Just when it looked like America was going to down to Brazil with a shot of advancing to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, disaster struck.
Twice.
Flamengo scored goals in the 88th and 90th minutes to beat America 4-2 in Estadio Azteca. Flamengo now needs just a draw to knock out America and move on in the Copa Libertadores. Even a one-goal loss would see the Brazilians through to the next round.
America's lone saving grace this year was Copa Libertadores. The league campaign has been the worst-ever in their storied history. And now the club's poor form has finally carried over internationally.
Read more...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Hi Dave
Dave Denholm gives me quick shout-out on his latest podcast. Incidentally, he's also invited me back to guest on his show sometime soon, so keep an ear out for that.
Read more...
Read more...
Car Talk
Forbes has a bit here on the cars soccer stars drive, and they mention that they don't actually know what is David Beckham's latest model of Porsche.
Well, it's not often that this blog will ever scoop Forbes, but I saw Beckham in his ride just last week pulling out of the parking lot (he gave a little wave).
So I can reveal to our readers exclusively that the car. . .
Is black.
I'm not holding back, I just don't know that much about cars to remember what differentiates one model from another. It was a black convertible Porsche. Very shiny.
In my defense, I don't write much about cars.
Read more...
Well, it's not often that this blog will ever scoop Forbes, but I saw Beckham in his ride just last week pulling out of the parking lot (he gave a little wave).
So I can reveal to our readers exclusively that the car. . .
Is black.
I'm not holding back, I just don't know that much about cars to remember what differentiates one model from another. It was a black convertible Porsche. Very shiny.
In my defense, I don't write much about cars.
Read more...
Hale shoma chetori?
A while back, I was asked about whether the Galaxy were really working on scheduling a friendly match with Iran's national team.
Well, they are trying to put that together.
A Galaxy tour to the Middle East is also on the horizon.
Read more...
Well, they are trying to put that together.
A Galaxy tour to the Middle East is also on the horizon.
Read more...
The beat goes on. . .
I'm sure people can guess which soccer moment makes this list, but #15 is also a special one for me.
Read more...
Read more...
Much Ado about Dan
Yesterday when I talked to him, Ruud Gullit didn't seem to understand the fuss that kicked up about the Galaxy ticket rep that was brought in for a recent reserve game, as reported by the Times of London. (By the way, Ruud has no fear about shaking up developmental systems he believes aren't working.)
Not to say that there shouldn't be a better reserve player system, of course. That's across the board for MLS, but I also remember when the system first came into existence. That was 2005, and before that, there were no reserve teams or games at all.
Read more...
We had one game where somebody in the office had to play. That’s just a statement that it happened, nothing else. The club is working on that. They asked me what has been a surprise and that has been a surprise, but it’s not a big deal. The interview was about what more than that, but they pick out one thing. I think that many teams are struggling with the reserve teams. We’ll try to make it better, bring it attention, and maybe accelerate that process.
The ticket service rep called in to help the shorthanded Galaxy reserve team, Dan Cerwinske, was a college teammate (Dayton) of Chris Rolfe, the Chicago Fire star, (Chris writes a blog, too) and he still plays in a local league. I actually met Dan the day I grabbed a beer with fellow reporter Martin Rogers. Dan looked to be in decent shape - and I can attest to his bonafides as a Galaxy enthusiast, because he was wearing an Angel City Brigade T-shirt that evening. Apparently, Dan can help patrons purchase passes (310-630-2221 dcerwinske@lagalaxy.com) and also play on the pitch.Not to say that there shouldn't be a better reserve player system, of course. That's across the board for MLS, but I also remember when the system first came into existence. That was 2005, and before that, there were no reserve teams or games at all.
Read more...
Hans on Bravo: Now or never
Mexican sports daily Cancha spoke with Hans Westerhof recently about Chivas forward Omar Bravo, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. Bravo has longed for a move to Europe but such a move has been reportedly squashed by Chivas management time and again.
Westerhof told Cancha that "it's now or never."
The former Chivas de Guadalajara and Chivas USA boss said that Bravo would make a good addition wherever he lands in Europe.
"He's not Drogba. Maybe he wouldn't have as much success as he's had with Chelsea, and he's not Messi. But I'm certain any manager would love to have him on his team. He's a fighter, a warrior and he's improved tremendously both technically and with his attitude."
Westerhof went on to praise Bravo's technical ability.
"He's fast, strong and good in the air. His best position isn't center forward. He plays best on the wing, on the left side, and he's also good defensively. That's why I feel he can succeed in Europe."
After stints with Chivas, Chivas USA and Necaxa, Westerhof is now working for the Dutch FA.
Read more...
Westerhof told Cancha that "it's now or never."
The former Chivas de Guadalajara and Chivas USA boss said that Bravo would make a good addition wherever he lands in Europe.
"He's not Drogba. Maybe he wouldn't have as much success as he's had with Chelsea, and he's not Messi. But I'm certain any manager would love to have him on his team. He's a fighter, a warrior and he's improved tremendously both technically and with his attitude."
Westerhof went on to praise Bravo's technical ability.
"He's fast, strong and good in the air. His best position isn't center forward. He plays best on the wing, on the left side, and he's also good defensively. That's why I feel he can succeed in Europe."
After stints with Chivas, Chivas USA and Necaxa, Westerhof is now working for the Dutch FA.
Read more...
Por otro rumbo
Los cubanos que estaban a prueba con Chivas USA ya no estan con el equipo. Hoy supuestamente tienen cita con la immigracion. Van rumbo a Seattle y tal vez Puerto Rico pero no se sabe con quien y cuando encontraran trabajo. Pero no se van a dar por vencidos - eso si esta seguro.
Una entrevista que tuve con Yenier Bermudez puedes escuchar aqui.
Y aqui esta el articulo que salio ayer en The Press-Enterprise (en ingles).
Read more...
Una entrevista que tuve con Yenier Bermudez puedes escuchar aqui.
Y aqui esta el articulo que salio ayer en The Press-Enterprise (en ingles).
Read more...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Facing a new direction
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” --Thoreau
Read more...
En route to Copa quarters
Atlas of Guadalajara beat Lanus of Argentina 1-0 in the first leg of the clubs' second round Copa Libertadores series. With just a draw at home, Atlas will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Not bad for a club many had given up on at the start of the year.
Bruno Marioni scored the game's only goal, in the 37th minute. It was a nice one too.
Read more...
Bruno Marioni scored the game's only goal, in the 37th minute. It was a nice one too.
Read more...
USOC already?!?
Can you believe the Open Cup is upon us already? It's not the tournament proper quite yet but Real Salt Lake and San Jose will compete in a USOC play-in match Wednesday in Utah. If nothing else, it's a good opportunity for both sides to right some early-season wrongs.
Locally, the Galaxy will host Colorado in a play-in match on May 27, the eve of US-England. So while the club's stars might be elsewhere, the USOC will nonetheless be on the line that night.
Read more...
Locally, the Galaxy will host Colorado in a play-in match on May 27, the eve of US-England. So while the club's stars might be elsewhere, the USOC will nonetheless be on the line that night.
Read more...
Herr Siegfried
One of the league's early surprises thus far this season has been the Columbus Crew. Not many pundits (myself included) gave the Crew much of a chance to compete in the Eastern Conference and while the season is still very young the Crew looks like a club that will compete for a playoff spot at least and possibly even more.
The Crew's latest win was Sigi Schmid's 100th MLS coaching victory which is really a significant accomplishment. Only Bob Bradley has more MLS coaching wins in league history - that's pretty elite company.
I always felt that Sigi got a bit of a raw deal here with the Galaxy, that he was fired prematurely. I still feel the Galaxy would have made it to MLS Cup 2004 had he remained in charge, but that late-season coaching change was too much for that team to overcome. Still, some would argue that he should have been sacked after the '03 season, which I can't really counter.
Ultimately, though, Sigi landed on his feet and finally has the Crew headed in the right direction. He's gotten quite a bit of criticism for his playoff-less time in Columbus but this team has the makings of a pretty good side and Sigi deserves credit for the job he's doing.
Read more...
The Crew's latest win was Sigi Schmid's 100th MLS coaching victory which is really a significant accomplishment. Only Bob Bradley has more MLS coaching wins in league history - that's pretty elite company.
I always felt that Sigi got a bit of a raw deal here with the Galaxy, that he was fired prematurely. I still feel the Galaxy would have made it to MLS Cup 2004 had he remained in charge, but that late-season coaching change was too much for that team to overcome. Still, some would argue that he should have been sacked after the '03 season, which I can't really counter.
Ultimately, though, Sigi landed on his feet and finally has the Crew headed in the right direction. He's gotten quite a bit of criticism for his playoff-less time in Columbus but this team has the makings of a pretty good side and Sigi deserves credit for the job he's doing.
Read more...
More on Ruud
Jim Alexander doesn't come out to soccer as much as we'd like but the venerable Press-Enterprise columnist is always full of insight when he does.
He's not your typical soccer-sucks columnist who groans at an MLS assignment. On the contrary, he always wants to find out as much information as possible on the goings on in MLS and the local sides.
It's always interesting to read angles from such sports writers because often we're reading our own stuff ("our own" meaning good writers like Steve Davis and Jeff Carlisle and the like) and while there isn't anything wrong with that, it is nice to get an outside perspective.
Anyway, Jim's got a blog post here with some info on the Galaxy's lineup in terms of salary. His audience is predominantly made up of general sports fans on the blog there.
I always try to get Jim to come out for more soccer games and hopefully if the Galaxy keep winning and Chivas USA gets its act together he'll have more reason to go. That one of our own, Redlands' Landon Donovan, is tearing things up certainly doesn't hurt the cause.
Read more...
He's not your typical soccer-sucks columnist who groans at an MLS assignment. On the contrary, he always wants to find out as much information as possible on the goings on in MLS and the local sides.
It's always interesting to read angles from such sports writers because often we're reading our own stuff ("our own" meaning good writers like Steve Davis and Jeff Carlisle and the like) and while there isn't anything wrong with that, it is nice to get an outside perspective.
Anyway, Jim's got a blog post here with some info on the Galaxy's lineup in terms of salary. His audience is predominantly made up of general sports fans on the blog there.
I always try to get Jim to come out for more soccer games and hopefully if the Galaxy keep winning and Chivas USA gets its act together he'll have more reason to go. That one of our own, Redlands' Landon Donovan, is tearing things up certainly doesn't hurt the cause.
Read more...
Guess who?
Of course, that's Sean Franklin, Ruud's Player of the Game last match, on the left. Who he is laughing with after practice is a bit more difficult.
Read more...
Lazy stat hunting
As the game wrapped up on Saturday, I mentioned that Donovan's goal total was probably the highest in MLS history for the amount of games played, but I didn't want to bother to look it up.
Turns out the Galaxy media department did it for me. From their weekly update:
"With the eight goals, Donovan also set the MLS record for most goals over the first five games of the season, breaking the former mark of six, which was held by five different players."
Read more...
Turns out the Galaxy media department did it for me. From their weekly update:
"With the eight goals, Donovan also set the MLS record for most goals over the first five games of the season, breaking the former mark of six, which was held by five different players."
Read more...
Times chimes in
This time, it's the LA Times, not England's Sunday Times, who chimes in with a piece on Ruud Gullit.
Read more...
Read more...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Objectivity is an illusion
Apparently, it would not only kill some people to say anything positive about LD, but it also slays them if anyone else does.
Email this morning:
Why are you still making excusses for Donovan's poor performance in the 2006 World Cup. I didn't understand why you stood up for him in 2006 and why you continue to do it 2 years later. The fact that you wrote the preface of "Objectively speaking" before you stuck up for Donovan's 2006 debacle, shows your blatant agenda of sticking up for Landon. What relevance does the 2006 World Cup have to do with the Galaxy game this past weekend? Let his play speak for itself and stop being his cheerleader. Here's what he is, a talented player who will continue to tear up MLS and CONCACAF, but is too far out of his comfort zone when he tries to play outside the region, both for club or country! That's it! Final!
Read more...
Email this morning:
Why are you still making excusses for Donovan's poor performance in the 2006 World Cup. I didn't understand why you stood up for him in 2006 and why you continue to do it 2 years later. The fact that you wrote the preface of "Objectively speaking" before you stuck up for Donovan's 2006 debacle, shows your blatant agenda of sticking up for Landon. What relevance does the 2006 World Cup have to do with the Galaxy game this past weekend? Let his play speak for itself and stop being his cheerleader. Here's what he is, a talented player who will continue to tear up MLS and CONCACAF, but is too far out of his comfort zone when he tries to play outside the region, both for club or country! That's it! Final!
Read more...
Over and out for young Americans
The Primera A season has come to an end for the young American prospects plying their trade in Mexico's second division. As none of the three players we've kept tabs on here are on teams that will participate in the Primera A playoffs, the only chance of game time the players have will be for their respective top flight clubs in Week 17 and/or Liguilla.
Here's a look at the players, their stats and where they may end up in the future.
Sonny Guadarrama, Morelia: 8 games, 7 starts, 636 minutes; 2 goals. Guadarrama got some playing time for Morelia in the first division, but that was under deposed coach David Patino. Since Luis Fernando Tena took over on March 22, Guadarrama has been exclusively with the reserves. Morelia, though, struggled mightily down the stretch and Guadarrama could still not find his way back to the top flight. In limited time with Morelia, Guadarrama struggled. He had a red card in 18 minutes of action this season.
Sammy Ochoa: 16 games, 16 starts; 1,403 minutes; 7 goals, 3 yellow cards, 1 red card. The former US Under-20 forward had a strong campaign for Tecos A. He scored seven goals and was a consistent starter, missing just one match during the season. Tecos' front office, tough, has a history of making poor decisions and whether Ochoa can crack his way onto the first division team remains to be seen. At best Ochoa has proven he can withstand the rigors of a campaign and has a scorer's touch to boot, and that alone should warrant some playing time.
Jesus Padilla: 14 games, 14 starts; 1,208 minutes; 3 goals, 1 yellow card. More Mexican than cactus but less talented than it too. Padilla has regressed this season, and likely would have done so had his true background not been revealed. Worse, Padilla was passed over for promotion a week ago. When Chivas boss Efrain Flores reached down to Tapatio for a forward, he chose Antonio Salazar instead of Padilla, and Salazar responded with a goal in a 4-0 win over Puebla.
There were at least five other American-born players who saw time in the second division this year. My most glaring omission was Texas native Marco Vidal of Indios. Vidal was a regular on the Juarez side and finished out the season with a 90-minute effort against Salamanca. Also, Noel Castillo is with Indios as well though he did not appear with them during this season. Edgar's younger brother saw time with Santos' second division side during this Clausura campaign before his departure. Additionally, Monterrey A has within its ranks Robert Adrian Debaca of New Mexico while Carlos Borja played some minutes with Tapatio.
It's difficult to keep tabs on youngsters in the second division but it's even more difficult to find out about them in the first place. But this trend of Americans in Mexico will likely only continue to grow as a growing number of young Americans head down to Mexico to try out for Mexican clubs. When this topic has come up among coaches, players and soccer officials in general, that youngsters doing so is not in question; it's just a question of how many go down there and how many more will continue to make their way onto First Division rosters. So maybe in the upcoming editions of these updates, I could coin this "Futbol mexicano. Hecho en los Estados Unidos."
Read more...
Here's a look at the players, their stats and where they may end up in the future.
Sonny Guadarrama, Morelia: 8 games, 7 starts, 636 minutes; 2 goals. Guadarrama got some playing time for Morelia in the first division, but that was under deposed coach David Patino. Since Luis Fernando Tena took over on March 22, Guadarrama has been exclusively with the reserves. Morelia, though, struggled mightily down the stretch and Guadarrama could still not find his way back to the top flight. In limited time with Morelia, Guadarrama struggled. He had a red card in 18 minutes of action this season.
Sammy Ochoa: 16 games, 16 starts; 1,403 minutes; 7 goals, 3 yellow cards, 1 red card. The former US Under-20 forward had a strong campaign for Tecos A. He scored seven goals and was a consistent starter, missing just one match during the season. Tecos' front office, tough, has a history of making poor decisions and whether Ochoa can crack his way onto the first division team remains to be seen. At best Ochoa has proven he can withstand the rigors of a campaign and has a scorer's touch to boot, and that alone should warrant some playing time.
Jesus Padilla: 14 games, 14 starts; 1,208 minutes; 3 goals, 1 yellow card. More Mexican than cactus but less talented than it too. Padilla has regressed this season, and likely would have done so had his true background not been revealed. Worse, Padilla was passed over for promotion a week ago. When Chivas boss Efrain Flores reached down to Tapatio for a forward, he chose Antonio Salazar instead of Padilla, and Salazar responded with a goal in a 4-0 win over Puebla.
There were at least five other American-born players who saw time in the second division this year. My most glaring omission was Texas native Marco Vidal of Indios. Vidal was a regular on the Juarez side and finished out the season with a 90-minute effort against Salamanca. Also, Noel Castillo is with Indios as well though he did not appear with them during this season. Edgar's younger brother saw time with Santos' second division side during this Clausura campaign before his departure. Additionally, Monterrey A has within its ranks Robert Adrian Debaca of New Mexico while Carlos Borja played some minutes with Tapatio.
It's difficult to keep tabs on youngsters in the second division but it's even more difficult to find out about them in the first place. But this trend of Americans in Mexico will likely only continue to grow as a growing number of young Americans head down to Mexico to try out for Mexican clubs. When this topic has come up among coaches, players and soccer officials in general, that youngsters doing so is not in question; it's just a question of how many go down there and how many more will continue to make their way onto First Division rosters. So maybe in the upcoming editions of these updates, I could coin this "Futbol mexicano. Hecho en los Estados Unidos."
Read more...
Week 5 spotlight
Now with AC chiming in!
TEAM OF WEEK 5
TEAM OF WEEK 5
G: Matt Reis Will Hesmer
D: Michael Parkhurst Sean Franklin
D: Chad Marshall
D: Marvell Wynne
M: Santino Quaranta
M: Shalrie Joseph
M: John Thorrington Marcello Gallardo
M: Amado Guevara
F: Landon Donovan
F: Alan Gordon Mike Magee
F: Jaime Moreno Alejandro Moreno
Star: Though Amado Guevara was a spark plug and scored twice and Jaime Moreno had an outstanding game, Landon Donovan takes the honors for the second consecutive week. Donovan's hat trick was sublime and fueled the Galaxy's rout of Chivas USA.
Top defense: New England toppled the league's last unbeaten side on the road no less.
Top attack: Los Angeles scored almost at will against Chivas USA in the second half of Saturday's lopsided Super Clasico.
Coaching expertise: Perhaps its more of a cumulative nod, but Toronto's John Carver has seemingly found Toronto's ideal lineup. With Amado Guevara in the center of the midfield, the club's attack is potent. Also, Maurice Edu and Carl Robinson can be more effective in defending without needing to solely handle attacking responsibilities.
Top goal: Marcelo Gallardo's goal against Real Salt Lake was beautiful. From a tricky angle, Gallardo slammed a volley into the back of the net.
Sacha Kljestan's strike to bring Chivas level in the first half of the Super Clasico was a stunner.
Sacha Kljestan's strike to bring Chivas level in the first half of the Super Clasico was a stunner.
Top save: Will Hesmer made a diving save late in Columbus' match against Houston that helped the Crew to their third consecutive win.
Top game: Galaxy-Chivas USA: A derby game, seven goals, high drama, taunts and insults, elation and depression. What more do you want?
Quotable: The essence of a rivalry:
Chivas USA coach Preki when asked about Landon Donovan celebrating a goal a few feet from Chivas' bench: "That's absolutely crap... I do not appreciate it and we do not appreciate it as a club. It shows a lot of disrespect."
Retorted Donovan: "If he doesn't want that to happen, then don't let me score. I tried to apologize to him because I realized that he was upset about it... but if he can't accept an apology then I guess he's not a big enough man."
Donovan Dos, when I asked if his celebration location was in retaliation to Kljestan celebrating his goal in front of the Galaxy fan groups. "No. [Pause] I think there are more important things we could be talking about."
Donovan Dos, when I asked if his celebration location was in retaliation to Kljestan celebrating his goal in front of the Galaxy fan groups. "No. [Pause] I think there are more important things we could be talking about."
LOWLIGHTS
Worst defense: Chivas USA. What was a bright spot a year ago is now abysmal.
Worst attack: Kansas City's attack left a lot to be desired. San Jose's looked more hopeless to me.
Dema Kovalenko: His volleyball-style defending led to a PK and opened the floodgates.
Read more...
Almost Charming rankings
1. Columbus Crew - The Crew is clicking along, counting on Moreno to score and Hesmer to deny goals.
2. Chicago Fire - John Thorrington is proving he's more than last season's one-goal hero.
3. New England - Often New England is good, sometimes they're lucky, but the combo works.
4. Kansas City Wizards - There's no place like home for the Wizards
5. FC Dallas - Last of the unbeatens falls by the slimmest margin
6. Toronto FC - Better Red than ever before
7. Los Angeles Galaxy - Landon Donovan's star is burning brightly beside Beckham's
8. New York Red Bulls - Jozy's a young hero - Mike Magee's been there and survived injury woes to contribute again
9. Colorado Rapids - Where, oh where, will their goals come from?
10. DC United - A little revenge versus Real could help right the ship
11. Chivas USA - Brad Guzan isn't helping his transfer value with games like the last one.
12. Real Salt Lake - Blaming the ref doesn't score goals
13. San Jose Earthquakes - The lackluster offense gives the defense no margin for error
14. Houston Dynamo - No one expected the league champs to be dragging down the Western Conference
Read more...
2. Chicago Fire - John Thorrington is proving he's more than last season's one-goal hero.
3. New England - Often New England is good, sometimes they're lucky, but the combo works.
4. Kansas City Wizards - There's no place like home for the Wizards
5. FC Dallas - Last of the unbeatens falls by the slimmest margin
6. Toronto FC - Better Red than ever before
7. Los Angeles Galaxy - Landon Donovan's star is burning brightly beside Beckham's
8. New York Red Bulls - Jozy's a young hero - Mike Magee's been there and survived injury woes to contribute again
9. Colorado Rapids - Where, oh where, will their goals come from?
10. DC United - A little revenge versus Real could help right the ship
11. Chivas USA - Brad Guzan isn't helping his transfer value with games like the last one.
12. Real Salt Lake - Blaming the ref doesn't score goals
13. San Jose Earthquakes - The lackluster offense gives the defense no margin for error
14. Houston Dynamo - No one expected the league champs to be dragging down the Western Conference
Read more...
La Barca rankings (April 28)
1. Columbus (4-1-0): Went 3-0 against Chivas, DC and Houston.
2. Chicago (3-1-1): John Thorrington helped right Fire's wrongs.
3. New England (3-2-1): More than keeping afloat without injured stars.
4. FC Dallas (2-1-2): Offense dried up at home.
5. Toronto (3-2-0): Guevara, Ricketts and Robert round out a standout midfield.
6. Kansas City (3-2-1): Suffered the wrath of the Red Patch Boys.
7. Los Angeles (2-2-1): Things are going well when Alan Gordon bags a pair.
8. New York (2-1-1): Struggled against but finally overcame pesky 'Quakes side.
9. Colorado (2-3-0): Not much to like from previous two games.
10. DC United (2-3-0): Nothing like Real Salt Lake to help cure the ills.
11. Houston (0-2-3): Not winning and now not scoring either.
12. Chivas USA (1-3-1): How bad are things? First three-game losing streak since '05.
13. San Jose (1-3-0): Offense will be an issue all year long.
14. Real Salt Lake (1-3-1): Reality hits hard with pair of road losses.
Read more...
