The latest news out of the MLS is something of a mixed bag. There were some positive developments and some not so positive developments based on the MLS Board of Governors meeting and the Commissioner's State of the League address.
Taking some developments as good:
No team will play both the Superliga and the CONCACAF Champions League. This is good news on three fronts. First, it will ease fixture congestion for the teams--a huge complaint this year and to a certain extent rightfully so since it impacted the quality of play both in the MLS and in these competitions, there were too many teams playing reserves in these major competitions.
In superliga you will see: Chivas USA, Chicago, New England and Kasas City.
CONCACAF Champions League: Columbus, DC United, New York and Houston. (the MLS Cup winner, U.S. Open Cup Winnner, MLS Cup Ruinner up and Supporter's Sheild Runner Up-Houston)
Second, this set up gives more MLS teams exposure to international play. I would hope that Superliga would play in Mexico as well as in the U.S., but that may be a step down the road. Playing home and home in the group stages would be a good move and give even more exposure, but that is down the road I think. If there is a home and away series in the Superliga, I think teams should be able to get more revenue.
Third, it gives incentives for teams in the midtable and lower table to move up and compete. If the Supporter's Sheiled and MLS cup winners are the same team, you get the second place supporter's sheild team the second best in the league, going to international play. Of course, if there is a question of what happens if and when a USL team wins the Open Cup, does that mean only three MLS teams?
Roster Size trimmed. Teams will go from 28 to 24, which sounds like a negative, but the senior roster size can go as high as 20. This is a mixed move. Honestly, at this stage, there is not enough financial committment possible from the league to run a reserve division, although clubs like Houston and DC did pretty well in the reserves. If this is coupled with even a modest increase in the hard salary cap for next year (which I haven't heard about) then this might be a good move. With expansion coming up, Seattle and Philly and two more by 2011, shortening the rosters is probably necessary. In the short run, it may impact the availability of players, but in the long run, this move will enhance the quality of play.
In conjunction with this move, I would like to see the MLS consider expanding the Academy system and grant teams the ability to name two to three players from their academy to their developmental roster with no salary cap impact and no roster size impact. Thus, a team could have 20 senior roster players, four developmental players and up to three academy grads training with the first team. An academy player can make a maximum of two appearances or no more than 60 minutes of playing tim before they are considered to have displaced a developmental player.
I have more ideas on this, but for a later post.
One other item on roster size, I think that teams who make international competitions should be able to expand their roster by an additional 2-4 players under a 10%, one-time salary cap increase. But that may be a collective bargaining issue.
Playoffs system. I have to admit, I don't like the playoffs as they are currently formulated. Next year, the top two teams in each conference will get automatic berths and then the next four best teams. This bastardization creates some potentially pervers results, even stranger than this year where New York won the Western Conference, such as six teams from the East and only two from the west (it is possible and could have happened . This system attempts to create an American style conference with a single table format and at some point MLS is going to have to chose (and I much favor a single table format). Kartik Krishnaier argues that MLS will always have conference style play because geography demands it. However, the Russian top leage does not have that problem and to travel from Moscow to Vladivostok is like flying from L.A. to London. I don't like conference play, but if you are going to have conference based play, have conference based playoffs. I would like to see the top three teams in each conference advance, with the top team in each conference getting a bye in the first round.
Fixture Flexibility. I really like this idea. Essentially, teams will have the ability to take two weekends off or otherwise ease their MLS schedule to accomodate international play. What's that, a burst of common sense at MLS? Who knew? Look, after the embarassment that was the MLS performance in CONCACAF Champions League, this just makes sense, as it gives clubs an opportunity to restructure their schedule a little so that they are trying to play 3 games in 8 days during a couple of stretches during the hottest parts of the summer.
Showing posts with label Club Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Club Soccer. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
2008 Done and Dusted for DC United
Second in a series of posts on the MLS Also-Rans.
After last night's loss to Marathon in the CONCACAF Champions League Match, DC United is done and dusted for 2008. The season for me is a mixed bag of matters. The highlights must include the U.S. Open Cup, which guarantees some international play next year, i.e. qualifying round for the Champtions League. Who knows about Superliga since MLS keeps changing the rules on that one, for all I know L.A. Galaxy will be in it. When not injured, Marcello Gallardo was putting in some solid performances and at $1.75 million a year, he should. Got to get him healthy. Some players stepped up and showed some real promise this year, Marc Burch, Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms and Louis Crayton. A lot of young developmental players showed some promise as well.
But there are some darknesses as well. First and foremost--no playoffs. Second, lousy international play (Soehn looked like he didn't even care at times). Third, injuries that kept Gallardo, Peralta, and Olsen on the bench for long periods of time. Fourth, a very streaky offense; Emilio was nowhere near his MVP status, Francis Doe didn't do as much as hoped, and Fred was AWOL for long periods of time. Fifth and finally, poor player acquisition decisions in the front office, i.e. Zach Wells as a starting goalkeeper for way too long, Franco Niell, Jose Carvallo, etc. Really a bad year in the player acquisition market.
So what does DC United need to do for the next year?
Front Office Matters
1. Don't fire Tom Soehn--yet. Yes, some of Soehn's tactical decisions at the start of the year were questionable, but this is his first head coach job, give him a little time. Yes, Soehn looked like he was phoning it in on the international play, but by the time that got started in earnest, Soehn's squad was reeling from injuries, suspensions and poor play from leading players. I don't want to make excuses from Soehn, but DC United came close, i.e. withing four strikes of the woodwork in the final match against Columbus, of making the playoffs despite all the crap that happened this year. He has earned a chance to see if he can right the ship next year, well, at least half a year anyway.
2. Shuck some dead weight. Rod Dyachenko, don't let the door hit you on the butt on the way out. Ditto for Zach Wells. Fred? Sorry, time for you to find employment elsewhere. Ivan Guerrero, you are a nice guy and you work hard, but unless you can play somewhere else on the field, we need a left back with more pace and better service skills. Buh-Bye.
3. Restructure some contracts. As a DC United fan, these next two things hurt to say: Jaime Moreno is a good man, a great player, but a player whose production, pace and presence has diminished. Sorry Jaime, a pay cut for you but with incentives (I know Moreno got to double figures in goals and assists, but really, a lot of those goals came from the penalty spot). Ben Olsen needs to either a). retire if his ankle doesn't improve dramatically, or b) take a big paycut (I am talking at least 50% of his $215,000 salary). I don't mind a big incentive laden contract, founded on appearances, minutes, etc., but Benny is taking up lots of cap space and played like what 15 minutes this year. Gonzalo Peralta, same story. Gonzalo Martinez, yep-you too. Dominic Mediate--nice guy, but if you can't play, even your tiny salary and more importantly your senior roster space has to go to someone else.
