One word can sum up the night that RSL experienced in Kansas City.... "wow".
For the first time in a LONG time, RSL stole points. Yes, you are reading that correctly, RSL stole points from an opponent. The bad play wasn't punished as it always seems to be, unbelievable to say the least. Lets take a look back at what could be, potentially, the biggest road win for RSL since they beat San Jose last year.
The first 45:
As I sat down on the couch to watch this game, I got a very uneasy feeling. For starters, my boys from Milan just got utterly raped by their cross town rivals Inter earlier in the day. I wasn't exactly thrilled or up-beat. Then, just to make things a bit more uneasy, the starting lineup for JK comes out. Up top, we got Cox, Campos, and Mathis. I didn't quite understand what the hell Jason's thoughts were here. A small pitch needs possession, why not put in Fabian Espindola? He says they needed rest, and I partly get that, but at the same time these are professional athletes that get paid to run around. I think they should be able to handle a game, especially on the postage stamp that is KC ballpark. Next, the midfield, the area I was pleased with. Beckerman, Andy, and Ned. A solid possession oriented group that was going to be the decision maker for this game. Finally, the back line: Wingert, Olave, Borchers, and Russell. No Beltran? The guy has been one of the most consistent guys for us since his rough start, but it wasn't such a drop-off to have Russell in their, was it? I guess we could find out one way...
As the game began, I remembered just how small this stupid pitch in KC is. RES all of the sudden looked huge, that's just wrong and embarrassing to the league. It became obvious that this game was going to require short passes and a lot of movement off the ball if any goals were going to come. That is exactly how RSL got the lone goal of the game. Andy continued his good form and created a chance with Russell and Wingert down the wing. A cheeky ball from Andy found a wide open Campos on the pk mark, and not even an RSL player could miss that one. Into the side netting and I was ecstatic. I jumped off the couch, pumped the fists, yelled a bit, and then sat down realizing this game was far from over.
The rest of the half was not pretty in the least. RSL was on their heels for a good majority, but only one or two chances were seriously threatening. Seitz was playing quite well, his positioning was superb, and it seemed as though he had everything they threw at him covered. Oh the luxuries of having a keeper over 5 foot (no offense Rimando). Then came a very bizarre play, even by MLS standards. Grabavoy goes into a hard tackle with Gomez. The ball pops loose to a KC player and the ref calls play on. While I may not be an expert at reffing, I believe that if you are going to send someone off for a tackle, it should be done immediately. Apparently, this isn't the case. KC attacked, the ball went out, then you see the ref jogging back to where Gomez was lying. Next thing you know, a bunch of RSL players are around the ref with their arms up and saying "duck" a lot. At first, I thought he was going back to give a yellow for the tackle, it was worthy of that. but that wasn't the case. Grabavoy is walking off the pitch and nobody really gets whats going on. Replay shows that Grabavoy was a bit late, but a red was VERY harsh, even to Brian Dunseth (and that's saying something). Unbelievable, I thought the game was gone right there. No way RSL can play like they had for the last little bit with only 10 men, no way.
The Second 45:
While a lot of people don't understand the Andy Williams sub, I can say it was actually a pretty smart move. Andy, though he is fantastic, is not the fittest guy on the squad. He logged in roughly 80 against New England on Sunday, the full 90 against Chivas on Wednesday, and had gone 45 already here. That is a bit rough, especially for a guy his age, with his situation, and his fitness level. Jean, while he might not be the first guy you would think of, is actually a great presence in the middle. He reminds me of Olave, and its not just because they look a lot alike. Hard tackles, good play, a little bit of flair here and there, but all around just a solid player. The Findley sub was obviously going to happen, whether it should have been Campos or not though was the problem I was having. Pablo was winning balls up top and keeping possession for us AND he was tracking back quite. I would have rather seen Findley come on for Cox or Mathis, but wasn't infuriated with the Campos sub. The Espy sub, just like the Findley sub, was obviously coming. Cox was the right choice there, he just wasnt getting it done like he should have. The play in the second 45... I would rather not talk about it. How we got out of there without conceding a goal is still a head-scratcher to me. I thought RSL sucked bad at finishing... wow. This KC team has a LOT of problems going on with it right now. They look like the May version of us, just cant seem to snap out of it like we did. I will just sum up the second 45 with one word, lucky.
Player Evals:
Seitz: A-
I am seriously torn on who to give the MOTM to. Seitz was HUGE in the back for us. Not only did he make huge saves, but he did great at being the general of the team. His voice was consistently heard through the on-field mics. He was smart with his play, composed, and quite honestly, he looked a whole lot more experienced then he is.
Wingert: B+
Solid night again from Wingert. Smart play, good composure on the ball, and really just didn't make a bad mistake like he sometimes does.
Olave: A-
JAMISON! Olave is slowly but surely passing Nat as best defender on this team. Personally, I think he is the best, but others don't. However, I see that changing if he continues his very composed and solid play.
Borchers: B+
I like Nat a lot, but his speed kills me. If he had a better step, he wouldn't be here though.
Russell: B
Good night, but not fantastic night. Did his job, won tackles, just made sure to not get seriously beat as he has in the past.
Beckerman: A (MOTM)
I will say that Kyle hasn't exactly been playing well this season, but lately he has been on fire. His work in the middle was top class. His heart was really showing there at the end. That slide he made to deflect the ball wide for a corner was the difference in him being MOTM and not Seitz.
Andy: A-
Good work from Andy. Great vision, just wish he was fully fit so we could have that for 90 minutes all the time. He will be big in this final stretch, mark my words.
Ned: B+
The red was HARSH, and before that, he was doing VERY well in the middle. Bad luck for Ned, we will miss him next match.
Cox: B-
Had the worst night for an RSL player, but it was abysmal. He ran his ass off and just annoyed the crap out of Kansas City players the whole time he was on. He looks like Will Johnson 2.0...
Campos: A-
Good game from Pablo. I am actually starting to understand why he is here. Great post-up play, good possession, and a pretty talented player. Hope to see more of him in the starting XI honestly.
Mathis: B
He did a lot of work, but faded in the latter stages. I really wish Kreis would have subbed him, but it was either he or Cox that came off... and I think Cox was the right choice in the end.
Findley: B
Good work, not great stuff, but annoyed their back line. Maybe should have finished one on an early shot, but still a good night.
Jean: B+
Surprisingly this guy logged in some seriously good minutes. Will he push Russell for that other holding mid spot against Chicago? I hope so, we need the competition. Big guy, look forward to seeing more of him, but not until next year honestly.
Espy: B+
Espy keeps being the guy that does a ton of work out there that really goes unnoticed. Loved his effort tonight, he should be back in the starting lineup against Chicago, no doubt in my mind.
RSL: B+
The grades overall are all a bit high, I will admit that. However, it is a bit justified. We played down a man for over 45 minutes, and didn't conceive a goal. Realistically, that is a combo of Kansas City sucking and us doing the scrappy work, but nonetheless its still the same in the end. 3 HUGE points for this team. Sitting at 33 with 6 games left doesn't sound that bad at all...
Looking Forward:
RSL will get a bit of a rest, which maybe it doesn't want. The last 2 games have looked like an entirely different team, we can only hope that continues to happen. The next game, in my opinion, is the hardest one left on our schedule given the individual situations associated with the other 5 games. No Beckerman, no Ned, and Chicago is the best road team in the league... its not looking like a game that will easily go RSL's way. I think RSL has the ability to win that game, and honestly, I think we will. 3 points there, and we sit at 36 with 5 games left. While it is impossible to say how many will be needed, 43 looks more and more like the special number. That means we would need to get 7 points out of 5 games, 2 of those at home... I believe.
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.29.2009
8.28.2009
RSL vs Kansas City - pregame
Only 2 days rest for the boys before they head out to Kansas City to take on the struggling Wizards. Usually this kind of game would have loss written all over it for RSL. First, and the most obvious, is that its on the road. Second, RSL only has 2 days of rest. Last, the dimensions of the Kansas City baseball field... er pitch, are going to make it hard for RSL to create the space it thrives on. With that said, RSL looked like a team with a chip on their shoulder against Chivas and like they wanted to prove something. With how tight this league is, especially near the 6-10 spots, a win here could throw RSL right into the playoff picture seriously. However, a loss could throw them back to the bottom of the list. Here is to hoping for the first scenario.
I am expecting Kreis to stick to his word and reward players for their performances in training and games. Based upon the Chivas game, no changes should be made, but that isn't the case. Will Johnson will be serving a yellow card suspension, and really it came at the best spot it possibly could have I think, if it had to happen. I am hoping for Kreis to only make the adjustment there, and to leave the rest of the team the same. There was a hint of good chemistry with the starting lineup against Chivas, so why mess with it.
Rimando
Wingert Olave Borchers Beltran
Beckerman Williams Grab-my-boys
Khalifi Campos Espy
Andy earned another start at the attacking mid role after his brilliant performance against Chivas, sorry Javi and Clint. Campos is a great post up man, and with the small field we will be playing on, we are going to need all the possession we can get, sorry Robbie. Khalifi actually knows how to play the wing position, and its natural to him. The same cant be said for Clint.
Prediction: 2-0 RSL
Maybe I am being way to optimistic, but this game I think is the one where RSL shows the rest of the league that we are for real (no pun intended). Kansas City has only won one game since they knocked us off in the RioT, that is plain and simply awful. RSL owes these guys a bit of revenge for that lone loss, I hope JK and co remind them of that before the game.
Cheers,
15 to 32
I am expecting Kreis to stick to his word and reward players for their performances in training and games. Based upon the Chivas game, no changes should be made, but that isn't the case. Will Johnson will be serving a yellow card suspension, and really it came at the best spot it possibly could have I think, if it had to happen. I am hoping for Kreis to only make the adjustment there, and to leave the rest of the team the same. There was a hint of good chemistry with the starting lineup against Chivas, so why mess with it.
Rimando
Wingert Olave Borchers Beltran
Beckerman Williams Grab-my-boys
Khalifi Campos Espy
Andy earned another start at the attacking mid role after his brilliant performance against Chivas, sorry Javi and Clint. Campos is a great post up man, and with the small field we will be playing on, we are going to need all the possession we can get, sorry Robbie. Khalifi actually knows how to play the wing position, and its natural to him. The same cant be said for Clint.
Prediction: 2-0 RSL
Maybe I am being way to optimistic, but this game I think is the one where RSL shows the rest of the league that we are for real (no pun intended). Kansas City has only won one game since they knocked us off in the RioT, that is plain and simply awful. RSL owes these guys a bit of revenge for that lone loss, I hope JK and co remind them of that before the game.
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.26.2009
Post Chivas vs RSL Game
Well, as my father has often told me, even a blind squirrel can find an acorn.
I have to admit, I went into this game against our expansion siblings thinking it was the end of the season. Anything but a solid 3 points here and the chances for this squad to make a run into the post season would be all but finished. Nothing, save the home field advantage, gave me a feeling that this game would be RSL's, and definitely not in the fashion it was.
First off, just on a side note, whoever decided that RSL should wear their white tops, with their blue bottoms and socks needs to be shot. I am not a super fashionable person myself, but it looked like we were wearing something a 5 year old picked out. Yes I understand that we couldn't wear our full home kit as the blue tops would clash, and I know we couldn't wear our full white kit as the shorts would clash, but seriously? Come on, don't we have a 3rd jersey (the greens?) or something better (training kits with names added to them?). Just a side note that wasn't very important, I just thought it was a bit comical.
Moving on to the game:
The starting XI was fantastic. It only took a handful of games for Kreis to finally figure it out, but he did figure it out. He put in an actual target for his two wings, and it produced and was dangerous the entire night. Add that to some of the most fantastic play I have seen out of Andy Williams in a long time, and a very solid effort from pretty much everyone else on the pitch, and you get a 4-0 drubbing of the second Chivas.
The first 45 was a pretty even battle. RSL came out with a bit more fire than Chivas, something I haven't seen from this team in quite some time, and seemed like they wanted to be the first ones to get on the board and to get all 3 points. Credit has to be given to Chivas though as they kept their shape and only had a couple serious saves to make. Then, after about 20 minutes or so, the attack switched and Chivas took it to the home side. RSL was lucky not to concede a goal on a very cheeky back heel/redirection that Nicky Rimando somehow got a hand to (save of the week candidate?). After that, it leveled out again until a very nice tackle from Beckerman in the middle of the field gave him some open space. A clever ball out wide to Espindola lead to a well placed cross to the big man in the middle who tucked it inside the far post. Props to Campos for saying hi to his wife and soon-to-be child, that was classy. The half ended with RSL just holding onto the lead and neither team really pushing much.
The second 45:
Kreis made no subs at half, which to be honest was a bit surprising. Campos was sitting on a yellow after a pretty reckless tackle at the end of the half and was seeming a bit gassed. I thought at first he should bring on Findley then, but as he stated in the post game show "making subs at half can put you in a bad spot if anything happens in the first part of the half". I was amazed, Kreis should some tactical sense to his subbing... there is a god. The half started where it left off, a pretty even battle with RSL being the more dominate side, but not by much. Then, came the Andy Williams show. I haven't seen Andy play with that fire for that long of a period of time (the FULL 90) in quite some time. I think he saw the door open to take Javi's spot, and isn't going to sit quietly, which is a VERY good thing for this squad. His clever little balls, dicing Sasha Kljeiaojdlafdsljhstan (you have to say it like that), and vision were superb. He found Espy out wide, who then took the former RSL man Talley to town by faking to his right (like he would ever go that way) and firing a rocket into the far post with his left (aka, his only foot). The last two goals came because Findley was finally used properly. As the Chivas defense wore down, Findley looked more and more explosive. Off of an extremely nice cross by Wingert, Findley caught Talley (again, poor guy) flat footed, blew past him, and sloted the ball back to the near post for a 3 to nothing lead. But it wasn't over there, Mathis wanted in on the assists. He found Findley streaking towards goal. Findley, again, cut across Talley (that's 3 if you are counting, and his birthday... ouch) and fired one off the far post and in (gotw?)