2. Chicago (3-1-1): John Thorrington helped right Fire's wrongs.
3. New England (3-2-1): More than keeping afloat without injured stars.
4. FC Dallas (2-1-2): Offense dried up at home.
5. Toronto (3-2-0): Guevara, Ricketts and Robert round out a standout midfield.
6. Kansas City (3-2-1): Suffered the wrath of the Red Patch Boys.
7. Los Angeles (2-2-1): Things are going well when Alan Gordon bags a pair.
8. New York (2-1-1): Struggled against but finally overcame pesky 'Quakes side.
9. Colorado (2-3-0): Not much to like from previous two games.
10. DC United (2-3-0): Nothing like Real Salt Lake to help cure the ills.
11. Houston (0-2-3): Not winning and now not scoring either.
12. Chivas USA (1-3-1): How bad are things? First three-game losing streak since '05.
13. San Jose (1-3-0): Offense will be an issue all year long.
14. Real Salt Lake (1-3-1): Reality hits hard with pair of road losses.
Read more...
Sangre americana update J16
The seasons are winding down in Mexico as the Primera Division has one week left on the slate while the Primera A's regular season culminated. None of the second-division Americans will be involved in the playoffs, though, but all four of the top-flight players are in line to reach the Liguilla.
Michael Orozco: Started and played 45 minutes in San Luis' 0-0 draw with Atlas.
Jose Francisco Torres: Started and played 73 minutes in Pachuca's 1-0 loss to Jaguares.
Edgar Castillo: Played 90 minutes in Santos' 2-1 win at Tigres.
Daniel Hernandez: Played 90 minutes in Jaguares' 1-0 win at Pachuca.
Sonny Guadarrama: Played 90 minutes in Monarcas A's 5-1 victory over Monterrey A.
Sammy Ochoa: Played 90 minutes in Tecos A's 1-1 draw with Coatzacoalcos.
Jesus Padilla: Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 4-0 loss to Tigres B.
Read more...
Michael Orozco: Started and played 45 minutes in San Luis' 0-0 draw with Atlas.
Jose Francisco Torres: Started and played 73 minutes in Pachuca's 1-0 loss to Jaguares.
Edgar Castillo: Played 90 minutes in Santos' 2-1 win at Tigres.
Daniel Hernandez: Played 90 minutes in Jaguares' 1-0 win at Pachuca.
Sonny Guadarrama: Played 90 minutes in Monarcas A's 5-1 victory over Monterrey A.
Sammy Ochoa: Played 90 minutes in Tecos A's 1-1 draw with Coatzacoalcos.
Jesus Padilla: Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 4-0 loss to Tigres B.
Read more...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ruud at home
The Times paints a picture of a lonely, frustrated Ruud Gullit who may not stay with the team long. Of course, the Times also seems to think the signing of Joe Franchino was a big mistake, so they might not be the best judge.
Read more...
Read more...
Figo?
Probably not. Last night, as reporters made their way to the post-game presser, we saw some fans calling out to someone in the expensive suites. I didn't think much of it until the presser, when the rumor started rumbling that they'd been saying "Figo! Figo!" Some media were wondering whether to run with a Luis Figo rumor. Now, Figo could have been visiting his old teammate, but I have to chime in that I didn't hear "Figo" being called out at all. I thought I heard "Viggo".
Now, Viggo Mortenson is an actor who was raised in Argentina and is a big soccer fan. He came to watch Barcelona play when they were last in LA.
Granted, I didn't see Mortenson (though I did run into Tom Cruise), but I'm guessing my take, as speculative as it is, is more likely than Figo being in town. After all, Viggo already lives nearby, so it's just a matter of deciding to come catch a game.
Read more...
Now, Viggo Mortenson is an actor who was raised in Argentina and is a big soccer fan. He came to watch Barcelona play when they were last in LA.
Granted, I didn't see Mortenson (though I did run into Tom Cruise), but I'm guessing my take, as speculative as it is, is more likely than Figo being in town. After all, Viggo already lives nearby, so it's just a matter of deciding to come catch a game.
Read more...
You've got a friend
The three Cubans' (Yenier Bermudez, Yordany Alvarez and Jose Manuel Miranda) trial with Chivas USA has ended, but countryman Maykel Galindo is looking out for his island comrades. All three are now off to Seattle, where the Sounders, Galindo's original U.S. team, is having a look at them. Maykel has put in a good word.
Read more...
Read more...
Laughing last
At the Galaxy practice on Friday, I asked Ruud about what the team would do when Landon and or Becks miss games when way on international duty. Ruud responded that all teams have important players miss games for whatever reason and have to adjust. He mentioned a Liverpool squad having to adjust to the loss of Steve Gerrard, for example.
It was pointed out that Liverpool could then bring in Peter Crouch.
"That is true," said Ruud. "But I have Gordon." He smiled, and the assembled group of reporters laughed.
Ruud was serious, though, and he continued with the comparison. "He’s big also and he can head the ball also."
Apparently so. Gordon helped turn the tide for the Galaxy versus Chivas USA.
Read more...
It was pointed out that Liverpool could then bring in Peter Crouch.
"That is true," said Ruud. "But I have Gordon." He smiled, and the assembled group of reporters laughed.
Ruud was serious, though, and he continued with the comparison. "He’s big also and he can head the ball also."
Apparently so. Gordon helped turn the tide for the Galaxy versus Chivas USA.
Read more...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Galaxy/Chivas USA running blog
Traffic here is horrible. Backed up for a mile, at least. I actually bumped a car on my way in. The driver hopped out, checked out this bumper, and then got back in his car. I didn't even bother to look at mine. It's messed up already.
Anyway, they're calling out the starting lineups. ACB and the Riot Squad are waving flags. the Legion has balloons. And drums.
Ruud was coy at practice when we asked if Franchino would start. He's starting. I wonder if he really has the full 90 in him.
Kickoff!
2 Chivas USA has the first real attack Kljestan takes a deep throw-in - Galaxy break it up, out on the counter, then Chivas USA recovers.
3- Galaxy counter, Buddle takes down a long pass, sribbles a bit, then gets the ball to Donovan, but chivas D breaks it up.
4 - Galaxy corner. Flashbulb city. Becks takes, Franklin can't quite get a head on it, but it pops out to Franchino who tries to take it in to the box, deflected out, Becks serves it back in, Buddle header, Guzan catches.
6 - MacDonald tackle on Mendoza - yellow card, though some in the press box think it was clean. McDonny did. Others, including the ref, disagree.
8 - Handball! Hand of Donovan doesn't come off nearly as well as Maradona's did. He's caught redhanded and carded with a yellow.
9 - FK for Chivas - Galindo gets on the end of it and is just wide with his shot.
11 - With two yellow cards in the first ten minutes, the press box is speculating on someone getting sent off soon. Beckham has a long run wasted when he passes short and his teammates can't work the call into the box.
13 - Kljestan and Galindo work a give and go in the box, but Cronin catches the cross.
15 - Kljestan to Braun, but Xavier tackles for a corner, which is cleared.
16 - Galaxy on the counter!, LD beats defender, is on the run with Buddle, but the pass into the box gets broken up.
17 - Yellow on Suarez.
18 - GOAL! Three balls in a row get headed up high repeatedly, but then the ball finally drops to perhaps the smallest player on the field. LD takes a touch at the top of the box, then rockets a shot past Guzan. 1- 0 Galaxy
Some in the pressbox are saying there was a McDonald handball just before the shot. I didn't see it, but all agree Donovan's finish was impressive.
19 - Galaxy FK, cleared.
22 - Chivas USA corner. Punched out by Cronin
24 - CK. Kljestan. Cleared to Becks, but his pass goes to Kljestan.
25 - The Galaxy have been pushed back deep by Chivas - not any more. Donovan leads out a counter, drops a pass back to Becks, but Suarez cuts off the service.
28 - Shavar Thomas is down in the box. He's up again.
30 - Buddle took a knock to the head and is bleeding. He's off the field.
31 - Chivas attacks with a man advantage.
32 - Becks long run gets wasted when Chris Klein's cross goes to no one.
33 Bornstein does the same going the other way.
34 - Donovan denied a counter, ball came off his arm. Ref doesn't call a handball, but give the ball the other way. Weird compromise.
36 - Donovan won't be denied this counter - he flicks a free pass to Buddle, who shoots on goal, Guzan dives and parries it. Chivas clears.
Going the other way, big boy Braun gets fouled, giving Chivas USA a FK about 30 yard from top of box.
37 - GOAL! It deflects wide for a corner. Cleared. Kljestan gets it back, runs in on Xavier and unleashes a bending ball that hits the underside of the crossbar and goes it. He runs not to the Legion corner, but in front of ACB, where he celebrates with a front kick, Karate Kid style. 1-1. One ACB guy throws a flag at Kljestan.
42 - Major Miscommunication. A long pass befuddles the Galaxy D, and Xavier knocks it as Cronin comes out - it heads towards goal, but then goes wide for a corner, which the Galaxy eventually clear.
44 - The Galaxy on the attack, but Buddle's shot is over the bar.
45 - Franchino gets a yellow for a tackle on Galindo. Galindo is still down, but he's back up now.
Halftime - tie score. It's pretty justified, though the Galaxy had the better chances. Both goals were pretty nice, but the press box likes Kljestan's better. "Unstoppable." Humm, so Guzan could have stopped Donovan's shot, I guess. Still, Guzan's play on Buddle's shot kept the score close so Kljestan could tie it.
47 - Seats are still empty, so concession stands must be long. CK for Chivas USA.
48 - the corner is cleared, but Becks sends a bad pass back to center that falls to Chivas. Marsch sends the ball to Mendoza, who is alone against Cronin, but sends his shot off the post! wow, Galaxy escaped there. Galindo battling against Xavier - Xavier fouls, FK cleared out.
50 - Chivas has possession, but they're stuck in midfield, pretty much.
52 - Galaxy can't really get out of the midfield, either. Cronin comes out of the box to tackle a ball, but Galindo contests it, Cronin gets ball and Galindo, who goes down and stays down.
54 - He's back up now, but limping. And suddenly, not limping anymore. Playing possum?
56 - Becks cross in the box cleared out.
57 - Ante Razov coming in for Galindo.
59 - GOAL! Randolph battles for the ball on the wing, get up the left side and sends a cross to LD. It's a bit behind him and LD cuts back to get it, controls against the defender and shoots into the net. 2-1 Galaxy. As Greg Daurio is my witness, I called 2-1 as the score for this game.
61 - And then LD mishits another Randolph cross. Ugh. bad. Galaxy get a FK, though, and Becks sends it verrrrrrry close.
62 - GOAL! OK, I was wrong on the score. Chivas counter and the Galaxy commit a half-dozen errors and failed clearances in front of goal before Razov puts the ball into the net.
64 - Chivas CK. There's some controversy before it's taken. It bounces back from one end of the box to another, but the Galaxy eventually clear.
65 - Galaxy counter. LD is fouled just outside the box. Becks lines it up. It hits the wall.
67 - The momentum belongs to Chivas, because the Galaxy just can't put this game away. Every time they go up, Chivas pulls it right back. Or the Galaxy give it away. The first was mostly a cracker of a goal, but there were numerous defensive errors on the second Chivas goal.
70 - Randolph cross into the box cleared out.
71 - Buddle is out, Alan Gordon in.
72 - The midfield is tight. Both teams have cut the game down.
73 - Shavar Thomas is down. It's probably a cramp, but I don't know.
75 - Marsch with outside shot. Wide.
76 - GOAL! GORDO! The much maligned Gordon knocks in a header past Guzan. Becks took a long Franklin pass, touch passed to LD, who crossed into the box, where Lawson Vaughn mishit the ball into the air. Gordon got good position, then Guzan came out for the grab, but couldn't get it. Gordon's header knocked down into the goal. 3-2 Galaxy
77 - GOAL! Gordon knocks down a pass for LD, who scores again, a low knuckler into the corner. 4-2 Galaxy.
82 - Nagamura coming off for Raphael Wicky.
83 - Kljestan from outside - Cronin catches.
84 - GOAL! LD to Becks, back to LD, who shoots low to the corner, Guzan gets a hand on it, but Gordon is there for the putaway. Gordon gets credit, but that goal was mostly the dynamic duo of Becks and LD again. 5-2 Galaxy.
87 - Razov from distance. High.
89 - Cronin with a cheeky cutback in the box, sends Atiba Harris sliding.
90 + The Galaxy are knocking it around pretty well.
Wicky from outside. Cronin catches, well, he catches his own rebound. Little bobble there. Chivas still fighting for the consolation goal. They aren't getting it. Final whistle. 5-2 Galaxy
Read more...
Anyway, they're calling out the starting lineups. ACB and the Riot Squad are waving flags. the Legion has balloons. And drums.
Ruud was coy at practice when we asked if Franchino would start. He's starting. I wonder if he really has the full 90 in him.
Kickoff!
2 Chivas USA has the first real attack Kljestan takes a deep throw-in - Galaxy break it up, out on the counter, then Chivas USA recovers.
3- Galaxy counter, Buddle takes down a long pass, sribbles a bit, then gets the ball to Donovan, but chivas D breaks it up.
4 - Galaxy corner. Flashbulb city. Becks takes, Franklin can't quite get a head on it, but it pops out to Franchino who tries to take it in to the box, deflected out, Becks serves it back in, Buddle header, Guzan catches.
6 - MacDonald tackle on Mendoza - yellow card, though some in the press box think it was clean. McDonny did. Others, including the ref, disagree.
8 - Handball! Hand of Donovan doesn't come off nearly as well as Maradona's did. He's caught redhanded and carded with a yellow.
9 - FK for Chivas - Galindo gets on the end of it and is just wide with his shot.
11 - With two yellow cards in the first ten minutes, the press box is speculating on someone getting sent off soon. Beckham has a long run wasted when he passes short and his teammates can't work the call into the box.
13 - Kljestan and Galindo work a give and go in the box, but Cronin catches the cross.
15 - Kljestan to Braun, but Xavier tackles for a corner, which is cleared.
16 - Galaxy on the counter!, LD beats defender, is on the run with Buddle, but the pass into the box gets broken up.
17 - Yellow on Suarez.
18 - GOAL! Three balls in a row get headed up high repeatedly, but then the ball finally drops to perhaps the smallest player on the field. LD takes a touch at the top of the box, then rockets a shot past Guzan. 1- 0 Galaxy
Some in the pressbox are saying there was a McDonald handball just before the shot. I didn't see it, but all agree Donovan's finish was impressive.
19 - Galaxy FK, cleared.
22 - Chivas USA corner. Punched out by Cronin
24 - CK. Kljestan. Cleared to Becks, but his pass goes to Kljestan.
25 - The Galaxy have been pushed back deep by Chivas - not any more. Donovan leads out a counter, drops a pass back to Becks, but Suarez cuts off the service.
28 - Shavar Thomas is down in the box. He's up again.
30 - Buddle took a knock to the head and is bleeding. He's off the field.
31 - Chivas attacks with a man advantage.
32 - Becks long run gets wasted when Chris Klein's cross goes to no one.
33 Bornstein does the same going the other way.
34 - Donovan denied a counter, ball came off his arm. Ref doesn't call a handball, but give the ball the other way. Weird compromise.
36 - Donovan won't be denied this counter - he flicks a free pass to Buddle, who shoots on goal, Guzan dives and parries it. Chivas clears.
Going the other way, big boy Braun gets fouled, giving Chivas USA a FK about 30 yard from top of box.
37 - GOAL! It deflects wide for a corner. Cleared. Kljestan gets it back, runs in on Xavier and unleashes a bending ball that hits the underside of the crossbar and goes it. He runs not to the Legion corner, but in front of ACB, where he celebrates with a front kick, Karate Kid style. 1-1. One ACB guy throws a flag at Kljestan.
42 - Major Miscommunication. A long pass befuddles the Galaxy D, and Xavier knocks it as Cronin comes out - it heads towards goal, but then goes wide for a corner, which the Galaxy eventually clear.
44 - The Galaxy on the attack, but Buddle's shot is over the bar.
45 - Franchino gets a yellow for a tackle on Galindo. Galindo is still down, but he's back up now.
Halftime - tie score. It's pretty justified, though the Galaxy had the better chances. Both goals were pretty nice, but the press box likes Kljestan's better. "Unstoppable." Humm, so Guzan could have stopped Donovan's shot, I guess. Still, Guzan's play on Buddle's shot kept the score close so Kljestan could tie it.
47 - Seats are still empty, so concession stands must be long. CK for Chivas USA.
48 - the corner is cleared, but Becks sends a bad pass back to center that falls to Chivas. Marsch sends the ball to Mendoza, who is alone against Cronin, but sends his shot off the post! wow, Galaxy escaped there. Galindo battling against Xavier - Xavier fouls, FK cleared out.
50 - Chivas has possession, but they're stuck in midfield, pretty much.
52 - Galaxy can't really get out of the midfield, either. Cronin comes out of the box to tackle a ball, but Galindo contests it, Cronin gets ball and Galindo, who goes down and stays down.
54 - He's back up now, but limping. And suddenly, not limping anymore. Playing possum?
56 - Becks cross in the box cleared out.
57 - Ante Razov coming in for Galindo.
59 - GOAL! Randolph battles for the ball on the wing, get up the left side and sends a cross to LD. It's a bit behind him and LD cuts back to get it, controls against the defender and shoots into the net. 2-1 Galaxy. As Greg Daurio is my witness, I called 2-1 as the score for this game.
61 - And then LD mishits another Randolph cross. Ugh. bad. Galaxy get a FK, though, and Becks sends it verrrrrrry close.
62 - GOAL! OK, I was wrong on the score. Chivas counter and the Galaxy commit a half-dozen errors and failed clearances in front of goal before Razov puts the ball into the net.
64 - Chivas CK. There's some controversy before it's taken. It bounces back from one end of the box to another, but the Galaxy eventually clear.
65 - Galaxy counter. LD is fouled just outside the box. Becks lines it up. It hits the wall.
67 - The momentum belongs to Chivas, because the Galaxy just can't put this game away. Every time they go up, Chivas pulls it right back. Or the Galaxy give it away. The first was mostly a cracker of a goal, but there were numerous defensive errors on the second Chivas goal.
70 - Randolph cross into the box cleared out.
71 - Buddle is out, Alan Gordon in.
72 - The midfield is tight. Both teams have cut the game down.
73 - Shavar Thomas is down. It's probably a cramp, but I don't know.
75 - Marsch with outside shot. Wide.
76 - GOAL! GORDO! The much maligned Gordon knocks in a header past Guzan. Becks took a long Franklin pass, touch passed to LD, who crossed into the box, where Lawson Vaughn mishit the ball into the air. Gordon got good position, then Guzan came out for the grab, but couldn't get it. Gordon's header knocked down into the goal. 3-2 Galaxy
77 - GOAL! Gordon knocks down a pass for LD, who scores again, a low knuckler into the corner. 4-2 Galaxy.
82 - Nagamura coming off for Raphael Wicky.
83 - Kljestan from outside - Cronin catches.
84 - GOAL! LD to Becks, back to LD, who shoots low to the corner, Guzan gets a hand on it, but Gordon is there for the putaway. Gordon gets credit, but that goal was mostly the dynamic duo of Becks and LD again. 5-2 Galaxy.
87 - Razov from distance. High.
89 - Cronin with a cheeky cutback in the box, sends Atiba Harris sliding.
90 + The Galaxy are knocking it around pretty well.
Wicky from outside. Cronin catches, well, he catches his own rebound. Little bobble there. Chivas still fighting for the consolation goal. They aren't getting it. Final whistle. 5-2 Galaxy
Read more...
Worth the investment
I've spent the last 90 minutes or so watching the Toronto-KC match, and peeking over my laptop to watch the NFL draft.
If you haven't gotten it, you should. This is a good game, nice atmosphere, good players and hell there's even Bruce Arena there, as he's the color commentator... hmm, actually, not sure if that's a plus.
Anyway, the MLSlive.tv is a great buy. $20 and you get the whole season. (and no I wasn't asked by the league to plug the feature)
I'm impressed with Toronto. Guevara, Ricketts, Robert is a good trio and then you've got Edu and Robinson. I think Sean Wheelock said it was one of the best midfields in the league and it's hard to argue with that at this point. The makings are there for a productive season the Toronto midfield.
Guevara by the way scored his first Toronto goal and no he was not offside. Toronto 1-0 in the 63rd.
Read more...
If you haven't gotten it, you should. This is a good game, nice atmosphere, good players and hell there's even Bruce Arena there, as he's the color commentator... hmm, actually, not sure if that's a plus.
Anyway, the MLSlive.tv is a great buy. $20 and you get the whole season. (and no I wasn't asked by the league to plug the feature)
I'm impressed with Toronto. Guevara, Ricketts, Robert is a good trio and then you've got Edu and Robinson. I think Sean Wheelock said it was one of the best midfields in the league and it's hard to argue with that at this point. The makings are there for a productive season the Toronto midfield.
Guevara by the way scored his first Toronto goal and no he was not offside. Toronto 1-0 in the 63rd.
Read more...
Chivas chatter
Leftover quotes that will be wasted otherwise. What Chivas player said what? (the answers are on the comments)
"I will play whatever they ask me to play. I feel like I’m getting there. I don’t quite feel like I’m (ready for) 90 minutes but I’ll put it all on the line and will do whatever is asked of me."
"You have to approach each game with the utmost respect for the other team and concentration and just be confident whether its Beckham or whoever we’re playing that week."
"I know everybody over here gets excited about these games. I know everybody over there gets excited about these games. We’ve got to put aside all those other things and put aside how we’re not as happy as we could be with the way the start of the season has gone and get ready for a big game that should be a lot of fun."
"Ever since I started my family and friends have been into every game especially the Clasicos because the atmosphere is better and the stadium is packed so they enjoy the atmosphere. The fact that Beckham is here, my friends that are girls probably enjoy the game a little bit more."
Read more...
"I will play whatever they ask me to play. I feel like I’m getting there. I don’t quite feel like I’m (ready for) 90 minutes but I’ll put it all on the line and will do whatever is asked of me."
"You have to approach each game with the utmost respect for the other team and concentration and just be confident whether its Beckham or whoever we’re playing that week."
"I know everybody over here gets excited about these games. I know everybody over there gets excited about these games. We’ve got to put aside all those other things and put aside how we’re not as happy as we could be with the way the start of the season has gone and get ready for a big game that should be a lot of fun."
"Ever since I started my family and friends have been into every game especially the Clasicos because the atmosphere is better and the stadium is packed so they enjoy the atmosphere. The fact that Beckham is here, my friends that are girls probably enjoy the game a little bit more."
Read more...
Galaxy guess again
Who said it?
"To be honest, and that’s the reality of it, David Beckham is who he is. We all know that there’s going to be some considerations for everything that comes with that and who he is."
