Turns out, Chivas USA ain't too bad after all.
Saturday's win was their third consecutive game. Jorge Flores and Jesse Marsch scored for the third consecutive game. And suddenly, Chivas USA is in a three-way tie atop the Western Conference standings.
Now, the table right now means nothing. It does not matter who is in first right now, but that Chivas USA is where they are now is a bit startling considering their poor early-season form. Chivas USA also picked up their second shutout of the season and second consecutive win over an Eastern team here at Home Depot Center.
Perhaps what's more remarkable about this stretch is who the club is doing damage with. Flores scored a nice goal with a left-footed volley in the 21st minute. Justin Braun set up Marsch's goal just a minute later. Bobby Burling started for the fourth straight game. Atiba Harris went the distance.
Chivas now heads to New York to face a club likely sagging in confidence as the Red Bulls lost their second consecutive match on Saturday, 1-0 at Houston.
Anyway, here's audio of how Preki saw his side's 2-0 win.
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Saturday, May 31, 2008
Svenday?
Sven could be named Mexico's new coach as early as Monday, but it's likelier to happen mid-week.
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Galaxy/TFC running blog
Hello, Sideline Views fans. Look at the lovely skyline of Toronto! FSN is doing a feature on Weezer, who of course I adore, and not just because Rivers Cuomo knows who I am.
The commentators are discussing the horrid defense of the Galaxy. And yet, Sean Franklin, on that defense, is Rookie of the Year material.
Oh, look, they mention the streamers - "It looks like a kid's party at Chuck-E-Cheese." Well, that's impressive.
Here's Andrea's Keys to the Game: Better defense. Score without the Dynamic Duo. If the Galaxy have a lead, don't take a corner until every streamer is out of the way (in homage to Beckham's OCD tendencies) even if it takes half an hour.
It looks like Landon Donovan might play in this match. I'm not sure. The announcers haven't said definitely yet.
Oh wait, they just did. He won't start, but he's going to be on the bench.
For those readers who were concerned about my car - it's fixed! D and E Auto Repair (Ave 35 and Verdugo Blvd) replaced the radiator and thermostat. So my wheels are rolling again.
TFC
* 18 - Brian Edwards (GK)
* 4 - Marco Velez
* 5 - Kevin Harmse
* 6 - Maurice Edu
* 10 - Rohan Ricketts
* 11 - Jim Brennan
* 12 - Todd Dunivant
* 16 - Marvell Wynne
* 23 - Jarrod Smith
* 28 - Olivier Tebily
* 96 - Jeff Cunningham
Galaxy
* 1 - Steve Cronin (GK)
* 2 - Mike Randolph
* 3 - Greg Vanney
* 7 - Chris Klein
* 12 - Troy Roberts
* 14 - Edson Buddle
* 15 - Alvaro Pires
* 16 - Joe Franchino
* 21 - Alan Gordon
* 28 - Sean Franklin
* 32 - Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
1- Cunningham is offside, but the Galaxy defense looks shaky already.
2 - Brandon McDonald goes down in the box, doesn't get the call.
5 - TFC FK Ricketts to take, Galaxy clear.
7 - Announcers discussing Steve Cronin. BTY is Zach Wells the only regular MLS starter without a shutout to his credit this season? I think so.
8 - Vanney blocks a shot - perhaps intentionally.
9 - Randolph on Wynne - the two speedsters could cancel each other out.
10 - McDonald is attacking more than I've seen in the past.
12 - I'm not sure why Ruiz isn't starting - maybe Ruud wants him to be really hungry.
13 - Nice Buddle cross - well, a bit short, but it was a decent attack setup. Klein kills the counter going the other way.
15 - The Galaxy don't look terribly skillful right now, but there's a grit to their defending that is interesting to see.
16 - Brennan overshoots Wynne on a long pass. He's not that fast, Jim.
17 - Roberts robs Cunningham of the ball, but the Galaxy can't create.
18 - Julius James is going in for Oliver Tebily, who hobbles off. Not sure why. Maybe he pulled something.
19 - Edwards catches a long Galaxy pass.
21 - TFC with more ball possession now. Galaxy can't seem to get out of their own half. Goal kicks don't count.
22 - Cunningham is Offside! And wide!
23 - Final pass doesn't reach Gordon in the box. This is a jumbled game, as befits a lot of non-regular players hoping to impress. More heart than finesse, that's for sure.
25 - Galaxy FK - Vanney sets up - Klein takes - into the wall. Galaxy work the ball back, but the pas to Randolph is offside.
26 - Uh, oh - Dunny on the long free throw gives TF a chance in the box, Franklin slides it out for another FT.
27 - Harmse shoots! It's high.
28 - Cunningham is offside- though the whistle was late.
30 - Franklin clotheslined by Smith, but the FK is too far out to be considered dangerous.
31 - Gordon shoots wide and awkwardly.
33 - Dunny on a throw - deep into the box. Dang, he's good at those, but the Galaxy cover the back chip attempt.
36 - Wynne stumble nearly leaves Gordon alone on goal, but Marvel recovers.
37 - TFK FK to TFC FT - but Cronin comes out to catch it.
38 - Klein to Gordon, who brings ball down and touches to Buddle, who one-times. It's high, but that's the first flash of genuine offense from the Galaxy.
39 - Cunningham in the box, shoots, Cronin parries, Galaxy clear. Speaking of offensive chances.
41 - Pires gets pulled by Edu, who sees yellow. It's far out, but it's a FK and Vanney takes it. A soft chip to the players in the box, but TFC clears.
43- Pires looks to be holding his side.
45 - TFC on the attack. Ricketts beats two, gets in the box, Cronin off his line to snuff the attack.
45+ McDonald hard tackle to stop a TFC counter, but it looked clean.
Halftime - The Galaxy have to regret that they didn't test the backup keeper more, but they're not getting run off the field by an undermanned TFC, either.
46 - Now TFC fans are throwing streamers at the Galaxy goal during the run of play. Great. but why should anyone be surprised. If the argument is that players should be able to play through mere paper on corners, why shouldn't the same be expected elsewhere? If it's ok to affect the game in one spot, why not another?
47 - GOAL- Julius James gets a header on a free kick by Ricketts. The rain might have been a factor, but it seems that James just out-jumped Troy Roberts to it.
53 - Edu's low shot is bobbled by Cronin - the rain probably contributing again, but Cronin eventually hangs on.
54 - Velez gets whistled for a foul and is pissed about it, which turns into a yellow.
55 - Smith on a counter - he's not offside - and somehow, everybody misses his cross. TFC corner, eventually. It ends up in Cronin's hands.
61 - Vanney smart defensive play there.
63 - The rain is the12th man right now. It's a mess to watch. But part of soccer is dealing with the elements, right, John Terry?
65 - GOAL! The ball bounces perfectly for Cunningham, while Galaxy guys slip and slide. He takes on Cronin and puts it away for his second of the year. Apparently Cunningham can only score against the Galaxy. 2-0 TFC
70 - Ruiz is on for the Galaxy, but hasn't made an impact yet.
72 - Ricketts wide in the box as more streamers are thrown.
74 - Smith alone on goal - Cronin out - Smith shoots wide.
76 - announcers aren't even calling the game any more. They're saying TFC should build extra seats.
77 - Roberts and Wynne in the box, Roberts wins out, while Wynne lies down - why not, he's winning.
78 - Ricketts shoots at Cronin. Cronin catches.
80 - Galaxy with a little run of possession, but no shots on goal.
82 -Klein with a horrid cross.
83 - Gordon and Ruiz put together an attack, but Edwards is set for the rather outside shot of Ruiz.
85 - FK by Ruiz is deflected for a corner. Franchino takes it.
86 - Fans are throwing full cups of beer, not just streamers. The ball gets cleared to Franklin, whose outside shot is high and wide.
90 + As the announcer notes, the fan on the field is helping TFC - taking more time off the clock.
Gordon is pulled down right at the arc. Klein wants it. It's deflected.
Ha, ha. The fans want the final whistle, but it seems the refs are fighting back against the timewasting by pitch invasion and streamers. It doesn't help the Galaxy, though. In fact, Cunningham gets a late chance on a counter that he sends high and wide.
Well, the Galaxy are back to .500 on a couple of rain time goals. It's easy to say that TFC had the advantage of being more familiar with how to play on wet turf, but one goal was due to poor marking, and the other was on a Keystone Kops sequence of lost defensive shape. Above and beyond that, the Galaxy generated little offense themselves.
Read more...
The commentators are discussing the horrid defense of the Galaxy. And yet, Sean Franklin, on that defense, is Rookie of the Year material.
Oh, look, they mention the streamers - "It looks like a kid's party at Chuck-E-Cheese." Well, that's impressive.
Here's Andrea's Keys to the Game: Better defense. Score without the Dynamic Duo. If the Galaxy have a lead, don't take a corner until every streamer is out of the way (in homage to Beckham's OCD tendencies) even if it takes half an hour.
It looks like Landon Donovan might play in this match. I'm not sure. The announcers haven't said definitely yet.
Oh wait, they just did. He won't start, but he's going to be on the bench.
For those readers who were concerned about my car - it's fixed! D and E Auto Repair (Ave 35 and Verdugo Blvd) replaced the radiator and thermostat. So my wheels are rolling again.
TFC
* 18 - Brian Edwards (GK)
* 4 - Marco Velez
* 5 - Kevin Harmse
* 6 - Maurice Edu
* 10 - Rohan Ricketts
* 11 - Jim Brennan
* 12 - Todd Dunivant
* 16 - Marvell Wynne
* 23 - Jarrod Smith
* 28 - Olivier Tebily
* 96 - Jeff Cunningham
Galaxy
* 1 - Steve Cronin (GK)
* 2 - Mike Randolph
* 3 - Greg Vanney
* 7 - Chris Klein
* 12 - Troy Roberts
* 14 - Edson Buddle
* 15 - Alvaro Pires
* 16 - Joe Franchino
* 21 - Alan Gordon
* 28 - Sean Franklin
* 32 - Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
1- Cunningham is offside, but the Galaxy defense looks shaky already.
2 - Brandon McDonald goes down in the box, doesn't get the call.
5 - TFC FK Ricketts to take, Galaxy clear.
7 - Announcers discussing Steve Cronin. BTY is Zach Wells the only regular MLS starter without a shutout to his credit this season? I think so.
8 - Vanney blocks a shot - perhaps intentionally.
9 - Randolph on Wynne - the two speedsters could cancel each other out.
10 - McDonald is attacking more than I've seen in the past.
12 - I'm not sure why Ruiz isn't starting - maybe Ruud wants him to be really hungry.
13 - Nice Buddle cross - well, a bit short, but it was a decent attack setup. Klein kills the counter going the other way.
15 - The Galaxy don't look terribly skillful right now, but there's a grit to their defending that is interesting to see.
16 - Brennan overshoots Wynne on a long pass. He's not that fast, Jim.
17 - Roberts robs Cunningham of the ball, but the Galaxy can't create.
18 - Julius James is going in for Oliver Tebily, who hobbles off. Not sure why. Maybe he pulled something.
19 - Edwards catches a long Galaxy pass.
21 - TFC with more ball possession now. Galaxy can't seem to get out of their own half. Goal kicks don't count.
22 - Cunningham is Offside! And wide!
23 - Final pass doesn't reach Gordon in the box. This is a jumbled game, as befits a lot of non-regular players hoping to impress. More heart than finesse, that's for sure.
25 - Galaxy FK - Vanney sets up - Klein takes - into the wall. Galaxy work the ball back, but the pas to Randolph is offside.
26 - Uh, oh - Dunny on the long free throw gives TF a chance in the box, Franklin slides it out for another FT.
27 - Harmse shoots! It's high.
28 - Cunningham is offside- though the whistle was late.
30 - Franklin clotheslined by Smith, but the FK is too far out to be considered dangerous.
31 - Gordon shoots wide and awkwardly.
33 - Dunny on a throw - deep into the box. Dang, he's good at those, but the Galaxy cover the back chip attempt.
36 - Wynne stumble nearly leaves Gordon alone on goal, but Marvel recovers.
37 - TFK FK to TFC FT - but Cronin comes out to catch it.
38 - Klein to Gordon, who brings ball down and touches to Buddle, who one-times. It's high, but that's the first flash of genuine offense from the Galaxy.
39 - Cunningham in the box, shoots, Cronin parries, Galaxy clear. Speaking of offensive chances.
41 - Pires gets pulled by Edu, who sees yellow. It's far out, but it's a FK and Vanney takes it. A soft chip to the players in the box, but TFC clears.
43- Pires looks to be holding his side.
45 - TFC on the attack. Ricketts beats two, gets in the box, Cronin off his line to snuff the attack.
45+ McDonald hard tackle to stop a TFC counter, but it looked clean.
Halftime - The Galaxy have to regret that they didn't test the backup keeper more, but they're not getting run off the field by an undermanned TFC, either.
46 - Now TFC fans are throwing streamers at the Galaxy goal during the run of play. Great. but why should anyone be surprised. If the argument is that players should be able to play through mere paper on corners, why shouldn't the same be expected elsewhere? If it's ok to affect the game in one spot, why not another?
47 - GOAL- Julius James gets a header on a free kick by Ricketts. The rain might have been a factor, but it seems that James just out-jumped Troy Roberts to it.
53 - Edu's low shot is bobbled by Cronin - the rain probably contributing again, but Cronin eventually hangs on.
54 - Velez gets whistled for a foul and is pissed about it, which turns into a yellow.
55 - Smith on a counter - he's not offside - and somehow, everybody misses his cross. TFC corner, eventually. It ends up in Cronin's hands.
61 - Vanney smart defensive play there.
63 - The rain is the12th man right now. It's a mess to watch. But part of soccer is dealing with the elements, right, John Terry?
65 - GOAL! The ball bounces perfectly for Cunningham, while Galaxy guys slip and slide. He takes on Cronin and puts it away for his second of the year. Apparently Cunningham can only score against the Galaxy. 2-0 TFC
70 - Ruiz is on for the Galaxy, but hasn't made an impact yet.
72 - Ricketts wide in the box as more streamers are thrown.
74 - Smith alone on goal - Cronin out - Smith shoots wide.
76 - announcers aren't even calling the game any more. They're saying TFC should build extra seats.
77 - Roberts and Wynne in the box, Roberts wins out, while Wynne lies down - why not, he's winning.
78 - Ricketts shoots at Cronin. Cronin catches.
80 - Galaxy with a little run of possession, but no shots on goal.
82 -Klein with a horrid cross.
83 - Gordon and Ruiz put together an attack, but Edwards is set for the rather outside shot of Ruiz.
85 - FK by Ruiz is deflected for a corner. Franchino takes it.
86 - Fans are throwing full cups of beer, not just streamers. The ball gets cleared to Franklin, whose outside shot is high and wide.
90 + As the announcer notes, the fan on the field is helping TFC - taking more time off the clock.
Gordon is pulled down right at the arc. Klein wants it. It's deflected.
Ha, ha. The fans want the final whistle, but it seems the refs are fighting back against the timewasting by pitch invasion and streamers. It doesn't help the Galaxy, though. In fact, Cunningham gets a late chance on a counter that he sends high and wide.
Well, the Galaxy are back to .500 on a couple of rain time goals. It's easy to say that TFC had the advantage of being more familiar with how to play on wet turf, but one goal was due to poor marking, and the other was on a Keystone Kops sequence of lost defensive shape. Above and beyond that, the Galaxy generated little offense themselves.
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Tri no likey Sven
Announcer: The topic that keeps coming up is that of the imminent arrival of Sven Goran Eriksson, and voices continue to be raised, above all those of the veteran international players. They all follow the same path.
Osorio: "Hopefully, hopefully, the directors tomorrow will begin to think about what Mexican soccer needs, especially the players on the national team. It's not a question of bringing in the best coach, for me. Let them bring the best coach, but if he knows nothing about Mexican soccer, he starts at zero."
Announcer: The impression gained from Osorio and Galindo is that it would be best to stick with the work by Chucho Ramirez. In addition, they didn't lose an opportunity to send a message to the directors of Mexican soccer.
Galindo: "It would be great if they would listen to the players, but we know it's not going to be like that. The directors will make the decision and, well, we'll follow orders. In the end, those who play and represent a country are the players.
Announcer: It's clear that the veteran players don't agree with bringing in a coach who doesn't understand the Mexican style of soccer, such as Sven Goran Eriksson. The players were asked about meeting with the directors to explain their point of view. To which Osorio responded, "That sort of thing doesn't happen in our soccer."
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Osorio: "Hopefully, hopefully, the directors tomorrow will begin to think about what Mexican soccer needs, especially the players on the national team. It's not a question of bringing in the best coach, for me. Let them bring the best coach, but if he knows nothing about Mexican soccer, he starts at zero."
Announcer: The impression gained from Osorio and Galindo is that it would be best to stick with the work by Chucho Ramirez. In addition, they didn't lose an opportunity to send a message to the directors of Mexican soccer.
Galindo: "It would be great if they would listen to the players, but we know it's not going to be like that. The directors will make the decision and, well, we'll follow orders. In the end, those who play and represent a country are the players.
Announcer: It's clear that the veteran players don't agree with bringing in a coach who doesn't understand the Mexican style of soccer, such as Sven Goran Eriksson. The players were asked about meeting with the directors to explain their point of view. To which Osorio responded, "That sort of thing doesn't happen in our soccer."
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Hunts want Hyndman
Buzz has the scoop.
If so, then Dallas GM Michael Hitchcock wasted his time getting USSF permission to talk with Oscar Pareja. I didn't include Schellas in the FC Dallas coaches poll, because I for one was tired of him turning the post down in the past, and I was hoping that lack of passion and desire for the position was enough to eliminate him from contention. Apparently not.
Instead, a higher salary offer and more authority might have finally sealed the deal for the SMU coach. Landing Hyndman could be a personal triumph for Clark Hunt, who played soccer for Hyndman at SMU.
What's strange is that, if his college coaching record is any indication, Hyndman is unlikely to provide the dynamic spark that propels a team to a championship. He's never won one. If regular season success followed by playoff failure was what the Hunts wanted - they should have just stuck with Colin Clark, who delivered that consistently.
However, Diego rebuts the Hyndman story, with a quote from Hyndman himself denying he is set to be coach. Granted, he doesn't say he won't take the job, either.
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If so, then Dallas GM Michael Hitchcock wasted his time getting USSF permission to talk with Oscar Pareja. I didn't include Schellas in the FC Dallas coaches poll, because I for one was tired of him turning the post down in the past, and I was hoping that lack of passion and desire for the position was enough to eliminate him from contention. Apparently not.
Instead, a higher salary offer and more authority might have finally sealed the deal for the SMU coach. Landing Hyndman could be a personal triumph for Clark Hunt, who played soccer for Hyndman at SMU.
What's strange is that, if his college coaching record is any indication, Hyndman is unlikely to provide the dynamic spark that propels a team to a championship. He's never won one. If regular season success followed by playoff failure was what the Hunts wanted - they should have just stuck with Colin Clark, who delivered that consistently.
However, Diego rebuts the Hyndman story, with a quote from Hyndman himself denying he is set to be coach. Granted, he doesn't say he won't take the job, either.
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Chasing the Cup
Reports that Tim Leiweke has issued something of a "make or break" about winning MLS Cup at home - not surprising, actually. It emphasizes that the regular season of the league isn't what counts, it's the hardware at the end, especially in front of home fans.
MLS coaches have paid the price for that before.
When Sigi Schmid didn't reach the 2003 final with the Galaxy (after their epic playoff collapse), the first played at the HDC - his tenure with LA started to look shaky. He was replaced the next year, though the club was tops in the league.
It was failing to reach the MLS Cup final after the event was twice played in Pizza Hut Park that seemingly cost Colin Clark his job. His FC Dallas teams in 2005 and 2006 had good regular-season records.
DC basically chucked the roster that, despite winning the regular season, didn't make it to MLS Cup 2007 on their home field.
It's the ideal of many clubs to win a championship on their home field, though the record in MLS shows it rarely happens. Still, expectations are there and I'm not surprised jobs are at risk in LA.
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MLS coaches have paid the price for that before.
When Sigi Schmid didn't reach the 2003 final with the Galaxy (after their epic playoff collapse), the first played at the HDC - his tenure with LA started to look shaky. He was replaced the next year, though the club was tops in the league.
It was failing to reach the MLS Cup final after the event was twice played in Pizza Hut Park that seemingly cost Colin Clark his job. His FC Dallas teams in 2005 and 2006 had good regular-season records.
DC basically chucked the roster that, despite winning the regular season, didn't make it to MLS Cup 2007 on their home field.
It's the ideal of many clubs to win a championship on their home field, though the record in MLS shows it rarely happens. Still, expectations are there and I'm not surprised jobs are at risk in LA.
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Becks in the saddle again
Money trail
At this rate, is it possible that more MLS organizations than Premiership clubs will turn a profit this year? The number is eight in England. Which MLS clubs have the best chance of coming in without a loss this year?
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Sacha at the presser
Sacha Kljestan - I actually wish I had tape of his conversation with the media after the presser. he was telling stories about playing soccer years ago with Robbie Rogers "He's like a little brother to me.", and of being one of the shortest on his team all through his youth until a late growth spurt freshmen year, where he grew inches in a matter of months. It actually cost him for a while in soccer, because he was so awkward with his new body. "I couldn't figure it out, how to move, and I got dropped from the State team." and of wanting to play his way on to a starting sport in the Olympic Team. "I've got to make it hard for Peter not to pick me." He also mentioned how much he loves playing in Giants Stadium, which is rare among MLS players, who generally hate the turf. Apparently, Sach has a lot of good college memories there - the Seton Hall players would scrimmage the MetroStars. Sacha also mentioned Amado Guevara as one of the players who was nice to the college visitors.
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Friday, May 30, 2008
Video Crew
Guille and Robbie, opening statements (I planned to post this hours ago, but my car overheated and it turns out the radiator is shot and so I've only arrived at home now)
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Crew/Chivas preview
No, I didn't forget to preview Columbus and Chivas USA in my little Canales Corner feature - I just wanted to cover it in more detail, because they're having a presser about the whole thing.
Robbie Rogers and El Melli go first.
Here we are.
Guille is asked about the last Chivas USA/Crew game. He says he expects this one to be as as hard-fought.
He's asked about an interview he gave in Argentina about MLS.
"It lacks experience. It's only about ten years old. It's growing."
Robbie says the team can keep getting better.
Guille is asked about the Argentine players in MLS.
"For a league that's trying to develop, it's good to get good players. They happen to be Argentine, but they can come from elsewhere, like Robbie."
Guille is asked about the perception of U.S. soccer in Argentina.
"It's a growing league. It's trying to make progress. They see it as a league with a good future. I saw it as a league that is expanding."
I ask Robbie about differences between this year and last - what's helped the Crew improve their results?
"Last season, I felt that our head would get down if we got scored on. Now we just take that challenge and we keep going at it. We gave up two goals in that last game versus Chivas and we kept going at it. We're bringing more energy to the game. That's made a big difference."
I ask Guille about fans throwing stuff on the field.
"I think it's a demonstration of the excitement of the fan. As long as it's done properly, it's part of the game."
Chivas USA is up now
Sacha admits getting sent off is extra motivation to do well.
Panchito is asked if this team is as strong as the one last year.
He gives a long answer that basically says, Yes, but we've had trouble with injuries.
Sacha is asked about having to play different positions.
"if your'e a good soccer player and you're smart, you can play any position. I have no complaints. It doesn't matter to me as long as we're winning."
Sacha talks about playing with Robbie when both were young.
"We're pretty close. I treat him like my little brother."
Sacha is asked about the West.
"No one has run away with it. We could be in first if we win tomorrow."
Pancho is asked about playing left back.
"I felt comfortable. I think I have a good view of the field there, getting into the attack. I do see a possible future there, though I see myself more as an attacker."
If Pancho plays tomorrow (92 appearances) he'll set the record for appearances for the team.
Panchito says he's proud of the record and will be proud to reach 100 games with this club that has helped him grow.
Last question
"It's the same system and style we had last year," says Panchito. "We're sticking to what has worked for us. We want to improve, however, and play better, especially at home. It's important for the new players to adapt, and they've done that well, so I think we're going to put on a good performance at home."
"I don't know if the football is different," Sacha says. "Maybe we haven't been taking care of the ball as well, but that happens with differences on the team. We're starting to create more chances now. That happens when you learn each other's tendencies. That's been getting better in practice and in the games."
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Off to a great start
Seattle Sounders FC haven't yet started playing, but the club scored a major victory this week. Sounders FC will don the sponsor XBox 360 on their front as Microsoft and the club agreed to a sponsorship deal this week worth a reported $20 million over five years.
The jersey looks pretty cool. I like the color scheme. Maybe it's because of the Supersonics or maybe the city's nickname (Emerald City) but I've always associated green with Seattle, so this is perfect. I think this could become a popular jersey as the XBox 360 is a popular game system and might appeal to non-soccer or casual soccer fans.
It's too bad they won't be competitive until 2010.
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The jersey looks pretty cool. I like the color scheme. Maybe it's because of the Supersonics or maybe the city's nickname (Emerald City) but I've always associated green with Seattle, so this is perfect. I think this could become a popular jersey as the XBox 360 is a popular game system and might appeal to non-soccer or casual soccer fans.
It's too bad they won't be competitive until 2010.
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Latvia, Lithuania, Lilliput, whatever
And you thought Americans were bad with geography...
Apparently, the Czechs aren't so handy with maps. On Wednesday, the Czech Republic displayed Latvia's flag and played the Latvian national anthem before their friendly against...
Lithuania.
To be fair, though, aren't all L countries the same in terms of soccer? Latvia, Lithuania, Libya, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Liberia, Lilliput... oh wait... Um, okay, that argument doesn't hold much water. Sorry, Czechs.
Perhaps Lithuania can play the Slovakian national anthem the next time the Czechs visit Lithuania.
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Apparently, the Czechs aren't so handy with maps. On Wednesday, the Czech Republic displayed Latvia's flag and played the Latvian national anthem before their friendly against...
Lithuania.
To be fair, though, aren't all L countries the same in terms of soccer? Latvia, Lithuania, Libya, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Liberia, Lilliput... oh wait... Um, okay, that argument doesn't hold much water. Sorry, Czechs.
Perhaps Lithuania can play the Slovakian national anthem the next time the Czechs visit Lithuania.
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We won!
I'm certain ESPN's online division triumphed because of my insightful articles for the site. Seriously, though, MLS represented well at the Sports Business Journal Awards, winning league of the year and (partially) exec of the year. What's also interesting looking at the nominees was that TFC was apparently nominated as a sports league, not a team. Weird.
Sports Executive of the Year – Tim Leiweke, CEO, AEG
Athletic Director of the Year – Ron Wellman, Wake Forest University
Professional Sports Team of the Year – Boston Red Sox
Professional Sports League of the Year – Major League Soccer
Sports Agency of the Year – Octagon
Sports Event Marketing Firm of the Year – SportsMark
Sports Facility of the Year – AT&T Park
Sports Innovation/Technology of the Year – Sportvision
Sports Media of the Year – Fox Sports
Sports Online of the Year – ESPN Digital Media
Sports Sponsor of the Year – Pepsi Cola North America
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Caption This: Alexi Lalas
More than a year ago, we tried to run a write-the-caption type thing but it got a muted response. I hadn't thought much about that until I snapped this picture last year. And then somewhere along the line I forgot about it. Until now.
Here's our second installment of Caption This, and it's a pretty good shot if I do say so myself. It's Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas walking with one of David Beckham's personal assistants, and past HDC security. You can't see him too well but it's Lalas, trust me.
I guess I'll start it off... ahem...
"Yeah, I know why he's Golden Balls, but do you want to see why they call me Fire Balls?"
Have at it.
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Here's our second installment of Caption This, and it's a pretty good shot if I do say so myself. It's Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas walking with one of David Beckham's personal assistants, and past HDC security. You can't see him too well but it's Lalas, trust me.
I guess I'll start it off... ahem...
"Yeah, I know why he's Golden Balls, but do you want to see why they call me Fire Balls?"
Have at it.
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Cover boy Cuauh
The latest issue of Futbol Mundial includes a season overview and a feature on Chicago's main man.
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Canales Corner #1
I decided to bring back a column I once had, Canales Corner, as a vlog feature, hopefully on a weekly basis. Because I could babble on about soccer almost endlessly, I set myself a five-minute time limit. Yes, I know the whole production is frighteningly low-tech, but with other responsibilities that I have at present, keeping it simple is probably the only way I'll keep up. Criticism and suggestions are welcome, as long as they're not too cruel.
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
Brad's in
Brad Guzan will be with the US on Wednesday for the game against Spain but he will be in town as Chivas USA hosts Columbus on Saturday. Guzan played the last half of Wednesday's 2-0 loss to England and gave up a goal to Steven Gerrard.
