The East is going to be a dog fight. I said if the Revs beat Houston last weekend then they'd be Supporters' Shield winners, but it's not as obvious as I once thought. While we have every possibility of being 11-1-2 very soon, we could be facing a 12-1-2 Red Bulls team immediately after that. The way JP Angel looked (and that was bored with the ease of the game, and phenomenal) and the rest of the NY attacking options fit together, the Revs certainly have a large task in front of them. Still, the easy schedule for NER coming up combined with Red Bull playing 6 of their next 7 on the road means it should be very conceivable to have at least gained some sort of a lead in the East. However, Bob Bradley is trying to take away that possibility. Here's what I see in the Gold Cup time:
------Cristman----Noonan-------
------------Dorman--------------
--Khano-------------------Wells--
--------Ginger----Shalrie---------
-----Riley---Hernandez----Heaps-----
------------Reis---------------------
This lineup assumes Avery's absence with T&T. The problem right now lies in that right midfield spot since Wells is listed as questionable for this weekend. If his injury continues to be a problem, the options aren't looking very good. So far I've come up with one . . . Noonan at RM, Khano at forward, and Franchino at left. I guess option #2 would be Riley playing on the right at mid, and possibly a return for Marshall Leonard at left back. I think Noonan and Cristman will be very successful together if Noons can get his mojo back. We'll see . . . Khano will definitely have to step up as well though and get some good crosses in. It's going to be an interesting time. Another problem will clearly be depth. The only substitute options the Revs have seen so far are on the defensive side of the ball with Franchino and Flood. Willie Sims and Bryan Byrne may be called upon to try to spark some offense, but their results are very much unknown. I think a lot of Revs fans may soon be wishing Cancela was around still . . .
Which brings me to another thing to discuss: the TFC/RSL trade. This seems to be very bad for both teams, but we'll let this weekend sort it out. As far as I see it, Toronto's forward role should be someone to play off Dichio. Cunningham plays of no one. He is the ideal solo striker, and can't do nearly as well as Alecko with Big Dan. Combine that with the fact that Alecko was already a fan favorite with his own blog on the team's website, and I have absolutely no idea what Mo is doing. Sending a first round pick also seems a bit strange. TFC . . . just when things were looking better . . . And for RSL, Alecko can't do it alone. Cunningham was the perfect fit. Alecko is fast, cagey, and pesky, but he's not a guy who can create his own goals out of thin air like Cunningham could. He needs a second forward and RSL doesn't have one. Even if Salt Lake can somehow wrestle Shalrie away from the Revs, he's not going to aid in the goal scoring process and Alecko is going to be starved for attention. On the subject of Shalrie, I just can't see it happening since I doubt he'd want to go to a loser. Just get him a contract . . .
Lastly, I'm very excited for the Gold Cup. It'll definitely be a challenge this time around once we get out of the group stage. All I ask is that Twellman gets a chance . . .
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Where's the motivation?
I know, I haven't posted in a long time, so here's some blurbs on what I'm thinking:
- The Revs are back. Revolution fans know that the team never really got going last year, and no one really knew why. I submit Exhibit A: Taylor Twellman. Apparently he was telling the truth when he said he was playing hurt last year because the pace is back, and the finishing certainly is back. Not only that, but look at HOW he's finishing. I don't remember Twellman ever having those shots from outside the box like he's had this season. He's doing it off his head, mid-air volleys, and flat-out shots. Impressive TnT; too bad that impressiveness is going to take him away from the Revs in July, and possibly interrupt the free-flowing chemistry currently in operation.
- The Columbus Crew are good. I said it from the start, but they're proving me correct every weekend. They're certainly a fun team that will always struggle to find goals, but they're finding them. Scheletto looks good from what I've seen, and maybe Moreno will work out for them. Add Herron back in this lineup and the goals could really be a bit more consistent. Andy Gruenebaum has to be #2 for goalie of the year to this point as well.
- Overrated: Chicago, Houston, Juan Pablo Angel. Chicago's wins aren't really of any quality, and a thrashing at the hands of Toronto certainly makes you question their standing. Houston may have finally awoken this weekend, but before that I was wondering how they scored goals last year. And Angel? I said it before, but I still hold to it. I never saw him score a goal. I don't know if he really can be a dominant force. The Red Bulls seem to think they have everything figured out, but they have a long way to go.
- Underrated: COLUMBUS, Ronnie O'Brien. Columbus we already discussed, but let's talk about TFC with the Irish kid. Yes, he makes that much of a difference. Notice how during all that Toronto-thrashing, no one brought up the fact that one of the league's best midfielders (yes, he is) was missing with an injury! He returns and budda-bing budda-boom 3-1 win. He was only 70% and they win 3-1. No, it's not a coincidence. He's nasty, and if he has the desire to lead this team, they're going to be very good.
- My All-Stars so far:
GK - Matt Reis (Gruenebaum would be option 2)
D - Dunivant, Parkhurst, Dasan Robinson (I don't feel like these are really that great of choices, but 3 guys who don't get the attention they deserve, and no one else looked that appetizing)
M - Steve Ralston, Herculez, DeRo (call it a pre-emptive pick), GRABAVOY! (I really like this CREW!), Toja/Martino/Dorman
F - Twellman (duh.), Rolfe (Kenny Cooper is a good 3rd option)
- And I'll say it just like everyone else: I wish I lived in Toronto right now. BMO Field, while looking far too simple and close to the boredom that is Crew Stadium, packs in real fans it appears for every match. Not obnoxious youth soccer teams or the weekend yuppies, but ACTUAL SOCCER FANS!!! 20,000 of them. Just seeing them all stand when the ball got NEAR the box last weekend peaked my awe. If the Revs had fans like that, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't drop a point at home
Yeah, good stuff in MLS so far. Can't wait for the LAG uniforms in July, and the Gold Cup is shockingly near.
- The Revs are back. Revolution fans know that the team never really got going last year, and no one really knew why. I submit Exhibit A: Taylor Twellman. Apparently he was telling the truth when he said he was playing hurt last year because the pace is back, and the finishing certainly is back. Not only that, but look at HOW he's finishing. I don't remember Twellman ever having those shots from outside the box like he's had this season. He's doing it off his head, mid-air volleys, and flat-out shots. Impressive TnT; too bad that impressiveness is going to take him away from the Revs in July, and possibly interrupt the free-flowing chemistry currently in operation.
- The Columbus Crew are good. I said it from the start, but they're proving me correct every weekend. They're certainly a fun team that will always struggle to find goals, but they're finding them. Scheletto looks good from what I've seen, and maybe Moreno will work out for them. Add Herron back in this lineup and the goals could really be a bit more consistent. Andy Gruenebaum has to be #2 for goalie of the year to this point as well.
- Overrated: Chicago, Houston, Juan Pablo Angel. Chicago's wins aren't really of any quality, and a thrashing at the hands of Toronto certainly makes you question their standing. Houston may have finally awoken this weekend, but before that I was wondering how they scored goals last year. And Angel? I said it before, but I still hold to it. I never saw him score a goal. I don't know if he really can be a dominant force. The Red Bulls seem to think they have everything figured out, but they have a long way to go.
- Underrated: COLUMBUS, Ronnie O'Brien. Columbus we already discussed, but let's talk about TFC with the Irish kid. Yes, he makes that much of a difference. Notice how during all that Toronto-thrashing, no one brought up the fact that one of the league's best midfielders (yes, he is) was missing with an injury! He returns and budda-bing budda-boom 3-1 win. He was only 70% and they win 3-1. No, it's not a coincidence. He's nasty, and if he has the desire to lead this team, they're going to be very good.
- My All-Stars so far:
GK - Matt Reis (Gruenebaum would be option 2)
D - Dunivant, Parkhurst, Dasan Robinson (I don't feel like these are really that great of choices, but 3 guys who don't get the attention they deserve, and no one else looked that appetizing)
M - Steve Ralston, Herculez, DeRo (call it a pre-emptive pick), GRABAVOY! (I really like this CREW!), Toja/Martino/Dorman
F - Twellman (duh.), Rolfe (Kenny Cooper is a good 3rd option)
- And I'll say it just like everyone else: I wish I lived in Toronto right now. BMO Field, while looking far too simple and close to the boredom that is Crew Stadium, packs in real fans it appears for every match. Not obnoxious youth soccer teams or the weekend yuppies, but ACTUAL SOCCER FANS!!! 20,000 of them. Just seeing them all stand when the ball got NEAR the box last weekend peaked my awe. If the Revs had fans like that, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't drop a point at home
Yeah, good stuff in MLS so far. Can't wait for the LAG uniforms in July, and the Gold Cup is shockingly near.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tonight's Match
Colorado 1 - 1 RSL: The Rapids offense hasn't shown much, but I really hope they put Conor Casey right in there. He's so good and it's time America was reminded of that fact. However, the problem lies within the jersey. I can't see them scoring more than one tonight for some reason, and for some reason I see RSL playing well. It doesn't have to be logical . . .
Sunday, April 29, 2007
When charity goes wrong . . .
Did anyone else notice that the Va Tech shout-outs aren't helping? The Washington Nationals were the first to try the whole VT mojo, but, being the Nationals, they lost the game in which they wore Va Tech hats. Gotta say, the Hokies are probably wishing there was another MLB franchise in the area right about now . . .
Then this weekend happened. The DC United continued their awesome run of perfection by losing again to the "everyone thought they were lowly but Tim Crawford said they were gonna be good" Crew. Weeeeeeird. They were wearing maroon jerseys in tribute.
And lastly, the Houston Dynamo, already having the orange factored into the unis, decided to complete the ensemble with maroon kits as well. This did not do much for a result with a 1-0 disaster loss to ChiTown at home.
Doesn't this seem to go against everything we've ever known? Teams have that "air of destiny" about them so much lately that you'd think things like this could only help. Needless to say, coolness from Houston who aren't even close to Virginia, and good job by DCU repping as well to help the school recover. I'm sure they're still wishing for 3 points as well though . . .
Great result from the Revs! Good to see Parkhurst and Noonan back in the lineup. However, I didn't actually get to "see" them in the lineup thanks to Telefutura blacking out the online coverage and the fine University of Connecticut not having TV38 or the aforesaid Spanish coverage. I was mad. Still, going into Dallas has been a major problem for us in the past (See MLS Cup last year, and I believe it was 4-1 in the regular season to the Hoops as well). A road win where we shut out what has been a decent offense is definitely a good one, regardless of how we played. Now the Revs have 4 points in 3 road games (one above the goal) and a perfect 3 from their one home game. Good stuff . . . The DC game will look extra scary since they still haven't gotten a point yet and will be more focused than ever this Thursday, so let's hope the Revs bring their A-game.
Then this weekend happened. The DC United continued their awesome run of perfection by losing again to the "everyone thought they were lowly but Tim Crawford said they were gonna be good" Crew. Weeeeeeird. They were wearing maroon jerseys in tribute.
And lastly, the Houston Dynamo, already having the orange factored into the unis, decided to complete the ensemble with maroon kits as well. This did not do much for a result with a 1-0 disaster loss to ChiTown at home.
Doesn't this seem to go against everything we've ever known? Teams have that "air of destiny" about them so much lately that you'd think things like this could only help. Needless to say, coolness from Houston who aren't even close to Virginia, and good job by DCU repping as well to help the school recover. I'm sure they're still wishing for 3 points as well though . . .
Great result from the Revs! Good to see Parkhurst and Noonan back in the lineup. However, I didn't actually get to "see" them in the lineup thanks to Telefutura blacking out the online coverage and the fine University of Connecticut not having TV38 or the aforesaid Spanish coverage. I was mad. Still, going into Dallas has been a major problem for us in the past (See MLS Cup last year, and I believe it was 4-1 in the regular season to the Hoops as well). A road win where we shut out what has been a decent offense is definitely a good one, regardless of how we played. Now the Revs have 4 points in 3 road games (one above the goal) and a perfect 3 from their one home game. Good stuff . . . The DC game will look extra scary since they still haven't gotten a point yet and will be more focused than ever this Thursday, so let's hope the Revs bring their A-game.
Friday, April 27, 2007
I'm getting better at this thing!
2 for 2 so far this week and everyone's thinking: "STOP NOW!!!" Too bad!
KC 3 - 0 Toronto: Alright, I take it back. There's no way Toronto will score. They're doomed. Utterly doomed. Ronnie O' where art thou? And KC? A game of film to watch how they destroyed Toronto just makes it easier.
DCU 1 - 1 Columbus: Why stop the tying? DC may have fixed some thing, but they can't fix them all. Columbus has looked good I maintain even if the Revs handed them the point last game. There are some good attacking options on that side, and they will find the net against DC's awful d. It's DC's offense that will make the difference. I'm just saying they won't get the job done.
El Super Classico!!!
Chivas 1 - 2 LAG: I love these games. Somehow there's just such a good air to them, and thanks to FSC, I won't be getting to watch it for round one this year. Bunch o' punks . . . Chivas hasn't impressed me yet, and I believe the potential is greater for the Galaxy. Landon finally gets on the board?
Revs 1 - 1 FCD: Parkhurst back! If he isn't, I'm saying 3-1 Dallas just so ya know. The defense should have most of its problems solved w/ Parky back, but Shalrie needs to wake up. However, Dallas always seems to pick up their pace when the Revs come into town and I expect nothing less in this case. Cooper will be a menace as usual.