"It’s a little bit odd, I must say [two teams sharing a stadium]. It’s odd – same training pitch and everything. We don’t see each other much, but it is a little strange."
"I look forward to building on the second half of the last game, especially with the competitive game coming up."
"It’s got nothing to do with the last game. We’ve talked and joked, because we work at the same place. There’s no anger towards each other, but you never know. You could clash on the same play, you could clash with any of the other players. That’s the way it is."
Read more...
"To be honest, and that’s the reality of it, David Beckham is who he is. We all know that there’s going to be some considerations for everything that comes with that and who he is."
"It’s a little bit odd, I must say [two teams sharing a stadium]. It’s odd – same training pitch and everything. We don’t see each other much, but it is a little strange."
"I look forward to building on the second half of the last game, especially with the competitive game coming up."
"It’s got nothing to do with the last game. We’ve talked and joked, because we work at the same place. There’s no anger towards each other, but you never know. You could clash on the same play, you could clash with any of the other players. That’s the way it is."
Read more...
What parity is all about
"The good thing is that is doesn’t matter too much if you lose one game, because everybody else does, too."
The Wisdom of Ruud
Read more...
The Wisdom of Ruud
Read more...
Stories part 2, sort of
Here's a thing I wrote about Chivas USA's thoughts on David Beckham and Landon Donovan.
I had written another story about Ante Razov and Brad Guzan but for some reason it never made it to print. Oh well. The best quote I had was from the Razov interview I'd linked to earlier.
Here's what he said when I asked him about getting booed and jeered by Galaxy fans.
"I get that everywhere I go. That comes from fear. They must fear something I do to them. They don't boo bad players usually. They boo guys who they fear might do damage to their team. I take it as a compliment."
Read more...
I had written another story about Ante Razov and Brad Guzan but for some reason it never made it to print. Oh well. The best quote I had was from the Razov interview I'd linked to earlier.
Here's what he said when I asked him about getting booed and jeered by Galaxy fans.
"I get that everywhere I go. That comes from fear. They must fear something I do to them. They don't boo bad players usually. They boo guys who they fear might do damage to their team. I take it as a compliment."
Read more...
Clasico comments
From the young 'uns.
Sean Franklin: Defender
I’m excited for it. I heard that it’s pretty intense, either when they’re home or we’re home. I know it’s going to be a tough match this Saturday. I’m expecting good things out of our team. I’m looking forward to it.
Previous experience?
I’ve seen it - on TV last year.
What did you think of the game?
It was ok.
Was it the 3-0 Galaxy loss?
I think it was. That’s why I didn’t want to bring it up.
Mike Randolph - defender, midfielder
Impression of clasico?
I like them. They’re fun. They’re intense. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I actually gear up twice as much as any regular game. They’re our rivals. They play in the same stadium, so these are games we have to win.
Read more...
Sean Franklin: Defender
I’m excited for it. I heard that it’s pretty intense, either when they’re home or we’re home. I know it’s going to be a tough match this Saturday. I’m expecting good things out of our team. I’m looking forward to it.
Previous experience?
I’ve seen it - on TV last year.
What did you think of the game?
It was ok.
Was it the 3-0 Galaxy loss?
I think it was. That’s why I didn’t want to bring it up.
Mike Randolph - defender, midfielder
Impression of clasico?
I like them. They’re fun. They’re intense. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I actually gear up twice as much as any regular game. They’re our rivals. They play in the same stadium, so these are games we have to win.
Read more...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Down in the depths
It was nice knowing you, Veracruz.
After losing 4-2 on Friday to Pumas UNAM, Veracruz punched a ticket to the Primera A. Veracruz has been relegated, saving the first division lives of both Puebla and Tigres.
The relegation system in Mexico is complicated, which is why you don't have America bidding farewell to the top flight. America finished last in the standings for the first time in its history but is pretty safe. America is fifth overall in the relegation standings so the club would need to string together a few more terrible seasons to fall out of the top flight.
Veracruz pieced together some wretched campaigns of late. So did Puebla and Tecos and Tigres and Atlas. But Veracruz proved to be the worst of the worst.
Read more...
After losing 4-2 on Friday to Pumas UNAM, Veracruz punched a ticket to the Primera A. Veracruz has been relegated, saving the first division lives of both Puebla and Tigres.
The relegation system in Mexico is complicated, which is why you don't have America bidding farewell to the top flight. America finished last in the standings for the first time in its history but is pretty safe. America is fifth overall in the relegation standings so the club would need to string together a few more terrible seasons to fall out of the top flight.
Veracruz pieced together some wretched campaigns of late. So did Puebla and Tecos and Tigres and Atlas. But Veracruz proved to be the worst of the worst.
Read more...
Missing the point
Shaka Hislop thinks the Dynamo aren't showing enough team spirit because they didn't fight Landon Donovan when he yelled at Pat Ianni.
Shaka gives no context for Donovan's behavior at all, mentioning neither the earlier hit or the fact that Donovan scored while Ianni was clutching him - an arguable PK call if Donovan had failed to score.
Funny that Shaka also doesn't say anything about how Houston's team spirit has been in games versus his old team, FC Dallas. Houston owns a 5-1-3 record against Dallas.
Instead, he mentions how players are less motivated by small crowds. I am underwhelmed by this insight.
Read more...
Shaka gives no context for Donovan's behavior at all, mentioning neither the earlier hit or the fact that Donovan scored while Ianni was clutching him - an arguable PK call if Donovan had failed to score.
Funny that Shaka also doesn't say anything about how Houston's team spirit has been in games versus his old team, FC Dallas. Houston owns a 5-1-3 record against Dallas.
Instead, he mentions how players are less motivated by small crowds. I am underwhelmed by this insight.
Read more...
Ruud's not that excited
About the classico, that is. In a way, it makes sense, because he's played in Italy, the Milan derby there and he talked to the press about how the whole city goes crazy about those games and everywhere the players go, they see stuff about the game and people ask them about it.
In other words, if Beckham was playing for A.C. Milan like Ruud did, and appeared on a TV show before the match (like he did recently on Ellen), he'd be questioned about the match and some Inter fans in the studio audience would boo him just on principle. Ellen herself would be forced to disclose which team she prefers and then the audience would both cheer and boo her choice. Bets would be placed all across the city, with celebrities declaring on Access Hollywood clips which side they're pulling for, and Kobe would show up in Beck's box alongside Tom Cruise and Will Smith.
But obviously, LA isn't Milan, as Ruud said. Still the derby we have is the one we have. Ruud wants to win it, of course, but he's not going crazy about it.
Read more...
In other words, if Beckham was playing for A.C. Milan like Ruud did, and appeared on a TV show before the match (like he did recently on Ellen), he'd be questioned about the match and some Inter fans in the studio audience would boo him just on principle. Ellen herself would be forced to disclose which team she prefers and then the audience would both cheer and boo her choice. Bets would be placed all across the city, with celebrities declaring on Access Hollywood clips which side they're pulling for, and Kobe would show up in Beck's box alongside Tom Cruise and Will Smith.
But obviously, LA isn't Milan, as Ruud said. Still the derby we have is the one we have. Ruud wants to win it, of course, but he's not going crazy about it.
Read more...
Stories part 1
I wrote a bunch of stories in the last couple of days on the Super Clasico. Two are up and I hope the other two get put up soon.
First, Chivas USA players' thoughts on the Clasico. It's funny because several of the players I talked to said the same thing that Steve Cronin did, that if you don't win a Clasico, you hate seeing the other players from the other team around the HDC following the match.
Also, Chivas USA needs a win badly regardless of the opponent. There are some people who always say that every match is important so if you ask them the question "How important is this game?" you will get the same response: "Every match is important." And that makes for boring copy. It's better to ask open-ended questions like "Talk about the significance of the match" which actually isn't technically a question but you get the point.
Preki is one of those people so I tried to structure the question the right way. You can hear it on the audio clip I posted earlier. Anyway, I used his responses in this story if you didn't listen to the clip. Basically he said "Every match is important" and then elaborated a bit.
I'll post the third and fourth of my stories when they are published.
Read more...
First, Chivas USA players' thoughts on the Clasico. It's funny because several of the players I talked to said the same thing that Steve Cronin did, that if you don't win a Clasico, you hate seeing the other players from the other team around the HDC following the match.
Also, Chivas USA needs a win badly regardless of the opponent. There are some people who always say that every match is important so if you ask them the question "How important is this game?" you will get the same response: "Every match is important." And that makes for boring copy. It's better to ask open-ended questions like "Talk about the significance of the match" which actually isn't technically a question but you get the point.
Preki is one of those people so I tried to structure the question the right way. You can hear it on the audio clip I posted earlier. Anyway, I used his responses in this story if you didn't listen to the clip. Basically he said "Every match is important" and then elaborated a bit.
I'll post the third and fourth of my stories when they are published.
Read more...
Orozco speaks
Okay, Michael Orozco and I spoke a while back. I had the interview sitting around and he gave a really good interview and had a pretty good tale. I decided to use a lot of the interview as a Q and A for SI.com. I kept some of it for another piece which will probably come down later this summer at some point. I'll keep you posted.
Anyway, here's the story for SI.com. Many people had never heard of Michael Orozco before he was called up to the US Under-23 national team. Few fans thought he was worthy of starting before the tournament as Patrick Ianni was thought to have had the inside track at starting in central defense for the US during the Olympic qualifying tournament but Orozco opened everyone's eyes with his impressive play.
As I point out in the piece, Orozco isn't the only American-born player down in Mexico. But then again, if you read this blog regularly, you already knew that.
Read more...
Anyway, here's the story for SI.com. Many people had never heard of Michael Orozco before he was called up to the US Under-23 national team. Few fans thought he was worthy of starting before the tournament as Patrick Ianni was thought to have had the inside track at starting in central defense for the US during the Olympic qualifying tournament but Orozco opened everyone's eyes with his impressive play.
As I point out in the piece, Orozco isn't the only American-born player down in Mexico. But then again, if you read this blog regularly, you already knew that.
Read more...
Calling the Clasico
Now's your chance to call your shot for Chivas-Galaxy. Tell me who is going to win and why.
Read more...
Read more...
Sangre americana J16
The American contingent in Mexico heads down to the final weeks of the regular season. With two weeks left, all of the four top-flight players have a chance of reaching the Mexican league playoffs, or Liguilla.
Michael Orozco, San Luis vs. Atlas, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Orozco's San Luis side is on the verge of claiming the top spot in the overall league table and the number one seed in the Mexican league playoffs. With two matches left in the regular season, San Luis is even with Chivas at 29 points atop both the league standings and the Group 3 table. Orozco has started four consecutive matches since returning from the Olympic qualifying tournament. Atlas will leave some of its big guns at home, such as Bruno Marioni, as the Guadalajara club focuses on Copa Libertadores, which might make Orozco's task of dealing with the Atlas attack less challenging than it could be. TV: Galavision.
Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca vs. Jaguares, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: There is no reason to believe Torres won't see time against Jaguares unless Pachuca coach Enrique "Ojitos" Meza wants to rest Torres for international play. Torres was suspended a week ago and did not play in Pachuca's 5-2 loss to Puebla but the Texas native started and played 62 minutes in Wednesday's match against Saprissa in Costa Rica. Pachuca will host Saprissa in the second and decisive leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday as Torres could play his third match in eight days. Against Jaguares, Torres should start as he did midweek and should make his sixth start in seven league games, a streak only interrupted by his red card against Monterrey. TV: Azteca America.
Edgar Castillo, Santos at Tigres, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Castillo's Santos side is in position for a playoff spot but may have missed out on securing the top seed in the playoffs by dropping points against Necaxa a week ago. Santos let los Rayos level the match late in the second half. Still, Santos has 25 points, four clear of Monterrey in Group 2. Castillo has all but regained the form he had prior to missing a pair of games due to injury. TV: Telefutura.
Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares at Pachuca, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Jaguares can still reach the Mexican league playoffs but the club is working hard against itself and damaging its own chances. Against a bad Veracruz side, Jaguares failed to hold on to a lead and allowed two goals in the final 12 minutes and lost 2-1. Hernandez was part of the collapse as he played the entire match and picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute. Still, Hernandez figures to start against Pachuca, a match that will likely decide whether Jaguares still has clear options entering the final week of the season or if their run ends here. TV: Azteca America.
Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas A vs Monterrey A, Saturday 1 p.m. PT: Guadarrama will look to help Morelia close out the Primera A regular season against Monterrey. Morelia's senior side has been eliminated from playoff contention but whether Guadarrama gets a shot to show his skills on the senior club remains to be seen.
Sammy Ochoa, Tecos A vs. Coatzalcoalcos, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Ochoa has scored seven goals and has played in all but one of Tecos A's matches this season but like Guadarrama it remains to be seen if Tecos gives Ochoa a shot at playing in the top flight.
Jesus Padilla, Tapatio vs. Tigres B, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Padilla's future with Guadalajara may be limited to Tapatio and the second division. Chivas chose to use Antonio Salazar instead of Padilla when the club looked to Tapatio for a striker. Salazar has one goal in nine games compared to Padilla's three in 13 but Salazar got the nod instead.
Read more...
Michael Orozco, San Luis vs. Atlas, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Orozco's San Luis side is on the verge of claiming the top spot in the overall league table and the number one seed in the Mexican league playoffs. With two matches left in the regular season, San Luis is even with Chivas at 29 points atop both the league standings and the Group 3 table. Orozco has started four consecutive matches since returning from the Olympic qualifying tournament. Atlas will leave some of its big guns at home, such as Bruno Marioni, as the Guadalajara club focuses on Copa Libertadores, which might make Orozco's task of dealing with the Atlas attack less challenging than it could be. TV: Galavision.
Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca vs. Jaguares, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: There is no reason to believe Torres won't see time against Jaguares unless Pachuca coach Enrique "Ojitos" Meza wants to rest Torres for international play. Torres was suspended a week ago and did not play in Pachuca's 5-2 loss to Puebla but the Texas native started and played 62 minutes in Wednesday's match against Saprissa in Costa Rica. Pachuca will host Saprissa in the second and decisive leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday as Torres could play his third match in eight days. Against Jaguares, Torres should start as he did midweek and should make his sixth start in seven league games, a streak only interrupted by his red card against Monterrey. TV: Azteca America.
Edgar Castillo, Santos at Tigres, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Castillo's Santos side is in position for a playoff spot but may have missed out on securing the top seed in the playoffs by dropping points against Necaxa a week ago. Santos let los Rayos level the match late in the second half. Still, Santos has 25 points, four clear of Monterrey in Group 2. Castillo has all but regained the form he had prior to missing a pair of games due to injury. TV: Telefutura.
Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares at Pachuca, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Jaguares can still reach the Mexican league playoffs but the club is working hard against itself and damaging its own chances. Against a bad Veracruz side, Jaguares failed to hold on to a lead and allowed two goals in the final 12 minutes and lost 2-1. Hernandez was part of the collapse as he played the entire match and picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute. Still, Hernandez figures to start against Pachuca, a match that will likely decide whether Jaguares still has clear options entering the final week of the season or if their run ends here. TV: Azteca America.
Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas A vs Monterrey A, Saturday 1 p.m. PT: Guadarrama will look to help Morelia close out the Primera A regular season against Monterrey. Morelia's senior side has been eliminated from playoff contention but whether Guadarrama gets a shot to show his skills on the senior club remains to be seen.
Sammy Ochoa, Tecos A vs. Coatzalcoalcos, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Ochoa has scored seven goals and has played in all but one of Tecos A's matches this season but like Guadarrama it remains to be seen if Tecos gives Ochoa a shot at playing in the top flight.
Jesus Padilla, Tapatio vs. Tigres B, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Padilla's future with Guadalajara may be limited to Tapatio and the second division. Chivas chose to use Antonio Salazar instead of Padilla when the club looked to Tapatio for a striker. Salazar has one goal in nine games compared to Padilla's three in 13 but Salazar got the nod instead.
Read more...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Frank Franchino
Left over from the interview with Joe:
On the Galaxy, then and now-
A lot has changed. I see just Cobi when I walk in and Pete. There’s very few guys here, the whole organization has changed, the team has changed, the stadium has changed. We used to play at the Rose Bowl. Pete and I were talking about that today.
Losing to LA twice in MLS Cup -
At those times, I was with the Revolution. We fought together. We had a great, cohesive team. We came up short, but we had a great team. They continue to have a good side. That’s what we need here –is chemistry. Maybe in ’05, the Galaxy had it. I wasn’t here. I know in New England, chemistry is a huge thing. I can see it here. I can see it building.
On his role in turning the Houston game around -
I wouldn’t say I was a huge impact on that. I think it was more my teammates stepping up and whatever was said in the locker room that motivated them.
Do people expect the Franchino of his early Galaxy days?
The organization has changed. The players have changed and there’s a lot of talent. It’s a matter of getting the chemistry right and everybody fighting for each other and fighting for the club. Whatever your role is, you just go out and try to perform it the best you can. That’s all I’m here for.
On praise from Becks-
I don’t know what he said, but anything, if it’s coming from Becks – I know he has a great eye for the game. He’s been with great players, and I appreciate that. But at the same time, I don’t feel 100%. I want to work towards that.
Talking with Nicol about his future -
I was able to play my first 90 in a reserve game against Kansas City. I had a conversation with Stevie. We were on the same page. He felt like I could still play.
His Galaxy future-
I’m excited about the club and the opportunity, but at the same time, it’s not going to be easy, just jumping into this team, because we have good players. I’m just going to come out and do my best to make it worthwhile.
I have to come out and earn it. They threw me in the game, but that doesn’t matter. Every day, you’ve got to earn it and come out and become 100 percent and try to earn a spot. Whatever my role is, my expectations are high for this club and I want to be a part of it.
Read more...
On the Galaxy, then and now-
A lot has changed. I see just Cobi when I walk in and Pete. There’s very few guys here, the whole organization has changed, the team has changed, the stadium has changed. We used to play at the Rose Bowl. Pete and I were talking about that today.
Losing to LA twice in MLS Cup -
At those times, I was with the Revolution. We fought together. We had a great, cohesive team. We came up short, but we had a great team. They continue to have a good side. That’s what we need here –is chemistry. Maybe in ’05, the Galaxy had it. I wasn’t here. I know in New England, chemistry is a huge thing. I can see it here. I can see it building.
On his role in turning the Houston game around -
I wouldn’t say I was a huge impact on that. I think it was more my teammates stepping up and whatever was said in the locker room that motivated them.
Do people expect the Franchino of his early Galaxy days?
The organization has changed. The players have changed and there’s a lot of talent. It’s a matter of getting the chemistry right and everybody fighting for each other and fighting for the club. Whatever your role is, you just go out and try to perform it the best you can. That’s all I’m here for.
On praise from Becks-
I don’t know what he said, but anything, if it’s coming from Becks – I know he has a great eye for the game. He’s been with great players, and I appreciate that. But at the same time, I don’t feel 100%. I want to work towards that.
Talking with Nicol about his future -
I was able to play my first 90 in a reserve game against Kansas City. I had a conversation with Stevie. We were on the same page. He felt like I could still play.
His Galaxy future-
I’m excited about the club and the opportunity, but at the same time, it’s not going to be easy, just jumping into this team, because we have good players. I’m just going to come out and do my best to make it worthwhile.
I have to come out and earn it. They threw me in the game, but that doesn’t matter. Every day, you’ve got to earn it and come out and become 100 percent and try to earn a spot. Whatever my role is, my expectations are high for this club and I want to be a part of it.
Read more...
Revs/FC Hoops
Dallas and New England going at it. I was stuck in traffic, so I missed the first 20 minutes. It's scoreless.
20 - Shalrie Joseph from distance, but Sala is set and parries the dangerous ball.
23 - Dallas is unbeaten, but NE is tried and tested. They've bounced back from poor results this season already. CK for Dallas.
24 - Flecha Roja serves it in, Toja with a sexy side kick sends the ball toward goal, but Matt Reis palms it away.
25 - Reis shows up on the "beckham cam" which really seems pointless when the ball is at the other end and the goalkeeper is just shaking his legs to stay loose.
27 - I like the drums at Dallas - they help compensate for the gaps in the Thursday night audience. Khano Smith from distance. He's no Shalrie - Sala catches easily.
29 - Cooper sets up the give and go with Rocha - gets a corner out of it. Dax sends it in, ball gets cleared out. Rocha tries from distance - he's no Alvarez - it skies far over the bar.
32 - Wagner has come up, tries a shot, gets deflected out for a corner. Alvarez sends it to Davino, but the header deflects and is cleared out, Shalrie is on the run, but Dax pokes it away.
35 - Former U17 teammates Igwe and Wagner are pitted against each other in this match. Both are playing well.
37 - Smith wins the ball off Dax's foot then sends it to no one. Revs get a corner out of it, but it's cleared.
40 John Harkes tends to talk in half sentences. "To get to an MLS Cup. He's done well."
41 - CK for NE - Cleared, Smith shot, deflected, Wells Thompson shot parried, rebound to Adam Cristman, his hard shot is wide by not a lot.
42 - FC counter! Cooper is in the box with the ball and appealing for a foul on Reis. Not happening.
45 - Revs and FC trade counter opportunities as the ball goes back and forth. Ref Prus shakes a finger at Drew Moor for a wild sliding tackle, but doesn't pull a card.
Mansally with a shot over the bar. Kenny, you're no Shalrie, either.
Halftime. Revs are hanging in there, even with their injuries and while on the road.
56 - Pace of the game has really picked up, but it's still scoreless, with possession going back and forth. the intensity has amped up, though.
60 - Yuck - don't like Arturo's hair. That said, he gets fouled hard by Wells Thompson, who sees a yellow for it. The FK is cleared by the Revs.
66 - Richetti is on. Now they're talking about Cooper's rehab.
67 - Davino is not an elegant defender, but he's really effective.
68 - Clips of Cooper Sr - hey, get back to the game, please!
70 - Shalrie from a bit of distance, gets a CK. Revs, on the road, have a change to sneak out with a point. Service gets cleared, sent back to the box, Heaps in front of goal, puts it over the bar. Bad miss.
71 - Ricardinho on for Toja
72 - Rocha with a good shot from distance. Reis has to dive for it, but he makes the catch.
73 - GOAL! Smith gets the better of Dax on the wing, cuts inside and sends in an angled shot just as he enters the box in traffic, Sala leaning the wrong way makes no play on the ball as it slides into the side net. 1-0 New England.
74 - I said Dallas was ripe for a loss, didn't I? They could very well come back, though.
76 - Cooper header! Over the bar.
80 - Good FK chance for FC. Or not. Dax overhits it, wastes it.
83 -Dallas has had more possession this match, but the chances and the execution? All New England, really.
84 - Alvarez in the box. He goes down. Heaps foot knocked against him, but lightly, and Prus calls against Arturo.
86 - Dallas corner - headed on goal by Moor, but right to Matt Reis, who punches it out.
88 - "What time is it?" Steve Morrow is pointing at his watch - telling his team that they're running out of it.
90 - Ricardinho down in the box. Heaps standing over him yelling, "You're a faker!" or something to that effect.
Dallas FK, cleared to Richetti -wow - he sends a scorcher toward net, but it's just wide of the mark.
90+ Dallas on a furious attack, Igwe ugly challenge on Ricardinho - no embellishment there. FK to Dallas - Dax serves it in - header by davino is wide.
