Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
All-Star ballot update
Before I forget, the deadline for me to submit by All-Star ballot is Sunday. I still haven't decided on anyone except for Juan Pablo Angel. I got quite a few submissions when I first posted about this so please keep 'em coming.
EDIT:
The All-Star ballots are actually due on Monday the 25th so we have a little more time to organize the ballot.
EDIT:
The All-Star ballots are actually due on Monday the 25th so we have a little more time to organize the ballot.
Boca fans
Wow, it's the day for my favorite teams. Fans of the squad dearest to my heart turned out to welcome the visit of one of their legends - Guille.
Actually, Diego Maradona, up in his private box in the Bombanera, hung a sign that said something similar in one of Barros-Schelotto's final games for Boca Juniors earlier this year.
Translated, it says, "Guillermo, we love you".
Crew stars
Sign of the times 'round here:
Outside of Cobi Jones, there are more players on the Crew who have done more for the Galaxy than anyone on the Galaxy's starting lineup.
Starting for Sigi's team tonight:
- Ezra Hendrickson, longtime Galaxy star, scored key goals on CONCACAF Champions Cup winning side
- Alejandro Moreno, won MLS Cup 2002 with Galaxy
- Ned Grabavoy, won MLS Cup 2005 with Galaxy
Outside of Cobi Jones, there are more players on the Crew who have done more for the Galaxy than anyone on the Galaxy's starting lineup.
Starting for Sigi's team tonight:
- Ezra Hendrickson, longtime Galaxy star, scored key goals on CONCACAF Champions Cup winning side
- Alejandro Moreno, won MLS Cup 2002 with Galaxy
- Ned Grabavoy, won MLS Cup 2005 with Galaxy
Crimson Tide
Greg Daurio, managing editor of 90:00, just handed me the latest copy of the magazine. I asked him to promise me a copy as soon as I found out my favorite English team was going to be featured on the cover. 90:00 minutes was quite prescient, as well, since they have a Danny Califf feature in this issue, and Califf was one of the surprise picks for the Gold Cup.
Greg actually had the interview with Peter Crouch that also shows up in this issue. He told me that Crouch (for some reason, I think of Oscar from Sesame Street) is the nicest guy.
Steve Nicol features in the Stevie Gerrard article. Who can guess or knows, perhaps, in what context?
That didn't take long
The Galaxy giveaway poster this week is Abel Xavier, who just got here last week.But Abel is already contributing. Carlos Pavon mentioned that Abel was translating all of the coach's instructions to him on the field during training. Frank Yallop mentioned that the leadership Abel has displayed is part of the reason why they signed him.
Sex Pistol scores
Steve Jones, playing in the Galaxy alumni game (retired Galaxy players and famous guests play this match every year) scored one of the most hilarious goals I've seen for a while.
SJ has put on considerable weight since his rocker days. He wasn't doing much as a lone forward for the White team, while Mauricio Cienfuegos helped put his Green team ahead. They were leading, 2-0, when Mark Semioli tried to clear a cross the keeper had missed that was bending towards the goal line.
SJ was making a run, and the ball hit him square in his oversize belly. It bounced into the goal before Semioli could recover.
The goal celebration consisted of SJ grabbing his tummy with both hands and shaking it vigorously in triumph. The press box, needless to say, was in stitches. We're thinking of voting Steve's belly Man of the Match.
Update: Well, we got close. SJ got man of the match. He seemed very pleased. His gut had no comment.
SJ has put on considerable weight since his rocker days. He wasn't doing much as a lone forward for the White team, while Mauricio Cienfuegos helped put his Green team ahead. They were leading, 2-0, when Mark Semioli tried to clear a cross the keeper had missed that was bending towards the goal line.
SJ was making a run, and the ball hit him square in his oversize belly. It bounced into the goal before Semioli could recover.
The goal celebration consisted of SJ grabbing his tummy with both hands and shaking it vigorously in triumph. The press box, needless to say, was in stitches. We're thinking of voting Steve's belly Man of the Match.
