I asked for and received a lot of input for my MLS All-Star Ballot and it did make a difference in my final selection.
So now, I've decided to again get some help from the readers here for another ballot I've been asked to fill out.
The Honda Player of the Year ballots went out on Tuesday and I received mine. The first thing I thought was "holy crap, already" but then after realizing the U.S. won't play another game this year where the results will matter, I thought it made sense. Then, I knew I wanted to put it up here to get some thoughts from our trusty readers.
How it works is a player must have played in at least three games to garner consideration. Unfortunately, that rules out Eddie Gaven so you Gaven/Crew supporters needn't worry about him.
Then, I've got to select a 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place finisher. A first place vote is 3 points, a second place vote is worth 2 and a third place vote is 1 point. The player with the most points wins.
The criteria is pretty simple. According to the official release: "The award recognizes the best player on the U.S. national team who has played in at least 3 games during the calendar year."
Eligible players are:
DaMarcus Beasley
Kyle Beckerman
Carlos Bocanegra
Jonathan Bornstein
Michael Bradley
Danny Califf
Brian Ching
Ricardo Clark
Jimmy Conrad
Jay Demerit
Clint Dempsey
Landon Donovan
Benny Feilhaber
Frankie Hejduk
Tim Howard
Eddie Johnson
Kasey Keller
Sacha Kljestan
Justin Mapp
Pablo Mastroeni
Lee Nguyen
Oguchi Onyewu
Steve Ralston
Frank Simek
Jonathan Spector
Taylor Twellman
So my mind is wide open. Okay, well, I've got some players in mind and I've already eliminated some (sorry, Sacha; as much as I like you personally...) so now I leave it in your hands to help me select my ballot.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Roster's full
In case you missed it, here's the entire MLS All-Star roster. Cobi Jones and Eddie Pope were Commissioner's Picks and it's good that they will be part of this game, considering it's ultimately a meaningless result but it is good to honor two guys who have been a big part of MLS since the inception to be around for this.
Goalkeepers: Matt Reis (New England Revolution), Kevin Hartman (Kansas City Wizards)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders: Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo), Christian Gomez (D.C. United), Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Ronnie O'Brien (Toronto FC), Juan Toja (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Juan Pablo Angel (Red Bull New York), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
Goalkeepers: Matt Reis (New England Revolution), Kevin Hartman (Kansas City Wizards)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders: Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo), Christian Gomez (D.C. United), Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Ronnie O'Brien (Toronto FC), Juan Toja (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Juan Pablo Angel (Red Bull New York), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
Goalkeeper charge
In some ways, Uruguay got screwed against Brazil. But if they were on the wrong end of a call that is hardly ever enforced, did they really get the short end of the stick?
Uruguay and Brazil tied 2-2 and went to penalty kicks. With the score 6-6, Brazil's Gilberto converted his attempt. Then, Diego Lugano stepped up to take a make-or-break spot kick. Brazil 'keeper Doni saved it, but he clearly took a few steps off his line before Lugano ever made contact.
Brazilian players celebrated their apparent win. Uruguayan players protested to the referees causing the Brazilians to stop celebrating as an altercation nearly broke out. Once it was evident the refs weren't going to do anything about Doni's approach, the Brazilians danced again. Brazil won 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and will play Argentina/Mexico in the final on Sunday.
It's a tough way to lose and even tougher when you know that, according to the rule book at least, you deserved another chance to continue the match.
Two things need to be either changed or enforced during PKs: players shouldn't stutter-step on approaching the spot kick and goalkeepers shouldn't be able to move off the line before a kick is taken. Those rules should be consistently enforced.
Uruguay and Brazil tied 2-2 and went to penalty kicks. With the score 6-6, Brazil's Gilberto converted his attempt. Then, Diego Lugano stepped up to take a make-or-break spot kick. Brazil 'keeper Doni saved it, but he clearly took a few steps off his line before Lugano ever made contact.
Brazilian players celebrated their apparent win. Uruguayan players protested to the referees causing the Brazilians to stop celebrating as an altercation nearly broke out. Once it was evident the refs weren't going to do anything about Doni's approach, the Brazilians danced again. Brazil won 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and will play Argentina/Mexico in the final on Sunday.
It's a tough way to lose and even tougher when you know that, according to the rule book at least, you deserved another chance to continue the match.
Two things need to be either changed or enforced during PKs: players shouldn't stutter-step on approaching the spot kick and goalkeepers shouldn't be able to move off the line before a kick is taken. Those rules should be consistently enforced.
Pair of upsets
The Galaxy wasn't alone in being upset in the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday.
Charleston Battery knocked off MLS Cup champs Houston 1-0 in extra time to move on to the quarterfinal. This result would have ensured that a USL side would have reached the semifinals had Atlanta beaten FC Dallas in PKs on Monday but instead Charleston will play FC Dallas in the next round, on Aug. 7 in South Carolina.
The other two Open Cup games on Tuesday held form as New England beat Rochester 4-2 and Colorado beat the California Victory 3-1.
Charleston Battery knocked off MLS Cup champs Houston 1-0 in extra time to move on to the quarterfinal. This result would have ensured that a USL side would have reached the semifinals had Atlanta beaten FC Dallas in PKs on Monday but instead Charleston will play FC Dallas in the next round, on Aug. 7 in South Carolina.
The other two Open Cup games on Tuesday held form as New England beat Rochester 4-2 and Colorado beat the California Victory 3-1.
Prime Target
SI has a little fun at the expense of Optimus Prime and David Beckham. I think Optimus is impervious to humor, though. He's too stately.
Anyway, has anyone not seen the picture? All I have to say, is that it needed more Transformers and less well, everyone else.
But who can complain when one's childhood playthings come to life onscreen? I saw it at LA's famed Vista theater, and there was a moment, right about when the screen credit read: In association with Hasbro, that about half the people in the theater started to chuckle, admitting to themselves that yeah, we were all there to watch a toy movie.
Didn't care. Still had fun.
Anyway, has anyone not seen the picture? All I have to say, is that it needed more Transformers and less well, everyone else.
But who can complain when one's childhood playthings come to life onscreen? I saw it at LA's famed Vista theater, and there was a moment, right about when the screen credit read: In association with Hasbro, that about half the people in the theater started to chuckle, admitting to themselves that yeah, we were all there to watch a toy movie.
Didn't care. Still had fun.
Kickers kick out Galaxy
With a 1-0 win, the Richmond Kickers claim another MLS scalp. Previous wins against MLS teams in Open Cup competition included DC United and the Colorado Rapids.
Frankly, I think the Galaxy are partly relieved.
Their schedule is brutal enough the second half of the season without bringing more games, which the Open Cup would do, into the equation.
Still, it seems like it's yet another brush-off to the classic competition that is the Open Cup. It's a shame.
Frankly, I think the Galaxy are partly relieved.
Their schedule is brutal enough the second half of the season without bringing more games, which the Open Cup would do, into the equation.
Still, it seems like it's yet another brush-off to the classic competition that is the Open Cup. It's a shame.
Red carpet arrival
Becks bumps the Wimbledon champs off the SI cover in a piece written by Grant Wahl (who gave our blog such a nice reference in his recent Mailbag - thanks Grant!).
Grant wrote an excellent article, and the reference to In-N-Out was priceless. I've high hopes for this David fellow. He might fit into California just fine.
Piercing opinions
Paul Pierce came out to Chelsea's training today. He's in town for the ESPY awards. (Incidently, when I tried to request a credential to cover the ESPYs, the word from on high was that there were no credentials available for soccer writers. No love for soccer? Shocker.) Anyway, at one point, Nick Webster of Fox Soccer Channel was trying to film a promo, saying, "The celebrities have come out to watch Chelsea train. Paul Davis is here." Pierce gave him such a look. It wasn't friendly.
As Billy Witz said later, "Part of the reason that was bad is because Paul Davis is a pretty poor basketball player."
Pierce was polite about all the questions, even the ones that were out of his realm, like when he was asked what the Lakers need to do to become champions again. He sort of replied, but then he got to his point. "It's really not my problem, man."
Galaxy money
The MLS Players Union updated their player salary information. I check it periodically to see how much new players are earning and to remind myself just how much, or little, some guys I talk to on a regular basis make.
As far as the Galaxy is concerned, their salaries surprised me a bit. David Beckham is number one in salary with $6.5 million followed by Landon Donovan at $900,000. Following him is Joe Cannon at $192,000.
The fourth-highest paid Galaxy player? That would be Chris Klein at $187,250. When you factor in the pay along with the age of the players the Galaxy sent to RSL for Klein, that trade is looking more and more like a dud than anything.
Carlos Pavon, meanwhile, has a base salary of $132,000 and is guaranteed $141,500 which makes him the eighth-highest paid player behind Abel Xavier, Edson Buddle and Chris Albright. It makes me wonder just how much Pavon has left if he was willing to settle for such a relatively low figure. Other Central American players are making way more than Pavon; Carlos Ruiz, for instance, is pulling down $435,000. Even Pavon's countrymen Amado Guevara was making almost $300,000 before Chivas dumped him. Hell, Ivan Guerrero's making $187,500.
As far as the Galaxy is concerned, their salaries surprised me a bit. David Beckham is number one in salary with $6.5 million followed by Landon Donovan at $900,000. Following him is Joe Cannon at $192,000.
The fourth-highest paid Galaxy player? That would be Chris Klein at $187,250. When you factor in the pay along with the age of the players the Galaxy sent to RSL for Klein, that trade is looking more and more like a dud than anything.
Carlos Pavon, meanwhile, has a base salary of $132,000 and is guaranteed $141,500 which makes him the eighth-highest paid player behind Abel Xavier, Edson Buddle and Chris Albright. It makes me wonder just how much Pavon has left if he was willing to settle for such a relatively low figure. Other Central American players are making way more than Pavon; Carlos Ruiz, for instance, is pulling down $435,000. Even Pavon's countrymen Amado Guevara was making almost $300,000 before Chivas dumped him. Hell, Ivan Guerrero's making $187,500.
When in Rome, with Roman
Last year, when Chelsea came out to train in Los Angeles, I mused about how, in some ways, their celebrity limited them a bit. They'd never know the wonders of In-N-Out, perhaps, and I know that's practically a staple treat for a lot of Cali-based MLS players.
However, they are staying near Beverly Hills, so who is to say that Posh and Becks won't invite a few of them out to Cut? That's the pricey venue on the 99 that I'm probably not going to get around to.
Anyway, anonymity versus celebrity has inherant advantages and disadvantages on either side.
However, they are staying near Beverly Hills, so who is to say that Posh and Becks won't invite a few of them out to Cut? That's the pricey venue on the 99 that I'm probably not going to get around to.
Anyway, anonymity versus celebrity has inherant advantages and disadvantages on either side.
Beloved Barquisimeto
I hadn't kept up with Neil and the Studio 90 gang, so I just caught their most recent edition, part of which focused on the team's move to Barquisimeto.
I'm not surprised, however, that people there were especially friendly and helpful (see how the equipment guys were amazed at how many people pitched in to help them unload).
My best friend is Venezuelan (Hi Becky!), and I went to visit her once in her home town of Barquisimeto. She lives in Florida now, but she still has family in Barquisimeto and was spending the summer there when I stopped by for a week.
When I was over there, Hugo Chavez was merely running for office and a lot of people didn't like him, saying he was a bully who wouldn't work together with other officials for the greater good.
Anyway, just like others around the world shouldn't judge all Americans by the fact that Bush was elected, neither should Venezuelans all be assumed to be fans of Chavez.
So props to the U.S. fans who went to Copa America - that took courage, an open mind and loyalty.
