Forget Beckham. That game was amazing. Anyone who didn't show up just because David wasn't there missed out. This one was historic. The goals came so fast and furiously - it was incredible.
First there was LA's dominance, than Dallas' grit to fight back, then LA putting the screws in again - and Dallas still not giving up. Wow.
Anyone still think Dallas fans deserve their money back?
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Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Dallas-Galaxy blog
90+ Dallas goal! Abe Thomson heads in off a McCarty corner kick. Wow. This SuperLiga match just tied an MLS record. The most goals ever scored in an MLS game was 11, the Galaxy versus Colorado 7-4 back in, when else, 1998.
90 + Galaxy goal! Donovan on the counter - passes to Pavon, who gets on the board for his first Galaxy goal.
90+ Ruiz wanted a call in the box, but Xavier played it smart.
90+ Although the match looks close, because it's not elimination, Dallas needs to win to advance, so they need two goals still. Galaxy just need to tie.
90+ This time the bounce goes Ruiz' way. He scores! The shot deflected off a sliding Ty Harden, giving Cannon no chance.
90 Five minutes of stoppage - Dallas header hits crossbar. So close.
89 - Off a corner, Cannon makes great save, but the Galaxy get lucky as the rebound goes through Carlos Ruiz' legs.
87 - Donovan made the goal down the middle look like he could have done that all day. Just so controlled, simple and easy.
85 - Donovan gets a yellow for taunting the crowd. I don't think he was ever popular in Dallas per se, but they hate him now for sure.
84 - now the crowd is alive! Donovan scores on the counter and does the cutthroat move - to shush the crowd.
83 - Galaxy nearly counter, Kirk just misses.
81 - Dallas goal! Toja gets it to Alvarez, who sneaks it in near post.
77- Goal - Dallas! Galaxy corner - cleared out. On the counter, a bad Galaxy backpass by Vagenas gets picked off by Oduro and he passes to Toja, who gets his goal. Cannon is down.
75 - Galaxy knocking it around, but Dallas gets a corner, cleared out.
70 - Oduro beats Harden, but Harden puts it out for corner. Dallas looking so much younger and trickier right now, though the scoreboards says Galaxy is dominant.
67 - Morrow checks his watch, as well he should. Dallas needs a play, quick.
66 - Toja is freaking everywhere. Dallas corners are testing the Galaxy's weak spots.
62 - I agree with the comment that this game is going to see a red. Dallas is frustrated, and too many Galaxy players have a yellow.
61 - Galaxy with a stretch of possession. Wow - it had been a while.
58- Toja pass to Alvarez, who tears up the right side, and Jazic is forced to chase and tackle from behind. Yellow to Jazic.
56 - Toja beats Kelly Gray, who is already committed to the tackle, and then gets called for a yellow.
55 - Dallas sets up right at the Galaxy box for a full minute before a shot goes wide. Cannon is pissed at his defenders.
53 - Actually, it's Dallas who looks good now - especially Alvarez. I've been gushing over Toja, but Alvarez is having a break-out year.
52 - Why can't the Galaxy play like this when I cover games? It's depressing to go to the locker room after a loss. Everyone is chipper after a win.
49 - All Dallas, all the time, but they need to score soon.
47 - Wow - Cannon with a great stop, then Ruiz nails a bicycle kick, but he's offside.
2nd half
Richetti is having a row with the officials - he's lucky he doesn't get a yellow. Alvarez did. Gordon got a yellow too. I'm not sure what for - the matchtracker says game disrepute.
Dallas fans furious - Toja down in the box, but the ref says it was a dive. He was close to the play, though.
45 +Galaxy fight off a corner, now face a free kick.
45 - it's a big uphill climb, though, and the Galaxy can counter all day, like they just did now with Donovan, who was stoned against Sala, but beat Adrian Serioux badly.
43 - Dallas really needs to s- and they do! Alvarez scored on a header from a Drew Moor cross.
It makes all the psychological difference, because the Galaxy were getting a little complacent with their big lead. Now Dallas has a charge.
40 - Game has settled down. Carlos Pavon is warming up. Frank Yallop might want to save Gordon.
37 - Now it's Alan Gordon's turn to run into a high kick from Saragosa. Goes down.
36 - Incidently, the team the Galaxy scored eight goals against? Dallas. That was the high-powered 1998 LA team.
34 - Ty Harden hipchecks Carlos Ruiz, who initiated the contact by running into him, but Harden didn't back down or give way. Ruiz down hard.
33 - This match won't count in the MLS record books, though, because it's not an official league match. So even if the Galaxy tie their MLS record for most goals scored - 8, it won't be a record.
28 - The Galaxy have let a four-goal lead slip away before, versus the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003, but that was on aggregate. I don't think they've ever lost a match when they've led by four goals. I'm not sure any MLS team has.
26-Morrow makes another first-half sub. This coach isn't giving up on this game. He's throwing his team forward. Rhine out for David Wagenfuhr.
25 - Maybe the Galaxy is getting the hang of this dealing with extra Beckham scrutiny.
24 Ruiz earns FK - right at top of box. Toja takes, cleared out.
20 - Ricardinho subbed out. Don't know if he's injured or if Morrow wants to reel this game back quick or save Ricardinho, or what.
18 - Wow - Harmse with a goal. They are bringing the hurt heavy this time.
17 - Three goals in fifteen minutes - that could be a Galaxy record.
15 - Galaxy score! Jazic with a nice cross to Alan Gordon, who heads it beautifully into the goal. Who needs Beckham? The Galaxy are putting on a clinic.
14 - Yellow to Harmse - a crunching tackle on Toja.
13 - Take heart, Dallas fans, it's not as if the Hoops haven't come back from multiple goals down before.
12 - Klein scores! Landon beat Bobby Rhine and laid the ball off to Klein in the box.
Nice play.
12 -I don't know who this SuperLiga announcer is in English, but he's sounds like he's trying to out VinScully Vin Scully. He's just got a baseball timbre and rhythm, which sounds weird to my soccer ear.
8 - I covet Juan Toja - meaning I wish he was on a local team, because I'd love to watch him play more often. He's great.
5 - Now it's all Dallas - pushing hard to get the goal back.
Ok, I'm not Luis, but let me try to blog this anyway. I'm not in the stadium, by the way. I'm watching at home.
Game starts.
Galaxy score. Gordon off a corner kick from Donovan.
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90 + Galaxy goal! Donovan on the counter - passes to Pavon, who gets on the board for his first Galaxy goal.
90+ Ruiz wanted a call in the box, but Xavier played it smart.
90+ Although the match looks close, because it's not elimination, Dallas needs to win to advance, so they need two goals still. Galaxy just need to tie.
90+ This time the bounce goes Ruiz' way. He scores! The shot deflected off a sliding Ty Harden, giving Cannon no chance.
90 Five minutes of stoppage - Dallas header hits crossbar. So close.
89 - Off a corner, Cannon makes great save, but the Galaxy get lucky as the rebound goes through Carlos Ruiz' legs.
87 - Donovan made the goal down the middle look like he could have done that all day. Just so controlled, simple and easy.
85 - Donovan gets a yellow for taunting the crowd. I don't think he was ever popular in Dallas per se, but they hate him now for sure.
84 - now the crowd is alive! Donovan scores on the counter and does the cutthroat move - to shush the crowd.
83 - Galaxy nearly counter, Kirk just misses.
81 - Dallas goal! Toja gets it to Alvarez, who sneaks it in near post.
77- Goal - Dallas! Galaxy corner - cleared out. On the counter, a bad Galaxy backpass by Vagenas gets picked off by Oduro and he passes to Toja, who gets his goal. Cannon is down.
75 - Galaxy knocking it around, but Dallas gets a corner, cleared out.
70 - Oduro beats Harden, but Harden puts it out for corner. Dallas looking so much younger and trickier right now, though the scoreboards says Galaxy is dominant.
67 - Morrow checks his watch, as well he should. Dallas needs a play, quick.
66 - Toja is freaking everywhere. Dallas corners are testing the Galaxy's weak spots.
62 - I agree with the comment that this game is going to see a red. Dallas is frustrated, and too many Galaxy players have a yellow.
61 - Galaxy with a stretch of possession. Wow - it had been a while.
58- Toja pass to Alvarez, who tears up the right side, and Jazic is forced to chase and tackle from behind. Yellow to Jazic.
56 - Toja beats Kelly Gray, who is already committed to the tackle, and then gets called for a yellow.
55 - Dallas sets up right at the Galaxy box for a full minute before a shot goes wide. Cannon is pissed at his defenders.
53 - Actually, it's Dallas who looks good now - especially Alvarez. I've been gushing over Toja, but Alvarez is having a break-out year.
52 - Why can't the Galaxy play like this when I cover games? It's depressing to go to the locker room after a loss. Everyone is chipper after a win.
49 - All Dallas, all the time, but they need to score soon.
47 - Wow - Cannon with a great stop, then Ruiz nails a bicycle kick, but he's offside.
2nd half
Richetti is having a row with the officials - he's lucky he doesn't get a yellow. Alvarez did. Gordon got a yellow too. I'm not sure what for - the matchtracker says game disrepute.
Dallas fans furious - Toja down in the box, but the ref says it was a dive. He was close to the play, though.
45 +Galaxy fight off a corner, now face a free kick.
45 - it's a big uphill climb, though, and the Galaxy can counter all day, like they just did now with Donovan, who was stoned against Sala, but beat Adrian Serioux badly.
43 - Dallas really needs to s- and they do! Alvarez scored on a header from a Drew Moor cross.
It makes all the psychological difference, because the Galaxy were getting a little complacent with their big lead. Now Dallas has a charge.
40 - Game has settled down. Carlos Pavon is warming up. Frank Yallop might want to save Gordon.
37 - Now it's Alan Gordon's turn to run into a high kick from Saragosa. Goes down.
36 - Incidently, the team the Galaxy scored eight goals against? Dallas. That was the high-powered 1998 LA team.
34 - Ty Harden hipchecks Carlos Ruiz, who initiated the contact by running into him, but Harden didn't back down or give way. Ruiz down hard.
33 - This match won't count in the MLS record books, though, because it's not an official league match. So even if the Galaxy tie their MLS record for most goals scored - 8, it won't be a record.
28 - The Galaxy have let a four-goal lead slip away before, versus the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003, but that was on aggregate. I don't think they've ever lost a match when they've led by four goals. I'm not sure any MLS team has.
26-Morrow makes another first-half sub. This coach isn't giving up on this game. He's throwing his team forward. Rhine out for David Wagenfuhr.
25 - Maybe the Galaxy is getting the hang of this dealing with extra Beckham scrutiny.
24 Ruiz earns FK - right at top of box. Toja takes, cleared out.
20 - Ricardinho subbed out. Don't know if he's injured or if Morrow wants to reel this game back quick or save Ricardinho, or what.
18 - Wow - Harmse with a goal. They are bringing the hurt heavy this time.
17 - Three goals in fifteen minutes - that could be a Galaxy record.
15 - Galaxy score! Jazic with a nice cross to Alan Gordon, who heads it beautifully into the goal. Who needs Beckham? The Galaxy are putting on a clinic.
14 - Yellow to Harmse - a crunching tackle on Toja.
13 - Take heart, Dallas fans, it's not as if the Hoops haven't come back from multiple goals down before.
12 - Klein scores! Landon beat Bobby Rhine and laid the ball off to Klein in the box.
Nice play.
12 -I don't know who this SuperLiga announcer is in English, but he's sounds like he's trying to out VinScully Vin Scully. He's just got a baseball timbre and rhythm, which sounds weird to my soccer ear.
8 - I covet Juan Toja - meaning I wish he was on a local team, because I'd love to watch him play more often. He's great.
5 - Now it's all Dallas - pushing hard to get the goal back.
Ok, I'm not Luis, but let me try to blog this anyway. I'm not in the stadium, by the way. I'm watching at home.
Game starts.
Galaxy score. Gordon off a corner kick from Donovan.
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Wrangling Rossi
Villareal have secured the services of one Guiseppe Rossi. I've never met the young striker, but I wrote a piece on him years ago. It was actually my most-read article ever until the Beckham Era began.
Since I first wrote on Rossi, he's made it pretty clear that he wants to play for Italy, not the U.S.
The reporter grapevine of some people who knew Rossi back in his New Jersey days have told me that the guy might have considered the U.S. if the choice was left up to him, but that his dad was pretty adamant that he should play only for Italy.
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Since I first wrote on Rossi, he's made it pretty clear that he wants to play for Italy, not the U.S.
The reporter grapevine of some people who knew Rossi back in his New Jersey days have told me that the guy might have considered the U.S. if the choice was left up to him, but that his dad was pretty adamant that he should play only for Italy.
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LD on Becks
(We didn't expect him to play) Not when we first saw his ankle. He hadn’t done anything with it and it was still this big. You can’t rush that. He knows how it feels. He wants to be out there more than anyone else wants him to be out there, but he’s smart about it. If it was up to him, he’d probably be out there. But we don’t want to hurt him so we’ll make sure he’s ready before he gets out there.
What he says he’s feeling, he feels. When he says he’s ready, he’ll go. You can put a time table on it, but it doesn’t matter, when it’s ready, it’s ready. He’ll know when it’s ready. I wouldn’t guess. I don’t know.
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What he says he’s feeling, he feels. When he says he’s ready, he’ll go. You can put a time table on it, but it doesn’t matter, when it’s ready, it’s ready. He’ll know when it’s ready. I wouldn’t guess. I don’t know.
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Monday, July 30, 2007
Picks
Luis checked in from vacation with his SuperLiga picks.
FC Dallas 1, Galaxy 0
Chivas 3, Pachuca 2
Houston 2, DC United 0
Morelia 2, America 0
AC
FC Dallas 1, Galaxy 1
Chivas 1, Pachuca 2
Houston 2, DC United 2
Morelia 1, America 2
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FC Dallas 1, Galaxy 0
Chivas 3, Pachuca 2
Houston 2, DC United 0
Morelia 2, America 0
AC
FC Dallas 1, Galaxy 1
Chivas 1, Pachuca 2
Houston 2, DC United 2
Morelia 1, America 2
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Stay home, David
I'll admit, I'm glad that David Beckham has joined MLS, specifically a team that I cover locally. It's great exposure for the game in the U.S., and he brings significant skill to the field as well.
But for a while now, I've become sick of the circus that has sprung up around David, and the last thing that should happen is for that to be perpetuated.
That's what happens, however, when Beckham is treated far differently than other players. For example, I was rather glad that Don Garber stuck to his guns about making MLS teams fly commercial this year. Let the change happen when more teams can prepare and plan for it at the start of the season, perhaps, after the committees vote on it.
Though I sympathize with those who bought tickets in Dallas hoping to see David, I was a little incredulous to read some articles calling for Beckham to fly out to Dallas anyway, even if he can't play because his injury has improved so slowly.
For what? So people could look at him on the bench? The circus indeed. David's not a freak show. If he can't play, he shouldn't be there.
The idea that the Galaxy perpetuated some grand scheme to sell tickets is a cynical one, if understandable to a point. But injuries are tricky things sometimes.
The point is, Kyle really thought he'd be ok, but the injury didn't cooperate. It's just not getting better as quickly as hoped. Same with Beckham. Sometimes it's that simple - you wake up and the swelling is gone. No one is going to give up hoping for that until it doesn't happen and tough decisions have to be made. That's why the Galaxy waited until the last moment to decide.
"Sorry," said Frank Yallop, about David's unavailability. "The guys here want to see him as well. It is what it is. He could have done his ankle in this morning and been unable to go to Dallas. That's reality. Unfortunately, that's sports. you can't guarantee a guy is going to play - because of injuries. I feel very sorry for the people in Dallas, but there's not much we can do about it. He wants to go, but he can't go."
The idea that the Galaxy are holding David back to somehow deny any other clubs is ludicrous. No team (except RSL) needs wins and points more than the Galaxy right now. Dallas has one of the most exciting MLS teams, are still alive in every league competition this year, an MVP candidate in Juan Toja, and some of their fans are complaining about missing out on watching an injured Galaxy player limp around?
David signed a five-year contract. This is not the Champion's World exhibition games in town for a quick tour. Whether or not teams marketed the games as David Beckham Comes to Dallas is immaterial. Every ad I saw carried the caveat that his appearance could not be guaranteed. His ankle injury has been in the news for weeks, so common sense dictates that there was the very real possibility that he would not appear.
Any other MLS player would be allowed to stay home and recuperate his ankle until it was well enough to play on. If MLS wants to be taken seriously as a legitimate organization, it shouldn't treat David Beckham any differently. Let David stay home, rest up, and lets see him when he can actually do what MLS is paying him to to - play.
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But for a while now, I've become sick of the circus that has sprung up around David, and the last thing that should happen is for that to be perpetuated.
That's what happens, however, when Beckham is treated far differently than other players. For example, I was rather glad that Don Garber stuck to his guns about making MLS teams fly commercial this year. Let the change happen when more teams can prepare and plan for it at the start of the season, perhaps, after the committees vote on it.
Though I sympathize with those who bought tickets in Dallas hoping to see David, I was a little incredulous to read some articles calling for Beckham to fly out to Dallas anyway, even if he can't play because his injury has improved so slowly.
For what? So people could look at him on the bench? The circus indeed. David's not a freak show. If he can't play, he shouldn't be there.
The idea that the Galaxy perpetuated some grand scheme to sell tickets is a cynical one, if understandable to a point. But injuries are tricky things sometimes.
"I’ll just sit it out and let it recuperate and hopefully be ready for this weekend’s game.
The point is, Kyle really thought he'd be ok, but the injury didn't cooperate. It's just not getting better as quickly as hoped. Same with Beckham. Sometimes it's that simple - you wake up and the swelling is gone. No one is going to give up hoping for that until it doesn't happen and tough decisions have to be made. That's why the Galaxy waited until the last moment to decide.
"Sorry," said Frank Yallop, about David's unavailability. "The guys here want to see him as well. It is what it is. He could have done his ankle in this morning and been unable to go to Dallas. That's reality. Unfortunately, that's sports. you can't guarantee a guy is going to play - because of injuries. I feel very sorry for the people in Dallas, but there's not much we can do about it. He wants to go, but he can't go."
The idea that the Galaxy are holding David back to somehow deny any other clubs is ludicrous. No team (except RSL) needs wins and points more than the Galaxy right now. Dallas has one of the most exciting MLS teams, are still alive in every league competition this year, an MVP candidate in Juan Toja, and some of their fans are complaining about missing out on watching an injured Galaxy player limp around?
David signed a five-year contract. This is not the Champion's World exhibition games in town for a quick tour. Whether or not teams marketed the games as David Beckham Comes to Dallas is immaterial. Every ad I saw carried the caveat that his appearance could not be guaranteed. His ankle injury has been in the news for weeks, so common sense dictates that there was the very real possibility that he would not appear.
Any other MLS player would be allowed to stay home and recuperate his ankle until it was well enough to play on. If MLS wants to be taken seriously as a legitimate organization, it shouldn't treat David Beckham any differently. Let David stay home, rest up, and lets see him when he can actually do what MLS is paying him to to - play.
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You're both wrong
I love this article. Tobias Xavier Lopez takes both soccer fans and soccer haters to task on the Beckham issue. I have to agree with a lot of what he says.
Soccer fans should lighten up and love their sport because they love it, instead of sometimes acting like someone dared to insult a special-ed kid when they express they don't like soccer.
The soccer haters are bad in a different way, too, so narrow-minded and frankly, very stale and unaware with their insults.
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Soccer fans should lighten up and love their sport because they love it, instead of sometimes acting like someone dared to insult a special-ed kid when they express they don't like soccer.
The soccer haters are bad in a different way, too, so narrow-minded and frankly, very stale and unaware with their insults.
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Bury the eagle
Another Mediotiempo cartoon.
This one has a DC United player (Ben Olson?) carving the headstone for the Club America eagle. The eagle asks, with his dying breath, apparently, for the stone to read, "Cuauhtemoc, I miss you".
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This one has a DC United player (Ben Olson?) carving the headstone for the Club America eagle. The eagle asks, with his dying breath, apparently, for the stone to read, "Cuauhtemoc, I miss you".
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Home not home
Frank Yallop was pretty unhappy that the Galaxy's game versus Chivas was held at the Coliseum.
"Dallas gets two home games, Houston gets two home games, DC gets two home games, but we get one home game and one away game. It was terrible. Ninety percent of the crowd there was for Chivas."
The Galaxy weren't able to play in their home stadium because of the X-Games. It wasn't, as some have supposed, moved because AEG wanted to make more money. The X-Games contract is a longstanding one.
However, money could have been the motivator for switching the opponent. Pachuca was originally scheduled for the Coliseum and Pachuca doesn't have the drawing power that Chivas has. The matches were switched, which meant the Galaxy faced a more full-strength Chivas side than FC Dallas did.
The last time the Galaxy played in the Coliseum (2005), they had thousands of fans cheering them to victory. That's because they played a doubleheader of Chivas USA/Galaxy and Chivas/Club America, and the America fans got an even bigger turnout than the Chivas ones. They cheered for the Galaxy. The stadium was rocking that night.
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"Dallas gets two home games, Houston gets two home games, DC gets two home games, but we get one home game and one away game. It was terrible. Ninety percent of the crowd there was for Chivas."
The Galaxy weren't able to play in their home stadium because of the X-Games. It wasn't, as some have supposed, moved because AEG wanted to make more money. The X-Games contract is a longstanding one.
However, money could have been the motivator for switching the opponent. Pachuca was originally scheduled for the Coliseum and Pachuca doesn't have the drawing power that Chivas has. The matches were switched, which meant the Galaxy faced a more full-strength Chivas side than FC Dallas did.
The last time the Galaxy played in the Coliseum (2005), they had thousands of fans cheering them to victory. That's because they played a doubleheader of Chivas USA/Galaxy and Chivas/Club America, and the America fans got an even bigger turnout than the Chivas ones. They cheered for the Galaxy. The stadium was rocking that night.
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Benched Beckham
So David Beckham isn't going to Dallas to play in the SuperLiga match there. What was funny is that as I was trying to ask coach Frank Yallop about this situation, an AP photographer handed Yallop a phone. Apparantly the AP reporter couldn't be there, so they tried to call in and get word on the Beckham saga.
