With every MLS team now over the halfway mark in the 34-game season I thought it would be good to look at the overall table. Currently, most MLS teams are playing ridiculous friendlies that MLS.com and the media like to think are more important than MLS Cup, US Open Cup or CONCACAF Champions League. Usually, we see some teams tail off after this point in the season due to fatigue, heat and loss of form and I'm sure one or two teams will do the same this year as well. Match congestion should play a massive part in this season with most teams playing worthless summer friendlies and five of those teams playing Champions League football.
Overall table as of 7/25/2011
1. LA Galaxy 42
2. FC Dallas 39
3. Seattle Sounders FC 38
4. Real Salt Lake 33
5. Philadelphia Union 31
6. Columbus Crew 31
7. Colorado Rapids 31
8. New York Red Bulls 29
9. Chivas USA 26
10. Sporting KC 26
11. Houston Dynamo 24
12. San Jose Earthquakes 24
13. DC United 23
14. Portland Timbers 21
15. New England Revolution 20
16. Chicago Fire 18
17. Toronto FC 18
18. Vancouver Whitecaps 15
Currently, Sporting and Chivas USA sit in the final playoff spots on 26 points and Vancouver looks to be the only team out of the play-off picture. TFC and Chicago will need something special in the second half to reach the post season. The Fire, however, are in the semi-final of the US Open Cup and may focus on that competition. MLS had the initial idea of making more play-off spots to make the league more competitive down to the end of the season. However, as the season wears on I think we'll see the league turn out similarly to the past few seasons. Now with the added bonus of two more undeserving teams having chance to win the MLS Cup.
Sporting KC has been on a 12- match unbeaten run in which they have amassed 22 points. This has gotten them right in the hunt for the play-offs after a disasterous start. However, KC supporters should slow down a little bit. Of the the 12 teams they have played, only five of them are currently in the play-offs as of now; and of those five, Sporting only managed one win while drawing the other four. That win came against FC Dallas, and was an unexpected result at 4-1. Other than that result, KC has played just as well as the other play-off teams around them, but rarely better; and were lucky to escape with draws against the likes of Philadelphia, Chivas, Houston and Colorado. Meanwhile, Sporting's four wins other than at FCD have come against teams currently below 11th place: San Jose, Vancouver, Portland and TFC. Despite being on a roll at the moment, lets see where Sporting KC is at the end of August after they play RSL, Seattle and FCD. Arguably, the other hot teams in the league right now.
The two teams that I feel most sorry for (if you can feel sorry) are LA Galaxy and New York Red Bull, for two different reasons. LA is the best team in the league hands down, but again this team will most likely fall in a one-off play-off match come the autumn. With all the fixtures of MLS, Champions League and ridiculous friendlies that this team has added to it's full schedule I cannot see this team keeping up come play-off time. The Red Bulls on the other hand have spent money and tried so hard to get to the next level. But despite all the spending and tinkering they just aren't as good as they should be. Tim Ream especially has looked vulenrable as of late, and the defense has been extremely shakey. The upside for the Red Bulls is they could enter the play-offs like Colorado and RSL in years past and make a solid run to the cup final.
The more this season goes on the more it looks like seasons past. Teams beat up on each other, a few run away teams and a play-off that gives underachieving teams the chance at a trophy. Yes, it keeps the league interesting. How many people would go out and watch a New England or Chivas game if they weren't in the hunt for the play-offs? It's unfortunate the league believes to make people care they must hold meaningless friendlies and have over half the teams in the league make the play-offs. MLS keeps the soccer mom culture
going in a country that doesn't want it anymore. If the league tried to breed the culture they sell during the meaningless World Football Challenge they would attract the fans they have always targeted. But alas that's another story.
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Showing posts with label new england revolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new england revolution. Show all posts
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
New England Pick Up Option on Feilhaber
News has just come out that New England has picked up the allocation rights to Benny Feilhaber. Now it is up to them to sign the player or trade him for other options. I wouldn't be surprised either way. By signing him they add quality to the midfield. The Revolution is notoriously cheap and should have plenty of cap space. On the other hand they may trade away Feilhaber for some attacking options. I'm not sure what team would be interested in moving two or three players to New England for Feilhaber. I would assume New England is where he'll stay.
Sporting KC does have the attacking options to trade, but do they really need Feilhaber at this moment? I think not. Houston could likely trade for him, but they don't have much talent to move in the other direction. DC United does have the likes of Santino Quaranta, Steven King or even Branko Boskovic who could be deemed as excess to needs. On paper DC United seems to have the most pieces to move for Feilhaber. But again this would seem unlikely with the off-season signing of Dax McCarty and both teams being rivals in the Eastern Conference. No other team seems to have the pieces to add Feilhaber to its roster.
If he does sign with the Revs I am not sure this make the Revs that much better. Yes, they have a good defence and their midfield was already adequate; but they don't of goal scorers. As I wrote in an earlier post they have signed Rajko Lekic which should ease the teams goal scoring woes.
Sporting KC does have the attacking options to trade, but do they really need Feilhaber at this moment? I think not. Houston could likely trade for him, but they don't have much talent to move in the other direction. DC United does have the likes of Santino Quaranta, Steven King or even Branko Boskovic who could be deemed as excess to needs. On paper DC United seems to have the most pieces to move for Feilhaber. But again this would seem unlikely with the off-season signing of Dax McCarty and both teams being rivals in the Eastern Conference. No other team seems to have the pieces to add Feilhaber to its roster.
If he does sign with the Revs I am not sure this make the Revs that much better. Yes, they have a good defence and their midfield was already adequate; but they don't of goal scorers. As I wrote in an earlier post they have signed Rajko Lekic which should ease the teams goal scoring woes.
Chivas USA Decides not to Ruin Benny Feilhaber's Career
Chivas USA has passed on the chance to sign USA international Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber signed with Major League Soccer last week after the league paid a transfer fee to his former club AGF Aarhus who currently play in the Danish second division following relegation last season. Feilhaber's contract was up after this season, and Aarhus cashed in on arguably their prized asset.
Until moving to Aarhus Feilhaber had an indifferent club career playing a hand full of matches for SV Hamberg's first team in Germany and Derby County in England's Premier League. It was his national team form that made Feilhaber a "household name" as far as USMNT players are concerned. He burst on to the scene with a fantastic volley against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup. Since then he has played well for the national team, and was an integral part at the 2010 World Cup when the USA dropped a holding midfielder and became more attacking late in matches.
With Chivas USA passing on Feilhaber this gives him the chance to play for a team that will not be rooted at the bottom of the league all year. Instead of helping his career, a move to Chivas could have hindered it with the lack of talent he would have around him. It would have also been a sideways move leaving the Danish second division for the worst team in MLS. It's worth considering that MLS may have worked out a deal with Chivas to pass on one of the stars of the USMNT much like they did with Brian McBride. McBride was allocated to Toronto FC, but he wanted to play for Chicago and after some MLS intervention was granted a trade to the Windy City.
The Philadelphia Union is on the clock, but all reports have the club passing on Feilhaber. This makes sense with the good young talent and cap space the Union currently have. Feilhaber's contract will eat up a large chunk of salary cap space. It is said he will earn around $350,000 which is the maximum salary for a non-Designated Player. I would love to see Feilhaber end up in Philadelphia, and I think the team could use his creativity in the midfield. They haven't created many goals this season. Carlos Ruiz's goal against Vancouver has been the only goal the team has actually created from open play this season (goal mouth scrambles and errors by by defenders would not count as a created goal). Perhaps Feilhaber's vision in midfield would allow the attackers around him to express themselves more.
The current allocation order looks like this:
1. Chivas USA (By passing Chivas USA still hold the top spot)
2. Philadelphia Union
3. New England Revolution
4. Houston Dynamo
5. Toronto FC
6. Chicago Fire
7. Sporting Kansas City
8. Seattle Sounders FC
9. Columbus Crew
10. New York Red Bulls
11. Real Salt Lake
12. San Jose Earthquakes
13. Los Angeles Galaxy
14. FC Dallas
15. Colorado Rapids
16. Vancouver Whitecaps
17. Portland Timbers
18. D.C. United
New England has just signed striker Rajko Lekic and being the cheapest team in the league may not want to spend on Feilhaber. They've also continued to talk about signing a DP this summer, but I'll believe it when I see it. Houston Dynamo has just signed Koke from Aris in Greece, and is playing well. They may not want to add to the squad at the moment. TFC may have the cap space to sign Feilhaber after the Dwayne De Rosario trade. Feilhaber would work well with Julian De Guzman as the attacker in the midfield. But TFC's 4-3-3 may not suit Feilhaber who may prefer a 4-4-2 formation. Also, will MLS want a key USMNT player playing in Canada after Jay De Merit signed for Vancouver? Chicago has a good shout at getting him and should have the cap space. They could use someone that can boss the midfield after their poor showing in Portland. Sporting KC maybe interested, but do they really need anymore attacking players? This team needs defence. Columbus could spend big and add him to the fantastic pair that is Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers. This addition would all of a sudden upgrade the Crew's midfield from good to excellent. New York and LA Galaxy don't have the money to afford Feilhaber, Colorado should be set in their midfield, FC Dallas could have their Dax McCarty replacement (but will he want to play for FCD). I would love to see Feilhaber end up in Salt Lake, but they already have Javier Morales. If Feilhaber makes it past Columbus I see him signing with San Jose. He would be fantastic playing next to Simon Dawkins or playing off Chris Wondolowski as the second striker. Seattle may have the space, but they seem to have a full midfield already.