Chicago 0 - 1 Houston: Chicago stinks. Really. Stop believing the record. I said they'd do well in the East, but I can't see how, and so far that's the case. Houston's d will not concede a goal to them, but will their awful o-ffense find a way to score one. It seems that's the only amount they CAN get.
KC 3 - 0 Toronto: Alright, I take it back. There's no way Toronto will score. They're doomed. Utterly doomed. Ronnie O' where art thou? And KC? A game of film to watch how they destroyed Toronto just makes it easier.
DCU 1 - 1 Columbus: Why stop the tying? DC may have fixed some thing, but they can't fix them all. Columbus has looked good I maintain even if the Revs handed them the point last game. There are some good attacking options on that side, and they will find the net against DC's awful d. It's DC's offense that will make the difference. I'm just saying they won't get the job done.
El Super Classico!!!
Chivas 1 - 2 LAG: I love these games. Somehow there's just such a good air to them, and thanks to FSC, I won't be getting to watch it for round one this year. Bunch o' punks . . . Chivas hasn't impressed me yet, and I believe the potential is greater for the Galaxy. Landon finally gets on the board?
Revs 1 - 1 FCD: Parkhurst back! If he isn't, I'm saying 3-1 Dallas just so ya know. The defense should have most of its problems solved w/ Parky back, but Shalrie needs to wake up. However, Dallas always seems to pick up their pace when the Revs come into town and I expect nothing less in this case. Cooper will be a menace as usual.
Chicago 0 - 1 Houston: Chicago stinks. Really. Stop believing the record. I said they'd do well in the East, but I can't see how, and so far that's the case. Houston's d will not concede a goal to them, but will their awful o-ffense find a way to score one. It seems that's the only amount they CAN get.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Predictions For Another Crazy Week . . .
Well, let's start with the midweek anyways:
TFC 1 - 2 KC: Yes, once again I think Toronto will score. Once again, they'll probably lose. There just aren't many reasons to think otherwise at this point . . . Which KC will show up is an interesting question . . . but probably an irrelevant one.
RBNY 2 - 1 FCD: I'm jumping on the Red Bull bandwagon. Things are working well there with what turned out to be a really solid defense, and one heck of a Jozy. Is he good for more than one goal though? And if not, who is the 2nd coming from? Good question, but I'm just picking it anyways . . . Dallas looks good, but Red Bull seems to be playing at a different level right now.
TFC 1 - 2 KC: Yes, once again I think Toronto will score. Once again, they'll probably lose. There just aren't many reasons to think otherwise at this point . . . Which KC will show up is an interesting question . . . but probably an irrelevant one.
RBNY 2 - 1 FCD: I'm jumping on the Red Bull bandwagon. Things are working well there with what turned out to be a really solid defense, and one heck of a Jozy. Is he good for more than one goal though? And if not, who is the 2nd coming from? Good question, but I'm just picking it anyways . . . Dallas looks good, but Red Bull seems to be playing at a different level right now.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Why Bother?
I mean . . . seriously. I have 2 right so far. So poor. Predictions anyways:
Dynamo 1 - 2 Red Bull: The Dynamo aren't playing well right now. I don't care about the results. There's just simply nothing impressive to this point. Red Bull on the other hand look good.
Wizards 2 - 0 Fire: I'm worried for the Fire. The lack of energy they've shown in the first two games is really disturbing, while the way the Wiz came out last weekend makes you wonder just how good this team is going to get. The Bridgeview fans won't be too happy with this one.
RSL 0 - 1 Chivas: Eh. Boring. As usual. You'd think there'd be more goals here with the lack of defense on both sides, but I'm going to go against the curve.
Colorado 2 - 2 FCD: This is my pick for game of the weekend, though Dynamo vs Red Bull is a good meeting of old power vs new power. Colorado looks very impressive still, and Ruiz and Cooper are flying atop the Hoops' attack. Should be very entertaining.
Dynamo 1 - 2 Red Bull: The Dynamo aren't playing well right now. I don't care about the results. There's just simply nothing impressive to this point. Red Bull on the other hand look good.
Wizards 2 - 0 Fire: I'm worried for the Fire. The lack of energy they've shown in the first two games is really disturbing, while the way the Wiz came out last weekend makes you wonder just how good this team is going to get. The Bridgeview fans won't be too happy with this one.
RSL 0 - 1 Chivas: Eh. Boring. As usual. You'd think there'd be more goals here with the lack of defense on both sides, but I'm going to go against the curve.
Colorado 2 - 2 FCD: This is my pick for game of the weekend, though Dynamo vs Red Bull is a good meeting of old power vs new power. Colorado looks very impressive still, and Ruiz and Cooper are flying atop the Hoops' attack. Should be very entertaining.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
No hope.
Somehow the only games I've gotten right so far are the 2 Revs matches. Maybe that just proves it's a good thing I'm doing a Revs blog . . . Let's see if I can make it 3 for 3 with them. The only problem is when betting against me you still only have a 50-50 chance since there are 3 results possible in soccer . . . Awful isn't it?
Revs 3 - 1 Columbus: Andy Herron has to score against us. It's a rule. Otherwise, with Noonan back in the lineup, Khano looking like CRonaldo, and Twellman finally finishing, how can we not score 3 goals?
Revs 3 - 1 Columbus: Andy Herron has to score against us. It's a rule. Otherwise, with Noonan back in the lineup, Khano looking like CRonaldo, and Twellman finally finishing, how can we not score 3 goals?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Saga Continues . . .
The Shalrie problems are never ending at this point. Apparently he could hold out if he doesn't get his wishes met. The argument appears to be over 10K and some bonuses. This all just seems ridiculous. Maybe the Revs just want Twellman to be the most expensive player on the roster and not him . . .
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Power Rankings
So I bet all y'all are wondering why I don't do any updates on the games . . . I assume you all saw them, or were at them, or can read about them elsewhere. That suffices. However, opinions on the game from my perspective:
1) Adam Cristman is good. I feel like he got noticed a lot more this week for what I thought I saw last week. He's stroooooong. He needs to work on his shot and crossing, but his physical ability is impressive and there seems to be a loooot of potential there.
2) Maybe Taylor's back? It wasn't like his goals were toooooooo difficult, but the 2nd one was definitely classy and textbook. He finished, which is definitely an upgrade from the week before. Let's just hope it continues.
3) People are evil. The entire row in front of me was filled with Khano lovers/ Noonan bashers. People. Don't so quickly forget what Noonan has done for this team. Just because he has been injured for a while doesn't give you the right to forget that every time he plays he does well and creates. We're a better team with him. Don't forget that. In addition, probably deserving of it's own number, Khano was oustanding. While this will make that row happy, I will say this: It's probably the first time. Probably the best game of his career, but I still am waiting (and hoping) to see if it continues. He looked so much more versatile and agile. He could be really good, but let's stop it with the unwarranted Khano praising.
4) The defense? I remember having 3 guys playing D, but I don't remember them actually playing. There was really no need for them, but when they were called upon they answered very well. Toronto's threats were blocked or cut off and that was beautiful. Avery John played quite well, and I think it went relatively unnoticed. Major props to a James Riley led backline. Let's see it against Columbus . . .
5) Toronto stinks. They need Ronnie O'Brien back ASAP.
Now, since everyone else does these, here are some power rankings:
1) FC Dallas: OH NO YOU DIDN'T!?!? Yes. Yes I did. 4 points on the road. And really I'm just going to focus on the LA game last Thursday. 3 road games to this point, and they have 4 points. Not bad. The RBNY game doesn't count since it was in the middle of a tempest and the RSL game was a tad sad, but power rankings are all about recent form and against Landon's Losers they were brilliant. Kenny Cooper and Carlos Ruiz are going to be obnoxious all year long.
2) NE Revolution: Yeeeeeeeeeeah. No bias here either . . . I truly think that whooping of Toronto was impressive. The Chicago game was minus Shalrie and Khano, and yes, they clearly made a difference this weekend, so it doesn't count. Getting Parkhurst and Noonan back will make this lineup even scarier, though Riley is doing a splendid job.
3) KC Wizards: Wow. I'm so disappointed. Why are they good? A 4-2 victory over DC looks so good on paper, and watching the highlights makes it look even better. If EJ can continue to fly, KC is going to be very impressive. Add in their recently acquired playmaker and the Wiz are off on the right foot.
4) RBNY: If Clint Mathis is going to score their guaranteed to be good. Adding in Juan Pablo Angel has to make them better, but I question how much so. He never really impressed me while playing for Villa (mainly because he never scored) and hence I wonder how much he'll do here. Still the gritty classy guys are looking good enough, scoring three goals in awful conditions. Still the tie against Columbus looked like Crew dominance and has to make you wonder.
5) Colorado Rapids: Write off this past weekend since they played for 80+ minutes with only 10 guys. The brilliance was shone in Week 1 and I think there's more to come . . .
6) Columbus Crew: I'm impressed. I really am. It looks like they're creating plenty, and haven't conceded a goal. It's there . . . they just have to finish. If they can just get that last touch . . . the wins should be piling up. Their new playmaker will also make a difference, and Columbus still looks good to me to scare some teams.
7) Chicago Fire: Booooring. The Revs handled them in the second half, and the Rapids game went by far too quietly. A tie against a 10 man side is never a good thing. There's just no life there, and Mapp needs to get more consistent.
8) Houston Dynamo: They shouldn't be this low. They're far better than this, but I haven't seen it yet this year. Interesting how badly the two CCC teams are doing at this point . . . You say, "Badly? They have 4 points!" I say . . . yes. It sure seemed like LA had the bulk of the chances in that 0-0 draw, and certainly the 1-0 win over Chivas wasn't too good either. Where's the life? Where is DeRo?
9) LA Galaxy: Landon has the spark and the legs, but he can't finish. I'm so proud of Eric Wynalda for noticing something I've been proclaiming for ages. One of my favorite personal phrases has been "Don't worry; Landon's taking it." for about a year now. Finally Eric pointed out just how bad his free kicks and corners were (though it was in the one game sense). He needs to take over much more. They should be better than this. FCD kicked their tales, but the impressiveness against Houston was clearly there.
10) Chivas USA: Eh. Good first game, not so much in the second. That's really all there is. I don't know if there's much potential here . . .
11) RSL: Fredward hasn't really gotten much going there in Mormon country. The defense is ever questionable, and the offense will be sporadic. Freddy will need to turn it up, or else it's another November at home.
12) DCU: Ouch. How far they have fallen . . . Facundo is proving to be the liability everyone saw him as. In addition, add in the fact that the offense is nowhere near where everyone thought it would be. Emilio is doing his job, but where's Jaime? Also, Devin McTavish? Justin Moose? Stephen DeRoux? Why are these guys starting? FRED ANYONE?!
13) Toronto FC: 'Nuff said. They haven't shown any signs of life. Ronnie O'Brien may be enough to connect the forwards, but without him they are not very good. Esky looks good, but Casey for Buddle should happen.
1) Adam Cristman is good. I feel like he got noticed a lot more this week for what I thought I saw last week. He's stroooooong. He needs to work on his shot and crossing, but his physical ability is impressive and there seems to be a loooot of potential there.
2) Maybe Taylor's back? It wasn't like his goals were toooooooo difficult, but the 2nd one was definitely classy and textbook. He finished, which is definitely an upgrade from the week before. Let's just hope it continues.
3) People are evil. The entire row in front of me was filled with Khano lovers/ Noonan bashers. People. Don't so quickly forget what Noonan has done for this team. Just because he has been injured for a while doesn't give you the right to forget that every time he plays he does well and creates. We're a better team with him. Don't forget that. In addition, probably deserving of it's own number, Khano was oustanding. While this will make that row happy, I will say this: It's probably the first time. Probably the best game of his career, but I still am waiting (and hoping) to see if it continues. He looked so much more versatile and agile. He could be really good, but let's stop it with the unwarranted Khano praising.
4) The defense? I remember having 3 guys playing D, but I don't remember them actually playing. There was really no need for them, but when they were called upon they answered very well. Toronto's threats were blocked or cut off and that was beautiful. Avery John played quite well, and I think it went relatively unnoticed. Major props to a James Riley led backline. Let's see it against Columbus . . .
5) Toronto stinks. They need Ronnie O'Brien back ASAP.
Now, since everyone else does these, here are some power rankings:
1) FC Dallas: OH NO YOU DIDN'T!?!? Yes. Yes I did. 4 points on the road. And really I'm just going to focus on the LA game last Thursday. 3 road games to this point, and they have 4 points. Not bad. The RBNY game doesn't count since it was in the middle of a tempest and the RSL game was a tad sad, but power rankings are all about recent form and against Landon's Losers they were brilliant. Kenny Cooper and Carlos Ruiz are going to be obnoxious all year long.
2) NE Revolution: Yeeeeeeeeeeah. No bias here either . . . I truly think that whooping of Toronto was impressive. The Chicago game was minus Shalrie and Khano, and yes, they clearly made a difference this weekend, so it doesn't count. Getting Parkhurst and Noonan back will make this lineup even scarier, though Riley is doing a splendid job.
3) KC Wizards: Wow. I'm so disappointed. Why are they good? A 4-2 victory over DC looks so good on paper, and watching the highlights makes it look even better. If EJ can continue to fly, KC is going to be very impressive. Add in their recently acquired playmaker and the Wiz are off on the right foot.