Frank handed off the phone to media director Patrick Donnelly, who ended up holding the phone up while we local reporters were interviewing Frank. Frank's answers to our questions went to whoever it was at AP.
I'm assuming that the AP reporter was at a computer, because AP had the story up first. But it wasn't because of being on location.
Oh well, I got some other quotes AP wasn't able to take, mainly from Landon Donovan.
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Frank handed off the phone to media director Patrick Donnelly, who ended up holding the phone up while we local reporters were interviewing Frank. Frank's answers to our questions went to whoever it was at AP.
I'm assuming that the AP reporter was at a computer, because AP had the story up first. But it wasn't because of being on location.
Oh well, I got some other quotes AP wasn't able to take, mainly from Landon Donovan.
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Landon at length
It’s not so important if we lose or win if we play well. This is my passion and I hope we always win.
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Agree? Disagree? Why?
This is a reader email. I get stuff like this all the time and was curious as to what you guys would think of it.
This talk that the MLS teams could cut it in Europe is pure rubbish. When the EPL starts up on August 11th watch an EPL game and then watch an MLS game, then honestly tell me that an MLS team could make it in the EPL. Yes in the MLS they have great endurance and speed but the passing and ball retention in the MLS is horrible. Watch a Coca-Cola Championship (the league below the EPL) game and even their the quality is better then the MLS. The SPL has better quality then the MLS. I live in the US and I have tried to watch the MLS but after a couple minutes I just can't watch it.
Over the years the MLS has gotten better and better but it still can be painful to watch. Its no where near as fast paced as the EPL, no where near as technical as La Liga and tactically it cant even compare to Serie A. Overall a MLS club is somewhere around mid to low level Coca-Cola Championship team to an upper League 1 team. Saying they are any better then that is an insult to the European legaues. And claiming the MLS is getting better because the All-stars beat teams that are still in their preseason is also misleading. If the MLS played Fulham, Celtic and especially Chelsea when they are at top form they would get killed.
The US men's national team had the chance to hire Jurgen Kilnsmen but "couldn't" find the money, so instead they hire Bob Bradly. As good as Bob Bradly might be he is no where near as good as Jurgen Kilnsmen (Jurgen got the GERMANS to play attacking football) Sure Bob will be
able to qualify for the World Cup (and honestly any competent manager would be able to do that in CONCACAF) but when the World Cup roles around the US will again be bounced in the first round because Bob Bradly will be using an MLS system which wont work in Europe. I will
never understand Bob Bradly's logic of bring a bunch of young players to Copa America. He should have brought he first team so at least they could play against skilled opponents something they rarely get to do in CONCACAF. His selection of players for the MNT is also quite puzzling. Only recently did Jay DeMerit get a call up and before he did he MLS defenders were being picked before him. For Bob Bradly to think that a defender playing regularly in the EPL is second to a defender in the MLS is mind blowing. If the US truly wants to preform
better in the World Cup they need to get more players playing in Europe.
When the "star" of the US national team couldn't cut it in Germany and had to come back to the MLS that says all you need to know about the state of US football on an international level.
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This talk that the MLS teams could cut it in Europe is pure rubbish. When the EPL starts up on August 11th watch an EPL game and then watch an MLS game, then honestly tell me that an MLS team could make it in the EPL. Yes in the MLS they have great endurance and speed but the passing and ball retention in the MLS is horrible. Watch a Coca-Cola Championship (the league below the EPL) game and even their the quality is better then the MLS. The SPL has better quality then the MLS. I live in the US and I have tried to watch the MLS but after a couple minutes I just can't watch it.
Over the years the MLS has gotten better and better but it still can be painful to watch. Its no where near as fast paced as the EPL, no where near as technical as La Liga and tactically it cant even compare to Serie A. Overall a MLS club is somewhere around mid to low level Coca-Cola Championship team to an upper League 1 team. Saying they are any better then that is an insult to the European legaues. And claiming the MLS is getting better because the All-stars beat teams that are still in their preseason is also misleading. If the MLS played Fulham, Celtic and especially Chelsea when they are at top form they would get killed.
The US men's national team had the chance to hire Jurgen Kilnsmen but "couldn't" find the money, so instead they hire Bob Bradly. As good as Bob Bradly might be he is no where near as good as Jurgen Kilnsmen (Jurgen got the GERMANS to play attacking football) Sure Bob will be
able to qualify for the World Cup (and honestly any competent manager would be able to do that in CONCACAF) but when the World Cup roles around the US will again be bounced in the first round because Bob Bradly will be using an MLS system which wont work in Europe. I will
never understand Bob Bradly's logic of bring a bunch of young players to Copa America. He should have brought he first team so at least they could play against skilled opponents something they rarely get to do in CONCACAF. His selection of players for the MNT is also quite puzzling. Only recently did Jay DeMerit get a call up and before he did he MLS defenders were being picked before him. For Bob Bradly to think that a defender playing regularly in the EPL is second to a defender in the MLS is mind blowing. If the US truly wants to preform
better in the World Cup they need to get more players playing in Europe.
When the "star" of the US national team couldn't cut it in Germany and had to come back to the MLS that says all you need to know about the state of US football on an international level.
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Bravo for Bravo
Landon Donovan exchanged jerseys with Omar Bravo after the Chivas/Galaxy match.
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Walking wounded
The Galaxy, bitten by the injury bug earlier this year, had a mini-relapse versus Chivas.
Kyle Martino was out due to a groin strain.
Chris Albright had surgery to repair a torn ligament - and is still expected to be out another month.
Cobi Jones aggravated his painful heel problem - the same one that is causing him to retire this year.
David Beckham - Still has serious swelling of bad ankle.
Edson Buddle - Achilles heel problem has affected both feet.
"My heel isn’t quite there yet," said Buddle. "My right’s fine. My left is coming along, but it’s still sore."
Buddle pointed out that the crush of games wasn't being kind to the recovering players.
"T here have been a lot of games back to back. Hopefully, we’ll be ready for the league games."
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Kyle Martino was out due to a groin strain.
Chris Albright had surgery to repair a torn ligament - and is still expected to be out another month.
Cobi Jones aggravated his painful heel problem - the same one that is causing him to retire this year.
David Beckham - Still has serious swelling of bad ankle.
Edson Buddle - Achilles heel problem has affected both feet.
"My heel isn’t quite there yet," said Buddle. "My right’s fine. My left is coming along, but it’s still sore."
Buddle pointed out that the crush of games wasn't being kind to the recovering players.
"
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More fun
Mediotiempo cartoons continue.
In this one, a Galaxy player (Kelly Gray?) tells the Chivas goat that he can't use the baseball bat on David Beckham's face because the soccer player is an "artist". Notice how the cartoon makes the door behind which Beckham is hiding look like a movie star's?
The goat replies that the bat isn't for Beckham - it's for Landon Donovan instead.
In the next cartoon, the Club America eagle threatens a DC United player (Bobby Boswell?), "I'll show you the strength of Mexican teams!" but its slingshot is empty.
"As soon as I find some ammo," says the Eagle.
Read more...
In this one, a Galaxy player (Kelly Gray?) tells the Chivas goat that he can't use the baseball bat on David Beckham's face because the soccer player is an "artist". Notice how the cartoon makes the door behind which Beckham is hiding look like a movie star's?
The goat replies that the bat isn't for Beckham - it's for Landon Donovan instead.
In the next cartoon, the Club America eagle threatens a DC United player (Bobby Boswell?), "I'll show you the strength of Mexican teams!" but its slingshot is empty.
"As soon as I find some ammo," says the Eagle.
Read more...
Podcast prima donna
Dave Denholm invited me to take part in his ESPN soccer podcast this Monday. Dave's a great one with opinions, and heck, I've got my own perspective on things as well, so it should be fun.
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Sunday, July 29, 2007
More Morelia
Gotta say that I really like the play of Morelia in the SuperLiga. Face it, they were the stepsister invited to the SuperLiga ball when the original club asked to participate, Cruz Azul, declined because of schedule conflicts.
Cruz Azul is my fave Mexican league team, but I've a soft spot for Morelia as well. Thier press liason people are nice, and there's an interesting backstory to their goalkeeper, Moises Munoz.
He lived in the U.S. for about seven years when he was young, going to elementary school in Northern California. Basically, he started playing soccer in the U.S., not in Mexico, where he was born. He speaks English fine, so of course he was doing the bulk of the interviews for the team with our local press.
Anyway, Morelia fought back to score a goal and tie their first match versus DC United, even while a man down. Versus Houston, they also had a late equalizer. They're a scrappy, never-say-die squad.
Moises had some great saves to keep his team in the match and in the SuperLiga in general.
Morelia have to knock off Club America to advance, but they've given a good account of themselves thus far.
They're not getting any love in our SuperLiga poll, though. No one has picked them to win it.
UPDATE: Someone finally voted for Morelia in the poll.
Read more...
Cruz Azul is my fave Mexican league team, but I've a soft spot for Morelia as well. Thier press liason people are nice, and there's an interesting backstory to their goalkeeper, Moises Munoz.
He lived in the U.S. for about seven years when he was young, going to elementary school in Northern California. Basically, he started playing soccer in the U.S., not in Mexico, where he was born. He speaks English fine, so of course he was doing the bulk of the interviews for the team with our local press.
Anyway, Morelia fought back to score a goal and tie their first match versus DC United, even while a man down. Versus Houston, they also had a late equalizer. They're a scrappy, never-say-die squad.
Moises had some great saves to keep his team in the match and in the SuperLiga in general.
Morelia have to knock off Club America to advance, but they've given a good account of themselves thus far.
They're not getting any love in our SuperLiga poll, though. No one has picked them to win it.
UPDATE: Someone finally voted for Morelia in the poll.
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Legion flag-waving
I didn't get a pic of the big flag, but here's the Legion waving flags during the player announcement. They took over the top level of the stadium.
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SuperLiga love
I have to admit that I like the SuperLiga tournament, but it's not the first time I've marched to the beat of a different drummer. So I thought I'd ask our readers - what do you guys think about SuperLiga? How could it be improved? What's good about it now? What's bad? Who is your prediction pick for Golden Boot? MVP?
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Brave soul
Most of the Galaxy fans grouped together near the Riot Squad/Galaxian section. However, there were a few Galaxy supporters who bought open tickets and were lonely outposts surrounded by a sea of Chivas fans.
One didn't seem intimidated, though, brandishing his Galaxy scarf aloft during introductions.
A few more Galaxy fans were closer to the press box.
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Galaxy pierde
My report here.
Here's the one Luis wrote.
Mediotiempo's take.
Shockingly, we all agree. Chivas played well and deserved the win.
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Here's the one Luis wrote.
Mediotiempo's take.
Shockingly, we all agree. Chivas played well and deserved the win.
Read more...
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Random tidbits
The Galaxy have played Chivas Guadalajara four times previously to this match - and never lost. They'd won three, tied one.
Landon Donovan, as usual, was doing twice the number of interviews, in Spanish and English, so he was the final player to leave the mixed zone. A group of kids cheered for his attention, calling out "Donovan!". He waved in their direction. Half of them were wearing Chivas jerseys.
Beckham and Frank Yallop had a quick talk with the ref after the game about a foul they thought should have been called on Pete Vagenas just before the Chivas goal.
"That's the way it goes," Landon's reaction after I pointed out that the players who leave the Galaxy seem to find their scoring touch.
Chivas Guadalajara is the first Mexican team to win a game in the SuperLiga. They still need a result in the final game to advance.
"We don't want their teams to advance," Landon said. "We'd like to be all MLS teams in the finals."
It's not going to happen - with Chivas' win, at least one Mexican team is this group is guaranteed to advance. In fact - the reverse could be true instead - there is a mathematical chance FC Dallas and the Galaxy could be out of the tourney, depending on Tuesday's results. (correction is in the comments)
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Landon Donovan, as usual, was doing twice the number of interviews, in Spanish and English, so he was the final player to leave the mixed zone. A group of kids cheered for his attention, calling out "Donovan!". He waved in their direction. Half of them were wearing Chivas jerseys.
Beckham and Frank Yallop had a quick talk with the ref after the game about a foul they thought should have been called on Pete Vagenas just before the Chivas goal.
"That's the way it goes," Landon's reaction after I pointed out that the players who leave the Galaxy seem to find their scoring touch.
Chivas Guadalajara is the first Mexican team to win a game in the SuperLiga. They still need a result in the final game to advance.
"We don't want their teams to advance," Landon said. "We'd like to be all MLS teams in the finals."
It's not going to happen - with Chivas' win, at least one Mexican team is this group is guaranteed to advance. In fact - the reverse could be true instead - there is a mathematical chance FC Dallas and the Galaxy could be out of the tourney, depending on Tuesday's results. (correction is in the comments)
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No K-Mart
Kyle Martino's groin injury is apparently worse than originally thought. He's not even on the reserve list - though he did come out with the bench players.
I think the Galaxy are going to miss him more than Becks at this point.
Time for Quavas Kirk and Chris Klein to step up, I suppose.
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I think the Galaxy are going to miss him more than Becks at this point.
Time for Quavas Kirk and Chris Klein to step up, I suppose.
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Galaxy-Chivas running blog
FULL TIME: Match ends, Chivas 2, Galaxy 1. Chivas the deserved winner, the Galaxy were schooled. Thanks for your company.
90 - Bravo goes down inside box and no PK called because it wasn't a PK.
90 - Three minutes of stoppage time.
88 - Galaxy goal: Donovan! The ball skipped inside the box and Landon flicked it over Michel.
87 - Chivas looked like they were in midseason form; I hadn't thought they'd do too well in the Mexican league (I have them in the Liguilla but that's it) but I might change my mind.
82 - Chivas goal: Bravo! He latches onto a cross from Ramon Morales (I think) and he knocks it into the goal, the play started when the ball skipped away from Kelly Gray's foot.
81 - Landon Donovan hasn't played well at all; Chivas' defense has done well to pressure him and the rest of the Galaxy players.
76 - Galaxy sub: Gavin Glinton in, Troy Roberts out
76 - Pavon with another open header, and another bad miss; he rose for an Ante Jazic cross and flicked it harmlessly over the crossbar
75 - Chivas sub: Omar Bravo in, Santana out.
74 - "Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!" The fans are happy that Omar Bravo is coming into the match.
71 - Harmse tackled Pineda from behind, Pineda crumpled to the ground but no card for Harmse
67 - Chivas sub: Padilla out, Patricio Araujo in
66 - Carlos Pavon free header, sends it high.
65 - Vagenas rips 22-yarder that nearly beats Michel on left post; Galaxy corner goes nowhere.
64 - Galaxy sub: Harmse in, Kirk out.
59 - Chivas goal; Maza! Omar Esparza found Maza Rodriguez on the back post and Maza climbed for the header and knocked it past Cannon.
57 - Finally, Arellano out, Julio Nava in. Fans were screaming for Omar Bravo but no dice.
51 - It just occurred to me: I'll be at Lake Powell tomorrow falling on my ass as I try to water ski.... I better soak tonight in as much as possible...
51 - First Galaxy shot on goal: 51st minute, Landon straightaway from 24 yards, easy save by Michel.
46 - Legion 1908 just rolled down their gigantic flag; the middle was the Legion logo and it was flanked on either side by Chivas de Guadalajara and Chivas USA logos. Impressive.
46 - Okay, I'm back. Just knocked out 316 words on the first half. Might have to cut but gotta file right when game ends.
HALFTIME: Like a reader said, Chivas is carving up the Galaxy but to no avail. Chivas grew stronger as the match went on while the Galaxy didn't show much of anything. Okay, gotta do some writing for the PE so I'll be back in a bit.
45 - One minute of stoppage time.
45 - Jazic tried to clear the ball, ricocheted off a Chivas player, off his own face and into touch for a Chivas throw in.
40 - Galaxy sub: Vagenas in, Gordon out. Early reports are that Gordon is suffering from do-nothing-itis.
35 - Ante Jazic called for a foul 27 yards out, Morales hits a free kick on frame but Cannon extends and saves it; the scoreboard flashed to a shot of Frank Yallop and he's biting his nails.
33 - Santana blows what should have been Chivas' first goal; Ramon Morales blows by Xavier, races into into area and rips 12-yarder on goal; Cannon dives and knocks it out to Santana on right side; with an open goal in front of him, Santana instead flops around and hits it harmlessly wide.
30 - Another Chivas corner; Cannon punches it away, goes to Landon for a quick counter, foul and yellow on Kelly Gray. On a quick restart, Arellano winds up with the ball but again makes a mess of a shot in the box.
29 - Chivas corner kick; short corner, Morales to Padilla to Morales to Santana, who fires a shot off Alan Gordon and into touch; Gordon's down in apparent discomfort.
27 - Galaxy subs Peter Vagenas and Kevin Harmse are up; wise move, they need someone to win some balls and mix it up in the midfield; I'd guess take out Alan Gordon who has been the invisible man, move Landon to forward and bring in either Vagenas or Harmse.
25 - Chivas has had the majority of the possession, as expected if you saw the Pachuca match; but Chivas hasn't put anything near dangerous on frame, Padilla and Arellano leave lots to be desired.
24 - Galaxy corner kick, Landon takes it and pass goes off Kelly Gray and scooped up by Michel. Nothing doing.
23 - Arellano again withe the ball on the left of the area, gets around Roberts but Cannon grabs his attempted centering pass with ease.
20 - Omar Arellano with another poor play; he's held the ball on the left flank a few times and has done nothing. Now he just got called for a foul on Troy Roberts as Chivas held possession. No, Omar Bravo's not warming up quite yet.
19 - Oops. Troy Roberts botched a pass from Kelly Gray as it sailed into touch.
16 - Crowd looks like it's at about 30,000; I wonder if the Galaxy will announce 45,000-plus...
12 - Jesus Padilla carried the ball into the box, centered it and forced Cannon to dive; the ball floated up but no Chivas player was nearby and Troy Roberts cleared it; Chivas is starting to show some life.
11 - Omar Arellano had the ball on the left flank but made a mess of it; he over-dribbled and was nowhere near on target with his shot.
9 - Alan Gordon knocked down Maza Rodriguez from behind. No card; could have been a yellow.
7 - Gonzalo Pineda dyed his hair blond apparently because he wanted a different look; it's not Bofo Bautista, who is now with Jaguares.
2 - Sergio Santana with an open 22-yarder that went right to Joe Cannon.
2 - Landon took a long shot and missed by a lot.
1 - Game's finally underway.
0 - That was a debacle. The teams came out and announced that the Mexican anthem would be played first followed by the U.S. anthem. We got some strange little tune that wasn't an anthem at all. So the U.S. anthem started instead and when it was done many people cheered. Then, they announced that the Mexican national anthem was next. We waited, and waited, and waited. People started jeering and booing to fill the silence. Then, we heard some notes that sounded like parts of the anthem, but it sounded as if someone was rewinding it. The anthem started mid-stream, then skipped. It stopped and the announcer apologized and moved on to the starting lineups.
0 - The music hasn't been too bad. No Jay-Z tonight. We've been fed lots of Mana and Jaguares. Heroes del Silencio are on the stadium sound system right now. Mana of course are from
0 - The teams went back into the locker rooms. We're about a quarter-hour from kickoff.
0 - There looks like there's about 20 or so members of the Riot Squad out here. They started to chant and the thousands of Chivas fans in the stands booed and drowned them out.
Lineups are in; David Beckham is listed as a reserve but we were told yesterday that he'd probably be there. Don't see him out on the field, though, as the teams are going through their pre-game warmups.
Chivas: Luis Ernesto Michel; Omar Esparza, Hector Reynoso, Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez, Jonny Magallon; Sergio Santana, Ramon Morales, Gonzalo Pineda, Edgar Mejia; Jesus Padilla, Omar Arellano.
Galaxy: Joe Cannon; Ante Jazic, Troy Roberts, Ty Harden, Abel Xavier; Quavas Kirk, Landon Donovan, Kelly Gray, Chris Klein; Carlos Pavon, Alan Gordon.
And for good measure, the reserves...
Chivas: Alredo Talavera, Juan Ocampo, Patricio Araujo, Xavier Baez, Omar Bravo, Javier Hernandez, Julio Nava.
Galaxy: Steve Cronin, David Beckham, Kevin Harmse, Cobi Jones, Peter Vagenas, Edson Buddle, Gavin Glinton.
Read more...
90 - Bravo goes down inside box and no PK called because it wasn't a PK.
90 - Three minutes of stoppage time.
88 - Galaxy goal: Donovan! The ball skipped inside the box and Landon flicked it over Michel.
87 - Chivas looked like they were in midseason form; I hadn't thought they'd do too well in the Mexican league (I have them in the Liguilla but that's it) but I might change my mind.
82 - Chivas goal: Bravo! He latches onto a cross from Ramon Morales (I think) and he knocks it into the goal, the play started when the ball skipped away from Kelly Gray's foot.
81 - Landon Donovan hasn't played well at all; Chivas' defense has done well to pressure him and the rest of the Galaxy players.
76 - Galaxy sub: Gavin Glinton in, Troy Roberts out
76 - Pavon with another open header, and another bad miss; he rose for an Ante Jazic cross and flicked it harmlessly over the crossbar
75 - Chivas sub: Omar Bravo in, Santana out.
74 - "Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!" The fans are happy that Omar Bravo is coming into the match.
71 - Harmse tackled Pineda from behind, Pineda crumpled to the ground but no card for Harmse
67 - Chivas sub: Padilla out, Patricio Araujo in
66 - Carlos Pavon free header, sends it high.
65 - Vagenas rips 22-yarder that nearly beats Michel on left post; Galaxy corner goes nowhere.
64 - Galaxy sub: Harmse in, Kirk out.
59 - Chivas goal; Maza! Omar Esparza found Maza Rodriguez on the back post and Maza climbed for the header and knocked it past Cannon.
57 - Finally, Arellano out, Julio Nava in. Fans were screaming for Omar Bravo but no dice.
51 - It just occurred to me: I'll be at Lake Powell tomorrow falling on my ass as I try to water ski.... I better soak tonight in as much as possible...
51 - First Galaxy shot on goal: 51st minute, Landon straightaway from 24 yards, easy save by Michel.
