So its the MLS off-season and I've delayed writing another blog entry. Im over the Revs loss but it is still going to suck until they win it once and for all.
I write tonight about letters I saw in MLS Magazine, a start-up that I subscribed to. Its a good magazine lots of articles and soccer stuff but needs some time to grow into itself and get better with typos and layout.
Anyway they asked people what they wanted changed about MLS and printed them in 2nd article. Most are laughably unfeasible and seek to make MLS too much like a European or Latin American league. To summarize, changing the season time to go from august-may, splitting the season into two halves, or eliminating the playoffs will never happen.
One thing we as American soccer fans must understand is soccer isn't that popular here. Sure there is the hardcore few of us who will always care, and watch, and go to games, but to survive, MLS needs to bring in more people. This fact has led to many huge mistakes. Having shootouts instead of ties is one of these. Having a baseball announcer start cold during the 2006 World Cup was another. MLS execs need to know that they can't just compare something in a soccer game to the World Series and get tons of fans. More likely they just piss off real fans like myself.
There can be a balance however. Garber seems obsessive about keeping conferences. This is boorish and lame. Americans can handle a single table what they can't is ludicrous playoff results. DC United had no business as best record holder playing Chicago in a first round tie this year.
If a single table does come (which I have to guess will have to wait till we get to 16-18 teams) it will dramatically simplify things.
MLS will always have playoffs. It simply has to. Americans could not tolerate have the regular season just ending. It would be worse than the BCS. Europe has UEFA Cups and league cups to have fun with, America has the US open Cup which apparently no one cares about.
A single table would simplify playoffs dramatically.
But until than lets propose a playoff idea within the conference system.
1)Over 50% of teams qualifying is too many. Soccer is a very fickle game and teams that were 7th or 8th in a 13 team league don't deserve the playoffs.
2) Conference winners qualify automatically.
3)the next 4-6 best (if they insist on 8 teams) qualify based on points. Period. All this wild card bracket crap is confusing and useless. Make it simple and logical people will get it.
4) if 6 teams 1st round will be play-in round to conference finals against conference champions.
I think this is logical and feasible. If MLS gets up to 18 teams I think having 8 playoff teams would be fine.
MLS needs to strike a balance between pandering to American's tastes but also staying true to the world's game.
Let's go MLS.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
New England loses 4th MLS Cup since 2002
So it happened...again. New England managed to fall short at the final hurdle of the MLS season, losing 2-1 in its 3rd straight MLS Cup final and 4th in 6 years.
I think the thing that hurts most about this lost was how everything pointed to a New England win. They were healthy and rested, experienced and playing far from Texas. Houston was missing two of its best players and would surely have a letdown after last years victory.
New England had a lead. Twellman had a great header and the 1st half was securely New England's. The hope was they would go through the post season unscored upon. It was not to be.
A scrappy soft goal by Ngueyna and a brilliant header by that thorn of a great player, De Rosario saw the revs fall behind.
The revs almost tied it, had some good chances, no greater than when Onstead had to save a point blank header from Jeff Larentowivcz, while falling down in the 87th minute. It was not to be however.
What I hate is how undeserving the Revs are of this. Steve Nicol has built a team that has been as consistent as any other except perhaps Houston and thats only in terms of Cups won. Nicol deserves the vindication of his brilliance with his title. Twellman has been underrated forever and deserves a title. Shalrie Joseph, perennial MVP candidate deserves a title for his excellence, commitment and skill.
The Revs have lost again and their is no joy for this soccer fan. We did win the US Open Cup this year, our first major title ever and I have t-shirt that attests to that fact. Until the Revs do win the Cup I will treasure that shirt, its the only hope I have that the Revs will eventually get what they have shown they are so capable of, a full out league title.
Here's to next season.
I think the thing that hurts most about this lost was how everything pointed to a New England win. They were healthy and rested, experienced and playing far from Texas. Houston was missing two of its best players and would surely have a letdown after last years victory.
New England had a lead. Twellman had a great header and the 1st half was securely New England's. The hope was they would go through the post season unscored upon. It was not to be.
A scrappy soft goal by Ngueyna and a brilliant header by that thorn of a great player, De Rosario saw the revs fall behind.
The revs almost tied it, had some good chances, no greater than when Onstead had to save a point blank header from Jeff Larentowivcz, while falling down in the 87th minute. It was not to be however.
What I hate is how undeserving the Revs are of this. Steve Nicol has built a team that has been as consistent as any other except perhaps Houston and thats only in terms of Cups won. Nicol deserves the vindication of his brilliance with his title. Twellman has been underrated forever and deserves a title. Shalrie Joseph, perennial MVP candidate deserves a title for his excellence, commitment and skill.
The Revs have lost again and their is no joy for this soccer fan. We did win the US Open Cup this year, our first major title ever and I have t-shirt that attests to that fact. Until the Revs do win the Cup I will treasure that shirt, its the only hope I have that the Revs will eventually get what they have shown they are so capable of, a full out league title.
Here's to next season.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
REVS qualify for 3rd straight MLS CUP
So I attended my second Revs game in a week and came away happy again, the Revs vanquishing the Fire 1-0 on a brilliant bicycle kick goal by Taylor Twellman that literally was conjured for nowhere it seemed. It was a hard-fought game and the Revs got aces all around.
To put it simply (if a bit lamely) the REVS simply had more fire than the Fire did. 50/50 balls were almost a foregone conclusion with New England almost always winning them. Special honors go to Avery John here who was heroic in always going for the ball and being successful at it too. He was incredible. If Joseph wasn't so good, John would be my favorite player.
Reis had 10 saves, quite impressive and Thompson, rookie extraordinare has really come into his own. He still doesn't have that lethal final touch but he had some great possessions, runs and of course he crossed the ball that Twellman made count.
One brief word about the Fire. I can't believe they beat DC. Blanco is shameful. He is on his butt more than he is playing. He may be skilled and I know it's good he is in the league but his style is little more than that of a diving, whining, pansie. I thought he was Greg Louganis at one point. I hope he enjoys his long off season break in Mexico.