Money, too, yeah. I'd have gone if not for that.
I'm not surprised, however, that people there were especially friendly and helpful (see how the equipment guys were amazed at how many people pitched in to help them unload).
My best friend is Venezuelan (Hi Becky!), and I went to visit her once in her home town of Barquisimeto. She lives in Florida now, but she still has family in Barquisimeto and was spending the summer there when I stopped by for a week.
When I was over there, Hugo Chavez was merely running for office and a lot of people didn't like him, saying he was a bully who wouldn't work together with other officials for the greater good.
Anyway, just like others around the world shouldn't judge all Americans by the fact that Bush was elected, neither should Venezuelans all be assumed to be fans of Chavez.
So props to the U.S. fans who went to Copa America - that took courage, an open mind and loyalty.
Money, too, yeah. I'd have gone if not for that.
Copa semifinal 1
Brazil and Uruguay will meet today in Maracaibo with a spot in Sunday's final at stake. Both teams have overcome shaky starts and are each flying into the semifinals.
Brazil lost to Mexico 2-0 in their first group stage game and doubts over coach Dunga's managing ability arose. Already, Dunga was criticized for taking players such as Vagner Love that few thought worthy of a Copa America call-up. But Brazil recovered after their pummeling to beat Chile 3-0 and Ecuador 1-0 to finish in second place in Group B. Saturday, Brazil looked like the Brazil we're all used to seeing as the Seleção routed Chile 6-1.
Uruguay, meanwhile, was a vast disappointment after losing to Peru 3-0 in the opening match. A match against a tricky Bolivia side awaited but Uruguay did what it needed to do and won 1-0. Then, the Uruguayans played for and got a draw against the host Venezuelans to secure a quarterfinal spot. In the quarters, Uruguay showed Venezuela what it was capable of and scored three second-half goals to beat the hosts 4-1.
Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez said Uruguay had an enormous task ahead of them.
"Brazil is an opponent who deserves respect. Their individual characteristics are difficult to overcome. For us, it is a challenge to play against them. Who doesn't want to play the best team in the world? That's the truth."
According to the previous link, these are possible starting lineups:
Uruguay: Fabián Carini; Diego Lugano, Andrés Scotti, Darío Rodríguez, Jorge Fucile; Diego Pérez, Maximiliano Pereira, Pablo García, Cristian Rodríguez; Diego Forlán, Álvaro Recoba.
Brasil: Doni; Maicon, Alex, Juan, Gilberto; Mineiro, Gilberto Silva, Josúe, Julio Baptista; Vágner Love, Robinho.
Here's another preview, this one in English.
My take: As much as Uruguay has improved over the course of this tournament, Brazil will be too much for Uruguay to overcome. Though Brazil showed weaknesses in their tournament-opening loss to Mexico, Brazil has displayed great attacking football throughout the tournament. Brazil wins 2-0.
Brazil lost to Mexico 2-0 in their first group stage game and doubts over coach Dunga's managing ability arose. Already, Dunga was criticized for taking players such as Vagner Love that few thought worthy of a Copa America call-up. But Brazil recovered after their pummeling to beat Chile 3-0 and Ecuador 1-0 to finish in second place in Group B. Saturday, Brazil looked like the Brazil we're all used to seeing as the Seleção routed Chile 6-1.
Uruguay, meanwhile, was a vast disappointment after losing to Peru 3-0 in the opening match. A match against a tricky Bolivia side awaited but Uruguay did what it needed to do and won 1-0. Then, the Uruguayans played for and got a draw against the host Venezuelans to secure a quarterfinal spot. In the quarters, Uruguay showed Venezuela what it was capable of and scored three second-half goals to beat the hosts 4-1.
Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez said Uruguay had an enormous task ahead of them.
"Brazil is an opponent who deserves respect. Their individual characteristics are difficult to overcome. For us, it is a challenge to play against them. Who doesn't want to play the best team in the world? That's the truth."
According to the previous link, these are possible starting lineups:
Uruguay: Fabián Carini; Diego Lugano, Andrés Scotti, Darío Rodríguez, Jorge Fucile; Diego Pérez, Maximiliano Pereira, Pablo García, Cristian Rodríguez; Diego Forlán, Álvaro Recoba.
Brasil: Doni; Maicon, Alex, Juan, Gilberto; Mineiro, Gilberto Silva, Josúe, Julio Baptista; Vágner Love, Robinho.
Here's another preview, this one in English.
My take: As much as Uruguay has improved over the course of this tournament, Brazil will be too much for Uruguay to overcome. Though Brazil showed weaknesses in their tournament-opening loss to Mexico, Brazil has displayed great attacking football throughout the tournament. Brazil wins 2-0.
Monday, July 9, 2007
No clear winner
I tried to squeeze in as many points in the ongoing US-Mexico debate in my latest PE column.
Plus, the Top 10 list of US/Mexico accomplishments is on there.
Plus, the Top 10 list of US/Mexico accomplishments is on there.
Pan-Am low priority
If the Copa America is disgruntled that some teams sent less than their best, the Pan-American games must feel worse.
With the U20 Cup going on, Bob Jenkins is taking an U23 team of college players. Some have previous national team experience (Gonzales, Alston, Hall, Kelly, Myers, Anibaba), but there's not a single pro in the bunch.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Warren Gross (Penn State), Kevin Klasila (Santa Clara University)
DEFENDERS (5): Kevin Alston (Indiana University), Shawn Barry (Miramar, Fla.), Greg Eckhardt (Clemson University), Greg Folk (UCLA), Chance Meyers (UCLA)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Jalil Anibaba (Santa Clara), Danny Barrera (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), TJ Cyrus (Norfolk, Va.), Jeremy Hall (University of Maryland), Dan Kelly (Indiana University), Stephen McCarthy (Santa Clara University), Michael Stephens (UCLA)
FORWARDS (3): Danny Cruz (Glendale, Ariz.), Omar Gonzalez (University of Maryland), Peri Marosevic (University of Michigan)
On the women's side, Jill Ellis is leading a young team, while other countries, such as Mexico, are taking the full national team.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Chantel Jones (Virginia), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State);
DEFENDERS (5): Lauren Barnes (Upland, Calif.), Kaley Fountain (Wake Forest), Nikki Marshall (Colorado), Brittany Taylor (Connecticut), Lauren Wilmoth (UCLA);
MIDFIELDERS (5): Becky Edwards (Florida State), Tobin Heath (North Carolina), Teresa Noyola (Palo Alto, Calif.) Nikki Washington (North Carolina), Kylie Wright (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.).
FORWARDS (6): Lauren Cheney (UCLA), Gina DiMartino (Massapequa Park, N.Y.) Michelle Enyeart (Portland), Jessica McDonald (Phoenix College), Casey Nogueira (North Carolina), Kelley O’Hara (Stanford)
The team with the most quality might be the one most Americans are completely unaware of - the fustal squad.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Nick Vorberg (Milwaukee Wave), Brett Phillips (Milwaukee Wave)
DEFENDERS (3): Pat Morris (Philadelphia KiXX), Joe Hammes (Milwaukee Wave), Troy Dusosky (Milwaukee Wave)
MIDFIELDERS (4): Jamar Beasley (Detroit Ignition), John Ball (Rochester Raging Rhinos - USL1), Matt Stewart (Chicago Storm), Denison Cabral (Baltimore Blast)
FORWARDS (3): Don D'Ambra (Philadephia KiXX), Enrique Tovar (California Cougars), Lee Tschantret (Baltimore Blast)
Players to watch on the teams: Well, Anibaba nearly made the U20 squad, so he's an up and comer. On the women's side, Teresa Noyala is one of the best young players I've seen in a while. On the futsal team, Jamar Beasley (yes, he's DaMarcus' brother) is an exciting player.
With the U20 Cup going on, Bob Jenkins is taking an U23 team of college players. Some have previous national team experience (Gonzales, Alston, Hall, Kelly, Myers, Anibaba), but there's not a single pro in the bunch.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Warren Gross (Penn State), Kevin Klasila (Santa Clara University)
DEFENDERS (5): Kevin Alston (Indiana University), Shawn Barry (Miramar, Fla.), Greg Eckhardt (Clemson University), Greg Folk (UCLA), Chance Meyers (UCLA)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Jalil Anibaba (Santa Clara), Danny Barrera (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), TJ Cyrus (Norfolk, Va.), Jeremy Hall (University of Maryland), Dan Kelly (Indiana University), Stephen McCarthy (Santa Clara University), Michael Stephens (UCLA)
FORWARDS (3): Danny Cruz (Glendale, Ariz.), Omar Gonzalez (University of Maryland), Peri Marosevic (University of Michigan)
On the women's side, Jill Ellis is leading a young team, while other countries, such as Mexico, are taking the full national team.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Chantel Jones (Virginia), Alyssa Naeher (Penn State);
DEFENDERS (5): Lauren Barnes (Upland, Calif.), Kaley Fountain (Wake Forest), Nikki Marshall (Colorado), Brittany Taylor (Connecticut), Lauren Wilmoth (UCLA);
MIDFIELDERS (5): Becky Edwards (Florida State), Tobin Heath (North Carolina), Teresa Noyola (Palo Alto, Calif.) Nikki Washington (North Carolina), Kylie Wright (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.).
FORWARDS (6): Lauren Cheney (UCLA), Gina DiMartino (Massapequa Park, N.Y.) Michelle Enyeart (Portland), Jessica McDonald (Phoenix College), Casey Nogueira (North Carolina), Kelley O’Hara (Stanford)
The team with the most quality might be the one most Americans are completely unaware of - the fustal squad.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Nick Vorberg (Milwaukee Wave), Brett Phillips (Milwaukee Wave)
DEFENDERS (3): Pat Morris (Philadelphia KiXX), Joe Hammes (Milwaukee Wave), Troy Dusosky (Milwaukee Wave)
MIDFIELDERS (4): Jamar Beasley (Detroit Ignition), John Ball (Rochester Raging Rhinos - USL1), Matt Stewart (Chicago Storm), Denison Cabral (Baltimore Blast)
FORWARDS (3): Don D'Ambra (Philadephia KiXX), Enrique Tovar (California Cougars), Lee Tschantret (Baltimore Blast)
Players to watch on the teams: Well, Anibaba nearly made the U20 squad, so he's an up and comer. On the women's side, Teresa Noyala is one of the best young players I've seen in a while. On the futsal team, Jamar Beasley (yes, he's DaMarcus' brother) is an exciting player.
Open thoughts
The US Open Cup heads into the third round tonight as Atlanta visits FC Dallas. The Silverbacks are one of the hottest teams in USL-1 having won three consecutive matches entering tonight's match at Pizza Hut Park.
Chivas USA, meanwhile, won't play their third-round match until July 18 at Seattle. A couple of weeks ago, there was a brief back-and-forth in the comments with a Portland Timbers supporter disappointed that Portland lost to "Shittle" in the second round and thus lost out on a chance to host Preston Burpo. I figured I'd talk to Preston Burpo about the U.S. Open Cup because he spent quite a bit of time in the USL/A-League and his perspective would be different than someone who had only played in MLS (thanks BBSC for pointing out the Portland connection).
And it was. Preston's a cool guy with a bit of a mean streak. It seems as if every now and then Preston's ready to go to blows with a teammate. But then again, I can't tell if he's joking around because he does that as well. Last year a teammate said with a half-smile, half-puzzled look "Where'd we find this guy, at a bar?"
Anyway, here's audio of the interview with Preston "Stone" Burpo. I asked him about the USOC, about how USL teams feel when MLS teams send out reserves to play against them in a USOC game and about Portland, which got some good responses from Stone.
