Turdriffic. That's the word I'd use to describe RSL's latest 0-0 debacle at Rice-Eccles. That now makes it two straight home games where RSL has thoroughly outplayed the competition and not been able to win. I guarantee that those 4 points will come back to haunt RSL by season's end. Even now, it would put RSL near the top in the West. But I digress, on to the review!
First Half Grade: C-
A very boring first half. In fact, at different times I got up and went and got something to drink and then later to make a sandwich. Of course, I didn't miss much. The highlight was Jason Hernandez's stupid foul on Findley in the 44th for his second yellow (ie a red). Although it was scoreless at halftime, things were looking up for RSL. They had slightly outplayed San Jose at even strength; up a man, how could they not win?
Second Half Grade: F
By being RSL, that's how they could not win! A complete lack of finishing, which resulted in a game total of 24 shots, with a whopping FOUR on goal (according to the MLSnet Match Tracker). That's a whopping 17%! Seriously, I'll get paid to play soccer if that's as well as you have to do! Sign me up! Anyway, combine that with a very lacksadaisical attitude and an odd substitution of Nunez for Deuchar not even 60 minutes in and you have a 0-0 tie, even with the extra man. This was vintage RSL: shots missing the goal by 30 feet and no one providing any life or passion. Meanwhile, Kreis stoically stood on the sideline (at least, every time they showed him he was). Dude needs to get on his team, light a fire under them. They obviously weren't going to do it themselves. So while RSL completely controlled the second half, due to the man advantage, their lack of heart and attack leads to an F.
Pros:
-RSL still unbeaten at home.
-Rimando gets his third straight clean sheet.
-The defense looked pretty good when tested early on.
-We get Andy back next game right?
Cons:
-No passion at all. I think I cared if they won more than they did!
-Nunez showed me nothing in extended minutes.
-Is it too soon to call Cordoba a bust? He's done nothing in 2 straight starts.
-No one on RSL seems capable of keeping shots on frame.
-After only one game away, RSL seemed to forget how to play the turf.
-RSL really didn't (or couldn't because of poor passing) play the possesion game that led them to the last win over NTOTB.
-RSL has blown 4 easy points in their last two at home.
-You have to beat the expansion team, those are points ripe for the taking.
Game grade: D-
I really wanted to give RSL an F for this one, but they did only tie, not lose. So as awful as this result was, there were some minor positives. Although it resulted in nothing, RSL did try to attack and did control the game when they had the man advantage, as they should. Unfortunately, this was one of those games where by about 70 minutes in, you could tell RSL wouldn't score. Sure enough, I was right. But far outweighing any positives was the lack of passion showed. Kudos to the RSL fans who booed the team at the game's end. If that's all the effort they will give, they deserve it.
Player Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Solid when tested.
Tony Beltran-6 Active but needs to do more with the ball on both ends.
Jamison Olave-7 Helps get a 3rd straight clean sheet.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Decent game, but as captain, needs to inspire his team.
Nat Borchers-7 See Olave.
Matias Cordoba-4 The guy is invisible when on the field.
(Kenny Cutler 67)-5 One of the few with any life, but didn't do much.
Robbie Findley-6 Generous 6; drew a red card, only legit threat in the 2nd.
Javier Morales-6 Some nice plays, but not his best effort.
Kenny Deuchar-5 For someone known for headers, his sure suck.
(Tino Nunez 57)-4 Too tentative.
Chris Wingert-6 Decent game, turf ate him up a couple times.
Dema Kovalenko-7 Starting to impose himself on games again.
RSL Man of the Match:
Dema Kovalenko - A tough call. Another game where no one really wanted it or stood out. Dema gets it for his hard-nosed play and for being one of the few at least trying to attack late, even if his shots were horrible. An A (well, A- maybe) for effort.
Assclown of the Match:
The whole officiating crew - I agree, Beckerman was offsides on the "goal" in the 73rd, I*'m fine with that. However, you CAN NOT wait for 3 minutes, after a complete goal celebration and everything and then call it back. If you don't make the call, you didn't make the call. I really think the assistant waited for a replay on the video screen and then made his call. Poor.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Game 12: RSL vs. TST: Some Home (Depot) Improvement
Well, while RSL certainly made it much more adventurous than it needed to be, they did go on the road, to the place where RSL teams go to die, and pulled out a 1-0 victory. The win at Chivas TST was RSL's first road win on the season and will hopefully start the team down the right path for the rest of the year.
First Half Grade: B
No, it wasn't pretty, but RSL played TST even (if not a little better) for most of the half. Neither team looked real sharp, but for a team that has struggled as much as they have on the road, especially in the Home Depot Center, RSL looked pretty good. While both teams struggled to create any definitive chances, it was RSL who was able to bust through. In the 34th minute, Kyle Beckerman played a nice ball forward from the midfield. Robbie Findley ran free and onto the ball, which drew TST keeper Dan Kennedy out of the goal. Robbie took the ball, ran past a chasing Klejstan, around a charging Kennedy, and buried the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 RSL. TST turned up the attack after the goal, forcing RSL into some pressure situations, but never really got anything on net. Halftime score: 1-0.