In the end, I hate to say it, but I have my faith restored in this team. With that starting XI and those kind of substitutions, this team can make a push. This next game is HUGE for RSL. I am not sure if I will categorize it as a must win game or a must get a point game, but either way, a loss is far from acceptable.
Player Evals:
Rimando: A-
I want to give the guy an A, but his dive to the far post when the ball was obviously going wide made me reduce it to an A-. Showing off like that is pretty retarded Rimando, no offense. With that said, FANTASTIC save in the first half. That is the kind of stuff that deserves save of the week honors.
Beltran: B+
Tony is becoming one of the most consistent players on this team, and it actually hurts him in my evals. He plays so good, that I don't know how to grade it. Tony is the kind of player this team needs to lock into a long contract in my opinion.
Olave: A
JAMISON!!! This guy was a beast tonight. If Andy didn't have such a spectacular night, he would win man of the match honors without a doubt. Solid tackle after solid tackle. Smart plays, very nice touch, a steal for this team, and absolute steal.
Borchers: A-
Its not that I don't like Nat, its just that Olave set the bar too high with his play. Nat, great game again. Solid in the back, the BEST defender when he is behind the ball. He isn't great at recovery, but he usually doesn't have to worry about that.
Wingert: A-
That is the kind of game we need out of him. Solid tackles, smart decisions with the ball, shut down one of the better players in the league all night. oh, and one hell of an assist to Findley on the 3rd goal. I bash on you a lot Chris, but I cant tonight. That was one hell of a game you put in
Johnson: B+
This guy is a beast as well. I give him a lower grade as I feel the need to give at least someone below an A and why not the guy who is suspended next match. Seriously though, Will had a great night as well and the yellow he got was pretty soft (big man Jesse Marsh all of the sudden became soft that play... wtf)
Beckerman: A-
As many people involved with soccer/football will say, when you don't hear too much about your holding mid, it usually means he is having a good night. Kyle did the work, distributed, got forward as needed, and played with a lot more confidence. While I don't personally think the national team call up is deserved, it is obviously boosting his morale, and that's a good thing no matter what.
Andy: A+ MOTM
Andy was everywhere on the pitch. If he made a bad pass, he was sprinting back. His vision is better than anyone on this squad (yes, even better than Javi) when he is on his game. I didn't think he had 90 in him, but he sure proved otherwise tonight. Andy, I hope this is just the start of another great run with the team. I know my love for Andy makes me a bit blind at times, but that was a damn good match, everyone agrees.
Espy: A
Fabian is coming back into form under a lot of people's noses. Even though a lot of us may think he would do better in the center striker role, he has adjusted his game and is thriving on the wing. In the last 3 or 4 matches he has figured out how to go at players, get the space he needs, and either get quality service into the box or make a dangerous run in himself. Great game from Fabian, great game (and one hell of a finish I might add)
Campos: B+
While he may not be the fastest guy (giant understatement) he is very good with his feet and is pretty good in the air. This is exactly what we need at that post position to start the game. His skills worked wonderfully and he deserved the goal he got. I expect to see him back in the starting XI against KC and probably for the rest of the season unless things go bad.
REK: B+
Rachid reminds me of Will from last year in how he is gelling with the squad. The pure raw talent and understanding of the game put him a lot further ahead than most players would be with the little amount of time he has been here. JK, I hope at least, recognizes this and is trying to get him to be a staple in our lineup like Johnson. Will wasn't fantastic in his first couple of games last year if you remember, but you could see what he wanted to do... the same is with Khalifi. I have high hopes for this guy, he seems like a very good find for what this team needs.
Mathis: B
I was VERY happy to see Kreis send the same message as he did to Olave. This can only be good when it comes to the locker room. Clint didn't seemed pissed at all, and logged in some very good minutes. The level of play didn't drop when he came in, and that is the biggest thing for a sub. Good game Clint, and a very clever assist.
Findley: A
Robbie has found his role. He could very easily be leading scorer in this league despite only averaging around 30 minutes a game with his talent and skills. Two very pretty finishes, with the second one topping the first. Good game Findley, continue the hard work
Ned: B
Like Clint, Ned came on but the level of play did not drop. This is HUGE for subs, especially in a position as vital as the one Ned plays with this team. Good hard working minutes from Ned. I expect him to be the replacement for Johnson this weekend in Kansas City, and for there to be just as much work and the level of play to be just as high.
Looking Ahead:
This win means nothing if RSL can't find some points in Kansas City baseball field. There are going to be a lot of things to deal with there (sun, dimensions, etc) but I have faith that if RSL plays its game, we can get some revenge on our only home loss of the season.
Cheers,
15 to 32
I have to admit, I went into this game against our expansion siblings thinking it was the end of the season. Anything but a solid 3 points here and the chances for this squad to make a run into the post season would be all but finished. Nothing, save the home field advantage, gave me a feeling that this game would be RSL's, and definitely not in the fashion it was.
First off, just on a side note, whoever decided that RSL should wear their white tops, with their blue bottoms and socks needs to be shot. I am not a super fashionable person myself, but it looked like we were wearing something a 5 year old picked out. Yes I understand that we couldn't wear our full home kit as the blue tops would clash, and I know we couldn't wear our full white kit as the shorts would clash, but seriously? Come on, don't we have a 3rd jersey (the greens?) or something better (training kits with names added to them?). Just a side note that wasn't very important, I just thought it was a bit comical.
Moving on to the game:
The starting XI was fantastic. It only took a handful of games for Kreis to finally figure it out, but he did figure it out. He put in an actual target for his two wings, and it produced and was dangerous the entire night. Add that to some of the most fantastic play I have seen out of Andy Williams in a long time, and a very solid effort from pretty much everyone else on the pitch, and you get a 4-0 drubbing of the second Chivas.
The first 45 was a pretty even battle. RSL came out with a bit more fire than Chivas, something I haven't seen from this team in quite some time, and seemed like they wanted to be the first ones to get on the board and to get all 3 points. Credit has to be given to Chivas though as they kept their shape and only had a couple serious saves to make. Then, after about 20 minutes or so, the attack switched and Chivas took it to the home side. RSL was lucky not to concede a goal on a very cheeky back heel/redirection that Nicky Rimando somehow got a hand to (save of the week candidate?). After that, it leveled out again until a very nice tackle from Beckerman in the middle of the field gave him some open space. A clever ball out wide to Espindola lead to a well placed cross to the big man in the middle who tucked it inside the far post. Props to Campos for saying hi to his wife and soon-to-be child, that was classy. The half ended with RSL just holding onto the lead and neither team really pushing much.
The second 45:
Kreis made no subs at half, which to be honest was a bit surprising. Campos was sitting on a yellow after a pretty reckless tackle at the end of the half and was seeming a bit gassed. I thought at first he should bring on Findley then, but as he stated in the post game show "making subs at half can put you in a bad spot if anything happens in the first part of the half". I was amazed, Kreis should some tactical sense to his subbing... there is a god. The half started where it left off, a pretty even battle with RSL being the more dominate side, but not by much. Then, came the Andy Williams show. I haven't seen Andy play with that fire for that long of a period of time (the FULL 90) in quite some time. I think he saw the door open to take Javi's spot, and isn't going to sit quietly, which is a VERY good thing for this squad. His clever little balls, dicing Sasha Kljeiaojdlafdsljhstan (you have to say it like that), and vision were superb. He found Espy out wide, who then took the former RSL man Talley to town by faking to his right (like he would ever go that way) and firing a rocket into the far post with his left (aka, his only foot). The last two goals came because Findley was finally used properly. As the Chivas defense wore down, Findley looked more and more explosive. Off of an extremely nice cross by Wingert, Findley caught Talley (again, poor guy) flat footed, blew past him, and sloted the ball back to the near post for a 3 to nothing lead. But it wasn't over there, Mathis wanted in on the assists. He found Findley streaking towards goal. Findley, again, cut across Talley (that's 3 if you are counting, and his birthday... ouch) and fired one off the far post and in (gotw?)
In the end, I hate to say it, but I have my faith restored in this team. With that starting XI and those kind of substitutions, this team can make a push. This next game is HUGE for RSL. I am not sure if I will categorize it as a must win game or a must get a point game, but either way, a loss is far from acceptable.
Player Evals:
Rimando: A-
I want to give the guy an A, but his dive to the far post when the ball was obviously going wide made me reduce it to an A-. Showing off like that is pretty retarded Rimando, no offense. With that said, FANTASTIC save in the first half. That is the kind of stuff that deserves save of the week honors.
Beltran: B+
Tony is becoming one of the most consistent players on this team, and it actually hurts him in my evals. He plays so good, that I don't know how to grade it. Tony is the kind of player this team needs to lock into a long contract in my opinion.
Olave: A
JAMISON!!! This guy was a beast tonight. If Andy didn't have such a spectacular night, he would win man of the match honors without a doubt. Solid tackle after solid tackle. Smart plays, very nice touch, a steal for this team, and absolute steal.
Borchers: A-
Its not that I don't like Nat, its just that Olave set the bar too high with his play. Nat, great game again. Solid in the back, the BEST defender when he is behind the ball. He isn't great at recovery, but he usually doesn't have to worry about that.
Wingert: A-
That is the kind of game we need out of him. Solid tackles, smart decisions with the ball, shut down one of the better players in the league all night. oh, and one hell of an assist to Findley on the 3rd goal. I bash on you a lot Chris, but I cant tonight. That was one hell of a game you put in
Johnson: B+
This guy is a beast as well. I give him a lower grade as I feel the need to give at least someone below an A and why not the guy who is suspended next match. Seriously though, Will had a great night as well and the yellow he got was pretty soft (big man Jesse Marsh all of the sudden became soft that play... wtf)
Beckerman: A-
As many people involved with soccer/football will say, when you don't hear too much about your holding mid, it usually means he is having a good night. Kyle did the work, distributed, got forward as needed, and played with a lot more confidence. While I don't personally think the national team call up is deserved, it is obviously boosting his morale, and that's a good thing no matter what.
Andy: A+ MOTM
Andy was everywhere on the pitch. If he made a bad pass, he was sprinting back. His vision is better than anyone on this squad (yes, even better than Javi) when he is on his game. I didn't think he had 90 in him, but he sure proved otherwise tonight. Andy, I hope this is just the start of another great run with the team. I know my love for Andy makes me a bit blind at times, but that was a damn good match, everyone agrees.
Espy: A
Fabian is coming back into form under a lot of people's noses. Even though a lot of us may think he would do better in the center striker role, he has adjusted his game and is thriving on the wing. In the last 3 or 4 matches he has figured out how to go at players, get the space he needs, and either get quality service into the box or make a dangerous run in himself. Great game from Fabian, great game (and one hell of a finish I might add)
Campos: B+
While he may not be the fastest guy (giant understatement) he is very good with his feet and is pretty good in the air. This is exactly what we need at that post position to start the game. His skills worked wonderfully and he deserved the goal he got. I expect to see him back in the starting XI against KC and probably for the rest of the season unless things go bad.
REK: B+
Rachid reminds me of Will from last year in how he is gelling with the squad. The pure raw talent and understanding of the game put him a lot further ahead than most players would be with the little amount of time he has been here. JK, I hope at least, recognizes this and is trying to get him to be a staple in our lineup like Johnson. Will wasn't fantastic in his first couple of games last year if you remember, but you could see what he wanted to do... the same is with Khalifi. I have high hopes for this guy, he seems like a very good find for what this team needs.
Mathis: B
I was VERY happy to see Kreis send the same message as he did to Olave. This can only be good when it comes to the locker room. Clint didn't seemed pissed at all, and logged in some very good minutes. The level of play didn't drop when he came in, and that is the biggest thing for a sub. Good game Clint, and a very clever assist.
Findley: A
Robbie has found his role. He could very easily be leading scorer in this league despite only averaging around 30 minutes a game with his talent and skills. Two very pretty finishes, with the second one topping the first. Good game Findley, continue the hard work
Ned: B
Like Clint, Ned came on but the level of play did not drop. This is HUGE for subs, especially in a position as vital as the one Ned plays with this team. Good hard working minutes from Ned. I expect him to be the replacement for Johnson this weekend in Kansas City, and for there to be just as much work and the level of play to be just as high.
Looking Ahead:
This win means nothing if RSL can't find some points in Kansas City baseball field. There are going to be a lot of things to deal with there (sun, dimensions, etc) but I have faith that if RSL plays its game, we can get some revenge on our only home loss of the season.
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.24.2009
Post New England, Pre Chivas
New England Reaction:
With the short schedule for RSL this week, this is going to be a double post of sorts. First, the "game" that RSL played over in Boston. Just like you would expect, RSL showed why it is one of the worst road teams in the league. Going into a game against an opponent with half as much rest, RSL looked the less composed and more tired squad for pretty much 80 minutes of the game. Of course there were stretches where RSL looked like an actual competent soccer team (findley off the post) but there was too much bad to make this a point deserving game for RSL.
Player Evals:
Rimando: B
It sucks when he gets so little help in front of him, but I felt he could have done a bit better on one or two of the goals. A cross should never come into a keepers 6 yard box without him being there to meet it, and Rimando has to learn to actually block the ball away from goal if he cant save it. Too many times Rimando gets caught ball watching on crosses, and when a shot comes in he pushes it to the center of goal rather than away or all the way across the frame.
Wingert: C
Awful, it seemed as though all of the New England attack came down his wing. Its sad we don't have Ian Joy anymore because he would be a starter (well with most coaches) a long time ago.
