu, Dunivant, Nagamura and Gomez were key parts of the 2005 double-winning team and are all key contributors with Colorado, New York and Chivas USA right now. In their place, the Galaxy has Harden, Jazic, Harmse and Jaqua. The jury is still out on the Harmse-Nagamura comparison but I'll take Ugo, Dunny and Herc over the other three players any day. Jazic is a solid player but I don't see how you can consider him an upgrade over Dunny.
Quaranta is Memo Gonzalez reincarnated, except he actually plays. I can't believe Ian Russell can be much of a factor one way or the other this season. Findley is young and we'll see how he pans out. In many ways, Findley and Harden could be this year's Ugo and Herc so only time will tell how those moves pan out, but Ugo's absence has thus far created a void in central defense that has not been filled.
Chris Albright too was a key part of the 2005 team and Yallop reportedly tried to deal him. If it wasn't for a Lawson Vaughn cross early on the May 20 game against Chivas, Albright might be sending crosses to Mehdi Ballouchy and Freddy Adu right now. Albright is a big loss now would have been a big loss had he been traded regardless of who they would have gotten back in return.
Another tidbit: Frank Yallop's overall record with the Galaxy is 10-10-7. Steve Sampson's record after 27 games: 10-10-7.
Read more...
In many ways, Frank Yallop was given a free pass by fans and the media. So tremendous was the lack of support for Steve Sampson that the Galaxy could have brought in anyone with a pulse to take over and it would have seemed like an upgrade. However, look at the first offseason Sampson had with the team to the first offseason Yallop has had with the team and judge for yourself.
The following played for the Galaxy at MLS Cup 2005 or were on the team then that were not on the club when Steve Sampson took over in August 2004: Ugo Ihemelu, Todd Dunivant, Paulo Nagamura, Naldo, Pando Ramirez, Pablo Chinchilla, Troy Roberts, Landon Donovan, Herculez Gomez (he actually got a ring in 2002 but he was well off the radar before training camp in 2005), Alan Gordon (though he was drafted by Sigi Schmid, Sampson was high on Gordon from the start).
The following played against Colorado or are on the roster in some shape as I type that did not play under Steve Sampson: Joe Cannon, Ty Harden, Ante Jazic, Santino Quaranta, Kevin Harmse, Nate Jaqua, Robbie Findley, Ian Russell, Abel Xavier, David Beckham.
Now, Sampson gets no more credit for the Galaxy acquiring Landon Donovan than Frank does for the Galaxy landing David Beckham. Those moves were made at the highest levels.
Ihemelu, Dunivant, Nagamura and Gomez were key parts of the 2005 double-winning team and are all key contributors with Colorado, New York and Chivas USA right now. In their place, the Galaxy has Harden, Jazic, Harmse and Jaqua. The jury is still out on the Harmse-Nagamura comparison but I'll take Ugo, Dunny and Herc over the other three players any day. Jazic is a solid player but I don't see how you can consider him an upgrade over Dunny.
Quaranta is Memo Gonzalez reincarnated, except he actually plays. I can't believe Ian Russell can be much of a factor one way or the other this season. Findley is young and we'll see how he pans out. In many ways, Findley and Harden could be this year's Ugo and Herc so only time will tell how those moves pan out, but Ugo's absence has thus far created a void in central defense that has not been filled.
Chris Albright too was a key part of the 2005 team and Yallop reportedly tried to deal him. If it wasn't for a Lawson Vaughn cross early on the May 20 game against Chivas, Albright might be sending crosses to Mehdi Ballouchy and Freddy Adu right now. Albright is a big loss now would have been a big loss had he been traded regardless of who they would have gotten back in return.
Another tidbit: Frank Yallop's overall record with the Galaxy is 10-10-7. Steve Sampson's record after 27 games: 10-10-7.
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Frank talk
Before the season I had picked the Galaxy to finish in second place in the Western Conference. I know there is a lot of games left to be played but that is looking like terrible pick right now. Seven goals and one win from six games is not the start the Galaxy had hoped for.
I had faith in Frank Yallop. I questioned the Joe Cannon trade but figured that Frank Yallop knew what he was doing. I felt that the Galaxy's issues had little to do with Herculez Gomez, Ugo Ihemelu and/or Kevin Hartman, but if Yallop saw fit to send that trio out of town, I guess he knew something we all didn't.
Still, it's hard to see the success those three players have had and not question Frank Yallop and Alexi Lalas. Colorado has 15 points and is in second place in the Western Conference. Kansas City has 16 points and is in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Galaxy have one more point than Real Salt Lake.
Ihemelu and Gomez give Colorado athletic ability and eagerness to learn and succeed. Hartman gives the Wizards value that goes beyond his on-the-field success; his years of experience and leadership are an asset to Kansas City.
Although I think the moves have thus far not gone in the Galaxy's favor, there is still a lot left to the season and perhaps Joe Cannon will be the reason why the Galaxy succeeds this year. Still, those moves are killing the Galaxy right now. It's not so much Joe Cannon's fault the Galaxy is in it this year but he has hardly been a difference-maker save for the first Chivas game. And when I hear how the club desperately wants for Alan Gordon and Gavin Glinton to get healthy, I think of the seemingly always healthy Herc and I cringe.
And for those who think it's too early to start talking about firing Frank Yallop (not that I'm a part of the Fire Yallop campaign, if one exists) I will say this: for a team that fired a coach in first place and two years later fired a coach that led the Galaxy to a double, it's never early to talk about firing coaches around here.
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I had faith in Frank Yallop. I questioned the Joe Cannon trade but figured that Frank Yallop knew what he was doing. I felt that the Galaxy's issues had little to do with Herculez Gomez, Ugo Ihemelu and/or Kevin Hartman, but if Yallop saw fit to send that trio out of town, I guess he knew something we all didn't.
Still, it's hard to see the success those three players have had and not question Frank Yallop and Alexi Lalas. Colorado has 15 points and is in second place in the Western Conference. Kansas City has 16 points and is in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Galaxy have one more point than Real Salt Lake.
Ihemelu and Gomez give Colorado athletic ability and eagerness to learn and succeed. Hartman gives the Wizards value that goes beyond his on-the-field success; his years of experience and leadership are an asset to Kansas City.
Although I think the moves have thus far not gone in the Galaxy's favor, there is still a lot left to the season and perhaps Joe Cannon will be the reason why the Galaxy succeeds this year. Still, those moves are killing the Galaxy right now. It's not so much Joe Cannon's fault the Galaxy is in it this year but he has hardly been a difference-maker save for the first Chivas game. And when I hear how the club desperately wants for Alan Gordon and Gavin Glinton to get healthy, I think of the seemingly always healthy Herc and I cringe.
And for those who think it's too early to start talking about firing Frank Yallop (not that I'm a part of the Fire Yallop campaign, if one exists) I will say this: for a team that fired a coach in first place and two years later fired a coach that led the Galaxy to a double, it's never early to talk about firing coaches around here.
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Memorial Day rankings (May 28)
1. Colorado (4-2-3). Will challenge for Western crown all season.
2. New York (5-1-2). Juan Pablo Angel is easily the Red Bulls' best offseason acquisition.
3. Kansas City (5-2-1). How scary will this team be if Eddie Johnson can keep his play at this level all season?
4. New England (5-2-2). What was that?
5. FC Dallas (5-4-1). All losses have been by shutout.
6. D.c. United (3-3-1). Did what they needed to: beat a crappy opponent at home.
7. Chivas USA (3-3-2). This team ain't half bad. Now, they just need a few more pieces to vault to the list of contenders.
8. Chicago (3-4-2). Blanco can't get here soon enough.
9. Columbus (1-2-5). Five ties in eight games won't get you to the playoffs.
10. Galaxy (1-3-2). Why did the Galaxy trade Herculez Gomez and Ugo Ihemelu again?
11. Toronto FC (2-5-1). The first tie in club history! Uh, okay, so that's not too momentous of an occasion, but a road point is nice for them.
12. Houston (2-5-1). Imagine what this team will look like when they lose some players for the Gold Cup.
13. Real Salt Lake (0-3-5). A shame such fervent support is wasted on such a bad team.
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2. New York (5-1-2). Juan Pablo Angel is easily the Red Bulls' best offseason acquisition.
3. Kansas City (5-2-1). How scary will this team be if Eddie Johnson can keep his play at this level all season?
4. New England (5-2-2). What was that?
5. FC Dallas (5-4-1). All losses have been by shutout.
6. D.c. United (3-3-1). Did what they needed to: beat a crappy opponent at home.
7. Chivas USA (3-3-2). This team ain't half bad. Now, they just need a few more pieces to vault to the list of contenders.
8. Chicago (3-4-2). Blanco can't get here soon enough.
9. Columbus (1-2-5). Five ties in eight games won't get you to the playoffs.
10. Galaxy (1-3-2). Why did the Galaxy trade Herculez Gomez and Ugo Ihemelu again?
11. Toronto FC (2-5-1). The first tie in club history! Uh, okay, so that's not too momentous of an occasion, but a road point is nice for them.
12. Houston (2-5-1). Imagine what this team will look like when they lose some players for the Gold Cup.
13. Real Salt Lake (0-3-5). A shame such fervent support is wasted on such a bad team.
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Amazing Gracie
I've already told my story about playing on a boys' team. I don't want to make it seem that dramatic, though, because honestly, it happened partly because I went to a very small school.
Though I never had huge aspirations to play at a high level, I quit soccer varsity during my sophomore year of high school. I was out of all sports for a good while because I'd suffered a back injury. It didn't happen while playing soccer, but for a long time, it would swell up if I tried to play again.
Anyway, the story of Gracie is actually based on Elizabeth Shue's own experience. According to an LA Times feature on Shue, though, her story didn't have such a happy ending. She quit the game partly due to the pressure and lack of support for a girl competing side-by-side alongside boys.
Thanks to the magic of the movies, however, Gracie gets the happy ending.
For Galaxy fans, alum Andrew Shue also has a role in the film.
Some coaches, even ones for the national team system, question the dedication of females to the game.
"Most of them don't play after 22," said one. "They haven't cultivated a real love for the sport."
While I agree that some players get pushed so hard that they burn out, I don't think it's coincidental that there's really no place for good female players to go at 22, except for rec soccer.
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Though I never had huge aspirations to play at a high level, I quit soccer varsity during my sophomore year of high school. I was out of all sports for a good while because I'd suffered a back injury. It didn't happen while playing soccer, but for a long time, it would swell up if I tried to play again.
Anyway, the story of Gracie is actually based on Elizabeth Shue's own experience. According to an LA Times feature on Shue, though, her story didn't have such a happy ending. She quit the game partly due to the pressure and lack of support for a girl competing side-by-side alongside boys.
Thanks to the magic of the movies, however, Gracie gets the happy ending.
For Galaxy fans, alum Andrew Shue also has a role in the film.
Some coaches, even ones for the national team system, question the dedication of females to the game.
"Most of them don't play after 22," said one. "They haven't cultivated a real love for the sport."
While I agree that some players get pushed so hard that they burn out, I don't think it's coincidental that there's really no place for good female players to go at 22, except for rec soccer.
Read more...
A little credit
The LA Times' Grahame Jones was asking reporters in the press box on Saturday night if we were going to the U.S. training today. He said he'd be there, and a few other reporters indicated they'd go.
I wasn't too jazzed about messing with my Memorial Day plans, but I finally ventured out. I did miss most of the training, though (you can probably tell by the pics, no?), so please don't ask me who looked good during practice.
Turned out that Scott French was the only other journalist there. Both of us wondered, "Where the heck is Grahame?"
Hey, at least I was there for a little while. Luis was probably busy watching the Mexican League final.
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I wasn't too jazzed about messing with my Memorial Day plans, but I finally ventured out. I did miss most of the training, though (you can probably tell by the pics, no?), so please don't ask me who looked good during practice.
Turned out that Scott French was the only other journalist there. Both of us wondered, "Where the heck is Grahame?"
Hey, at least I was there for a little while. Luis was probably busy watching the Mexican League final.
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More camp pics
In the top pic, Jay DeMerit and Frank Simek look closely related, somehow. The second pic shows the players kicking it up into another gear.
The final pic has all the six-footers lined up.
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Off on the right foot
I'm not sure why the Chivas USA player contingent (minus Brad Guzan) was jogging seperately with Peter Nowak. I'm also not sure why they were running barefoot. Nowak always does that, but it's the first time I've seen other players join in.
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New blood
Kamani Hill and Lee Nguyen are two youngsters Bradley has called into the national team camp. Both made the Euro jump straight from college, with no stop in Major League Soccer on the way.
For those who can't spot them in the pic, Nguyen is wearing a yellow mesh over his jersey, and he's jogging next to DaMarcus Beasley. Hill is the player jogging between Clint Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra.
If you don't know who Dempsey and Bocanegra are, you're probably on the wrong blog.
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There's another blog -
On the U.S. national team camp. This one is all official, seeing as how it's run by U.S. Soccer itself. They're being coy about new players Bradley has added to the squad, but I'm going to spill the beans on at least a couple of them. That's as soon I finish a short article I'm writing about that.
Not sure if my stealing a little thunder will bother anyone at U.S. soccer - but they'd have to admit they read our blog first.
Hi Neil!
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Not sure if my stealing a little thunder will bother anyone at U.S. soccer - but they'd have to admit they read our blog first.
Hi Neil!
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Bease mum on Europe
DaMarcus Beasley wasn't taking any questions about his playing situation in Europe.He talked to Scott French about another topic, but I'll let Scott's piece cover that.
It won't be out for another month, though, because it's going into the new MLS magazine Scott edits.
An interesting piece of info that DaMarcus mentioned, however, was that Chivas USA had made his brother Jamar an offer before the MLS season started.
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Bob's in charge
Bob Bradley opens camp for the first time as the USMNT's head coach. Bye, bye interim tag!
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Sunday, May 27, 2007
Family ties
In the Chivas USA locker room after their win over FC Dallas, I spotted Bob Bradley. That wasn't too unusual, though I didn't try to interview him. The local reporters know Bradley won't do interviews when he's visiting Chivas. He probably doesn't want to distract from the team. It's not as if Bradley won't talk to anyone who says hello, but if a recorder is turned on, he'll smile and shake his head.
The locker room visitor who surprised me was Michael Bradley. I didn't get to find out if he's willing to do interviews, because he was basically passing through. By the time I confirmed from the other side of the room that it was definitely him, he was headed out the door.
I know he's probably just hanging out with his dad while waiting for the national team camp to start, but I think that's enough to officially start a "Michael Bradley to Chivas USA" rumor, perhaps.
But when I asked Preki what players the team was looking to add, he didn't exactly name defensive midfield, where Bradley plays. For that matter, Preki stopped in the middle of the interview to give a fist bump and backslap to Paulo Nagamura for his work on the night, so he seems pretty happy with him.
"Most likely offensively – we’re looking for someone who can create," said Preki of Chivas USA's new add-on.
Oh, and to get the rumor mill pumping again in a different direction, Preki specifically said that he'd like to sign Zinedine Zidane.
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The locker room visitor who surprised me was Michael Bradley. I didn't get to find out if he's willing to do interviews, because he was basically passing through. By the time I confirmed from the other side of the room that it was definitely him, he was headed out the door.
I know he's probably just hanging out with his dad while waiting for the national team camp to start, but I think that's enough to officially start a "Michael Bradley to Chivas USA" rumor, perhaps.
But when I asked Preki what players the team was looking to add, he didn't exactly name defensive midfield, where Bradley plays. For that matter, Preki stopped in the middle of the interview to give a fist bump and backslap to Paulo Nagamura for his work on the night, so he seems pretty happy with him.
"Most likely offensively – we’re looking for someone who can create," said Preki of Chivas USA's new add-on.
Oh, and to get the rumor mill pumping again in a different direction, Preki specifically said that he'd like to sign Zinedine Zidane.
Read more...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Tense moments
So here I am at the Chivas USA-FC Dallas match. It's about a quarter-hour until kickoff and I'm a little anxious about tonight.
It really has nothing to do with the outcome. I'm not expecting an attractive match.
No, my anxiety derives from my car. See, I don't have season parking passes for Chivas USA games. The Galaxy got us all parking passes the week before the season opener but here we are in the fifth home game and I still haven't gotten Chivas parking passes. So, without a parking pass, I was forced to park on Victoria Street. I hope that when I go out to my car after the match that it is still there.