Second Half Grade: D
Wow. Not just ugly, but OOGLAY! Apparently Jason's speech at halftime was: OK, we got a goal, now everybody sit back in the final third and try to repress wave after wave of TST attack for 45 minutes. I hate this "Let's play not to lose" mentality, and it has cost RSL more times than I can count. In this game, it almost cost them again, as TST attacked again and again and again and again. Credit to Olave and Borchers who repelled TST over and over. Chivas TST's best chance probably came in the 53rd, when Utah native Justin Braun (who couldn't possibly have been onside, but I digress) ran free into the 18 and put a hard shot directly into the arms of Nick Rimando. Little Nicky did a good job cutting off the angle, but credit to Braun for making that one WAY too easy for Nick. Finally, around the 80-85th minute, RSL remembered they were allowed to hold possesion and even move forward in attack and easily killed the rest of the game. Despite facing a deluge of shots in the second half, with the help of some poor TST finishing, RSL was able to "Kansas City" their way to the shutout. Final score 1-0, RSL.
Pros:
-Findley scores again.
-The two center backs look very legit.
-Beckerman seems back to his old active, pestering self.
-Morales was all over.
-Justin Braun can't shoot.
-Rimando was solid.
-Tino Nunez looked pretty good.
-A WIN AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER!!!
Cons:
-Cordoba looks lost out there.
-Second half tactics were, to be kind, atrocious.
-Another card for Olave. He's pulling a Mantilla 2007.
Game Grade: C
I can't really be too harsh, as RSL went on the road, where they are awful, to the HDC, where they are awful, and beat Chivas TST, which is always nice (suck it, Luis Bueno!). A very painful second half, but RSL showed some character in hanging on and earning the win. Now back home to face San Jose yet again, which will be tough. Can RSL beat them again for the 500th time in the last month or will the NTOTB finally have RSL's number?
Player Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Solid when tested
Tony Beltran-7 Some iffy tackles but good
Nat Borchers-8 A brick wall in the back.
Jamison Olave-8 Big, enforcer style game; I love it!
Chris Wingert-6 Decent game, let "Whiny Sacha" get in his head a bit.
Dema Kovalenko-7 Much more of a factor than he had been recently.
Matias Cordoba-4 Did he play?
(Yura Movsisyan 62)-4 Mostly a non-factor, left injured after 25 min.
(Kenny Cutler 87)-6 Team seemed to settle when he came in.
Robbie Findley-7 Had a goal, and looked good even out of position in the 2nd.
Javier Morales-7 Pestered the goats all over the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Nice to see the old Kyle back.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Once again, hustled, but little else. Is he a bust?
(Tino Nunez 80)-7 Limited minutes, but pushed forward well.
RSL Man of the Match:
Jamison Olave - When Kreis decided he didn't want to win, but just "not to lose," it was Borchers and Olave who stepped it up. Both were great, but Jamison gets the nod for a couple well-timed, crucial tackles and clears, but mostly for the tough guy attitude that ran through his game all night long. Well done.
Assclown of the Match:
Jason Kreis - I wanted to give it to "Whiny Sacha" Klejstan for his incessant complaining (what is it about LA and whiny athletes/coaches? See: Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, the rest of the Lakers, Landon Donovan, etc. etc. etc.), but Jason won it with his tactical "brilliance." A not-even-totally-fit Yura Movsisyan at right mid? Robbie Findley seemingly playing left wing back? The complete bunker ball strategy employed the whole second half? As the kids say, "WTF?"
First Half Grade: B
No, it wasn't pretty, but RSL played TST even (if not a little better) for most of the half. Neither team looked real sharp, but for a team that has struggled as much as they have on the road, especially in the Home Depot Center, RSL looked pretty good. While both teams struggled to create any definitive chances, it was RSL who was able to bust through. In the 34th minute, Kyle Beckerman played a nice ball forward from the midfield. Robbie Findley ran free and onto the ball, which drew TST keeper Dan Kennedy out of the goal. Robbie took the ball, ran past a chasing Klejstan, around a charging Kennedy, and buried the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 RSL. TST turned up the attack after the goal, forcing RSL into some pressure situations, but never really got anything on net. Halftime score: 1-0.
Second Half Grade: D
Wow. Not just ugly, but OOGLAY! Apparently Jason's speech at halftime was: OK, we got a goal, now everybody sit back in the final third and try to repress wave after wave of TST attack for 45 minutes. I hate this "Let's play not to lose" mentality, and it has cost RSL more times than I can count. In this game, it almost cost them again, as TST attacked again and again and again and again. Credit to Olave and Borchers who repelled TST over and over. Chivas TST's best chance probably came in the 53rd, when Utah native Justin Braun (who couldn't possibly have been onside, but I digress) ran free into the 18 and put a hard shot directly into the arms of Nick Rimando. Little Nicky did a good job cutting off the angle, but credit to Braun for making that one WAY too easy for Nick. Finally, around the 80-85th minute, RSL remembered they were allowed to hold possesion and even move forward in attack and easily killed the rest of the game. Despite facing a deluge of shots in the second half, with the help of some poor TST finishing, RSL was able to "Kansas City" their way to the shutout. Final score 1-0, RSL.