4) RBNY: If Clint Mathis is going to score their guaranteed to be good. Adding in Juan Pablo Angel has to make them better, but I question how much so. He never really impressed me while playing for Villa (mainly because he never scored) and hence I wonder how much he'll do here. Still the gritty classy guys are looking good enough, scoring three goals in awful conditions. Still the tie against Columbus looked like Crew dominance and has to make you wonder.
5) Colorado Rapids: Write off this past weekend since they played for 80+ minutes with only 10 guys. The brilliance was shone in Week 1 and I think there's more to come . . .
6) Columbus Crew: I'm impressed. I really am. It looks like they're creating plenty, and haven't conceded a goal. It's there . . . they just have to finish. If they can just get that last touch . . . the wins should be piling up. Their new playmaker will also make a difference, and Columbus still looks good to me to scare some teams.
7) Chicago Fire: Booooring. The Revs handled them in the second half, and the Rapids game went by far too quietly. A tie against a 10 man side is never a good thing. There's just no life there, and Mapp needs to get more consistent.
8) Houston Dynamo: They shouldn't be this low. They're far better than this, but I haven't seen it yet this year. Interesting how badly the two CCC teams are doing at this point . . . You say, "Badly? They have 4 points!" I say . . . yes. It sure seemed like LA had the bulk of the chances in that 0-0 draw, and certainly the 1-0 win over Chivas wasn't too good either. Where's the life? Where is DeRo?
9) LA Galaxy: Landon has the spark and the legs, but he can't finish. I'm so proud of Eric Wynalda for noticing something I've been proclaiming for ages. One of my favorite personal phrases has been "Don't worry; Landon's taking it." for about a year now. Finally Eric pointed out just how bad his free kicks and corners were (though it was in the one game sense). He needs to take over much more. They should be better than this. FCD kicked their tales, but the impressiveness against Houston was clearly there.
10) Chivas USA: Eh. Good first game, not so much in the second. That's really all there is. I don't know if there's much potential here . . .
11) RSL: Fredward hasn't really gotten much going there in Mormon country. The defense is ever questionable, and the offense will be sporadic. Freddy will need to turn it up, or else it's another November at home.
12) DCU: Ouch. How far they have fallen . . . Facundo is proving to be the liability everyone saw him as. In addition, add in the fact that the offense is nowhere near where everyone thought it would be. Emilio is doing his job, but where's Jaime? Also, Devin McTavish? Justin Moose? Stephen DeRoux? Why are these guys starting? FRED ANYONE?!
13) Toronto FC: 'Nuff said. They haven't shown any signs of life. Ronnie O'Brien may be enough to connect the forwards, but without him they are not very good. Esky looks good, but Casey for Buddle should happen.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Weekend #2
So I'm actually pretty proud of at least guessing a Dallas tie on Thursday, even if it wasn't completely correct. Good to see Landon get criticized for about 60 minutes though.
This weekend:
TFC vs Revs: The possible returns of Shalrie and Khano (yes, even Khano) would be an upgrade, and Noonan at least dwelling on the bench has to be a good thing, though I'm certainly hoping he starts. I foresee a much better Revs side today . . . but also a much improved Toronto. With all of those forwards, there's no way they don't score . . . TFC 1 - 2 Revs.
RSL vs Columbus: Columbus looked good last week. RSL didn't. This is at Columbus. I'm gonna go against Jeff Cunningham again and say Columbus takes all 3 points . . . RSL 0-1 Columbus.
KC vs DC: Ahhh the C game . . . DC can't possibly lose two in a row, and really shouldn't even tie at home. However, the altered Wizards with a new playmaker and no Josh Wolff (and no Bob Gansler) have given me something to worry about. They still lose . . . KC 1 - 3 DC.
Chivas vs Houston: Chivas surprised me last week, and so did Houston by not even coming close to beating LA at home. Fix things Houston . . . please. Start Dalglish. You're a much more fun team that way . . . Chivas 1-1 Houston.
Chicago vs Colorado: This one is surprisingly looking like a great game. I'm gonna give the edge to the free-flowing Colorado side (WHAT?! I never thought those words would go together . . .). Chicago has Mapp, but the forwards will have to do SOMETHING this week to help out . . . Chicago 0-2 Colorado.
FCD vs RBNY: There's no Angel yet, so why should I believe Red Bull are going to score? Oh yeah, Dallas's defense. Still, I just don't see RBNY as a flashy team and that needs a bit of a makeover. FCD is on a roll now, 4 points on the road already. Give 'em another . . . FCD 1-1 RBNY.
This weekend:
TFC vs Revs: The possible returns of Shalrie and Khano (yes, even Khano) would be an upgrade, and Noonan at least dwelling on the bench has to be a good thing, though I'm certainly hoping he starts. I foresee a much better Revs side today . . . but also a much improved Toronto. With all of those forwards, there's no way they don't score . . . TFC 1 - 2 Revs.
RSL vs Columbus: Columbus looked good last week. RSL didn't. This is at Columbus. I'm gonna go against Jeff Cunningham again and say Columbus takes all 3 points . . . RSL 0-1 Columbus.
KC vs DC: Ahhh the C game . . . DC can't possibly lose two in a row, and really shouldn't even tie at home. However, the altered Wizards with a new playmaker and no Josh Wolff (and no Bob Gansler) have given me something to worry about. They still lose . . . KC 1 - 3 DC.
Chivas vs Houston: Chivas surprised me last week, and so did Houston by not even coming close to beating LA at home. Fix things Houston . . . please. Start Dalglish. You're a much more fun team that way . . . Chivas 1-1 Houston.
Chicago vs Colorado: This one is surprisingly looking like a great game. I'm gonna give the edge to the free-flowing Colorado side (WHAT?! I never thought those words would go together . . .). Chicago has Mapp, but the forwards will have to do SOMETHING this week to help out . . . Chicago 0-2 Colorado.
FCD vs RBNY: There's no Angel yet, so why should I believe Red Bull are going to score? Oh yeah, Dallas's defense. Still, I just don't see RBNY as a flashy team and that needs a bit of a makeover. FCD is on a roll now, 4 points on the road already. Give 'em another . . . FCD 1-1 RBNY.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Let's try this again . . .
Prediction for tomorrow night's first MLS Primetime of the glorious ESPN-paying-for-our-games era. Heeeeeeere we go!
FCD 2-2 LAG
No defense for FCD, but they have Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper. Maybe a better defense, but I think a lesser offense, for LAG. Should be entertaining regardless, and I think LAG prolly has a better chance of winning this game, but I'm gonna pick a minor surprise.
FCD 2-2 LAG
No defense for FCD, but they have Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper. Maybe a better defense, but I think a lesser offense, for LAG. Should be entertaining regardless, and I think LAG prolly has a better chance of winning this game, but I'm gonna pick a minor surprise.
Monday, April 9, 2007
I'm dumb.
Well those predictions did not go well. DC losing to Colorado shocked me, but the Rapids definitely looked impressive (though Herculez was not nearly as good as Dave O'Brien seemed to think). Speaking of Dave O'Brien . . . STOP SAYING SKETCHY!!! There is nothing sketchy about these games! He's so obnoxious! Where was Eric Wynalda? Why does Rob Stone have to do the halftime/pregame stuff? Mooooving on . . . FCD and RSL was a boring game from what I saw. Yes, even though there were four goals. That's what non-soccer fans don't get. Sometimes 0-0 matches are very entertaining and games with goals can be snoozefests. Any Mexican game is a snoozefest and I imagine they score plenty . . . lol. The result doesn't shock me, I just underestimated Jeff Cunningham (again) just a little bit . . . Columbus and Red Bull scoreless wasn't very surprising either, and Columbus looked pretty darn good like I was hoping for. RBNY has a long way to go. ChiTown over the Revs was the only one I got right, but we looked surprisingly effective. Tons o' chances - nothing in the back of the net. Twellman needs to get his scoring touch going because he blew way too many opportunities in that game. Dorman does look oustanding though, huh? Toronto getting crushed by Chivas shocks me. That's all I can say. The Galaxy and Houston going scoreless is Landon's fault from what the highlights tell me. He probably should've had about 8 goals. Where was the Houston O? Interesting weekend . . . decent start to the season.
Team of the Week: Definitely has to be the Rapids. A bigtime win in the first game with the new colors and new stadium, and with the referee letting them get mauled down the stretch. Impressive stuff from a team that had a lot of trouble scoring at times.
Disappointment: Toronto. Why is Conor Casey on the bench? That's LUDACRIS! Trade him to us! We'll use him! Score some goals . . . you have 4 good forwards.
Player of the Week: Sacha Kljestan. Looking good again, he led Chivas with a goal and an assist. He's going to be one heck of a player . . .
The Revs result, in summary, not a bad one. I figured a loss was coming, but watching the game it probably should have at least been a draw. The offense was surprisingly fluent, and Wells Thompson definitely showed some skills (raw skills, but skills nonetheless), and contrary to everyone else's opinions, I was at least happy with Cristman's stregthy fighting some guys off. Good stuff from Reis, Dorman, Larentowicz. Twellman needs to score . . . Noonan's backheel was nice and has me very excited for his full return, hopefully this weekend.
Team of the Week: Definitely has to be the Rapids. A bigtime win in the first game with the new colors and new stadium, and with the referee letting them get mauled down the stretch. Impressive stuff from a team that had a lot of trouble scoring at times.
Disappointment: Toronto. Why is Conor Casey on the bench? That's LUDACRIS! Trade him to us! We'll use him! Score some goals . . . you have 4 good forwards.
Player of the Week: Sacha Kljestan. Looking good again, he led Chivas with a goal and an assist. He's going to be one heck of a player . . .
The Revs result, in summary, not a bad one. I figured a loss was coming, but watching the game it probably should have at least been a draw. The offense was surprisingly fluent, and Wells Thompson definitely showed some skills (raw skills, but skills nonetheless), and contrary to everyone else's opinions, I was at least happy with Cristman's stregthy fighting some guys off. Good stuff from Reis, Dorman, Larentowicz. Twellman needs to score . . . Noonan's backheel was nice and has me very excited for his full return, hopefully this weekend.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
MLS 2007 Preview, Part Dos
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1) Houston Dynamo: They didn't touch a thing from last season and that was likely the right move. With a second forward finally alongside Ching in Paul Dalglish, who finally has had time to gel with the side, their bound to score even more goals, and the defense is already awesome. Even Pat Onstad wouldn't stop them too much with the way Zach Wells has been playing. De Rosario has to be the best player in MLS as well, and will likely keep things business as usual and bring the Dynamo the Western Conference title.
2) Los Angeles Galaxy: I hate doing this. I never want to say the Galaxy are good. Ever. But they are. Finally they have a forward (Nate Jaqua), finally Landon is playing well (and he seems to score goals somehow even when he isn't), and finally Kyle Martino should be impressive as a playmaker until the arrival of that guy named Beckham. The defense is definitely good, and the goalkeeping took another step up with Joe Cannon, one of only 2.5 difference keepers I feel are in the league (the others being Matt Reis and half of Pat Onstad). Beckham coming will simply put this team over the top and certainly make them challenge the Dynamo for the West crown.
3) FC Dallas: I know this spot isn't very widely agreed to, but I feel like Kenny Cooper and Carlos Ruiz can bring FCD wherever they want to go. Mulrooney and Ronnie O leaving isn't helpful, but I think they can counter that. Have faith in Nunez, Saragosa (though boring, a good controlling midfielder), Arturo Alvarez, and some guy named Toja. I will. The defense, as usual, could potentially be a carousel, but the guys are all solid. The goalkeeper question will make things more interesting at the back. Good, but not great, for FCD this year.
4) Colorado Rapids: New look, new park=lots of excitement surrounding the squad, and that in itself actually adds points to the record in my opinion. Herculez Gomez will fit in nicely with Nico and give the Rapids a few more goals than last year. The additions of Vanney, Prideaux, and Ihemelu make this defensive line look outstanding, but the question will certainly be at goalkeeper. Losing Joe Cannon is never a good thing . . . The midfield is a big question mark, but getting Jose Cancela consistent playing time can definitely mean good things for the Rapids. I feel like they definitely have better fronts and backs, but left out the middles, which will be hard to fix.
5) Real Salt Lake: 3 words: Freddy. Adu. Unleashed. Now the focal point of an offense, he has free reign to take over some games, and that he will. An actual playmaker on RSL should work out well with the more defensive stylings of an impressive Mehdi Ballouchy. Shoutout to my UConn brethren Willis Forko who looks to have earned a starting role this season, but major question marks are found all over the field. How will Kreis do as a midfielder? How can Eddie Pope possibly play well for another year? Daniel Torres? Jack Stewart? Carey Talley? We'll see . . . Hopefully Chris Seitz gets to show his stuff in net, but this team will certainly take some beatings sometimes, and Freddy will certainly terrorize some people at others.
6) CD Chivas USA: I picked them to finish last without thinking, then considered it more and thought they'd be better, and then considered the defense and put 'em right back at six. Still no solidified goaltender (it should be Guzan), no real impressive defenders (Bornstein plays offense), and Jesse Marsch can only do so much to save them. Sure, Amado Guevara, Sacha Klejstan, Francisco Mendoza, and Ante Razov will combine for some goals, but they're going to give up a TON on the other end. Good luck to Preki with this team . . .