Chivas USA, meanwhile, won't play their third-round match until July 18 at Seattle. A couple of weeks ago, there was a brief back-and-forth in the comments with a Portland Timbers supporter disappointed that Portland lost to "Shittle" in the second round and thus lost out on a chance to host Preston Burpo. I figured I'd talk to Preston Burpo about the U.S. Open Cup because he spent quite a bit of time in the USL/A-League and his perspective would be different than someone who had only played in MLS (thanks BBSC for pointing out the Portland connection).
And it was. Preston's a cool guy with a bit of a mean streak. It seems as if every now and then Preston's ready to go to blows with a teammate. But then again, I can't tell if he's joking around because he does that as well. Last year a teammate said with a half-smile, half-puzzled look "Where'd we find this guy, at a bar?"
Anyway, here's audio of the interview with Preston "Stone" Burpo. I asked him about the USOC, about how USL teams feel when MLS teams send out reserves to play against them in a USOC game and about Portland, which got some good responses from Stone.
Debate rages on in PE
I decided to discuss the U.S.-Mexico debate in my Press-Enterprise column, which will run tomorrow. I actually just finished it and am getting set to file.
Every now and then I have a Top 10 list to accompany the column. This time, I chose to rank the Top 10 all-time U.S./Mexico accomplishments so readers can kind of gauge who has done what.
I've got some World Cup finishes on there (US '02 World Cup quarters), some tournament victories (Mexico 99 Confederations Cup title) and other tournament finishes as well.
Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone would try and see what finishes are better than others. I won't reveal my entire list but my top three consists of (in chronological order) Mexico's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal appearance, Mexico's 1999 Confederations Cup title and the United States' 2002 World Cup quarterfinal appearance. I think one of those three is more meaningful than others.
Every now and then I have a Top 10 list to accompany the column. This time, I chose to rank the Top 10 all-time U.S./Mexico accomplishments so readers can kind of gauge who has done what.
I've got some World Cup finishes on there (US '02 World Cup quarters), some tournament victories (Mexico 99 Confederations Cup title) and other tournament finishes as well.
Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone would try and see what finishes are better than others. I won't reveal my entire list but my top three consists of (in chronological order) Mexico's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal appearance, Mexico's 1999 Confederations Cup title and the United States' 2002 World Cup quarterfinal appearance. I think one of those three is more meaningful than others.
AC-E Rankings
- FC Dallas: Toja is an All-Star, Ruiz is not
- DC United:
- Chivas
Appearances are deceiving
I started to respond to a comment about the Wizard's media guide, but I can't put photos with comment replies, so I just made a new post.
The Wizards media guide was available to their local media before the first game of the MLS season. If I'd been feeling really industrious, I could have called them to mail me a copy. But generally, we wait until the team comes to our town, and they bring a bunch for us.
Spiral binding is actually the kind the press prefers. We're looking at stats and stuff, and with sb, it stays open to the page you pick, rather than having to hold it there or turn the guide face down.
You'll see in the pic what I mean. I had to hold the old media guide open while I took the picture, but the spiral one sits open. The Wizards didn't go cheap with their new guide. There's an amazing amount of stat information there, and all the bio pictures are in color. That way, one can actually see that Kerry Zavagnin has nice blue eyes, for example.
LB Rankings Nueve de Julio
Summer tournaments are all but over and most MLS teams have their full contingent at their disposal. Whether or not that disrupts the order of the rankings remains to be seen.
1. Houston (9-5-2). With wins over New York and D.C. over four days, Dynamo is clearly best team in league at this moment.
2. FC Dallas (9-6-2). Clamped down a decent Chivas side at home to surge to 29 points.
3. New York (7-5-3). Embarrasing 4-0 loss to Houston followed by resilient 1-0 win in Colorado.
4. D.C. United (7-5-2). Failed to build on a strong mid-week victory in K.C.
5. Kansas City (6-5-4). No wins in last six games but still keeping pace in the East.
6. Chivas USA (6-5-3). 1-0-1 against New England in eight-day stretch; loss to FC Dallas, though, was disappointing.
7. New England (6-3-5). No mid-week game and return home still did not translate into victory.
8. Columbus (5-4-7). Slowly emerging as an Eastern force.
9. Toronto FC (5-7-3). Remember when this team had scoring problems? This team, though, is different... literally.
10. Los Angeles (3-6-4). The best of a lousy bunch at the bottom.
11. Colorado (4-8-5). Fernando Clavijo needs to go.
12. Chicago (4-7-4). Osorio's the man, but whether he'll squeeze water from rocks remains to be seen.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-7-6). Memo to Jason Kreis: when Freddy gets back, let him pull the strings of nothing else for entertainment purposes.
1. Houston (9-5-2). With wins over New York and D.C. over four days, Dynamo is clearly best team in league at this moment.
2. FC Dallas (9-6-2). Clamped down a decent Chivas side at home to surge to 29 points.
3. New York (7-5-3). Embarrasing 4-0 loss to Houston followed by resilient 1-0 win in Colorado.
4. D.C. United (7-5-2). Failed to build on a strong mid-week victory in K.C.
5. Kansas City (6-5-4). No wins in last six games but still keeping pace in the East.
6. Chivas USA (6-5-3). 1-0-1 against New England in eight-day stretch; loss to FC Dallas, though, was disappointing.
7. New England (6-3-5). No mid-week game and return home still did not translate into victory.
8. Columbus (5-4-7). Slowly emerging as an Eastern force.
9. Toronto FC (5-7-3). Remember when this team had scoring problems? This team, though, is different... literally.
10. Los Angeles (3-6-4). The best of a lousy bunch at the bottom.
11. Colorado (4-8-5). Fernando Clavijo needs to go.
12. Chicago (4-7-4). Osorio's the man, but whether he'll squeeze water from rocks remains to be seen.
13. Real Salt Lake (1-7-6). Memo to Jason Kreis: when Freddy gets back, let him pull the strings of nothing else for entertainment purposes.
Copa America quarters
Intrigue and drama weren't a part of the quarterfinal round of Copa America, but blowouts were.
Uruguay started the party with a 4-1 rout of hosts Venezuela on Saturday, and Brazil followed suit with a 6-1 thrashing Chile. Mexico started Sunday with a 6-0 whipping of Paraguay while Argentina dropped a 4-0 win on Peru.
Now, Uruguay-Brazil and Mexico-Argentina will meet in the semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Routs at this stage of the tournament are unlikely so it will be nice to have a bit of drama back in Copa America.
Uruguay started the party with a 4-1 rout of hosts Venezuela on Saturday, and Brazil followed suit with a 6-1 thrashing Chile. Mexico started Sunday with a 6-0 whipping of Paraguay while Argentina dropped a 4-0 win on Peru.
Now, Uruguay-Brazil and Mexico-Argentina will meet in the semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Routs at this stage of the tournament are unlikely so it will be nice to have a bit of drama back in Copa America.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The best?
Every time the U.S. beats Mexico, which is often, U.S. fans point out how their side is better.
But every time Mexico pulls out results like Sunday's 6-0 win over Paraguay, it's hard to hear U.S. fans' arguments.
The U.S. does well against Mexico and poorly against other top-tier competition in competitive tournaments. Mexico does poorly against the U.S. but holds their own against top-tier competition in competitive tournaments.
So the debate rages on as to which side is better.
My answer: who cares?
But every time Mexico pulls out results like Sunday's 6-0 win over Paraguay, it's hard to hear U.S. fans' arguments.
The U.S. does well against Mexico and poorly against other top-tier competition in competitive tournaments. Mexico does poorly against the U.S. but holds their own against top-tier competition in competitive tournaments.
So the debate rages on as to which side is better.
My answer: who cares?
Little things
What a difference new ownership can make. I got the Wizards media guide last night at the game and the contrast to last year was startling - 432 pages to 96. Little things like this make me believe that this ownership group is committed to the team and looking for bigger and better things for them. With the proposed new stadium, though, the ratio of seats should reverse to that of Arrowhead. Hopefully, attendance will increase.
We want Gabe!
It's intrinsic human nature to want more, more, more. As well as the core of forwards that Rongen has used in the U20 World Cup thus far have played (all have assists or goals), there's still curiosity about what the others can offer.
Especially when it comes to Gabe Ferrari, who plays professionally in Italy. He looked good in the pre-tournament friendly match versus Haiti, and I for one was hoping to see him in this competition even in brief appearances.
Granted, Rongen's hands have been somewhat tied - given that he had a player injured in the second match, and was clinging to a lead versus a strong team in another match. That lends itself to more defensive subs, but I'm hoping that a situation comes up before long where we get to see some new offensive skill.
Especially when it comes to Gabe Ferrari, who plays professionally in Italy. He looked good in the pre-tournament friendly match versus Haiti, and I for one was hoping to see him in this competition even in brief appearances.
Granted, Rongen's hands have been somewhat tied - given that he had a player injured in the second match, and was clinging to a lead versus a strong team in another match. That lends itself to more defensive subs, but I'm hoping that a situation comes up before long where we get to see some new offensive skill.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
July 7-8 picks
L.B.
Columbus 1, Real Salt Lake 0
New England 2, Chivas USA 0
Chicago 0, Toronto FC 0
Kansas City 1, Los Angeles 0 (Hartman's Revenge)
New York 3, Colorado 0
Houston 1, D.C. United 1
A.C.
Columbus 1, Real Salt Lake 1
New England 1, Chivas USA 0
Chicago 1, Toronto FC 0
Kansas City 0, Los Angeles 2 (Cannon proves his worth)
New York 1, Colorado 2
Houston 1, DC United 0
Columbus 1, Real Salt Lake 0
New England 2, Chivas USA 0
Chicago 0, Toronto FC 0
Kansas City 1, Los Angeles 0 (Hartman's Revenge)
New York 3, Colorado 0
Houston 1, D.C. United 1
A.C.
Columbus 1, Real Salt Lake 1
New England 1, Chivas USA 0
Chicago 1, Toronto FC 0
Kansas City 0, Los Angeles 2 (Cannon proves his worth)
New York 1, Colorado 2
Houston 1, DC United 0
Fame and infamy
This article focuses mostly on the economic impact and repercussions of David Beckham, but I did chuckle a little when a survey was cited that revealed that less than ten percent of the American public know who Landon Donovan is.
That's because I couldn't help but wonder what the results would be if the survey was done in Mexico.
He may set their teeth on edge, but Landon is known by many Mexican fans.
One particular instance was a little funny to me. The other day I had lunch with a friend who was hosting a visitor from Mexico. Soccer came up in the discussion and this guy launched into a recollection of how he'd seen on the news a wonderstrike by Landon Donovan that had won the Gold Cup for the U.S.
"That wasn't Landon," I told him. "That goal was scored by Benny Feilhaber."
"No," he said confidently, "I'm sure it was Landon - he always scores against us. It's like a curse."
That's because I couldn't help but wonder what the results would be if the survey was done in Mexico.
He may set their teeth on edge, but Landon is known by many Mexican fans.
One particular instance was a little funny to me. The other day I had lunch with a friend who was hosting a visitor from Mexico. Soccer came up in the discussion and this guy launched into a recollection of how he'd seen on the news a wonderstrike by Landon Donovan that had won the Gold Cup for the U.S.
"That wasn't Landon," I told him. "That goal was scored by Benny Feilhaber."
"No," he said confidently, "I'm sure it was Landon - he always scores against us. It's like a curse."
USA - Brazil U20 World Cup highlights
OK, sometimes words aren't bad, either. These highlights have commentary.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Osorio en fuego
Talking about MLS with someone who specifically seemed nervous about getting mentioned in my blog, we discussed at length something that's a bit of a sensitive topic - the ethnicity of players and coaches in the league.
