I know, I know, the week has already started and seems to be about half over, but I promise I made these predictions BEFORE the week started. In my defense, I don't know the finals of any of this week's games so far so I may be posting wrong predictions for games that already happened-yay!
Wednesday, May 28th:
Houston 3 vs. Dallas 2
Thursday, May 29th:
Unitedwagen 1 vs. NERds 2
Saturday, May 31st:
LAG 2 vs. Streamer Warehouse 2
Energy Drinks 1 vs. Houston 2
NTOTB 1 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 3
Niña, Pinta, Santa Maria 2 vs. TST 1
Sunday, June (already?!?!) 1st:
Dallas 0 vs. Crapids/Cripids 3
Last week's results:
About the usual around here these days.
3 right (0 exact), 5 wrong (38%)
Season Total:
24-39 [3 exact] (38%, 5%)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Not Dead
I'm waaaaaaaay behind on the Review this week, in fact, I still haven't even watched the Dallas game. I'm working on getting caught up, but updates will be a bit behind schedule. Sorry!
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Royal Rankings #6
I made the mistake of finally picking RSL to win last week in their bid to take over first place for the first time ever. I was rewarded with that craptacular in Denver. Well done, boys. At least they are back into a familiar place in the rankings (and standings); near the bottom.
14 (14) NTOTB - Expansion woes continue.
13 (12) VW United - A complete and total collapse against a bad TST.
12 (09) REAL SALT LAKE - Already time to pack up the RMC?
11 (13) Chivas TST - Finally a win.
10 (08) Dallass - Absolutely BLASTED by David and the Beckhams.
09 (10) Houston - HUGE win over Chicago, that's two in a row.
08 (11) LAG - Make sure you sit down for this one: Edson Buddle with the hat trick.
07 (06) Kansas City - Handed a point to a ten man Energy Drink squad.
06 (05) New Jersey - Quietly putting together a strong season, only 1 loss so far.
05 (07) Crapids/Cripids - Made RSL look stupid.
04 (04) Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Earned a draw against a good Columbus team.
03 (01) Chicago - Whoops! Lost to one (now two) win Houston.
02 (03) NERds - Took care of San Jose, as they should.
01 (02) Columbus - With Chicago's stumble, they finally take over 1st.
*I'm sure everyone already knows, but just in case, the numbers in parentheses are last week's ranking.
14 (14) NTOTB - Expansion woes continue.
13 (12) VW United - A complete and total collapse against a bad TST.
12 (09) REAL SALT LAKE - Already time to pack up the RMC?
11 (13) Chivas TST - Finally a win.
10 (08) Dallass - Absolutely BLASTED by David and the Beckhams.
09 (10) Houston - HUGE win over Chicago, that's two in a row.
08 (11) LAG - Make sure you sit down for this one: Edson Buddle with the hat trick.
07 (06) Kansas City - Handed a point to a ten man Energy Drink squad.
06 (05) New Jersey - Quietly putting together a strong season, only 1 loss so far.
05 (07) Crapids/Cripids - Made RSL look stupid.
04 (04) Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Earned a draw against a good Columbus team.
03 (01) Chicago - Whoops! Lost to one (now two) win Houston.
02 (03) NERds - Took care of San Jose, as they should.
01 (02) Columbus - With Chicago's stumble, they finally take over 1st.
*I'm sure everyone already knows, but just in case, the numbers in parentheses are last week's ranking.
Ye Olde Royal Predictions: Week 9
So I had an improvement this week, but I'm still not up to where I want to be. I did, however, notice this disclaimer on James Edward's blog on his predictions:
"Note: I'm counting draws in my record, therefore picking 33 percent of the games correct would be considered average."
Mainly I'm just posting this to make myself feel better, as I run on the same rules. By his logic I am still above average! YAY! Ah, lowered expectations, you are a sweet, sweet nectar.
Wednesday, May 21st:
Ben Cup Losers 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 3
Thursday, May 22nd:
Houston Creamsickles 2 vs. NTOTB 1
Saturday, May 24th:
NERds 0 vs. Columbus 2
Streamer Death 2 vs. Unitedwagen 2
REAL SALT LAKE 2 vs. Dallass 3
TST 0 vs. Crapids/Cripids 2
Kansas City 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, May 25th:
The Blanco School of Flopping 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
Last week's results:
3 right (0 exact), 4 wrong (43%)
Season total:
21-34 [3 exact] (38%, 5%)
"Note: I'm counting draws in my record, therefore picking 33 percent of the games correct would be considered average."