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS:
Top 2 from each conference: DC, Chicago, Houston, LA
Next 4: FCD, Revs, Rapids, Toronto FC
DC over TFC, Houston over Colorado, Revs over Chicago, LA waaaaay over FCD
DC over Revs, LA over Houston
DC over LA
AWARDS PREDICTIONS:
MVP: If RSL makes the playoffs, I seriously believe Freddy has a chance of getting MVP. However, they won't be. Christian Gomez again please.
Golden Boot: There are so many good forwards this year! I like Conor Casey as the surprise pick, but Taylor Twellman will be healthy and pile 'em up this year.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Joe Cannon, LAG. The MLS proved it'll take wins for this award last year by picking Perkins over Reis, and Cannon will get plenty, with a lot of heroics at the beginning as well probably.
Defender of the Year: I'd like to say let's give it to Jim Curtin because I believe he's very undervalued, but he's very undervalued and hence won't get the attention. I'd also like to say Michael Parkhurst as long as he doesn't miss many games, but who knows how much injuries will affect him. Eddie Robinson gets it this year.
Rookie of the Year: Adam Cristman. He's got a leg up on the competition since he's getting playing time right off the bat. The man will score goals and push Noonan back into midfield.
Coach of the Year: Mo Johnston for getting TFC in the playoffs and assembling one heck of a strike force.
Supporters' Shield: DC United. Easy.
CRAZY PREDICTIONS:
Best Jersies: TFC beats Colorado, especially for getting a sponsor on there and making it look good. Why didn't LA change their colors yet? I like the yellow and green, but it got me all excited. I still love the Hoops as well . . .
US National Team Coach When All Is Said and Done: Bob Bradley, sadly. I wanted Klinnsman. I know Bradley is doing well, but it's just not as much fun.
English National Team Coach When All Is Said and Done: Steve McClaren. They'll make EURO!!! JEEZ!!! English fans are so ridiculously obnoxious!!!
Biggest Jerk: I agree with Tino Palace on this one and it easily goes to Blanco. He's a thug. I can't wait until Jay Heaps and fellow no-nonsense defenders lay him out.
Beckham Goals and Assists: 5 Goals, 8 Assists.
Freddy Goals and Assists: 8 goals, 10 Assists.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
DC: Erpen - the only guy who may not be able to do his job.
Chicago: Thiago - break out or bench?
Revs: Taylor Twellman - he's baaaaaaack . . . I hope.
TFC: Conor Casey - he's going to be scary impressive.
RBNY: ________ - that other forward . . .
Columbus: Andy Herron - hoping to really turn around a team that couldn't score goals. Add Jacob Thomas here too.
KC: Scott Sealy - hopefully getting plenty of playing time, and hopefully making good use of it.
Houston: Paul Dalglish - makes a huuuuge difference from last year adding in another guy who can score goals.
LAG: Duh. Nate Jaqua - obviously. A real forward will definitely help the Galaxy, if he heads home all of Beckham's crosses.
FCD: Nunez/Toja/Alvarez - the midfield will need to help, and who knows if it will.
Rapids: Bouna Coundoul - the goalkeeper for the Rapids, or at least he better be because Zach Thornton implies losing lots of games.
RSL: Freddy - definitely.
Chivas: They're bad. That's all there is to it. I'll say Guevara, but I don't completely buy it. He could possibly turn things around.
WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:
DC 3 - 1 Rapids
FCD 2 - 1 RSL
RBNY 1 - 2 Columbus
Revs 1 - 2 Chicago
TFC 3 - 1 Chivas
LAG 2 - 3 Houston
Enjoy 2007 everyone!
1) Houston Dynamo: They didn't touch a thing from last season and that was likely the right move. With a second forward finally alongside Ching in Paul Dalglish, who finally has had time to gel with the side, their bound to score even more goals, and the defense is already awesome. Even Pat Onstad wouldn't stop them too much with the way Zach Wells has been playing. De Rosario has to be the best player in MLS as well, and will likely keep things business as usual and bring the Dynamo the Western Conference title.
2) Los Angeles Galaxy: I hate doing this. I never want to say the Galaxy are good. Ever. But they are. Finally they have a forward (Nate Jaqua), finally Landon is playing well (and he seems to score goals somehow even when he isn't), and finally Kyle Martino should be impressive as a playmaker until the arrival of that guy named Beckham. The defense is definitely good, and the goalkeeping took another step up with Joe Cannon, one of only 2.5 difference keepers I feel are in the league (the others being Matt Reis and half of Pat Onstad). Beckham coming will simply put this team over the top and certainly make them challenge the Dynamo for the West crown.
3) FC Dallas: I know this spot isn't very widely agreed to, but I feel like Kenny Cooper and Carlos Ruiz can bring FCD wherever they want to go. Mulrooney and Ronnie O leaving isn't helpful, but I think they can counter that. Have faith in Nunez, Saragosa (though boring, a good controlling midfielder), Arturo Alvarez, and some guy named Toja. I will. The defense, as usual, could potentially be a carousel, but the guys are all solid. The goalkeeper question will make things more interesting at the back. Good, but not great, for FCD this year.
4) Colorado Rapids: New look, new park=lots of excitement surrounding the squad, and that in itself actually adds points to the record in my opinion. Herculez Gomez will fit in nicely with Nico and give the Rapids a few more goals than last year. The additions of Vanney, Prideaux, and Ihemelu make this defensive line look outstanding, but the question will certainly be at goalkeeper. Losing Joe Cannon is never a good thing . . . The midfield is a big question mark, but getting Jose Cancela consistent playing time can definitely mean good things for the Rapids. I feel like they definitely have better fronts and backs, but left out the middles, which will be hard to fix.
5) Real Salt Lake: 3 words: Freddy. Adu. Unleashed. Now the focal point of an offense, he has free reign to take over some games, and that he will. An actual playmaker on RSL should work out well with the more defensive stylings of an impressive Mehdi Ballouchy. Shoutout to my UConn brethren Willis Forko who looks to have earned a starting role this season, but major question marks are found all over the field. How will Kreis do as a midfielder? How can Eddie Pope possibly play well for another year? Daniel Torres? Jack Stewart? Carey Talley? We'll see . . . Hopefully Chris Seitz gets to show his stuff in net, but this team will certainly take some beatings sometimes, and Freddy will certainly terrorize some people at others.
6) CD Chivas USA: I picked them to finish last without thinking, then considered it more and thought they'd be better, and then considered the defense and put 'em right back at six. Still no solidified goaltender (it should be Guzan), no real impressive defenders (Bornstein plays offense), and Jesse Marsch can only do so much to save them. Sure, Amado Guevara, Sacha Klejstan, Francisco Mendoza, and Ante Razov will combine for some goals, but they're going to give up a TON on the other end. Good luck to Preki with this team . . .
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS:
Top 2 from each conference: DC, Chicago, Houston, LA
Next 4: FCD, Revs, Rapids, Toronto FC
DC over TFC, Houston over Colorado, Revs over Chicago, LA waaaaay over FCD
DC over Revs, LA over Houston
DC over LA
AWARDS PREDICTIONS:
MVP: If RSL makes the playoffs, I seriously believe Freddy has a chance of getting MVP. However, they won't be. Christian Gomez again please.
Golden Boot: There are so many good forwards this year! I like Conor Casey as the surprise pick, but Taylor Twellman will be healthy and pile 'em up this year.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Joe Cannon, LAG. The MLS proved it'll take wins for this award last year by picking Perkins over Reis, and Cannon will get plenty, with a lot of heroics at the beginning as well probably.
Defender of the Year: I'd like to say let's give it to Jim Curtin because I believe he's very undervalued, but he's very undervalued and hence won't get the attention. I'd also like to say Michael Parkhurst as long as he doesn't miss many games, but who knows how much injuries will affect him. Eddie Robinson gets it this year.
Rookie of the Year: Adam Cristman. He's got a leg up on the competition since he's getting playing time right off the bat. The man will score goals and push Noonan back into midfield.
Coach of the Year: Mo Johnston for getting TFC in the playoffs and assembling one heck of a strike force.
Supporters' Shield: DC United. Easy.
CRAZY PREDICTIONS:
Best Jersies: TFC beats Colorado, especially for getting a sponsor on there and making it look good. Why didn't LA change their colors yet? I like the yellow and green, but it got me all excited. I still love the Hoops as well . . .
US National Team Coach When All Is Said and Done: Bob Bradley, sadly. I wanted Klinnsman. I know Bradley is doing well, but it's just not as much fun.
English National Team Coach When All Is Said and Done: Steve McClaren. They'll make EURO!!! JEEZ!!! English fans are so ridiculously obnoxious!!!
Biggest Jerk: I agree with Tino Palace on this one and it easily goes to Blanco. He's a thug. I can't wait until Jay Heaps and fellow no-nonsense defenders lay him out.
Beckham Goals and Assists: 5 Goals, 8 Assists.
Freddy Goals and Assists: 8 goals, 10 Assists.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
DC: Erpen - the only guy who may not be able to do his job.
Chicago: Thiago - break out or bench?
Revs: Taylor Twellman - he's baaaaaaack . . . I hope.
TFC: Conor Casey - he's going to be scary impressive.
RBNY: ________ - that other forward . . .
Columbus: Andy Herron - hoping to really turn around a team that couldn't score goals. Add Jacob Thomas here too.
KC: Scott Sealy - hopefully getting plenty of playing time, and hopefully making good use of it.
Houston: Paul Dalglish - makes a huuuuge difference from last year adding in another guy who can score goals.
LAG: Duh. Nate Jaqua - obviously. A real forward will definitely help the Galaxy, if he heads home all of Beckham's crosses.
FCD: Nunez/Toja/Alvarez - the midfield will need to help, and who knows if it will.
Rapids: Bouna Coundoul - the goalkeeper for the Rapids, or at least he better be because Zach Thornton implies losing lots of games.
RSL: Freddy - definitely.
Chivas: They're bad. That's all there is to it. I'll say Guevara, but I don't completely buy it. He could possibly turn things around.
WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:
DC 3 - 1 Rapids
FCD 2 - 1 RSL
RBNY 1 - 2 Columbus
Revs 1 - 2 Chicago
TFC 3 - 1 Chivas
LAG 2 - 3 Houston
Enjoy 2007 everyone!
Revolution open season against the Fire April 7th
from MLSNET.com
The New England Revolution opens the 2007 Major League Soccer season against one of its biggest rivals, the Chicago Fire, this Saturday, April 7, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
Coach Steve Nicol and his team are coming off yet another successful season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference table in 2006, with a 12-8-12 record and 48 points in the regular season. The Revs won their third Eastern Conference Championship in their fifth straight appearance in the conference final. The Revs also made their third appearance in the MLS Cup, finishing as runners-up for the second year in a row.
Chicago finished 2006 in third place in the East, just one point below the Revs, with a 13-11-8 record and 47 points. Matched against each other in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the teams needed two 15-minute extra-time periods and penalty kicks to decide a series champion, as the Revs topped the Fire, 4-2 in kicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship.
After Chicago midfielder Justin Mapp put Chicago ahead, 1-0, on aggregate in Game 1 of the series with his 35th-minute free-kick goal at Toyota Park on Oct. 22, former Fire forward Nate Jaqua pushed Chicago’s advantage to two goals in the 18th minute of Game 2 at Gillette Stadium six days later.
However, Revs All-Star forward Taylor Twellman struck back in the 41st minute with a goal to cut Chicago’s aggregate lead to one goal, and Pat Noonan leveled series at two goals apiece in the 58th minute. The teams played two scoreless extra-time sessions, sending the series to penalty kicks.
Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis stopped Thiago’s first penalty kick for Chicago before former Revs midfielder José Cancela put New England ahead, 1-0. Leading 3-2 in kicks, Reis then saved Ivan Guerrero’s kick, allowing Twellman to step up and score the series-winning penalty kick in front of the Revs’ faithful fans.
New England’s series victory marked the third time since 2002 that the Revs had eliminated Chicago from the postseason, following 2002’s win in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and 2005’s victory in the Eastern Conference Championship. The Fire ended the Revolution’s season in 2003, winning the Eastern Conference Final in overtime at Soldier Field.
Throughout the course of the rivalry, the Revs and Fire have been closely matched. New England holds the edge in the all-time series, finishing the 2006 season with a 12-10-6 in regular season matches and a 17-17-6 record in all-time competitions, including the MLS Cup Playoffs and the U.S. Open Cup.
In 2006, Chicago won the season series, going 2-1-1 against the Revs in MLS regular-season games. The Fire’s victories both came at Gillette Stadium, a pair of one-goal wins on April 30 (2-1 on New England’s home opener) and August 20 (1-0). Conversely, the Revolution spoiled Chicago’s first-ever game at its new soccer-specific home, Toyota Park, with a 3-3 come-from-behind draw in stoppage time after the Fire held a 3-1 lead in the 91st minute. In the second meeting, goals by Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman propelled the Revs to a 2-1 victory.
The Revs had an up-and-down season in 2006, suffering a string of injuries to regular starters and losing two key players for almost two months because of the World Cup. New England opened the season with a 4-4-6 record during the first three months of the year, but closed out the season undefeated in the final seven regular-season games, going 5-0-2.