Ricardinho with another shot, Reis saves, holds, takes his time.
Fulltime - Revs defeat Dallas.
Read more...
20 - Shalrie Joseph from distance, but Sala is set and parries the dangerous ball.
23 - Dallas is unbeaten, but NE is tried and tested. They've bounced back from poor results this season already. CK for Dallas.
24 - Flecha Roja serves it in, Toja with a sexy side kick sends the ball toward goal, but Matt Reis palms it away.
25 - Reis shows up on the "beckham cam" which really seems pointless when the ball is at the other end and the goalkeeper is just shaking his legs to stay loose.
27 - I like the drums at Dallas - they help compensate for the gaps in the Thursday night audience. Khano Smith from distance. He's no Shalrie - Sala catches easily.
29 - Cooper sets up the give and go with Rocha - gets a corner out of it. Dax sends it in, ball gets cleared out. Rocha tries from distance - he's no Alvarez - it skies far over the bar.
32 - Wagner has come up, tries a shot, gets deflected out for a corner. Alvarez sends it to Davino, but the header deflects and is cleared out, Shalrie is on the run, but Dax pokes it away.
35 - Former U17 teammates Igwe and Wagner are pitted against each other in this match. Both are playing well.
37 - Smith wins the ball off Dax's foot then sends it to no one. Revs get a corner out of it, but it's cleared.
40 John Harkes tends to talk in half sentences. "To get to an MLS Cup. He's done well."
41 - CK for NE - Cleared, Smith shot, deflected, Wells Thompson shot parried, rebound to Adam Cristman, his hard shot is wide by not a lot.
42 - FC counter! Cooper is in the box with the ball and appealing for a foul on Reis. Not happening.
45 - Revs and FC trade counter opportunities as the ball goes back and forth. Ref Prus shakes a finger at Drew Moor for a wild sliding tackle, but doesn't pull a card.
Mansally with a shot over the bar. Kenny, you're no Shalrie, either.
Halftime. Revs are hanging in there, even with their injuries and while on the road.
56 - Pace of the game has really picked up, but it's still scoreless, with possession going back and forth. the intensity has amped up, though.
60 - Yuck - don't like Arturo's hair. That said, he gets fouled hard by Wells Thompson, who sees a yellow for it. The FK is cleared by the Revs.
66 - Richetti is on. Now they're talking about Cooper's rehab.
67 - Davino is not an elegant defender, but he's really effective.
68 - Clips of Cooper Sr - hey, get back to the game, please!
70 - Shalrie from a bit of distance, gets a CK. Revs, on the road, have a change to sneak out with a point. Service gets cleared, sent back to the box, Heaps in front of goal, puts it over the bar. Bad miss.
71 - Ricardinho on for Toja
72 - Rocha with a good shot from distance. Reis has to dive for it, but he makes the catch.
73 - GOAL! Smith gets the better of Dax on the wing, cuts inside and sends in an angled shot just as he enters the box in traffic, Sala leaning the wrong way makes no play on the ball as it slides into the side net. 1-0 New England.
74 - I said Dallas was ripe for a loss, didn't I? They could very well come back, though.
76 - Cooper header! Over the bar.
80 - Good FK chance for FC. Or not. Dax overhits it, wastes it.
83 -Dallas has had more possession this match, but the chances and the execution? All New England, really.
84 - Alvarez in the box. He goes down. Heaps foot knocked against him, but lightly, and Prus calls against Arturo.
86 - Dallas corner - headed on goal by Moor, but right to Matt Reis, who punches it out.
88 - "What time is it?" Steve Morrow is pointing at his watch - telling his team that they're running out of it.
90 - Ricardinho down in the box. Heaps standing over him yelling, "You're a faker!" or something to that effect.
Dallas FK, cleared to Richetti -wow - he sends a scorcher toward net, but it's just wide of the mark.
90+ Dallas on a furious attack, Igwe ugly challenge on Ricardinho - no embellishment there. FK to Dallas - Dax serves it in - header by davino is wide.
Ricardinho with another shot, Reis saves, holds, takes his time.
Fulltime - Revs defeat Dallas.
Read more...
Familiar face looking for new start
I had a hunch that Cobi Jones, the Galaxy's assistant coach, had a lot to do with the team bringing in Joey Franchino, so I asked Franchino about it. What's interesting there is that Joe and Cobi had epic battles in the Revs/Galaxy clashes of yesteryear, but they apparently always maintained respect for each other. Franchino seemed sincere when he talked about how he appreciated Cobi. Here's the article.
Even if Cobi spoke up for Franchino, I still give Gullit a lot of credit for playing the new guy - heck, Ruud even gave himself credit for it.
Read more...
Even if Cobi spoke up for Franchino, I still give Gullit a lot of credit for playing the new guy - heck, Ruud even gave himself credit for it.
Read more...
Love to hate
Ante Razov brings out the boos. It seems like fans either love him or hate him. Galaxy fans seemingly love to hate Razov. He's actually given the Galaxy fits over the years. He's still the Fire's all-time leading scorer against the Galaxy and has scored more Clasico goals than any other player, at least in their regular season matchups.Here's audio of our chat from Wednesday. I included some of what he said in a story I filed to MLSnet.com this morning. I'll post that link when the story is published.
Read more...
Clasico or Coachella?
Saturday will be a memorable day in Southern California, but like so many other days the choices are vast. Saturday, though, may be a particularly tough day for some to choose an event to attend. You'll have the Chivas USA-Galaxy match in Carson and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a three-day event which starts on Friday.
LINEUPS
David Beckham and Landon Donovan bring the starpower while Maykel Galindo, Sacha Kljestan and Brad Guzan also add talent.
Out in the desert, you'll have a bit of everything: Flogging Molly, Dwight Yoakam, Cafe Tacvba, Death Cab for Cutie, Scars on Broadway, Portishead, and Prince are just a handful of the acts that will be there. And that's just on Saturday.
Advantage: Coachella
SONGS
"Soy de Chivas" by Legion 1908
"Hey ___ you suck" by LA Riot Squad
"When Doves Cry" by Prince
"Maria" by Cafe Tacvba
"Salty Dog" by Flogging Molly
Advantage: Coachella
AFFORDABILITY
Clasico tickets may cost you at least $30 per at this point. I found four tickets for $42 this morning on Ticketmaster. Add parking and it may run you well over $100.
Single-day Coachella passes are sold out. At this point, you'll need to fork over $269 for then entire-three day event. Add costs for gas and you're looking at quite a bit of money.
Advantage: Clasico
AMBIENCE
When it comes to soccer games in the United States, the Clasico provides about as good of a soccer atmosphere as there is. Regardless of who plays and who doesn't, a Clasico environment is unmatched.
With Coachella, there is something about being one of tens of thousands of people that makes you feel both special and insignificant at the same time. The tension and excitement and anticipation of seeing band after band, act after act and hearing song after song after countless song will only rise throughout the day and culminate with what should be energetic and memorable performances from the headliners.
Advantage: Coachella
COMFORT
At Home Depot Center, you'll have a seat - whether you choose to sit in it is a different story. Carson, also, is within easy driving distance for much of Southern California.
It's supposed to top out at 103 degrees in Coachella on Saturday, and you'll need to get there early if you want to be anywhere near the main stars, and even the minor ones. Oh yeah, and you'll need to stand for a lot of the time. Nevermind the drive out to the desert.
Advantage: Clasico
MEMORABLE
Each Clasico match is special and memorable. We've heard that from the start, and now it's really true.
When are you going to have another chance to watch Prince and Flogging Molly on the same day?!?
Advantage: Coachella
VERDICT
Go to the desert, enjoy the music, recover on Monday... and Tuesday if need be. There will be more Clasico games this year.
Read more...
It seems like a tough choice: soccer or music? music or soccer? Well, we decided to try and help sort out which event would be the better to attend.
LINEUPS
David Beckham and Landon Donovan bring the starpower while Maykel Galindo, Sacha Kljestan and Brad Guzan also add talent.
Out in the desert, you'll have a bit of everything: Flogging Molly, Dwight Yoakam, Cafe Tacvba, Death Cab for Cutie, Scars on Broadway, Portishead, and Prince are just a handful of the acts that will be there. And that's just on Saturday.
Advantage: Coachella
SONGS
"Soy de Chivas" by Legion 1908
"Hey ___ you suck" by LA Riot Squad
"When Doves Cry" by Prince
"Maria" by Cafe Tacvba
"Salty Dog" by Flogging Molly
Advantage: Coachella
AFFORDABILITY
Clasico tickets may cost you at least $30 per at this point. I found four tickets for $42 this morning on Ticketmaster. Add parking and it may run you well over $100.
Single-day Coachella passes are sold out. At this point, you'll need to fork over $269 for then entire-three day event. Add costs for gas and you're looking at quite a bit of money.
Advantage: Clasico
AMBIENCE
When it comes to soccer games in the United States, the Clasico provides about as good of a soccer atmosphere as there is. Regardless of who plays and who doesn't, a Clasico environment is unmatched.
With Coachella, there is something about being one of tens of thousands of people that makes you feel both special and insignificant at the same time. The tension and excitement and anticipation of seeing band after band, act after act and hearing song after song after countless song will only rise throughout the day and culminate with what should be energetic and memorable performances from the headliners.
Advantage: Coachella
COMFORT
At Home Depot Center, you'll have a seat - whether you choose to sit in it is a different story. Carson, also, is within easy driving distance for much of Southern California.
It's supposed to top out at 103 degrees in Coachella on Saturday, and you'll need to get there early if you want to be anywhere near the main stars, and even the minor ones. Oh yeah, and you'll need to stand for a lot of the time. Nevermind the drive out to the desert.
Advantage: Clasico
MEMORABLE
Each Clasico match is special and memorable. We've heard that from the start, and now it's really true.
When are you going to have another chance to watch Prince and Flogging Molly on the same day?!?
Advantage: Coachella
VERDICT
Go to the desert, enjoy the music, recover on Monday... and Tuesday if need be. There will be more Clasico games this year.
Read more...
Internationally speaking
Mexican clubs had some international dealings on Wednesday, on and off the pitch...
- Pachuca tied Saprissa 1-1 in Costa Rica in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Luis Gabriel Rey scored los Tuzos' goal early in the second half and the club nearly made it stand but el Monstruo roared back with a goal near the death as Victor Cordero evened things up. Pachuca need only win at home to claim their second consecutive regional crown. Texas native Jose Francisco Torres started and played 62 minutes.
- America and Atlas learned their international fate on Wednesday. America will play Brazilian side Flamengo while Atlas will meet Lanus of Argentina in the knockout round of the Copa Libertadores.
Read more...
- Pachuca tied Saprissa 1-1 in Costa Rica in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Luis Gabriel Rey scored los Tuzos' goal early in the second half and the club nearly made it stand but el Monstruo roared back with a goal near the death as Victor Cordero evened things up. Pachuca need only win at home to claim their second consecutive regional crown. Texas native Jose Francisco Torres started and played 62 minutes.
- America and Atlas learned their international fate on Wednesday. America will play Brazilian side Flamengo while Atlas will meet Lanus of Argentina in the knockout round of the Copa Libertadores.
Read more...
Future in Guadalajara
Recent reports have linked Ramon Morales to Chivas USA as the longtime Chivas Guadalajara player's contract is up at the end of the season. A move to Carson would seem a natural fit for a player revered by the Chiva faithful.
Turns out, those rumors are just that. Morales told Mexican sports daily Cancha that his future is in Guadalajara.
Said Morales: "Those are just words, just rumors. I've played all my life here. As long as I can play, I want to play here and finish here, where the people have seen me play, suffer, celebrate and celebrate with them. That's a dream and a goal of mine."
Read more...
Turns out, those rumors are just that. Morales told Mexican sports daily Cancha that his future is in Guadalajara.
Said Morales: "Those are just words, just rumors. I've played all my life here. As long as I can play, I want to play here and finish here, where the people have seen me play, suffer, celebrate and celebrate with them. That's a dream and a goal of mine."
Read more...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sound and fury
Finally got the audio of the interview with Landon Donovan to work. I can't edit the sound clip, though, so there's a couple of extra questions at the end.
Read more...
Read more...
Guess who's back?
Sacha Kljestan served his suspension on Sunday and will be available for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Said the Chivas USA standout about facing the rival Galaxy: "I don't enjoy beating anyone else better than I enjoy beating the Galaxy."
Read more...
Said the Chivas USA standout about facing the rival Galaxy: "I don't enjoy beating anyone else better than I enjoy beating the Galaxy."
Read more...
Becks chimes in
On the Ianni/Donovan incident:
Read more...
Read more...
Video caught the coach
Ruud Gullit was asked how he evaluated whether or not the Galaxy should sign up Joe Franchino. Ruud mentioned that he took advice from his staff, but also utilized modern technology.
"I saw some videos on the MLS website," said Ruud.
There's a lot of good video on the site these days. Troy and the other video director/cameramen/producers have been busy. I like the QuickKicks feature, too.
Still, it's pretty ballsy of Ruud, and I have to give him credit, to put a player in a game who he'd never even seen practice with the team in person before. All Joe did before taking the field was a warm-up with the squad.
Read more...
"I saw some videos on the MLS website," said Ruud.
There's a lot of good video on the site these days. Troy and the other video director/cameramen/producers have been busy. I like the QuickKicks feature, too.
Still, it's pretty ballsy of Ruud, and I have to give him credit, to put a player in a game who he'd never even seen practice with the team in person before. All Joe did before taking the field was a warm-up with the squad.
Read more...
Pachuca-Saprissa for regional supremacy
Pachuca of Mexico and Saprissa of Costa Rica will play the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup tonight in Costa Rica. It will be interesting to see how Pachuca handles playing in Costa Rica as El Monstruo had its way with both Atlante and Houston at its house, winning each game by the same 3-0 score.
Though no American team is left in the tournament, an American player may participate nonetheless. Jose Francisco Torres of Pachuca is might play against Saprissa. Pachuca enters the match on the heels of a terrible result as los Tuzos fell to Puebla 5-2 on the weekend.
Read more...
Though no American team is left in the tournament, an American player may participate nonetheless. Jose Francisco Torres of Pachuca is might play against Saprissa. Pachuca enters the match on the heels of a terrible result as los Tuzos fell to Puebla 5-2 on the weekend.
Read more...
Colossal
Against Colo Colo, it was only fitting Colotto got the goal. Diego Colotto scored the goal that helped Atlas through to the knockout phase of the Copa Libertadores as Atlas tied Colo Colo 1-1.
Cancha ran a story yesterday on Atlas' one and only Mexican league title, way back in the 1950s. Few expected much of Atlas this year but the club booked a passage to the second round, a feat city rivals Chivas failed to do. Atlas, though, needs some help to get into the Mexican league playoffs.
Read more...
Ianni ignites ire
Since we're now four days after the fact and readers are still interested in the Donovan-Ianni incident, I'll post the audio from Patrick Ianni. I used a lot of what he said in my post-match sidebar for MLSnet.com.
I didn't get to ask Ianni any questions, though. Scott French took care of asking the questions and he pretty much asked everything I had planned on asking him. I actually thought Ianni was having a decent game until the Galaxy's first goal. Anyway, here's the audio.
And I'm not sure if Scott felt this way but yes there were some in the press box who thought that Donovan's taunts should have drawn a yellow card.
Read more...
I didn't get to ask Ianni any questions, though. Scott French took care of asking the questions and he pretty much asked everything I had planned on asking him. I actually thought Ianni was having a decent game until the Galaxy's first goal. Anyway, here's the audio.
And I'm not sure if Scott felt this way but yes there were some in the press box who thought that Donovan's taunts should have drawn a yellow card.
Read more...
Chinese shortcomings
China plays a friendly today, against El Salvador at the LA Coliseum. Sorry, we won't be out there nor will we be doing a running blog.
But if you are up for a good read on Chinese football, check this story out. Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes about the sad history of China's national team. The premise is great: It is among the most perplexing questions in soccer today: How can the world's most populous nation be so bad?
Read more...
But if you are up for a good read on Chinese football, check this story out. Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes about the sad history of China's national team. The premise is great: It is among the most perplexing questions in soccer today: How can the world's most populous nation be so bad?
Read more...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Boo, hiss, technology
I won't bore anyone with my computer problems, but suffice it to say that I can't get the audio to save in Vista. So I'm transcribing the LD bit here.
Me: What'd you say to Pat?
LD: (pause) I'd rather not repeat it.
You guys exchanged jerseys at the end?
LD: Yeah. That's part of the game. If someone's going to take a cheap shot at me, then I would suggest not to, because it got me riled up.
Do you play better that way?
LD: I don't know if I played better. I maybe played a little more energized, because the adrenaline was pumping, but at that point in the game, I think that was going to happen anyway, because we were getting frustrated with things and that kind of added fuel to it.
So bottom line, was it a straight shoulder-to-shoulder?
LD: There are a lot of shoulder-to-shoulders that still get called. In that context, where it's nowhere near the ball, as I'm running full-speed, to just put his elbow out and shove me, I don't think that's too fair. I know if I did that on the other end, I'd get called for it, so you've got to go both ways.
Did it feel good, then, to get that goal in, while he was hanging over you?
LD: Not only that, but I don't know if you saw the replay, but he was grabbing and holding me. They were doing a lot of that the whole game. If someone defends well and defends fairly, I tip my hat and say, congratulations, but if you're going stand and grab me and pull me and tug at me all day, I'm going to let you know about it when I do score.
Read more...
Me: What'd you say to Pat?
LD: (pause) I'd rather not repeat it.
You guys exchanged jerseys at the end?
LD: Yeah. That's part of the game. If someone's going to take a cheap shot at me, then I would suggest not to, because it got me riled up.
Do you play better that way?
LD: I don't know if I played better. I maybe played a little more energized, because the adrenaline was pumping, but at that point in the game, I think that was going to happen anyway, because we were getting frustrated with things and that kind of added fuel to it.
So bottom line, was it a straight shoulder-to-shoulder?
LD: There are a lot of shoulder-to-shoulders that still get called. In that context, where it's nowhere near the ball, as I'm running full-speed, to just put his elbow out and shove me, I don't think that's too fair. I know if I did that on the other end, I'd get called for it, so you've got to go both ways.
Did it feel good, then, to get that goal in, while he was hanging over you?
LD: Not only that, but I don't know if you saw the replay, but he was grabbing and holding me. They were doing a lot of that the whole game. If someone defends well and defends fairly, I tip my hat and say, congratulations, but if you're going stand and grab me and pull me and tug at me all day, I'm going to let you know about it when I do score.
Read more...
A moment of silence
I'm holding my breath a little, but it's likely my faithful little laptop has given up the ghost (sniff!). After I posted the Landon tidbit, I was busy loading up some audio and video from today's practice. I also decided to download some audio from the web - nothing weird, I just thought it might be fun to add some sound effects to videos. I found a public domain recording of "Night on Bald Mountain" and set it to download. Like it sometimes does when I have multiple tasks going, my computer froze up. No biggie. I turned it off and tried to restart. No go. No go in "Last known good configuration", no go in any safe mode, nada, nada.
For all those who say I'm a role model in any way, let me emphasize that I am in fact at times like this a good example of what not to do. First of all, writers should learn all they can about computers so they're not helpless in the face of expired warranties. Secondly, writers should back up all their data monthly, weekly, even daily. Thirdly, all writers should know exactly where their reboot discs are and how to use them.
I guess I should appreciate how long my little $800 dollar laptop hung in there. I bought it just before I covered the 2005 World Youth Cup in Peru, so it was there when the U.S. U17 team (Young Jozy, Preston, et al) defeated Italy. I actually lost my power cord at the stadium there, and was in a panic until the stadium staff returned it to me a day later. It's been dropped more than once, got mislaid in Chicago, went to Germany, bounced around in a bike rack while I rode through Hamburg, and generally been a faithful little computer that could handle anything I threw at it.
I'm anthropomorphizing a piece of machinery, I know, but I'm sentimental. Anyway, I'm using another computer right now - just wanted to explain the holdup on the Landon interview. I'm not sure how to load the audio on this one - it doesn't have the same program my laptop does, so it might take a while. My laptop had WindowsXP on it. This one has Vista, which I really despise.
Anyway, I'll quit mourning. . . sometime.
Read more...
For all those who say I'm a role model in any way, let me emphasize that I am in fact at times like this a good example of what not to do. First of all, writers should learn all they can about computers so they're not helpless in the face of expired warranties. Secondly, writers should back up all their data monthly, weekly, even daily. Thirdly, all writers should know exactly where their reboot discs are and how to use them.
I guess I should appreciate how long my little $800 dollar laptop hung in there. I bought it just before I covered the 2005 World Youth Cup in Peru, so it was there when the U.S. U17 team (Young Jozy, Preston, et al) defeated Italy. I actually lost my power cord at the stadium there, and was in a panic until the stadium staff returned it to me a day later. It's been dropped more than once, got mislaid in Chicago, went to Germany, bounced around in a bike rack while I rode through Hamburg, and generally been a faithful little computer that could handle anything I threw at it.
I'm anthropomorphizing a piece of machinery, I know, but I'm sentimental. Anyway, I'm using another computer right now - just wanted to explain the holdup on the Landon interview. I'm not sure how to load the audio on this one - it doesn't have the same program my laptop does, so it might take a while. My laptop had WindowsXP on it. This one has Vista, which I really despise.
Anyway, I'll quit mourning. . . sometime.
Read more...
The Taunting of Landon
The Galaxy's afternoon practice today was the first chance I had to ask Landon Donovan what he'd said after he scored the first goal for the Galaxy versus Houston on Saturday.
Justin, the Galaxy's media guy at the training, wasn't sure I'd get the chance to interview LD, though.
"Tuesdays are when Bianca's taping (Rules of Engagement), so Landon is usually in a hurry to make it to catch that."
Justin promised to ask, though, and I told him I wouldn't take too long. As Landon was walking away from the post-practice stretch, Justin intercepted him to inform him of my request. Landon nodded and headed over to where the press folk were encamped.
"Thanks, Landon," I said, switching on my recorder. I didn't delay, and just asked him straight out.
It's anticlimactic, really, Landon's response. Before I post the audio, here's what my best guess of what I thought he'd said was; "Don't fucking pull me again!" My take was that LD was actually reacting to getting grabbed on the goal attempt, as well as venting frustration over getting tugged at all through the game.
For those who think Landon's language was vile, don't come to Galaxy practices - the scrimmage today had worse during the 15 minutes I watched.
Read more...
Justin, the Galaxy's media guy at the training, wasn't sure I'd get the chance to interview LD, though.
"Tuesdays are when Bianca's taping (Rules of Engagement), so Landon is usually in a hurry to make it to catch that."
Justin promised to ask, though, and I told him I wouldn't take too long. As Landon was walking away from the post-practice stretch, Justin intercepted him to inform him of my request. Landon nodded and headed over to where the press folk were encamped.
"Thanks, Landon," I said, switching on my recorder. I didn't delay, and just asked him straight out.
It's anticlimactic, really, Landon's response. Before I post the audio, here's what my best guess of what I thought he'd said was; "Don't fucking pull me again!" My take was that LD was actually reacting to getting grabbed on the goal attempt, as well as venting frustration over getting tugged at all through the game.