Pros:
-Findley scores again.
-The two center backs look very legit.
-Beckerman seems back to his old active, pestering self.
-Morales was all over.
-Justin Braun can't shoot.
-Rimando was solid.
-Tino Nunez looked pretty good.
-A WIN AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER!!!
Cons:
-Cordoba looks lost out there.
-Second half tactics were, to be kind, atrocious.
-Another card for Olave. He's pulling a Mantilla 2007.
Game Grade: C
I can't really be too harsh, as RSL went on the road, where they are awful, to the HDC, where they are awful, and beat Chivas TST, which is always nice (suck it, Luis Bueno!). A very painful second half, but RSL showed some character in hanging on and earning the win. Now back home to face San Jose yet again, which will be tough. Can RSL beat them again for the 500th time in the last month or will the NTOTB finally have RSL's number?
Player Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Solid when tested
Tony Beltran-7 Some iffy tackles but good
Nat Borchers-8 A brick wall in the back.
Jamison Olave-8 Big, enforcer style game; I love it!
Chris Wingert-6 Decent game, let "Whiny Sacha" get in his head a bit.
Dema Kovalenko-7 Much more of a factor than he had been recently.
Matias Cordoba-4 Did he play?
(Yura Movsisyan 62)-4 Mostly a non-factor, left injured after 25 min.
(Kenny Cutler 87)-6 Team seemed to settle when he came in.
Robbie Findley-7 Had a goal, and looked good even out of position in the 2nd.
Javier Morales-7 Pestered the goats all over the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Nice to see the old Kyle back.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Once again, hustled, but little else. Is he a bust?
(Tino Nunez 80)-7 Limited minutes, but pushed forward well.
RSL Man of the Match:
Jamison Olave - When Kreis decided he didn't want to win, but just "not to lose," it was Borchers and Olave who stepped it up. Both were great, but Jamison gets the nod for a couple well-timed, crucial tackles and clears, but mostly for the tough guy attitude that ran through his game all night long. Well done.
Assclown of the Match:
Jason Kreis - I wanted to give it to "Whiny Sacha" Klejstan for his incessant complaining (what is it about LA and whiny athletes/coaches? See: Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, the rest of the Lakers, Landon Donovan, etc. etc. etc.), but Jason won it with his tactical "brilliance." A not-even-totally-fit Yura Movsisyan at right mid? Robbie Findley seemingly playing left wing back? The complete bunker ball strategy employed the whole second half? As the kids say, "WTF?"
The Royal Rankings #8
After a week off from the rankings, I'm baaaaack. Last week was a bit crazy and the rankings reflect that. Here we go!
14 NTOTB - Seriously, if they get OUT of 14th, it will be huge.
13 Chivas TST - Lost to RSL in the Royal Burial Grounds (aka HDC).
12 Kansas City - Finally get a home game...and lose 3-0.
11 Energy Bovines - Shocked and awed in DC.
10 Cripids/Crapids - Playing poorly as of late.
09 REAL SALT LAKE - Finally get the elusive road win, in the most unlikely of places.
08 Dallass - Solid win over Chicago.
07 Creamsickles - Dominated by New England at home.
06 Ben Cup Losers - Finally rounding into form.
05 Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Very strong home win over the Crapids.
04 Chicago's BSOF - Coming down off the early season high.
03 LAG - Defense is holding enough to let the big O win games for them.
02 Columbus - Break the goal drought with a big 3-0 win in KC's homecoming.
01 NERds - VERY impressive in dismantling Houston in Texas.
Game of the week:
(#2) Columbus travels to California to take on the red hot (#3) Galaxy.
14 NTOTB - Seriously, if they get OUT of 14th, it will be huge.
13 Chivas TST - Lost to RSL in the Royal Burial Grounds (aka HDC).
12 Kansas City - Finally get a home game...and lose 3-0.
11 Energy Bovines - Shocked and awed in DC.
10 Cripids/Crapids - Playing poorly as of late.
09 REAL SALT LAKE - Finally get the elusive road win, in the most unlikely of places.
08 Dallass - Solid win over Chicago.
07 Creamsickles - Dominated by New England at home.
06 Ben Cup Losers - Finally rounding into form.
05 Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Very strong home win over the Crapids.
04 Chicago's BSOF - Coming down off the early season high.
03 LAG - Defense is holding enough to let the big O win games for them.
02 Columbus - Break the goal drought with a big 3-0 win in KC's homecoming.
01 NERds - VERY impressive in dismantling Houston in Texas.
Game of the week:
(#2) Columbus travels to California to take on the red hot (#3) Galaxy.