The Revs have seemingly ridden their late-season success into the new 2007 campaign, completing their six-game preseason schedule with a 6-0-0 record and having outscored their opponents by a combined 21-3.
Rookie forward Adam Cristman led the Revs in scoring during the preseason, despite missing two games while training and playing with the U.S. Under-23 Team. A fourth-round draft pick out of Virginia, Cristman scored five goals and tallying four assists to lead all Revs players.
Perennial MLS All-Star and former league MVP Taylor Twellman, too, got his share of excitement in the preseason. He scored four goals in a 7-0 victory against Inter Playa del Carmen of Mexico’s Segunda Division while the team was in Cancun, Mexico. He was also called into U.S. National Team camp in advance of its pair of March friendlies.
In addition to Cristman, the Revs have brought in what promises to be a successful class of rookies this year, including Wells Thompson, Amaechi Igwe and Ryan Solle. Solle joined Cristman with the U.S. Under-23 Team in February, and Igwe has twice been called into camp with the U.S. Under-20 Team.
Known for his keen eye for young talent and his draft-day acumen, Nicol is impressed with the rookies’ early performances, as well. Each has been working hard to earn a on the 18-man squad that will travel to face the Fire this weekend.
"So far we’ve been very pleased with them," Nicol said. "In the preseason they’ve done very well, but in the preseason it’s a different ball game than when it comes to the real game, the league games. But again, we’re optimistic that they’ll carry on with what they’ve done."
Historically, Twellman has been known to be successful against Chicago, posting 11 goals and five assists in 19 games against the Fire. Ralston, too, has had success against the "Men In Red," posting five goals and seven assists in 28 games throughout his career against the team.
In the offseason, the Fire lost several key players from their 2006 squad, including forwards Andy Herron and Nate Jaqua who together scored 17 goals for the team last year. Goalkeeper Zach Thornton was traded to the Rapids for a conditional pick in the 2008 Supplemental Draft. Thornton posted seven shutouts and added a 1.25 goals against average for the Fire in 2006. Chicago will rely heavily on veterans Chris Rolfe, Thiago and Chad Barrett to push them through the season. Additionally, Matt Pickens emerged as the team’s number one option in net for the Fire, backing the team to the 2006 U.S. Open Cup title after Thornton was forced to miss time with an injury.
Reis - who trained with Pickens and Mapp at U.S. National Team camps in January and February - noted that, even though the Fire has seen some roster changes, the game will still be tough.
"Each season is a new season," Reis said. "They’ve added a few new players and have gotten rid of a few players so it’s going to be a different look for them. But, whenever you go to Chicago it’s going to be a tough game. I’m sure with the end of the season last year, it’s definitely in the back of their mind. It’s just important for us to get out and get back to a good start."
This year the Revs open the season with a road heavy schedule, traveling six of their first eight games. New England’s home opener is a doubleheader on Saturday, April 14, against new MLS expansion club Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on TV38. Before the match the US Women’s National Team will face the Mexican Women’s National Team at 5 p.m.
For ticket information and to learn how you can get in on the action call 1-877-GET-REVS
The New England Revolution opens the 2007 Major League Soccer season against one of its biggest rivals, the Chicago Fire, this Saturday, April 7, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
Coach Steve Nicol and his team are coming off yet another successful season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference table in 2006, with a 12-8-12 record and 48 points in the regular season. The Revs won their third Eastern Conference Championship in their fifth straight appearance in the conference final. The Revs also made their third appearance in the MLS Cup, finishing as runners-up for the second year in a row.
Chicago finished 2006 in third place in the East, just one point below the Revs, with a 13-11-8 record and 47 points. Matched against each other in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the teams needed two 15-minute extra-time periods and penalty kicks to decide a series champion, as the Revs topped the Fire, 4-2 in kicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship.
After Chicago midfielder Justin Mapp put Chicago ahead, 1-0, on aggregate in Game 1 of the series with his 35th-minute free-kick goal at Toyota Park on Oct. 22, former Fire forward Nate Jaqua pushed Chicago’s advantage to two goals in the 18th minute of Game 2 at Gillette Stadium six days later.
However, Revs All-Star forward Taylor Twellman struck back in the 41st minute with a goal to cut Chicago’s aggregate lead to one goal, and Pat Noonan leveled series at two goals apiece in the 58th minute. The teams played two scoreless extra-time sessions, sending the series to penalty kicks.
Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis stopped Thiago’s first penalty kick for Chicago before former Revs midfielder José Cancela put New England ahead, 1-0. Leading 3-2 in kicks, Reis then saved Ivan Guerrero’s kick, allowing Twellman to step up and score the series-winning penalty kick in front of the Revs’ faithful fans.
New England’s series victory marked the third time since 2002 that the Revs had eliminated Chicago from the postseason, following 2002’s win in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and 2005’s victory in the Eastern Conference Championship. The Fire ended the Revolution’s season in 2003, winning the Eastern Conference Final in overtime at Soldier Field.
Throughout the course of the rivalry, the Revs and Fire have been closely matched. New England holds the edge in the all-time series, finishing the 2006 season with a 12-10-6 in regular season matches and a 17-17-6 record in all-time competitions, including the MLS Cup Playoffs and the U.S. Open Cup.
In 2006, Chicago won the season series, going 2-1-1 against the Revs in MLS regular-season games. The Fire’s victories both came at Gillette Stadium, a pair of one-goal wins on April 30 (2-1 on New England’s home opener) and August 20 (1-0). Conversely, the Revolution spoiled Chicago’s first-ever game at its new soccer-specific home, Toyota Park, with a 3-3 come-from-behind draw in stoppage time after the Fire held a 3-1 lead in the 91st minute. In the second meeting, goals by Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman propelled the Revs to a 2-1 victory.
The Revs had an up-and-down season in 2006, suffering a string of injuries to regular starters and losing two key players for almost two months because of the World Cup. New England opened the season with a 4-4-6 record during the first three months of the year, but closed out the season undefeated in the final seven regular-season games, going 5-0-2.
The Revs have seemingly ridden their late-season success into the new 2007 campaign, completing their six-game preseason schedule with a 6-0-0 record and having outscored their opponents by a combined 21-3.
Rookie forward Adam Cristman led the Revs in scoring during the preseason, despite missing two games while training and playing with the U.S. Under-23 Team. A fourth-round draft pick out of Virginia, Cristman scored five goals and tallying four assists to lead all Revs players.
Perennial MLS All-Star and former league MVP Taylor Twellman, too, got his share of excitement in the preseason. He scored four goals in a 7-0 victory against Inter Playa del Carmen of Mexico’s Segunda Division while the team was in Cancun, Mexico. He was also called into U.S. National Team camp in advance of its pair of March friendlies.
In addition to Cristman, the Revs have brought in what promises to be a successful class of rookies this year, including Wells Thompson, Amaechi Igwe and Ryan Solle. Solle joined Cristman with the U.S. Under-23 Team in February, and Igwe has twice been called into camp with the U.S. Under-20 Team.
Known for his keen eye for young talent and his draft-day acumen, Nicol is impressed with the rookies’ early performances, as well. Each has been working hard to earn a on the 18-man squad that will travel to face the Fire this weekend.
"So far we’ve been very pleased with them," Nicol said. "In the preseason they’ve done very well, but in the preseason it’s a different ball game than when it comes to the real game, the league games. But again, we’re optimistic that they’ll carry on with what they’ve done."
Historically, Twellman has been known to be successful against Chicago, posting 11 goals and five assists in 19 games against the Fire. Ralston, too, has had success against the "Men In Red," posting five goals and seven assists in 28 games throughout his career against the team.
In the offseason, the Fire lost several key players from their 2006 squad, including forwards Andy Herron and Nate Jaqua who together scored 17 goals for the team last year. Goalkeeper Zach Thornton was traded to the Rapids for a conditional pick in the 2008 Supplemental Draft. Thornton posted seven shutouts and added a 1.25 goals against average for the Fire in 2006. Chicago will rely heavily on veterans Chris Rolfe, Thiago and Chad Barrett to push them through the season. Additionally, Matt Pickens emerged as the team’s number one option in net for the Fire, backing the team to the 2006 U.S. Open Cup title after Thornton was forced to miss time with an injury.
Reis - who trained with Pickens and Mapp at U.S. National Team camps in January and February - noted that, even though the Fire has seen some roster changes, the game will still be tough.
"Each season is a new season," Reis said. "They’ve added a few new players and have gotten rid of a few players so it’s going to be a different look for them. But, whenever you go to Chicago it’s going to be a tough game. I’m sure with the end of the season last year, it’s definitely in the back of their mind. It’s just important for us to get out and get back to a good start."
This year the Revs open the season with a road heavy schedule, traveling six of their first eight games. New England’s home opener is a doubleheader on Saturday, April 14, against new MLS expansion club Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on TV38. Before the match the US Women’s National Team will face the Mexican Women’s National Team at 5 p.m.
For ticket information and to learn how you can get in on the action call 1-877-GET-REVS
Reis Resigns
All-Star goalkeeper and U.S. National Team member Matt Reis has resigned with Major League Soccer to remain with the New England Revolution, the team announced today. Per MLS and team policies, terms of the deal were not released.
Reis, who has played more games in goal (92) than any other Revolution goalkeeper, holds nearly every career club goalkeeping record, including goals against average (1.22), wins (36), saves (365), shutouts (23) and saves percentage (72.9).
During a career season in 2006 in which he set new personal bests in goals against average (1.09) and saves (141), Reis also led the league in shutouts with 10.
"We are very pleased to have reached an agreement to keep Matt with the Revs," Revolution Director of Soccer Mike Burns said. "Matt has established himself as one of America's top goalkeepers and he's been a tremendous part of the success we've had as a team the last several years. We're looking forward to him continuing to play an important role in helping us meet our goal of winning MLS Cup."
Entering the 2007 season, Reis ranks among the top 10 in several MLS career goalkeeping categories, including games played (seventh - 131), games started (seventh - 126), minutes played (seventh - 11,476), goals against average (fifth - 1.27), wins (10th - 53), saves (ninth - 490) and shutouts (tied for seventh - 32).
Reis, 32, is a member of the U.S. National Team and has earned two caps and is 2-0-0 with one shutout. He made his first international appearance for the USMNT on Jan. 22, 2006, and posted a shutout in the team's 1-0 victory over Canada. He made his second appearance in the team's 3-1 victory over Denmark on Jan. 20, 2007. Reis was also an alternate to the U.S.'s 2006 FIFA World Cup Squad.
Reis, who became the Revs' starting goalkeeper midway through the 2004 season, was originally drafted by his hometown Los Angeles Galaxy in the third round (26th overall) in the 1998 MLS College Draft. He played five seasons in L.A., before being traded to New England on Jan. 17, 2003 in exchange for All-Star Alex Pineda Chacon.
Reis, who has played more games in goal (92) than any other Revolution goalkeeper, holds nearly every career club goalkeeping record, including goals against average (1.22), wins (36), saves (365), shutouts (23) and saves percentage (72.9).
During a career season in 2006 in which he set new personal bests in goals against average (1.09) and saves (141), Reis also led the league in shutouts with 10.
"We are very pleased to have reached an agreement to keep Matt with the Revs," Revolution Director of Soccer Mike Burns said. "Matt has established himself as one of America's top goalkeepers and he's been a tremendous part of the success we've had as a team the last several years. We're looking forward to him continuing to play an important role in helping us meet our goal of winning MLS Cup."
Entering the 2007 season, Reis ranks among the top 10 in several MLS career goalkeeping categories, including games played (seventh - 131), games started (seventh - 126), minutes played (seventh - 11,476), goals against average (fifth - 1.27), wins (10th - 53), saves (ninth - 490) and shutouts (tied for seventh - 32).
Reis, 32, is a member of the U.S. National Team and has earned two caps and is 2-0-0 with one shutout. He made his first international appearance for the USMNT on Jan. 22, 2006, and posted a shutout in the team's 1-0 victory over Canada. He made his second appearance in the team's 3-1 victory over Denmark on Jan. 20, 2007. Reis was also an alternate to the U.S.'s 2006 FIFA World Cup Squad.
Reis, who became the Revs' starting goalkeeper midway through the 2004 season, was originally drafted by his hometown Los Angeles Galaxy in the third round (26th overall) in the 1998 MLS College Draft. He played five seasons in L.A., before being traded to New England on Jan. 17, 2003 in exchange for All-Star Alex Pineda Chacon.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
MLS 2007 Preview
The season begins in less than 46 hours . . . wow. It seems like only yesterday that Brian Ching got the most conveniently deflected cross to fall onto his head so that he could kindly insert it into the back of the net and make Tim Crawford very disheartened . . . (Pause for weeping)
Alright, 2007, new year. Here we go. My predictions for the coming year:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1) DC United: They should've won last year, and they probably only got better this year . . . somewhat. The adition of Emilio is definitely an upgrade from Alecko if the preseason was any indication. Freddy's gone but that only takes away questions about where and if he should be playing. Mattias Donnet was short-lived, but it doesn't make too big of a difference. The lineup looks quite solid attacking-wise with the lone question at right midfield where it looks like newcomer Fred will be taking over. With DC's pedigree for foreign acquisitions (and the fact that he's Brazilian), it looks like he should be able to fit in quite nicely. The league's best offense simply has to make sure it doesn't concede too many goals. Boswell and Namoff are definitely good enough, but is Erpen? He's a fine offensive-defender, but definitely has his lapses at the back. He may be allowed to concede one goal per game all by himself and DC would still likely win, but there are no guarantees. Additionally they shouldn't lose too much with the US National Team callups except for Ben Olsen and maybe Boswell and hence they should be able to coast through the regular season, just like last year; they'll simply be hoping the playoffs are a little more kind.