For those who think Landon's language was vile, don't come to Galaxy practices - the scrimmage today had worse during the 15 minutes I watched.
Read more...
Bit of a mess
Chivas USA has dropped two consecutive games after Sunday's 2-0 setback to FC Dallas. Chivas hasn't lost three in a row since the dark days of 2005, and had gone almost one year since losing back-to-back games. But while the club has issues that need sorting out, it's not exactly time to write the season off.
Now, I'll say the same thing about any team in the league. After all, you don't win MLS Cups in April, and it's not exactly the EPL where two early-season losses can pretty much destroy a team's title aspirations.
A year ago, Houston started off 2-5-1 and even lost three consecutive games to finish off May, and they turned out okay.
So far this year, DC and Chivas have looked like shit while Houston can't win a game. What does it mean? Nothing. It's April. It means nothing. These teams have plenty of time to get their acts together, and each of these teams has an ample amount of character.
So go ahead and write these teams off if you will. Just be prepared to welcome them back in at some point later this season.
Read more...
Now, I'll say the same thing about any team in the league. After all, you don't win MLS Cups in April, and it's not exactly the EPL where two early-season losses can pretty much destroy a team's title aspirations.
A year ago, Houston started off 2-5-1 and even lost three consecutive games to finish off May, and they turned out okay.
So far this year, DC and Chivas have looked like shit while Houston can't win a game. What does it mean? Nothing. It's April. It means nothing. These teams have plenty of time to get their acts together, and each of these teams has an ample amount of character.
So go ahead and write these teams off if you will. Just be prepared to welcome them back in at some point later this season.
Read more...
On the job
Looks like Jesus Ramirez will stay on for a little longer than expected. Mexico's interim coach was only supposed to keep the seat warm until the Big Name was hired, and was going to lead Mexico through the two friendlies in June.
Now, Mexico officials say Ramirez might stay on through the first World Cup qualifiers, against Belize June 15 and 21.
Now, I know it's only Belize, and Mexico could throw all of the league's Mexican-born players' names in a hat, select 11 and still beat Belize handily, but doesn't it seem that the FMF is doing a poor job of handling the situation? I mean, it's not any tournament Mexico faces this summer - it's qualifying for the World Cup. And the FMF is willing to send its team into such vital games with quite a bit of instability.
A popular belief lately is that Jose Pekerman will assume the duties and while he still may if he were really on deck, wouldn't it make sense to bring him aboard for the qualifiers? Leaving Ramirez on the job leaves the door open to speculation: Can the FMF not find any interested parties? Are they going to wait until after Euro 2008 to nab a coach, perhaps Big Phil? Or is Ramirez the man, given that he would come cheaper than most others? Not that the FMF doesn't have money, but they did pour a lot of resources into Hugo Sanchez.
Regardless, it looks like Ramirez will lead Mexico for at least four more games: Argentina in San Diego on June 4, Peru in Chicago on June 8 and Belize twice, in Houston on June 15 and in Monterrey on June 21. Beyond that, it's anybody's guess who will pace the sidelines in future Tri games.
Read more...
Now, Mexico officials say Ramirez might stay on through the first World Cup qualifiers, against Belize June 15 and 21.
Now, I know it's only Belize, and Mexico could throw all of the league's Mexican-born players' names in a hat, select 11 and still beat Belize handily, but doesn't it seem that the FMF is doing a poor job of handling the situation? I mean, it's not any tournament Mexico faces this summer - it's qualifying for the World Cup. And the FMF is willing to send its team into such vital games with quite a bit of instability.
A popular belief lately is that Jose Pekerman will assume the duties and while he still may if he were really on deck, wouldn't it make sense to bring him aboard for the qualifiers? Leaving Ramirez on the job leaves the door open to speculation: Can the FMF not find any interested parties? Are they going to wait until after Euro 2008 to nab a coach, perhaps Big Phil? Or is Ramirez the man, given that he would come cheaper than most others? Not that the FMF doesn't have money, but they did pour a lot of resources into Hugo Sanchez.
Regardless, it looks like Ramirez will lead Mexico for at least four more games: Argentina in San Diego on June 4, Peru in Chicago on June 8 and Belize twice, in Houston on June 15 and in Monterrey on June 21. Beyond that, it's anybody's guess who will pace the sidelines in future Tri games.
Read more...
X factor
As promised, audio of Abel Xavier talking derby. Say what you will about his play, he's always a great person to talk to.
Read more...
Read more...
First look at Clasico
I wrote this week's column on, what else?, the Galaxy-Chivas USA game.
I'll post the Abel Xavier audio later this morning so keep an eye out for that.
Read more...
I'll post the Abel Xavier audio later this morning so keep an eye out for that.
Read more...
Monday, April 21, 2008
Little and big
I guess today is the day for the soccer ads. Though it doesn't fit the theme of the stars bringing inspiration to the small fry of the game, what Beckham is trying to do to spread the gospel of soccer in the U.S. strikes me as somewhat similar. It's a big dream, that's for sure.
Read more...
Read more...
Cronin on the clasico
I had the chance to talk to Steve Cronin on Saturday after the 2-2 draw with Houston. Cronin is pretty ripped actually. It's hard to tell with his uniform on but he's got some muscles. You could probably call him barrel-chested and be okay with that description.
Anyway, I asked him about the rivalry with Chivas USA. Some of it made it to my PE column for Tuesday, and some of it got left out. I had to stop at 720 words or so (damned print limitations).
So here's something that Cronin said regarding the rivalry.
"Anybody in the league I think they want to rise to the occasion to play this team for one reason or another. I don’t think the fact that it’s Chivas adds any extra pressure to us. The pressure of that game can only reach a certain point and I think we play a number of those games throughout the year."
So Cronin might actually vote for the last of the four options on the recent poll.
Read more...
Anyway, I asked him about the rivalry with Chivas USA. Some of it made it to my PE column for Tuesday, and some of it got left out. I had to stop at 720 words or so (damned print limitations).
So here's something that Cronin said regarding the rivalry.
"Anybody in the league I think they want to rise to the occasion to play this team for one reason or another. I don’t think the fact that it’s Chivas adds any extra pressure to us. The pressure of that game can only reach a certain point and I think we play a number of those games throughout the year."
So Cronin might actually vote for the last of the four options on the recent poll.
Read more...
Cuban doesn't like us
Mark Cuban, that is. The NY Times updates some of the issues involved today in sportsblogging, and MC clearly feels that "someone on Blogspot" is less than legitimate. Granted, Cuban gets more traffic on his blog than we do, but did he get hits from Nigeria this morning? Well, maybe he did, but the global power of soccer is still something to behold.
Read more...
Read more...
Sangre americana J15 update
Here's how the Americans did in Mexico this weekend.
PRIMERA DIVISION
Michael Orozco. Played 90 minutes in San Luis' 2-1 win over Morelia. San Luis is now even with Chivas on points atop Group 3 and the overall league standings.
Jose Francisco Torres: A week 14 red card kept him out from the lineup and Pachuca was flattened by Puebla 5-2. Not sure if they were related but los Tuzos missed their midfielder.
Edgar Castillo: Played 90 minutes in Santos' 1-1 tie with Necaxa.
Daniel Hernandez: Played 90 minutes in Jaguares' 2-1 loss to Veracruz. Hernandez picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute.
PRIMERA A
Sonny Guadarrama: Started and played 68 minutes in Morelia's 2-1 loss to Coatzalcoalcos.
Sammy Ochoa: Played 90 minutes in Tecos' 1-0 loss to Tigres B.
Jesus Padilla: Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 1-0 loss to Tampico Madero.
Read more...
PRIMERA DIVISION
Michael Orozco. Played 90 minutes in San Luis' 2-1 win over Morelia. San Luis is now even with Chivas on points atop Group 3 and the overall league standings.
Jose Francisco Torres: A week 14 red card kept him out from the lineup and Pachuca was flattened by Puebla 5-2. Not sure if they were related but los Tuzos missed their midfielder.
Edgar Castillo: Played 90 minutes in Santos' 1-1 tie with Necaxa.
Daniel Hernandez: Played 90 minutes in Jaguares' 2-1 loss to Veracruz. Hernandez picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute.
PRIMERA A
Sonny Guadarrama: Started and played 68 minutes in Morelia's 2-1 loss to Coatzalcoalcos.
Sammy Ochoa: Played 90 minutes in Tecos' 1-0 loss to Tigres B.
Jesus Padilla: Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 1-0 loss to Tampico Madero.
Read more...
Week 4 Spotlight
Rolling out a new feature here. Hopefully this becomes a Monday morning fixture. Let me know what you think.
A look back at Week 4 in Major League Soccer as I spotlight the best players and a couple other tidbits, both good and bad, from the weekend's slate of games.
TEAM OF WEEK 4
G: Kevin Hartman
D: Frankie Hejduk
D: Jimmy Conrad
D: Duilio Davino
M: Laurent Robert
M: Guillermo Barros Schelotto
M: Ronnie O'Brien
M: David Beckham
M: Brian Mullan
F: Landon Donovan
F: Alejandro Moreno
Coach: Ruud Gullit
Star: Landon Donovan. Inspired second half performance helped Galaxy salvage a point. Two goals now give him five for the season. Could have done without the taunts, though.
Top defense: Kansas City. After early goal, Wizards defended well for 86 minutes and shut out a strong and determined Fire attack.
Top attack: Los Angeles. Turned the pressure on for the final 45 minutes. Had it not been for a strong performance by Houston goalkeeper Tony Craig, the Galaxy could have scored even more.
Coaching expertise: After his side was thoroughly outplayed in first 45 minutes, Ruud Gullit made two defensive moves at halftime. The moves helped settle the team a bit and Galaxy turned on the pressure and nabbed a point at home.
Top goal: Ronnie O'Brien. For the first time in two years, San Jose scored a goal in regular season play.
Best game: Houston 2, Galaxy 2. High energy, high drama, standout goalkeeping, clutch goals. Only thing missing was a winner.
LOWLIGHTS
Worst defense: Colorado. Expansion teams aren't supposed to score so easily.
Worst attack: Chivas USA. Yes, they were missing Sacha Kljestan and Francisco Mendoza. But that doesn't excuse this lousy performance.
Random gaffes
Chad Barrett: The Chad Barrett we knew was there all along returned as the young Fire striker was up to his usual missing-a-wide-open-net tricks.
Chivas USA's intensity: Where was it?
Red Bulls wall: Up a man, New York yielded a free kick to New England early in the second half. Instead of making it difficult for Revs' Jeff Larentowicz, the wall distracted goalkeeper Jon Conway as the Revs scored the equalizer.
Read more...
A look back at Week 4 in Major League Soccer as I spotlight the best players and a couple other tidbits, both good and bad, from the weekend's slate of games.
TEAM OF WEEK 4
G: Kevin Hartman
D: Frankie Hejduk
D: Jimmy Conrad
D: Duilio Davino
M: Laurent Robert
M: Guillermo Barros Schelotto
M: Ronnie O'Brien
M: David Beckham
M: Brian Mullan
F: Landon Donovan
F: Alejandro Moreno
Coach: Ruud Gullit
Star: Landon Donovan. Inspired second half performance helped Galaxy salvage a point. Two goals now give him five for the season. Could have done without the taunts, though.
Top defense: Kansas City. After early goal, Wizards defended well for 86 minutes and shut out a strong and determined Fire attack.
Top attack: Los Angeles. Turned the pressure on for the final 45 minutes. Had it not been for a strong performance by Houston goalkeeper Tony Craig, the Galaxy could have scored even more.
Coaching expertise: After his side was thoroughly outplayed in first 45 minutes, Ruud Gullit made two defensive moves at halftime. The moves helped settle the team a bit and Galaxy turned on the pressure and nabbed a point at home.
Top goal: Ronnie O'Brien. For the first time in two years, San Jose scored a goal in regular season play.
Best game: Houston 2, Galaxy 2. High energy, high drama, standout goalkeeping, clutch goals. Only thing missing was a winner.
LOWLIGHTS
Worst defense: Colorado. Expansion teams aren't supposed to score so easily.
Worst attack: Chivas USA. Yes, they were missing Sacha Kljestan and Francisco Mendoza. But that doesn't excuse this lousy performance.
Random gaffes
Chad Barrett: The Chad Barrett we knew was there all along returned as the young Fire striker was up to his usual missing-a-wide-open-net tricks.
Chivas USA's intensity: Where was it?
Red Bulls wall: Up a man, New York yielded a free kick to New England early in the second half. Instead of making it difficult for Revs' Jeff Larentowicz, the wall distracted goalkeeper Jon Conway as the Revs scored the equalizer.
Read more...
Superduper
Someone from Nigeria recently visited our little soccer blog. Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and boasts one of the best teams. The senior team is known as the Super Eagles. The Olympic team claimed gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Nigeria has a lot of impressive players, and Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is a favorite of mine.
Read more...
Ah, Canada rankings
1. Columbus Crew - Sigi Schmid and his team reap rewards of sticking together and developing these past couple of years
2. FC Dallas - No Toja available, but Arturo Alvarez and Co. prove their worth on the road.
3. Kansas City - Top of the table, but Chicago had so many chances to tie, it seems a bit of a fluke
4. New England - The Revs grit out an undermanned draw on the road.
5. Chicago Fire - The basic concept of ball into net eluded Chicago on numerous occasions
6. Colorado Rapids - Rapids get reality check - the rest of the West is better than early results indicated
7. Toronto FC - Team is finally developing to the squad fans deserve - now about that field surface. . .
8. Chivas USA - The good - Kljestan and Mendoza return next game. The bad - Still so many injured.
9. Los Angeles Galaxy - This team is going to suffer when Donovan and Beckham leave for international games.
10. Real Salt Lake - Losing to a team with less MLS seniority always adds salt to the wound.
11. New York - At home, a man up, leading with a beautiful goal by Altidore, give up equalizer.
12. San Jose - It's alive! Quakes 2.0 prove they can score and win.
13. Houston Dynamo - The Dynamo produced a sublime first half of soccer, but at the end of four games, are winless.
14. DC United - The team that won the 2007 regular season made the most changes in personnel - that's looking like a mistake.
Read more...
2. FC Dallas - No Toja available, but Arturo Alvarez and Co. prove their worth on the road.
3. Kansas City - Top of the table, but Chicago had so many chances to tie, it seems a bit of a fluke
4. New England - The Revs grit out an undermanned draw on the road.
5. Chicago Fire - The basic concept of ball into net eluded Chicago on numerous occasions
6. Colorado Rapids - Rapids get reality check - the rest of the West is better than early results indicated
7. Toronto FC - Team is finally developing to the squad fans deserve - now about that field surface. . .
8. Chivas USA - The good - Kljestan and Mendoza return next game. The bad - Still so many injured.
9. Los Angeles Galaxy - This team is going to suffer when Donovan and Beckham leave for international games.
10. Real Salt Lake - Losing to a team with less MLS seniority always adds salt to the wound.
11. New York - At home, a man up, leading with a beautiful goal by Altidore, give up equalizer.
12. San Jose - It's alive! Quakes 2.0 prove they can score and win.
13. Houston Dynamo - The Dynamo produced a sublime first half of soccer, but at the end of four games, are winless.
14. DC United - The team that won the 2007 regular season made the most changes in personnel - that's looking like a mistake.
Read more...
Lone Bear rankings (April 21)
1. Kansas City (3-1-1). Made early goal stand on the road.
2. FC Dallas (2-0-2). See above.
3. Chicago (2-1-1). Generated offense but finishing let them down.
4. Columbus (3-1-0). Surging Eastern power.
5. Houston (0-1-3). Strong side coming together.
6. New England (2-2-1). Down a man, overcame deficit.
7. Colorado (2-2-0). Squandered chance to gain valuable home points.
8. Chivas USA (1-2-1). Lack of intensity puzzling.
9. Toronto FC (2-2-0). Reds' midfield leading charge up table.
10. New York (1-1-1). Angel injur may im
11. Los Angeles (1-2-1). Could have done more.
12. San Jose (1-2-0). 'Quakes officially back.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-2-1). Maybe 4-0 win was a fluke.
14. DC United (1-3-0). Bottom has fallen out on DC.
Read more...
2. FC Dallas (2-0-2). See above.
3. Chicago (2-1-1). Generated offense but finishing let them down.
4. Columbus (3-1-0). Surging Eastern power.
5. Houston (0-1-3). Strong side coming together.
6. New England (2-2-1). Down a man, overcame deficit.
7. Colorado (2-2-0). Squandered chance to gain valuable home points.
8. Chivas USA (1-2-1). Lack of intensity puzzling.
9. Toronto FC (2-2-0). Reds' midfield leading charge up table.
10. New York (1-1-1). Angel injur may im
11. Los Angeles (1-2-1). Could have done more.
12. San Jose (1-2-0). 'Quakes officially back.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-2-1). Maybe 4-0 win was a fluke.
14. DC United (1-3-0). Bottom has fallen out on DC.
Read more...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Good stuff
I've always wanted to road trip the Americas myself. From Canada to Argentina, that would be sweet. You also only basically need to know three languages most of the way - English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I'm actually ok in all three.
Oh, and I was there the day they shot this commercial. See me in the Brazil jersey at the very end in the corner?
Kidding, though I've always been told I look a bit Brazilian. I was at the HDC when they were shooting the commercial, but I just passed by the whole production on my way to do interviews.
Read more...
Chivas USA/Dallas running blog
5- GOAL! Kenny Cooper on a feed from Ricardinho. He's chasing Donovan for the Golden Boot with four this season. Poor start for Chivas USA, but their home form is legendary.
7 - Maykel Galindo has the ball in the box, but doesn't keep it in close control and Sala scoops it up.
9 - Of course, it was probably too much to expect that the changes in the roster due to injury wouldn't affect Chivas USA. Cooper offsides.
11 - Galindo goes down outside the box, no call. That late afternoon shadow makes the game tough to watch on TV. It's probably not easy to play with, either.
14 - Well, today we've already seen a team make an early tally hold up - KC won 1-0 versus the Fire. I think this game has more goals in it, though. We shall see.
16 - Suarez is back, and he fouls Ricardinho for a Dallas FK. McCarty (Flecha Roja) stands over it. Not a great service, Chivas USA safely clears.
19 - Dulio Davino stops a Chivas USA counter by holding up Childs. The FK is cleared, but Chivas USA gets a corner. It leads to another corner, but that one is cleared.
23 - Guzan is out for the ball, but doesn't quite get ahold of it. Dallas doesn't take advantage, though.
25 - Alvarez in the box, but he gets stymied by the Chivas USA defense. Pozniak did well there.
27 - Justin Braun misses in front of the box - first his header is off, then he can't latch on to Galindo's cross.
31 - Chivas USA corner, Sala come out to punch it, a shot rebounds off a Dallas defender, FC survives Sala leaving an empty net for a moment.
35 - Braun is down and Terry Vaughn keeps the card in his pocket.
36 - Long free throw from Serioux goes to the box, but the Dallas header goes wide.
38 - Dallas is enjoying possession, rotating the ball around, but not really generating an attack. Galindo picks off a pass and generates a counter just on his own. His speed beat Davino, but his shot is from a tough angle and is over the bar.
39 - Galindo again - shoots over the goal.
43 - Boy, Chivas USA will be really glad to have Kljestan back for the SuperClassico next week.
44 - CK, Chivas - Childs takes it, then gets to a pass to take a shot on goal that forces Sala into a diving parry.
45 - Another CK for Chivas. Davino and Suarez are in a duel on these corners.
Halftime - all the new players having trouble gelling for Chivas USA. FC Dallas hasn't been sparkling, but they've been effective.
65 - Connection probs, but the score is still the same. Rocha coming back on the field after taking a knock. Galindo picks up a yellow for a late tackle.
66 - CK for Chivas USA, but they haven't made the ten previous ones pay off. This one doesn't either - Sala punches it out through traffic.
68 - Davino has knocked balls out for corners a lot of times. He's unafraid of thatoption as a safe play. Chivas USA can't take advantage of this latest one, either.
71 - Abe Thompson is in for Ricardinho.
73 - Off a deep FT on the wing caused by the run of Braun, Galindo gets the ball and passes in front of goal. Sala is out for it and hangs on, even as Atiba Harris slides into him.
76 - Rocha's long pass caught by Guzan.
79 - The pace of this game has dropped off considerably. Galindo earns another corner. Sala catches it.
80 - GOAL! The fresh legs of Abe Thompson run down a long, insightful pass behind the defense from Arturo Alvarez. Shavar Thomas chases Abe down, but then slips trying to make a play on the ball. Guzan has come out, but Abe coolly slots the ball past him.
TIP - If you're having trouble with you MLSLive feed, try minimizing the window and then putting it back. I don't know why, but it works for me.
86 - Bornstein to Razov a bit off.
87 - Brock Shea's first pass int MLS goes to the other side. He came on for Blake Wagner.
90 - Razov! He hits a scintillating scissor kick that gets past everyone in the box except for the immovable post. Yikes. That would have been such a pretty consolation goal.
There just doesn't seem to be much urgency in the Chivas USA attack. I don't mean just at the game's end, but throughout the match. Granted, the minutes I missed could have been voracious attacking soccer. Suarez with a final shot in the box. It's wide.
Final whistle. 2-0 Dallas takes the lead in the West.
Read more...
7 - Maykel Galindo has the ball in the box, but doesn't keep it in close control and Sala scoops it up.
9 - Of course, it was probably too much to expect that the changes in the roster due to injury wouldn't affect Chivas USA. Cooper offsides.
11 - Galindo goes down outside the box, no call. That late afternoon shadow makes the game tough to watch on TV. It's probably not easy to play with, either.
14 - Well, today we've already seen a team make an early tally hold up - KC won 1-0 versus the Fire. I think this game has more goals in it, though. We shall see.
16 - Suarez is back, and he fouls Ricardinho for a Dallas FK. McCarty (Flecha Roja) stands over it. Not a great service, Chivas USA safely clears.
19 - Dulio Davino stops a Chivas USA counter by holding up Childs. The FK is cleared, but Chivas USA gets a corner. It leads to another corner, but that one is cleared.
23 - Guzan is out for the ball, but doesn't quite get ahold of it. Dallas doesn't take advantage, though.
25 - Alvarez in the box, but he gets stymied by the Chivas USA defense. Pozniak did well there.
27 - Justin Braun misses in front of the box - first his header is off, then he can't latch on to Galindo's cross.
31 - Chivas USA corner, Sala come out to punch it, a shot rebounds off a Dallas defender, FC survives Sala leaving an empty net for a moment.
35 - Braun is down and Terry Vaughn keeps the card in his pocket.
36 - Long free throw from Serioux goes to the box, but the Dallas header goes wide.
38 - Dallas is enjoying possession, rotating the ball around, but not really generating an attack. Galindo picks off a pass and generates a counter just on his own. His speed beat Davino, but his shot is from a tough angle and is over the bar.
39 - Galindo again - shoots over the goal.
43 - Boy, Chivas USA will be really glad to have Kljestan back for the SuperClassico next week.
44 - CK, Chivas - Childs takes it, then gets to a pass to take a shot on goal that forces Sala into a diving parry.
45 - Another CK for Chivas. Davino and Suarez are in a duel on these corners.
Halftime - all the new players having trouble gelling for Chivas USA. FC Dallas hasn't been sparkling, but they've been effective.