I have a bit of a history with stolen cars and MLS games. I covered a Galaxy-Dallas playoff game in October 1998 at the Rose Bowl and my car was stolen right out of the Rose Bowl parking lot. That was a terrible ordeal. Really, to have your car stolen anywhere is terrible but to have it happen while I was covering a game was something else. I've had about four of my cars broken into but only the one that was completely stolen.
I had a friend who used to go with me to a lot of the Galaxy games I covered. I converted him into a soccer fan. Anyway, it was just the two of us for that game (it was on a Thursday night I think) so after I was done with interviews and filing my story (I think the Galaxy won 6-1) I walked out to the parking lot and my buddy Caesar was there. He looked at me and said "It ain't there." I answered "What ain't there?" and he said "The car. It ain't there."
Sure enough, the car was not there. I don't know what anyone would have wanted with my '84 Toyota but whatever it was they decided to help themselves. I lived in Riverside at the time as I do now so I had to get from Pasadena to Riverside at 11 p.m. with no car. I was lucky that Caesar's aunt was nice enough to drive from Riverside to Pasadena to come get us.
I was a mess. I liked that car, even though it was old as crap. I learned to drive stick in that car and I went everywhere in it. It was my first official car, the first car that my parents hadn't driven before me. It turned up about five days later, completely stripped. Assholes took the steering wheel even. Everything was gone: engine, seats, tires.
I recovered from that loss eventually. I had a string of crappy cars afterward but I made it work. But I worry about that happening again. I try not to leave valuables in my cars and try and park it in relatively safe areas.
So tonight, while I watch Chivas-Dallas, while I interview players and file stories, I hope that my car is still there when I finish.
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It really has nothing to do with the outcome. I'm not expecting an attractive match.
No, my anxiety derives from my car. See, I don't have season parking passes for Chivas USA games. The Galaxy got us all parking passes the week before the season opener but here we are in the fifth home game and I still haven't gotten Chivas parking passes. So, without a parking pass, I was forced to park on Victoria Street. I hope that when I go out to my car after the match that it is still there.
I have a bit of a history with stolen cars and MLS games. I covered a Galaxy-Dallas playoff game in October 1998 at the Rose Bowl and my car was stolen right out of the Rose Bowl parking lot. That was a terrible ordeal. Really, to have your car stolen anywhere is terrible but to have it happen while I was covering a game was something else. I've had about four of my cars broken into but only the one that was completely stolen.
I had a friend who used to go with me to a lot of the Galaxy games I covered. I converted him into a soccer fan. Anyway, it was just the two of us for that game (it was on a Thursday night I think) so after I was done with interviews and filing my story (I think the Galaxy won 6-1) I walked out to the parking lot and my buddy Caesar was there. He looked at me and said "It ain't there." I answered "What ain't there?" and he said "The car. It ain't there."
Sure enough, the car was not there. I don't know what anyone would have wanted with my '84 Toyota but whatever it was they decided to help themselves. I lived in Riverside at the time as I do now so I had to get from Pasadena to Riverside at 11 p.m. with no car. I was lucky that Caesar's aunt was nice enough to drive from Riverside to Pasadena to come get us.
I was a mess. I liked that car, even though it was old as crap. I learned to drive stick in that car and I went everywhere in it. It was my first official car, the first car that my parents hadn't driven before me. It turned up about five days later, completely stripped. Assholes took the steering wheel even. Everything was gone: engine, seats, tires.
I recovered from that loss eventually. I had a string of crappy cars afterward but I made it work. But I worry about that happening again. I try not to leave valuables in my cars and try and park it in relatively safe areas.
So tonight, while I watch Chivas-Dallas, while I interview players and file stories, I hope that my car is still there when I finish.
Read more...
Impossible is Nothing
David Beckham has returned to the England squad. In honor of his accomplishment, since it's no small feat to change the mind of a man like Steve MacLaren, here's video of David's Adidas ad, where he discusses overcoming difficulties.
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Week 8 picks
Another week is upon us. As the season grows older, it is still somewhat difficult to gauge some teams. Houston is bound to wake up, but they're at DC who is also bound to wake up; well, I guess they are rubbing the sleep out of their eyes while Dynamo is still battling some sort of hangover or something.
With that, here are our picks.
L.B.
New England 2, Kansas City 0
Columbus 1, Toronto 0
DC United 2, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Galaxy 1
Chivas USA 1, FC Dallas 1
Chicago 0, Real Salt Lake 0
A.C.
New England 1, Kansas City 2
Columbus 1, Toronto 1
DC United 1, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Galaxy 0
Chivas USA 2, FC Dallas 1
Chicago 0, Real Salt Lake 1
Current standings (win totals only)
LB - 16
AC - 8
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With that, here are our picks.
L.B.
New England 2, Kansas City 0
Columbus 1, Toronto 0
DC United 2, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Galaxy 1
Chivas USA 1, FC Dallas 1
Chicago 0, Real Salt Lake 0
A.C.
New England 1, Kansas City 2
Columbus 1, Toronto 1
DC United 1, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Galaxy 0
Chivas USA 2, FC Dallas 1
Chicago 0, Real Salt Lake 1
Current standings (win totals only)
LB - 16
AC - 8
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Oops!
The first leg of the Mexican league final went to Pachuca, 2-1. But the outcome could have been different if Guillermo Ochoa hadn't botched what should have been an easy save attempt.
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Friday, May 25, 2007
Landon on Copa
I interviewed Landon Donovan on March 14th. I had been at the Chivas-Red Bulls friendly that afternoon and had my daughter Yvie with me. I was all set to go home when Andrea showed up and so I decided to go to Galaxy training. Had Andrea not gotten there, I probably would have just gone home because the prospect of spending too much time out there with Yvie is not fun. She's 3 and liable for meltdowns.
Anyway, I talked to Landon Donovan about the summer. Actually, we talked a little bit about the friendlies they were set for (Ecuador and Guatemala) and then moved on to the summer schedule. This is the audio link of the interview where he told me he would consider passing up on Copa America.
The noise in the background is some sort of construction and Yvie is also there making noise.
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Anyway, I talked to Landon Donovan about the summer. Actually, we talked a little bit about the friendlies they were set for (Ecuador and Guatemala) and then moved on to the summer schedule. This is the audio link of the interview where he told me he would consider passing up on Copa America.
The noise in the background is some sort of construction and Yvie is also there making noise.
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Sigi the skeptic
In addition to the injury report on Chris Albright, it also looks like Gaven Glinton will be out of commission for a while as well. Glinton got the famed Ulrike Muschaweck procedure, apparently.
Most people are pretty impressed with the German hernia doctor, but I recall that compatriot Sigi Schmid was less so when the subject was brought up.
"It doesn't seem like they really fix it sometimes," he said. "I think it's mostly bunk."
I don't know if anything in particular soured Sigi on the popular technique.
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Most people are pretty impressed with the German hernia doctor, but I recall that compatriot Sigi Schmid was less so when the subject was brought up.
"It doesn't seem like they really fix it sometimes," he said. "I think it's mostly bunk."
I don't know if anything in particular soured Sigi on the popular technique.
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Si se puede
Ok, Spanish-speakers and wanna-be's, who can figure out what Tyrone Marshall thinks is the best approach to shutting down Herculez Gomez this weekend in Colorado?
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Albright on injury
Well, the worst fears were confirmed today. Chris Albright is out 4-6 months. What a bummer. His US hopes are gone, at least for the rest of the year I would think. Best-case scenario seems a comeback in October but by then the season will be close to completion, and that's best-case.
Here's audio of the interview a group of us had with him at training on Tuesday.
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Here's audio of the interview a group of us had with him at training on Tuesday.
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Serbia and Montenegro
Someone reading the blog checked in from Serbia and Montenegro. They were a big story at the 2006 World Cup, although they didn't advance past the group stage. That's because the two regions had agreed to become independent countries, but since the team had qualified for the World Cup as a combined team, they would play out one final competition under the same flag.That's like a couple who decides to break up, but after they both take part in a good friend's wedding or something. It's a little weird and uncomfortable.
Since I don't know whether our visitor checked in from Serbia or Montenegro (I'm guessing Serbia, because Montenegro is really tiny), I'm adding both to the roll call.
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Girls push for New Zealand
The inaugural U17 World Cup for girls is coming up, and the U15 camp recently showcased some of the younger players pushing to make the squad. In their last scrimmage match, they took on the Camarillo Eagles U17 team.
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'Gers story
I was so tired when I filed my Galaxy/Rangers story that I forgot to link it.
After I turned off my recorder, I asked Tyrone Marshall if he'd gotten a chance to hang out with any of the Rangers players. Ty admitted they'd invited him out that night and had asked him all about which clubs to go to. He'd given suggestions, but said that he couldn't go out because he had a game coming up (Colorado).
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After I turned off my recorder, I asked Tyrone Marshall if he'd gotten a chance to hang out with any of the Rangers players. Ty admitted they'd invited him out that night and had asked him all about which clubs to go to. He'd given suggestions, but said that he couldn't go out because he had a game coming up (Colorado).
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Landon talks about summer schedule
Here's audio of my interview with Landon Donovan. I don't normally watch Fox Soccer Report so I don't know if they used any of it on that show.This is from Tuesday, May 22. I asked him first about Rangers. He starts talking about the Gold Cup and stuff about a minute and a half into it or so.
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Easily the fake
Last week, I was listening to the Howard Stern show - my favorite radio program - and they played their weekly Gossip Game with National Enquirer's Mike Walker. It's simple, really. Mike Walker gives four celebrity stories, usually juicy stories, but only three of them are true. Howard, Robin Quivers, Fred Norris and Artie Lange then try to guess which one is the fake.
Last week's was the easiest one that I've heard to date. The items were:
- David Beckham was in Las Vegas for the one-year anniversary of Red Rock Casino, won a large amount of money at a poker or blackjack table (I forget which one) and left the dealer a $25,000 tip.
- Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson were not afraid anymore to be photographed together publicly.
- Yoko Ono was on a private plane recently and disliked the food so much that she called a stewardess over and spit the food into the stewardess' hand.
- Paris Hilton broke a $5,000 vase at a hotel owned by the Maloof brothers (owners of the Sacramento Kings) but did not pay for it because she said it was an accident.
I didn't care what the other three were; there was no way possible that David Beckham could have been in Las Vegas recently. None. Maybe this summer but not now.
Artie and Fred guessed correctly that the Beckham story was the fake but they used their own reasoning. Artie said that Englishmen were horrible tippers so that Beckham couldn't have possibly left such a large tip and Fred agreed. They talked briefly about Beckham's salary (Mike Walker said "I believe it was three years, $250 million") but otherwise they didn't go into Becks too much.
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Last week's was the easiest one that I've heard to date. The items were:
- David Beckham was in Las Vegas for the one-year anniversary of Red Rock Casino, won a large amount of money at a poker or blackjack table (I forget which one) and left the dealer a $25,000 tip.
- Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson were not afraid anymore to be photographed together publicly.
- Yoko Ono was on a private plane recently and disliked the food so much that she called a stewardess over and spit the food into the stewardess' hand.
- Paris Hilton broke a $5,000 vase at a hotel owned by the Maloof brothers (owners of the Sacramento Kings) but did not pay for it because she said it was an accident.
I didn't care what the other three were; there was no way possible that David Beckham could have been in Las Vegas recently. None. Maybe this summer but not now.
Artie and Fred guessed correctly that the Beckham story was the fake but they used their own reasoning. Artie said that Englishmen were horrible tippers so that Beckham couldn't have possibly left such a large tip and Fred agreed. They talked briefly about Beckham's salary (Mike Walker said "I believe it was three years, $250 million") but otherwise they didn't go into Becks too much.
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Thursday, May 24, 2007
Back in the show?
My SI.com editor Jonah Freedman reported today that the San Jose Earthquakes might return to Major League Soccer as early as 2008. It seems that Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff is anxious to get the team up and running, which is a good thing.
I don't want to get my hopes up because MLS has been close to several venues in the past (Cleveland, Rowan, etc.) and nothing has come of it but this seems legit. The passion for soccer in Northern California exists. I've had a taste of it first-hand.
In 2005, I decided to take a trip to the Galaxy-San Jose game in late June, the first game that Landon Donovan played in San Jose as a member of the Galaxy. It was cool. My wife and I made a weekend out of it and stayed in Cambria the night before as we drove up the coast. Now, driving up the coast of California seems cool but it's actually a very winding drive through some pretty narrow roads. Had I known better, I would have turned back around from Cambria to take the 101 back up instead of taking State Route 1 but you live and learn, I guess. I must admit the scenery was nice, though.
Anyway, I was severely underwhelmed by Spartan Stadium. It was a dump. The field was way too narrow, even more so in person. The facility was outdated and didn't seem Major League in any way. The "locker rooms" were portables back behind the stadium and were a long walk from the field. Then, you pretty much had to do interviews in plain view of fans and security and everything else so that made it feel more like a college or high school event than anything.
The game was a letdown on the field and pretty much lacked drama. San Jose won 3-0; two of the goals were own goals. The atmosphere was great, however. Before the game, fans burned effigies of Landon and some kid walked away with Landon's head, well, off some sort of Landon piñata or something. I had been talking to some 'Quake fans over the phone the week leading up to the game but I forget the supporters group name. I got some contact info from Soccer Silicon Valley; I remember that much. They were nice and very well informed. Each and every fan I talked to knew pretty much all there was to know about the history of the Clash/Quakes.
I hope San Jose returns to MLS. We'd welcome back some much-maligned but well-deserving fans and it would be an excuse to make a few road trips for Galaxy and Chivas USA road games, except I'd take the 101 up north next time.
Read more...
I don't want to get my hopes up because MLS has been close to several venues in the past (Cleveland, Rowan, etc.) and nothing has come of it but this seems legit. The passion for soccer in Northern California exists. I've had a taste of it first-hand.
In 2005, I decided to take a trip to the Galaxy-San Jose game in late June, the first game that Landon Donovan played in San Jose as a member of the Galaxy. It was cool. My wife and I made a weekend out of it and stayed in Cambria the night before as we drove up the coast. Now, driving up the coast of California seems cool but it's actually a very winding drive through some pretty narrow roads. Had I known better, I would have turned back around from Cambria to take the 101 back up instead of taking State Route 1 but you live and learn, I guess. I must admit the scenery was nice, though.
Anyway, I was severely underwhelmed by Spartan Stadium. It was a dump. The field was way too narrow, even more so in person. The facility was outdated and didn't seem Major League in any way. The "locker rooms" were portables back behind the stadium and were a long walk from the field. Then, you pretty much had to do interviews in plain view of fans and security and everything else so that made it feel more like a college or high school event than anything.
The game was a letdown on the field and pretty much lacked drama. San Jose won 3-0; two of the goals were own goals. The atmosphere was great, however. Before the game, fans burned effigies of Landon and some kid walked away with Landon's head, well, off some sort of Landon piñata or something. I had been talking to some 'Quake fans over the phone the week leading up to the game but I forget the supporters group name. I got some contact info from Soccer Silicon Valley; I remember that much. They were nice and very well informed. Each and every fan I talked to knew pretty much all there was to know about the history of the Clash/Quakes.
I hope San Jose returns to MLS. We'd welcome back some much-maligned but well-deserving fans and it would be an excuse to make a few road trips for Galaxy and Chivas USA road games, except I'd take the 101 up north next time.
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Veris back in backline
Kyle Veris hadn't seen the field for the Galaxy in a while, but he got the start versus Rangers.
"When I got the call, I was really excited," said Veris. "I tried to do my job and make a good impression."
On the goal that got by him.
"A lot of things went wrong on that play. I should have been a little tighter on that play. It was a good finish - the type of play that they like to run. I should have done better, for sure. In close games like that, those mistakes can't happen, and that's what's been happening to us. I didn't do the job I really wanted.
Lesson learned.
"You've got to find you man quicker. Get your hand on somebody and man up. "
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin, though, was hoping Veris would remember that when he calls for a ball, he means it. Early in the match, we in the pressbox were puzzled to see Veris head a ball away that Cronin had come out for.
Cronin didn't understand that, either.
"I called him off of it. The ball was coming right to me. Kyle, I guess, because it was a low service, stepped in and headed it out for a corner kick. First and foremost, if I call the ball, I should get it and he should leave it alone. But he did what he felt comfortable with, which I don't really have a problem with - I just wish he would have put it out for a throw-in instead of a corner kick, as well."
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"When I got the call, I was really excited," said Veris. "I tried to do my job and make a good impression."
On the goal that got by him.