Ye Olde Royal Predictions: Week 13
Still working on getting through the TST game before tonight's game, but I wanted to get the predictions up on time this week for once.
Wednesday, June 18th:
Energy Bovines 0 vs. NERds 2
NTOTB 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 3
Thursday, June 19th:
Chicago's BSOF 2 vs. TST 1
Saturday, June 21st:
KC 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 2
Dallass 1 vs. Energy Bovines 1
NERds 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 1
Creamsickles 2 vs. Crapids/Cripids 2
THE* 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, June 22nd:
NTOTB 1 vs. Ben Cup Losers 3
*THE is my newest reference for Columbus because of the stupid "THE Crew" in their logo. If it's on their logo, it's their name. Presenting the Columbus THE. (Yes, I'm reaching)
Last week's results:
A solid, plus-.500 week. And honestly, I hate to mark myself down for the RSL game, did ANYONE see that coming? Didn't think so.
4 right (0 exact), 3 wrong (57%)
Season Total:
36-48 [5 exact] (43%, 6%)
Wednesday, June 18th:
Energy Bovines 0 vs. NERds 2
NTOTB 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 3
Thursday, June 19th:
Chicago's BSOF 2 vs. TST 1
Saturday, June 21st:
KC 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 2
Dallass 1 vs. Energy Bovines 1
NERds 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 1
Creamsickles 2 vs. Crapids/Cripids 2
THE* 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, June 22nd:
NTOTB 1 vs. Ben Cup Losers 3
*THE is my newest reference for Columbus because of the stupid "THE Crew" in their logo. If it's on their logo, it's their name. Presenting the Columbus THE. (Yes, I'm reaching)
Last week's results:
A solid, plus-.500 week. And honestly, I hate to mark myself down for the RSL game, did ANYONE see that coming? Didn't think so.
4 right (0 exact), 3 wrong (57%)
Season Total:
36-48 [5 exact] (43%, 6%)
Game 11: KC vs. RSL Grades
I'm finally trying to get the Review back up-to-date so here's the grades for the 0-0 draw-that-feels-like-a-loss (DTFLAL) against Kansas City on June 7th.
1st Half Grade: B
2nd Half Grade: B
Both halves were very similar, with RSL dominating the possesion and attacking consistently. They also ended up with nothing to show on the scoreboard.
Game Grade: C+
How do two Bs make a C+? I'll tell you. If you thoroughly outplay your opponents and create as many chances as RSL did over 90 minutes and don't win, well, you don't deserve much more than a C+.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Got the clean sheet with no effort required
Tony Beltran-6 Very up and down game
Nat Borchers-7 KC didn't test him much, but when they did, they were denied.
Jamison Olave-6 Played well, but had a few too many mental mistakes.
Chris Wingert-6 Pretty quiet game for Chris.
Andy Williams-6 Involved but nothing special.
(Matias Cordoba 70)-5 I think I saw more of him when he was on the bench!
Dema Kovalenko-6 Decent game for Dema
Javier Morales-7 Really making himself the catalyst for this team.
Kyle Beckerman-7 2nd half was his best effort in a while.
Kenny Deuchar-4 Needs to finish some of these golden opportunities.
(Tino Nunez 76)-6 Didn't really get a lot of time
Robbie Findley-5 Finishing wasn't as egregious as Kenny's, but still awful.
RSL Man of the Match:
Javier Morales - Most of the good offensive opportunities for RSL were created by Javi. His confidence is visibly through the roof and it is paying dividends on the field.
Assclown of the Match:
Kevin Hartman - Dude played out of his mind and somehow pulled a clean sheet out of his behind. Couldn't you have just let one sneak by Kevin? Really? Way to harsh our buzz, man! (There weren't too many good candidates in this one, so I gave it to Hartman for single-handedly stealing the points from RSL).
1st Half Grade: B
2nd Half Grade: B
Both halves were very similar, with RSL dominating the possesion and attacking consistently. They also ended up with nothing to show on the scoreboard.
Game Grade: C+
How do two Bs make a C+? I'll tell you. If you thoroughly outplay your opponents and create as many chances as RSL did over 90 minutes and don't win, well, you don't deserve much more than a C+.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Got the clean sheet with no effort required
Tony Beltran-6 Very up and down game
Nat Borchers-7 KC didn't test him much, but when they did, they were denied.
Jamison Olave-6 Played well, but had a few too many mental mistakes.
Chris Wingert-6 Pretty quiet game for Chris.
Andy Williams-6 Involved but nothing special.
(Matias Cordoba 70)-5 I think I saw more of him when he was on the bench!
Dema Kovalenko-6 Decent game for Dema
Javier Morales-7 Really making himself the catalyst for this team.
Kyle Beckerman-7 2nd half was his best effort in a while.
Kenny Deuchar-4 Needs to finish some of these golden opportunities.
(Tino Nunez 76)-6 Didn't really get a lot of time
Robbie Findley-5 Finishing wasn't as egregious as Kenny's, but still awful.