Update: Well, we got close. SJ got man of the match. He seemed very pleased. His gut had no comment.
Xbox redux
Ok, couldn't get that link to work, so here's another one of Drew Carey taking on the U.S. soccer gang. Though Drew's final interview relates to his 6-0 loss to Landon Donovan, the match isn't shown, and neither is the one with Abby Wambach.
The auction is also ongoing.
With the rematch set up, it looks like it's going to be an annual event. I approve, because it was fun, but I also think there should be a fan bracket, where U.S. Soccer fans face off in matches versus each other to see who earns the right to face Drew himself and play him out of some cash for charity.
The auction is also ongoing.
With the rematch set up, it looks like it's going to be an annual event. I approve, because it was fun, but I also think there should be a fan bracket, where U.S. Soccer fans face off in matches versus each other to see who earns the right to face Drew himself and play him out of some cash for charity.
Tri's attack
Hugo Sanchez had a stable of forwards to choose from before the tournament but he seems to have settled on Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Jared Borgetti.
Blanco is enjoying a strong resurgence. After his falling out with former coach Ricardo Lavolpe, Blanco quickly found his way back into El Tri and scored in his second game under Hugo Sanchez. With America this year, Blanco had a fine campaign and led las Aguilas to the Mexican league final. The now-Chicago Fire forward is as strong as ever with his backheels and passing ability in general. He is also strong on set pieces. However, Blanco is still quite temperamental. His red card against Honduras two weeks ago is evidence of that.
Borgetti, meanwhile, is the same player American fans have been accustomed to seeing. Borgetti has had success against the U.S. - he scored in a 1-0 win over the US in Mexico in 2001 and scored in a 2-1 win over the Americans in 2005. Both those games, though, were in Mexico City. Like the rest of Mexico, Borgetti has been quiet against the U.S. in games played on American soil.
Also in the mix is former Chivas standout Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista. Bofo and Blanco are similar players - not a lot of speed but good finishers with excellent vision and passing abilities - but Sanchez is not afraid to use them together. Bofo set up Borgetti's goal against Costa Rica in the semifinal with a nice cross from the right flank.
Omar Bravo is another player who possesses skill but Bravo's exploits have mostly been limited to the Mexican league. Bravo is on the cusp with the national team but has been on the cusp for quite some time. Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca has fallen off badly and was left off the Copa America roster. Still, Sanchez knows Fonseca from their days together with Pumas.
The wild card in this whole scenario is Nery Castillo. Lavolpe went hard after Castillo, who holds Greek, Mexican and Uruguayan passports, but failed to get him to play for El Tri. Sanchez, though, convinced Castillo to play for Mexico. While Castillo, who developed in Uruguay and groomed professionally in Greece, appeared to be a certain starter but was not in uniform against Guadeloupe.
If Sanchez goes with Blanco-Borgetti, the U.S. will have an advantage in that they know how to play both players.
Blanco is enjoying a strong resurgence. After his falling out with former coach Ricardo Lavolpe, Blanco quickly found his way back into El Tri and scored in his second game under Hugo Sanchez. With America this year, Blanco had a fine campaign and led las Aguilas to the Mexican league final. The now-Chicago Fire forward is as strong as ever with his backheels and passing ability in general. He is also strong on set pieces. However, Blanco is still quite temperamental. His red card against Honduras two weeks ago is evidence of that.
Borgetti, meanwhile, is the same player American fans have been accustomed to seeing. Borgetti has had success against the U.S. - he scored in a 1-0 win over the US in Mexico in 2001 and scored in a 2-1 win over the Americans in 2005. Both those games, though, were in Mexico City. Like the rest of Mexico, Borgetti has been quiet against the U.S. in games played on American soil.