46 - Legion 1908 just rolled down their gigantic flag; the middle was the Legion logo and it was flanked on either side by Chivas de Guadalajara and Chivas USA logos. Impressive.
46 - Okay, I'm back. Just knocked out 316 words on the first half. Might have to cut but gotta file right when game ends.
HALFTIME: Like a reader said, Chivas is carving up the Galaxy but to no avail. Chivas grew stronger as the match went on while the Galaxy didn't show much of anything. Okay, gotta do some writing for the PE so I'll be back in a bit.
45 - One minute of stoppage time.
45 - Jazic tried to clear the ball, ricocheted off a Chivas player, off his own face and into touch for a Chivas throw in.
40 - Galaxy sub: Vagenas in, Gordon out. Early reports are that Gordon is suffering from do-nothing-itis.
35 - Ante Jazic called for a foul 27 yards out, Morales hits a free kick on frame but Cannon extends and saves it; the scoreboard flashed to a shot of Frank Yallop and he's biting his nails.
33 - Santana blows what should have been Chivas' first goal; Ramon Morales blows by Xavier, races into into area and rips 12-yarder on goal; Cannon dives and knocks it out to Santana on right side; with an open goal in front of him, Santana instead flops around and hits it harmlessly wide.
30 - Another Chivas corner; Cannon punches it away, goes to Landon for a quick counter, foul and yellow on Kelly Gray. On a quick restart, Arellano winds up with the ball but again makes a mess of a shot in the box.
29 - Chivas corner kick; short corner, Morales to Padilla to Morales to Santana, who fires a shot off Alan Gordon and into touch; Gordon's down in apparent discomfort.
27 - Galaxy subs Peter Vagenas and Kevin Harmse are up; wise move, they need someone to win some balls and mix it up in the midfield; I'd guess take out Alan Gordon who has been the invisible man, move Landon to forward and bring in either Vagenas or Harmse.
25 - Chivas has had the majority of the possession, as expected if you saw the Pachuca match; but Chivas hasn't put anything near dangerous on frame, Padilla and Arellano leave lots to be desired.
24 - Galaxy corner kick, Landon takes it and pass goes off Kelly Gray and scooped up by Michel. Nothing doing.
23 - Arellano again withe the ball on the left of the area, gets around Roberts but Cannon grabs his attempted centering pass with ease.
20 - Omar Arellano with another poor play; he's held the ball on the left flank a few times and has done nothing. Now he just got called for a foul on Troy Roberts as Chivas held possession. No, Omar Bravo's not warming up quite yet.
19 - Oops. Troy Roberts botched a pass from Kelly Gray as it sailed into touch.
16 - Crowd looks like it's at about 30,000; I wonder if the Galaxy will announce 45,000-plus...
12 - Jesus Padilla carried the ball into the box, centered it and forced Cannon to dive; the ball floated up but no Chivas player was nearby and Troy Roberts cleared it; Chivas is starting to show some life.
11 - Omar Arellano had the ball on the left flank but made a mess of it; he over-dribbled and was nowhere near on target with his shot.
9 - Alan Gordon knocked down Maza Rodriguez from behind. No card; could have been a yellow.
7 - Gonzalo Pineda dyed his hair blond apparently because he wanted a different look; it's not Bofo Bautista, who is now with Jaguares.
2 - Sergio Santana with an open 22-yarder that went right to Joe Cannon.
2 - Landon took a long shot and missed by a lot.
1 - Game's finally underway.
0 - That was a debacle. The teams came out and announced that the Mexican anthem would be played first followed by the U.S. anthem. We got some strange little tune that wasn't an anthem at all. So the U.S. anthem started instead and when it was done many people cheered. Then, they announced that the Mexican national anthem was next. We waited, and waited, and waited. People started jeering and booing to fill the silence. Then, we heard some notes that sounded like parts of the anthem, but it sounded as if someone was rewinding it. The anthem started mid-stream, then skipped. It stopped and the announcer apologized and moved on to the starting lineups.
0 - The music hasn't been too bad. No Jay-Z tonight. We've been fed lots of Mana and Jaguares. Heroes del Silencio are on the stadium sound system right now. Mana of course are from
0 - The teams went back into the locker rooms. We're about a quarter-hour from kickoff.
0 - There looks like there's about 20 or so members of the Riot Squad out here. They started to chant and the thousands of Chivas fans in the stands booed and drowned them out.
Lineups are in; David Beckham is listed as a reserve but we were told yesterday that he'd probably be there. Don't see him out on the field, though, as the teams are going through their pre-game warmups.
Chivas: Luis Ernesto Michel; Omar Esparza, Hector Reynoso, Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez, Jonny Magallon; Sergio Santana, Ramon Morales, Gonzalo Pineda, Edgar Mejia; Jesus Padilla, Omar Arellano.
Galaxy: Joe Cannon; Ante Jazic, Troy Roberts, Ty Harden, Abel Xavier; Quavas Kirk, Landon Donovan, Kelly Gray, Chris Klein; Carlos Pavon, Alan Gordon.
And for good measure, the reserves...
Chivas: Alredo Talavera, Juan Ocampo, Patricio Araujo, Xavier Baez, Omar Bravo, Javier Hernandez, Julio Nava.
Galaxy: Steve Cronin, David Beckham, Kevin Harmse, Cobi Jones, Peter Vagenas, Edson Buddle, Gavin Glinton.
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Tunneling through
Covering games at the Coliseum can be a bit hectic, as we can attest to. When you cover games for so long at one venue (for us, Home Depot Center), and then suddenly you are thrust into an unfamiliar venue, it can throw you off which is exactly what happened to us during a Gold Cup doubleheader in 2005.The first game did not live up to expectations. Mexico had just lost to South Africa 2-1 and Guatemala lost to Jamaica 4-3 two days before at Home Depot Center. Mexico-Guatemala, we figured, would be a good game. Instead, it was a 4-0 blowout. The match was memorable because Jared Borgetti scored two goals and became Mexico's all-time leading scorer.
After the match was over, I made my way down to the tunnel with Andrea as well as Paul Gutierrez (then of the L.A. Times) and Matt Zimmerman (then of the Long Beach Press-Telegram). Though we had strength in numbers, we didn't really have an idea of where we were going. Somehow, Andrea ended up leading us; Matt, Paul and I just kind of floated behind figuring someone would take the lead. Andrea took the initiative as the blind led the blind.
At Home Depot Center, one way to get to the tunnel is through the stands, sort of by Section 138 where the Riot Squad congregates during Galaxy games. So we figured the same would hold true at the Coliseum.
It didn't as we quickly found out. We walked at the edge of the section in that picture, to the right of the tent covering the entrance to the tunnel. Nobody stopped us, so we kept on walking until we got to the grass. As soon as we were down there, I knew we were somewhere where we shouldn't have been. I looked to my right and there was nothing standing between me and the
field. I could have sprinted to the midfield if I'd have wanted to.
We saw the tunnel and walked towards it. We also saw the South African and Jamaican teams standing in two lines, waiting to walk out onto the field. I definitely knew then that we made a wrong turn somewhere. Oh well. Nothing we could do about it but keep walking.
I looked over and saw Tyrone Marshall, figured what the hell and shouted "Good luck Tyrone!"
He glanced over and said "All right man, yeah man," as we scurried past.
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L.A. view
The L.A. skyline is visible over this section of the stadium.
Our press box is pretty high up here so we have quite a view the city.
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SuperLiga 2007 Full Promo
When they showed this promo at the press conference in LA, a local reporter piped up, "Are there any Galaxy goals they can include in this?"
That was, of course, a reference to the team having scored few goals in the season thus far.
They did find a couple to include, however.
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Oh, Mexico
Billy Witz has a nice piece on Landon Donovan and Mexico.
Recently, Landon spoke of the animosity and controversy that has sprung up in the past with the Mexican media, players and fans. He didn't get too specific, but he acknowledged that he probably could have handled things better than he did before.
"I hope so," he responded.
Then someone asked if Landon would ever be friends with Oswaldo Sanchez, the long-time Mexican goalkeeper.
"No, no chance," Landon replied. "That’s a different animal. It’s something every game. It’s up to him if he wants to change. Every time we play, he does something bad or unsportsmanlike. I’m not going to get angry with him. If he wants to shake hands, fine, but I’m not expecting it."
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Recently, Landon spoke of the animosity and controversy that has sprung up in the past with the Mexican media, players and fans. He didn't get too specific, but he acknowledged that he probably could have handled things better than he did before.
"I think part of that was me, because I was also not the best. I was always angry and didn’t like the Mexican players, but now, I have a lot of respect for them. Especially this team [Pachuca]– it’s a very good team. I can shake their hands and say, 'You’re a good team. Good luck in the future.'"
Landon was then asked if he thought Mexican players would ever respect U.S. teams."I hope so," he responded.
Then someone asked if Landon would ever be friends with Oswaldo Sanchez, the long-time Mexican goalkeeper.
"No, no chance," Landon replied. "That’s a different animal. It’s something every game. It’s up to him if he wants to change. Every time we play, he does something bad or unsportsmanlike. I’m not going to get angry with him. If he wants to shake hands, fine, but I’m not expecting it."
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Reporters under fire
Back when both Christian Echeverria and I had seperate incidents as reporters (Christian was shoved and yelled at, while I was yelled at, mostly) in the same week, Beau Dure left a message in the comments about whether or not he should wear a helmet to cover an upcoming game.
A helmet might have helped this baseball reporter out.
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A helmet might have helped this baseball reporter out.
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Fans and players
Mexican soccer fans typically don't hold MLS in high regard, but that sentiment is not shared by many Mexican soccer players.
At least that's what LA Daily News writer Ivan Orozco found out when he talked to several of them regarding their thoughts on MLS.
Pachuca's Rafael Marquez Lugo and Chivas' Ramon Morales each said they'd play in MLS - the latter's only caveat would be to remain a Chiva. Kikin Fonseca also said he'd play here so long as "there's certain conditions met that you look for as a player."
By playing against MLS clubs now and having played them in the past, Mexican players typically hold MLS in much higher regard than their fans do. By having the chance to play in the United States and in MLS stadiums, the players too are exposed to the facilities MLS teams have in place and that might also factor into a player's decision to come here. I'm not saying Mexico's facilities are sub-par because they're not but South American players in the past have said that the facilities here are top notch.
While results in favor of MLS likely won't change Mexican fans' views of MLS, at least their players respect the league and its clubs.
Read more...
At least that's what LA Daily News writer Ivan Orozco found out when he talked to several of them regarding their thoughts on MLS.
Pachuca's Rafael Marquez Lugo and Chivas' Ramon Morales each said they'd play in MLS - the latter's only caveat would be to remain a Chiva. Kikin Fonseca also said he'd play here so long as "there's certain conditions met that you look for as a player."
By playing against MLS clubs now and having played them in the past, Mexican players typically hold MLS in much higher regard than their fans do. By having the chance to play in the United States and in MLS stadiums, the players too are exposed to the facilities MLS teams have in place and that might also factor into a player's decision to come here. I'm not saying Mexico's facilities are sub-par because they're not but South American players in the past have said that the facilities here are top notch.
While results in favor of MLS likely won't change Mexican fans' views of MLS, at least their players respect the league and its clubs.
Read more...
Late July picks
Lest we forget...
MLS
L.B.
New England 1, RSL 1
Toronto FC 1, Chicago 1
Kansas City 0, Chivas USA 0
A.C.
New England 1 RSL 2
Toronto FC 0, Chicago 2
Kansas City 1, Chivas USA 0
SuperLiga
L.B.
Pachuca 2, FC Dallas 0
Chivas 1, Galaxy 0
D.C. United 2, America 1
Houston 2, Morelia 0
A.C.
Pachuca 1, FC Dallas 0
Chivas 1, Galaxy 1
DC United 0, America 1
Houston 1, Morelia 1
Read more...
MLS
L.B.
New England 1, RSL 1
Toronto FC 1, Chicago 1
Kansas City 0, Chivas USA 0
A.C.
New England 1 RSL 2
Toronto FC 0, Chicago 2
Kansas City 1, Chivas USA 0
SuperLiga
L.B.
Pachuca 2, FC Dallas 0
Chivas 1, Galaxy 0
D.C. United 2, America 1
Houston 2, Morelia 0
A.C.
Pachuca 1, FC Dallas 0
Chivas 1, Galaxy 1
DC United 0, America 1
Houston 1, Morelia 1
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Friday, July 27, 2007
Winners either way
I was trying to get feedback from fans about SuperLiga, and I interviewed a couple of Chivas USA fans who will be attending the Chivas Guadalajara match versus the Galaxy.
I asked one, "If, in a future edition of SuperLiga, Chivas USA faces Chivas Guadalajara, who will you be rooting for to win?"
He smiled. "I'm a Chivas fan. If Chivas plays Chivas, then whoever wins, I'm going to be happy."
I don't know if he speaks for a lot of Chivas fans, but it was a good answer.
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I asked one, "If, in a future edition of SuperLiga, Chivas USA faces Chivas Guadalajara, who will you be rooting for to win?"
He smiled. "I'm a Chivas fan. If Chivas plays Chivas, then whoever wins, I'm going to be happy."
I don't know if he speaks for a lot of Chivas fans, but it was a good answer.
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Bruised egos?
Mediotiempo is coming down hard on the Mexican teams in the SuperLiga.
The little prince (Morelia Monarchs) says, "There's no doubt - the distance is definitely getting shorter."
That's likely a reference to how far ahead of MLS the Mexican league has always been considered to be in terms of talent, prestige and skill.
The eagle (Club America) responds, "Yes, each time we're getting closer to getting ridiculed."
In the background, the gopher (Pachuca) and the goat (this one shouldn't need explanation), look dazed.
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The little prince (Morelia Monarchs) says, "There's no doubt - the distance is definitely getting shorter."
That's likely a reference to how far ahead of MLS the Mexican league has always been considered to be in terms of talent, prestige and skill.
The eagle (Club America) responds, "Yes, each time we're getting closer to getting ridiculed."
In the background, the gopher (Pachuca) and the goat (this one shouldn't need explanation), look dazed.
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To our readers
Maybe one day Luis and I will team up on another soccer venture, and really make it all we envision, but in the meantime, look for our opinions and articles in the other places we write for; espn.com, SI.com, soccer365.com, the Press-Enterprise and MLSnet.com.
Sideline Views isn't a news site, per se. It's our little blog outlet, completely independent of anything except our own ideas. The posts here will ebb and flow with the time and info we have to spare. Hopefully, a few of you will continue to check out our perspectives.
I'd also like to chime in on the subject. We don't get paid a thing for this blog and aren't really looking to do anything more than provide our thoughts and insights and perspectives. Hopefully people enjoy what we have to say and the stuff we provide, such as the audio clips and video clips and links to stories and, of course, the pictures. And if people don't, oh well. We have enough readers now who I'm willing to do the little extras for, such as take extra pictures and put up the audio clips for certain interviews and other things that our readers enjoy.
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Sideline Views isn't a news site, per se. It's our little blog outlet, completely independent of anything except our own ideas. The posts here will ebb and flow with the time and info we have to spare. Hopefully, a few of you will continue to check out our perspectives.
I'd also like to chime in on the subject. We don't get paid a thing for this blog and aren't really looking to do anything more than provide our thoughts and insights and perspectives. Hopefully people enjoy what we have to say and the stuff we provide, such as the audio clips and video clips and links to stories and, of course, the pictures. And if people don't, oh well. We have enough readers now who I'm willing to do the little extras for, such as take extra pictures and put up the audio clips for certain interviews and other things that our readers enjoy.
Read more...
Frank speak, in surround sound
Here's the audio of the interview/impromptu presser Frank Yallop had as Friday's Galaxy training session wrapped up.
It's almost all Beckham talk and it's a good 11 minutes long, but it's worth the listen.
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It's almost all Beckham talk and it's a good 11 minutes long, but it's worth the listen.
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Really, really big flag
Anyone remember the really big banner Chivas USA fans displayed during the last Chivas USA-Galaxy match? It took up the entire general admission seating back on May 20.
Well, Chivas fans have added to it. Jaime Cardenas of the LA Times told me today that the new flag is something like 80 feet by 150 feet and will take 40 people to bring it into the Coliseum. It's going to roll down from the top of the stadium as opposed to starting from the first row.
I'll be sure and take pictures of it, but it will probably make it to the television broadcast. Also, check out the LA Times tomorrow and Jaime's story on that part of the game.
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Well, Chivas fans have added to it. Jaime Cardenas of the LA Times told me today that the new flag is something like 80 feet by 150 feet and will take 40 people to bring it into the Coliseum. It's going to roll down from the top of the stadium as opposed to starting from the first row.
I'll be sure and take pictures of it, but it will probably make it to the television broadcast. Also, check out the LA Times tomorrow and Jaime's story on that part of the game.
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Running blog
Just to clarify, I'll be doing a running blog during Saturday's Chivas-Galaxy match. I'll only have one story to file right on deadline (my PE story) so I'll have a chance to blog about the game and give you some immediate first-hand thoughts on the game as well as the atmosphere.
Game time's 7 p.m., though I'd imagine my running blog will be much earlier than that.
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Game time's 7 p.m., though I'd imagine my running blog will be much earlier than that.
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Landon talks Chivas
The Galaxy-Chivas match is expected to draw some 40,000 fans, not quite the 70,000-plus many had assumed would show up when the game and site was first announced.
Still, there will be plenty of fans there regardless, and most won't be rooting for L.A.
Here's audio of Landon Donovan talking about the game. I asked him about playing in the Coliseum and the support for the match, both for the visitors and for his own side. He slips into Spanish fairly smoothly for the last half or so of this clip.
He was first asked, though, if he thought Saturday's game would like playing in Azteca.
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Still, there will be plenty of fans there regardless, and most won't be rooting for L.A.
Here's audio of Landon Donovan talking about the game. I asked him about playing in the Coliseum and the support for the match, both for the visitors and for his own side. He slips into Spanish fairly smoothly for the last half or so of this clip.
He was first asked, though, if he thought Saturday's game would like playing in Azteca.
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Abel's truth
Abel Xavier is great. He's part experienced soccer player, part philosopher. Absolutely great combination.
Listen to this audio clip where he talks about playing against Mexican teams, the travel part of the U.S. game and marathons.
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Listen to this audio clip where he talks about playing against Mexican teams, the travel part of the U.S. game and marathons.
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Frank speak
I don't get it. Sometimes, I just don't get it. I mean, weren't we in the same predicament a week ago before the Chelsea game than we are today? Isn't David Beckham's ankle hurting today just as it hurt last week?
The way Frank Yallop talked today, you'd think Beckham was fine and dandy a week ago and now is suddenly gimpy.
I'll post the audio link to this later so you can decipher for yourself but here's some of what Yallop said regarding Beckham's injury and not playing him on Saturday, and some of the reasons I'm shaking my head as I listen to the audio.
On whether he thinks Beckham is frustrated by not being able to play:
"I would think he’s frustrated. What he realized when he played in the Chelsea game is he wasn’t ready to sort of get really going. He knows now to get fit and healthy to get really going and help the team."
On whether he's disappointed about Beckham not playing:
"It’s not disappointment. It’s being realistic. It would be great to have him from Day One but what you can’t do is force anything and make a player when he’s not ready because he won’t play well.
"We can’t send him out there if he’s not going to play well and if he’s hinged by an injury it’s going to be difficult for him. There’s no way we’re going to send him out when he’s not ready for us."
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The way Frank Yallop talked today, you'd think Beckham was fine and dandy a week ago and now is suddenly gimpy.
I'll post the audio link to this later so you can decipher for yourself but here's some of what Yallop said regarding Beckham's injury and not playing him on Saturday, and some of the reasons I'm shaking my head as I listen to the audio.
On whether he thinks Beckham is frustrated by not being able to play:
"I would think he’s frustrated. What he realized when he played in the Chelsea game is he wasn’t ready to sort of get really going. He knows now to get fit and healthy to get really going and help the team."
On whether he's disappointed about Beckham not playing:
"It’s not disappointment. It’s being realistic. It would be great to have him from Day One but what you can’t do is force anything and make a player when he’s not ready because he won’t play well.
"We can’t send him out there if he’s not going to play well and if he’s hinged by an injury it’s going to be difficult for him. There’s no way we’re going to send him out when he’s not ready for us."
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No Beckham
Frank Yallop said today after training that David Beckham will not play against Chivas on Saturday.
Yallop also said that Beckham will probably see some time against Dallas, though.
It's disappointing for Southern California fans that Beckham arrived on July 13 and in four games since he will have played exactly 12 minutes. My guess is that the Galaxy figured they didn't need Beckham's presence to put people in the stands against Chivas since Chivas will do a good enough job of doing that on their own and they're sort of obligated to play him in Dallas as the stadium's all but sold out in anticipation of that game.
So yes, we're in the center of the Beckham madness but he'll be seen more often in Dallas, Toronto, New England, D.C., New York and London than he will here, even though the team made a big deal about him coming to L.A. and playing for the Galaxy. I suppose Galaxy fans should just be happy that he's on their team even if they'll have three chances to see him play in person.
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Yallop also said that Beckham will probably see some time against Dallas, though.
It's disappointing for Southern California fans that Beckham arrived on July 13 and in four games since he will have played exactly 12 minutes. My guess is that the Galaxy figured they didn't need Beckham's presence to put people in the stands against Chivas since Chivas will do a good enough job of doing that on their own and they're sort of obligated to play him in Dallas as the stadium's all but sold out in anticipation of that game.
So yes, we're in the center of the Beckham madness but he'll be seen more often in Dallas, Toronto, New England, D.C., New York and London than he will here, even though the team made a big deal about him coming to L.A. and playing for the Galaxy. I suppose Galaxy fans should just be happy that he's on their team even if they'll have three chances to see him play in person.
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SuperLiga Superman
I'm going to disagree with Luis again - I think David Beckham will play on Saturday - not the whole game, but perhaps 30 minutes.
It's typical for players to add on week by week in 15 minute increments when they're recovering from injury.
The thing is, Galaxy practices have been closed to the media since Wednesday, so it's possible that Becks has been practicing with his teammates. Otherwise, why close the practice? (Yes, those teenage girls that mob Kelly Gray are annoying, but otherwise harmless).