Russell: D
Seriously one of the worst matches I have seen from any RSL player (that includes Mr Horst shit himself). Russell should be in contention for man of the match... for new england.
Borchers: C
He seems to struggle without a physical presence like Olave supporting him. He too got burned on the goals quite a bit, too much ball watching.
Beltran: B+
One of the few bright spots for the team this game and really this season has been tony. He did his job on the right side of D for RSL. Its too bad he was surrounded by incompetent players in the D.
Beckerman: C+
So this guy goes and works his tail off for the nat team. That nat team wasn't exactly super stars, at the most it was a bunch of high quality MLS players. So where is that work and consistency in the RSL kit? very strange to me that he disappears to much with this team when he was standing out with the other.
Johnson: C
For claiming this was a big game, Johnson sure seemed to disappear for LONG stretches of the match. He was huge for us last season when we made the final push, but has become less and less effective this season.
Javi: C
He wasn't having the greatest of matches for the short time he was on, and its hard to say how it would have gone. But being an RSL fan/supporter, its pretty easy to see how it very likely would have gone. Hope he gets feeling better, if he does in fact have a groin problem, don't expect to see him for 2-4 weeks.
Espy: B+ (MOTM)
Espy showed once again that he will do the work that is needed from him, and then some. I feel bad for the guy since he is on a team that plays "attacking soccer" yet gets no support around the 18.
Findley: C-
Lets just admit it people, Findley is not that good and is in a slump right now. I think my 8 year old brother could have put that one away that he rang off the post. Why he decided he had to take 3 touches after getting the ball from Reis is beyond me. But if Findley was on any other team, he would never start. His speed only works late in games when he is fresh and the D is not... but don't expect JK to realize this EVER.
REK: B
I thought Khalifi did alright. You can tell he is still adjusting a bit to the team, but it was a much better performance than his last game (and that wasn't that bad in my opinion). His crosses are, as advertised, pin point... we just cant finish them.
Andy: B-
For how many minutes he had to put in, Andy did quite well. Towards the end, it seemed he and Espy were the only ones willing to work off the ball to make something happen. That is a pretty pathetic thing to say considering his fitness level compared to everyone else.
Ned: B
Didn't really get much, but was there for the lone RSL goal.
Campos: B-
The guy doesn't impress me with his feet (which he is supposedly great with) and he isn't a very big threat in the air despite having a couple inches on most players... its confusing to say the least as to why JK and co were so big on this guy.
RSL: C
Awful awful AWFUL night. Not exactly the raping I was thinking that it could easily have been, but to allow some guy named Dube to get a hat-trick on us... that's pathetic in the very least. Jason, better start getting that resume prepared.
Chivas Pregame:
This Wednesday we host Chivas USA (sadly not the real one yet) in what is a must win game if anybody wants to take this team seriously for the rest of the season. Before the New England game people were saying that we needed to get at least 6 points out of the next 3 matches, well that means a win here and a win at Kansas City... Do I have my doubts, of course I do, but I still think this team has that fighting spirit somewhere (in Germany) to win some games.
Nothing about this game gives me any hope of an RSL win though. A short week, a cross-country travel back home, a total lack of heart lately, and we cant seem to finish anything in front of goal (even if its wide open) unless the other team puts it in for us... The one thing to look forward to this game is what JK will do with Yura and Mathis. Rumors are they both are on the outs with the club, what does this mean for this game? Who knows.
Starting XI will likely be:
Rimando
Wingert Olave Borchers Beltran
Johnson Javi/Andy Beckerman
Espy Findley REK
If Javi can go (I highly doubt it) then I would expect to see Andy out there despite him not being a 90 minute guy. Personally, I think if you don't get the win this game, its time to start mixing up the lineup and figuring out who you want to keep for next season and who should go.
Prediction: RSL 1 Chivas 1
And JK gets a nice gift from me against Chicago
Cheers,
15 to 32
With the short schedule for RSL this week, this is going to be a double post of sorts. First, the "game" that RSL played over in Boston. Just like you would expect, RSL showed why it is one of the worst road teams in the league. Going into a game against an opponent with half as much rest, RSL looked the less composed and more tired squad for pretty much 80 minutes of the game. Of course there were stretches where RSL looked like an actual competent soccer team (findley off the post) but there was too much bad to make this a point deserving game for RSL.
Player Evals:
Rimando: B
It sucks when he gets so little help in front of him, but I felt he could have done a bit better on one or two of the goals. A cross should never come into a keepers 6 yard box without him being there to meet it, and Rimando has to learn to actually block the ball away from goal if he cant save it. Too many times Rimando gets caught ball watching on crosses, and when a shot comes in he pushes it to the center of goal rather than away or all the way across the frame.
Wingert: C
Awful, it seemed as though all of the New England attack came down his wing. Its sad we don't have Ian Joy anymore because he would be a starter (well with most coaches) a long time ago.
Russell: D
Seriously one of the worst matches I have seen from any RSL player (that includes Mr Horst shit himself). Russell should be in contention for man of the match... for new england.
Borchers: C
He seems to struggle without a physical presence like Olave supporting him. He too got burned on the goals quite a bit, too much ball watching.
Beltran: B+
One of the few bright spots for the team this game and really this season has been tony. He did his job on the right side of D for RSL. Its too bad he was surrounded by incompetent players in the D.
Beckerman: C+
So this guy goes and works his tail off for the nat team. That nat team wasn't exactly super stars, at the most it was a bunch of high quality MLS players. So where is that work and consistency in the RSL kit? very strange to me that he disappears to much with this team when he was standing out with the other.
Johnson: C
For claiming this was a big game, Johnson sure seemed to disappear for LONG stretches of the match. He was huge for us last season when we made the final push, but has become less and less effective this season.
Javi: C
He wasn't having the greatest of matches for the short time he was on, and its hard to say how it would have gone. But being an RSL fan/supporter, its pretty easy to see how it very likely would have gone. Hope he gets feeling better, if he does in fact have a groin problem, don't expect to see him for 2-4 weeks.
Espy: B+ (MOTM)
Espy showed once again that he will do the work that is needed from him, and then some. I feel bad for the guy since he is on a team that plays "attacking soccer" yet gets no support around the 18.
Findley: C-
Lets just admit it people, Findley is not that good and is in a slump right now. I think my 8 year old brother could have put that one away that he rang off the post. Why he decided he had to take 3 touches after getting the ball from Reis is beyond me. But if Findley was on any other team, he would never start. His speed only works late in games when he is fresh and the D is not... but don't expect JK to realize this EVER.
REK: B
I thought Khalifi did alright. You can tell he is still adjusting a bit to the team, but it was a much better performance than his last game (and that wasn't that bad in my opinion). His crosses are, as advertised, pin point... we just cant finish them.
Andy: B-
For how many minutes he had to put in, Andy did quite well. Towards the end, it seemed he and Espy were the only ones willing to work off the ball to make something happen. That is a pretty pathetic thing to say considering his fitness level compared to everyone else.
Ned: B
Didn't really get much, but was there for the lone RSL goal.
Campos: B-
The guy doesn't impress me with his feet (which he is supposedly great with) and he isn't a very big threat in the air despite having a couple inches on most players... its confusing to say the least as to why JK and co were so big on this guy.
RSL: C
Awful awful AWFUL night. Not exactly the raping I was thinking that it could easily have been, but to allow some guy named Dube to get a hat-trick on us... that's pathetic in the very least. Jason, better start getting that resume prepared.
Chivas Pregame:
This Wednesday we host Chivas USA (sadly not the real one yet) in what is a must win game if anybody wants to take this team seriously for the rest of the season. Before the New England game people were saying that we needed to get at least 6 points out of the next 3 matches, well that means a win here and a win at Kansas City... Do I have my doubts, of course I do, but I still think this team has that fighting spirit somewhere (in Germany) to win some games.
Nothing about this game gives me any hope of an RSL win though. A short week, a cross-country travel back home, a total lack of heart lately, and we cant seem to finish anything in front of goal (even if its wide open) unless the other team puts it in for us... The one thing to look forward to this game is what JK will do with Yura and Mathis. Rumors are they both are on the outs with the club, what does this mean for this game? Who knows.
Starting XI will likely be:
Rimando
Wingert Olave Borchers Beltran
Johnson Javi/Andy Beckerman
Espy Findley REK
If Javi can go (I highly doubt it) then I would expect to see Andy out there despite him not being a 90 minute guy. Personally, I think if you don't get the win this game, its time to start mixing up the lineup and figuring out who you want to keep for next season and who should go.
Prediction: RSL 1 Chivas 1
And JK gets a nice gift from me against Chicago
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.22.2009
RSL vs New England - Pregame
I first have to apologize for this post coming so late. This past week seemed to fly by and before I knew it, it was Saturday night. Thank goodness this was a Sunday game or I would have failed to meet my minimum in my second week of blogging... yikes. Apologies aside, lets take a look at the next test for RSL (NOT the lakers)
RSL, on paper, should have a big advantage this weekend in Boston. For starters, New England had to play all the way across the country in the "friendly" confines of Quest Field against the Seattle Sounders. New England, much to my surprise and many others as well, knocked off the home team in a pretty ugly (both game and officiating) match. This game came on the 20th, giving New England just 3 days to get home and prepare for RSL at home. To be honest, it was one of the best teams New England could have scheduled for that short of a break. RSL is nearly the worst road team in the league, they struggle to score, and are coming off a game where they couldn't seem to finish a happy meal. Add the suspensions of the rock Olave and the streaky (though bad as of late) Mathis, and that "advantage" RSL once had, is pretty much gone and the game is level. That, though, may be a good thing for RSL. Whenever they go on the road it seems to be a doubtful game to get any form of points. However, given the situation, they actually have a decent shot at achieving them. Here is what I think RSL will use as its starting XI:
Rimando
Wingert Russell Borchers Beltran
Johnson Javi Beckerman
REK Findley Espy
This lineup isnt too bad, however, there is one simple change that I personally think could swing this game back in the favor of RSL. Switch out Findley for Campos to start. This allows Espy and REK to serve in crosses to a bigger target. It also, and I think this is the better selling point, allows Findley to come on in the 60th minute (roughly) to run over a very tired D. The NE D will already be a bitter beat from the short schedule, if you give Findley another advantage like that... we could see some magic from him. I highly doubt this will happen though as, for some strange reason, Pablo hasn't gotten many minutes since joining the club.
At the first of the week, shortly after the disappointing loss...er tie with Houston at home, I thought this game had disaster written all over it. NE owes us a bit of revenge for the 6-0 thrashing we put on them earlier this season (by the way, where did that team go?) and we are on the road... not a good formula for RSL. BUT, I have had a change of heart as the week has worn on. New England's display against Seattle was anything put fantastic. They showed holes on their wings and their central mids started to die down towards the end of the second half. I still have my doubts that RSL is going to get the win, but there isn't much season left for their road game win that turns things around (like last year @ San Jose).
Prediction: RSL 2 New England 2
A draw that wont sink all playoff hopes, but it surely wont help them too much.
COME ON RSL!!! Prove my prediction wrong (in the right way this time please)
Cheers,
15 to 32
RSL, on paper, should have a big advantage this weekend in Boston. For starters, New England had to play all the way across the country in the "friendly" confines of Quest Field against the Seattle Sounders. New England, much to my surprise and many others as well, knocked off the home team in a pretty ugly (both game and officiating) match. This game came on the 20th, giving New England just 3 days to get home and prepare for RSL at home. To be honest, it was one of the best teams New England could have scheduled for that short of a break. RSL is nearly the worst road team in the league, they struggle to score, and are coming off a game where they couldn't seem to finish a happy meal. Add the suspensions of the rock Olave and the streaky (though bad as of late) Mathis, and that "advantage" RSL once had, is pretty much gone and the game is level. That, though, may be a good thing for RSL. Whenever they go on the road it seems to be a doubtful game to get any form of points. However, given the situation, they actually have a decent shot at achieving them. Here is what I think RSL will use as its starting XI:
Rimando
Wingert Russell Borchers Beltran
Johnson Javi Beckerman
REK Findley Espy
This lineup isnt too bad, however, there is one simple change that I personally think could swing this game back in the favor of RSL. Switch out Findley for Campos to start. This allows Espy and REK to serve in crosses to a bigger target. It also, and I think this is the better selling point, allows Findley to come on in the 60th minute (roughly) to run over a very tired D. The NE D will already be a bitter beat from the short schedule, if you give Findley another advantage like that... we could see some magic from him. I highly doubt this will happen though as, for some strange reason, Pablo hasn't gotten many minutes since joining the club.
At the first of the week, shortly after the disappointing loss...er tie with Houston at home, I thought this game had disaster written all over it. NE owes us a bit of revenge for the 6-0 thrashing we put on them earlier this season (by the way, where did that team go?) and we are on the road... not a good formula for RSL. BUT, I have had a change of heart as the week has worn on. New England's display against Seattle was anything put fantastic. They showed holes on their wings and their central mids started to die down towards the end of the second half. I still have my doubts that RSL is going to get the win, but there isn't much season left for their road game win that turns things around (like last year @ San Jose).
Prediction: RSL 2 New England 2
A draw that wont sink all playoff hopes, but it surely wont help them too much.
COME ON RSL!!! Prove my prediction wrong (in the right way this time please)
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.19.2009
The English Premier League - Preview/Opening
One week down, and arguable the best league in the world is more than living up to its title and the new claim that it is more open than ever. The "big 4" still look strong, but some of the outsiders are looking to close the gap and break into that glorious champions league spot. Lets take a look, team by team, at the EPL and what it has to offer this season.
