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
Showing posts with label DC United. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DC United. Show all posts
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Santino Quaranta Anniversary
Back in June, I noted the story of Santino Quaranta, his battle with drugs and alcohol, his rehab and rebirth as an everyday player for the DC United.On October 23, 2008 Quaranta celebrated his anniversary of sobriety with family.
In the wake of the suspensions of Jon Conway and Jeff Parkes of the New York Red Bulls for using performance enhancing drugs, it is good to see a story about a player who, with the help of soccer and the MLS, kicked a destructive habit and may finally be blooming into a player.
The only question in my mind would be, will Bob Bradley call him into U.S. Training camp in January? I hope so. It would be a big boost to Quaranta, although, right now, I just don't seem him in the U.S. regular squad.
In the wake of the suspensions of Jon Conway and Jeff Parkes of the New York Red Bulls for using performance enhancing drugs, it is good to see a story about a player who, with the help of soccer and the MLS, kicked a destructive habit and may finally be blooming into a player.
The only question in my mind would be, will Bob Bradley call him into U.S. Training camp in January? I hope so. It would be a big boost to Quaranta, although, right now, I just don't seem him in the U.S. regular squad.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cruz Azul Defeats D.C. United; Both United Keepers Ejected
In general the DC United performance in the CONCACAF Champions League has been shambolic to say the least. However, last night, the whole episode was shambolic to say the least. While DC United fell 2-0 to Cruz Azul in Mexico, the results should have, indeed could have, been far worse.
Where to start? First, DC traveled with just 15 players, (that's four possible subs for those of you keeping count): GOALKEEPERS: Louis Crayton, James Thorpe; DEFENDERS: Pat Carroll, Mike Zaher, Marc Burch, Devon McTavish, Gonzalo Martinez, Bryan Namoff; MIDFIELDERS: Ryan Miller, Craig Thompson, Ryan Cordeiro, Quavas Kirk, Clyde Simms; and
FORWARDS: Thabiso Khumalo, Francis Doe. While all these players but Thorpe has seen first team action this year, it would hard to classify this as DC United's first team. But since DC United were all but eliminated form the competition before last night's game, did it really matter?
Let's talk James Thorpe--the second back up--made his first team debut and looked good. He made some good saves and picked up a yellow card for dumping a Cruz player outside the box. He deserved that yellow card. However, in the 31st minute, Thorpe was setting up for a goal kick and then decided to move to the other side of the goal area. Referee Robert Moreno handed Thorpe a second yellow and sent Thorpe off for what appears to have been unsporting behavior for taking too much time. To say it was a soft yellow card would be generous in the extreme. I didn't think Thorpe was taking that much time and to give the second yellow in such a circumstance is simply inexcusable for a such an infraction. But sending off a player for that is just wrong (and that is the referee in me speaking). Would DC have one with Thorpe in net? Maybe not, but he was putting in a good performance and I hope we see him some more so that we can get a better bead on his abilities.
Okay, so Louis Crayton comes in, cold, and just 10 minutes later, Cruz goes up 1-0 before the half. To be honest, it was a good goal and well taken. No shame in that.
The second half gets under and DC is playing a man short. But the young-uns are making a go of it. There were more than a few solid opportunities for goals and Marc Burch launched a rocket that almost found the equalizer. DC didn't look too shambolic, but then in the 88th minute, it all went pear-shaped again.
Around the 87th minute, Gonzalo Martinez took a ding and was on the ground in what looked to be some serious pain (Marinez can act when necessary, but this one looked real). Instead of being sportsmen and playing the ball out of play so that Martinez could get attention (being a goal and a man up, Cruz should have been sporting) Cruz's Pablo Zeballos struck a shot from outside the penaly area and scored. Crayton was livid and charged referee Moreno who promptly tossed Crayton. I didn't see if Crayton touched Moreno and it didn't look like Moreno was anything more than extemely upset, but Crayton got tossed nonetheless.
With no other goalkeeper on the roster, Quavas Kirk (normally a midfielder/striker) donned the keeper's jersey and played 12 or so minutes in net for the United playing on 9 men.
The aftermath is that DC is done in the Champions league after an absolutely dismal showing.
But on a larger scale, the refereeing last night is an example of why most of the rest of the World looks at CONCACAF as a joke confederation. The quality of officiating has generally been poor and there really is no justification for Moreno last night (that is both the United fan and the referee in me speaking). I don't make excuses for DC's play in other Champions Leauge matches, the last night the young-uns did the best they could in circumstances that would rattle even the most seasoned professionals. That they acquitted themselves well in the face of such adversity is a testament to them.
Where to start? First, DC traveled with just 15 players, (that's four possible subs for those of you keeping count): GOALKEEPERS: Louis Crayton, James Thorpe; DEFENDERS: Pat Carroll, Mike Zaher, Marc Burch, Devon McTavish, Gonzalo Martinez, Bryan Namoff; MIDFIELDERS: Ryan Miller, Craig Thompson, Ryan Cordeiro, Quavas Kirk, Clyde Simms; and
FORWARDS: Thabiso Khumalo, Francis Doe. While all these players but Thorpe has seen first team action this year, it would hard to classify this as DC United's first team. But since DC United were all but eliminated form the competition before last night's game, did it really matter?
Let's talk James Thorpe--the second back up--made his first team debut and looked good. He made some good saves and picked up a yellow card for dumping a Cruz player outside the box. He deserved that yellow card. However, in the 31st minute, Thorpe was setting up for a goal kick and then decided to move to the other side of the goal area. Referee Robert Moreno handed Thorpe a second yellow and sent Thorpe off for what appears to have been unsporting behavior for taking too much time. To say it was a soft yellow card would be generous in the extreme. I didn't think Thorpe was taking that much time and to give the second yellow in such a circumstance is simply inexcusable for a such an infraction. But sending off a player for that is just wrong (and that is the referee in me speaking). Would DC have one with Thorpe in net? Maybe not, but he was putting in a good performance and I hope we see him some more so that we can get a better bead on his abilities.
Okay, so Louis Crayton comes in, cold, and just 10 minutes later, Cruz goes up 1-0 before the half. To be honest, it was a good goal and well taken. No shame in that.
The second half gets under and DC is playing a man short. But the young-uns are making a go of it. There were more than a few solid opportunities for goals and Marc Burch launched a rocket that almost found the equalizer. DC didn't look too shambolic, but then in the 88th minute, it all went pear-shaped again.
Around the 87th minute, Gonzalo Martinez took a ding and was on the ground in what looked to be some serious pain (Marinez can act when necessary, but this one looked real). Instead of being sportsmen and playing the ball out of play so that Martinez could get attention (being a goal and a man up, Cruz should have been sporting) Cruz's Pablo Zeballos struck a shot from outside the penaly area and scored. Crayton was livid and charged referee Moreno who promptly tossed Crayton. I didn't see if Crayton touched Moreno and it didn't look like Moreno was anything more than extemely upset, but Crayton got tossed nonetheless.
With no other goalkeeper on the roster, Quavas Kirk (normally a midfielder/striker) donned the keeper's jersey and played 12 or so minutes in net for the United playing on 9 men.
The aftermath is that DC is done in the Champions league after an absolutely dismal showing.
But on a larger scale, the refereeing last night is an example of why most of the rest of the World looks at CONCACAF as a joke confederation. The quality of officiating has generally been poor and there really is no justification for Moreno last night (that is both the United fan and the referee in me speaking). I don't make excuses for DC's play in other Champions Leauge matches, the last night the young-uns did the best they could in circumstances that would rattle even the most seasoned professionals. That they acquitted themselves well in the face of such adversity is a testament to them.
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.
Friday, September 26, 2008
DC United Stadium Quest
The hunt by DC United to get their own stadium built continues. However, earlier this week, the Maryland Stadium Authority issued a report which said that the stadium would add some $6 million in revenue to the state and Prince Georges' County Maryland if the 20,000-25,000 seat stadium is built in the county east of DC. The report assumed some 60-70 events a year at the stadium.
In addition to DC United games, the Washington Freedom could potentially use the facility as well as larger games for the University of Maryland soccer teams, concerts and other sporting events could be held there.
Here is DC United's Statement (Courtesy of Goff):
As for me, PG county wouldn't be so bad, although I would hope the stadium is closer to Greenbelt than Largo (just a little less farther to drive). But so long as the facility is Metro accessible and convenient to the highways, I wouldn't argue.
DC United is the most decorated club in MLS and it is quite honestly a travesty that they continue to play in RFK, a stadium that is too big for their needs and one which they don't own and lose a majority of the revenue from hosting games there. DC United pulls in around 20,000 fans a game and a 25,000 seat stadium (with decently priced tickets) will probably sell out just about every game. The atmosphere at a soccer specific stadium, with Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles supporters club in full force, would be tremendous.
The Maryland Stadium Authority report will put pressure on the DC political leadership to get their head out and take steps to make sure the most successful sports franchise in the DC area has a home in DC. But if not, their loss.
In addition to DC United games, the Washington Freedom could potentially use the facility as well as larger games for the University of Maryland soccer teams, concerts and other sporting events could be held there.
Here is DC United's Statement (Courtesy of Goff):
D.C. United would like to thank Prince George's County for requesting and the Maryland Stadium Authority for its efforts in analyzing the potential economic impact of a new home for our club in Prince George's County. The comprehensive report, compiled on behalf of the MSA, substantiates what D.C. United has always believed: our new stadium will be a strong economic catalyst providing significant benefits -- which will promote and enliven additional mixed-use development around the county.I think DC United still want to build a stadium in the District, but I am not sure that the DC owners are willing to continue to jump through hoops. I think PG County would quickly jump on the bandwagon.
As for me, PG county wouldn't be so bad, although I would hope the stadium is closer to Greenbelt than Largo (just a little less farther to drive). But so long as the facility is Metro accessible and convenient to the highways, I wouldn't argue.