Basically, it's my contention that, (although I don't really know all the coaches of the league personally) no one is looking to discriminate. Soccer is the world's most international game, and both coaches and players are actually some of the most widely-traveled people who work regularly with a amazingly diverse group.
That said, I also believe that coaches feel comfortable with what's familiar. They're not going to stray too far from the roots of the style that they know and understand.
For many coaches in MLS, that style is that one similar to England's - an honest, direct and hardworking approach that emphasizes athleticism and a direct style on goal. The long ball or the work the ball up the wings and cross approach are both popular.
Slashing runs that break down a defense or tricky passes by a center midfielder are depended on less. Most MLS players are asked to multitask and play defense with at least the same energy given to building scoring chances.
On the other hand, the style emphasized by many Latin American squads is varied and often more creative. Argentina's Lionel Messi isn't depended on for his defense, for example.
Intrinsically, this makes it difficult for some players who don't play the English style to adjust to MLS, and they may find themselves benched a lot. A superlative player, such as a Carlos Valderrama or Marco Etcheverry, can overcome this, because they're good enough that a coach will throw caution to the wind and build a team around them and their skills - but otherwise, it's a bit of a square peg, round hole problem.
The coach is the one in charge, so ultimately, he'll pick the players that can best play his style. With so many MLS coaches influenced by the English game, that means certain decent, yet different players, never seem to catch on. That many happen to be Latino is mainly a distinction of style, not ethnicity.
Though Juan Carlos Osorio clearly has experience with the English game, having coached at Man City, and having received a coaching license there as well. Yet the Colombian-born coach has also coached in that country, as well as received a coaching license from Holland.
Hopefully, that all adds up to someone who is open to modifying the general MLS team template and putting something distinctive out on the field.
I realize that Chicago Fire fans are just hoping the guy wins, but to evolve the MLS game a bit, and to perhaps become a club that is unique and also welcoming an imaginative approach to the game, and players who fit in with that - that would be real progress.
Basically, it's my contention that, (although I don't really know all the coaches of the league personally) no one is looking to discriminate. Soccer is the world's most international game, and both coaches and players are actually some of the most widely-traveled people who work regularly with a amazingly diverse group.
That said, I also believe that coaches feel comfortable with what's familiar. They're not going to stray too far from the roots of the style that they know and understand.
For many coaches in MLS, that style is that one similar to England's - an honest, direct and hardworking approach that emphasizes athleticism and a direct style on goal. The long ball or the work the ball up the wings and cross approach are both popular.
Slashing runs that break down a defense or tricky passes by a center midfielder are depended on less. Most MLS players are asked to multitask and play defense with at least the same energy given to building scoring chances.
On the other hand, the style emphasized by many Latin American squads is varied and often more creative. Argentina's Lionel Messi isn't depended on for his defense, for example.
Intrinsically, this makes it difficult for some players who don't play the English style to adjust to MLS, and they may find themselves benched a lot. A superlative player, such as a Carlos Valderrama or Marco Etcheverry, can overcome this, because they're good enough that a coach will throw caution to the wind and build a team around them and their skills - but otherwise, it's a bit of a square peg, round hole problem.
The coach is the one in charge, so ultimately, he'll pick the players that can best play his style. With so many MLS coaches influenced by the English game, that means certain decent, yet different players, never seem to catch on. That many happen to be Latino is mainly a distinction of style, not ethnicity.
Though Juan Carlos Osorio clearly has experience with the English game, having coached at Man City, and having received a coaching license there as well. Yet the Colombian-born coach has also coached in that country, as well as received a coaching license from Holland.
Hopefully, that all adds up to someone who is open to modifying the general MLS team template and putting something distinctive out on the field.
I realize that Chicago Fire fans are just hoping the guy wins, but to evolve the MLS game a bit, and to perhaps become a club that is unique and also welcoming an imaginative approach to the game, and players who fit in with that - that would be real progress.
Sad to say
When I talked to Gabriel Ferrari about playing for the U.S. U20 team, he didn't seem to have any regrets about choosing to represent his birth country over that of his parents (Ferrari also holds Italian and Brazilian citizenship).
However, that didn't mean that he didn't pine for a little bit of what players from other countries have had at the U20 World Cup - strong support.
However, that didn't mean that he didn't pine for a little bit of what players from other countries have had at the U20 World Cup - strong support.
"Unfortunately, it seems like every game we play, we’re the away team. When we were playing
Thursday, July 5, 2007
U.S. thoughts
As I prepare for an evening of testing out a new recipe on the grill (beer-battered chicken breasts... mmmm) and U.S.-Colombia followed by Argentina-Paraguay, I wanted to put this here to get some feedback from U.S. fans.
Tonight's result matters, but very little. It matters because it's an official match in an official tournament but it matters very little beyond that because no result will get the U.S. (or Colombia for that matter) to the next round.
The U.S. took an experimental squad to Copa America and have lost by a combined 7-2 in its first two games and were promptly eliminated from quarterfinal contention.
My questions, then, are these:
* Do these results diminish your joy/pride/satisfaction with the Gold Cup win?
* Do these results diminish your view of Bob Bradley?
* Do you feel more confident about the depth of the squad or less confident about it now than you did before the tournament?
* Do you think the U.S. will get invited again to Copa America? Do you think the U.S. deserves to be invited to future Copa America tournaments?
(just a reminder, we approve the comments before they appear on the blog, and we usually approve like 98.45 percent of the comments)
Tonight's result matters, but very little. It matters because it's an official match in an official tournament but it matters very little beyond that because no result will get the U.S. (or Colombia for that matter) to the next round.
The U.S. took an experimental squad to Copa America and have lost by a combined 7-2 in its first two games and were promptly eliminated from quarterfinal contention.
My questions, then, are these:
* Do these results diminish your joy/pride/satisfaction with the Gold Cup win?
* Do these results diminish your view of Bob Bradley?
* Do you feel more confident about the depth of the squad or less confident about it now than you did before the tournament?
* Do you think the U.S. will get invited again to Copa America? Do you think the U.S. deserves to be invited to future Copa America tournaments?
(just a reminder, we approve the comments before they appear on the blog, and we usually approve like 98.45 percent of the comments)
Mexico's reward
Mexico stunned Brazil 2-0, beat Ecuador 2-1 and played in cruise control in a 0-0 tie with Chile to wrap up the Group B title.
Their reward: Argentina or Paraguay.
Argentina last met Mexico in Leipzig, Germany, on June 24, 2006 and eliminated them from the World Cup with a 2-1 extra-time win.
Paraguay last met Mexico in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 5, 2007 and beat Mexico 1-0, thus becoming just the second team to beat Mexico in Azteca since 1981.
Some reward.
Brazil, meanwhile, gets Chile in a quarterfinal matchup.
Still, Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez seems more worried about his own team than his opponents.
"Any team that faces Mexico will have to play their best in order to beat them because we are improving and are very concentrated."
Their reward: Argentina or Paraguay.
Argentina last met Mexico in Leipzig, Germany, on June 24, 2006 and eliminated them from the World Cup with a 2-1 extra-time win.
Paraguay last met Mexico in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 5, 2007 and beat Mexico 1-0, thus becoming just the second team to beat Mexico in Azteca since 1981.
Some reward.
Brazil, meanwhile, gets Chile in a quarterfinal matchup.
Still, Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez seems more worried about his own team than his opponents.
"Any team that faces Mexico will have to play their best in order to beat them because we are improving and are very concentrated."
Wells, one way to look at it
In a piece titled "American Indifference" Steven Wells closes his Guardian blog with a anecdote about Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Wells is hanging with apparently, the hard-core Legion supporters when some Galaxy fans come by to mock them with a little goat hanging on the end of a noose.
Yet Wells doesn't see this as an example of cheeky Galaxy fans trying to get the goat of Chivas USA fans (pun intended). He apparently has no knowledge of what the Riot Squad did to the Chiva Girls blow-up dolls.
Instead, he uses the furious reaction of Chivas USA fans as the example of true fandom.
However, the sad truth for Chivas USA this year is that they've been drawing far less fans to the stadium than the Galaxy, even though they've been playing better and their ticket prices are much cheaper. The Legion didn't even show up for the team's last league game versus the conference leaders, the Revolution, going instead to a Chivas Guadalajara friendly where mostly reserve players performed.
Basically, if indifference was the topic, there's a lot of empty seats saying that's an issue for Chivas USA.
Yet Wells doesn't see this as an example of cheeky Galaxy fans trying to get the goat of Chivas USA fans (pun intended). He apparently has no knowledge of what the Riot Squad did to the Chiva Girls blow-up dolls.
Instead, he uses the furious reaction of Chivas USA fans as the example of true fandom.
However, the sad truth for Chivas USA this year is that they've been drawing far less fans to the stadium than the Galaxy, even though they've been playing better and their ticket prices are much cheaper. The Legion didn't even show up for the team's last league game versus the conference leaders, the Revolution, going instead to a Chivas Guadalajara friendly where mostly reserve players performed.
Basically, if indifference was the topic, there's a lot of empty seats saying that's an issue for Chivas USA.
More starry thoughts
With the help of Sideline Views readers, I pieced together my All-Star ballot. Unfortunately, it didn't have too much of an impact as the only players I voted for that made it were Jonathan Bornstein, Michael Parkhurst, Juan Toja, Juan Pablo Angel and Eddie Johnson.
I thought my midfield was pretty deserving, with Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Steve Ralston and Carlos Marinelli having combined for 16 assists this season (most of those before the ballots were due).
I think the defense is pretty solid. I chose Eddie Robinson back there because he's been the best player on the best backline in the league, but Jimmy Conrad is solid as well. Yes, I know Bornstein has no goals and no assists, but neither to Conrad or Parkhurst. Bornstein's having a good season defensively despite his lack of scoring. This year, though, he's played almost every minute at left back. Last season, he scored most of his goals from the midfield spot. He didn't score a goal until July and bagged four that month, and that was the first month the team started missing players because injury and suspension where it necessitated the move to Bornstein up high.
I don't understand Dwayne De Rosario's inclusion. He has three goals and no assists. Houston picked up four consecutive wins with DeRo at the Gold Cup. His performance this season does not justify being selected ahead of Barros Schelotto, Marinelli or Ralston, but in particular Barros Schelotto. Still, I suppose when you are a player of DeRo's caliber, you can get by with three goals, no assists and a losing record and still get in the All-Star game.
Can't really argue with the other starters, though Ricardo Clark's stats (1 G, 2 A) are a bit underwhelming. Matt Reis over Brad Guzan... again, not a lot of room for argument. Pat Onstad is having a fine season as well so any of those three were deserving.
I thought my midfield was pretty deserving, with Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Steve Ralston and Carlos Marinelli having combined for 16 assists this season (most of those before the ballots were due).
I think the defense is pretty solid. I chose Eddie Robinson back there because he's been the best player on the best backline in the league, but Jimmy Conrad is solid as well. Yes, I know Bornstein has no goals and no assists, but neither to Conrad or Parkhurst. Bornstein's having a good season defensively despite his lack of scoring. This year, though, he's played almost every minute at left back. Last season, he scored most of his goals from the midfield spot. He didn't score a goal until July and bagged four that month, and that was the first month the team started missing players because injury and suspension where it necessitated the move to Bornstein up high.
I don't understand Dwayne De Rosario's inclusion. He has three goals and no assists. Houston picked up four consecutive wins with DeRo at the Gold Cup. His performance this season does not justify being selected ahead of Barros Schelotto, Marinelli or Ralston, but in particular Barros Schelotto. Still, I suppose when you are a player of DeRo's caliber, you can get by with three goals, no assists and a losing record and still get in the All-Star game.
