Nice win last weekend by RSL in the Rocky Mtn. Cup game vs. Colorado and the Cripids (and vs. the weather-what a miserable night that was). Gang leader Clavijo looked discombobulated for much of the match (but then, when doesn't he?), but RSL missed out on the greasy antics of the gang's number 2 man, Pablo M.C. (he needs a gangsta sounding name right?), as he was suspended, presumably for driving the getaway car for some criminal mischief in the last match. However, it is important to note that RSL won this game WITHOUT the services of Mr. Eddie Pope, meaning that the team, at least probably, will not go winless next season without him. Beckerman got the captain's armband for the game and responded with one of his better showings in a while. I like Kyle, but I do wish that a few of his long distance blasts would occasionally be on frame, even if they are right at the keeper. We need to make the other guys work a little! This advice also qualifies for Andy Williams and Esky on occasion. Rimando played another stellar game to hold onto the clean sheet-forget the first 3 games this year, he should be keeper of the year (further proof coming in a post I am working on-coming soon...my famous last words, I know). The pleasant surprise was Chris Brown playing a solid game. By far his best game since the 2 goal game early this year. Final score: COL 0-RSL 1. YAY! Rocky Mtn. Cup is now tied with one game left to go. We blew the Ben Cup, let's take home the biggun'!
Also, here's this week's RR predictions:
LAG (cuz that's what they do) 1 - KC 3
COL 0 - NERds 2
RSL 1 - NYC 2
TOR 1 - DCU 2
CHI 1 - CHV 1
HOU 2 - DAL 1
LAG 0 - CLB 2
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
News and Notes
I want to start by apologizing for the severe lack of content recently. I have had a lot going on, including "good times" dealing with car insurance companies and so I haven't had the time or ambition to update a lot (or watch a lot of games). I'm hoping the clouds will part soon and I'll have more time for the Review once again, but until then, updates, and especially full reviews, will be very hit or miss. Sorry once again.
Having said that, I DO want to throw together a little update while I have the chance. First of all, the second annual Ben Cup has ended in an official tie. Both DCU and RSL finished the season series with a 1-1 record in games between the two. In addition, both games ended 2-1 leaving a goal differential of 0 and an away goal differential of 0. So the Cup will stay with Real for another year by default. Good job guys!...I guess...
Second, reports are saying that RSL has named former MLS goalkeeper and announcer Garth Lagerwey as their new GM. Lagerwey had been working as an attorney at a Washington DC law firm previously. I'm trying to be optimistic about this hire, as he does have MLS experience as well as law experience, but I can't get jazzed about it. RSL hires yet another guy who has ZERO experience at the job for which he is hired (although this means I can also hold out hope for a FO position at RSL, as I have no experience at running an MLS team either). I can't help but think we'd be better off with Pastorino still in there. He at least knew the rules and was good for the team PR wise. Plus, how seriously can we take a guy who is best known for his call of "Sweet creamery butter!" Hopefully, it will pan out, and it's nice that RSL FINALLY hired someone, but I'm not holding my breath.
Also, if somehow you didn't hear (and if you are looking at this site it is unlikely you didn't), RSL has traded its 2009 3rd round SuperDraft pick, its 2009 1st round Supplemental Draft pick, AND a partial player allocation (aka $) to Kansas City for 20 year old striker Yura Movsisyan and a Youth International slot. I'm kind of on the fence on this one. On one hand, you know RSL will have very good draft position in 2009 (barring Christ using his second coming to sign with them by then) so trading away those picks plus money is a risky proposition. On the other hand, you get a great YOUNG forward prospect in Movsisyan who has 5 goals in limited minutes this season (and has recently been granted asylum status in the USA, meaning he doesn't count as an international). In addition, RSL gets a youth international slot to use for a new signing in the future. On balance, I think I like this trade, but we will have to see a) what KC does with their end of the bargain and b) how Yura develops before I can say for sure. Also, does this mean the end of Esky in Salt Lake? I hope not, but reports (on the Bill Riley show) have his contract expiring at the end of the season and him having had no contact from RSL or MLS. If I'm RSL I resign this guy for next season NOW, he really bleeds his team.