"A lot of things went wrong on that play. I should have been a little tighter on that play. It was a good finish - the type of play that they like to run. I should have done better, for sure. In close games like that, those mistakes can't happen, and that's what's been happening to us. I didn't do the job I really wanted.
Lesson learned.
"You've got to find you man quicker. Get your hand on somebody and man up. "
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin, though, was hoping Veris would remember that when he calls for a ball, he means it. Early in the match, we in the pressbox were puzzled to see Veris head a ball away that Cronin had come out for.
Cronin didn't understand that, either.
"I called him off of it. The ball was coming right to me. Kyle, I guess, because it was a low service, stepped in and headed it out for a corner kick. First and foremost, if I call the ball, I should get it and he should leave it alone. But he did what he felt comfortable with, which I don't really have a problem with - I just wish he would have put it out for a throw-in instead of a corner kick, as well."
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Naldo is back in town
Ednaldo da Conceicao, that is, the ill-fated Brazilian striker for the Galaxy that Steve Sampson brought in. He didn't last long under Yallop. I guess he liked LA, because he's still around. He was out on the practice fields of the U15 girls national team game I covered, as the guest of some youth club he's working for.Here's a picture from back in the day.
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Live-blog - Bradley conference
You can no doubt listen to the entire podcast later on the U.S. Soccer site, but here's a quick update until then.
Gardner gets the last question, wanting to know under what circumstances Bradley would deviate from his preferred 4-4-2.
"Going forward, we will look to have some flexibility in terms of taking advantage of our better attacking players," says Bradley.
Ives Galarcep asks about Jonathan Spector.
Bradley mentions that he's known about Spector since his Chicago Sockers day.
I'm on! I ask if Bradley has a best case scenario for the two tournaments this summer.
"We're setting out to defend the Gold Cup championship, " says Bradley.
Then he moves on to address Copa.
"Whenever you go into those situations, the starting point is to advance. After you get out of the group stage, anything can happen."
Glen Davis asks about the pressure of the coaching job.
"We understand the importance of getting results on the day," says Bradley.
Rob asked about Michael Bradley.
"He's shown in camps this year that he's one of the young midfielders that we want to continue to work with. He posseses a good understanding of the game," says Bradley of his son.
Billy Witz wants to know if the Galaxy have been involved in player discussions with Bradley.
Bradley says he's talked to Yallop and Donovan.
Gardner asked about players in both tournaments - he wants names.
Long, long pause from Bradley.
"I'll mention . . ." then he says, "No, it's best not give specific names, but it's more than a handful of players and it's both MLS and European players."
Gardner presses, Bob finally coughs up specifics on "8-12 players are involved."
Gardener can't hear him and Bob ends up repeating the number twice, practically yelling it the last time.
Bob Holtzman of the Daily Breeze just asked about Landon Donovan playing in both tournaments.
"There's a group of players that are on both rosters. We all understand it's our responsibility to put together a good roster for both tournaments. We understand that it makes for a difficult calender, but the discussions that have gone on across the board."
"I'm always hopeful to have Landon as part of our team. He's very important to what our team is doing."
Someone just asked about Michael Bradley.
Papa Bradley said the plan is for Bradley to play with the u20's not in the Copa America.
Read more...
Gardner gets the last question, wanting to know under what circumstances Bradley would deviate from his preferred 4-4-2.
"Going forward, we will look to have some flexibility in terms of taking advantage of our better attacking players," says Bradley.
Ives Galarcep asks about Jonathan Spector.
Bradley mentions that he's known about Spector since his Chicago Sockers day.
I'm on! I ask if Bradley has a best case scenario for the two tournaments this summer.
"We're setting out to defend the Gold Cup championship, " says Bradley.
Then he moves on to address Copa.
"Whenever you go into those situations, the starting point is to advance. After you get out of the group stage, anything can happen."
Glen Davis asks about the pressure of the coaching job.
"We understand the importance of getting results on the day," says Bradley.
Rob asked about Michael Bradley.
"He's shown in camps this year that he's one of the young midfielders that we want to continue to work with. He posseses a good understanding of the game," says Bradley of his son.
Billy Witz wants to know if the Galaxy have been involved in player discussions with Bradley.
Bradley says he's talked to Yallop and Donovan.
Gardner asked about players in both tournaments - he wants names.
Long, long pause from Bradley.
"I'll mention . . ." then he says, "No, it's best not give specific names, but it's more than a handful of players and it's both MLS and European players."
Gardner presses, Bob finally coughs up specifics on "8-12 players are involved."
Gardener can't hear him and Bob ends up repeating the number twice, practically yelling it the last time.
Bob Holtzman of the Daily Breeze just asked about Landon Donovan playing in both tournaments.
"There's a group of players that are on both rosters. We all understand it's our responsibility to put together a good roster for both tournaments. We understand that it makes for a difficult calender, but the discussions that have gone on across the board."
"I'm always hopeful to have Landon as part of our team. He's very important to what our team is doing."
Someone just asked about Michael Bradley.
Papa Bradley said the plan is for Bradley to play with the u20's not in the Copa America.
Read more...
The USMNT bullet
The Gold Cup roster was both anticipated and dreaded by some MLS teams. Losing players at this stage can really affect results.
The Galaxy dodge too much damage, Chivas USA get a glancing blow, the Revs take it on the chin.
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (8) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (8) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
FORWARDS (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
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The Galaxy dodge too much damage, Chivas USA get a glancing blow, the Revs take it on the chin.
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (8) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (8) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
FORWARDS (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley
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Milan campione
In honor of the Champions' League title, Rachel shows her loyalty to the colors of Milan.She's as surprised as anyone about that first goal from Inzaghi.
I think that goal was the heartbreaker for Liverpool, though there was still plenty of time left in the match.
Actually, I wore this same shirt once to the Home Depot Center.
I was standing outside the main
gate, waiting to interview a member of the U.S.women's national team, whenGalaxy players passed by as they finished training.
Landon Donovan had an odd look on his face.
"Is that a Bayer Leverkusen jersey?"
"No. AC
Milan," I told him."Bayer Leverkusen - does that bring back bad memories?"
He just smiled.
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Thursday pick
Fire-Bulls. An Eastern Conference duel is on tap for Thursday.
L.B.
New York 2, Chicago 0
A.C.
New York 1, Chicago 0
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L.B.
New York 2, Chicago 0
A.C.
New York 1, Chicago 0
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Dave 'fesses up
Turns out Dave Denholm did write out Landon's intro to his podcast show. Dave was at the Rangers match and stopped to tell me that he'd read my blog post about it.
The funny thing was that Dave said, when he was writing out the intro, was that it was a bit of an insider joke to himself to reference Bruce Arena, because he has criticized Bruce.
Dave said he thought, "No one is going to get this as funny, except for maybe Andrea Canales."
So he got a kick of me getting the irony.
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The funny thing was that Dave said, when he was writing out the intro, was that it was a bit of an insider joke to himself to reference Bruce Arena, because he has criticized Bruce.
Dave said he thought, "No one is going to get this as funny, except for maybe Andrea Canales."
So he got a kick of me getting the irony.
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Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Galaxy-Rangers running blog (2nd half)
GAME OVER, RANGERS 1-0
Sorry didnt have a chance to update the blog. Had to actually write and do some work.
79 - Rangers counter; Gow to Ferguson but shot went wide
78 - Adam hit a 50-yard shot that nearly caught Cronin napping; Cronin had to push the ball out of bounds while backpeddaling
76 - Gow nice through ball to Kris Boyd but Boyd put a miserable shot on goal as it went well wide
70 - Burke shot, Cronin stood firm and knocked it clear
68 - Another dangerous possession for Galaxy but no one can make the final pass and Rangers clears ball
68 - Galaxy corner, Quarante takes it, Sturgis shot from 15 yards, McGregor dives and parries ball away
66 - Andy Webster nearly turns ball over inside his own area
62 - Cobi had space to shoot from 22 yards out but fired a shot well wide of the goal
57 - Game's opening up a bit, Galaxy corner kick after Cobi raced down right flank and won a corner
55 - Alan Hutton sent the cross in, Boyd hit it, not the cleanest shot but it went into the back of the net nonetheless
55 - RANGERS GOAL: Kris Boyd scored, knocked it in from 12 yards out
53 - Rangers booking; Ian Murray for kicking the ball at Kevin Harmse on a dead ball
52 - Randolph nice move on Hutton, got free down left flank, cross cleared away by McGregor
50 - Ian Murray leveled Donovan, no card; Charlie Adam did the same to Cobi Jones moments later, no card
47 - Quaranta down injured, walks off, comes right back on
Two subs to start the second half:
Galaxy: Landon Donovan in, Robbie Findley out
Rangers: Alan Gow in, Nacho Novo out
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Sorry didnt have a chance to update the blog. Had to actually write and do some work.
79 - Rangers counter; Gow to Ferguson but shot went wide
78 - Adam hit a 50-yard shot that nearly caught Cronin napping; Cronin had to push the ball out of bounds while backpeddaling
76 - Gow nice through ball to Kris Boyd but Boyd put a miserable shot on goal as it went well wide
70 - Burke shot, Cronin stood firm and knocked it clear
68 - Another dangerous possession for Galaxy but no one can make the final pass and Rangers clears ball
68 - Galaxy corner, Quarante takes it, Sturgis shot from 15 yards, McGregor dives and parries ball away
66 - Andy Webster nearly turns ball over inside his own area
62 - Cobi had space to shoot from 22 yards out but fired a shot well wide of the goal
57 - Game's opening up a bit, Galaxy corner kick after Cobi raced down right flank and won a corner
55 - Alan Hutton sent the cross in, Boyd hit it, not the cleanest shot but it went into the back of the net nonetheless
55 - RANGERS GOAL: Kris Boyd scored, knocked it in from 12 yards out
53 - Rangers booking; Ian Murray for kicking the ball at Kevin Harmse on a dead ball
52 - Randolph nice move on Hutton, got free down left flank, cross cleared away by McGregor
50 - Ian Murray leveled Donovan, no card; Charlie Adam did the same to Cobi Jones moments later, no card
47 - Quaranta down injured, walks off, comes right back on
Two subs to start the second half:
Galaxy: Landon Donovan in, Robbie Findley out
Rangers: Alan Gow in, Nacho Novo out
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Galaxy-Rangers running blog (1st half)
HALFTIME
45 - One minute of stoppage time so the teams can kick the ball around and get nowhere
41 - Burke floated dangerous ball into Galaxy area but Marshall cleared it away
37 - Ian Murray fouled Harmse 27 yards out, Galaxy free kick; Quaranta hit the wall
36 - Burke danced around in area with the ball but shot deflected off a teammate and rolled harmlessly to Cronin
34 - Novo had the ball deep inside penalty area, couldn't turn around, ball skipped over end line
33 - Quaranta booked for dragging down Alan Hutton
32 - Haven't forgotten to update, just not a whole lot going on
22 - Chris Burke cross, Cronin got his fingertips on it before Kris Boyd got to the ball
19 - Santino sent Cobi nice pass down right flank, Cobi couldn't get a cross off, Adam cleared it, Galaxy corner
17 - Santino breakaway, GK well off his line, kicked ball clear from 15 yards out
16 - Tyrone Marshall shielded Barry Ferguson from a slow-rolling ball that eventually went over the end line; Marshall knocked Ferguson over
15 - Adam 22-yard shot goes well over crossbar
12 - Nacho Novo free in area for a second but handled ball with his arm
10 - Veris gave away corner kick; Veris headed a ball that was going right into Cronin's arms; on ensuing corner kick, Charlie Adam's header went just wide
5 - Rangers free kick on left flank, Kris Boyd fouled on the play; Rangers swing ball over to right flank, Alan Hutton with cross, Steve Cronin plucks it from mid-air
3 - Not much going on thus far. By the way, I'm told that there are seven subs allowed for each side. Rangers has six players listed as reserves for tonight's game so maybe Walter Smith will get some time on the field.
I wasn't going to do this but what the hell?
Game on. Lineups are below.
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45 - One minute of stoppage time so the teams can kick the ball around and get nowhere
41 - Burke floated dangerous ball into Galaxy area but Marshall cleared it away
37 - Ian Murray fouled Harmse 27 yards out, Galaxy free kick; Quaranta hit the wall
36 - Burke danced around in area with the ball but shot deflected off a teammate and rolled harmlessly to Cronin
34 - Novo had the ball deep inside penalty area, couldn't turn around, ball skipped over end line
33 - Quaranta booked for dragging down Alan Hutton
32 - Haven't forgotten to update, just not a whole lot going on
22 - Chris Burke cross, Cronin got his fingertips on it before Kris Boyd got to the ball
19 - Santino sent Cobi nice pass down right flank, Cobi couldn't get a cross off, Adam cleared it, Galaxy corner
17 - Santino breakaway, GK well off his line, kicked ball clear from 15 yards out
16 - Tyrone Marshall shielded Barry Ferguson from a slow-rolling ball that eventually went over the end line; Marshall knocked Ferguson over
15 - Adam 22-yard shot goes well over crossbar
12 - Nacho Novo free in area for a second but handled ball with his arm
10 - Veris gave away corner kick; Veris headed a ball that was going right into Cronin's arms; on ensuing corner kick, Charlie Adam's header went just wide
5 - Rangers free kick on left flank, Kris Boyd fouled on the play; Rangers swing ball over to right flank, Alan Hutton with cross, Steve Cronin plucks it from mid-air
3 - Not much going on thus far. By the way, I'm told that there are seven subs allowed for each side. Rangers has six players listed as reserves for tonight's game so maybe Walter Smith will get some time on the field.
I wasn't going to do this but what the hell?
Game on. Lineups are below.
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Lineups for Gers-Galaxy
Rangers: Allan McGregor; Alan Hutton, David Weir, Karl Svensson, Ian Murray; Chris Burke, Barry Ferguson, Kevin Thomson, Charlie Adam; Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo.
Galaxy: Steve Cronin; Ian Russell, Tyrone Marshall, Kyle Veris, Ante Jazic; Cobi Jones, Nathan Sturgis, Kevin Harmse, Mike Randolph; Robbie Findley, Santino Quaranta.
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Galaxy: Steve Cronin; Ian Russell, Tyrone Marshall, Kyle Veris, Ante Jazic; Cobi Jones, Nathan Sturgis, Kevin Harmse, Mike Randolph; Robbie Findley, Santino Quaranta.
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Cien por ciento
All or nothing. I saw this Chivas logo on this vehicle on my way to the game today. This is a little of downtown LA, by the way. My theory is that the tradition of Chivas in Mexico appeals to so many people because it's such an established tradition that they have never fielded a non-Mexican player. It's black and white, that custom. It's a point of pride for many fans.Whereas Chivas USA is - well, definitely different. It's kind-of-sorta Mexican, not pure, not one-hundred percent. I'm not sure the team has established the appeal of that yet.
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Radz hates rugs
The carpet of artificial turf, specifically.
I asked Ante Jazic about Tomasz Radzinski. I wanted to know, since Radz is out of contract, if Jazic had put in a good word with his countryman about perhaps joining MLS.
Jazic grinned, but he didn't sound optimistic.
"Tomasz is on vacation toAustralia Saudi Arabia or Dubai
Jazic also added another tidbit about Radz.
"He’s not coming in for the Gold Cup."
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I asked Ante Jazic about Tomasz Radzinski. I wanted to know, since Radz is out of contract, if Jazic had put in a good word with his countryman about perhaps joining MLS.
Jazic grinned, but he didn't sound optimistic.
"Tomasz is on vacation to
Jazic also added another tidbit about Radz.
"He’s not coming in for the Gold Cup."
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Keeping his word
Landon Donovan was asked after Sunday's game about the early breakaway attempt he had on Chivas USA's Brad Guzan. In the sixth minute, Donovan got the ball all alone near the top of the penalty area. He took a few steps but seemed rather uncreative and unimaginative. He tried a 15-yard shot but the ball caromed off Guzan, bounced off Donovan and went over the end line."That was a little disappointing. When I get a chance to work on it this week I’m probably going to take 30 breakaways in a row and work on doing the right things."
Landon kept his word. After training on Tuesday, he and Nate Jaqua were two of the last players to leave as they were each working on breakaways.
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Big BIG clubs
I've seen all MLS clubs in person, well, current clubs. I don't recall covering Tampa Bay or Miami but did cover San Jose quite a few times.
But as far as foreign clubs go, I can't say that I have covered too many of them. I actually covered AC Milan when they played Mexico in a friendly at the LA Coliseum right before the 2002 World Cup. I was at the Galaxy-Real Madrid game in 2005 but was NOT at the Chivas-Barcelona match last year. I can't say I was disappointed because I was on vacation at the time, chilling in Michoacan, Mexico.