Arsenal:
My personal thoughts, before the season had started, were that this team was going to be the most vulnerable of the big 4. The last couple of seasons have not been spectacular for the gunners, and last season looked like a new low. Most of the season they were battling for that 4th spot. And while they did eventually secure it, and by a good margin, the going was not easy. This season, however, they look like a different team. No Adebayor and you would think the team couldn't score, but it seems just the opposite from their first 2 meaningful matches. They put on a clinic @ Everton and then went into Celtic and got a 2-0 win. Watch out for the gunners, if this kind of play continues, they could be the strange dark horse of sorts.
Aston Villa:
I have always been a fan of the villans. I find their football, their players, their fans, just everything to be spot on for what a good club should have. So, a little foolishly now that I think of it, I thought they could be one of the potential teams to break up the party of 4. However, looking at their losses, most notably Gareth Barry, and their lack of new additions, its hard to see them pushing the likes of Liverpool, arsenal, Chelsea, and united. I expect this team to still finish near a UEFA spot, but wouldn't be surprised to see them miss it. A very talented squad, just still trying to get over that hump this season.
Birmingham City:
After a season away from the top flight, Birmingham finds itself back in the mix. Birmingham has made a few adjustments to try and stay in the top flight this time around, but this league is not for anybody weak or with holes in their roster. Sadly, I think Birmingham's stay will only last this year and they will find themselves being relegated again. Still need to find more talent, but better than the last time around.
Blackburn Rovers:
Having Big Sam on your side is usually a good thing... well don't ask a Newcastle fan about it at least. This team always finds a way to amaze me. They don't have the best players, the best facilities, or anything close to the top (compared to the rest of the league) yet they find a way to scrap out wins and stay in the top flight. I think this trend will continue, but they may flirt with relegation more than they would like. A finish around the middle of the table, more likely the bottom middle, is where I expect Blackburn to be at seasons end.
Bolton Wanderers:
Making sure to have the ugliest kits in all of the EPL (can I get a price check on a Bolton wanderer please on isle 5?) Bolton will not be a push over. While nobody thinks they will push for the Champions League spots, don't be surprised to see them pushing for that UEFA spot. Bolton has many talented players and is always very well managed. This team will surprise people this season.
Burnley:
The league needed another team that wore red with light blue sleeves didn't it? I was watching highlights from this past weekend and was asking myself, why did Villa play twice? Oh wait, maybe West Ham had two games? nope, newly promoted Burnley has decided to stick with a kit that looks pretty much identical to that of those other two teams (should be entertaining to watch those teams play each other don't ya think, especially the fans). I thought this team would be a one and gone kind of team, but after knocking off the champs, Manchester United, they are not to be passed. I still think they will battle relegation all season, but they wont be a Derby County kind of team (no offense). Relegated, but not going down without a fight.
Chelsea:
As hard as it is to admit, this is the team to beat in my opinion. Chelskea has former Milan coach Ancelotti at the reigns and with a very talented squad, they will be a major test for anyone. The only problem I see the fake blues facing is that they have some very streaky players in some very important roles. Terry is always good, Lampard is mostly as well, but players like Drogba, Anelka, Ballack, Deco, etc can all be really good or pretty awful. The trick for Ancelotti will be to find a way to get them all to play well enough to not drop dumb points in the later part of the season like they usually do. Not an easy task, but not impossible with the amount of talent.
Everton:
The true blues (yes I hate Chelsea scum) looked like a team to be reckoned with in pre-season. They knocked off the brilliant MLS all-stars (its a joke, get off the floor) and played well in their friendlies. However, no team wants to open the season with a loss at home, especially one so painfully awful. A 6-1 defeat will be hard to shake, but honestly it came at the best time it could if it had to happen. You learn and move on. Everton has to figure out how to get the ball in the back of the net and how to defend set pieces. They will push the top 4, but it is going to take a MUCH better effort to be an honest threat. UEFA spot maybe in the end, still just not enough consistent talent.
Fulham:
After finishing in a UEFA spot for the first time last season, Everton will be looking to keep and/or improve their status in the league as a top team. While I do not honestly expect them to push the top 4 too much, they have the dark horse role for that kind of thing. Fulham is a very talented squad, then when clicking, can knock off the top teams in the league (see last season against United). I see a similar finish as last season for Fulham, which they will likely be more than happy to keep.
Hull City:
The team that won the hearts of many last season is still, after some sort of miracle, in the top flight. I have never seen a team sink as bad as they did last season, but I am very happy they didn't sink into relegation. With the addition of Jozy Altidore, this team will quickly be one many Americans check on regularly. The Tigers have some very talented players, the most obvious being Geovanni. The man is a machine in the middle that produces some of the most gorgeous goals in the league. I am hopeful that this team can stay in the top flight again, and in the end it should be a very feasible task. However, any dreams of pushing into the top part of the group should be pushed to the side now. They will finish in the middle of the table, but that will be very good for them overall.
Liverpool:
Losing Xabi Alonso looked like it was going to kill Liverpool in their first match against Tottenham. However, it looked like it may have been a short missing period as they destroyed Stoke at home. While Stoke is not top talent, to beat a team like that isn't easy no matter who it is in this league. Liverpool is going to be a good team this year. The addition of Johnson at the outside back position will help greatly. But not having a top holding mid is going to be what kills them in the end. I expect them to stay in the top 4, but it wont be an easy task at all.
Manchester City:
On paper this team has the best chance of breaking into the top 4. But, the game is not played on paper thankfully. While City may have some very good talent, they still lack a strong and sturdy back line. This is one thing that you MUST have if you want to even contend for a top spot, even a UEFA spot, in this league. City may have some fantastic fire power (very streaky though) but they dont have the defense to hold it up. City will finish 5th if they can figure something out on the back line, and that's the very best I see things going for them. If I had to put money on it, I think they will finish just outside the top 4, maybe 6th-8th place.
Manchester United:
The biggest question for the red devils is who will fill in for Ronaldo? This, in my opinion, is not going to be just one player. The easy answer would be Rooney, but he cant do it all on his own, hate to break it to you. Rooney should have a stellar year, the team is now built to go through him, not use him to go through Ronaldo. Unless United figures out a solution, its going to be hard to say that they will defend their title. Players like Nani, Anderson, Berbatov, and Owen have to show their worth this year if this team wants to finish above Chelsea. In the end, I see a tight title race decided on the last day between the red devils and Chelsea... my heart says to go with United, so I will.
Portsmouth:
Poppy is going to have a rough go at it this year I think. They don't have top talent outside of their aging keeper David James. I see them flirting with relegation, and being one of the teams fighting on the last day to stay above water. Will they? Its hard to say. I think they will be the surprise (sorta) relegation team this season.
Stoke City:
Stoke found a way to stay in the top flight last season, but this season is going to be just as hard, if not harder, to keep that place. These guys seem obvious candidates for 2nd season slump/relegation. And honestly, its hard to argue against that. This team does not have the talent to hang with the big, medium, and even other small guns in the league. Stoke could easily be the first team to be relegated this season.
Sunderland:
Somebody has to fill the spots between relegation and the middle of the table, and Sunderland seems to be a shoe-in for that spot. Not great talent, but better than a handful of teams. Sunderland will produce some interesting results, but in the end, they will be in the 15ish range. Nothing great, but hey, you are in the top flight still.
Tottenham Hotspurs:
The hotspurs have constructed a team that has a lot of teams in the EPL worried. If this talent clicks, they could be nearly unstoppable. However, getting the talent to click is much easier said then done. While it pains me to say it, this team has shown it has the talent and depth to push for a Champions League spot. I don't see the big 4 busting up this year, but these guys will be nipping at the heels just waiting to get in. A very respectable 5th place is the likely spot for the boys from White Heart Lane.
West Ham United:
Its confusing to watch a team play such pretty soccer do so bad with the end result (sounds like RSL at times eh). West Ham has talent better than half of the teams, roughly, in this league. However, they have talent that isn't as good as the other half. What does that mean? You guessed it, middle of the table.
Wigan Athletic:
Wigan is one of those teams that can look brilliant one day, against a very good side, but the next day look like they are fighting relegation. Consistency is vital in this league, and unless Wigan can find a way to get some, they will be sitting in the bottom/middle of the table. I don't see them getting relegated, but I also don't see them having the consistent play that they need to push for a UEFA spot.
Wolverhampton:
How can you not like a team that calls themselves the wolves? I have found myself already liking this team though I have never really even seen them play a full 90. They remind me of Hull, but they wont make the same splash. Come season end though, sadly there must be 3 teams that say bye to the top flight. I don't know how the Wolves will stay above that sink zone, and in the end, I think they might just squeeze it out.
In the end, I see it ending something like this:
1-Manchester United
2-Chelskea
3-Arsenal
4-Liverpool
5-Tottenham
6-City
7-Fulham
8-Everton
9-Villa
10-Wigan
11-Bolton
12- Blackburn
13- West Ham
14- Hull
15- Sunderland
16- Wolves
17- Portsmouth
18- Birmingham
19- Burnley
20-Stoke City
I think it will be an open season, but in the end, the top 4 just are so much deeper than pretty much everyone else that they can make it to May still playing good football.
I hope you enjoyed my first off-topic Wednesday piece. Next up I will write on the RSL vs New England game coming this Sunday, then a post game piece will follow it very quickly, then I might squeeze in another off-topic piece (Spain?) before I preview the RSL vs Chivas game. Its going to be a busy couple of days.
COME ON RSL!!!!
Cheers,
15 to 32
Arsenal:
My personal thoughts, before the season had started, were that this team was going to be the most vulnerable of the big 4. The last couple of seasons have not been spectacular for the gunners, and last season looked like a new low. Most of the season they were battling for that 4th spot. And while they did eventually secure it, and by a good margin, the going was not easy. This season, however, they look like a different team. No Adebayor and you would think the team couldn't score, but it seems just the opposite from their first 2 meaningful matches. They put on a clinic @ Everton and then went into Celtic and got a 2-0 win. Watch out for the gunners, if this kind of play continues, they could be the strange dark horse of sorts.
Aston Villa:
I have always been a fan of the villans. I find their football, their players, their fans, just everything to be spot on for what a good club should have. So, a little foolishly now that I think of it, I thought they could be one of the potential teams to break up the party of 4. However, looking at their losses, most notably Gareth Barry, and their lack of new additions, its hard to see them pushing the likes of Liverpool, arsenal, Chelsea, and united. I expect this team to still finish near a UEFA spot, but wouldn't be surprised to see them miss it. A very talented squad, just still trying to get over that hump this season.
Birmingham City:
After a season away from the top flight, Birmingham finds itself back in the mix. Birmingham has made a few adjustments to try and stay in the top flight this time around, but this league is not for anybody weak or with holes in their roster. Sadly, I think Birmingham's stay will only last this year and they will find themselves being relegated again. Still need to find more talent, but better than the last time around.
Blackburn Rovers:
Having Big Sam on your side is usually a good thing... well don't ask a Newcastle fan about it at least. This team always finds a way to amaze me. They don't have the best players, the best facilities, or anything close to the top (compared to the rest of the league) yet they find a way to scrap out wins and stay in the top flight. I think this trend will continue, but they may flirt with relegation more than they would like. A finish around the middle of the table, more likely the bottom middle, is where I expect Blackburn to be at seasons end.
Bolton Wanderers:
Making sure to have the ugliest kits in all of the EPL (can I get a price check on a Bolton wanderer please on isle 5?) Bolton will not be a push over. While nobody thinks they will push for the Champions League spots, don't be surprised to see them pushing for that UEFA spot. Bolton has many talented players and is always very well managed. This team will surprise people this season.
Burnley:
The league needed another team that wore red with light blue sleeves didn't it? I was watching highlights from this past weekend and was asking myself, why did Villa play twice? Oh wait, maybe West Ham had two games? nope, newly promoted Burnley has decided to stick with a kit that looks pretty much identical to that of those other two teams (should be entertaining to watch those teams play each other don't ya think, especially the fans). I thought this team would be a one and gone kind of team, but after knocking off the champs, Manchester United, they are not to be passed. I still think they will battle relegation all season, but they wont be a Derby County kind of team (no offense). Relegated, but not going down without a fight.
Chelsea:
As hard as it is to admit, this is the team to beat in my opinion. Chelskea has former Milan coach Ancelotti at the reigns and with a very talented squad, they will be a major test for anyone. The only problem I see the fake blues facing is that they have some very streaky players in some very important roles. Terry is always good, Lampard is mostly as well, but players like Drogba, Anelka, Ballack, Deco, etc can all be really good or pretty awful. The trick for Ancelotti will be to find a way to get them all to play well enough to not drop dumb points in the later part of the season like they usually do. Not an easy task, but not impossible with the amount of talent.
Everton:
The true blues (yes I hate Chelsea scum) looked like a team to be reckoned with in pre-season. They knocked off the brilliant MLS all-stars (its a joke, get off the floor) and played well in their friendlies. However, no team wants to open the season with a loss at home, especially one so painfully awful. A 6-1 defeat will be hard to shake, but honestly it came at the best time it could if it had to happen. You learn and move on. Everton has to figure out how to get the ball in the back of the net and how to defend set pieces. They will push the top 4, but it is going to take a MUCH better effort to be an honest threat. UEFA spot maybe in the end, still just not enough consistent talent.
Fulham:
After finishing in a UEFA spot for the first time last season, Everton will be looking to keep and/or improve their status in the league as a top team. While I do not honestly expect them to push the top 4 too much, they have the dark horse role for that kind of thing. Fulham is a very talented squad, then when clicking, can knock off the top teams in the league (see last season against United). I see a similar finish as last season for Fulham, which they will likely be more than happy to keep.
Hull City:
The team that won the hearts of many last season is still, after some sort of miracle, in the top flight. I have never seen a team sink as bad as they did last season, but I am very happy they didn't sink into relegation. With the addition of Jozy Altidore, this team will quickly be one many Americans check on regularly. The Tigers have some very talented players, the most obvious being Geovanni. The man is a machine in the middle that produces some of the most gorgeous goals in the league. I am hopeful that this team can stay in the top flight again, and in the end it should be a very feasible task. However, any dreams of pushing into the top part of the group should be pushed to the side now. They will finish in the middle of the table, but that will be very good for them overall.