65 - Connection probs, but the score is still the same. Rocha coming back on the field after taking a knock. Galindo picks up a yellow for a late tackle.
66 - CK for Chivas USA, but they haven't made the ten previous ones pay off. This one doesn't either - Sala punches it out through traffic.
68 - Davino has knocked balls out for corners a lot of times. He's unafraid of thatoption as a safe play. Chivas USA can't take advantage of this latest one, either.
71 - Abe Thompson is in for Ricardinho.
73 - Off a deep FT on the wing caused by the run of Braun, Galindo gets the ball and passes in front of goal. Sala is out for it and hangs on, even as Atiba Harris slides into him.
76 - Rocha's long pass caught by Guzan.
79 - The pace of this game has dropped off considerably. Galindo earns another corner. Sala catches it.
80 - GOAL! The fresh legs of Abe Thompson run down a long, insightful pass behind the defense from Arturo Alvarez. Shavar Thomas chases Abe down, but then slips trying to make a play on the ball. Guzan has come out, but Abe coolly slots the ball past him.
TIP - If you're having trouble with you MLSLive feed, try minimizing the window and then putting it back. I don't know why, but it works for me.
86 - Bornstein to Razov a bit off.
87 - Brock Shea's first pass int MLS goes to the other side. He came on for Blake Wagner.
90 - Razov! He hits a scintillating scissor kick that gets past everyone in the box except for the immovable post. Yikes. That would have been such a pretty consolation goal.
There just doesn't seem to be much urgency in the Chivas USA attack. I don't mean just at the game's end, but throughout the match. Granted, the minutes I missed could have been voracious attacking soccer. Suarez with a final shot in the box. It's wide.
Final whistle. 2-0 Dallas takes the lead in the West.
Read more...
Chivas USA-FC Dallas starters
Here's how they'll line up.
Chivas USA: Brad Guzan; Jonathan Bornstein, Shavar Thomas, Claudio Suarez, Chris Pozniak; Kraig Chiles, Paulo Nagamura, Jesse Marsch, Lawson Vaughn; Justin Braun, Maykel Galindo.
FC Dallas: Dario Sala; Blake Wagner, Adrian Serioux, Duilio Davino, Drew Moor; Arturo Alvarez, Marcelo Saragosa, Andre Rocha, Dax McCarty; Kenny Cooper, Ricardinho.
For Chivas, some things of note:
- Lawson Vaughn didn't train with the team on Wednesday but apparently showed enough in three days afterward to merit a start. He's playing on the right side of the midfield as Chris Pozniak stays on the backline.
- Ante Razov is on the bench. Razov hadn't practice in several weeks but returned to the training field on Wednesday. My guess is he plays part of the second half.
- Raphael Wicky is not on the bench.
- Jorge Flores returned from Portugal and is in uniform.
Read more...
Chivas USA: Brad Guzan; Jonathan Bornstein, Shavar Thomas, Claudio Suarez, Chris Pozniak; Kraig Chiles, Paulo Nagamura, Jesse Marsch, Lawson Vaughn; Justin Braun, Maykel Galindo.
FC Dallas: Dario Sala; Blake Wagner, Adrian Serioux, Duilio Davino, Drew Moor; Arturo Alvarez, Marcelo Saragosa, Andre Rocha, Dax McCarty; Kenny Cooper, Ricardinho.
For Chivas, some things of note:
- Lawson Vaughn didn't train with the team on Wednesday but apparently showed enough in three days afterward to merit a start. He's playing on the right side of the midfield as Chris Pozniak stays on the backline.
- Ante Razov is on the bench. Razov hadn't practice in several weeks but returned to the training field on Wednesday. My guess is he plays part of the second half.
- Raphael Wicky is not on the bench.
- Jorge Flores returned from Portugal and is in uniform.
Read more...
Olympic dreams
Now that the women know their Olympic group for the Games, it's as good a time as any to look back at their qualifying triumph. Here's a YouTube clip of the moment Nicole Barnhart's stop secured the Olympic qualifying title for the U.S.
Read more...
What did Landon say?
Right now, your guess is as good as mine. Landon didn't appear in the post-game press event, though he scored twice. He was hustled off to some pre-arranged appearance, so no reporters were able to ask him what he said to Pat Ianni.
There's a Landon quote in my espn.com piece because a Galaxy press official recorded a couple of statements on the game from Landon before he left.
So what is that best guess that people have on what he said? I'm curious as to who might figure it out. I'll ask Landon about it when I can.
Read more...
There's a Landon quote in my espn.com piece because a Galaxy press official recorded a couple of statements on the game from Landon before he left.
So what is that best guess that people have on what he said? I'm curious as to who might figure it out. I'll ask Landon about it when I can.
Read more...
Little faith
We had 131 people vote in our poll about who stood a better chance of winning on Saturday. Only 13 voters - a meager nine percent - thought San Jose had the better chance of winning as on overwhelming 70 percent went with Houston to beat the Galaxy. I, ahem, was part of the majority, I must admit.
I'm at 50 percent myself this weekend - had the Rapids and Dynamo each winning by two. But I took New England and New York to tie and had Toronto beating RSL in a close game, so I may have made some bettors money after all. We'll see if Chicago comes through for me.
So technically Houston is the last winless team in the league but the two-time champs have three points in four games and they're not hitting the panic button at all.
Read more...
I'm at 50 percent myself this weekend - had the Rapids and Dynamo each winning by two. But I took New England and New York to tie and had Toronto beating RSL in a close game, so I may have made some bettors money after all. We'll see if Chicago comes through for me.
So technically Houston is the last winless team in the league but the two-time champs have three points in four games and they're not hitting the panic button at all.
Read more...
Fan Appreciation Night
Both Beckham and Ruud Gullit went out of their way to praise the fan response at the Home Depot Center. I personally think the supporters were a bit taken aback at the shaky play of the Galaxy in the first half, but like the team, they rallied in the second half, led by the Riot Squad, Galaxians and Angel City Brigade groups. They were shouting encouragement and bringing a new emotional element to the match even before the Galaxy tied. My favorite part is still the upperdeck stomping. Someone sent me an email about the "drums" at a certain time in the match - people, there are a few drums at games, but that really deep reverberation is the upper deck fans stomping. The crowd was frustrated at the end, though, because it did look like Edson Buddle scored and the linesman just missed it.
Read more...
Read more...
An eye on tonight
The final match of Week 4 promises to be an entertaining affair as FC Dallas visits Chivas USA. The hosts will carry quite a bit of injuries into the match and have a pair of players suspended as well.
Just taking a guess here but I'm thinking this is how Chivas will line up:
Brad Guzan; Jonathan Bornstein, Claudio Suarez, Shavar Thomas, Eric Ebert; Keith Savage, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Chris Pozniak; Atiba Harris, Maykel Galindo.
Ebert had a nightmare game last week but I think Pozniak needs to slide into the right side of the midfield with Sacha Kljestan's absence. Suarez should return to the starting lineup relegating Jim Curtin to the bench.
It will be a tough match for the hosts as FC Dallas has played well this season. I didn't make a pick on this game in my weekly previews but with this sort of banged-up roster I think a draw would be a bit of an accomplishment.
Read more...
Just taking a guess here but I'm thinking this is how Chivas will line up:
Brad Guzan; Jonathan Bornstein, Claudio Suarez, Shavar Thomas, Eric Ebert; Keith Savage, Jesse Marsch, Paulo Nagamura, Chris Pozniak; Atiba Harris, Maykel Galindo.
Ebert had a nightmare game last week but I think Pozniak needs to slide into the right side of the midfield with Sacha Kljestan's absence. Suarez should return to the starting lineup relegating Jim Curtin to the bench.
It will be a tough match for the hosts as FC Dallas has played well this season. I didn't make a pick on this game in my weekly previews but with this sort of banged-up roster I think a draw would be a bit of an accomplishment.
Read more...
Short-term memory loss
Patrick Ianni was asked about what Landon Donovan said to him after the Galaxy forward scored his first goal on Saturday.
"I don't know... I heard him saying something."
At first, he claimed he couldn't remember.
I actually thought Ianni was doing well for himself. He was in good position and seemed to do well with Bobby Boswell in the center of the Dynamo's defense. But ultimately Donovan was too tough. Still, I think their "feud" would have played out better in the future had they not exchanged jerseys after the game because now the next time they meet it's a non-issue.
Read more...
"I don't know... I heard him saying something."
At first, he claimed he couldn't remember.
I actually thought Ianni was doing well for himself. He was in good position and seemed to do well with Bobby Boswell in the center of the Dynamo's defense. But ultimately Donovan was too tough. Still, I think their "feud" would have played out better in the future had they not exchanged jerseys after the game because now the next time they meet it's a non-issue.
Read more...
Becks post-Houston
I really like this sweater. It's a great color. I didn't ask Becks where he got it, though, or I'd be the candidate for "Most Bizarre Becks Question" at the press conference. The reporters were talking before he appeared about how Beckham brings out some kooky questions, especially in the last two sessions. We wondered who might continue the trend. No one did, actually. All the questions were on point and not weird.
Read more...
Read more...
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).
Read more...
Read more...
Sick about it
Actually, Dom Kinnear was very reasonable post-game, but he does have a cold, or the flu, so his voice sounded funny. I apologize for the shaky video. My digital recorder wasn't turning on, so I was trying to figure out what was wrong with it even as I held the camera. Turns out I had put the battery in backwards.
Read more...
Read more...
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Cronin's corner
Steve Cronin did well for himself on Saturday. He made some clutch saves that kept the Galaxy in the game. Perhaps it's a sign that he's coming into his own. Still, it wasn't good enough for the full three points though as the Galaxy tied 2-2.
Here's audio of my post-game chat with Steve Cronin.
Read more...
Here's audio of my post-game chat with Steve Cronin.
Read more...
Houston post-game presser
Audio of Houston's Dominic Kinnear and Brad Davis talking about the 2-2 draw between Houston and Los Angeles.
Read more...
Read more...
Me too
Rode in the elevator to the presser with a bunch of Galaxy guys, Ruiz, Alvaro Pires, and basically all the Galaxy guys who didn't dress.
"I wonder what Landon said to Patrick," Julian Valentin wondered out loud.
So do I, Jules.
Read more...
"I wonder what Landon said to Patrick," Julian Valentin wondered out loud.
So do I, Jules.
Read more...
Littlest guy
He's so tiny - he looks like he just learned to walk. Perhaps the Galaxy should try to sign him up early.
Read more...
Houston hopeful
After the first game this season, I compared the Dynamo and the Galaxy, pointing out that although both teams lost big, Houston wouldn't panic. They're still not panicking, though they haven't won yet. They're definitely motivated to change that around tonight and get their season on track. These guys will be key players in that campaign. The pic is from far away - can any Houston fans still name them?
Read more...
Houston/Galaxy running blog
The Angel City Brigade sets up their banner in their section of the stadium.Josh Wicks --- Nope! Steve Cronin passed a late fitness test and he gets the start in goal for the Galaxy.
Want more info? Alan Gordon is the center mid. Kleiny, Franklin, Vanney and Randolph in the back. Becks, Tudela, McDonny along with Gordon in the middle, Edson and LD up top.
Joe Franchino is on the bench, along with Wicks, Bry, Roberts, Izzy, Pete, and Xavier.
The press box is buzzing about the first goal in SJ 2 (Quake Harder) history.
2 - LD sends the first shot wide.
3 - Kleiny fouls Davis - FK cleared.
4 - Kleiny fouled - both teams have come out gunning, very fast and physical. This will be a slugfest.
6 - LD nearly off on a counter, but caught. The ball is mostly in Galaxy territory and they concede a corner. CK by Davis. Cleared off the line! - no a foul first negates that.
8 - The Galaxy defense is losing shape badly. Another CK conceded. Houston is pressuring hard. Mulrooney takes. Cleared out.
9 - Deep throw for Houston. Now for the Galaxy. Still in G half of field.
11 - Houston possessing well. Back into the attack.
13 - houston FK Nearly bent into goal, but Cronie catches. Becks leads the counter, tries to feed Buddle, who is grabbed. FK in good spot. Becks sets up - it's into the wall.
15 - The Galaxy were actually in Houston's end for a bit there.
16 - Randolph on the attack, gets past to mids and gets the ball to Becks, but his cross into the box is cleared. On the counter, Caraccio chips the ball past Vanney and Cronin, but the ball rolls harmlessly in front of the goal. Close.
21 - Play has moved to the midfield a bit more. The Galaxy are no longer defending on their doorstep.
23 - They're knocking on Houston's door instead. Donovan passes to Buddle in the box, but he can't beat his defender. The G's get another chance, but LD's shot deflects and shows down enough for Caig to make the catch.
25 - Mullan beat Randolph and earns a FK. Randolph sees yellow. It's right on the edge of the box. Houston sets up. DDR and David standing, DeRo takes, it bends toward goal, Cronie twists in the air, gets a hand on it to tip it on to the crossbar, where it rebounds out and is clears. A+ save there.
28 - Another save! DeRo gets a great pass in the box, but Cronie dives to parry it out, CK. It's cleared. The Galaxy escape again.
30 - Houston still pressuring hard. The Galaxy hanging on - ball out for goal kick.
32 - Houston's midfield is bossing this game. Beckham gets cheers for a nice defensive tackle, but then he gives up the ball.
34 - The ball actually gets into Houston's box, but Caig takes care of it.
36 - GOAL! Mullan beats Franklin with a nice move and crosses in front of goal - Caraccio heads it down back to goal, Ching whiffs at the ball, but Davis is right next him and he knocks it in - the ball actually hits Cronin on the way to net. 1-0 Houston.
40 - Vanney just did the weirdest sit-down tackle that actually worked.
41 - DeRo with an outside shot, Cronie reads it, save.
43 - The Galaxy had a bit of an attack going for a minute there. No longer.
45 + - Buddle takes a cross from Klein the the box - his header is wide. Donovan is on the attack in the box, working a give-n-go with Tudela. LD gets shoved off, wants the call, isn't getting it.
Halftime
The Galaxy are lucky they aren't down by multiple goals. Cronie saved a couple that looked like Houston points for sure. The Galaxy attack was anemic. Houston looks in top form tonight. Well, at least their midfield on up looks in top form - their defense was tested so little it's hard to say what shape they're in, but they haven't screwed up yet.
47 - Franchino is on the field, Gordo off, Xavier is on for Tudela. Houston hasn't made any changes.
49 - Joe tries to lead out a counter after Houston had a chance in the box, but Becks isn't looking for the pass and Houston gets the ball back. This is looking so bad for the Galaxy.
51 - It gets a bit better - the Galaxy just earned a corner. The fans are on their feet, the scarves are out - LD takes, it's a shot on goal by Franklin! Cleared off the line by Barrett!
53 - Beckham gets the pass on a counter, crosses to LD who lays back for Buddle, whose shot is low and straight and parried by Caig. Corner. Cleared out.
54 - Franklin fouled outside the left side of the box. FK. Becks takes, Houston heads it out - Joe takes an outside shot - it's over the bar.
56 - Becks and LD working the ball upfield, Becks gets shoved down and the fans boo the nocall, Joe takes another outside shot - this one is closer, but wide.
57 - Vanney gets a yellow for an elbow and Houston gets a very tasty FK, just outside the box.
59 - The Galaxy wall holds. Another foul on Vanney now. Another appetizing FK for Houston, but a bit farther out. DeRo aims high.
60 Houston was on their heels a bit at the start of the second half, but they're back to running the show.
61 - Galaxy FK, way out. Caig catches.
63 - LD charging after a long ball over the top, Ianni trying to cover the play to usher the ball to Caig, who catches the ball. Ianni steps in to shield Donovan anyway, and sends LD sprawling. That seemed unnecessary. The crowd is livid. LD is down for a while.
66 - LD nice flick pass to Randolph, who shoots on goal, Caig saves. Corner. Corner leads to another shot - Caig saves again.
68 - GOAL! The Galaxy attack again, and LD finds Beck on the right. The cross goes back to LD, who beats Ianni to get a header into the net. He stand up and yells something in Ianni's face. I'm guessing it wasn't friendly. 1-1 Tie game.
72 - I was about to type that Franchino is playing well, then he sent a pass to no one just now.
73 - Cronie catches a cross, ending a Houston attack.
74 - DeRo's header is high and wide.
76 - Becks n LD on the attack - but Buddle is offside on the final pass.
77 - Houston CK
78 - GOAL! Cronie punches out the corner, but it falls to Mullan, who sends a pass to Davis, Davis crossed the ball into the box, DeRo shot, crossbar, but Cronin fell, rebound to Caraccio, who shoots into an open net. 2-1 Houston.
Caraccio took off his shirt for that goal - which, truth be told, was kind of a garbage goal. He gets a yellow.
81 - Caraccio now out for Holden.
83 - Edson works hard to earn a FK, Becks takes, Houston clears.
84 - GOAL! Becks to Landon! Of course. 2-2 Tie.
86 - Houston CK - LA clears. but Houston attacks again. Another cross into the box. Cronie finally collects.
88 - Buddle offside. Then DeRo.
90 - OFF THE POST! The Galaxy built up a good attack, but Houston escaped.
90 + Now the Galaxy escape DeRo heads over the bar.
Handball, and Rico gets a yellow. It's int Galaxy territory, though, so Houston isn't in danger. The Galaxy are though, Houston attack building, but the Galaxy hold it off. A hard-fought tie. The crowd applauds and boos at the same time. 2-2 Houston is still winless.
Read more...
Turf can hurt more than knees
Now, it's important to point out that the fields involved here are AstroTurf brand, while I think most MLS fields, etc, that are artificial are made by FieldTurf, which probably has different ingredients.
Grass is good, though. Still my favorite playing surface.
Read more...
Grass is good, though. Still my favorite playing surface.
Read more...
Correction
See what happens when I don't have a pen to write things down? I was off on the late Galaxy injury report, but I've corrected it now (thanks Galaxy press people).
The changes - Ely Allen is OUT with the hamstring injury. Alvaro Pires and Steve Cronin are both QUESTIONABLE.
What is DOUBTFUL is my ability to memorize with accuracy.
Read more...
The changes - Ely Allen is OUT with the hamstring injury. Alvaro Pires and Steve Cronin are both QUESTIONABLE.
What is DOUBTFUL is my ability to memorize with accuracy.
Read more...
Working for Dallas
Whenever FC Dallas comes to town, I typically pick up some extra work. Because the same company, Belo, owns both The Press-Enterprise and the Dallas Morning News, I've covered FC Dallas when they come out here for the DMN for quite a few years. It's not set in stone as they always contact me prior to FC Dallas games, but they are always very gracious and great to deal with and it's really a treat to write for a publication like the DMN. I actually covered an Arena Football game for them once, the Dallas Desperados at the LA Avengers. My one and only experience covering Arena Football. Not the greatest thing I've ever covered, but that's another story for another day.
Anyway, just wanted to give our FC Dallas supporters a bit of a heads up for coverage on Sunday's game. I actually won't have too much room but I always try and get a quote or two in from the FC Dallas coach/players.
FC Dallas won't come out here again until late October, the final match of the regular season, so I suppose we should enjoy Kenny Cooper and Co. while we can.
Read more...
Anyway, just wanted to give our FC Dallas supporters a bit of a heads up for coverage on Sunday's game. I actually won't have too much room but I always try and get a quote or two in from the FC Dallas coach/players.
FC Dallas won't come out here again until late October, the final match of the regular season, so I suppose we should enjoy Kenny Cooper and Co. while we can.
Read more...
Alta Loma's finest
He's not a name player by any means nor does he bring imposing physical qualities to the table. But Joey Franchino isn't a useless slab of meat either. Franchino has a reputation of being a thug, a soccer version of a hockey goon. For sure he's a phyisical player but he also brings good leadership qualities too.
Remember, he was Revolution captain for quite a few years. Yes, I know Peter Vagenas served in the same capacity with the Galaxy and he's not exactly a fan favorite. Still, one of the first things Steve Nicol did when he took over the Revolution was to anoint Franchino captain. That's got to say something about his character and how people perceive him.
Here's a good feature from Frank Dell'apa of the Boston Globe on Franchino, where Nicol and former Galaxy player Matt Reis each say good things about Franchino.
Now, I'm not going to say that Franchino is going to step in and plug a huge hole on the field. Where he plays and how much he plays is yet to be seen. I see him somewhere on the left and helping out the defense. If that means left back or central d-mid, only the coaching staff knows. But some soccer players have qualities that extend beyond the soccer field. Franchino is a leader and the Galaxy doesn't have a ton of those guys right now. Honestly, though, you can never have enough of those guys, so long as they can play of course.
That is a question mark, however, his on-the-field and off-the-field health. Franchino has battled injuries for a few years now, with an ankle injury dealing a strong blow a year ago as Franchino played just three games because of it. He's also got personal issues, with a divorce and the Fenway Park incident as well. Certainly those are issues he has to overcome if he hasn't done so already. But the one thing he has going for him is that it's a fresh start, a return to his roots. And sometimes that's all someone needs to put them over the top.
Read more...
Remember, he was Revolution captain for quite a few years. Yes, I know Peter Vagenas served in the same capacity with the Galaxy and he's not exactly a fan favorite. Still, one of the first things Steve Nicol did when he took over the Revolution was to anoint Franchino captain. That's got to say something about his character and how people perceive him.
Here's a good feature from Frank Dell'apa of the Boston Globe on Franchino, where Nicol and former Galaxy player Matt Reis each say good things about Franchino.
Now, I'm not going to say that Franchino is going to step in and plug a huge hole on the field. Where he plays and how much he plays is yet to be seen. I see him somewhere on the left and helping out the defense. If that means left back or central d-mid, only the coaching staff knows. But some soccer players have qualities that extend beyond the soccer field. Franchino is a leader and the Galaxy doesn't have a ton of those guys right now. Honestly, though, you can never have enough of those guys, so long as they can play of course.
That is a question mark, however, his on-the-field and off-the-field health. Franchino has battled injuries for a few years now, with an ankle injury dealing a strong blow a year ago as Franchino played just three games because of it. He's also got personal issues, with a divorce and the Fenway Park incident as well. Certainly those are issues he has to overcome if he hasn't done so already. But the one thing he has going for him is that it's a fresh start, a return to his roots. And sometimes that's all someone needs to put them over the top.
Read more...
Friday, April 18, 2008
Late injury update
Luis noted in a recent post that the injury status reports on the MLS team official pages often aren't updated and fans don't get the newest info. Well, the Galaxy press folk got me an update on their squad and I'm posting here to let our faithful readers know the latest.
Midfielder Alvaro Pires - QUESTIONABLE - No, not his age, though he looks older than his listed age of 24 (shades of Luis Tejada? Hmmmm).. Pires took a knock to the knee.
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin - QUESTIONABLE - Not talking about Steve's attitude between the pipes, but rather a recent groin issue.
Forward/Mid Ely Allen - OUT - Hammy prob. I forget which leg. I was on the phone while downing a cosmo at the Verdugo, so apologies that I didn't get all the details.
Joe Franchino, by the way, is due in to LA on a flight tomorrow. Healthwise, he's cleared to go for the Houston game; it's more a matter of will Ruud play a guy he's only seen on video? We shall see.
Read more...