Also in the mix is former Chivas standout Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista. Bofo and Blanco are similar players - not a lot of speed but good finishers with excellent vision and passing abilities - but Sanchez is not afraid to use them together. Bofo set up Borgetti's goal against Costa Rica in the semifinal with a nice cross from the right flank.
Omar Bravo is another player who possesses skill but Bravo's exploits have mostly been limited to the Mexican league. Bravo is on the cusp with the national team but has been on the cusp for quite some time. Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca has fallen off badly and was left off the Copa America roster. Still, Sanchez knows Fonseca from their days together with Pumas.
The wild card in this whole scenario is Nery Castillo. Lavolpe went hard after Castillo, who holds Greek, Mexican and Uruguayan passports, but failed to get him to play for El Tri. Sanchez, though, convinced Castillo to play for Mexico. While Castillo, who developed in Uruguay and groomed professionally in Greece, appeared to be a certain starter but was not in uniform against Guadeloupe.
If Sanchez goes with Blanco-Borgetti, the U.S. will have an advantage in that they know how to play both players.
Mexico's Midfield
Three players who are all but certain to start against the United States are wingers Andres Guardado and Alberto Medina and central midfielder Pavel Pardo.
Guardado is the player with the brightest future of the three but Pardo is the most accomplished. Pardo won the Bundesliga crown with Stuttgart this season and scored on an outstanding goal against Guadeloupe on Thursday. Pardo, though, lacks the playmaking ability to break down opposing defense. For all his positives, Pardo is more of a defensive-minded midfielder, though he does have the ability to find seams in the opposing defense.
On the flanks, Guardado and Medina have the ability to create dangerous opportunities for Mexico. The way this tournament has turned out, much of the buildup has come from the flanks. Both Guardado and Medina have the freedom to roam and Guardado takes advantage of it. From the left side, the shaggy-haired Guardado is a constant presence inside the penalty area.
Another first-choice midfielder will not be available due to yellow-card accumulation. Gerardo Torrado will not play as he picked up a yellow card in each of the knockout games. Hugo Sanchez took Torrado out of Thursday's semifinal and replaced him with Fernando Arce, a Mexican league veteran who is playing the best soccer of his career. Arce, though, is better suited for a role off the bench than a starting spot, though he can prove dangerous. Guardado and Arce combined for a splendid goal in a 3-1 win over Venezuela on Feb. 28.
One option Sanchez has in filling the void with another forward and going with a 4-3-3 formation. Sanchez has done that in this tournament and going with a three-pronged attack would not be a surprise.
Or Sanchez could start Jaime Lozano in Torrado's spot. Lozano was at the top of his game in early 2005 but has since fallen off in form. He was not a part of the 2006 World Cup team but has regained a spot under Sanchez. Lozano is deadly on set pieces. His biggest weakness: he stands at about 5-foot-6.
The U.S. fullbacks, probably Jonathan Bornstein and either Jonathan Spector or Frank Simek, will have to neutralize Mexico's wide midfielders. Guardado is a load to handle, so the biggest responsibility will likely fall on Simek/Spector.
Guardado is the player with the brightest future of the three but Pardo is the most accomplished. Pardo won the Bundesliga crown with Stuttgart this season and scored on an outstanding goal against Guadeloupe on Thursday. Pardo, though, lacks the playmaking ability to break down opposing defense. For all his positives, Pardo is more of a defensive-minded midfielder, though he does have the ability to find seams in the opposing defense.
On the flanks, Guardado and Medina have the ability to create dangerous opportunities for Mexico. The way this tournament has turned out, much of the buildup has come from the flanks. Both Guardado and Medina have the freedom to roam and Guardado takes advantage of it. From the left side, the shaggy-haired Guardado is a constant presence inside the penalty area.
Another first-choice midfielder will not be available due to yellow-card accumulation. Gerardo Torrado will not play as he picked up a yellow card in each of the knockout games. Hugo Sanchez took Torrado out of Thursday's semifinal and replaced him with Fernando Arce, a Mexican league veteran who is playing the best soccer of his career. Arce, though, is better suited for a role off the bench than a starting spot, though he can prove dangerous. Guardado and Arce combined for a splendid goal in a 3-1 win over Venezuela on Feb. 28.