If Guzan is gone next week, backup goalkeeper Dan Kennedy will get the nod. Dan actually has a very interesting story and I've been waiting to write a feature on him, so if he will start on Thursday in New York, look for a story on him.
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If Guzan is gone next week, backup goalkeeper Dan Kennedy will get the nod. Dan actually has a very interesting story and I've been waiting to write a feature on him, so if he will start on Thursday in New York, look for a story on him.
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On their way out
Bruno Marioni, who had been mentioned as a possible MLS target, is out of Atlas. But he's not heading north. Marioni left the Guadalajara club and joined Pachuca, who like Atlas reached the repechaje round of the postseason but could not advance to the Liguilla.
Marioni is a talented striker who scored plenty of clutch goals in his brief stint with Atlas. Now, he joins his fourth Mexican league club as Marioni also played for Pumas and Toluca.
Meanwhile, Jose Pekerman is out of Toluca. According to several reports, it appeared the decision was personal matters - some sort of family emergency - that forced Pekerman's hand. No word if Pekerman is taking over at another club or the national team, though neither seems likely. It's possible the federation is waiting until after the Mexican league final is over to announce any signing of any coach, whether it's Sven Goran Eriksson as has been widely rumored or another candidate.
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Marioni is a talented striker who scored plenty of clutch goals in his brief stint with Atlas. Now, he joins his fourth Mexican league club as Marioni also played for Pumas and Toluca.
Meanwhile, Jose Pekerman is out of Toluca. According to several reports, it appeared the decision was personal matters - some sort of family emergency - that forced Pekerman's hand. No word if Pekerman is taking over at another club or the national team, though neither seems likely. It's possible the federation is waiting until after the Mexican league final is over to announce any signing of any coach, whether it's Sven Goran Eriksson as has been widely rumored or another candidate.
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Santos takes first leg
Behind second-half goals from Fernando Arce and Christian Benitez, Santos Laguna beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in Thursday's first leg of the Mexican Clausura 2008 final. Santos returns home on Sunday and needs just a draw to claim their first league title since 2001.
Arce was Sunday's hero, as he scored the goal that put Santos through to the final. Benitez set up Arce's tally before scoring a late match-winner.
Like most of the playoff games thus far, the match was very entertaining.
Here are the highlights:
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Arce was Sunday's hero, as he scored the goal that put Santos through to the final. Benitez set up Arce's tally before scoring a late match-winner.
Like most of the playoff games thus far, the match was very entertaining.
Here are the highlights:
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Shaka secrets
Hislop's take this week is especially interesting in light of his insider knowledge of FC Dallas. The knives of many fans are currently out for GM Michael Hitchcock, but Hislop supports him.
I have to admit, back in the exit of Colin Clark era, I thought it was interesting that Hitch didn't go in a different direction for a new coach. I wonder if he will now.
Before I change the poll, for the record, our readers picked Hugo Sanchez, narrowly, over Oscar Pareja for the job.
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I have to admit, back in the exit of Colin Clark era, I thought it was interesting that Hitch didn't go in a different direction for a new coach. I wonder if he will now.
Before I change the poll, for the record, our readers picked Hugo Sanchez, narrowly, over Oscar Pareja for the job.
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Cooper for Spain
Alright, I'm officially starting the Start Kenny Cooper Against Spain campaign. Anyone else want to join?
Cooper and Brian Ching played on the same field Wednesday as FC Dallas hosted Houston. Cooper scored a goal in the 2-2 draw, and it really was an awesome goal. The long ball was splendid from Pablo Richetti but Cooper's touch, poise and finish were sublime.
Ching, meanwhile, was involved in both of Houston's goals. He did assist on the first one but his lack of aggressiveness in the box on that play is troubling. He slipped the ball to Corey Ashe but he shouldn't have let it go that far. He should have buried it. On the equalizer, Ching had problems getting to the ball. Such lack of aggression could be disastrous for a striker.
While Ching had the experience - World Cup, Gold Cup, WC qualifiers - Cooper has the talent and intangibles necessary to be a force. Throw him into the mix against Spain from the start and see what happens. After all, we already know what we can expect from Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and Brian Ching.
Everybody now: "Start Cooper, start Cooper, start Cooper..."
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Cooper and Brian Ching played on the same field Wednesday as FC Dallas hosted Houston. Cooper scored a goal in the 2-2 draw, and it really was an awesome goal. The long ball was splendid from Pablo Richetti but Cooper's touch, poise and finish were sublime.
Ching, meanwhile, was involved in both of Houston's goals. He did assist on the first one but his lack of aggressiveness in the box on that play is troubling. He slipped the ball to Corey Ashe but he shouldn't have let it go that far. He should have buried it. On the equalizer, Ching had problems getting to the ball. Such lack of aggression could be disastrous for a striker.
While Ching had the experience - World Cup, Gold Cup, WC qualifiers - Cooper has the talent and intangibles necessary to be a force. Throw him into the mix against Spain from the start and see what happens. After all, we already know what we can expect from Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and Brian Ching.
Everybody now: "Start Cooper, start Cooper, start Cooper..."
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"it takes three minutes to get the corner off." Danny O'Rourke of the Columbus Crew.
That's as damning a statement as can be found that the streamers affect the run of play - MLS admins need to first admit that, and then do something about it. It's not merely atmosphere when it holds up the game.
Streamers are basically like streakers at that point. People may think they're cool, but it's still illegal and not allowed, and certainly not condoned the way Garber and a few other people did at one point.
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That's as damning a statement as can be found that the streamers affect the run of play - MLS admins need to first admit that, and then do something about it. It's not merely atmosphere when it holds up the game.
Streamers are basically like streakers at that point. People may think they're cool, but it's still illegal and not allowed, and certainly not condoned the way Garber and a few other people did at one point.
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All about allocations
Toronto holds the top spot in allocation rankings after San Jose used theirs on Jean Phillippe Peguero. In case you were wondering what the allocations and all that means, well, here's a snippet straight from the horse's mouth.
From the MLS Fact and Record Book:
Section II, Part A:
The allocations will be ranked in reverse order of finish from the 2007 season, taking playoff performance into account. San Jose, as an expansion team, will have the top-ranked allocation at the beginning of 2008. The rankings will be separate and distinct from the allocation amounts and will only be relevant in the event two or more teams file a request for the sam player on the same day, as in the case of returning U.S. National Team players, or in other cases where the League, in its discretion taking into account all the circumstances, determines that the allocation rankings shall be applied. In such cases, priority will be granted to the team wit the higher allocation ranking. Once the team uses its allocation ranking to acquire a player it will drop to the bottom of the list. The ranking itself can be traded provided part of the compensation received in return is another team's ranking. A team may move up or down in the rankings, provided that at all times each team is assigned a ranking (no team can have more than one ranking and no team can be without a ranking). The rankings reset at the end of each MLS League Season.
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From the MLS Fact and Record Book:
Section II, Part A:
The allocations will be ranked in reverse order of finish from the 2007 season, taking playoff performance into account. San Jose, as an expansion team, will have the top-ranked allocation at the beginning of 2008. The rankings will be separate and distinct from the allocation amounts and will only be relevant in the event two or more teams file a request for the sam player on the same day, as in the case of returning U.S. National Team players, or in other cases where the League, in its discretion taking into account all the circumstances, determines that the allocation rankings shall be applied. In such cases, priority will be granted to the team wit the higher allocation ranking. Once the team uses its allocation ranking to acquire a player it will drop to the bottom of the list. The ranking itself can be traded provided part of the compensation received in return is another team's ranking. A team may move up or down in the rankings, provided that at all times each team is assigned a ranking (no team can have more than one ranking and no team can be without a ranking). The rankings reset at the end of each MLS League Season.
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What am I bid?
So the word is that McBride is making his triumphant MLS return to Chicago (anyone want to start complaining about how MLS always bends the rules for the Fire?)
Back when Donovan returned to the league from Germany, the Galaxy traded Carlos Ruiz, their best player at the time, to Dallas for the right to sign Donovan.
Blanco is indisputably Chicago's best player now.
Who sees a Blanco trade? I don't, but I've been wrong before.
TFC is tops in the allocation order - what should TFC ask of the Fire in return for the rights to McBride? Where would the Fire get another DP slot from? Perhaps a different MLS team will be involved.
If I were TFC, I'd ask for Chris Rolfe, Justin Mapp, Bakary Soumare and Gonzalo Segares, or a combination of those, since four players for one McBride might be a bit much. Problem is, if the rights to McBride and a DP slot are separate deals, that's not going to leave Chicago much to bargain with without gutting their team, which is playing excellently thus far.
Perhaps the deal to bring McBride in is contingent on next year, though, leaving the Fire intact for now. It would be easier to integrate new contributors in the offseason. However, last year, it was Blanco's midseason contribution which helped the Fire push through to the playoffs.
What should TFC ask for? What should the Fire be willing to give up? What is McBride worth?
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Back when Donovan returned to the league from Germany, the Galaxy traded Carlos Ruiz, their best player at the time, to Dallas for the right to sign Donovan.
Blanco is indisputably Chicago's best player now.
Who sees a Blanco trade? I don't, but I've been wrong before.
TFC is tops in the allocation order - what should TFC ask of the Fire in return for the rights to McBride? Where would the Fire get another DP slot from? Perhaps a different MLS team will be involved.
If I were TFC, I'd ask for Chris Rolfe, Justin Mapp, Bakary Soumare and Gonzalo Segares, or a combination of those, since four players for one McBride might be a bit much. Problem is, if the rights to McBride and a DP slot are separate deals, that's not going to leave Chicago much to bargain with without gutting their team, which is playing excellently thus far.
Perhaps the deal to bring McBride in is contingent on next year, though, leaving the Fire intact for now. It would be easier to integrate new contributors in the offseason. However, last year, it was Blanco's midseason contribution which helped the Fire push through to the playoffs.
What should TFC ask for? What should the Fire be willing to give up? What is McBride worth?
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Azul's back in the final
It's been nine years since Cruz Azul played for a Mexican league title. Invierno 99 was the last chance Cruz Azul has had of claiming league silverware, but the last time Cruz Azul won a league title was in the Invierno 97 season.
In that span - from 99 until now - Cruz Azul has seen the rise of Pachuca (whose first title was in a shock win over Cruz Azul in the Inv 99 final), the rise, fall and rise again of Toluca; and possibly worst of all respective championship seasons by America, Pumas and Chivas, who each snapped a years-long drought to claim league titles.
It's Cruz Azul's turn now to go for league glory, and as one of the four most popular clubs in all of Mexico, there will be massive support for Cruz Azul throughout both Mexico and parts of the US.
Here's a little clip of some of the sights and sounds outside Estadio Azul before and during the semifinal match against San Luis on Saturday. The announcer keeps saying something to the effect of "Believe it, Cruz Azul. You are in the final."
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In that span - from 99 until now - Cruz Azul has seen the rise of Pachuca (whose first title was in a shock win over Cruz Azul in the Inv 99 final), the rise, fall and rise again of Toluca; and possibly worst of all respective championship seasons by America, Pumas and Chivas, who each snapped a years-long drought to claim league titles.
It's Cruz Azul's turn now to go for league glory, and as one of the four most popular clubs in all of Mexico, there will be massive support for Cruz Azul throughout both Mexico and parts of the US.
Here's a little clip of some of the sights and sounds outside Estadio Azul before and during the semifinal match against San Luis on Saturday. The announcer keeps saying something to the effect of "Believe it, Cruz Azul. You are in the final."
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Dear Brian
So after a few years away, you've decided to come back to MLS.
Have to give you a quick heads-up - it's no longer the league you remember. It's not just the new teams, or the travel to Canada, or the fact that Mexico's best-known player and England's best-known player both now play in MLS.
You'll find most of the games on TV now. Highlights pop up on the sports shows. More teams have spiffy stadiums to play in. Some teams fly charter.
Clubs have added reserve games and youth teams. Visiting fan sections are set up, and security is being trained to deal with rowdy away fans at some games.
The more things change, though, the more they stay the same. MLS has some bigname busts every year (Denilson, Reyna) but also some up and coming young talent (Altidore, Edu).
You've always been a consummate professional, so I'm sure you'll readjust to the league you once knew so well.
Best,
AC
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Have to give you a quick heads-up - it's no longer the league you remember. It's not just the new teams, or the travel to Canada, or the fact that Mexico's best-known player and England's best-known player both now play in MLS.
You'll find most of the games on TV now. Highlights pop up on the sports shows. More teams have spiffy stadiums to play in. Some teams fly charter.
Clubs have added reserve games and youth teams. Visiting fan sections are set up, and security is being trained to deal with rowdy away fans at some games.
The more things change, though, the more they stay the same. MLS has some bigname busts every year (Denilson, Reyna) but also some up and coming young talent (Altidore, Edu).
You've always been a consummate professional, so I'm sure you'll readjust to the league you once knew so well.
Best,
AC
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
US/England Running Blog
This is it, folks, Wembley the Great, England, the Three Lions, and the U.S. Upstart Colonists (we really have to get a decent nickname, no?)
Starting lineup for the U.S.:
Howard
Cherundolo – Onyewu – Bocanegra – Pearce
Dempsey – Clark – Bradley – Beasley
Johnson - Wolff
England
David James
Wes Brown, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry
Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard,
Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney
John Harkes has already bobbled "injury against the Galaxy" No, John, LD was hurt against the Wizards, playing FOR the Galaxy.
Becks is starting! Representing MLS. Now some sad shots of Terry at the Champions Final- and it's true, I have less sympathy since the spitting video.
The stadium and the field look great (on television). Harkes is recalling his playing days - Hey, there's a shot of Sam's Army!
Teams walking out. U.S. has their red warmup jackets on.
Bobby Charlton is out to mark Beckham's 100th cap. It's gold. Wonder who would possibly present Landon his cap. Actually, England is the only country, I think, that gives players real caps for appearances.
Becks is holding up his cap case, which has each of his games etched on the glass.
EJ! EJ is singing along to the anthem. Ok, that counts for me almost like he scored a goal, really. Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child is diva-ing along to the song. Most of the audience doesn't care and just wants it to end. EJ looks to be the only American player singing. Everyone else looks grim.
Ha, Owen Hargreaves is singing the English anthem. About half of England's players are. Becks isn't. He just looks concentrated.
Boca and Terry shake hands.
Fabio looks focused, too.
Kickoff!
1 - Onyewu's first touch is to put it out. Beas and Pearce attack, but England gets it right back.
2 - Long ball from Gooch completely overshoots EJ.
3 - Defoe tries to pick off a pass, but Gooch heads to Howard. Gerrard catches Cherundolo on the throat as the two clash for a ball.
4 - The crowd roars, but England is just moving the ball up from the back. It's not dangerous yet.
5 - Defoe plays pass through for Rooney, but Wayne is offside.
6 - I don't think Rico has touched the ball. FK England, but it's center circle, so nothing really. happened with it.
7 - Groans from the crowd for Ashley CheaterCole - his pass to Wes Brown bounces over him.
8 - Pearce cuts off a Defoe attack before the final pass to Rooney.
9 - Nice dribble from Dolo to free himself for the cross, but DJ catches it and starts counter to Becks, Michael Bradley saves an attack, sliding in for a tackle that takes both players down.
11 - Neither team has started in dominant fashion - they're feeling each other out right now. Clark fouls Gerrard. FK. Becks is over it, the crowd cheers, the ball served in Gerrard scores - nope, early whistle from the ref. Kick over. This time it's deflected for a corner, nope, goal kick
14 - Hey, the sports ticker just said McBride is leaving Fulham.
15 - Deep throw for England, hargreaves long pass up front to Rooney, Howard clears. England is settling in though, connecting better.
16 - MB cuts off a pass, gets attack to Beas, but his second cut move fails him and he loses the ball. England's counter gets stifled, too, though.
18 - All the U.S. players are in their own half.
20 - Becks shoots from distance, top of the arc, from an unexpected Gerrard pass - it's high, Becks rushed a bit because the U.S. defense has given him little breathing room.
22 - Defoe's elbow kills the latest England attack. The U.S. gets a free kick.
23 - Becks gives Pearce a forearm shiver. Rooney on the attack, but his pass is behind Gerrard, which means he leans back and can't get a good shot off.
24 - Deep FK for England after Dolo fouls Cole outside the box. Becks fools the U.S. by playing a little flick to Gerrard, but it's blocked.
26 - FK for the U.S. Beas takes, Lampard tried to clear, it fell to EJ, who chips the ball, trying to find MB, but Terry's header clears.
27 - EJ again, but his shot is weak and outside the post. James catches.
28 - Dempsey draws a foul. It's a decent chance here. gooch comes up for it, but England clear almost immediately.
29 - Fabio reportedly has England subs warming up already. Six are allowed in today's friendly.
30 - Harkes criticizes Dempsey's outside shot as too ambitious.
31 - the U.S. with a little run of attack but Pearce's final pass into the box is poor and caught by James.
32 - Gooch and Defoe wrestle in the box - crowd wants a call - doesn't get it. the U.S. on a coutner earn a FK off a Terry foul on EJ.
33 - FK is cleared. Though some give LD stick for his set pieces, the U.S. team misses him here.
34 - Gerrard on the run, crosses to Defoe in the box, who hits it awkwardly off his shin and wide of the goal.
35 - Crowd is impatiently chanting England's lack of dominance.
36 - That's straight comedy - Defoe jumping for a header against Gooch, who goes up on his toes a little to beat Defoe and clear the ball out of the U.S. box.
37 - Better play from England, they're pressuring the u.S. goal, Rico fouls. Uh, oh.
38 - GOAL! Becks serves it in perfectly and Terry snaps a header down. Howard is leaning the wrong way and changes direction too late. 1-0 England.
40 - "That's a bad place for a foul" says J.P. No kidding. It's right outside the box.
41 - Becks stands over it, but Gerrard takes it, bounces off the wall.
42 - Hargreaves cracks an outside shot - it's high.
43 - England looks lively and confident since their goal.
45 - Cherundolo gives up another FK off a foul - and gets a yellow. this one is in the perfect place for Becks, but he puts it into the wall.
45 + It's painfully obvious, but the U.S. really misses Donovan. They've defended well and kept good shape, but that spark of control and creativity that leads to a goal is missing.
Halftime - England deservedly lead.
47 - Bentley FK, Guzan collects.
49 - Beas continues to draw fouls, but the U.S. can't seem to do much with that.
50 - Rooney with a bike that completely misses. He didn't look graceful there.
52 - The U.S. is only down by a goal, but their offense has been so anemic, that it doesn't seem the U.S will overcome the gap. the only question seems to be whether England is pad the lead.
53 - SAVE. Defoe turns in the box, but Guzan makes the close-range grab.
54 - US Corner - Beas sends the ball in, but James grabs it.
58 - Wes Brown and Lampard are out, Gareth Barry and Glen Johnson are in.
59 - GOAL! Gerrard makes a great diagnol run, and Barry one-times it through to Stevie perfectly. Guzan comes out and Gerrard delicately places it leftside netting. 2-0 England.
61 - Now the crowd is celebrating. This is the outcome they expected.
62 - hejduk from distance with a looping shot. James catches easily.
64 - Guzan catches a dangerous long ball well. He's not embarrassed himself tonight, that's for sure.
66 - Divin header from Wolff off a Bradley pass- but it's wide.
67 - Gerrard fouls Demps, Beas' free kick doesn't clear the first man.
68 - Dempsey shot from outside - james tracks it the whole way and catches securely.
Freddy Adu comes on Jermain Defoe is off for Peter Crouch.
69 - Rooney in the box, but can't quite get a shot off.
71 - Pearce gets a yellow, but he's actualy played pretty well today.
72 - Adu backheels to Hejduk, but Gerrard tackles it out of bounds. he limps slightly. Onyewu long throws into the box, but the U.S. shot is deflected England counters, but Hejduk breaks it up.
75 - Adu passes to a lot of nothing, EJ and he had a misunderstanding there. I bet Adu would love to see Altidore up top. They've worked together more.
76 - Rooney cleans out Hejduk gets yellow.
78 - The crowd is chanting like crazy, secure in the result. Mo Edu comes in for Rico. Joe Cole in for Rooney.
80 - Corner kick for the U.S. Eddie Lewis serves it in. that's better, but England clears. Eddie Lewis gets the ball back deep, dribbles one defender, sends in a pass to the front of goal, but David james punches the ball out for a corner.
81 - Corner cleared.
82 - Cheater Cole is off for Wayne Bridge.
84 - JP has interesting pronunciation on Edu's name - he says, "Mois". Adu has a FK, it gets cleared by England.
85 - England on the counter, get a corner. Foul called on England. goal kick
88 - MB cuts off a ball in the midfield, gets it to Freddy, who dribbles forward and takes a shot that David james has to dive for.
90 - Nate Jaqua coming in for EJ.
90+ England is dominating the closng minutes. they might even score again. I don't think jaqua will touch the ball.
Bradley bad pass leads to England shot, but it's deflected for a corner. Served in the middle, deflected out for another corner, taken short, cross up - Guzan has it.
Final whistle! England wins handily.
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Starting lineup for the U.S.:
Howard
Cherundolo – Onyewu – Bocanegra – Pearce
Dempsey – Clark – Bradley – Beasley
Johnson - Wolff
England
David James
Wes Brown, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry
Owen Hargreaves, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard,
Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney
John Harkes has already bobbled "injury against the Galaxy" No, John, LD was hurt against the Wizards, playing FOR the Galaxy.
Becks is starting! Representing MLS. Now some sad shots of Terry at the Champions Final- and it's true, I have less sympathy since the spitting video.
The stadium and the field look great (on television). Harkes is recalling his playing days - Hey, there's a shot of Sam's Army!
Teams walking out. U.S. has their red warmup jackets on.
Bobby Charlton is out to mark Beckham's 100th cap. It's gold. Wonder who would possibly present Landon his cap. Actually, England is the only country, I think, that gives players real caps for appearances.
Becks is holding up his cap case, which has each of his games etched on the glass.
EJ! EJ is singing along to the anthem. Ok, that counts for me almost like he scored a goal, really. Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child is diva-ing along to the song. Most of the audience doesn't care and just wants it to end. EJ looks to be the only American player singing. Everyone else looks grim.
Ha, Owen Hargreaves is singing the English anthem. About half of England's players are. Becks isn't. He just looks concentrated.
Boca and Terry shake hands.
Fabio looks focused, too.
Kickoff!
1 - Onyewu's first touch is to put it out. Beas and Pearce attack, but England gets it right back.
2 - Long ball from Gooch completely overshoots EJ.
3 - Defoe tries to pick off a pass, but Gooch heads to Howard. Gerrard catches Cherundolo on the throat as the two clash for a ball.
4 - The crowd roars, but England is just moving the ball up from the back. It's not dangerous yet.
5 - Defoe plays pass through for Rooney, but Wayne is offside.
6 - I don't think Rico has touched the ball. FK England, but it's center circle, so nothing really. happened with it.
7 - Groans from the crowd for Ashley CheaterCole - his pass to Wes Brown bounces over him.
8 - Pearce cuts off a Defoe attack before the final pass to Rooney.
9 - Nice dribble from Dolo to free himself for the cross, but DJ catches it and starts counter to Becks, Michael Bradley saves an attack, sliding in for a tackle that takes both players down.
11 - Neither team has started in dominant fashion - they're feeling each other out right now. Clark fouls Gerrard. FK. Becks is over it, the crowd cheers, the ball served in Gerrard scores - nope, early whistle from the ref. Kick over. This time it's deflected for a corner, nope, goal kick
14 - Hey, the sports ticker just said McBride is leaving Fulham.
15 - Deep throw for England, hargreaves long pass up front to Rooney, Howard clears. England is settling in though, connecting better.
16 - MB cuts off a pass, gets attack to Beas, but his second cut move fails him and he loses the ball. England's counter gets stifled, too, though.
18 - All the U.S. players are in their own half.
20 - Becks shoots from distance, top of the arc, from an unexpected Gerrard pass - it's high, Becks rushed a bit because the U.S. defense has given him little breathing room.
22 - Defoe's elbow kills the latest England attack. The U.S. gets a free kick.
23 - Becks gives Pearce a forearm shiver. Rooney on the attack, but his pass is behind Gerrard, which means he leans back and can't get a good shot off.
24 - Deep FK for England after Dolo fouls Cole outside the box. Becks fools the U.S. by playing a little flick to Gerrard, but it's blocked.
26 - FK for the U.S. Beas takes, Lampard tried to clear, it fell to EJ, who chips the ball, trying to find MB, but Terry's header clears.
27 - EJ again, but his shot is weak and outside the post. James catches.
28 - Dempsey draws a foul. It's a decent chance here. gooch comes up for it, but England clear almost immediately.
29 - Fabio reportedly has England subs warming up already. Six are allowed in today's friendly.
30 - Harkes criticizes Dempsey's outside shot as too ambitious.
31 - the U.S. with a little run of attack but Pearce's final pass into the box is poor and caught by James.
32 - Gooch and Defoe wrestle in the box - crowd wants a call - doesn't get it. the U.S. on a coutner earn a FK off a Terry foul on EJ.
33 - FK is cleared. Though some give LD stick for his set pieces, the U.S. team misses him here.
34 - Gerrard on the run, crosses to Defoe in the box, who hits it awkwardly off his shin and wide of the goal.
35 - Crowd is impatiently chanting England's lack of dominance.
36 - That's straight comedy - Defoe jumping for a header against Gooch, who goes up on his toes a little to beat Defoe and clear the ball out of the U.S. box.
37 - Better play from England, they're pressuring the u.S. goal, Rico fouls. Uh, oh.
38 - GOAL! Becks serves it in perfectly and Terry snaps a header down. Howard is leaning the wrong way and changes direction too late. 1-0 England.
40 - "That's a bad place for a foul" says J.P. No kidding. It's right outside the box.
41 - Becks stands over it, but Gerrard takes it, bounces off the wall.
42 - Hargreaves cracks an outside shot - it's high.
43 - England looks lively and confident since their goal.
45 - Cherundolo gives up another FK off a foul - and gets a yellow. this one is in the perfect place for Becks, but he puts it into the wall.
45 + It's painfully obvious, but the U.S. really misses Donovan. They've defended well and kept good shape, but that spark of control and creativity that leads to a goal is missing.
Halftime - England deservedly lead.
47 - Bentley FK, Guzan collects.
49 - Beas continues to draw fouls, but the U.S. can't seem to do much with that.
50 - Rooney with a bike that completely misses. He didn't look graceful there.
52 - The U.S. is only down by a goal, but their offense has been so anemic, that it doesn't seem the U.S will overcome the gap. the only question seems to be whether England is pad the lead.
53 - SAVE. Defoe turns in the box, but Guzan makes the close-range grab.
54 - US Corner - Beas sends the ball in, but James grabs it.
58 - Wes Brown and Lampard are out, Gareth Barry and Glen Johnson are in.
59 - GOAL! Gerrard makes a great diagnol run, and Barry one-times it through to Stevie perfectly. Guzan comes out and Gerrard delicately places it leftside netting. 2-0 England.
61 - Now the crowd is celebrating. This is the outcome they expected.
62 - hejduk from distance with a looping shot. James catches easily.
64 - Guzan catches a dangerous long ball well. He's not embarrassed himself tonight, that's for sure.
66 - Divin header from Wolff off a Bradley pass- but it's wide.
67 - Gerrard fouls Demps, Beas' free kick doesn't clear the first man.
68 - Dempsey shot from outside - james tracks it the whole way and catches securely.
Freddy Adu comes on Jermain Defoe is off for Peter Crouch.
69 - Rooney in the box, but can't quite get a shot off.
71 - Pearce gets a yellow, but he's actualy played pretty well today.
72 - Adu backheels to Hejduk, but Gerrard tackles it out of bounds. he limps slightly. Onyewu long throws into the box, but the U.S. shot is deflected England counters, but Hejduk breaks it up.
75 - Adu passes to a lot of nothing, EJ and he had a misunderstanding there. I bet Adu would love to see Altidore up top. They've worked together more.
76 - Rooney cleans out Hejduk gets yellow.
78 - The crowd is chanting like crazy, secure in the result. Mo Edu comes in for Rico. Joe Cole in for Rooney.
80 - Corner kick for the U.S. Eddie Lewis serves it in. that's better, but England clears. Eddie Lewis gets the ball back deep, dribbles one defender, sends in a pass to the front of goal, but David james punches the ball out for a corner.
81 - Corner cleared.
82 - Cheater Cole is off for Wayne Bridge.
84 - JP has interesting pronunciation on Edu's name - he says, "Mois". Adu has a FK, it gets cleared by England.
85 - England on the counter, get a corner. Foul called on England. goal kick
88 - MB cuts off a ball in the midfield, gets it to Freddy, who dribbles forward and takes a shot that David james has to dive for.
90 - Nate Jaqua coming in for EJ.
90+ England is dominating the closng minutes. they might even score again. I don't think jaqua will touch the ball.
