Another random catch-all update

First off, congratulations to the Creamsicles on winning another MLS Cup. I accidentally slept through the first half, but the second half was quite entertaining and Houston certainly deserved the win. Word is the NERds are in talks to change their name to the Buffalo Bills. Also, Khano Smith's new nickname is "Atiba."

Anyhow, there are lots of rumors floating around RSL-land these days so I'll hit on a few of those and what they would mean.

The most current has Kreis talking Adidas into graduating Jamie Watson out of Generation Adidas early so that he could cut him. While I believe it (see: various debacles featuring the coaching staff/front office this year), I hope this is not the case, as it is VERY bush league. In fact, if true, it saddens me. Kreis gives Watson little to no playing time. When he does play (and plays well), Kreis calls him out for not scoring when Jamie was the only player on the field playing with any of the following 1) heart 2) hustle 3) passion 4) energy 5) courage 6) shots. Everyone else on the team was afraid to even attack! And now, Kreis gets him taken out of a guaranteed contract so that he can cut him. Weak. While I don't think he'll ever be a star, don't be surprised to see Watson land elsewhere in MLS and become a solid role player with tons of hustle (something Kreis says he wants...hmmm....)

AYL filed this rumor report about 3 weeks ago (and I've heard little else since) but has listed Atiba Harris, Steven Curfman, Chris Brown, and Jean Martial Kipre as soon to be ex-RSL players. Here's my thoughts on each, if true.
Curfman-reserve player, never really saw the field. Too bad for the kid, but not a big loss. Good luck!
Brown-Thank God! The fact that he almost won the RSL Golden Boot proves two things: 1) RSL just plain can't score 2) Findley was criminally under-utilized. If he'd been on the field more, it wouldn't have been close.
Harris-Sad to see him go. His toughness/recklessness actually would have served him well in continued play at D-mid. Supposedly going to Norway (I'm guessing on a much larger contract) so I can't say as I blame him.
Kipre-BIG loss. I think this kid was the future at outside back. He had the speed and the moves to keep up on defense and to really disrupt the opposition's plans while on offense. If it is true he is gone, he better be leaving for a big contract as RSL would be painfully dumb (granted it wouldn't be the first time) to let him go easily.

Also in that report was word that Christian Jimenez has been traded. For what? No one knows. I'll wait on final judgement on this until the details come out. Having said that, while everyone says Jimenez has the talent, he has been very injury prone and I can understand if RSL cuts their losses on this one. Good luck to him wherever he goes!

Also, I was thinking the other day and I realized something. RSL MUST retire Eddie Pope's number 23. If they don't, they are a bigger joke than...well, they have already proven to be (or Jack Stewart's defense-take your pick on whatever reference you prefer). It not only would be the correct thing to do for Eddie, as he has been an absolute rock not only for this franchise but for the national team as well, but for the fans as well. It would give us something to take pride in and rally around. Having a GREAT (not good) player's number in the rafters (or wherever you'd put it at a soccer stadium haha) gives your team a sense of history and pride. I see RSL as having 3 chances to get this right:
1) At home game #1 of the season. Start the year off right and with a big celebration.
2) At RSL's home game vs. DC United. Have Eddie's former team help celebrate him with us.
3) At the opening of the Sandy Stadium. No brainer, but if done here, it mustn't get lost in the fanfare of the stadium opening.
Anything else is an affront to Eddie and to RSL (and Pope) fans everywhere.

Finally, just a quick look at my MLS playoff predictions:
Round 1:
Chivas USA over Kansas City - WRONG
Houston over Dallas - RIGHT
DC United over Chicago - WRONG
New England over New York - RIGHT
Round 2:
Houston over Chivas USA - RIGHTish
DC United over New England - WRONG
Final:
DC United over Houston - WRONG
As you can see, I did fairly well with the exception of DCU. Their choke in the first round killed me. But I learned something doing these predictions. Don't ever pick DCU, whenever I do, they lose.

Sigh...and there goes MLS 2007. At least we have the Draft and player moves to look forward to, I suppose. Now off to check on my other (soccer) team, the boys in blue of Sydney FC! Farewell until next time!