Until moving to Aarhus Feilhaber had an indifferent club career playing a hand full of matches for SV Hamberg's first team in Germany and Derby County in England's Premier League. It was his national team form that made Feilhaber a "household name" as far as USMNT players are concerned. He burst on to the scene with a fantastic volley against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup. Since then he has played well for the national team, and was an integral part at the 2010 World Cup when the USA dropped a holding midfielder and became more attacking late in matches.
With Chivas USA passing on Feilhaber this gives him the chance to play for a team that will not be rooted at the bottom of the league all year. Instead of helping his career, a move to Chivas could have hindered it with the lack of talent he would have around him. It would have also been a sideways move leaving the Danish second division for the worst team in MLS. It's worth considering that MLS may have worked out a deal with Chivas to pass on one of the stars of the USMNT much like they did with Brian McBride. McBride was allocated to Toronto FC, but he wanted to play for Chicago and after some MLS intervention was granted a trade to the Windy City.
The Philadelphia Union is on the clock, but all reports have the club passing on Feilhaber. This makes sense with the good young talent and cap space the Union currently have. Feilhaber's contract will eat up a large chunk of salary cap space. It is said he will earn around $350,000 which is the maximum salary for a non-Designated Player. I would love to see Feilhaber end up in Philadelphia, and I think the team could use his creativity in the midfield. They haven't created many goals this season. Carlos Ruiz's goal against Vancouver has been the only goal the team has actually created from open play this season (goal mouth scrambles and errors by by defenders would not count as a created goal). Perhaps Feilhaber's vision in midfield would allow the attackers around him to express themselves more.
The current allocation order looks like this:
1. Chivas USA (By passing Chivas USA still hold the top spot)
2. Philadelphia Union
3. New England Revolution
4. Houston Dynamo
5. Toronto FC
6. Chicago Fire
7. Sporting Kansas City
8. Seattle Sounders FC
9. Columbus Crew
10. New York Red Bulls
11. Real Salt Lake
12. San Jose Earthquakes
13. Los Angeles Galaxy
14. FC Dallas
15. Colorado Rapids
16. Vancouver Whitecaps
17. Portland Timbers
18. D.C. United
New England has just signed striker Rajko Lekic and being the cheapest team in the league may not want to spend on Feilhaber. They've also continued to talk about signing a DP this summer, but I'll believe it when I see it. Houston Dynamo has just signed Koke from Aris in Greece, and is playing well. They may not want to add to the squad at the moment. TFC may have the cap space to sign Feilhaber after the Dwayne De Rosario trade. Feilhaber would work well with Julian De Guzman as the attacker in the midfield. But TFC's 4-3-3 may not suit Feilhaber who may prefer a 4-4-2 formation. Also, will MLS want a key USMNT player playing in Canada after Jay De Merit signed for Vancouver? Chicago has a good shout at getting him and should have the cap space. They could use someone that can boss the midfield after their poor showing in Portland. Sporting KC maybe interested, but do they really need anymore attacking players? This team needs defence. Columbus could spend big and add him to the fantastic pair that is Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers. This addition would all of a sudden upgrade the Crew's midfield from good to excellent. New York and LA Galaxy don't have the money to afford Feilhaber, Colorado should be set in their midfield, FC Dallas could have their Dax McCarty replacement (but will he want to play for FCD). I would love to see Feilhaber end up in Salt Lake, but they already have Javier Morales. If Feilhaber makes it past Columbus I see him signing with San Jose. He would be fantastic playing next to Simon Dawkins or playing off Chris Wondolowski as the second striker. Seattle may have the space, but they seem to have a full midfield already.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Eric Hasseli: Pure Nutter - Baldomero Toledo: Pure Clown
Eric Hasseli received the best MLS red card ever in Wednesday's Vancouver versus New England fixture. Upon scoring a penalty to put the Whitecaps ahead, Hasseli on a yellow card already, whipped off his shirt and threw it into the crowd revealing a second jersey underneath. He promptly got his marching orders. Despite arguing it was the same shirt he had been wearing.
Vancouver was a man down already and would play much of this match with nine men. Gershon Koffie was sent off at the end of the second half following an elbow on Pat Phelan. Yes, Koffie did elbow Phelan in the face, but to be fair Koffie went straight up and was protecting himself. Meanwhile, Phelan came running in and jumped into Koffie. This is very similiar to the ridiculous penalty that Phelan drew against DC United thanks to the same official Baldomero Toledo who loves to be the center of attention. In the second half, Hasseli received his first yellow card for an elbow on a Kevin Alston. If you are going by the logic of elbows equal red cards then he too should have been sent off. Both were elbows and both could be deemed dangerous. However, both times the Revs players got back up and played on. In this incident Toledo actually had called a foul against Alston on Hasseli prior to Alston going down like he'd been shot. Toledo waited to see the Revs player rolling around before making his decision on the Hasseli yellow card. I'm sorry, but he obviously didn't see the elbow and made his decision on based on seeing Alston rolling on the floor. Unbelievable.
Now if we're going on this inconsistent logic, it makes complete sense that Toledo would miss yet another important call. New England's Zak Boggs should have seen a red card or at the very least a yellow for taking down Camilo in the box; which resulted in a penalty. He does look to be the last man back on every replay I've seen. That is a professional foul of taking down a goal scorer with an immediate goal scoring chance. Yet, Toledo bottled it like he always does. This certainly would have put another twist into this game.Hasseli would score the penalty and then be sent off.
A.J. Soares would be sent off in the second half for the Revs. This was a hard tackle, but deserved no more than a yellow card. To be fair he didn't make a lot of contact either. But Toledo produced a straight red. I don't understand the inconsistency. Football is a contact sport and there will be hard tackles. Toledo is treating this like ballet. Lets be as gentle as we can, so no one gets hurt. Thanks again Baldomero Toledo for giving out the most red cards of any MLS referee. You truly are shit at your job. Yes, taking off the shirt is a proper card, but the others... I don't know. I'm not sure why he is allowed to affect matches by continually being assigned to work in MLS. This is the second match he has "help" New England secure points in this season. The first time against DC United, and now against the Whitecaps; who despite playing with nine men for times in this match were the better team. Though they looked exhausted in the last five minutes of the match. The talent has gotten better this season in the league. It's time the officiating did, too.
Again, Vancouver looked good. Atiba Harrison has been a revelation this season. His ability to hold the ball up and lay the ball off is something he hasn't shown prior to his time in Vancouver. His movement off the ball has also been fantastic, too. Getting into open spaces to receive the ball and running at defenders, which is something the Whitecaps do extremely well. The club has also shown with their early success the importance of having a core of players come up from D2 to play in MLS; and that includes manager Teitur Thordarson. Only a few months ago many people were deriding this club for their non-MLS experienced signings and the drafting of Omar Salgado. Now those people have turned the other way and are enjoying the football this team is playing. I've truly enjoyed watching this team this season. They will make the playoffs, and don't be surprised when they make an RSL or Colorado like run when they get their. In my opinion, New England has benefitted from the referee too many times this season (twice now from Toledo). I honestly can't say they are that good of a team, but a team that does just enough and has fight in them.
I had predicted a 1-0 Whitecaps win, however, the Revs were able to get it done in the end and get a 1-1 draw.
Vancouver was a man down already and would play much of this match with nine men. Gershon Koffie was sent off at the end of the second half following an elbow on Pat Phelan. Yes, Koffie did elbow Phelan in the face, but to be fair Koffie went straight up and was protecting himself. Meanwhile, Phelan came running in and jumped into Koffie. This is very similiar to the ridiculous penalty that Phelan drew against DC United thanks to the same official Baldomero Toledo who loves to be the center of attention. In the second half, Hasseli received his first yellow card for an elbow on a Kevin Alston. If you are going by the logic of elbows equal red cards then he too should have been sent off. Both were elbows and both could be deemed dangerous. However, both times the Revs players got back up and played on. In this incident Toledo actually had called a foul against Alston on Hasseli prior to Alston going down like he'd been shot. Toledo waited to see the Revs player rolling around before making his decision on the Hasseli yellow card. I'm sorry, but he obviously didn't see the elbow and made his decision on based on seeing Alston rolling on the floor. Unbelievable.
