Monday, March 31, 2008
Week 1: Chicago vs. RSL-coming soon!
Hey all, I hope to have a review done and up by tomorrow (Tuesday) night. Work has interfered with progress so far (and opening day for the Cubs didn't help matters), but I will get it done before the Chivas TST game at the very least. As for now, all I'll say about Saturday's game is 'I thought the 2007 season was over.'
Friday, March 28, 2008
ONE DAY
Tomorrow is the big day: MLS First Kick! To all of those headed to the game, bundle up! Should be an interesting, possibly snowbound afternoon (spring? what's that?). I've pretty much hit all I can, with my week 1 predictions, pre-season power rankings, and my RSL team preview, which basically just leaves us with this (hopeful) bit of foreshadowing:
That, of course, is Mr. Robbie Findley warming his hands over the burning remains of the Chicago Fire. Damn, I'm clever. GO RSL!
PS-Congratulations are in order for our Ben Cup partners, The Edgell Supporters, for their new baby, star striker for the USWNT in World Cup 2027, 2031, 2035, etc. Enjoy your alien!
That, of course, is Mr. Robbie Findley warming his hands over the burning remains of the Chicago Fire. Damn, I'm clever. GO RSL!
PS-Congratulations are in order for our Ben Cup partners, The Edgell Supporters, for their new baby, star striker for the USWNT in World Cup 2027, 2031, 2035, etc. Enjoy your alien!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
TDMQWMUMUTPIH 2008
Hello all! It's time for "The Dumbest, Most Quickly Written, Most Unresearched, Most Unnecessary Team Preview In History" (or TDMQWMUMUTPIH, say that one 10 times fast). With just a scant few days left until the 2008 MLS season I thought I'd throw together a quick preview of this year's squad:
GOALKEEPING
I think this will continue to be RSL's strength is 2008. While I don't expect quite the superhuman campaign that Nick Rimando put together in 2007, I do expect another solid year from him. Of course, in the event that Nick falters, RSL is set with star-in-the-making Chris Seitz, fresh off another solid performance with the U-23s. However, Seitz looks to be missing for part of the season as he will be part of the USA Olympic squad this summer in Beijing. That leaves us will Kyle Reynish, who I will admit, I haven't really seen much of, but all reports have him as a very solid #3 keeper, who could certainly do a serviceable job in a pinch.
Major adds/losses: none
Expected grade: A
DEFENSE
This is looking to be RSL's most improved unit in 2008. Unfortunately, it took the loss of Eddie Pope to force RSL's hand into bringing in defensive reinforcements (can you imagine Borchers, Joy, Mantilla, AND Pope?), but nevertheless they are finally here. While many of these players enjoy solid reputations (I'm particularly excited about Ian Joy, the guy sounds like a monster), most of them have not seen time in MLS. Supposed big signing Jamison Olave has only recently joined the team and is still training with the reserves. Will Joy like the certain change in atmosphere coming from European soccer to American soccer? Can Mantilla learn to keep his card count down? Can Tony Beltran be a solid MLS outside back? Why were both Forko and Kipre let go, when their depth could have been used at outside back? There are many questions, but also many solid players. If this unit can gel and stay free of injury, they could be fearsome.
Major adds: Ian Joy, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Tony Beltran
Major losses: EDDIE POPE, Jean-Martial Kipre, Willis Forko, Ritchie Kotschau
Expected grade: B
MIDFIELD
This should be another area of strength for RSL this year. Having a full year of Beckerman and Morales should help things immensely from the get go. Especially with all the reports of Morales looking VERY good and VERY fit this preseason. The signing of Dema Kovalenko should help shore up the D-mid situation, especially with Carey Talley seemingly on his last legs, but he has been inconsistent so far in the preseason (according to various accounts). Certainly his two goal performance against Lobos PFC, while being against low-level competition, is encouraging. Draft pick Alex Nimo (the one Superdraft pick I liked), who, although he most likely won't see much of the field this year, could be a future star. However, there are questions here too. Will Kovalenko find his niche on this team? Can Nimo provide anything this year if the injury bug bites? Can Kyle Beckerman get some shots on frame this year (last year he took the 2nd most shots on the team and only got a dismal 33% of them on goal)? Can Andy Williams be more than a 45 minute player this year? Will Carey Talley need a walker by the end of the year? How much will Sturgis being gone to the Olympics hurt? And will Matias Cordoba show up this year or is he "Little Luis"? I think the midfield will be solid, but a bit defensive minded, with players like Becks, Sturgis, Kovalenko, and Talley. If the offensive minded players (Williams, Morales, Cordoba) show up and stay healthy, then look out, this is a formidable midfield.