2) Chicago Fire: The East is weak. I've proclaimed it so. Chicago isn't very good, but they probably are better than the rest. Chris Rolfe will need to stay healthy since there's no Nate Jaqua or Andy Herron to carry the goalscoring load. Meanwhile it looks like everything is lining up for Chad Barrett to have a breakout season and aid Rolfe. When Blanco arrives in June, he'll no doubt step into the lineup hoping to pump in the goals as well, but I think the physicality of MLS (and the lack of respect he'll get) may put him quite off of his game. The goals will be hard to come by, but the defense is solid. Matt Pickens really picked up his game last year replacing Zach Thornton and looks like a plenty good enough goalie for the future. The defense is quite solid with Curtin anchoring the back line, and the midfield is creative thanks obviously to Justin Mapp, Thiago (if he gets consistent playing time), and potentially Brian Plotkin (with his laser left foot that spent way too much time on the bench), along with the aid from Ivan Guerrero on defense. It's a solid team, but not a great team. There are some national team worries with the potential to be missing Mapp, Segares (Costa Rica), Ivan Guerrero (Honduras), and possibly Rolfe. They should finish far enough behind DC to not worry the Barra Brava too much.
3) New England Revolution: If they stay healthy, if the rookies perform like they look like they can, if if if if if . . . The East isn't very good . . . as I already said . . . and the Revs really haven't lost too much. Dempsey is gone, but Dorman is going to have one heck of a season taking his role. He's probably more of a playmaker than Dempsey and certainly provides more defensive help. The team is a year older though and that's not good. Ralston and Franchino seem to be losing some gas every year and, while Franchino's role is likely greatly reduced, Ralston is still going to be the right-sided lock as usual. The bulk of central midfielders is quite encouraging, however, and should aid a defense that will likely look the same as last year . . . once Parkhurst returns. Parky is expected to miss the first three weeks and Daniel Hernandez will be out as well, leaving James Riley to replace him in the center of defense, a position that he is not typically found in. In addition, Franchino's status remains unknown, Noonan's just recovering and unlikely to start game 1, Shalrie is listed as questionable and has asked to be traded, and Khano (always sporadic) is listed as probable. The injuries will probably come as usual, if not more than usual, and with no Dempsey to turn to, this season really could go either way. Expect Twellman to return to form, a surprisingly good season from Adam Cristman, and possibly the arrival of Pat Noonan as a right midfielder. We'll see . . .
4) Toronto FC: Impressive! What a team they've assembled for an expansion franchise. A lot of the defensive side is unknown by MLS but proven in the USL First Division. Braz and Sutton should have no problems since they have locked the Montreal Impact into the best defensive numbers in that league for the last few years. The forwards are proven and loaded. I wanted the Revs to try to get Buddle, but he was on his way to Toronto well before we ever had a chance. I think he's ready to break out, and, combined with Alecko Eskandarian, Toronto is going to be one heck of a forward powerhouse. But wait! There's more! Conor Casey is amazing. He's a tank. I'm thinking he's going to be one heck of a surprise for all of those American fans who somehow missed his time for the US National Team. Abbe Ibrahim also looks ready to terrorize defenses again with his speed. They have the guys to score the goals, but may not be able to get them the ball. Ronnie O'Brien is expected to miss the first four to six weeks and the rest of the midfield is a question mark. That's the weakness if there is one, but this team has great potential.
5) Red Bull New York (I refuse to call them the New York Red Bulls): They added a great midfielder in Reyna, and another couple of good ones in van den Bergh and Schopp, but where's the spark? There's not much pace to this team and I feel like Altidore can only do so much. The hype built around him is great, but can he really come through already? All by himself? John Wolyniec will not suffice as a second forward. It's a need they must address to have any type of success this year. The midfield will be composed, but teams like DC and Chicago may just run around them. I foresee a lot of 2-1, 1-0 games for Red Bull. They spent a lot of dollars and yet still have too many holes to really be a force in this league. Not the best Yankees impression I've ever seen . . .
6) Columbus Crew: They're better! Really! How could they be worse? They're a year older, and hopefully healthier. Likely missing Chad Marshall to start the season, they will have Jacob Thomas back. I believe he, combined with Ricardo Virtuoso, will combine to give them a good wing presence, and they should be able to score more goals with Andy Herron up front and hopefully Ngwenya along side of him. They'll certainly be fast enough to score goals, but youth remains and who knows if they'll be consistent. The defense will be interesting, and the goalkeeping situation remains a major question mark. They won't be good, but they're better.
7) Kansas City Wizards: First of all, when did they change their logo? I missed that memo . . . Secondly, I know this pick is a bit of a shocker, but it's mainly spiteful. They're boring. That's all there is to it. This "score one goal and sit on the lead" tactic is just atrocious. They have so many forwards (even without Josh Wolff) and their inability to make use of them is just disgraceful. Sure they play defense well, and their goalkeeping has certainly been upgraded, but ties don't get you into the playoffs. However, maybe the new man in charge can change strategies enough to get Eddie Johnson a fifteen goal season and allow for Sealy to blossom. We shall see. Buuuuuut . . . since they appear to be adding a playmaker, pick them ahead of the Crew and possibly Red Bull, but I'm not going to move them. They've annoyed me too many times.
The West and league results will tomorrow hopefully.
Alright, 2007, new year. Here we go. My predictions for the coming year:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1) DC United: They should've won last year, and they probably only got better this year . . . somewhat. The adition of Emilio is definitely an upgrade from Alecko if the preseason was any indication. Freddy's gone but that only takes away questions about where and if he should be playing. Mattias Donnet was short-lived, but it doesn't make too big of a difference. The lineup looks quite solid attacking-wise with the lone question at right midfield where it looks like newcomer Fred will be taking over. With DC's pedigree for foreign acquisitions (and the fact that he's Brazilian), it looks like he should be able to fit in quite nicely. The league's best offense simply has to make sure it doesn't concede too many goals. Boswell and Namoff are definitely good enough, but is Erpen? He's a fine offensive-defender, but definitely has his lapses at the back. He may be allowed to concede one goal per game all by himself and DC would still likely win, but there are no guarantees. Additionally they shouldn't lose too much with the US National Team callups except for Ben Olsen and maybe Boswell and hence they should be able to coast through the regular season, just like last year; they'll simply be hoping the playoffs are a little more kind.
2) Chicago Fire: The East is weak. I've proclaimed it so. Chicago isn't very good, but they probably are better than the rest. Chris Rolfe will need to stay healthy since there's no Nate Jaqua or Andy Herron to carry the goalscoring load. Meanwhile it looks like everything is lining up for Chad Barrett to have a breakout season and aid Rolfe. When Blanco arrives in June, he'll no doubt step into the lineup hoping to pump in the goals as well, but I think the physicality of MLS (and the lack of respect he'll get) may put him quite off of his game. The goals will be hard to come by, but the defense is solid. Matt Pickens really picked up his game last year replacing Zach Thornton and looks like a plenty good enough goalie for the future. The defense is quite solid with Curtin anchoring the back line, and the midfield is creative thanks obviously to Justin Mapp, Thiago (if he gets consistent playing time), and potentially Brian Plotkin (with his laser left foot that spent way too much time on the bench), along with the aid from Ivan Guerrero on defense. It's a solid team, but not a great team. There are some national team worries with the potential to be missing Mapp, Segares (Costa Rica), Ivan Guerrero (Honduras), and possibly Rolfe. They should finish far enough behind DC to not worry the Barra Brava too much.
3) New England Revolution: If they stay healthy, if the rookies perform like they look like they can, if if if if if . . . The East isn't very good . . . as I already said . . . and the Revs really haven't lost too much. Dempsey is gone, but Dorman is going to have one heck of a season taking his role. He's probably more of a playmaker than Dempsey and certainly provides more defensive help. The team is a year older though and that's not good. Ralston and Franchino seem to be losing some gas every year and, while Franchino's role is likely greatly reduced, Ralston is still going to be the right-sided lock as usual. The bulk of central midfielders is quite encouraging, however, and should aid a defense that will likely look the same as last year . . . once Parkhurst returns. Parky is expected to miss the first three weeks and Daniel Hernandez will be out as well, leaving James Riley to replace him in the center of defense, a position that he is not typically found in. In addition, Franchino's status remains unknown, Noonan's just recovering and unlikely to start game 1, Shalrie is listed as questionable and has asked to be traded, and Khano (always sporadic) is listed as probable. The injuries will probably come as usual, if not more than usual, and with no Dempsey to turn to, this season really could go either way. Expect Twellman to return to form, a surprisingly good season from Adam Cristman, and possibly the arrival of Pat Noonan as a right midfielder. We'll see . . .
4) Toronto FC: Impressive! What a team they've assembled for an expansion franchise. A lot of the defensive side is unknown by MLS but proven in the USL First Division. Braz and Sutton should have no problems since they have locked the Montreal Impact into the best defensive numbers in that league for the last few years. The forwards are proven and loaded. I wanted the Revs to try to get Buddle, but he was on his way to Toronto well before we ever had a chance. I think he's ready to break out, and, combined with Alecko Eskandarian, Toronto is going to be one heck of a forward powerhouse. But wait! There's more! Conor Casey is amazing. He's a tank. I'm thinking he's going to be one heck of a surprise for all of those American fans who somehow missed his time for the US National Team. Abbe Ibrahim also looks ready to terrorize defenses again with his speed. They have the guys to score the goals, but may not be able to get them the ball. Ronnie O'Brien is expected to miss the first four to six weeks and the rest of the midfield is a question mark. That's the weakness if there is one, but this team has great potential.
5) Red Bull New York (I refuse to call them the New York Red Bulls): They added a great midfielder in Reyna, and another couple of good ones in van den Bergh and Schopp, but where's the spark? There's not much pace to this team and I feel like Altidore can only do so much. The hype built around him is great, but can he really come through already? All by himself? John Wolyniec will not suffice as a second forward. It's a need they must address to have any type of success this year. The midfield will be composed, but teams like DC and Chicago may just run around them. I foresee a lot of 2-1, 1-0 games for Red Bull. They spent a lot of dollars and yet still have too many holes to really be a force in this league. Not the best Yankees impression I've ever seen . . .
6) Columbus Crew: They're better! Really! How could they be worse? They're a year older, and hopefully healthier. Likely missing Chad Marshall to start the season, they will have Jacob Thomas back. I believe he, combined with Ricardo Virtuoso, will combine to give them a good wing presence, and they should be able to score more goals with Andy Herron up front and hopefully Ngwenya along side of him. They'll certainly be fast enough to score goals, but youth remains and who knows if they'll be consistent. The defense will be interesting, and the goalkeeping situation remains a major question mark. They won't be good, but they're better.
7) Kansas City Wizards: First of all, when did they change their logo? I missed that memo . . . Secondly, I know this pick is a bit of a shocker, but it's mainly spiteful. They're boring. That's all there is to it. This "score one goal and sit on the lead" tactic is just atrocious. They have so many forwards (even without Josh Wolff) and their inability to make use of them is just disgraceful. Sure they play defense well, and their goalkeeping has certainly been upgraded, but ties don't get you into the playoffs. However, maybe the new man in charge can change strategies enough to get Eddie Johnson a fifteen goal season and allow for Sealy to blossom. We shall see. Buuuuuut . . . since they appear to be adding a playmaker, pick them ahead of the Crew and possibly Red Bull, but I'm not going to move them. They've annoyed me too many times.
The West and league results will tomorrow hopefully.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
MLS Franchises' Worst Nightmare:
Adam Cristman and Arsene Oka. That's right. The deadly duo combined for 3 goals and 2 assits in only 112 minutes to lead the Revs to a 4-0 win over the New Orleans Shell Shockers. Everyone had to know it was coming. Leandro de Oliveira had to be a fluke. There's no way Steve Nicol could have two bad drafts in a row, and as much as these games aren't regular season matches, 5 goals in 4 games (not necessarily complete games) has to warrant some merit. I'm excited about Cristman, and I think he has to be the early favorite for Rookie of the Year, with Maurice Edu being the obvious other candidate. And in regards to Oka, the Cote d'Ivoire is awesomeness. Keep it coming kiddo . . .
Monday, March 26, 2007
Crist(man), our Savior?
Adam Cristman just might be the real deal. I say this after he put in 2 goals against an Olimpia team that performed decently against DC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup to lead the Revs to a 3-1 victory and their 5th win of the preseason. Shalrie also played the full 90 minutes in this one . . . interesting.
On the USMNT front, Twellman made a brief appearance yesterday in their 3-1 win over Ecuador, but was far from stunning. All that stands out in my mind was him taking a ball with his back to goal and falling over rather weakly while the defender took the ball from behind him, and a lazy pass that was easily intercepted. Not the greatest performance. Too bad Landon was amazing.