Can't really argue with the other starters, though Ricardo Clark's stats (1 G, 2 A) are a bit underwhelming. Matt Reis over Brad Guzan... again, not a lot of room for argument. Pat Onstad is having a fine season as well so any of those three were deserving.
Top picks
Without revealing all of my All-Star ballot, I can identify where my picks matched with the compiled fan and media players voted in.
MLS First XI
Goalkeeper: Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)
Midfielders: Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo), Christian Gomez (D.C. United), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Juan Toja (FC Dallas)
Forwards: Juan Pablo Angel (Red Bull New York), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards)
I voted for JPA and EJ, I voted for Rico and Toja and I voted for Conrad. As far as the local teams go, I don't think I voted for any Galaxy players. I voted for Brad Guzan of Chivas USA, though.
Honestly, I was a bit surprised to see Bornstein on the list. I don't think he's played that well for Chivas USA, though he hasn't played bad at all, I'd add. Yet he certainly hasn't had the offensive punch he did last year, with no goals or assists this season.
Donovan denies Donovan
I tried to figure out the last time Landon Donovan didn't convert a penalty kick. As far as I can tell, it was in the last Gold Cup.
In 2005, versus Jamaica, on July 16, John O'Brien earned a penalty kick in stoppage time of a 3-1 U.S. victory.
Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts didn't exactly deny Landon, but he was in goal when Landon's shot whistled just over the crossbar.
Perhaps that's why Landon's been keeping his shots so low lately.
In 2005, versus Jamaica, on July 16, John O'Brien earned a penalty kick in stoppage time of a 3-1 U.S. victory.
Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts didn't exactly deny Landon, but he was in goal when Landon's shot whistled just over the crossbar.
Perhaps that's why Landon's been keeping his shots so low lately.
Solid return
Landon Donovan was solid and patriotic on Wednesday.Well, this Landon is always like that, but the real Landon had a solid performance against the Fire.
Here's audio of what he had to say after the game.
Fire players
Well, not as in give them a pink slip or give them anything at all. But here's some audio of interviews with Chris Armas and Jon Busch.
As a whole, the Fire players seemed pretty bummed out with the match. Chris Armas was barely taking off his cleats when I caught up to him. He tried to look at some of the positives but also addressed the lack of offense.
Jon Busch, meanwhile, was talking to another reporter about recovering him his injury when I jumped in. I asked him about the penalty calls and facing Landon Donovan on two spot kicks.
As a whole, the Fire players seemed pretty bummed out with the match. Chris Armas was barely taking off his cleats when I caught up to him. He tried to look at some of the positives but also addressed the lack of offense.
Jon Busch, meanwhile, was talking to another reporter about recovering him his injury when I jumped in. I asked him about the penalty calls and facing Landon Donovan on two spot kicks.
Hammin' it up
Denis Hamlett didn't seem too upset after the match. This was my first time talking to the man so maybe he is always calm and level-headed but still I was expecting a bit more frustration from him.
Here's an audio link to a post-game interview with Hamlett.
Here's an audio link to a post-game interview with Hamlett.
Weak display
I didn't get to see the fireworks display at Home Depot Center on Wednesday. The show probably started shortly before or during the post-game press conference, and by the time I was done and walked up to the press box, the only lights I saw were all the brakelights trying to get out of the stadium.
I hope, though, that the display after the game was better than the actual game itself. Good result for the Galaxy, abysmal performance by the Fire but a poor match to watch for the fans.
I made a play off the Fourth of July and the Fire's lack of, well, fire in the match for my MLSnet.com piece:
"On a night known for fireworks displays, the Chicago Fire forgot to bring their matches."
I hope, though, that the display after the game was better than the actual game itself. Good result for the Galaxy, abysmal performance by the Fire but a poor match to watch for the fans.
I made a play off the Fourth of July and the Fire's lack of, well, fire in the match for my MLSnet.com piece:
"On a night known for fireworks displays, the Chicago Fire forgot to bring their matches."
Every time I try to get out -
Eric Wynalda jumps back into the playing pool.
Though I didn't mention it during the Galaxy alumni game, Wynalda played in that match as well (so too did Alan Hopkins). Wynalda looked pretty lively, actually and still had skill on the ball.
What was most amusing though, was his frustration with his teammates for failing to spot his runs and get him the ball at the most opportune moments.
Apparently the match touched off a hunger for the game in Wynalda. It makes sense. His team lost, and he probably didn't want to wait a year for revenge.
I have no idea how Wynalda performed as technical director of the Bakersfield Brigade, but I do have a word of warning for his new teammates - get ready to get yelled at. Try to pick your head up and spot the run. If Wynalda is too slow to reach the ball or cannot convert, that's his fault. If you can't get him the ball, though, he can't do even a little of what he did so well for many years.
Though I didn't mention it during the Galaxy alumni game, Wynalda played in that match as well (so too did Alan Hopkins). Wynalda looked pretty lively, actually and still had skill on the ball.
What was most amusing though, was his frustration with his teammates for failing to spot his runs and get him the ball at the most opportune moments.
Apparently the match touched off a hunger for the game in Wynalda. It makes sense. His team lost, and he probably didn't want to wait a year for revenge.
I have no idea how Wynalda performed as technical director of the Bakersfield Brigade, but I do have a word of warning for his new teammates - get ready to get yelled at. Try to pick your head up and spot the run. If Wynalda is too slow to reach the ball or cannot convert, that's his fault. If you can't get him the ball, though, he can't do even a little of what he did so well for many years.
Fire in the hole
Both teams are struggling, but the Galaxy looked better than the Fire last night. TDS report here.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Unhappy 4th
Mexico, ironically, was the last chance for U.S. in the Copa America. The U.S. needed Mexico to win to maintain any mathematical hope of having a meaningful final match versus Columbia. However, El Tri did the U.S. no favors, playing to a scoreless tie.
So the U.S. is done in South America's competition. It will be interesting to see if Bradley rolls out wholesale changes for the final game.
So the U.S. is done in South America's competition. It will be interesting to see if Bradley rolls out wholesale changes for the final game.
Galaxy on tap
Here's my Galaxy preview - as usual, in Spanish. I don't have time to translate it, so I thought I'd let an online translation do the honors.
Empecinados in reverting the present situation of the club, the galactic president and technical director, Alexi Lalas and Frank Yallop, does not stop to modify the angelino establishment. By the end of the last week, the director sent to Santino Quaranta to the New York Network Bulls by a selection of the next SuperDraft. The day Tuesday, the Angels acquired to the defender Kelly Gray de Houston Dynamo in exchange for the attacker Nate Jaqua. The game of Jaqua to the picture Orange was made mainly to leave to a space for the newcomer forward Carlos Pavón. Another less pleasing reason was its lack of offensive productivity. Jaqua never fulfilled the expectations put on him, putting only a goal in ten parties during season 2007. In comparison, as much in just concluded Glass Gold of CONCACAF 2007 like in his first practices with the galactic ones, the Honduran showed that forehead to the arc has the cold blood, factor that characterizes to any goleador of race. "Now Pavon is the warm of the success", declared Yallop. "That is good for us and we want to put it in the field fastest than it is possible", advanced. The truth is that, of certain form, the position of Yallop is not for anything assured nowadays. In the present campaign, the Galaxy has only harvested two triumphs in ten parties, an unacceptable statistic for the organization, mainly taking into account that has monopolized to the attention of all the soccer orb by the hiring and quick incorporation of the super star David Beckham.
In spite of the complicated moment by which it crosses at the moment, Yallop has experience in changing the fortune of its equipment, and in addition it is of return its ace under the sleeve, Landon Donovan, that already has given joys him during estadía of both with the San jOse Earthquakes. Nevertheless, the strategist recognized that Donovan is not the panacea nor El Salvador of the galactic ones. "Surely which the fact of being able helps us to tell on Donovan, but the truth is that Landon does not play in the limit of exploitation. It does not mark the players during the corner shots ". With those words, Yallop talked about the situations that continue killing their square. The galactic ones exactly gave two goals to the Crew the last weekend to him in a pair of plays of dead ball. Like the maximum head of the establishment, to Yallop understandably gotten upset to him after fall 3-2 at hands of Columbus, more above because directed his they worked arduously during all the previous week defending played of that nature. Of a way, the galactic ones will face an equipment very similar east four of July. The Fire also waits for the arrival of its great star, White Cuauhtémoc. The players of Chicago in addition are living a little while more than complicated, which was evident for all with the loss of its trainer Dave Sarachan, stopped of its position during the month of June. In spite of the innumerable changes in the titular alignment of the galactic ones, the soccer players who will start from pitazo initial against the Fire already seem to be oncena ideal for Yallop, less, of course, David Beckham.
I know it's an easy joke, but I find electronic translation pretty funny.
Empecinados in reverting the present situation of the club, the galactic president and technical director, Alexi Lalas and Frank Yallop, does not stop to modify the angelino establishment. By the end of the last week, the director sent to Santino Quaranta to the New York Network Bulls by a selection of the next SuperDraft. The day Tuesday, the Angels acquired to the defender Kelly Gray de Houston Dynamo in exchange for the attacker Nate Jaqua. The game of Jaqua to the picture Orange was made mainly to leave to a space for the newcomer forward Carlos Pavón. Another less pleasing reason was its lack of offensive productivity. Jaqua never fulfilled the expectations put on him, putting only a goal in ten parties during season 2007. In comparison, as much in just concluded Glass Gold of CONCACAF 2007 like in his first practices with the galactic ones, the Honduran showed that forehead to the arc has the cold blood, factor that characterizes to any goleador of race. "Now Pavon is the warm of the success", declared Yallop. "That is good for us and we want to put it in the field fastest than it is possible", advanced. The truth is that, of certain form, the position of Yallop is not for anything assured nowadays. In the present campaign, the Galaxy has only harvested two triumphs in ten parties, an unacceptable statistic for the organization, mainly taking into account that has monopolized to the attention of all the soccer orb by the hiring and quick incorporation of the super star David Beckham.
In spite of the complicated moment by which it crosses at the moment, Yallop has experience in changing the fortune of its equipment, and in addition it is of return its ace under the sleeve, Landon Donovan, that already has given joys him during estadía of both with the San jOse Earthquakes. Nevertheless, the strategist recognized that Donovan is not the panacea nor El Salvador of the galactic ones. "Surely which the fact of being able helps us to tell on Donovan, but the truth is that Landon does not play in the limit of exploitation. It does not mark the players during the corner shots ". With those words, Yallop talked about the situations that continue killing their square. The galactic ones exactly gave two goals to the Crew the last weekend to him in a pair of plays of dead ball. Like the maximum head of the establishment, to Yallop understandably gotten upset to him after fall 3-2 at hands of Columbus, more above because directed his they worked arduously during all the previous week defending played of that nature. Of a way, the galactic ones will face an equipment very similar east four of July. The Fire also waits for the arrival of its great star, White Cuauhtémoc. The players of Chicago in addition are living a little while more than complicated, which was evident for all with the loss of its trainer Dave Sarachan, stopped of its position during the month of June. In spite of the innumerable changes in the titular alignment of the galactic ones, the soccer players who will start from pitazo initial against the Fire already seem to be oncena ideal for Yallop, less, of course, David Beckham.
I know it's an easy joke, but I find electronic translation pretty funny.
USA! UCLA!
It was when I was watching the highlight video, listening to the chants of "USA" that it occurred to me that it's a little similar to what UCLA fans chant.
Anyway, in this case, it's especially fitting, because no college team has contributed more players to U.S. soccer than UCLA.