Now if we're going on this inconsistent logic, it makes complete sense that Toledo would miss yet another important call. New England's Zak Boggs should have seen a red card or at the very least a yellow for taking down Camilo in the box; which resulted in a penalty. He does look to be the last man back on every replay I've seen. That is a professional foul of taking down a goal scorer with an immediate goal scoring chance. Yet, Toledo bottled it like he always does. This certainly would have put another twist into this game.Hasseli would score the penalty and then be sent off.
A.J. Soares would be sent off in the second half for the Revs. This was a hard tackle, but deserved no more than a yellow card. To be fair he didn't make a lot of contact either. But Toledo produced a straight red. I don't understand the inconsistency. Football is a contact sport and there will be hard tackles. Toledo is treating this like ballet. Lets be as gentle as we can, so no one gets hurt. Thanks again Baldomero Toledo for giving out the most red cards of any MLS referee. You truly are shit at your job. Yes, taking off the shirt is a proper card, but the others... I don't know. I'm not sure why he is allowed to affect matches by continually being assigned to work in MLS. This is the second match he has "help" New England secure points in this season. The first time against DC United, and now against the Whitecaps; who despite playing with nine men for times in this match were the better team. Though they looked exhausted in the last five minutes of the match. The talent has gotten better this season in the league. It's time the officiating did, too.
Again, Vancouver looked good. Atiba Harrison has been a revelation this season. His ability to hold the ball up and lay the ball off is something he hasn't shown prior to his time in Vancouver. His movement off the ball has also been fantastic, too. Getting into open spaces to receive the ball and running at defenders, which is something the Whitecaps do extremely well. The club has also shown with their early success the importance of having a core of players come up from D2 to play in MLS; and that includes manager Teitur Thordarson. Only a few months ago many people were deriding this club for their non-MLS experienced signings and the drafting of Omar Salgado. Now those people have turned the other way and are enjoying the football this team is playing. I've truly enjoyed watching this team this season. They will make the playoffs, and don't be surprised when they make an RSL or Colorado like run when they get their. In my opinion, New England has benefitted from the referee too many times this season (twice now from Toledo). I honestly can't say they are that good of a team, but a team that does just enough and has fight in them.
I had predicted a 1-0 Whitecaps win, however, the Revs were able to get it done in the end and get a 1-1 draw.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
MLS Power Rankings Week 3: April 5, 2011
Everyone loves a power ranking in the USA, so I thought I'd get in on the act. Now that three weeks of MLS action has been played I feel it is a good time to make a few judgements on MLS clubs.
1. Colorado Rapids
The Rapids have had little trouble in their first three fixtures, and are using last season's MLS Cup victory as a springboard for this season; much like RSL did in '09. Colorado is doing it as a team and have had five different players on the score sheet in their three matches. Unlike many MLS Cup winners, they have strenghtened the team in key areas. They've signed striker Caleb Folan (who scored two in Week 3), they've brought back Danny Earls as defensive cover and also signed Sanna Nyassi. This team is much better than last season, which cannot be said for their cup final opponent FC Dallas.
2.Real Salt Lake
Salt Lake sit on six points from two matches and in their last MLS match humiliated LA Galaxy. They have an excellent starting 11, and have added depth to key areas with the signing of Conor Chinn. RSL should advance to the CONCACAF Champions League Final this week as they attempt to prove they are the best team in North and Central America. Fatigue shouldn't be a factor for this club. Yes, they've played extra matches in the CL competition, but they are good enough not to let it affect them. Much like Colorado they work as a team, though they have Alvaro Saborio as a DP, this team works for each other.
3. New York Red Bulls
New York is still undefeated in this early part of the season and looked better this past weekend against Houston than the previous week in Columbus. As long as this team has it's key centreback pairing of Tim Ream and Rafa Marquez it should be hard to beat. However, Bouna Coundoul is a liability and was at fault for Houston's goal on Saturday night. Dwayne De Rosario should fit in well. He had a fantastic through ball to Dane Richards to set up the Red Bulls only goal. Richards has become a fantastic talent since the arrival of Hans Backe.
4. LA Galaxy
LA handled Philadelphia quite easily in week 3 with a lone goal from Leonardo. Nothing special from LA in truth. They simply looked like the better team. With Landon Donovan back they should be able to handle most MLS teams, but may struggle against the top of the league. Their old legs don't help and need a youthful injection. Donovan is no spring-chicken anymore either.
5. New England Revolution
I wasn't expecting much from this team this season. Yes, they did get some fortunate calls against DC United in week 2, but they have played some good football. Throughout Saturday's match they looked evenly matched with Portland. Their defence looks solid only giving up three goals this season, however, they gave Portland too much room in the attacking third. At times Kenny Cooper was able to run freely through the middle of the defence. Steve Nicol will need to shore this up prior to week 4's match in Vancouver. The Whitecaps wide open attack could cause the Revs some problems. If the defence can get shored up and some more attacking talent is added this team could get back to old habits this season.
6. Chicago Fire
A pleasant surprise thus far in Chicago. This team can attack and after switching to a 4-4-2 (from 3-5-2) look like they can go toe to toe with anyone. They seem to have ditched the defensive mentality they showed for so many years under Denis Hamlett and the lot. They look more free flowing giving Marco Pappa the chance to run the midfield. Chicago also got rid of the old boys on the team this past season and the turnover has helped thus far. They just need to cut out the mistakes, like Gonzalo Seagres' 30-yard back pass to no one that Teal Bunbury picked off and scored in week 2.
7. San Jose Earthquakes
I've been surprised thus far with San Jose's play. They've played some good football, and Chris Wondolowski looks like the real deal and not the flash in the pan I thought. He has two goals, but more importantly his run and touch have been outstanding. They moved the ball well against Seattle last week and at times looked like the better team. Their finishing has been the achilles heel in home matches this season.
8. Philadelphia Union
Sorry Union, but I think you have been punching above your weight this season. Only two goals scored and one was by defender Danny Califf on a goal mouth scramble following a corner. The attackers haven't gelled yet and were completely out played by LA over the weekend. Week 1 and 2 were easier for the Union who will now face New York, Seattle and Salt Lake in the next three matches. We'll see if the Union are truly good enough then.
9. Vancouver Whitecaps
Maybe the most exciting team so far this season. An unbelievable, unprobable come back against Sporting KC capped by two goals in second half stoppage-time. They have two of the best midfielders in the league in Davide Chiumento and Terry Dunfield; and even without DP Eric Hasseli are scoring goals. If Hasseli can stay on the pitch and not be suspended Vancouver will be one of the hardest teams to beat all season.
10. Sporting KC
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Great attack and awful defence. This team again upgraded the attack in the off season and again neglected the defence. The powers that be seem to think they'll outscore every team. Sporting is lucky to have four points out of nine. If it weren't for goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen Sporting would have surely lost this past weekend against Vancouver. They've given up eight goals in three matches, however, they have scored eight. They play exciting football, but if they aren't winning come June I don't expect their new stadium to fill up every weekend.
11. Seattle Sounders FC
Against San Jose, Seattle looked the best they have all year. I credit that to the injuried Fredy Montero. For the first time O'Brian White came into the match, and registered a goal. Is it just me or does he look unfit? Without Montero Seattle played more as a team and wasn't relying on one player throughout. Perhaps, it is time to move Montero on and stop depending so much on one player. Yes, when he is on he is on, but Montero has been incredibly wasteful this season as he drifts in and out of matches. Not to mention his selfish play. I think it's time for Seattle to make a difficult decision in moving Montero to strengthen the rest of the team. They have the best midfield in the league, and Saturday's match against San Jose was an example of what Steve Zakuani can do down the left. Zakuani's final ball following his blazing runs was there. I'm a big fan of Mauro Rosales and Erik Friberg and both were outstanding.
12. Toronto FC
One moment of bad marking and TFC paid the price in week 3. Though Chivas USA did have numerous opportunities to stregthen the lead their inability to finish chances kept TFC in the game. Despite trading Dwayne De Rosarion TFC is in good condition getting two quality players in Tony Tchani and Danleigh Borman. Alan Gordan's goal showed that TFC doesn't need DeRo to score every time, however, no one should miss a header when they're marked that freely.