Now its on to the MLS CUP. If the Revs want to shed their label as MLS' Buffalo Bills they must win. They must score in first half and then hopefully put their oppenent away with a second and third goal. They have made 6 straight Eastern Conference finals and won 4 they are only missing one thing.
I'll have a preview next week.
Till then GO REVs!
To put it simply (if a bit lamely) the REVS simply had more fire than the Fire did. 50/50 balls were almost a foregone conclusion with New England almost always winning them. Special honors go to Avery John here who was heroic in always going for the ball and being successful at it too. He was incredible. If Joseph wasn't so good, John would be my favorite player.
Reis had 10 saves, quite impressive and Thompson, rookie extraordinare has really come into his own. He still doesn't have that lethal final touch but he had some great possessions, runs and of course he crossed the ball that Twellman made count.
One brief word about the Fire. I can't believe they beat DC. Blanco is shameful. He is on his butt more than he is playing. He may be skilled and I know it's good he is in the league but his style is little more than that of a diving, whining, pansie. I thought he was Greg Louganis at one point. I hope he enjoys his long off season break in Mexico.
Now its on to the MLS CUP. If the Revs want to shed their label as MLS' Buffalo Bills they must win. They must score in first half and then hopefully put their oppenent away with a second and third goal. They have made 6 straight Eastern Conference finals and won 4 they are only missing one thing.
I'll have a preview next week.
Till then GO REVs!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Revolution are going to the conference championship!
So I went to the playoff game at Gillette stadium this Saturday night. It was quite an experience.
The remnants of hurricane noel were present and not only was it cold and rainy it was ridiculously windy. When I opened my car door it almost got blown into the vehicle next to me. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea but it turned out ok. It was cold but I was prepared and it stopped raining by halftime.
On to the game action. Only one goal but I had great seats and was totally into it whole time. In first half Revs had more chances but both teams had balls go just wide or over.
In 2nd half, Shalrie Joseph has a fabulous pass to Ralston who lays it off for Twellman who just manages to get it in the near post as the NY keeper and defenders try to kick it out. The stadium erupted and I was very happen. NY fought back admirably but failed to equalize.
The Revs now have qualified for their 6th straight conference final and our a win away from their 3rd straight MLS Cup Final.
Chicago is a hot team but the Revs are at home and I am hesitant to say that this is their year finally.
Depending on the weather my prediction is NE 3, Chi 1.
Heres to the Revs.
Also if anyone wants to go to the game email me.
The remnants of hurricane noel were present and not only was it cold and rainy it was ridiculously windy. When I opened my car door it almost got blown into the vehicle next to me. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea but it turned out ok. It was cold but I was prepared and it stopped raining by halftime.
On to the game action. Only one goal but I had great seats and was totally into it whole time. In first half Revs had more chances but both teams had balls go just wide or over.
In 2nd half, Shalrie Joseph has a fabulous pass to Ralston who lays it off for Twellman who just manages to get it in the near post as the NY keeper and defenders try to kick it out. The stadium erupted and I was very happen. NY fought back admirably but failed to equalize.
The Revs now have qualified for their 6th straight conference final and our a win away from their 3rd straight MLS Cup Final.
Chicago is a hot team but the Revs are at home and I am hesitant to say that this is their year finally.
Depending on the weather my prediction is NE 3, Chi 1.
Heres to the Revs.
Also if anyone wants to go to the game email me.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Playoffs Game 1
Game one ended scoreless for the Revs in New York versus the Red Bulls. A good result considering the amount of chances the Red Bulls had. We are in a good position going into next week, a game I will be attending. While I do not doubt the Revolution's capacity to put a few goals in at Gillette it does worry me that they were so content to let the game stay 0-0. A little more attacking would not have hurt. All the other 1st round match ups are at 1-0 advantage to the home team. While I do not doubt those score lines will change quickly in game two the point is we are very lucky to be in the same situation. I really hate the settle for a draw mentality on the road. If you are a good team, and every goal counts in a two goal series, go out and attack. Don't be reckless but take it to the other team.
In any case I think the Revs will be able to pull this one out. My update will be forthcoming.
In any case I think the Revs will be able to pull this one out. My update will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MLS Playoffs
So it playoff time now. I haven't written on blog recently, just haven't gotten around to it, but playoffs preview warrant a blog.
The Revs faceoff versus the Red Bulls, a dangerous but beatable team. I want to say that Revs will take care of them but it will not be easy. Juan Pablo Angel is an incredible player with a deft finishing touch. Young players Jozy Altidore and Dan Richards also are talented and will cause trouble.
While the Red Bulls have potential they have been much more inconsistent than the Revs and so I think we'll win.
On the Revs side we haven't played great recently. Letting up late goals and tying not winning is a bad habit to get into, esp. when your entering an aggregate series where every goal equals your life. That said I think the Revs will be geared up for this match. They are at end of day one of best teams in league from top to bottom. Attacking they have Twellman and Noonan with the very capable rookie, christman to back them up.
In midfield they have the veteran assist genius Ralston along with my favorite player Shalrie Joseph who is quite simply awesome. Not sure what been going on with Dorman lately but he's very able to contribute and when Khano Smith is on he can run by anybody.
In defense Micheal Parkhurst should be still feeling giddy from his stunning goal last weekend against TFC. He's not a bad defender either.
And at back the most consistent keeper in the league Matt Reis.
Simply put we can beat the Red Bulls easily. The Revs just have to execute and not let up any soft goals.
My prediction?
Game 1 in New York 1-1 Tie
Game 2 in Foxboro 3-1 Revs Win
4-2 Revs win on aggregate.
GO REVS!
The Revs faceoff versus the Red Bulls, a dangerous but beatable team. I want to say that Revs will take care of them but it will not be easy. Juan Pablo Angel is an incredible player with a deft finishing touch. Young players Jozy Altidore and Dan Richards also are talented and will cause trouble.
While the Red Bulls have potential they have been much more inconsistent than the Revs and so I think we'll win.