4. Give the following people good raises. Clyde Simms--DC's iron man, deserves more than his $59,000 a year salary. March Burch certainly deserves more than his minimum salary. Quaranta's incentive laden contract will get him a raise. Joe Vide, Ryan Cordeiro, Craig Thompson, and Greg Janicki all deserve bigger pay and at least Vide, Cordeiro and Janicki have probably earned senior roster spots.
On the Field Matters.
1. Build some depth on the back line. DC United's problem this year wasn't necessarily an inability to score goals, well it wasn't their problem all year long. But the one problem they had all year long was the back line. Defensively, DC looked terrible. The first couple of games I chalked up to new players getting used to each other and a keeper who couldn't command the box. But as the year went on things didn't improve. DC conceded the second most number of goals (51). Some of those goals are the result of poor goalkeeping, but most weren't. Soehn and Kevin Payne need to find two more center backs, one to play everyday with Gonzalo Peralta and one back up. Gonzalo Martinez might be better off moving to right back or even more forward if Soehn is willing to try a 4-2-3-1 type of set up, with Martinez and Clyde Simms playing in those two defensive midfield posistions. Many times this year, they looked in synch and it might work well and take a little pressure off of Gallardo in the center of midfield.
2. Find some wingers. I don't know if Quavas Kirk has the pace and service to be a winger. Quaranta made a solid effort on the right, but he is not really a winger--but could be. I don't see anyone else on this squad is who ready to fill that role and DC needs it.
3. Get a target forward. Francis Doe, Thabiso Khumalo, Luciano Emilio--what do all these players have in common? Smaller size, decent pace, better at going at defenders and less capable of working in the box with their back to goal. Soehn and Payne need a target man, someone who can knock the ball down to one of these guys.
4. Get a better backup keeper. James Thorpe impressed me in his 30 minutes last week in the Champions league, he made some good saves. Is Thorpe the guy to be Crayton's back up? Maybe, but right now I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Thorpe has earned a continued spot on the developmental roster, but I think Soehn/Payne need to find a quality backup.
In reality, DC's woes stem from the defensive third of the field. If United can short that up, they can do much better next year.
Previous Episodes in this Series.
L.A. Galaxy
After last night's loss to Marathon in the CONCACAF Champions League Match, DC United is done and dusted for 2008. The season for me is a mixed bag of matters. The highlights must include the U.S. Open Cup, which guarantees some international play next year, i.e. qualifying round for the Champtions League. Who knows about Superliga since MLS keeps changing the rules on that one, for all I know L.A. Galaxy will be in it. When not injured, Marcello Gallardo was putting in some solid performances and at $1.75 million a year, he should. Got to get him healthy. Some players stepped up and showed some real promise this year, Marc Burch, Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms and Louis Crayton. A lot of young developmental players showed some promise as well.
But there are some darknesses as well. First and foremost--no playoffs. Second, lousy international play (Soehn looked like he didn't even care at times). Third, injuries that kept Gallardo, Peralta, and Olsen on the bench for long periods of time. Fourth, a very streaky offense; Emilio was nowhere near his MVP status, Francis Doe didn't do as much as hoped, and Fred was AWOL for long periods of time. Fifth and finally, poor player acquisition decisions in the front office, i.e. Zach Wells as a starting goalkeeper for way too long, Franco Niell, Jose Carvallo, etc. Really a bad year in the player acquisition market.
So what does DC United need to do for the next year?
Front Office Matters
1. Don't fire Tom Soehn--yet. Yes, some of Soehn's tactical decisions at the start of the year were questionable, but this is his first head coach job, give him a little time. Yes, Soehn looked like he was phoning it in on the international play, but by the time that got started in earnest, Soehn's squad was reeling from injuries, suspensions and poor play from leading players. I don't want to make excuses from Soehn, but DC United came close, i.e. withing four strikes of the woodwork in the final match against Columbus, of making the playoffs despite all the crap that happened this year. He has earned a chance to see if he can right the ship next year, well, at least half a year anyway.
2. Shuck some dead weight. Rod Dyachenko, don't let the door hit you on the butt on the way out. Ditto for Zach Wells. Fred? Sorry, time for you to find employment elsewhere. Ivan Guerrero, you are a nice guy and you work hard, but unless you can play somewhere else on the field, we need a left back with more pace and better service skills. Buh-Bye.
3. Restructure some contracts. As a DC United fan, these next two things hurt to say: Jaime Moreno is a good man, a great player, but a player whose production, pace and presence has diminished. Sorry Jaime, a pay cut for you but with incentives (I know Moreno got to double figures in goals and assists, but really, a lot of those goals came from the penalty spot). Ben Olsen needs to either a). retire if his ankle doesn't improve dramatically, or b) take a big paycut (I am talking at least 50% of his $215,000 salary). I don't mind a big incentive laden contract, founded on appearances, minutes, etc., but Benny is taking up lots of cap space and played like what 15 minutes this year. Gonzalo Peralta, same story. Gonzalo Martinez, yep-you too. Dominic Mediate--nice guy, but if you can't play, even your tiny salary and more importantly your senior roster space has to go to someone else.
4. Give the following people good raises. Clyde Simms--DC's iron man, deserves more than his $59,000 a year salary. March Burch certainly deserves more than his minimum salary. Quaranta's incentive laden contract will get him a raise. Joe Vide, Ryan Cordeiro, Craig Thompson, and Greg Janicki all deserve bigger pay and at least Vide, Cordeiro and Janicki have probably earned senior roster spots.
On the Field Matters.
1. Build some depth on the back line. DC United's problem this year wasn't necessarily an inability to score goals, well it wasn't their problem all year long. But the one problem they had all year long was the back line. Defensively, DC looked terrible. The first couple of games I chalked up to new players getting used to each other and a keeper who couldn't command the box. But as the year went on things didn't improve. DC conceded the second most number of goals (51). Some of those goals are the result of poor goalkeeping, but most weren't. Soehn and Kevin Payne need to find two more center backs, one to play everyday with Gonzalo Peralta and one back up. Gonzalo Martinez might be better off moving to right back or even more forward if Soehn is willing to try a 4-2-3-1 type of set up, with Martinez and Clyde Simms playing in those two defensive midfield posistions. Many times this year, they looked in synch and it might work well and take a little pressure off of Gallardo in the center of midfield.