SuperLiga is an important tournament, and Chivas Guadalajara wil be there full-strength on Saturday, in front of far more people than could ever fit in Dallas. It matters to the Galaxy to play well in their home town, even if it's not in their home stadium.
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It's typical for players to add on week by week in 15 minute increments when they're recovering from injury.
The thing is, Galaxy practices have been closed to the media since Wednesday, so it's possible that Becks has been practicing with his teammates. Otherwise, why close the practice? (Yes, those teenage girls that mob Kelly Gray are annoying, but otherwise harmless).
SuperLiga is an important tournament, and Chivas Guadalajara wil be there full-strength on Saturday, in front of far more people than could ever fit in Dallas. It matters to the Galaxy to play well in their home town, even if it's not in their home stadium.
"It’s really important to us," said Kyle Martino. "This is a chance to show that in
Here's what Kyle had to say about the new guy getting some playing time.
"I know he’s trying hard to get ready for that match. If he’s fit, he’ll definitely be out there."
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Galaxy's best
The Galaxy's best player, for the entire season up to this point, might have been Kyle Martino, who was once touted for great things back as a young rookie.
Both Kyle and Santino Quaranta showed up in LA saying the right things about the move to the Galaxy being a fresh start to fulfill their potential, but Kyle really got in gear and brought hard work consistently to both practice and games. I wrote a while ago about how he'd developed a new defensive bite to his game.
Now he's playing through a slight groin injury, trying to still contribute.
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Both Kyle and Santino Quaranta showed up in LA saying the right things about the move to the Galaxy being a fresh start to fulfill their potential, but Kyle really got in gear and brought hard work consistently to both practice and games. I wrote a while ago about how he'd developed a new defensive bite to his game.
Now he's playing through a slight groin injury, trying to still contribute.
"It’s not terrible. I think I just strained it a little bit. Coming into the (Pachuca)game, we knew it wasn’t going to make the whole game. I was just trying to go as long as I could. It was feeling all right through the first fifteen – twenty minutes of the game. I went in for a slide tackle on the sideline and tweaked it a little bit. I think I got out before I did any bad damage. I’ll just sit it out a bit and let it recuperate and hopefully be ready for this weekend’s game."
"I had it before the Tigres game. It’s been nagging me this past week or so. Before the Tigres game it was pretty bad, then I got a few days off before the
"I think I’ve learned a thing or two about playing with injuries. This isn’t anything that’s going to set me back. Frank’s doing well to monitor it. The trainers are doing a good job. I didn’t do too much damage tonight. The next couple of days, if I take off, hopefully I can come back and get ready for Saturday."
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Blog biz
I'll be at the L.A. Coliseum tomorrow night for the Galaxy-Chivas match. I've been looking forward to this match for a while, not so much the venue. The game, I thought, would be interesting because the Galaxy has built up a rivalry with Chivas USA and now we get to see them take on the parent club in a meaningful match.
I also thought it would be good to see David Beckham play against Chivas, but now that seems unlikely to happen. The Galaxy will trot him out on a bum ankle to play in an overhyped game against Chelsea but probably won't risk the same ankle against Chivas especially because the Galaxy's only scheduled visit to FC Dallas is on Tuesday, and there's just standing-room only seats available for that match.
Becks arrived here on July 13 and in three games since has played 12 minutes. If he doesn't play on Saturday, Southern California's next chance of seeing him will be on Sept. 1 unless he doesn't get called into England's squad for England-Germany on Aug. 22, and provided his ankle is okay by then.
Anyway, I'll be out there and will do another running blog like I did on Tuesday. This time, though, you can plan for it as I'm letting everyone know with plenty of time. It wasn't as hectic as I thought on Tuesday and it kind of doubled as my game notes, so I'll do it again.
Also wanted to let readers know that it's going to be The A.C. Show for most of next week. With the break in the local calendar - no games to cover locally until Aug. 23 - I'm taking a little vacation. I'll be in Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah attempting to water ski for the first time. My wife's family goes there regularly and I've been with them several times but have yet to water ski. We'll be leaving early Sunday morning (so I'll get no sleep on Saturday night) and will be staying in Page, Ariz., far away from soccer... and internet connections, so I probably won't have much of a chance to blog. I may have withdrawals at some point.
Last time I went, I get on the internet using AOL's 800 number so I'll have some way of connecting so I might chime in here and there.
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I also thought it would be good to see David Beckham play against Chivas, but now that seems unlikely to happen. The Galaxy will trot him out on a bum ankle to play in an overhyped game against Chelsea but probably won't risk the same ankle against Chivas especially because the Galaxy's only scheduled visit to FC Dallas is on Tuesday, and there's just standing-room only seats available for that match.
Becks arrived here on July 13 and in three games since has played 12 minutes. If he doesn't play on Saturday, Southern California's next chance of seeing him will be on Sept. 1 unless he doesn't get called into England's squad for England-Germany on Aug. 22, and provided his ankle is okay by then.
Anyway, I'll be out there and will do another running blog like I did on Tuesday. This time, though, you can plan for it as I'm letting everyone know with plenty of time. It wasn't as hectic as I thought on Tuesday and it kind of doubled as my game notes, so I'll do it again.
Also wanted to let readers know that it's going to be The A.C. Show for most of next week. With the break in the local calendar - no games to cover locally until Aug. 23 - I'm taking a little vacation. I'll be in Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah attempting to water ski for the first time. My wife's family goes there regularly and I've been with them several times but have yet to water ski. We'll be leaving early Sunday morning (so I'll get no sleep on Saturday night) and will be staying in Page, Ariz., far away from soccer... and internet connections, so I probably won't have much of a chance to blog. I may have withdrawals at some point.
Last time I went, I get on the internet using AOL's 800 number so I'll have some way of connecting so I might chime in here and there.
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Host with the most
No miracle for the young U.S. squad in the Pan-Am Games. The U20 team lost to Brazil in the final. They gained valuable experience, however, and I think it will show in their future endeavors.
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Thursday, July 26, 2007
Galaxy reps
The Galaxy hosted an event today out at the HDC Stadium Club, some sort of press conference but not sure of the details. I wasn't able to make it because I'm going out for training on Friday and training was closed on Thursday. Of course, had David Beckham been out at the event today, I'd have dropped everything and went because my editors would have wanted me to.
Anyway, I didn't miss much. Not sure who Chivas brought to the event but the Galaxy's representatives were, well, a bit perplexing. Among the players the Galaxy made available was Lance Friesz. The biggest name player was Alan Gordon. No Landon. No Cobi. No Cannon.
I suppose Lance's take on meeting Beckham may have been mildly interesting but otherwise what does Lance have to offer about SuperLiga or anything pertaining to the club's upcoming games?
Oh well. Maybe they figured everyone's going out on Friday anyway. I'll be out there.
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Anyway, I didn't miss much. Not sure who Chivas brought to the event but the Galaxy's representatives were, well, a bit perplexing. Among the players the Galaxy made available was Lance Friesz. The biggest name player was Alan Gordon. No Landon. No Cobi. No Cannon.
I suppose Lance's take on meeting Beckham may have been mildly interesting but otherwise what does Lance have to offer about SuperLiga or anything pertaining to the club's upcoming games?
Oh well. Maybe they figured everyone's going out on Friday anyway. I'll be out there.
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Watch without prejudice
Yallop on the Galaxy:
We’re really probably in preseason right now. We’re still growing and learning about each other. We’re still getting fit. We’re still getting guys off the treatment table – Alan Gordon being one. All of a sudden, you start having options. It’s not been – there’s only 12 guys to pick from and guess what, “You’ve got to play left back, Ty Harden. I know you don’t really want to play there, but you have to play there.”
We’ve been unfairly judged on this season already by a lot of people. For me as a coach, and for the group of players, we don’t like that. Once we have everybody healthy, we can start to grow as a team and get on some type of run and then you can actually judge us on what we’re doing.
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Pub team responds
Yallop on the Galaxy being called a "pub team":
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Kyle Martino: The best pub team in
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Another Bruin to Germany
Much like former UCLA standout Benny Feilhaber did in 2005, UCLA star Sal Zizzo turned his Under-20 experience into a Bundesliga contract.
Zizzo signed a three-year deal with German side Hannover 96 after his strong performance for the United States in the Under-20 World Cup. Feilhaber had a similar fate after starring in the 2005 edition when he joined Hamburg following the tournament instead of rejoining UCLA.
Zizzo was impressive for the US and one of the unheralded stars. While Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu grabbed the headlines before the tournament, Zizzo didn't even fall into the "known commodity" category such as Michael Bradley, Danny Szetela and Nathan Sturgis because he was a college player.
Clearly the best path for him to take at this time was Germany. Had he stayed in school, he might have been taken high in next year's MLS draft but this was too good a deal to pass up. Consider this: his previous team's next friendly is slated for Aug. 24 at North Carolina State; his current team's next friendly is on July 31 against Real Madrid.
Now, Feilhaber has blossomed into one of the USMNT's key players for this World Cup cycle, and he has come along without the benefit of playing for Hamburg's first team. It's unfair in a way that Zizzo will have that sort of bar set for him but in many ways those sorts of expectations are likely to be placed on him, fair or not.
From what I've seen, he's a fine player and will do well to harness some of his energy and bulk up a little. And now the rabid followers of Americans abroad will have another player to keep tabs on.
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Zizzo signed a three-year deal with German side Hannover 96 after his strong performance for the United States in the Under-20 World Cup. Feilhaber had a similar fate after starring in the 2005 edition when he joined Hamburg following the tournament instead of rejoining UCLA.
Zizzo was impressive for the US and one of the unheralded stars. While Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu grabbed the headlines before the tournament, Zizzo didn't even fall into the "known commodity" category such as Michael Bradley, Danny Szetela and Nathan Sturgis because he was a college player.
Clearly the best path for him to take at this time was Germany. Had he stayed in school, he might have been taken high in next year's MLS draft but this was too good a deal to pass up. Consider this: his previous team's next friendly is slated for Aug. 24 at North Carolina State; his current team's next friendly is on July 31 against Real Madrid.
Now, Feilhaber has blossomed into one of the USMNT's key players for this World Cup cycle, and he has come along without the benefit of playing for Hamburg's first team. It's unfair in a way that Zizzo will have that sort of bar set for him but in many ways those sorts of expectations are likely to be placed on him, fair or not.
From what I've seen, he's a fine player and will do well to harness some of his energy and bulk up a little. And now the rabid followers of Americans abroad will have another player to keep tabs on.
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Wanchope joins Blanco
Luis Arroyave reports that Paulo Cesar Wanchope is all but set to join Chicago as his signing is imminent.
Wanchope has long been a quality player. He broke through with Derby County in the mid-90s and also played for West Ham as well as Manchester City in England and enjoyed a spell in Spain with Malaga. Most Americans, though, are likely familiar with Wanchope because of his international career. Long the top Costa Rican national team striker, Wanchope has been one of the better strikers in this region over the last decade.
Last summer, he had two goals in the opening match of the World Cup, a 4-2 loss to Germany.
Wanchope gives Chicago a vital attacking piece and along with Blanco and a healthy Chris Rolfe, Chicago seems poised to shed the offensive woes that have plagued them all season.
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Wanchope has long been a quality player. He broke through with Derby County in the mid-90s and also played for West Ham as well as Manchester City in England and enjoyed a spell in Spain with Malaga. Most Americans, though, are likely familiar with Wanchope because of his international career. Long the top Costa Rican national team striker, Wanchope has been one of the better strikers in this region over the last decade.
Last summer, he had two goals in the opening match of the World Cup, a 4-2 loss to Germany.
Wanchope gives Chicago a vital attacking piece and along with Blanco and a healthy Chris Rolfe, Chicago seems poised to shed the offensive woes that have plagued them all season.
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SuperLiga's first days
Through two days of SuperLiga, MLS clubs have held their own. MLS sides are 2-0-2 against their Mexican counterparts and Houston pretty much had their way with Club America on Wednesday.
But it's far too early for anyone to draw any conclusions about the strength of MLS compared to the Mexican league.
These games have been highly entertaining and MLS teams seem determined to show well but four games into this tournament is too early to say anything conclusive.
As one reader pointed out here, these results shouldn't have been too surprising. DC United and Houston each hosted a Mexican club in a meaningful match earlier this year and came away with nearly identical results on Wednesday. DC tied Chivas 1-1 while Houston beat Pachuca 2-0 in March; on Wednesday DC tied Morelia 1-1 while Houston beat America 1-0.
This tournament appears like it will produce some quality and entertaining soccer matches and hopefully the foundation will be laid for future editions that feature games in Mexico. In order for the tournament to be somewhat conclusive regarding the league's strength, then the parameters must be as level as possible; that means the clubs must face as many of the same conditions as possible, which includes traveling and playing as an away team.
And just like the CONCACAF Champions Cup comes during the MLS teams' preseason, SuperLiga comes during the Mexican teams' preseason and those factors will remain unchanged so long as MLS' calendar remains unchanged.
For now, quality soccer and hard-fought games are setting the tone for SuperLiga and that's not a bad thing.
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But it's far too early for anyone to draw any conclusions about the strength of MLS compared to the Mexican league.
These games have been highly entertaining and MLS teams seem determined to show well but four games into this tournament is too early to say anything conclusive.
As one reader pointed out here, these results shouldn't have been too surprising. DC United and Houston each hosted a Mexican club in a meaningful match earlier this year and came away with nearly identical results on Wednesday. DC tied Chivas 1-1 while Houston beat Pachuca 2-0 in March; on Wednesday DC tied Morelia 1-1 while Houston beat America 1-0.
This tournament appears like it will produce some quality and entertaining soccer matches and hopefully the foundation will be laid for future editions that feature games in Mexico. In order for the tournament to be somewhat conclusive regarding the league's strength, then the parameters must be as level as possible; that means the clubs must face as many of the same conditions as possible, which includes traveling and playing as an away team.
And just like the CONCACAF Champions Cup comes during the MLS teams' preseason, SuperLiga comes during the Mexican teams' preseason and those factors will remain unchanged so long as MLS' calendar remains unchanged.
For now, quality soccer and hard-fought games are setting the tone for SuperLiga and that's not a bad thing.
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Wednesday, July 25, 2007
No help
Apparently, all's quiet on Chivas USA's front. With an opportunity to bring players in to help boost the squad heading into the stretch drive, Chivas USA has done little. They've tried and have looked at some players but nothing substantial has come of it.
Sorry, but Sueno MLS winner Jorge Flores doesn't count. He signed today in a move that will have no impact on anything of significance this year.
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Sorry, but Sueno MLS winner Jorge Flores doesn't count. He signed today in a move that will have no impact on anything of significance this year.
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David Beckham's first practice with LA Galaxy
I believe this is called "taking the piss" over in David's England. I think it's pretty funny.
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I voted
My Honda Player of the Year ballot, which of course I waited until the final day to submit...
1. Landon Donovan
2. Benny Feilhaber
3. Tim Howard
Donovan scored a goal in the last group game of the Gold Cup, a quarterfinal, semifinal and in the final match. They were all from the penalty spot, unlike Feilhaber's thunderous volley, but goals are goals.
I actually wanted to vote for Feilhaber because I feel his goal was one for the ages. Beauty aside, it was a match-winner in a final over the arch rival. That speaks volumes to me. And even though it was a failed effort, Feilhaber did more for the U.S. in Copa America than Donovan.
Still, Donovan's four goals and his overall play in the Gold Cup ultimately won out. Feilhaber, for his strike and efforts in both the Gold Cup and Copa America, took second. Tim Howard, who helped preserve the lead in the Gold Cup final with a clutch save on Bofo Bautista, nabbed third.
I also want to thank those who gave me my input. It was overwhelmingly in favor of Donovan and that also helped in my decision.
Overall, Gold Cup and Copa America were the the only games I took into consideration. Donovan's hat trick against Ecuador was nice but it had no bearing on my vote. I know others probably factored that in and perhaps I should have as well but success in friendlies is like doing well in practice. I want to see a player or team succeed when the lights are on and the results count.
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1. Landon Donovan
2. Benny Feilhaber
3. Tim Howard
Donovan scored a goal in the last group game of the Gold Cup, a quarterfinal, semifinal and in the final match. They were all from the penalty spot, unlike Feilhaber's thunderous volley, but goals are goals.
I actually wanted to vote for Feilhaber because I feel his goal was one for the ages. Beauty aside, it was a match-winner in a final over the arch rival. That speaks volumes to me. And even though it was a failed effort, Feilhaber did more for the U.S. in Copa America than Donovan.
Still, Donovan's four goals and his overall play in the Gold Cup ultimately won out. Feilhaber, for his strike and efforts in both the Gold Cup and Copa America, took second. Tim Howard, who helped preserve the lead in the Gold Cup final with a clutch save on Bofo Bautista, nabbed third.
I also want to thank those who gave me my input. It was overwhelmingly in favor of Donovan and that also helped in my decision.
Overall, Gold Cup and Copa America were the the only games I took into consideration. Donovan's hat trick against Ecuador was nice but it had no bearing on my vote. I know others probably factored that in and perhaps I should have as well but success in friendlies is like doing well in practice. I want to see a player or team succeed when the lights are on and the results count.
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Mejor
Mediotiempo has much better SuperLiga coverage than MARCA in Spanish.
Of course, they should; their teams are playing.
Even if you can't read Spanish, enjoy their photo gallery.
If you can read Spanish, read my article, too.
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Of course, they should; their teams are playing.
Even if you can't read Spanish, enjoy their photo gallery.
If you can read Spanish, read my article, too.
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Pan-Amazing
The young U.S. women's team is doing well at the Pan-American games, and just advanced to the gold-medal match versus the host team, Brazil.
When I was talking to Jill Ellis about this squad, she mentioned her opinion that this U20 team didn't have the talent that the previous squad did (members from that team, now on the U21 squad, just trounced Germany, 4-0 to win the Nordic Cup).
Jill had the view that the current U20 squad had "nice players" but not that special spark of extra skill. Jill was also a little wary of facing the full national teams of Canada, Mexico and Brazil at the Pan-Am games. The U.S. federation had already committed to sending a youth team before they found out most other countries were including a large share of their senior players.
I tried to be encouraging, sharing an observation that sometimes, the team without big stars really pulls together and plays as a cohesive unit.
"Sometimes the whole can be stronger than the parts," I pointed out.
"That's true," said Jill. "We'll see how it turns out."
I'd say it's gone pretty well.
The men's team was eliminated by Mexico at the Pan-Am games, 2-0.
Read more...
When I was talking to Jill Ellis about this squad, she mentioned her opinion that this U20 team didn't have the talent that the previous squad did (members from that team, now on the U21 squad, just trounced Germany, 4-0 to win the Nordic Cup).
Jill had the view that the current U20 squad had "nice players" but not that special spark of extra skill. Jill was also a little wary of facing the full national teams of Canada, Mexico and Brazil at the Pan-Am games. The U.S. federation had already committed to sending a youth team before they found out most other countries were including a large share of their senior players.
I tried to be encouraging, sharing an observation that sometimes, the team without big stars really pulls together and plays as a cohesive unit.
"Sometimes the whole can be stronger than the parts," I pointed out.
"That's true," said Jill. "We'll see how it turns out."
I'd say it's gone pretty well.
The men's team was eliminated by Mexico at the Pan-Am games, 2-0.
Read more...
Um, not so much.
While it's great that MARCA is covering anything MLS, some things in this match report are just flat-out wrong.
Landon Donovan scored the second goal for the Galaxy, for example.
Pachuca's nickname is "Los Tuzos", not "Chuzos".
The article also says that Beckham was watching the match holding his youngest son, Cruz, but the picture with the article clearly shows Romeo, his middle child (hi, cutie!).
Finally, the reporter says the Galaxy face Chivas Guadalajara at the Home Depot Center Stadium this Saturday night.
Uh, no. That guy might be the only one there in Carson. The game is being played at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
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Landon Donovan scored the second goal for the Galaxy, for example.
Pachuca's nickname is "Los Tuzos", not "Chuzos".
The article also says that Beckham was watching the match holding his youngest son, Cruz, but the picture with the article clearly shows Romeo, his middle child (hi, cutie!).
Finally, the reporter says the Galaxy face Chivas Guadalajara at the Home Depot Center Stadium this Saturday night.
Uh, no. That guy might be the only one there in Carson. The game is being played at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Read more...
Kinder, gentler Mourinho
I think some reporters were surprised to see Mourinho be quite gracious after Chelsea's close victory over the Galaxy.
This article says he's mellowing out.
He might be taking it a little too far. In LA, as he left the press conference dais, Mourinho was greeted by a reporter sitting next to me, apparently an aquaintance. I ducked my head slightly so they could shake hands.
I then turned around and saw SI soccer editor Jonah Freedman sitting behind me with a rather bemused expression.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Jose Mourinho just clapped me on the shoulder," said Jonah. "He shook that guy's hand, then he grabs my shoulder. I was too surprised to react. I've never even met the guy."
"Maybe he thought you were someone else," I speculated.
"I'm never going to wash this shirt again," Jonah joked.
Read more...
This article says he's mellowing out.
He might be taking it a little too far. In LA, as he left the press conference dais, Mourinho was greeted by a reporter sitting next to me, apparently an aquaintance. I ducked my head slightly so they could shake hands.
I then turned around and saw SI soccer editor Jonah Freedman sitting behind me with a rather bemused expression.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Jose Mourinho just clapped me on the shoulder," said Jonah. "He shook that guy's hand, then he grabs my shoulder. I was too surprised to react. I've never even met the guy."
"Maybe he thought you were someone else," I speculated.
"I'm never going to wash this shirt again," Jonah joked.
Read more...
Edson, where art thou?
"He's been injured," said Frank Yallop of Edson Buddle. "His Achilles has been a problem. He was there in case we needed him late, but he's been injured for the last couple of weeks now."
Read more...
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Nery to England?
Reports on both sides of the Atlantic are that Nery Castillo could be on the move from Olympiakos to Manchester City. A deal could be worth up to $19 million.
Castillo is playing in relative isolation in Greece, isolation from Mexico and this side of the world anyway. There's a far greater chance of a Man City match on television than an Olympiakos game, so in that sense alone Nery fans are probably happy for the move.
Castillo would be the second Mexican to ever play in the Premiership, following in the footsteps of Tri teammate Jared Borgetti.
Read more...