Speaking of Esky, what the hell was Kreis thinking putting him all alone on top against Toronto??? If that tactic didn't work with Jeff Cunningham at the beginning of the year, it sure as hell isn't going to work with Esky!!! And then he continues to start Chris Brown over Findley (and Kyle Brown, Jamie Watson, Atiba Harris, pretty much everyone else on the bench who, in truth, is better than him). Play with 2 forwards, PLEASE! I know it's nice to have Robbie off the bench, but he's the only one on the team that scores with any regularity. GET HIM ON THE FIELD!
Finally, we come to the Toronto game. Debacle is too kind of a word. RSL played like crap from the opening whistle and to add insult to injury, the ref let this one get away from him VERY early. The result was an ugly, chippy, horrible mess that, in a strange way, was massively entertaining. The added storylines of Toronto's RSL-like scoreless streak and Cunningham's guarantee of a goal added drama to an otherwise terrible match. I was on edge the whole game waiting to see if Rimando could hold them to a shutout. No one else on the team seemed to want to, the defense was extremely poor and the midfield was non-existent. Toronto played the ball through midfield at will (even when RSL was still at full strength), even though RSL was playing with only one forward. It was pathetic. Just as I was thinking "Nicky could pull this out for us" and it was getting very exciting (around 85 min. in), the FSN feed went out and they went to 10 minutes of PSA's. I was watching the game on DVR so I frantically ran to my computer to see if Rimando had pulled out the shutout. Final score 0-0. Way to go Nick! You deserved it, even if your teammates did not. Some other thoughts:
-Espindola is a moron. Plain and simple. Stupid, stupid red card. That having been said, the retaliation by Wynne warranted a yellow.
-On that note, the refs were very uneven and let too much go early. Poor refereeing helped lead to a poorly played, too-physical game.
-Mantilla has now reached the yellow card limit and will sit tonight. 6 games, 5 starts, 5 yellows. He needs a better role model than Atiba Harris.
-Esky also needs to start thinking a bit more. Yes, he was often being abused, but he needs to know better than to draw stupid yellows like he did against TOR.
-There is no justice in the world if Nick Rimando doesn't win goalkeeper of the year (and he won't). The performance against Toronto was not just all-star caliber, it was world-class. Simply amazing. Toronto should've scored at least 4.
Man of the Match: Nick Rimando (obviously)
Assclowns of the match: Fabian Espindola, Fox Sports, Jeff Cunningham-nice prediction, and basically everyone on RSL besides Rimando, including the coaching staff-great game guys!
ps-This week's RR predictions (from my mfls.com "team"):
LA 1 - RSL 1
CHI 1 - DAL 0
CLB 2 - TOR 1
NER 2 - NYC 2
COL 1 - RSL 2
KCW 2 - CHV 3
DCU 3 - CHI 1
DAL 2 - LA 1
Having said that, I DO want to throw together a little update while I have the chance. First of all, the second annual Ben Cup has ended in an official tie. Both DCU and RSL finished the season series with a 1-1 record in games between the two. In addition, both games ended 2-1 leaving a goal differential of 0 and an away goal differential of 0. So the Cup will stay with Real for another year by default. Good job guys!...I guess...
Second, reports are saying that RSL has named former MLS goalkeeper and announcer Garth Lagerwey as their new GM. Lagerwey had been working as an attorney at a Washington DC law firm previously. I'm trying to be optimistic about this hire, as he does have MLS experience as well as law experience, but I can't get jazzed about it. RSL hires yet another guy who has ZERO experience at the job for which he is hired (although this means I can also hold out hope for a FO position at RSL, as I have no experience at running an MLS team either). I can't help but think we'd be better off with Pastorino still in there. He at least knew the rules and was good for the team PR wise. Plus, how seriously can we take a guy who is best known for his call of "Sweet creamery butter!" Hopefully, it will pan out, and it's nice that RSL FINALLY hired someone, but I'm not holding my breath.