2. Find some wingers. I don't know if Quavas Kirk has the pace and service to be a winger. Quaranta made a solid effort on the right, but he is not really a winger--but could be. I don't see anyone else on this squad is who ready to fill that role and DC needs it.
3. Get a target forward. Francis Doe, Thabiso Khumalo, Luciano Emilio--what do all these players have in common? Smaller size, decent pace, better at going at defenders and less capable of working in the box with their back to goal. Soehn and Payne need a target man, someone who can knock the ball down to one of these guys.
4. Get a better backup keeper. James Thorpe impressed me in his 30 minutes last week in the Champions league, he made some good saves. Is Thorpe the guy to be Crayton's back up? Maybe, but right now I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Thorpe has earned a continued spot on the developmental roster, but I think Soehn/Payne need to find a quality backup.
In reality, DC's woes stem from the defensive third of the field. If United can short that up, they can do much better next year.
Previous Episodes in this Series.
L.A. Galaxy
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MLS Losers--L.A. Galaxy
Over a series of posts in the next few days, I hope to take a look at the six teams that did not make the MLS playoffs this year, the L.A. Galaxy, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, DC United, and Toronto FC and noodle on what needs to be done to get better and move forward for a more successful year next year. Today, I will start with the L.A. Galaxy.
The Galaxy went 8-13-9 this season and had no international competitions that they played in. In 30 games the Galaxy were massivly dominant in teh goal scored department, netting 55 times led by Landon Donovan, the leagues golden boot winner, who found the twine 20 times in 25 appearances for the Galaxy and Edson Buddle, who came in third in goals scored for the Galaxy with 15 goals in 27 appearences. LA scored more goals than any other team, five better even that the Supporter Sheild winners Columbus Crew.
But here is the problem, they allowed more goals than anyone else--62. That is fully eleven more than the next most porous defense, DC United (51) and 30 goals more than the stingiest defense in teh league, Houston (which allowed only 32 goals this year). Certainly, their mid-to-late season winless run made their appearance in the playoffs difficult to impossible. Their June to September run of 12 games and getting only six of a possible 36 points killed their hopes.
Landon Donovan is going to Europe, Bruce Arena has to accept that. Now MLS will probably get a pretty decent transfer fee and L.A. will save some $900,000 of salary cap space. That means that Arena will have some salary cap space, some allocation money and allocation spots to acquire some players that he will need and not have to pay them almost half of his salary cap space.
David Beckham is probably on the verge of dishonoring a contract for the first time in his career. I know a lot of people believe Beckham will come back, but Beckham desperatly wants to play in the 2010 World Cup and he won't be able to impress England manager Fabio Capello in L.A. He can get some playing time with AC Milan (although not much with a squad that boasts Kaka, Ronaldihno and a veritable list of all stars). Thus far Capello has brought Beckham into the England squad for fan appeal, for "leadership" and little else. To stay in the hunt for a World Cup squad spot, Beckham has to be playing better--hence AC Milan. Don't be surprised to see Beckham's loan deal become a purchase deal with a hefty price tag.
So what is Bruce Arena to do with his two name stars heading for the door. First, what does Arena have that is worth something and he can build a squad around.
Here are the players that I think Arena can build a squad around:
Edson Buddle. If Buddle has a year next year similar to the one he had this year, then Arena will probably only have Buddle for another year, two at the max before Buddle finds his way to a European League. So here is the main goal scoring threat for L.A. The problem is that Buddle is more of a poacher than Donovan and doesn't have that creative flair that Donovan brings. Buddle is also not a big guy like Alan Gordon, so is not much of a target striker. Buddle will need a big striker to work off of to be a good threat. But you can't argue with the man's nose for the goal.
Eddie Lewis. Steady Eddie probably has only one year left in his body, but he can provide the necessary leadership. Arena and Lewis know each other well from the U.S. MNT time together and Lewis can be the on-field general for Arena and implement Arena's system from there.
Chris Klein. The MLS iron man looks in good form and has been bombing up and down the touchline with Beckham all season long. Klein is also experienced in this League and can help develop younger players, like:
Sean Franklin. To me Franklin is a contender for rookie of the year. Quite literally thrown to the wolves, Franklin acquitted himself well, earning playing time. However, he has been misused by playing in central defense. It may be time to switch Klein to the center and FRanklin out to the right back and let Franklin use some of that speed he has.
There are other plays, Ante Jazcic, Joe Franchino and Brandon McDonald that have proven their worth on occaisions and will be helpful in building a team.
Healthy, these seven players can provide a solid core for Arena. But Arena is hurting all over the place and unless he is ready for wholesale roster changes (and I think he might be), here are the three areas he needs to focus on, no suprises though--the focus will have to be on the spine of the team, right down the middle.
Goalkeeping. Arena needs two everyday goalkeepers. Steven Cronin is not it. Josh Wicks is not a bad backup, but I don't know if he has the chops to play every week. So who is Arena going to get. My money is on Matt Pickens. Pickens played for the Chicago Fire and spent some time with Queen's Park Rangers in the English Championship League before being released back in May. The 26 year old Missouri native is currently unattached and has the experience necessary to command the box and run a defense.
Central Defense. Even with Franklin and Klein in the back line, Arena is going to need a strong, commanding central defender. Arena is probably going to have to go outside the MLS to find one, probably in South America or Africa. What Arena will need is a player with size, speed and most importantly experience, who has the personality to direct a defense. Since defensive cohesion, shape and compactness are at the core of Arena's style, this is will probably be the most important off-season job for Arena. In all likelihood, he will need two of these players. If Arena gets two good central defenders, I would see which of Kleing and Franklin have a good left foot crossing and put these two on the outside back positions.
Central midfield. Arena needs two central midfielders, a playmaker, someone who can control the pace of the game, dictate the attack and create, create, create for the Galaxy; and a holding midfielder. L.A. has been without such a player for some time, and no Beckham is not that guy. Arena needs a holding midfielder because, let's face it, the Galaxy need all the defensive help they can get. Christian Gomez from Colorado might be a good target, since he is not getting anytime with the Rapids and could fill either role, although I think he is more of a playmaker. As far as a defensive midfielder, I think Arena needs to look for someone like Pablo Mastoeni, whose contract is over for Colorado. The problem is that mastroeni is looking to close out his career in Europe. Yes, he is a little old for such a transfer, but a solid Serie B team might be a destination.