On the Revs side we haven't played great recently. Letting up late goals and tying not winning is a bad habit to get into, esp. when your entering an aggregate series where every goal equals your life. That said I think the Revs will be geared up for this match. They are at end of day one of best teams in league from top to bottom. Attacking they have Twellman and Noonan with the very capable rookie, christman to back them up.
In midfield they have the veteran assist genius Ralston along with my favorite player Shalrie Joseph who is quite simply awesome. Not sure what been going on with Dorman lately but he's very able to contribute and when Khano Smith is on he can run by anybody.
In defense Micheal Parkhurst should be still feeling giddy from his stunning goal last weekend against TFC. He's not a bad defender either.
And at back the most consistent keeper in the league Matt Reis.
Simply put we can beat the Red Bulls easily. The Revs just have to execute and not let up any soft goals.
My prediction?
Game 1 in New York 1-1 Tie
Game 2 in Foxboro 3-1 Revs Win
4-2 Revs win on aggregate.
GO REVS!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Greg Ryan should be fired.
So I have to make a detour from talking about the Revs. The Women's World Cup is going on and even though I don't generally follow women's sports too closely a World Cup of soccer is worth watching.
Before I start this semi-rant of mine a disclaimer. I do not know Greg Ryan that well, I don't know women's soccer that well. I do love the sport and I do think I keep well-informed on matters when I want to.
So here's what I think.
Greg Ryan should be fired as soon as possible following the 3rd place game that the US is playing in.
This seems to be the only viable option for a number of reasons.
1) He's stubborn. I read a article in MLS magazine from a former US women's player. Her philosophy clashed with Ryan's and even though she's an accomplished professional and more than capable of being on the women's team she was left out. A coach should have a philosophy but it should not be at the expense of mature, capable and professional players.
2) His team has under-performed at this World Cup.
I know you must be saying its the semifinals thats impressive and I agree. But the fact is the US is always gunning to win the WC and anything less than that is failure. The biggest failure for this team has been offense in my book. He has talented players, especially Abby Wambach up front and she did score but she was about it. 1-0 vs. nigeria? tying North Korea 2-2? Losing 4-0 to any team (even a team as talented as Brazil?) Ryan has proven in this tournament he cannot utilize his talent. A coach without results won't be a coach at the international level very long.
3) He benched Hope Solo for an aging veteran who had barely played in the past three years.
No grief for Brianna Scurry what she done in her career is superb, but everyone from here to Shanghai knows that she had no business playing against Brazil. Hope Solo had a shut out streak and was the starter. You don't flip out a goalie for tactical reasons, that's absurd. Solo said herself she could of made the saves Scurry didn't and I don't doubt her. You can't throw the best player on the field cold and expect her to preform at the top of her game. Making this switch almost certainly negatively affected the other players too as they had to come to terms with the fact a new keeper was in goal.
This was a terrible decision and it bit Ryan in the ass.
4) After the Brazil loss all Ryan could point to was fact US had won 51 straight games. The 1954 World Cup Hungary team made the final having not lost for the past 3 years. They lost final to west Germany and the world cup. You think they were thinking about their streak after their loss? Of Course not! Great job coaching all those wins but if you can't meet your goals at a World Cup and you make poor decisions that lead your team to failure than you must be fired or resign for the good of the team.
Congrats to the US for making it so far. I hope that in the future you have a coach who doesn't try to explain away his blunders but takes responsibility for them instead.
Before I start this semi-rant of mine a disclaimer. I do not know Greg Ryan that well, I don't know women's soccer that well. I do love the sport and I do think I keep well-informed on matters when I want to.
So here's what I think.
Greg Ryan should be fired as soon as possible following the 3rd place game that the US is playing in.
This seems to be the only viable option for a number of reasons.
1) He's stubborn. I read a article in MLS magazine from a former US women's player. Her philosophy clashed with Ryan's and even though she's an accomplished professional and more than capable of being on the women's team she was left out. A coach should have a philosophy but it should not be at the expense of mature, capable and professional players.
2) His team has under-performed at this World Cup.
I know you must be saying its the semifinals thats impressive and I agree. But the fact is the US is always gunning to win the WC and anything less than that is failure. The biggest failure for this team has been offense in my book. He has talented players, especially Abby Wambach up front and she did score but she was about it. 1-0 vs. nigeria? tying North Korea 2-2? Losing 4-0 to any team (even a team as talented as Brazil?) Ryan has proven in this tournament he cannot utilize his talent. A coach without results won't be a coach at the international level very long.
3) He benched Hope Solo for an aging veteran who had barely played in the past three years.
No grief for Brianna Scurry what she done in her career is superb, but everyone from here to Shanghai knows that she had no business playing against Brazil. Hope Solo had a shut out streak and was the starter. You don't flip out a goalie for tactical reasons, that's absurd. Solo said herself she could of made the saves Scurry didn't and I don't doubt her. You can't throw the best player on the field cold and expect her to preform at the top of her game. Making this switch almost certainly negatively affected the other players too as they had to come to terms with the fact a new keeper was in goal.
This was a terrible decision and it bit Ryan in the ass.
4) After the Brazil loss all Ryan could point to was fact US had won 51 straight games. The 1954 World Cup Hungary team made the final having not lost for the past 3 years. They lost final to west Germany and the world cup. You think they were thinking about their streak after their loss? Of Course not! Great job coaching all those wins but if you can't meet your goals at a World Cup and you make poor decisions that lead your team to failure than you must be fired or resign for the good of the team.
Congrats to the US for making it so far. I hope that in the future you have a coach who doesn't try to explain away his blunders but takes responsibility for them instead.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Revs-FC Dallas
The Revs won last night 4-2. Winning was essential to stay close to DC as well as to basically clinch a playoff spot.
Letting 2 goals in is worrisome but scoring 4 was quite impressive. Pat Noonan who I've never particularly warmed to if only because he has been out so much with injury, scored 2 great goals to give the Revs the lead twice. A poke in by Ralston and a nasty strike by Khano Smith at the death sealed the deal.
I have to say a few words about Khano Smith. The Bermudan international has shored up the Revs left side ably the past few seasons, first off the bench and now as a starter. While his brilliance has been wonderful his inconsistency has also been brutal at times to deal with.