13. Columbus Crew
Eddie Gaven is the most underrated played in all of MLS. Finally, he was allowed to play centerally against FC Dallas and he controlled the match. The Crew were gifted a penalty from what looked like a good challenge followed by the attacker and defender running into each other after the ball had been cleared. But the Crew were the better team throughout and capped it off with a fantastic Gaven strike from 20-yards. If I was an MLS club looking for an experienced midfielder then Gaven is my man. Still only 25-years old with eight years professional experience.
14. DC United
Week 1's result flattered DC United. They're not that good. Columbus's defence was just that bad in week 1. However, DC was rather unlucky in week 2 followed by a humilating defeat in a cold snowy Colorado this past weekend. DC again was unlucky as the Rapids' Conor Casey should have been sent off in the first 15-minutes. This team was missing several key players to injury and USMNT U20 matches. They are still putting the pieces together and I am still not convinced by Ben Olsen leading this team.
15. Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo have played relatively well so far this season. But where will the goals come from? Cameron Weaver had a classy goal against New York, but Bouna Coundoul should have done better. They've been strong at the back, and goalkeeper Tally Hall could be the next big thing in US goalkeeping.
16. Portland Timbers
The Timbers looked quite good against New England in week 3. Kenny Cooper came into the game well and did a fantastic job of running at defenders. Captain Jack Jewsbury showed why the Timbers traded for him with a classy goal to draw the match level. This team still needs better quality throughout the team, however. And sorry, but I'm not convinced by Rodney Wallace as professional footballer.
17. Chivas USA
Surprisingly they weren't the worst team in the league this week, but close. A much better all around display, but that's not hard when you are the worst team in the league. Justin Braun continues to show why I think he is overrated, awful and not cut out to be a top-flight football player. Braun had atleast four clear chances to put the game away against TFC, but each time missed and missed badly. I can't believe some MLS pundits believe Braun should be on the USMNT and is one of the best (young) players in the league. I just don't get it. By the way, Braun was at fault for the TFC goal, too. He was the one marking Alan Gordan, if you call marking standing four yards away and allowing a free header from one of the shorter players on the field to be marking.
18. FC Dallas
How the mighty have fallen. I keep saying that FCD didn't replace the players that left in the off-season, and yet again it shows. They were unlucky in the awarding of a penalty to Columbus. But the midfield allowed Eddie Gaven to run the show on the night. David Ferriera has looked like a shell of last season's form. There's no goal scorers as they've only scored once in three games. That came back in week 1 on a Milton Rodriguez wonder goal. Also, someone needs to tell Schellas Hyndman that Brek Shea is not a central defender. He has been terrible in the position. I know you can't expect him to completely learn a new position in the off-season. But maybe you should put him there gradually, give him some reserve matches there. He's too weak to play as a centreback anyway. He is slightly more affective as a wide midfielder. I actually think being 6' 3'' he should be deployed as a target man up front. His size should allow him to not only be a good header of the ball, but able to hold the ball up. FCD should have done the same as Colorado in the off-season and added quality to the squad, not get rid of it.
Team of the week: Vancouver Whitecaps for their come back from 3-0 in 20 minutes.
Player of the week: Caleb Folan 2 goals for Colorado and an honourable mention for Vancouver's Camilo for his 2 goals in second half stoppage time and Eddie Gaven for his 1 goal and play against FCD.
1. Colorado Rapids
The Rapids have had little trouble in their first three fixtures, and are using last season's MLS Cup victory as a springboard for this season; much like RSL did in '09. Colorado is doing it as a team and have had five different players on the score sheet in their three matches. Unlike many MLS Cup winners, they have strenghtened the team in key areas. They've signed striker Caleb Folan (who scored two in Week 3), they've brought back Danny Earls as defensive cover and also signed Sanna Nyassi. This team is much better than last season, which cannot be said for their cup final opponent FC Dallas.
2.Real Salt Lake
Salt Lake sit on six points from two matches and in their last MLS match humiliated LA Galaxy. They have an excellent starting 11, and have added depth to key areas with the signing of Conor Chinn. RSL should advance to the CONCACAF Champions League Final this week as they attempt to prove they are the best team in North and Central America. Fatigue shouldn't be a factor for this club. Yes, they've played extra matches in the CL competition, but they are good enough not to let it affect them. Much like Colorado they work as a team, though they have Alvaro Saborio as a DP, this team works for each other.
3. New York Red Bulls
New York is still undefeated in this early part of the season and looked better this past weekend against Houston than the previous week in Columbus. As long as this team has it's key centreback pairing of Tim Ream and Rafa Marquez it should be hard to beat. However, Bouna Coundoul is a liability and was at fault for Houston's goal on Saturday night. Dwayne De Rosario should fit in well. He had a fantastic through ball to Dane Richards to set up the Red Bulls only goal. Richards has become a fantastic talent since the arrival of Hans Backe.
4. LA Galaxy
LA handled Philadelphia quite easily in week 3 with a lone goal from Leonardo. Nothing special from LA in truth. They simply looked like the better team. With Landon Donovan back they should be able to handle most MLS teams, but may struggle against the top of the league. Their old legs don't help and need a youthful injection. Donovan is no spring-chicken anymore either.
5. New England Revolution
I wasn't expecting much from this team this season. Yes, they did get some fortunate calls against DC United in week 2, but they have played some good football. Throughout Saturday's match they looked evenly matched with Portland. Their defence looks solid only giving up three goals this season, however, they gave Portland too much room in the attacking third. At times Kenny Cooper was able to run freely through the middle of the defence. Steve Nicol will need to shore this up prior to week 4's match in Vancouver. The Whitecaps wide open attack could cause the Revs some problems. If the defence can get shored up and some more attacking talent is added this team could get back to old habits this season.
6. Chicago Fire
A pleasant surprise thus far in Chicago. This team can attack and after switching to a 4-4-2 (from 3-5-2) look like they can go toe to toe with anyone. They seem to have ditched the defensive mentality they showed for so many years under Denis Hamlett and the lot. They look more free flowing giving Marco Pappa the chance to run the midfield. Chicago also got rid of the old boys on the team this past season and the turnover has helped thus far. They just need to cut out the mistakes, like Gonzalo Seagres' 30-yard back pass to no one that Teal Bunbury picked off and scored in week 2.
7. San Jose Earthquakes
I've been surprised thus far with San Jose's play. They've played some good football, and Chris Wondolowski looks like the real deal and not the flash in the pan I thought. He has two goals, but more importantly his run and touch have been outstanding. They moved the ball well against Seattle last week and at times looked like the better team. Their finishing has been the achilles heel in home matches this season.
8. Philadelphia Union
Sorry Union, but I think you have been punching above your weight this season. Only two goals scored and one was by defender Danny Califf on a goal mouth scramble following a corner. The attackers haven't gelled yet and were completely out played by LA over the weekend. Week 1 and 2 were easier for the Union who will now face New York, Seattle and Salt Lake in the next three matches. We'll see if the Union are truly good enough then.
9. Vancouver Whitecaps
Maybe the most exciting team so far this season. An unbelievable, unprobable come back against Sporting KC capped by two goals in second half stoppage-time. They have two of the best midfielders in the league in Davide Chiumento and Terry Dunfield; and even without DP Eric Hasseli are scoring goals. If Hasseli can stay on the pitch and not be suspended Vancouver will be one of the hardest teams to beat all season.
10. Sporting KC
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Great attack and awful defence. This team again upgraded the attack in the off season and again neglected the defence. The powers that be seem to think they'll outscore every team. Sporting is lucky to have four points out of nine. If it weren't for goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen Sporting would have surely lost this past weekend against Vancouver. They've given up eight goals in three matches, however, they have scored eight. They play exciting football, but if they aren't winning come June I don't expect their new stadium to fill up every weekend.
11. Seattle Sounders FC
Against San Jose, Seattle looked the best they have all year. I credit that to the injuried Fredy Montero. For the first time O'Brian White came into the match, and registered a goal. Is it just me or does he look unfit? Without Montero Seattle played more as a team and wasn't relying on one player throughout. Perhaps, it is time to move Montero on and stop depending so much on one player. Yes, when he is on he is on, but Montero has been incredibly wasteful this season as he drifts in and out of matches. Not to mention his selfish play. I think it's time for Seattle to make a difficult decision in moving Montero to strengthen the rest of the team. They have the best midfield in the league, and Saturday's match against San Jose was an example of what Steve Zakuani can do down the left. Zakuani's final ball following his blazing runs was there. I'm a big fan of Mauro Rosales and Erik Friberg and both were outstanding.