Major adds: Dema Kovalenko, Matias Cordoba, Alex Nimo
Major losses: Atiba Harris
Expected grade: B
FORWARD
This is my big question mark for 2008. RSL's strikers corps is very young and unproven with only Robbie Findley showing me anything last year. Reports are Yura Movsisyan is looking good this year, but he has yet to show anything during a regular season game. Robbie Findley, last year's star, has seemingly lost the ability to finish, at least in the recent U-23 tournament (Although, in his defense, how that header vs. Honduras didn't go in is beyond me. VERY unlucky.). Fabian Espindola showed flashes last year but couldn't put it together consistently. So this year I think it comes down to Kenny Deuchar, who unfortunately looks to be getting into Salt Lake too late to be much of a factor against Chicago. If he can even live up halfway to the hype that has been around him, this will be a godsend for RSL fans. What RSL needed with this group of speedsters was a true target forward that they now have. However, if Deuchar doesn't produce, or goes down injured, this could be yet another anemic RSL offense. This is where I think RSL went wrong in not signing Indra. If RSL were to lose Deuchar, Indra could have stepped in as an experienced leader in attack (plus, he'd have sold an assload of RSL jerseys overseas, but that's neither here nor there). Right now, it looks like there's a lot of young potential in attack, but not a lot of experience. I really think the offense will be made or broken by the performance of Kenny Deuchar. Hopefully, RSL will continue to look for another experienced striker (Archie anyone? ;) ). They've gone for depth everywhere else on the field, so why not up front?
Major adds: Kenny Deuchar
Major losses: Alecko Eskandarian, the Brown-sey twins
Expected grade: C-
Off the top of my head predictions (almost certainly will not jive with my weekly predictions):
10-12-8; 38 points
4th in Western Conference
Rocky Mtn. Cup repeat champs
Ben Cup repeat champs
GOALKEEPING
I think this will continue to be RSL's strength is 2008. While I don't expect quite the superhuman campaign that Nick Rimando put together in 2007, I do expect another solid year from him. Of course, in the event that Nick falters, RSL is set with star-in-the-making Chris Seitz, fresh off another solid performance with the U-23s. However, Seitz looks to be missing for part of the season as he will be part of the USA Olympic squad this summer in Beijing. That leaves us will Kyle Reynish, who I will admit, I haven't really seen much of, but all reports have him as a very solid #3 keeper, who could certainly do a serviceable job in a pinch.
Major adds/losses: none
Expected grade: A
DEFENSE
This is looking to be RSL's most improved unit in 2008. Unfortunately, it took the loss of Eddie Pope to force RSL's hand into bringing in defensive reinforcements (can you imagine Borchers, Joy, Mantilla, AND Pope?), but nevertheless they are finally here. While many of these players enjoy solid reputations (I'm particularly excited about Ian Joy, the guy sounds like a monster), most of them have not seen time in MLS. Supposed big signing Jamison Olave has only recently joined the team and is still training with the reserves. Will Joy like the certain change in atmosphere coming from European soccer to American soccer? Can Mantilla learn to keep his card count down? Can Tony Beltran be a solid MLS outside back? Why were both Forko and Kipre let go, when their depth could have been used at outside back? There are many questions, but also many solid players. If this unit can gel and stay free of injury, they could be fearsome.