I've covered the big four Mexican clubs - Chivas, America, Cruz Azul and Pumas - as well as one of the big two Argentine powers - River Plate. I think that's pretty much it. I wasn't at the America-Manchester United match in 2003 in L.A.
After tonight, I'll add Rangers FC to that list and later this summer Chelsea will be there as well.
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But as far as foreign clubs go, I can't say that I have covered too many of them. I actually covered AC Milan when they played Mexico in a friendly at the LA Coliseum right before the 2002 World Cup. I was at the Galaxy-Real Madrid game in 2005 but was NOT at the Chivas-Barcelona match last year. I can't say I was disappointed because I was on vacation at the time, chilling in Michoacan, Mexico.
I've covered the big four Mexican clubs - Chivas, America, Cruz Azul and Pumas - as well as one of the big two Argentine powers - River Plate. I think that's pretty much it. I wasn't at the America-Manchester United match in 2003 in L.A.
After tonight, I'll add Rangers FC to that list and later this summer Chelsea will be there as well.
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More on the Rangers match
I had a lot of leftover quotes from Galaxy defender Tyrone Marshall regarding today's game against Rangers so I will just put them up here and hopefully inform some people that way about what he said.* He was a bit more realistic at first in terms of what the game means to him.
"My approach is obviously to work on some of the stuff I saw in the game on Sunday that I need to work on, try to get better at that and as a defensive backline try to be more alert. Obviously these are top-quality players so what better way to test the understanding of your knowledge against these guys. (Maykel) Galindo made a good run behind us – me in particular – so that’s on me now to be more aware of that, work on it and get better."
* Overall, though, Marshall said the team needs to improve as a group to do well against Rangers.
"As a team, we can learn from the speed of play, how we can close the ball down and move together to get a good result. If we go about doing it individually, guys stepping up on the wrong time and not moving together I think we’ll be exposed."
* He said he was going to play but Ty Harden probably was not.
"He gave us the starting lineup. The only exception is Ty is not going to start. Kyle (Veris) needs a game. We’re going to split half and half because we have a game on Saturday."
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Circle of life
It's funny how things go full circle sometimes.
I owe a lot of my journalism career to two places: The Press-Enterprise and internetsoccer.com. My first full-time reporting job was with the PE, though it was covering Moreno Valley news and such. For two years I worked there and eventually left but still freelanced with the PE. Over the years, they began to use me more and more for covering soccer.
While at the PE, I also wrote for internetsoccer.com. That was a cool web site even though the pay was non-existent at first. After a while there was some money involved but then the pay-off was far greater than money. internetsoccer.com was owned at the time by TEAMtalk and somehow that company got a deal with FIFA to provide online content for the Under-17 World Championship in 2001, slated for Trinidad & Tobago. I was asked to help out with the coverage and was floored. That was easily the best experience of my career, even greater than covering the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
Anyway, about six months after the tournament in Trinidad, internetsoccer.com went belly-up. I don't know the specifics. That was a pretty bad time for me. I had gotten to count on the money from internetsoccer.com and was forced to consider other options, which I pursued, unhappily.
On Tuesday, I helped out a friend with a story on Rangers. It was for PA Sport, a British company that is I believe some sort of wire service type of outfit. Anyway, one of the places that picked up the story I wrote was TEAMtalk.
(As an aside, the story was edited around to fit their style, I suppose.)
I'll be writing a few more stories for PA Sport tonight so I guess I should expect to see more of my words end up on TEAMtalk. It doesn't really bother me or anything; I don't hate TEAMtalk for throwing a monkeywrench in my life in 2002. It's just sort of ironic.
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I owe a lot of my journalism career to two places: The Press-Enterprise and internetsoccer.com. My first full-time reporting job was with the PE, though it was covering Moreno Valley news and such. For two years I worked there and eventually left but still freelanced with the PE. Over the years, they began to use me more and more for covering soccer.
While at the PE, I also wrote for internetsoccer.com. That was a cool web site even though the pay was non-existent at first. After a while there was some money involved but then the pay-off was far greater than money. internetsoccer.com was owned at the time by TEAMtalk and somehow that company got a deal with FIFA to provide online content for the Under-17 World Championship in 2001, slated for Trinidad & Tobago. I was asked to help out with the coverage and was floored. That was easily the best experience of my career, even greater than covering the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
Anyway, about six months after the tournament in Trinidad, internetsoccer.com went belly-up. I don't know the specifics. That was a pretty bad time for me. I had gotten to count on the money from internetsoccer.com and was forced to consider other options, which I pursued, unhappily.
On Tuesday, I helped out a friend with a story on Rangers. It was for PA Sport, a British company that is I believe some sort of wire service type of outfit. Anyway, one of the places that picked up the story I wrote was TEAMtalk.
(As an aside, the story was edited around to fit their style, I suppose.)
I'll be writing a few more stories for PA Sport tonight so I guess I should expect to see more of my words end up on TEAMtalk. It doesn't really bother me or anything; I don't hate TEAMtalk for throwing a monkeywrench in my life in 2002. It's just sort of ironic.
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Going after the girls
At the U15 match versus the SoCal Blues, a coach from USC stopped by.
A couple of the Blues speculated that he was there to recruit.
"They're going to start talking to thirteen year-olds next," one said.
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A couple of the Blues speculated that he was there to recruit.
"They're going to start talking to thirteen year-olds next," one said.
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CL final
For a long time, I've had May 23 circled on my calendar because it's the day of the Rangers-Galaxy match. Most soccer fans around the world have had May 23 circled on their calendars too, but for a different reason. The Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool will be played today.
I missed out on the last Liverpool-Milan final. I was at Galaxy training and was on my way home when I heard the score. I actually made it home in time to catch the last part of the shootout.
I'll get to enjoy the match from the start today as long as A) I make it to the gym in next hour or so and B) my girls take early naps. Since I'm all but out the door and my girls both got up before 6 a.m., I'm hopeful that I'll be able to watch the match somewhat unmolested.
Anyway, here's a good breakdown from SI.com's Gabriele Marcotti of the Liverpool-Milan matchup and another preview story from Reuters.
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I missed out on the last Liverpool-Milan final. I was at Galaxy training and was on my way home when I heard the score. I actually made it home in time to catch the last part of the shootout.
I'll get to enjoy the match from the start today as long as A) I make it to the gym in next hour or so and B) my girls take early naps. Since I'm all but out the door and my girls both got up before 6 a.m., I'm hopeful that I'll be able to watch the match somewhat unmolested.
Anyway, here's a good breakdown from SI.com's Gabriele Marcotti of the Liverpool-Milan matchup and another preview story from Reuters.
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Teamwork
Sometimes, it doesn't feel like reporters really have coworkers - we're trying to get editors to like our writing, and we generally want to break stories before any other reporter.
In some situations, though, collaboration works out great. Yesterday, I got a phone call from Marty Renzhofer of the Salt Lake Tribune. Marty had a nice give-n-go to offer; he told me that RSL was definitely working on a trade involving Cunningham and that LA might factor in.
I wasn't at the Galaxy practice yet, and I admitted to Marty that I didn't have much on the story from my end, although I promised to pass any relevant information along.
Albright was present at the Galaxy practice, but just to observe and to explain his injury situation.
Yallop talked about cover for Albright on his injury and mentioned Abel Xavier as an obvious replacement.
That got me thinking a little. At his age, one doesn't contract a player like Xavier for mere cover. If the Galaxy were hoping to make a trade on any level, a pre-injury Albright would be the most valuable commodity they have without moving Landon Donovan. Xavier's signing would give them the freedom to make that move.
Marty called me back with an update. Toronto FC had confirmed the trade of Eskandarian for Cunningham, so LA was out of the picture.
Though the Galaxy were no longer central to the trade story, I mentioned my "Albright on the block" theory to Marty and asked if he could check with his RSL source if there was ever an offer from LA.
Turns out, there was. Marty's story covers the situation, and the timeline of the final decision seems to indicate that Kreis only passed on Albright after the injury.
Goal to Marty, assist to a good RSL source, secondary assist to me!
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In some situations, though, collaboration works out great. Yesterday, I got a phone call from Marty Renzhofer of the Salt Lake Tribune. Marty had a nice give-n-go to offer; he told me that RSL was definitely working on a trade involving Cunningham and that LA might factor in.
I wasn't at the Galaxy practice yet, and I admitted to Marty that I didn't have much on the story from my end, although I promised to pass any relevant information along.
Albright was present at the Galaxy practice, but just to observe and to explain his injury situation.
Yallop talked about cover for Albright on his injury and mentioned Abel Xavier as an obvious replacement.
That got me thinking a little. At his age, one doesn't contract a player like Xavier for mere cover. If the Galaxy were hoping to make a trade on any level, a pre-injury Albright would be the most valuable commodity they have without moving Landon Donovan. Xavier's signing would give them the freedom to make that move.
Marty called me back with an update. Toronto FC had confirmed the trade of Eskandarian for Cunningham, so LA was out of the picture.
Though the Galaxy were no longer central to the trade story, I mentioned my "Albright on the block" theory to Marty and asked if he could check with his RSL source if there was ever an offer from LA.
Turns out, there was. Marty's story covers the situation, and the timeline of the final decision seems to indicate that Kreis only passed on Albright after the injury.
Goal to Marty, assist to a good RSL source, secondary assist to me!
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Sweet gig
A lot of people consider a soccer writer a cool profession and while it is a lot of the time, it's certainly not as glorious as other jobs. What really is a sweet gig is team photographer for a major European club. Not sure what her name is, but this is Rangers' team photographer. She was at Galaxy training yesterday. I'm guessing her pictures of training were better than mine.Read more...
Replacements
The Galaxy could use this duo on Saturday, especially without Chris Albright. Not sure when their targeted return dates are, but the Galaxy would welcome them with open arms whenever their bodies are healthy.Read more...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Smith speaks
Rangers FC manager Walter Smith talks about the Galaxy, MLS and Rangers FC. The first audio clip kind of cuts out mid-sentence but I had to get to Landon Donovan before he left. I re-joined the conversation as Smith talked about the difficulties Rangers and Celtic face by playing in Scotland.
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Gone but still around
Chris Albright is gone for quite a while. Test results were not announced Tuesday but it is likely the Galaxy will be without Albright's services for a few months.When asked if he had been anticipating the summer and the arrival of David Beckham, Chris told a group of us reporters: "I was looking forward to a lot of things."
Chris looked strange standing around in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt while his teammates performed drills and went through a normal training session. He mostly stood - without crutches - in the same general area and did not walk around much. After training, he hobbled across the field to a group of reporters.
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Damn poachers
I was at the Galaxy-Rangers press conference today and wanted to chat with Landon Donovan about national team stuff. I was in the midst of a group interview with Rangers manager Walter Smith when I heard Landon say "Am I good?" to a Galaxy official which meant he was getting ready to leave apparently. A few people had been talking to him and apparently they were done.
So I turned around and asked if he had a few minutes and he said of course so we got to talking. Now, I wasn't sure when i would see him again or have the chance to talk to him kind of alone; I imagine with the US he would be hounded by others as well so Tuesday was my best shot of talking to him.
I started to ask about USMNT stuff when the Fox Soccer Channel camera crew made their way to the interview. It was a cameraman and some guy with a microphone but it didn't look like they were going to ask any questions. Instead, they just poached off my interview.
So before the Landon stuff that I got ends up on Fox Soccer Channel, let me give you some of the highlights (I'll write some of this up for LASN tonight and the PE later next week):
- Landon hasn't talked to Bob Bradley about the summer tournaments. He said he ran into Bob the other day at HDC but Bob was in the middle of a workout.
- He hasn't heard about the Gold Cup roster definitively.
- He said that they are trying to have MLS players stay with their teams through the weekend of June 2 so he said he might be with the Galaxy for the June 2 game against DC United.
- He said he doesn't want to be gone for the whole summer but would be open to playing in both tournaments (which leads me to believe that he hasn't made up his mind yet and still has some decision making to do).
There. Screw you, FSC!
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Who ate all the pies?
I don't have much of a sweet tooth problem - although I actually like pies a lot more than cakes, because I don't really like frosting.
If there's such a thing as a fried/salty tooth, though, then I've got it bad. Whether it's wontons, fried plantains, french fries, egg rolls, latkes, whatever.
The thing is, I'm not a professional athlete, so it's not like my job is on the line if I indulge. Still, I can sympathize with anyone who has faced the realization that age has robbed one of the all-forgiving metabolism of youth.
Having come to an awareness of that fact, and dealing with it appropriately, has actually brought Clint Mathis back a bit to the days of his youth.
The taste of victory is probably sweeter than that of any pie.
Probably. I'd have to try the pie first, myself, just to be sure.
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If there's such a thing as a fried/salty tooth, though, then I've got it bad. Whether it's wontons, fried plantains, french fries, egg rolls, latkes, whatever.
The thing is, I'm not a professional athlete, so it's not like my job is on the line if I indulge. Still, I can sympathize with anyone who has faced the realization that age has robbed one of the all-forgiving metabolism of youth.
Having come to an awareness of that fact, and dealing with it appropriately, has actually brought Clint Mathis back a bit to the days of his youth.
The taste of victory is probably sweeter than that of any pie.
Probably. I'd have to try the pie first, myself, just to be sure.
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Damaged goods
I've gotten quite a few emails asking if the Galaxy were looking to trade for Jeff Cunningham. According to coach Frank Yallop, no.
"There’s nothing from our end, no," said Frank when I asked him about the rumors this morning.
Well perhaps Frank was right, because the trade that Real Salt Lake eventually pulled off was sending Cunningham to Toronto for Alecko Eskandarian and some change in a draft pick.
However, sources at RSL also confirmed, off the record, that the Galaxy had made an offer for Cunningham.
Chris Albright was the player LA was willing to trade for the striker.
Now whether Real turned down that offer before or after Chris got injured is another matter, but it's now a moot point. Few and far between are the clubs who will trade for an injured player.
Although he won't be playing for them for a while, Chris may have bought himself more time in a Galaxy uniform by getting injured.
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"There’s nothing from our end, no," said Frank when I asked him about the rumors this morning.
Well perhaps Frank was right, because the trade that Real Salt Lake eventually pulled off was sending Cunningham to Toronto for Alecko Eskandarian and some change in a draft pick.
However, sources at RSL also confirmed, off the record, that the Galaxy had made an offer for Cunningham.
Chris Albright was the player LA was willing to trade for the striker.
Now whether Real turned down that offer before or after Chris got injured is another matter, but it's now a moot point. Few and far between are the clubs who will trade for an injured player.
Although he won't be playing for them for a while, Chris may have bought himself more time in a Galaxy uniform by getting injured.
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Tad tells it like it is
I covered the opening of the u15 US national girls' team yesterday.
In our interview, Coach Tad Bobak mentioned that the U.S. today was in danger of losing its edge in women's soccer. In some ways, the U.S. could regress because of trying too hard, in a sense, especially when potential players are young and can be easily burned out.
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In our interview, Coach Tad Bobak mentioned that the U.S. today was in danger of losing its edge in women's soccer. In some ways, the U.S. could regress because of trying too hard, in a sense, especially when potential players are young and can be easily burned out.
"They’re playing far too many games and there’s too much structure. Everything is very regimented and done in a very organized way, so the kids aren’t free to enjoy themselves and the game. I don’t think kids are enjoying the game nowadays. I’m part of that environment. I try to create some fun in my little arena of it, but it’s so goal-oriented towards getting into a college or winning a tournament. That turns off the beauty of the game. You don’t want to try things in a game, you want to get a result. So creativity is stifled here in
"We have our problems in
"In
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Uniquely problematic
A reader sent me this about my espn.com Abel Xavier article.
"I am struggling with his massive suspensions, however. He misses one whole season due to steroid use, and 6 months due to chasing a linesman? That is serious time for stupid crimes. Being a Dolphin Fan and going through what we have with Ricky Williams, my trust factor is wayyyyy down on problem children."
I thought about why I'm a little more optimistic about Abel Xavier than I was about Amado Guevara - or Ricky Williams, for that matter.
It's because I get the impression that Xavier is grittier and tougher, more competitive. In the end, I think there's a good chance that he'll put aside personal issues to help the Galaxy.
Guevara and Williams just struck me as too self-absorbed to do that on a consistent basis.
But, as I wrote back to the reader, there's no doubt that Xavier is a gamble.
