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.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
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.
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