DC United is the most decorated club in MLS and it is quite honestly a travesty that they continue to play in RFK, a stadium that is too big for their needs and one which they don't own and lose a majority of the revenue from hosting games there. DC United pulls in around 20,000 fans a game and a 25,000 seat stadium (with decently priced tickets) will probably sell out just about every game. The atmosphere at a soccer specific stadium, with Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles supporters club in full force, would be tremendous.
The Maryland Stadium Authority report will put pressure on the DC political leadership to get their head out and take steps to make sure the most successful sports franchise in the DC area has a home in DC. But if not, their loss.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
DC United Take Second U.S. Open Cup
What a game as DC United not only won the U.S. Open Cup 2-1 at RFK, but also secured a spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions League no matter what happens with the rest of the season.
The game looked like it would be a high scoring affair, with Emilio getting at 5th mintue goal. Jaime Moreno made a nifty backheel pass to Tino Quaranta who looked like he was getting set for a shot on goal near the top of the box, John Wilson from Charleston made a hard tackle for what could have been a free kick, but I have to say I am happy that Referee Mark Geiger did the right thing and held his whistle since the ball popped out to Emilio who slotted a shot just past the Charleston keeper.
Five minutes later Charleston equalized on a quick counterattack goal. The game settled into an end to end battle and each side created chances.
DC United had to go the bench quickly. Just a few minutes after scoring, Emilio left the game with a muscle strain, replaced by Rod Dyachenko. In teh 40th minute, Joe Vide was replaced by Fred when Vide suffered a hamstring strain. That was two subs before the first half and I have to say, I was worried.
Five minutes into the second half, Fred, who was working hard and showing the kind of ability he has, got the winning goal. Clyde Simms (the DC Iron man) slotted a pass that put Fred in behind the Charleston back line and Fred took a couple of touches to control before clinically finishing the goal.
Charleston created lots of chances in the final 30 minutes as DC appeared to sort of bunker in to protect the lead (usually a bad move for DC since their back line has been porous). This time DC got lucky and the chances Charleston had ended up being off the mark of deflected away from goal.
It was an entertaining game with lots of action. I am very happy DC United won, but hats off to Charleston for showing that the gap between USL-1 and the MLS is not a great as you would think.
The game looked like it would be a high scoring affair, with Emilio getting at 5th mintue goal. Jaime Moreno made a nifty backheel pass to Tino Quaranta who looked like he was getting set for a shot on goal near the top of the box, John Wilson from Charleston made a hard tackle for what could have been a free kick, but I have to say I am happy that Referee Mark Geiger did the right thing and held his whistle since the ball popped out to Emilio who slotted a shot just past the Charleston keeper.
Five minutes later Charleston equalized on a quick counterattack goal. The game settled into an end to end battle and each side created chances.
DC United had to go the bench quickly. Just a few minutes after scoring, Emilio left the game with a muscle strain, replaced by Rod Dyachenko. In teh 40th minute, Joe Vide was replaced by Fred when Vide suffered a hamstring strain. That was two subs before the first half and I have to say, I was worried.
Five minutes into the second half, Fred, who was working hard and showing the kind of ability he has, got the winning goal. Clyde Simms (the DC Iron man) slotted a pass that put Fred in behind the Charleston back line and Fred took a couple of touches to control before clinically finishing the goal.
Charleston created lots of chances in the final 30 minutes as DC appeared to sort of bunker in to protect the lead (usually a bad move for DC since their back line has been porous). This time DC got lucky and the chances Charleston had ended up being off the mark of deflected away from goal.
It was an entertaining game with lots of action. I am very happy DC United won, but hats off to Charleston for showing that the gap between USL-1 and the MLS is not a great as you would think.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Second DC Shutout
And it couldn't happen against a nicer team as United take out Chicago 1-0 in Chicago. New DC United keeper Louis Crayton did in one game what it took Zach Wells 17 games to do, get a shut out.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
D.C. United Advance to U.S. Open Cup Final
A 3-1 win over New England last night earned the United a berth in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in 11 years and a chance to win the Cup for the first time in 12 years.
Luciano Emilio netted a brace and Santino Quaranta scored one (taking four shots on goal himself in the game) to give the United the win.
Now before we get all excited, the Revs fielded a team comprising mostly of reserves, rookies with a smattering of veterans. Wells Thompson, Shalrie Joseph, Adam Christman, and Khano Smith were the only Revs who see regular playing time, as the New England side is resting players due to their crowded schedule, including upcoming CONCACAF Champions League play (on the road in Montreal and the Carribean) as well as having just played Chicago to a loss over the weekend.
DC United on the other hand fielded their first team.
Still, a win is a win is a win. The United will play host to the USL-1's Charleston Battery on September 3 with a berth in the 2009-2010 CONCACAF Champions League on the line. This will be DC's best opportunity to earn a place in international play next year as winning the MLS Cup or the Supporter's sheild will be tough.
Hats off to the Revs though. They won't get the quadruple, but they do look like a formidable team when even their rookies make a solid go of it.
It was good to see Tino and Gonzalo Peralta back from injury.
Luciano Emilio netted a brace and Santino Quaranta scored one (taking four shots on goal himself in the game) to give the United the win.
Now before we get all excited, the Revs fielded a team comprising mostly of reserves, rookies with a smattering of veterans. Wells Thompson, Shalrie Joseph, Adam Christman, and Khano Smith were the only Revs who see regular playing time, as the New England side is resting players due to their crowded schedule, including upcoming CONCACAF Champions League play (on the road in Montreal and the Carribean) as well as having just played Chicago to a loss over the weekend.
DC United on the other hand fielded their first team.
Still, a win is a win is a win. The United will play host to the USL-1's Charleston Battery on September 3 with a berth in the 2009-2010 CONCACAF Champions League on the line. This will be DC's best opportunity to earn a place in international play next year as winning the MLS Cup or the Supporter's sheild will be tough.
Hats off to the Revs though. They won't get the quadruple, but they do look like a formidable team when even their rookies make a solid go of it.
It was good to see Tino and Gonzalo Peralta back from injury.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Ivan Guerrero Heading to DC
This is a good signing for DC. The United have not been particularly great defensively and with the injury to Gonzalo Peralta and Marcello Gallardo (both expected to return soon), Guerrero, who can play on the left back and left midfield roles, can provide some defensive help in teh short run and some additional creativity on teh flanks in the long run.
I can really see him teaming up with Gallardo in the midfield and combined with Clyde Simms and Fred, DC could really have a solid midfield to work with.
Now a good keeper to make Zach Wells work harder would be the next target for me.
I can really see him teaming up with Gallardo in the midfield and combined with Clyde Simms and Fred, DC could really have a solid midfield to work with.
Now a good keeper to make Zach Wells work harder would be the next target for me.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
U.S. Open Cup DC United 2:1 Chicago Fire
Last night I went to see DC United play the Chicago Fire in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals. Given the history between these two teams (Chicago has eliminated DC from a number of competitions, including the Open cup in 2006 and the MLS Cup last year), I kind of figured it would get ugly and it did. In the end DC came away victorious after an extra time goal by Bryan Namoff. The MLS story gets most of the details right. So I won't add much to it.
After conceding a soft goal due to a break down in communication between Pat Carroll and Zach Wells, DC United appeared to get organized particularly in the second half. DC had chances all night long, but it was not until Jaime Moreno came on in the 62 minute that things really started looking up. Moreno to Doe for the first DC goal was quality stuff, born of the perseverence of Moreno, Luciano Emilio and Craig Thompson who collectively battled for the ball in the right corner before Moreno emerged with the ball and fired a cross to Francis Doe at the top of the six yard box where Doe put the ball past Jon Busch.
With the regulation time tied at 1-1, the Fire brought on Cuauhtemec Blanco for extra time. But it was DC United's playmaker Moreno that would put DC on top. From a corner on the right side, Moreno drove a head high or so cross to the near post. Bryan Namoff made the near post run and flicked a header into the left side netting for the go ahead.
Sparks flew five minutes later after Fred committed a foul on the Fire's Justin Mapp and receive a justified yellow card for his efforts. I missed some of the scrum that erupted, but the next thing I knew Blanco was on his back after having been shoved roughly by Marc Burch. I knew Burch was going to see the red, but Blanco was given his walking papers also. This story captures the events I couldn't see:
A quick note about the Soccerplex though. Official attendence was a little over 4100 people, but it didn't seem that packed. My family was seated behind the south goal on the earth bowl with probably 700-800 others and it didn't fee crowded. The atmosphere was great, with about 150 or so Barra Brava
supporters there, singing, chanting and drumming all game long, just like at Estadio RFK, but smaller. There were a few Chicago supporters on the earth seating, but everyone was respectful and focused on the match. Aside from the usual overpriced food and drink and the traffic leaving after the match (which wasn't that bad, we say for maybe 10 minutes in traffic), the facility is quality. I have been to the Soccerplex to watch youth games and Washington Freedom matches (far smaller attendence), but the smaller, intimate setting for the U.S. Open Cup matches is great and I am glad that DC does it this way. I would hope that they would play some other exhibition games there in pre-season or friendlies with the USL-2 Club that plays at the Soccerplex, Real Maryland.
Overall, a great night.
DC will play defending U.S. Open Cup Champions (and the best team in the MLS) New England Revolution on August 12th in the Semi-finals. The other semi-final will feature two USL-1 teams, the Charleston Battery and Seattle Sounders. The winner of the U.S. Open Cup gets an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, so there is something major at stake now.
Player Ratings
Zach Well--6. The miscommunication with Pat Carroll was bad, but three good quality saves redeems his performance. Hey, Zach, a shut out against and MLS side would be nice.
Bryan Namoff--7. Constantly roved the right side, looked good on the ball, and of course a game winner.
Marc Burch--6. Burch is better on the outside, as he currently looks a little soft with balls over the top. Solid tackling though, but stupid on the retaliation against Blanco.