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"I am struggling with his massive suspensions, however. He misses one whole season due to steroid use, and 6 months due to chasing a linesman? That is serious time for stupid crimes. Being a Dolphin Fan and going through what we have with Ricky Williams, my trust factor is wayyyyy down on problem children."
I thought about why I'm a little more optimistic about Abel Xavier than I was about Amado Guevara - or Ricky Williams, for that matter.
It's because I get the impression that Xavier is grittier and tougher, more competitive. In the end, I think there's a good chance that he'll put aside personal issues to help the Galaxy.
Guevara and Williams just struck me as too self-absorbed to do that on a consistent basis.
But, as I wrote back to the reader, there's no doubt that Xavier is a gamble.
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Faint praise for Dave?
In the Galaxy locker room this weekend, I was finishing up an interview with Pete Vagenas when I overheard Landon Donovan recording a promo for Dave Denholm's podcast.
I'm not sure if Dave fed him the line about "knows more than Bruce Arena" but I don't think so. That's because last year, when I wrote an article about how I thought it would benefit the U.S. team if Bruce Arena moved on (it was a pre-World Cup piece), I received a ton of negative feedback from many Arena fans. However, Dave wasn't one of them.
I ran into him at a practice and he was telling me how much he agreed with my article. In fact, he thought I'd been too kind to Arena and his tenure. So it's funny/ironic that Landon compared Dave's knowledge base to Arena.
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I'm not sure if Dave fed him the line about "knows more than Bruce Arena" but I don't think so. That's because last year, when I wrote an article about how I thought it would benefit the U.S. team if Bruce Arena moved on (it was a pre-World Cup piece), I received a ton of negative feedback from many Arena fans. However, Dave wasn't one of them.
I ran into him at a practice and he was telling me how much he agreed with my article. In fact, he thought I'd been too kind to Arena and his tenure. So it's funny/ironic that Landon compared Dave's knowledge base to Arena.
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Monday, May 21, 2007
Life without Landon
Let's face it: the Galaxy are not as good of a team without Landon Donovan.
Yeah, I know, I am bold in my statements and not afraid to go out on a limb. Next, I will tell you all about how the sky is blue.
Still, it is important for the Galaxy to realize that they must play games during the season, important games, without their best and brightest.
Here's another not-so-bold statement: the Galaxy has relied too much on Landon this season. A quick look at the team statistics reveals as much. Landon leads the team in goals with two and is one of two players who have registered an assist (Peter Vagenas is the other but Landon also got credit for an assist on that play). Landon has two goals and five assists. The Galaxy has scored seven goals this season. Do the math.
Assuming he is gone for the Gold Cup, he will miss four games. If he is also on the Copa America roster, he will miss six league games overall. He probably will be called into the US squad for the Aug. 22 game in Sweden which means he will miss the next Super Clasico, scheduled for Aug. 23.
Seven games without Landon face the Galaxy. How do they fix the problem? Well, they can't. You don't lose a player like Landon and not miss a beat.
If Santino Quaranta is match-fit and able to play 90 minutes, he should start on the left flank. Kyle Martino is playing well and is healthy. He seems more suited for a central role so he should slide into the center.
I've only seen Kevin Harmse play a few times but I like his energy. He needs to harness it a bit. He was pretty much a non-factor against Chivas on Sunday, though. I also like Vagenas and his stability in the middle of the field. I don't know, however, how comfortable I feel with both Vagenas and Harmse there. I don't know if Harmse can play on the right.
The Albright-at-right-mid experiment lasted 45 minutes and Cobi Jones is good for about that much so that is an area of the field that needs to be addressed. Still, with a 4-3-3 you have Robbie Findley and Nate Jaqua available to fill that hole.
I've been disappointed in Jaqua. He's essentially Peter Crouch without the finishing touch. Alan Gordon and Gavin Glinton need to get healthy.
With Landon, I still think the Galaxy are somewhat strong if they can sort out some issues. Without him, I can't say I'm very confident in their ability to gain points.
Worse, Landon might not be the only player gone. Ante Jazic, Harmse, Joe Cannon and even Martino could go. Chris Albright is probably out, whether by injury or national team duty so that is another hole to fill.
It's going to be a long June for the Galaxy, unless the U.S. craps out of the Gold Cup earlier than expected.
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Yeah, I know, I am bold in my statements and not afraid to go out on a limb. Next, I will tell you all about how the sky is blue.
Still, it is important for the Galaxy to realize that they must play games during the season, important games, without their best and brightest.
Here's another not-so-bold statement: the Galaxy has relied too much on Landon this season. A quick look at the team statistics reveals as much. Landon leads the team in goals with two and is one of two players who have registered an assist (Peter Vagenas is the other but Landon also got credit for an assist on that play). Landon has two goals and five assists. The Galaxy has scored seven goals this season. Do the math.
Assuming he is gone for the Gold Cup, he will miss four games. If he is also on the Copa America roster, he will miss six league games overall. He probably will be called into the US squad for the Aug. 22 game in Sweden which means he will miss the next Super Clasico, scheduled for Aug. 23.
Seven games without Landon face the Galaxy. How do they fix the problem? Well, they can't. You don't lose a player like Landon and not miss a beat.
If Santino Quaranta is match-fit and able to play 90 minutes, he should start on the left flank. Kyle Martino is playing well and is healthy. He seems more suited for a central role so he should slide into the center.
I've only seen Kevin Harmse play a few times but I like his energy. He needs to harness it a bit. He was pretty much a non-factor against Chivas on Sunday, though. I also like Vagenas and his stability in the middle of the field. I don't know, however, how comfortable I feel with both Vagenas and Harmse there. I don't know if Harmse can play on the right.
The Albright-at-right-mid experiment lasted 45 minutes and Cobi Jones is good for about that much so that is an area of the field that needs to be addressed. Still, with a 4-3-3 you have Robbie Findley and Nate Jaqua available to fill that hole.
I've been disappointed in Jaqua. He's essentially Peter Crouch without the finishing touch. Alan Gordon and Gavin Glinton need to get healthy.
With Landon, I still think the Galaxy are somewhat strong if they can sort out some issues. Without him, I can't say I'm very confident in their ability to gain points.
Worse, Landon might not be the only player gone. Ante Jazic, Harmse, Joe Cannon and even Martino could go. Chris Albright is probably out, whether by injury or national team duty so that is another hole to fill.
It's going to be a long June for the Galaxy, unless the U.S. craps out of the Gold Cup earlier than expected.
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Bradley's work starts now
Well, actually it started in December. But here's my Tuesday column for the Press-Enterprise where I talk about the work that needs to be done now as well as my Top 10 Bradley coaching wins.
I'll gladly answer questions regarding my selection regarding the Top 10 list. As tempted as I was to put the US win over Mexico atop the list, I went with the MLS Cup 98 victory as one and the US win as two. You can certainly make a strong case for the US game but I decided in the end that a win in an MLS title game was more meaningful, especially considering the opponent. Still, i did put the US-Mexico game ahead of the USOC finals the Fire won under Bradley because of the magnitude of the tournament and the friendly.
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I'll gladly answer questions regarding my selection regarding the Top 10 list. As tempted as I was to put the US win over Mexico atop the list, I went with the MLS Cup 98 victory as one and the US win as two. You can certainly make a strong case for the US game but I decided in the end that a win in an MLS title game was more meaningful, especially considering the opponent. Still, i did put the US-Mexico game ahead of the USOC finals the Fire won under Bradley because of the magnitude of the tournament and the friendly.
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Gers-Galaxy advance
Here's a short advance for the Gers match from the Press-Enterprise.
I had room to write about the match for Tuesday's editions but not for Wednesday (#*!@% Ducks) so I went with it. I had asked Alexi Lalas a while ago about playing these games so I had that quote from him but the stuff from the Rangers manager I didn't get myself.
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I had room to write about the match for Tuesday's editions but not for Wednesday (#*!@% Ducks) so I went with it. I had asked Alexi Lalas a while ago about playing these games so I had that quote from him but the stuff from the Rangers manager I didn't get myself.
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Rangers season wrap
This story is from the Glasgow Evening Times. Apparently, they still publish an evening newspaper in Glasgow. That's hard to imagine out here in Southern California.
According to Thomas Jordan, the writer of the story, Rangers has quite a bit of work to do in the offseason. Finishing second best to Celtic is never easy to accept but neither is losing the last two games of the season no matter how meaningless they are. Thomas is pretty harsh to Rangers but they probably deserve it I suppose.
I like the assessments of each player at the end of the story. I have thought about doing the same things during Chivas USA and Galaxy games but I just haven't taken the plunge I suppose.
I wonder how many Scottish media members will be out there for the game and how many of them made the trip from Glasgow for the match. If this was a preseason match, I might expect more Scottish media than local media but seeing as how it is at the end of a disappointing campaign, I'm not sure how many of them will make the 10-hour flight.
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According to Thomas Jordan, the writer of the story, Rangers has quite a bit of work to do in the offseason. Finishing second best to Celtic is never easy to accept but neither is losing the last two games of the season no matter how meaningless they are. Thomas is pretty harsh to Rangers but they probably deserve it I suppose.
I like the assessments of each player at the end of the story. I have thought about doing the same things during Chivas USA and Galaxy games but I just haven't taken the plunge I suppose.
I wonder how many Scottish media members will be out there for the game and how many of them made the trip from Glasgow for the match. If this was a preseason match, I might expect more Scottish media than local media but seeing as how it is at the end of a disappointing campaign, I'm not sure how many of them will make the 10-hour flight.
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Oh Becksey, we love you!
Even if you are going to play in MLS!
Ha, ha, ha.
Cough, cough.
Excuse me, but wasn't it just a few months ago when pundits all around the globe were writing that a move to MLS was basically shutting the door to top-level play, and giving up on any hope of international action?
Well, now it looks like Cuauhtemoc Blanco is in demand for Mexico, and as for David Beckham, the campaign to bring him back in with England is on.
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Ha, ha, ha.
Cough, cough.
Excuse me, but wasn't it just a few months ago when pundits all around the globe were writing that a move to MLS was basically shutting the door to top-level play, and giving up on any hope of international action?
Well, now it looks like Cuauhtemoc Blanco is in demand for Mexico, and as for David Beckham, the campaign to bring him back in with England is on.
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Crash course
I try to keep up with soccer all around the world but it's difficult. I probably am most familiar with MLS, then Mexico, then... well, everything else is pretty much lagging.I watch highlights as much as possible and read about the goings on of soccer around the world but I can't list the teams who are being relegated from Spain, England, Italy, Germany, etc.
So I've been doing my best to get up to speed on Rangers. I guess I stopped paying too much attention to Scotland after Celtic won the title in, uh, like January or something. Turns out, Rangers lost on Sunday and it was the end of a sad season. I guess for them not winning the SPL amounts to a terrible campaign.
I did have one question about them, more specifically their logo. What is the significance of the word "Ready" on their logo? And has this been their logo for a long time or is it something recent? Not that I'm necessarily going to ask Walter Smith about this on Tuesday or anything but just curious about it nonetheless.
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D.C. in Sudamericana
Thanks to our reader Gene for pointing this in my direction:
Seems that D.C. United will participate in Copa Sudamericana after all. Congratulations to them. It is always a good thing for MLS clubs to participate in Sudamericana and any similar international tournaments and a good showing will only help the league.
I am kind of kicking myself, though. I interviewed DC United CEO Kevin Payne last week for a SuperLiga story for the premier issue of MLS Magazine last week but failed to ask him about anything but SuperLiga.
Anyway, I'm not completely up to speed with the rules regarding entry in Sudamericana but it is similar to the UEFA Cup. If Libertadores is the Champions League, consider the Sudamericana the UEFA Cup. Not all teams compete in both but some do, such as Mexico's Club America.
It's a good and respectable tournament, that's for sure.
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Seems that D.C. United will participate in Copa Sudamericana after all. Congratulations to them. It is always a good thing for MLS clubs to participate in Sudamericana and any similar international tournaments and a good showing will only help the league.
I am kind of kicking myself, though. I interviewed DC United CEO Kevin Payne last week for a SuperLiga story for the premier issue of MLS Magazine last week but failed to ask him about anything but SuperLiga.
Anyway, I'm not completely up to speed with the rules regarding entry in Sudamericana but it is similar to the UEFA Cup. If Libertadores is the Champions League, consider the Sudamericana the UEFA Cup. Not all teams compete in both but some do, such as Mexico's Club America.
It's a good and respectable tournament, that's for sure.
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The X-Man
Abel Xavier has got to be the most visually colorful player to arrive on the squad since Carlos Valderrama. For espn.com, I wrote my view of his signing.Galaxy coach Frank Yallop used to be a teammate of Valderrama, back in their Tampa Bay days. They'd communicate in broken Spanish, Frank mentioned recently. Despite his many years in MLS, Carlos never really got fluent in English.
To be fair, Frank's Spanish isn't all that good, either.
No worries for Abel, though, as he speaks English fine.
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The beat goes on. . .
Galaxy fans can listen to some pregame tunes even before the Kinky mini-concert. That's because Beatless will be playing before the Rangers/Galaxy friendly this week. There's also a Scottish beer garden going on.
At this rate, it won't be long before Alexi Lalas himself calls up his old bandmates and puts together a selection of "Ginger's Greatest Hits" for a pregame performance. He keeps his guitar in his office, so he can't be that rusty.
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At this rate, it won't be long before Alexi Lalas himself calls up his old bandmates and puts together a selection of "Ginger's Greatest Hits" for a pregame performance. He keeps his guitar in his office, so he can't be that rusty.
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Tip-top
My article for TopDrawerSoccer on the ChivasUSA/Galaxy match, for those who'd like to read my take on the game in English.
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Upcoming games
It seems as if the lighter days of the HDC calendar are over. After three days in 22 days at HDC, there will be seven games in the next 19 days, including two Gold Cup doubleheaders.
I'm looking forward to the games; Rangers-Galaxy, Chivas-Dallas, Galaxy-United (preceded by Kinky!!!), US Gold Cup games, even a Central American derby between Guatemala and El Salvador.
I'll have my camera out there for games, press conferences and training sessions so expect some decent pictures and more grainy videos as well as more audio clips beginning with Tuesday's Rangers-Galaxy press conference.
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I'm looking forward to the games; Rangers-Galaxy, Chivas-Dallas, Galaxy-United (preceded by Kinky!!!), US Gold Cup games, even a Central American derby between Guatemala and El Salvador.
I'll have my camera out there for games, press conferences and training sessions so expect some decent pictures and more grainy videos as well as more audio clips beginning with Tuesday's Rangers-Galaxy press conference.
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Boss Bradley
I'm in the process of writing my Tuesday column for The Press-Enterprise. I'm taking a look at Bob Bradley and his upcoming tenure with as USMNT boss. I actually saw Bob yesterday at HDC. I first saw him in he locker room briefly and then I saw him up in the Stadium Club but I didn't get the chance to say hello.Anyway, I'm also compiling a Top 10 list, the Top 10 Bradley Coaching Victories or something. Off the top of my head, I'm including (in no particular order):
* Chicago's 1-0 win over the Galaxy in the 1998 playoffs
* MLS Cup 98: Fire 2, DC 0
* US 2, Mexico 0, Feb. 7, 2007
* Chicago 3, Metros 2, 2000 MLS Cup playoffs
* The U.S. Open Cup final victories
I'll have to research the Fire's 1998-2002 seasons to round out the Top 10 and put them in order and all that. I'm debating putting the US-Ecuador result there as well. I'll gladly take any input from our beloved readers.
Honestly, I feel like putting the 1-0 win over LA at the Rose Bowl as number one because that Galaxy team was the best MLS team I've ever seen but the MLS Cup win was obviously more significant and that has to count as well.
I don't know if any of the Chivas USA wins will make it; maybe the playoff win but that might be stretching it.
UPDATE: Wow. Top 10 lists seem like they wouldn't take that much time but I really had to put a lot of thought and effort into this particular one. I didn't include a single game from the MetroStars era. The Chivas USA playoff game made it after all as did the Ecuador win.
You would think with some 130 coaching wins picking 10 would be easy. Unfortunately, not a whole lot were in big games.
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Monday rankings (May 21)
Somewhere between 5 and 7, there is a big drop off. The top five clubs are playing solid soccer (with the Revs in a class of their own) while the bottom six are mostly playing poorly, save for a few solid efforts here and there.