One option Sanchez has in filling the void with another forward and going with a 4-3-3 formation. Sanchez has done that in this tournament and going with a three-pronged attack would not be a surprise.
Or Sanchez could start Jaime Lozano in Torrado's spot. Lozano was at the top of his game in early 2005 but has since fallen off in form. He was not a part of the 2006 World Cup team but has regained a spot under Sanchez. Lozano is deadly on set pieces. His biggest weakness: he stands at about 5-foot-6.
The U.S. fullbacks, probably Jonathan Bornstein and either Jonathan Spector or Frank Simek, will have to neutralize Mexico's wide midfielders. Guardado is a load to handle, so the biggest responsibility will likely fall on Simek/Spector.
Pre-final view: Tri D
In case you are anxiously awaiting the Gold Cup final but haven't paid too much attention to El Tricolor, please allow me to get you up to speed on Mexico. I figure I'll try and break down the team unit by unit and get you as much caught up with Mexico as I can.
I'm starting in the back, as that unit appears to be getting better (at least statistically) as the tournament has progressed.
Oswaldo Sanchez figures to be in goal. Guillermo Ochoa played the opener and hasn't been used since. Sanchez is quite a familiar face and many Americans remember him right now for the cheap shot he took on Eddie Johnson on Feb. 7. Since then, Sanchez has overcome a pretty severe shoulder injury, led his club team (Santos) to the Mexican league playoffs and secured his spot as Mexico's number one goalkeeper. Ochoa guided America to the Clausura finals but Sanchez looks like he'll be the first-choice 'keeper for the short- and long-term.
Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez has used a four-man backline. Against the U.S., expect to see Ricardo Osorio on the right, Jonny Magallon and Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez in the center and Carlos Salcido on the left. The fullbacks both won European league titles last season but have underperformed in the Gold Cup. Perhaps it's the affects of a long and demanding calendar that is finally taking its toll but Osorio and Salcido promised much more before the tournament. In the first few games, the duo was part of a defense that gave up far too many opportunities. Despite beating Panama 1-0, the Panamanians sliced through the defense like nothing for most of the match but came away with only a few shots off the post. Salcido, though, is dangerous on the attack and took more offensive liberties against Guadeloupe than he had in any of the other games he'd played before then.
Magallon and Rodriguez are teammates on Chivas. Magallon hasn't played well overall, though he has long been a solid performer in league. Rodriguez was on the World Cup team last year and is better than most give him credit for. Rodriguez is tall and rail-thin and positions himself well. Actually, the two played with Salcido for several seasons in Guadalajara, though Magallon was used mostly in the midfield.
Ramon Morales was in the mix before the tournament started but has not played in recent games. Rafael Marquez is back with the team but has not played a game since April. Expecting a full 90 minutes from him against the U.S. seems like it's asking too much but perhaps the unsettled backline could force Hugo Sanchez's hand.
What the backline lacks, though, is speed. In their 2-0 loss to the U.S., Landon Donovan burned Salcido on the breakaway goal at the end of the game. For all his worth, Salcido has little speed to speak of. Rodriguez and Magallon are not burners either and Osorio seems to have more speed on the offensive side than on the defense end of things.
Mexico will have to neutralize the Americans' speed. If the U.S. goes with Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson, that will be a tall order for Mexico.
I'm starting in the back, as that unit appears to be getting better (at least statistically) as the tournament has progressed.
Oswaldo Sanchez figures to be in goal. Guillermo Ochoa played the opener and hasn't been used since. Sanchez is quite a familiar face and many Americans remember him right now for the cheap shot he took on Eddie Johnson on Feb. 7. Since then, Sanchez has overcome a pretty severe shoulder injury, led his club team (Santos) to the Mexican league playoffs and secured his spot as Mexico's number one goalkeeper. Ochoa guided America to the Clausura finals but Sanchez looks like he'll be the first-choice 'keeper for the short- and long-term.
Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez has used a four-man backline. Against the U.S., expect to see Ricardo Osorio on the right, Jonny Magallon and Francisco "Maza" Rodriguez in the center and Carlos Salcido on the left. The fullbacks both won European league titles last season but have underperformed in the Gold Cup. Perhaps it's the affects of a long and demanding calendar that is finally taking its toll but Osorio and Salcido promised much more before the tournament. In the first few games, the duo was part of a defense that gave up far too many opportunities. Despite beating Panama 1-0, the Panamanians sliced through the defense like nothing for most of the match but came away with only a few shots off the post. Salcido, though, is dangerous on the attack and took more offensive liberties against Guadeloupe than he had in any of the other games he'd played before then.
Magallon and Rodriguez are teammates on Chivas. Magallon hasn't played well overall, though he has long been a solid performer in league. Rodriguez was on the World Cup team last year and is better than most give him credit for. Rodriguez is tall and rail-thin and positions himself well. Actually, the two played with Salcido for several seasons in Guadalajara, though Magallon was used mostly in the midfield.
Ramon Morales was in the mix before the tournament started but has not played in recent games. Rafael Marquez is back with the team but has not played a game since April. Expecting a full 90 minutes from him against the U.S. seems like it's asking too much but perhaps the unsettled backline could force Hugo Sanchez's hand.
What the backline lacks, though, is speed. In their 2-0 loss to the U.S., Landon Donovan burned Salcido on the breakaway goal at the end of the game. For all his worth, Salcido has little speed to speak of. Rodriguez and Magallon are not burners either and Osorio seems to have more speed on the offensive side than on the defense end of things.
Mexico will have to neutralize the Americans' speed. If the U.S. goes with Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Eddie Johnson, that will be a tall order for Mexico.
Miss USA roots for the boys
Because Rachel Smith knows what it's like to be booed by some Mexicans. At least she was in Mexico when it happened.
When the U.S. team trots out on the field in Chicago, the crowd will be pro-Mexican and, if it's anything like the crowd in Arizona earlier this year, there will be quite a few boos.
When the U.S. team trots out on the field in Chicago, the crowd will be pro-Mexican and, if it's anything like the crowd in Arizona earlier this year, there will be quite a few boos.
Saturday picks
More MLS action this weekend. Next week's picks will differ because some guys will be coming and others will be going.
L.B.
New England 2, Toronto FC 2
FC Dallas 1, Colorado 0
Real Salt Lake 0, DC United 0
Galaxy 2, Columbus 0
Kansas City 2, Houston 1
A.C.
New England 2, Toronto FC 1
FC Dallas 0, Colorado 2
Real Salt Lake 1, DC United 2
Galaxy 1, Columbus 0
Kansas City 0, Houston 2
L.B.
New England 2, Toronto FC 2
FC Dallas 1, Colorado 0
Real Salt Lake 0, DC United 0
Galaxy 2, Columbus 0
Kansas City 2, Houston 1
A.C.
New England 2, Toronto FC 1
FC Dallas 0, Colorado 2
Real Salt Lake 1, DC United 2
Galaxy 1, Columbus 0
Kansas City 0, Houston 2
Welcome Wagon
Dear Posh and Becks,
I can't imagine Vicki doing too much cooking, so I'm sure you'll eat out at times. Coincidentally, Pulitzer-prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold of the LA Weekly has just put together his list of 99 essential LA restaurants.
You've already checked out one of his top choices, Cut, that steakhouse restaurant of Wolfgang Puck near your new abode in Beverly Hills, but you may be wondering about the other locales.
Fret not. This intrepid reporter is checking out all (the ones I can afford) of them for you.
First up is Casa Bianca.