Devon McTavish--6. Like Burch a little soft defending against balls over the back line.
Gonzalo Martinez--7. Like Namoff, providing a solid offensive punch from left back. A number of good opportunities. However, if he is going to continue playing left back, he needs to improve his fitness.
Fred--5. He started well in central midfield but really didn't look all that comfortable in the role as playmaker. I think he was happy when Moreno came in and he could move back out to the wing. He is still off his form and some of the blame has to be shouldered by Tommy Soehn tonight.
Rod Dyachenko--4. I still don't see what Soehn sees in this guy. He is always out of his depth in central midfield, makes poor decisions, bad giveways and cannot see the play develop properly to be in this role.
Pat Carroll--4. Poor communication and poor ball control led to bad giveaways and lack of impact.
Ryan Cordeiro--5. Played okay for the first few minutes, kept wide to keep opening the Fire defense up, but a poor first touch and poor passing doomed his appearance to the first half only.
Clyde Simms--7. He was all over the field and again proved that he is a solid holding midfielder. He is getting better at distribution and at times seemed to put DC united on his back for the dark periods.
Luciano Emilio--7. Although he had no goals, he was a constant threat, betweeen his movement, ball control and tenacity. He had several good chances, but just didn't capitalize last night.
Subs:
Francis Doe--7. He was energetic and a pest to the Chicago defense. His goal and his willingness to defend and hassle the back line and Chicago midfield made him just as valuable.
Craig Thompson--5 Played wide and kept the Chicago defenders honest. Needs to work on his first touch and passing, but a solid performance.
Jaime Moreno--7. The Bolivian playmaker showed why he is a legend for United. Two assists in about 40 minutes of play.
Gonzalo Peralta--5 He came on after the extra time goal and helped DC keep shape and avoid giving up an equalizer.
After conceding a soft goal due to a break down in communication between Pat Carroll and Zach Wells, DC United appeared to get organized particularly in the second half. DC had chances all night long, but it was not until Jaime Moreno came on in the 62 minute that things really started looking up. Moreno to Doe for the first DC goal was quality stuff, born of the perseverence of Moreno, Luciano Emilio and Craig Thompson who collectively battled for the ball in the right corner before Moreno emerged with the ball and fired a cross to Francis Doe at the top of the six yard box where Doe put the ball past Jon Busch.
With the regulation time tied at 1-1, the Fire brought on Cuauhtemec Blanco for extra time. But it was DC United's playmaker Moreno that would put DC on top. From a corner on the right side, Moreno drove a head high or so cross to the near post. Bryan Namoff made the near post run and flicked a header into the left side netting for the go ahead.
Sparks flew five minutes later after Fred committed a foul on the Fire's Justin Mapp and receive a justified yellow card for his efforts. I missed some of the scrum that erupted, but the next thing I knew Blanco was on his back after having been shoved roughly by Marc Burch. I knew Burch was going to see the red, but Blanco was given his walking papers also. This story captures the events I couldn't see:
But there was more drama in store as Chicago looked for some inspiration from their own Latin American playmaker, Cuauhtemoc Blanco -- but the Mexican legend merely succeeded in sparking a near-brawl at the end of the first overtime period with a petulant swing at Clyde Simms. Burch vigorously responded to Blanco and both men were sent off by referee Shane Moody.I appreciate Burch's comraderie, but with the card, he will be sitting out the semi-final against New England and Burch has been playing well. Blanco was going to be sent off as the Referee's assistant and the Fourth Official saw Blanco's attack on Simms (as evidenced by the nearly one minute conference between the three), so Burch's defense of Simms was unwarrented, although appreciated.
"There was a foul and Clyde was holding on to the ball and Blanco came over and just swung as hard as he could and hit him in the stomach," said Burch. "And I'm sick of that -- I saw him throwing elbows at Peralta and I bumped shoulders with him and he threw an elbow at me, and when he was on the ground he kicked me. So I was just sick of him. He gets away with a lot of stuff because he's Blanco and he's from Mexico and it's a big name. But he can't do that stuff to my teammates, so I just stood up for them."
A quick note about the Soccerplex though. Official attendence was a little over 4100 people, but it didn't seem that packed. My family was seated behind the south goal on the earth bowl with probably 700-800 others and it didn't fee crowded. The atmosphere was great, with about 150 or so Barra Brava
supporters there, singing, chanting and drumming all game long, just like at Estadio RFK, but smaller. There were a few Chicago supporters on the earth seating, but everyone was respectful and focused on the match. Aside from the usual overpriced food and drink and the traffic leaving after the match (which wasn't that bad, we say for maybe 10 minutes in traffic), the facility is quality. I have been to the Soccerplex to watch youth games and Washington Freedom matches (far smaller attendence), but the smaller, intimate setting for the U.S. Open Cup matches is great and I am glad that DC does it this way. I would hope that they would play some other exhibition games there in pre-season or friendlies with the USL-2 Club that plays at the Soccerplex, Real Maryland.
Overall, a great night.
DC will play defending U.S. Open Cup Champions (and the best team in the MLS) New England Revolution on August 12th in the Semi-finals. The other semi-final will feature two USL-1 teams, the Charleston Battery and Seattle Sounders. The winner of the U.S. Open Cup gets an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, so there is something major at stake now.
Player Ratings
Zach Well--6. The miscommunication with Pat Carroll was bad, but three good quality saves redeems his performance. Hey, Zach, a shut out against and MLS side would be nice.
Bryan Namoff--7. Constantly roved the right side, looked good on the ball, and of course a game winner.
Marc Burch--6. Burch is better on the outside, as he currently looks a little soft with balls over the top. Solid tackling though, but stupid on the retaliation against Blanco.
Devon McTavish--6. Like Burch a little soft defending against balls over the back line.
Gonzalo Martinez--7. Like Namoff, providing a solid offensive punch from left back. A number of good opportunities. However, if he is going to continue playing left back, he needs to improve his fitness.
Fred--5. He started well in central midfield but really didn't look all that comfortable in the role as playmaker. I think he was happy when Moreno came in and he could move back out to the wing. He is still off his form and some of the blame has to be shouldered by Tommy Soehn tonight.
Rod Dyachenko--4. I still don't see what Soehn sees in this guy. He is always out of his depth in central midfield, makes poor decisions, bad giveways and cannot see the play develop properly to be in this role.
Pat Carroll--4. Poor communication and poor ball control led to bad giveaways and lack of impact.
Ryan Cordeiro--5. Played okay for the first few minutes, kept wide to keep opening the Fire defense up, but a poor first touch and poor passing doomed his appearance to the first half only.
Clyde Simms--7. He was all over the field and again proved that he is a solid holding midfielder. He is getting better at distribution and at times seemed to put DC united on his back for the dark periods.
Luciano Emilio--7. Although he had no goals, he was a constant threat, betweeen his movement, ball control and tenacity. He had several good chances, but just didn't capitalize last night.
Subs:
Francis Doe--7. He was energetic and a pest to the Chicago defense. His goal and his willingness to defend and hassle the back line and Chicago midfield made him just as valuable.
Craig Thompson--5 Played wide and kept the Chicago defenders honest. Needs to work on his first touch and passing, but a solid performance.
Jaime Moreno--7. The Bolivian playmaker showed why he is a legend for United. Two assists in about 40 minutes of play.
Gonzalo Peralta--5 He came on after the extra time goal and helped DC keep shape and avoid giving up an equalizer.
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, June 19, 2008
Shirtless Fans?
The Offside links to a quote by DC United's spokesman Doug Hicks about shirtless fans at Estadio RFK. Unfortunately, most of the shirtless are male fans but really is this a matter of policy for other teams? Apparently the Washington Nationals have a policy against men going shirtless (do they have a policy about women going shirtless? What about bikini tops as it does get mighty toasty on some summer days in DC).
Now showming my own lacivious nature, I don't mind bikini clad soccer fans--nothing wrong with that, but you don't want to see this writer shirtless in the stands. If the pasty white skin doesn't blind you, the extra poundage might.
Now showming my own lacivious nature, I don't mind bikini clad soccer fans--nothing wrong with that, but you don't want to see this writer shirtless in the stands. If the pasty white skin doesn't blind you, the extra poundage might.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Santino Quaranta Tells A Lot More About His Turnaround
Washington Post's DC United beat writer has a lengthy piece on the resurgent Santino Quaranta, who comes clean with the reason for his crash from on high, when he was signed as a 16 year old out of Baltimore, then the youngest player ever signed by the MLS until Freddy Adu.
This year, Quaranta has been seeing a lot of minutes after having been signed as a free agent at the start of the year for a tiny percentage the salary he made as an 18 year old player. The risk has paid off for the United as Quaranta is developing into an everyday player and a developing winger of good, if not stellar quality. I do believe that Quaranta can become a national team player if given the shot and this story is why.
It is clear that soccer and MLS saved his life.
This year, Quaranta has been seeing a lot of minutes after having been signed as a free agent at the start of the year for a tiny percentage the salary he made as an 18 year old player. The risk has paid off for the United as Quaranta is developing into an everyday player and a developing winger of good, if not stellar quality. I do believe that Quaranta can become a national team player if given the shot and this story is why.
It is clear that soccer and MLS saved his life.
He reached bottom after returning to Baltimore, where he drank heavily and continued consuming pills. He ignored pleas from his wife and parents to get help. On Oct. 7 last year, he underwent surgery on his foot. He polished off the prescribed painkillers in a few hours. The next day, on crutches, he hobbled to the ATM and then to his dealers.I think Tino is making the most of his second chance so far and that is encouraging. What is also encouraging to me is that teammates like Jaime Moreno and Ben Olsen stepped up for their friend and teammate. That tells me a lot about these men.
"I remember being at the top of a parking garage downtown one night," he said. "I'd been partying. I was looking down on all the people having fun. I said, 'I don't want to live anymore, I might as well jump off this [expletive] thing.' "
He called Petrina, who drove him home.