Bradley bad pass leads to England shot, but it's deflected for a corner. Served in the middle, deflected out for another corner, taken short, cross up - Guzan has it.
Final whistle! England wins handily.
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Anticipation
I have to drop stuff off at work today, but I'm "sick", so I'll be here for the U.S. versus England. Is anyone else struck by a mysterious malady that can only be cured by copious amounts of soccer? Or have the planners among soccer fans already taken vacation time for today?
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America draws at home
America played a decent game on Tuesday but needed to come from behind to tie Liga de Quito 1-1. America needs a win or a tie of 2-2 or better to advance to the final.
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Crappy replay
Had I known that Terry Cooke was going to whip in a nice cross from the right side and that Conor Casey was going to knock it into the goal, I would have had the camera rolling. Instead, I only recorded the replay on the scoreboard. I know, it sucks. But it's the replay of the goal and you can mostly tell what's happening - cross, header, goal, celebration, stunned defenders, game, set, match.
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Rapids post-game stuff
As promised, here is post-game audio. Unfortunately, since my only post-game assignment was to cover the Rapids I only have quotes from Rapids players. It was actually a tag-team effort as MLSnet.com colleague Greg Daurio and I were the only two media members down in the presser. Fans aren't the only ones who stay away from these games, apparently.
Here's Fernando Clavijo's post-game comments as well as Conor Casey, who scored the goal eight minutes from time, and Preston Burpo, who just one week ago was still with San Jose, and still with not shot of playing regularly. Burpo's an odd cat, but I say that in a good way... mostly.
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Here's Fernando Clavijo's post-game comments as well as Conor Casey, who scored the goal eight minutes from time, and Preston Burpo, who just one week ago was still with San Jose, and still with not shot of playing regularly. Burpo's an odd cat, but I say that in a good way... mostly.
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Post game reactions
Clavijo: We don't have a lot of stars, we have a real team.
Bouna Coundoul is in Senegal right now, so we were very fortunate to get someone with experience (Preston Burpo) and to get him a match and to show that he belongs there. It's a wonderful opportunity.
Ruud Gullit: I think today gave some people the chance to show themselves. Of course, it was a pity. The problem was in midfield. We couldn't control it. The players there are often on the bench. The post was against us in the first half. In the second half, we didn't play well at all.
What was good was to see the players who don't always get to play. The big miss for us was Alvaro - he's very important for us. He had a knee problem, so we had to rest him, knowing that we play Toronto on turf.
We had so many chances - we just didn't make it. But everyone is going to write that we can't play without those two (LD and Becks).
I'm disappointed by the fact that we're out.
The most important thing was the midfield. We were very weak in that department. In attacking we were ok.
The first half- Ruiz was ok - but he's not really fit yet. He did some good things, but real match fitness is something different.
By the way, 9,189 was the final crowd count.
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Bouna Coundoul is in Senegal right now, so we were very fortunate to get someone with experience (Preston Burpo) and to get him a match and to show that he belongs there. It's a wonderful opportunity.
Ruud Gullit: I think today gave some people the chance to show themselves. Of course, it was a pity. The problem was in midfield. We couldn't control it. The players there are often on the bench. The post was against us in the first half. In the second half, we didn't play well at all.
What was good was to see the players who don't always get to play. The big miss for us was Alvaro - he's very important for us. He had a knee problem, so we had to rest him, knowing that we play Toronto on turf.
We had so many chances - we just didn't make it. But everyone is going to write that we can't play without those two (LD and Becks).
I'm disappointed by the fact that we're out.
The most important thing was the midfield. We were very weak in that department. In attacking we were ok.
The first half- Ruiz was ok - but he's not really fit yet. He did some good things, but real match fitness is something different.
By the way, 9,189 was the final crowd count.
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Galaxy/Rapids Open Cup rb
The running blog is stretching right now, kicking a few balls back and forth for warm-up.
Rapids: Preston Burpo, Kosuke Kimura, Stephen Keel, Rafael Gomes, Jordan Harvey, Terry Cooke, Mehdi Ballouchy, Nick LaBrocca, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Tom McManus
Galaxy: Steve Cronin, Chris Klein, Abel Xavier, Sean Franklin, Ante Jazic, Brandon McDonald, Peter Vagenas, Ely Allen, Carlos Ruiz, Edson Buddle, Alan Gordon.
The Galaxy have sold seats in the upper deck of the stadium, which I think is a bad idea - just make all the tickets ten bucks and let people sit anywhere they want.
Players are walking in now. Press box is discussing how Ruud Gullit has put out a strong lineup. Anthem. So many people in the stands are wearing the Galaxy warm-up jackets that it looks like they could storm the field and play if the team isn't doing a good job. It's also chilly, hence the jackets. Though they are covered up pretty well, there are some strange lines on the field. There was a lacrosse game here Sunday.
Kickoff!
2 - Galaxy attack but the Rapids let the ball go out for a goal kick.
3 - Galaxy FK into the box, where Stephen Keel nearly heads into his own goal, Stone puts it out for a corner, which Alan Gordon knocks down a header to Buddle, who flicks a pass behind him - to the Rapids defense.
6 - Ball possession problems on both sides, but the Galaxy prevail just a bit more to get the ball into Rapids territory, but aren't able to get a shot off.
7 - Ruiz beats Burpo to a long pass in the box; as the two collide, Ruiz gets enough on the ball to sent it towards goal, where Keel chases it down to clear off the line. Close call.
10 - Pete V, long absent from the starting lineup, is making good passes to help the G's hold midfield well. It's in the link-up to the attack that the Galaxy are faltering.
11 - Shot by the rapids - Cronin has it covered, though it's a bit wide as well.
12 - Yellow for McManus, for charging in on an Abel Xavier kick.
14 - ACB and the Riot Squad are doing an across the field call and response "LA!" "Galaxy!" Pretty cool. Corner kick for the Galaxy comes to nothing.
16 - Ely in the box nearly strips Kimura of a long pass, but Kimura just barely escapes danger.
18 - Rapids slowly advancing from their end of the field more often.
20 - The Galaxy are missing the killer final pass of Becks or LD. They are working the ball upfield, but not getting service to the strikers at the right time or place.
21 - Rapids put together a run of possession and attack just noe, but like the Galaxy, lacked the shot set up. Galaxy back in Colorado ground on the counter. Pass reaches Ruiz in the box, but he has to lean backward for the header and it pops high for a clearance.
23 - Ruiz is down briefly, but seems alright.
25 - McDonny with a shot - wide. He was on a counter run, but still outside the box for that one.
26 - Pete and Mehdi clash for the ball - it looks like Pete wins it clean, but the ref, Janon Anno, blows for a foul. Crowd unhappy with that call.
28 - Klein fired three crosses in a row in to the box, thanks to the play of Pete to keep winning the ball back, but no one connects. McDonald should have on one, but Klein's crosses don't exactly have the quality of Becks.
30 - Shot by McDonald! Soo close. it just curved slightly away from the post.
32 - Ball free in the Galaxy box - oh, Croning scoops it up. The Galaxy have had the upper had, but the longer the Rapids escape, the more frustrated LA will get.
35 - It's back and forth in the midfield right now. One great play or one slight defensive bobble could decide this. Xavier heads a cross away on a Rapids counter.
36 - Buddle off the post! Burpo dives and misses, the ball hits him and he nearly gives up an own goal. On the corner, the Galaxy argue that Burpo palmed the ball out, but the ref saw it hit a Galaxy players leg, apparently.
38 - Clarke shoots, Cronin blocks but can't hang on, galaxy manage to clear the ball.
39 - CK for the Rapids, Galaxy clear for a deep throw.
40 - Galaxy on the counter, cross to Ruiz, ref blows for a handball.
41 - RUIZ! From midfield, he shoots, catching Burpo off his line, Burpo runs backward and falls - ball goes off the frigging POST! Unbecredible, as Ravelli would say. That would have been Beckham-esque.
43 - Ely slid into someone and got a yellow, though he seems the one hurt.
44 - Rapids FK hits wall, but ref blows for handball. moving the subsequent FK much closer to goal - SAVE - Cronin.
45+ Klein overhits two forwards with another cross.
Ruud subs Allen for Randolph. I think Ely might be hurt.
Halftime - The Galaxy should be leading by a couple, but now there is all to play for in the second half.
BREAKING NEWS - Ely has been diagnosed with a concussion.
46 - Jazic is in for the Galaxy.
47 - Galaxy FK - oh if only Becks. . . . Pete sends a decent ball that Abel gets a head on, Burpo catches.
49 - Yellow for Nick LaBrocca - he kept standing in front of the Galaxy FKs.
50 - Pete serves ball it, gets knocked out to Randolph, who slips in a great pass that Gordon manages to miss on the doorstep of the goal. So close again.
53 - Rapids on the attack. McManus sends outside shot wide. I think his 40-yarder, which is winning Goal of the Week, might have swelled his head a bit.
55 - Killer instinct - it is lacking among the LA players right now. Xavi with dangerous packpass to Cronin, who barely clears against an attacker. Play it forward.
57 - The longer the Rapids hang around with the game in the balance, the better it is for them, because they can send a fast forward like Herc to burn the defense.
58 - Rapids corner - cleared.
60 - Pete slips, misses the ball, Rapids attack, Cooke has the ball on the right - cross! Galaxy barely clear.
62 - Galaxy CK, Pete takes and McDonald heads just barely wide.
Izzy going in. Israel Sesay in for Ruiz.
64 - Colorado FK out for goalkick.
66 - Galaxy again controlling most of play - again not finding final pass. Mehdi on the counter tried to catch Cronin off his line - misses high by about ten feet over the goal.
67 - Gordon clips LaBrocca from behind - gets yellow. MacManus is out, Omar Cummings is in.
68 - Clarke shoots, it's deflected wide for corner, Cronin comes out and catches the cross.
70 The Galaxy are losing sharpness as the game goes on. Ciaran O'Brien is on for Clarke. Crowd boos, remembering his hit on Ruiz at the season opener.
71 - Gomes gets a yellow for pulling down a Galaxy player on the counter. The Galaxy are all around the box, but keep mistiming runs and crosses for the final shot. Pete finally winds one up from outside, but it gets deflected.
72 - Josh Tudela in for Brandon McDonald. the Galaxy lose strength in midfield with that mover, because Pete is not an enforcer.
73 - Iz called offside. Crowd hated that call. Looked on, really.
74 - Casey nearly finishes it - shooting/crossing across the face of the goal. The Rapids then reel off a corner and two shots. The Galaxy can't clear, but they do deflect one and Cronin comes up with a pretty good save on another. The Rapids have all the momentum, now, though.
76 - They're coming at the Galaxy hard, again, Casey earns another deep throw - Cooke just waiting for the chance to cross - but Randolph steals the ball, Rapids counter again, Cooke crosses, Cronin punches out!
78 - Rapids circle the Galaxy goal like vultures. The Galaxy are trying to work the ball out past midfield. Nothing doing.
79 - IZ! Randolph on the counter uses his speed to creat space and sends in a great cross, but Iz just clean misses it. Wow.
81 - Cronin poor clearance leaves Rapids near goal - then the Galaxy D gives up a FK in a prime spot.
Casey cracks a header on goal, nice and low, and Cronin atones by getting down for the grab.
82 - GOAL! Casey makes no mistake this time, while Cronin hesitated, stepping out for Cooke's cross, then backing off on it, while the Galaxy D didn't shoulder off Casey. 1-0. Rapids.
85 - A tired Buddle is stuck in the corner, unable to get a cross off. He finally knocks the ball to Randolph, who botches it completely.
87 - The Galaxy are attacking, but everything they do looks frantic right now, and they are overhitting a lot of passes.
88 - Galaxy CK - Gordon is up for it, gets good contact - it's wide. Cesar Zambrano coming in for the goalscorer, Casey.
90 - Cummings holding the ball up well every time the Rapids regain possession. He draws a FK, then a corner.
90 + Cooke gets a yellow card - for time wasting? I'm not sure. Gordon draws a FK on the other end. This could be the last chance for the Galaxy. Herc is on for Cooke. Pete serves, it's good, Gordon goes up for it - his header is wide.
Colorado holding the ball well, galaxy with one last attack - Xavid serves ball in, out for throw. Into box, Rapids clear.
Final whistle. Crowd boos the result for a bit, then pounds the drums for the Galaxy players. The Rapids will now play Kansas City on June 4th for the right to officially enter the Open Cup. The Galaxy meanwhile, are out of all competitions this year - other than league play. If this was a preview of the team without LD and Becks well, to be fair, they still created a lot of chances, more so than the Rapids. But close ain't cutting it.
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Rapids: Preston Burpo, Kosuke Kimura, Stephen Keel, Rafael Gomes, Jordan Harvey, Terry Cooke, Mehdi Ballouchy, Nick LaBrocca, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Tom McManus
Galaxy: Steve Cronin, Chris Klein, Abel Xavier, Sean Franklin, Ante Jazic, Brandon McDonald, Peter Vagenas, Ely Allen, Carlos Ruiz, Edson Buddle, Alan Gordon.
The Galaxy have sold seats in the upper deck of the stadium, which I think is a bad idea - just make all the tickets ten bucks and let people sit anywhere they want.
Players are walking in now. Press box is discussing how Ruud Gullit has put out a strong lineup. Anthem. So many people in the stands are wearing the Galaxy warm-up jackets that it looks like they could storm the field and play if the team isn't doing a good job. It's also chilly, hence the jackets. Though they are covered up pretty well, there are some strange lines on the field. There was a lacrosse game here Sunday.
Kickoff!
2 - Galaxy attack but the Rapids let the ball go out for a goal kick.
3 - Galaxy FK into the box, where Stephen Keel nearly heads into his own goal, Stone puts it out for a corner, which Alan Gordon knocks down a header to Buddle, who flicks a pass behind him - to the Rapids defense.
6 - Ball possession problems on both sides, but the Galaxy prevail just a bit more to get the ball into Rapids territory, but aren't able to get a shot off.
7 - Ruiz beats Burpo to a long pass in the box; as the two collide, Ruiz gets enough on the ball to sent it towards goal, where Keel chases it down to clear off the line. Close call.
10 - Pete V, long absent from the starting lineup, is making good passes to help the G's hold midfield well. It's in the link-up to the attack that the Galaxy are faltering.
11 - Shot by the rapids - Cronin has it covered, though it's a bit wide as well.
12 - Yellow for McManus, for charging in on an Abel Xavier kick.
14 - ACB and the Riot Squad are doing an across the field call and response "LA!" "Galaxy!" Pretty cool. Corner kick for the Galaxy comes to nothing.
16 - Ely in the box nearly strips Kimura of a long pass, but Kimura just barely escapes danger.
18 - Rapids slowly advancing from their end of the field more often.
20 - The Galaxy are missing the killer final pass of Becks or LD. They are working the ball upfield, but not getting service to the strikers at the right time or place.
21 - Rapids put together a run of possession and attack just noe, but like the Galaxy, lacked the shot set up. Galaxy back in Colorado ground on the counter. Pass reaches Ruiz in the box, but he has to lean backward for the header and it pops high for a clearance.
23 - Ruiz is down briefly, but seems alright.
25 - McDonny with a shot - wide. He was on a counter run, but still outside the box for that one.
26 - Pete and Mehdi clash for the ball - it looks like Pete wins it clean, but the ref, Janon Anno, blows for a foul. Crowd unhappy with that call.
28 - Klein fired three crosses in a row in to the box, thanks to the play of Pete to keep winning the ball back, but no one connects. McDonald should have on one, but Klein's crosses don't exactly have the quality of Becks.
30 - Shot by McDonald! Soo close. it just curved slightly away from the post.
32 - Ball free in the Galaxy box - oh, Croning scoops it up. The Galaxy have had the upper had, but the longer the Rapids escape, the more frustrated LA will get.
35 - It's back and forth in the midfield right now. One great play or one slight defensive bobble could decide this. Xavier heads a cross away on a Rapids counter.
36 - Buddle off the post! Burpo dives and misses, the ball hits him and he nearly gives up an own goal. On the corner, the Galaxy argue that Burpo palmed the ball out, but the ref saw it hit a Galaxy players leg, apparently.
38 - Clarke shoots, Cronin blocks but can't hang on, galaxy manage to clear the ball.
39 - CK for the Rapids, Galaxy clear for a deep throw.
40 - Galaxy on the counter, cross to Ruiz, ref blows for a handball.
41 - RUIZ! From midfield, he shoots, catching Burpo off his line, Burpo runs backward and falls - ball goes off the frigging POST! Unbecredible, as Ravelli would say. That would have been Beckham-esque.
43 - Ely slid into someone and got a yellow, though he seems the one hurt.
44 - Rapids FK hits wall, but ref blows for handball. moving the subsequent FK much closer to goal - SAVE - Cronin.
45+ Klein overhits two forwards with another cross.
Ruud subs Allen for Randolph. I think Ely might be hurt.
Halftime - The Galaxy should be leading by a couple, but now there is all to play for in the second half.
BREAKING NEWS - Ely has been diagnosed with a concussion.
46 - Jazic is in for the Galaxy.
47 - Galaxy FK - oh if only Becks. . . . Pete sends a decent ball that Abel gets a head on, Burpo catches.
49 - Yellow for Nick LaBrocca - he kept standing in front of the Galaxy FKs.
50 - Pete serves ball it, gets knocked out to Randolph, who slips in a great pass that Gordon manages to miss on the doorstep of the goal. So close again.
53 - Rapids on the attack. McManus sends outside shot wide. I think his 40-yarder, which is winning Goal of the Week, might have swelled his head a bit.
55 - Killer instinct - it is lacking among the LA players right now. Xavi with dangerous packpass to Cronin, who barely clears against an attacker. Play it forward.
57 - The longer the Rapids hang around with the game in the balance, the better it is for them, because they can send a fast forward like Herc to burn the defense.
58 - Rapids corner - cleared.
60 - Pete slips, misses the ball, Rapids attack, Cooke has the ball on the right - cross! Galaxy barely clear.
62 - Galaxy CK, Pete takes and McDonald heads just barely wide.
Izzy going in. Israel Sesay in for Ruiz.
64 - Colorado FK out for goalkick.
66 - Galaxy again controlling most of play - again not finding final pass. Mehdi on the counter tried to catch Cronin off his line - misses high by about ten feet over the goal.
67 - Gordon clips LaBrocca from behind - gets yellow. MacManus is out, Omar Cummings is in.
68 - Clarke shoots, it's deflected wide for corner, Cronin comes out and catches the cross.
70 The Galaxy are losing sharpness as the game goes on. Ciaran O'Brien is on for Clarke. Crowd boos, remembering his hit on Ruiz at the season opener.
71 - Gomes gets a yellow for pulling down a Galaxy player on the counter. The Galaxy are all around the box, but keep mistiming runs and crosses for the final shot. Pete finally winds one up from outside, but it gets deflected.
72 - Josh Tudela in for Brandon McDonald. the Galaxy lose strength in midfield with that mover, because Pete is not an enforcer.
73 - Iz called offside. Crowd hated that call. Looked on, really.
74 - Casey nearly finishes it - shooting/crossing across the face of the goal. The Rapids then reel off a corner and two shots. The Galaxy can't clear, but they do deflect one and Cronin comes up with a pretty good save on another. The Rapids have all the momentum, now, though.
76 - They're coming at the Galaxy hard, again, Casey earns another deep throw - Cooke just waiting for the chance to cross - but Randolph steals the ball, Rapids counter again, Cooke crosses, Cronin punches out!
78 - Rapids circle the Galaxy goal like vultures. The Galaxy are trying to work the ball out past midfield. Nothing doing.
79 - IZ! Randolph on the counter uses his speed to creat space and sends in a great cross, but Iz just clean misses it. Wow.
81 - Cronin poor clearance leaves Rapids near goal - then the Galaxy D gives up a FK in a prime spot.
Casey cracks a header on goal, nice and low, and Cronin atones by getting down for the grab.
82 - GOAL! Casey makes no mistake this time, while Cronin hesitated, stepping out for Cooke's cross, then backing off on it, while the Galaxy D didn't shoulder off Casey. 1-0. Rapids.
85 - A tired Buddle is stuck in the corner, unable to get a cross off. He finally knocks the ball to Randolph, who botches it completely.
87 - The Galaxy are attacking, but everything they do looks frantic right now, and they are overhitting a lot of passes.
88 - Galaxy CK - Gordon is up for it, gets good contact - it's wide. Cesar Zambrano coming in for the goalscorer, Casey.
90 - Cummings holding the ball up well every time the Rapids regain possession. He draws a FK, then a corner.
90 + Cooke gets a yellow card - for time wasting? I'm not sure. Gordon draws a FK on the other end. This could be the last chance for the Galaxy. Herc is on for Cooke. Pete serves, it's good, Gordon goes up for it - his header is wide.
Colorado holding the ball well, galaxy with one last attack - Xavid serves ball in, out for throw. Into box, Rapids clear.
Final whistle. Crowd boos the result for a bit, then pounds the drums for the Galaxy players. The Rapids will now play Kansas City on June 4th for the right to officially enter the Open Cup. The Galaxy meanwhile, are out of all competitions this year - other than league play. If this was a preview of the team without LD and Becks well, to be fair, they still created a lot of chances, more so than the Rapids. But close ain't cutting it.
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Galaxy-Rapids pre game
Welcome to HDC. We'll have lineups right here as they become available. The teams are warming up now (they came out about 10 minutes after I snapped this picture) so we should have the lineups soon enough.
On my way up to the press box, I was chatting with a colleague about the Galaxy and their Open Cup history. We couldn't quite remember Open Cup matches at the Rose Bowl, though we both attended Galaxy Open Cup matches at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, both as fans and media members.
I suppose I could just get out my Galaxy media guide and see the Galaxy's USOC history for myself, but what's the fun in that? I think I'll just ponder the history off and on all night.
Okay, now the lineups:
Galaxy: Steve Cronin, Chris Klein, Abel Xavier, Sean Franklin, Ante Jazic, Brandon McDonald, Peter Vagenas, Ely Allen, Carlos Ruiz, Edson Buddle, Alan Gordon.
Colorado: Preston Burpo, Kosuke Kimura, Stephen Keel, Rafael Gomes, Jordan Harvey, Terry Cooke, Mehdi Ballouchy, Nick LaBrocca, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Steve McManus.
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Donovan may not play
I mentioned it in my US Soccer Players article, and it looks like Donovan may not recover in time to play versus England.
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Reversing course
Well, Ives for one has changed direction on the streamers. Me, I've been consistent all along, though I'm not happy to be proved right on that count.
So many people commented that streamers were fine, it wouldn't get worse, etc, ignoring both common sense and human nature. Even if the actions hadn't worsened, I would still be bothered by the simple fact that the game isn't respected when people take action that delays play.
Most worryingly, the video proves that I've been wrong about thinking racism isn't much of an issue at MLS games. It may not be endemic, but it exists. While that's sad, it's also a challenge for MLS administration to step up and return integrity to the game - and yes, that means not allowing fans to interfere with the games and throw stuff at players during the run of play. Streamers need to stay in the stands or only hit the field during stoppage, Don.
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So many people commented that streamers were fine, it wouldn't get worse, etc, ignoring both common sense and human nature. Even if the actions hadn't worsened, I would still be bothered by the simple fact that the game isn't respected when people take action that delays play.
Most worryingly, the video proves that I've been wrong about thinking racism isn't much of an issue at MLS games. It may not be endemic, but it exists. While that's sad, it's also a challenge for MLS administration to step up and return integrity to the game - and yes, that means not allowing fans to interfere with the games and throw stuff at players during the run of play. Streamers need to stay in the stands or only hit the field during stoppage, Don.
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Cruz, not Cruise
Overheard. . .
One of the Galaxy staff: Cruz was wearing a monkey costume in the locker room
Me, hearing "Cruise" and thinking Tom, since he was in the Galaxy locker room last time I stopped by: You mean like a tuxedo?
Galaxy staffer: No, a monkey costume.
Me (getting a weird visual, until I remember the name of Vicki and David's youngest) Oh, oh.
So Cruz likes his costume, apparently. I guess that's a phase for some young 'uns. The little son of a friend of mine wore out his Spiderman outfit. He liked to wear it everywhere.
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One of the Galaxy staff: Cruz was wearing a monkey costume in the locker room
Me, hearing "Cruise" and thinking Tom, since he was in the Galaxy locker room last time I stopped by: You mean like a tuxedo?
Galaxy staffer: No, a monkey costume.
Me (getting a weird visual, until I remember the name of Vicki and David's youngest) Oh, oh.
So Cruz likes his costume, apparently. I guess that's a phase for some young 'uns. The little son of a friend of mine wore out his Spiderman outfit. He liked to wear it everywhere.
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Sven really is the man
Mexico's Justino Compean says the fed has picked Sven. Sven doesn't speak Spanish, but perhaps, like Ruud Gullit, his Italian helps him get by.
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Becks talks internationals
Becks was responding to a question about whether he'd miss the Colorado Open Cup game and the next two MLS matches.
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Filling out the roster
Usually, early-round (or in this case, a play-in) US Open Cup games serve as a glorified reserve game. Often, MLS clubs will trot out reserves and rest many first-choice players and if they win, they win. If not, oh well. I don't necessarily agree with that feeling but that seems to be prevalent.
Anyway, the Galaxy have won two consecutive games now and the team will have to change the lineup no matter what. David Beckham and Landon Donovan are in England and will not play, so the lineup will change.
But just how much should it change? Do you think Ruud Gullit should keep the starters on the field and only account for Becks and Landon? Or do you think it's time for Josh Wicks, Josh Tudela, Julian Valentin and/or Bryan Jordan to step in and see what they can do?
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Anyway, the Galaxy have won two consecutive games now and the team will have to change the lineup no matter what. David Beckham and Landon Donovan are in England and will not play, so the lineup will change.
But just how much should it change? Do you think Ruud Gullit should keep the starters on the field and only account for Becks and Landon? Or do you think it's time for Josh Wicks, Josh Tudela, Julian Valentin and/or Bryan Jordan to step in and see what they can do?
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Over-correcting
A lot of people believe that the league hyped David Beckham's arrival last season mercilessly, and it fell flat when he unfortunately was injured. But did MLS go too far the other way this season? One reader thinks so.
New email:
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New email:
The sad thing to me is that by treating Beckham like a Hollywood movie they wasted some of the ooomph of this season's performance. They overhyped the premiere, when he was hurt and should have been rested. Now that he is living up to if not exceeding expectations, this is when you should be promoting him through the roof. Imagine if it was at this point, and not last year, that LA was on ESPN like almost every week.
Whether it's throwing all that money and hype at Freddy Adu, naming the Sounders, or writing silly letters about the City of Houston regarding stadium desires, I wonder what's going through MLS' mind sometimes. The best things about the league are stuff like Clint Dempsey and JP Angel that happen almost on accident.
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Holes to fill
My Tuesday column for the Press-Enterprise. With tonight's Open Cup game the first match of the year that neither Landon Donovan nor David Beckham will be available, I took the opportunity to look at what it means for the Galaxy in the short and long term.
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Stoning the Galaxy
Manning the goal for Colorado tonight will likely be someone who has never lost to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Okay, that's stretching it a bit because he's had just two games against LA but Preston Burpo did go 1-0-1 for Chivas USA in the games he played against the Galaxy. In those games, he allowed just one goal. Who scored it? Current Colorado teammate Herculez Gomez.
Preston was dealt to San Jose by Chivas USA and at first appeared to have a shot of starting for the expansion team until Joe Cannon moved north as well. Preston will now get his shot with Colorado as the Rapids needed cover for Bouna Coundoul, who is off with Senegal.
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Monday, May 26, 2008
Lighter (shade of) Brown Rankings (May 26)
1. Chicago Fire (6-2-1). Blanco should be frontrunner for MVP.
2. New England (6-3-1). Could this side finally have found some consistency?
3. Columbus (6-2-1). Hesmer's PK stop should have kept unbeaten streak alive.
4. Los Angeles (4-3-2). Defensive problems don't matter when this offense works the way it should.
5. Toronto (4-3-2). Two goals should have been enough for a road win.
6. FC Dallas (3-3-3). Morrow's out, and FC Dallas celebrated with come-from-behind win.
7. Chivas USA (3-4-2). Young players finally producing.
8. New York (3-2-3). Why was this team rated so highly again?
9. Colorado (4-5-0). Looks like Clavijo's curse is alive and well in Colorado.
10. Houston (2-3-4). Hangover should have cleared up by now.
11. Kansas City (3-4-2). Too much talent to sit back and defend for 90 minutes.
12. San Jose (2-5-1). See what happens when Kamara finishes?
13. Real Salt Lake (2-5-2). No Joy in Frisco for this sad sack of a club.
14. DC United (3-7-0). Morale victory saved Tom Soehn's job.
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2. New England (6-3-1). Could this side finally have found some consistency?