D.C. United is the glue holding the rankings together. I guess it's fitting that they are in six since they have had the best and worst of seasons. Losing 4-2 in their home opener was pretty awful but United have suddenly reeled off two in a row. Yes, they came against Chivas USA and Toronto FC but those are wins in the books nonetheless.
1. New England (5-1-2). Although satisfying, win over Houston came six months too late.
2. FC Dallas (5-3-1). Six points in four days for the Super Duper Hoops.
3. Colorado (3-2-3). Need to develop a killer instinct at home.
4. New York (4-1-2). Didn't the Bulls sign Claudio Reyna?
5. Kansas City (4-2-1). Did well to come back on road.
6. D.C. United (2-3-1). Moved up three spots mostly by default.
7. Columbus (1-2-4). Only poorer results from others kept the Crew from sliding down.
8. Chicago (3-3-1). Where's the Fire-Eagle when you need him?
9. Galaxy (1-2-2). Landon Donovan has two goals and five assists; Galaxy has scored seven total goals.
10. Chivas USA (2-3-2). Something's amiss with the offense.
11. Toronto FC (2-5). Unbeaten streak could have reached three but bad luck kept that from happening.
12. Houston (2-4-1). Horrid season; heads need to roll, DP spot needs to be filled.
13. Real Salt Lake (0-3-4). Pathetic.
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D.C. United is the glue holding the rankings together. I guess it's fitting that they are in six since they have had the best and worst of seasons. Losing 4-2 in their home opener was pretty awful but United have suddenly reeled off two in a row. Yes, they came against Chivas USA and Toronto FC but those are wins in the books nonetheless.
1. New England (5-1-2). Although satisfying, win over Houston came six months too late.
2. FC Dallas (5-3-1). Six points in four days for the Super Duper Hoops.
3. Colorado (3-2-3). Need to develop a killer instinct at home.
4. New York (4-1-2). Didn't the Bulls sign Claudio Reyna?
5. Kansas City (4-2-1). Did well to come back on road.
6. D.C. United (2-3-1). Moved up three spots mostly by default.
7. Columbus (1-2-4). Only poorer results from others kept the Crew from sliding down.
8. Chicago (3-3-1). Where's the Fire-Eagle when you need him?
9. Galaxy (1-2-2). Landon Donovan has two goals and five assists; Galaxy has scored seven total goals.
10. Chivas USA (2-3-2). Something's amiss with the offense.
11. Toronto FC (2-5). Unbeaten streak could have reached three but bad luck kept that from happening.
12. Houston (2-4-1). Horrid season; heads need to roll, DP spot needs to be filled.
13. Real Salt Lake (0-3-4). Pathetic.
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Que pasa?
I'll start this post off saying I think mediotiempo.com is great. I also think it's nice that they've paid some attention to MLS recently. But I also wonder where they're getting their information.
In their Galaxy/Chivas USA report, they put Kevin Harmse as the player who had the centering cross on Donovan's goal, even though the telecast announcers clearly said, "Vagenas, a Martino" on the play.
The pic is also interesting, given that the orange jersey clearly shows it's from a Houston/Chivas USA match.
Oh, well.
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In their Galaxy/Chivas USA report, they put Kevin Harmse as the player who had the centering cross on Donovan's goal, even though the telecast announcers clearly said, "Vagenas, a Martino" on the play.
The pic is also interesting, given that the orange jersey clearly shows it's from a Houston/Chivas USA match.
Oh, well.
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Sunday, May 20, 2007
Change, change, change
Today I was covering the Chivas USA/Galaxy match for MLSnet in Spanish.
Nothing unusual about that.
But I was writing about it from Chivas USA's angle, specifically, although my usual assignment is Galaxy games. Jaime Cardenas, the Chivas USA beat writer, couldn't make it today, so the task fell to me.
It was a little weird, trying to focus on the other team when I'm used to watching what the Galaxy are doing.
Despite the Landon Donovan/Brad Guzan duel, I'd have to say that this latest match lacked some of the energy of previous encounters. All of the players I mentioned this to said that the heat played a part. It was hot on the field and that sapped energy.
That makes sense, but I also wonder if it is difficult for the teams to get motivated when they're not really in any battle for points at the top of the league. Or, to put it another way, assuming the players want to win badly no matter their standing in the table - what about the fans? I just don't see them getting that excited when neither team is contending for the league leadership.
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Nothing unusual about that.
But I was writing about it from Chivas USA's angle, specifically, although my usual assignment is Galaxy games. Jaime Cardenas, the Chivas USA beat writer, couldn't make it today, so the task fell to me.
It was a little weird, trying to focus on the other team when I'm used to watching what the Galaxy are doing.
Despite the Landon Donovan/Brad Guzan duel, I'd have to say that this latest match lacked some of the energy of previous encounters. All of the players I mentioned this to said that the heat played a part. It was hot on the field and that sapped energy.
That makes sense, but I also wonder if it is difficult for the teams to get motivated when they're not really in any battle for points at the top of the league. Or, to put it another way, assuming the players want to win badly no matter their standing in the table - what about the fans? I just don't see them getting that excited when neither team is contending for the league leadership.
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Classic payrolls
Here's my PE preview for today's game.
I talked about the different payrolls the teams have. The cool thing about the story is the picture they used. It's an AP story of the US-Mexico game, and in the background you can see Oswaldo Sanchez's cheap shot on Eddie Johnson.
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I talked about the different payrolls the teams have. The cool thing about the story is the picture they used. It's an AP story of the US-Mexico game, and in the background you can see Oswaldo Sanchez's cheap shot on Eddie Johnson.
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Classic build-up
Billy Witz has a pretty good Daily News article, though I'd point out that while Chivas USA has the lowest payroll this season, it was only a year ago that the reverse was true.
Yes, in 2006, with Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia on the payroll, Chivas USA spent more than any other MLS team on their players, so it seems a little disingenous that only a few months later, Chivas USA owner Antonio Cue is pointing fingers at the Galaxy for being big spenders, and acting like he never paid well for big stars himself.
It actually has me worried for Chivas USA that the payroll has dropped so far. I wonder if it indicates dissatisfaction from Jorge Vergara for this project. The showman has been strangely absent and hands-off from the squad in quite a while, and if money talks, the Chivas USA payroll might be saying, "I don't give a goat's ass anymore".
It doesn't help that attendance seems to keep dropping.
Also, the incident Witz mentions, with Donovan, as Luis points out, never took place at Azteca Stadium.
Not, of course that Chivas fans are going to feel better about it being Jalisco.
More takes on the match, from Luis and Greg Daurio.
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Yes, in 2006, with Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia on the payroll, Chivas USA spent more than any other MLS team on their players, so it seems a little disingenous that only a few months later, Chivas USA owner Antonio Cue is pointing fingers at the Galaxy for being big spenders, and acting like he never paid well for big stars himself.
It actually has me worried for Chivas USA that the payroll has dropped so far. I wonder if it indicates dissatisfaction from Jorge Vergara for this project. The showman has been strangely absent and hands-off from the squad in quite a while, and if money talks, the Chivas USA payroll might be saying, "I don't give a goat's ass anymore".
It doesn't help that attendance seems to keep dropping.
Also, the incident Witz mentions, with Donovan, as Luis points out, never took place at Azteca Stadium.
Not, of course that Chivas fans are going to feel better about it being Jalisco.
More takes on the match, from Luis and Greg Daurio.
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Saturday, May 19, 2007
The story of the Clasico
Tomorrow will write the latest chapter in the LA rivalry.
Chivas USA would love to add a plot twist - a win would be only the second one for them ever.
The Galaxy are hungry for points, and would love nothing better than to take them off their favorite target.
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Chivas USA would love to add a plot twist - a win would be only the second one for them ever.
The Galaxy are hungry for points, and would love nothing better than to take them off their favorite target.
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Smack talk in Spanish
Here's my Chivas USA/Galaxy preview.
In it, I've got a Landon Donovan quote about how he doesn't like to lose to Mexican teams. Jaime Cardenas, who covers Chivas USA, took that over to the Chivas USA players and got their response in his preview.
Jesse Marsch responded that if it bothers Landon, he's happy to change his name to Jesus.
Paulo Nagamura, meanwhile, comes from the English school of "avoid saying anything that could end up a tabloid headline" and he wouldn't come up with even a little bit of smack talk against his former team.
Nagamura's a bulldog on the pitch, but one of the quietest players off it.
As Yallop points out to Jaime - Chivas USA could be more energized and inspired by having the Guevara drama behind them and Sacha Klejestan back in the lineup. It should be a barn-burner of a game.
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In it, I've got a Landon Donovan quote about how he doesn't like to lose to Mexican teams. Jaime Cardenas, who covers Chivas USA, took that over to the Chivas USA players and got their response in his preview.
Jesse Marsch responded that if it bothers Landon, he's happy to change his name to Jesus.
Paulo Nagamura, meanwhile, comes from the English school of "avoid saying anything that could end up a tabloid headline" and he wouldn't come up with even a little bit of smack talk against his former team.
Nagamura's a bulldog on the pitch, but one of the quietest players off it.
As Yallop points out to Jaime - Chivas USA could be more energized and inspired by having the Guevara drama behind them and Sacha Klejestan back in the lineup. It should be a barn-burner of a game.
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Kids today
The last games of the U14 boys national team camp.
Coach Manny offered some interesting thoughts on what young soccer players need most to develop.
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Coach Manny offered some interesting thoughts on what young soccer players need most to develop.
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Beckham on Everest
Some have compared making soccer popular in the U.S. a challenge comparable to scaling Mt. Everest.
Well, Becks is doing that.
Sort of.
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Well, Becks is doing that.
Sort of.
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Friday, May 18, 2007
New Uni's
Got an email asking for another look at the Galaxy's new practice uniforms. Happy to oblige our readers.
Can anyone identify the players? At least one hasn't played a league game for the team yet.
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Round 2
Of the Super Clasico - the LA Rivalry. I asked Pete Vagenas if, after the Galaxy's previous win this season and his own statements about the Galaxy's dominance over Chivas USA, if he didn't think Chivas USA players would be even more pumped up to break the trend and win over the Galaxy. "If I was them, I’d be salivating. They are the underdog in this series, historically. They know that and we know that. Streaks are meant to be broken and they could very well beat us. We have to go in with the mentality that we respect them, but at the same time continue to show them their place in the hierarchy of
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Weekly Picks May 19-20
A week after correctly guessing the scores of both the Chivas USA and Galaxy games, my mettle will be tested as they play each other.
Over the years, though, the only thing difficult about picking this game has been the final score. When it comes to rivalries, the saying goes that you can throw the records out the window. With this "clasico" you can throw everything out the window, bet money on the Galaxy and expect some sort of return on your gamble.
No matter how the teams look entering their games against each other, until Chivas USA wins a couple games and makes this a real rivalry, I'm going to pick the Galaxy to win.
L.B.
Toronto FC 1, D.C. United 1
New York 1, Columbus 0
New England 2, Houston 0
Colorado 2, Kansas City 1
Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 0
FC Dallas 3, Real Salt Lake 1
A.C.
Toronto FC 1, DC United 1
New York 2, Columbus 1
New England 1, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Kansas City 2
Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 1
FC Dallas 2, Real Salt Lake 3
Current Standings
L.B. 12-15
A.C. 5-22
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Over the years, though, the only thing difficult about picking this game has been the final score. When it comes to rivalries, the saying goes that you can throw the records out the window. With this "clasico" you can throw everything out the window, bet money on the Galaxy and expect some sort of return on your gamble.
No matter how the teams look entering their games against each other, until Chivas USA wins a couple games and makes this a real rivalry, I'm going to pick the Galaxy to win.
L.B.
Toronto FC 1, D.C. United 1
New York 1, Columbus 0
New England 2, Houston 0
Colorado 2, Kansas City 1
Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 0
FC Dallas 3, Real Salt Lake 1
A.C.
Toronto FC 1, DC United 1
New York 2, Columbus 1
New England 1, Houston 1
Colorado 2, Kansas City 2
Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 1
FC Dallas 2, Real Salt Lake 3
Current Standings
L.B. 12-15
A.C. 5-22
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Buyer's market
Besides pointing Laurent Merlin in Chivas USA's direction, the Galaxy may have helped convince the French player to lower his price point slightly in signing for the other LA team. Apparently, Merlin was holding out for a senior spot when negotiating with the Galaxy, though he has now accepted a developmental roster position with Chivas USA. "He’s going to get a chance to play," said Frank Yallop of the benefits of Merlin's move to Chivas USA.
"If he was here, still, he’d probably get that, too, because now we’ve got injuries to Gaven Glinton and Alan Gordon. I didn’t realize that they’d be out this long. I’d have had to move one of them or Robbie Findley to add Laurent. Besides, Chivas
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Gone, but not forgotten
Frank Yallop took pains to point out that some of his recent trades weren't personal, but he moved players, even players he says he would like to have kept, in order to improve the Galaxy.
"You've got to give quality to get quality," said Frank.
He mentioned that he was happy to see former Galaxy players do well at other places, though he added the caveat of not wanting to see good performances versus the Galaxy.
Still, I found this statement a bit odd.
It might have been just me, but it seemed his enthusiasm fizzled out by the time he got to the end of the list.
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"You've got to give quality to get quality," said Frank.
He mentioned that he was happy to see former Galaxy players do well at other places, though he added the caveat of not wanting to see good performances versus the Galaxy.
Still, I found this statement a bit odd.
"I’m pleased that Herculez is doing well. I’m pleased that Ugo’s doing well. Kevin’s gone, too."
It might have been just me, but it seemed his enthusiasm fizzled out by the time he got to the end of the list.
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Come on, you Wings
Detroit needs to beat Anaheim in the NHL Western Conference finals. I need the space in the paper.
This isn't helping.
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This isn't helping.
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Both sides
I can see Landon Donovan's argument regarding Claudio Suarez's contract. Questionable statistics, salary information and attendance figures have been a part of Major League Soccer from the beginning. In fact, I talked to Jesse Marsch about the salary info and he told me that Josh Wolff signed a hefty contract six years ago but it was announced at much lower than it was because "they didn't want other players to think that they could get the same amount that Josh was getting paid."
But as a friend pointed out, Claudio Suarez wasn't exactly in high demand when he joined Chivas USA. When I first saw him, back on the first day of 2006 training camp, I rubbed my eyes to see if it was really him. I shook my head because I thought Suarez had been done years ago. He proved me wrong, though, as he has been a steady and reliable defender for Chivas USA.
Suarez was not in the same category as Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia. Both those players were compensated nicely a year ago. When their deals were up, each quickly latched on to big Mexican clubs - Pumas and Tigres respectively.
So while Chivas USA had to break the bank for both Paco and Loco, it wasn't the case for Suarez. I mean, why would you overpay for something when you are the only one who wants it?
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But as a friend pointed out, Claudio Suarez wasn't exactly in high demand when he joined Chivas USA. When I first saw him, back on the first day of 2006 training camp, I rubbed my eyes to see if it was really him. I shook my head because I thought Suarez had been done years ago. He proved me wrong, though, as he has been a steady and reliable defender for Chivas USA.
Suarez was not in the same category as Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia. Both those players were compensated nicely a year ago. When their deals were up, each quickly latched on to big Mexican clubs - Pumas and Tigres respectively.
So while Chivas USA had to break the bank for both Paco and Loco, it wasn't the case for Suarez. I mean, why would you overpay for something when you are the only one who wants it?
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Questionable salary?
Last year, Landon Donovan and Claudio Suarez shook hands for the press while Frank Yallop watched.This week, though, Landon singled out Claudio Suarez and questioned his salary. It was an innocent question on my behalf. I thought it was interesting that the Galaxy has the league's highest payroll and Chivas USA has the league's lowest payroll and they are playing each other on Sunday.
I started to ask Landon about that and I said something like "you guys have the highest payroll and Chivas USA has the lowest."
And unprovoked Landon said "No they don't. Claudio Suarez making a hundred grand? I don't think so."
So of course being the good journalist that I am (or try to be anyway) I asked Claudio Suarez what he thought about it. I played him the recording and asked a Chivas PR official to translate it to him because I didn't want Claudio to think I was embellishing it or anything. He just laughed about it and said they could compare tax returns if Landon wanted.
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Thursday, May 17, 2007
Former Galacticos
At one point or another, in some capacity or another, this trio defended the Green-and-Gold of the Galaxy. Now, they are all property of Chivas USA.
Galaxy coach Frank Yallop said he would have liked to have kept many of the players he traded away but said the reality of the profession calls for player movement.