Mainly I'm just posting this to make myself feel better, as I run on the same rules. By his logic I am still above average! YAY! Ah, lowered expectations, you are a sweet, sweet nectar.
Wednesday, May 21st:
Ben Cup Losers 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 3
Thursday, May 22nd:
Houston Creamsickles 2 vs. NTOTB 1
Saturday, May 24th:
NERds 0 vs. Columbus 2
Streamer Death 2 vs. Unitedwagen 2
REAL SALT LAKE 2 vs. Dallass 3
TST 0 vs. Crapids/Cripids 2
Kansas City 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, May 25th:
The Blanco School of Flopping 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
Last week's results:
3 right (0 exact), 4 wrong (43%)
Season total:
21-34 [3 exact] (38%, 5%)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Game 8: Rocky Mountain Disaster
1st Half Grade: C+
RSL looked like they could finally get their act together on the road in the first half. They were able to string passes together and hold possession. The defense was shaky at times but held. However, when they were unable to get a goal to really set the tone, I got worried about what may happen in the 2nd half. Boy, was I right on that one... Anyway, a decent, but entirely pedestrian effort in the first half.
2nd Half Grade: F
I believe RSL has invented a time machine! They had to have, because that was vintage 2005 RSL. No defense, no offense, no nothing. Every player that attacked wide for the Crapids was WIDE OPEN. I'm not sure if it was tactics or just laziness, but the outside backs (ESPECIALLY Beltran) didn't cover anyone in the 2nd half. Beltran was burned again and again and again by leaving Colin Clark wide open and he was finally able to make RSL pay by threading a perfect cross into the box in the path of Omar Cummings who put it away for the first goal. Of course, after that RSL went into a more attacking mindset, which resulted in very little extra offense unfortunately. Too many turnovers by RSL when they could not afford them. RSL's attacking did help Colorado's offense, however, as the defense became even more unorganized and scrambling. It was during one of these scrambles that a ball came up and hit Mantilla in the arm in the box. PK, Christian Gomez, drive home safely. 2-0 Colorado.
Pros:
-Borchers looks to have regained his form, he was huge in the back.
-Rimando was solid again. How much do you think DC wishes they still had him instead of Wells right now?
-Deuchar finally started getting involved in the attack again.
Cons:
-Tony Beltran was absolutely horrible.
-Matias Mantilla was also horrible.
-Beckerman's first touch seems to be getting worse.
-Morales was injured and couldn't go.
-Espi was trying to do too much.
-For a Rocky Mountain Cup game, there was little to no passion from RSL.
-We lost to Colorado.
Game Grade: F
Yes, the second half was THAT bad. It cancels out any positives from the first half. For whatever reason this team is beyond terrible on the road. If RSL has any designs on the playoffs, they better get this figured out, and quick.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Confident play from 'Little Nicky'
Tony Beltran-3 Atrocious. No defense and turnover prone.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Active, but unspectacular.
Nat Borchers-8 A rock in the back.
Fabian Espindola-5 Tried to take on too many defenders too many times.
Kenny Cutler-5 OK, nothing special.
(Robbie Findley 69)-5 Never really got going.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Needs to keep his headers down.
Chris Wingert-6 Hard to score. Great going forward, weak in defense.
(Dustin Kirby 87)-6 Did all right with very limited time.
Dema Kovalenko-8 Was all over the field all night.
Matias Mantilla-3 Clearances were terrible, gave up the (inadvertent) handball in the box.
Andy Williams-6 Performance dropped as the game wore on.
(Matias Cordoba 84)-5 Never really had a chance to get involved.
RSL Man of the Match:
Dema Kovalenko - He seemed to be one of the few capable of passing tonight. Or seeing the field and changing the point of attack. Or going at Crapids players. A good game on any night stood out even more because of the lack of quality from most of his teammates.
Assclown of the Match:
Pablo Mastroeni - Just because.
RSL looked like they could finally get their act together on the road in the first half. They were able to string passes together and hold possession. The defense was shaky at times but held. However, when they were unable to get a goal to really set the tone, I got worried about what may happen in the 2nd half. Boy, was I right on that one... Anyway, a decent, but entirely pedestrian effort in the first half.