Major adds: Ian Joy, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Tony Beltran
Major losses: EDDIE POPE, Jean-Martial Kipre, Willis Forko, Ritchie Kotschau
Expected grade: B
MIDFIELD
This should be another area of strength for RSL this year. Having a full year of Beckerman and Morales should help things immensely from the get go. Especially with all the reports of Morales looking VERY good and VERY fit this preseason. The signing of Dema Kovalenko should help shore up the D-mid situation, especially with Carey Talley seemingly on his last legs, but he has been inconsistent so far in the preseason (according to various accounts). Certainly his two goal performance against Lobos PFC, while being against low-level competition, is encouraging. Draft pick Alex Nimo (the one Superdraft pick I liked), who, although he most likely won't see much of the field this year, could be a future star. However, there are questions here too. Will Kovalenko find his niche on this team? Can Nimo provide anything this year if the injury bug bites? Can Kyle Beckerman get some shots on frame this year (last year he took the 2nd most shots on the team and only got a dismal 33% of them on goal)? Can Andy Williams be more than a 45 minute player this year? Will Carey Talley need a walker by the end of the year? How much will Sturgis being gone to the Olympics hurt? And will Matias Cordoba show up this year or is he "Little Luis"? I think the midfield will be solid, but a bit defensive minded, with players like Becks, Sturgis, Kovalenko, and Talley. If the offensive minded players (Williams, Morales, Cordoba) show up and stay healthy, then look out, this is a formidable midfield.
Major adds: Dema Kovalenko, Matias Cordoba, Alex Nimo
Major losses: Atiba Harris
Expected grade: B
FORWARD
This is my big question mark for 2008. RSL's strikers corps is very young and unproven with only Robbie Findley showing me anything last year. Reports are Yura Movsisyan is looking good this year, but he has yet to show anything during a regular season game. Robbie Findley, last year's star, has seemingly lost the ability to finish, at least in the recent U-23 tournament (Although, in his defense, how that header vs. Honduras didn't go in is beyond me. VERY unlucky.). Fabian Espindola showed flashes last year but couldn't put it together consistently. So this year I think it comes down to Kenny Deuchar, who unfortunately looks to be getting into Salt Lake too late to be much of a factor against Chicago. If he can even live up halfway to the hype that has been around him, this will be a godsend for RSL fans. What RSL needed with this group of speedsters was a true target forward that they now have. However, if Deuchar doesn't produce, or goes down injured, this could be yet another anemic RSL offense. This is where I think RSL went wrong in not signing Indra. If RSL were to lose Deuchar, Indra could have stepped in as an experienced leader in attack (plus, he'd have sold an assload of RSL jerseys overseas, but that's neither here nor there). Right now, it looks like there's a lot of young potential in attack, but not a lot of experience. I really think the offense will be made or broken by the performance of Kenny Deuchar. Hopefully, RSL will continue to look for another experienced striker (Archie anyone? ;) ). They've gone for depth everywhere else on the field, so why not up front?
Major adds: Kenny Deuchar
Major losses: Alecko Eskandarian, the Brown-sey twins
Expected grade: C-
Off the top of my head predictions (almost certainly will not jive with my weekly predictions):
10-12-8; 38 points
4th in Western Conference
Rocky Mtn. Cup repeat champs
Ben Cup repeat champs
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Royal Rankings #1
So I've decided to do a periodic MLS "power ranking", but I haven't decided how often I will do it, or whether to do a single table or to separate the teams by division. For now, I am doing it by divisions (for boring reasons I won't go into), but if you have any suggestions, please let me know! And awaaaaaaay we go:
Royal Rankings 1: Pre-Season Edition
East-
1 DC United - 2007 Supporter's Shield looking strong again
2 NERds - 2007 MLS Cup runners up look strong, keep Twellman
3 Chicago - All Blanco, all the time
4 NY Energy Drinks - Superior strike force, but questions on much of the rest
5 Kansas City - Will Lopez be able to make up for the loss of EJ?
6 Columbus - Mediocre roster, Schelotto will have to carry them to any success
7 Toronto - O'Brien trade odd and strikers old but if injury free, could make some noise
West-
1 Houston - MLS champs 2 years running; can't be lower than #1
2 Dallas - I like the Davino signing, strong team otherwise
3 Chivas TST - Can Galindo and Razov do it again?
4 REAL SALT LAKE - Can RSL learn to finish? Deuchar may be the missing piece
5 LAG - I can see them anywhere from 2nd to 6th, should be interesting
6 Crapids - I don't think Gomez can save this team (good for us)
7 San Jose - Do they even have 11 under contract?
Only FIVE DAYS to MLS 2008! Get excited!
Royal Rankings 1: Pre-Season Edition
East-
1 DC United - 2007 Supporter's Shield looking strong again
2 NERds - 2007 MLS Cup runners up look strong, keep Twellman
3 Chicago - All Blanco, all the time
4 NY Energy Drinks - Superior strike force, but questions on much of the rest
5 Kansas City - Will Lopez be able to make up for the loss of EJ?
6 Columbus - Mediocre roster, Schelotto will have to carry them to any success
7 Toronto - O'Brien trade odd and strikers old but if injury free, could make some noise
West-
1 Houston - MLS champs 2 years running; can't be lower than #1
2 Dallas - I like the Davino signing, strong team otherwise
3 Chivas TST - Can Galindo and Razov do it again?
4 REAL SALT LAKE - Can RSL learn to finish? Deuchar may be the missing piece
5 LAG - I can see them anywhere from 2nd to 6th, should be interesting
6 Crapids - I don't think Gomez can save this team (good for us)
7 San Jose - Do they even have 11 under contract?
Only FIVE DAYS to MLS 2008! Get excited!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Kipre Revisited
I was never really sold on RSL letting Jean-Martial Kipre (and Willis Forko) go. Both were serviceable at the very least, and on the other side of the coin, had the possibility of potential that had not been tapped, especially in Kipre's case. Either way, they could've provided some depth in a shallow position. But I digress. Anyway, the reason that many cited for RSL letting Kipre go was a penchant for reckless plays and giving up PKs. James Edward from the Deseret News confirms this in his blog (which is a great new RSL resource by the way, and really the only reason to go near anything marked 'Deseret News'). OK, now that's fine if you think the occasional boneheaded play makes up for his speed, his potential, and his help in the attack, I can understand that, even if I disagree. But why does Kipre get thrown under the bus, while Mantilla (who I like, don't get me wrong) gets a free pass? In my mind, Mantilla (last year) was as prone, if not moreso, to mental errors as Kipre. How many times did he draw unnecessary cards or give up (or nearly give up) a PK? Many many many. Like I said, I like Mantilla and the fire that he plays with, but I don't get why he stays and Kipre goes (if the reasoning is based on mistakes in the back). Oh well.
Coming soon: More posts, hopefully. It really depends on how lazy I'm feeling. haha Anyway, I'm trying to get together an MLS team ranking and possibly the most unnecessary and poorly researched RSL team review on the net! Get excited kids!
Coming soon: More posts, hopefully. It really depends on how lazy I'm feeling. haha Anyway, I'm trying to get together an MLS team ranking and possibly the most unnecessary and poorly researched RSL team review on the net! Get excited kids!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ahhh, a new season is upon us-Week 1 Predictions
The start of the MLS season is fast approaching (March 29), as well as baseball season (March 31-GO CUBS!), making this one of the best times of year for sports (especially with no more [american] football for months and months yay!). With it comes my new tradition of playing MFLS.com fantasy soccer against DCU Ben and, with that, my weekly MLS predictions. The following are very early and were made while I am half asleep (as is this nonsensical post) and so may be changed as the season gets closer, but for now, here's my first go-round for 2008:
Toronto 1 @ Columbus 2
Chicago 3 @ RSL 1
Houston 1 @ NERds 1
DCU 2 @ KC 0
LAG 1 @ Cripids 1
Chivas TST 1 @ Dallas 2
I hate to have that result for RSL, but for some reason I have a bad feeling about that one. Let's all hope the Reds prove me wrong!