Ives Galarcep suggested prayer and I can't disagree with that notion. But next year is a rebuilding year for L.A. and any thoughts otherwise are dreams at best. Can L.A. make the playoffs next year? Yes, but not until they close up the defensive holes.
The Galaxy went 8-13-9 this season and had no international competitions that they played in. In 30 games the Galaxy were massivly dominant in teh goal scored department, netting 55 times led by Landon Donovan, the leagues golden boot winner, who found the twine 20 times in 25 appearances for the Galaxy and Edson Buddle, who came in third in goals scored for the Galaxy with 15 goals in 27 appearences. LA scored more goals than any other team, five better even that the Supporter Sheild winners Columbus Crew.
But here is the problem, they allowed more goals than anyone else--62. That is fully eleven more than the next most porous defense, DC United (51) and 30 goals more than the stingiest defense in teh league, Houston (which allowed only 32 goals this year). Certainly, their mid-to-late season winless run made their appearance in the playoffs difficult to impossible. Their June to September run of 12 games and getting only six of a possible 36 points killed their hopes.
Landon Donovan is going to Europe, Bruce Arena has to accept that. Now MLS will probably get a pretty decent transfer fee and L.A. will save some $900,000 of salary cap space. That means that Arena will have some salary cap space, some allocation money and allocation spots to acquire some players that he will need and not have to pay them almost half of his salary cap space.
David Beckham is probably on the verge of dishonoring a contract for the first time in his career. I know a lot of people believe Beckham will come back, but Beckham desperatly wants to play in the 2010 World Cup and he won't be able to impress England manager Fabio Capello in L.A. He can get some playing time with AC Milan (although not much with a squad that boasts Kaka, Ronaldihno and a veritable list of all stars). Thus far Capello has brought Beckham into the England squad for fan appeal, for "leadership" and little else. To stay in the hunt for a World Cup squad spot, Beckham has to be playing better--hence AC Milan. Don't be surprised to see Beckham's loan deal become a purchase deal with a hefty price tag.
So what is Bruce Arena to do with his two name stars heading for the door. First, what does Arena have that is worth something and he can build a squad around.
Here are the players that I think Arena can build a squad around:
Edson Buddle. If Buddle has a year next year similar to the one he had this year, then Arena will probably only have Buddle for another year, two at the max before Buddle finds his way to a European League. So here is the main goal scoring threat for L.A. The problem is that Buddle is more of a poacher than Donovan and doesn't have that creative flair that Donovan brings. Buddle is also not a big guy like Alan Gordon, so is not much of a target striker. Buddle will need a big striker to work off of to be a good threat. But you can't argue with the man's nose for the goal.
Eddie Lewis. Steady Eddie probably has only one year left in his body, but he can provide the necessary leadership. Arena and Lewis know each other well from the U.S. MNT time together and Lewis can be the on-field general for Arena and implement Arena's system from there.
Chris Klein. The MLS iron man looks in good form and has been bombing up and down the touchline with Beckham all season long. Klein is also experienced in this League and can help develop younger players, like:
Sean Franklin. To me Franklin is a contender for rookie of the year. Quite literally thrown to the wolves, Franklin acquitted himself well, earning playing time. However, he has been misused by playing in central defense. It may be time to switch Klein to the center and FRanklin out to the right back and let Franklin use some of that speed he has.
There are other plays, Ante Jazcic, Joe Franchino and Brandon McDonald that have proven their worth on occaisions and will be helpful in building a team.
Healthy, these seven players can provide a solid core for Arena. But Arena is hurting all over the place and unless he is ready for wholesale roster changes (and I think he might be), here are the three areas he needs to focus on, no suprises though--the focus will have to be on the spine of the team, right down the middle.
Goalkeeping. Arena needs two everyday goalkeepers. Steven Cronin is not it. Josh Wicks is not a bad backup, but I don't know if he has the chops to play every week. So who is Arena going to get. My money is on Matt Pickens. Pickens played for the Chicago Fire and spent some time with Queen's Park Rangers in the English Championship League before being released back in May. The 26 year old Missouri native is currently unattached and has the experience necessary to command the box and run a defense.
Central Defense. Even with Franklin and Klein in the back line, Arena is going to need a strong, commanding central defender. Arena is probably going to have to go outside the MLS to find one, probably in South America or Africa. What Arena will need is a player with size, speed and most importantly experience, who has the personality to direct a defense. Since defensive cohesion, shape and compactness are at the core of Arena's style, this is will probably be the most important off-season job for Arena. In all likelihood, he will need two of these players. If Arena gets two good central defenders, I would see which of Kleing and Franklin have a good left foot crossing and put these two on the outside back positions.
Central midfield. Arena needs two central midfielders, a playmaker, someone who can control the pace of the game, dictate the attack and create, create, create for the Galaxy; and a holding midfielder. L.A. has been without such a player for some time, and no Beckham is not that guy. Arena needs a holding midfielder because, let's face it, the Galaxy need all the defensive help they can get. Christian Gomez from Colorado might be a good target, since he is not getting anytime with the Rapids and could fill either role, although I think he is more of a playmaker. As far as a defensive midfielder, I think Arena needs to look for someone like Pablo Mastoeni, whose contract is over for Colorado. The problem is that mastroeni is looking to close out his career in Europe. Yes, he is a little old for such a transfer, but a solid Serie B team might be a destination.
Ives Galarcep suggested prayer and I can't disagree with that notion. But next year is a rebuilding year for L.A. and any thoughts otherwise are dreams at best. Can L.A. make the playoffs next year? Yes, but not until they close up the defensive holes.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
DC United Done and Dusted for 2008
Word today, courtesy of Goff, is that United midfielder "Fred has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will miss the final three matches of the regular season." Which really means that Fred is done until next year. Fred, Luciano Emilio and Marcello Gallardo are out with various injuries, and Jaime Moreno will sit this weekend due to a red card suspension, which means that Tommy Soehn will probably start Santino Quaranta and/or Rod Dyachenko in the playmaker role, Dyachenko can't do and Quaranta would make a valiant effort but it is not his forte either. Yesterday, Goff listed the squad that will travel to Costa Rica for the CONCACAF Champions League match against Saprissa and Soehn is carrying just 16 players!!! Among that 16, only four would be considered regular starting figures. I smell a blowout.