Let me say I will always deep down love Smith because I was a Gillette when he scored the most amazing goal ever in the 05 playoffs, in the snow to beat the metros 3-2 on aggregate.
However the start of last nights game was so familiar. Smith played listlessly, favoring his left foot to an absurd degree and looked utterly useless out on the flank. A graphic on the screen in the 1st half blared that he was scoreless this season. Now I know he's not a striker but a winger with his skill should snag at least a couple goals come the last part of the season.
Once again Smith comes out and completely impresses in the 2nd half. While still completely reliant on his left foot he starts making penetrating runs, using his speed and size just to get around people.
Having an assist and finally scoring a goal was icing on the cake. Despite his inconsitent play, Khano is an asset and I'm proud and excited that he is with the Revs.
Here's to another late season run.
Letting 2 goals in is worrisome but scoring 4 was quite impressive. Pat Noonan who I've never particularly warmed to if only because he has been out so much with injury, scored 2 great goals to give the Revs the lead twice. A poke in by Ralston and a nasty strike by Khano Smith at the death sealed the deal.
I have to say a few words about Khano Smith. The Bermudan international has shored up the Revs left side ably the past few seasons, first off the bench and now as a starter. While his brilliance has been wonderful his inconsistency has also been brutal at times to deal with.
Let me say I will always deep down love Smith because I was a Gillette when he scored the most amazing goal ever in the 05 playoffs, in the snow to beat the metros 3-2 on aggregate.
However the start of last nights game was so familiar. Smith played listlessly, favoring his left foot to an absurd degree and looked utterly useless out on the flank. A graphic on the screen in the 1st half blared that he was scoreless this season. Now I know he's not a striker but a winger with his skill should snag at least a couple goals come the last part of the season.
Once again Smith comes out and completely impresses in the 2nd half. While still completely reliant on his left foot he starts making penetrating runs, using his speed and size just to get around people.
Having an assist and finally scoring a goal was icing on the cake. Despite his inconsitent play, Khano is an asset and I'm proud and excited that he is with the Revs.
Here's to another late season run.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
superliga final
So I know this blog is about the revolution but they don't play for over a week and I have just really enjoyed bashing the galaxy lately specifically landon donovan. I will say that Im interested to see how Dusan petokovic fits in the revolution defense. They usually only play 3 back and they are solid so it'l be interesting to see what nicol does. Anyway on to the galaxy bashing...
So the superliga final was last night. I'm on the east coast and up late doing some work when I realized mlsnet.com said they were going to have whole game on air. A few clicks later I was browsing and enjoying the game. Heres a hint MLS, make more game available for free.
So I started watching around 70th and there were some chances but I was exulting in having the galaxy head to a loss. I know its bad for MLS but I just can't help enjoying seeing LA suck it up every week.
Anyway Chris Klein scores a brilliant last second goal (Im sure mlsnet.com has it so go check it out) and I realize I have to stay up another 45 minutes or so.
I don't pay attention too much during overtime but no goals are scored and not the exciting stuff happens.
Of course it goes down to the 5th kick, Donovan is up. Now I was torn here. I really wanted Donovan to screw up so I could still stay he generally is a waste of talent, but I couldn't imagine him missing such a gimme oppurtunity. Its a PK to win. Zidane can do it, Ronaldo can do it, Donovan little miss americas future should do it. While I'm holding my breath Donovan proceeds to kick the most girly crap PK ever. It is saved easily by Caliro.
I get to exult again. Donovan may have amazing skill and talent but he is literally a waste of space. He couldn't handle european soccer, he choked againast Ghana in 06 and he simply continues to disappoint. Once again it is the teams and players that come to play every day and constantly surprise with skill that get the results. Landon simply picks and chooses when he wants to play well and sabotages his team (and the US) in the process.
I have little doubt that Donovan will have a role in getting the US back to the WC but until he actually shows that he wants to play I will continue to badmouth him.
His failure last night but just another one in a long line of disappointing efforts.
So the superliga final was last night. I'm on the east coast and up late doing some work when I realized mlsnet.com said they were going to have whole game on air. A few clicks later I was browsing and enjoying the game. Heres a hint MLS, make more game available for free.
So I started watching around 70th and there were some chances but I was exulting in having the galaxy head to a loss. I know its bad for MLS but I just can't help enjoying seeing LA suck it up every week.
Anyway Chris Klein scores a brilliant last second goal (Im sure mlsnet.com has it so go check it out) and I realize I have to stay up another 45 minutes or so.
I don't pay attention too much during overtime but no goals are scored and not the exciting stuff happens.
Of course it goes down to the 5th kick, Donovan is up. Now I was torn here. I really wanted Donovan to screw up so I could still stay he generally is a waste of talent, but I couldn't imagine him missing such a gimme oppurtunity. Its a PK to win. Zidane can do it, Ronaldo can do it, Donovan little miss americas future should do it. While I'm holding my breath Donovan proceeds to kick the most girly crap PK ever. It is saved easily by Caliro.
I get to exult again. Donovan may have amazing skill and talent but he is literally a waste of space. He couldn't handle european soccer, he choked againast Ghana in 06 and he simply continues to disappoint. Once again it is the teams and players that come to play every day and constantly surprise with skill that get the results. Landon simply picks and chooses when he wants to play well and sabotages his team (and the US) in the process.
I have little doubt that Donovan will have a role in getting the US back to the WC but until he actually shows that he wants to play I will continue to badmouth him.
His failure last night but just another one in a long line of disappointing efforts.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Why the Revolution are good and the Galaxy aren't.
So another weekend, another revolution win and another Galaxy loss.
The Revolution continue to quietly top the league in points while the marquee teams of LA and NY continue to underachieve. LA and NY have 3 designated players between them, and thats not including Landon Donovan supposedly the best player America has.
The revolution have no designated players and lost arguably there most exciting in dempsey at end of last season.
Revolution have 42 points
Galaxy have 14 points.