2nd Half Grade: F
I believe RSL has invented a time machine! They had to have, because that was vintage 2005 RSL. No defense, no offense, no nothing. Every player that attacked wide for the Crapids was WIDE OPEN. I'm not sure if it was tactics or just laziness, but the outside backs (ESPECIALLY Beltran) didn't cover anyone in the 2nd half. Beltran was burned again and again and again by leaving Colin Clark wide open and he was finally able to make RSL pay by threading a perfect cross into the box in the path of Omar Cummings who put it away for the first goal. Of course, after that RSL went into a more attacking mindset, which resulted in very little extra offense unfortunately. Too many turnovers by RSL when they could not afford them. RSL's attacking did help Colorado's offense, however, as the defense became even more unorganized and scrambling. It was during one of these scrambles that a ball came up and hit Mantilla in the arm in the box. PK, Christian Gomez, drive home safely. 2-0 Colorado.
Pros:
-Borchers looks to have regained his form, he was huge in the back.
-Rimando was solid again. How much do you think DC wishes they still had him instead of Wells right now?
-Deuchar finally started getting involved in the attack again.
Cons:
-Tony Beltran was absolutely horrible.
-Matias Mantilla was also horrible.
-Beckerman's first touch seems to be getting worse.
-Morales was injured and couldn't go.
-Espi was trying to do too much.
-For a Rocky Mountain Cup game, there was little to no passion from RSL.
-We lost to Colorado.
Game Grade: F
Yes, the second half was THAT bad. It cancels out any positives from the first half. For whatever reason this team is beyond terrible on the road. If RSL has any designs on the playoffs, they better get this figured out, and quick.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Confident play from 'Little Nicky'
Tony Beltran-3 Atrocious. No defense and turnover prone.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Active, but unspectacular.
Nat Borchers-8 A rock in the back.
Fabian Espindola-5 Tried to take on too many defenders too many times.
Kenny Cutler-5 OK, nothing special.
(Robbie Findley 69)-5 Never really got going.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Needs to keep his headers down.
Chris Wingert-6 Hard to score. Great going forward, weak in defense.
(Dustin Kirby 87)-6 Did all right with very limited time.
Dema Kovalenko-8 Was all over the field all night.
Matias Mantilla-3 Clearances were terrible, gave up the (inadvertent) handball in the box.
Andy Williams-6 Performance dropped as the game wore on.
(Matias Cordoba 84)-5 Never really had a chance to get involved.
RSL Man of the Match:
Dema Kovalenko - He seemed to be one of the few capable of passing tonight. Or seeing the field and changing the point of attack. Or going at Crapids players. A good game on any night stood out even more because of the lack of quality from most of his teammates.
Assclown of the Match:
Pablo Mastroeni - Just because.
Ye Olde Royal Predctions: Week 8
Sigh...well, it WAS better. Only slightly. Here's to hoping my form returns soon! Hopefully, I will turn it around starting with this week.
Thursday, May 15th:
Rocky Mtn. Cup Leg 1
REAL SALT LAKE 3 vs. Crapids/Cripids/Denver West Sideuhz 2
Saturday, May 17th:
Columbus 2 vs. Toronto Streamer Warehouse 2
Kansas City 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
NTOTB 1 vs. NERds 3
Houston 1 vs. Louganises 3
Ben Cup Losers 1 vs. TST 2
Sunday, May 18th:
LAG 2 vs. Dallass 3
On a side note, don't miss this week's game of the week, the Rocky Mtn. Cup matchup on ESPN2! And you insomniacs, don't miss the big TST/Unitedwagen craptacular on Saturday!
Last week's results:
2 right (1 exact), 4 wrong (33%)
MLS Season Total:
18-30 [3 exact] (38%, 6%)
Thursday, May 15th:
Rocky Mtn. Cup Leg 1
REAL SALT LAKE 3 vs. Crapids/Cripids/Denver West Sideuhz 2
Saturday, May 17th:
Columbus 2 vs. Toronto Streamer Warehouse 2
Kansas City 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
NTOTB 1 vs. NERds 3
Houston 1 vs. Louganises 3
Ben Cup Losers 1 vs. TST 2
Sunday, May 18th:
LAG 2 vs. Dallass 3
On a side note, don't miss this week's game of the week, the Rocky Mtn. Cup matchup on ESPN2! And you insomniacs, don't miss the big TST/Unitedwagen craptacular on Saturday!