RSL Man of the Match:
Javier Morales - Most of the good offensive opportunities for RSL were created by Javi. His confidence is visibly through the roof and it is paying dividends on the field.
Assclown of the Match:
Kevin Hartman - Dude played out of his mind and somehow pulled a clean sheet out of his behind. Couldn't you have just let one sneak by Kevin? Really? Way to harsh our buzz, man! (There weren't too many good candidates in this one, so I gave it to Hartman for single-handedly stealing the points from RSL).
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ye Olde Royal Predictions: Week 12: FM 2008 is the devil!
So I've gotten sucked back into Football Manager 2008 (well, Worldwide Soccer Manager, but it's the same thing) and, as a result, the Review is suffering. But, quickly, here are my week 12 predictions (as before, all predictions were made before this week's games-proven by my painfully wrong prediction on Thursday's game):
Thursday, June 12th:
NERds 1 vs. Creamsickles 1
Saturday, June 14th:
Crapids 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 2
Energy Bovines 0 vs. Unitedwagen 2
THE Crew (seriously, does their logo need the word 'The'?) 1 vs. Wiz 2
LAG 3 vs. NTOTB 1
REAL SALT LAKE 0 vs. TST 3
Sunday, June 15th:
Blanco School of Flopping (BSOF) 1 vs. Dallass 2
I hate to make that prediction for RSL, but they are headed to the HDC this weekend. Also known as the 'Royal Burial Grounds'. But trust me, I would like nothing more than a big RSL win over tst. GO RSL!
Last week's results:
BIG week for me! It's about time!
5 correct (1 exact), 2 wrong (71%)
Season Total:
32-45 [5 exact] (42%, 6%)
And, oh yes, never fear RSL fans! If my game is correct (and we can all hope that it is), RSL WILL win the MLS Cup this year. Of course, they also should have won the Open Cup this year for that logic to work, but we can conveniently forget that part, right?
Thursday, June 12th:
NERds 1 vs. Creamsickles 1
Saturday, June 14th:
Crapids 1 vs. Streamer Warehouse 2
Energy Bovines 0 vs. Unitedwagen 2
THE Crew (seriously, does their logo need the word 'The'?) 1 vs. Wiz 2
LAG 3 vs. NTOTB 1
REAL SALT LAKE 0 vs. TST 3
Sunday, June 15th:
Blanco School of Flopping (BSOF) 1 vs. Dallass 2
I hate to make that prediction for RSL, but they are headed to the HDC this weekend. Also known as the 'Royal Burial Grounds'. But trust me, I would like nothing more than a big RSL win over tst. GO RSL!
Last week's results:
BIG week for me! It's about time!
5 correct (1 exact), 2 wrong (71%)
Season Total:
32-45 [5 exact] (42%, 6%)
And, oh yes, never fear RSL fans! If my game is correct (and we can all hope that it is), RSL WILL win the MLS Cup this year. Of course, they also should have won the Open Cup this year for that logic to work, but we can conveniently forget that part, right?
Friday, June 6, 2008
News and Notes, Thoughts and Opinions
First off, thanks to all who voted in the Royal Review Color poll, the current RSL scheme has won out. However, the black and white scheme did pull enough votes for me to look into viable options for those people. If I get time to try a few things, I will let you know. As for now, enjoy the colors of the homeland! :)
In place of the old color scheme poll I have added a new one. In your eyes, who is RSL's player of the year so far? I took the top 6 (it would have been 5, but two players were tied for 5th) players in my season long player grades and put them on there. I'm just curious to see what the rest of RSL-land (and MLS-land) thinks.
As everyone knows by now, Real Madrid cancelled its 2008 exhibition with RSL, hopefully to the surprise of no one. The "partnership" between the teams has always been shaky at best. The Madrid sponsored youth academy? No where to be found. The loaning of promising young stars? Hasn't happened. The biannual (every two years) friendly in Salt Lake? Well, we got 1 (out of five). So basically, this partnership that was supposed to be so fruitful for RSL has ended with RSL getting 1 friendly, 1 preseason training at Madrid's facilities, and the shaft. And worse yet, RSL doesn't seem upset about it. In the linked article, Lagerwey even admits he doesn't know if RSL will be compensated for the missed friendly. You know, the one specified by a legally binding contract. RSL front office: Grow a pair. Stand up to someone besides your own fans. China's national team doesn't pay your bills. Neither does RM. The fans do. Fight for them (not against them) and for yourselves once in a while, damn.
There's a decent article in the SL Tribune today about Nate Sturgis. It basically reiterates what I said months and months ago, this kid is ALWAYS injured. He is RSL's Mark Prior. I feel bad for him, especially after the article pointed out something I hadn't thought of: if his injury doesn't heal up soon, he won't be fit enough to play in the Olympics. That would be a heartbreaker. For Nathan's sake, I hope he heals up soon and gets to go to Beijing. I mean, seriously, who doesn't dream of being in the Olympics?
Finally, to the Fox Soccer Channel: Please hire me as Max Bretos's pronunciation guide. His mangling of the names of players and places has gotten to be too much. And even better, I come cheap (just ask my current employer!). Yours, Ben.