Also, regarding the Shavar Thomas deal. It really caught most people by surprise when he was traded from the Galaxy to Chivas USA. I broke the news to Andrea and I don't think she believed me at first. I only believed it because I saw him in Chivas training gear with my own eyes.
Still, the reasons behind the move were speculated in the media and some even ran with it a bit, perhaps prematurely.
"So what happened? Word out of the Galaxy camp is that Thomas wasn't totally fit and seemed to lack initiative when it came to claiming that starter's spot."
Thomas was not match fit; Preki told me as much a week ago. Playing exactly zero games can have that effect. But it wasn't until earlier this week that the truth behind the deal was revealed, as the Galaxy signed Abel Xavier.
"Now you know why we had to clear that spot out."
That sounds more like clearing a much-needed spot out rather than clearing a player who lacks initiative off your roster.
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Vague numbers
When word broke that Chivas USA had agreed to a sponsorship deal, rumblings were that the club had inked a fairly valuable deal. With Chivas USA's sponsorship in place from the start, it seemed like the opportunity for a high-profile corporation to throw a cool seven-figures-plus per year to Chivas USA for sponsorship rights was there for the taking.
And that's what happened.
Maybe.
Chivas USA did not announce the exact dollar figures behind the deal with Comex, instead choosing to announce a "multiyear, multimillion-dollar agreement" between the two sides.
Lame.
The LA Times reported that the deal is worth some $2 million per year. I'm doing my own digging to see if that figure is correct, which it most likely is.
It's strange, though, that the figure was not released. Maybe there is a good reason for it. If so, I'll try and pass that along as well.
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And that's what happened.
Maybe.
Chivas USA did not announce the exact dollar figures behind the deal with Comex, instead choosing to announce a "multiyear, multimillion-dollar agreement" between the two sides.
Lame.
The LA Times reported that the deal is worth some $2 million per year. I'm doing my own digging to see if that figure is correct, which it most likely is.
It's strange, though, that the figure was not released. Maybe there is a good reason for it. If so, I'll try and pass that along as well.
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Preliminary rosters?
Just got an e-mail with a link to a site with preliminary rosters for the Gold Cup teams. I hadn't seen anything about any rosters anywhere so I was a bit surprised.
Anyway, here is the preliminary U.S. roster
Goalkeepers: Joe Cannon, Marcus Hahnemann, Tim Howard, Kasey Keller.
Defenders: Oguchi Onyewu, Frank Simek, Chris Albright, Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Bobby Boswell, Jimmy Conrad, Jay DeMerit.
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brian Carroll, Ricardo Clark.
Forwards: Brian Ching, Kenny Cooper, Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson.
Here's the link to the site.
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Anyway, here is the preliminary U.S. roster
Goalkeepers: Joe Cannon, Marcus Hahnemann, Tim Howard, Kasey Keller.
Defenders: Oguchi Onyewu, Frank Simek, Chris Albright, Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Bobby Boswell, Jimmy Conrad, Jay DeMerit.
Midfielders: Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brian Carroll, Ricardo Clark.
Forwards: Brian Ching, Kenny Cooper, Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson.
Here's the link to the site.
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Scoring threat
The rumors of a trade for Carlos Ruiz made sense partly because the Galaxy have lacked a pure goalscorer, and some people see that as crucial to their success. However, Cobi Jones sees it a little differently. "I don’t think it’s too much of an issue. We scored two goals in this [last] game; we scored in the games before. We’re getting goals, so that doesn’t seem to be the issue. We lapsed defensively. As a unit, we need to be able to win games."
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No love for K.C.?
I asked Landon Donovan this week about the Galaxy and salaries and all that and somehow we ended up talking about what it means for others to come in and play the Galaxy. I'm paraphrasing here but he said something like - When teams come and play the Galaxy, it's a real game. It's not like playing in, with all due respect, Kansas City. -
Then, I asked Jesse Marsch about Landon and playing against him and Jesse told me (again, paraphrasing) - When the lights are on and everyone is watching, he plays his best whether it's in the playoffs or against us or with the national team I feel like I see a different Landon than when I watch him play against Dallas or Kansas City. -
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Then, I asked Jesse Marsch about Landon and playing against him and Jesse told me (again, paraphrasing) - When the lights are on and everyone is watching, he plays his best whether it's in the playoffs or against us or with the national team I feel like I see a different Landon than when I watch him play against Dallas or Kansas City. -
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Thursday pick
Damn Houston. I had Toronto with a goal and they came through but Houston didn't. I think the players didn't see that I picked them to draw because I got the pick in kinda late so they didn't have me to fight for. Oh well.
With that, here's our Thursday picks:
L.B.
Chicago 2, FC Dallas 1
A.C.
Chicago 0, FC Dallas 2
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With that, here's our Thursday picks:
L.B.
Chicago 2, FC Dallas 1
A.C.
Chicago 0, FC Dallas 2
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Back in the sunshine
I talked to Paulo Nagamura a bit yesterday about the trade from Toronto to Chivas. He said he was happy about it and now was trying to get situated in a place nearby where he used to live, in Redondo Beach.
Now, I've never been to Toronto or Canada for that matter but if I had a choice of living in a city where the maximum temperatures crack the 70-degree mark for only three months of the year or Redondo Beach, I'm choosing Redondo Beach.
If nothing else, hot weather means women wear less ;)
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Now, I've never been to Toronto or Canada for that matter but if I had a choice of living in a city where the maximum temperatures crack the 70-degree mark for only three months of the year or Redondo Beach, I'm choosing Redondo Beach.
If nothing else, hot weather means women wear less ;)
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Bit of a stretch
It's not often MLS makes the front page of Yahoo but a story appeared there this morning. Of course, it had to do with David Beckham but nonetheless it had MLS in the headline.
Still, the story was kinda lame. Basically, someone felt it necessary to write a story on how Becks was left off the All-Star ballot. I think it would have been a big story if he was on the ballot but he's not on the ballot because he won't play one league minute before the All-Star game for the Galaxy.
I think the All-Star ballots and all that is a bit of a sham anyway. The league always finds ways to include their most popular players in certain events like the All-Star game even if they don't necessarily merit inclusion. For instance, Freddy Adu was part of the pre-MLS Cup 2004 festivities. He won some sort of goal of the year thing or some crap.
Still, with the Galaxy's World Series of Football on July 17 (vs. Tigres UANL) and July 21 (vs. Chelsea) and the All-Star game on July 19 (in Colorado), I don't know that Beckham will be a part of that game anyway.
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Still, the story was kinda lame. Basically, someone felt it necessary to write a story on how Becks was left off the All-Star ballot. I think it would have been a big story if he was on the ballot but he's not on the ballot because he won't play one league minute before the All-Star game for the Galaxy.
I think the All-Star ballots and all that is a bit of a sham anyway. The league always finds ways to include their most popular players in certain events like the All-Star game even if they don't necessarily merit inclusion. For instance, Freddy Adu was part of the pre-MLS Cup 2004 festivities. He won some sort of goal of the year thing or some crap.
Still, with the Galaxy's World Series of Football on July 17 (vs. Tigres UANL) and July 21 (vs. Chelsea) and the All-Star game on July 19 (in Colorado), I don't know that Beckham will be a part of that game anyway.
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Pondering the near future
Galaxy coach Frank Yallop was asked on Tuesday about preparing for Landon Donovan's inevitable absence for either the Gold Cup, Copa America or both.
Frank is very focused on the task at hand. It's sometimes difficult to ask him questions about something in the far-away future (like SuperLiga for instance) because the conversation always comes back around to how the team performed in the last game and how the team is expected to perform in the next match.
So maybe he hasn't done a whole lot of advanced planning on Landon's potential absence. Or maybe he knows something we don't.
"I’ll worry about that when it comes. He might not get taken in the Gold Cup. I expect him to go but he might not. Bob might not pick him. Until it actually happens and it comes up, we’ll deal with it."
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Frank is very focused on the task at hand. It's sometimes difficult to ask him questions about something in the far-away future (like SuperLiga for instance) because the conversation always comes back around to how the team performed in the last game and how the team is expected to perform in the next match.
So maybe he hasn't done a whole lot of advanced planning on Landon's potential absence. Or maybe he knows something we don't.
"I’ll worry about that when it comes. He might not get taken in the Gold Cup. I expect him to go but he might not. Bob might not pick him. Until it actually happens and it comes up, we’ll deal with it."
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Boys, boys, boys
As mentioned in the article, the two coaches from the Galaxy were out to observe the U14 camp for potential players.
Trevor James and Tim Hanley were there, and Hanley passed along his advice for young players.
"Don't try to play for the best team. Try to play for the team with the best coach - the one who will develop you and your game the most."
Chivas USA's Dennis Te Klose was there, too, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him.
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Trevor James and Tim Hanley were there, and Hanley passed along his advice for young players.
"Don't try to play for the best team. Try to play for the team with the best coach - the one who will develop you and your game the most."
Chivas USA's Dennis Te Klose was there, too, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him.
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Injury time-out for Mittsy
My grandmother could never pronounce our dog's name, which was Misty. She'd always get a bit confused and say Mittsy instead.
That's actually the nickname of Heather Mitts on the U.S. women's national team.
The connection ends there, because Heather is far from being a dog, although Misty was pretty cute.
It's pretty sad that after the work Mitts has put in, she'll miss the World Cup.
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That's actually the nickname of Heather Mitts on the U.S. women's national team.
The connection ends there, because Heather is far from being a dog, although Misty was pretty cute.
It's pretty sad that after the work Mitts has put in, she'll miss the World Cup.
Read more...
America's challenge
What started out in Houston, Dallas and Carson, Calif., is now in Estadio Azteca and headed to Brazil as America and Santos of Brazil have reached the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. The first leg went to neither side as it finished 0-0.
But America must also focus on its unfinished league business - a matchup against hated rivals Chivas in the Clausura 07 semifinals.
In games 24 hours apart, America will have contested a cup quarterfinal and a league semifinal match on the very same field. But in some ways America traded a shot of beating Santos at a chance of beating Chivas. Key players such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Salvador Cabanas subbed in at around the hour mark while other starters such as German Villa, Ricardo Rojas, Alejandro Arguello and Jose Antonio "Gringo" Castro didn't play at all.
It's a difficult position to be in but it's one that could have been avoided. The Mexican federation knew months in advance that such an improbable challenge could potentially face one of its clubs and did nothing about it. In the end, the ones who lost out were the more than 80,000 people who took in the America-Santos game in Mexico City on Wednesday only to see a half-strength squad try in vain to get a result.
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But America must also focus on its unfinished league business - a matchup against hated rivals Chivas in the Clausura 07 semifinals.
In games 24 hours apart, America will have contested a cup quarterfinal and a league semifinal match on the very same field. But in some ways America traded a shot of beating Santos at a chance of beating Chivas. Key players such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Salvador Cabanas subbed in at around the hour mark while other starters such as German Villa, Ricardo Rojas, Alejandro Arguello and Jose Antonio "Gringo" Castro didn't play at all.
It's a difficult position to be in but it's one that could have been avoided. The Mexican federation knew months in advance that such an improbable challenge could potentially face one of its clubs and did nothing about it. In the end, the ones who lost out were the more than 80,000 people who took in the America-Santos game in Mexico City on Wednesday only to see a half-strength squad try in vain to get a result.
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Saint Santino
Santino Quaranta is saying a lot of the right things about working hard to get fit and contributing to the Galaxy this season.
The old mantra still applies, though - he's got to walk the walk this year for any of that talk to really matter.
Talent isn't the issue - Quaranta has been swimming in talent since he was a teenager. Discipline, focus and the indispensible element of luck (especially with injuries) comes into play.
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The old mantra still applies, though - he's got to walk the walk this year for any of that talk to really matter.
Talent isn't the issue - Quaranta has been swimming in talent since he was a teenager. Discipline, focus and the indispensible element of luck (especially with injuries) comes into play.
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Texas to Toronto
What's been the difference between a Toronto that couldn't score once and one who has won two in a row?
At first glance, I'd say it's my favorite MLS Irishman, Ronnie O'Brien.
I used to interview O'Brien at least partially because I loved listening to him talk. It wasn't just his accent, it was his knack for phrases and metaphors that just begged to be quoted. He'd call things the way he saw them - he didn't bother with the polite sporting cliches of "we're just happy to be here" and "we're taking it one game at a time" borefest.
As much as he was colorful, O'Brien struck me as a gamer, a competitive guy who would fight for his team. But when you're an out-of-town reporter, you only get bits and pieces of impressions, so when I heard he wasn't getting along with certain FC Dallas elements, I was a bit surprised, but figured there might have been some obstinate streak to O'Brien I had missed.
When he hurt himself early this season in a Toronto FC practice going for a reportedly pointless retaliatory tackle on his own teammate, it seemed to indicate further a certain lack of rational judgment.
All that aside, however, his return to the field indicates that whatever I missed in terms of O'Brien's negatives, I was right about him being a gamer. In addition to his other midfield skills, Ronnie also possesses a screamer of a long-range shot. If he uncorks that successfully, Toronto could find themselves agreeing with me on who their favorite MLS Irishman is.
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At first glance, I'd say it's my favorite MLS Irishman, Ronnie O'Brien.
I used to interview O'Brien at least partially because I loved listening to him talk. It wasn't just his accent, it was his knack for phrases and metaphors that just begged to be quoted. He'd call things the way he saw them - he didn't bother with the polite sporting cliches of "we're just happy to be here" and "we're taking it one game at a time" borefest.
As much as he was colorful, O'Brien struck me as a gamer, a competitive guy who would fight for his team. But when you're an out-of-town reporter, you only get bits and pieces of impressions, so when I heard he wasn't getting along with certain FC Dallas elements, I was a bit surprised, but figured there might have been some obstinate streak to O'Brien I had missed.
When he hurt himself early this season in a Toronto FC practice going for a reportedly pointless retaliatory tackle on his own teammate, it seemed to indicate further a certain lack of rational judgment.
All that aside, however, his return to the field indicates that whatever I missed in terms of O'Brien's negatives, I was right about him being a gamer. In addition to his other midfield skills, Ronnie also possesses a screamer of a long-range shot. If he uncorks that successfully, Toronto could find themselves agreeing with me on who their favorite MLS Irishman is.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Albright's alright
One thing I especially respect about Chris Albright is that he goes full out, even in practices. He'll yell at himself, his teammates and the ball sometimes, but he really brings a big-time effort to what he does. Here he is in action yesterday. Incidently, these are the team's new practice uniforms.
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Sunil and Bob
Now that the decision is made, Sunil Gulati finds himself in an interesting position of deja vu, perhaps. After all, Bruce Arena wasn't the top choice nine years ago, either. There's a lot to be said for giving the job to someone who really wants it. I think Bob will work hard and do a good job.
With that said, I don't think the recycling of Arena's eight-year tenure is a good idea. History repeating should only go so far, or U.S. soccer may find that advancement is passing them by.
Oh, and don't let the title of this post fool you - I know that's not Bob with Sunil in the picture. That's Jim Morehouse, the media administrator for the team. But Sunil was watching Bob coach the USMNT when I took the picture.
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Grand Moff Bradley
U.S. Soccer has made it official and appointed Bob Bradley as the head coach of the men's national team. I like how they picked a classic Bob picture to go with their headline.
Now that Bradley is the main man, does anyone else see a certain resemblance between Bradley and another famous commander? Is it just me?
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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Albright on rumors
I caught up with Chris Albright on Tuesday to talk to him about the recent reports of him heading out of town.He didn't really seem irritated by the rumors but rather more like he was caught off guard by them. He seemed to think there was no truth to them but also acknowledged that rumors and trades are part of the life of a pro athlete.
For selfish reasons, I'd hate to see Chris go. He's a good guy and has given a lot to the Galaxy. But Galaxy management is not afraid to pull the trigger on deals so it wouldn't surprise me if Albright was property of another club soon.
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Time to spend
Chivas USA supposedly has a lot of money. The club has bragged about its sponsorship deals in the past and will announce a new multimillion dollar sponsorship deal on Wednesday. And then of course there is the connection to Chivas de Guadalajara, who seemingly has bottomless pockets.
It's time now to invest some of those funds on the senior roster. Chivas USA has the least amount of players making more than $100,000 a year.
Here's a breakdown of the number of players per team that make six figures or more:
Chicago -- 7
Chivas -- 4
Columbus -- 7
Colorado -- 10
FC Dallas -- 8
DC United -- 7
Houston -- 11
Kansas City -- 9
Galaxy -- 11
New England -- 7
New York -- 8
Real Salt Lake -- 8
Toronto -- 11
The Galaxy figure does not include Abel Xavier who likely commands a six-figure salary (I'm guessing around $200,000).