Castillo is playing in relative isolation in Greece, isolation from Mexico and this side of the world anyway. There's a far greater chance of a Man City match on television than an Olympiakos game, so in that sense alone Nery fans are probably happy for the move.
Castillo would be the second Mexican to ever play in the Premiership, following in the footsteps of Tri teammate Jared Borgetti.
Read more...
Real-Boca
I still can't figure out how RSL has one win in 15 MLS games this season but beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday and tied Boca Juniors 1-1 on Tuesday. Boca had some chances to win and the PK call that led to RSL's only goal was questionable but they got the result nevertheless.
Some highlights are up on Ole. It's a pretty small screen there but at least you can see the highlights. I looked for them on RSL's site and found nothing.
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Some highlights are up on Ole. It's a pretty small screen there but at least you can see the highlights. I looked for them on RSL's site and found nothing.
Read more...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Words of wisdom
Words of wisdom from Pachuca coach Enrique Meza:
L.B. "Could you explain what happened on the Galaxy's goals?"
Meza: "The ball went in."
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L.B. "Could you explain what happened on the Galaxy's goals?"
Meza: "The ball went in."
Read more...
Galaxy-Pachuca
FULL TIME: Galaxy 2, Pachuca 1. Nice win for the Galaxy. Hard to believe this team got the crap kicked out of them by Tigres just one week ago.
90 - Caballero lets loose a shot from inside the box but Cannon makes nice save
90 - Three minutes of stoppage time
81 - Galaxy answers; Cobi Jones with a shot inside the box, Landon deflects it and ball goes over goal line. 2-1 Galaxy.
78 - Pachuca golazo; Alvarez centered to front of goal, GR redirected it into goal, game now 1-1
76 - Nothing going on. Shot hit wall and Pachuca player knocked it over endline
75 - Pachuca gets free kick from 22 yards out, Danger lurks.
71 - "Tonight's attendance: 19,317." Told ya.
66 - The cute Galaxy intern just sat next to me; I'll try to maintain my focus... on the game
65 - Galaxy sub: Vagenas in, Pavon out; semi-useful for useless
64 - Kirk centers to Pavon who puts shot on goal but Calero pounces on it; Gordon was in position to tap in a rebound but no dice
63 - Gimenez free kick misses left post by inches, centimeters even
61 - Just informed of the subs rule: four subs plus the goalkeeper
60 - Alvarez butchers a pass that he should have collected; He's on the left side and Kirk is in at right back; the matchup favors Pachuca
56 - Damian Alvarez in for Fernando Salazar. Somebody better mark this guy; he's good.
50 - Wow. Alan Gordon scored on a nice goal. Donovan finds Gordon with a pinpoint cross from the right side of the field on the left side of the box; Gordon trapped it with his shoulder and ripped a left-footed shot past Calero. Nice goal.
49 - Be back in a few; gotta start writing my PE story
47 - Klein sends Carlos Pavon racing down the field unmarked but Pavon blasts a shot wide of the net.
46 - Cobi Jones for Kyle Martino the only sub for both sides
HALF - In preparation for my long drive home which will probably start sometime after midnight, I pounded some coffee at halftime. Oh yeah, bust out the coffee bong.
45 - Ensuing corner looks like Xavier nearly got a hand to a ball
45 - Carlos Rodriguez forces Cannon to make a diving save
45 - Looks like there'll be one minute of stoppage time
41 - Gimenez with another long range shot, Cannon has an easier time with this one
39 - Gimenez puts a dipping 30-yarder on goal; he can score from long range as Houston knows; he's the one that scored the game-winner in that 5-2 game earlier this year
35 - Jazic finds Gordon unmarked in penalty area but Gordon pushes ball over crossbar; had more time and could have done better
33 - Xavier clears but plays with fire, header goes just wide of own net
32 - I'm guessing here, but this is probably the first time Beckham has seen Pachuca play maybe ever; he may not even know there existed a Pachuca Club de Futbol before today
27 - Scoreboard just showed David Beckham sitting in a suite; many in the crowd booed and whistled.
26 - Klein crossed from the right side of the six-yard box to Carlos Pavon who put his header attempt on the side netting. Nice play up until the poor finish.
23 - A colleague just asked me if Kelly Gray had played in the Dynamo-Pachuca game earlier this year. I felt so lame because I hadn't made the connection. Yes, Gray did play the full 120 minutes down in Hidalgo in the 5-2 thriller and it would have been nice to have talked to him about it yesterday. Crap.
16 - Chitiva's on fire; he somehow got past Kelly Gray, fed Marquez Lugo who had made a nice diagonal run in the box but ML sent it wide (from now on, Marquez Lugo is ML and Gabriel Rey is GR, damn it)
15 - Galaxy having trouble maintaining possession and stringing some passes together; Pachuca is not
14 - Carlos Rodriguez dribbled into box unmarked, tried to find Gabriel Rey but Cannon dived and scooped it up
12 - Landon Donovan fed Alan Gordon a nice through ball on a counter, but Gordon was ruled offside; TV replays appeared to show that Gordon was onside, possibly even; don't worry, though, one reporter said "he would have missed it anyway."
10 - Chaco Gimenez tried a shot from 25 yards that almost landed in the Stadium Club instead of feeding a wide-open Chitiva on the left flank; after the shot, Gimenez motioned to Chitiva angrily for some strange reason
7 - Chitiva dangerous again; broke down left flank, centered ball and Marquez Lugo tried to re-direct it on frame but Kyle Martino clears ball over endline
6 - Pachuca on a quick counter, Abel Xavier saves Galaxy by clearing a ball into touch
6 - Nice passing by Tuzos; Chitiva sends through ball to Marquez Lugo, who fires shot over bar from about 15 yards
4 - Landon Donovan gets called for knocking down Gabriel Caballero from behind, though the contact seemed minimal.
2 - Luis Gabriel Rey gets his head to a cross but sends it high. Two minutes, two shots.
2 - There's about 12-14,000 here right now, which means they'll announce 18-20K.
1 - Game underway. Alan Gordon gets free at top of area and rips a shot over the bar 15 seconds in.
0 - Jay-Z is blaring in the stadium as we await the almighty television to dictate when we start. I prefer Soundgarden's "The Day I Tried to Live" that was playing before pre-game warmups, so I hope this game starts soon.
Oh what the hell. I'll try doing this as a running blog. Just finished watching the FC Dallas-Chivas match and it was pretty good for the most part. Nice goal by Arturo Alvarez, disputed goal by Antonio Olvera.
Lineups are in:
Galaxy: Joe Cannon; Ante Jazic, Ty Harden, Abel Xavier, Troy Roberts; Kyle Martino, Landon Donovan, Kelly Gray, Chris Klein; Alan Gordon, Carlos Pavon.
Pachuca: Miguel Calero; Carlos Rodriguez, Marvin Cabrera, Aquivaldo Mosquera, Fernando Salazar, Leobardo Lopez; Andres Chitiva, Christian Gimenez, Gabriel Caballero; Rafael Marquez Lugo, Luis Gabriel Rey.
Read more...
90 - Caballero lets loose a shot from inside the box but Cannon makes nice save
90 - Three minutes of stoppage time
81 - Galaxy answers; Cobi Jones with a shot inside the box, Landon deflects it and ball goes over goal line. 2-1 Galaxy.
78 - Pachuca golazo; Alvarez centered to front of goal, GR redirected it into goal, game now 1-1
76 - Nothing going on. Shot hit wall and Pachuca player knocked it over endline
75 - Pachuca gets free kick from 22 yards out, Danger lurks.
71 - "Tonight's attendance: 19,317." Told ya.
66 - The cute Galaxy intern just sat next to me; I'll try to maintain my focus... on the game
65 - Galaxy sub: Vagenas in, Pavon out; semi-useful for useless
64 - Kirk centers to Pavon who puts shot on goal but Calero pounces on it; Gordon was in position to tap in a rebound but no dice
63 - Gimenez free kick misses left post by inches, centimeters even
61 - Just informed of the subs rule: four subs plus the goalkeeper
60 - Alvarez butchers a pass that he should have collected; He's on the left side and Kirk is in at right back; the matchup favors Pachuca
56 - Damian Alvarez in for Fernando Salazar. Somebody better mark this guy; he's good.
50 - Wow. Alan Gordon scored on a nice goal. Donovan finds Gordon with a pinpoint cross from the right side of the field on the left side of the box; Gordon trapped it with his shoulder and ripped a left-footed shot past Calero. Nice goal.
49 - Be back in a few; gotta start writing my PE story
47 - Klein sends Carlos Pavon racing down the field unmarked but Pavon blasts a shot wide of the net.
46 - Cobi Jones for Kyle Martino the only sub for both sides
HALF - In preparation for my long drive home which will probably start sometime after midnight, I pounded some coffee at halftime. Oh yeah, bust out the coffee bong.
45 - Ensuing corner looks like Xavier nearly got a hand to a ball
45 - Carlos Rodriguez forces Cannon to make a diving save
45 - Looks like there'll be one minute of stoppage time
41 - Gimenez with another long range shot, Cannon has an easier time with this one
39 - Gimenez puts a dipping 30-yarder on goal; he can score from long range as Houston knows; he's the one that scored the game-winner in that 5-2 game earlier this year
35 - Jazic finds Gordon unmarked in penalty area but Gordon pushes ball over crossbar; had more time and could have done better
33 - Xavier clears but plays with fire, header goes just wide of own net
32 - I'm guessing here, but this is probably the first time Beckham has seen Pachuca play maybe ever; he may not even know there existed a Pachuca Club de Futbol before today
27 - Scoreboard just showed David Beckham sitting in a suite; many in the crowd booed and whistled.
26 - Klein crossed from the right side of the six-yard box to Carlos Pavon who put his header attempt on the side netting. Nice play up until the poor finish.
23 - A colleague just asked me if Kelly Gray had played in the Dynamo-Pachuca game earlier this year. I felt so lame because I hadn't made the connection. Yes, Gray did play the full 120 minutes down in Hidalgo in the 5-2 thriller and it would have been nice to have talked to him about it yesterday. Crap.
16 - Chitiva's on fire; he somehow got past Kelly Gray, fed Marquez Lugo who had made a nice diagonal run in the box but ML sent it wide (from now on, Marquez Lugo is ML and Gabriel Rey is GR, damn it)
15 - Galaxy having trouble maintaining possession and stringing some passes together; Pachuca is not
14 - Carlos Rodriguez dribbled into box unmarked, tried to find Gabriel Rey but Cannon dived and scooped it up
12 - Landon Donovan fed Alan Gordon a nice through ball on a counter, but Gordon was ruled offside; TV replays appeared to show that Gordon was onside, possibly even; don't worry, though, one reporter said "he would have missed it anyway."
10 - Chaco Gimenez tried a shot from 25 yards that almost landed in the Stadium Club instead of feeding a wide-open Chitiva on the left flank; after the shot, Gimenez motioned to Chitiva angrily for some strange reason
7 - Chitiva dangerous again; broke down left flank, centered ball and Marquez Lugo tried to re-direct it on frame but Kyle Martino clears ball over endline
6 - Pachuca on a quick counter, Abel Xavier saves Galaxy by clearing a ball into touch
6 - Nice passing by Tuzos; Chitiva sends through ball to Marquez Lugo, who fires shot over bar from about 15 yards
4 - Landon Donovan gets called for knocking down Gabriel Caballero from behind, though the contact seemed minimal.
2 - Luis Gabriel Rey gets his head to a cross but sends it high. Two minutes, two shots.
2 - There's about 12-14,000 here right now, which means they'll announce 18-20K.
1 - Game underway. Alan Gordon gets free at top of area and rips a shot over the bar 15 seconds in.
0 - Jay-Z is blaring in the stadium as we await the almighty television to dictate when we start. I prefer Soundgarden's "The Day I Tried to Live" that was playing before pre-game warmups, so I hope this game starts soon.
Oh what the hell. I'll try doing this as a running blog. Just finished watching the FC Dallas-Chivas match and it was pretty good for the most part. Nice goal by Arturo Alvarez, disputed goal by Antonio Olvera.
Lineups are in:
Galaxy: Joe Cannon; Ante Jazic, Ty Harden, Abel Xavier, Troy Roberts; Kyle Martino, Landon Donovan, Kelly Gray, Chris Klein; Alan Gordon, Carlos Pavon.
Pachuca: Miguel Calero; Carlos Rodriguez, Marvin Cabrera, Aquivaldo Mosquera, Fernando Salazar, Leobardo Lopez; Andres Chitiva, Christian Gimenez, Gabriel Caballero; Rafael Marquez Lugo, Luis Gabriel Rey.
Read more...
SuperLiga perspective
Yeah, I'll agree that the SuperLiga isn't perfect, but I still think it can be an exciting tournament.
Even more exciting is what it might lead to in the future.
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Even more exciting is what it might lead to in the future.
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Boca, baby!
My favorite team from my childhood plays today versus Real Salt Lake. Boca Juniors of Argentina is in Utah for their preseason. I liked the preview from Clarin so much I decided to translate it here.
Miguel Russo leaves the hotel for a second to pose for a photo for ClarÃn. At that moment, water falls from the heavens. Rain. A flood. Just like that, from one moment to another.
"Rain, rain, we're no longer in the desert, ha, ha, ha," says the coach on the path of Little América. That's true. It's not Arizona. It's Utah, and in the city (Salt Lake) that today celebrates that in 1847, on this date, July 24, the pioneers who settled this place arrived on site. Most of them were Mormons. There have been parades since early this morning. The streets have been filled with floats. The final act of the festival includes Boca as a protagonist.
There's no mistake. Boca played Sunday in Phoenix, got here yesterday at noon and trained, will train yearly this morning, and in the evening, will take the field against the local team, Real Salt Lake, who defeated the English club Everton in a recent friendly, 2-0, but in MLS are in last place, with only 9 points gained from a possible 51.
Russo will make certain changes. Alvaro González, Morel, Urribarri, Leandro DÃaz y Mondaini will play. The objective for the future is a triple one, with the obession being the World Club title.
Read more...
Miguel Russo leaves the hotel for a second to pose for a photo for ClarÃn. At that moment, water falls from the heavens. Rain. A flood. Just like that, from one moment to another.
"Rain, rain, we're no longer in the desert, ha, ha, ha," says the coach on the path of Little América. That's true. It's not Arizona. It's Utah, and in the city (Salt Lake) that today celebrates that in 1847, on this date, July 24, the pioneers who settled this place arrived on site. Most of them were Mormons. There have been parades since early this morning. The streets have been filled with floats. The final act of the festival includes Boca as a protagonist.
There's no mistake. Boca played Sunday in Phoenix, got here yesterday at noon and trained, will train yearly this morning, and in the evening, will take the field against the local team, Real Salt Lake, who defeated the English club Everton in a recent friendly, 2-0, but in MLS are in last place, with only 9 points gained from a possible 51.
Russo will make certain changes. Alvaro González, Morel, Urribarri, Leandro DÃaz y Mondaini will play. The objective for the future is a triple one, with the obession being the World Club title.
Read more...
Pachuca primer
The Galaxy and Pachuca will meet today in their first-ever SuperLiga game. The Galaxy is a known commodity... well, the players are a known commodity - how they play from game to game is a mystery to many.
But some of our readers may not be as familiar with Pachuca, though. I'll try and get you guys up to speed on what I consider one of the three best clubs in the Western Hemisphere.
Pachuca hold the Mexican league title, the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Copa Sudamericana. That's unprecedented in Mexico. Additionally, only Toluca has enjoyed as much success as Pachuca over the last decade. Pachuca won promotion to the Mexican First Division in 1999 and beat Cruz Azul to win th Invierno 99 title. Many thought that was a fluke as Pachuca had never before won a league title, strange considering their 100-plus year history.
It wasn't a fluke; instead, it was a taste of what the next decade would hold. Pachuca captured the titles in Invierno 2001, Apertura 2003, Clausura 2006 and Clausura 2007. Perhaps more impressive, each of those championships were won with a different coach at the helm: Javier Aguirre won the first, then Alfredo Tena, Victor Manuel Vucetich, Jose Luis Trejo and Enrique Meza.
Players too have come and gone. Only Gabriel Caballero has been a part of all five championship sides. Miguel Calero, Andres Chitiva, Fausto Pinto and Jaime Correa have been key parts of several titles as well.
The Galaxy will face a deep and talented squad, but not flashy by any means. There aren't any headline-grabbing names that you'll find on America and Chivas. Calero's pretty solid in goal. He's been on four of Pachuca's championship sides.
On defense, Pinto is steady but Aquivaldo Mosquera is a beast. He had offers from France and turned them down to stay with Pachuca. Marvin Cabrera, Leobardo Lopez and Fernando Salazar offer quality on the backline as well.
Correa, Chitiva and Caballero are key parts of the midfield and with Damian Alvarez, Meza has plenty of options and weapons in the midfield. Alvarez and Caballero had four goals apiece last season while Chitiva chipped in with three. Caballero is your typical crafty veteran. He doesn't have much speed and is 37 years old, but he still produces and can still be dangerous.
Pachuca lost Luis Angel Landin to Morelia but brought in Luis Gabriel Rey to fill Landin's super-sub role. Rey is a proven goalscorer in Mexico as he had strong stints with Morelia and Atlante before joining Pachuca. Rey, though, is likely Pachuca's third-best option as Juan Carlos Cacho and Cristian "Chaco" Gimenez figure to be the starters. Cacho had 11 goals last season and was a key part of Mexico's Copa America squad. Gimenez had nine goals last year but he scores goals in bunches. Gimenez had a hat trick against Houston in a 5-2 win that eliminated the MLS club from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year.
Pachuca's the classiest side in the tournament but because they lack a name player and because they don't have millions of supporters like Chivas and America, they tend to be overlooked but all Pachuca does is win trophies. They're my pick to win the first ever SuperLiga tournament and any team they face will have their hands full.
EDIT: Fausto Pinto, Jaime Correa and Juan Carlos Cacho are not here because of their participation in Copa America.
Read more...
But some of our readers may not be as familiar with Pachuca, though. I'll try and get you guys up to speed on what I consider one of the three best clubs in the Western Hemisphere.
Pachuca hold the Mexican league title, the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Copa Sudamericana. That's unprecedented in Mexico. Additionally, only Toluca has enjoyed as much success as Pachuca over the last decade. Pachuca won promotion to the Mexican First Division in 1999 and beat Cruz Azul to win th Invierno 99 title. Many thought that was a fluke as Pachuca had never before won a league title, strange considering their 100-plus year history.
It wasn't a fluke; instead, it was a taste of what the next decade would hold. Pachuca captured the titles in Invierno 2001, Apertura 2003, Clausura 2006 and Clausura 2007. Perhaps more impressive, each of those championships were won with a different coach at the helm: Javier Aguirre won the first, then Alfredo Tena, Victor Manuel Vucetich, Jose Luis Trejo and Enrique Meza.
Players too have come and gone. Only Gabriel Caballero has been a part of all five championship sides. Miguel Calero, Andres Chitiva, Fausto Pinto and Jaime Correa have been key parts of several titles as well.
The Galaxy will face a deep and talented squad, but not flashy by any means. There aren't any headline-grabbing names that you'll find on America and Chivas. Calero's pretty solid in goal. He's been on four of Pachuca's championship sides.
On defense, Pinto is steady but Aquivaldo Mosquera is a beast. He had offers from France and turned them down to stay with Pachuca. Marvin Cabrera, Leobardo Lopez and Fernando Salazar offer quality on the backline as well.
Correa, Chitiva and Caballero are key parts of the midfield and with Damian Alvarez, Meza has plenty of options and weapons in the midfield. Alvarez and Caballero had four goals apiece last season while Chitiva chipped in with three. Caballero is your typical crafty veteran. He doesn't have much speed and is 37 years old, but he still produces and can still be dangerous.
Pachuca lost Luis Angel Landin to Morelia but brought in Luis Gabriel Rey to fill Landin's super-sub role. Rey is a proven goalscorer in Mexico as he had strong stints with Morelia and Atlante before joining Pachuca. Rey, though, is likely Pachuca's third-best option as Juan Carlos Cacho and Cristian "Chaco" Gimenez figure to be the starters. Cacho had 11 goals last season and was a key part of Mexico's Copa America squad. Gimenez had nine goals last year but he scores goals in bunches. Gimenez had a hat trick against Houston in a 5-2 win that eliminated the MLS club from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year.
Pachuca's the classiest side in the tournament but because they lack a name player and because they don't have millions of supporters like Chivas and America, they tend to be overlooked but all Pachuca does is win trophies. They're my pick to win the first ever SuperLiga tournament and any team they face will have their hands full.
EDIT: Fausto Pinto, Jaime Correa and Juan Carlos Cacho are not here because of their participation in Copa America.
Read more...
SuperPreviews
Between Andrea and I, we tag-teamed the SuperLiga coverage for various sites.
Andrea's take for MLSnet.com in English and MLSnet.com in Spanish.
Here's my PE advance, with a bit more input from the Galaxy than others, of course, as that's the local side.
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Andrea's take for MLSnet.com in English and MLSnet.com in Spanish.
Here's my PE advance, with a bit more input from the Galaxy than others, of course, as that's the local side.
Read more...
SuperPicks; first games
We're pretty average-to-bad at picking the MLS games, so to show it's no fluke, here are some picks that will hit at about 45.37 percent, so don't go running to your local bookie an account of us.SuperLiga 7/24-25
L.B.
Pachuca 2, Galaxy 0
Chivas 2, FC Dallas 1
DC United 1, Morelia 0
Houston 2, America 1
A.C.
Pachuca 2, Galaxy 1
Chivas 1, FC Dallas 1
DC United 0, Morelia 1
Houston 2, America 2
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Around the league
I'm on hold for a quick radio interview on the Champions' Soccer Radio Network.
I run into Gary Richards at the Galaxy press box all the time, and he keeps saying, "I've got to have you on my show."
Well, here goes nothing. I don't even know what our topic is going to be.
We ended up talking about the Galaxy and Chivas USA a bit.
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I run into Gary Richards at the Galaxy press box all the time, and he keeps saying, "I've got to have you on my show."
Well, here goes nothing. I don't even know what our topic is going to be.
We ended up talking about the Galaxy and Chivas USA a bit.