3. Columbus (6-2-1). Hesmer's PK stop should have kept unbeaten streak alive.
4. Los Angeles (4-3-2). Defensive problems don't matter when this offense works the way it should.
5. Toronto (4-3-2). Two goals should have been enough for a road win.
6. FC Dallas (3-3-3). Morrow's out, and FC Dallas celebrated with come-from-behind win.
7. Chivas USA (3-4-2). Young players finally producing.
8. New York (3-2-3). Why was this team rated so highly again?
9. Colorado (4-5-0). Looks like Clavijo's curse is alive and well in Colorado.
10. Houston (2-3-4). Hangover should have cleared up by now.
11. Kansas City (3-4-2). Too much talent to sit back and defend for 90 minutes.
12. San Jose (2-5-1). See what happens when Kamara finishes?
13. Real Salt Lake (2-5-2). No Joy in Frisco for this sad sack of a club.
14. DC United (3-7-0). Morale victory saved Tom Soehn's job.
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Talking back
I may not have received a lot of email on my espn.com article, but that doesn't mean that people don't have opinions on it. There's a new feature on the site called Conversations, where readers can comment individually on articles. I'd miss our regular blog readers if they abandoned Sideline Views to comment exclusively elsewhere, but it's an interesting new option for feedback on specific pieces.
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Mail call
It's always interesting to me which articles will generate reader response. So far, there's only been one on my latest espn.com piece, focused on Beckham.
Reader email:
Beckham has been and will always be a support player. He's never
been a standout player at the premier level except for his restart
abilities. It's amazing what the media can do to talk a guy up,
who only came this way because he wasn't good enough to play where
he was anymore.
Another addition to the mailbag just came in:
Shut up please you annoy American press.David Bechkam still has what? The bum only has the fact that first he is white and second English. For this reason only reason you continue heap praises on him meanwhile true football(not soccer) fans know that he is no more worthy to carry the jockstrap of names such as Ronaldinho,C.Ronaldo Kaka, Drogba to name a few. Grew up and really learn the game.
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Reader email:
Beckham has been and will always be a support player. He's never
been a standout player at the premier level except for his restart
abilities. It's amazing what the media can do to talk a guy up,
who only came this way because he wasn't good enough to play where
he was anymore.
Another addition to the mailbag just came in:
Shut up please you annoy American press.David Bechkam still has what? The bum only has the fact that first he is white and second English. For this reason only reason you continue heap praises on him meanwhile true football(not soccer) fans know that he is no more worthy to carry the jockstrap of names such as Ronaldinho,C.Ronaldo Kaka, Drogba to name a few. Grew up and really learn the game.
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Tabbing it
In the Galaxy locker room post-game, I asked Landon Donovan, "Is there anyone else on the team, besides David, that you'd rather have lining up a 70-yard shot?" He laughed, and then I got a good quote about his reaction to the final goal.
However, the tabloids have twisted it a bit. "There's nobody else I'd rather have hitting that." somehow became "I can't imagine anyone else hitting that."
Chris Klein, talking about how cleanly David strikes the ball across the field, said, "He does it 10, 15 times a day in a game," and yet the article sets it up as if Beckham scores 70-yard goals that often in training.
A lot of other papers are also quoting the Sun, so the situation gets compounded.
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However, the tabloids have twisted it a bit. "There's nobody else I'd rather have hitting that." somehow became "I can't imagine anyone else hitting that."
Chris Klein, talking about how cleanly David strikes the ball across the field, said, "He does it 10, 15 times a day in a game," and yet the article sets it up as if Beckham scores 70-yard goals that often in training.
A lot of other papers are also quoting the Sun, so the situation gets compounded.
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Um, ok.
Week 9 Spotlight
Top 11
G: Matt Reis
D: Tyrone Marshall Gonzalo Peralta
D: Bakary Soumare
D: Drew Moor
M: Jorge Flores
M: Ivan Guerrero
M: Cuauhtemoc Blanco David Beckham
M: Landon Donovan
F: Dominic Oduro
F: Chad Barrett
F: Danny Dichio Kei Kamara
Top coach: Ruud Gullit showed the magic touch again by inserting Alan Gordon and dropping Landon Donovan back a bit off the forward line. The adjustment threw the Wizards off and opened up space for the Galaxy, space the hosts used to pull away in a 3-1 win.
Interim coach Marco Ferruzzi steps up in a difficult moment and makes the right moves to guide Dallas to victory.
Top player. Cuauhtemoc Blanco had a hand in every Chicago goal. He picked up a goal, three assists and sent in the corner kick that Gonzalo Segares finished off to give Chicago their fifth goal in a 5-1 thrashing of the Red Bulls.
Best game: DC 3, Toronto 2. Tom Soehn was moments away from a possible firing before something lit a fire under DC's back side. The result was a come-from-behind victory for the fallen giants and an all-around exciting game.
Best goal: David Beckham's goal versus Kansas City. Any time you see a 70-yard goal, it's one to remember.
Best save: Matt Reis kept the Crew off the scoreboard with a quarter hour left with a splendid save off a Robbie Rogers header.
Chris Klein's goal-line clearance after Landon Donovan inadvertently poked Scott Sealy's cross towards the net.
LOWLIGHTS
Wasn't defense supposed to be Kansas City's strength? Then why can't KC hold on to 1-0 second-half leads?
Th streamer mess is spreading to other sites besides Toronto, and not only does it look more amateur every time, it is undoubtedly affecting play, leaving MLS leadership with egg, or at least, streamer stuff in their face if they are forced to back track on the issue.
FC Dallas is in the habit of collecting red cards. Bobby Rhine took his turn on Saturday with an unnecessary blow to RSL's Javier Morales. Compounding the red card was Ian Joy's earlier, equally-as-unnecessary challenge on Kenny Cooper, which also resulted in a red. Rhine's red, though, canceled Joy's out.
Greg Sutton completely botched a shot from Santino Quaranta that led to Luciano Emilio's match winner. Sutton had better not be allowed anywhere near Brazil with that sort of goalkeeping.
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G: Matt Reis
D: Tyrone Marshall Gonzalo Peralta
D: Bakary Soumare
D: Drew Moor
M: Jorge Flores
M: Ivan Guerrero
M: Cuauhtemoc Blanco David Beckham
M: Landon Donovan
F: Dominic Oduro
F: Chad Barrett
F: Danny Dichio Kei Kamara
Top coach: Ruud Gullit showed the magic touch again by inserting Alan Gordon and dropping Landon Donovan back a bit off the forward line. The adjustment threw the Wizards off and opened up space for the Galaxy, space the hosts used to pull away in a 3-1 win.
Interim coach Marco Ferruzzi steps up in a difficult moment and makes the right moves to guide Dallas to victory.
Top player. Cuauhtemoc Blanco had a hand in every Chicago goal. He picked up a goal, three assists and sent in the corner kick that Gonzalo Segares finished off to give Chicago their fifth goal in a 5-1 thrashing of the Red Bulls.
Best game: DC 3, Toronto 2. Tom Soehn was moments away from a possible firing before something lit a fire under DC's back side. The result was a come-from-behind victory for the fallen giants and an all-around exciting game.
Best goal: David Beckham's goal versus Kansas City. Any time you see a 70-yard goal, it's one to remember.
Best save: Matt Reis kept the Crew off the scoreboard with a quarter hour left with a splendid save off a Robbie Rogers header.
Chris Klein's goal-line clearance after Landon Donovan inadvertently poked Scott Sealy's cross towards the net.
LOWLIGHTS
Wasn't defense supposed to be Kansas City's strength? Then why can't KC hold on to 1-0 second-half leads?
Th streamer mess is spreading to other sites besides Toronto, and not only does it look more amateur every time, it is undoubtedly affecting play, leaving MLS leadership with egg, or at least, streamer stuff in their face if they are forced to back track on the issue.
FC Dallas is in the habit of collecting red cards. Bobby Rhine took his turn on Saturday with an unnecessary blow to RSL's Javier Morales. Compounding the red card was Ian Joy's earlier, equally-as-unnecessary challenge on Kenny Cooper, which also resulted in a red. Rhine's red, though, canceled Joy's out.
Greg Sutton completely botched a shot from Santino Quaranta that led to Luciano Emilio's match winner. Sutton had better not be allowed anywhere near Brazil with that sort of goalkeeping.
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Opening up the cup
On Tuesday, the Galaxy will host Colorado in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match. The game, to my knowledge, won't be broadcast anywhere and the only radio that is available is of the Spanish-language kind. While that's fine for some Galaxy fans, others will be stuck in a precarious situation - not being able to attend the game, not being able to listen to it and wondering what's going on.
Just tune in here. We'll have a running blog going, the usual post-game audio from both sides and possibly video as well.
A year ago, we had a similar situation when New York came to LA to play the Galaxy in an Open Cup play-in match and that was one of the most thrilling experiences I've had. Our little blog was tiny back then but that game sort of helped get our blog out there. We had a running blog and I got some timely video as well, including Juan Pablo Angel's first MLS goal, which has gotten more than 20,000 views.
If you can make the game, great. It should be a cozy atmosphere out there. If not, visit us here and we'll be your eyes and ears.
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Just tune in here. We'll have a running blog going, the usual post-game audio from both sides and possibly video as well.
A year ago, we had a similar situation when New York came to LA to play the Galaxy in an Open Cup play-in match and that was one of the most thrilling experiences I've had. Our little blog was tiny back then but that game sort of helped get our blog out there. We had a running blog and I got some timely video as well, including Juan Pablo Angel's first MLS goal, which has gotten more than 20,000 views.
If you can make the game, great. It should be a cozy atmosphere out there. If not, visit us here and we'll be your eyes and ears.
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Klein post-game
After talking to Greg Vanney in a nearly-empty (in terms of reporters) Galaxy locker room, I waited for Chris Klein to get ready. He was getting treatment or something before getting showered and dressed. After he was ready to talk, I got first dibs on a conversation. About halfway through our chat, or maybe even a few minutes in, the mass hordes of reporters crowded around us. Apparently, they were informed in the presser that Landon Donovan would be made available in the locker room instead of the press conference. So that's why there are some repeated questions there.
Here's about eight minutes or so of Chris Klein.
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Here's about eight minutes or so of Chris Klein.
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Sunday, May 25, 2008
Luster's off the game
As I was watching the Chicago Fire tear apart a terrible New York side, I thought 'I can't wait until Chicago plays at the Galaxy.'
Turns out, I don't need to get ahead of myself. Instead of Cuauhtemoc Blanco versus Becks and Landon, it's going to be Cuauhtemoc Blanco versus Chris Klein and Edson Buddle. Chicago plays at LA on Aug. 21. On Aug. 20, the U.S. will play its first of six semifinal World Cup qualifying matches, if the U.S. gets past Barbados. The same day, England will play the Czech Republic. And at the rate we're going, Blanco may somehow earn a spot back on Mexico.
Suddenly, I can wait.
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Turns out, I don't need to get ahead of myself. Instead of Cuauhtemoc Blanco versus Becks and Landon, it's going to be Cuauhtemoc Blanco versus Chris Klein and Edson Buddle. Chicago plays at LA on Aug. 21. On Aug. 20, the U.S. will play its first of six semifinal World Cup qualifying matches, if the U.S. gets past Barbados. The same day, England will play the Czech Republic. And at the rate we're going, Blanco may somehow earn a spot back on Mexico.
Suddenly, I can wait.
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Liguilla day eight
Wow. Talk about drama. Unbelievable drama. That's what Santos and Monterrey pieced together in the second half of Sunday's decisive second leg. The two teams had tied 1-1 on Thursday and Santos needed just a draw to advance. But Jared Borgetti and Humberto Suazo each scored in the second half and Monterrey held a 2-0 lead with a quarter hour standing in the way of them and a trip to the final against Cruz Azul.
But Matias Vuoso and Fernando Arce had other thoughts as Santos battled back to claim a spot in the final.
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But Matias Vuoso and Fernando Arce had other thoughts as Santos battled back to claim a spot in the final.
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Indios gain promotion
Indios of Ciudad Juarez will play in the Mexican First Division next season after the club tied Leon in Sunday's decisive second leg. The match finished at 2-2 and Indios took the series on a 3-2 aggregate.
Marco Antonio Vidal, a native of Texas, played the entire game for Indios. It remains to be seen, though, if Vidal or many of his teammates actually get to play next season. Teams commonly overhaul their rosters upon ascending. Vidal, though, was a regular on the club this season.
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Marco Antonio Vidal, a native of Texas, played the entire game for Indios. It remains to be seen, though, if Vidal or many of his teammates actually get to play next season. Teams commonly overhaul their rosters upon ascending. Vidal, though, was a regular on the club this season.
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Red Bull NY/Chicago Fire
Well, Chad Barrett already scored, but I was having brunch.
31 - Announcers talking about Juan Pablo Angel's back problem.
33 - Usually I harp on English announcers for not talking about the game, but this time, the Spanish-speaking ones have gone off on a long tangent about FC Dallas firing Steve Morrow. They're not talking about the game at all.
34 - Rolfe to Barret, but the give and go doesn't go.
36 - NY, according to the announcers, cannot penetrate, cannot probe, cannot test the Fire with the non-threatening way they're playing right now.
38 - Jon Busch leaps to punch the ball and comes down on top of his defender, Bakary.
39 - NY FK, Reyna takes, Sassano's shirt gets torn, Parke looks like he reaches it, but his header is wide. The announcers ding the ref.
40 - Danleigh Borman one-times a pass over the bar. Nice volley try.
45 - Announcers discussing the Osorio soap opera.
Halftime - Chicago winning the grudge matchup between the two teams.
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31 - Announcers talking about Juan Pablo Angel's back problem.
33 - Usually I harp on English announcers for not talking about the game, but this time, the Spanish-speaking ones have gone off on a long tangent about FC Dallas firing Steve Morrow. They're not talking about the game at all.
34 - Rolfe to Barret, but the give and go doesn't go.
36 - NY, according to the announcers, cannot penetrate, cannot probe, cannot test the Fire with the non-threatening way they're playing right now.
38 - Jon Busch leaps to punch the ball and comes down on top of his defender, Bakary.
39 - NY FK, Reyna takes, Sassano's shirt gets torn, Parke looks like he reaches it, but his header is wide. The announcers ding the ref.
40 - Danleigh Borman one-times a pass over the bar. Nice volley try.
45 - Announcers discussing the Osorio soap opera.
Halftime - Chicago winning the grudge matchup between the two teams.
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Thoughts on Chivas USA
When I did my weekly radio spot for Around the League in 90 minutes on the Champions Soccer Radio Network last week, I didn't have too much faith in Chivas USA's ability to pull out a result in Colorado. It's not that the Rapids have been world beaters, but Chivas hadn't done well to piece together consistent matches, let alone a solid 90-minute road effort. I don't remember if I made an outright prediction but I was all but tagging the Rapids for a win.
Chivas proved me wrong. The club had its first good road effort and came away with a strong momentum-building win. While the 3-1 win over DC helped Chivas realize that they could in fact play like they did a year ago, Saturday's win should serve as a confidence boost. Two games now Chivas has came away with maximum points.
What is more startling is the lineups the club has used to get their six points. Players like Bobby Burling, Justin Braun, Atiba Harris and Sueno himself Jorge Flores have played key roles in each victory. Anyone but ardent Chivas supporters would be hard-pressed to pick Burling out of a lineup while Braun came from out of nowhere to even land a roster spot, yet those guys are finally responding and getting their opportunities as regulars Maykel Galindo and Shavar Thomas deal with injury.
Flores, though, has been a pleasant surprise. The kid obviously has talent. It was evident, not because he won Sueno MLS or even because he got a contract but because of his repeated call-ups to the Under-20 national team and the things that coaches say about him, about his strong work ethic, attitude and mentality. Flores is just 18, not even one calendar year removed from high school, and now he's got two goals under his belt. At this point, it will be difficult to not include him in the starting lineup for next week's match against Columbus.
As more players recover from injury, such as Carey Talley did against the Rapids, Chivas will only get stronger. And with consecutive wins now under their belt, the club is only going to grow in confidence.
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Chivas proved me wrong. The club had its first good road effort and came away with a strong momentum-building win. While the 3-1 win over DC helped Chivas realize that they could in fact play like they did a year ago, Saturday's win should serve as a confidence boost. Two games now Chivas has came away with maximum points.
What is more startling is the lineups the club has used to get their six points. Players like Bobby Burling, Justin Braun, Atiba Harris and Sueno himself Jorge Flores have played key roles in each victory. Anyone but ardent Chivas supporters would be hard-pressed to pick Burling out of a lineup while Braun came from out of nowhere to even land a roster spot, yet those guys are finally responding and getting their opportunities as regulars Maykel Galindo and Shavar Thomas deal with injury.
Flores, though, has been a pleasant surprise. The kid obviously has talent. It was evident, not because he won Sueno MLS or even because he got a contract but because of his repeated call-ups to the Under-20 national team and the things that coaches say about him, about his strong work ethic, attitude and mentality. Flores is just 18, not even one calendar year removed from high school, and now he's got two goals under his belt. At this point, it will be difficult to not include him in the starting lineup for next week's match against Columbus.
As more players recover from injury, such as Carey Talley did against the Rapids, Chivas will only get stronger. And with consecutive wins now under their belt, the club is only going to grow in confidence.
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Ahead of the crowd
After listening to the Wizards in the post-game presser, I made a quick dash to their locker room. I had enough time to talk to one KC player, so I talked to the one I knew would give me some good stuff. Here's my little chat with Jimmy Conrad.
I thought about sticking around and saying hi to Kevin Hartman but he was in the middle of an interview and I wanted to make it over to the Galaxy locker room before everyone left. Sometimes the guys linger but other times it clears out rather quickly.
I was actually one of the first reporters there. While most had stayed behind to listen to Ruud Gullit, I was in the locker room with maybe two other reporters. David Beckham was still there. He was tidying himself up and getting ready for his trans-Atlantic jaunt while his three boys played in the locker room. It was a regular day care center in there as Chris Klein, Joe Franchino and Becks all had their kids in there. It's not like I'm not used to little ones scampering around so it didn't exactly faze me. I actually thought it was kind of cool for the players to have their kids down there.
Anyway, I got the chance to talk to Greg Vanney and Chris Klein before the hordes descended upon the locker room for Landon Donovan.
Here's audio of my one-on-one with Greg Vanney, some of which I'm using for my Tuesday column in The Press-Enterprise. I'll probably post the Klein stuff at some point as well.
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I thought about sticking around and saying hi to Kevin Hartman but he was in the middle of an interview and I wanted to make it over to the Galaxy locker room before everyone left. Sometimes the guys linger but other times it clears out rather quickly.
I was actually one of the first reporters there. While most had stayed behind to listen to Ruud Gullit, I was in the locker room with maybe two other reporters. David Beckham was still there. He was tidying himself up and getting ready for his trans-Atlantic jaunt while his three boys played in the locker room. It was a regular day care center in there as Chris Klein, Joe Franchino and Becks all had their kids in there. It's not like I'm not used to little ones scampering around so it didn't exactly faze me. I actually thought it was kind of cool for the players to have their kids down there.
Anyway, I got the chance to talk to Greg Vanney and Chris Klein before the hordes descended upon the locker room for Landon Donovan.
Here's audio of my one-on-one with Greg Vanney, some of which I'm using for my Tuesday column in The Press-Enterprise. I'll probably post the Klein stuff at some point as well.
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Liguilla day seven
Cruz Azul tied San Luis 1-1 on Saturday thanks to a late Pablo Zeballos goal and la Maquina advanced to the Mexican league final.
Cruz Azul is trying for their first league title since the Invierno 97 season. The team is close to breaking that long stretch but will have to beat either Santos or Monterrey to do so.
Michael Orozco did not play for San Luis.
Highlights:
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Cruz Azul is trying for their first league title since the Invierno 97 season. The team is close to breaking that long stretch but will have to beat either Santos or Monterrey to do so.
Michael Orozco did not play for San Luis.
Highlights:
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KC Kyle
I didn't get a chance to make it to the Wizards locker room (where it would have been nice to interview the new DP, Claudio, say hi to 'El Gato' and collect a pithy quote from my fellow espn.com writer, JC), but this morning's email from Kansas City media dude Kyle Rogers contains more Wizards trivia than I could ever hope to collect in one post-game visit.
It's interesting, too, unlike a lot of press releases the league puts out.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made six saves on the night, his second-best save performance of the season.
· In the 3rd minute, Hartman surpassed former teammate and current LA assistant coach Cobi Jones for 4th place on Major League Soccer’s all-time minutes list.
· In the 88th minute, Hartman surpassed current Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis for 3rd place on the all-time list.
· Kreis and Real Salt Lake are the Wizards next opponents in MLS play.
· Hartman ended the game with 25,245 career minutes.
· He trails only New England midfielder Steve Ralston and former Wizards assistant Chris Henderson in career minutes.
· Hartman now has 1050 career saves, trailing only former Wizards standout Tony Meola on Major League Soccer’s all-time list.
· Hartman and defender Jimmy Conrad are the only Wizards to play all 810 minutes so far this season.
· Forward Claudio Lopez sits just behind Conrad and Hartman with 806 minutes and has played the entire 90 in six matches.
· Lopez recorded his 3rd goal of the season with a moment of individual brilliance in the first half.
· He is now tied with Conrad for the team lead in goals scored.
· It was the Wizards 3rd goal scored in open play this season.
· Midfielder Davy Arnaud made his first start of the season.
· With the appearance, Arnaud surpassed Matt McKeon for 6th place on the team’s all-time games played list.
· Five Wizards were born in the state of California: Myers, Victorine, Conrad, Kronberg and Wahl.
· Three Wizards formerly played professionally in the state. Hartman and Victorine both played for Los Angeles. Conrad played for San Jose before joining the Wizards.
· Former Wizards standout Chris Klein played 90 minutes at right back for LA.
· Four Wizards played collegiate soccer in at UCLA: Hartman, Conrad, Victorine and Myers.
· Hartman attended Cal-State Dominguez Hills for his first two seasons. Home Depot Center sits on the campus of CSDH.
· Conrad had 150 friends and family in attendance.
· Kansas City was without reserve defender Jonathan Leathers, who is in Toulon, France with the U.S. U-23 National Team
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It's interesting, too, unlike a lot of press releases the league puts out.
Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made six saves on the night, his second-best save performance of the season.
· In the 3rd minute, Hartman surpassed former teammate and current LA assistant coach Cobi Jones for 4th place on Major League Soccer’s all-time minutes list.
· In the 88th minute, Hartman surpassed current Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis for 3rd place on the all-time list.
· Kreis and Real Salt Lake are the Wizards next opponents in MLS play.
· Hartman ended the game with 25,245 career minutes.
· He trails only New England midfielder Steve Ralston and former Wizards assistant Chris Henderson in career minutes.
· Hartman now has 1050 career saves, trailing only former Wizards standout Tony Meola on Major League Soccer’s all-time list.
· Hartman and defender Jimmy Conrad are the only Wizards to play all 810 minutes so far this season.
· Forward Claudio Lopez sits just behind Conrad and Hartman with 806 minutes and has played the entire 90 in six matches.
· Lopez recorded his 3rd goal of the season with a moment of individual brilliance in the first half.
· He is now tied with Conrad for the team lead in goals scored.
· It was the Wizards 3rd goal scored in open play this season.
· Midfielder Davy Arnaud made his first start of the season.
· With the appearance, Arnaud surpassed Matt McKeon for 6th place on the team’s all-time games played list.
· Five Wizards were born in the state of California: Myers, Victorine, Conrad, Kronberg and Wahl.
· Three Wizards formerly played professionally in the state. Hartman and Victorine both played for Los Angeles. Conrad played for San Jose before joining the Wizards.
· Former Wizards standout Chris Klein played 90 minutes at right back for LA.
· Four Wizards played collegiate soccer in at UCLA: Hartman, Conrad, Victorine and Myers.
· Hartman attended Cal-State Dominguez Hills for his first two seasons. Home Depot Center sits on the campus of CSDH.
· Conrad had 150 friends and family in attendance.
· Kansas City was without reserve defender Jonathan Leathers, who is in Toulon, France with the U.S. U-23 National Team
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Post-game piece
You're the Becks, around! Nothing's ever going to keep you down!
So, what movie is this modified song line from? The Internet makes this too easy, but bonus points if you don't have to look it up.
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So, what movie is this modified song line from? The Internet makes this too easy, but bonus points if you don't have to look it up.
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LD on PK
Landon speaks on the foul and penalty kick in the Kansas City game. In order, the reporters asking questions are Scott French, Peter Brown and yours truly.
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
Galaxy/Wizards running blog
Hi folks. It's actually a bit chilly here in LA. Las chance for LA fans to see Becks and Donovan for a bit.
Steve Cronin, Chris Klein, Sean Franklin, Abel Xavier, Greg Vanney, David Beckham, Alvaro Pires, Brandon McDonald, Joe Franchino, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan (someone said the nicknames were anoying, so I'm desisting for a bit).
KC - Kevin Hartman, Chance Myers, Jimmy Conrad, Tyson Wahl, Michael Harrington, Davy Arnaud, Jack Jewsbury, Carlos Marinelli, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, Scott Sealy
Kickoff!
1 - Wow, Galaxy in trouble from the start - can't clear their box well, but KC isn't quite able to work a shot out of it.
2 - Offside called on Lopez
4 - Pretty lively crowd right from the start, but it doesn't look like a sell-out. Course, LA crowds typically fill in late.
6 - KC with the majority of possession so far. Galaxy in their own half a lot.
7 - Interesting sequence, Klein overlapped Beckham, who passed to LD, who tried to onetime to Klein off his chest. Didn't come off - ball went out for throw, but it would have looked cool had it worked.
8 - Nice LA counter - almost. Beckham to Buddle, to LD, who gets a step on his defender and shoots towards goal. Hartman is on it and blocks. Crowd a bit confused. they don't want to boo Hartman, but they can't cheer the save, either, because he plays for KC no. So they're oddly silent.
11 - Handball! Well, I guess not if the ref doesn't call it. But it was pretty clear. Cronin stops the shot anyway, and Xavi clears.
13 - Galaxy defending a lot. Anytime anything gets going for them, a pass goes wrong. But they do earn a deep throw on a counter just now. Nothing comes of it.
16 - Beckham to Buddle - whose header goes wide.
20 - Galaxy keep getting caught offside. THe KC line is almost to centerfield.
21 - Whoa - on a deep throw - two Galaxy defenders miss clearing headers, but somehow escape without a KC shot on goal.
25 - Lopez shoot from outside the box - Cronin saves, but it looked like it might have gone a bit wide anyway.
28 - Free kick for the galaxy. Bit far, bit of an extreme angle - Becks lines it up, steps to it - serves it - All the Galaxy guys miss it, but LD chases it down, and then tries to go back into the box - and then things get weird and confusing. the whistle blows, but we're not sure why and then Buddle gets a yellow card. We're still not sure why.
33 - Interesting - Becks got fouled, but there was no call for about a minute. I guess play-on applied. finally Victorine got a yellow.
34 - Looks like the ref misses another handball, this one in the box by Jack Jewsbury. Galaxy scrum around in the box, but the final shot is wide.
40 - GOAL! The Wizards are a much more mobile and skilled team than they once were. Fun to watch, really, -- Ohhh - wow, Lopez jukes at the top of the box and no one shuts him down. So he winds up and sends a scorcher of a shot at an excellent angle that beats Cronin. 1-0.
44 - Galaxy attacking furiously now. Where was this a few minutes ago?
45 + Donovan overhits Becks badly with a pass.
Halftime
Wizards hold off the Galaxy charge, go into the locker room with their lead intact.
49 - Becks freekick - Pires with a weak header - Hartman catches.
52 - Scrappy play by both sides - Wizards have a FK. Cronin catches it.
54 - Penalty! LD in the box. Wahl with the foul. LD will take against his old teammate, Hartman.
55 - GOAL! LD slams it just slightly right while Hartman dives the other way. 1-1.
56 - Gordo in for McDonald. Becks leads out a counter, pases to Buddle, whose shot is parried by Hartman over the bar. Corner. foul leads to goal kick.
60 - Corner for KC. Marinelli sets up. Cleared. Becks sends long pass to LD on the counter, who manages to settle against two defenders in the box and lays off to Allen, open on the trailing run - Allen's shot is weak and wide. Poor.
63 - Galaxy comdy on defense just now, but they finally clear and pass to Gordo, who is offside.
66 - KC FK in a prime spot. Franklin's poor pass set up the fould situation. Marinelli sets up - and sends the kick over everybody and out. Lucky escape for LA.
70 - Yikes - The Galaxy go box to box - they nearly let in a goal because they expect an offside call that doesn't come, then, then on the counter, an LD pass goes begging by both Allen and Gordon.
72 - Becks FK. Everyone misses it.
74 - GOAL! Becks to Gordon to LD, who flicks it past the final line for Buddle. Perhaps the hat trick wasn't a fluke. 2-1 Galaxy.