Liverpool:
Losing Xabi Alonso looked like it was going to kill Liverpool in their first match against Tottenham. However, it looked like it may have been a short missing period as they destroyed Stoke at home. While Stoke is not top talent, to beat a team like that isn't easy no matter who it is in this league. Liverpool is going to be a good team this year. The addition of Johnson at the outside back position will help greatly. But not having a top holding mid is going to be what kills them in the end. I expect them to stay in the top 4, but it wont be an easy task at all.
Manchester City:
On paper this team has the best chance of breaking into the top 4. But, the game is not played on paper thankfully. While City may have some very good talent, they still lack a strong and sturdy back line. This is one thing that you MUST have if you want to even contend for a top spot, even a UEFA spot, in this league. City may have some fantastic fire power (very streaky though) but they dont have the defense to hold it up. City will finish 5th if they can figure something out on the back line, and that's the very best I see things going for them. If I had to put money on it, I think they will finish just outside the top 4, maybe 6th-8th place.
Manchester United:
The biggest question for the red devils is who will fill in for Ronaldo? This, in my opinion, is not going to be just one player. The easy answer would be Rooney, but he cant do it all on his own, hate to break it to you. Rooney should have a stellar year, the team is now built to go through him, not use him to go through Ronaldo. Unless United figures out a solution, its going to be hard to say that they will defend their title. Players like Nani, Anderson, Berbatov, and Owen have to show their worth this year if this team wants to finish above Chelsea. In the end, I see a tight title race decided on the last day between the red devils and Chelsea... my heart says to go with United, so I will.
Portsmouth:
Poppy is going to have a rough go at it this year I think. They don't have top talent outside of their aging keeper David James. I see them flirting with relegation, and being one of the teams fighting on the last day to stay above water. Will they? Its hard to say. I think they will be the surprise (sorta) relegation team this season.
Stoke City:
Stoke found a way to stay in the top flight last season, but this season is going to be just as hard, if not harder, to keep that place. These guys seem obvious candidates for 2nd season slump/relegation. And honestly, its hard to argue against that. This team does not have the talent to hang with the big, medium, and even other small guns in the league. Stoke could easily be the first team to be relegated this season.
Sunderland:
Somebody has to fill the spots between relegation and the middle of the table, and Sunderland seems to be a shoe-in for that spot. Not great talent, but better than a handful of teams. Sunderland will produce some interesting results, but in the end, they will be in the 15ish range. Nothing great, but hey, you are in the top flight still.
Tottenham Hotspurs:
The hotspurs have constructed a team that has a lot of teams in the EPL worried. If this talent clicks, they could be nearly unstoppable. However, getting the talent to click is much easier said then done. While it pains me to say it, this team has shown it has the talent and depth to push for a Champions League spot. I don't see the big 4 busting up this year, but these guys will be nipping at the heels just waiting to get in. A very respectable 5th place is the likely spot for the boys from White Heart Lane.
West Ham United:
Its confusing to watch a team play such pretty soccer do so bad with the end result (sounds like RSL at times eh). West Ham has talent better than half of the teams, roughly, in this league. However, they have talent that isn't as good as the other half. What does that mean? You guessed it, middle of the table.
Wigan Athletic:
Wigan is one of those teams that can look brilliant one day, against a very good side, but the next day look like they are fighting relegation. Consistency is vital in this league, and unless Wigan can find a way to get some, they will be sitting in the bottom/middle of the table. I don't see them getting relegated, but I also don't see them having the consistent play that they need to push for a UEFA spot.
Wolverhampton:
How can you not like a team that calls themselves the wolves? I have found myself already liking this team though I have never really even seen them play a full 90. They remind me of Hull, but they wont make the same splash. Come season end though, sadly there must be 3 teams that say bye to the top flight. I don't know how the Wolves will stay above that sink zone, and in the end, I think they might just squeeze it out.
In the end, I see it ending something like this:
1-Manchester United
2-Chelskea
3-Arsenal
4-Liverpool
5-Tottenham
6-City
7-Fulham
8-Everton
9-Villa
10-Wigan
11-Bolton
12- Blackburn
13- West Ham
14- Hull
15- Sunderland
16- Wolves
17- Portsmouth
18- Birmingham
19- Burnley
20-Stoke City
I think it will be an open season, but in the end, the top 4 just are so much deeper than pretty much everyone else that they can make it to May still playing good football.
I hope you enjoyed my first off-topic Wednesday piece. Next up I will write on the RSL vs New England game coming this Sunday, then a post game piece will follow it very quickly, then I might squeeze in another off-topic piece (Spain?) before I preview the RSL vs Chivas game. Its going to be a busy couple of days.
COME ON RSL!!!!
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.16.2009
Post RSL vs Houston Game
It was a strange match out in Sandy on August 15th. From the starting whistle, you knew this game wasnt going to be your typical MLS match.
First Half:
For starters, the starting XI announcement for RSL wasnt even 3 players in when the whistle was blown to start the match. By the time the announcement was finished, RSL should have been up a goal. Mathis gets the ball, about 15 yards out, nobody within a couple yards of him and... he shanks it high and wide. From there, the half could be summed up in one word "cards". The Houston ejection was harsh to say the least. 2 yellows for similar soft fouls that maybe would warrant a warning and a possible yellow on the second one. Then their was Clint Mathis, again. His very first tackle on the ball being a bit of a late one, but it was in the houston defensive third of the field and really wasnt a super dangerous foul. Just 4 minutes in, and Clint Mathis was sitting on a yellow. If you know anything about Clint, you knew what was likely to happen in the near future (it didnt help that he was in the ref's ear the rest of the game). There were a couple other bright spots in the first half, but alas, RSL couldnt finish a happy meal. The half ended with one of the strangest 30 seconds I have seen in soccer in a long time. Robbie Findley gets the ball on the right side of the goal, gets hacked and goes down. Everyone in the stadium, the commentators, and it even seemed some of the Houston players thought there was a penalty. But no whistle. Findley, being the hard worker he is, didnt give up. Twice more he went down (though I didnt view either of those as penalty worthy fouls) then the ball went to the side of the 18. Clint goes through on a hard tackle, the ball gets deflected, he grabs it, and the AR signals goal kick... Clint loses it. The ball is thrown into the ground, and the center was 15 yards away with his hand halfway in his pocket before Clint even touched the ball. As Clint walks into the tunnell, the ref blows the whistle to end the half. The boos rightfully came down on the officiating crew, and I would hope that they werent just booing for the RSL fouls, but for the fact that the guy in the middle just ruined what potentially could have been an entertaining match.
Half:
You know its not a good game when people talk more about the half-time show then the actual game itself. It was rather entertaining to watch the mascots of this state all play in a little pick up game. I wasnt too happy to see Leo on the same team as the BYU douche cougar, but it didnt matter. However, whoever was in the Swoop outfit should be signed up. He sent a beautiful cross WITH HIS LEFT FOOT to setup his teams goal. While it may have only been a 25 yard pass, it was better than most anybody on this team can do with their kick stands... I mean left feet.
Second 45:
The refs got welcomed onto the pitch the same way they were let off, with a chorus of boos, and rightfully so. I for one was amazed to see neither team make an adjustment at half, especially RSL. You are at home and NEED 3 points badly if you have any intentions of making the post-season. Why this didnt sink through the thick skull of Jason Kreis is beyond me. It became very obvious within the first 10 minutes of the second half that 1) Houston was playing for a draw and any counter they could get up to ching/kamara and 2) Espindola was the key for RSL if they were going to score. The most frustrating part of the first 20 minutes of the second half was the lack of tactical changes Kreis made. If he wasnt going to bring on different players, then surely he needed to make adjustments with the current ones. Kreis didnt seem to do much if anything in this area. Espy was still having to track back and out wide (useless running that could have been fixed if you push up your outside backs) Findley was having to cover his spot and Mathis' spot, and Johnson/Beckerman were still too hesitant to get forward. But, even with all of this, RSL really should have scored. Espy was getting in behind the D down the left side and was whipping in some pretty good balls (good thing we play this style of soccer now that we got rid of that big scottish guy eh). Findley was doing the best he could, and found the cross bar on what was, in my opinion, the best oportunity of the game. Then, in the 65th minute, Kreis goes to his bench. At first, I thought maybe Kreis was actualy going to attack. He had Yura up near the 4th official. I was thinking "is it Russell, Beltran, Olave, Borchers, or Beckerman that comes off? It will be nice to have 2 targets for Espy..." Then, the number 16 came on the little board. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Kreis, the guy that has been working his ass off and has been the only creative player to actually get forward is coming off in the 65th? Wow, just had to out-do yourself on that one didnt you. Espy, rightfully so, let his disagreement be heard/seen with some actions/words as he walked off the pitch. Wonder if he will "get sent a message"? So RSL's attacking options were long to Findley or long to Yura against a team that was bunkered down, yeah that is some quality coaching right there. The rest of the half just got more and more comical. Kreis saves his second sub until the 83rd minute, the game is still tied at 0's and RSL still has had dominating possession. So, you would think, its time to throw numbers right? Not if you manage RSL apparently. Robbie Russell (who should have come off in the 65th minute) gets taken off and Chris Wingert gets put on. Yes, a defender for defender sub in the 83rd minute of a tied game that RSL needed 3 points in desperatley. Wow, just wow. Not to any real suprise, RSL nearly gives up a penatly via the AR flagging for a foul (for some reason he could now see fouls, but couldnt see them in the first half). Kreis waits until the 86th minute, yanks Tony Beltran (one of the brighter spots for RSL this game) and puts in Pablo Compost. This sub made more sense then the other 2 (it would be hard for Kreis to make 3 completely retarded subs even if he tried) but it didnt make sense given the situation. Houston was in a bunker, was getting beat on the wings via speed, and you bring in a guy to post up in the middle? Wow. So, to end the game, RSL had 3 strikers on the field that all wanted to be in the middle of the pitch, how surprising that there was pretty much 0 build down the wings after the Espy sub.
Wraping up the game:
In the end, RSL got the result they deserved. They didnt do anything stupid to lose the game, but really didnt do much to win the game. Sure you can argue they found the post and/or crossbar, but a good team would have pushed a whole lot better in the final part of that game and would have had a whole lot more opportunites (and a better manager making subs woud help). RSL just made it that much harder (impossible I would argue) to make the playoffs.
Player Evals:
Rimando: B
I cant give a better grade than that to a guy who could have picked flowers the whole match.
Beltran: B+
This guy is quickly becoming one of the best outside backs in the league. Fantastic speed, good control, not afraid to try his luck moving forward. Beltran is the kind of guy, if its possible, to sign for a long contract.
Olave: B
Like Rimando, he didnt have much to do. A very soft yellow gives him a rest in New England but he had a great game in my book. Very composed, very simple, very strong. Thats the Olave we love
Borchers: B
He and Olave did everything asked of them for RSL to win this game. The other guys just couldnt get it done
Russell: C+
Any Houston attack (very little) seemed to come down his wing or start on his side. Had a very sloppy game and wasnt ready to be in the starting XI again. Not bad, but not playing close to his level we know.
Wingert: C
Came on, got beat, looked awful, cant put in a cross... wow
Johnson: B
Worked his tail off in the middle, but he can only do so much. I would love to see Johnson pushed forward a little more and given a little more slack on the other side of the ball (that would require Javi to drop back more) cuz I think he could be the outside threat we need. If he developed a shot from 20-35 out, it would do wonders for the rest of the team.
Beckerman: B-
Did his job quietly. Had a couple sparks (burned Holden in the first half) but really just quitely did what was asked of him. Wish he could find that finishing touch he had at the gold cup...
Javi: B-
Javi wasnt fantastic, but wasnt bad. A little sloppy at times, but it didnt help that Houston threw 2 or 3 players at him in the middle consistently.
Espy: A- (MOTM)
While the Houston fans may think he is an "ass-clown" (see bigsoccer) I think Espy had a fantasic night. He worked Hainault in under 36 minutes and got him ejected (why the guy didnt learn from the first foul is confusing) He was the attack for RSL... I was VERY pissed that he came off as early as he did.
Findley: C+
He has to finish one of those chances if he is going to be the guy. The crossbar is the keepers best friend and RSL's worst enemy it seems. Not the best match from Findley, it didnt help that he had no space to work with after the red.
Mathis: C-
Worst match for Clint this season. Dumb moves, lost his cool, played a big part in RSL dropping points tonight. Will he get benched an extra game? He should
Yura: B-
Didnt see the ball enough to really get into the game. He did have a couple flashes, but this wasnt going to be a match he could put his mark on. No space = bad games for he and Findley
Campos: ?
This guy played? Oh yeah, he was the big guy that did nothing cuz he had 2 other RSL players within 10 yards of him. Good tactics there
RSL: B-/C+
Lack of heart, lack of intensity, lack of juevos, lack of fire (well the right kind of fire I guess), etc etc etc. How much of this do we have to suffer through Uncle Dave?
Looking Forward:
RSL makes a trip to New England this next Saturday. I have a bad feeling that New England will get a little revenge for that 6-0 beating RSL laid on them earlier this year. No Olave and no mathis, its going to be ugly.