Read more...
They are there
Ok, with Becks here, there's more focus on fan support for the Galaxy, and it's hard to cover that without any reference to the LA Riot Squad.
Here's a bunch of them at Beckham's presentation.
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Here's a bunch of them at Beckham's presentation.
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Players' thoughts
Kyle Martino talks about the Pachuca-Galaxy match, SuperLiga and David Beckham.
Audio of it here.
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Audio of it here.
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Theeeey'rrreee Baaaaaack!
Apparently there was some Earthquake blue among the Chelsea fans during the Galaxy game, hence the "We're Back! Beat LA '08" banner in the upper deck of the stadium.
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Short shorts
Ante Jazic tries out the new speedo soccer shorts.
Assistant coach Paul Bravo doesn't approve.Read more...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Big American star
Tim Howard said hello to a few friends on Monday. Howard is in town with Everton FC and will be training for the rest of the week at Home Depot Center. The Galaxy had their usual training session.
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Everton in town
I went out to Galaxy training today and while there was no David Beckham sighting, I did spot a few current EPL players as Everton FC is in town for a week's worth of training sessions.Bonus points if you can help put names to faces.
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MLSer in Mexico
Alain Nkong, formerly of Colorado, is trying to make it there. I wish a team in Mexico would pick up Fabrice Noel while they're at it.
Update: Nkong signs with Atlante.
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Update: Nkong signs with Atlante.
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Press Conference
I'm live at the SuperLiga conference, and Abel Xavier is missing. Maybe he got stuck in traffic. Decio de Maria's English is much, much better than Don Garber's Spanish.
Fernando Fiore is cracking on Frank Yallop's lack of Spanish. He's known Frank since Frank played back in Miami - they're old pals.
Pachuca coach Enrique Meza says he's happy to have this preseason tournament to prepare the team for their upcoming season. He said he wants to be champions again and this will help get the team ready.
Christian Gimenez says that the players are professionals that will go out to win and bring more prestige to Mexico and their club.
Gimenez also referenced playing the Houston Dynamo and said the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico is real, even on the club level.
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The Final List
Greg Ryan finalizes the U.S. World Cup roster. I can't blame him for going with a little more defensive cover, though I'd like to see some more young blood on the field for the U.S. in midfield.
He did take care of the one worry I had after the first roster release - that dynamic Natasha Kai might get left off the list.
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He did take care of the one worry I had after the first roster release - that dynamic Natasha Kai might get left off the list.
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Frank talk
I decided to ask Galaxy coach Frank Yallop directly about the rumor that there was tension between Lalas and him, and that at some point the two weren't speaking.
Frank reacted immediately. "Who is that from? Who from the East Coast? That's garbage, by the way."
On the subject of retaining his job, Frank had this to say.
"There’s pressure any day to win games, but if the people above me see the team in the wrong direction, I’ll leave. But I think they see a team on the brink of being good. Yes, results matter, but building a good team is important, too. This league needs to have continuity and this league needs to have strength. In almost every game I’ve been in, we have entertained and we’ve been close in nearly every game. It’s not like we’re getting beaten four nothing in the league - except we had one bad game with Dallas. We’ve been in there and we’ve fought back. I don’t quit, I know that. They’ll have to drag me out. I feel that the team is behind me and they will give me everything they have."
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Glorified friendlies?
SuperLiga kicks off on Tuesday but for some of us media hacks, the festivities get underway today. There's a press conference in L.A. previewing this tournament and the gang's all going to be there, as MLS and FMF suits will be in attendance as well as Pachuca and Galaxy coaches and players.
I'm excited about the prospect of watching both Pachuca and Chivas de Guadalajara in the coming week.
However, I'm still skeptical about the whole SuperLiga and whether it will be successful. I think fans will buy into it, simply because Pachuca and Chivas don't come around that often, but will this tournament gain the expected outcome and re-create the US-Mexico rivalry at the club level?
I don't think it will. I may be dead wrong, but I think international rivalries are unique because that is really representative of their countries and clubs don't really represent nations. I mean, does the L.A. Galaxy represent the United States? Does DC United represent the United States? They are MLS teams and represent their respective owners and fans, not the country in which they play.
What could make this tournament more interesting is if the stakes are raised. If there were a Copa Libertadores berth attached to SuperLiga, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament would increase. But simply offering a large monetary award to the winners means the owners will benefit, not necessarily the fans. I mean, if I'm a Morelia fan and we win a million bucks, it's great to me only if the team uses those funds to bring in a big-name player. Otherwise, how does it benefit me? Winning it and advancing to Copa Libertadores, meanwhile, would a far greater prize for the fans than money to line the owners' pockets.
Now, I'm keeping an open mind on the tournament. I'm sure there will be good games and some drama and of course sizable crowds - I'm really looking forward to the Galaxy-Chivas game on Saturday, for instance. I'm just hoping that there is some real payoff at the end.
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I'm excited about the prospect of watching both Pachuca and Chivas de Guadalajara in the coming week.
However, I'm still skeptical about the whole SuperLiga and whether it will be successful. I think fans will buy into it, simply because Pachuca and Chivas don't come around that often, but will this tournament gain the expected outcome and re-create the US-Mexico rivalry at the club level?
I don't think it will. I may be dead wrong, but I think international rivalries are unique because that is really representative of their countries and clubs don't really represent nations. I mean, does the L.A. Galaxy represent the United States? Does DC United represent the United States? They are MLS teams and represent their respective owners and fans, not the country in which they play.
What could make this tournament more interesting is if the stakes are raised. If there were a Copa Libertadores berth attached to SuperLiga, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament would increase. But simply offering a large monetary award to the winners means the owners will benefit, not necessarily the fans. I mean, if I'm a Morelia fan and we win a million bucks, it's great to me only if the team uses those funds to bring in a big-name player. Otherwise, how does it benefit me? Winning it and advancing to Copa Libertadores, meanwhile, would a far greater prize for the fans than money to line the owners' pockets.
Now, I'm keeping an open mind on the tournament. I'm sure there will be good games and some drama and of course sizable crowds - I'm really looking forward to the Galaxy-Chivas game on Saturday, for instance. I'm just hoping that there is some real payoff at the end.
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LB rankings (July 23)
1. Houston (10-5-4). Streak's over, and so is league for now; champs look to SuperLiga.
2. FC Dallas (9-6-3). Dallas' secret no more: Juan Toja showed his skill in All-Star game
3. Chivas USA (7-5-3). Red-and-White is happy Seattle Sounders aren't in Western Conference.
4. Kansas City (7-5-5). Defensive issues cost Wizards points again.
5. New England (7-3-6). Three goals at home should always equal three points.
6. New York (8-6-3). So they can win without Juan Pablo Angel.
7. Columbus (6-5-7). Guille for MVP, hands down.
8. DC United (7-6-3). Will Veron became latest Argentine import? DC sure needs help.
9. Los Angeles (3-6-4). May move slightly due to others results, but Galaxy has to improve significantly by Aug. 5 if clubs wants a shot at playoffs.
10. Toronto FC (5-8-4). Learning what others around MLS have seen: Columbus is a pretty good team.
11. Colorado (4-8-6). Moral victory: Colorado doesn't look like hell and actually gains a point by doing so.
12. Chicago (4-8-4). Blanco debuts, Blanco scores; suddenly, there's hope in Chicago.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-8-6). Can't win an MLS game to save their lives but shut out an EPL team; go figure.
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2. FC Dallas (9-6-3). Dallas' secret no more: Juan Toja showed his skill in All-Star game
3. Chivas USA (7-5-3). Red-and-White is happy Seattle Sounders aren't in Western Conference.
4. Kansas City (7-5-5). Defensive issues cost Wizards points again.
5. New England (7-3-6). Three goals at home should always equal three points.
6. New York (8-6-3). So they can win without Juan Pablo Angel.
7. Columbus (6-5-7). Guille for MVP, hands down.
8. DC United (7-6-3). Will Veron became latest Argentine import? DC sure needs help.
9. Los Angeles (3-6-4). May move slightly due to others results, but Galaxy has to improve significantly by Aug. 5 if clubs wants a shot at playoffs.
10. Toronto FC (5-8-4). Learning what others around MLS have seen: Columbus is a pretty good team.
11. Colorado (4-8-6). Moral victory: Colorado doesn't look like hell and actually gains a point by doing so.
12. Chicago (4-8-4). Blanco debuts, Blanco scores; suddenly, there's hope in Chicago.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-8-6). Can't win an MLS game to save their lives but shut out an EPL team; go figure.
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Another tourney, another title
Argentina hoisted the FIFA Under-20 World Cup title after a 2-1 win over Czech Republic on Sunday. It's the fifth title in the last seven editions of this tournament for the young Argentines.Here's what Ole ran on its cover. The words, translated say:
YOUNG TEAM
Enormous! Argentina won its sixth youth crown, 5 of the last 7 with Pekerman-Ferraro-Tocalli. They are an example for the senior team.
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Six
I haven't read all the articles on Beckham's debut, but I've counted six so far that do not mention any other member of the Galaxy, either teammate or coach.
Four don't mention the score, either.
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Four don't mention the score, either.
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Sidwell trying to impress
Jose Mourinho mentioned that he would have been surprised at the tackle on David Beckham had it come from Frank Lampard, but that he was pleased to see Steve Sidwell looking to impress. Beckham seemed to think along the same lines, as far as determining Sidwell's motivation for the tackle.
"I saw him coming and I jumped just in time, so my foot wasn’t actually planted when he came in. He’s a good player – he’s done well in the Premiership and now he’s playing for a club like Chelsea. He’s going to want to smash something along the way – even in a friendly. Unfortunately, it was me tonight, but that's fine, that’s part and parcel of being a footballer."
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Sunday, July 22, 2007
Tee, hee!
I found this funny, no matter the pick. I also thought that the elements of truth were striking, but if there's any more proof needed that the signing of Beckham has impacted the American public - this should close that case.
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Blanco breaks free
Scores in debut
He makes the front page of mediotiempo while doing it, too.
It's true, the stadium in Chicago didn't sell out, but Blanco is having an impact nonetheless. I live in a heavily Hispanic area of LA, and the little soccer shops here sell jerseys of teams around the world, but I haven't seen an MLS jersey at my local shop ever.
Last week, they hung a Fire one in the front window.
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He makes the front page of mediotiempo while doing it, too.
It's true, the stadium in Chicago didn't sell out, but Blanco is having an impact nonetheless. I live in a heavily Hispanic area of LA, and the little soccer shops here sell jerseys of teams around the world, but I haven't seen an MLS jersey at my local shop ever.
Last week, they hung a Fire one in the front window.
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Landon shares the load
Beckham got his chance at a corner kick when Landon Donovan stepped away. Becks was asked about that in the post-game press conference.
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"I was happy. Landon usually takes the corners, and it was nice that he let me have one. I didn’t get many touches, and I was happy to do that."
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Viva France!
There's such a thing as simple good manners, even among the ink-stained wretches of the press. After we'd picked out spots in the auxilery press box, Jonah and I were dismayed to see this cameraman set up on a tripod and completely block our view. You can see him in the Riot Squad video I posted. We argued about whether we should make a stink with the guy, but we ended up moving another row back, disgruntled.
Before the camera guy even showed up, Jonah leaned over to me and said something about the French arrival. I looked around for Scott French, surprised, because though he didn't have a seat in the main press box, he was determined not to leave (he ended up sitting in Simon Olivera's spot).
"No," Jonah said, "I'm talking about the guy from France."
That's when I realized that a reporter, who was obviously French, had sat down on the other other side of Arash's chair. He was speaking in French on his cell. He'd been at the Chivas USA game earlier in the week - talking to Claudio Suarez on how the league needed more players like Beckham. I nodded a hello.
Jonah and I moved just as the game started, sitting next to Danny Bueno.
The French guy, however, decided that he wasn't going to stand for the cameraman hogging the sightline.
"Move!" he said. "Get down!"
When the cameraman tried to ignore him, the guy from France took his water bottle and started squirting the cameraman with it. Sure enough, the camera guy lowered his tripod and suddenly we could all see better. The reporters applauded, and the French guy took a bow.
"Leave it to the French to get the job done," said Jonah.
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Before the camera guy even showed up, Jonah leaned over to me and said something about the French arrival. I looked around for Scott French, surprised, because though he didn't have a seat in the main press box, he was determined not to leave (he ended up sitting in Simon Olivera's spot).
"No," Jonah said, "I'm talking about the guy from France."
That's when I realized that a reporter, who was obviously French, had sat down on the other other side of Arash's chair. He was speaking in French on his cell. He'd been at the Chivas USA game earlier in the week - talking to Claudio Suarez on how the league needed more players like Beckham. I nodded a hello.
Jonah and I moved just as the game started, sitting next to Danny Bueno.
The French guy, however, decided that he wasn't going to stand for the cameraman hogging the sightline.
"Move!" he said. "Get down!"
When the cameraman tried to ignore him, the guy from France took his water bottle and started squirting the cameraman with it. Sure enough, the camera guy lowered his tripod and suddenly we could all see better. The reporters applauded, and the French guy took a bow.
"Leave it to the French to get the job done," said Jonah.
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TV coverage
As usual, we don't get a chance to comment on the television coverage of games because we don't get to see the game on TV.
Just wanted to get some thoughts from you guys about the Galaxy-Chelsea game and what the coverage was like, both pre-game, during the match and afterward. This game was very hyped up and while the game exceeded my expectations, just wanted to see if the TV coverage also lived up to the hype.
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Just wanted to get some thoughts from you guys about the Galaxy-Chelsea game and what the coverage was like, both pre-game, during the match and afterward. This game was very hyped up and while the game exceeded my expectations, just wanted to see if the TV coverage also lived up to the hype.
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Photo craze
David Beckham didn't come out for pre-game warmups. When the teams went back in to change into their match uniforms and back out for the game, Beckham wasn't among the bench players either.So it sort of caught a lot of people off guard when he walked behind the goal, around the corner and toward the bench. There were some 50 photographers and a handful of TV cameramen as well lined up ready to snap the team shots and whatever else they could. So when they see David Beckham strolling up to them, they crowded him.
There were six photographers on Chelsea's side and the rest were seemingly in this muddled mess, trying to take pictures of Beckham on the bench.
It was a bit hectic for a moment there and the HDC security seemed like they were caught off guard. Some guys in suits were eventually there helping the security people shoo the photographers away. Had they been prepared, they might have had a dozen security people in front of the bench. Whatever. I guess next time they'll be more prepared.
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Different views
Every now and then, we get some non-soccer columnists out at soccer games. It doesn't happen that often because they're usually out at Dodgers/Angels/Lakers/USC/UCLA games and there's apparently not too much room for Galaxy/ChivasUSA/USMNT/ElTri.
Saturday, though, was the exception. A Galaxy game for once was the top sports story locally and as such the local non-soccer media responded by attending. It's sometimes interesting to read those columns because it's a different perspective. However, those stories are commonly laced with "soccer sucks" elements, which then makes me want to read them even less. But I'm a journalist and I like to consume as many opinions and styles of stories as I can, so I did that this morning.
Here's Press-Enterprise columnist Gregg Patton's view of the match. Patton's a solid columnist. He's not much for soccer, though, but he's solid nonetheless. He talked to some fans and painting a good scene of what the atmosphere was like and the scene and the reactions to Beckham. He also brought up the issue of the ankle injury and how it was overlooked by many and not really brought up by the club and league until Monday really.
Steve Dilbeck of the LA Daily News chimes in with another scene story. He also talked to fans about their reaction to Beckham's first game. The column's a little surly as Dilbeck's bread-and-butter is basketball I'd say. Dilbeck's a good guy. I used to work with him several times a week when we were both with the San Bernardino County Sun back in the day, 97-98 or so. I thought it was cool when he worked the desk because he always had something funny to say. I hadn't seen him in a long time until like three weeks ago. He was out for something at HDC, forget what.
Bill Plaschke of the LA Times owned up to his feelings. He was "bored by Beckham" before July 13 but apparently got excited enough to show up to the Chelsea game. Afterward, though, he found himself rather enjoying the moment. It was good of him to write about what he felt and not sort of stick with the whole "who cares?" theme.
There were many more scribes out there who probably penned some interesting stories but I'm tired. I need to go rest. Oh, before I go, here's my PE story. They ran Patton on the cover and mine on the inside, which is fine. I think mine would have ran on the cover had Beckham scored a goal but the story was the atmosphere and that he played, not so much the game itself and I focused on the game.
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Saturday, though, was the exception. A Galaxy game for once was the top sports story locally and as such the local non-soccer media responded by attending. It's sometimes interesting to read those columns because it's a different perspective. However, those stories are commonly laced with "soccer sucks" elements, which then makes me want to read them even less. But I'm a journalist and I like to consume as many opinions and styles of stories as I can, so I did that this morning.
Here's Press-Enterprise columnist Gregg Patton's view of the match. Patton's a solid columnist. He's not much for soccer, though, but he's solid nonetheless. He talked to some fans and painting a good scene of what the atmosphere was like and the scene and the reactions to Beckham. He also brought up the issue of the ankle injury and how it was overlooked by many and not really brought up by the club and league until Monday really.
Steve Dilbeck of the LA Daily News chimes in with another scene story. He also talked to fans about their reaction to Beckham's first game. The column's a little surly as Dilbeck's bread-and-butter is basketball I'd say. Dilbeck's a good guy. I used to work with him several times a week when we were both with the San Bernardino County Sun back in the day, 97-98 or so. I thought it was cool when he worked the desk because he always had something funny to say. I hadn't seen him in a long time until like three weeks ago. He was out for something at HDC, forget what.
Bill Plaschke of the LA Times owned up to his feelings. He was "bored by Beckham" before July 13 but apparently got excited enough to show up to the Chelsea game. Afterward, though, he found himself rather enjoying the moment. It was good of him to write about what he felt and not sort of stick with the whole "who cares?" theme.
There were many more scribes out there who probably penned some interesting stories but I'm tired. I need to go rest. Oh, before I go, here's my PE story. They ran Patton on the cover and mine on the inside, which is fine. I think mine would have ran on the cover had Beckham scored a goal but the story was the atmosphere and that he played, not so much the game itself and I focused on the game.
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Sunday 7-22 Picks
LB
New England 1, Houston 1
Columbus 2, Toronto FC 0
DC 2, New York 1
Kansas City 3, Colorado 1
AC
I forgot to add my picks and post this until after the games all finished, but Luis' picks are all valid, as he made them before the games were played.
Oh, well, hindsight. I'd have picked:
Houston 1 NE 0
Columbus 1, Toronto FC 0
DC 2, NY 1
Kansas City 2, Colorado 0
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New England 1, Houston 1
Columbus 2, Toronto FC 0
DC 2, New York 1
Kansas City 3, Colorado 1
AC
I forgot to add my picks and post this until after the games all finished, but Luis' picks are all valid, as he made them before the games were played.
Oh, well, hindsight. I'd have picked:
Houston 1 NE 0
Columbus 1, Toronto FC 0
DC 2, NY 1
Kansas City 2, Colorado 0
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Big Debut
Blanco steps out against Celtic today.
The question is, will the Mexican fans out to support him be as wild in their welcome as LA fans were for Beckham?
I think so. If anything, I think many onlookers will be surprised at the ways in which Cuauh love surpasses that of Becks.
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Fan following
In my All-Star game preview, I mentioned as one storyline how the MLS fans would compare to the Celtic support.
A few readers took issue with me on that, griping that fan support in the U.S. couldn't really be measured by support for an All-Star team.
Thing is, the MLS fans stepped up. Here's my postgame notes - I was going to write an entire column, but I fell asleep.
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A few readers took issue with me on that, griping that fan support in the U.S. couldn't really be measured by support for an All-Star team.
Thing is, the MLS fans stepped up. Here's my postgame notes - I was going to write an entire column, but I fell asleep.
They came out in the fabled green-and-white jerseys, with over a hundred years of tradition behind those venerable hoops. They planned to bring something of the true sporting experience to the yokels of Major League Soccer. It’s possible that they overlooked their opposition, because they were utterly vanquished.
I’m not talking about Celtic FC versus the All-Stars. I’m talking about the Celtic supporters who are considered among the sport’s most passionate, versus the rag-tag, cobbled together combination of fans coming out to cheer on some of the best players in the league they support.
It seems a strange thing, to support a league. Fan passion is usually more directly centered on one squad and the tradition that organization embodies.
Indeed, it probably felt strange to more than a few loyal fans of the local team, the Colorado Rapids, to cheer for the players that they normally boo when their team faces them in league competition.
For one game, however, all those rivalries were put aside, and the best in MLS stood shoulder to shoulder in an effort to defeat the outside opposition. Something akin happened years ago when the Greek city-states, normally fierce competitors, took up arms together against outside invaders.
The chorus that supported these league warriors wasn’t polished or rehearsed. Except for the “We want Pablo” refrain chanted by the locals, any wording of things yelled out was mostly unintelligible.
Some actions transcend words.
The MLS fans yelled, cheered, stood on the concourse watching, booed their adversaries mightily during corner kicks and even managed to get the wave going around the stadium.
In other words, they clearly demonstrated that they were fans with a pulse, not the comatose, clueless
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Under pressure
Yeah, yeah, everyone goes on about the Galaxy facing media pressure, but what about me? My espn.com editor, Jen Chang, really wanted me to file my Beckham story ASAP after the match. Speed was of the essence, and honestly, I'm a writer who works rather slowly. I think about stuff, so I'm usually the last one in the press box after games.
I also, as Jen points out, tend to like to write a lot. "Keep it short," he said, "and get it to me quickly."
So I took my laptop into the press conference and typed as quickly as I could while David Beckham spoke.
In order to still record the conference, I had to hold my recorder between my shoulder and my ear, like some people do a phone. Scott French walked by and laughed at my contortions and desperate typing.
I got the story out, though.
I also got a link on the front page of espn.com. Yay!
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I also, as Jen points out, tend to like to write a lot. "Keep it short," he said, "and get it to me quickly."
So I took my laptop into the press conference and typed as quickly as I could while David Beckham spoke.
In order to still record the conference, I had to hold my recorder between my shoulder and my ear, like some people do a phone. Scott French walked by and laughed at my contortions and desperate typing.
I got the story out, though.