While I am a DC fan, I am a realistic DC fan and this year has stunk up the joint. Unlike some DC fans, I will not make excuses and one analysis is pretty dead on. Other clubs have faced injuries, fixture congestion, and international play. Some clubs have given up (see New England) and some clubs have tried to rise to teh challenge (see Houston). But lets face it, these are just excuses.
The normally smart and talented Kevin Payne did not do so well in the scouting and player acquisition market. Yes, Gallardo was a great addition, but he has spent the crux of the season on the injury list. Not Payne's fault of course, but DC waited too long to rid themselves of Franco Niell and had a disasterous selection in Jose Carvalho, and failed to dump him and get a back up to Zach Wells that would create pressure on Wells to perform. In short, while some of the most recent acquisitions, like Joe Vide and Thabiso Khumalo look like they could really work for DC next year and a few young players like Ryan Cordiero and Craig Thompson have the earmarks of solid squad players, the fact is that this team is being held together by tape and bandages.
Of course as a DC fan, this is disappointing. But when you take a squad of reserves to Costa Rica to take on a club like Saprissa, I don't care what Payne and Soehn say about taking the Champions League seriously, their actions certainly belie their words. This has been one of the most dismal seasons in United history, from the start to the finish.
There are perhpas three bright spots to take away from this year:
1. Winning the U.S. Open Cup means Champions League next year. Of course, DC will have to qualify for the group stage, but they should be able to do that.
2. Santino Quaranta is starting to play like he promised those many years ago when he first came to DC and before his now public drug problem. Quaranta's progress gives me hope for next year.
3. DC United doesn't such as bad as the LA Galaxy.
I suppose you could find some other lights in this otherwise dark season, but they won't be very bright ones.
Yes, clubs goes through ups and downs and this year could simply be a down year for United. I am willing to chalk it up to that and move on. But assuming DC United scrape into the Playoffs--as unlikely as that appears--I won't count on the ambulance crew to get past the first round, where DC will face Columbus in the first round and I just don't see the Crew faltering this year. (DC mathematically cannot catch New England and the only way DC can catch Chicago is if DC wins their next three games and Chicago loses all three. Even then, DC would have to score 17 goals in three games to make up the goal difference, so even if DC wins out the season and can scrape by Kansas City and New York, they will still be in fourth place.)
So a down year, disappointing as it was, can often be the foundation for a great year. But for now, DC is playing for pride and little else.
While I am a DC fan, I am a realistic DC fan and this year has stunk up the joint. Unlike some DC fans, I will not make excuses and one analysis is pretty dead on. Other clubs have faced injuries, fixture congestion, and international play. Some clubs have given up (see New England) and some clubs have tried to rise to teh challenge (see Houston). But lets face it, these are just excuses.
The normally smart and talented Kevin Payne did not do so well in the scouting and player acquisition market. Yes, Gallardo was a great addition, but he has spent the crux of the season on the injury list. Not Payne's fault of course, but DC waited too long to rid themselves of Franco Niell and had a disasterous selection in Jose Carvalho, and failed to dump him and get a back up to Zach Wells that would create pressure on Wells to perform. In short, while some of the most recent acquisitions, like Joe Vide and Thabiso Khumalo look like they could really work for DC next year and a few young players like Ryan Cordiero and Craig Thompson have the earmarks of solid squad players, the fact is that this team is being held together by tape and bandages.
Of course as a DC fan, this is disappointing. But when you take a squad of reserves to Costa Rica to take on a club like Saprissa, I don't care what Payne and Soehn say about taking the Champions League seriously, their actions certainly belie their words. This has been one of the most dismal seasons in United history, from the start to the finish.
There are perhpas three bright spots to take away from this year:
1. Winning the U.S. Open Cup means Champions League next year. Of course, DC will have to qualify for the group stage, but they should be able to do that.
2. Santino Quaranta is starting to play like he promised those many years ago when he first came to DC and before his now public drug problem. Quaranta's progress gives me hope for next year.
3. DC United doesn't such as bad as the LA Galaxy.
I suppose you could find some other lights in this otherwise dark season, but they won't be very bright ones.
Yes, clubs goes through ups and downs and this year could simply be a down year for United. I am willing to chalk it up to that and move on. But assuming DC United scrape into the Playoffs--as unlikely as that appears--I won't count on the ambulance crew to get past the first round, where DC will face Columbus in the first round and I just don't see the Crew faltering this year. (DC mathematically cannot catch New England and the only way DC can catch Chicago is if DC wins their next three games and Chicago loses all three. Even then, DC would have to score 17 goals in three games to make up the goal difference, so even if DC wins out the season and can scrape by Kansas City and New York, they will still be in fourth place.)
So a down year, disappointing as it was, can often be the foundation for a great year. But for now, DC is playing for pride and little else.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
American Options
For a while now, I have been listening to the American Soccer Show on the Champions Soccer Radio Network, hosted by Kartik Krishnaier and Dave Denholm. there are subject on which I agree with and subjects which I don't, but this particular post by Krishnaier hits the nail on the head. Krishanier writes:
First, some teams, like New England and DC United and to a lesser extent Houston and DC United, and to a greater extent Toronto FC, have done a good job recruiting young foreign players from Africa and South America who they can pay less, hope to get a couple of years out of them and probably sell them on to Europe or back to South America for more money than they paid. As a business model, it is not a bad idea, buy cheap and sell for more than you paid. If the player goes bust, no big deal, you didn't spend that much money in the first place. Makes good business sense. Why?
Well that brings me to my second point. It is not that there are not quality American players out there on the horizon, coming up through the high school, youth national team programs and college, but let's face it, you can't expect to offer a college player $17,000 a year salary and expect him to stay in the U.S. Should the MLS have more American players? Yes, but until those American players can earn a decent salary from MLS, it won't happen. An expanded roster and an increased salary cap will help keep more American players in the MLS.
The MLS still does a decent job of getting American players into the league and then see quality players move on to Europe, while less stellar quality players remain in teh MLS, plying their trade and trying to bring the quality of the league up. But until you can have a team with adequate depth to ride out injuries, national team call-ups and multiple competitions, the MLS will suffer from a lack of American players.