In place of the old color scheme poll I have added a new one. In your eyes, who is RSL's player of the year so far? I took the top 6 (it would have been 5, but two players were tied for 5th) players in my season long player grades and put them on there. I'm just curious to see what the rest of RSL-land (and MLS-land) thinks.
As everyone knows by now, Real Madrid cancelled its 2008 exhibition with RSL, hopefully to the surprise of no one. The "partnership" between the teams has always been shaky at best. The Madrid sponsored youth academy? No where to be found. The loaning of promising young stars? Hasn't happened. The biannual (every two years) friendly in Salt Lake? Well, we got 1 (out of five). So basically, this partnership that was supposed to be so fruitful for RSL has ended with RSL getting 1 friendly, 1 preseason training at Madrid's facilities, and the shaft. And worse yet, RSL doesn't seem upset about it. In the linked article, Lagerwey even admits he doesn't know if RSL will be compensated for the missed friendly. You know, the one specified by a legally binding contract. RSL front office: Grow a pair. Stand up to someone besides your own fans. China's national team doesn't pay your bills. Neither does RM. The fans do. Fight for them (not against them) and for yourselves once in a while, damn.
There's a decent article in the SL Tribune today about Nate Sturgis. It basically reiterates what I said months and months ago, this kid is ALWAYS injured. He is RSL's Mark Prior. I feel bad for him, especially after the article pointed out something I hadn't thought of: if his injury doesn't heal up soon, he won't be fit enough to play in the Olympics. That would be a heartbreaker. For Nathan's sake, I hope he heals up soon and gets to go to Beijing. I mean, seriously, who doesn't dream of being in the Olympics?
Finally, to the Fox Soccer Channel: Please hire me as Max Bretos's pronunciation guide. His mangling of the names of players and places has gotten to be too much. And even better, I come cheap (just ask my current employer!). Yours, Ben.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Royal Rankings #7
14 NTOTB - A decent expansion team, but an expansion team nevertheless.
13 Unitedwagen - When will this team show up?
12 REAL SALT LAKE - Big win, but need to do it away from the U.
11 Dallas - RSL has got to still be kicking themselves over that one.
10 Kansas City - Last 4 league games: loss, loss, tie, loss.
09 Energy Drinks - Altidore on the move
08 Houston - Playing much better after a slow start.
07 Chivas TST - Big win over the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
06 LAG - Pretty weak without Beckham and Donovan.
05 Columbus - Zero goals in their last three league games. Ouch.
04 Crapids/Cripids - Still on top in the West.
03 Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Nice to see Cunningham on the score sheet.
02 NERds - On top by 1 pt. the East, but Chicago has 2 games in hand and a whopping +11 advantage in goal diff.
01 Ow! The Fire! It burns! - Cuauhtemoc Louganis and friends keep on rollin'.
13 Unitedwagen - When will this team show up?
12 REAL SALT LAKE - Big win, but need to do it away from the U.
11 Dallas - RSL has got to still be kicking themselves over that one.
10 Kansas City - Last 4 league games: loss, loss, tie, loss.
09 Energy Drinks - Altidore on the move
08 Houston - Playing much better after a slow start.
07 Chivas TST - Big win over the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
06 LAG - Pretty weak without Beckham and Donovan.
05 Columbus - Zero goals in their last three league games. Ouch.
04 Crapids/Cripids - Still on top in the West.
03 Toronto Streamer Warehouse - Nice to see Cunningham on the score sheet.
02 NERds - On top by 1 pt. the East, but Chicago has 2 games in hand and a whopping +11 advantage in goal diff.
01 Ow! The Fire! It burns! - Cuauhtemoc Louganis and friends keep on rollin'.
Ye Olde Royal Predictions: Week 11
Wednesday, June 4th:
Creamsickles 1 vs. Ben Cup Losers 2
Thursday, June 5th:
TST 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
Friday, June 6th:
Texas Stripes 1 vs. NERds 3
Saturday, June 7th:
NTOTB 1 vs. Columbus 3
Ben Cup Losers 0 vs. Where There's Smoke... 2
Takin A KC Wiz 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 2
Crapids/Cripids 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, June 8th:
Streamer Warehouse 1 vs. Creamsickles 2
Last week's results:
Another week, another similar result. Hopefully this week will get me out of the rut!
3 correct (1 exact-the RSL game, YES!), 4 wrong (43%, 14%)
Season Total:
27-43 [4 exact] (39%, 6%)
Creamsickles 1 vs. Ben Cup Losers 2
Thursday, June 5th:
TST 1 vs. Energy Drinks 2
Friday, June 6th:
Texas Stripes 1 vs. NERds 3
Saturday, June 7th:
NTOTB 1 vs. Columbus 3
Ben Cup Losers 0 vs. Where There's Smoke... 2
Takin A KC Wiz 2 vs. REAL SALT LAKE 2
Crapids/Cripids 2 vs. LAG 3
Sunday, June 8th:
Streamer Warehouse 1 vs. Creamsickles 2
Last week's results:
Another week, another similar result. Hopefully this week will get me out of the rut!