The revolution beat NY 2-1 this past weekend. Now it wasn't a great game and yes NY made a huge fluky mistake with there own goal but regardless, good teams find a way to win even when things don't go there way. the revs missed a PK and NY had some good chances but the revs ended on top. Good teams get the results. Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner have gone with consistency in lineups and have there style. No Cups yet but they have been the best team for the last 5 years making other teams look laugable in their inconsistency.
But lets look at the Galaxy. They are in dire straights with a huge gap between them and a playoff spot. They are winless on the road. The last 3 games they have let up 11 goals. They have scored 4.
Why such poor results?
A huge reason is the fact that LA backlogged its sheducle so America would see more Beckham. LA has something like 8 games next month after playing around 10 in the past 30 days. This tactic is backfiring. Badly.
Beckham is exhausted, important players are getting injured and the results aren't coming.
I am really glad Beckham is here but changing the schedule to accommodate him was stupid and we can see why. If LA doesn't not make the playoffs MLS is going to be kicking themselves.
Beckham is good, Donovan is good (when he feels like playing anyway)but no one can handle this many games straight.
I know its bad for the league and maybe Im just saying this because LA beat the revs twice in the MLS Cup, but I am loving there badness right now.
3-10-5 is pathetic.
MLS would have LA and NY be the yankees of MLS but its not happening.
The Revs will get the job done and all donovan will have to do is pout b/c he should be in europe making millions but instead is taking it easy in LA sabotaging his team and MLS with a selfish me-first playing attitude.
My solution do what the NFL does. See belichick, do what belichick does. See Nicol do what Nicol does.
Heres to the revs making a cup run this fall.
The Revolution continue to quietly top the league in points while the marquee teams of LA and NY continue to underachieve. LA and NY have 3 designated players between them, and thats not including Landon Donovan supposedly the best player America has.
The revolution have no designated players and lost arguably there most exciting in dempsey at end of last season.
Revolution have 42 points
Galaxy have 14 points.
The revolution beat NY 2-1 this past weekend. Now it wasn't a great game and yes NY made a huge fluky mistake with there own goal but regardless, good teams find a way to win even when things don't go there way. the revs missed a PK and NY had some good chances but the revs ended on top. Good teams get the results. Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner have gone with consistency in lineups and have there style. No Cups yet but they have been the best team for the last 5 years making other teams look laugable in their inconsistency.
But lets look at the Galaxy. They are in dire straights with a huge gap between them and a playoff spot. They are winless on the road. The last 3 games they have let up 11 goals. They have scored 4.
Why such poor results?
A huge reason is the fact that LA backlogged its sheducle so America would see more Beckham. LA has something like 8 games next month after playing around 10 in the past 30 days. This tactic is backfiring. Badly.
Beckham is exhausted, important players are getting injured and the results aren't coming.
I am really glad Beckham is here but changing the schedule to accommodate him was stupid and we can see why. If LA doesn't not make the playoffs MLS is going to be kicking themselves.
Beckham is good, Donovan is good (when he feels like playing anyway)but no one can handle this many games straight.
I know its bad for the league and maybe Im just saying this because LA beat the revs twice in the MLS Cup, but I am loving there badness right now.
3-10-5 is pathetic.
MLS would have LA and NY be the yankees of MLS but its not happening.
The Revs will get the job done and all donovan will have to do is pout b/c he should be in europe making millions but instead is taking it easy in LA sabotaging his team and MLS with a selfish me-first playing attitude.
My solution do what the NFL does. See belichick, do what belichick does. See Nicol do what Nicol does.
Heres to the revs making a cup run this fall.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Back from Camp
So I am back from Camp and ready to start blogging again.
Beckham has arrived and his goal against DC in Superliga was ridiculous.
I find it funny that Galaxy can't win in league play but does fine in any other game. They are so screwed. The backlogging shceducle may get more beckham, in america the next month but I'll be amazed if Galaxy make playoffs. They have barely played half there season. Last thing about them. Bring 66,000 to the red bull game and then having 9 goals scorded is phenomeonal. Lets hope the numbers keep coming in.
Last thing about other teams then brief look at revs. I hate this attitude that LA and NY have to be good just b/c they are the marquee teams. If they have crap management guess what they are going to suck. MLS has done well avoiding privlidges for any one team and thats good. Competition is good.
In any case a team that is well-managed and quietly better than everyone ios the revolution. 39 points, 11 wins, they are as solid as they come. Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner has done a great job and have done it without the likes of Blanco, angel, and beckham.
That elusive cup title is still not there but I can guarantee you this. The revs will be lurking throughout the playoffs and its as good a bet as any that they'll make the cup final again this year.
Anyway more later
Beckham has arrived and his goal against DC in Superliga was ridiculous.
I find it funny that Galaxy can't win in league play but does fine in any other game. They are so screwed. The backlogging shceducle may get more beckham, in america the next month but I'll be amazed if Galaxy make playoffs. They have barely played half there season. Last thing about them. Bring 66,000 to the red bull game and then having 9 goals scorded is phenomeonal. Lets hope the numbers keep coming in.
Last thing about other teams then brief look at revs. I hate this attitude that LA and NY have to be good just b/c they are the marquee teams. If they have crap management guess what they are going to suck. MLS has done well avoiding privlidges for any one team and thats good. Competition is good.
In any case a team that is well-managed and quietly better than everyone ios the revolution. 39 points, 11 wins, they are as solid as they come. Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner has done a great job and have done it without the likes of Blanco, angel, and beckham.
That elusive cup title is still not there but I can guarantee you this. The revs will be lurking throughout the playoffs and its as good a bet as any that they'll make the cup final again this year.
Anyway more later
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Revs-RSL recap and gold cup
So last saturdays game was pretty excruiating to watch. 0-0 and revs just could not get a ball in net. tons of chances but everytime the ball was in front of goal no one was there to put it home. very blah taste in my mouth. I hope RSL is hapoy though, still winless and looking ever more pathetic.
I kept switching back to US game and managed to catch every goal in realtime except the first but that was a PK anyway. A 4-1 win with a ton of first timers is great. dempsey scored too and even though hes gone Im glad for any success he has.