Chivas USA has the lowest payroll in the league, even with Amado Guevara. The above figure does not include the now-departed Guevara. The four Chivas players who make north of $100,000 are Ante Razov (248,750), Claudio Suarez (146,991.60), Jesse Marsch (109,375) and Sacha Kljestan (103,000). Panchito Mendoza is about six thousand short of six figures, incidentally.
So what gives? Why has Chivas USA not spent more money on its senior roster? A year ago, the club had two of the five highest-paid players in the league in Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia but both players bolted and were essentially not replaced, certainly not with their salaries.
Unless Chivas trades for a DP slot, the club will have to bring in a player under $400,000 or whatever the max salary is. But if clubs like the Crew and the Galaxy can bring in guys like Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Abel Xavier without using a DP slot, Chivas USA should do the same and should do soon.
Now, I might be willing to give Chivas USA the benefit of the doubt just a little. It's difficult to bring in players in the middle of seasons oversees. But if Chivas USA fails to bring in a player during the summer transfer window worth a relatively hefty salary (say around $200,000), when they could get someone on a free transfer, then the questions will only get louder.
It's not say that the guys on the team are no good because they aren't highly paid; not at all. But there needs to be some infusion of talent on the team, the type of talent that needs to be lured with good old-fashioned cash.
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It's time now to invest some of those funds on the senior roster. Chivas USA has the least amount of players making more than $100,000 a year.
Here's a breakdown of the number of players per team that make six figures or more:
Chicago -- 7
Chivas -- 4
Columbus -- 7
Colorado -- 10
FC Dallas -- 8
DC United -- 7
Houston -- 11
Kansas City -- 9
Galaxy -- 11
New England -- 7
New York -- 8
Real Salt Lake -- 8
Toronto -- 11
The Galaxy figure does not include Abel Xavier who likely commands a six-figure salary (I'm guessing around $200,000).
Chivas USA has the lowest payroll in the league, even with Amado Guevara. The above figure does not include the now-departed Guevara. The four Chivas players who make north of $100,000 are Ante Razov (248,750), Claudio Suarez (146,991.60), Jesse Marsch (109,375) and Sacha Kljestan (103,000). Panchito Mendoza is about six thousand short of six figures, incidentally.
So what gives? Why has Chivas USA not spent more money on its senior roster? A year ago, the club had two of the five highest-paid players in the league in Francisco Palencia and Juan Pablo Garcia but both players bolted and were essentially not replaced, certainly not with their salaries.
Unless Chivas trades for a DP slot, the club will have to bring in a player under $400,000 or whatever the max salary is. But if clubs like the Crew and the Galaxy can bring in guys like Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Abel Xavier without using a DP slot, Chivas USA should do the same and should do soon.
Now, I might be willing to give Chivas USA the benefit of the doubt just a little. It's difficult to bring in players in the middle of seasons oversees. But if Chivas USA fails to bring in a player during the summer transfer window worth a relatively hefty salary (say around $200,000), when they could get someone on a free transfer, then the questions will only get louder.
It's not say that the guys on the team are no good because they aren't highly paid; not at all. But there needs to be some infusion of talent on the team, the type of talent that needs to be lured with good old-fashioned cash.
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The next great Galactico?
Seems that AEG chief Tim Leiweke is already thinking about the next great Galaxy player. He told some sort of convention audience that the Galaxy has already thinking about bringing in David Beckham's replacement once Becks' career with the Galaxy is over.
Pure speculation here (but then again isn't that what makes sports fun?) but if we consider that in five years' time the Galaxy will get a name player on the other side of his prime, that means the player will be relatively young right now and either in his prime or nearing it. Yeah, I know. It's too bad that guy can't come now but instead will have played in at least one World Cup (probably) before he gets here but that's the reality of the situation.
Anyway, again, just speculating here, but this player would probably have to be 23-26 years of age and already a star. For instance, Leo Messi is too young. He's 20 right now. In five years, he'll still be well in his prime and sought after by the world's big clubs. Ronaldinho might be too old. He's 27. In five years, he'll have lost quite a bit of his speed and quickness and agility. He might still have the starpower element but I think he'll have more wear and tear at 32 then Beckham does now at 31.
Two players instantly jumped out at me: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Ronaldo is 22 so he'll still be in his prime years when Beckham's deal runs out. But Ronaldo signed a five-year deal with ManU so that falls in line with the Galaxy's own timeline.
Kaka is 25 and will still have enough left to star in five years but won't be on the upside of his career. Kaka's deal runs out in 2011 so it may or may not work out.
Anyone else care to take a shot in the dark at who could succeed Becks at the Galaxy in five years from now?
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Pure speculation here (but then again isn't that what makes sports fun?) but if we consider that in five years' time the Galaxy will get a name player on the other side of his prime, that means the player will be relatively young right now and either in his prime or nearing it. Yeah, I know. It's too bad that guy can't come now but instead will have played in at least one World Cup (probably) before he gets here but that's the reality of the situation.
Anyway, again, just speculating here, but this player would probably have to be 23-26 years of age and already a star. For instance, Leo Messi is too young. He's 20 right now. In five years, he'll still be well in his prime and sought after by the world's big clubs. Ronaldinho might be too old. He's 27. In five years, he'll have lost quite a bit of his speed and quickness and agility. He might still have the starpower element but I think he'll have more wear and tear at 32 then Beckham does now at 31.
Two players instantly jumped out at me: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Ronaldo is 22 so he'll still be in his prime years when Beckham's deal runs out. But Ronaldo signed a five-year deal with ManU so that falls in line with the Galaxy's own timeline.
Kaka is 25 and will still have enough left to star in five years but won't be on the upside of his career. Kaka's deal runs out in 2011 so it may or may not work out.
Anyone else care to take a shot in the dark at who could succeed Becks at the Galaxy in five years from now?
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Galaxy training
I got to Galaxy training today and the first thing I did was to look for Chris Albright. He was there, as vocal as ever. Then, I looked for Nate Jaqua.
No Nate Jaqua. I started to go through different possible trade scenarios through my mind until I asked a Galaxy official the whereabouts of one Nate Jaqua.
"He's getting treatment," I was told.
Apparently, Nate's got a bit of a hamstring issue.
I asked Chris about the trade rumors after training. I'll have something up on it later today, as soon as my girls let me have some time to think and transcribe and write and edit and publish.
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No Nate Jaqua. I started to go through different possible trade scenarios through my mind until I asked a Galaxy official the whereabouts of one Nate Jaqua.
"He's getting treatment," I was told.
Apparently, Nate's got a bit of a hamstring issue.
I asked Chris about the trade rumors after training. I'll have something up on it later today, as soon as my girls let me have some time to think and transcribe and write and edit and publish.
Read more...
Comex on the way
I heard on Monday talk of a Chivas USA press conference. I figured it would be to talk about the Super Clasico. Turns out, they're finally announcing their sponsorship deal.
We all expect it to be Comex, of course. If you've seen Tigres' jerseys, you might think it's the same deal but Tigres are sponsored by Cemex. In Mexico, everything seemingly ends in -mex; between Comex (paint), Cemex (cement), Pemex (gas), Jumex (juice), Banamex (bank), Telmex (telephone), Cablemex (cable), etc, etc, etc. Basically a company slaps Mexico on its name so the full name is Jugos Mexicanos but it is shortened to Jumex.
Anyway, family obligations might keep me from attending the presser, though I will be out at training tomorrow. But we'll bring you as much detail as we can from HDC.
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We all expect it to be Comex, of course. If you've seen Tigres' jerseys, you might think it's the same deal but Tigres are sponsored by Cemex. In Mexico, everything seemingly ends in -mex; between Comex (paint), Cemex (cement), Pemex (gas), Jumex (juice), Banamex (bank), Telmex (telephone), Cablemex (cable), etc, etc, etc. Basically a company slaps Mexico on its name so the full name is Jugos Mexicanos but it is shortened to Jumex.
Anyway, family obligations might keep me from attending the presser, though I will be out at training tomorrow. But we'll bring you as much detail as we can from HDC.
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Thoughts
Do you think that the opposition to Bob Bradley as coach would be greater had Sunil Gulati made the choice earlier, without putting Bradley through the trial period?Or that the support would be greater?
Or that it made no difference at all?
Thoughts?
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The youngest Nats
The U14 boys national team had their first scrimmages in camp yesterday. I'm seeing more technical play on the ball these days. Perhaps not coincidentally, I noticed the players seem a bit more on the small side, plus there's a lot more Latino players than I remember in years past.
Here, a Cal South player chests down a ball as Scott Cohen (64) and Jon-Paul Medina close in.
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U20s versus Argentina
Here's the scoop on Argentina - the squad doesn't include Lionel Messi. No one should have thought it would, but you'd be surprised at the amount of times I've covered the US national team and some passersby will stop at the fence, look over the field and ask me, standing nearby, "Which one is Freddy Adu?"
What's even worse is when fans would spot DaMarcus Beasley or Eddie Johnson, decide that had to be Freddy and yell "Adu! Adu!"
They've done it for different age levels, too. When I covered the U17 World Cup in Peru, people would see Ofori Sarkodie and start chanting, "Freddy! Freddy!
Well, for once the Freddy fans are going to be right - Freddy is the captain of the U20s, and he will lead them out versus Argentina, today. Messi or no Messi, it will still be a tough match.
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What's even worse is when fans would spot DaMarcus Beasley or Eddie Johnson, decide that had to be Freddy and yell "Adu! Adu!"
They've done it for different age levels, too. When I covered the U17 World Cup in Peru, people would see Ofori Sarkodie and start chanting, "Freddy! Freddy!
Well, for once the Freddy fans are going to be right - Freddy is the captain of the U20s, and he will lead them out versus Argentina, today. Messi or no Messi, it will still be a tough match.
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Monday, May 14, 2007
USMNT announcement pending
Got this in my inbox a bit earlier today. Looks like either Bob Bradley is going to get the gig full time or someone else will swoop in on the job at the 11th hour. My money's on the former.
* * * PRESS CONFERENCE ADVISORY * * *
U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION PRESIDENT SUNIL GULATI
TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT AT NEW YORK CITY
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 AT 1 P.M. ET
Press Conference Broadcast Available Live on ussoccer.com MatchACCESS Web Streaming
National Teleconference Call at 2:30 p.m. ET to Follow Press Conference
CHICAGO (May 14, 2007) — U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati will make a major announcement at a press conference to be held Wednesday, May 16 at 1 p.m. ET in New York City. The press conference will be broadcast live for fans and media on ussoccer.com's popular MatchACCESS web streaming.
Following the press conference, U.S. Soccer will host a national media teleconference call. Members of the media wishing to participate should call 866-IS-IT-BOB or 212-555-BOB-1 a few minutes before 2:30 p.m. ET.
(I edited some things from above in case you hadn't figured it out)
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* * * PRESS CONFERENCE ADVISORY * * *
U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION PRESIDENT SUNIL GULATI
TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT AT NEW YORK CITY
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 AT 1 P.M. ET
Press Conference Broadcast Available Live on ussoccer.com MatchACCESS Web Streaming
National Teleconference Call at 2:30 p.m. ET to Follow Press Conference
CHICAGO (May 14, 2007) — U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati will make a major announcement at a press conference to be held Wednesday, May 16 at 1 p.m. ET in New York City. The press conference will be broadcast live for fans and media on ussoccer.com's popular MatchACCESS web streaming.
Following the press conference, U.S. Soccer will host a national media teleconference call. Members of the media wishing to participate should call 866-IS-IT-BOB or 212-555-BOB-1 a few minutes before 2:30 p.m. ET.
(I edited some things from above in case you hadn't figured it out)
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Rumors addressed
Grahame Jones reported in the LA Times on Sunday that the Galaxy may trade Chris Albright and Nate Jaqua for Carlos Ruiz.
Now, for me that's a fair trade. I know some Galaxy fans would probably want to get rid of Tyrone Marshall right now but you have to give up something to get something, and Albright is that something. Albright's a key part of the team, he's a gamer, he gives everything he has in every game he plays (well, except for the ones before the World Cup...).
I've always felt the greatest respect for Albright. The guy is a warrior. Conversely, I haven't been impressed by Nate Jaqua. He has a big body and is a big target but can't position himself very well at all.
Albright-Jaqua for Ruiz is a fair trade. If I'm Dallas, I'd probably try for Albright-Sturgis and maybe offer a draft pick to sweeten the pot but I'd settle for Albright-Jaqua.
Before the conference call, Grahame talked to another reporter about the deal and just by the way he was talking I got the sense that the trade is going to happen. When asked about the deal, Alexi Lalas said this:
We don’t anticipate making any changes. Having said that, it’s part of my job to constantly be looking at opportunities to upgrade. There are options out there and there are possibilities out there and they are very, very preliminary.
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Now, for me that's a fair trade. I know some Galaxy fans would probably want to get rid of Tyrone Marshall right now but you have to give up something to get something, and Albright is that something. Albright's a key part of the team, he's a gamer, he gives everything he has in every game he plays (well, except for the ones before the World Cup...).
I've always felt the greatest respect for Albright. The guy is a warrior. Conversely, I haven't been impressed by Nate Jaqua. He has a big body and is a big target but can't position himself very well at all.
Albright-Jaqua for Ruiz is a fair trade. If I'm Dallas, I'd probably try for Albright-Sturgis and maybe offer a draft pick to sweeten the pot but I'd settle for Albright-Jaqua.
Before the conference call, Grahame talked to another reporter about the deal and just by the way he was talking I got the sense that the trade is going to happen. When asked about the deal, Alexi Lalas said this:
We don’t anticipate making any changes. Having said that, it’s part of my job to constantly be looking at opportunities to upgrade. There are options out there and there are possibilities out there and they are very, very preliminary.
The core players that we’ve got and then obviously with the addition of Abel and David coming later this summer and another signing we look to do here in the next few weeks is a team we feel is going to compete. We don’t feel the need to make drastic changes to the player personnel that we have although if there exists opportunities to upgrade both in the league or internationally, we’ll do it.
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Light crowd likely
How can you be at two places at once? That's the riddle that will probably face some Chivas USA fans.
Chivas USA will play the Galaxy at Home Depot Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Chivas de Guadalajara will play America in Estadio Jalisco at 4 p.m. (6 p.m. GDL time) on Sunday.
It's not possible to do both. Hell, it's not possible to do the first in person and the second on television comfortably. Since the Chivas USA-Galaxy game is on television (Telefutura, Prime Ticket), expect many to take both games in on TV.
If I was fan of both, I'd probably just stay home and watch them on TV. Hell, I'd have some friends over, fire up the grill, get some carne asada going at around 12 or 1 p.m., have it ready for the start of the Chivas USA-Galaxy game, take that one in and then get a second helping at the start of the Chivas-America game with a 30-pack of Tecate in the cooler and an 18-pack of Bud Light on standby.
Damn, that's not a bad idea. Uh... I might call in sick on Sunday...
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Chivas USA will play the Galaxy at Home Depot Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Chivas de Guadalajara will play America in Estadio Jalisco at 4 p.m. (6 p.m. GDL time) on Sunday.
It's not possible to do both. Hell, it's not possible to do the first in person and the second on television comfortably. Since the Chivas USA-Galaxy game is on television (Telefutura, Prime Ticket), expect many to take both games in on TV.
If I was fan of both, I'd probably just stay home and watch them on TV. Hell, I'd have some friends over, fire up the grill, get some carne asada going at around 12 or 1 p.m., have it ready for the start of the Chivas USA-Galaxy game, take that one in and then get a second helping at the start of the Chivas-America game with a 30-pack of Tecate in the cooler and an 18-pack of Bud Light on standby.
Damn, that's not a bad idea. Uh... I might call in sick on Sunday...
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Latest reinforcement
Abel Xavier will join the Galaxy in person sometime in June. The hope is, at least for club officials, that he will play shortly after the transfer window opens on June 15. The Galaxy play home games on June 17 (RSL) and June 23 (Columbus) and Xavier could make his debut should he receive his work visa before then.
He was officially announced as a member of the squad on Monday, and his new bosses are pretty excited about him.
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He was officially announced as a member of the squad on Monday, and his new bosses are pretty excited about him.
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Abel-bodied defender
While I work on my story on the Abel Xavier signing, here's a link I came across to the match report of the only game Xavier scored in during Middlesbrough's 2006-07 campaign: a 5-1 rout over Bolton.
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