3 correct (1 exact-the RSL game, YES!), 4 wrong (43%, 14%)
Season Total:
27-43 [4 exact] (39%, 6%)
Game 10: Shakin the Quakes: NTOTB vs. RSL
Wow. Can we take that 20-25 minutes to start the second half and play that way for 90 minutes? Seriously, it makes the bad play all the more frustrating when you see what the team is actually capable of...
1st Half Grade: D
I'm not sure how this was the same team we saw in the second half. RSL was gifted a penalty early after a handball in the box. Javi proceeded to step up, use his body language to tell everyone where he was going, and then weakly kick it directly at Joe Cannon. Honestly one of the worst penalty takes I've seen. The rest of the half was vintage RSL...by both teams. Ugly pinball play in the midfield, few, if any, scoring chances, just very blah. An odd substitution came right before half, with Findley coming on for a fine-looking but apparently injured Espi. It seemed odd at the time, but didn't strike me as being too important. Boy, was I wrong... Halftime: 0-0.
2nd Half Grade: A-
Praise the Lord! Robbie Findley has remembered he is good! After making SJ defender Jason Hernandez look like, well, ME, he thenran to the edge of the box and absolutely blistered home a shot near post, getting it right past the outstretched arms of Cannon. Boom, 1-0. The goal seemed to finally energize the royals, with RSL dominating the next 20 minutes of play. In fact, I don't recall NTOTB making it past midfield on an attack more than maybe once in that whole span. Another brilliant goal came in the 60th, when Javi came screaming upfield. Smartly, he held onto the ball for as long as possible, drawing two defenders, before laying it off to Findley. Sensing the danger, both defenders turned to go at Robbie, who read the play perfectly and put a brilliant one-touch pass forward to a wide open Javi. Morales took the ball, and after a perfect extra touch to pull Cannon off his line, put the ball expertly behind Cannon and into the net. The RSL flurry continued with a couple of possible (but would-have-been-weak) shirt-pulling PKs going uncalled while a suddenly renewed Deuchar wreaked havoc in the box. RSL finally got its second PK, although not from Kenny, in the 73rd after Morales put a perfect ball into the box for Williams who was dragged down from behind by Nick Garcia as he prepped the shot. Smartly, the Reds kept Javi far away from the spot and Kovalenko stepped up, waited for Cannon to commit, and then went the opposite way for the third goal. 3-0 RSL. So why not an A or even A+ for the half? After going up 3-0, RSL got lazy. Meanwhile, SJ pressed, trying to salvage anything from the game. It didn't matter, that is, until John Cunliffe decided to take the game over. He took a brilliant back heel pass at the top of the box in the 84th and blasted it past Little Nicky to dirty up the clean sheet. He nearly did it again just minutes later, just missing the top left corner on another rifle shot. Luckily for RSL, the shot missed and any possible lifeline for the visitors was cut. Final score: RSL 3 - NTOTB 1.
Pros:
-Findley returns to form.
-Deuchar finally showed up in the second half.
-Javier Morales continues to be an assist machine.
-The defense (both on the backline and from the midfield) did well before letting the 3 goal lead get to their heads.
-The team showed better vision in creating attacks.
-RSL continues their home form, something they HAVE to do, given their road woes.
Cons:
-Much of the first half was awful.
-The midfield refused to settle a ball and try and hold possession in the first half.
-RSL quit playing after building the lead.
-Espi left injured.
Game grade: B-
A tough game to grade. When RSL was on, they looked like world beaters (granted, it was against an expansion side, but they still looked THAT good), but for the first half and the last 15-20 minutes, they looked pretty mediocre. Overall, I think it's a solid win, but I'd like to see a better effort over a whole 90 minutes.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Didn't have much to do.
Tony Beltran-6 See above.
Nat Borchers-6 Did get beat on the goal, but looked good otherwise.
Jamison Olave-7 Solid game by Jamison, although, again, the D didn't have much to do.
Chris Wingert-7 Have to give him credit as every attack seemed to go down the left side.
Andy Williams-7 Active and attacking, earned a PK as well.
Dema Kovalenko-5 Had a goal, but was otherwise nonexistent.
Javier Morales-7 Goal and basically 2 assists, but a missed PK and poor 1st half.
(Matias Cordoba 79)-5 Pretty blah after coming on.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Did better in the 2nd, but never really made his mark.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Bad first half, second half was his best effort in ages.
(Tino Nunez 85)-6 Too little time to really judge.
Fabian Espindola-6 One of the few even decent players early.
(Robbie Findley 45)-8 Almost a 9, just a brilliant game from #10.
RSL Man of the Match:
Robbie Findley - It's gotta be him. The whole complexion of the game changed after he entered and his goal woke up the whole squad. On top of that, his goal was a thing of beauty and he capped it off with a perfect assist to Javi. Is Robbie finally rounding into form?