12. Toronto FC
One moment of bad marking and TFC paid the price in week 3. Though Chivas USA did have numerous opportunities to stregthen the lead their inability to finish chances kept TFC in the game. Despite trading Dwayne De Rosarion TFC is in good condition getting two quality players in Tony Tchani and Danleigh Borman. Alan Gordan's goal showed that TFC doesn't need DeRo to score every time, however, no one should miss a header when they're marked that freely.
13. Columbus Crew
Eddie Gaven is the most underrated played in all of MLS. Finally, he was allowed to play centerally against FC Dallas and he controlled the match. The Crew were gifted a penalty from what looked like a good challenge followed by the attacker and defender running into each other after the ball had been cleared. But the Crew were the better team throughout and capped it off with a fantastic Gaven strike from 20-yards. If I was an MLS club looking for an experienced midfielder then Gaven is my man. Still only 25-years old with eight years professional experience.
14. DC United
Week 1's result flattered DC United. They're not that good. Columbus's defence was just that bad in week 1. However, DC was rather unlucky in week 2 followed by a humilating defeat in a cold snowy Colorado this past weekend. DC again was unlucky as the Rapids' Conor Casey should have been sent off in the first 15-minutes. This team was missing several key players to injury and USMNT U20 matches. They are still putting the pieces together and I am still not convinced by Ben Olsen leading this team.
15. Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo have played relatively well so far this season. But where will the goals come from? Cameron Weaver had a classy goal against New York, but Bouna Coundoul should have done better. They've been strong at the back, and goalkeeper Tally Hall could be the next big thing in US goalkeeping.
16. Portland Timbers
The Timbers looked quite good against New England in week 3. Kenny Cooper came into the game well and did a fantastic job of running at defenders. Captain Jack Jewsbury showed why the Timbers traded for him with a classy goal to draw the match level. This team still needs better quality throughout the team, however. And sorry, but I'm not convinced by Rodney Wallace as professional footballer.
17. Chivas USA
Surprisingly they weren't the worst team in the league this week, but close. A much better all around display, but that's not hard when you are the worst team in the league. Justin Braun continues to show why I think he is overrated, awful and not cut out to be a top-flight football player. Braun had atleast four clear chances to put the game away against TFC, but each time missed and missed badly. I can't believe some MLS pundits believe Braun should be on the USMNT and is one of the best (young) players in the league. I just don't get it. By the way, Braun was at fault for the TFC goal, too. He was the one marking Alan Gordan, if you call marking standing four yards away and allowing a free header from one of the shorter players on the field to be marking.
18. FC Dallas
How the mighty have fallen. I keep saying that FCD didn't replace the players that left in the off-season, and yet again it shows. They were unlucky in the awarding of a penalty to Columbus. But the midfield allowed Eddie Gaven to run the show on the night. David Ferriera has looked like a shell of last season's form. There's no goal scorers as they've only scored once in three games. That came back in week 1 on a Milton Rodriguez wonder goal. Also, someone needs to tell Schellas Hyndman that Brek Shea is not a central defender. He has been terrible in the position. I know you can't expect him to completely learn a new position in the off-season. But maybe you should put him there gradually, give him some reserve matches there. He's too weak to play as a centreback anyway. He is slightly more affective as a wide midfielder. I actually think being 6' 3'' he should be deployed as a target man up front. His size should allow him to not only be a good header of the ball, but able to hold the ball up. FCD should have done the same as Colorado in the off-season and added quality to the squad, not get rid of it.
Team of the week: Vancouver Whitecaps for their come back from 3-0 in 20 minutes.
Player of the week: Caleb Folan 2 goals for Colorado and an honourable mention for Vancouver's Camilo for his 2 goals in second half stoppage time and Eddie Gaven for his 1 goal and play against FCD.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New England 2 -DC United 1
If week 1 was about terrible defence then week 2 was about awful referring in the New England-DC United match. Though New England controlled the game in the first half both their goals were awarded due to questionable calls. The first came on a blantant handball by Zack Schilawski before he poked it home for the first New England goal. Referee Baldomero Toledo, like he normal does, influenced this match and it's outcome. Funnily enough, in Europe and Asia most people would think he is in on the fix. Honestly, with people outside of America able to bet on MLS matches I don't see why that would be inconceivable.
New England would get their second goal following another bad call by Mr. Toledo. As the ball dropped to Dax McCarty in the 18-yard box he readied himself to clear it. But as he did Rev player Pat Phelan came running in and jumped into McCarty. Normally this would be a foul on Phelan for jumping into McCarty, but not to Mr. Toledo. An immediate penalty was given and converted by Shalrie Joesph, 2-0 Revs.
DC United finally got into the game in the second half and their two liveliest players were Chris Pontius and Fred. Both combining on a few occasions, but in the end shooting over the bar. Late in the match it would be DC's turn for a questionable call. A free kick outside of the box was given to United. As the ball was played in a New England defender and DC United player came together with hands on each and feet tangled up. As soon as both players went down the whistle was blown and Mr. Toledo again pointed to the spot; where Charlie Davies would convert and score his third goal in two. But Mr. Toledo wasn't done there. As the game winded through stoppage-time an incident between Dejan Jakovic, Matt Reis and Ryan Cochrane ended with Jakovic seeing red. This was a ridiculous way to end a ridiculously refereed match. This was all handbags and nothing malicious. Just some frustration boiling over.
In the end Mr. Toledo did his usual take charge decide the outcome-I'm the most important one here job. The true is this match should have ended 0-0 with neither team doing much as all three goals came from bad officiating. Because of the officiating this game didn't look like top-flight football, rather it looked like something you'd see in the high school game.
New England would get their second goal following another bad call by Mr. Toledo. As the ball dropped to Dax McCarty in the 18-yard box he readied himself to clear it. But as he did Rev player Pat Phelan came running in and jumped into McCarty. Normally this would be a foul on Phelan for jumping into McCarty, but not to Mr. Toledo. An immediate penalty was given and converted by Shalrie Joesph, 2-0 Revs.
DC United finally got into the game in the second half and their two liveliest players were Chris Pontius and Fred. Both combining on a few occasions, but in the end shooting over the bar. Late in the match it would be DC's turn for a questionable call. A free kick outside of the box was given to United. As the ball was played in a New England defender and DC United player came together with hands on each and feet tangled up. As soon as both players went down the whistle was blown and Mr. Toledo again pointed to the spot; where Charlie Davies would convert and score his third goal in two. But Mr. Toledo wasn't done there. As the game winded through stoppage-time an incident between Dejan Jakovic, Matt Reis and Ryan Cochrane ended with Jakovic seeing red. This was a ridiculous way to end a ridiculously refereed match. This was all handbags and nothing malicious. Just some frustration boiling over.
In the end Mr. Toledo did his usual take charge decide the outcome-I'm the most important one here job. The true is this match should have ended 0-0 with neither team doing much as all three goals came from bad officiating. Because of the officiating this game didn't look like top-flight football, rather it looked like something you'd see in the high school game.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Eastern Conference Predictions for 2011
After much time away I have return with my predictions for the 2011 MLS season. It has been a long off season, but finally we have MLS opening day (I will never say first kick, what a terrible phrase)! Being on the other side of the world I still have a good 20 hours until kick-off, so I thought it was time I posted my thoughts and predictions on how the season will turn out. As we all know 10 teams (out of 18) will make the play-offs, so with the added expansion I still feel a .500 record will get you in the play-offs; similar to the past three season when we saw the Red Bulls, Salt Lake and Colorado all make the playoffs and the final. Two of which went on to win the final as we all know. Here is how I think the league will look by the end of the season:
Eastern Conference:
1. Red Bull New York
There's no denying the East is the weaker of the two conferences. New York isn't exacty my run away favorites in the East, but I think they'll do that little extra. Marquez and Ream were solid for New York last season and they form the bedrock of this team. Henry didn't set the league on fire, or put too many fans in the stands upon his arrival. However, he is finally rested and could be the catalyst to New York's season. It's still not confirmed that Juan Agudelo will play a major part, but the Red Bulls need someone to fill the void left by Juan Pablo Angel's move to LA. Joel Lindpere was an underrated player last season and for the Red Bulls to
succeed they will need him to have another stellar year in the midfield. I think Angel's goals will be sorely missed as the seasons wears on especially if the Red Bulls find themselves going deep in the Open Cup as well.