77 - Gordo gets a yellow for a late and clumsy tackle on Jewsbury.
79 - KC charging, the Galaxy looking for chances on the counter. Still an open game.
81 - SAVE! Off the line by Klein after Galaxy got caught on a counter and Sealy beat a scrambling Cronin to the ball - Cronin couldn't quite grab it and Sealy kept at it until he got his shot, but Klein managed to clear it from behind. Amazing.
82 - KC FK. Hits the wall.
84 - Ruiz returns. Enters for LD.
85 - Buddle off the post! So close to sealing up the game.
86 - Klein in the box - somehow doesn't see Ruiz, Klein's soft shot caught by Hartman.
88 - KC corner. marinelli, becks fights for ball, in on the run on a counter, swept from behind, pops up angrily. Sure - he doesn't want an injury before going to England. He has words and the ref has to break things up.
90 - I'm aurprised Donovan was taken out, the Galaxy have trouble controlling the ball without him. Galaxy counter finds Ruiz, who fights the hold of Conrad until he finally gets a foul call.
90 + Four minutes stoppage.
Buddle misses a great Becks pass in the box. Just whiffs it.
That would have been a great defense-breaking pass, but Allen held it too long and Ruiz was caught offside.
OOOh, KC have a late corner. Hartman comes up for it.
GOAL! The Galaxy clear. It's on Becks' foot. He lines it up and hits it from behind the centerline as Hartman runs desperately back. It bounces perfectly into the goal. 3-1 Galaxy
The Galaxy get over .500 for the first time this season, sending Becks and LD off to their international duty with a victory.
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Steve Cronin, Chris Klein, Sean Franklin, Abel Xavier, Greg Vanney, David Beckham, Alvaro Pires, Brandon McDonald, Joe Franchino, Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan (someone said the nicknames were anoying, so I'm desisting for a bit).
KC - Kevin Hartman, Chance Myers, Jimmy Conrad, Tyson Wahl, Michael Harrington, Davy Arnaud, Jack Jewsbury, Carlos Marinelli, Sasha Victorine, Claudio Lopez, Scott Sealy
Kickoff!
1 - Wow, Galaxy in trouble from the start - can't clear their box well, but KC isn't quite able to work a shot out of it.
2 - Offside called on Lopez
4 - Pretty lively crowd right from the start, but it doesn't look like a sell-out. Course, LA crowds typically fill in late.
6 - KC with the majority of possession so far. Galaxy in their own half a lot.
7 - Interesting sequence, Klein overlapped Beckham, who passed to LD, who tried to onetime to Klein off his chest. Didn't come off - ball went out for throw, but it would have looked cool had it worked.
8 - Nice LA counter - almost. Beckham to Buddle, to LD, who gets a step on his defender and shoots towards goal. Hartman is on it and blocks. Crowd a bit confused. they don't want to boo Hartman, but they can't cheer the save, either, because he plays for KC no. So they're oddly silent.
11 - Handball! Well, I guess not if the ref doesn't call it. But it was pretty clear. Cronin stops the shot anyway, and Xavi clears.
13 - Galaxy defending a lot. Anytime anything gets going for them, a pass goes wrong. But they do earn a deep throw on a counter just now. Nothing comes of it.
16 - Beckham to Buddle - whose header goes wide.
20 - Galaxy keep getting caught offside. THe KC line is almost to centerfield.
21 - Whoa - on a deep throw - two Galaxy defenders miss clearing headers, but somehow escape without a KC shot on goal.
25 - Lopez shoot from outside the box - Cronin saves, but it looked like it might have gone a bit wide anyway.
28 - Free kick for the galaxy. Bit far, bit of an extreme angle - Becks lines it up, steps to it - serves it - All the Galaxy guys miss it, but LD chases it down, and then tries to go back into the box - and then things get weird and confusing. the whistle blows, but we're not sure why and then Buddle gets a yellow card. We're still not sure why.
33 - Interesting - Becks got fouled, but there was no call for about a minute. I guess play-on applied. finally Victorine got a yellow.
34 - Looks like the ref misses another handball, this one in the box by Jack Jewsbury. Galaxy scrum around in the box, but the final shot is wide.
40 - GOAL! The Wizards are a much more mobile and skilled team than they once were. Fun to watch, really, -- Ohhh - wow, Lopez jukes at the top of the box and no one shuts him down. So he winds up and sends a scorcher of a shot at an excellent angle that beats Cronin. 1-0.
44 - Galaxy attacking furiously now. Where was this a few minutes ago?
45 + Donovan overhits Becks badly with a pass.
Halftime
Wizards hold off the Galaxy charge, go into the locker room with their lead intact.
49 - Becks freekick - Pires with a weak header - Hartman catches.
52 - Scrappy play by both sides - Wizards have a FK. Cronin catches it.
54 - Penalty! LD in the box. Wahl with the foul. LD will take against his old teammate, Hartman.
55 - GOAL! LD slams it just slightly right while Hartman dives the other way. 1-1.
56 - Gordo in for McDonald. Becks leads out a counter, pases to Buddle, whose shot is parried by Hartman over the bar. Corner. foul leads to goal kick.
60 - Corner for KC. Marinelli sets up. Cleared. Becks sends long pass to LD on the counter, who manages to settle against two defenders in the box and lays off to Allen, open on the trailing run - Allen's shot is weak and wide. Poor.
63 - Galaxy comdy on defense just now, but they finally clear and pass to Gordo, who is offside.
66 - KC FK in a prime spot. Franklin's poor pass set up the fould situation. Marinelli sets up - and sends the kick over everybody and out. Lucky escape for LA.
70 - Yikes - The Galaxy go box to box - they nearly let in a goal because they expect an offside call that doesn't come, then, then on the counter, an LD pass goes begging by both Allen and Gordon.
72 - Becks FK. Everyone misses it.
74 - GOAL! Becks to Gordon to LD, who flicks it past the final line for Buddle. Perhaps the hat trick wasn't a fluke. 2-1 Galaxy.
77 - Gordo gets a yellow for a late and clumsy tackle on Jewsbury.
79 - KC charging, the Galaxy looking for chances on the counter. Still an open game.
81 - SAVE! Off the line by Klein after Galaxy got caught on a counter and Sealy beat a scrambling Cronin to the ball - Cronin couldn't quite grab it and Sealy kept at it until he got his shot, but Klein managed to clear it from behind. Amazing.
82 - KC FK. Hits the wall.
84 - Ruiz returns. Enters for LD.
85 - Buddle off the post! So close to sealing up the game.
86 - Klein in the box - somehow doesn't see Ruiz, Klein's soft shot caught by Hartman.
88 - KC corner. marinelli, becks fights for ball, in on the run on a counter, swept from behind, pops up angrily. Sure - he doesn't want an injury before going to England. He has words and the ref has to break things up.
90 - I'm aurprised Donovan was taken out, the Galaxy have trouble controlling the ball without him. Galaxy counter finds Ruiz, who fights the hold of Conrad until he finally gets a foul call.
90 + Four minutes stoppage.
Buddle misses a great Becks pass in the box. Just whiffs it.
That would have been a great defense-breaking pass, but Allen held it too long and Ruiz was caught offside.
OOOh, KC have a late corner. Hartman comes up for it.
GOAL! The Galaxy clear. It's on Becks' foot. He lines it up and hits it from behind the centerline as Hartman runs desperately back. It bounces perfectly into the goal. 3-1 Galaxy
The Galaxy get over .500 for the first time this season, sending Becks and LD off to their international duty with a victory.
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Friday, May 23, 2008
Winning writer
Mark Zeigler, ladies and gentlemen!
He wins the The North American Soccer Reporters 2007 Column Writing Contest with an article on Hope Solo.
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He wins the The North American Soccer Reporters 2007 Column Writing Contest with an article on Hope Solo.
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Stormclouds over Becks
That's not a metaphor, it was literally about to rain when the press talked to David Beckham today. I borrowed a tripod from a friend for the earlier videos, but today I forgot to bring it. I tried to emulate the cameramen I see shooting video with the camera perched on their shoulder, but I have to admit, it's hard to hold a little pocket camera there. Plus, one's hair gets in the way.
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La lista del Tri
The Mexican federation released its roster for upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Peru. The list is the second for Jesus "Chucho" Ramirez and probably includes the majority of players he will use during the World Cup qualifying series against Belize.
The list (followed by some initial reactions):
G: Oswaldo Sanchez (Santos), Jesus Corona (Tecos), Guillermo Ochoa (America).
D: Jonny Magallon (Chivas), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Aaron Galindo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Patricio Araujo (Chivas), Carlos Salcido (PSV), Sergio Amaury Ponce (Toluca), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Julio Cesar Dominguez (Cruz Azul), Oscar Rojas (America), Adrian Aldrete (Morelia).
M: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Fernando Arce (Santos), Gonzalo Pineda (Chivas), Andres Guardado (Deportivo la Coruna), Zinha (Toluca).
F: Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Sergio Santana (Chivas), Carlos Vela (Osasuna), Edgar Andrade (Cruz Azul), Jared Borgetti (Monterrey).
- Don't expect the America contingent for the Argentina match as America has a game that night.
- Most surprising name: Jared Borgetti. With his recent hat-trick and overall form during the Clausura 2008 season, Borgetti has shown he can still score goals and be a force on the offensive side of the ball. Still, his inclusion is a surprise as other young strikers had been given and taken advantage of opportunities.
- Not sure why there are no Pachuca players on the roster.
- Chucho selected several young players (Vela, Villaluz, Dominguez, Araujo) who have succeeded under him in the past.
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The list (followed by some initial reactions):
G: Oswaldo Sanchez (Santos), Jesus Corona (Tecos), Guillermo Ochoa (America).
D: Jonny Magallon (Chivas), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Aaron Galindo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Patricio Araujo (Chivas), Carlos Salcido (PSV), Sergio Amaury Ponce (Toluca), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Julio Cesar Dominguez (Cruz Azul), Oscar Rojas (America), Adrian Aldrete (Morelia).
M: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Fernando Arce (Santos), Gonzalo Pineda (Chivas), Andres Guardado (Deportivo la Coruna), Zinha (Toluca).
F: Cesar Villaluz (Cruz Azul), Sergio Santana (Chivas), Carlos Vela (Osasuna), Edgar Andrade (Cruz Azul), Jared Borgetti (Monterrey).
- Don't expect the America contingent for the Argentina match as America has a game that night.
- Most surprising name: Jared Borgetti. With his recent hat-trick and overall form during the Clausura 2008 season, Borgetti has shown he can still score goals and be a force on the offensive side of the ball. Still, his inclusion is a surprise as other young strikers had been given and taken advantage of opportunities.
- Not sure why there are no Pachuca players on the roster.
- Chucho selected several young players (Vela, Villaluz, Dominguez, Araujo) who have succeeded under him in the past.
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Addition by subtraction
Jovan Kirovski spent several years playing in Europe and has worn the US national team shirt before. Perhaps it's those sorts of accomplishments that frustrates fans so much. He can show flashes of brilliance but more often than not he leaves fans scratching their heads.
Galaxy fans were glad to see him go and now Rapids fans are likely as glad to have him off their team. Colorado dealt Kirovski and Kelly Gray to San Jose for Preston Burpo and a draft pick. Funny how the trade involved former Galaxy players and a former Chivas player.
Anyway, Kirovski is now San Jose's, um, property? Problem? Gray is a good addition, provided he can stay healthy. But Kirovski might add more of the same as San Jose's offense has struggled to score goals. After Thursday's game, San Jose has six goals in eight games.
Burpo, meanwhile, might help out Colorado. He might even play soon as the Rapids will play the Galaxy on Tuesday at HDC in an Open Cup play-in match. "Stone" Burpo is a quality backup who could help out if need be.
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Galaxy fans were glad to see him go and now Rapids fans are likely as glad to have him off their team. Colorado dealt Kirovski and Kelly Gray to San Jose for Preston Burpo and a draft pick. Funny how the trade involved former Galaxy players and a former Chivas player.
Anyway, Kirovski is now San Jose's, um, property? Problem? Gray is a good addition, provided he can stay healthy. But Kirovski might add more of the same as San Jose's offense has struggled to score goals. After Thursday's game, San Jose has six goals in eight games.
Burpo, meanwhile, might help out Colorado. He might even play soon as the Rapids will play the Galaxy on Tuesday at HDC in an Open Cup play-in match. "Stone" Burpo is a quality backup who could help out if need be.
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Bad timing
On June 4, Mexico will play Argentina in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. Tickets have sold out.
On the same night, America will play Liga de Quito in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal series.
Suddenly, those America fans who bought tickets have a quandary. Do they stay home and watch their beloved club try to make history? Or do they watch El Tri do battle against Argentina in person?
The time for the America game isn't set, so it's possible that they could watch both games. But if you've ever attended a game at Qualcomm - particularly one that will draw more than 60,000 - then you know what the traffic is like, and you know that getting early is not an option but a must.
The best scenario for fans would be for the stadium to open its gates early and let those fans who want to watch America-Liga de Quito do so via the scoreboard. Otherwise, it might be a night of anguish for America fans.
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On the same night, America will play Liga de Quito in the second leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal series.
Suddenly, those America fans who bought tickets have a quandary. Do they stay home and watch their beloved club try to make history? Or do they watch El Tri do battle against Argentina in person?
The time for the America game isn't set, so it's possible that they could watch both games. But if you've ever attended a game at Qualcomm - particularly one that will draw more than 60,000 - then you know what the traffic is like, and you know that getting early is not an option but a must.
The best scenario for fans would be for the stadium to open its gates early and let those fans who want to watch America-Liga de Quito do so via the scoreboard. Otherwise, it might be a night of anguish for America fans.
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Not out yet
Just when San Jose threatens to fall into the abyss that nearly everyone pegged them for, the 'Quakes pull out a nice victory. Thursday's 2-1 win over Houston was not only a solid 90-minute effort, it kept the 'Quakes from completely dropping off the Western Conference picture.
Every western side has played eight games with the exception of Houston (nine) and five points separate first-place Colorado from last-place San Jose.
Before the season started, San Jose coach Frank Yallop said that 10 wins would likely be good enough to reach the playoffs. The team's got two already.
Still, the 'Quakes' upcoming stretch is downright brutal. San Jose will hit the road for six of the next seven games, the lone home game a June 14 fixture in Oakland against the Galaxy. The flipside to that is a favorable home slate down the road - San Jose will play 9 of 13 home games after the All-Star Game. Of course, that will only matter if San Jose survives that horrid stretch.
I had counted the 'Quakes out before the season started for the simple fact that Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC struggled so badly in each of their respective first seasons. And while I still don't think they'll finish with enough points to earn a playoff spot, at least they're hanging in there. So far.
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Every western side has played eight games with the exception of Houston (nine) and five points separate first-place Colorado from last-place San Jose.
Before the season started, San Jose coach Frank Yallop said that 10 wins would likely be good enough to reach the playoffs. The team's got two already.
Still, the 'Quakes' upcoming stretch is downright brutal. San Jose will hit the road for six of the next seven games, the lone home game a June 14 fixture in Oakland against the Galaxy. The flipside to that is a favorable home slate down the road - San Jose will play 9 of 13 home games after the All-Star Game. Of course, that will only matter if San Jose survives that horrid stretch.
I had counted the 'Quakes out before the season started for the simple fact that Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC struggled so badly in each of their respective first seasons. And while I still don't think they'll finish with enough points to earn a playoff spot, at least they're hanging in there. So far.
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Liguilla day six
Santos and Monterrey tied 1-1 in Monterrey on Thursday. Monterrey went down a man early and as a result Santos sent numbers forward all match. The Laguneros, though, were only able to put one goal away.
Still, Santos needs just a draw to advance to the Mexican league final.
Highlights:
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Still, Santos needs just a draw to advance to the Mexican league final.
Highlights:
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America on way to semis
America lost to Santos 1-0 on Thursday but still advanced to the semifinals of Copa Libertadores. Guillermo Ochoa and America's defense withstood a 90-minute barrage from Santos, who got a goal from ex-America star Kleber in the second half.
America will play Liga Deportivo Universitario of Quito in the semis.
Here are the highlights:
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America will play Liga Deportivo Universitario of Quito in the semis.
Here are the highlights:
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Sangre americana update
It's been a busy spell for the sangre americana contingent over the last few days. Let me catch you up on the goings-on of the American boys down in Mexico.
- Sammy Ochoa scored a goal for the U.S. Under-23 national in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Turkey in France. Ochoa had trouble in the first half before playing much better in the second half and scoring on a long-range shot. Ochoa is a long shot for the Olympics but this goal doesn't exactly hurt that cause.
- Michael Orozco was called into the U.S. national team for Wednesday's game in Wembley. It's an accomplishment to be called in, even if he doesn't play.
- Edgar Castillo played 70 minutes in Santos' 1-1 draw against Monterrey on Thursday. The match was the first leg of the semifinals.
- Marco Antonio Vidal played 90 minutes in Indios' 1-0 win over Leon on Thursday. The match was the first leg of the promotion series as Vidal and Indios are one step away from reaching the Mexican First Division.
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- Sammy Ochoa scored a goal for the U.S. Under-23 national in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Turkey in France. Ochoa had trouble in the first half before playing much better in the second half and scoring on a long-range shot. Ochoa is a long shot for the Olympics but this goal doesn't exactly hurt that cause.
- Michael Orozco was called into the U.S. national team for Wednesday's game in Wembley. It's an accomplishment to be called in, even if he doesn't play.
- Edgar Castillo played 70 minutes in Santos' 1-1 draw against Monterrey on Thursday. The match was the first leg of the semifinals.
- Marco Antonio Vidal played 90 minutes in Indios' 1-0 win over Leon on Thursday. The match was the first leg of the promotion series as Vidal and Indios are one step away from reaching the Mexican First Division.
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
Throw-ins
Thought it might be nice to hear from the guys we don't hear from so often. Here's Israel Sesay, the youngest member of the Galaxy.
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A little practice
After practice, a few players lingered to shoot on goal for a while. When I interviewed him, Landon Donovan specifically said he wanted to get back to scoring again.
The music I added is part of a cello concerto by Camille Saint-Saens. Didn't I mention I'm easily amused?
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The music I added is part of a cello concerto by Camille Saint-Saens. Didn't I mention I'm easily amused?
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Uh, oh, Canada
Actually, going up against Brazil is an excellent match for Canada, though I'm still not sure why they're not playing in their own country. Seattle is relatively near, I'll grant. Anyway, here's the roster. Looks like Ante Jazic might play for his country before playing his next league game for his club.
ROSTER - CANADA
GOALKEEPERS: Lars Hirschfeld (CFR Cluj/ROM), Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo/USA), Greg Sutton (Toronto FC), Joshua Wagenaar (unattached)
DEFENDERS: Jim Brennan (Toronto FC), Adrian Cann (Vancouver Whitecaps), Marcel de Jong, (Roda JC/NED), Tam Nsaliwa (AEK Athens FC/GRE), André Hainault (Sparta Praha/CZE-on loan from FK SIAD Most), Ante Jazic (Los Angeles Galaxy/USA), Mike Klukowski (Club Brugge KV/BEL), Richard Hastings (Inverness CT/SCO)
MIDFIELDERS: Paul Stalteri (Fulham FC/ENG - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Adrian Serioux (FC Dallas/USA), Issey Nakajima-Farran (FC Nordsjælland/DEN), Atiba Hutchinson (F.C. København/DEN), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo/USA), Julian de Guzman (Deportivo La Coruna/SPA), Patrice Bernier, FC Kaiserslautern/GER)
FORWARDS: Rob Friend (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER), Ali Gerba (FC Ingolstadt/GER), Jaime Peters (Ipswich Town FC/ENG), Tomasz Radzinski (Skoda Xanthi/GRE)
Head coach: Dale Mitchell
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ROSTER - CANADA
GOALKEEPERS: Lars Hirschfeld (CFR Cluj/ROM), Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo/USA), Greg Sutton (Toronto FC), Joshua Wagenaar (unattached)
DEFENDERS: Jim Brennan (Toronto FC), Adrian Cann (Vancouver Whitecaps), Marcel de Jong, (Roda JC/NED), Tam Nsaliwa (AEK Athens FC/GRE), André Hainault (Sparta Praha/CZE-on loan from FK SIAD Most), Ante Jazic (Los Angeles Galaxy/USA), Mike Klukowski (Club Brugge KV/BEL), Richard Hastings (Inverness CT/SCO)
MIDFIELDERS: Paul Stalteri (Fulham FC/ENG - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Adrian Serioux (FC Dallas/USA), Issey Nakajima-Farran (FC Nordsjælland/DEN), Atiba Hutchinson (F.C. København/DEN), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo/USA), Julian de Guzman (Deportivo La Coruna/SPA), Patrice Bernier, FC Kaiserslautern/GER)
FORWARDS: Rob Friend (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER), Ali Gerba (FC Ingolstadt/GER), Jaime Peters (Ipswich Town FC/ENG), Tomasz Radzinski (Skoda Xanthi/GRE)
Head coach: Dale Mitchell
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Yay, Shaka
My favorite so far. . .
In fact, I like it so much, I'm leaving a few small quibbles unsaid.
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In fact, I like it so much, I'm leaving a few small quibbles unsaid.
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Double-time
The Galaxy usually have Wednesday off, but that turned out especially well for David Beckham, as he mentioned to reporters last week.
"Of course," he said when Martin Rogers asked if he'd be watching the Champion's League final.
Yet Becks has also become a big Lakers fan, and they're starting the Western Conference finals as well.
No prob. Becks owns a swanky downtown pad, reportedly right across from the Staples Center, at the new Ritz condos. So, a good plan would be to watch the Champion's League Final there, then mosey across the street to Staples for the Lakers game.
Which he apparently did with Brooklyn, his eldest. I find it amusing the Daily Mail doesn't mention the Lakers are in a final series of their own. Also, considering the Lakers were behind most of the match before a big comeback, I'm not surprised Becks was "subdued". I'm sure he cheered up at the end.
The one who could be grumpy today is Ruud Gullit, ex-Chelsea coach. Galaxy guys might expect an extra-long practice.
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"Of course," he said when Martin Rogers asked if he'd be watching the Champion's League final.
Yet Becks has also become a big Lakers fan, and they're starting the Western Conference finals as well.
No prob. Becks owns a swanky downtown pad, reportedly right across from the Staples Center, at the new Ritz condos. So, a good plan would be to watch the Champion's League Final there, then mosey across the street to Staples for the Lakers game.
Which he apparently did with Brooklyn, his eldest. I find it amusing the Daily Mail doesn't mention the Lakers are in a final series of their own. Also, considering the Lakers were behind most of the match before a big comeback, I'm not surprised Becks was "subdued". I'm sure he cheered up at the end.
The one who could be grumpy today is Ruud Gullit, ex-Chelsea coach. Galaxy guys might expect an extra-long practice.
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Liguilla day five
Cruz Azul took a major step forward in reaching the final by beating San Luis 1-0 in the first leg of their semifinal series. Miguel Sabah scored the game's only goal, midway through the first half.
Michael Orozco did not play and was not listed in any of the injury reports I've seen on the club.
Here are the highlights. Skip ahead 30 seconds or so, past the intro, and you'll get to the game.
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Michael Orozco did not play and was not listed in any of the injury reports I've seen on the club.
Here are the highlights. Skip ahead 30 seconds or so, past the intro, and you'll get to the game.
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Afshin overcomes
Ex-Galaxy assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi has found success despite tremendous pressure - humm, he'd probably handle FC Dallas just fine.
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Top and bottom
Before the season started, if you would have said that Wednesday's DC-Toronto match would pit an Eastern contender and one of the best teams in the league in the early going against a terrible, terrible team, most would have said "Well, duh, Toronto sucks."
Not quite the way it's turned out. At all. DC is the terrible, terrible team playing terrible, terrible soccer. Wednesday is no different as Toronto leads 1-0 in the second half.
I've got that game on the laptop and will tune in to Cruz Azul-San Luis soon. All soccer, all day.
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Not quite the way it's turned out. At all. DC is the terrible, terrible team playing terrible, terrible soccer. Wednesday is no different as Toronto leads 1-0 in the second half.
I've got that game on the laptop and will tune in to Cruz Azul-San Luis soon. All soccer, all day.
Read more...
So much for Atlas
Atlas fell by the wayside and were done in by the superior team as Boca Juniors demolished Atlas 3-0 in Guadalajara.
Boca played like a club that has won six Copa Libertadores titles and Atlas played like the zorritos we all know and love, the sad-sack overhyped club that couldn't win a championship if it was handed to them.
Boca Juniors moves on to the semifinals while America holds the Mexican league's last hope in Libertadores. America visits Santos of Brazil on Thursday with a 2-0 aggregate advantage, but we all saw how Atlas handled their advantage so America certainly has won nothing yet.
ADD:
Here are the highlights. Juan Roman Riquelme, Martin Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio make for a talented attacking trio. I wonder if Atlas knew this before the game.
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Boca played like a club that has won six Copa Libertadores titles and Atlas played like the zorritos we all know and love, the sad-sack overhyped club that couldn't win a championship if it was handed to them.
Boca Juniors moves on to the semifinals while America holds the Mexican league's last hope in Libertadores. America visits Santos of Brazil on Thursday with a 2-0 aggregate advantage, but we all saw how Atlas handled their advantage so America certainly has won nothing yet.
ADD:
Here are the highlights. Juan Roman Riquelme, Martin Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio make for a talented attacking trio. I wonder if Atlas knew this before the game.
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Two sides
Martin had to break up a heated argument between Scott French and I about Steve Morrow. Now, I was surprised to see him fired, but I think the move could turn out positively for FC Dallas. Scott vehemently disagreed, and said that the squad was doomed, basically. He said no good could come out of building a team of young players and then not giving their coach time to develop them.
That's similar to Steve Davis' argument.
My points on Morrow, though, were that he didn't really improve on the mediocrity that got Colin Clarke fired, and in some ways, the fact that he was Clarke's assistant gives the argument that he had longer to work with and improve the team than his actual head coaching tenure, but FC Dallas still wasn't really going anywhere positive.
Morrow always struck me as a steely sort of guy, steady, but not inspiring. Some coaches, players will go out of their way to say how hard they're working for him, because a certain kind of coach can really inspire incredible loyalty. I don't think Morrow necessarily "lost" the Dallas locker room, but neither did I ever get the sense that he was a coach the players would follow into a warzone or anything.
Another point I'll make is that while I don't know what sources Diego Aparicio has, I wouldn't dismiss his claims either, for the simple fact that players will sometimes say things in Spanish that they won't say in English, either because they don't know the language well, or because it's easier for them to confess or let something slip in their native language. Davis, to my knowledge, doesn't speak Spanish, and perhaps some of the grumblings about Morrow have been spoken in Spanish.
Finally, the firing of Jorge Alvial seems a bit fishy - and perhaps a sign that Michael Hitchcock isn't the only one with a quick trigger finger. If Morrow felt undermined by the popular assistant, and told management, "He's a cancer, I need him gone," he set himself up if the team didn't respond positively to that move. Some assistants don't get the glory, but are instrumental to a team's success (Paul Mariner, please pick up the white courtesy phone).
Speaking of Mariner, I guess my main point is that if FC Dallas finds a good coach (the charismatic Oscar Pareja also is an interesting option), their roster is talented enough to learn from such a person. I'm not saying firing Morrow was the right move - I'd say it was a huge gamble, but unlike others, I think it could possibly pay off.
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That's similar to Steve Davis' argument.
My points on Morrow, though, were that he didn't really improve on the mediocrity that got Colin Clarke fired, and in some ways, the fact that he was Clarke's assistant gives the argument that he had longer to work with and improve the team than his actual head coaching tenure, but FC Dallas still wasn't really going anywhere positive.
Morrow always struck me as a steely sort of guy, steady, but not inspiring. Some coaches, players will go out of their way to say how hard they're working for him, because a certain kind of coach can really inspire incredible loyalty. I don't think Morrow necessarily "lost" the Dallas locker room, but neither did I ever get the sense that he was a coach the players would follow into a warzone or anything.
Another point I'll make is that while I don't know what sources Diego Aparicio has, I wouldn't dismiss his claims either, for the simple fact that players will sometimes say things in Spanish that they won't say in English, either because they don't know the language well, or because it's easier for them to confess or let something slip in their native language. Davis, to my knowledge, doesn't speak Spanish, and perhaps some of the grumblings about Morrow have been spoken in Spanish.
Finally, the firing of Jorge Alvial seems a bit fishy - and perhaps a sign that Michael Hitchcock isn't the only one with a quick trigger finger. If Morrow felt undermined by the popular assistant, and told management, "He's a cancer, I need him gone," he set himself up if the team didn't respond positively to that move. Some assistants don't get the glory, but are instrumental to a team's success (Paul Mariner, please pick up the white courtesy phone).