First Half:
For starters, the starting XI announcement for RSL wasnt even 3 players in when the whistle was blown to start the match. By the time the announcement was finished, RSL should have been up a goal. Mathis gets the ball, about 15 yards out, nobody within a couple yards of him and... he shanks it high and wide. From there, the half could be summed up in one word "cards". The Houston ejection was harsh to say the least. 2 yellows for similar soft fouls that maybe would warrant a warning and a possible yellow on the second one. Then their was Clint Mathis, again. His very first tackle on the ball being a bit of a late one, but it was in the houston defensive third of the field and really wasnt a super dangerous foul. Just 4 minutes in, and Clint Mathis was sitting on a yellow. If you know anything about Clint, you knew what was likely to happen in the near future (it didnt help that he was in the ref's ear the rest of the game). There were a couple other bright spots in the first half, but alas, RSL couldnt finish a happy meal. The half ended with one of the strangest 30 seconds I have seen in soccer in a long time. Robbie Findley gets the ball on the right side of the goal, gets hacked and goes down. Everyone in the stadium, the commentators, and it even seemed some of the Houston players thought there was a penalty. But no whistle. Findley, being the hard worker he is, didnt give up. Twice more he went down (though I didnt view either of those as penalty worthy fouls) then the ball went to the side of the 18. Clint goes through on a hard tackle, the ball gets deflected, he grabs it, and the AR signals goal kick... Clint loses it. The ball is thrown into the ground, and the center was 15 yards away with his hand halfway in his pocket before Clint even touched the ball. As Clint walks into the tunnell, the ref blows the whistle to end the half. The boos rightfully came down on the officiating crew, and I would hope that they werent just booing for the RSL fouls, but for the fact that the guy in the middle just ruined what potentially could have been an entertaining match.
Half:
You know its not a good game when people talk more about the half-time show then the actual game itself. It was rather entertaining to watch the mascots of this state all play in a little pick up game. I wasnt too happy to see Leo on the same team as the BYU douche cougar, but it didnt matter. However, whoever was in the Swoop outfit should be signed up. He sent a beautiful cross WITH HIS LEFT FOOT to setup his teams goal. While it may have only been a 25 yard pass, it was better than most anybody on this team can do with their kick stands... I mean left feet.
Second 45:
The refs got welcomed onto the pitch the same way they were let off, with a chorus of boos, and rightfully so. I for one was amazed to see neither team make an adjustment at half, especially RSL. You are at home and NEED 3 points badly if you have any intentions of making the post-season. Why this didnt sink through the thick skull of Jason Kreis is beyond me. It became very obvious within the first 10 minutes of the second half that 1) Houston was playing for a draw and any counter they could get up to ching/kamara and 2) Espindola was the key for RSL if they were going to score. The most frustrating part of the first 20 minutes of the second half was the lack of tactical changes Kreis made. If he wasnt going to bring on different players, then surely he needed to make adjustments with the current ones. Kreis didnt seem to do much if anything in this area. Espy was still having to track back and out wide (useless running that could have been fixed if you push up your outside backs) Findley was having to cover his spot and Mathis' spot, and Johnson/Beckerman were still too hesitant to get forward. But, even with all of this, RSL really should have scored. Espy was getting in behind the D down the left side and was whipping in some pretty good balls (good thing we play this style of soccer now that we got rid of that big scottish guy eh). Findley was doing the best he could, and found the cross bar on what was, in my opinion, the best oportunity of the game. Then, in the 65th minute, Kreis goes to his bench. At first, I thought maybe Kreis was actualy going to attack. He had Yura up near the 4th official. I was thinking "is it Russell, Beltran, Olave, Borchers, or Beckerman that comes off? It will be nice to have 2 targets for Espy..." Then, the number 16 came on the little board. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Kreis, the guy that has been working his ass off and has been the only creative player to actually get forward is coming off in the 65th? Wow, just had to out-do yourself on that one didnt you. Espy, rightfully so, let his disagreement be heard/seen with some actions/words as he walked off the pitch. Wonder if he will "get sent a message"? So RSL's attacking options were long to Findley or long to Yura against a team that was bunkered down, yeah that is some quality coaching right there. The rest of the half just got more and more comical. Kreis saves his second sub until the 83rd minute, the game is still tied at 0's and RSL still has had dominating possession. So, you would think, its time to throw numbers right? Not if you manage RSL apparently. Robbie Russell (who should have come off in the 65th minute) gets taken off and Chris Wingert gets put on. Yes, a defender for defender sub in the 83rd minute of a tied game that RSL needed 3 points in desperatley. Wow, just wow. Not to any real suprise, RSL nearly gives up a penatly via the AR flagging for a foul (for some reason he could now see fouls, but couldnt see them in the first half). Kreis waits until the 86th minute, yanks Tony Beltran (one of the brighter spots for RSL this game) and puts in Pablo Compost. This sub made more sense then the other 2 (it would be hard for Kreis to make 3 completely retarded subs even if he tried) but it didnt make sense given the situation. Houston was in a bunker, was getting beat on the wings via speed, and you bring in a guy to post up in the middle? Wow. So, to end the game, RSL had 3 strikers on the field that all wanted to be in the middle of the pitch, how surprising that there was pretty much 0 build down the wings after the Espy sub.
Wraping up the game:
In the end, RSL got the result they deserved. They didnt do anything stupid to lose the game, but really didnt do much to win the game. Sure you can argue they found the post and/or crossbar, but a good team would have pushed a whole lot better in the final part of that game and would have had a whole lot more opportunites (and a better manager making subs woud help). RSL just made it that much harder (impossible I would argue) to make the playoffs.
Player Evals:
Rimando: B
I cant give a better grade than that to a guy who could have picked flowers the whole match.
Beltran: B+
This guy is quickly becoming one of the best outside backs in the league. Fantastic speed, good control, not afraid to try his luck moving forward. Beltran is the kind of guy, if its possible, to sign for a long contract.
Olave: B
Like Rimando, he didnt have much to do. A very soft yellow gives him a rest in New England but he had a great game in my book. Very composed, very simple, very strong. Thats the Olave we love
Borchers: B
He and Olave did everything asked of them for RSL to win this game. The other guys just couldnt get it done
Russell: C+
Any Houston attack (very little) seemed to come down his wing or start on his side. Had a very sloppy game and wasnt ready to be in the starting XI again. Not bad, but not playing close to his level we know.
Wingert: C
Came on, got beat, looked awful, cant put in a cross... wow
Johnson: B
Worked his tail off in the middle, but he can only do so much. I would love to see Johnson pushed forward a little more and given a little more slack on the other side of the ball (that would require Javi to drop back more) cuz I think he could be the outside threat we need. If he developed a shot from 20-35 out, it would do wonders for the rest of the team.
Beckerman: B-
Did his job quietly. Had a couple sparks (burned Holden in the first half) but really just quitely did what was asked of him. Wish he could find that finishing touch he had at the gold cup...
Javi: B-
Javi wasnt fantastic, but wasnt bad. A little sloppy at times, but it didnt help that Houston threw 2 or 3 players at him in the middle consistently.
Espy: A- (MOTM)
While the Houston fans may think he is an "ass-clown" (see bigsoccer) I think Espy had a fantasic night. He worked Hainault in under 36 minutes and got him ejected (why the guy didnt learn from the first foul is confusing) He was the attack for RSL... I was VERY pissed that he came off as early as he did.
Findley: C+
He has to finish one of those chances if he is going to be the guy. The crossbar is the keepers best friend and RSL's worst enemy it seems. Not the best match from Findley, it didnt help that he had no space to work with after the red.
Mathis: C-
Worst match for Clint this season. Dumb moves, lost his cool, played a big part in RSL dropping points tonight. Will he get benched an extra game? He should
Yura: B-
Didnt see the ball enough to really get into the game. He did have a couple flashes, but this wasnt going to be a match he could put his mark on. No space = bad games for he and Findley
Campos: ?
This guy played? Oh yeah, he was the big guy that did nothing cuz he had 2 other RSL players within 10 yards of him. Good tactics there
RSL: B-/C+
Lack of heart, lack of intensity, lack of juevos, lack of fire (well the right kind of fire I guess), etc etc etc. How much of this do we have to suffer through Uncle Dave?
Looking Forward:
RSL makes a trip to New England this next Saturday. I have a bad feeling that New England will get a little revenge for that 6-0 beating RSL laid on them earlier this year. No Olave and no mathis, its going to be ugly.
8.13.2009
The Schedule
I have been trying to figure out for the past couple of days how exactly I want to run this blog. When I will post, how often I will post, what exactly I will post on, etc etc. In the end, the best I could come up with was a half-answer. The problem is the season isn't setup in a way that you can say I will do this kind of post this day and that kind that way because the matches are not setup in a specific order/time line.
So, with that said, here is how I will approach my posting if RSL games are played on Saturday or Sunday:
Sunday and/or Monday: A post-game reaction thread with player evaluations and and overall judgment of the game. Along with a look at the next test for RSL
Tuesday and/or Wednesday: An off-topic piece about really anything, but will be soccer related. Could be a piece on the World Cup, the EPL, La Liga, a different MLS team, a personal soccer related story, etc etc. This is going to be the time that I mix it up and get off the RSL topic for at least a day or two
Thursday and/or Friday: A look at the match coming up along with predictions and areas I see being the big points of the game.
Saturdays: If I do anything this day it will either be a late pre-game post or a very early post-game thread. Don't expect much out of here on Saturday.
This is just a schedule for the rest of the MLS season. Once it is over, depending on the status of RSL (playoffs?), I will change how things are posted here. Until then, that is what you can roughly expect out of me, roughly 3 posts a week.
Cheers,
15 to 32
So, with that said, here is how I will approach my posting if RSL games are played on Saturday or Sunday:
Sunday and/or Monday: A post-game reaction thread with player evaluations and and overall judgment of the game. Along with a look at the next test for RSL
Tuesday and/or Wednesday: An off-topic piece about really anything, but will be soccer related. Could be a piece on the World Cup, the EPL, La Liga, a different MLS team, a personal soccer related story, etc etc. This is going to be the time that I mix it up and get off the RSL topic for at least a day or two
Thursday and/or Friday: A look at the match coming up along with predictions and areas I see being the big points of the game.
Saturdays: If I do anything this day it will either be a late pre-game post or a very early post-game thread. Don't expect much out of here on Saturday.
This is just a schedule for the rest of the MLS season. Once it is over, depending on the status of RSL (playoffs?), I will change how things are posted here. Until then, that is what you can roughly expect out of me, roughly 3 posts a week.
Cheers,
15 to 32
RSL vs Houston
This Saturday RSL will host arguably the best team in the League, the Houston Dynamo. The game will be televised on FSC and is looking like another big test for both teams, especially RSL and any playoff hopes it still has. At first glance, its very difficult to say RSL will win this game. Could they? Surely, its at home, we play quite well here. Will they? You never know with this team who is going to show up and for how long they will show up. With that said, I see this game going in favor of the home side and the fans getting a little more faith in a team that looked like it blew it all in May.
Starting XI's:
For RSL, this is pretty easy. Nothing will change from the team we saw against Seattle:
GK: Rimando
DF: Wingert, Olave, Borchers, and Beltran
MF: Johnson, Morales, and Beckerman
FW: Mathis, Findley, Espindola
The 4-3-3, if used properly, will make Houston play on their heels all night and give RSL the greater possession.
For Houston, the starting XI is a bit of a guessing game. Will the 3 players that made the trip to Mexico City with the national team (clark, holden, and ching) get put into the XI? Houston also has a champions league match just a couple days after this match, do these same players get the rest now? Here is how I see it, a bit of a shocker given the situation Houston faces:
GK: Onstad
DF: Chabala, Boswell, James, Hainault
MF: Davis, Clark, Holden, Cameron
FW: Ching, Kamara
DK is a good coach, and I don't expect him to rest his starters in an important league match for a champions league match. I do, however, expect Holden, Ching, and Clark to be the three players subbed for Houston.
If this is true, RSL needs to exploit these weak spots on the Dynamo lineup. Javi needs to have a good game, Olave and Borchers should have it a bit easier, and Johnson and Beckerman should be able to shut down Holden in the middle. Of course, Kamara is going to be a handful along with Davis and Cameron on the outsides.
In the end, I see this one going the way of the home squad in a brilliant 3-1 victory where RSL goes down in the first half and comes out in the second half firing and finding the net 3 times.
Here is to a great match.
Cheers,
15 to 32
Starting XI's:
For RSL, this is pretty easy. Nothing will change from the team we saw against Seattle:
GK: Rimando
DF: Wingert, Olave, Borchers, and Beltran
MF: Johnson, Morales, and Beckerman
FW: Mathis, Findley, Espindola
The 4-3-3, if used properly, will make Houston play on their heels all night and give RSL the greater possession.
For Houston, the starting XI is a bit of a guessing game. Will the 3 players that made the trip to Mexico City with the national team (clark, holden, and ching) get put into the XI? Houston also has a champions league match just a couple days after this match, do these same players get the rest now? Here is how I see it, a bit of a shocker given the situation Houston faces:
GK: Onstad
DF: Chabala, Boswell, James, Hainault
MF: Davis, Clark, Holden, Cameron
FW: Ching, Kamara
DK is a good coach, and I don't expect him to rest his starters in an important league match for a champions league match. I do, however, expect Holden, Ching, and Clark to be the three players subbed for Houston.
If this is true, RSL needs to exploit these weak spots on the Dynamo lineup. Javi needs to have a good game, Olave and Borchers should have it a bit easier, and Johnson and Beckerman should be able to shut down Holden in the middle. Of course, Kamara is going to be a handful along with Davis and Cameron on the outsides.
In the end, I see this one going the way of the home squad in a brilliant 3-1 victory where RSL goes down in the first half and comes out in the second half firing and finding the net 3 times.
Here is to a great match.
Cheers,
15 to 32
8.12.2009
Introduction
Hello all and welcome to my little corner of the Internet. Usually I will be talking about the beautiful sport of football/soccer on here, but today I feel a little introduction is due. What am I introducing you ask? Well... me, and what this will all be about I guess. So, without further adieu, here we go.