2. DC United
I will say it now: Charlie Davies will score more than 20 goals and he will dominate MLS before moving back to Sochaux in France. Davies was in his prime before his car accident, and if he can conjure up some of what made him part of the USMNT he will be on a different level than all other MLS strikers. DC also has a solid midfield with Quaranta, Najar, McCarty, Sims, Morsink, Boskovic and King. I think this is the best midfield in the league with four solid starters and cover for each. However, the problem with DC is the back line and the uncertainity in goal. Will it be Onstad or Hamid or will someone else take control between the posts. DC has made some fantastic additions and some not so great ones (Josh Wolff), but they're better now than at
this point last season. I think they're the dark horse in the East and I wouldn't be surprised if they over take NY for the top spot. However, if DC get off to a bad start I don't expect Ben Olsen to make it past May. I still believe the DC front office is waiting for Mr. DCU to fall, and allow the front office to say, "I told you so," to all of United's supporters.
3. Philadelphia Union
If the Union have solved their goalkeeping problems then they'll be tough to beat. They've signed Faryd Mondragon on a free from FC Koln and despite being in his late 30s he should be an upgrade over Chris Seitz. Sebastion Le Toux showed why he was such a coveted signing for the Union. He was one of the best players in the league last season and if he would have been on a better team he would have gotten more recognition for it. He should have more help from Danny Mwanga who is beginning his second
season and has a lot to prove after being snubbed for last seaon's rookie of the year. This is a good workmen like team that embodies the Philadelphia mentality and they will make the play-offs by holding off the rest of the conference with that workmen like grit.
4. Columbus Crew
Columbus is still finding themselves after winning MLS Cup in '08. This club is a shell of that team, but has gotten younger this season by letting the likes of Frankie Hejduk and Barros-Scheletto leave. I still think the attacking key for this team is Eddie Gaven. A truly underrated MLS veteran still in his early 20s, that when played centrally can hold the key to unlocking defenses. I've never been too impressed by Robbie Rogers: Often injuried and often disappears in matches. I'm not impressed by Mendoza up front either and though
he did score for the Crew upon arrival last season I felt he looked wasteful and in it for himself during the Crew's Champions League matches against Salt Lake. I believe Jeff Cunningham could find a purple patch, however, and if he can chip in with atleast five goals Columbus will avoid the bottom half of the conference. The fullbacks looked weak in the Champions League affair with SLC, and if they can be exploited with pace during the season will be Columbus' undoing.
5. Sporting Kansas City
A lot has happened in the offseason for KC. They've changed their name, signed DP Omar Bravo and released former KC icon Jimmy Conrad. Releasing Conrad was a good move as his best days are behind him, and though he was a good player for the team I'm not quite sure why so many KC supporters have put him on a pedastal. There are high hopes for Bravo, but KC fans don't seem to realize he isn't the scorer he once was. Those days have been behind him since his move to Spain's Deportivo La Coruna. He should atleast chip in with five goals. Unfortunately, he is a DP center forward and more should be expected from him. KC does have an exciting 4-3-3 formation, but with last season's most exciting player Jimmy Smith still recovering from offseason surgery KC will lack pace and creativity on the wing. The backline hasn't improved vastly over last season, and I still don't feel Jimmy Nielsen was much of an upgrade over Kevin Hartman. I think this team is moving in the right direction under Peter Vermes despite some players needing to be moved on like Davy Arnaud, though the team recently moved Jack Jewsbury to Portland. The reason why SKC won't finish in the top half of the conference isn't to do with talent as I think they're just as good if not better than Columbus and Philadelphia. It is their massive road schedule to begin the season. The team will play much of the first half of the season on the road as they wait for their new stadium to open. I feel this will be the team's down fall, and once they open their stadium they will be too far back to contend for a playoff spot.
6. Chicago Fire
Chicago is still paying the price for letting Denis Hamlett go. Which in my opinion was one of the worst pieces of business an MLS team has done in the past few seasons. With that change went Chicago's defensive mentality and in came a team that couldn't prevent goals nor could they score them. I can't see Chicago bouncing back from last season's poor showing. They have found a replacement for Jon Busch in Sean Johnson though it took half the season to find him. But most importantly who's going to score their goals? Brian McBride has retired, Collins John didn't work out and Patrick Nyarko has regressed; not to mention Calen Carr has never lived up to expections and it defies logic he is still in the league. Chicago will continue to struggle and I can't see them improving under their current boss Carlos De Lobos.
7. Toronto FC
This club has been going backwards since the firing/resignation of John Carter. TFC will begin a new season with a new manager, new staff and new players yet again. Fortunately, the club will also begin the season without the clueless Mo Johnston. TFC also has lockerroom unrest to deal with over contract desputes with Adrian Cann and Dwayne De Rosario. Besides DeRo I'm not sure where TFC will get their goals this season. I think Maicon Santos was a brilliant signing, but the recently acquired Alan Gordan will not score many as he has proven in the past. He won't create his own goals and there isn't the service to allow him chances. He will give Santos much needed rest as the season gets into full swing. There's still questions surrounding Julian De Guzman's fitness following offseason surgery and will he contribute to the cause this season or continue to be a passenger on the field. Again there are too many off the field problems for TFC to compete and the playoffs will continue to elude them. Lets not forget Aaron Winter's implemeting of the "Total Football" Dutch system, which in my opinion is not capable of being run by many MLS teams. This isn't a system that can be master in one season, and by the time it starts to look good I think TFC will have had enough of the Dutch experiment.
8. Houston Dynamo
Many feel Houston will have an easy route to the playoffs now that they reside in the Eastern Conference. I'm not sure what team they've been watching over the past two seasons, but this isn't the Dynamo that won back-to-back MLS Cups. There's no more Stuart Holden, De Ro or Ricardo Clark and Brian Ching is one long term injury away from hanging up his boots. Dominic Kinnear is a fantastic manager, but this team is sorely lacking talent; and Bobby Boswell and Geoff Cameron (if he's fit) cannot carry this team. I feel this will be Kinnear's last season in charge of Houston and a rebuidling will be in order as they look to open their new stadium in thenot to distant future.
9. New England Revolution
What can I say about New England? One of the best managers in MLS, Steve Nicol, has done wonders for this team. I honestly can't believe he has stuck with this sinking ship for this long. New England are under funded by the Kraft Family and look ridiculous on the field. Some years ago MLS contemplated contracting this team, and I'm sure Robert Kraft is wishing they would have. They're no closer to their own stadium nor are they closer to having a team that can compete for honors. Yes, they've done well in the Open Cup and
Superliga; but they've struggled mightily in MLS play and look like a second class team. Shalrie Joesph missed much of last season, and is now 32. There's not much left in those legs. Many of his best season were next to the underrated Jeff Larentowicz who did the dirty work and allowed Joesph the freedom to cover more ground on the pitch, much like what Larentowicz did for Pablo Mastroeni last season. There's just not enough quality on this team and if they are able to finish in the top of the conference it shows how good Steve Nicol is as a manager.
Western Conference coming soon...
Eastern Conference:
1. Red Bull New York
There's no denying the East is the weaker of the two conferences. New York isn't exacty my run away favorites in the East, but I think they'll do that little extra. Marquez and Ream were solid for New York last season and they form the bedrock of this team. Henry didn't set the league on fire, or put too many fans in the stands upon his arrival. However, he is finally rested and could be the catalyst to New York's season. It's still not confirmed that Juan Agudelo will play a major part, but the Red Bulls need someone to fill the void left by Juan Pablo Angel's move to LA. Joel Lindpere was an underrated player last season and for the Red Bulls to
succeed they will need him to have another stellar year in the midfield. I think Angel's goals will be sorely missed as the seasons wears on especially if the Red Bulls find themselves going deep in the Open Cup as well.
2. DC United
I will say it now: Charlie Davies will score more than 20 goals and he will dominate MLS before moving back to Sochaux in France. Davies was in his prime before his car accident, and if he can conjure up some of what made him part of the USMNT he will be on a different level than all other MLS strikers. DC also has a solid midfield with Quaranta, Najar, McCarty, Sims, Morsink, Boskovic and King. I think this is the best midfield in the league with four solid starters and cover for each. However, the problem with DC is the back line and the uncertainity in goal. Will it be Onstad or Hamid or will someone else take control between the posts. DC has made some fantastic additions and some not so great ones (Josh Wolff), but they're better now than at
this point last season. I think they're the dark horse in the East and I wouldn't be surprised if they over take NY for the top spot. However, if DC get off to a bad start I don't expect Ben Olsen to make it past May. I still believe the DC front office is waiting for Mr. DCU to fall, and allow the front office to say, "I told you so," to all of United's supporters.
3. Philadelphia Union
If the Union have solved their goalkeeping problems then they'll be tough to beat. They've signed Faryd Mondragon on a free from FC Koln and despite being in his late 30s he should be an upgrade over Chris Seitz. Sebastion Le Toux showed why he was such a coveted signing for the Union. He was one of the best players in the league last season and if he would have been on a better team he would have gotten more recognition for it. He should have more help from Danny Mwanga who is beginning his second
season and has a lot to prove after being snubbed for last seaon's rookie of the year. This is a good workmen like team that embodies the Philadelphia mentality and they will make the play-offs by holding off the rest of the conference with that workmen like grit.