Not only have more UCLA players played in MLS than from any other university (50+), more of them have played abroad as well (20+).
In the last U20 cycle, Marvell Wynne and Benny Feilhaber were the slightly unexpected Bruin picks to the World Cup who showed their quality to the world.
This time around, Sal Zizzo and Tony Beltran are proving their worth on the U20 stage.
Before anyone asks about UCLA's bitter crosstown rival, USC - they don't have a men's soccer team.
Anyway, in this case, it's especially fitting, because no college team has contributed more players to U.S. soccer than UCLA.
Not only have more UCLA players played in MLS than from any other university (50+), more of them have played abroad as well (20+).
In the last U20 cycle, Marvell Wynne and Benny Feilhaber were the slightly unexpected Bruin picks to the World Cup who showed their quality to the world.
This time around, Sal Zizzo and Tony Beltran are proving their worth on the U20 stage.
Before anyone asks about UCLA's bitter crosstown rival, USC - they don't have a men's soccer team.
Poland - USA 2007 U-20 World Cup highlights
Though Luis already linked Adu's goal, all the goals in the game were pretty nice. Enjoy them here.
Beckham build-down
The brunt of the Beckham backlash, ie, (he's too old, he's coming to MLS to play in movies, he won't matter at all to an American public, he's given up hope of ever playing for England) took place immediately after the Galaxy signed Beckham, but espn pundit Gene Wojo is just jumping on that bandwagon now. Admitting he doesn't even know enough about soccer to properly bash the sport, (why write an article on something he admits he's too bored to watch?) Gene turns to the LA Times' Christine Daniels for info. While helping Real Madrid win La Liga and winning a place back in the England squad hushed up many previous Beckham-to-Galaxy skeptics, Daniels isn't one of them.
It's not that I don't think her criticisms are valid - but I have to chuckle at the list of things Daniels gives that David Beckham can't do coming so shortly after he proved so many previous list-makers wrong. I know I'm not saying he can't play center midfield in Major League Soccer until I've seen him do it.
In general, I hate dealing with hypotheticals, which is why her characterization of MLS as Triple-A ball bothers me as well. It's not baseball, and the level of MLS is evolving too much for it to be safely tagged and bagged into the "oh, if it's like Triple-A, it's meaningless, and I shouldn't have to pay attention to it" reaction that a label like that implies. When I'm asked the question about what level MLS is at, I readily admit that it's not at the highest level of the leagues in Europe, but it's improving, and it's sprinkled with a few players who have the talent to play almost anywhere, and it's so enormously competitive, top to bottom, that you'll have a hard time making picks in any game, because the team that gets beaten 4-0 in one match will beat the conference leaders in their next game. I tell them they'd have to watch some games to really assess the level of the league, and that their impressions could change radically based on which team is playing, at what time of day, and in what stadium situation.
Super semis
Qualcomm Stadium might play host to the SuperLiga semifinals. Though the group stage of this tourney will be played in Carson, L.A., Houston, D.C., Chicago and Denver, the semifinals hadn't been decided yet.
The semifinals are Aug. 14 and 15.
According to the Union Tribune, if two Mexican teams play in a semifinal that game would likely be in Qualcomm. Chivas and America could meet there, which would be a huge draw.
The semifinals are Aug. 14 and 15.
According to the Union Tribune, if two Mexican teams play in a semifinal that game would likely be in Qualcomm. Chivas and America could meet there, which would be a huge draw.
Fourth of July picks
L.B.
Kansas City 1, DC United 1
FC Dallas 2, Chivas USA 0
Columbus 1, Colorado 0
Real Salt Lake 2, Toronto FC 1
Los Angeles 2, Chicago 0
Houston 1, New York 0
A.C.
Kansas City 1, DC United 2
FC Dallas 1, Chivas USA 1
Columbus 1, Colorado 1
Real Salt Lake 2, Toronto FC 0
Los Angeles 1, Chicago 0
Houston 1, New York 2
Kansas City 1, DC United 1
FC Dallas 2, Chivas USA 0
Columbus 1, Colorado 0
Real Salt Lake 2, Toronto FC 1
Los Angeles 2, Chicago 0
Houston 1, New York 0
A.C.
Kansas City 1, DC United 2
FC Dallas 1, Chivas USA 1
Columbus 1, Colorado 1
Real Salt Lake 2, Toronto FC 0
Los Angeles 1, Chicago 0
Houston 1, New York 2
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Crespo out
Anyone remember when Arizona Cardinals kicker Bill Gramatica tore a knee ligament after celebrating a field goal a few years back?
A celebration injury happened again.
Fellow Argentine Hernan Crespo is likely out for the rest of Copa America after he pulled a muscle after in his right leg after converting a penalty kick in a 4-2 win over Colombia on Monday.
From the story:
"I felt the sharp pain as soon as I jumped to celebrate the goal," Crespo said. "I'm angry, of course, but I know the rest of the guys can achieve our goal of winning the tournament."
A celebration injury happened again.
Fellow Argentine Hernan Crespo is likely out for the rest of Copa America after he pulled a muscle after in his right leg after converting a penalty kick in a 4-2 win over Colombia on Monday.
From the story:
"I felt the sharp pain as soon as I jumped to celebrate the goal," Crespo said. "I'm angry, of course, but I know the rest of the guys can achieve our goal of winning the tournament."
Off to Holland
Andres Guardado will likely be joining countryman Carlos Salcido in Holland. PSV Eindhoven and Atlas de Guadalajara are reportedly working out a deal that would allow Guardado the chance to play in the Dutch Eredivisie. Reportedly Atlas wants 8 million Euro or about 11 million USD.If it happens, the transfer would be a fantastic opportunity for Guardado. He's young and talented and the Dutch league would help him develop tremendously. The move would be unique in the sense that he's younger than the other Mexicans who went abroad recently as Salcido, Pavel Pardo, Ricardo Osorio and Kikin Fonseca all left after the World Cup are all older than the 20-year-old Guardado. It also would mirror Rafael Marquez's move as Marquez left Atlas for AS Monaco when he was 20.
Leaving with a bang
Bolivia is out of Copa America after a 2-2 draw with Peru. But Jaime Moreno didn't leave without scoring a nifty goal.
This video takes a bit to get to the goal but it's there.
This video takes a bit to get to the goal but it's there.
Gio or Adu?
Which goal was better: this one or either of Freddy's?
Giovani Dos Santos scored the first goal in Mexico's 3-0 win over Gambia on Monday.
Giovani Dos Santos scored the first goal in Mexico's 3-0 win over Gambia on Monday.
Adu strikes
Freddy Adu broke out in a big way against Poland. He scored three goals in a 6-1 rout. Only two of them are up on YouTube.
First goal
Second goal
First goal
Second goal
Rippin' Freddy
Here's a Observer article ripping on Freddy Adu. I mention it because a small detail there caught my eye - the author mentions Freddy trying to get out of an interview.
Back when Freddy was in LA for the Salt Lake game, he mentioned that he didn't want to get distracted doing media interviews this time around for the U20 World Cup. He said he had a job to do and he wanted to focus only on that once the tournament started.
Against Poland, I think his concentration paid off.
Back when Freddy was in LA for the Salt Lake game, he mentioned that he didn't want to get distracted doing media interviews this time around for the U20 World Cup. He said he had a job to do and he wanted to focus only on that once the tournament started.
Against Poland, I think his concentration paid off.
Blog beat
Someone who helps run FC Dallas' blog (the only blog, as far as I can tell, by an MLS team at present) told Luis and I that they read Sideline Views regularly and like it a lot.
Of course, we're gullible to praise, and like to think we're worth a read. Right now, though, the FC blog has the ultimate insider scoop, with players checking in from both the Copa America and the U20 World Cup. Good stuff.
Of course, we're gullible to praise, and like to think we're worth a read. Right now, though, the FC blog has the ultimate insider scoop, with players checking in from both the Copa America and the U20 World Cup. Good stuff.
Cielito Lindo
Dear Posh and Becks,
I have to say that I enjoyed my time in Spain very much, and like the two of you probably do, have fond memories of the country. Madrid was lovely and historical, Zaragoza was intriguing, San Sebastian was unique, and a lot of the little towns in the Castile region, where I spent most of the months I was in Spain, were warm and inviting.
I missed certain things about Los Angeles, though. In particular, I missed Mexican food.
Which is not to say that jamon serrano and gazpacho isn't great stuff, because it is. The flavor and spice of good Mexican cooking is addictive, though. I never realized how much until I was denied access to it.
Even with my love of the cuisine, I'd never heard of El Huarache Azteca until I read about it in Gold's 99.
Traveling down York to find the place, I tried to envision how Vicki and David would ever find themselves in that particular part of LA. Perhaps David would want to surprise Vicki by getting her carseats reupholstered in hot pink leather with the VBD logo? Half a dozen places on York St. can probably take care of that.
Besides not ever hearing of the restaurant, I have to admit, I'd never had a huarache, but generally, when a place names itself after a signature dish, it's a good one.
Sure enough, the huarache was delicious. It's shaped like a french-bread pizza, but the bread part is made of corn tortilla masa and fried to be sturdy enough to hold up against the topping of carne asada, beans, onion, spices and Mexican cheese. Fresh salsas of exotic varieties allow patrons to ladle on extra heat.
On a warm day, the best seats are actually outside, under the misters that stave off the LA heat wave currently parching our city.
There, one can scarf down a huarache and linger for a bit over the last few sips of one of the excellent fresh drinks the restaurant makes. Their horchata is tasty, with the perfect ratio of cinnamon, and their tamarindo is tart without being sour.
Final recommendation: Don't go. I say this not as a slight to the restaurant, because it's a great place, but besides the fact that it's so tiny that your entourage alone would fill the entire dining area, I honestly don't think you'd like it. European palates tend toward more bland food, in my experience. Of course, I'd imagine that you've had some quality Indian food influence your taste buds somewhat, but Mexican food is an entirely different element. It's more of a pure, direct heat. The food is less sauce and stew, and more seared and fried, with something freshly chopped adding contrast.
If you do develop a taste for Mexican food, though, you're a goner who will pine for it long after you've left LA. If anything establishes you as a true Angeleno, that will.
I have to say that I enjoyed my time in Spain very much, and like the two of you probably do, have fond memories of the country. Madrid was lovely and historical, Zaragoza was intriguing, San Sebastian was unique, and a lot of the little towns in the Castile region, where I spent most of the months I was in Spain, were warm and inviting.
I missed certain things about Los Angeles, though. In particular, I missed Mexican food.
Which is not to say that jamon serrano and gazpacho isn't great stuff, because it is. The flavor and spice of good Mexican cooking is addictive, though. I never realized how much until I was denied access to it.
Even with my love of the cuisine, I'd never heard of El Huarache Azteca until I read about it in Gold's 99.
Traveling down York to find the place, I tried to envision how Vicki and David would ever find themselves in that particular part of LA. Perhaps David would want to surprise Vicki by getting her carseats reupholstered in hot pink leather with the VBD logo? Half a dozen places on York St. can probably take care of that.
Besides not ever hearing of the restaurant, I have to admit, I'd never had a huarache, but generally, when a place names itself after a signature dish, it's a good one.
Sure enough, the huarache was delicious. It's shaped like a french-bread pizza, but the bread part is made of corn tortilla masa and fried to be sturdy enough to hold up against the topping of carne asada, beans, onion, spices and Mexican cheese. Fresh salsas of exotic varieties allow patrons to ladle on extra heat.
On a warm day, the best seats are actually outside, under the misters that stave off the LA heat wave currently parching our city.