Revs don't play till 16th so now its on to gold cup. It starts tonight and of course its not on tv. USA games are on tv but only on spanish channels or FSC which as i mentioned I DON'T GET. It doesn't matter really though b/c i leave for camp on saturday and will only be able to ready paper about soccer till mid agust. I will prolly watch the us game tommorow versus guatemaula, catch up on my espanol.
In way of a prediction i don't really see how US can finish any worst than 2nd in this tournament. bradley seems to be coaching great and unless they have a let down or mexico actually shows some briallance the US should dominate.
This may be my last blog in a while but i'll do my best to get one blog out every week or at least every other week till i get back.
im pretty sure no one has read this yet but who knows?
anyway have a geat summer all peace
I kept switching back to US game and managed to catch every goal in realtime except the first but that was a PK anyway. A 4-1 win with a ton of first timers is great. dempsey scored too and even though hes gone Im glad for any success he has.
Revs don't play till 16th so now its on to gold cup. It starts tonight and of course its not on tv. USA games are on tv but only on spanish channels or FSC which as i mentioned I DON'T GET. It doesn't matter really though b/c i leave for camp on saturday and will only be able to ready paper about soccer till mid agust. I will prolly watch the us game tommorow versus guatemaula, catch up on my espanol.
In way of a prediction i don't really see how US can finish any worst than 2nd in this tournament. bradley seems to be coaching great and unless they have a let down or mexico actually shows some briallance the US should dominate.
This may be my last blog in a while but i'll do my best to get one blog out every week or at least every other week till i get back.
im pretty sure no one has read this yet but who knows?
anyway have a geat summer all peace
Friday, June 1, 2007
NE-RSL preview
So RSL-NE play tommorow, as well as US versus china in a friendly before the Gold Cup.
Both games will be on same time i think starting about 30 minutes apart. I will watch the NE game but during halftime and breaks in action I'll check score of the US. Revs don't play next week so this is last time i'll see them till at least august most likely. Camp is pretty secluded and tv watching isn't really something to do.
In any case here is my prediction.
I have to pick NE to win. They are prolly very eager to get bad taste of last weeks game out of there mouths and who better to beat up on then RSL, the only team without a win yet. I read a problem last week was Revs weren't used to natural grass field (it got switched for gold cup, i'll be damned if i know why they did it so frigging early.) RSL may be desperate but NE will put them away without much emotion. Lets go with another 4 goal game as Revs continue to lead league with most goals scored.
NE Revs 4- Real Salt Lake 1
I'll be back by sunday or monday with thoughts on both games as well as gold cup preview. peace.
Both games will be on same time i think starting about 30 minutes apart. I will watch the NE game but during halftime and breaks in action I'll check score of the US. Revs don't play next week so this is last time i'll see them till at least august most likely. Camp is pretty secluded and tv watching isn't really something to do.
In any case here is my prediction.
I have to pick NE to win. They are prolly very eager to get bad taste of last weeks game out of there mouths and who better to beat up on then RSL, the only team without a win yet. I read a problem last week was Revs weren't used to natural grass field (it got switched for gold cup, i'll be damned if i know why they did it so frigging early.) RSL may be desperate but NE will put them away without much emotion. Lets go with another 4 goal game as Revs continue to lead league with most goals scored.
NE Revs 4- Real Salt Lake 1
I'll be back by sunday or monday with thoughts on both games as well as gold cup preview. peace.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Revolution doubleheader recap
So I went to gillette stadium today for a doubleheader and saw my first rev game livesince i think fall of 05. It was pretty fun time. Sorry if this runs long but it was two games and fun.
So I show up and get parked a full lot away from stadium and have to work my way through a maze of fences to get to stadium from my car. They doing construction there now but still why all the fences? all they doing are enclosing lots anyway.
So I go to buy my ticket and ask for 1st couple rows. I get third row a few sections down from halfway line. great but not behind revs bench. next time i'll get behind there bench.
The 1st game was bolivia and ireland. The stands had some nice international flavor with plenty of irish and bolivian fans there. I was surprised never knew that so many bolivians lived in the US let alone in new england. The game was pretty good but only produced two goals coming a few minutes apart. it ended 1-1 and there was no scoring after 15th minute. If i had to pick i will say bolivia was the more exciting and talented team but also show some freak moments where ireland just pounded them and that was the case when goal was scored. it was fun to watch though.
Now on to the revs. I got a lot more into this. I knew every rev on the field and was only a few rows away. the previous game the only guy I knew was jamie moreno. it adds some spice to the proceedings.
In any case revs have a master start. Ralston scores a great goal on rebond in 11th and twellman gets a fantastic goal on a deflection and we are 2-0 up after 23. perfect.
Then we proceed to blow the lead in about 5 minutes when arnaud and johnson score. unbelievable and sucky. Even worse johnson scores AGAIN before half to make it 3-2. I honestly didn't really pay attentions to tatics and how both teams were playing i was more focused on just having every touch revs had be a goal. 5 goals in a half was great but sucks that we suddenly don't have defense.
2nd half starts and on a hand ball we get a penalty. fantastic. shalrie buries it and we are tied. we are at home theres no way we can lose right?
johnson scores AGAIN in 82nd and we are doomed. frigging hate that guy...did nothing for us in world cup either...blah...
on that note before his third he went down looking hurt badly in front of our goal. A bunch of drunks near me as well as kids start giving crap about faking and when he walks over to sidline he drops some f-bombs toward us fans. Very unprofessional. I admit some fans were being dicks but f-bombs to opposing fans when there kids around is very immature. I no longer like eddie johnson. Unless he scores a goal while playing for US team I will always boo him. On a side note after his "injury" and goal everytime he touched ball we booed. I also managed to yell to him twice try scoring those goals in europe. not sure if he heard me but i hope he did. hes gonna turn into a brat like donovan if hes not careful.
So revs lose and that sucks but 7 goals is awesome and revs could have tied it a number of times. our rookies thompson and christman are looking good too.
Well in anycase i had a pretty sweet day and i'll have a preview for next rev game next week.