4. Columbus Crew
Columbus is still finding themselves after winning MLS Cup in '08. This club is a shell of that team, but has gotten younger this season by letting the likes of Frankie Hejduk and Barros-Scheletto leave. I still think the attacking key for this team is Eddie Gaven. A truly underrated MLS veteran still in his early 20s, that when played centrally can hold the key to unlocking defenses. I've never been too impressed by Robbie Rogers: Often injuried and often disappears in matches. I'm not impressed by Mendoza up front either and though
he did score for the Crew upon arrival last season I felt he looked wasteful and in it for himself during the Crew's Champions League matches against Salt Lake. I believe Jeff Cunningham could find a purple patch, however, and if he can chip in with atleast five goals Columbus will avoid the bottom half of the conference. The fullbacks looked weak in the Champions League affair with SLC, and if they can be exploited with pace during the season will be Columbus' undoing.
5. Sporting Kansas City
A lot has happened in the offseason for KC. They've changed their name, signed DP Omar Bravo and released former KC icon Jimmy Conrad. Releasing Conrad was a good move as his best days are behind him, and though he was a good player for the team I'm not quite sure why so many KC supporters have put him on a pedastal. There are high hopes for Bravo, but KC fans don't seem to realize he isn't the scorer he once was. Those days have been behind him since his move to Spain's Deportivo La Coruna. He should atleast chip in with five goals. Unfortunately, he is a DP center forward and more should be expected from him. KC does have an exciting 4-3-3 formation, but with last season's most exciting player Jimmy Smith still recovering from offseason surgery KC will lack pace and creativity on the wing. The backline hasn't improved vastly over last season, and I still don't feel Jimmy Nielsen was much of an upgrade over Kevin Hartman. I think this team is moving in the right direction under Peter Vermes despite some players needing to be moved on like Davy Arnaud, though the team recently moved Jack Jewsbury to Portland. The reason why SKC won't finish in the top half of the conference isn't to do with talent as I think they're just as good if not better than Columbus and Philadelphia. It is their massive road schedule to begin the season. The team will play much of the first half of the season on the road as they wait for their new stadium to open. I feel this will be the team's down fall, and once they open their stadium they will be too far back to contend for a playoff spot.
6. Chicago Fire
Chicago is still paying the price for letting Denis Hamlett go. Which in my opinion was one of the worst pieces of business an MLS team has done in the past few seasons. With that change went Chicago's defensive mentality and in came a team that couldn't prevent goals nor could they score them. I can't see Chicago bouncing back from last season's poor showing. They have found a replacement for Jon Busch in Sean Johnson though it took half the season to find him. But most importantly who's going to score their goals? Brian McBride has retired, Collins John didn't work out and Patrick Nyarko has regressed; not to mention Calen Carr has never lived up to expections and it defies logic he is still in the league. Chicago will continue to struggle and I can't see them improving under their current boss Carlos De Lobos.
7. Toronto FC
This club has been going backwards since the firing/resignation of John Carter. TFC will begin a new season with a new manager, new staff and new players yet again. Fortunately, the club will also begin the season without the clueless Mo Johnston. TFC also has lockerroom unrest to deal with over contract desputes with Adrian Cann and Dwayne De Rosario. Besides DeRo I'm not sure where TFC will get their goals this season. I think Maicon Santos was a brilliant signing, but the recently acquired Alan Gordan will not score many as he has proven in the past. He won't create his own goals and there isn't the service to allow him chances. He will give Santos much needed rest as the season gets into full swing. There's still questions surrounding Julian De Guzman's fitness following offseason surgery and will he contribute to the cause this season or continue to be a passenger on the field. Again there are too many off the field problems for TFC to compete and the playoffs will continue to elude them. Lets not forget Aaron Winter's implemeting of the "Total Football" Dutch system, which in my opinion is not capable of being run by many MLS teams. This isn't a system that can be master in one season, and by the time it starts to look good I think TFC will have had enough of the Dutch experiment.
8. Houston Dynamo
Many feel Houston will have an easy route to the playoffs now that they reside in the Eastern Conference. I'm not sure what team they've been watching over the past two seasons, but this isn't the Dynamo that won back-to-back MLS Cups. There's no more Stuart Holden, De Ro or Ricardo Clark and Brian Ching is one long term injury away from hanging up his boots. Dominic Kinnear is a fantastic manager, but this team is sorely lacking talent; and Bobby Boswell and Geoff Cameron (if he's fit) cannot carry this team. I feel this will be Kinnear's last season in charge of Houston and a rebuidling will be in order as they look to open their new stadium in thenot to distant future.
9. New England Revolution
What can I say about New England? One of the best managers in MLS, Steve Nicol, has done wonders for this team. I honestly can't believe he has stuck with this sinking ship for this long. New England are under funded by the Kraft Family and look ridiculous on the field. Some years ago MLS contemplated contracting this team, and I'm sure Robert Kraft is wishing they would have. They're no closer to their own stadium nor are they closer to having a team that can compete for honors. Yes, they've done well in the Open Cup and
Superliga; but they've struggled mightily in MLS play and look like a second class team. Shalrie Joesph missed much of last season, and is now 32. There's not much left in those legs. Many of his best season were next to the underrated Jeff Larentowicz who did the dirty work and allowed Joesph the freedom to cover more ground on the pitch, much like what Larentowicz did for Pablo Mastroeni last season. There's just not enough quality on this team and if they are able to finish in the top of the conference it shows how good Steve Nicol is as a manager.
Western Conference coming soon...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday Morning...
MLSsoccer, is reporting Edson Buddle has scored in his first goal in Germany for Inglostadt. The club drew 1-1 with Duisburg and remain in the relegation zone with 15 matches to go. As I stated before this is a win-win situation for Buddle. He has doubled his salary LA paid him and if they fight off relegation he will be a major factor for them next season. If they're relegated he has a release clause in his contract (rumored) and he is putting himself in the shop window for other European teams. With the lack of success Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore have had in Europe this might be the best way for Buddle to ease into football in Europe; and with Adu and Altidore's hardships in Europe, many teams think twice before signing a US/ex-MLS striker.
Jeff Cunningham will be returning to the US and possibly will now sign with Columbus who acquired his rights through Nov.'s re-entry draft. Perhaps it was the food, weather or coaches, but Cunningham will now return to MLS and try to turn around the Crews' attack. With the trade of Steven Lenhart I'm not sure the Crew have many ideas right now. But it looks like they'll center around a 34-year old striker.
It appears no one in the Premier League wants Robbie Keane, who has been priced outrageously between $6-$10 million. Could this be Keane's sign to leave England and sign for Vancouver? I doubt it.
Previously, I reported American Mike Grella, of Leeds United, had signed on loan with Scotland's Motherwell. Unfortunately, Grella has already played for Leeds and Carlisle this season which rules him out of a third move. Rules state a player can only play matches for two teams in one season.
It appears Chivas USA has cut three players prior to the season. Most notably Maykel Galindo, who defected to the US from Cuba and signed for USL Seattle Sounders in 2005. However, Galindo burst on to the MLS scene in 2007 as striker partner to Ante Razov in a very exciting, attacking Chivas USA team. However, since then it has been a slow spiral down for the Cuban. At only 29, Galindo could be a cheap attacking option for several teams in the league; but finding the form he showed in 2007 will be the difficult part. Galindo ended his Chivas USA career with 18 goals in 67 matches.
The New England Revolution has waived Emmanuel Osei. This move will open an international slot, but most importantly it allows MLS' cheapest club to cut salary. The club drafted defender A.J. Soares who will most likely take Osei's place.
Jeff Cunningham will be returning to the US and possibly will now sign with Columbus who acquired his rights through Nov.'s re-entry draft. Perhaps it was the food, weather or coaches, but Cunningham will now return to MLS and try to turn around the Crews' attack. With the trade of Steven Lenhart I'm not sure the Crew have many ideas right now. But it looks like they'll center around a 34-year old striker.
It appears no one in the Premier League wants Robbie Keane, who has been priced outrageously between $6-$10 million. Could this be Keane's sign to leave England and sign for Vancouver? I doubt it.
Previously, I reported American Mike Grella, of Leeds United, had signed on loan with Scotland's Motherwell. Unfortunately, Grella has already played for Leeds and Carlisle this season which rules him out of a third move. Rules state a player can only play matches for two teams in one season.