I also got a link on the front page of espn.com. Yay!
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Si, si, SI.
I hung out with the SI boys after the Galaxy game; Luis, Jonah Freedman, Grant Wahl and I went to a nearby Chili's after we'd filed our respective stories. Arash Markazi sat with us during the match, but disappeared soon after the game. We were sure he'd been invited to one of the cool parties he always seems to get into.
Grant and Luis were assigned to the main press box, but Jonah and I didn't make that cut. We were out in the open air auxilery box, where the Internet connection wasn't working and the sun was right in our eyes.
On the plus side, we could hear the Riot Squad clearly throughout the match, so we shared with Luis and Grant our favorite chants of the day.
Jonah's fave, to the Guantanamera tune: "You're just a suburb of Fulham! Suburb of Fulham! You're just a suburb of Fulham!"
My fave didn't have a particular tune, but was chanted enthusiastically towards the match's finale. "You're not as good as Tigres! You're not as good as Tigres!"
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Grant and Luis were assigned to the main press box, but Jonah and I didn't make that cut. We were out in the open air auxilery box, where the Internet connection wasn't working and the sun was right in our eyes.
On the plus side, we could hear the Riot Squad clearly throughout the match, so we shared with Luis and Grant our favorite chants of the day.
Jonah's fave, to the Guantanamera tune: "You're just a suburb of Fulham! Suburb of Fulham! You're just a suburb of Fulham!"
My fave didn't have a particular tune, but was chanted enthusiastically towards the match's finale. "You're not as good as Tigres! You're not as good as Tigres!"
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Saturday, July 21, 2007
The boys room
David Beckham left the field midway through the second half on Saturday. He was asked why.Apart from using the bathroom, I got strapped up before the game and then I took it off at halftime because it was a little bit uncomfortable. When I was warming up, I felt I needed a little bit of strapping on my ankle to protect it and I didn't want to do it front of the whole world. While I was in there, I went to the bathroom.
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Doing it
Beckham, in case you missed the saturated TV coverage of the event, came on for the Galaxy late in the game. He did fine.
I think too much has been made of the bad ankle thing. He's not going to risk it just for ratings, but players play on recovering ankles all the time.
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I think too much has been made of the bad ankle thing. He's not going to risk it just for ratings, but players play on recovering ankles all the time.
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Dont' do it
David Beckham is not out with the Galaxy during pre-game warmups, which are going on as I type this in. He's listed on the roster as a reserve between Steve Cronin and Edson Buddle. But I just hope that he remains on the bench and doesn't play.
I honestly think he will just because he knows that a lot of people are expecting him to play, but for his own sake and for his short-term and long-term future, he shouldn't.
This game means nothing. If the Galaxy wins or loses or ties or whatever, it means nothing. Tuesday's game against Pachuca is more meaningful, so it would make sense to play him then but again you really wouldn't want to risk further injury.
I've set the over-under at 10 minutes played tonight, though the chatter here in the press box is that he'll play at least 15. A quarter-hour is too much, hell one minute is too much. But the Galaxy and ESPN have put themselves in this position by overhyping Beckham and his arrival and it all culminates tonight.
I just hope for his sake that sane heads prevail, television pressure be damned.
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I honestly think he will just because he knows that a lot of people are expecting him to play, but for his own sake and for his short-term and long-term future, he shouldn't.
This game means nothing. If the Galaxy wins or loses or ties or whatever, it means nothing. Tuesday's game against Pachuca is more meaningful, so it would make sense to play him then but again you really wouldn't want to risk further injury.
I've set the over-under at 10 minutes played tonight, though the chatter here in the press box is that he'll play at least 15. A quarter-hour is too much, hell one minute is too much. But the Galaxy and ESPN have put themselves in this position by overhyping Beckham and his arrival and it all culminates tonight.
I just hope for his sake that sane heads prevail, television pressure be damned.
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Angel the All-Star
I had a sidebar piece for espn.com that never made the website (it basically got devoured in the Beckham coverage) so I've posted some of it here.
Juan Pablo Angel doesn’t have the international reputation of David Beckham, but his credentials to be a marquee player in Major League Soccer grow daily.
Against Celtic FC, the European opponent of the MLS All-Stars, Angel showed what a threat he is as a forward with a quality finishing touch.
While his compatriot Juan Toja showed at times more enthusiasm than control, Angel was dangerous from the start of the match and played with the dedication of something to prove. Angel’s goal, after Eddie Johnson’s penalty miss had taken some of the momentum of the MLS squad away, displayed his skill, coolness and awareness.
“We had arguably the best players in the league,” said Angel after the match. “We said that there’s no such thing as a friendly game in this league any more. We wanted to be out there and do it right. We played well and we were the better team on the night and we fully deserved to win.”
In only two short months with the league, Angel has been apprised of the low status many place on MLS. It’s possible that it contributed to his not being selected for the Colombian Copa
“Playing against one of the top European teams and beating them in style I think is good for the league,” said Angel.
All-Star and New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol praised Angel in particular, while at the same time defending MLS.
“We’ve come a long way in 11 years and we may be on the threshold of taking that extra step,” said Nicol. “It’s great that we have Juan (Pablo Angel) and Beckham coming in. That professionalism that Juan shows, all the young guys in the league will only get better learning from that. The American players are going to learn to be better professionals, better equipped to take on better teams.”
The All-Star game was also notable for the enthusiastic atmosphere that welcomed the MLS players. Angel, who sometimes plays before sparse crowds in
“I’ve been here only two months and to be able to play in the All-Star game, it’s a great experience,” said Angel. “It makes me look forward to the rest of my time here. I want to be involved next year again.”
If the praise of his All-Star teammates is any indication, Angel can look forward to many more outings.
“He’s top class,” said Eddie Pope. “The way he prepares himself on the field, his hard work, his finishing, everything is absolutely pristine.”
Some observers have noted that Angel’s skills indicated that he could have continued his career with another European team if he had not come to MLS.
“Everything happened really quick,” said Angel of his choice of the league. “I haven’t had the chance to think about it. It’s been hectic time for me since I got here. I’m happy. I have respect for Aston Villa - they’ve been great to me in my career, but this is a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Thus far, it seems Angel has more than met the challenge.
“He’s unheralded, in terms of what he brings to the league,” said Jimmy Conrad. “He’s such a hard worker.”
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View from abroad
Here's a story from the Times Online's Matt Dickinson about David Beckham's new career.
Dickinson also talks about the celebrity party afterward, which apparently all players were invited to.
"There is a goofiness about his team-mates even when they talk about going to the celebrity party laid on by Will Smith and Tom Cruise tomorrow night to welcome the Beckhams to LA. His team-mates are so low down the celebrity pecking order that they are going to have remember their invites to get past security."
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Dickinson also talks about the celebrity party afterward, which apparently all players were invited to.
"There is a goofiness about his team-mates even when they talk about going to the celebrity party laid on by Will Smith and Tom Cruise tomorrow night to welcome the Beckhams to LA. His team-mates are so low down the celebrity pecking order that they are going to have remember their invites to get past security."
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Another view
As always, Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune paints a great picture of the game tonight.
Some excerpts:
If he were any other player in any other league in any other instance, the decision would be simple: David Beckham would not play tonight for the Los Angeles Galaxy against English club Chelsea at The Home Depot Center in Carson, much less suit up.
... But this is Beckham, and this is the game billed as his grand debut in Major League Soccer, and this is a league desperate for national attention. Common sense long ago was slide-tackled by the ever-powerful legs of marketing, promotions and pure, old-fashioned hype.
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Some excerpts:
If he were any other player in any other league in any other instance, the decision would be simple: David Beckham would not play tonight for the Los Angeles Galaxy against English club Chelsea at The Home Depot Center in Carson, much less suit up.
... But this is Beckham, and this is the game billed as his grand debut in Major League Soccer, and this is a league desperate for national attention. Common sense long ago was slide-tackled by the ever-powerful legs of marketing, promotions and pure, old-fashioned hype.
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Jose says, no way
If the decision to play David Beckham or not was up to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, he'd probably not play him at all. Mourinho said on Friday that he remembers other great players facing big matches at less than 100 percent.
"When I was a child I heard dozens of stories of Eusebio, who was injured but had to play a certain game because of the cachet of the match. Pele, too, was always involved in tense situations. But there is a limit - a pain limit and a consequence limit. If the consequence is that Beckham is one day with a swollen ankle, that is fine. But if the consequence is one or two weeks out, then no."
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"When I was a child I heard dozens of stories of Eusebio, who was injured but had to play a certain game because of the cachet of the match. Pele, too, was always involved in tense situations. But there is a limit - a pain limit and a consequence limit. If the consequence is that Beckham is one day with a swollen ankle, that is fine. But if the consequence is one or two weeks out, then no."
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Party hard
David Beckham might not be a big part of the Chelsea-Galaxy game tonight but he'll play a central role in another event in his honor.
According to TMZ.com, Beckham and Posh will be guests at a party hosted by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as well as Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Unfortunately, Sideline Views did not receive an invite.
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According to TMZ.com, Beckham and Posh will be guests at a party hosted by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as well as Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Unfortunately, Sideline Views did not receive an invite.
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Mexico beats the US
Mediotiempo is really excited about it, and it could be the start of a new rivalry. Yet the reporting is selective - nowhere does the article mention that the U.S. brought their under-20 team to the Pan Am games versus the full team of Mexico.
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Diminishing role
From leading man to supporting actor to possible cameo, David Beckham's role is shrinking.
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Sorry, we're closed
The Galaxy's likely new training grounds, behind a fence that had no barrier about a week ago.
Security was out in full force on Friday, presumably to keep the media from mobbing Edson Buddle and Kelly Gray.Read more...
The other arrival
In case you missed it (and you may very well have), Cuauhtemoc Blanco reported to his new team on Friday.
The Beckham hype is unique because Beckham is a unique player/personality but Blanco is potentially more important to his team than Beckham. Blanco's playing at a high level; just a week ago he scored a goal in Copa America and now he's coming here.
I hit on the arrival in my SI.com column this week.
Blanco's departure from Mexico City was a big story on Friday. Here's some of what he said at the airport (translated from an Ovaciones story).
* His feelings about leaving Mexico City: I'm happy to start this new adventure with another team. What does make me sad is leaving behind my mother and my children, who are my greatest supporters.
* On debuting against Celtic on Sunday: Like I've always said, you have to approach friendlies seriously. I hope we win on Sunday and which would help my team. I know things aren't going well and that's why I want to give it the best I can and support it in everything.
* On his physical condition: I feel I still have plenty to offer. It's going to be a great experience in Chicago and I want to meet everyone's expectations. I'm happy and am going to bring happiness to the people.
* On whether he is done with the Mexican national team: When I say goodbye to El Tricolor, I will do so publicly. I believe the national team is now behind and for now I need to concentrate on the Chicago Fire.
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The Beckham hype is unique because Beckham is a unique player/personality but Blanco is potentially more important to his team than Beckham. Blanco's playing at a high level; just a week ago he scored a goal in Copa America and now he's coming here.
I hit on the arrival in my SI.com column this week.
Blanco's departure from Mexico City was a big story on Friday. Here's some of what he said at the airport (translated from an Ovaciones story).
* His feelings about leaving Mexico City: I'm happy to start this new adventure with another team. What does make me sad is leaving behind my mother and my children, who are my greatest supporters.
* On debuting against Celtic on Sunday: Like I've always said, you have to approach friendlies seriously. I hope we win on Sunday and which would help my team. I know things aren't going well and that's why I want to give it the best I can and support it in everything.
* On his physical condition: I feel I still have plenty to offer. It's going to be a great experience in Chicago and I want to meet everyone's expectations. I'm happy and am going to bring happiness to the people.
* On whether he is done with the Mexican national team: When I say goodbye to El Tricolor, I will do so publicly. I believe the national team is now behind and for now I need to concentrate on the Chicago Fire.
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Friday, July 20, 2007
Crazy guy
I liken Juan Pablo Garcia's move from Chivas USA to Tigres to leaving a good, decent girl for an attractive and seductive one. Garcia had a good thing with Chivas USA but he was thinking with his, uh, wallet and threw it all away. And for what? Some action? The worst thing is, he doesn't even get any play! Okay, he scored twice but he was scoring more before (okay, I'll stop with the bad puns).
Anyway, here's the story I wrote up on Juan Pablo "Loquito" Garcia.
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Anyway, here's the story I wrote up on Juan Pablo "Loquito" Garcia.
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Lead on
Abel Xavier is a good guy to have on your team. He's played at the highest level for both club and country and knows what it takes to get there. Still, I was taken aback a bit by what Frank Yallop had to say about him.A colleague of mine actually pointed it out while we talked about the mess that is the Galaxy. Yallop was asked about leadership after the Galaxy lost to Tigres 3-0. He was asked what player he can count on to be the leader, and Yallop answered Xavier.
My colleague and I wondered, why? Why hadn't Yallop mentioned a player who has been with the club for longer than two months? Why hadn't he mentioned his captain or the 12-year veteran?
Leadership is an overlooked quality. Some teams have strong leaders who command respect in the locker room and help bridge the gap between the coaches and the players, someone who can whip a youngster into shape with one word or one look, who can back up his words with strong play. Guys like Jesse Marsch and Ante Razov come to mind, Ben Olsen, Diego Gutierrez...
Xavi is apparently that guy for the Galaxy, or at least the guy who Frank Yallop thought of first.
Here's audio of Xavi talking about the game against Chelsea. His accent is cool.
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Yallop on injury
Whatever stories you read earlier today or will read sometime tomorrow with Frank Yallop quotes probably came from this impromptu press conference. I didn't record the entire thing but I was there from the start of the mobbing (many reporters crowded around Yallop here) and walked away a bit before the stopped talking.Here's audio of Yallop.
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All day for nothing
I was prepared to be gone all day. I went out to Galaxy training very early and gave myself ample enough time to stay out in Carson as long as I needed to in order to get all the David Beckham info as possible.
Only problem is, Beckham didn't train today. I had to figure out how to write a 650-word story about Beckham without actually talking to him. It was tricky, but I did it.
I've been away from an internet connection for most of the day, well, one that lets me get on here and blog. I have internet through my phone but I haven't figured out the mobile blogging thing yet.
I've got some pictures to share, though. I'll put them up later.
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Only problem is, Beckham didn't train today. I had to figure out how to write a 650-word story about Beckham without actually talking to him. It was tricky, but I did it.
I've been away from an internet connection for most of the day, well, one that lets me get on here and blog. I have internet through my phone but I haven't figured out the mobile blogging thing yet.
I've got some pictures to share, though. I'll put them up later.
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More Beckham craze
I'll be heading out to Home Depot Center later this morning to Galaxy training. The Galaxy closed their training sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday. If I got my head handed to me like they did on Tuesday, I might also want to run and hide from the world.
Anyway, I'll try and have pictures and audio up later, a while later. And I'll keep you posted with regards to Beckham's every significant move.
Here's a story that ran in the PE this morning about ESPN's plans for Saturday.
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Anyway, I'll try and have pictures and audio up later, a while later. And I'll keep you posted with regards to Beckham's every significant move.
Here's a story that ran in the PE this morning about ESPN's plans for Saturday.
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Veron to D.C.?
Looks like D.C. United is after another Argentine, except this one's a bit more recognizable. Juan Sebastian Veron has apparently narrowed down his choices to two clubs: Estudiantes of Argentina or D.C. United.
A figure of $20 million is given here as well as in a story that ran a while back that said Veron would get $20 million and live in Hollywood, which apparently won't happen (at least the last part of it).
Veron's a talented player and would be a tremendous addition to the league and D.C. Is he DP worthy? I think so. He'd certainly cement D.C.'s status as team to beat in the East, at least in my opinion. They've still got defensive issues but Veron would most definitely help the squad.
(Thanks to a reader for this link)
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A figure of $20 million is given here as well as in a story that ran a while back that said Veron would get $20 million and live in Hollywood, which apparently won't happen (at least the last part of it).
Veron's a talented player and would be a tremendous addition to the league and D.C. Is he DP worthy? I think so. He'd certainly cement D.C.'s status as team to beat in the East, at least in my opinion. They've still got defensive issues but Veron would most definitely help the squad.
(Thanks to a reader for this link)
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Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sources? Ha!
Sources told ESPN that David Beckham would suit up and play on Saturday, but the real David Beckham told ESPN that things didn't look good.
So much for that "sources" garbage ESPN tried to pull. The story I linked to earlier that boasted "Sources: Beckham will suit up against Chelsea" now sends you to a story with the headline "Beckham's debut will likely be delayed due to injury."
Beckham was in Colorado for the All-Star game and at halftime told Rob Stone of ESPN2:
"I'm still having a lot of treatment. At the moment it doesn't look good that I'm going to play because the swelling is still there. I'm here for five years. I'm not here just obviously for the game on Saturday."
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So much for that "sources" garbage ESPN tried to pull. The story I linked to earlier that boasted "Sources: Beckham will suit up against Chelsea" now sends you to a story with the headline "Beckham's debut will likely be delayed due to injury."
Beckham was in Colorado for the All-Star game and at halftime told Rob Stone of ESPN2:
"I'm still having a lot of treatment. At the moment it doesn't look good that I'm going to play because the swelling is still there. I'm here for five years. I'm not here just obviously for the game on Saturday."
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Settling in
I threw in the towel on the All-Star game. It wasn't very dramatic, and I've got to start on my SI.com column. Well, I've already started on it but I like to dedicate some quiet time to writing it and now that my girls are in bed (thank GOD) I can finally relax and write. I had my 21-month-old daughter crawling in my lap while I was trying to write a PE story today. She won, and I had to wait until the cavalry arrived to finish it.
I guess my Man of the Match at this point would have to be Angel; second Toja; third... uh, any other Colombians?
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I guess my Man of the Match at this point would have to be Angel; second Toja; third... uh, any other Colombians?
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United in first
DC United - first team to win the MLS championship
First MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup
First team to win the inaugural MLS reserve league championship
First team to win the U17 MLS tournament, defeating Kansas City in the final - 3-0.
Congratulations to a quality club - the pioneer of MLS.
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First MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup
First team to win the inaugural MLS reserve league championship
First team to win the U17 MLS tournament, defeating Kansas City in the final - 3-0.
Congratulations to a quality club - the pioneer of MLS.
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To play or not to play
According to ESPN, David Beckham will suit up and play on Saturday.
How come I'm not buying that story? Is it because ESPN has a lot invested in the game and needs him to play to avoid a lot of pissed off people complaining about the game? Is that their way of leaning on Beckham to play?
I called Beckham's PR people and was told that the report is not true (there's a shocker) and that the decision to play Beckham has not been made (again, stunning). That Beckham will even train with the team on Friday hasn't even been decided.
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How come I'm not buying that story? Is it because ESPN has a lot invested in the game and needs him to play to avoid a lot of pissed off people complaining about the game? Is that their way of leaning on Beckham to play?
I called Beckham's PR people and was told that the report is not true (there's a shocker) and that the decision to play Beckham has not been made (again, stunning). That Beckham will even train with the team on Friday hasn't even been decided.
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Upgrade
Anyone want a veteran messenger bag? This one went to the World Youth cup in Peru. It's covered a lot of ground in MLS games, too.But all that service went by the wayside when I got to the DSG pressbox and saw the All-Star courtesy gift. Two minutes later, my stuff was sitting in
the new bag.
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MLS Magazine is here!
Besides the oft-repeated refrain of "take better pictures" (fine, buy me a better camera), I'm not always sure what readers want from our blog, so I was happy to get some advice last night from a regular reader. He wants me to caption the photos better.
I'll try.
This is the MLS Magazine Luis and I both contributed to. It's nice, high quality paper, not like a light Freekick stock, and it's got tons of info. There's a piece editor Scott French wrote about Landon and Bianca, and I wrote one about Blanco. Luis wrote about the SuperLiga.
Becks is the coverboy.
Landon and his wife Bianca - two careers going strong.
Jimmy Conrad looks like he has his eye on that All-Star trophy.
You can order the magazine here.
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I'll try.
This is the MLS Magazine Luis and I both contributed to. It's nice, high quality paper, not like a light Freekick stock, and it's got tons of info. There's a piece editor Scott French wrote about Landon and Bianca, and I wrote one about Blanco. Luis wrote about the SuperLiga.
Becks is the coverboy.
Landon and his wife Bianca - two careers going strong.
Jimmy Conrad looks like he has his eye on that All-Star trophy.
You can order the magazine here.
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Hold still
1) Hold camera still.
2) Ignore the drinks you've already had.
3) Wonder if you hit anyone important while flailing around dancing.
4) Wonder if you've said anything embarrasing to anyone important.
5) Hold camera still.
I think I failed miserably at 1 and 5, so this is the only half-decent image left of the All-Star party the Rapids hosted at a club in downtown Denver.
The Rapids logo was projected on the outside of the building and highlight videos of their season ran on a loop on TV's inside.
Herculez Gomez was there, with his cute girlfriend. I said hello to Ugo Ihemelu, too, who I think was there with multiple girlfriends. Niko Hernandez was dancing a lot, or at least standing on the floor a lot. Chris Albright was there chatting with people. Joe Ngwenya stopped by to say hello - I congratulated him on his play with Houston. Diego Gutierrez and his wife definitely looked like they were having fun busting a move on the dance floor.
Grant Wahl and I decided to go ahead and be silly and dance a lot. It was a fun party and still going pretty strong when we stumbled out.
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Not ready for primetime?
Lost amidst the hoopla of last week's David Beckham ceremonies was this tidbit on why the Galaxy has been shuffling re-shuffling its deck all this year.
Alexi Lalas was asked why the club made so many changes.
"There is always pressure playing for the Galaxy unlike other clubs but this is an environment that we didn’t prepare for adequately in that we didn’t identify the players soon enough that would respond to that and so what we’ve done in the past month we feel is gone out and found players who not only can perform in that but want that type of pressure, that want the eyes of the world on them."
I'm not sure who specifically he was thinking of but this year alone Lalas and Frank Yallop have gotten rid of Nate Jaqua, Robbie Findley, Shavar Thomas, Tyrone Marshall, Nathan Sturgis, Ian Russell and Santino Quaranta.
So if what Lalas said was accurate, most of the aforementioned players just couldn't handle the responsibility of playing before a worldwide audience and thus would have made the club look bad.