Last week's results:
2 right (1 exact), 4 wrong (33%)
MLS Season Total:
18-30 [3 exact] (38%, 6%)
The Royal Rankings #5
14 NTOTB - Who else?
13 TST - How did RSL lose to these guys?
12 Unitedwagen - See above.
11 LAG - Yes, it was a friendly and without Landy, but they lost to Vancouver.
10 Houston - Creamsickles finally get a win.
09 REAL SALT LAKE - Nice win over a mediocre looking Dallas.
08 Dallas - Stays ahead of RSL based on RSL's road results.
07 Crapids/Cripids - Gave Houston their first win of '08.
06 Kansas City - Spent an enjoyable week 7 on the couch.
05 Energy Drinks - Can the "10 Million Dollar Man" lead them to glory before he leaves?
04 Streamer Warehouse - Spent a hectic week 7 digging out from under all the streamers.
03 NERds - Nice win over TST in the HDC. (I'm a rapper yo!)
02 Columbus - 3-goals-in-10-minutes outburst was a joy to watch.
01 Chicago - Smacked around DC like it was the playoffs (or like RSL in the Ben Cup)
13 TST - How did RSL lose to these guys?
12 Unitedwagen - See above.
11 LAG - Yes, it was a friendly and without Landy, but they lost to Vancouver.
10 Houston - Creamsickles finally get a win.
09 REAL SALT LAKE - Nice win over a mediocre looking Dallas.
08 Dallas - Stays ahead of RSL based on RSL's road results.
07 Crapids/Cripids - Gave Houston their first win of '08.
06 Kansas City - Spent an enjoyable week 7 on the couch.
05 Energy Drinks - Can the "10 Million Dollar Man" lead them to glory before he leaves?
04 Streamer Warehouse - Spent a hectic week 7 digging out from under all the streamers.
03 NERds - Nice win over TST in the HDC. (I'm a rapper yo!)
02 Columbus - 3-goals-in-10-minutes outburst was a joy to watch.
01 Chicago - Smacked around DC like it was the playoffs (or like RSL in the Ben Cup)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Game 7: Dallas vs. RSL
I'll try and get an actual review up, but just to be safe, I wanted to throw out my grades and awards for the game.
Game grade: B-
Too many defensive lapses (that, luckily, didn't cost us for once), but RSL seemed in control most of the game and pushed to the end. A fair result and a solid, if unspectacular, win for the boys in red.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Pretty good game, helped by some bad Dallass finishing.
Jamison Olave-4 Didn't make a mark on the game.
(Andy Williams 40)-8 All over the field, involved in nearly every positive RSL play.
Matias Mantilla-5 OK, but Dallass got way too many open chances that they squandered.
Nat Borchers-5 See above.
Tony Beltran-6 A clear improvement over Mr. Joy.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Came on late in the game, goal was nice, but touch was AWFUL all game.
Dema Kovalenko-6 Hard nosed, solid effort.
Javier Morales-7 Solid game for Javi.
(Kenny Cutler 57)-7 Looked good in the midfield.
Chris Wingert-5 Odd game from him (and for him, position wise).
Fabian Espindola-7 RSL's most dangerous forward on the day.
(Robbie Findley 80)-6 Hard to judge, not a lot of time to do much.
Kenny Deuchar-5 Needs to impose himself on the game more.
RSL Man of the Match:
Andy Williams - Kept his head in the game and stayed active. Really helped push the attack. And his assist on the Beckerman goal? Perfect.
Assclown of the Match:
Ricardo Salazar - No, not for the officiating (which was surprisingly decent), but I can't remember when I've seen a ref get in the way of the action so many times. He even got hit by passes at least twice. GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY, RICO SUAVE!
Game grade: B-
Too many defensive lapses (that, luckily, didn't cost us for once), but RSL seemed in control most of the game and pushed to the end. A fair result and a solid, if unspectacular, win for the boys in red.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Pretty good game, helped by some bad Dallass finishing.
Jamison Olave-4 Didn't make a mark on the game.
(Andy Williams 40)-8 All over the field, involved in nearly every positive RSL play.
Matias Mantilla-5 OK, but Dallass got way too many open chances that they squandered.
Nat Borchers-5 See above.