On the USMNT front, Twellman made a brief appearance yesterday in their 3-1 win over Ecuador, but was far from stunning. All that stands out in my mind was him taking a ball with his back to goal and falling over rather weakly while the defender took the ball from behind him, and a lazy pass that was easily intercepted. Not the greatest performance. Too bad Landon was amazing.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Somebody poisoned the waterhole . . .
Athletic pubalgia
Athletic pubalgia, also called the sportman's hernia or sports hernia, Gilmore's groin or groin disruption, is a medical condition of the groin affecting sportsmen[1]. Jerry Gilmore recognized the syndrome in 1980 and developed a surgical repair technique. It is a syndrome characterized by chronic groin pain in athletes and a dilated superficial ring of the inguinal canal. Soccer players are affected most frequently, and both recreational and professional athletes may be affected. A hernia cannot be found on physical examination or medical imaging, and is not present during surgery; thus the term hernia is a misnomer[2].
The exact lesion may differ, but common pathologic findings at operation are [3] :
torn external oblique aponeurosis
tear in the conjoint tendon
conjoint tendon torn from pubic tubercle
dehiscence between conjoined tendon and inguinal ligament
tear in the fascia transversalis [2]
abnormal insertion of the rectus abdominis muscle
tear of the abdominal internal oblique muscle from the pubic tubercle
entrapment of the ilioinguinal nerve or genitofemoral nerve[4]
(thanks Wikipedia)
Suddenly March Madness has taken an entirely new meaning for Revs fans as Pat Noonan has picked up his second case of the above . . . umm . . . disease? . . . injury? . . . problem? Somebody translate the above please . . . And off to Germany he goes. Surgery will take up to 3 weeks of recovery, meaning he too could miss the opener (and likely wouldn't be in the best shape or chemistry to play in it anyways). So take some time to get to know Adam Cristman, likely Twellman's strike partner if there is one.
Athletic pubalgia, also called the sportman's hernia or sports hernia, Gilmore's groin or groin disruption, is a medical condition of the groin affecting sportsmen[1]. Jerry Gilmore recognized the syndrome in 1980 and developed a surgical repair technique. It is a syndrome characterized by chronic groin pain in athletes and a dilated superficial ring of the inguinal canal. Soccer players are affected most frequently, and both recreational and professional athletes may be affected. A hernia cannot be found on physical examination or medical imaging, and is not present during surgery; thus the term hernia is a misnomer[2].
The exact lesion may differ, but common pathologic findings at operation are [3] :
torn external oblique aponeurosis
tear in the conjoint tendon
conjoint tendon torn from pubic tubercle
dehiscence between conjoined tendon and inguinal ligament
tear in the fascia transversalis [2]
abnormal insertion of the rectus abdominis muscle
tear of the abdominal internal oblique muscle from the pubic tubercle
entrapment of the ilioinguinal nerve or genitofemoral nerve[4]
(thanks Wikipedia)
Suddenly March Madness has taken an entirely new meaning for Revs fans as Pat Noonan has picked up his second case of the above . . . umm . . . disease? . . . injury? . . . problem? Somebody translate the above please . . . And off to Germany he goes. Surgery will take up to 3 weeks of recovery, meaning he too could miss the opener (and likely wouldn't be in the best shape or chemistry to play in it anyways). So take some time to get to know Adam Cristman, likely Twellman's strike partner if there is one.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
From Bad to Worse
Why'd I try to predict the lineup? Things continue to fall apart for what looked like a very good, though very similar to last year, Revs team as Shalrie Joseph will ask to be traded. Oy vey. Stop being idiots Kraft and Co. He's possibly the best player in the league (certainly better than Chris Armas), you deprived him of Celtic, and he's not even asking for a DP spot. Please just give him the money and let's move on. I guess it's back to Ginger and Frenchy at the DM spots now . . .
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Uh-oh . . .
. . . let's change that lineup shall we?
New projection:
------TnT---Noons------
---------Dorman--------
-Khano----------Ralston-
-Larentowicz-Joseph----
-John-Hernandez-Heaps-
Wait?!? Where'd Parkhurst go?!? Well things may be bad . . . dislocated shoulder bad . . .
New projection:
------TnT---Noons------
---------Dorman--------
-Khano----------Ralston-
-Larentowicz-Joseph----
-John-Hernandez-Heaps-
Wait?!? Where'd Parkhurst go?!? Well things may be bad . . . dislocated shoulder bad . . .
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Lineup Challenge
So I figure it's close enough to the start of the season to try and guess at what that wizard named Steve Nicol is going to pull out for an opening day lineup. There's always something that makes you wonder. Sure everyone expects the same exact lineup as last year to be the one he goes with, but it sure didn't happen last year (we randomly switched to a 3-4-3, which I think was a disastrous opening to the year) and we have the big Deuce to replace. So here we go:
1st of all: We still have a TON of central midfielders. Hernandez, Joseph, Larentowicz, Dorman, and I'm going to throw in Franchino now because I don't feel like he has the pace or offensive ability for LM anymore. The only one with any real offensive potential (Shal, Daniel, and Ginger can all shoot . . . and pass a bit . . . but def. not dribble) is Dorman. I truly think Dorman is going to have Deuce potential, without the big physical presence. The fact remains he's better defensively, probably a better playmaker, just without some of the dribbling skills. He's going to be amazing though. He showed it last year in Clint's absence early on. When he's given the role of attacking midfielder he meets full potential. The point I am getting at (or was at the start) is that we'll likely have 3 central midfielders because we'd otherwise be wasting that depth. So the formations that have 3 central midfielders (unless he wants to completely abandon the wings, which isn't a good idea concerning how good TnT is "supposed" to be in the air) are 3-5-2 or 4-5-1.
So . . . we're @ Chicago. Pretty hostile place (and the referees haven't been to helpful at this new stade - ask Andy Dorman). So there is actually a chance for 4-5-1 and the more I think of it and cringe, the more likely it seems. No better way to start the season off than to play like wimps . . . but here's why it's possible:
1) Left midfield. Khano? Franchino? Arsene Oka? Tony the Kiwi? Not the best list at this point. Khano is a decent possibility because Nicol loves him, and it would put a second forward possibly at least onto the field. However, as you shall see, that would mean another certain forward would not be on the field and that's traumatic. Ralston? Good possibility, but that leaves RM open. So who would play that? Dorman? No, because we wouldn't have any attacking mids. Riley? I certainly hope not . . . that would mean waaaaay too much defense. So I'm going to say Noonan. And I think Nicol was stating in the preseason last year that Noonan is much more of a right-sided guy than a left one, and I think this has good possibilities.
2) More central midfielders. I said we'd want to play as many as possible, and this would allow one more than a 3-5-2. How? Well, this would allow for Dorman at AM, Shalrie and Ginger at DM, and Daniel at CB. Ahhh! Interesting . . .
And then there's what I said before about it being a road game in a packed house . . . we're likely to try and pull out another 1-0 victory like last year against LAG. But . . . I say 3-5-2 looks more probable.
Khano at left mid. It seems like Nicol is loving him a lot in the preseason and in general. I think he's going to be there, which means Noonan has to be a forward. Combine that with the fact that Parkhurst is a much better solo-back than he is in a four-back system (or at least waaaay more experienced) and I'm thinking this is the result:
--------Noonan------Twellman--------
--------------Dorman-----------------
-Smith------------------------Ralston-
-------Hernandez--Joseph------------
--John------Parkhurst--------Heaps--
---------------Reis--------------------
But this is Steve Nicol and we never really agree . . .
1st of all: We still have a TON of central midfielders. Hernandez, Joseph, Larentowicz, Dorman, and I'm going to throw in Franchino now because I don't feel like he has the pace or offensive ability for LM anymore. The only one with any real offensive potential (Shal, Daniel, and Ginger can all shoot . . . and pass a bit . . . but def. not dribble) is Dorman. I truly think Dorman is going to have Deuce potential, without the big physical presence. The fact remains he's better defensively, probably a better playmaker, just without some of the dribbling skills. He's going to be amazing though. He showed it last year in Clint's absence early on. When he's given the role of attacking midfielder he meets full potential. The point I am getting at (or was at the start) is that we'll likely have 3 central midfielders because we'd otherwise be wasting that depth. So the formations that have 3 central midfielders (unless he wants to completely abandon the wings, which isn't a good idea concerning how good TnT is "supposed" to be in the air) are 3-5-2 or 4-5-1.
So . . . we're @ Chicago. Pretty hostile place (and the referees haven't been to helpful at this new stade - ask Andy Dorman). So there is actually a chance for 4-5-1 and the more I think of it and cringe, the more likely it seems. No better way to start the season off than to play like wimps . . . but here's why it's possible:
1) Left midfield. Khano? Franchino? Arsene Oka? Tony the Kiwi? Not the best list at this point. Khano is a decent possibility because Nicol loves him, and it would put a second forward possibly at least onto the field. However, as you shall see, that would mean another certain forward would not be on the field and that's traumatic. Ralston? Good possibility, but that leaves RM open. So who would play that? Dorman? No, because we wouldn't have any attacking mids. Riley? I certainly hope not . . . that would mean waaaaay too much defense. So I'm going to say Noonan. And I think Nicol was stating in the preseason last year that Noonan is much more of a right-sided guy than a left one, and I think this has good possibilities.
2) More central midfielders. I said we'd want to play as many as possible, and this would allow one more than a 3-5-2. How? Well, this would allow for Dorman at AM, Shalrie and Ginger at DM, and Daniel at CB. Ahhh! Interesting . . .
And then there's what I said before about it being a road game in a packed house . . . we're likely to try and pull out another 1-0 victory like last year against LAG. But . . . I say 3-5-2 looks more probable.
Khano at left mid. It seems like Nicol is loving him a lot in the preseason and in general. I think he's going to be there, which means Noonan has to be a forward. Combine that with the fact that Parkhurst is a much better solo-back than he is in a four-back system (or at least waaaay more experienced) and I'm thinking this is the result:
--------Noonan------Twellman--------
--------------Dorman-----------------
-Smith------------------------Ralston-
-------Hernandez--Joseph------------
--John------Parkhurst--------Heaps--
---------------Reis--------------------
But this is Steve Nicol and we never really agree . . .
Friday, March 9, 2007
The New England Revolution scored a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy
The New England Revolution scored a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in a preseason game on Thursday evening. James Riley and Arsene Oka scored goals.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
. . . or no.
Wowsers. Slap in the face for Steve Nicol: Robbie Fowler's agent says no talks are going on and the Revs wouldn't be able to afford him. Yeesh. If we can't afford him, then I don't want him!
It really might happen . . .
. . . Really. It's not a rumor anymore: Robbie Fowler just might be on his way this summer.
The way I see this is it would probably push Noonan to RM and Rally to LM, though a lot will depend on the situation when he actually arrives. His contract ends this summer, so that's the expected time, but who knows. Liverpool hardly uses him at this stage. There's little doubt he'll be leaving Anfield though since Liverpool signed Voronin to join them this summer as well, adding to their already thick depth chart at forward. This one could get real interesting . . .
The way I see this is it would probably push Noonan to RM and Rally to LM, though a lot will depend on the situation when he actually arrives. His contract ends this summer, so that's the expected time, but who knows. Liverpool hardly uses him at this stage. There's little doubt he'll be leaving Anfield though since Liverpool signed Voronin to join them this summer as well, adding to their already thick depth chart at forward. This one could get real interesting . . .
Monday, February 26, 2007
Schedule Analysis
(This was originally written on 2/6/07, but I think it's got quite the large amount of applicability still)
Revs Schedule
So the big story, right off the bat, is August 12th. The schedule for Eastern Conference teams (Toronto, DC, NYRB, Chicago, Cbus, KC, and NER) has been set up so that they play in-conference teams 3 times, and out-of-conference villains twice. That out-of-conference twice thing implies that the Revs only get one home game against every team in the West, including the LA Galaxy. In case you haven't heard, the Galaxy kinda signed this really famous guy, maybe you've heard of him (and if you hadn't, you probably have now): David Beckham? He's kind of a big deal . . . Hence any game against Beckham is going to sell LOTS of tickets. The question is would the Revs be hosting one of these games. The MLS said yes, and August 12th is the date. Early prediction from Tim for ticket sales: 40,000. Yeah. That many. Sick. And about 6 of that 40,000 are probably buying tickets to see that snothead prettyboy Landon*. Sweet. How does it feel to be second fiddle American Posterboy? YEAH! (It looks like all 13 teams will get to host a Beckham matchup from what I can tell . . . well done MLS)
Secondly, my big complaint is the number of Sunday games. 3 Sunday home games? That's ridiculous. Not for TV purposes either as only one of them is on Univision who is showing Sunday games. My beef mainly is that Sunday never really feels like a day for soccer as Saturday primetime does. Add that to the fact that my graduation is at 3PM ON SUNDAY, MAY 6TH and we have a major problem. Can I please just skip receiving my fake diploma? Why do I have to please 5 people (that's how many tickets we get for graduation) more than give Pat Noonan his due love? Awful.