Well, glad those incapable-of-performing-before-the-world guys are gone. Otherwise, Tigres might have won by six or more goals on Tuesday.
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Alexi Lalas was asked why the club made so many changes.
"There is always pressure playing for the Galaxy unlike other clubs but this is an environment that we didn’t prepare for adequately in that we didn’t identify the players soon enough that would respond to that and so what we’ve done in the past month we feel is gone out and found players who not only can perform in that but want that type of pressure, that want the eyes of the world on them."
I'm not sure who specifically he was thinking of but this year alone Lalas and Frank Yallop have gotten rid of Nate Jaqua, Robbie Findley, Shavar Thomas, Tyrone Marshall, Nathan Sturgis, Ian Russell and Santino Quaranta.
So if what Lalas said was accurate, most of the aforementioned players just couldn't handle the responsibility of playing before a worldwide audience and thus would have made the club look bad.
Well, glad those incapable-of-performing-before-the-world guys are gone. Otherwise, Tigres might have won by six or more goals on Tuesday.
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Galactic pub team
It didn't take long for the British media to lay into the Galaxy. I'm sure most of the stories that have come out over the last day or so could have been written shortly into the Galaxy's 3-0 loss to Tigres on Tuesday. But they, like all of us there, had to suffer through a pathetic performance from David Beckham's new team.
The Brits weren't kind.
In their assessments of the Galaxy, the club was referred to as a "Sunday morning pub side" and one writer went so far as to call Beckham a "Beverly Hills star in a skid row team."
This story does a good job of providing some samples of what was written across the spectrum on the other side of the pond.
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The Brits weren't kind.
In their assessments of the Galaxy, the club was referred to as a "Sunday morning pub side" and one writer went so far as to call Beckham a "Beverly Hills star in a skid row team."
This story does a good job of providing some samples of what was written across the spectrum on the other side of the pond.
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Wednesday, July 18, 2007
With a capital P
Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic performance by Chivas USA on Wednesday.
Knowing full well the fate other MLS teams had in this same tournament in similar situations, Chivas USA nevertheless took Seattle lightly and fell by the wayside 3-1 in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, the second year in a row the club has been ousted in its first game.
Seattle played hard and gave it their all and really took the game to Chivas from midway through the first half on. Chivas acted like they had never encountered adversity and wilted under the pressure. Seattle could have and should have scored more goals on Chivas and the Sounders absolutely earned their quarterfinal trip.
It's difficult to pinpoint the problem with Chivas. At home, the club plays well as its 6-0-1 record will attest. But on the road, Chivas now just has the one victory away from Home Depot Center, a 1-0 win over Chicago on June 9.
Ante Razov was a big absence. Because Chivas has no true playmaker, no true number 10, the club relies too much on Razov and Maykel Galindo to produce. The midfield has been useless this year in terms of offense.
Check out the numbers:
Galindo - 7 goals, 4 assists
Razov - 5 goals, 3 assists
Kljestan - 1 goal, 3 assists
Marsch - 1 goal, 3 assists
Nagamura - 1 goal, 1 assist
Mendoza - 0 goals, 2 assists
In total, the starting forwards have 12 goals and 7 assists; the starting midfield has 3 goals and 9 assists.
Nagamura and Marsch are each defensive minded, but if you play with two such players together it's best to have a five-man midfield and have the attacking mid playing in front of them. Instead, Chivas has a four-man midfield and Mendoza creates nothing from the left and Kljestan has similar output from the right (though he's essentially playing out of position), so where else is the offense supposed to come from if Razov and/or Galindo aren't the ones pulling the strings?
The club is chasing for reinforcements and at least one player could join the club soon. If it's the right player, the club could change its fortunes around. But if this midfield continues playing the way it has been, and the club's mentality continues to be piss poor on the road, don't expect Chivas to make too much noise the rest of this year.
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Knowing full well the fate other MLS teams had in this same tournament in similar situations, Chivas USA nevertheless took Seattle lightly and fell by the wayside 3-1 in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, the second year in a row the club has been ousted in its first game.
Seattle played hard and gave it their all and really took the game to Chivas from midway through the first half on. Chivas acted like they had never encountered adversity and wilted under the pressure. Seattle could have and should have scored more goals on Chivas and the Sounders absolutely earned their quarterfinal trip.
It's difficult to pinpoint the problem with Chivas. At home, the club plays well as its 6-0-1 record will attest. But on the road, Chivas now just has the one victory away from Home Depot Center, a 1-0 win over Chicago on June 9.
Ante Razov was a big absence. Because Chivas has no true playmaker, no true number 10, the club relies too much on Razov and Maykel Galindo to produce. The midfield has been useless this year in terms of offense.
Check out the numbers:
Galindo - 7 goals, 4 assists
Razov - 5 goals, 3 assists
Kljestan - 1 goal, 3 assists
Marsch - 1 goal, 3 assists
Nagamura - 1 goal, 1 assist
Mendoza - 0 goals, 2 assists
In total, the starting forwards have 12 goals and 7 assists; the starting midfield has 3 goals and 9 assists.
Nagamura and Marsch are each defensive minded, but if you play with two such players together it's best to have a five-man midfield and have the attacking mid playing in front of them. Instead, Chivas has a four-man midfield and Mendoza creates nothing from the left and Kljestan has similar output from the right (though he's essentially playing out of position), so where else is the offense supposed to come from if Razov and/or Galindo aren't the ones pulling the strings?
The club is chasing for reinforcements and at least one player could join the club soon. If it's the right player, the club could change its fortunes around. But if this midfield continues playing the way it has been, and the club's mentality continues to be piss poor on the road, don't expect Chivas to make too much noise the rest of this year.
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Not active
MLS released the in-active All-Star roster, but not sure if it should be the "inactive" All-Star roster.
Anyway, it's a list of 14 players who presumably would have made the All-Star team had it either followed the traditional Conference vs. Conference format other sports use or if they'd allow more than 18 players to the game day roster.
I didn't disagree too much with the 18-man roster, though I would have swapped Ronnie O'Brien for Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
But this list has me scratching my head a little. I have no idea what Claudio Reyna is doing on this list, though. Also, what's Justin Mapp done to merit inclusion? His one assist this year must have been massive.
And where's Maykel Galindo?
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Kyle Beckerman (MF, Real Salt Lake); Jim Brennan (DF, Toronto FC); Jeff Cunningham (FW, Toronto FC); Danny Dichio (FW, Toronto FC); Brad Guzan (GK; Chivas USA); Frankie Hejduk (DF; Columbus Crew); Justin Mapp (MF; Chicago Fire); Ben Olsen (MF, D.C. United); Guillermo Barros Schelotto (MF, Columbus Crew); Steve Ralston (MF, New England Revolution); Claudio Reyna (MF, New York Red Bulls); Eddie Robinson (DF, Houston Dynamo); Taylor Twellman (FW, New England Revolution); Ronald Waterreus (GK, New York Red Bulls)
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Anyway, it's a list of 14 players who presumably would have made the All-Star team had it either followed the traditional Conference vs. Conference format other sports use or if they'd allow more than 18 players to the game day roster.
I didn't disagree too much with the 18-man roster, though I would have swapped Ronnie O'Brien for Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
But this list has me scratching my head a little. I have no idea what Claudio Reyna is doing on this list, though. Also, what's Justin Mapp done to merit inclusion? His one assist this year must have been massive.
And where's Maykel Galindo?
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Kyle Beckerman (MF, Real Salt Lake); Jim Brennan (DF, Toronto FC); Jeff Cunningham (FW, Toronto FC); Danny Dichio (FW, Toronto FC); Brad Guzan (GK; Chivas USA); Frankie Hejduk (DF; Columbus Crew); Justin Mapp (MF; Chicago Fire); Ben Olsen (MF, D.C. United); Guillermo Barros Schelotto (MF, Columbus Crew); Steve Ralston (MF, New England Revolution); Claudio Reyna (MF, New York Red Bulls); Eddie Robinson (DF, Houston Dynamo); Taylor Twellman (FW, New England Revolution); Ronald Waterreus (GK, New York Red Bulls)
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Grumpy Gordon
The Celtic press liason was trying to warn the reporters nicely that coach Gordan Strachan wasn't very tolerant or forgiving of off-topic or speculative questions.
I figured, I've dealt with with the sarcasm of Bruce Arena more than once, how bad could this guy be?
He wasn't bad, but he wasn't fun, either.
Sean Wheelock of the BBC tried to warm Strachan up by telling him he had a funny tidbit, then mentioned that MLS All-Star coach Steve Nicol had said that since he'd been a Rangers supporter in his youth, he'd really wanted to beat Celtic.
We'd thought it was cute that Stevie would go back to his childhood for inspiration, but Strachan just look confused and shook his head.
"That's not funny," he said.
He was so adamant about it, that we laughed.
"It's not," he insisted, grand arbiter of all things funny.
We chuckled a little more. Even Celtic's press guy was snickering at the sight of Strachan getting indignant about nothing, essentially.
He was a good sport about most of the questions, though. My favorite was what he said about player fitness. I'd asked him to estimate the fitness of his players.
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I figured, I've dealt with with the sarcasm of Bruce Arena more than once, how bad could this guy be?
He wasn't bad, but he wasn't fun, either.
Sean Wheelock of the BBC tried to warm Strachan up by telling him he had a funny tidbit, then mentioned that MLS All-Star coach Steve Nicol had said that since he'd been a Rangers supporter in his youth, he'd really wanted to beat Celtic.
We'd thought it was cute that Stevie would go back to his childhood for inspiration, but Strachan just look confused and shook his head.
"That's not funny," he said.
He was so adamant about it, that we laughed.
"It's not," he insisted, grand arbiter of all things funny.
We chuckled a little more. Even Celtic's press guy was snickering at the sight of Strachan getting indignant about nothing, essentially.
He was a good sport about most of the questions, though. My favorite was what he said about player fitness. I'd asked him to estimate the fitness of his players.
“I don’t know how fit they are,” said Strachan. “You’re either fit or you’re not fully fit. It’s a crazy thing in football, someone saying they're 90 percent fit. How do they know? I couldn’t tell you how fit they are – that’s mumbo jumbo.”
There's more from Strachan in the article I wrote for espn.com.Read more...
It's official: San Jose's back
The league just sent out a release about the return of the San Jose Earthquakes.
No word on where the 'Quakes will play their first two years but their permanent stadium will indeed be nearby the airport.
I hope San Jose fans don't feel burned by the league for failing to keep the team around after the '05 season and that the fans welcome back this new version of the 'Quakes.
For me, this is a pretty good score. I can't make too many road trips to other places: Salt Lake is the closest MLS city here and that's about a 10 hour drive. San Jose's about half that, so that's cool. Chivas at San Jose; Galaxy at San Jose; I like it!
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No word on where the 'Quakes will play their first two years but their permanent stadium will indeed be nearby the airport.
I hope San Jose fans don't feel burned by the league for failing to keep the team around after the '05 season and that the fans welcome back this new version of the 'Quakes.
For me, this is a pretty good score. I can't make too many road trips to other places: Salt Lake is the closest MLS city here and that's about a 10 hour drive. San Jose's about half that, so that's cool. Chivas at San Jose; Galaxy at San Jose; I like it!
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Last minute change
On Tuesday, an airplane carrying some 200 people crashed into a building and gas station when trying to land on a short, rain-soaked runway in Sao Paulo.
Apparently, Brazilian soccer club Gremio was scheduled to be on that ill-fated plane for a match in Goiania. The doomed flight originated in Porto Alegre, home of Gremio, and the club would have taken a connecting flight to Goiania. Instead, the club changed plans and chose to fly through Brasilia instead of Sao Paulo.
The death toll is at 189 and climbing, but Gremio players, staff, supporters, family, etc., are surely grateful that they averted disaster.
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Apparently, Brazilian soccer club Gremio was scheduled to be on that ill-fated plane for a match in Goiania. The doomed flight originated in Porto Alegre, home of Gremio, and the club would have taken a connecting flight to Goiania. Instead, the club changed plans and chose to fly through Brasilia instead of Sao Paulo.
The death toll is at 189 and climbing, but Gremio players, staff, supporters, family, etc., are surely grateful that they averted disaster.
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Chivas USOC
A year ago, Chivas USA suffered a humiliating defeat to Dallas Roma FC in the US Open Cup. But players are focused on this year's effort, though last year's loss still reverberates with some of the players.
Chivas USA will play Seattle in the third round of this year's Open Cup tonight. Four players will not be available: Paulo Nagamura is injured, Jonathan Bornstein is headed to Colorado for the All-Star game, Shavar Thomas is cup-tied to the Galaxy (his lone game for the Galaxy was against the Crew in an Open Cup qualifier) and Ante Razov is suspended for his red card last year against Roma FC.
Otherwise, Preki said the club was going to field their strongest team. I suppose that means Brad Guzan in goal over Preston Burpo, but that may be the only spot I think he won't have a regular starter in.
My guess for the starting lineup:
Brad Guzan; Orlando Perez, Claudio Suarez, Jason Hernandez, Lawson Vaughn; Francisco Mendoza, Jesse Marsch, Sacha Kljestan, Alex Zotinca; Maykel Galindo, Laurent Merlin.
If they go with that lineup (or Burpo instead of Guzan), I think Chivas USA will win. Given their road problems, though, an upset wouldn't be a complete surprise.
The game's going to be streamed on this webcast.
ADD: The story's finally up on Chivas USA's web site.
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Chivas USA will play Seattle in the third round of this year's Open Cup tonight. Four players will not be available: Paulo Nagamura is injured, Jonathan Bornstein is headed to Colorado for the All-Star game, Shavar Thomas is cup-tied to the Galaxy (his lone game for the Galaxy was against the Crew in an Open Cup qualifier) and Ante Razov is suspended for his red card last year against Roma FC.
Otherwise, Preki said the club was going to field their strongest team. I suppose that means Brad Guzan in goal over Preston Burpo, but that may be the only spot I think he won't have a regular starter in.
My guess for the starting lineup:
Brad Guzan; Orlando Perez, Claudio Suarez, Jason Hernandez, Lawson Vaughn; Francisco Mendoza, Jesse Marsch, Sacha Kljestan, Alex Zotinca; Maykel Galindo, Laurent Merlin.
If they go with that lineup (or Burpo instead of Guzan), I think Chivas USA will win. Given their road problems, though, an upset wouldn't be a complete surprise.
The game's going to be streamed on this webcast.
ADD: The story's finally up on Chivas USA's web site.
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Crazy as ever
I got the chance to talk to Juan Pablo Garcia yesterday, and he was as interesting as he always was with Chivas USA.
While he was here, Garcia bought a house near Home Depot Center. When he came here with Tigres in January, I asked him if he intended on keeping it and he said the house was in his plans. I asked him about his house again yesterday to see if he's still got it or if he cut his ties with the area altogether.
He still has the house and a player from Chivas USA is living in it. Garcia said that player has fallen behind on the rent, though. I asked him who it was but he wouldn't tell me. He did say that it wasn't a planned living arrangement because initially he had rented his house out to Amado Guevara.
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While he was here, Garcia bought a house near Home Depot Center. When he came here with Tigres in January, I asked him if he intended on keeping it and he said the house was in his plans. I asked him about his house again yesterday to see if he's still got it or if he cut his ties with the area altogether.
He still has the house and a player from Chivas USA is living in it. Garcia said that player has fallen behind on the rent, though. I asked him who it was but he wouldn't tell me. He did say that it wasn't a planned living arrangement because initially he had rented his house out to Amado Guevara.
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Happy returns
My SI.com editor Jonah Freedman is reporting that the San Jose Earthquakes will return for the 2008 MLS season. He writes that Commissioner Don Garber will announce as much possibly by today.
This is truly fantastic news. The fan base in the Bay Area is strong and it really is shameful that they haven't had a team to root for since 2005. The problem in San Jose was never support but rather the horrendous stadium and the equally awful deal that went with it. San Jose Stadium won't be a part of the new deal, but rather Jonah writes that the team would be a bit nomadic and would play at different venues throughout Northern California until a stadium is built in San Jose, right by San Jose International Airport.
A search for a new coach and technical director will begin immediately, and some reporters joked yesterday that if San Jose did come back, perhaps they would have Frank Yallop available should he get canned soon.
It's debatable how competitive San Jose will be in the first year back from the dead. Toronto FC has put out a decent and competitive product, but Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake struggled in their first year. Chivas USA has their act together but RSL is as pathetic as ever.
Still, whether or not they can compete for MLS Cup 2008 is not the most important thing right now; that they'll be around at all is clearly the best piece of news for the soccer supporters in Northern California.
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This is truly fantastic news. The fan base in the Bay Area is strong and it really is shameful that they haven't had a team to root for since 2005. The problem in San Jose was never support but rather the horrendous stadium and the equally awful deal that went with it. San Jose Stadium won't be a part of the new deal, but rather Jonah writes that the team would be a bit nomadic and would play at different venues throughout Northern California until a stadium is built in San Jose, right by San Jose International Airport.
A search for a new coach and technical director will begin immediately, and some reporters joked yesterday that if San Jose did come back, perhaps they would have Frank Yallop available should he get canned soon.
It's debatable how competitive San Jose will be in the first year back from the dead. Toronto FC has put out a decent and competitive product, but Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake struggled in their first year. Chivas USA has their act together but RSL is as pathetic as ever.
Still, whether or not they can compete for MLS Cup 2008 is not the most important thing right now; that they'll be around at all is clearly the best piece of news for the soccer supporters in Northern California.
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The Puck is going on
Dear Posh and Becks,
Spago wouldn't normally be considered the local joint of a neighborhood, but then again, Beverly Hills isn't a typical neighborhood. Even before you guys moved in, the place had more star wattage than perhaps any other area in the world.
Yet all joints, in whatever locale, have that odd feeling of permanence and familiarity, beyond any fad of the moment food craze.
What might be a little strange is that Spago started off with something of a gimmick - the designer pizzas. But chef Wolfgang Puck had the quality behind the innovation to last.
As far as making this one of my reviews of the 99, when I originally was going to focus on the cheap places on the list you guys might miss, OK, I'll cop to knowing someone who works there - Spago isn't exactly in a reporter's regular price range.
Since the original Spago in Hollywood closed down, the Bevery Hills restaurant is the senior of Puck's restaurants, and I think he has fun changing the menu around.
For example, the appetizer I enjoyed while I was there, stuffed lettuce leaves, isn't even on the current menu.
Not to worry. The pizzas still are. I had the one with artichokes. I skipped the entre, not only because it's expensive (knowing someone gives me an excuse to go, but not a free meal) but because I'd been told to leave room for Sherry Yard's famous deserrts.
The pizza was perfect - somehow much more intriguing and exotic than one could think a staple like pizza could be. I've eaten pizza all my life, yet at Spago, it seems like a new dish. Good stuff.
The dessert was lucious - a "chocolate purse" of rich filling folded inside a crepe topped with powdered sugar and raspberries.
Vicki should like it here - it's one of the few places in LA that people dress up for. Nothing too fancy, but the guys usually wear jackets, for example.
The dining room has oddly low ceilings at certain points, but there's a colorful glass wall that plays off the interesting art on the walls. The service at Spago is also impeccable.
The Beverly Hills locals also know that Spago will cater to regulars. There's a bunch of off-the-menu options, and even if a dish has disappeared from the menu, the kitchen will usually make it for a fan of that recipe. Plus, there's so many celebrities there, you'll likely meet friends, even if you didn't plan a date.
Final recommendation: Go, this place was made for you guys. Even if you're just running out for lunch, the kids will like the pizza.
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Spago wouldn't normally be considered the local joint of a neighborhood, but then again, Beverly Hills isn't a typical neighborhood. Even before you guys moved in, the place had more star wattage than perhaps any other area in the world.
Yet all joints, in whatever locale, have that odd feeling of permanence and familiarity, beyond any fad of the moment food craze.
What might be a little strange is that Spago started off with something of a gimmick - the designer pizzas. But chef Wolfgang Puck had the quality behind the innovation to last.
As far as making this one of my reviews of the 99, when I originally was going to focus on the cheap places on the list you guys might miss, OK, I'll cop to knowing someone who works there - Spago isn't exactly in a reporter's regular price range.
Since the original Spago in Hollywood closed down, the Bevery Hills restaurant is the senior of Puck's restaurants, and I think he has fun changing the menu around.
For example, the appetizer I enjoyed while I was there, stuffed lettuce leaves, isn't even on the current menu.
Not to worry. The pizzas still are. I had the one with artichokes. I skipped the entre, not only because it's expensive (knowing someone gives me an excuse to go, but not a free meal) but because I'd been told to leave room for Sherry Yard's famous deserrts.
The pizza was perfect - somehow much more intriguing and exotic than one could think a staple like pizza could be. I've eaten pizza all my life, yet at Spago, it seems like a new dish. Good stuff.
The dessert was lucious - a "chocolate purse" of rich filling folded inside a crepe topped with powdered sugar and raspberries.
Vicki should like it here - it's one of the few places in LA that people dress up for. Nothing too fancy, but the guys usually wear jackets, for example.
The dining room has oddly low ceilings at certain points, but there's a colorful glass wall that plays off the interesting art on the walls. The service at Spago is also impeccable.
The Beverly Hills locals also know that Spago will cater to regulars. There's a bunch of off-the-menu options, and even if a dish has disappeared from the menu, the kitchen will usually make it for a fan of that recipe. Plus, there's so many celebrities there, you'll likely meet friends, even if you didn't plan a date.
Final recommendation: Go, this place was made for you guys. Even if you're just running out for lunch, the kids will like the pizza.
Read more...
Claiming the Cup
Ok, for those who were asking, what has Colorado done?They've won the Rocky Mountain Cup, the rivalry competition between Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. Funny how local rivalries sometimes work. The Galaxy have an enormous winning record over Chivas USA, even if they're not playing well otherwise.
Colorado's got to be pretty proud of their derby win. The trophy's right in their main office, and you can't miss it if you enter there.
As an aside, and as proof that I'm turning into my mother, the trophy appears to be dusted off regularly.
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Klein talks about loss
Chris Klein talks about the Galaxy's loss to Tigres. The first question he's responding to is about the red card.
Audio of it here.
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Audio of it here.
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