Now, there are teams out there that use a large portion of native players. They can be competitive also. Take teh example of Aston Villa in the English Premier League. Villa's 18 man squad from this past weekend had the following players (nationality in parens, starters in bold, subs entering game in italics)
Brad Friedel (USA)
Luke Young (England)
Nicky Shorey (England)
Curtis Davies (England)
Martin Laursen (Denmark)
Nigel Reo-Coker (England)
Ashley Young (England)
Gareth Barry (England)
Stiliyan Petrov (Bulgaria)
Gabriel Agbonglahor (England)
John Carew (Norway)
Brad Guzan (USA)
Zat Knight (England)
Carlos Cuellar (Spain)
James Milner (England)
Moustapha Salifou (Togo)
Marlon Harewood (England)
Craig Gardner (England)
Seven of Villa's starging 11 are English. Fully 11 of the 18 man squad are English. Villa is doing well in the Premier League and will be advancing in the UEFA cup with this kind of a line-up.
My point is that you don't need a ton of foreign players. But to develop the American game, we need to see more American playmakers, people in the roles of Cuathemoc Blanco, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Shalrie Joseph, Marcello Gallardo (when healthy) and even to a lesser extent David Beckham. We need players who can create plays, chances and to dictate the game. Right now, there are not enough American players who can do that, although a couple are developing.
While I would like to see more American players in teh MLS, the fact is that we will not until the owners are willing to part with more more money to pay American players American wages.
With the recent proliferation of foreign players in Major League Soccer and the dumming down of the quality of the league thanks to expansion and fixture congestion, it’s easy to be sour on MLS. I’ve been particularly disturbed by MLS clubs continued reliance on signing foreign players to plug holes in their side, when plenty of good American options exist. Given the kind of support a club like CD Guadalajara has south of the border and the talk that other traditional Mexican clubs feeling the blowback of South American influence on their league may mimick Chivas in the future, I believe the time has come for an MLS or USL-1/2 side to take the chance and field a team made up entirely of American nationals.Now, I don't necessarily think that foreign players are bad, per se, but the Mickey League Soccer has apparently become overly reliant on foriegn players. I say apparently, because, as is usual, Krishnaier leaves some things out of the calculus.
I disagree strongly with those people who believe importing foreign talent will continue to sell the beautiful game to the masses here in the United States. American fans eventually want to cheer for and take pride in home grown players. Foreign imports save David Beckham and in year one of the league Carlos Valderrama, Roberto Donadoni and Hugo Sanchez have done little to stimulate attendance for the league. Instead they have been used by coaches and managment too lazy to scout American players or simply who buy into the inferiority complex many have about American players. The time has come for some bold club to step forth and make this change.
First, some teams, like New England and DC United and to a lesser extent Houston and DC United, and to a greater extent Toronto FC, have done a good job recruiting young foreign players from Africa and South America who they can pay less, hope to get a couple of years out of them and probably sell them on to Europe or back to South America for more money than they paid. As a business model, it is not a bad idea, buy cheap and sell for more than you paid. If the player goes bust, no big deal, you didn't spend that much money in the first place. Makes good business sense. Why?
Well that brings me to my second point. It is not that there are not quality American players out there on the horizon, coming up through the high school, youth national team programs and college, but let's face it, you can't expect to offer a college player $17,000 a year salary and expect him to stay in the U.S. Should the MLS have more American players? Yes, but until those American players can earn a decent salary from MLS, it won't happen. An expanded roster and an increased salary cap will help keep more American players in the MLS.
The MLS still does a decent job of getting American players into the league and then see quality players move on to Europe, while less stellar quality players remain in teh MLS, plying their trade and trying to bring the quality of the league up. But until you can have a team with adequate depth to ride out injuries, national team call-ups and multiple competitions, the MLS will suffer from a lack of American players.
Now, there are teams out there that use a large portion of native players. They can be competitive also. Take teh example of Aston Villa in the English Premier League. Villa's 18 man squad from this past weekend had the following players (nationality in parens, starters in bold, subs entering game in italics)
Brad Friedel (USA)
Luke Young (England)
Nicky Shorey (England)
Curtis Davies (England)
Martin Laursen (Denmark)
Nigel Reo-Coker (England)
Ashley Young (England)
Gareth Barry (England)
Stiliyan Petrov (Bulgaria)
Gabriel Agbonglahor (England)
John Carew (Norway)
Brad Guzan (USA)
Zat Knight (England)
Carlos Cuellar (Spain)
James Milner (England)
Moustapha Salifou (Togo)
Marlon Harewood (England)
Craig Gardner (England)
Seven of Villa's starging 11 are English. Fully 11 of the 18 man squad are English. Villa is doing well in the Premier League and will be advancing in the UEFA cup with this kind of a line-up.
My point is that you don't need a ton of foreign players. But to develop the American game, we need to see more American playmakers, people in the roles of Cuathemoc Blanco, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Shalrie Joseph, Marcello Gallardo (when healthy) and even to a lesser extent David Beckham. We need players who can create plays, chances and to dictate the game. Right now, there are not enough American players who can do that, although a couple are developing.
While I would like to see more American players in teh MLS, the fact is that we will not until the owners are willing to part with more more money to pay American players American wages.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
L.A. Galaxy Officially the Celler Dwellers
Last week, the MLS "Superclub" L.A. Galaxy were tied with three other teams on 26 points. Today, after 24 weeks of play, the Galaxy are officially the sole dwellers of the cellar.
I know I should take some much glee in this, but the Galaxy are an example of everything that is bad about the MLS. It is not that their quality of play is so bad, but that the club is set up almost for failure. They have two highly paid players in Beckham and Donvovan and a large pool of players not making that much money. I don't care how good a guy Beckham or Donovan may be in the dressing room, it creates problems in quality if not in mentality.
I don't know if Bruce Arena can fix the Galaxy this year, but you can bet that a number of players will be shipped in the offseason in order to balance the paysheet.
I know I should take some much glee in this, but the Galaxy are an example of everything that is bad about the MLS. It is not that their quality of play is so bad, but that the club is set up almost for failure. They have two highly paid players in Beckham and Donvovan and a large pool of players not making that much money. I don't care how good a guy Beckham or Donovan may be in the dressing room, it creates problems in quality if not in mentality.
I don't know if Bruce Arena can fix the Galaxy this year, but you can bet that a number of players will be shipped in the offseason in order to balance the paysheet.