A few days later, for reasons unclear to Quaranta, his dealers refused to sell to him. The next morning -- Oct. 23, 2007, the date etched on his right forearm -- he called the league office in New York begging for help. Through his agent, Dan Segal, he contacted Dan Cronin, a counselor who runs the NHL and MLS substance abuse programs. Cronin arranged for him to be admitted into the treatment center in Malibu. On his way to the airport, he made one stop: for pills. "I didn't want to freak out and open the emergency door," he said.
The first three weeks were miserable. A fellow patient helped him overcome problems sleeping by reading out loud a book on explorer Ferdinand Magellan. "I am curled up, physically sick, listening to a man read, and that would soothe me," he said.
Petrina visited on family weekends. He spent 60 days in primary care, returned to Baltimore for Christmas week, then went back to the facility for a transitional stage.
All the while, he was working himself back into shape by running and hitting the weight room. He dropped weight and regained muscle tone. His foot healed quicker than expected.
Upon his release, he boarded a plane and faced another sudden challenge. Sitting next to him in first class was a Baltimore Ravens player he used to drink with. (Quaranta declined to identify him for this interview.) Reluctant to tell his friend where he had been, Quaranta politely declined the mini-bottles of liquor placed on his armrest and invitations to a party that night.
Back home, every week includes two mandatory drug tests, three or four meetings for recovering addicts and alcoholics, and daily conversations with his sponsor, Derrick Butta, a Baltimore fireman who had similar problems. Reality set in, as well: After the Red Bulls waived him, he had no job.
United officials said they were unaware of Quaranta's plight until Segal called them saying Quaranta was looking for a second chance.
"There was a lot of hesitation on our part," General Manager Dave Kasper said. "But deep down, he is a teddy bear and we've always really liked him. We talked to a lot of people who felt he was in a good place."
Payne said he felt the team owed Quaranta another opportunity, in part because "there were probably things we should have done differently for him" early in his career.
Olsen and team captain Jaime Moreno vouched for Quaranta and, after separate meetings with Kasper, Payne and Coach Tom Soehn, he earned his way back onto the team. His modest contract is laden with incentives.
"He is a totally different person," Kasper said. "To his credit, he has been nothing but a true professional. He finally gets it."
Primarily filling the role vacated by the injured Olsen on the right side of midfield, Quaranta has played in all 12 league games, starting nine, and has two goals and two assists. In addition to the drug tests and therapy, United mandated that he finish his high school work this summer. He counsels other drug abusers. He is living with Petrina and Olivia and has strengthened the bond with his parents.
Most importantly, he has turned away from pills and alcohol.
"Is there a temptation today? No," he said. "I can't tell you what will happen tomorrow. I live for each day."
Friday, May 30, 2008
New England 2:2 DC United
In the first half, DC United looked like a team that is not sitting in the cellar of the Eastern Conference. They were moving the ball around well, they were attacking and they were defending pretty well. United took a two goal lead and then blew it and blew it badly.
I don't know the full stats, but it would not surprise me that the in the first half, that DC United had some 60% of the possession or more. They looked solid.
On the Emilio goal, I would have hoped that Clyde Simms had actually scored, but Matt Reis made a solid save. What is good about the goal is that Emilio was at his poaching best and netted the rebound. With two goals in two games, Emilio looks to be getting his confidence back, which is good to see, but I am not ready to say he is back to form from last year as he missed a few too many opportunities for me.
Fred's goal is another example of being in the right place at the right time. Once again, Reis made a fine save (there is a reason why he is my fantasy keeper), but Fred collected the rebound and put it in from just outside the six yard box.
Fred's goal in particular gives me hope (not becuase of the goal) but because for a long time it seemed that DC United simply didn't put enough numbers into the box on the attack, often it was one or two people making almost a counterattack style effort but the midfield simply was pressing forward enough to overcome defensive numbers. Last night the midfield seemed much more coordinated, Gallardo seemed more like himself, Simms had another very impressive night and Tino showed why I think he is developing into a solid winger/midfielder. Paired with Fred on the left, Tino kept the field of play open, giving Moreno, Emilio and Gallardo the space to play in the middle.
But here is the big problem, for the first 45 minutes, DC had a solid back line, even Zach Wells looked decent. But in teh last half it was like watch a pub league defensive line. Again, they looked confused and no one really stepped up to take charge. While Gonzalo Martinez played well individually, I really need him to step up and take control of the back line. Marks were missed, clearances weren't made and dumb mistakes abounded. The first Revs goal should never have happened, but its seems to encapsulate the DC back line this season--a routine ball in front of the goal is not cleared out and United pay the price. After that goal, the Defenders needed to wake up and they didn't. Like five minutes later, United gets burned again.
I won't blame Wells for the first goal, but I will on the second. Had he stayed on his line, he might have saved Dhube's header, but he did that "Wells thing" where it looks like he is coming off his line but then changes his mind. As a former goal keeper, my coach told me two things--1) don't give up rebounds, catch and hold the ball and 2)if you are coming off your line, committ to it. It is better to be beaten having commited yourself than to be beaten by being indecisive. Wells is, simply put, out of position too often. He was caught chasing the ball, if he had remained on his line, when Laurentowitz had headed the ball back in front of the goal, Wells could have easily picked it off before it got to Dhube. But because Wells started to chase the cross, he was sucked to the right side of his goal and Dhube had an easy header in.
Laurels
Gallardo/Simms. The combination seems to work well when they focus on their jobs. I think the reason is that Simms knows that defensive midfeild slot so well that Gallardo doesn't have to think much about tracking back as often and can focus on doing what he does best, distributing the ball around.
Emilio--his seems to be getting his confidence back (perhaps the benching did the trick). He looked good tonight, but like I said, he needs to be finishing those opportunities he gets.
Darts
Wells--look, DC United needs help here. Wells simply is not cutting the mustard. I know he is young and I know he is inexperienced and really the only way to to get experience is to play, but at the level, Wells has cost the United a coupld of games and this is one of those. Wells needs to spend a lot more time looking a film of himself and seeing how out of position he is.
Tommy Soehn--I am not sure why he is so loyal to some players (see Wells above and Dyachenko who came on as a sub). I am not sure what needs to be done exactly, but I am just a supporter, Soehn should know and he seems to be tinkering a little too much. There are flashes of quality play around, but Soehn doesn't seem to have the team mentally sharp enough to play 90 minutes and win.
Road Form--It has been close to nine months since DC's last road win. It has a certain Fulham-esque quality to it. Yes, getting a point out of New England is usually a good thing, but not when you are two goals up and not when the two goals you conceded are such lousy quality.
Player Rankings
Wells-3
Martinez 5 (individual play a 6, but group play brings him down--it matters)
Mediate 5
McTavish 5
Namoff 7
Quaranta 6
Simms 8
Gallardo 7
Fred 7
Moreno 6
Emilio 6
Subs:
Dyachenko 4
Burch 5
I don't know the full stats, but it would not surprise me that the in the first half, that DC United had some 60% of the possession or more. They looked solid.
On the Emilio goal, I would have hoped that Clyde Simms had actually scored, but Matt Reis made a solid save. What is good about the goal is that Emilio was at his poaching best and netted the rebound. With two goals in two games, Emilio looks to be getting his confidence back, which is good to see, but I am not ready to say he is back to form from last year as he missed a few too many opportunities for me.
Fred's goal is another example of being in the right place at the right time. Once again, Reis made a fine save (there is a reason why he is my fantasy keeper), but Fred collected the rebound and put it in from just outside the six yard box.
Fred's goal in particular gives me hope (not becuase of the goal) but because for a long time it seemed that DC United simply didn't put enough numbers into the box on the attack, often it was one or two people making almost a counterattack style effort but the midfield simply was pressing forward enough to overcome defensive numbers. Last night the midfield seemed much more coordinated, Gallardo seemed more like himself, Simms had another very impressive night and Tino showed why I think he is developing into a solid winger/midfielder. Paired with Fred on the left, Tino kept the field of play open, giving Moreno, Emilio and Gallardo the space to play in the middle.
But here is the big problem, for the first 45 minutes, DC had a solid back line, even Zach Wells looked decent. But in teh last half it was like watch a pub league defensive line. Again, they looked confused and no one really stepped up to take charge. While Gonzalo Martinez played well individually, I really need him to step up and take control of the back line. Marks were missed, clearances weren't made and dumb mistakes abounded. The first Revs goal should never have happened, but its seems to encapsulate the DC back line this season--a routine ball in front of the goal is not cleared out and United pay the price. After that goal, the Defenders needed to wake up and they didn't. Like five minutes later, United gets burned again.
I won't blame Wells for the first goal, but I will on the second. Had he stayed on his line, he might have saved Dhube's header, but he did that "Wells thing" where it looks like he is coming off his line but then changes his mind. As a former goal keeper, my coach told me two things--1) don't give up rebounds, catch and hold the ball and 2)if you are coming off your line, committ to it. It is better to be beaten having commited yourself than to be beaten by being indecisive. Wells is, simply put, out of position too often. He was caught chasing the ball, if he had remained on his line, when Laurentowitz had headed the ball back in front of the goal, Wells could have easily picked it off before it got to Dhube. But because Wells started to chase the cross, he was sucked to the right side of his goal and Dhube had an easy header in.
Laurels
Gallardo/Simms. The combination seems to work well when they focus on their jobs. I think the reason is that Simms knows that defensive midfeild slot so well that Gallardo doesn't have to think much about tracking back as often and can focus on doing what he does best, distributing the ball around.
Emilio--his seems to be getting his confidence back (perhaps the benching did the trick). He looked good tonight, but like I said, he needs to be finishing those opportunities he gets.
Darts
Wells--look, DC United needs help here. Wells simply is not cutting the mustard. I know he is young and I know he is inexperienced and really the only way to to get experience is to play, but at the level, Wells has cost the United a coupld of games and this is one of those. Wells needs to spend a lot more time looking a film of himself and seeing how out of position he is.