Also, if somehow you didn't hear (and if you are looking at this site it is unlikely you didn't), RSL has traded its 2009 3rd round SuperDraft pick, its 2009 1st round Supplemental Draft pick, AND a partial player allocation (aka $) to Kansas City for 20 year old striker Yura Movsisyan and a Youth International slot. I'm kind of on the fence on this one. On one hand, you know RSL will have very good draft position in 2009 (barring Christ using his second coming to sign with them by then) so trading away those picks plus money is a risky proposition. On the other hand, you get a great YOUNG forward prospect in Movsisyan who has 5 goals in limited minutes this season (and has recently been granted asylum status in the USA, meaning he doesn't count as an international). In addition, RSL gets a youth international slot to use for a new signing in the future. On balance, I think I like this trade, but we will have to see a) what KC does with their end of the bargain and b) how Yura develops before I can say for sure. Also, does this mean the end of Esky in Salt Lake? I hope not, but reports (on the Bill Riley show) have his contract expiring at the end of the season and him having had no contact from RSL or MLS. If I'm RSL I resign this guy for next season NOW, he really bleeds his team.
Speaking of Esky, what the hell was Kreis thinking putting him all alone on top against Toronto??? If that tactic didn't work with Jeff Cunningham at the beginning of the year, it sure as hell isn't going to work with Esky!!! And then he continues to start Chris Brown over Findley (and Kyle Brown, Jamie Watson, Atiba Harris, pretty much everyone else on the bench who, in truth, is better than him). Play with 2 forwards, PLEASE! I know it's nice to have Robbie off the bench, but he's the only one on the team that scores with any regularity. GET HIM ON THE FIELD!
Finally, we come to the Toronto game. Debacle is too kind of a word. RSL played like crap from the opening whistle and to add insult to injury, the ref let this one get away from him VERY early. The result was an ugly, chippy, horrible mess that, in a strange way, was massively entertaining. The added storylines of Toronto's RSL-like scoreless streak and Cunningham's guarantee of a goal added drama to an otherwise terrible match. I was on edge the whole game waiting to see if Rimando could hold them to a shutout. No one else on the team seemed to want to, the defense was extremely poor and the midfield was non-existent. Toronto played the ball through midfield at will (even when RSL was still at full strength), even though RSL was playing with only one forward. It was pathetic. Just as I was thinking "Nicky could pull this out for us" and it was getting very exciting (around 85 min. in), the FSN feed went out and they went to 10 minutes of PSA's. I was watching the game on DVR so I frantically ran to my computer to see if Rimando had pulled out the shutout. Final score 0-0. Way to go Nick! You deserved it, even if your teammates did not. Some other thoughts:
-Espindola is a moron. Plain and simple. Stupid, stupid red card. That having been said, the retaliation by Wynne warranted a yellow.
-On that note, the refs were very uneven and let too much go early. Poor refereeing helped lead to a poorly played, too-physical game.
-Mantilla has now reached the yellow card limit and will sit tonight. 6 games, 5 starts, 5 yellows. He needs a better role model than Atiba Harris.
-Esky also needs to start thinking a bit more. Yes, he was often being abused, but he needs to know better than to draw stupid yellows like he did against TOR.
-There is no justice in the world if Nick Rimando doesn't win goalkeeper of the year (and he won't). The performance against Toronto was not just all-star caliber, it was world-class. Simply amazing. Toronto should've scored at least 4.
Man of the Match: Nick Rimando (obviously)
Assclowns of the match: Fabian Espindola, Fox Sports, Jeff Cunningham-nice prediction, and basically everyone on RSL besides Rimando, including the coaching staff-great game guys!
ps-This week's RR predictions (from my mfls.com "team"):
LA 1 - RSL 1
CHI 1 - DAL 0
CLB 2 - TOR 1
NER 2 - NYC 2
COL 1 - RSL 2
KCW 2 - CHV 3
DCU 3 - CHI 1
DAL 2 - LA 1
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Quick Update
It doesn't look like I'll be able to get a full review up today (that's what you get for having a job...), but the big Ben Cup finale ended with a 2-1 victory for DC United. This results in both teams having a 1-1 record in this years cup, with both teams scoring 3 total goals and 1 away goal. It hasn't been 100% confirmed through DC Ben, but it appears this year's Ben Cup has ended in a tie! Craziness! On the positive side, the trophy will stay in Salt Lake for another year since they are the last team to win the Ben Cup. Strange goings on I tells ya! Anyway, full review coming SOON
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Mere hours away...