There, one can scarf down a huarache and linger for a bit over the last few sips of one of the excellent fresh drinks the restaurant makes. Their horchata is tasty, with the perfect ratio of cinnamon, and their tamarindo is tart without being sour.
Final recommendation: Don't go. I say this not as a slight to the restaurant, because it's a great place, but besides the fact that it's so tiny that your entourage alone would fill the entire dining area, I honestly don't think you'd like it. European palates tend toward more bland food, in my experience. Of course, I'd imagine that you've had some quality Indian food influence your taste buds somewhat, but Mexican food is an entirely different element. It's more of a pure, direct heat. The food is less sauce and stew, and more seared and fried, with something freshly chopped adding contrast.
If you do develop a taste for Mexican food, though, you're a goner who will pine for it long after you've left LA. If anything establishes you as a true Angeleno, that will.
Copa thoughts
Hey, I do have my favorites in the the U.S. squad (go Lee, go Rico, go Herc), but that doesn't mean I felt sorry for any of them suffering a beat down in the Copa America.
It's a game. You come to play, and so do they, and if you don't bring it hard the whole time, you're going to lose or get very lucky.
The U.S. didn't get lucky.
In my mind, that's fine. These young players need to learn to win without that.
It's a game. You come to play, and so do they, and if you don't bring it hard the whole time, you're going to lose or get very lucky.
The U.S. didn't get lucky.
In my mind, that's fine. These young players need to learn to win without that.
Why Bob left Landon
If Landon Donovan was willing to go to Copa America, why did Bob Bradley leave him behind?
Because the Gold Cup was already secured? Well, technically, it wasn't when Bradley submitted the roster, but here's what Frank Yallop said on that situation before Bradley turned in his final list.
Because the Gold Cup was already secured? Well, technically, it wasn't when Bradley submitted the roster, but here's what Frank Yallop said on that situation before Bradley turned in his final list.
"If they win the Gold Cup, run right through it, he (Bradley) might go, ‘I’m ok right now. I’m going to go with another group of guys.’ We don’t know what he’s thinking. We spoke about it and he said there’s a chance Landon might be involved in both."
Mas Kinky!
Kinky is playing the MLS All-Star game, which should considerably up the cool factor of the whole event. They're funky, eclectic and electric live.
Mixed mail
I've gotten a few positive responses to my last column. Someone told me it was "spot-on analysis."
But others disagreed, including this guy who chimed in from Mexico City.
===
Luis,
Your columns always show your blatant dislike for team Mexico. Why all of the negativity? They are having a good Copa America, but you still manage to criticize their playing style. Why don't you turn your negativism towards the U.S. team? I mean, c'mon.... Mexico wins both of their games convincingly and the U.S. gets blown out of the water in both games, but all you can write about Mexico's "bad" performance.
Give it a rest!
===
I try to remain as objective as possible. When I wrote this particular column, I wanted to try and help people keep a perspective on the situation. In no way did I discount their two important victories in Copa America but those two wins don't mean that they should start engraving the trophy with their names. Wins can cause excitement but if people are satisfied with this, then they probably have little faith in their team. These wins should cause fans to be happy and excited but not necessarily satisfied, because when someone is satisfied they tend to work less. What happens if Mexico doesn't beat Chile? Where does that satisfaction level go?
And for the record, even though he quotes "bad" I didn't use that word once in my column. I don't write the headlines or pick the pictures to use or write the captions. I just write the story.
But others disagreed, including this guy who chimed in from Mexico City.
===
Luis,
Your columns always show your blatant dislike for team Mexico. Why all of the negativity? They are having a good Copa America, but you still manage to criticize their playing style. Why don't you turn your negativism towards the U.S. team? I mean, c'mon.... Mexico wins both of their games convincingly and the U.S. gets blown out of the water in both games, but all you can write about Mexico's "bad" performance.
Give it a rest!
===
I try to remain as objective as possible. When I wrote this particular column, I wanted to try and help people keep a perspective on the situation. In no way did I discount their two important victories in Copa America but those two wins don't mean that they should start engraving the trophy with their names. Wins can cause excitement but if people are satisfied with this, then they probably have little faith in their team. These wins should cause fans to be happy and excited but not necessarily satisfied, because when someone is satisfied they tend to work less. What happens if Mexico doesn't beat Chile? Where does that satisfaction level go?
And for the record, even though he quotes "bad" I didn't use that word once in my column. I don't write the headlines or pick the pictures to use or write the captions. I just write the story.
Monday, July 2, 2007
So close
The end is near for the young Americans but unlike the match against Argentina the U.S. showed a lot and deserved better.
The U.S. had a multitude of chances from the start but capitalized on only one. Ricardo Clark finished off a nifty play that started from the right flank as Drew Moor whipped a cross inside the area, which Taylor Twellman then fed to Clark, who buried into the back of the net. The goal offset an earlier strike from Edgar Barreto.
But the Americans had so many more chances. Sacha Kljestan pushed an open header wide early on that in some ways set the tone for the missed opportunities. Eddie Johnson couldn't get his foot to a pass from Drew Moor after Johnson had raced past a pair of Paraguayan defenders inside the area.
In the second half, the U.S. failed to put away a shot even after starting goalkeeper Justo Villar was replaced by Aldo Bobadilla. Moor had the worst miss of the night as he was completely alone in front of the goal but sent a header right to Bobadilla.
Clark nearly scored again when he smoked a rocket on goal but Bobadilla did well to dive and push it out of bounds.
Still, Paraguay took advantage of a mistake early on in the second half and bagged a late free kick to make the match appear more one-sided than it was.
The U.S. can feel proud that they went down swinging but in the end it's another bad result. Two losses from two Copa America games cannot be spun any other way. Yes, the players gain valuable experience from participating in this tournament and facing players like Messi, Riquelme and Roque Santa Cruz but the U.S. should be past the point of using tournaments like this to test players.
The U.S. was faced with a difficult situation in selecting a roster for this tournament but once the roster was set and the players selected for the matches, there's no point in second-guessing. The results are what speak volumes now, and the U.S. has not gained anything in two games.
As far as their chances of advancing, they are difficult to say the least. First, the U.S. needs a win over Colombia. That is of the utmost importance, but that is also obvious.
The best the US can do is finish in third place and not be the worst third-place team.
In Group A, Venezuela is already through. Peru and Uruguay are each on three points, but Uruguay is at a minus-two goal differential. Venezuela needs to beat Uruguay, preferably by two more goals, and Peru needs to beat or tie Bolivia. If that happens, Uruguay would be in third place with three points and at least a minus three goal differential (if Venezuela wins by one goal).
In Group B, Mexico has six while Brazil and Chile each have three. Mexico can help out the U.S. by whipping Chile, who have a minus-one goal differential. Brazil plays Ecuador but Chile is likely to finish third unless they win. If Chile and Brazil each win, three teams would have six points from that group and that third place team would be the best third place team.
The U.S. had a multitude of chances from the start but capitalized on only one. Ricardo Clark finished off a nifty play that started from the right flank as Drew Moor whipped a cross inside the area, which Taylor Twellman then fed to Clark, who buried into the back of the net. The goal offset an earlier strike from Edgar Barreto.
But the Americans had so many more chances. Sacha Kljestan pushed an open header wide early on that in some ways set the tone for the missed opportunities. Eddie Johnson couldn't get his foot to a pass from Drew Moor after Johnson had raced past a pair of Paraguayan defenders inside the area.
In the second half, the U.S. failed to put away a shot even after starting goalkeeper Justo Villar was replaced by Aldo Bobadilla. Moor had the worst miss of the night as he was completely alone in front of the goal but sent a header right to Bobadilla.
Clark nearly scored again when he smoked a rocket on goal but Bobadilla did well to dive and push it out of bounds.
Still, Paraguay took advantage of a mistake early on in the second half and bagged a late free kick to make the match appear more one-sided than it was.
The U.S. can feel proud that they went down swinging but in the end it's another bad result. Two losses from two Copa America games cannot be spun any other way. Yes, the players gain valuable experience from participating in this tournament and facing players like Messi, Riquelme and Roque Santa Cruz but the U.S. should be past the point of using tournaments like this to test players.
The U.S. was faced with a difficult situation in selecting a roster for this tournament but once the roster was set and the players selected for the matches, there's no point in second-guessing. The results are what speak volumes now, and the U.S. has not gained anything in two games.
As far as their chances of advancing, they are difficult to say the least. First, the U.S. needs a win over Colombia. That is of the utmost importance, but that is also obvious.
The best the US can do is finish in third place and not be the worst third-place team.
In Group A, Venezuela is already through. Peru and Uruguay are each on three points, but Uruguay is at a minus-two goal differential. Venezuela needs to beat Uruguay, preferably by two more goals, and Peru needs to beat or tie Bolivia. If that happens, Uruguay would be in third place with three points and at least a minus three goal differential (if Venezuela wins by one goal).
In Group B, Mexico has six while Brazil and Chile each have three. Mexico can help out the U.S. by whipping Chile, who have a minus-one goal differential. Brazil plays Ecuador but Chile is likely to finish third unless they win. If Chile and Brazil each win, three teams would have six points from that group and that third place team would be the best third place team.
Pool 'keeper
Sam Reynolds is a bit of a journeyman, but his tale is unique. While other journeymen bounce from team to team over a span of a few years, Reynolds does so over the span of one season.Reynolds was in goal for Toronto FC and helped them earn a tie at Kansas City on Saturday. Reynolds is a pool goalkeeper, which means he is assigned to teams based on needs. Typically, he's at Chivas USA and serves as their third goalkeeper. He's usually training alongside Brad Guzan and Preston Burpo but hasn't been called on at all by Chivas USA.
Still, he gets to participate in team functions, like a trip to Disneyland earlier this year, and even got to wear big white gloves like Sacha Kljestan and Burpo, both gainfully employed by the Chivas USA.
But Toronto needed him, and coach Mo Johnston called on him. Reynolds responded in his first MLS game ever with a strong effort.
El Bee Rankings
It's to the point of the year where it's easier to make a significant drop easier than it is to make a substantial climb on the strength of one result. For instance, the Revs dropped four slots from two to six after a 2-0 loss at Chivas USA but the Crew moved just one spot from 9 to 8 after a 1-0 win over New York. In fact, Columbus has only moved up four spots since going 3-0-1 in the last four.
With that, here are my weekly rankings.
1. Houston (7-5-2). Finally, MLS champs have climbed to the top spot.
2. New York (6-4-3). Lack of finishing did the Bulls in.
3. Kansas City (6-4-3). So much for a spotless record against Toronto FC.
4. FC Dallas (8-6-2). Western leaders have a minus-two goal differential.
5. D.C. United (6-4-2). Ben Olsen's absence over final half-hour slowed U.S.; his 90 minutes away did little to slow D.C.
6. New England (6-3-4). Crist, man - how could Adam have missed that sitter?
7. Chivas USA (6-4-2). Preston Burpo debuts with a shutout win, again.
8. Columbus (4-4-6). 3-0-1 in last four games puts the early-season woes out of memory.
9. Toronto FC (4-7-2). Surprising road result with Chivas USA's backup in net.
10. Colorado (4-7-4). Appalling loss at D.C.
11. Real Salt Lake (1-5-6). Just their luck: after a win and a chance to build momentum, RSL has a bye week
12. Chicago (4-6-3). I wonder if Ozzie Guillen knows anything about soccer.
13. Los Angeles (2-6-3) Can Carlos Pavon and Landon Donovan help this hapless club climb out of last place?
With that, here are my weekly rankings.