Midfielder Alvaro Pires - QUESTIONABLE - No, not his age, though he looks older than his listed age of 24 (shades of Luis Tejada? Hmmmm).. Pires took a knock to the knee.
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin - QUESTIONABLE - Not talking about Steve's attitude between the pipes, but rather a recent groin issue.
Forward/Mid Ely Allen - OUT - Hammy prob. I forget which leg. I was on the phone while downing a cosmo at the Verdugo, so apologies that I didn't get all the details.
Joe Franchino, by the way, is due in to LA on a flight tomorrow. Healthwise, he's cleared to go for the Houston game; it's more a matter of will Ruud play a guy he's only seen on video? We shall see.
Read more...
No Cuban spice
The three Cubans the Galaxy had on trial, Yenier Bermudez, Yordany Alvarez and Juan Manuel Miranda, have been released by the club. Ruud Gullit said that they were good players, but that they didn't fit into the team's plans and he knew they had other offers to explore.
I'll post audio a bit later. I'm still decompressing from my broken refrigerator. My kingdom for a cold Coke.
Read more...
I'll post audio a bit later. I'm still decompressing from my broken refrigerator. My kingdom for a cold Coke.
Read more...
Caption Quiz
I was going to caption the Galaxy practice pictures from today, but then I thought, "Hey, a quiz!" This is when having a camera with no zoom is almost a good thing - it's more challenging to win.
Read more...
No pointing fingers
Chivas USA had several poor individual performances against Columbus on Saturday but players aren't about to start pointing fingers. That's their strong mentality settling in, a mentality instilled by some of the veterans like Jesse Marsch and Ante Razov.
One thing that didn't make it into the story was when Marsch talked about Brad Guzan. He said that Brad had a lot of things going through his mind and that he just needed to keep his focus. One of the things Marsch mentioned was rumors of Guzan going to the Olympics. I hadn't heard that rumor before so either it's out there and I just hadn't heard it or Marsch let something slip.
It remains to be seen with which club Guzan is with in the summer, whether he's here or in Europe somewhere, but perhaps part of his summer at least will be spent in Beijing.
Read more...
One thing that didn't make it into the story was when Marsch talked about Brad Guzan. He said that Brad had a lot of things going through his mind and that he just needed to keep his focus. One of the things Marsch mentioned was rumors of Guzan going to the Olympics. I hadn't heard that rumor before so either it's out there and I just hadn't heard it or Marsch let something slip.
It remains to be seen with which club Guzan is with in the summer, whether he's here or in Europe somewhere, but perhaps part of his summer at least will be spent in Beijing.
Read more...
Sacha suspended
Sacha Kljestan has been one of Chivas USA's best players this season, but his late red card against Columbus put a damper on what was a tough loss for the club.
Here's audio of a little chat I had with Kljestan about his red card and missing the FC Dallas match.
Read more...
Here's audio of a little chat I had with Kljestan about his red card and missing the FC Dallas match.
Read more...
Nose protector
I'm writing a feature on Claudio Suarez right now. He hasn't played yet this season, in part because of his father Vicente's passing and also because of fitness issues. He also busted his nose in training on Friday, something he said will require surgery after the season. I asked him about wearing a mask and he said doctors suggested it but he won't do it because its uncomfortable, and that he wore one once before, in Mexico because it was at the end of the season and close to the playoffs.
Anyone remember when that happened? I wanted to know not for the story but so I could try to find some pictures of him wearing a mask. I vaguely remember something with Tigres but I'm drawing blanks to dates and stuff.
I almost wanted to ask him if he'd wear like a Chiva mask and then the team could promote it as a giveaway. His nose is pretty crooked though. He definitely took a good knock on it.
Read more...
Anyone remember when that happened? I wanted to know not for the story but so I could try to find some pictures of him wearing a mask. I vaguely remember something with Tigres but I'm drawing blanks to dates and stuff.
I almost wanted to ask him if he'd wear like a Chiva mask and then the team could promote it as a giveaway. His nose is pretty crooked though. He definitely took a good knock on it.
Read more...
Chihuahua... California.... what's the difference?
I keep tabs on seven Americans who ply their trade in Mexico but there are more within the youth ranks of Mexican clubs. It's difficult to find information on them and sometimes it's just a matter of scrolling through rosters and mining for gold. But one player who I know is down there is Carlos Borja. It's not a secret really, as Mural wrote about him soon after the story of Jesus Padilla's actual birthplace came out.
So I searched for Borja's bio on the Mexican federation web site and, after some extensive seraching, found it. I was surprised to see the birthplace that accompanied Borja's bio.
Although no one is contesting Borja's American birth - he was born in Orange, Calif. - it seems that somehow his birthplace was still an issue to somebody.
Unlike Padilla, Borja has not denied his American birth as far as I know. The good folks down with Mural uncovered Borja's information without our help. I was talking to one of their editors the day after the Padilla news broke and he asked me if I'd ever heard of Carlos Borja.
Now, I'm not going to speculate about why Borja's birthplace shows up as Chihuahua, Chihuahua. Who knows what sort of paperwork was used to register him with the federation. Padilla's paperwork was never made public to my knowledge and since he's pretty much out of sight at this point few people would probably care to find that out right now. But somewhere along the line some misinformation was given with regards to Borja.
Who knows? Maybe I'm the only one who cares about Borja's bio. No one may care about a Chivas San Rafael player's birthplace. Even still, thought I'd just present this to our readers so everyone make their own conclusions about this.
Read more...
Sangre americana J15
Heading down the home stretch in Mexico's Primera Division, the American-born contingent figures to play important roles for their respective clubs, all of whom are very much in contention for the league title or at the very least a playoff spot. There will be one glaring absence, though, as one of the young Americans picked up a red card a week ago.
Michael Orozco, San Luis at Morelia, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Orozco and San Luis had a strange game a week ago. Orozco's backline kept Tecos off the scoresheet but a fluke goal kept San Luis from picking up the full three points as the match finished 1-1. Still, San Luis is three points off Chivas in Group 3 as well as the overall league table. In Morelia, Orozco will face one of the least difficult tests of the season. Morelia is already eliminated and has scored a league-low eight goals through 14 weeks. TV: Azteca America.
Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca at Puebla, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Torres' match a week ago was memorable for several reasons. He had an assist as he sent a nice cross into the box off a corner kick. But he also picked up a red card and as such will not play against Puebla. Torres will likely then be well-rested for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, slated for Wednesday in Saprissa. Given his recent form and playing time, it is unlikely for Torres to miss more than Sunday's match. TV: Fox Sports Espanol.
Edgar Castillo, Santos vs Necaxa, Sunday 2 p.m. PT: Back after missing several weeks, Castillo returned in time for a 6-1 drubbing of Atlas. Against Necaxa on Sunday, Castillo's Santos side still has an outside shot of finishing atop the overall league table. Necaxa is not in a comfortable position as Los Rayos need points to have any shot of la Liguilla. TV: Azteca America.
Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares vs Veracruz, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Hernandez was a rare omission from Jaguares' match in Toluca on Sunday. After playing in eight consecutive matches, Hernandez did not start the match. It is unclear why the Texas native was not part of the club's match, but Hernandez is expected to play against Veracruz on Saturday. Jaguares need points to keep up with Toluca as, along with Pachuca, the Group 1 race is wide open. TV: Azteca America.
Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas 1a. A at Coatzacoalcos, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Guadarrama's chances of playing for the first team are presumably as high as they could be. Guadarrama is a regular with the second division side and Morelia's top-flight team is already eliminated, so a youth movement could follow. For now, Guadarrama will focus on the Primera A and Coatzacoalcos.
Sammy Ochoa, Tecos Primera A vs Tigres B, Sunday, 2 p.m. PT. Ochoa's play might merit a call to the first division. Ochoa scored another goal in last week's match and now has seven in 14 games this season.
Jesus Padilla, Tapatio at Tampico Madero, Saturday 7 p.m. PT. Padilla will likely spend the rest of the season with Tapatio, barring injury. At least he got a trip to Bolivia this week, though, as he traveled with Chivas for their midweek Copa Libertadores match.
Read more...
Michael Orozco, San Luis at Morelia, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Orozco and San Luis had a strange game a week ago. Orozco's backline kept Tecos off the scoresheet but a fluke goal kept San Luis from picking up the full three points as the match finished 1-1. Still, San Luis is three points off Chivas in Group 3 as well as the overall league table. In Morelia, Orozco will face one of the least difficult tests of the season. Morelia is already eliminated and has scored a league-low eight goals through 14 weeks. TV: Azteca America.
Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca at Puebla, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Torres' match a week ago was memorable for several reasons. He had an assist as he sent a nice cross into the box off a corner kick. But he also picked up a red card and as such will not play against Puebla. Torres will likely then be well-rested for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, slated for Wednesday in Saprissa. Given his recent form and playing time, it is unlikely for Torres to miss more than Sunday's match. TV: Fox Sports Espanol.
Edgar Castillo, Santos vs Necaxa, Sunday 2 p.m. PT: Back after missing several weeks, Castillo returned in time for a 6-1 drubbing of Atlas. Against Necaxa on Sunday, Castillo's Santos side still has an outside shot of finishing atop the overall league table. Necaxa is not in a comfortable position as Los Rayos need points to have any shot of la Liguilla. TV: Azteca America.
Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares vs Veracruz, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Hernandez was a rare omission from Jaguares' match in Toluca on Sunday. After playing in eight consecutive matches, Hernandez did not start the match. It is unclear why the Texas native was not part of the club's match, but Hernandez is expected to play against Veracruz on Saturday. Jaguares need points to keep up with Toluca as, along with Pachuca, the Group 1 race is wide open. TV: Azteca America.
Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas 1a. A at Coatzacoalcos, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Guadarrama's chances of playing for the first team are presumably as high as they could be. Guadarrama is a regular with the second division side and Morelia's top-flight team is already eliminated, so a youth movement could follow. For now, Guadarrama will focus on the Primera A and Coatzacoalcos.
Sammy Ochoa, Tecos Primera A vs Tigres B, Sunday, 2 p.m. PT. Ochoa's play might merit a call to the first division. Ochoa scored another goal in last week's match and now has seven in 14 games this season.
Jesus Padilla, Tapatio at Tampico Madero, Saturday 7 p.m. PT. Padilla will likely spend the rest of the season with Tapatio, barring injury. At least he got a trip to Bolivia this week, though, as he traveled with Chivas for their midweek Copa Libertadores match.
Read more...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
DC United/Crew Running blog
El classico yanqui!
What are "caliber players"? Oh, the announcers mean "quality players" or "high-caliber players", but that's not what John Harkes said.
Kickoff! The Barra Brava, SE, La Norte, heck all the DC fans look great.
3- Early focus is on Eddie Gaven for some reason, though he didn't do anything there but kick the ball out.
5- It must be the camera angle, but Emilio Luciano looks heavy. Brian Carroll looks so wrong in a Crew jersey. It's going to take a while to get used to that. Ooo, Gallardo serves into the box, Columbus clears, the counter springs Robbie Rogers - eek, he misses wide. Good work to get free, though.
7- Wells didn't look good on the corner there, but he ended up not having to pay. Young goalkeepers haven't looked great in MLS lately - ok, maybe Hesmer and his PK saves. Tony Caig is probably tragic at any age.
10 - AMo is his usual battling self, but Martinez shuts him down on the counter well. It's mostly been DC running their usual possession game, but the Crew worked the counter well. DC not shabby on the counter either, and Fred earns a CK. Gallardo takes, Crew clear.
18 - Eeek, cable problem, but lucky for me, no one scored while I was offline.
19 - Harkes is comparing Gallardo and Gomez, and it doesn't help when he mixes up their names and says one when he means the other. I know I like the Christian's hair better. Does anyone in MLS rock the ponytail successfully?
Hesmer makes a catch on a ball from distance.
22 - Damn skippy! Great no-look backheed from Schelotto into the DC box. That was so pretty. It's too good for MLS. No, seriously. No one on the Crew was prepared for it or looking to make the run. It's like Magic Johnson first coming into the NBA - you're just not looking for passes no ones has ever made before.
28 - Wow - a great stretch of attacking there - Schelotto is stoned by Wells after a great pass from Rogers, then Gallardo serves a delicious cross to JMo, who takes a poor touch and allows Hesmer a chance on the ball.
33 - GOAL! Schelotto holds up the ball on the attack beautifully, waiting for the run by Hejduk, who then receives the ball and crosses into the box, quickly, where AMo connects with a vintage fighting-for-it poke past the defender to put the ball in the net. 1-0 Crew
34- Luciano Emilio gets tugged down in the box by Hejduk, who plays it like LE was holding his shirt as well.
35 - Luciano in the box again, can't quite turn and shoot.
38 - Rogers is wrecking total havoc on DC. He draws a FK near the box. Schelotto sets up. Wells catches it.
I didn't mention them before, but after the goal, the camera cut to a pocket of Crew fans celebrating in the upper deck of RFK. Good stuff.
41 - GOAL! Bryan Namoff! He sets up way outside, but DC has a nice run of possession that culminates in Moreno sliding a pass to Namoff, who takes a careful touch, almost too long, but unleashes a low shot that deflects in off a sprawling Adam Moffat. Hesmer had no chance.
43 - GOAL! Moffat comes right back up the field and chips a cross over Wells and AMo again fights for it, battling DC defenders left and right and pokes it into goal. 2-1 Crew
Wow - that sucked the energy of the DC fans. They weren't even finished celebrating properly and then they're down again.
Halftime - The Crew are looking pretty dang good this season, really.
52 - Luciano Emilio is going down rather easily. He isn't getting the call. Frankie shoots from long range. Wells does fine with it.
57- Franco Niel is getting ready to come in - don't know who Soehn is taking out. Rod Dyachenko is coming in as well.
Jaime is off, as is Marc Burch.
Had a home crisis - my refrigerator has stopped working. I can't help but think of Chick Hearn - "this game is in the refrigerator", which in this case, would mean someone still had a chance.
Anyway, Guille got the better of Gallardo again, as apparently happened a lot back in the River-Boca days. Columbus carries the day, 2-1.
Read more...
What are "caliber players"? Oh, the announcers mean "quality players" or "high-caliber players", but that's not what John Harkes said.
Kickoff! The Barra Brava, SE, La Norte, heck all the DC fans look great.
3- Early focus is on Eddie Gaven for some reason, though he didn't do anything there but kick the ball out.
5- It must be the camera angle, but Emilio Luciano looks heavy. Brian Carroll looks so wrong in a Crew jersey. It's going to take a while to get used to that. Ooo, Gallardo serves into the box, Columbus clears, the counter springs Robbie Rogers - eek, he misses wide. Good work to get free, though.
7- Wells didn't look good on the corner there, but he ended up not having to pay. Young goalkeepers haven't looked great in MLS lately - ok, maybe Hesmer and his PK saves. Tony Caig is probably tragic at any age.
10 - AMo is his usual battling self, but Martinez shuts him down on the counter well. It's mostly been DC running their usual possession game, but the Crew worked the counter well. DC not shabby on the counter either, and Fred earns a CK. Gallardo takes, Crew clear.
18 - Eeek, cable problem, but lucky for me, no one scored while I was offline.
19 - Harkes is comparing Gallardo and Gomez, and it doesn't help when he mixes up their names and says one when he means the other. I know I like the Christian's hair better. Does anyone in MLS rock the ponytail successfully?
Hesmer makes a catch on a ball from distance.
22 - Damn skippy! Great no-look backheed from Schelotto into the DC box. That was so pretty. It's too good for MLS. No, seriously. No one on the Crew was prepared for it or looking to make the run. It's like Magic Johnson first coming into the NBA - you're just not looking for passes no ones has ever made before.
28 - Wow - a great stretch of attacking there - Schelotto is stoned by Wells after a great pass from Rogers, then Gallardo serves a delicious cross to JMo, who takes a poor touch and allows Hesmer a chance on the ball.
33 - GOAL! Schelotto holds up the ball on the attack beautifully, waiting for the run by Hejduk, who then receives the ball and crosses into the box, quickly, where AMo connects with a vintage fighting-for-it poke past the defender to put the ball in the net. 1-0 Crew
34- Luciano Emilio gets tugged down in the box by Hejduk, who plays it like LE was holding his shirt as well.
35 - Luciano in the box again, can't quite turn and shoot.
38 - Rogers is wrecking total havoc on DC. He draws a FK near the box. Schelotto sets up. Wells catches it.
I didn't mention them before, but after the goal, the camera cut to a pocket of Crew fans celebrating in the upper deck of RFK. Good stuff.
41 - GOAL! Bryan Namoff! He sets up way outside, but DC has a nice run of possession that culminates in Moreno sliding a pass to Namoff, who takes a careful touch, almost too long, but unleashes a low shot that deflects in off a sprawling Adam Moffat. Hesmer had no chance.
43 - GOAL! Moffat comes right back up the field and chips a cross over Wells and AMo again fights for it, battling DC defenders left and right and pokes it into goal. 2-1 Crew
Wow - that sucked the energy of the DC fans. They weren't even finished celebrating properly and then they're down again.
Halftime - The Crew are looking pretty dang good this season, really.
52 - Luciano Emilio is going down rather easily. He isn't getting the call. Frankie shoots from long range. Wells does fine with it.
57- Franco Niel is getting ready to come in - don't know who Soehn is taking out. Rod Dyachenko is coming in as well.
Jaime is off, as is Marc Burch.
Had a home crisis - my refrigerator has stopped working. I can't help but think of Chick Hearn - "this game is in the refrigerator", which in this case, would mean someone still had a chance.
Anyway, Guille got the better of Gallardo again, as apparently happened a lot back in the River-Boca days. Columbus carries the day, 2-1.
Read more...
Make up your mind, Miami
The NY Times had an article on the Cuban defectors which had some interesting details. First of all, it verifies what the three players on trial with the Galaxy told me - that the trio had planned for months to defect. Apparently, though, the two final members of the group that left that day, Loanni Cartaya Prieto and Erlys García Baró, were more recent additions.
The other issue the Times raised was the fact that Miami FC, the USL club based there, announced it would offer the players trials with the organization, then reneged on the offer.
Technically, the club didn't renege. It didn't make the offer. The players only heard about it through the media.
"We heard they were interested, but they never approached us," said Jose Manuel Miranda.
Instead, the players sifted through offers from other teams. When the Galaxy's came in, that's the one they jumped on. Recently, though, their representative finally heard from Miami FC. The club was offering a trial after all.
"But now we’re here," said Yenier Bermudez. "We are happy here. We’re hoping to get the chance to prove that we can play good soccer. We’ll train as best as we can."
So all that stuff Miami FC said about not wanting to encourage players to leave during a tournament apparently went by the wayside when they realized it didn't bother other teams at all.
Read more...
The other issue the Times raised was the fact that Miami FC, the USL club based there, announced it would offer the players trials with the organization, then reneged on the offer.
Technically, the club didn't renege. It didn't make the offer. The players only heard about it through the media.
"We heard they were interested, but they never approached us," said Jose Manuel Miranda.
Instead, the players sifted through offers from other teams. When the Galaxy's came in, that's the one they jumped on. Recently, though, their representative finally heard from Miami FC. The club was offering a trial after all.
"But now we’re here," said Yenier Bermudez. "We are happy here. We’re hoping to get the chance to prove that we can play good soccer. We’ll train as best as we can."
So all that stuff Miami FC said about not wanting to encourage players to leave during a tournament apparently went by the wayside when they realized it didn't bother other teams at all.
Read more...
Happy Poshness!
There is actually a soccer point to wishing Vicki a "Happy Birthday" today. She celebrated last night with her husband, Kate Beckinsale and Eva Longoria, who incidentally, is married to French basketball player Tony Parker, who is apparently good pals with Thierry Henry. If Barca is really looking to move Henry on, I'm sure he's heard a lot about the U.S. from Parker and perhaps even Becks himself.
Doesn't mean the rumors of Thierry coming to MLS are entirely credible, but look at how a trickle of Argentines to MLS quickly turned into a flood. Connections, like in any job around the world, often convince people to make a move.
Read more...
Doesn't mean the rumors of Thierry coming to MLS are entirely credible, but look at how a trickle of Argentines to MLS quickly turned into a flood. Connections, like in any job around the world, often convince people to make a move.
Read more...
The price of freedom
Here's the article on the Cuban players. Ruud should come to a final decision on them by Friday.
Read more...
Read more...
Injury bug
Chivas USA is suffereing from an array of injuries that will limit their roster for Sunday's game against FC Dallas.
If you read the story, you'll get the info on the players who were injured at the start of the week. Whether they play or not is really anyone's guess, and really all you can do is guess. If you rely on the Injury Report that goes with the match previews, you will probably be surprised come game time. The weekly Injury Reports are about the most useless things around.
Case in point: Maykel Galindo is injured. He did not start against FC Dallas nor did he start against Columbus, though he came off the bench in both games. He didn't play the entire game against RSL and told me afterwards about his injury. Yet he has not been listed in the injury report once this season. Not once!
Funny thing is, nobody is denying he's hurt. So is it an oversight? Probably. I seriously doubt any team is trying to purposely keep this stuff under wraps. Honestly, I don't know why they are not updated. I just know that they are not, and they are useless.
It would be more beneficial if the injury report was a real injury report, like the NFL. Take a look at this injury report from a random week last season. It lists the player, position, injury, practice status and game status. Now that is thorough.
But the one thing NFL pundits say about the NFL injury report is that it is kept so up-to-date because of gambling purposes. I mean, would you lay money on the Colts if Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison were both out? That might be good to know before you plop down a couple hundred bucks on such a bet.
Still, regardless of gambling influence or not, MLS should have a more useful updated injury report, if nothing else so the fan can keep updated with as much info as possible. So that way when you tune in to the RSL-Chivas match and you know that Alecko Eskandarian is out because you read the pre-game match preview, you won't be surprised to see him play and score a goal.
Read more...
If you read the story, you'll get the info on the players who were injured at the start of the week. Whether they play or not is really anyone's guess, and really all you can do is guess. If you rely on the Injury Report that goes with the match previews, you will probably be surprised come game time. The weekly Injury Reports are about the most useless things around.
Case in point: Maykel Galindo is injured. He did not start against FC Dallas nor did he start against Columbus, though he came off the bench in both games. He didn't play the entire game against RSL and told me afterwards about his injury. Yet he has not been listed in the injury report once this season. Not once!
Funny thing is, nobody is denying he's hurt. So is it an oversight? Probably. I seriously doubt any team is trying to purposely keep this stuff under wraps. Honestly, I don't know why they are not updated. I just know that they are not, and they are useless.
It would be more beneficial if the injury report was a real injury report, like the NFL. Take a look at this injury report from a random week last season. It lists the player, position, injury, practice status and game status. Now that is thorough.
But the one thing NFL pundits say about the NFL injury report is that it is kept so up-to-date because of gambling purposes. I mean, would you lay money on the Colts if Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison were both out? That might be good to know before you plop down a couple hundred bucks on such a bet.
Still, regardless of gambling influence or not, MLS should have a more useful updated injury report, if nothing else so the fan can keep updated with as much info as possible. So that way when you tune in to the RSL-Chivas match and you know that Alecko Eskandarian is out because you read the pre-game match preview, you won't be surprised to see him play and score a goal.
Read more...