The Ben Cup will be decided in a few scant hours and I couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see the game live due to a work conflict (and one that is super lame, making it even worse), but it's set to go on the DVR and I'll try and watch tonight and have a review of RSL's Ben Cup title winning game for you tomorrow. And pics of the trophy that is currently being put together. And shameless gloating over the title as well, of course. Ha ha!
Here's a few last minute game notes:
-Harris, Kipre, and Wingert are all one yellow away from a suspension.
-Mantilla is ALREADY just 2 away from a yellow card sit. He and Kotschau must be best friends!
-All time series: 2 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie for both teams (thanks MLSnet game preview)
-DCU's Luciano Emilio leads MLS in goals with 18. If we give a hat trick to Jaqua, imagine what Emilio can do. The back line needs to play MUCH better tonight.
-DCU Ben (aka Brigham), if you read this before the game, NO text messages. I'll see it when I get home! Also, try and get some pictures!
Official RR game prediction:
RSL 2 - DCU 2
(Ben Cup goes to RSL with a 1-0-1 record)
Goals by Eskandarian (he WILL be motivated), Espindola, and a double from Emilio.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
"It's the final countdown...."
It's officially Ben Cup season as the second leg is now the next game on the schedule for Real Salt Lake and DC United. The game will be Wednesday, September 12th at 5:30 (Mountain) at RFK Stadium in DC. Even better, the game will actually be available for SOME RSL fans to watch as it will be available on DirectKick. It will also be broadcast locally on 700 AM (or 1600 AM para español).
The game will be Leg 2 of the yearly Ben Cup rivalry. Real holds the lead in the competition after a 2-1 win in the first leg back on June 23 in Salt Lake City. A win or tie will clinch Salt Lake's 2nd straight Ben Cup title, otherwise we will be getting into goal differential/away goals/etc. territory. Hopefully RSL will smoke them and it will not come to that.
So get into the spirit and preach the good word of the Ben Cup far and wide! Heaven knows RSL needs as many competitions that it can win as possible! :) GO REAL SALT LAKE!
Other thoughts:
-It's bad enough when people on the net spell RSL as RLS, but they also did it in today's print edition of the Salt Lake Tribune. "...after Fabian Espindola tied the game for RLS..."
-4 goals given up??? And 3 to the fearsome strike force of...Corey Ashe to Nate Jaqua???!?!?! What the hell? Seriously! I can see one, possibly even two. But 3 goals from the same combination of those two??? PATHETIC.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Finally!
Well, we now have a shiny new computer and working internet access, so things can start getting back to normal in Royal Review country. However, I have decided that since I can't watch the upcoming game against Houston, I will hold off on posting a review on the game. I may post a few thoughts, but I can't in good faith write a review of something I didn't see. This may actually be a good thing in a way as it allows me to focus more on the big upcoming BEN CUP 2007 match on September 12th at RFK. As the official (co-)home of the Ben Cup I will try to do as much coverage as I can, including pictures of the trophy (if I can get it finished in time!). So get excited peoples, the Ben Cup is only a week away and RSL needs only a tie to clinch the title for the second straight year (and only the second year of the rivalry)!!! Oh yeah, and beat Houston again. :) Creeeeeeeeeamsicklesssssssss!
PS-Congrats RSL on the big win at LA. You are now officially not the worst team in MLS.
PPS-Congrats to Willis Forko, Atiba Harris, and big Chris Seitz on their respective national team callups. Well done boys!
PPPS-I hate you HDNet. More than you will ever know.
PS-Congrats RSL on the big win at LA. You are now officially not the worst team in MLS.
PPS-Congrats to Willis Forko, Atiba Harris, and big Chris Seitz on their respective national team callups. Well done boys!
PPPS-I hate you HDNet. More than you will ever know.
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