Tony Beltran-6 A clear improvement over Mr. Joy.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Came on late in the game, goal was nice, but touch was AWFUL all game.
Dema Kovalenko-6 Hard nosed, solid effort.
Javier Morales-7 Solid game for Javi.
(Kenny Cutler 57)-7 Looked good in the midfield.
Chris Wingert-5 Odd game from him (and for him, position wise).
Fabian Espindola-7 RSL's most dangerous forward on the day.
(Robbie Findley 80)-6 Hard to judge, not a lot of time to do much.
Kenny Deuchar-5 Needs to impose himself on the game more.
RSL Man of the Match:
Andy Williams - Kept his head in the game and stayed active. Really helped push the attack. And his assist on the Beckerman goal? Perfect.
Assclown of the Match:
Ricardo Salazar - No, not for the officiating (which was surprisingly decent), but I can't remember when I've seen a ref get in the way of the action so many times. He even got hit by passes at least twice. GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY, RICO SUAVE!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Royal Rankings #4
14 NTOTB - It ain't easy being an expansion team.
13 Houston - Seriously, what is the deal here? Is Nate Jaqua really that big of a difference maker?
12 REAL SALT LAKE - Completely blew an easy 3 points.
11 Chivas TST - Guess they needed more than Esky and Atiba...
10 LAG - Beckham steals a point for LA.
09 Herbie the United Love Bug - My pick for class of the east are letting me down.
08 Energy Drinks - Is Altidore worn out?
07 NERds - When will the 'Revenge of the NERds' begin?
06 Dallass - You gotta beat San Jose. They didn't.
05 Streamer Warehouse - Disappointing result at Streamer Death Stadium.
04 Crapids/Cripids - How is this team any good?
03 Kansas City - Tough loss, but a solid looking team.
02 Columbus - Solid win over MLS's minor league baseball team.
01 Chicago Louganises - Another win, another #1 spot.
13 Houston - Seriously, what is the deal here? Is Nate Jaqua really that big of a difference maker?
12 REAL SALT LAKE - Completely blew an easy 3 points.
11 Chivas TST - Guess they needed more than Esky and Atiba...
10 LAG - Beckham steals a point for LA.
09 Herbie the United Love Bug - My pick for class of the east are letting me down.
08 Energy Drinks - Is Altidore worn out?
07 NERds - When will the 'Revenge of the NERds' begin?
06 Dallass - You gotta beat San Jose. They didn't.
05 Streamer Warehouse - Disappointing result at Streamer Death Stadium.
04 Crapids/Cripids - How is this team any good?
03 Kansas City - Tough loss, but a solid looking team.
02 Columbus - Solid win over MLS's minor league baseball team.
01 Chicago Louganises - Another win, another #1 spot.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ye Olde Royal Predctions: Week 7
A crazy year in MLS has led to some crazy weeks for YORP, last week included. I had a horrible week, getting just one right. Of course, I did get that one exactly right. That counts for something doesn't it? Here we go with this week's, which WILL be better:
Thursday, May 8th:
Louganises 1 vs. DC Beetles 2
Saturday, May 10th:
Crapids/Cripids 1 vs. Houston No-Wins 1
Dallass 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 1
Columbus 3 vs. NTOTB 1
Energy Drinks 2 vs. LAG 2
Sunday, May 11th:
NERds 2 vs. TST 1
Last week's results:
MLS: 1 right (1 exact), 6 wrong (14%)
USOC: 1 right (0 exact), 0 wrong (100%-it's nice to write that, even if only for 1 game!)
MLS Season Total: 16-26 [2 exact] (38%, 5%)
All Comps Total: 18-27 [2] (40%, 4%)
Thursday, May 8th:
Louganises 1 vs. DC Beetles 2
Saturday, May 10th:
Crapids/Cripids 1 vs. Houston No-Wins 1
Dallass 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 1
Columbus 3 vs. NTOTB 1
Energy Drinks 2 vs. LAG 2
Sunday, May 11th:
NERds 2 vs. TST 1
Last week's results:
MLS: 1 right (1 exact), 6 wrong (14%)
USOC: 1 right (0 exact), 0 wrong (100%-it's nice to write that, even if only for 1 game!)