Speaking of Mariner, I guess my main point is that if FC Dallas finds a good coach (the charismatic Oscar Pareja also is an interesting option), their roster is talented enough to learn from such a person. I'm not saying firing Morrow was the right move - I'd say it was a huge gamble, but unlike others, I think it could possibly pay off.
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Rooting interest
As faithful blog readers know, I picked Man U to win. However, at the pub where Martin gathered our little group, I let it slip that I'd interviewed some of Chelsea's players when they were out in California for preseason training last year. I mentioned a few specific players who I thought were nice and polite, since not all sportspeople are. Jose Mourinho, for example. Interesting and intelligent. Polite? Not particularly. Nice? Not really. Or perhaps he just feels no burden to treat the press decently.
Somehow, mentioning a few players who were cool translated to others thinking I was pulling for Chelsea, and all through the rest of the match, I was getting stick from the Man U fans.
When it came down to penalties, I was nervous in a strange way - I honestly didn't care who won, but I didn't want the players I like to miss.
Carlos Tevez - one of my favorite Argentine players (please don't miss, Carlitos).
Michael Ballack - Nice guy. Really.
Ronaldo - As soon as he stopped in his run-up, I knew it wasn't going in. That's a cardinal sin on PKs. Trick hesitations are fine, but not outright stopping. Not saying he deserved it, but, well, don't stop.
John Terry - If there was anyone I didn't want to slip and miss, it would be Terry. He's just a gentleman.
I was a little sad for him when the game ended. I didn't care about Anelka missing, but I was bummed for Terry.
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Somehow, mentioning a few players who were cool translated to others thinking I was pulling for Chelsea, and all through the rest of the match, I was getting stick from the Man U fans.
When it came down to penalties, I was nervous in a strange way - I honestly didn't care who won, but I didn't want the players I like to miss.
Carlos Tevez - one of my favorite Argentine players (please don't miss, Carlitos).
Michael Ballack - Nice guy. Really.
Ronaldo - As soon as he stopped in his run-up, I knew it wasn't going in. That's a cardinal sin on PKs. Trick hesitations are fine, but not outright stopping. Not saying he deserved it, but, well, don't stop.
John Terry - If there was anyone I didn't want to slip and miss, it would be Terry. He's just a gentleman.
I was a little sad for him when the game ended. I didn't care about Anelka missing, but I was bummed for Terry.
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Champs
Just got finished watching the Champions League final like millions of others around the globe. Sadly I had to pass on Martin Rogers' invite as I have kids and that pretty much means I have no social life. I did go out to Chivas USA training though, which I suppose is fitting as soccer is as close to a social life as I have these days, well, that and Disneyland.
Anyway, the game lived up to the hype. PKs aren't the most ideal way to decide a championship match but I don't think you could have watched them and not felt nervous. You've got to feel for John Terry. You can't come any closer to winning the Champions League final than having the goalie dive the wrong way on the decisive penalty kick only to have it sail wide. Unbelievable.
Still, the game I was really looking forward to watching starts in less than an hour or so as Boca Juniors visits Atlas. Is it a bad thing that Boca Juniors-Atlas in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals appeals more to me than the Champions League final? Probably, but that's what it is.
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Anyway, the game lived up to the hype. PKs aren't the most ideal way to decide a championship match but I don't think you could have watched them and not felt nervous. You've got to feel for John Terry. You can't come any closer to winning the Champions League final than having the goalie dive the wrong way on the decisive penalty kick only to have it sail wide. Unbelievable.
Still, the game I was really looking forward to watching starts in less than an hour or so as Boca Juniors visits Atlas. Is it a bad thing that Boca Juniors-Atlas in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals appeals more to me than the Champions League final? Probably, but that's what it is.
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Elsewhere around the world
Moscow will have the global spotlight today but Guadalajara will host a pretty big game as well.
Boca Juniors visits Atlas of Guadalajara with a Copa Libertadores semifinal berth in hand. Boca Juniors led 2-1 late in the first leg a week ago in Argentina before Atlas leveled the match with minutes to spare. The goal was valuable as Atlas now needs only a draw to get through (as long as its not 3-3 or more).
Atlas is not part of the Mexican semifinals, which kick off tonight as Cruz Azul visits San Luis, so Atlas has been entirely focused on Libertadores for more than a week now.
Atlas already beat Boca Juniors in Estadio Jalisco, a 3-1 victory for los zorros during the group stage. A victory would be historic for Atlas. Though a club with a lot of history, Atlas doesn't exactly have much hardware to display on its mantle. Atlas has just one league title, won back in the 1950s, and the club has participated in Copa Libertadores once and reached the quarterfinals. Atlas has played better than most expected throughout this entire tournament and nothing but a complete collapse can keep Atlas from reaching the semifinals.
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Tea and crumpets
An all-English Champions League final awaits fans today. It's only proper to check out the action with a crumpet in one hand and a beer in another. Or is it tea with the crumpet? I'm not sure. I'm not English. But Martin Rogers is, and he's invited a few fellow scribes to gather for the match. I had a prediction earlier this year - here it is. My prophecy is still alive to possibly become true. Let me add that I think Ronaldo and Hargreaves will score.
Out of curiosity, what score predictions, players getting goals, or plans to watch the finals do our readers have?
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Out of curiosity, what score predictions, players getting goals, or plans to watch the finals do our readers have?
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
No home field edge
Michael Hitchcock said one of the reasons Steve Morrow was let go was his club's inability to win home games. Over the last 30 home games, FC Dallas has won 10 of them. Morrow's final game was the worst loss over that stretch, a 5-1 pasting at the hands of the Galaxy.
The club will have a chance to make a more favorable impression with the home faithful on Saturday against Real Salt Lake and May 28 against Houston. Statistically, FC Dallas has an edge over RSL as RSL has won just six of 47 games away from home all-time.
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The club will have a chance to make a more favorable impression with the home faithful on Saturday against Real Salt Lake and May 28 against Houston. Statistically, FC Dallas has an edge over RSL as RSL has won just six of 47 games away from home all-time.
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Bow to the blog
When Luis called me to tell me that Steve Morrow had been sacked as coach, the first thing I did was check the FC Dallas website. Nothing there about the decision.
"No," Luis said. "It's on their blog."
It was. In a strange way, it made sense. If FC Dallas wanted to get out a quick confirmation that they let Morrow go, the blog was probably the easiest way to do it.
Though I've long thought that FC Dallas has the best MLS team blog, this has to be considered new and unchartered territory. Usually the blogs are cute PR features, with fun pics and videos. Now, though, giving the the blog the breaking news of an important move on the team's part has sort of upped the ante.
It's going to be hard to top this news for a while, but who knows? Perhaps the Seattle Sounders will confirm the successful acquisition of Thierry Henry on their team blog.
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"No," Luis said. "It's on their blog."
It was. In a strange way, it made sense. If FC Dallas wanted to get out a quick confirmation that they let Morrow go, the blog was probably the easiest way to do it.
Though I've long thought that FC Dallas has the best MLS team blog, this has to be considered new and unchartered territory. Usually the blogs are cute PR features, with fun pics and videos. Now, though, giving the the blog the breaking news of an important move on the team's part has sort of upped the ante.
It's going to be hard to top this news for a while, but who knows? Perhaps the Seattle Sounders will confirm the successful acquisition of Thierry Henry on their team blog.
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Crosstraining
Soccer and basketball - Billy Witz explores the connections.
There's more to it than Becks coming to watch Laker games - or vice versa, Kobe at Galaxy matches.
Here's Billy in action, pursuing part of the story with good questions.
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There's more to it than Becks coming to watch Laker games - or vice versa, Kobe at Galaxy matches.
Here's Billy in action, pursuing part of the story with good questions.
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22 for England
Roster is set. I was a little off in my guesses, as Michael Orozco, Ricardo Clark and DaMarcus Beasley were all selected for the match (as well as Dominic Cervi). Honestly, though, I'm glad I was wrong on them, especially about Orozco.
Here's the entire roster:
G: Dominic Cervi, Brad Guzan, Tim Howard
D: Carlos Bocanegra, Dan Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector
M: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Eddie Lewis
F: Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Nate Jaqua, Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff
What do you think of the United States' chances with this squad? Who's your best 11?
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Here's the entire roster:
G: Dominic Cervi, Brad Guzan, Tim Howard
D: Carlos Bocanegra, Dan Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector
M: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, Eddie Lewis
F: Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Nate Jaqua, Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff
What do you think of the United States' chances with this squad? Who's your best 11?
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Dallas Decision
I'm on hold for the post-Morrow FC Dallas conference call. I've already put the poll up about new coaching possibilities, but there's probably a bunch the team will consider who I didn't include. Actually, the speed of the firing makes me think they might have someone in mind.
Oh, it's starting! General Manager Michael Hitchcock has an opening statement, then the call is open for questions from the media.
Hitch thanks us for covering the sport, repeats the firing decision. "We have great fans that deserve more. . . ton of respect for Steve personally. . . Not going in the direction we wanted to go. . . In the best interest of the club. "
Tobias Lopez is up first - asks about the short tenure of Morrow, and was it fair?
Hitch says the decision wasn't made lightly. He also admits the LA smackdown was a factor.
"Team not heading in direction we had planned." That seems to be Hitch's theme.
The coaching search is apparently just beginning.
Diego is up, makes a comment about finally getting a hold of Hitch.
Hitch says he doesn't think Morrow lost control of the team, but he accepts accountability for the direction of the team and is willing to turn it around.
Diego mentions the fans response on the FC Dallas blog - Hitch says that didn't factor into the decision, but that the fans matter and he knew they weren't happy with results.
Steve Davis is up - wants specifics on what factors Hitch looked at.
Hitch mentions the team's home record as poor, "heading wrong direction".
Buzz Carrick is up. Wants to know about coaching search method.
Hitch says they'll weigh pros and cons.
"Did you speak with anyone else about this decision?"
Hitch - hard decision, direction again, different type of leader needed for potential. He did speak with ownership.
Hitch says no players came to him and requested coaching change.
I ask if the off-field issues weren't an issue, would he look at the club results and make the same decision?
Hitch says whatever issues the team has, they'll deal with, but that the direction wasn't what it needed to be.
Ridge Mahoney asks about the performance of players Morrow brought in dooming him.
"It's not too late to fix this," says Hitch.
Scott French asks about leadership
Hitch says that he wants someone who can rally the team.
Greg Lalas asks about style.
Hitch says, "an attractive game will help us sell more tickets - win more games in an entertaining manner"
Hitch admits that if the Galaxy score had been closer, the decision would not have been made. 1-0 scoreline for example.
"We got embarrassed at home, in front of our biggest crowd."
"The stakes are continuing to be raised. We're all experiencing more pressure on performance. We want to put out a product that we can be proud of."
Jesus Padilla asks about Oscar Pareja.
"Obviously, Oscar, with his history with the club, is under consideration."
"Why make this decision now," asks SF
"Can't let the season go too long. I don't consider 5-1 a little hiccup."
TL - what was the process?
"I met with ownership yesterday and told them this was the direction I wanted to go," says Hitch.
Hitch also says that at the end of the year the owners will decide his own status.
"Was Morrow informed ahead of time?"
This morning.
I ask if, in addition to the scoreline being embarrassing, was the red card by Serioux a factor in the humiliation and thus, part of the decision to fire Morrow?
"Part scoreline - part performance by the team. They didn't fight back. The scoreline was embarrassing, but the tackle was part of the game. Adrian didn't mean to hurt the player."
One more question about timeline to hire new coach.
No timeline, but they will start search right away.
Conference call is over.
Who agrees or disagrees with Hitchcock's decision? Why?
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Oh, it's starting! General Manager Michael Hitchcock has an opening statement, then the call is open for questions from the media.
Hitch thanks us for covering the sport, repeats the firing decision. "We have great fans that deserve more. . . ton of respect for Steve personally. . . Not going in the direction we wanted to go. . . In the best interest of the club. "
Tobias Lopez is up first - asks about the short tenure of Morrow, and was it fair?
Hitch says the decision wasn't made lightly. He also admits the LA smackdown was a factor.
"Team not heading in direction we had planned." That seems to be Hitch's theme.
The coaching search is apparently just beginning.
Diego is up, makes a comment about finally getting a hold of Hitch.
Hitch says he doesn't think Morrow lost control of the team, but he accepts accountability for the direction of the team and is willing to turn it around.
Diego mentions the fans response on the FC Dallas blog - Hitch says that didn't factor into the decision, but that the fans matter and he knew they weren't happy with results.
Steve Davis is up - wants specifics on what factors Hitch looked at.
Hitch mentions the team's home record as poor, "heading wrong direction".
Buzz Carrick is up. Wants to know about coaching search method.
Hitch says they'll weigh pros and cons.
"Did you speak with anyone else about this decision?"
Hitch - hard decision, direction again, different type of leader needed for potential. He did speak with ownership.
Hitch says no players came to him and requested coaching change.
I ask if the off-field issues weren't an issue, would he look at the club results and make the same decision?
Hitch says whatever issues the team has, they'll deal with, but that the direction wasn't what it needed to be.
Ridge Mahoney asks about the performance of players Morrow brought in dooming him.
"It's not too late to fix this," says Hitch.
Scott French asks about leadership
Hitch says that he wants someone who can rally the team.
Greg Lalas asks about style.
Hitch says, "an attractive game will help us sell more tickets - win more games in an entertaining manner"
Hitch admits that if the Galaxy score had been closer, the decision would not have been made. 1-0 scoreline for example.
"We got embarrassed at home, in front of our biggest crowd."
"The stakes are continuing to be raised. We're all experiencing more pressure on performance. We want to put out a product that we can be proud of."
Jesus Padilla asks about Oscar Pareja.
"Obviously, Oscar, with his history with the club, is under consideration."
"Why make this decision now," asks SF
"Can't let the season go too long. I don't consider 5-1 a little hiccup."
TL - what was the process?
"I met with ownership yesterday and told them this was the direction I wanted to go," says Hitch.
Hitch also says that at the end of the year the owners will decide his own status.
"Was Morrow informed ahead of time?"
This morning.
I ask if, in addition to the scoreline being embarrassing, was the red card by Serioux a factor in the humiliation and thus, part of the decision to fire Morrow?
"Part scoreline - part performance by the team. They didn't fight back. The scoreline was embarrassing, but the tackle was part of the game. Adrian didn't mean to hurt the player."
One more question about timeline to hire new coach.
No timeline, but they will start search right away.
Conference call is over.
Who agrees or disagrees with Hitchcock's decision? Why?
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Drama in Dallas
Morrow relieved of duties.
Diego Aparicio looks to have been right about Morrow's job being in danger before the Dallas loss to LA.
From the press release:
“We have set high standards, expectations, and goals for this team and organization,” said Hitchcock. “I feel that the team was not heading in the direction we had planned, and believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a coaching change at this time.”
FC Dallas is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 2-3-3 (9 points). The team is riding a four game winless streak, and is 1-2-1 at Pizza Hut Park this year.
“This is obviously a difficult decision for me to make, since it was my choice to give Steve this opportunity,” added Hitchcock. “Having said that, Pizza Hut Park is an incredible venue, and our great fans deserve much more from our team for their continued support. We appreciate Steve’s contribution to our organization and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Morrow was introduced as the club’s fourth head coach on December 11, 2006. In his first season as head coach, FC Dallas posted a 13-12-5 record (44 points) and finished in third place in the Western Conference. The team advanced to the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game for the third time in team history, falling 3-2 to the New England Revolution at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs for a league-record tying 10th time in history, though was eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by eventual MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my six year association with this organization and was proud to be Head Coach of FC Dallas,” said Steve Morrow. “I feel I leave the team in a very strong position with a wonderful group of players that are capable of achieving great things. Due to a recent run of poor results, I fully accept responsibility, and, if the team needs to go in a different direction then I wish the players nothing but great success for the remainder of the season and beyond. I'd like to thank my staff, the players, the Hunt family and all the fans for their support.”
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Diego Aparicio looks to have been right about Morrow's job being in danger before the Dallas loss to LA.
From the press release:
“We have set high standards, expectations, and goals for this team and organization,” said Hitchcock. “I feel that the team was not heading in the direction we had planned, and believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a coaching change at this time.”
FC Dallas is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 2-3-3 (9 points). The team is riding a four game winless streak, and is 1-2-1 at Pizza Hut Park this year.
“This is obviously a difficult decision for me to make, since it was my choice to give Steve this opportunity,” added Hitchcock. “Having said that, Pizza Hut Park is an incredible venue, and our great fans deserve much more from our team for their continued support. We appreciate Steve’s contribution to our organization and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Morrow was introduced as the club’s fourth head coach on December 11, 2006. In his first season as head coach, FC Dallas posted a 13-12-5 record (44 points) and finished in third place in the Western Conference. The team advanced to the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game for the third time in team history, falling 3-2 to the New England Revolution at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs for a league-record tying 10th time in history, though was eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by eventual MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my six year association with this organization and was proud to be Head Coach of FC Dallas,” said Steve Morrow. “I feel I leave the team in a very strong position with a wonderful group of players that are capable of achieving great things. Due to a recent run of poor results, I fully accept responsibility, and, if the team needs to go in a different direction then I wish the players nothing but great success for the remainder of the season and beyond. I'd like to thank my staff, the players, the Hunt family and all the fans for their support.”
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Talley marks
I had the chance to catch up with Carey Talley recently. I wanted to talk to him about joining Chivas USA and how he felt about being dealt away.
But I also wanted to tell him that I remember an awesome goal he scored a while back. I went to the CONCACAF Champions Cup matches held in Fullerton, Calif., in early 2001 as a fan. I remember watching the DC United-Alajuelense match which United ended up winning late. Carey Talley had a cracker of a goal and for some reason it stuck.
He paused for a moment before apparently recalling his strike against Alajuelense. I told him that I didn't remember too many Carey Talley goals but that one I did.
Then he told me that surely I remembered his goal against Chivas USA two years ago. Then I was the one pausing and I did remember him scoring an amazing goal against Chivas USA in 2006, in a crazy 3-3 draw.
Not sure Chivas got him for his penchant for scoring long-range bombs but he should help the club once he overcomes his quad injury.
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But I also wanted to tell him that I remember an awesome goal he scored a while back. I went to the CONCACAF Champions Cup matches held in Fullerton, Calif., in early 2001 as a fan. I remember watching the DC United-Alajuelense match which United ended up winning late. Carey Talley had a cracker of a goal and for some reason it stuck.
He paused for a moment before apparently recalling his strike against Alajuelense. I told him that I didn't remember too many Carey Talley goals but that one I did.
Then he told me that surely I remembered his goal against Chivas USA two years ago. Then I was the one pausing and I did remember him scoring an amazing goal against Chivas USA in 2006, in a crazy 3-3 draw.
Not sure Chivas got him for his penchant for scoring long-range bombs but he should help the club once he overcomes his quad injury.
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Bravo's new world
Looks like Omar Bravo is headed off for greener pastures. Bravo appears close to a deal with Deportivo La Coruna, where he would reunite with fellow countryman Andres Guardado.
I guess this would put to rest those ridiculous rumors about Omar Bravo joining Chivas USA. Bravo was never going to come here but so many held out hope that he would. Bravo's contract is up and he's not about to renew it so he could stay within the Chiva family. Spain is where he wanted to go all along and he's finally taking advantage of his freedom to move.
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Roster for England?
We won't know who makes the final list until it's actually released but I'll take a guess at who may or may not be on it based on some Bob Bradley tendencies.
- Bradley doesn't like to yank guys away from MLS games if he doesn't have to. That being said, don't expect Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark or Kenny Cooper to make the team for England, as Houston and FC Dallas play on May 28 as well. A notable exception to that is Landon Donovan, but the Galaxy doesn't play until the weekend.
- Bradley won't throw any uncapped players into the fire, at least none that have to travel a long way to do so. He said as much before his second-ever match. Against Mexico on Feb. 7, 2007, Bradley did not call up any of the then young, untested foreign-based players such as Benny Feilhaber, Jay DeMerit or even Michael Bradley who had two caps in 2006. His reasoning: it's asking a lot for youngsters to make a trans-Atlantic trip and try to settle into an unfamiliar camp situation. Thus, I wouldn't expect Robbie Rogers or Michael Orozco in the mix.
- Bradley likes to maintain positive relationships with club teams. Whether its MLS teams or foreign clubs, Bradley will sometimes leave players off the team if it may upset the club and potentially the player's situation there. I wouldn't Orozco for that reason aside from the previous one for the fact that San Luis is still alive for the Mexican league title. Also, I'd guess that DaMarcus Beasley will be left off. With Rangers, he injured his knee, rehabbed and finally returned enough to play a few minutes. I don't think Rangers would be too happy to see Beasley, then, take the field for 90 minutes against England.
Anyway, those are just a few of the tendencies I've picked up on from Bradley during his tenure with the US national team. We'll see if I'm off the mark or not when the roster is released, possibly within the next few hours.
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- Bradley doesn't like to yank guys away from MLS games if he doesn't have to. That being said, don't expect Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark or Kenny Cooper to make the team for England, as Houston and FC Dallas play on May 28 as well. A notable exception to that is Landon Donovan, but the Galaxy doesn't play until the weekend.
- Bradley won't throw any uncapped players into the fire, at least none that have to travel a long way to do so. He said as much before his second-ever match. Against Mexico on Feb. 7, 2007, Bradley did not call up any of the then young, untested foreign-based players such as Benny Feilhaber, Jay DeMerit or even Michael Bradley who had two caps in 2006. His reasoning: it's asking a lot for youngsters to make a trans-Atlantic trip and try to settle into an unfamiliar camp situation. Thus, I wouldn't expect Robbie Rogers or Michael Orozco in the mix.
- Bradley likes to maintain positive relationships with club teams. Whether its MLS teams or foreign clubs, Bradley will sometimes leave players off the team if it may upset the club and potentially the player's situation there. I wouldn't Orozco for that reason aside from the previous one for the fact that San Luis is still alive for the Mexican league title. Also, I'd guess that DaMarcus Beasley will be left off. With Rangers, he injured his knee, rehabbed and finally returned enough to play a few minutes. I don't think Rangers would be too happy to see Beasley, then, take the field for 90 minutes against England.
Anyway, those are just a few of the tendencies I've picked up on from Bradley during his tenure with the US national team. We'll see if I'm off the mark or not when the roster is released, possibly within the next few hours.
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Time and a whistle
Wonder what Doyle would think of the Toronto fans who hold up the game by pitching streamers on corner kicks. Would he agree with MLS Comish Don Garber that it is "part of our game"?
The same line I quoted from Garber also mentions that "we must be careful that this practice does not affect the game on the field".
Um, Don? It already does. It delays the game. There's clear video evidence of that. People may disagree on whether or not the delay is significant enough to deny fans their fun, but it's funny to me that there's no acknowledgment from Garber that the game has been affected.
Just like it's affected by the delays Doyle points out in his article. I'm not sure I agree with his solution, though.
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The same line I quoted from Garber also mentions that "we must be careful that this practice does not affect the game on the field".
Um, Don? It already does. It delays the game. There's clear video evidence of that. People may disagree on whether or not the delay is significant enough to deny fans their fun, but it's funny to me that there's no acknowledgment from Garber that the game has been affected.
Just like it's affected by the delays Doyle points out in his article. I'm not sure I agree with his solution, though.
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Passed over 11
The US will announce its roster for the England match soon, perhaps as early as Tuesday. While the task of paring down the original 33 players to a squad to face England was likely difficult, the task of selecting 33 players was likely even more challenging. Coach Bob Bradley had to consider - among many factors - injuries, drop in form, unexpected rise in form for the upcoming friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina all while keeping an eye on World Cup qualifying.
By all accounts, Bradley did well to call in 33 players to the team as the original group features a wealth of talent, experience and youth. But there are more players deserving of a callup or that were passed over. I've compiled a list of 11 players I think have played well enough this season that, along with past experience and future potential, possibly merited a callup.
Now, I'm not going to make the case that any of these players should have been called up instead of any of the 33. But what I do want to point out is that there is seemingly a surge of quality depth in MLS, both among young players and experienced former national teamers. The dropoff from player 33 to player 34, thus, is not as severe as it has been in the past.
With that, here's the list. It took some tweaking (too many center backs, only one forward) but I put the squad together nonetheless.
G: Matt Reis, New England
D: Michael Parkhurst, New England
D: Chad Marshall, Columbus
D: Bakary Soumare, Chicago
D: Jimmy Conrad, Kansas City
M: Chris Klein, Los Angeles
M: Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
M: Steve Ralston, New England
M: Colin Clark, Colorado
M: Justin Mapp, Chicago
F: Chris Rolfe, Chicago
Will any of these players suit up for the US anytime soon? It's possible. Michael Parkhurst's exclusion was surprising given his strong play for New England. Jimmy Conrad has proven himself for the US while Chris Rolfe has good upside (the forward crop after him, though, was very slim).
Anyway, what do you think about this list? Agree or disagree? Anyone else not called up and not listed here that should have been looked at?
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By all accounts, Bradley did well to call in 33 players to the team as the original group features a wealth of talent, experience and youth. But there are more players deserving of a callup or that were passed over. I've compiled a list of 11 players I think have played well enough this season that, along with past experience and future potential, possibly merited a callup.
Now, I'm not going to make the case that any of these players should have been called up instead of any of the 33. But what I do want to point out is that there is seemingly a surge of quality depth in MLS, both among young players and experienced former national teamers. The dropoff from player 33 to player 34, thus, is not as severe as it has been in the past.
With that, here's the list. It took some tweaking (too many center backs, only one forward) but I put the squad together nonetheless.
G: Matt Reis, New England
D: Michael Parkhurst, New England
D: Chad Marshall, Columbus
D: Bakary Soumare, Chicago
D: Jimmy Conrad, Kansas City
M: Chris Klein, Los Angeles
M: Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
M: Steve Ralston, New England
M: Colin Clark, Colorado
M: Justin Mapp, Chicago
F: Chris Rolfe, Chicago
Will any of these players suit up for the US anytime soon? It's possible. Michael Parkhurst's exclusion was surprising given his strong play for New England. Jimmy Conrad has proven himself for the US while Chris Rolfe has good upside (the forward crop after him, though, was very slim).
Anyway, what do you think about this list? Agree or disagree? Anyone else not called up and not listed here that should have been looked at?
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Monday, May 19, 2008
Torrado: It wasn't me
Cruz Azul held a 2-1 lead over Jaguares in stoppage time of the second leg when Gerardo Torrado suddenly became the target of various Jaguares players.
Jaguares players claimed Torrado disrespected them.
Torrado said he did no such thing.
"The second (Ismael) Fuentes started yelling at the referee, I tried to separate them to calm things down. I didn't shove him or throw a punch or anything," he said at a press conference on Monday.
Whether he meant to or not, Torrado touched off a fracas that saw four Jaguares players given red cards.
"The only thing I did was to try and get away from the crowd, to try and avert a brawl. At no time did I taunt them or intentionally try to start a fight," Torrado said.
Torrado, though, is one of those players who can easily get under people's skins. After a full game of having to deal with him, it's likely Jaguares players were just tired of him and seized the opportunity to attack him. Or perhaps Torrado did taunt them. Whatever the reason, Torrado did well to escape unharmed.
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From captain to coach? Moreno
I already nominated Ben Olsen for the DC coaching position, should it become vacant at any point, but now this possibility strikes me as even more intriguing. It's also following in the footsteps of Jason Kreis, who resigned as a player to immediately become coach of his own team. Jaime Moreno would probably want to continue to top everything Kreis does (goals scored record) and win a lot more games as coach.
So here's what went down when Jaime was asked by the Spanish-speaking press about how much longer he'd play and what he'd possibly do afterwards.
"I'm not sure. I'd like to be a coach. Perhaps with DC. I'd like that."
So who thinks Jaime would make a good coach in the future? Anyone want to see that future sooner than later?
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So here's what went down when Jaime was asked by the Spanish-speaking press about how much longer he'd play and what he'd possibly do afterwards.
"I'm not sure. I'd like to be a coach. Perhaps with DC. I'd like that."
So who thinks Jaime would make a good coach in the future? Anyone want to see that future sooner than later?
Read more...
Davis uncovers a decoy
I feel I had a slight hand in Steve Davis' recent article, because if it wasn't for me, he might not have been alive to write it.
Ok, that's too dramatic, but I was giving Steve a ride from an ESPN event at the All-Star game in Denver last year when I turned down a one-way street - going the wrong direction.
But everything turned out fine, obviously, so I saved him, no?
The part where I put him in danger in the first place? Small detail.
Spare me the female driver jokes, I'm a fine driver. Really. No tickets this century. Still, I think Steve might prefer to walk next time so he can stick around and keep writing articles.
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Ok, that's too dramatic, but I was giving Steve a ride from an ESPN event at the All-Star game in Denver last year when I turned down a one-way street - going the wrong direction.
But everything turned out fine, obviously, so I saved him, no?