It appears Chivas USA has cut three players prior to the season. Most notably Maykel Galindo, who defected to the US from Cuba and signed for USL Seattle Sounders in 2005. However, Galindo burst on to the MLS scene in 2007 as striker partner to Ante Razov in a very exciting, attacking Chivas USA team. However, since then it has been a slow spiral down for the Cuban. At only 29, Galindo could be a cheap attacking option for several teams in the league; but finding the form he showed in 2007 will be the difficult part. Galindo ended his Chivas USA career with 18 goals in 67 matches.
The New England Revolution has waived Emmanuel Osei. This move will open an international slot, but most importantly it allows MLS' cheapest club to cut salary. The club drafted defender A.J. Soares who will most likely take Osei's place.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I like those odds on an ex-TFC player...
With Edson Buddle off to Germany and an impasse in contract negotiations with Juan Pablo Angel, LA Galaxy has done some shrewd business over the past few weeks to fill the void at striker. Though he has bounced around three teams in three seasons, Adam Cristman was once a highly regarded striker in the league. A fourth round pick in '07, Cristman would be shortlisted for the Rookie of the Year award; and look like Taylor Twellman's replacement should he go off to Europe. Unfortunately, Cristman endured a serious knee injury that he still hasn't recovered from, and he has bounced around New England, Kansas City and DC in four seasons. If Cristman can stay fit, iron out his heavy touch and regain his pace he could be a valuable asset for LA. That's if he doesn't get cut in the pre-season. He could be Alan Gordan 2.0.
It is the acquisition of Chad Barrett, however, that could be a masterstroke in the off-season market. I like many have been very critical of Barrett. Say what you will, but a strikers job is to score goals. If a striker is farmed out to the wing it's because they can't score goals and typically once on the wing they can't cross the ball either. Barrett's saving grace has been his pace, but after two and a half seasons in Toronto, the new regime doesn't need to see anymore. LA was happy to take Barrett's wages on as they were still less than the DP contract Buddle wanted.
If you cast your mind back to 2007, LA's Tyrone Marshall broke Kenny Cooper's leg in a horrendous tackle. Later that night, Marshall was traded to Toronto for Buddle, and many supporters wondered why the club had traded for a striker who hadn't scored in 10 games all season. Buddle was now on his fourth team in three years. But unlike his previous teams Buddle would have better players around him, and would receive the service a striker craves. Buddle would score 42 goals in 87 games for LA and get a call up to the 2010 World Cup. Buddle's career was heading toward USL territory until LA saved it.
Chad Barrett has ventured down a similar path, and now finds himself in LA with last season's Supporter Shield winners. Barrett will have the leagues best player in Landon Donovan feeding him the ball, and it's very likely Barrett could reap the same rewards Buddle did. Since Barrett entered the league he has always had the potential and physical ability. Now he has players around him that can make him a better player and finally fulfill that potential. I don't believe LA will miss a step, and have done well to replace their top scorer. This will be Barrett's break out season, and would only be fitting as numerous ex-TFC players have gone on to greener pastures. Perhaps, that's a good sign for LA.
It is the acquisition of Chad Barrett, however, that could be a masterstroke in the off-season market. I like many have been very critical of Barrett. Say what you will, but a strikers job is to score goals. If a striker is farmed out to the wing it's because they can't score goals and typically once on the wing they can't cross the ball either. Barrett's saving grace has been his pace, but after two and a half seasons in Toronto, the new regime doesn't need to see anymore. LA was happy to take Barrett's wages on as they were still less than the DP contract Buddle wanted.
If you cast your mind back to 2007, LA's Tyrone Marshall broke Kenny Cooper's leg in a horrendous tackle. Later that night, Marshall was traded to Toronto for Buddle, and many supporters wondered why the club had traded for a striker who hadn't scored in 10 games all season. Buddle was now on his fourth team in three years. But unlike his previous teams Buddle would have better players around him, and would receive the service a striker craves. Buddle would score 42 goals in 87 games for LA and get a call up to the 2010 World Cup. Buddle's career was heading toward USL territory until LA saved it.
Chad Barrett has ventured down a similar path, and now finds himself in LA with last season's Supporter Shield winners. Barrett will have the leagues best player in Landon Donovan feeding him the ball, and it's very likely Barrett could reap the same rewards Buddle did. Since Barrett entered the league he has always had the potential and physical ability. Now he has players around him that can make him a better player and finally fulfill that potential. I don't believe LA will miss a step, and have done well to replace their top scorer. This will be Barrett's break out season, and would only be fitting as numerous ex-TFC players have gone on to greener pastures. Perhaps, that's a good sign for LA.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Homegrown Players
This past week FC Dallas signed their fifth homegrown player, Jonathon Top, to a professional contract. Houston Dynamo are also set to sign two academy players soon. The new relaxed rules regarding homegrown players are fantastic, and it may make the Superdraft obsolete in the future. Since the homegrown rule change it has been championed by everyone, but there really hasn't been much questioning of teams agendas regarding their homegrown talent.
Obviously, the upsides are plentiful in the structure of MLS and it's bringing MLS slightly more in-line with the soccer thinking in Europe. But are these kids ready? It's great to bring a 17, 18, 19- year old kid into a professional environment, and this will do much more for their long term career than college soccer. However, are these players good enough to play with professionals or are they just there to make up the numbers and play in the reserves for lower wages. Not every 17 and 18 year old can play professionally, it takes something special. They're not all Jozy Altidores, and even he didn't play regularly in the beginning for New York. Freddy Adu, though talented, really wasn't as special a player on the pitch with older professionals. The great thing, however, is we've seen Andy Najar, Juan Agudelo and Bill Hamid all look the part. Now it's time to see if they can do it over a prolonged period of time and not just over a season in Najar's case, or less in Agudelo and Hamid's instance.
With the new rules homegrown players can make up roster spots and receive less money enabling the club to bring in more expensive players from abroad. In theory that doesn't sound too bad, but if the young players aren't ready for the professional game it could be deterimental to their careers. Not to mention the cut-throat MLS environment that allows a player to be cut at the drop of a hat, or to be paid peanuts.
I love the idea of young Americans getting a chance to play the game as a professional and I love to see MLS/US soccer become more in-line with the game in Europe and South America. It's a shame teams such as San Jose, New England and Chivas USA haven't gotten on board with the academy idea (if they have it's news to me) to develop their own talent. If there are millions of kids playing soccer as US Soccer likes to claim, then there is plenty of talent to field academies in every state. Even you North Dakota.
I am cynical, however, I know a good thing in MLS can't last. If MLS teams start to thrive with homegrown players I can see MLS entering academy players into the Superdraft as they've made it clear they do not want to get rid of it. Though, even with academies there will still be players who slip through the cracks and won't become physically or technically developed until college. But until a new rule is implemented I hope we a lot of fresh young talent in MLS we may not have seen without the academies.
Obviously, the upsides are plentiful in the structure of MLS and it's bringing MLS slightly more in-line with the soccer thinking in Europe. But are these kids ready? It's great to bring a 17, 18, 19- year old kid into a professional environment, and this will do much more for their long term career than college soccer. However, are these players good enough to play with professionals or are they just there to make up the numbers and play in the reserves for lower wages. Not every 17 and 18 year old can play professionally, it takes something special. They're not all Jozy Altidores, and even he didn't play regularly in the beginning for New York. Freddy Adu, though talented, really wasn't as special a player on the pitch with older professionals. The great thing, however, is we've seen Andy Najar, Juan Agudelo and Bill Hamid all look the part. Now it's time to see if they can do it over a prolonged period of time and not just over a season in Najar's case, or less in Agudelo and Hamid's instance.
With the new rules homegrown players can make up roster spots and receive less money enabling the club to bring in more expensive players from abroad. In theory that doesn't sound too bad, but if the young players aren't ready for the professional game it could be deterimental to their careers. Not to mention the cut-throat MLS environment that allows a player to be cut at the drop of a hat, or to be paid peanuts.
I love the idea of young Americans getting a chance to play the game as a professional and I love to see MLS/US soccer become more in-line with the game in Europe and South America. It's a shame teams such as San Jose, New England and Chivas USA haven't gotten on board with the academy idea (if they have it's news to me) to develop their own talent. If there are millions of kids playing soccer as US Soccer likes to claim, then there is plenty of talent to field academies in every state. Even you North Dakota.
I am cynical, however, I know a good thing in MLS can't last. If MLS teams start to thrive with homegrown players I can see MLS entering academy players into the Superdraft as they've made it clear they do not want to get rid of it. Though, even with academies there will still be players who slip through the cracks and won't become physically or technically developed until college. But until a new rule is implemented I hope we a lot of fresh young talent in MLS we may not have seen without the academies.
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