So I show up and get parked a full lot away from stadium and have to work my way through a maze of fences to get to stadium from my car. They doing construction there now but still why all the fences? all they doing are enclosing lots anyway.
So I go to buy my ticket and ask for 1st couple rows. I get third row a few sections down from halfway line. great but not behind revs bench. next time i'll get behind there bench.
The 1st game was bolivia and ireland. The stands had some nice international flavor with plenty of irish and bolivian fans there. I was surprised never knew that so many bolivians lived in the US let alone in new england. The game was pretty good but only produced two goals coming a few minutes apart. it ended 1-1 and there was no scoring after 15th minute. If i had to pick i will say bolivia was the more exciting and talented team but also show some freak moments where ireland just pounded them and that was the case when goal was scored. it was fun to watch though.
Now on to the revs. I got a lot more into this. I knew every rev on the field and was only a few rows away. the previous game the only guy I knew was jamie moreno. it adds some spice to the proceedings.
In any case revs have a master start. Ralston scores a great goal on rebond in 11th and twellman gets a fantastic goal on a deflection and we are 2-0 up after 23. perfect.
Then we proceed to blow the lead in about 5 minutes when arnaud and johnson score. unbelievable and sucky. Even worse johnson scores AGAIN before half to make it 3-2. I honestly didn't really pay attentions to tatics and how both teams were playing i was more focused on just having every touch revs had be a goal. 5 goals in a half was great but sucks that we suddenly don't have defense.
2nd half starts and on a hand ball we get a penalty. fantastic. shalrie buries it and we are tied. we are at home theres no way we can lose right?
johnson scores AGAIN in 82nd and we are doomed. frigging hate that guy...did nothing for us in world cup either...blah...
on that note before his third he went down looking hurt badly in front of our goal. A bunch of drunks near me as well as kids start giving crap about faking and when he walks over to sidline he drops some f-bombs toward us fans. Very unprofessional. I admit some fans were being dicks but f-bombs to opposing fans when there kids around is very immature. I no longer like eddie johnson. Unless he scores a goal while playing for US team I will always boo him. On a side note after his "injury" and goal everytime he touched ball we booed. I also managed to yell to him twice try scoring those goals in europe. not sure if he heard me but i hope he did. hes gonna turn into a brat like donovan if hes not careful.
So revs lose and that sucks but 7 goals is awesome and revs could have tied it a number of times. our rookies thompson and christman are looking good too.
Well in anycase i had a pretty sweet day and i'll have a preview for next rev game next week.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Champions league final and New England preview
So the final of the champions league was yesterday. AC Milan held off liverpool 2-1 in a rematch of the 05 final. This game was played in athens in the olympic stadium from 2004. I watched some of the game but not all of it. In my view it was rather hard luck that liverpool didn't score at least 2 and have the game go to overtime. Liverpool dominated the 1st half but let up goal in last minute on a deflected free kick. Not scoring till 89th after a ton of great chances also kind of lame.
Im not sure if anyone had read this yet but I figure this a good time to explain the champions league to those who never heard of it.
Champions league is the european club competition. It does not involve international teams. Every country in europe has its own league. Every year the champions of each league qualify for the champions league. Some leagues qualify up to there top 4 teams b/c they are such good quality (ex: england, spain, italy).
The teams meet in various rounds throughout the season. Many of the good teams get byes in the first rounds while minnows from places like malta and andorra fight it out to get emlinated by the likes of manchester united.
There are some knockout rounds and at least one group round and the final is now one game played at a nuetral location in may.
The winner is the club champion of europe. This is probably the biggest soccer competition short of the World cup.
Anyway quick preview about the revs. They play KC and im betting they'll win. I will hopefully get down to gillette saturday but if not i'll still have a recap come sunday.
Till then peace all and if anyone reads this leave comments. Thanks!
Im not sure if anyone had read this yet but I figure this a good time to explain the champions league to those who never heard of it.
Champions league is the european club competition. It does not involve international teams. Every country in europe has its own league. Every year the champions of each league qualify for the champions league. Some leagues qualify up to there top 4 teams b/c they are such good quality (ex: england, spain, italy).
The teams meet in various rounds throughout the season. Many of the good teams get byes in the first rounds while minnows from places like malta and andorra fight it out to get emlinated by the likes of manchester united.
There are some knockout rounds and at least one group round and the final is now one game played at a nuetral location in may.
The winner is the club champion of europe. This is probably the biggest soccer competition short of the World cup.
Anyway quick preview about the revs. They play KC and im betting they'll win. I will hopefully get down to gillette saturday but if not i'll still have a recap come sunday.
Till then peace all and if anyone reads this leave comments. Thanks!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Stupid TV
So at beggining of season I heard all Revolution games were going to be televised. In fact all MLS games would be televised. This made me happy. If I was around I could watch all the games I wanted. Some would be on spanish channel but revolution didn't have the spanish fan base that say the galaxy do and so would be pretty much exclusively on english tv.
This brings me to this past saturday night. I graduated saturday indoors but still a great ceremony. After I packed up and came home and was looking forward to seeing the revs at 830 after a nice party dinner with pizza and cake. My house has digital comcast cable so i thought it was a foregone conclusion it be on and i could see it.
of course it was on fox soccer channel which i don't get. Stupid tv. this was a rematch of MLS CUP last year so espn should of got it. Women's softeball was on espn 2. Honestly who watches women's softball?
Anyway all this said the game was ugly. Revs won from a ninth minute shalrie goal which is great as they remain top of the league. They had to defend most of game but held the dynamo off who with such dynamic players as ching and de rosario is very impressive. Houston is in a funk right now to say least.
The revs are at gillette this saturday as part of a double header. An international friendly between bolivia and ireland are before them at 4 and then revs vs KC at 6:30. I want to go and can get tickets so if interested messeage me.
My perdiction for NE vs. KC is 3-1 NE. KC wins have been versus mostly subpar competition and revs are at home again. until they start losing i see no need to pick them to do so.