The part where I put him in danger in the first place? Small detail.
Spare me the female driver jokes, I'm a fine driver. Really. No tickets this century. Still, I think Steve might prefer to walk next time so he can stick around and keep writing articles.
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Q and A.C.
Santino Quaranta wasn't the only former LA Galaxy player back in town with DC United the other night. Quavas Kirk was there too, and it was nice to see his friendly grin.
I asked Q, as he's known, how he was adjusting to DC and he said, "Great!" He's got family out that way, I believe.
Though fast, strong and talented, Kirk's time with the Galaxy was marred by a foot injury that took forever to heal. He hasn't seen much time with DC United yet, so I asked him if the foot was bothering him again.
"Nope," Kirk said. "The foot's fine. Everything's good."
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I asked Q, as he's known, how he was adjusting to DC and he said, "Great!" He's got family out that way, I believe.
Though fast, strong and talented, Kirk's time with the Galaxy was marred by a foot injury that took forever to heal. He hasn't seen much time with DC United yet, so I asked him if the foot was bothering him again.
"Nope," Kirk said. "The foot's fine. Everything's good."
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Hush, little babies
Who would have guessed that David Beckham would pick up the gesture torch from LD's infamous "game over" throat slash in Dallas last year?
Well, he did, with a cheeky kiss goodbye to Adrian Serioux and a shushing gesture to fans after assisting on the final goal.
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Well, he did, with a cheeky kiss goodbye to Adrian Serioux and a shushing gesture to fans after assisting on the final goal.
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No actual celebrities on field
If anyone caught the Open Cup news of Hollywood United qualifying, don't think that Anthony LaPaglia's going to be in goal. He's on the board of directors of Hollywood United, the organization, but he's not on this team. There's more than one squad under the HUFC umbrella. LaPaglia plays for the Over-40 team. It was the new first team (no celebrities there, unless one counts Matt Taylor, a favorite of Grahame Jones) that qualified to the Open Cup. From the HUFC website:
HUFC 1st team was formed in late summer 2007 out of the remnants of California soccer powerhouse Doxa Italia. The 1st team is comprised of former "A League" and MLS players as well as younger talented players who aspire to play professionally. They compete in the Coast Soccer League and play their home games at "The Village" in Manhattan Beach. In their first season together the 1st team has captured the Intl Cup of Iran tournament championship, The Los Angeles Galaxy Clasico IV tournament championship and 1st place in The Coast Soccer League.
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HUFC 1st team was formed in late summer 2007 out of the remnants of California soccer powerhouse Doxa Italia. The 1st team is comprised of former "A League" and MLS players as well as younger talented players who aspire to play professionally. They compete in the Coast Soccer League and play their home games at "The Village" in Manhattan Beach. In their first season together the 1st team has captured the Intl Cup of Iran tournament championship, The Los Angeles Galaxy Clasico IV tournament championship and 1st place in The Coast Soccer League.
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Lewd Blonde Rankings (May 19)
I could use one of those right about now...
1. Columbus (6-1-1). Road shutouts are hardly ever a bad thing.
2. Chicago (5-2-1). A chink in the defensive armor as Houston finds back of net twice.
3. New England (5-3-1). Rather efortless 2-0 win.
4. Toronto (3-2-2). Crowd support? Check. Defense? Check. Goals? Goals? Hello?
5. New York (3-1-3). Is Borman poor man's Jozy?
6. Colorado (4-4-0). Nice to see Herculez Gomez contribute for this inconsistent side.
7. Los Angeles (3-3-2). Buddle lives! Guess Alan Gordon's injury was a blessing in disguise.
8. Kansas City (3-3-2). Onalfo's kingdom for a goal from the run of play.
9. Houston (2-2-4). Rumors of their demise were premature after all.
10. FC Dallas (2-3-3). Reported internal problems threatening to derail season.
11. Chivas USA (2-4-2). Was that really Atiba Harris creating offense? Well, it couldn't have been Galindo/Alecko/Jonny/Law/Wicky since they're all hurt.
12. Real Salt Lake (2-4-2). Just when they have something positive to build on, they regress. Old habits die hard.
13. San Jose (1-5-1). By year's end, this team will have lost in every which way imaginable - at least they got Demoralizing Own Goal out of the way.
14. DC United (2-6-0). This team is anything but united right now.
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1. Columbus (6-1-1). Road shutouts are hardly ever a bad thing.
2. Chicago (5-2-1). A chink in the defensive armor as Houston finds back of net twice.
3. New England (5-3-1). Rather efortless 2-0 win.
4. Toronto (3-2-2). Crowd support? Check. Defense? Check. Goals? Goals? Hello?
5. New York (3-1-3). Is Borman poor man's Jozy?
6. Colorado (4-4-0). Nice to see Herculez Gomez contribute for this inconsistent side.
7. Los Angeles (3-3-2). Buddle lives! Guess Alan Gordon's injury was a blessing in disguise.
8. Kansas City (3-3-2). Onalfo's kingdom for a goal from the run of play.
9. Houston (2-2-4). Rumors of their demise were premature after all.
10. FC Dallas (2-3-3). Reported internal problems threatening to derail season.
11. Chivas USA (2-4-2). Was that really Atiba Harris creating offense? Well, it couldn't have been Galindo/Alecko/Jonny/Law/Wicky since they're all hurt.
12. Real Salt Lake (2-4-2). Just when they have something positive to build on, they regress. Old habits die hard.
13. San Jose (1-5-1). By year's end, this team will have lost in every which way imaginable - at least they got Demoralizing Own Goal out of the way.
14. DC United (2-6-0). This team is anything but united right now.
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Week 8 Spotlight
Top Players
G: Will Hesmer Kevin Hartman, vintage Gato versus NY
D: Bobby Boswell Jimmy Conrad
D: Tyrone Marshall
D: Chris Klein
M: David Beckham
M: Steve Ralston
M: Danleigh Borman
M: Sacha Kljestan
M: Herculez Gomez
F: Atiba Harris
F: Edson Buddle
Coach: Fernando Clavijo. Former Galaxy star Herculez Gomez has desire and skill; Clavijo finally noticed, and the Rapids were the beneficiaries.
Top player: Sacha "Karate Kid" Kljestan, for his game-winner and subsequent assist and carrying the load in an historic come-from-behind win.
Edson Buddle - Can't deny the hat trick - and he could have had a fourth if not for a quality save from Sala.
Top goal: Edson Buddle's first goal. He muscled through the heart of FC Dallas' defense and buried the ball in the back of the net.
LOWLIGHTS
James Riley. A momentary mental lapse forced Riley to forget that he does not play for New England any more, but only realized that until the ball hit the back of the net.
John Carver and Guillermo Barros Schellotto should strike a deal - GBS can roll around for as long as it takes to clear away TFC streamers on corners. GBS doesn't like streamers, Carver doesn't like theatrics, but both are apparently partial to their own drama.
Adrian Serioux. Down three goals, Serioux sees it fit to slide in on David Beckham from behind in a play that had red card written all over it. Fittingly, Serioux saw red.
Matias Mantilla trying to control the ball with his hand in his own box. MLS refs aren't so bad that they'll miss that.
DC United. Lack of heart, effort, desire, class... pretty much sums up United's night.
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G: Will Hesmer Kevin Hartman, vintage Gato versus NY
D: Bobby Boswell Jimmy Conrad
D: Tyrone Marshall
D: Chris Klein
M: David Beckham
M: Steve Ralston
M: Danleigh Borman
M: Sacha Kljestan
M: Herculez Gomez
F: Atiba Harris
F: Edson Buddle
Coach: Fernando Clavijo. Former Galaxy star Herculez Gomez has desire and skill; Clavijo finally noticed, and the Rapids were the beneficiaries.
Top player: Sacha "Karate Kid" Kljestan, for his game-winner and subsequent assist and carrying the load in an historic come-from-behind win.
Edson Buddle - Can't deny the hat trick - and he could have had a fourth if not for a quality save from Sala.
Top goal: Edson Buddle's first goal. He muscled through the heart of FC Dallas' defense and buried the ball in the back of the net.
Top save: Pick your choice of Kevin Hartman saves. Mine is his reaction save off of a Juan Pablo Angel shot midway through the second half.
Best game: Dallas/LA - It might not be sexy, but when a 4-1 lead doesn't feel safe, a Galaxy game certainly isn't boring.LOWLIGHTS
James Riley. A momentary mental lapse forced Riley to forget that he does not play for New England any more, but only realized that until the ball hit the back of the net.
John Carver and Guillermo Barros Schellotto should strike a deal - GBS can roll around for as long as it takes to clear away TFC streamers on corners. GBS doesn't like streamers, Carver doesn't like theatrics, but both are apparently partial to their own drama.
Adrian Serioux. Down three goals, Serioux sees it fit to slide in on David Beckham from behind in a play that had red card written all over it. Fittingly, Serioux saw red.
Matias Mantilla trying to control the ball with his hand in his own box. MLS refs aren't so bad that they'll miss that.
DC United. Lack of heart, effort, desire, class... pretty much sums up United's night.
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Sunday, May 18, 2008
Liguilla day four
Quarterfinal round is over and the semifinal matchups are:
Santos-Monterrey
Cruz Azul-San Luis
San Luis advanced to the semifinals after a tough 0-0 draw with Toluca. The match did not have any goals but it had plenty of controversy. Referee Roberto Garcia did not call a blatant penalty late in the match that would have given Toluca a spot kick and a chance to win the series. Perhaps Garcia felt he did not call another foul minutes earlier that would have given San Luis a penalty or maybe he just didn't feel like blowing the whistle. Regardless, Marcelo Guerrero got away with shoving Paulo Da Silva inside the box and San Luis escaped.
Michael Orozco, meanwhile, did not play.
Here are the match highlights, which pretty much consist of the two non calls.
Santos, meanwhile, tied Necaxa and advanced to the semifinals on a 3-2 aggregate. Edgar Castillo went the distance for Santos. Juan Pablo Rodriguez scored the equalizer in the 80th minute for Santos. Highlights aren't available yet.
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Santos-Monterrey
Cruz Azul-San Luis
San Luis advanced to the semifinals after a tough 0-0 draw with Toluca. The match did not have any goals but it had plenty of controversy. Referee Roberto Garcia did not call a blatant penalty late in the match that would have given Toluca a spot kick and a chance to win the series. Perhaps Garcia felt he did not call another foul minutes earlier that would have given San Luis a penalty or maybe he just didn't feel like blowing the whistle. Regardless, Marcelo Guerrero got away with shoving Paulo Da Silva inside the box and San Luis escaped.
Michael Orozco, meanwhile, did not play.
Here are the match highlights, which pretty much consist of the two non calls.
Santos, meanwhile, tied Necaxa and advanced to the semifinals on a 3-2 aggregate. Edgar Castillo went the distance for Santos. Juan Pablo Rodriguez scored the equalizer in the 80th minute for Santos. Highlights aren't available yet.
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Karateka Kljestan
Sacha Kljestan scored a game-winning goal on Saturday and celebrated by punching and kicking his way toward a group of DC supporters.
I asked Sacha after the match about the goal celebration.
Same old thing. You guys have seen the karate. The other fans like to talk and they don't appreciate me going up to them but I like to celebrate with my team and celebrate how I feel after I score a goal. Obviously I'm very pumped up so it's exciting.
I then asked him about the inspiration behind the karate-style celebration. I had pondered everything from Spongebob and Sandy to Bruce Lee. Turns out it was Daniel-san and Miyagi-do Karate all along, albeit indirectly.
The Karate Kid was always something that my dad did when he was playing in men's leagues. I always kind of did it as a tribute to him early on and now it's kind of stuck. Everyone says it's my trademark so I guess I've got to keep doing it.
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I asked Sacha after the match about the goal celebration.
Same old thing. You guys have seen the karate. The other fans like to talk and they don't appreciate me going up to them but I like to celebrate with my team and celebrate how I feel after I score a goal. Obviously I'm very pumped up so it's exciting.
I then asked him about the inspiration behind the karate-style celebration. I had pondered everything from Spongebob and Sandy to Bruce Lee. Turns out it was Daniel-san and Miyagi-do Karate all along, albeit indirectly.
The Karate Kid was always something that my dad did when he was playing in men's leagues. I always kind of did it as a tribute to him early on and now it's kind of stuck. Everyone says it's my trademark so I guess I've got to keep doing it.
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Morrow on hot seat?
So says Al Dia's soccer blog. Actually there's a whole host of problems detailed by Diego Aparicio, a regular beat writer of the squad. A lot of it centers around the recent firing of a popular assistant coach, but there are also accusations that players have been told they need permission from their media relations department to speak to the press, and that other players have accused coach Steve Morrow and GM Michael Hitchcock of dealing with them unfairly, while at least one charges that Morrow is incompetent, unable to lead a team and has lost the locker room.
No names are named, though, because apparently players spoke to Diego only on condition of anonymity.
Such discontent, if true, might have played a role in the disjointed play of Dallas today versus the Galaxy.
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No names are named, though, because apparently players spoke to Diego only on condition of anonymity.
Such discontent, if true, might have played a role in the disjointed play of Dallas today versus the Galaxy.
Read more...
Liguilla day three
Seems only Pachuca is immune to curses.
Chivas finished first atop the regular season table, a kiss of death for mortal clubs. Chivas succumbed to Monterrey after a 4-4 draw on Saturday. Monterrey took the series on an 8-5 aggregate.
Monterrey, of course, has benefited from Ricardo Lavolpe. Had Isaac Mizrahi stayed with Monterrey, it is unlikely he could have had this team playing this well at this point of the season. Monterrey moves on while Chivas goes home.
Since Toluca's great teams at the turn of the century, only Pachuca has finished atop the regular-season table and won the league championship. Los Tuzos turned the trick in the Clausura 06 and 07 seasons.
Also, Cruz Azul joined Monterrey in the semifinals. Cruz Azul ousted Jaguares after winning 2-1 on Saturday. The series finished on a 2-2 aggregate but Cruz Azul advanced by virtue of having finished the regular season with more points. Daniel Hernandez was sent off late in the match as the teams bade farewell to each other with a massive brawl.
I'll post highlights of both games later. Looking for a good recap of the Cruz Azul-Jaguares goals, I mean, brawl.
ADD:
Okay, it's later. Here's a good video of the Cruz Azul-Jaguares stuff. If you want to keep an eye on our Sangre Americana boy, Daniel Hernandez, he's number 5. He takes a swing at Gerardo Torrado and Miguel Sabah and then I lost him in the scrum. Cruz Azul's Gerardo Lugo (number 23) gets chased for something he did. In terms of soccer brawls, it's pretty good.
And here are the highlights from Chivas-Monterrey. All they did was score eight goals, though. No huge brawl.
Read more...
Chivas finished first atop the regular season table, a kiss of death for mortal clubs. Chivas succumbed to Monterrey after a 4-4 draw on Saturday. Monterrey took the series on an 8-5 aggregate.
Monterrey, of course, has benefited from Ricardo Lavolpe. Had Isaac Mizrahi stayed with Monterrey, it is unlikely he could have had this team playing this well at this point of the season. Monterrey moves on while Chivas goes home.
Since Toluca's great teams at the turn of the century, only Pachuca has finished atop the regular-season table and won the league championship. Los Tuzos turned the trick in the Clausura 06 and 07 seasons.
Also, Cruz Azul joined Monterrey in the semifinals. Cruz Azul ousted Jaguares after winning 2-1 on Saturday. The series finished on a 2-2 aggregate but Cruz Azul advanced by virtue of having finished the regular season with more points. Daniel Hernandez was sent off late in the match as the teams bade farewell to each other with a massive brawl.
I'll post highlights of both games later. Looking for a good recap of the Cruz Azul-Jaguares goals, I mean, brawl.
ADD:
Okay, it's later. Here's a good video of the Cruz Azul-Jaguares stuff. If you want to keep an eye on our Sangre Americana boy, Daniel Hernandez, he's number 5. He takes a swing at Gerardo Torrado and Miguel Sabah and then I lost him in the scrum. Cruz Azul's Gerardo Lugo (number 23) gets chased for something he did. In terms of soccer brawls, it's pretty good.
And here are the highlights from Chivas-Monterrey. All they did was score eight goals, though. No huge brawl.
Read more...
Galaxy-Dallas running blog
Hey, hey, people
I wonder if it's hotter in Dallas than LA right now. Hard to imagine. Predictions? I'm calling this one a draw, just like it was in preseason, but this time, I think the teams will score. 1-1.
Alvaro is back in the lineup for LA, as is Edson Buddle.
Steve Cronin, Greg Vanney,Chris Klein, Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Alvaro Pires, Joe Franchino, Abel Xavier, David Beckham, Sean Franklin, Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
3 - LA with a decent early run of play in terms of possession, but not really in terms of creating chances yet.
5 - Becks crosses to Buddle, who puts his shot from the left of the arc wide.
6 - Alan Gordon is injured and not available, but Carlos Ruiz is on the sub list.
7- No goal. Abe Thompson gets whistled for a foul on Sean Franklin before putting the ball through Cronin's legs.
Ooh, and then on the next attack, Kenny Coope shoots wide of goal, but not by much. With less ball possession, Dallas has created far more dangerous chances.
9 - Ha, ha, the announcers are reminiscing about the amazing Superliga game these two teams fought last year, mentioning Donovan's throat slash, "It's over gesture". They call him the "California Boy".
11 - Then the announcers screw up history by mentioning that LA won MLS cup here in 2004. Nope, it was 2005. Donovan send in a cross to no one, deep in Dallas territory.
12 - Pablo richetti could have given up a PK on that Galaxy attack, according to the announcers. Sean kept his feet, though. It's not often you'll hear announcers saying a player should have dived.
14 - The English feed broke into Telefutura's for a bit there. Weird. Corner to the Galaxy. LD takes it. Cleared, served back in.
15-Another corner. This one served back in, too. The Galaxy are presuring, but the final shots are getting deflected.
17 - Pires might be very happy to be back, he wound up on a distance shot put it over the bar.
18 -Dallas on the counter, Cooper versus Cronin, who has a great footsave. LA can't control the clear and Cooper gets another chance - outside side netting.
19 - Cooper nearly puts one in by distance - Cronin backpedals to push it out - gives up a corner. FC comes close on this, and suddenly, all the momentum is theirs.
22 - Becks shows on an overhit pass why he is famous for service from his right leg and not his left.
24 - The Galaxy show some decent midfield possession play, but lose composure working the ball around for the final pass.
26 - There's a lot of pressure on the Galaxy to score, because no one trusts that shaky defense of theirs.
GOAL! Klein gets it done! He overlaps well for the ball, and LD tears off on his run, which pulls defenders to him and Klein keeps instead of crossing, calmly slotting nearpost past Sala. 1-0 Galaxy.
27 - Becks, as any good OCD person would, does housekeeping on the streamers on the field before taking a FK. If he does play at Toronto - I say the game will be delayed ten minutes with the combo of Becks cleaning and TFC fans throwing streamers.
30 Arturito Alvarez with a wayward cross.
31 - AA with a low outside shot. Cronin catches.
32 - GOAL! Buddle! LD with a little layoff for Edson, who looks a bit like his namesake as he dribbles nicely past two FC defenders and looses a corker of a shot on goal. 2-0 Galaxy.
33- Dallas with a FK, Cronin punches it out safely.
GOAL! LD! Davino is covering the angle on the cross but LD changes the angle more acutely and puts it on goal. One announcer thinks Davino deflected it, but I didn't see that. 3-0 Galaxy. Wow.
37 - Dallas get a FK on a play that earns Pires a yellow. the service is good, but though they fumble for the ball, the Galaxy eventually clear it. Good chance for FC to cut into the deficit gone by.
39 - GOAL! Damn. Off a set play, Dallas can't clear, Sala can't grab the ball and Edson adroitly pokes the ball into the goal. 4-0 Galaxy. That's an impressive cushion, even for one of the league's worst defenses.
42 - The announcers are saying that the Galaxy are finally a real team, pointing out that Becks, LD and Gordon have scored all the goals to this point - Gordon is injured, but in this game, others are clearly stepping up for the team. Ruud said he needed leaders. Players are coming forward to lead.
43 - LD beats Davino with a move, but Sala is well positioned for the low shot.
45 - LD didn't get credit for that one goal - it's now officially a Davino own-goal.
45+ Cronin with a low save.
Halftime - So far the defense of LA has held, and the offense, well, it's exceeded expectations. Perhaps the heatwave out here prepared LA, because they've been on fire and except for a few bright moments, FC Dallas has been sluggish and stuck in second gear.
47 - Match continues - In the SuperLiga shootout - Dallas nearly pulled even. They have to score early to get hope going, though. Rocha shoots from middle distance, but misses.
48 - Bobby Rhine and Dominic Oduro are in for Anthony Wallace and Abe Thompson.
49 - Rhine comes in studs up on LD, gets a yellow. FK is cleared back.
52 - Alvaro comes in hard on Oduro, the crowd boos for a yellow, but doesn't get it. That would have taken Pires out of the match.
53 - Ruud's seen enough and pulls Pires for Troy Roberts.
54 - Oduro with a low shot, but Cronin saves it.
GOAL! Cooper with a good cross to the head of Oduro, who is perfectly positioned. Can Dallas come back? Well, Chivas USA set the standard last night, scoring thre goals in nine minutes, so it's definitely possible. We'll see if LA has poise. 4-1 Galaxy still lead.
55 - Great Beckham cross to Buddle, but Sala parries well. FC is going to need Sala to stand strong to crawl back in this.
58 - Crossbar! Cooper with a great chance at goal - Cronin should have come out for that cross, instead Cooper darts in faster than one would expect of a six-footer to place a shot that ricochets off the bar.
60 - Galaxy corner - leads to another corner. LD took the first, the second belongs to Becks. Becks over hits this one, though Josh Tudela tries to chase it down.
62 - Dallas with another chance! Cronin comes out badly on the counter, giving Toja a clear chance at the goal, but he puts it over the bar. Dallas could be as close as 4-3 right now. Instead, it's still 4-1.
64 - It's downright weird how the Galaxy can make a 4-1 lead look shaky. Cronin catches the ball as Rhine slides in from close for it.
68 - The Galaxy are trying to move the ball around, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to stop going for goal.
Oduro with the ball in the box, but Cronin picks it off his foot.
69 Becks has dropped far back.
70 - Now he's lining up a freekick. It deflects off the wall for a corner.
73 - Dallas circling the LA goal, but can't break through.
74 - LD in the box! Wide.
76 - Serioux late tackle on Beckham, who is furious and shoves the Dallas player. That was a dangerous tackle. Handbags, but it finally gets cleared up. Becks and Alvarez get a yellow for arguing, Serioux is gone for his second yellow.
80 - The heat seems to be taking a toll on the FC Dallas comeback. Plus the frustration of the missed chances has to kill energy as well.
84 - The Galaxy are getting a couple of chances on the counter, but they're not killing themselves to finish them. They're trying to do what they haven't done much, manage a game. Klein does get a low shot off. Sala saves.
86 - GOAL! Buddle with the hat trick! Becks with the service, LD with the decoy pulls defenders and Sala to him, and Buddle finishes nicely via header. 5-1 Galaxy
87 - Xavier with a nice play robs the faster Oduro of the ball in the box.
89 - Dallas trying to work past the LA bunker.
90 - Nothing doing.
Final whistle. This might have been Buddle's breakout match. The Galaxy work their way back to .500 with the 5-1 win.
Read more...
I wonder if it's hotter in Dallas than LA right now. Hard to imagine. Predictions? I'm calling this one a draw, just like it was in preseason, but this time, I think the teams will score. 1-1.
Alvaro is back in the lineup for LA, as is Edson Buddle.
Steve Cronin, Greg Vanney,Chris Klein, Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Alvaro Pires, Joe Franchino, Abel Xavier, David Beckham, Sean Franklin, Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
3 - LA with a decent early run of play in terms of possession, but not really in terms of creating chances yet.
5 - Becks crosses to Buddle, who puts his shot from the left of the arc wide.
6 - Alan Gordon is injured and not available, but Carlos Ruiz is on the sub list.
7- No goal. Abe Thompson gets whistled for a foul on Sean Franklin before putting the ball through Cronin's legs.
Ooh, and then on the next attack, Kenny Coope shoots wide of goal, but not by much. With less ball possession, Dallas has created far more dangerous chances.
9 - Ha, ha, the announcers are reminiscing about the amazing Superliga game these two teams fought last year, mentioning Donovan's throat slash, "It's over gesture". They call him the "California Boy".
11 - Then the announcers screw up history by mentioning that LA won MLS cup here in 2004. Nope, it was 2005. Donovan send in a cross to no one, deep in Dallas territory.
12 - Pablo richetti could have given up a PK on that Galaxy attack, according to the announcers. Sean kept his feet, though. It's not often you'll hear announcers saying a player should have dived.
14 - The English feed broke into Telefutura's for a bit there. Weird. Corner to the Galaxy. LD takes it. Cleared, served back in.
15-Another corner. This one served back in, too. The Galaxy are presuring, but the final shots are getting deflected.
17 - Pires might be very happy to be back, he wound up on a distance shot put it over the bar.
18 -Dallas on the counter, Cooper versus Cronin, who has a great footsave. LA can't control the clear and Cooper gets another chance - outside side netting.
19 - Cooper nearly puts one in by distance - Cronin backpedals to push it out - gives up a corner. FC comes close on this, and suddenly, all the momentum is theirs.
22 - Becks shows on an overhit pass why he is famous for service from his right leg and not his left.
24 - The Galaxy show some decent midfield possession play, but lose composure working the ball around for the final pass.
26 - There's a lot of pressure on the Galaxy to score, because no one trusts that shaky defense of theirs.
GOAL! Klein gets it done! He overlaps well for the ball, and LD tears off on his run, which pulls defenders to him and Klein keeps instead of crossing, calmly slotting nearpost past Sala. 1-0 Galaxy.
27 - Becks, as any good OCD person would, does housekeeping on the streamers on the field before taking a FK. If he does play at Toronto - I say the game will be delayed ten minutes with the combo of Becks cleaning and TFC fans throwing streamers.
30 Arturito Alvarez with a wayward cross.
31 - AA with a low outside shot. Cronin catches.
32 - GOAL! Buddle! LD with a little layoff for Edson, who looks a bit like his namesake as he dribbles nicely past two FC defenders and looses a corker of a shot on goal. 2-0 Galaxy.
33- Dallas with a FK, Cronin punches it out safely.
GOAL! LD! Davino is covering the angle on the cross but LD changes the angle more acutely and puts it on goal. One announcer thinks Davino deflected it, but I didn't see that. 3-0 Galaxy. Wow.
37 - Dallas get a FK on a play that earns Pires a yellow. the service is good, but though they fumble for the ball, the Galaxy eventually clear it. Good chance for FC to cut into the deficit gone by.
39 - GOAL! Damn. Off a set play, Dallas can't clear, Sala can't grab the ball and Edson adroitly pokes the ball into the goal. 4-0 Galaxy. That's an impressive cushion, even for one of the league's worst defenses.
42 - The announcers are saying that the Galaxy are finally a real team, pointing out that Becks, LD and Gordon have scored all the goals to this point - Gordon is injured, but in this game, others are clearly stepping up for the team. Ruud said he needed leaders. Players are coming forward to lead.
43 - LD beats Davino with a move, but Sala is well positioned for the low shot.
45 - LD didn't get credit for that one goal - it's now officially a Davino own-goal.
45+ Cronin with a low save.
Halftime - So far the defense of LA has held, and the offense, well, it's exceeded expectations. Perhaps the heatwave out here prepared LA, because they've been on fire and except for a few bright moments, FC Dallas has been sluggish and stuck in second gear.
47 - Match continues - In the SuperLiga shootout - Dallas nearly pulled even. They have to score early to get hope going, though. Rocha shoots from middle distance, but misses.
48 - Bobby Rhine and Dominic Oduro are in for Anthony Wallace and Abe Thompson.
49 - Rhine comes in studs up on LD, gets a yellow. FK is cleared back.
52 - Alvaro comes in hard on Oduro, the crowd boos for a yellow, but doesn't get it. That would have taken Pires out of the match.
53 - Ruud's seen enough and pulls Pires for Troy Roberts.
54 - Oduro with a low shot, but Cronin saves it.
GOAL! Cooper with a good cross to the head of Oduro, who is perfectly positioned. Can Dallas come back? Well, Chivas USA set the standard last night, scoring thre goals in nine minutes, so it's definitely possible. We'll see if LA has poise. 4-1 Galaxy still lead.
55 - Great Beckham cross to Buddle, but Sala parries well. FC is going to need Sala to stand strong to crawl back in this.
58 - Crossbar! Cooper with a great chance at goal - Cronin should have come out for that cross, instead Cooper darts in faster than one would expect of a six-footer to place a shot that ricochets off the bar.
60 - Galaxy corner - leads to another corner. LD took the first, the second belongs to Becks. Becks over hits this one, though Josh Tudela tries to chase it down.