Fulham 2:1 Bolton
Fulham dominated the match and survived a final minute heart attack to take three points against Bolton at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera eached netted a goal while Andy Johnson got his debut for the Whites, pairing with Zamora up top.
Fulham are playing a quality brand of football, with possession and control the call of the day. The midfiled of Jimmy Bullard, fresh off a session with the English National Team (although he did not get a run out) and Danny Murphy leading the way in teh middle with Gera on the left and Simon Davies on the right. Hodgson is getting comfortable with the big central defenders of Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes. Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil at the outside backs.
There was a little scare in the early minutes of the second half when Bolton's Kevin Nolan had a hard tackle on Jimmy Bullard and the concerns of Bullard knee clearly implicated. Nolan got the yellow card and Bullard got up to the cheers of the crowd.
Although Fulham only netted two goals, but they created lots of chances and could have as many as four clear goals and maybe a fifth.
I must say that this year Fulham are looking more like a team that deserves to have stayed in the top flight. They are playing stylish football and more importantly, when the chips were down they didn't fold. I think had this game occurred this fixture last year, Fulham would have crumbled in the final minutes and surrendered the draw. I also think that had the opposition had been a top five or six team, it might very well have resulted in teh draw. So that Fulham didn't blow it should give them a little more confidence to believe that they don't need to pull a Fulham and give up the points in the final minutes. So Hodgson is building the confidence.
So what is teh stauts, Fulham, after three games is on six points and sitting at 6th in teh League with a game in hand.
I know, everyone will tell you that you can't make any conclusions until about 8-10 games into the league, but Hodgson has built a team with depth and they are playing well. And given the relegation escape, I will rejoice in the position right now.
Clint Dempsey dressed but did not play. I have to wonder how much this has to hurt the American. He seems to be gaining some confidence from his national team play (two goals in two games). But I have to wonder whether he is going to see any more significant playing time anytime soon and if he doesn't what that will do to his confidence. With few American field players in the Premier League, I wonder how Dempsey himself feels.
Fulham are playing a quality brand of football, with possession and control the call of the day. The midfiled of Jimmy Bullard, fresh off a session with the English National Team (although he did not get a run out) and Danny Murphy leading the way in teh middle with Gera on the left and Simon Davies on the right. Hodgson is getting comfortable with the big central defenders of Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes. Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil at the outside backs.
There was a little scare in the early minutes of the second half when Bolton's Kevin Nolan had a hard tackle on Jimmy Bullard and the concerns of Bullard knee clearly implicated. Nolan got the yellow card and Bullard got up to the cheers of the crowd.
Although Fulham only netted two goals, but they created lots of chances and could have as many as four clear goals and maybe a fifth.
I must say that this year Fulham are looking more like a team that deserves to have stayed in the top flight. They are playing stylish football and more importantly, when the chips were down they didn't fold. I think had this game occurred this fixture last year, Fulham would have crumbled in the final minutes and surrendered the draw. I also think that had the opposition had been a top five or six team, it might very well have resulted in teh draw. So that Fulham didn't blow it should give them a little more confidence to believe that they don't need to pull a Fulham and give up the points in the final minutes. So Hodgson is building the confidence.
So what is teh stauts, Fulham, after three games is on six points and sitting at 6th in teh League with a game in hand.
I know, everyone will tell you that you can't make any conclusions until about 8-10 games into the league, but Hodgson has built a team with depth and they are playing well. And given the relegation escape, I will rejoice in the position right now.
Clint Dempsey dressed but did not play. I have to wonder how much this has to hurt the American. He seems to be gaining some confidence from his national team play (two goals in two games). But I have to wonder whether he is going to see any more significant playing time anytime soon and if he doesn't what that will do to his confidence. With few American field players in the Premier League, I wonder how Dempsey himself feels.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Fulham 1-0 Arsenal
Have to love this scoreline.
Brede Hangeland got his first goal for the Whites midway through the first half. Admittedly, I was worried that Fulham would, well, pull a Fulham and blow it in the final 15 minutes, but that didn't happen and Fulham get their first win of the season in thier home opener. I have to say, I need to get myself to Craven Cottage and soon as I thought the atmosphere was outstanding.
Hangeland's goal, off a Jimmy Bullard corner kick, was wonderful to watch. But the general possession game that Fulham looked to be playing was also appealing. Hodgson is known for having this kind of possession oriented game style and the Whites look to be adapting to it well. Arsenel, known for playing a more beautiful style of game that most of the EPL, actually looked puzzled a bit by Fulham's play. But possessing the ball means you opponents don't have the ball and if they don't have the ball, they can't score.
The final ten minutes or so were a flurry of Arsenel attacks, leading to my fear of a Fulham ending, giving up two points at home. But with Hangeland and Schwarzer working hard, along with John Pantsil (who is making a case for his right back slot), Aaron Hughes and Tony Kallio (in his Fulham debut for the injured Paul Konchesky) kept the Fulham defense in shape and kept Arsenel out of the net.
Last week, I though Fulham would win at Hull City, but lost in the last minutes. This week, I thought Arsenel would win and was pleasantly suprised otherwise. Fulham are off to a good start.
Wednesday the Whites will host Leicester City in a Carling Cup match. Then comes a two week international break FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Brede Hangeland got his first goal for the Whites midway through the first half. Admittedly, I was worried that Fulham would, well, pull a Fulham and blow it in the final 15 minutes, but that didn't happen and Fulham get their first win of the season in thier home opener. I have to say, I need to get myself to Craven Cottage and soon as I thought the atmosphere was outstanding.
Hangeland's goal, off a Jimmy Bullard corner kick, was wonderful to watch. But the general possession game that Fulham looked to be playing was also appealing. Hodgson is known for having this kind of possession oriented game style and the Whites look to be adapting to it well. Arsenel, known for playing a more beautiful style of game that most of the EPL, actually looked puzzled a bit by Fulham's play. But possessing the ball means you opponents don't have the ball and if they don't have the ball, they can't score.
The final ten minutes or so were a flurry of Arsenel attacks, leading to my fear of a Fulham ending, giving up two points at home. But with Hangeland and Schwarzer working hard, along with John Pantsil (who is making a case for his right back slot), Aaron Hughes and Tony Kallio (in his Fulham debut for the injured Paul Konchesky) kept the Fulham defense in shape and kept Arsenel out of the net.