Anyway i'll be back sat night or sun with a recap of the action... peace
This brings me to this past saturday night. I graduated saturday indoors but still a great ceremony. After I packed up and came home and was looking forward to seeing the revs at 830 after a nice party dinner with pizza and cake. My house has digital comcast cable so i thought it was a foregone conclusion it be on and i could see it.
of course it was on fox soccer channel which i don't get. Stupid tv. this was a rematch of MLS CUP last year so espn should of got it. Women's softeball was on espn 2. Honestly who watches women's softball?
Anyway all this said the game was ugly. Revs won from a ninth minute shalrie goal which is great as they remain top of the league. They had to defend most of game but held the dynamo off who with such dynamic players as ching and de rosario is very impressive. Houston is in a funk right now to say least.
The revs are at gillette this saturday as part of a double header. An international friendly between bolivia and ireland are before them at 4 and then revs vs KC at 6:30. I want to go and can get tickets so if interested messeage me.
My perdiction for NE vs. KC is 3-1 NE. KC wins have been versus mostly subpar competition and revs are at home again. until they start losing i see no need to pick them to do so.
Anyway i'll be back sat night or sun with a recap of the action... peace
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bob Bradley
Look at me blogging away...I really want to actually be consistent and write this like 2-3 times a week...at least till i leave for camp. it might be a ionce a month thing there.
Anyway Bob bradley recently got his interim label taken off and is the official coach of the men's national team. This is interesting news and has generate a number of opinions. Greg lalas, the revolution color guy on tv thinks its great b/c bradley simply knows how to make a winning team. Grant wahl agrees but finds it troubling that bradley was under the interim label for so long.
I think its great. Bradley has shown hes not afraid to do it how he knows and that has been proven to be effective. Hes mixed in new players with old and i think this summers tournaments will go well. While i see what wahl is saying i think he has too negative an outlook. Bradley has shown he is going to do stuff his way and doesn't care what the USSF thinks. In any case this is exciting and i look forward to seeing how the us does this summer.
The revolution play houston this sat night in houston. Houston just lost to toronto the expansion club last night 1-0 and watching the highlights it looks like they missed some great chances and could of let in even more goals. In anycase the revs are playing great and will be more rested so im giving them the edge for a narrow victory. Houston will be pretty desperate to get some points and playing a good team they may elevate there game.
My prediction: revs 2, dynamo 1
Im graduating sat morn so i may or may not watch game but i'll be back sun or monday with comments on how it went.
also there is a soccer double header at gillette stadium on may 26th. if you wanna go with me just comment on this blog. Thanks and go REVS!
Anyway Bob bradley recently got his interim label taken off and is the official coach of the men's national team. This is interesting news and has generate a number of opinions. Greg lalas, the revolution color guy on tv thinks its great b/c bradley simply knows how to make a winning team. Grant wahl agrees but finds it troubling that bradley was under the interim label for so long.
I think its great. Bradley has shown hes not afraid to do it how he knows and that has been proven to be effective. Hes mixed in new players with old and i think this summers tournaments will go well. While i see what wahl is saying i think he has too negative an outlook. Bradley has shown he is going to do stuff his way and doesn't care what the USSF thinks. In any case this is exciting and i look forward to seeing how the us does this summer.
The revolution play houston this sat night in houston. Houston just lost to toronto the expansion club last night 1-0 and watching the highlights it looks like they missed some great chances and could of let in even more goals. In anycase the revs are playing great and will be more rested so im giving them the edge for a narrow victory. Houston will be pretty desperate to get some points and playing a good team they may elevate there game.
My prediction: revs 2, dynamo 1
Im graduating sat morn so i may or may not watch game but i'll be back sun or monday with comments on how it went.
also there is a soccer double header at gillette stadium on may 26th. if you wanna go with me just comment on this blog. Thanks and go REVS!
Monday, May 14, 2007
My blog
Hey everyone,
I discovered there are blogs out there about soccer and rather than just read others I want to controbute my own spiel.
This will stay mostly related to the Revolution, my local MLS team and the one I follow most closely, but I also might put up stuff about the USMNT or other random soccer things as I try to pay attention to the entire soccer world.
For now I'll just say I am very happy with Rev performances this season. Steve Nicol is simply an amazing coach along with Paul Mariner. Once they start winning MLS Cups (which I hope they do) they can be put in same breath as that other New England coach, Bill Belicheck.
Some brief thoughts about Revs/ MLS
Revs have most points in league right now after two games where they scored 3 goals each. Not concidentally they have most goals in league as well.
Twellman has 6 goals but as important is Ralston is racking up the assists and 2 rookies have scored. Can you say well-rounded? I have high hopes for revs this season.
I still hate Landon Donovan no matter how much skill he has. Hes a baby superstar who picks and chooses when he wants to play. In any case he should be in Europe playing with big boys rather than LA just so he does not have to work so hard and live in some mansion probably on the beach.
I'll post a video of why donovan sucks in my next post if I find it its from the 2006 WC.
Anyway go revs and i'll keep this up.
I discovered there are blogs out there about soccer and rather than just read others I want to controbute my own spiel.
This will stay mostly related to the Revolution, my local MLS team and the one I follow most closely, but I also might put up stuff about the USMNT or other random soccer things as I try to pay attention to the entire soccer world.
For now I'll just say I am very happy with Rev performances this season. Steve Nicol is simply an amazing coach along with Paul Mariner. Once they start winning MLS Cups (which I hope they do) they can be put in same breath as that other New England coach, Bill Belicheck.
Some brief thoughts about Revs/ MLS
Revs have most points in league right now after two games where they scored 3 goals each. Not concidentally they have most goals in league as well.
Twellman has 6 goals but as important is Ralston is racking up the assists and 2 rookies have scored. Can you say well-rounded? I have high hopes for revs this season.
I still hate Landon Donovan no matter how much skill he has. Hes a baby superstar who picks and chooses when he wants to play. In any case he should be in Europe playing with big boys rather than LA just so he does not have to work so hard and live in some mansion probably on the beach.
I'll post a video of why donovan sucks in my next post if I find it its from the 2006 WC.
Anyway go revs and i'll keep this up.
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