Toronto 1 @ Columbus 2
Chicago 3 @ RSL 1
Houston 1 @ NERds 1
DCU 2 @ KC 0
LAG 1 @ Cripids 1
Chivas TST 1 @ Dallas 2
I hate to have that result for RSL, but for some reason I have a bad feeling about that one. Let's all hope the Reds prove me wrong!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
I'm Done With 'Sideline Views' aka Luis Bueno Strikes Again
***WARNING: This post contains stronger language than usual so if you are easily offended stop here***
It's a shame Luis Bueno has taken over the Sideline Views blog, as I like Andrea Canales's work for the most part. Instead, he has taken it over in what I can only assume is an attempt to spread massive amounts of lunacy to an unsuspecting soccer populace.
He brings up his old position rankings that I touched on before (c'mon, RSL's GK situtation is 11th??? Art thou high?) and rather than admit that perhaps he didn't really think it through or that other people's comments may be valid or even just use some reasoning to prove his point, he just flatly says "I'm not that high on Nick Rimando". Brilliant analysis there Luis. Of course, I guess it is hard to actually follow the league when you are busy fellating Brad Guzan 24/7. However, the kicker was this gem: "...also drew criticism - mainly from RSL fans...like I overlooked something on their shitty little team." Ah yes, way to class it up there. This really pisses me off and I'll tell you why. This man is paid to cover soccer. He is supposed to be knowledgeable about it. Yet all he can do is make fun of fans of other teams and offer no insight whatsoever. He can't thoughtfully back up his arguments. And yet, he is paid to be a writer. Why am I not getting paid to cover soccer? I can do as well as him with this crappy little "no-editing-allowed" (my life's rule-ha ha) blog!
With all that being said, I must thank Luis for giving me a nickname for Chivas, one of the few teams I don't have anything for. Henceforth they shall be know as "That Shitty Team" or "Chivas TST" or just "TST" for short. Thanks a ton, jackass.
ps-Dear Esky, For your own sake, please have a crappy year. Otherwise, Luis will develop a man crush on you like he has on Brad and may try to molest you during interviews. So shank those shots! It's for your own good.
pps-I wasn't going to link to the post in question, but in case you are interested, go here.
It's a shame Luis Bueno has taken over the Sideline Views blog, as I like Andrea Canales's work for the most part. Instead, he has taken it over in what I can only assume is an attempt to spread massive amounts of lunacy to an unsuspecting soccer populace.
He brings up his old position rankings that I touched on before (c'mon, RSL's GK situtation is 11th??? Art thou high?) and rather than admit that perhaps he didn't really think it through or that other people's comments may be valid or even just use some reasoning to prove his point, he just flatly says "I'm not that high on Nick Rimando". Brilliant analysis there Luis. Of course, I guess it is hard to actually follow the league when you are busy fellating Brad Guzan 24/7. However, the kicker was this gem: "...also drew criticism - mainly from RSL fans...like I overlooked something on their shitty little team." Ah yes, way to class it up there. This really pisses me off and I'll tell you why. This man is paid to cover soccer. He is supposed to be knowledgeable about it. Yet all he can do is make fun of fans of other teams and offer no insight whatsoever. He can't thoughtfully back up his arguments. And yet, he is paid to be a writer. Why am I not getting paid to cover soccer? I can do as well as him with this crappy little "no-editing-allowed" (my life's rule-ha ha) blog!
With all that being said, I must thank Luis for giving me a nickname for Chivas, one of the few teams I don't have anything for. Henceforth they shall be know as "That Shitty Team" or "Chivas TST" or just "TST" for short. Thanks a ton, jackass.
ps-Dear Esky, For your own sake, please have a crappy year. Otherwise, Luis will develop a man crush on you like he has on Brad and may try to molest you during interviews. So shank those shots! It's for your own good.
pps-I wasn't going to link to the post in question, but in case you are interested, go here.
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