MLS Season Total: 16-26 [2 exact] (38%, 5%)
All Comps Total: 18-27 [2] (40%, 4%)
Game 6: LA vs. RSL
1st Half Grade: C-
The first 20-30 minutes of this game were a thing of beauty. RSL came out and took the game to the Galaxy, scoring twice and nearly netting a third on a couple occasions. Both goals were solid goals too, both with superb service from Javi. The first ended with a gorgeous chest trap to Espi, who settled the ball on the run and beat Cronin to the far side. The second was a perfectly weighted ball that Deuchar headed into the back of the net with purpose. Then came Beckham's first goal. Given a 10 yard cushion by RSL, he neatly settled a pass, used his foot to set it up just right and then rifled what basically became a free kick from 25 yards into the side netting. And both Borchers and Wingert just stood there and watched it happen. Minutes later, Beckham took an actual free kick from around the same distance (but this time straight on net), put it over and around the wall and into the net. Many have been blaming Rimando on this one, but he had his wall there to cover the near post and put himself where he could get to a ball on the far side. When the wall got beat, it was all over. After that, RSL scored a third goal on a gorgeous step over move and pass from Beckerman, who found Deuchar at the far post who put it away. Unfortunately, the assistant ref was on LSD at the time and imagined an RSL player to be offsides when they clearly weren't. After this, RSL seemed deflated and coasted to half, 2-2.
2nd Half Grade: D
What a blah, boring second half. This was the RSL we know and love. Giving up possesion cheaply. Defensive lapses in dangerous areas. Shaky coaching. A complete and total lack of anything resembling finishing. Luckily, Nick Rimando seemed to think it was 2007 all over again and made some superhuman saves including a point blank reaction save of a Donovan rifle shot header from about 2 feet. Amazing. Go watch it if you haven't seen it, quality stuff. RSL had some chances of their own but never really challenged Cronin and never looked able to finish. Findley came in late and looked active out of his...right midfield role??? Did JK not watch the Olympic qulaifying??? The man is a striker and that's all. Get him up front! Yura came in even later and did his usual "completely stall the offense" routine. Cordoba came in with about 2 minutes remaining, much too late to add anything to the midfield. RSL limped it home to a 2-2 tie.
Pros:
-Beltran looks to be a solid pickup (I'm still not sold on the #3 pick) and looks to be a big improvement over Ian Joy.
-The RSL of the first 20 minutes. Now THAT is a team to watch!
-Espindola seemed to provide an instant boost just by being back in the lineup.
-Deuchar finally got another one (two, really). Can he heat up?
Cons:
-Nearly every RSL midfielder disappeared in the 2nd half.
-The first goal. Why would anyone give Beckham that kind of time and space?
-The phantom offsides call that nullified the go ahead goal.
-The complete lack of finishing capability shown in the 2nd half.
-RSL giving away 2 points they easily could have had.
Game grade: D+
RSL showed some flashes of brilliance, but basically handed the win away. And with the way this team plays on the road, RSL needs every point it can get at home...and they just blew two.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Stood on his head for a couple of those saves.
Tony Beltran-7 MUCH better going forward (and faster) than Joy.
(Robbie Findley 74)-6 Did well considering how poorly utilized he was.
Nat Borchers-4 Grade probably a little harsh, but we know what he's capable of.
Jamison Olave-5 Was solid, but mistake prone. A big version of Matias?
Chris Wingert-5 Back down to Earth for Chris.
Andy Williams-7 Pretty solid, for more than 45 even!
(Matias Cordoba 90)-6 Hard to judge, VERY limited time.
Dema Kovalenko-5 A little too quiet, knock someone's teeth out or something!
Javier Morales-6 Stellar first half, invisible second.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Keeping up his 2008 "Mr. Invisible" routine.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Great 1st half, seemed tired in the second.
Fabian Espindola-6 Brilliant early, useless by the time he came out.
(Yura Movsisyan 79)-3 Came on and was promptly outrun by a 80-minutes-of-fatigue Chris Klein. Seriously.
RSL Man of the Match:
Nick Rimando - Tough choice this week as no one really stood out. It was Javi's to lose, and he did by doing nothing of note in the second half. Nick's huge saves on Vanney and Donovan alone earn him this one.
Assclown of the Match:
TIE! Landon Donovan and the ref who called the offsides on Deuchar's second goal - I hate giving them to refs but that offsides call was SO egregious he earned it. Landycakes earned his AOTM for his near-constant cheap shots after plays. We get it, you're "tough" now...assclown.