62 - Dallas with another chance! Cronin comes out badly on the counter, giving Toja a clear chance at the goal, but he puts it over the bar. Dallas could be as close as 4-3 right now. Instead, it's still 4-1.
64 - It's downright weird how the Galaxy can make a 4-1 lead look shaky. Cronin catches the ball as Rhine slides in from close for it.
68 - The Galaxy are trying to move the ball around, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to stop going for goal.
Oduro with the ball in the box, but Cronin picks it off his foot.
69 Becks has dropped far back.
70 - Now he's lining up a freekick. It deflects off the wall for a corner.
73 - Dallas circling the LA goal, but can't break through.
74 - LD in the box! Wide.
76 - Serioux late tackle on Beckham, who is furious and shoves the Dallas player. That was a dangerous tackle. Handbags, but it finally gets cleared up. Becks and Alvarez get a yellow for arguing, Serioux is gone for his second yellow.
80 - The heat seems to be taking a toll on the FC Dallas comeback. Plus the frustration of the missed chances has to kill energy as well.
84 - The Galaxy are getting a couple of chances on the counter, but they're not killing themselves to finish them. They're trying to do what they haven't done much, manage a game. Klein does get a low shot off. Sala saves.
86 - GOAL! Buddle with the hat trick! Becks with the service, LD with the decoy pulls defenders and Sala to him, and Buddle finishes nicely via header. 5-1 Galaxy
87 - Xavier with a nice play robs the faster Oduro of the ball in the box.
89 - Dallas trying to work past the LA bunker.
90 - Nothing doing.
Final whistle. This might have been Buddle's breakout match. The Galaxy work their way back to .500 with the 5-1 win.
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Featuring - or not?
so what if dc did not want to talk after the game? you just report the players did not want to talk
I didn't have a game story assignment last night. As I mentioned in the running blog, I was working on a Marcelo Gallardo feature.
I'd been working on it for a while, actually. On Friday, when I was at the DC/Chivas USA presser, I asked Jaime Moreno about Gallardo, among other things (since I write for multiple places, I often try to get quotes on different topics when players are in town, so I can plug in a relevant quote later).
DC had a practice scheduled after the presser, and I called their media liaison to see if I could ask Gallardo a few questions before practice.
You see, I'd been at the HDC since 10:00. It was almost 3:00, and on a Friday, that means the window to escape the hell of traffic is closing. It was over a hundred degrees, and my air conditioning in my little car was out. The HDC is south of downtown LA, while I live north of it. Now, in MLS, players usually talk to media after practice, but often, if one shows up early and requests only one player, teams are accommodating in granting quick interviews. No luck this time. DC's press guy said I'd have to wait until after practice. From my seat in my car across from the field where they were getting off the bus, I watched the United players and debated staying around versus leaving. Practice would place me in the absolute worst of rush hour, so I instead asked if it was possible to make an early arrangement for a pregame interview on Saturday. Per MLS policy, players are supposed to be available to media members - actually, the locker room is supposed to be open to the press until an hour before warm-ups. Some teams get away with not showing up until this window is over, but they don't need to normally go through such conniptions to avoid the press, because the nature of our jobs is such that we are always expected to get the latest word on things, so only in a few cases does anyone show up to the early interview period.
What's funny in hindsight is that when I was trying to set up a time to ask Gallardo questions, DC's media person kept telling me, "Well, you can talk to Gallardo during the post-game locker room access."
That's what I thought, too, but I was trying to get at least a few exclusive quotes. So after having been assured that I'd get a little time pregame if I showed up right at 6:00, I tried to interview him. I passed on the offer for translation for the simple reason that though my Spanish isn't great, translation takes time, and I thought asking questions directly would save me a minute or two and allow me to ask a few more things.
Not really. I asked three questions, then was told, "Last question. We'll see you again after the game."
Except - no.
What incentive is Gallardo going to have to speak to the media when he sees clearly that his own organization doesn't follow the post-game standard? We press people complain about David Beckham taking a long time after games to come out and talk, but now I appreciate in a whole new way that he does so, every time. I've an assignment of a Beckham feature post-Galaxy games, and that would get hung out to dry if he decided not to speak to the press.
Writers like Danny Bueno did get left out in the cold by DC. His MLSnet assignment is to specifically cover the post-game reaction of the visiting team. Usually, a minimum of three different players quoted is expected. He got one. And he waited for that one player longer than it would normally have taken him to get all his interviews completed and his post-game article written. Other LA writers who are assigned to get reactions from both teams left after half an hour had passed.
Look, I understand that a lot of people think the lot of a sportswriter is a blessed and lucky one, and don't understand why I point out that giving the reporters who do cover MLS hassles is a mistake for a league that wants to grow. Fine. One espn.com feature is not going to make or break the future of DC United's public profile.
But the publishing industry isn't going through an easy time right now, and sports reporters are getting reassigned or laid off everywhere. They're fighting to write the most relevant stories, and if an editor looks at a piece and says, "Where's the quotes from the other team you're supposed to have?" then hears the reason why they're not there, do you think he or she's going to want to send more coverage that way? A piece without any exclusive quotes that covers what happened during a match can be picked up off AP. That's probably what the editor will do in the future, thinking, "Screw soccer. We don't need to send a reporter out to a game and then get stiffed on the locker room access that every other sport in the U.S. allows."
Thinking I'd get to talk to Gallardo specifically about the game after it finished meant my early questions were very general. I'm trying to piece something together anyway, but it's not easy.
Read more...
I didn't have a game story assignment last night. As I mentioned in the running blog, I was working on a Marcelo Gallardo feature.
I'd been working on it for a while, actually. On Friday, when I was at the DC/Chivas USA presser, I asked Jaime Moreno about Gallardo, among other things (since I write for multiple places, I often try to get quotes on different topics when players are in town, so I can plug in a relevant quote later).
DC had a practice scheduled after the presser, and I called their media liaison to see if I could ask Gallardo a few questions before practice.
You see, I'd been at the HDC since 10:00. It was almost 3:00, and on a Friday, that means the window to escape the hell of traffic is closing. It was over a hundred degrees, and my air conditioning in my little car was out. The HDC is south of downtown LA, while I live north of it. Now, in MLS, players usually talk to media after practice, but often, if one shows up early and requests only one player, teams are accommodating in granting quick interviews. No luck this time. DC's press guy said I'd have to wait until after practice. From my seat in my car across from the field where they were getting off the bus, I watched the United players and debated staying around versus leaving. Practice would place me in the absolute worst of rush hour, so I instead asked if it was possible to make an early arrangement for a pregame interview on Saturday. Per MLS policy, players are supposed to be available to media members - actually, the locker room is supposed to be open to the press until an hour before warm-ups. Some teams get away with not showing up until this window is over, but they don't need to normally go through such conniptions to avoid the press, because the nature of our jobs is such that we are always expected to get the latest word on things, so only in a few cases does anyone show up to the early interview period.
What's funny in hindsight is that when I was trying to set up a time to ask Gallardo questions, DC's media person kept telling me, "Well, you can talk to Gallardo during the post-game locker room access."
That's what I thought, too, but I was trying to get at least a few exclusive quotes. So after having been assured that I'd get a little time pregame if I showed up right at 6:00, I tried to interview him. I passed on the offer for translation for the simple reason that though my Spanish isn't great, translation takes time, and I thought asking questions directly would save me a minute or two and allow me to ask a few more things.
Not really. I asked three questions, then was told, "Last question. We'll see you again after the game."
Except - no.
What incentive is Gallardo going to have to speak to the media when he sees clearly that his own organization doesn't follow the post-game standard? We press people complain about David Beckham taking a long time after games to come out and talk, but now I appreciate in a whole new way that he does so, every time. I've an assignment of a Beckham feature post-Galaxy games, and that would get hung out to dry if he decided not to speak to the press.
Writers like Danny Bueno did get left out in the cold by DC. His MLSnet assignment is to specifically cover the post-game reaction of the visiting team. Usually, a minimum of three different players quoted is expected. He got one. And he waited for that one player longer than it would normally have taken him to get all his interviews completed and his post-game article written. Other LA writers who are assigned to get reactions from both teams left after half an hour had passed.
Look, I understand that a lot of people think the lot of a sportswriter is a blessed and lucky one, and don't understand why I point out that giving the reporters who do cover MLS hassles is a mistake for a league that wants to grow. Fine. One espn.com feature is not going to make or break the future of DC United's public profile.
But the publishing industry isn't going through an easy time right now, and sports reporters are getting reassigned or laid off everywhere. They're fighting to write the most relevant stories, and if an editor looks at a piece and says, "Where's the quotes from the other team you're supposed to have?" then hears the reason why they're not there, do you think he or she's going to want to send more coverage that way? A piece without any exclusive quotes that covers what happened during a match can be picked up off AP. That's probably what the editor will do in the future, thinking, "Screw soccer. We don't need to send a reporter out to a game and then get stiffed on the locker room access that every other sport in the U.S. allows."
Thinking I'd get to talk to Gallardo specifically about the game after it finished meant my early questions were very general. I'm trying to piece something together anyway, but it's not easy.
Read more...
Remains of the day
Danny Bueno was one of the reporters able to talk to Jaime Moreno after the game.
Luis Bueno wrote about Chivas USA - and therefore has a number of quotes, because he was allowed into their locker room.
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Luis Bueno wrote about Chivas USA - and therefore has a number of quotes, because he was allowed into their locker room.
Read more...
Soehn says his bit
My tape started a bit late because when Tom Soehn came out to talk to the media, I thought the locker room was finally open. Usually, when the coach comes out or starts talking to the media, the locker room is officially open for reporters. Deciding player quotes were more important, even though I wanted to ask Soehn stuff, I tried to enter. Instead, I was stonewalled at the door - "The locker room still isn't open."
Then I joined the circle around Soehn, off to one side in the hallway. Busy with the questions, I didn't realize at first that players were leaving while the coach was being interviewed, then I happened to glance over my shoulder and realized that the departing black polo shirts were all the guys we'd been waiting to talk with for so long. I broke away from Soehn and tried to get Marcelo Gallardo to stop. No luck.
Technically, the DC locker room never was declared open for the press, unless one counts it as open when the entire team has already left.
I can sympathize to a certain extent with DC - the players were no doubt upset and emotion is evident in Soehn's voice, but I've also witnessed many teams lose tough games. Almost every one is still professional enough to still comply with their press obligations. Heck, last night I was watching NBA Jazz coach Jerry Sloan do a in-game interview while his team was struggling, which I'm sure he'd prefer not to do, but he did anyway.
In this case, it wasn't one upset player declining interviews. It was an institutional move to keep all the media out and make our job far more difficult. It was also conducted in a rather underhand manner - at no point were we told that we wouldn't have media access to the locker room. So when Marc Burch left early, for example, most of the reporters didn't stop him. We don't usually do hallway interviews with players. It's too noisy, and players at that point just want to get on the bus. Steve Goff talked to Marc, but the rest of us waited in front of the locker room like good little sheep, expecting patience to eventually be rewarded. Seriously, though, if some DC bigshot decided, "Forget it, no press in the locker room," they should have manned up and told us that. #1, the deadline people could have left. #2, the rest of us could start asking the players who were willing to answer questions in the hallway. Instead, if we're continually told, "Not yet," there's an implied, "eventually you'll get in" that once it doesn't happen seems rather dishonest, disrespectful and unprofessional.
Read more...
Then I joined the circle around Soehn, off to one side in the hallway. Busy with the questions, I didn't realize at first that players were leaving while the coach was being interviewed, then I happened to glance over my shoulder and realized that the departing black polo shirts were all the guys we'd been waiting to talk with for so long. I broke away from Soehn and tried to get Marcelo Gallardo to stop. No luck.
Technically, the DC locker room never was declared open for the press, unless one counts it as open when the entire team has already left.
I can sympathize to a certain extent with DC - the players were no doubt upset and emotion is evident in Soehn's voice, but I've also witnessed many teams lose tough games. Almost every one is still professional enough to still comply with their press obligations. Heck, last night I was watching NBA Jazz coach Jerry Sloan do a in-game interview while his team was struggling, which I'm sure he'd prefer not to do, but he did anyway.
In this case, it wasn't one upset player declining interviews. It was an institutional move to keep all the media out and make our job far more difficult. It was also conducted in a rather underhand manner - at no point were we told that we wouldn't have media access to the locker room. So when Marc Burch left early, for example, most of the reporters didn't stop him. We don't usually do hallway interviews with players. It's too noisy, and players at that point just want to get on the bus. Steve Goff talked to Marc, but the rest of us waited in front of the locker room like good little sheep, expecting patience to eventually be rewarded. Seriously, though, if some DC bigshot decided, "Forget it, no press in the locker room," they should have manned up and told us that. #1, the deadline people could have left. #2, the rest of us could start asking the players who were willing to answer questions in the hallway. Instead, if we're continually told, "Not yet," there's an implied, "eventually you'll get in" that once it doesn't happen seems rather dishonest, disrespectful and unprofessional.
Read more...
Tino talks
Kudos to Quaranta, one of the few DC guys who stopped to talk to the press in the hallway after we weren't allowed in the locker room by club officials. In the background one can hear Jaime Moreno a little bit. He stopped, too, spoke to a couple of the LA press members, but since I was interviewing Tino at the time, I couldn't switch over right away and Jaime had left by the time I finished. Heck, the entire team was gone. It's very difficult to get a decent variety of quotes with no locker room access.
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Saturday, May 17, 2008
Post -game posturing
So much for being blessed. DC United stones the press outside their locker room, flouting MLS regulations to open it to media. Any media, including Steven Goff, who is out here all the way from D.C. The team doesn't do a post-match presser, and Kevin Payne just shakes his head when we ask, after he briefly appears, if we can go get quotes. Nearly forty minutes go by before coach Tom Soehn steps outside to take any questions. I break off from the scrum around him to try to get into the locker room for player quotes, because players are leaving as Soehn speaks. Danny Bueno of MLSnet is also trying to get into the locker room. We're told no, it's still not open. Gallardo comes out into the hallway - he shakes his head at me when I ask him if he'll answer questions.
Santino Quaranta still has a soft spot for some of the LA press - he stops to take a few questions. The rest of the players disappear.
MLS headquarters will probably fine the organization for not following league press rules, but DC administrators apparently don't care.
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Santino Quaranta still has a soft spot for some of the LA press - he stops to take a few questions. The rest of the players disappear.
MLS headquarters will probably fine the organization for not following league press rules, but DC administrators apparently don't care.
Read more...
DC United/Chivas USA running blog
Hi yall, (By the way, the Barra Brava has taken up residence in the Riot Squad's usual stadium spot)
Luciano Emilio isn't starting - Francis "Grandpa" Doe has been given the chance. Chivas USA has nine players injured apparently, so their starting lineup should be interesting. Given that development, I'm calling this one 2-1 in favor of DC. Moreno and McTavish with the goals. Kljestan with the consolation.
Post your predictions up to kickoff time.
Jesse Marsch is playing centerback for Chivas USA. Marsch last played centerback when he was 13 for Racine United. Yep, in Wisconsin.
No, I don't know this off the top of my head. David Lindholm, Chivas USA's press guy, just told me. he also mentioned that minus their third-string goalkeeper, every player Chivas USA has healthy is in the starting lineup or on the bench tonight.
DC's lineup: Zach Wells, Bryan Namoff, Marc Burch, Domenic Mediate, Gonzalo Martinez, Santino Quaranta, Marcelo Gallardo, Clyde Simms, Ryan Cordiero, Francis Doe, Jaime Moreno
Chivas USA: Guzano, BB, Big Red, Marschman, Panchito, Dandini, Sach, Nags, Braunbear, Tiba, Te.
Luis just mentioned that someone laughed at him when he mentioned Pancho as left back - well, that's exactly where Mendoza is lining up.
The Legion is still boycotting. This is apparently the last game of that, though, since the player they're protesting for finishes his suspension then.
Kickoff!
1- Chivas USA with first shot and attack. 'Te from outside the box. Deflected off DC defender.
5 - Play is mostly in the midfield. Oooh, pass over the top to Ante, who goes all-out versus Wells. Bigtime clash. Both players are down for a matter of minutes.
8 - DC with an attacking play; well, not anymore, cross into the box cut off.
9 - Well, my Mctavish score prediction can't be right, because he isn't available. I'd guessed he might be back. Wishful thinking.
10 - DC FK. Tricksy Gallardo tries to sneak it in near post, Guzan parries but give up corner. Gallardo to take, but there's shoving in the box holding up play. Gallardo serves it in - Namoff heads wide.
14 - Chivas USA give up a deep FT, but then wriggle out of the difficulty.
16 - DC has the better of possession, but Chivas USA is getting counter chances, like the corner earned just now by Razov. Kljestan on the kick, Sims clears.
18 - The atmosphere here is weird. There's noise from the fervent fans, but everyone else is so quiet that one can hear the players talking to each other.
19 - Gallardo serves in another freekick that Marsch clears well. Racine United would be proud.
21 - Burch catches Kljestan with a leg tackle that flips the Chivas USA midfielder partly sideways. Yellow.
23 - Doe is pushing for a yellow after a tackle on Panchito - Kennedy chooses to whistle sternly at him and point emphatically instead.
25 - Moreno with a shot from middle distance - doesn't get much leg on it and it rolls wide, though Guzan dives for it.
27 - Gallardo working a few good passes up the flank with Quaranta. But generally, both teams are bogging down the midfield.
29 - The crowd is trying to start the wave and booing whatever section gives up on it. So basically, they're not even really watching the game any more.
30 - GOAL! Gallardo! He gets a good pass near the top of the arc from Quaranta. Paladini falls trying to cut it off, then Gallardo cuts back on Marsch, and nails a shot into the top upper corner of the net. Racine, Wisconsin weeps.
33 - Simms with an outside shot, gets nicked on the follow of the shot and is down for a while.
35 - Corner for Chivas - cleared.
36 - Offside! The crowd hates the linesman for that, because it would have been a goal, because Wells came out and the canny vet Ante put in a chip header behind him. The replay shows the press box nothing, so if you have a DVR, you know better than we do who is right.
39 - Gallardo is down. Is DC timewasting? It seems way too early for that. perhaps not, because th'e on the sideline, and DC is playing a man down. Ball over the top to Atiba Harris. "It's only Atiba" says a reporter in the box, implying, of course, that there is no threat. Harris gets a wayward cross off, Klejestan has to backtrack for it, and eventually, DC escapes danger.
41 - Gallardo gets back into action and is down again. this time Nags took him down and gets yellow for it.
43 - How timely is my Gallardo feature for espn.com going to be now that he's scored? I'm blessed.
44 - Doe was offside, but he took a shot anyway. And missed.
45 - Quranta sacrifices his bod to shield a ball going out for a goal kick. Crowd boos, thinking it touched him anyway. It was close.
45 - Close like Moreno with the shot just now over the bar.
Halftime - Chivas USA must be fuming about that offside call on Razov. Though DC hasn't played great, they deserve the lead, as they have created most of the chances on goal. If Chivas USA doesn't come out with some new energy and effectiveness, the visitors are taking this. For heaven's sake, the home team didn't have a single shot on goal in the half.
Okay, LB chiming in here. It's about five minutes before the start of the second half and I'm writing all of my stories as a Chivas USA loss. They've never come from behind to win a game, ever, and I don't see them doing it with such a depleted lineup. I say they throw Jorge Flores and Gerson Mayen out there and hope to catch lightning in a bottle.
Now back to AC...
Heck, I'm surprised Flores didn't start. Hey, that's weird. To rally Chivas USA at the start of the second half, the stadium PA is playing Kinky (Mas) - the band that provided the Galaxy their official song last year and played in a pregame concert for the team. I suppose the music guys don't know this.
47 - Chivas USA pushing a bit more into DC territory. Marsch has been moved to the midfield. Kraig Chiles is in.
49 - Yellow for Mediate for a foul on Razov. Kljestan on the FK, scrum in the box. Trouble with the wall, and all the drama is meaningless becaus Sach chips over the wall and the bar. Poor.
53 - Chivas USA keeps getting stuck in the defensive third of DC. Razov nearly gets sprung, bu he's just offside and throws his hands up in frustration.
56 - Sach crosses into the box and it looks like a handball and DC amazingly fail to clear, but no call.
57 - Eric Ebert getting set to come in, setting off all sorts of puns in the pressbox about his poor play and decent movie reviews. "Thumbs down," says one. "He nearly gave a goal away in the last game with a bad backpass. He's in for Dandini. Emilio is in for Doe, too.
61 - DC is scrapping this one out. It's not elegant, but it's working.
63 - Like on the last play - 'Tiba gets a nice through ball that leads him into the box and Gonzalo Martinez shoulder charges him into last week. It works.
66 - Soehn is pacing the sideline - oh, here comes Jorge - "The Dream" for Chivas USA.
69 - CK for Chivas USA after Wells parried a nearpost shot. It's cleared for another corner on the opposite side, Sach takes that one, too, and this one gets safely cleared.
70 - People are already learing.
72 - Moreno holds off two defenders on sheer skill, gets a deep FT, takes a bunch of time off the clock.
74 - GOAL! The pride of Racine! Jesse Marsch! The forgotten MLS original today. Ebert sends a leading pass in for a speedy 'tiba, who doesn't get onto it well, but manages to deflect it off a charging Wells. Marsch is there to send a following shot off past a fallen Wells. 1-1 He knee slides to celebrate. Rock on, Jesse.
76 - GOAL! Sach! Harris gets up the wing again, totally befuddling the DC defense and hits a decent cross this time that DC fails to clear l Kljestan connects. 2-1. Chivas USA, improbably and against all history and while not even playing very well with a decimated lineup, is leading.
80 - Yikes, Harris gets behind the D again, gets he ball to Kljestan and Chivas USA gets about three clear chances to pad their lead, but deflections and a shot over the bar is all that results.
82 - GOAL! The pressbox is beginning the Soehn deathwatch. The Dream scores! Harris looks offside, but in fact a wayward DC defender on the far side kept him on. Harris comes in on goal, while the defensive line looks in vain for the call, then lays the ball back for Flores. Wells looks like he has the hard shot, but it slips past him. 3-1 The Raging Goats.
85 - Bryan Namoff is down. He probably wants to be carted away from this misery, even if it's in an ambulance. Looks like an ankle problem. Oooh, bad - he's limping off.
88 - DC's defense is horrid. I just checked and they haven't had a single shutout this season.
89 - CK for Chivas USA and they are taking their time over it - ooh Kennedy has a card out and is surrounded by players. Not sure what's going on. The Barra crew is giving Kennedy the finger, hard - turns out it was a yellow for Quaranta.
90 + Apparently the key for DC was taking out Grandpa.
hivas USA with a chance to further pad their lead, but Anthony Hamilton misses a sitter.
Final whistle - It's official, DC is having a horrid season. It's Chivas USA's first victory over United, by the way.
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Mea Culpa
It's only fair if I point out the mistakes of others on occasion that I cop to my own. I was typing fast during the DC/Chivas USA presser and I originally didn't put Paulo Nagamura's name correctly. I had it as Pablo, probably thinking back to the Colorado running blog I'd done the day before, where Pablo Mastroeni was a prominent player.
I know Paulo's name, though I mostly think of him as Nags, which became his nickname when he first got to LA. But I typed the wrong name anyway.
Incidentally, the email pointing out the name error came from the Galaxy staff, looking out for their former player, the accuracy of this blog, or perhaps both.
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I know Paulo's name, though I mostly think of him as Nags, which became his nickname when he first got to LA. But I typed the wrong name anyway.
Incidentally, the email pointing out the name error came from the Galaxy staff, looking out for their former player, the accuracy of this blog, or perhaps both.
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No help needed
I'm watching the Toronto-Columbus game here (and Dodgers-Angels is on the tube) and I was wondering about the Galaxy's upcoming trip to Toronto. I think it will be the first opponent they will have played twice and the first opponent against whom they will have completed their season series.
The Galaxy's game at Toronto is on May 31, and David Beckham likely won't be there. He'll be with England that day, more than likely. It's no coincidence, of course, that the Galaxy's game at Toronto was scheduled for that day. Toronto is the only venue in the league where no help is needed to sell tickets, so it will be a packed house with or without Beckham around to hype the game.
It's scoreless right now, as the Crew and Toronto battle it out in what could be a preview of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. It's a good game so far. The Galaxy, heck any team, will have a tough time up on Toronto.
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The Galaxy's game at Toronto is on May 31, and David Beckham likely won't be there. He'll be with England that day, more than likely. It's no coincidence, of course, that the Galaxy's game at Toronto was scheduled for that day. Toronto is the only venue in the league where no help is needed to sell tickets, so it will be a packed house with or without Beckham around to hype the game.
It's scoreless right now, as the Crew and Toronto battle it out in what could be a preview of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. It's a good game so far. The Galaxy, heck any team, will have a tough time up on Toronto.
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Coach of the Year - Buh bye!
Interestingly enough, no MLS Coach of the Year, for the past few years, has kept the same job the following year.
2004 - Greg Andrulis - Fired as coach of the Columbus Crew
2005 - Dom Kinnear - Relocated San Jose coach became coach of the new Houston Dynamo
2006 - Bob Bradley - Left Chivas USA post to become interim USA men's coach, moved to permanent position after early success.
2007 - Preki - Of course, Preki still has his job, but things are not going well for the club, thus, his Chivas USA position is looking precarious. He and the team badly need to turn things around, or over.
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2004 - Greg Andrulis - Fired as coach of the Columbus Crew
2005 - Dom Kinnear - Relocated San Jose coach became coach of the new Houston Dynamo
2006 - Bob Bradley - Left Chivas USA post to become interim USA men's coach, moved to permanent position after early success.
2007 - Preki - Of course, Preki still has his job, but things are not going well for the club, thus, his Chivas USA position is looking precarious. He and the team badly need to turn things around, or over.
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Taking temperature
I've had this long-held theory that the longer MLS is around, the more that traveling support for other teams will show up at games even thousands of miles away from a squad's home base. My reasoning is that the more fans grow up with a team, the more they'll continue that loyalty even as they often move for job purposes - as many do in this country.
DC and the LA Galaxy have been my barometer for this. Not only has DC had a pretty loyal fanbase from the start, but the rivalry with LA goes back to that first year and final, despite the vast distances between the cities. No self-respecting DC fan who has taken a job in LA could resist the chance to cheer their team on when they're in town.
Sure enough, there's generally been a little contingent of DC fans at the LA games when they play. In 2005, Freddy Adu scored a late winning goal versus the Galaxy. He ran and celebrated with the small throng of DC fans going crazy-happy while the rest of the stadium sat glumly.
I thought, "As it should be."
It always strikes me as a bit sad when no one cheers a great road game goal except for one's teammates, though I understand club faithfulness demands no one cheer for an opposition strike. That's why it's important to have away fans. Sports is the metaphor of tragedy and triumph, and yes, there should always be some brave, loyal souls happy to be the minority support, happy to see their team in person in the town where they live now.
However, the DC traveling group hasn't showed up to Chivas USA games in the same numbers as for the Galaxy games, even though tickets to CDCUSA games are cheaper. That rivalry is still developing, and right now, probably takes a backseat to both teams needing points.
Yet it turns out the DC fan ranks might swell a bit this year, even with the team's poor record. I asked former UCLA goalkeeper Zach Wells if he had invited a lot of people to the match. He ticked off a list of groups - family, friends, college teammates.
"So about 20 tickets?" I asked.
"Something like that," Zach nodded.
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DC and the LA Galaxy have been my barometer for this. Not only has DC had a pretty loyal fanbase from the start, but the rivalry with LA goes back to that first year and final, despite the vast distances between the cities. No self-respecting DC fan who has taken a job in LA could resist the chance to cheer their team on when they're in town.
Sure enough, there's generally been a little contingent of DC fans at the LA games when they play. In 2005, Freddy Adu scored a late winning goal versus the Galaxy. He ran and celebrated with the small throng of DC fans going crazy-happy while the rest of the stadium sat glumly.
I thought, "As it should be."
It always strikes me as a bit sad when no one cheers a great road game goal except for one's teammates, though I understand club faithfulness demands no one cheer for an opposition strike. That's why it's important to have away fans. Sports is the metaphor of tragedy and triumph, and yes, there should always be some brave, loyal souls happy to be the minority support, happy to see their team in person in the town where they live now.
However, the DC traveling group hasn't showed up to Chivas USA games in the same numbers as for the Galaxy games, even though tickets to CDCUSA games are cheaper. That rivalry is still developing, and right now, probably takes a backseat to both teams needing points.
Yet it turns out the DC fan ranks might swell a bit this year, even with the team's poor record. I asked former UCLA goalkeeper Zach Wells if he had invited a lot of people to the match. He ticked off a list of groups - family, friends, college teammates.
"So about 20 tickets?" I asked.
"Something like that," Zach nodded.
Read more...