Cuban food
Even leftovers are yummy. Here are some of the quotes that didn't make the article (which will hopefully be up soon)
Jose Manuel Miranda, on their role model, Maykel Galindo
It was a step that had to be taken. So many things aren’t good in Cuba right now, but the things we miss, we miss a lot.
Those who criticize don’t understand why I did this. They don’t know what things are like in Cuba, what we do as players. They can’t imagine what we’ve gone through. Only we know that. Those who criticize, that’s their right, but it doesn’t interest me, because they don’t know what our lives were like.
For me, it’s an unforgettable experience, because it’s my first step as a professional and I’m taking it with the Galaxy, which is one of the best teams in the U.S. I don’t think if I go to any other team that I’ll feel pressure, because here I’ve been and played with Beckham and with Donovan, who are two of the best players in MLS. That’s why I think this is unforgettable and it’s been great.
Read more...
Jose Manuel Miranda, on their role model, Maykel Galindo
We want to play the game, just like Maykel, who succeeded here in MLS. We want to do the same here, with the Galaxy, but we’ll go anywhere that gives us a chance to play.
No, we haven't seen [Galindo]. He’s busy training. We’d like to see him.
Yordany Alvarez, on Fidel Castro's brother taking over administrative duties.
That’s not real change. Those are tiny details. Everything is still really the same. The system is still there.
Miranda, on why they didn't wait longer to leave the Cuban team.
On our way here, I was sitting next to a woman from
Yenier Bermudez
It was a step that had to be taken. So many things aren’t good in Cuba right now, but the things we miss, we miss a lot.
Those who criticize don’t understand why I did this. They don’t know what things are like in Cuba, what we do as players. They can’t imagine what we’ve gone through. Only we know that. Those who criticize, that’s their right, but it doesn’t interest me, because they don’t know what our lives were like.
For me, it’s an unforgettable experience, because it’s my first step as a professional and I’m taking it with the Galaxy, which is one of the best teams in the U.S. I don’t think if I go to any other team that I’ll feel pressure, because here I’ve been and played with Beckham and with Donovan, who are two of the best players in MLS. That’s why I think this is unforgettable and it’s been great.
Read more...
Howler of a performance
Caracas fell to San Lorenzo by 3-0 in a Copa Libertadores game. Caracas goalkeeper Vicente Rosales didn't help the cause.
Read more...
Read more...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
No mask for Suarez
Claudio Suarez didn't play in Saturday's game in Columbus but it didn't really have much to do with a broken nose he suffered in training on Friday. Suarez is tough as nails, and not even his crooked nose will keep him from playing.
Lack of match fitness will, though. Anyway, here's audio of our chat after training on Wednesday. It's in Spanish, of course. But look out for a story on El Emperador later this week in English.
Read more...
Lack of match fitness will, though. Anyway, here's audio of our chat after training on Wednesday. It's in Spanish, of course. But look out for a story on El Emperador later this week in English.
Read more...
Talking injuries
Preki talks about the slew of injuries that has hit his club. Audio of it here.
I ran through the whole gamut here. I actually had written them all down on my notebook and pulled it out because the list is extensive.
It includes:
Raphael Wicky, Alecko Eskandarian, Ante Razov, Lawson Vaughn, Claudio Suarez, Maykel Galindo, Francisco Mendoza, Sacha Kljestan...
Well, the last two are healthy but are suspended for Sunday's game because each was sent off on Saturday. And Suarez is healthy, just lacking a bit of match fitness. The rest are walking wounded. As far as Sunday goes, Esky's out for sure, Wicky likely won't play at all either and I'd be surprised if Razov sees any time.
Read more...
I ran through the whole gamut here. I actually had written them all down on my notebook and pulled it out because the list is extensive.
It includes:
Raphael Wicky, Alecko Eskandarian, Ante Razov, Lawson Vaughn, Claudio Suarez, Maykel Galindo, Francisco Mendoza, Sacha Kljestan...
Well, the last two are healthy but are suspended for Sunday's game because each was sent off on Saturday. And Suarez is healthy, just lacking a bit of match fitness. The rest are walking wounded. As far as Sunday goes, Esky's out for sure, Wicky likely won't play at all either and I'd be surprised if Razov sees any time.
Read more...
Chivas out
In what can only be described as a major disappointment, Chivas is out of Copa Libertadores. Despite a 3-0 thrashing of Bolivian side San Jose, Chivas will not get past the group stage of Copa Libertadores. Santos of Brazil nabbed the second place spot in the group with a 2-1 win over Cucuta Deportivo in Brazil.
Things looked to be in Chivas' favor late in the match. Holding a 3-0 lead, Cucuta had Santos at 1-1 but the Brazilians persevered.
Since 2000, this is just the second time a Mexican club has failed to get out of the first round. Chivas' failure, though, is surprising given their league form - the club has the best record in Mexico through 14 weeks. Still, Chivas ultimately could not handle Santos and Cucuta as they gained just three points in their four games against those respective South American foes.
Read more...
Things looked to be in Chivas' favor late in the match. Holding a 3-0 lead, Cucuta had Santos at 1-1 but the Brazilians persevered.
Since 2000, this is just the second time a Mexican club has failed to get out of the first round. Chivas' failure, though, is surprising given their league form - the club has the best record in Mexico through 14 weeks. Still, Chivas ultimately could not handle Santos and Cucuta as they gained just three points in their four games against those respective South American foes.
Read more...
Becks gets testy
The situation here was probably partly perspective - some consider wingers to be essentially forwards that sit farther back, while midfielders win the ball on the defensive end and trigger the attack. Either way, though, David Beckham had a point, and his patience was wearing thin during this press conference exchange.
Read more...
Read more...
We know, John
Toronto FC coach John Carver quoted a famous former Swedish goalkeeper to come up with a word to describe his first win with the club. "Unbecredible" is a portmanteau, or blend, of "unbelieveable" and "incredible".
Carver added, "Don't ask me who Thomas Ravelli is," then he told the reporters anyway.
I was tempted to tell Carver - "We know who he is - do you know which MLS team he played for?" But then I figured, there were quite a few media there not covering MLS at all, just Beckham press people who probably had no idea who Ravelli was.
Read more...
Carver added, "Don't ask me who Thomas Ravelli is," then he told the reporters anyway.
I was tempted to tell Carver - "We know who he is - do you know which MLS team he played for?" But then I figured, there were quite a few media there not covering MLS at all, just Beckham press people who probably had no idea who Ravelli was.
Read more...
Who's next?
The opinions over who should take over with El Tri are varied. There really doesn't seem to be an overwhelmingly popular candidate, at least not like it was when Hugo Sanchez was up for the job. Over the past week or so, I've collected some quotes from some players, coaches and execs from Mexico and their different suggestions on who should take over.
A small sampling...
Manuel Lapuente [ex-Mexico, current Tigres coach] - Raul Arias (of San Luis). He has experience and knows how to run a team. Also, he knows that players will respond.
Francisco Fonseca - I've always said that the Mexican national team should count on Mexican coaches.
Victor Mahbub [Pumas exec] - Javier Aguirre would be a good option. I believe Mr. Aguirre depends on qualifying for Champions League and how he finishes in league, if he can finish in the top six or if Atletico Madrid does not want to re-sign him.
Jared Borgetti - (Ricardo Lavolpe) would be excellent. He is a coach who knows about World Cup qualifying and I'm sure that if we qualified the last time, we could surely do it again with him.
Cesar Villaluz - (Jesus Ramirez) is a coach who has worked with the youth national teams and has done things well. Now that he has a chance hopefully he can get results that would allow him to continue.
Andres Guardado - (Ricardo Lavolpe) is the best coach I have ever had.
Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas [Cruz Azul president] - There is no rush. All are excellent professionals but the only thing I can say is that it should be a coach who knows the Mexican game and has worked here before.
Read more...
A small sampling...
Manuel Lapuente [ex-Mexico, current Tigres coach] - Raul Arias (of San Luis). He has experience and knows how to run a team. Also, he knows that players will respond.
Francisco Fonseca - I've always said that the Mexican national team should count on Mexican coaches.
Victor Mahbub [Pumas exec] - Javier Aguirre would be a good option. I believe Mr. Aguirre depends on qualifying for Champions League and how he finishes in league, if he can finish in the top six or if Atletico Madrid does not want to re-sign him.
Jared Borgetti - (Ricardo Lavolpe) would be excellent. He is a coach who knows about World Cup qualifying and I'm sure that if we qualified the last time, we could surely do it again with him.
Cesar Villaluz - (Jesus Ramirez) is a coach who has worked with the youth national teams and has done things well. Now that he has a chance hopefully he can get results that would allow him to continue.
Andres Guardado - (Ricardo Lavolpe) is the best coach I have ever had.
Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas [Cruz Azul president] - There is no rush. All are excellent professionals but the only thing I can say is that it should be a coach who knows the Mexican game and has worked here before.
Read more...
Pia's show
Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote a good feature on Pia Sundhage and how she's acclimated herself to the USWNT. Pia was successful in guiding the women to the Olympics. There's not too much time between now and Beijing and her task of helping restore faith in a team that fell apart in spectacular manner a year ago is a difficult one.
Read more...
Read more...
New look Tri
For one night, anyway, Mexico will have a new look with as many as five players having the chance to earn their first cap. Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez will make his coaching debut with El Tri but whether it's the first of three games or the first of a long stint remains to be seen.
Here's who Cancha thinks may start.
The match will be shown live on Telemundo starting at 8 p.m. PT.
Read more...
Miracle needed
Chivas throttled America in Sunday's superclasico and have the best record in the Mexican league, but their chance to avoid a bit of shame the club needs a miracle to get past the first round of Copa Libertadores.
Chivas will play at Bolivian side San Jose Oruru tonight. A win is a must. Also, Chivas needs Santos of Brazil to lose or tie against Deportivo Cucuta, in a match that Santos will host.
Mexican clubs have yet to win a Copa Libertadores title but they've been fairly consistent in terms of getting past the group stage. Since 2000, 17 of 18 Mexican teams have advanced past the group stage.
This year, Atlas and America all but have their tickets booked to the second round. America needs only a draw - and could still get in with a loss - tonight at Universidad Catolica while Atlas faces a similar scenario next week in Colo Colo.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Not the best timing
They'll play it because it's been scheduled and tickets have been sold but Wednesday's Mexico-China game in Seattle won't be played under the best of circumstances.
When the match was first scheduled, the match was likely intended to help Hugo Sanchez continue identifying and trying domestic players. Since it's not a FIFA date, European-based players likely were never going to participate in the game.
As it turned out, Sanchez is gone and the schedule is even more congested than previously thought. Chivas and America each have Libertadores matches so the bulk of their players were not called in. Worse, the players who were called in may or may not fit under the new coach's scheme.
The roster reflects the sorts of restrictions and circumstances this game saw. Interim coach Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez did what many coaches do and called on players he is familiar with. Ramirez selected eight players who were on his Under-20 World Cup team from last year and of those five were on the title-winning 2005 U-17 side. Also, five total players - including two from the U-20 side - received their first call to the national team.
There is some experience on the roster. Oswaldo Sanchez, Luis Perez and Zinha all have World Cup experience. But it pretty much ends there as those are the only three players who have more than 10 caps.
While this game will be played and while people will fork out between $20-50 to see Mexico, the match might ultimately be little more than an exercise in futility.
Here's the breakdown of players and their respective caps:
First call up: Christian Bermudez, Joel Gonzalez, Sergio Ponce, Alejandro Castro, Leobardo Lopez.
Rest: Pablo Barrera - 1, Omar Trujillo - 1, Gerardo Rodriguez - 1, Adrian Aldrete - 1, Jorge Hernandez - 2, Patricio Araujo - 2, Omar Esparza - 3, Cesar Villaluz - 4, Sergio Santana - 6, Jesus Corona - 7, Juan Carlos Cacho - 8, Fausto Pinto - 8, Zinha - 38, Luis Perez - 54, Oswaldo Sanchez - 86.
Read more...
When the match was first scheduled, the match was likely intended to help Hugo Sanchez continue identifying and trying domestic players. Since it's not a FIFA date, European-based players likely were never going to participate in the game.
As it turned out, Sanchez is gone and the schedule is even more congested than previously thought. Chivas and America each have Libertadores matches so the bulk of their players were not called in. Worse, the players who were called in may or may not fit under the new coach's scheme.
The roster reflects the sorts of restrictions and circumstances this game saw. Interim coach Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez did what many coaches do and called on players he is familiar with. Ramirez selected eight players who were on his Under-20 World Cup team from last year and of those five were on the title-winning 2005 U-17 side. Also, five total players - including two from the U-20 side - received their first call to the national team.
There is some experience on the roster. Oswaldo Sanchez, Luis Perez and Zinha all have World Cup experience. But it pretty much ends there as those are the only three players who have more than 10 caps.
While this game will be played and while people will fork out between $20-50 to see Mexico, the match might ultimately be little more than an exercise in futility.
Here's the breakdown of players and their respective caps:
First call up: Christian Bermudez, Joel Gonzalez, Sergio Ponce, Alejandro Castro, Leobardo Lopez.
Rest: Pablo Barrera - 1, Omar Trujillo - 1, Gerardo Rodriguez - 1, Adrian Aldrete - 1, Jorge Hernandez - 2, Patricio Araujo - 2, Omar Esparza - 3, Cesar Villaluz - 4, Sergio Santana - 6, Jesus Corona - 7, Juan Carlos Cacho - 8, Fausto Pinto - 8, Zinha - 38, Luis Perez - 54, Oswaldo Sanchez - 86.
Read more...
In their hearts
Hugo Sanchez may not be thought of too fondly by many Mexican supporters but Madrid supporters still hold him in high regard.
Sanchez was named in the top ten best Real Madrid players of all time, as voted on by Real Madrid fans. Sanchez nabbed the 10th spot on the list.
Here's the list:
Alfredo Di Stefano
Zinedine Zidane
Raul
Roberto Carlos
Santiago Bernabéu
Iker Casillas
Fernando Hierro
Emilio Butragueño
Ferenc Puskas
Hugo Sanchez
Sanchez, of course, was fired as Mexican national team coach a few weeks back.
Read more...
Sanchez was named in the top ten best Real Madrid players of all time, as voted on by Real Madrid fans. Sanchez nabbed the 10th spot on the list.
Here's the list:
Alfredo Di Stefano
Zinedine Zidane
Raul
Roberto Carlos
Santiago Bernabéu
Iker Casillas
Fernando Hierro
Emilio Butragueño
Ferenc Puskas
Hugo Sanchez
Sanchez, of course, was fired as Mexican national team coach a few weeks back.
Read more...
Belize hosts Mexico in Houston
Belize will play its home World Cup qualifier against Mexico in Houston's Reliant Stadium on June 15. The return leg will be played in Monterrey's Estadio Universitario, home of Tigres UANL, on June 21.
Originally the Belize FA had said their "home" match would have been played in either LA or Houston.
Read more...
Originally the Belize FA had said their "home" match would have been played in either LA or Houston.
Read more...
Landon on the line
This video is spliced together - the beginning is part of Landon Donovan's opening statement at the press conference (I didn't start the camera quickly enough to get the whole bit) and the other was his response to a question during the presser.
Read more...
Read more...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Superclasico color
Sorry this is late but I've been away from my computer most of the day.
Chivas and America renewed their heated rivalry in Estadio Jalisco on Sunday. It was a memorable matchup as Chivas entered the weekend with the best record in the league while America held the worst record in Mexico.
Form held as Chivas won. But despite a 3-0 edge, America made things interesting by scoring a pair of late goals but eventually lost 3-2. It's just another great game in a history of great games in what is one of the best rivalries on this side of the planet.
Here are some highlights - not of the game but of the atmosphere and what the ambiance was in and around Estadio Jalisco.
Read more...
Chivas and America renewed their heated rivalry in Estadio Jalisco on Sunday. It was a memorable matchup as Chivas entered the weekend with the best record in the league while America held the worst record in Mexico.
Form held as Chivas won. But despite a 3-0 edge, America made things interesting by scoring a pair of late goals but eventually lost 3-2. It's just another great game in a history of great games in what is one of the best rivalries on this side of the planet.
Here are some highlights - not of the game but of the atmosphere and what the ambiance was in and around Estadio Jalisco.
Read more...
Hi Bianca fans
The soccer game Bianca Kajlich played in was a charity match benefiting the Mia Hamm foundation, so you'll find more details about the whole thing here. For those Rules of Engagement fans, who are happy that the show returns tonight, this site is primarily a soccer blog by a few LA-based reporters. We talk to Bianca's real-life husband, Landon Donovan, a lot more than we do to the actress who plays Jennifer on the comedy. Bianca does show up for a lot of Landon's charity events, including the Mia Hamm soccer game. Someone linked to our blog from her official website, which was nice.
Here's a Landon/Bianca pic from 2005, when they were engaged, I believe. I took it during a Christmas event at the cancer ward of LA Children's Hospital.
Read more...
Everybody in the poll!
Power Rankings, group style.
As you can see, somebody apparently ranked the Revs even higher than I did.
Read more...
As you can see, somebody apparently ranked the Revs even higher than I did.
Read more...
Cogito, ergo, blog
John Carver mentioned at yesterday's presser that he was bringing someone over to help him coach Toronto FC. He wouldn't tell us who it was - "He's not signed the contract yet," he pointed out.
We figured it was probably someone from Europe, because England is where Carver has been his entire previous career, and new coaches usually bring in people they know to help them out.
Later on, when Beckham was speaking to the press, a Norwegian reporter asked him about Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a former Manchester United teammate who has now retired. Ole had a plethora of injury problems and has now moved into coaching.
Hmmmm - ok, semi-wild speculation says Ole has years of experience in Engla
nd, is a new coach on the scene - hey! We'll see, I guess.
Carver expected to announce the new arrival in the next few days. "I'll be delighted to do so," he added, which really made me think that the new coach is not some unknown schmo.
Considering that TFC is a team in Canada, though, I kind of wish they'd take a look at this guy:
Read more...
We figured it was probably someone from Europe, because England is where Carver has been his entire previous career, and new coaches usually bring in people they know to help them out.
Later on, when Beckham was speaking to the press, a Norwegian reporter asked him about Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a former Manchester United teammate who has now retired. Ole had a plethora of injury problems and has now moved into coaching.
Hmmmm - ok, semi-wild speculation says Ole has years of experience in Engla
nd, is a new coach on the scene - hey! We'll see, I guess.Carver expected to announce the new arrival in the next few days. "I'll be delighted to do so," he added, which really made me think that the new coach is not some unknown schmo.
Considering that TFC is a team in Canada, though, I kind of wish they'd take a look at this guy:
Read more...
Serving one up
Here is highlights of Pachuca's 1-1 draw with Monterrey. Jose Francisco Torres set up Pachuca's only goal, which is early on in the clip. His subsequent red card, though, didn't make this. It may have been retaliation, though, or at the very least anger. He was the player who was taken out in the clip, the one near the top of the box.
Read more...
Read more...
Sangre americana update J14
A somewhat quiet week for the boys in Mexico. Three players played 90 minutes apiece in the second division while New Mexico's native son made his return from injury in a lopsided Santos victory. But easily the most active game was from a Texas-born, Pachuca stalwart.
Jose Francisco Torres - Played 61 minutes in Pachuca's 1-1 tie with Monterrey. Torres set up Pachuca's only goal with a well-executed corner kick but was sent off in the 61st minute on a rough challenge.
Michael Orozco - Played 90 minutes in San Luis' 1-1 tie with Tecos.
Edgar Castillo - Played 90 minutes in Santos' 6-1 win over Atlas.
Daniel Hernandez - Did not play in Jaguares 1-1 draw at Toluca.
Sonny Guadarrama - Played 90 minutes in Monarcas 1a. A 0-0 draw against Tigres B.
Sammy Ochoa - Scored game-winning goal in Tecos Primera A's 2-1 win over Tampico Madero. Ochoa, who went the distance, scored in the 39th minute.
Jesus Padilla - Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 2-1 loss to Cruz Azul Hidalgo.
Read more...
Jose Francisco Torres - Played 61 minutes in Pachuca's 1-1 tie with Monterrey. Torres set up Pachuca's only goal with a well-executed corner kick but was sent off in the 61st minute on a rough challenge.
Michael Orozco - Played 90 minutes in San Luis' 1-1 tie with Tecos.
Edgar Castillo - Played 90 minutes in Santos' 6-1 win over Atlas.
Daniel Hernandez - Did not play in Jaguares 1-1 draw at Toluca.
Sonny Guadarrama - Played 90 minutes in Monarcas 1a. A 0-0 draw against Tigres B.
Sammy Ochoa - Scored game-winning goal in Tecos Primera A's 2-1 win over Tampico Madero. Ochoa, who went the distance, scored in the 39th minute.
Jesus Padilla - Played 90 minutes in Tapatio's 2-1 loss to Cruz Azul Hidalgo.
Read more...
Loosely Based rankings (April 14)
1. Chicago (2-0-1). Have allowed opponents to score zero goals in three games this season.
2. Kansas City (2-1-1). Wizards tough at home (for most part); can they replicate success on the road?
3. FC Dallas (1-0-2). Third strong effort of season, first time they have a win to show for it.
4. Houston (0-1-2). Scoreless draw after whipping in Costa Rica shows character.
5. Colorado (2-1-0). Beware the Rapids. Take them lightly at your own peril.
6. Chivas USA (1-1-1). Efforts like Saturday's won't get El Guzano to England.
7. New England (2-2-0). Have looked good in wins, terrible in losses.
8. New York (1-1-0). Won without Altidore, lost without Angel.
9. Columbus (2-1-0). Will this be Robbie Rogers' breakthrough year?
10. Real Salt Lake (1-1-1). Maybe this team might compete after all.
11. DC United (1-2-0). Not the best way to deal with midweek cup ouster.
12. Toronto FC (1-2-0). With Guevara and Robert, midfield emerge as one of east's strongest.
13. Los Angeles (1-2-0). Losing to Toronto at home is inexcusable.
14. San Jose (0-2-0). Welcome back - now score some goals.
-30-
Read more...
2. Kansas City (2-1-1). Wizards tough at home (for most part); can they replicate success on the road?
3. FC Dallas (1-0-2). Third strong effort of season, first time they have a win to show for it.
4. Houston (0-1-2). Scoreless draw after whipping in Costa Rica shows character.
5. Colorado (2-1-0). Beware the Rapids. Take them lightly at your own peril.
6. Chivas USA (1-1-1). Efforts like Saturday's won't get El Guzano to England.
7. New England (2-2-0). Have looked good in wins, terrible in losses.
8. New York (1-1-0). Won without Altidore, lost without Angel.
9. Columbus (2-1-0). Will this be Robbie Rogers' breakthrough year?
10. Real Salt Lake (1-1-1). Maybe this team might compete after all.
11. DC United (1-2-0). Not the best way to deal with midweek cup ouster.
12. Toronto FC (1-2-0). With Guevara and Robert, midfield emerge as one of east's strongest.
13. Los Angeles (1-2-0). Losing to Toronto at home is inexcusable.
14. San Jose (0-2-0). Welcome back - now score some goals.
-30-
Read more...
Ace (of) Cakes
1)
2) New England – Bounce right back from
3) FC Dallas – Learning and progressing – and Alvarez is heating up early this season.
4)
5)