Myself:
I am a 20 year old married father. I have been married for over a year now to my wonderful wife Kathryn (Kate) and we have an amazing 6 month old daughter Annabelle. These two are the loves of my life. I attend Westminster College, am a junior (i think), and am majoring in economics/pre-law. I am a soccer nerd. Which leads me to my next part...
My soccer career:
The Early Years:
It all started, as my mother says, when I was about 6 months old. Any toy I got, I would kick. My older brother was playing soccer, and I was thrilled by it. From there on, I can safely say, I have had a relationship with this game unlike any other I have had.
For the first years of my life, I did what any boy (and girls, or not) in this world does, played sports and with balls. When I went into kindergarten I played on my first "team". For the next couple of years I bounced around on the local rec teams. It wasn't hard, it wasn't quality, but it was fun. It was the sport as simple as it could be given the amount of organization that went into it. We were a bunch of kids who either had parents who wanted us to play, get exercise, actually liked to play, or a combination of them all. I am not one to boast nor brag, I find it incredibly pompous and simply retarded to draw attention to ones self just to show off a talent, but I was getting better than pretty much anyone in the rec league. I single handily would beat teams, scoring goals from midfield while getting fouled. Dribbling an entire team just to pass to an open teammate at the middle of the goal (who usually missed). I specifically remember the first time I "pulled a move". My brother taught me how to do a basic step over at the house days before a game, I did it at the game and the other teams fans even were impressed (I had the reputation of the kid everyone should get the ball from up to that point).
The Opportunity:
Then, the day came. One day after a game a kid that was my age and his father came to the field. This man had been in contact with my dad about possibly making the step up to a "comp team". The problem was though that tryouts for the comp team had already occurred and my dad, being the man he is, thought I deserved a shot at making the first team. The only way I could do this, according to the coach, was to show that I had the ability to play at that level against his son (one of the teams stand outs). I did not find any of this out for years to come by the way. I thought that my dad knew this guy and the kid just wanted to play some soccer. Thank god I didn't mess around. The kid got a ball from his dad and came over to me and asked if I wanted to play some 1 on 1. Me, being the kid I was, said sure why not. He took the ball, and ran right pass me and kicked the ball in the net. I looked at him and he looked at me and laughed a bit and said "OK lets go". He passed the ball to my feet. I took one touch, and he was on me like a fly on a pile of dog crap. The usual space I had been given in rec league was not there anymore. He took the ball off of me with ease, turned around, took one touch, and finished it in the middle of the goal. I looked over to my dad, a bit confused as to what all was going on here. He and the other man were now sitting in some chairs, still talking to one another, but looking directly at us. I shrugged my shoulders and turned back to the kid. He kicked the ball to me again, this time missing me and hitting it a bit up field. He yelled, alright its your turn from the 6 with me standing on the 18. He sprinted out towards the ball. I turned around, got the ball, turned at him, pulled the step over move, and sent him into the next city. The net was wide open, and I easily dribbled the ball a couple times and finished it. My dad clapped and laughed a bit. I found myself smiling a bit too, I hadn't played a kid this good yet, but still got him to dive in. The kid, now obviously quite mad, took the ball and said OK its my turn again. He came at me, tried to get around me and take a shot, but I simply stuck out my leg, blocked the shot, got the ball back, and went at him. He was tight on me again and wasn't going to dive for any moves. I took the ball to the right, cut it back to my left, and hit a shot I still remember vividly to this day. It hit the far post and deflected in. While I didn't know it at the time, that shot got me on the path I am on now.
Club Ball:
I played club ball for the first 3 years with the club Arsenal. My first coach was probably the best young coach (coaching kids from 1st to 6th grade) I have ever met. The guy made the game a bit more complicated and rigorous, but he kept the enjoyable aspects of the game that got all of us kids into it in the first place. After my third year with Dave, I believe that was his name at least, the club changed names and joined with another club(s). The new name was Utah Soccer Alliance (USA) and my new coach was Beau Brown (a hero of mine still). If you know Utah soccer, this name might sound a bit familiar to you. He was one of the star players for the indoor team based in Salt Lake, the Utah Freezz. He, a guy named bob and another named nick (who both played for the Freezz as well) were our coaches now. This man brought me to another level and I can honestly say got me into the higher competitive aspect of the game within this state. He told me one day that he would do pretty much anything to get this team to play in at least one Dallas Cup (the biggest youth tournament in the states at the time) by the time we were 18. This seemed a bit funny considering we couldn't even stay in the premier division in the state for longer than one year and made early exits out of the state cup every single year we played in it. However, Beau said he saw the potential of the team and wasn't willing to give up. His hard work and dedication inspired our team and the level of play rose. We then started to actually hang with some of the best teams in the state, and on the occasion, knock them off in a crazy game (shots being like 20-1 and we would win 1-0). Myself and 2 other players were the talking point of the team. We didn't have the best offense, our midfield was pretty sloppy, but our defense was solid. I played center back, and my buddy Tyler Arens and Eric Severson played outside backs in a 3 back formation. It is also important to note that we had one of the best keepers I have ever played with in Matt Rogers in the goal for us as well. Our play was so good in fact, that other teams started to try and get us to come to their teams. However, we formed a little bond and didn't want to change clubs unless they would take all 3 of us (something none of the clubs could realistically do). Then came Rob Karas. He was a trainer with USA and he saw the talent in the state at our age level and got an idea that would change the way soccer was played. The top team in my age group was hands down Sparta. They had gotten a few players to come to their team from up north and had a solid group of kids from the sandy/salt lake area. The rest of the teams had some great talent as well, however they didn't have as complete of a team and that was the reason why Sparta had won 3 state titles in a row. Karas saw a solution, and with the support of USA went out and made what a lot of people called a "super team". He took the 3 of us from USA to form the back line along with a couple kids from Impact. He then went and got a midfield from Advantage up north and a few other stragglers from random clubs. We all gathered one day at a park in South Jordan to listen to Rob and his proposal. He came out and said what a lot of people wanted to hear "we are going to beat Sparta and win state cup". This new team was a collection of talent, that according to Rob and many others, was possibly the best team this state had ever seen. Our first year was fantastic. We traveled down to southern California, won our first tournament in the sun and surf cup hosted in Huntington beach. We traveled more and got a couple more good results and won a tournament or two. Then came state cup, the big one, the one that would get us into the bigger tournaments we all wanted to play in. We cruised through group play despite being placed in a really tough group (it is no coincidence that people who worked with Sparta made the groups for our age group). We got a little difficult challenge in the first round of the knockout stages, though we beat them handily. We then went to the semi-finals. We played in an epic game at Lone Peak Park under the lights. This game, for some strange reason, was played the day before the final despite the other semi being played the day before. The game also, "randomly" as the state put it, was played last out of all the games at the park (the only game at the time) that day. The game was very even, the opposing team was talented but was getting lucky quite a bit and scored some fantastic goals. The game ended tied and went into overtime. The overtime couldn't be broken and so penalties were going to have to decide who went to the final. Then, the lights went off. For some reason, they only had the lights scheduled to stay on until 11 that night despite our game being scheduled to start at 9ish. The refs scrambled to figure out who was on the pitch and who was not in order to make sure neither team slipped in a player that wasn't out there that was good at taking penalties. The solution, as we all found out the next day at school, was to have the penalties at half-time of the game before the final for our age group. So, we showed up, all dressed in jersey and such, just to take penalties. We ended up winning these penalties, despite being down 3-1 after they had taken their 3rd kick (we were second). We then went on to play Sparta in the final (go figure right). This game also was quite epic, about 2 or 3 hundred people decided to watch it (made for a great atmosphere). Jesse Kupher scored in the 60th minute to win it for us. The final whistle blew, and I had one of the best celebrations I have ever had.
From there though sadly, it was a very rocky road with a lot more downs then ups. We never won another state title (I never went to another state cup final myself). We turned down a trip to Dallas Cup (yes the same one that Beau Brown had promised to me) because it was in the spring and more players wanted to stay and play high school soccer (their sophomore year) instead, we only won one other tournament in the turkey shoot in las vegas, rob karas left the team after the dallas cup incident, we then hired a guy who worked with the Honduran national team, that lasted 1 year, then we went to Hickman, and then changed teams to Inter (we went from USA Milan to Inter, i kid you not).
Now, if any coaches are reading, I am about to give you an example of how NOT to handle a new team. I cant remember his full name, but I believe it was Matt. He was one of the top trainers in the state, well he was advertised as so, and worked with the Inter team that was a year older than us that was in reality the best team to ever play in this state (amazingly talented). After 2 weeks of making the transition, I went with a friend of mine down to summer games in cedar city to play with our high school team (a tradition that we tried to do as much as possible). Matt ok'd it and wished us well. The summer games were a nice break, and by the end, after losing in the final on penalties, I was ready to go back to the high quality ball back home. When I got home, my parents looked a bit sad. I thought they had found out about some decisions I made in cedar city (something not for this blog, but hilarious if I have the time to post later on) and was prepared for a huge punishment. Instead, my dad grabbed me by the shoulders and said "just so you know, its ok and in the end this will all work out ok". As I sat there, my mom and dad both explained to me how Matt, the "best trainer in the state", had called them while I was out of town (he had my cell number) and explained that I wasn't going to be able to stay on the first team. He said that he wanted me to go play with the second level team (something I had never done in my life yet) to get my skills up with the rest of the team then I could return with them. I cried. For one, I found it incredibly rude that he dealt with this via phone with my mom and dad and not myself. Second, that he didn't have the balls to face my dad, a HUGE supplier for the team financially, and tell him his son wasn't good enough. And third, that he blatantly lied (later found out he had no interest in getting me back on the first team, just didn't want to say "you are cut").
The worst part about this "cutting" though was the timing. In 2 weeks that team was going to surf cup. A tournament I had dreamed of playing in ever since I had heard of it. So, I took my dad's advice and just moved on. I went and played with the second level team for Inter, which was the first team before the move by Milan by the way. I played on this team for about 2 months. I developed some relationships that I still maintain today and saw some of the best future talent this state has to offer (gabby played with them regularly). My last couple of days with this team were at the Sparta cup. By this time word had gotten out that I no longer played for Milan to the guys at Sparta (a team that had displayed interest in me before and whom I had built a better relationship with via ODP) and they said they would love for me to make the transfer just didn't know if they had the room. Luckily for me, the second inter team, who i still played for at the time, played Sparta in their group and I, once again, played myself onto the team. I hit one of the best set pieces I have ever seen/hit and scored again to put Sparta on their backs early. They went on to win 2-3, but I had already found myself a new squad. It was hard to leave the second Inter team. The coach was nothing but brilliant and kind, the players were all great, but I still wanted to play at that high level and possibly get a look at play in division 1 soccer or some form of college ball.
I made the move to Sparta for my last year of club soccer. We had a bit of a rough season, but the game against Inter was sweet justice as I assisted the game winning goal. This game also showed who exactly had "assisted" on getting me off the team so that another player could come in as I got about 5 elbows to the face and still have stud marks in my shins from some of the tackles. You know its dirty when the other team is even getting on its players for a hard foul.
My last chance at getting into college ball was with Sparta at the Nomads cup. We played some very good competition and were really unlucky to not make it to the semis. I did, however, get what I had gone for. Numerous coaches approached me and I thought for sure I was on my way to playing at a top college somewhere.
ODP:
My ODP career lasted 5 years. These 5 were by far the least hectic and the most rewarding. I never made the region IV team, however, every single year I made significant improvement and was told by my coaches/trainers my last 2 years that I was just on the outside and that really all that seperated me from anothe player, sadly, was that I was from Utah. Utah has been getting more respect, but a lot of that has to do with how well the teams around my age group played. We knocked off SoCal, NoCal, Oregon, and Colorado my 4th year... yet we only got 3 players into the team (a new high for us though). Greg Maas and I developed a good realtionship here and honestly I owe a lot to that man for the training he did. Fantastic trainer, pure class
College:
Coming off the Nomads tournament I was on cloud 9. I had about 5 coaches looking at me, and 3 of them were very serious. However, as life does, things changed. First, the two teams not as serious just said no. They were full, and it wouldn't happen (the brutal reality of college ball). Then came Seattle Pacific. They were hard to work with, and in the end I knew this wouldn't be worth the hassle. Then it was San Jose State. I thought this was the one. I made the recruiting trip, loved the area, loved the team, loved the school, it all was good. But again, it happened. The coach gave me a call and said "I want you to come play here, but I just gave out my last scholarship for this next year." I was up front with him and said that if I didn't have the scholarship I couldn't afford the school (very expensive area as well). So it came down to Hawaii Hilo and the one I didn't mention as they were my ultimate fall back in Westminster. Hilo was great in talking, the coach was thrilled and seemed to know his stuff. But when it came to the recruiting trip, he couldn't do it. I had to pay for my own trip to Hawaii to go see a school and a coach who wanted me. This irritated me, but wasn't the deciding factor. No, instead it came down to the fact that I would live in Hawaii. While it sounds great to go there, living there doesn't, at least not to me. So, it was Westminster or no more soccer. Coach Dorich was thrilled to sign me as he thought for sure I was gone to another school. And 2 and a half years later... I have played in maybe 5 games.
The glass is half full:
While this may seem like a sad ending to what was a bit of a soap opera (don't worry, i have the rights for the movie/book in the works) it actually worked out for me. I found my wife, got a whole lot closer to my family, especially my dad, got taught some very big life lessons, and ultimately learned humility. Looking back at it now, it was all a good thing for me.
On to the Soccer:
Well, enough about me, at least for now, lets talk about the game.
I am a huge Real Salt Lake, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Real Madrid fan. This blog will mostly be about those teams, with a lot of emphasis on RSL.
Well, thats it for now. My first soccer related post will be on the RSL vs Houston match (had the nats won it would have been about them).