The first 20-30 minutes of this game were a thing of beauty. RSL came out and took the game to the Galaxy, scoring twice and nearly netting a third on a couple occasions. Both goals were solid goals too, both with superb service from Javi. The first ended with a gorgeous chest trap to Espi, who settled the ball on the run and beat Cronin to the far side. The second was a perfectly weighted ball that Deuchar headed into the back of the net with purpose. Then came Beckham's first goal. Given a 10 yard cushion by RSL, he neatly settled a pass, used his foot to set it up just right and then rifled what basically became a free kick from 25 yards into the side netting. And both Borchers and Wingert just stood there and watched it happen. Minutes later, Beckham took an actual free kick from around the same distance (but this time straight on net), put it over and around the wall and into the net. Many have been blaming Rimando on this one, but he had his wall there to cover the near post and put himself where he could get to a ball on the far side. When the wall got beat, it was all over. After that, RSL scored a third goal on a gorgeous step over move and pass from Beckerman, who found Deuchar at the far post who put it away. Unfortunately, the assistant ref was on LSD at the time and imagined an RSL player to be offsides when they clearly weren't. After this, RSL seemed deflated and coasted to half, 2-2.
2nd Half Grade: D
What a blah, boring second half. This was the RSL we know and love. Giving up possesion cheaply. Defensive lapses in dangerous areas. Shaky coaching. A complete and total lack of anything resembling finishing. Luckily, Nick Rimando seemed to think it was 2007 all over again and made some superhuman saves including a point blank reaction save of a Donovan rifle shot header from about 2 feet. Amazing. Go watch it if you haven't seen it, quality stuff. RSL had some chances of their own but never really challenged Cronin and never looked able to finish. Findley came in late and looked active out of his...right midfield role??? Did JK not watch the Olympic qulaifying??? The man is a striker and that's all. Get him up front! Yura came in even later and did his usual "completely stall the offense" routine. Cordoba came in with about 2 minutes remaining, much too late to add anything to the midfield. RSL limped it home to a 2-2 tie.
Pros:
-Beltran looks to be a solid pickup (I'm still not sold on the #3 pick) and looks to be a big improvement over Ian Joy.
-The RSL of the first 20 minutes. Now THAT is a team to watch!
-Espindola seemed to provide an instant boost just by being back in the lineup.
-Deuchar finally got another one (two, really). Can he heat up?
Cons:
-Nearly every RSL midfielder disappeared in the 2nd half.
-The first goal. Why would anyone give Beckham that kind of time and space?
-The phantom offsides call that nullified the go ahead goal.
-The complete lack of finishing capability shown in the 2nd half.
-RSL giving away 2 points they easily could have had.
Game grade: D+
RSL showed some flashes of brilliance, but basically handed the win away. And with the way this team plays on the road, RSL needs every point it can get at home...and they just blew two.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Stood on his head for a couple of those saves.
Tony Beltran-7 MUCH better going forward (and faster) than Joy.
(Robbie Findley 74)-6 Did well considering how poorly utilized he was.
Nat Borchers-4 Grade probably a little harsh, but we know what he's capable of.
Jamison Olave-5 Was solid, but mistake prone. A big version of Matias?
Chris Wingert-5 Back down to Earth for Chris.
Andy Williams-7 Pretty solid, for more than 45 even!
(Matias Cordoba 90)-6 Hard to judge, VERY limited time.
Dema Kovalenko-5 A little too quiet, knock someone's teeth out or something!
Javier Morales-6 Stellar first half, invisible second.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Keeping up his 2008 "Mr. Invisible" routine.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Great 1st half, seemed tired in the second.
Fabian Espindola-6 Brilliant early, useless by the time he came out.
(Yura Movsisyan 79)-3 Came on and was promptly outrun by a 80-minutes-of-fatigue Chris Klein. Seriously.
RSL Man of the Match:
Nick Rimando - Tough choice this week as no one really stood out. It was Javi's to lose, and he did by doing nothing of note in the second half. Nick's huge saves on Vanney and Donovan alone earn him this one.
Assclown of the Match:
TIE! Landon Donovan and the ref who called the offsides on Deuchar's second goal - I hate giving them to refs but that offsides call was SO egregious he earned it. Landycakes earned his AOTM for his near-constant cheap shots after plays. We get it, you're "tough" now...assclown.
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