Tommy Soehn--I am not sure why he is so loyal to some players (see Wells above and Dyachenko who came on as a sub). I am not sure what needs to be done exactly, but I am just a supporter, Soehn should know and he seems to be tinkering a little too much. There are flashes of quality play around, but Soehn doesn't seem to have the team mentally sharp enough to play 90 minutes and win.
Road Form--It has been close to nine months since DC's last road win. It has a certain Fulham-esque quality to it. Yes, getting a point out of New England is usually a good thing, but not when you are two goals up and not when the two goals you conceded are such lousy quality.
Player Rankings
Wells-3
Martinez 5 (individual play a 6, but group play brings him down--it matters)
Mediate 5
McTavish 5
Namoff 7
Quaranta 6
Simms 8
Gallardo 7
Fred 7
Moreno 6
Emilio 6
Subs:
Dyachenko 4
Burch 5
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DCU Loses Again
With a quarter of the season gone and United sitting in the cellar, one wonders how much longer Victor McFarlane, Kevin Payne and Will Change will permit the season to progress at this level without making a change. This is not say that Tommy Soehn did a poor job last night, I think he did OK. But the fact is that losing is losing and some one usually has to take the blame--and while Payne isn't going to fire himself, McFarlane and Chang are probably putting on the pressure.
The funny thing is, had it not been for McTavish's bad luck, bad footing or just being bad, DC would have gotten a point on the road in a nil-nil draw. DC did play better than they have of late but the problem is the same old song and dance--defensive mistakes, lack of communication, lack of flow and most importanly lack of finishing lead to the loss in Toronto.
Some usually reliable players had less than stellar games and this being the first of four games in 12 days, the signs are not good. DC United is on its way to a Fulham like road record, being 0-5 on the road in all competitions this year with only one goal in those five games. DC hasn't won on the road since September 1 of last year against Dallas (who also just sacked their manager after their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of L.A. Galaxy.)
Before another packed crowd at BMO field in Toronto--which is earning, deservedly so, the notoriety of being the hardest place to play between the earnest fans and the artificial turf--DC tried and failed to get it done. Toronto come to DC on Saturday, and DC desperately needs a win. If this four game streak results in less than six points for United, it may be time to give Soehn the boot--if for no other reason than to shake the locker room up a little.
Laurels
Bryan Namoff--again he appears to be one of the few players on the field who really gives a damn. He worked hard, he moved around a lot, played solid balls and fought to win the 50-50 balls.
Gonzalo Martinez--again, I love the way he is moving into attack a bit more. At times he looks more like a holding midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation than a center back in a 4-4-2 formation. His offensive mindedness pays off many times in the offensive third, but he is also not forsaking his defensive duties. I do worry thought that as teh season wears on he is just going to get too knackered to be of much use in the end.
Santino Quaranta--I admit this was not one of his better games. I don't know if it was the surface, the conditions or what, but he his best performance. However, I am taken by his energy and I think he is developing into a truly quality winger. This kind of development, minus missed performances like this one, he could see some national team action soon.
Darts
Zach Wells--ugh! I simply don't know what else to say but he has not turned out to be the keeper we need. So here is my thought, trade him to Real Salt Lake and take Chris Seitz. Seitz is not going to get playing time behind Nick Rimando and Wells could learn lots from Rimando. Carvallo may not be ready, but Wells clearly is not.
Jaime Moreno--his post game quote sucked and demonstrated that his head is not in the leadership of this squad. He needs to be getting in players faces and holding them accountable for their play. He needs to be getting in the referees faces (respectfully of course) on the lack of calls for persistent infringement, which for the second game left more than a few United players rolling on the pitch more than once.
Fred--coming off of injury is tough, but good grief man, you are paid to finish and you need to finish. At least two quality opportunities squandered. There is no excuse for the blown header, yes Toronto's keeper made good save, but with three yards of goal to either side of Sutton, it wouldn't have taken much to ripple the twine.
Toronto comes to town on Saturday, maybe the Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles can rouse the United from its slumber--we need it.
Player Rating
Wells 3
Namoff 6
Peralta 5
McTavish 3
Martinez 6
Quaranta 5
Simms 5
Gallardo 5
Fred 3 (and I think that is being a little generous)
Moreno 3
Emilio 4
Subs
Burch 5
Mediate 5
Doe 4
The funny thing is, had it not been for McTavish's bad luck, bad footing or just being bad, DC would have gotten a point on the road in a nil-nil draw. DC did play better than they have of late but the problem is the same old song and dance--defensive mistakes, lack of communication, lack of flow and most importanly lack of finishing lead to the loss in Toronto.
Some usually reliable players had less than stellar games and this being the first of four games in 12 days, the signs are not good. DC United is on its way to a Fulham like road record, being 0-5 on the road in all competitions this year with only one goal in those five games. DC hasn't won on the road since September 1 of last year against Dallas (who also just sacked their manager after their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of L.A. Galaxy.)
Before another packed crowd at BMO field in Toronto--which is earning, deservedly so, the notoriety of being the hardest place to play between the earnest fans and the artificial turf--DC tried and failed to get it done. Toronto come to DC on Saturday, and DC desperately needs a win. If this four game streak results in less than six points for United, it may be time to give Soehn the boot--if for no other reason than to shake the locker room up a little.
Laurels
Bryan Namoff--again he appears to be one of the few players on the field who really gives a damn. He worked hard, he moved around a lot, played solid balls and fought to win the 50-50 balls.
Gonzalo Martinez--again, I love the way he is moving into attack a bit more. At times he looks more like a holding midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation than a center back in a 4-4-2 formation. His offensive mindedness pays off many times in the offensive third, but he is also not forsaking his defensive duties. I do worry thought that as teh season wears on he is just going to get too knackered to be of much use in the end.
Santino Quaranta--I admit this was not one of his better games. I don't know if it was the surface, the conditions or what, but he his best performance. However, I am taken by his energy and I think he is developing into a truly quality winger. This kind of development, minus missed performances like this one, he could see some national team action soon.
Darts
Zach Wells--ugh! I simply don't know what else to say but he has not turned out to be the keeper we need. So here is my thought, trade him to Real Salt Lake and take Chris Seitz. Seitz is not going to get playing time behind Nick Rimando and Wells could learn lots from Rimando. Carvallo may not be ready, but Wells clearly is not.
Jaime Moreno--his post game quote sucked and demonstrated that his head is not in the leadership of this squad. He needs to be getting in players faces and holding them accountable for their play. He needs to be getting in the referees faces (respectfully of course) on the lack of calls for persistent infringement, which for the second game left more than a few United players rolling on the pitch more than once.
Fred--coming off of injury is tough, but good grief man, you are paid to finish and you need to finish. At least two quality opportunities squandered. There is no excuse for the blown header, yes Toronto's keeper made good save, but with three yards of goal to either side of Sutton, it wouldn't have taken much to ripple the twine.
Toronto comes to town on Saturday, maybe the Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles can rouse the United from its slumber--we need it.
Player Rating
Wells 3
Namoff 6
Peralta 5
McTavish 3
Martinez 6
Quaranta 5
Simms 5
Gallardo 5
Fred 3 (and I think that is being a little generous)
Moreno 3
Emilio 4
Subs
Burch 5
Mediate 5
Doe 4
Monday, May 19, 2008
DC United Meltdown
With a late night start time, I struggled to watch the DC United--Chivas match on Saturday night, now I wish I had not wasted my time for the second half.
Three unanswered goals is bad, three unanswered in a single half is really bad, three unanswered in 15 minutes is shameful. Coach Thomas Soehn, whom I have been somewhat critical, noted that his team lacks mental toughness and he is absolutely right. While Soehn is making decisions I question, I have to question just how tough DC United is. At this stage they absolutly deserve to be sitting in teh cellar.
As Goff pointed out, DC United have Fulham's disease, i.e. giving up lots of goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. So far it is six goals in 8 games.
DC's first half play was not bad, it was not great, but it was not bad. The fact is that DC is having a hard time just simply holding onto the ball. The mid-field is not controlling or dictating the pace of play. United seemed utterly incapable of stringing together more than two or three passes. The attack was weak, practically non-existent. I was, frankly, surprised that DC scored. Gallardo's goal was brilliant, a real GOTW candidate. But the rest of his play should disqualify him from that honor. For a holding midfielder, he was routinely unable to control the ball, unable to avoid getting dispossessed and unable to make accurate passes.
Laurels
Santino Quaranta--is this the only guy who is willing to fight for the team. He never quit and I think he has earned his starting post. He is looking and working like a real winger, staying wide on attack, making solid crosses into the middle, and really tracking back on defense. Yes, Tino has grown up since his last stint with DC United. All is forgiven Tino, now if yourteammates would take a hint from you, they might climb out of the cellar.
Gonzalo Martinez--although he should be chided for failing to lead the defense, none of the goals look to be his fault. At times, despite being outpaced by Atemi Harris, Martinez positioned himself well and played pretty decent. Of all the acquistions over the break, Martinez has been the most consistent performer.
Bryan Namoff--Namoff played very well at right back, in particular I liked the fact that he was animated at the lack of vision of Martinez, Mediate, Simms and Gallardo. Namoff was wide and open on a number of occaisions. While Tommy Soehn may be looking for formation answers for the rest of the squad, Tino and Namoff seemed to work well together. At least they seemed to be the only ones who gave a damn.
Darts
Gonzalo Martinez--I know it is strange to put him in the good and bad category, but he is the center back, he is the most experienced and by every formational structure in teh book, it is his responsibility to make sure the back line is organized. His individual play is noteworthy, his organizational skills are not.
Zach Wells--I think it is time to sit Mr. Wells. Yes Jose Carvallo is inexperienced, but he can't be any worse that Wells at this point. Wells has made some fine saves, including Saturday (witness getting down to stop Mendoza's near post daisy cutter), but if he was better positioned and better at organzing his defense, he would not need to make such saves. Really, Carvallo can't do any worse and may be a game or two on the pine will make Wells rethink his actions.