Last week, I though Fulham would win at Hull City, but lost in the last minutes. This week, I thought Arsenel would win and was pleasantly suprised otherwise. Fulham are off to a good start.
Wednesday the Whites will host Leicester City in a Carling Cup match. Then comes a two week international break FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Eddie Johnson Loaned to Cardiff City
U.S. International and Fulham also-ran Eddie Johnson is on his way to Wales in season long loan deal to the FA Cup runners-up.
Johnson, who has seen no firt team action in months, could hopefully get some serious playing time. To be honest, I am surprised it took Roy Hodgson this long to loan out the young American.
In the meantime, Johnson could get some significant playing time with Cardiff, a mid-table Championship team that could use some striker help. If you recall, Cardiff supposedly made a transfer bid for Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas. The Championship may actually be more suited to Johnson, at least right now. Hopefully it will boost his confidence and make U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley's faith in Johnson a bit mroe justified.
Johnson, who has seen no firt team action in months, could hopefully get some serious playing time. To be honest, I am surprised it took Roy Hodgson this long to loan out the young American.
In the meantime, Johnson could get some significant playing time with Cardiff, a mid-table Championship team that could use some striker help. If you recall, Cardiff supposedly made a transfer bid for Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas. The Championship may actually be more suited to Johnson, at least right now. Hopefully it will boost his confidence and make U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley's faith in Johnson a bit mroe justified.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
St. Louis Soccer Complex
I hope this plan will help bring an MLS franchise to St. Louis. Given the soccer history of St. Louis, it seems tragic that a club is not located there. Given that the upcoming Women's Professional League will have club there, it seems only fitting that MLS put a club there.
Added bonus, when I go visit my grandmother, I can see an MLS game nearby.
Added bonus, when I go visit my grandmother, I can see an MLS game nearby.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
U.S. Open Cup--DC United v. Chicago Fire
I will be at this evening's U.S. Open Cup game between DC and Chicago at the Maryland Soccerplex. Kick-off at 7:30pm, can't wait to see who is playing for both clubs.
Chicago has Four U.S. Open Cup trophies in five final appearances, with their most recent victory coming in 2006. DC United have 1 U.S. Open Cup (1996) and two finals appearances. The two teams last met in the U.S. Open Cup play in 2006, when Chicago spanked DC 3-0 in their run to Chicago's last Cup victory.
In MLS play, the two teams have met twice this season, splitting the home and away series a game a piece. Chicago went 0-for June, while DC United has been hot lately with six wins in their last seven games in all competitions, including scoring and impressive 20 goals in those seven games and conceding 8 goals.
In the past DC United has played a fair number of reserve players in Open Cup matches, while Chicago has taken Cup play far more seriously, often playing more of their senior team. Tommy Soehn's club have not had a match since last week's Open Cup match against the Rochester Rhinos and will play Chivas Guadalajara on Sunday to Open the Superliga. Soehn could play a number of first team players along side top subs.
Chicago has Four U.S. Open Cup trophies in five final appearances, with their most recent victory coming in 2006. DC United have 1 U.S. Open Cup (1996) and two finals appearances. The two teams last met in the U.S. Open Cup play in 2006, when Chicago spanked DC 3-0 in their run to Chicago's last Cup victory.
In MLS play, the two teams have met twice this season, splitting the home and away series a game a piece. Chicago went 0-for June, while DC United has been hot lately with six wins in their last seven games in all competitions, including scoring and impressive 20 goals in those seven games and conceding 8 goals.
In the past DC United has played a fair number of reserve players in Open Cup matches, while Chicago has taken Cup play far more seriously, often playing more of their senior team. Tommy Soehn's club have not had a match since last week's Open Cup match against the Rochester Rhinos and will play Chivas Guadalajara on Sunday to Open the Superliga. Soehn could play a number of first team players along side top subs.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Liga de Quito wins Copa Libertadores - USATODAY.com
and becomes the first Ecuadorian club to win South America's most prestiguous club tournament. Liga de Quito will represent South America in the Club World Cup in Japan later this year.
Quito took a two goal lead into the second leg and lost 3-1 in Rio to Fluminese, leaving the aggregate score 5-5 (away goals have no meaning in this competition). Extra time yeilded no change, so penalty kicks were the decider.
Quito goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos saved three penalty kicks to give his club the victory. Photos and more on the Cinderalla story, here.
With the end of the Copa de Liberatodores, the final big international tournament of 2007-2008 is over. The Euros, Copa Lib, and the European seasons have been spectacular. MLS is getting exciting, although admittedly less so. The U.S. Open Cup has had it share of upsets and great stories (Crystal Palace USA, Hollywood United). This is what I love about soccer--it rarely fails to deliver drama and intrigue.
Tip of my hat to Liga de Quito--Well Done and good luck in Japan.
Update: Ives Galarcep has YouTube video of the penalties, the commentary is in Spanish. interesting note, the cameramen did a pretty good job capturing the tension of the Fluminese fans and the penalties wore on.
As a goalkeeper in my past, I had a coach tell that in penalty kicks, if you stop one, you are a hero, if you stop two, you are a god. What if you save three like Cevallos did, what does that make him.
Added note, my goodness, the South Americans suck at taking penalties if this is any evidence.
Quito took a two goal lead into the second leg and lost 3-1 in Rio to Fluminese, leaving the aggregate score 5-5 (away goals have no meaning in this competition). Extra time yeilded no change, so penalty kicks were the decider.
Quito goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos saved three penalty kicks to give his club the victory. Photos and more on the Cinderalla story, here.
With the end of the Copa de Liberatodores, the final big international tournament of 2007-2008 is over. The Euros, Copa Lib, and the European seasons have been spectacular. MLS is getting exciting, although admittedly less so. The U.S. Open Cup has had it share of upsets and great stories (Crystal Palace USA, Hollywood United). This is what I love about soccer--it rarely fails to deliver drama and intrigue.
Tip of my hat to Liga de Quito--Well Done and good luck in Japan.
Update: Ives Galarcep has YouTube video of the penalties, the commentary is in Spanish. interesting note, the cameramen did a pretty good job capturing the tension of the Fluminese fans and the penalties wore on.
As a goalkeeper in my past, I had a coach tell that in penalty kicks, if you stop one, you are a hero, if you stop two, you are a god. What if you save three like Cevallos did, what does that make him.
Added note, my goodness, the South Americans suck at taking penalties if this is any evidence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)