Cheers,
15 to 32
Myself:
I am a 20 year old married father. I have been married for over a year now to my wonderful wife Kathryn (Kate) and we have an amazing 6 month old daughter Annabelle. These two are the loves of my life. I attend Westminster College, am a junior (i think), and am majoring in economics/pre-law. I am a soccer nerd. Which leads me to my next part...
My soccer career:
The Early Years:
It all started, as my mother says, when I was about 6 months old. Any toy I got, I would kick. My older brother was playing soccer, and I was thrilled by it. From there on, I can safely say, I have had a relationship with this game unlike any other I have had.
For the first years of my life, I did what any boy (and girls, or not) in this world does, played sports and with balls. When I went into kindergarten I played on my first "team". For the next couple of years I bounced around on the local rec teams. It wasn't hard, it wasn't quality, but it was fun. It was the sport as simple as it could be given the amount of organization that went into it. We were a bunch of kids who either had parents who wanted us to play, get exercise, actually liked to play, or a combination of them all. I am not one to boast nor brag, I find it incredibly pompous and simply retarded to draw attention to ones self just to show off a talent, but I was getting better than pretty much anyone in the rec league. I single handily would beat teams, scoring goals from midfield while getting fouled. Dribbling an entire team just to pass to an open teammate at the middle of the goal (who usually missed). I specifically remember the first time I "pulled a move". My brother taught me how to do a basic step over at the house days before a game, I did it at the game and the other teams fans even were impressed (I had the reputation of the kid everyone should get the ball from up to that point).
The Opportunity:
Then, the day came. One day after a game a kid that was my age and his father came to the field. This man had been in contact with my dad about possibly making the step up to a "comp team". The problem was though that tryouts for the comp team had already occurred and my dad, being the man he is, thought I deserved a shot at making the first team. The only way I could do this, according to the coach, was to show that I had the ability to play at that level against his son (one of the teams stand outs). I did not find any of this out for years to come by the way. I thought that my dad knew this guy and the kid just wanted to play some soccer. Thank god I didn't mess around. The kid got a ball from his dad and came over to me and asked if I wanted to play some 1 on 1. Me, being the kid I was, said sure why not. He took the ball, and ran right pass me and kicked the ball in the net. I looked at him and he looked at me and laughed a bit and said "OK lets go". He passed the ball to my feet. I took one touch, and he was on me like a fly on a pile of dog crap. The usual space I had been given in rec league was not there anymore. He took the ball off of me with ease, turned around, took one touch, and finished it in the middle of the goal. I looked over to my dad, a bit confused as to what all was going on here. He and the other man were now sitting in some chairs, still talking to one another, but looking directly at us. I shrugged my shoulders and turned back to the kid. He kicked the ball to me again, this time missing me and hitting it a bit up field. He yelled, alright its your turn from the 6 with me standing on the 18. He sprinted out towards the ball. I turned around, got the ball, turned at him, pulled the step over move, and sent him into the next city. The net was wide open, and I easily dribbled the ball a couple times and finished it. My dad clapped and laughed a bit. I found myself smiling a bit too, I hadn't played a kid this good yet, but still got him to dive in. The kid, now obviously quite mad, took the ball and said OK its my turn again. He came at me, tried to get around me and take a shot, but I simply stuck out my leg, blocked the shot, got the ball back, and went at him. He was tight on me again and wasn't going to dive for any moves. I took the ball to the right, cut it back to my left, and hit a shot I still remember vividly to this day. It hit the far post and deflected in. While I didn't know it at the time, that shot got me on the path I am on now.
Club Ball:
I played club ball for the first 3 years with the club Arsenal. My first coach was probably the best young coach (coaching kids from 1st to 6th grade) I have ever met. The guy made the game a bit more complicated and rigorous, but he kept the enjoyable aspects of the game that got all of us kids into it in the first place. After my third year with Dave, I believe that was his name at least, the club changed names and joined with another club(s). The new name was Utah Soccer Alliance (USA) and my new coach was Beau Brown (a hero of mine still). If you know Utah soccer, this name might sound a bit familiar to you. He was one of the star players for the indoor team based in Salt Lake, the Utah Freezz. He, a guy named bob and another named nick (who both played for the Freezz as well) were our coaches now. This man brought me to another level and I can honestly say got me into the higher competitive aspect of the game within this state. He told me one day that he would do pretty much anything to get this team to play in at least one Dallas Cup (the biggest youth tournament in the states at the time) by the time we were 18. This seemed a bit funny considering we couldn't even stay in the premier division in the state for longer than one year and made early exits out of the state cup every single year we played in it. However, Beau said he saw the potential of the team and wasn't willing to give up. His hard work and dedication inspired our team and the level of play rose. We then started to actually hang with some of the best teams in the state, and on the occasion, knock them off in a crazy game (shots being like 20-1 and we would win 1-0). Myself and 2 other players were the talking point of the team. We didn't have the best offense, our midfield was pretty sloppy, but our defense was solid. I played center back, and my buddy Tyler Arens and Eric Severson played outside backs in a 3 back formation. It is also important to note that we had one of the best keepers I have ever played with in Matt Rogers in the goal for us as well. Our play was so good in fact, that other teams started to try and get us to come to their teams. However, we formed a little bond and didn't want to change clubs unless they would take all 3 of us (something none of the clubs could realistically do). Then came Rob Karas. He was a trainer with USA and he saw the talent in the state at our age level and got an idea that would change the way soccer was played. The top team in my age group was hands down Sparta. They had gotten a few players to come to their team from up north and had a solid group of kids from the sandy/salt lake area. The rest of the teams had some great talent as well, however they didn't have as complete of a team and that was the reason why Sparta had won 3 state titles in a row. Karas saw a solution, and with the support of USA went out and made what a lot of people called a "super team". He took the 3 of us from USA to form the back line along with a couple kids from Impact. He then went and got a midfield from Advantage up north and a few other stragglers from random clubs. We all gathered one day at a park in South Jordan to listen to Rob and his proposal. He came out and said what a lot of people wanted to hear "we are going to beat Sparta and win state cup". This new team was a collection of talent, that according to Rob and many others, was possibly the best team this state had ever seen. Our first year was fantastic. We traveled down to southern California, won our first tournament in the sun and surf cup hosted in Huntington beach. We traveled more and got a couple more good results and won a tournament or two. Then came state cup, the big one, the one that would get us into the bigger tournaments we all wanted to play in. We cruised through group play despite being placed in a really tough group (it is no coincidence that people who worked with Sparta made the groups for our age group). We got a little difficult challenge in the first round of the knockout stages, though we beat them handily. We then went to the semi-finals. We played in an epic game at Lone Peak Park under the lights. This game, for some strange reason, was played the day before the final despite the other semi being played the day before. The game also, "randomly" as the state put it, was played last out of all the games at the park (the only game at the time) that day. The game was very even, the opposing team was talented but was getting lucky quite a bit and scored some fantastic goals. The game ended tied and went into overtime. The overtime couldn't be broken and so penalties were going to have to decide who went to the final. Then, the lights went off. For some reason, they only had the lights scheduled to stay on until 11 that night despite our game being scheduled to start at 9ish. The refs scrambled to figure out who was on the pitch and who was not in order to make sure neither team slipped in a player that wasn't out there that was good at taking penalties. The solution, as we all found out the next day at school, was to have the penalties at half-time of the game before the final for our age group. So, we showed up, all dressed in jersey and such, just to take penalties. We ended up winning these penalties, despite being down 3-1 after they had taken their 3rd kick (we were second). We then went on to play Sparta in the final (go figure right). This game also was quite epic, about 2 or 3 hundred people decided to watch it (made for a great atmosphere). Jesse Kupher scored in the 60th minute to win it for us. The final whistle blew, and I had one of the best celebrations I have ever had.
From there though sadly, it was a very rocky road with a lot more downs then ups. We never won another state title (I never went to another state cup final myself). We turned down a trip to Dallas Cup (yes the same one that Beau Brown had promised to me) because it was in the spring and more players wanted to stay and play high school soccer (their sophomore year) instead, we only won one other tournament in the turkey shoot in las vegas, rob karas left the team after the dallas cup incident, we then hired a guy who worked with the Honduran national team, that lasted 1 year, then we went to Hickman, and then changed teams to Inter (we went from USA Milan to Inter, i kid you not).
Now, if any coaches are reading, I am about to give you an example of how NOT to handle a new team. I cant remember his full name, but I believe it was Matt. He was one of the top trainers in the state, well he was advertised as so, and worked with the Inter team that was a year older than us that was in reality the best team to ever play in this state (amazingly talented). After 2 weeks of making the transition, I went with a friend of mine down to summer games in cedar city to play with our high school team (a tradition that we tried to do as much as possible). Matt ok'd it and wished us well. The summer games were a nice break, and by the end, after losing in the final on penalties, I was ready to go back to the high quality ball back home. When I got home, my parents looked a bit sad. I thought they had found out about some decisions I made in cedar city (something not for this blog, but hilarious if I have the time to post later on) and was prepared for a huge punishment. Instead, my dad grabbed me by the shoulders and said "just so you know, its ok and in the end this will all work out ok". As I sat there, my mom and dad both explained to me how Matt, the "best trainer in the state", had called them while I was out of town (he had my cell number) and explained that I wasn't going to be able to stay on the first team. He said that he wanted me to go play with the second level team (something I had never done in my life yet) to get my skills up with the rest of the team then I could return with them. I cried. For one, I found it incredibly rude that he dealt with this via phone with my mom and dad and not myself. Second, that he didn't have the balls to face my dad, a HUGE supplier for the team financially, and tell him his son wasn't good enough. And third, that he blatantly lied (later found out he had no interest in getting me back on the first team, just didn't want to say "you are cut").
The worst part about this "cutting" though was the timing. In 2 weeks that team was going to surf cup. A tournament I had dreamed of playing in ever since I had heard of it. So, I took my dad's advice and just moved on. I went and played with the second level team for Inter, which was the first team before the move by Milan by the way. I played on this team for about 2 months. I developed some relationships that I still maintain today and saw some of the best future talent this state has to offer (gabby played with them regularly). My last couple of days with this team were at the Sparta cup. By this time word had gotten out that I no longer played for Milan to the guys at Sparta (a team that had displayed interest in me before and whom I had built a better relationship with via ODP) and they said they would love for me to make the transfer just didn't know if they had the room. Luckily for me, the second inter team, who i still played for at the time, played Sparta in their group and I, once again, played myself onto the team. I hit one of the best set pieces I have ever seen/hit and scored again to put Sparta on their backs early. They went on to win 2-3, but I had already found myself a new squad. It was hard to leave the second Inter team. The coach was nothing but brilliant and kind, the players were all great, but I still wanted to play at that high level and possibly get a look at play in division 1 soccer or some form of college ball.
I made the move to Sparta for my last year of club soccer. We had a bit of a rough season, but the game against Inter was sweet justice as I assisted the game winning goal. This game also showed who exactly had "assisted" on getting me off the team so that another player could come in as I got about 5 elbows to the face and still have stud marks in my shins from some of the tackles. You know its dirty when the other team is even getting on its players for a hard foul.
My last chance at getting into college ball was with Sparta at the Nomads cup. We played some very good competition and were really unlucky to not make it to the semis. I did, however, get what I had gone for. Numerous coaches approached me and I thought for sure I was on my way to playing at a top college somewhere.
ODP:
My ODP career lasted 5 years. These 5 were by far the least hectic and the most rewarding. I never made the region IV team, however, every single year I made significant improvement and was told by my coaches/trainers my last 2 years that I was just on the outside and that really all that seperated me from anothe player, sadly, was that I was from Utah. Utah has been getting more respect, but a lot of that has to do with how well the teams around my age group played. We knocked off SoCal, NoCal, Oregon, and Colorado my 4th year... yet we only got 3 players into the team (a new high for us though). Greg Maas and I developed a good realtionship here and honestly I owe a lot to that man for the training he did. Fantastic trainer, pure class
College:
Coming off the Nomads tournament I was on cloud 9. I had about 5 coaches looking at me, and 3 of them were very serious. However, as life does, things changed. First, the two teams not as serious just said no. They were full, and it wouldn't happen (the brutal reality of college ball). Then came Seattle Pacific. They were hard to work with, and in the end I knew this wouldn't be worth the hassle. Then it was San Jose State. I thought this was the one. I made the recruiting trip, loved the area, loved the team, loved the school, it all was good. But again, it happened. The coach gave me a call and said "I want you to come play here, but I just gave out my last scholarship for this next year." I was up front with him and said that if I didn't have the scholarship I couldn't afford the school (very expensive area as well). So it came down to Hawaii Hilo and the one I didn't mention as they were my ultimate fall back in Westminster. Hilo was great in talking, the coach was thrilled and seemed to know his stuff. But when it came to the recruiting trip, he couldn't do it. I had to pay for my own trip to Hawaii to go see a school and a coach who wanted me. This irritated me, but wasn't the deciding factor. No, instead it came down to the fact that I would live in Hawaii. While it sounds great to go there, living there doesn't, at least not to me. So, it was Westminster or no more soccer. Coach Dorich was thrilled to sign me as he thought for sure I was gone to another school. And 2 and a half years later... I have played in maybe 5 games.
The glass is half full:
While this may seem like a sad ending to what was a bit of a soap opera (don't worry, i have the rights for the movie/book in the works) it actually worked out for me. I found my wife, got a whole lot closer to my family, especially my dad, got taught some very big life lessons, and ultimately learned humility. Looking back at it now, it was all a good thing for me.
On to the Soccer:
Well, enough about me, at least for now, lets talk about the game.
I am a huge Real Salt Lake, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Real Madrid fan. This blog will mostly be about those teams, with a lot of emphasis on RSL.
Well, thats it for now. My first soccer related post will be on the RSL vs Houston match (had the nats won it would have been about them).
Cheers,
15 to 32
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