Jaime Moreno--you are the Captain for Pete's sake, act like. When the team is not playing well, it is your job on the field to motivate people, to yell at people and to get people doing their job. FSC's Bretos and Sullivan made a big deal of the "bickering" that Chivas was doing on teh field. I don't call it bickering, it is communication and that is the captain's job.
Player Rankings
Wells--3
Namoff--6.5
Burch--5
Mediate--4
Martinez--5
Quaranta--7
Gallardo--5 (and that includes one just for the goal)
Simms--5
Cordeiro--4
Doe--4
Moreno--4
Subs
Niell--4
Dyachenko--3
Emilio--4
Simply put, DC United is playing embarassingly bad. There really is no excuse for dropping three goals like that(not even Fulham dropped that many in the last 20 minutes). United's performance is uneven, uninspiring and unworthy of this club. I am not sure if a full shakeup is in order, or if Soehn should simply continue plugging away. To be sure, the next two weeks are going to be tough, with four games in 12 days, and it is unlikely to be an comfortable 12 days.
Maybe what they need is to have to play on instinct for a while, just to prove they can. With that many games in so short a period, instinct may be all they have in games 2-4.
Three unanswered goals is bad, three unanswered in a single half is really bad, three unanswered in 15 minutes is shameful. Coach Thomas Soehn, whom I have been somewhat critical, noted that his team lacks mental toughness and he is absolutely right. While Soehn is making decisions I question, I have to question just how tough DC United is. At this stage they absolutly deserve to be sitting in teh cellar.
As Goff pointed out, DC United have Fulham's disease, i.e. giving up lots of goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. So far it is six goals in 8 games.
DC's first half play was not bad, it was not great, but it was not bad. The fact is that DC is having a hard time just simply holding onto the ball. The mid-field is not controlling or dictating the pace of play. United seemed utterly incapable of stringing together more than two or three passes. The attack was weak, practically non-existent. I was, frankly, surprised that DC scored. Gallardo's goal was brilliant, a real GOTW candidate. But the rest of his play should disqualify him from that honor. For a holding midfielder, he was routinely unable to control the ball, unable to avoid getting dispossessed and unable to make accurate passes.
Laurels
Santino Quaranta--is this the only guy who is willing to fight for the team. He never quit and I think he has earned his starting post. He is looking and working like a real winger, staying wide on attack, making solid crosses into the middle, and really tracking back on defense. Yes, Tino has grown up since his last stint with DC United. All is forgiven Tino, now if yourteammates would take a hint from you, they might climb out of the cellar.
Gonzalo Martinez--although he should be chided for failing to lead the defense, none of the goals look to be his fault. At times, despite being outpaced by Atemi Harris, Martinez positioned himself well and played pretty decent. Of all the acquistions over the break, Martinez has been the most consistent performer.
Bryan Namoff--Namoff played very well at right back, in particular I liked the fact that he was animated at the lack of vision of Martinez, Mediate, Simms and Gallardo. Namoff was wide and open on a number of occaisions. While Tommy Soehn may be looking for formation answers for the rest of the squad, Tino and Namoff seemed to work well together. At least they seemed to be the only ones who gave a damn.
Darts
Gonzalo Martinez--I know it is strange to put him in the good and bad category, but he is the center back, he is the most experienced and by every formational structure in teh book, it is his responsibility to make sure the back line is organized. His individual play is noteworthy, his organizational skills are not.
Zach Wells--I think it is time to sit Mr. Wells. Yes Jose Carvallo is inexperienced, but he can't be any worse that Wells at this point. Wells has made some fine saves, including Saturday (witness getting down to stop Mendoza's near post daisy cutter), but if he was better positioned and better at organzing his defense, he would not need to make such saves. Really, Carvallo can't do any worse and may be a game or two on the pine will make Wells rethink his actions.
Jaime Moreno--you are the Captain for Pete's sake, act like. When the team is not playing well, it is your job on the field to motivate people, to yell at people and to get people doing their job. FSC's Bretos and Sullivan made a big deal of the "bickering" that Chivas was doing on teh field. I don't call it bickering, it is communication and that is the captain's job.
Player Rankings
Wells--3
Namoff--6.5
Burch--5
Mediate--4
Martinez--5
Quaranta--7
Gallardo--5 (and that includes one just for the goal)
Simms--5
Cordeiro--4
Doe--4
Moreno--4
Subs
Niell--4
Dyachenko--3
Emilio--4
Simply put, DC United is playing embarassingly bad. There really is no excuse for dropping three goals like that(not even Fulham dropped that many in the last 20 minutes). United's performance is uneven, uninspiring and unworthy of this club. I am not sure if a full shakeup is in order, or if Soehn should simply continue plugging away. To be sure, the next two weeks are going to be tough, with four games in 12 days, and it is unlikely to be an comfortable 12 days.
Maybe what they need is to have to play on instinct for a while, just to prove they can. With that many games in so short a period, instinct may be all they have in games 2-4.
Friday, May 09, 2008
DC United 0:2 Chicago Fire
There is a reason why Chicago is at the top of MLS' Eastern Conference--they win and they deserved to win last night at RFK Stadium. While Columbus might pass the Fire this weekend, the Eastern Conference so far this year has been the Columbus/Chicago show and deservedly so.
Last night, United looked, well lost. Defensive lapses happen and it is hard to blame United for any individual lapse in any given game. This is a game played by humans and they make mistakes. The problem is that United is making the same mistakes over and over again, game after game. United's marking is horrible, their communication is lacking and the defensive scheme "created" by Tommy Soehn simply isn't working. Last night, only one defensive player played consistently well, Bryan Namoff. The Gonzalos (Peralta and Martinez) had flashes of good play, but they consistently seemed out of position. Martinez in particular looked out of place and had it not been for a bit of luck that crosses were too far for Chicago's Blanco or Barrett, Zach Wells would have been one on one severa times, particularly in the second half. Martinez is experienced enough to know better about position and should know better than to argue with his keeper as I saw on more than one occaision.
The first Chicago goal was a defensive lapse in marking (Quaranta) and communication (Peralta and Martinez). That the same combination of factors has been seen in other games is troubling.
Two other matters stuck out last night. United could not win and hold onto the ball. Their lack of effort on 50-50 balls essentially allowed Chicago to dictate the flow and pace of the game. Once United got the ball, their touch was horrible and passing even worse. It looked like United could string three passes together unless Chicago didn't pressure and Chicago was pressuring. Gallardo (who was sitting resting a groin) is an important holding player, but jeez, can't anyone else do the job.
Second, if you want to score goals, you have to shoot the ball. In the entire game, I saw only two real opportunities for United. The first was a Moreno header that struck the crossbar (unlucky) and a Clyde Simms right footed strike from about 20 yards out that went just wide. Chicago keeper Jon Busch looked like he had it covered though. Everyone else, Franco Niell, Emilio, Dyachencko, and others simply didn't take shots.
I have had it with Emilio. It is like he doesn't even care and he is phoning in his performances. Niell looked like he was playing with emotion, but he needs to shoot the ball.
There were flashes of good play from a few players. Quaranta is making a great contribution on the right flank, he made some decent crosses and good runs. He keeps defenses honest to a certain extent.
Clyde Simms is still my selection for the most underrated MLS player out there. He put in another solid performance in midfield, attempting to move into the Gallardo role and making a good go of it.
The aforementioned Namoff did well also. But I really liked Francis Doe coming in off the bench. While I would like to see a litle more backtracking to win the ball back, Doe did look like he could provide some spark off the bench. I am willing to see Soehn give Doe a shot in place of Emilio.
Which brings me Emilio. It is time for Soehn to bench him until he can earn his spot in the starting XI again. He can't hold the ball, can't shoot, can't score and seems to be a waste of space.
It mays also be time for Kevin Payne to start looking for another head coach. Soehn is not cutting the mustard. These are the players he brought in and they cannot connect with each other. I was willing to forgive in the early weeks of the season, but with eight games gone, and the United at 2-5-1, it is time for Soehn to step up or step aside.
Last night, United looked, well lost. Defensive lapses happen and it is hard to blame United for any individual lapse in any given game. This is a game played by humans and they make mistakes. The problem is that United is making the same mistakes over and over again, game after game. United's marking is horrible, their communication is lacking and the defensive scheme "created" by Tommy Soehn simply isn't working. Last night, only one defensive player played consistently well, Bryan Namoff. The Gonzalos (Peralta and Martinez) had flashes of good play, but they consistently seemed out of position. Martinez in particular looked out of place and had it not been for a bit of luck that crosses were too far for Chicago's Blanco or Barrett, Zach Wells would have been one on one severa times, particularly in the second half. Martinez is experienced enough to know better about position and should know better than to argue with his keeper as I saw on more than one occaision.
The first Chicago goal was a defensive lapse in marking (Quaranta) and communication (Peralta and Martinez). That the same combination of factors has been seen in other games is troubling.
Two other matters stuck out last night. United could not win and hold onto the ball. Their lack of effort on 50-50 balls essentially allowed Chicago to dictate the flow and pace of the game. Once United got the ball, their touch was horrible and passing even worse. It looked like United could string three passes together unless Chicago didn't pressure and Chicago was pressuring. Gallardo (who was sitting resting a groin) is an important holding player, but jeez, can't anyone else do the job.
Second, if you want to score goals, you have to shoot the ball. In the entire game, I saw only two real opportunities for United. The first was a Moreno header that struck the crossbar (unlucky) and a Clyde Simms right footed strike from about 20 yards out that went just wide. Chicago keeper Jon Busch looked like he had it covered though. Everyone else, Franco Niell, Emilio, Dyachencko, and others simply didn't take shots.