1. Houston (7-5-2). Finally, MLS champs have climbed to the top spot.
2. New York (6-4-3). Lack of finishing did the Bulls in.
3. Kansas City (6-4-3). So much for a spotless record against Toronto FC.
4. FC Dallas (8-6-2). Western leaders have a minus-two goal differential.
5. D.C. United (6-4-2). Ben Olsen's absence over final half-hour slowed U.S.; his 90 minutes away did little to slow D.C.
6. New England (6-3-4). Crist, man - how could Adam have missed that sitter?
7. Chivas USA (6-4-2). Preston Burpo debuts with a shutout win, again.
8. Columbus (4-4-6). 3-0-1 in last four games puts the early-season woes out of memory.
9. Toronto FC (4-7-2). Surprising road result with Chivas USA's backup in net.
10. Colorado (4-7-4). Appalling loss at D.C.
11. Real Salt Lake (1-5-6). Just their luck: after a win and a chance to build momentum, RSL has a bye week
12. Chicago (4-6-3). I wonder if Ozzie Guillen knows anything about soccer.
13. Los Angeles (2-6-3) Can Carlos Pavon and Landon Donovan help this hapless club climb out of last place?
AC Delco Rankings
- FC Dallas: Stave off their reinforced West rivals to remain tops in conference
- DC United: DC adds insult to injury, wallops
- Chivas
US-Mexico, Part III?
The U.S. and Mexico have played twice before in 2007, the first a 2-0 U.S. win in Arizona, the second a 2-1 U.S. win in the Gold Cup final in Chicago.
Can they possibly meet for a third time this year already?
Technically, they can. Mexico has two wins in two games and is atop Group B with six points. They've already secured their passage into the quarterfinals and with a draw or win, would win the group title outright.
The Group B winner is slated to play the Group C runner-up in the second round. The U.S. is in Group C. For the U.S. to finish in second place, they would probably need a win and a draw at minimum in the next two games. So technically yes the two can meet but realistically, well, that is unlikely in my opinion.
However, for argument's sake, if there is any hopes of this happening, the U.S. has to beat Paraguay today, and preferably by a few goals. If the U.S. and Paraguay finish even on points, the goal differential would not be kind to the U.S. (minus three) as Paraguay (plus five) has essentially an eight-goal lead on the Americans.
Probably more realistic for the U.S. advancing is as a third-place group, and then the odds of meeting Mexico are severely diminished.
Can they possibly meet for a third time this year already?
Technically, they can. Mexico has two wins in two games and is atop Group B with six points. They've already secured their passage into the quarterfinals and with a draw or win, would win the group title outright.
The Group B winner is slated to play the Group C runner-up in the second round. The U.S. is in Group C. For the U.S. to finish in second place, they would probably need a win and a draw at minimum in the next two games. So technically yes the two can meet but realistically, well, that is unlikely in my opinion.
However, for argument's sake, if there is any hopes of this happening, the U.S. has to beat Paraguay today, and preferably by a few goals. If the U.S. and Paraguay finish even on points, the goal differential would not be kind to the U.S. (minus three) as Paraguay (plus five) has essentially an eight-goal lead on the Americans.
Probably more realistic for the U.S. advancing is as a third-place group, and then the odds of meeting Mexico are severely diminished.
Marsch strikes
Jesse Marsch scored against the Revolution on Aug. 6, 2006 before more than 90,000 people at the LA Coliseum. The game was part of a doubleheader with Chivas de Guadalajara and FC Barcelona.
Marsch duplicated his scoring feat on Saturday when he bagged the game-winner against New England in front of a considerably smaller crowd.
Officially, the crowd was slightly more than 9,000 but some of us speculated that it was far less than that. Some of us said it might have been between 3000-5000. Marsch joked that it seemed even smaller than that.
A reporter asked him to compare the goals against the Revs, that last year's was in front of 90,000 fans...
"This one was in front of 900," Marsch replied.
Marsch duplicated his scoring feat on Saturday when he bagged the game-winner against New England in front of a considerably smaller crowd.
Officially, the crowd was slightly more than 9,000 but some of us speculated that it was far less than that. Some of us said it might have been between 3000-5000. Marsch joked that it seemed even smaller than that.
A reporter asked him to compare the goals against the Revs, that last year's was in front of 90,000 fans...
"This one was in front of 900," Marsch replied.
Legion-less
Many people were wondering where Legion 1908 was for Chivas USA's match against New England on Saturday. There didn't seem to be any Legion members there and if they were, they were there discreetly.
Thanks to my buddy Joel, I realized where they were. Chivas de Guadalajara played a friendly match in San Jose and apparently Legion made the trip to support Chivas. The game was a 1-1 draw.
That game had crossed my mind too. It was supposed to have been on television and I wondered briefly whether I should go check it out or not but decided against it because I didn't want to miss any of the Chivas USA-Revs match. Apparently, I was in the minority where that was concerned.
Thanks to my buddy Joel, I realized where they were. Chivas de Guadalajara played a friendly match in San Jose and apparently Legion made the trip to support Chivas. The game was a 1-1 draw.
That game had crossed my mind too. It was supposed to have been on television and I wondered briefly whether I should go check it out or not but decided against it because I didn't want to miss any of the Chivas USA-Revs match. Apparently, I was in the minority where that was concerned.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Another match
And another win for Mexico in Copa America. The team looked like it was going to have problems with losing most of its European based players and the fatigue factor and just the sluggish play it showed in the Gold Cup, but now Mexico is through to the quarterfinals.
Still, in trying to wrap my mind around this team at this stage of the tournament, I tried to bring up some questions to not only keep people grounded but remind them that there is still a long way to go before Mexico can hoist a trophy of any kind.
I'm interested to see what sort of feedback I get from this. Mexico is flying high right now so I'm sure I'll have questions asking me how I could possibly doubt this team.
Still, in trying to wrap my mind around this team at this stage of the tournament, I tried to bring up some questions to not only keep people grounded but remind them that there is still a long way to go before Mexico can hoist a trophy of any kind.
I'm interested to see what sort of feedback I get from this. Mexico is flying high right now so I'm sure I'll have questions asking me how I could possibly doubt this team.
Stevie says. . .
After the match versus Chivas USA, Steve Nicol answered questions. Between him and Mike Burns, I really wish I had a digital recorder so our readers could hear them via audio. With Nicol's Scottish accent and Burn's Boston twang, they are two of the more distinctive voices in the league.
On why NE lost:
"We had two guys playing in the central midfield for the first time together. If you don’t pass it and control it, you’re not going to get anywhere."
Can team win title?
"I think so, but if we keep playing like that, we won’t be."
"That’s only one small thing. There were a lot of wee things added together that caused problems. At the end of the day, our players, from one through eleven, weren’t on their game today."
"There’s probably three teams who you expect to do better, but there’s so many things going on all the time, obviously the Copa and the Gold Cup, and if you get a couple of injuries, there are a whole lot of things you have to contend with, but at the end of the day, you can’t go blaming that."
"I’m not telling you. I’m not going to disrespect anybody, but there are probably two or three teams that people expect to do better. Those teams better make sure that they’re on their toes, because if they’re not, they’re going to be in trouble."
On facing Chivas USA next week:
"Well, he won’t be playing. Suarez is a regular on their team, so that will affect them. They’ll have to make a change for that. We’re at home next week, and I expect that we’ll be getting after them and making up for tonight’s bad performance."
On Galindo:"He’s having a good season. When he gets running at you with the ball, he’s got some ability."
This little piggy went to eat
Dear Posh and Becks,
It's really hard to imagine Vicki caught in any restaurant called the Oinkster, as she seems the antithesis of the culinary indulgence of pigging out.
So maybe an Oinkster outing, our next stop on the 99, is best reserved for a guy's day out, with Vicki perhaps on tour and David in charge of the boys.
After all, David did mention his love for U.S. culture, and while many debate the premise that the colonies have brought little to the world's cuisine, Oinkster stunningly trumps that argument by elevating the simple pleasures of some classic American dishes to the sublime.
"Slow fast food" is the Oinkster's motto, and the result shows how worthwhile a little extra time can be. That said, you shouldn't have to wait that long, and the comfortable red booth seating in the light and airy dining room makes the delay painless, although the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen build anticipation.
Unable to decide even from the basic menu (less is more at Oinkster, they don't do any dish they can't perfect), I went for a combo of sorts, the daily special Royale, which consisted of a Oinkster burger topped with the specialty of the house, their pastrami, plus applewood-smoked bacon.
The meat was tender and cooked to an exactness that is rare, blending perfectly with the house-made sauce that accompanies the sandwich. It's served in a little paper cup, so you can add as much or as little as you like. A wide variety of other condiments are neatly arranged on a counter tray so people can accessorize their meals as they wish.
As tasty as the Royale was, the meal was further enhanced by an order of Oinkster fries, which they cook Belgian-style (though thankfully, they don't drizzle mayo on top). Fries are my personal weakness, and these were the best I've had in years.
I had no room left for dessert, but they looked beautiful, and what kid doesn't like a sundae or a malt? I'm not talking some chemically engineered frostie-freezie concoction, but something that contains actual calcium. Oinkster's makes their's old-school, with real ice cream.
Final Recommendation: Go. The kids have probably already eaten McDonalds, but now's the time to teach them to slow down a little and enjoy food with flavor.
It's really hard to imagine Vicki caught in any restaurant called the Oinkster, as she seems the antithesis of the culinary indulgence of pigging out.
So maybe an Oinkster outing, our next stop on the 99, is best reserved for a guy's day out, with Vicki perhaps on tour and David in charge of the boys.
After all, David did mention his love for U.S. culture, and while many debate the premise that the colonies have brought little to the world's cuisine, Oinkster stunningly trumps that argument by elevating the simple pleasures of some classic American dishes to the sublime.
"Slow fast food" is the Oinkster's motto, and the result shows how worthwhile a little extra time can be. That said, you shouldn't have to wait that long, and the comfortable red booth seating in the light and airy dining room makes the delay painless, although the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen build anticipation.
Unable to decide even from the basic menu (less is more at Oinkster, they don't do any dish they can't perfect), I went for a combo of sorts, the daily special Royale, which consisted of a Oinkster burger topped with the specialty of the house, their pastrami, plus applewood-smoked bacon.
The meat was tender and cooked to an exactness that is rare, blending perfectly with the house-made sauce that accompanies the sandwich. It's served in a little paper cup, so you can add as much or as little as you like. A wide variety of other condiments are neatly arranged on a counter tray so people can accessorize their meals as they wish.
As tasty as the Royale was, the meal was further enhanced by an order of Oinkster fries, which they cook Belgian-style (though thankfully, they don't drizzle mayo on top). Fries are my personal weakness, and these were the best I've had in years.
I had no room left for dessert, but they looked beautiful, and what kid doesn't like a sundae or a malt? I'm not talking some chemically engineered frostie-freezie concoction, but something that contains actual calcium. Oinkster's makes their's old-school, with real ice cream.
Final Recommendation: Go. The kids have probably already eaten McDonalds, but now's the time to teach them to slow down a little and enjoy food with flavor.
Update frenzy
Back in late May, I started working on an article about the Galaxy's striker problems. Around that time, the Galaxy decided to do something about that issue.
In fact, they made so many changes that I kept having to go back and revise the article. Now, the team has a variety of striker options, but may have sacrificed for that cohesion, the defense, and some of its future talent.
In fact, they made so many changes that I kept having to go back and revise the article. Now, the team has a variety of striker options, but may have sacrificed for that cohesion, the defense, and some of its future talent.
Tri-level perspective
Chivas USA/Revs wrap-up: here's my take in Spanish.
Luis has his perspective.
Danny, his brother, gets the Revs' side of things.
Luis has his perspective.
Danny, his brother, gets the Revs' side of things.
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