Sunday, April 20, 2008
A draw that feels like. . .
Here's the reaction sidebar I wrote early this morning. I fell asleep before espn.com posted it. I'm curious, though, about the reaction among our regular readers - you guys know I love your opinions. Post what you thought of the game (I know some already have, I'm just encouraging any shy ones to speak up).
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13 comments:
I always thought it was only a matter of time before Donovan and Becks started to really click. When Ruiz can get healthy and get back inform the 3 are likely to be a deadly combination.
But I think the real interesting thing about last night game was the lack of presence by Ching and De Rosario. Neither had a very good game yet Houston still scored 2 goals.
houston finally showed up last night and played like the defending champions. their passing in the first half was some of the best i've seen in mls - ever. if they had a capable partner for ching they could have been ahead by more than a goal at the half.
la came back strong in the second half, outplaying houston for the most part.
both of houston's goals were lack of focus on the part of our defense. they were sloppy-seconds. la's goals on the other hand were a thing of beauty. lovely build up play, perfect crosses and aggressive strikes.
a draw against the two time defending champs is a point earned.
the referee, non-goal aside, did not have a good night, for either side, but that goes without saying in mls.
The first half of this game reminded me a little of the season opener. There was a complete lack of intensity from our guys. I thought Franchino came out early in the second half with a lot of energy and helped lift the team. I also think the thread of Randolph's in the left mid effectively shut down the Dynamo attack coming down the right (which killed us in the first half).
In other words, great tactical moves by Ruud at halftime.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Joey fits in with the team. He looks a little out of shape, but we seem to really need someone with his bite in there.
Becks and LD? Nothin' more to say.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Randolph is a midfielder, not a defender.
Let's give credit to Klein for a perfectly weighted through ball to Beckham on the 2nd goal.
I'd love to know is Buddle's shot went over the line. It sure looked like it did but we'll never know.
Nice article. Last night's game was one of the better draws I've seen. I loved the fire that the G's came out with in the 2nd half. Though Franchino looked pretty good and Randolph should stay at left mid.
Vanney and Xavier are still to slow, expensive and don't perform.
That turtlespeed paring needs fixing.
Until Franchino came on the G's didn't really play well. with him in they started to have a good grip on the midfield.
2nd half performance was exactly what I want to see from the team.
Ben
It seems like it's all desire with the Galaxy so far. When they have none we're left with a result like Colorado. But when they've played with visibly more energy, Toronto, 2nd half Houston, they're capable of competing at a much higher level than was expected before the season.
From what I saw last night:
-every team needs a hatchet man-and Franchino fills that part, and made a difference in the 2nd half
-a healthy Ruiz and the addition of another central defender will also make a big difference...
-the result of a) and b) could mean that the Galaxy could be a very difficult team to play against in the 2nd half of the season, especially as the kids mature...
I really enjoy your articles on ESPN...
Is it possible they will allow you to write one that isn't focused on Beckham?
Let's put it this way - if Beckham doesn't play for any reason, I probably don't get an assignment for a reaction piece on the Galaxy game.
I understand...
I just get frustrated after every single weekend the main page on Soccernet is all about Beckham.
Franchino was every bit as important as Landon and Becks. The midfield was completely vacant in the first 1/2 with DB having to run back and constantly play defensive mid (and center back) while his hapless team mates failed to string more than one pass together. When Randolph and Joey were sent into mid at the half, the game was turned on its ear. Give the manager some points for making the necessary switches. The line-up at the start of the 2nd half should be the starting lineup against the Goats.
I'm reading the blog backwards after being away for a few days, but if you're interested in game reactions, agree with everyone re attitude difference in 1st and 2nd half, how much fun the 2nd half was to watch, the continuing center back issue, and with 8bitjeff on what happens with this team whenever the central mid-field is weaker than usual. The scoring partnership is also nice to see, and the 3rd goal looked well in to me.
Only thing to add is that Franchino adds a good deal by having a strong left foot. Galaxy play has tended to left flank too much with Klein in such top form and not enough skill moving the other way. Oops, maybe one more thing on the subject of flanks, I liked Randolph in left mid too. He's young and if his accuracy keeps improving he could really shine there.
Thanks for your column, happy the Beckham-effect allows you to do more of them, and you do get other players in.
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