I have had it with Emilio. It is like he doesn't even care and he is phoning in his performances. Niell looked like he was playing with emotion, but he needs to shoot the ball.
There were flashes of good play from a few players. Quaranta is making a great contribution on the right flank, he made some decent crosses and good runs. He keeps defenses honest to a certain extent.
Clyde Simms is still my selection for the most underrated MLS player out there. He put in another solid performance in midfield, attempting to move into the Gallardo role and making a good go of it.
The aforementioned Namoff did well also. But I really liked Francis Doe coming in off the bench. While I would like to see a litle more backtracking to win the ball back, Doe did look like he could provide some spark off the bench. I am willing to see Soehn give Doe a shot in place of Emilio.
Which brings me Emilio. It is time for Soehn to bench him until he can earn his spot in the starting XI again. He can't hold the ball, can't shoot, can't score and seems to be a waste of space.
It mays also be time for Kevin Payne to start looking for another head coach. Soehn is not cutting the mustard. These are the players he brought in and they cannot connect with each other. I was willing to forgive in the early weeks of the season, but with eight games gone, and the United at 2-5-1, it is time for Soehn to step up or step aside.
Friday, April 18, 2008
DC United 1:2 Columbus Crew
Last night's match put Columbus Crew at the top of the Eastern Conference and DC United at the bottom (Well Toronto is officially, but they have a game in hand over DC). With just 1 win in four matches, United are off to a poor start and it is actually worse than the conference table implies.
Last nights match against Columbus has demonstrated a number of glaring weaknesses, but some possibilities as well.
First, Emilio needs to ride the pine for a little while and earn his place back in the starting line-up. I know that maybe hard to do when he was a 20 goal scorer last year. But his performance in the league matches has been less than attractive and I expect more from him. I am thankful that the Front Office decided not to renegotiate his contract for more money. Just about everytime he got the ball with his back to goal last night he was unable to turn it to United's advantage. He was dispossessed with alarming regularity and/or gave the ball away. I don't know if it is a situation where he is just not strong enough to deal with the physicality of MLS central defenders or his form is just off, but until he can prove he has it back, it is time to ride the pine.
Second, the midfield is a shambles of players lacking cohesion. Individually, the players are doing well, in particular Gallardo and the ever steady Clyde Simms. But as a group, they don't seem to be communicating or if they are, they aren't getting together mentally. Gallardo is new to the league, but he has brilliant vision, but the problem is that his vision is about 3 second ahead of action by the rest of his team. Which leads me to
Third, the pacing of the game last night was horrid. It is evident that Gallardo is used to working much faster than the rest of the squad and it shows. I don't think the lack of pace is a fitness issue, but rather it appears to be simply more evident that United are just not working as fast as they can or should. For example, switching the field of play from one side to the other is just simply too slow to penetrate a compact team, which is what Columbus was presenting last night. Without crisp and quick ball movement, you can't spread a defense out. Of course, even if United were able to move the ball around quicker, they didn't seem all that capable of exploiting any resulting gaps.
Fourth, I have to say that our goalkeeping is a real problem this year. Carvallo seems lost and Zach Wells isn't getting it done. I know it is not fair to Carvallo or Wells to be compared to Nick Rimando or Troy Perkins, but such comparisons are hard to avoid. Rimando dominates the box with his presence and it is part of the reason why Real Salt Lake are much improved this season. Perkins on the other hand is not as dominating physically, but his positioning was far superior, he seemed to know exactly when to stay on his line and when to leave it. Wells on the other hand does not apparently have the respect and trust of his central defenders (the Gonzalos) and doesn't have the smarts with regard to his positioning. I would hope that he can improve that in the next couple of weeks, but unless his performance gets better, it is time for Soehn and Kevin Payne to go shopping for a keeper--even a loan from Europe would help.
Fifth, I understand why Soehn might want to get Dyachenko back onto the field in order to demonstrate that one bad performance is not an end to the season, but Dyachenko looked lost last night. He probably needed to sit for another game or two.
But there are possibilities. As I mentioned, Garllardo is turning out to be a wonderful acquisition. I had my doubts about him initially and some of those doubts have been expressed. But I like the fact that he hasn't really slowed down his thinking and match pace. He can hold the ball, make smart plays with the ball and off the ball. As long as he is the dominant force on the team and makes the rest of United catch up with him, I think United will get on another one of the mid-season tears, string together another long series of results and challenge again for the Supporter's Shield and the playoffs. On the other hand, if he "slows down" to the current DC United level, we could in for a long season.
Gonzalo Martinez impressed me a great deal last night, more so than in previous matches. I liked it at the end of the match with him pressing forward. I think he is much more comfortable on the ball, although I wish he would have unleashed a few shots from 25 yards out or so since I think Wil Hesmer was dozing a little.
While I think Ben Olsen is a briliant player and I can't wait for him to return to form, I think it is likewise silly to believe that he is the answer to the United's woes. Will be provide some leadership--absolutely. Can he add some skill--no doubt. But the longer he is out, the more likely it is that he will not mesh will into the line-up as the current mix of starters and first tier subs get playing time together.
What I would like to see is for Soehn to start looking at a system that capitalizes on Gallardo's vision and movement. A midfield that moves and shuffles around. I think Gallardo, Fred, Quaranta, Simms, McTavish and later Olsen need to be mindful of what can happen when you shake things up in the midfield. Columbus was more vulnerable when Gallardo was out on the wings moving into the center than vice versa, if Soehn can exploit that with a system that features such movement regularly, United can start getting more done.
Earlier in the week I talked about the discussions regarding Soehn and his job security. I think he made the right responses in terms of his work in reaction to Real Salt Lake, but he was let down by his players. He still needs to work with them to get them to mesh, but the only fault I can find is playing Dyachenko last night.
Player Ranks
Wells-4
Namoff-5
Perlta-5
Marinez-7
Burch-5
McTavish-5
Gallardo-7
Simms-6
Fred-5
Moreno-6
Emilio-3
Subs
Niell-5
Dyachenko-3
Quaranta-5
Soehn-6
Last nights match against Columbus has demonstrated a number of glaring weaknesses, but some possibilities as well.
First, Emilio needs to ride the pine for a little while and earn his place back in the starting line-up. I know that maybe hard to do when he was a 20 goal scorer last year. But his performance in the league matches has been less than attractive and I expect more from him. I am thankful that the Front Office decided not to renegotiate his contract for more money. Just about everytime he got the ball with his back to goal last night he was unable to turn it to United's advantage. He was dispossessed with alarming regularity and/or gave the ball away. I don't know if it is a situation where he is just not strong enough to deal with the physicality of MLS central defenders or his form is just off, but until he can prove he has it back, it is time to ride the pine.
Second, the midfield is a shambles of players lacking cohesion. Individually, the players are doing well, in particular Gallardo and the ever steady Clyde Simms. But as a group, they don't seem to be communicating or if they are, they aren't getting together mentally. Gallardo is new to the league, but he has brilliant vision, but the problem is that his vision is about 3 second ahead of action by the rest of his team. Which leads me to
Third, the pacing of the game last night was horrid. It is evident that Gallardo is used to working much faster than the rest of the squad and it shows. I don't think the lack of pace is a fitness issue, but rather it appears to be simply more evident that United are just not working as fast as they can or should. For example, switching the field of play from one side to the other is just simply too slow to penetrate a compact team, which is what Columbus was presenting last night. Without crisp and quick ball movement, you can't spread a defense out. Of course, even if United were able to move the ball around quicker, they didn't seem all that capable of exploiting any resulting gaps.
Fourth, I have to say that our goalkeeping is a real problem this year. Carvallo seems lost and Zach Wells isn't getting it done. I know it is not fair to Carvallo or Wells to be compared to Nick Rimando or Troy Perkins, but such comparisons are hard to avoid. Rimando dominates the box with his presence and it is part of the reason why Real Salt Lake are much improved this season. Perkins on the other hand is not as dominating physically, but his positioning was far superior, he seemed to know exactly when to stay on his line and when to leave it. Wells on the other hand does not apparently have the respect and trust of his central defenders (the Gonzalos) and doesn't have the smarts with regard to his positioning. I would hope that he can improve that in the next couple of weeks, but unless his performance gets better, it is time for Soehn and Kevin Payne to go shopping for a keeper--even a loan from Europe would help.
Fifth, I understand why Soehn might want to get Dyachenko back onto the field in order to demonstrate that one bad performance is not an end to the season, but Dyachenko looked lost last night. He probably needed to sit for another game or two.
But there are possibilities. As I mentioned, Garllardo is turning out to be a wonderful acquisition. I had my doubts about him initially and some of those doubts have been expressed. But I like the fact that he hasn't really slowed down his thinking and match pace. He can hold the ball, make smart plays with the ball and off the ball. As long as he is the dominant force on the team and makes the rest of United catch up with him, I think United will get on another one of the mid-season tears, string together another long series of results and challenge again for the Supporter's Shield and the playoffs. On the other hand, if he "slows down" to the current DC United level, we could in for a long season.
Gonzalo Martinez impressed me a great deal last night, more so than in previous matches. I liked it at the end of the match with him pressing forward. I think he is much more comfortable on the ball, although I wish he would have unleashed a few shots from 25 yards out or so since I think Wil Hesmer was dozing a little.
While I think Ben Olsen is a briliant player and I can't wait for him to return to form, I think it is likewise silly to believe that he is the answer to the United's woes. Will be provide some leadership--absolutely. Can he add some skill--no doubt. But the longer he is out, the more likely it is that he will not mesh will into the line-up as the current mix of starters and first tier subs get playing time together.
What I would like to see is for Soehn to start looking at a system that capitalizes on Gallardo's vision and movement. A midfield that moves and shuffles around. I think Gallardo, Fred, Quaranta, Simms, McTavish and later Olsen need to be mindful of what can happen when you shake things up in the midfield. Columbus was more vulnerable when Gallardo was out on the wings moving into the center than vice versa, if Soehn can exploit that with a system that features such movement regularly, United can start getting more done.