What's not on this schedule is a number of doubleheaders or tripleheaders. First, on April 14th, the US Women's National Team will take down those crazy Mexicans (and it might as well be the Mexican men's team since they play pretty much on the same level) before the Revs- Toronto (CANCELA!) match. In addition, according to du Nord, and probably some other websites I don't want to find, Gillette is hosting a friendly between Ireland and Ecuador on May 26th. Hey! There's a Revs game that day! Hey! It's a doubleheader! Yaaaay! I would be a tad upset if they take away a "special event" ticket for that though, and probably a little less upset, while still upset, if they took away a special event ticket for the Women's game. Also, the Big Razor will be hosting some Gold Cup games in June, with or without the Revs, and hence, plenty of games for Revs fans. Add a friendly against Fulham or someone cool and I'll be ecstatic. Or even advance far enough in the US Open Cup to get us a home game! Stupid Rhinos and Fire . . . EVERY YEAR!!!
The schedule looks pretty normal concerning the spread of home games. Very few to start, overload in the summer, and level in the end. What's disappointing however is that we don't play at home on Mother's Day or to end the season. For as long as I can remember I thought Mother's Day was a staple of Revolution soccer. Now it's dead. Combine that with the fact that the NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION aren't playing on JULY 4TH AT ALL!!!, never mind on the road, and I have some serious beefs.
Just 3 2-game weeks, so that should be beneficial, especially since we AREN'T PLAYING IN THE SUPERLIGA!!! Someone tell Don Garber that a team that has been to the last 2 MLS Cups and has Taylor Twellman and Shalrie Joseph and is good enough to kick a Mexican off the team must have enough face notice and talent to beat Mexican squads and draw a crowd. Jeez. I hate the Galaxy. Miss the playoffs, play in the SuperLiga. Yeah, that's real fair. Girf** Landon*.
4 ESPN2 games, all on Thursdays since MLS is now wicked cool and getting to have its own night for football. Beautiful. In addition, only one of them are at home, meaning the other 14 regular season games are all on the weekend, meaning a major help to ticket sales as weeknight games never reach the 10K mark. Thank you.
Opponent-wise, as earlier stated, the Eastern Conference teams play 3 games against each other, meaning the Revs play 3 of the teams with 2 at home and 1 away, and 3 vice-versa. The 3 we get at home twice: Toronto, KC, Columbus. The 3 on the road twice: DC, NYRB, and ChiTown. Yowsers. That's what happens when you make the MLS Cup folks . . . weighted scheduling has blessed us w/ 2 games with the Barra Brava, two with Bridgeview, and 2 with whoever NYRB decides to shell out money for at the great Giants Stadium (yeah, that isn't too scary, but the rest is . . .).
(Added today:)
One thing that disturbs me is definitely the TV38 junk. I like that they want to cover our games and make the full season commitment and all . . . but 38?! There goes the large audience. FSNE reached all of New England, which I believe is what this team represents. I don't even get TV38 here at UConn, and I'm pretty sure my sistah at St. Michael's in Vermont doesn't either. Suddenly it's the Boston Revolution, and I am disappointed. This might mean a few more sales for the online viewing of course . . .
It's official: I fear DC United. The thrashing they handed out to Olimpia only confirmed what I already believed to be true: they got better. I think the defense is still poor, but they'll find someone. They need a wing midfielder, but they'll find someone. The fact is the trio up front is outstanding and definitely the best in the league. Emilio > Alecko. It's true. So, in regards to the schedule, thank goodness we're not playing them at all in June/July. The two tournaments (Gold Cup, Copa America) won't likely affect them too much (Ben Olsen? Josh Gros? Bobby Boswell?), but will likely weaken the Revs as usual (TnT, Noons, Parkhurst, Reis, Ralston?). I'm perfectly fine with facing the Goats twice in that time since I've already labeled them as the surprisingly bad team of the year. In addition that 3-in-a-row of RSL, CBus, and Toronto at home looks about as cupcake as it can get (though Toronto has a botload of goalscorers). It looks like the MLS may have been trying to help us out in those rough summer months.
Lastly, I'm sorry the home opener is that expensive. It's clear the Revs expect fans to go to the home opener regardless of price and have added the USA - Mexico women's game to give them an excuse to up that game when they know people will pay. This is not written to say, "Don't go in protest!," but rather just to say that I feel your pain. Just use it as a reason to get season tickets.
*If it is not clear that I am not a Landon fan at this point, please ask someone to teach you how to read. I might come out with a "Top 10 Reasons" to hate Landon Donovan list very soon. Keep an eye out in heavy anticipation.
**Girf is a word my sister made up (frig backwards) that I use a lot to express frustration and replace any curse word on the face of the planet. For example: "Girf that girf." Yes.
Revs Schedule
So the big story, right off the bat, is August 12th. The schedule for Eastern Conference teams (Toronto, DC, NYRB, Chicago, Cbus, KC, and NER) has been set up so that they play in-conference teams 3 times, and out-of-conference villains twice. That out-of-conference twice thing implies that the Revs only get one home game against every team in the West, including the LA Galaxy. In case you haven't heard, the Galaxy kinda signed this really famous guy, maybe you've heard of him (and if you hadn't, you probably have now): David Beckham? He's kind of a big deal . . . Hence any game against Beckham is going to sell LOTS of tickets. The question is would the Revs be hosting one of these games. The MLS said yes, and August 12th is the date. Early prediction from Tim for ticket sales: 40,000. Yeah. That many. Sick. And about 6 of that 40,000 are probably buying tickets to see that snothead prettyboy Landon*. Sweet. How does it feel to be second fiddle American Posterboy? YEAH! (It looks like all 13 teams will get to host a Beckham matchup from what I can tell . . . well done MLS)
Secondly, my big complaint is the number of Sunday games. 3 Sunday home games? That's ridiculous. Not for TV purposes either as only one of them is on Univision who is showing Sunday games. My beef mainly is that Sunday never really feels like a day for soccer as Saturday primetime does. Add that to the fact that my graduation is at 3PM ON SUNDAY, MAY 6TH and we have a major problem. Can I please just skip receiving my fake diploma? Why do I have to please 5 people (that's how many tickets we get for graduation) more than give Pat Noonan his due love? Awful.
What's not on this schedule is a number of doubleheaders or tripleheaders. First, on April 14th, the US Women's National Team will take down those crazy Mexicans (and it might as well be the Mexican men's team since they play pretty much on the same level) before the Revs- Toronto (CANCELA!) match. In addition, according to du Nord, and probably some other websites I don't want to find, Gillette is hosting a friendly between Ireland and Ecuador on May 26th. Hey! There's a Revs game that day! Hey! It's a doubleheader! Yaaaay! I would be a tad upset if they take away a "special event" ticket for that though, and probably a little less upset, while still upset, if they took away a special event ticket for the Women's game. Also, the Big Razor will be hosting some Gold Cup games in June, with or without the Revs, and hence, plenty of games for Revs fans. Add a friendly against Fulham or someone cool and I'll be ecstatic. Or even advance far enough in the US Open Cup to get us a home game! Stupid Rhinos and Fire . . . EVERY YEAR!!!
The schedule looks pretty normal concerning the spread of home games. Very few to start, overload in the summer, and level in the end. What's disappointing however is that we don't play at home on Mother's Day or to end the season. For as long as I can remember I thought Mother's Day was a staple of Revolution soccer. Now it's dead. Combine that with the fact that the NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION aren't playing on JULY 4TH AT ALL!!!, never mind on the road, and I have some serious beefs.
Just 3 2-game weeks, so that should be beneficial, especially since we AREN'T PLAYING IN THE SUPERLIGA!!! Someone tell Don Garber that a team that has been to the last 2 MLS Cups and has Taylor Twellman and Shalrie Joseph and is good enough to kick a Mexican off the team must have enough face notice and talent to beat Mexican squads and draw a crowd. Jeez. I hate the Galaxy. Miss the playoffs, play in the SuperLiga. Yeah, that's real fair. Girf** Landon*.
4 ESPN2 games, all on Thursdays since MLS is now wicked cool and getting to have its own night for football. Beautiful. In addition, only one of them are at home, meaning the other 14 regular season games are all on the weekend, meaning a major help to ticket sales as weeknight games never reach the 10K mark. Thank you.
Opponent-wise, as earlier stated, the Eastern Conference teams play 3 games against each other, meaning the Revs play 3 of the teams with 2 at home and 1 away, and 3 vice-versa. The 3 we get at home twice: Toronto, KC, Columbus. The 3 on the road twice: DC, NYRB, and ChiTown. Yowsers. That's what happens when you make the MLS Cup folks . . . weighted scheduling has blessed us w/ 2 games with the Barra Brava, two with Bridgeview, and 2 with whoever NYRB decides to shell out money for at the great Giants Stadium (yeah, that isn't too scary, but the rest is . . .).
(Added today:)
One thing that disturbs me is definitely the TV38 junk. I like that they want to cover our games and make the full season commitment and all . . . but 38?! There goes the large audience. FSNE reached all of New England, which I believe is what this team represents. I don't even get TV38 here at UConn, and I'm pretty sure my sistah at St. Michael's in Vermont doesn't either. Suddenly it's the Boston Revolution, and I am disappointed. This might mean a few more sales for the online viewing of course . . .
It's official: I fear DC United. The thrashing they handed out to Olimpia only confirmed what I already believed to be true: they got better. I think the defense is still poor, but they'll find someone. They need a wing midfielder, but they'll find someone. The fact is the trio up front is outstanding and definitely the best in the league. Emilio > Alecko. It's true. So, in regards to the schedule, thank goodness we're not playing them at all in June/July. The two tournaments (Gold Cup, Copa America) won't likely affect them too much (Ben Olsen? Josh Gros? Bobby Boswell?), but will likely weaken the Revs as usual (TnT, Noons, Parkhurst, Reis, Ralston?). I'm perfectly fine with facing the Goats twice in that time since I've already labeled them as the surprisingly bad team of the year. In addition that 3-in-a-row of RSL, CBus, and Toronto at home looks about as cupcake as it can get (though Toronto has a botload of goalscorers). It looks like the MLS may have been trying to help us out in those rough summer months.
Lastly, I'm sorry the home opener is that expensive. It's clear the Revs expect fans to go to the home opener regardless of price and have added the USA - Mexico women's game to give them an excuse to up that game when they know people will pay. This is not written to say, "Don't go in protest!," but rather just to say that I feel your pain. Just use it as a reason to get season tickets.
*If it is not clear that I am not a Landon fan at this point, please ask someone to teach you how to read. I might come out with a "Top 10 Reasons" to hate Landon Donovan list very soon. Keep an eye out in heavy anticipation.
**Girf is a word my sister made up (frig backwards) that I use a lot to express frustration and replace any curse word on the face of the planet. For example: "Girf that girf." Yes.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
From the Premiership . . .
From the English Premiership this weekend with regards to the Revs:
Clint Dempsey: Clint came on as a substitute for Fulham in the 71st minute and wasn't very impressive. He was one of the Fulham players left in the dust by Man U's Cristiano Ronaldo on his way to the winning goal. Deuce's runs seemed nonexistant and he didn't receive too much of the ball. What he did with what he got wasn't too exciting either.
Robbie Fowler: After being linked to a move to the Revs (though likely over the summer it would appear) this week by the Mirror, Fowler was included in a somewhat "B" squad for Liverpool against Sunderland. The Reds drew two early PKs which Fowler confidently buried (the first with authority in the bottom right corner, the second curled into the left slowly getting the keeper to guess incorrectly). These were his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season (all against Sunderland, all on penalties). He played the full 90 minutes.
Clint Dempsey: Clint came on as a substitute for Fulham in the 71st minute and wasn't very impressive. He was one of the Fulham players left in the dust by Man U's Cristiano Ronaldo on his way to the winning goal. Deuce's runs seemed nonexistant and he didn't receive too much of the ball. What he did with what he got wasn't too exciting either.
Robbie Fowler: After being linked to a move to the Revs (though likely over the summer it would appear) this week by the Mirror, Fowler was included in a somewhat "B" squad for Liverpool against Sunderland. The Reds drew two early PKs which Fowler confidently buried (the first with authority in the bottom right corner, the second curled into the left slowly getting the keeper to guess incorrectly). These were his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season (all against Sunderland, all on penalties). He played the full 90 minutes.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Revs post 3-1 win versus LA Galaxy
The New England Revolution scored two first half goals en route to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in a preseason friendly match at the National Stadium on 2-22-07.
Scoring Summary
NE – James Riley (Andy Dorman) 22
NE – Arsene Oka (Joe Franchino) 27
LA – Own goal (Jeff Larentowicz) 59
NE – Own goal (Kyle Veris) 81
Scoring Summary
NE – James Riley (Andy Dorman) 22
NE – Arsene Oka (Joe Franchino) 27
LA – Own goal (Jeff Larentowicz) 59
NE – Own goal (Kyle Veris) 81
Thursday, February 22, 2007
3-1 victory against the Bermuda national team in Hamilton, Bermuda
The Revolution gain a 3-1 victory against the Bermuda national team in Hamilton, Bermuda in a preseason game.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
New England Revolution keen on Liverpool's Fowler
New England Revolution keen on Liverpool's FowlerNew England Revolution want to sign Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper has revealed his old team-mate Steve Nicol will offer him the chance to join New England Revolution.Fowler's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of this season.
The newspaper has revealed his old team-mate Steve Nicol will offer him the chance to join New England Revolution.Fowler's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of this season.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Welcome to the New England Revolution Fan Blog
This blog was started for fans of the New england Revolution of Major League Soccer. Bloggers are needed to contribute to this blog. Please email me at europunk3@yahoo.com if you are interested.
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