The cozy restaurant has a classic homey vibe, perfect for taking the kids out to enjoy a good pizza. The tables are small, but Casa Bianca waiters quickly put them together to accommodate larger parties, so there should be plenty of room for your bodyguards to join you at the same table.
Though they serve pasta in numerous concoctions, Gold is effusive in his praise for the Casa Bianca pizza pie, and I have to say, it is a thin crust classic. I had the pepperoni with fresh tomatoes and garlic, and patrons can order from quite a variety of toppings. However, they don't get too oddball or fancy at this place, so don't bother looking for goat cheese or Thai basil.
The college kids from nearby Occidental who frequent the place also seem to make up most of the staff, and they're attentive without hovering.
Final recommendation: Go. Don't just go for the pizza, either. The cannolis are delicious and fresh, as is the Caprese salad.
I can't imagine Vicki doing too much cooking, so I'm sure you'll eat out at times. Coincidentally, Pulitzer-prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold of the LA Weekly has just put together his list of 99 essential LA restaurants.
You've already checked out one of his top choices, Cut, that steakhouse restaurant of Wolfgang Puck near your new abode in Beverly Hills, but you may be wondering about the other locales.
Fret not. This intrepid reporter is checking out all (the ones I can afford) of them for you.
First up is Casa Bianca.
The cozy restaurant has a classic homey vibe, perfect for taking the kids out to enjoy a good pizza. The tables are small, but Casa Bianca waiters quickly put them together to accommodate larger parties, so there should be plenty of room for your bodyguards to join you at the same table.
Though they serve pasta in numerous concoctions, Gold is effusive in his praise for the Casa Bianca pizza pie, and I have to say, it is a thin crust classic. I had the pepperoni with fresh tomatoes and garlic, and patrons can order from quite a variety of toppings. However, they don't get too oddball or fancy at this place, so don't bother looking for goat cheese or Thai basil.
The college kids from nearby Occidental who frequent the place also seem to make up most of the staff, and they're attentive without hovering.
Final recommendation: Go. Don't just go for the pizza, either. The cannolis are delicious and fresh, as is the Caprese salad.
We're prophetic! Or pathetic.
Luis and I have been saying that Kasey Keller would be a great player for a team in Mexico, and now the Chicago Luis (Arroyave), has the scoop on that, with a quote from Keller saying he'd love to play there.
I'd like for my favorite team in the Mexican League, Cruz Azul, to make that happen. Keller would make a fine captain, too, like Cle Kooiman once was.
I'd like for my favorite team in the Mexican League, Cruz Azul, to make that happen. Keller would make a fine captain, too, like Cle Kooiman once was.
Speaking of deflections
And speaking of reporters missing something, here's Luis Arroyave's story of getting hit full-on by a Mexican shot at practice and no one noticing.
Actually, this happened to me once (I'm sure a lot of Canadian soccer fans just thought, "Good!"), but it was during a preseason game and I was actually watching the play. Unfortunately, the player that wound up to take the shot was off target for the net, but the trajectory was locked on me. I'd made the mistake of sitting cross-legged to watch the match, and it's hard to be agile and move out of the way from that position. All I could to was turn my head away and hunch my shoulder to take the brunt of the shot. Bruise city.
However, it doesn't surprise me that in Arroyave's story Oswaldo Sanchez came over to ask about the female reporter. Whatever his actions on the field, he's one of the most polite players off the field.
Actually, this happened to me once (I'm sure a lot of Canadian soccer fans just thought, "Good!"), but it was during a preseason game and I was actually watching the play. Unfortunately, the player that wound up to take the shot was off target for the net, but the trajectory was locked on me. I'd made the mistake of sitting cross-legged to watch the match, and it's hard to be agile and move out of the way from that position. All I could to was turn my head away and hunch my shoulder to take the brunt of the shot. Bruise city.
However, it doesn't surprise me that in Arroyave's story Oswaldo Sanchez came over to ask about the female reporter. Whatever his actions on the field, he's one of the most polite players off the field.
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