Earlier in the week I talked about the discussions regarding Soehn and his job security. I think he made the right responses in terms of his work in reaction to Real Salt Lake, but he was let down by his players. He still needs to work with them to get them to mesh, but the only fault I can find is playing Dyachenko last night.
Player Ranks
Wells-4
Namoff-5
Perlta-5
Marinez-7
Burch-5
McTavish-5
Gallardo-7
Simms-6
Fred-5
Moreno-6
Emilio-3
Subs
Niell-5
Dyachenko-3
Quaranta-5
Soehn-6
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Should DC United Fire Tom Soehn
That is the topic of The DCenters post from yesterday. DCenters answers, no, not yet.
Well let's take a deeper look at Soehn this year, because I think a lot of this analyis is based solely upon the trouncing the DC United suffered at the hand of Real Salt Lake over the weekend. I think this is a poor reason to consider firing the coach given that DC United have never played well at RSL, no matter what, including the time when Peter Novak was the head coach. But the conversation has started.
DC United's season got off to a quick start, without an adequate pre-season thanks to the Champions Cup. This is not Soehn's fault, unless by fault you mean that DC United was in the Champions Cup for the sole reason that they had the best record in the MLS last year thanks in part to Tom Soehn. Them's the breaks of being good.
So Soehn did not have an opportunity to really focus on his more inexperienced players and get them up to speed by constantly working with them on the training pitch against his best XI. Now, of course, it is his job to evaluate talent and use that talent in the best possible manner, but when your evaluative sessions are cut short by travel to Jamiaca, Mexico and back, along with pre-game training sessions focused on getting ready for a game as opposed to long term pre season workouts which RSL and Kansas City had a full pre-season, it is hard to really develop a full feel of how players work together, which combinations of players can produce which kind of results and styles of play during a match. In many ways, parts of the DC United roster have been robbed of a true pre-season.
Let's also take a look at history. DC United had a very poor record (relative to past years) in the first months of the 2007 season and yet went on a tear in mid-season and finished by winning the Supporter's Sheild. While getting dismissed early in the playoffs did not put a proper cap on teh season, DC had nothing to hang its head about last year. This year we are off to a poor start again. Perhaps the trouble is that DC United is not a team that starts a season well. That may be a problem of management, scheduling, talent or what not. I don't know the root cause of that problem, but it is a problem United faced last year under Soehn and he was able to pull the team out.
DCenters notes that two questions are somewhat up in the air:
The MLS season is 30 matches long and only three matches have been played, which as resulted in a loss to KC just a couple of days before playing Pachuca, a blistering win over Toronto and a shelling at RSL. I don't think you can find any pattern in those games that would indicate poor coaching or managing. Soehn is something of a victim of schedule and circumstances.
I don't want to excuse Soehn for the RSL failures, he made big mistakes in player assignments and even formation. But the big question is how will he learn from those mistakes. If DC United are still hot and cold in mid to late May, then it might be time to call for Soehn's ouster, but until then, the rumor mill does nothing.
Well let's take a deeper look at Soehn this year, because I think a lot of this analyis is based solely upon the trouncing the DC United suffered at the hand of Real Salt Lake over the weekend. I think this is a poor reason to consider firing the coach given that DC United have never played well at RSL, no matter what, including the time when Peter Novak was the head coach. But the conversation has started.
DC United's season got off to a quick start, without an adequate pre-season thanks to the Champions Cup. This is not Soehn's fault, unless by fault you mean that DC United was in the Champions Cup for the sole reason that they had the best record in the MLS last year thanks in part to Tom Soehn. Them's the breaks of being good.
So Soehn did not have an opportunity to really focus on his more inexperienced players and get them up to speed by constantly working with them on the training pitch against his best XI. Now, of course, it is his job to evaluate talent and use that talent in the best possible manner, but when your evaluative sessions are cut short by travel to Jamiaca, Mexico and back, along with pre-game training sessions focused on getting ready for a game as opposed to long term pre season workouts which RSL and Kansas City had a full pre-season, it is hard to really develop a full feel of how players work together, which combinations of players can produce which kind of results and styles of play during a match. In many ways, parts of the DC United roster have been robbed of a true pre-season.
Let's also take a look at history. DC United had a very poor record (relative to past years) in the first months of the 2007 season and yet went on a tear in mid-season and finished by winning the Supporter's Sheild. While getting dismissed early in the playoffs did not put a proper cap on teh season, DC had nothing to hang its head about last year. This year we are off to a poor start again. Perhaps the trouble is that DC United is not a team that starts a season well. That may be a problem of management, scheduling, talent or what not. I don't know the root cause of that problem, but it is a problem United faced last year under Soehn and he was able to pull the team out.
DCenters notes that two questions are somewhat up in the air:
Is the coach adapting and improving when things are bad? There's a time to stay the course, but even if you know what you want to do, and it isn't showing up on the pitch, you need to adapt to get results. The line between persistent and obtuse can be a small thing.D notes that we should reconsider after Thursday, when DC United hosts the Columbus Crew. To be sure, Soehn has to make some corrections prior to Thursday's fixture. But by the same token, DC will have a short week to prepare for the Crew and making another assessment in a short week does something of a disservice to Soehn. If DC United comes out and puts a shellacking on the Crew, a great deal of thought will be focused on the Crew getting slammed because of the "revenge factor" and the return of some regualars rather than any changes Soehn made in the intervening days.
Is the team performing better or worse as time goes on? Changes made in training or personnel must show up in better results on the field, or they are useless.(emphasis in original)
The MLS season is 30 matches long and only three matches have been played, which as resulted in a loss to KC just a couple of days before playing Pachuca, a blistering win over Toronto and a shelling at RSL. I don't think you can find any pattern in those games that would indicate poor coaching or managing. Soehn is something of a victim of schedule and circumstances.
I don't want to excuse Soehn for the RSL failures, he made big mistakes in player assignments and even formation. But the big question is how will he learn from those mistakes. If DC United are still hot and cold in mid to late May, then it might be time to call for Soehn's ouster, but until then, the rumor mill does nothing.
Monday, April 14, 2008
DC United Trounced
The trouble with DC United's game over the weekend is....well damn near everything. A 0-4 loss to Real Salt Lake just cannot be explained away and there is not point trying. I have only seen the first half and about 10 minutes of the second half, but that was enough.
Resting key players like Gallardo and Zach Wells is understandable as they have played a lot of games in the past few weeks and the horrid conditions of Rice-Eggles Stadium is not where you want tired players risking an injury. So with Tom Soehn's decision to rest some players, I have no quibble. But other decisions were poor.
First up is the formation. In the last match against Pachuca, Soehn went to a 3-4-3, offensively aggressive formation. The more aggressive offensive stance was needed in that game and it worked. The personnel he used in that set up made sense and produced results despite utlimately falling short. I can see using the 3-4-3 again in similar situations, but for a long time DC United has used a four man back line, Soehn has almost always used it and quite frankly, this game was on where a four man back line was needed. But against RSL in that stadium, with an untested keeper, a four man back line would have made much more sense. Try as I might, I can't come up with a real good reason to not have a four man back line, even if you are resting Gonzalo Martinez. A three man back line has to be supremely organized and probably should be played in front of your most experience keeper. The back line was shoddy, with too many gaps, too many lapses and not nearly enough communication between them and the goalkeeper. The Espindola goal should never have happened.
Next, Rod Dyachenko is not Gallardo and we know that. Dyachenko is a good player and the worst part about Saturday is that it was obvious that he was in over his head. Could he be a holding midfielder in the future, I believe so, but not yet and for Soehn to put him in that position at this stage borders on the criminal. Dyachenko, right now, is not the kind of player who can dicate a game's rhythmn.
Finally, while Fred and Emilio played, well not decently but not as bad as everyone else, I am getting more and more dismayed at their lack of impact this year. Emilio has such a great year last year that I am willing to give him a little more leash before I really start tugging on it, but Fred isn't doing it for me. When Dyachenko started to choke, I looked to these two guys to start getting it done in the midfield and attacking third. They didn't and that has to change.
Finally,
Resting key players like Gallardo and Zach Wells is understandable as they have played a lot of games in the past few weeks and the horrid conditions of Rice-Eggles Stadium is not where you want tired players risking an injury. So with Tom Soehn's decision to rest some players, I have no quibble. But other decisions were poor.
First up is the formation. In the last match against Pachuca, Soehn went to a 3-4-3, offensively aggressive formation. The more aggressive offensive stance was needed in that game and it worked. The personnel he used in that set up made sense and produced results despite utlimately falling short. I can see using the 3-4-3 again in similar situations, but for a long time DC United has used a four man back line, Soehn has almost always used it and quite frankly, this game was on where a four man back line was needed. But against RSL in that stadium, with an untested keeper, a four man back line would have made much more sense. Try as I might, I can't come up with a real good reason to not have a four man back line, even if you are resting Gonzalo Martinez. A three man back line has to be supremely organized and probably should be played in front of your most experience keeper. The back line was shoddy, with too many gaps, too many lapses and not nearly enough communication between them and the goalkeeper. The Espindola goal should never have happened.
Next, Rod Dyachenko is not Gallardo and we know that. Dyachenko is a good player and the worst part about Saturday is that it was obvious that he was in over his head. Could he be a holding midfielder in the future, I believe so, but not yet and for Soehn to put him in that position at this stage borders on the criminal. Dyachenko, right now, is not the kind of player who can dicate a game's rhythmn.
Finally, while Fred and Emilio played, well not decently but not as bad as everyone else, I am getting more and more dismayed at their lack of impact this year. Emilio has such a great year last year that I am willing to give him a little more leash before I really start tugging on it, but Fred isn't doing it for me. When Dyachenko started to choke, I looked to these two guys to start getting it done in the midfield and attacking third. They didn't and that has to change.
Finally,
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