Assclown of the Match:
Max Bretos - For the last !@#$ing time, it's Robbie FindLEY and WaSATCH not Findlay and Wasottch. Friggin hell.
1st Half Grade: D
I'm not sure how this was the same team we saw in the second half. RSL was gifted a penalty early after a handball in the box. Javi proceeded to step up, use his body language to tell everyone where he was going, and then weakly kick it directly at Joe Cannon. Honestly one of the worst penalty takes I've seen. The rest of the half was vintage RSL...by both teams. Ugly pinball play in the midfield, few, if any, scoring chances, just very blah. An odd substitution came right before half, with Findley coming on for a fine-looking but apparently injured Espi. It seemed odd at the time, but didn't strike me as being too important. Boy, was I wrong... Halftime: 0-0.
2nd Half Grade: A-
Praise the Lord! Robbie Findley has remembered he is good! After making SJ defender Jason Hernandez look like, well, ME, he thenran to the edge of the box and absolutely blistered home a shot near post, getting it right past the outstretched arms of Cannon. Boom, 1-0. The goal seemed to finally energize the royals, with RSL dominating the next 20 minutes of play. In fact, I don't recall NTOTB making it past midfield on an attack more than maybe once in that whole span. Another brilliant goal came in the 60th, when Javi came screaming upfield. Smartly, he held onto the ball for as long as possible, drawing two defenders, before laying it off to Findley. Sensing the danger, both defenders turned to go at Robbie, who read the play perfectly and put a brilliant one-touch pass forward to a wide open Javi. Morales took the ball, and after a perfect extra touch to pull Cannon off his line, put the ball expertly behind Cannon and into the net. The RSL flurry continued with a couple of possible (but would-have-been-weak) shirt-pulling PKs going uncalled while a suddenly renewed Deuchar wreaked havoc in the box. RSL finally got its second PK, although not from Kenny, in the 73rd after Morales put a perfect ball into the box for Williams who was dragged down from behind by Nick Garcia as he prepped the shot. Smartly, the Reds kept Javi far away from the spot and Kovalenko stepped up, waited for Cannon to commit, and then went the opposite way for the third goal. 3-0 RSL. So why not an A or even A+ for the half? After going up 3-0, RSL got lazy. Meanwhile, SJ pressed, trying to salvage anything from the game. It didn't matter, that is, until John Cunliffe decided to take the game over. He took a brilliant back heel pass at the top of the box in the 84th and blasted it past Little Nicky to dirty up the clean sheet. He nearly did it again just minutes later, just missing the top left corner on another rifle shot. Luckily for RSL, the shot missed and any possible lifeline for the visitors was cut. Final score: RSL 3 - NTOTB 1.
Pros:
-Findley returns to form.
-Deuchar finally showed up in the second half.
-Javier Morales continues to be an assist machine.
-The defense (both on the backline and from the midfield) did well before letting the 3 goal lead get to their heads.
-The team showed better vision in creating attacks.
-RSL continues their home form, something they HAVE to do, given their road woes.
Cons:
-Much of the first half was awful.
-The midfield refused to settle a ball and try and hold possession in the first half.
-RSL quit playing after building the lead.
-Espi left injured.
Game grade: B-
A tough game to grade. When RSL was on, they looked like world beaters (granted, it was against an expansion side, but they still looked THAT good), but for the first half and the last 15-20 minutes, they looked pretty mediocre. Overall, I think it's a solid win, but I'd like to see a better effort over a whole 90 minutes.
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Didn't have much to do.
Tony Beltran-6 See above.
Nat Borchers-6 Did get beat on the goal, but looked good otherwise.
Jamison Olave-7 Solid game by Jamison, although, again, the D didn't have much to do.
Chris Wingert-7 Have to give him credit as every attack seemed to go down the left side.
Andy Williams-7 Active and attacking, earned a PK as well.
Dema Kovalenko-5 Had a goal, but was otherwise nonexistent.
Javier Morales-7 Goal and basically 2 assists, but a missed PK and poor 1st half.
(Matias Cordoba 79)-5 Pretty blah after coming on.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Did better in the 2nd, but never really made his mark.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Bad first half, second half was his best effort in ages.
(Tino Nunez 85)-6 Too little time to really judge.
Fabian Espindola-6 One of the few even decent players early.
(Robbie Findley 45)-8 Almost a 9, just a brilliant game from #10.
RSL Man of the Match:
Robbie Findley - It's gotta be him. The whole complexion of the game changed after he entered and his goal woke up the whole squad. On top of that, his goal was a thing of beauty and he capped it off with a perfect assist to Javi. Is Robbie finally rounding into form?
Assclown of the Match:
Max Bretos - For the last !@#$ing time, it's Robbie FindLEY and WaSATCH not Findlay and Wasottch. Friggin hell.
Game 9: RSL vs. FCD Player Grades
Hey, cut me some slack, I'm only a week and a half late! Ha ha! Anyway, I just wanted to post some grades for the Dallas game so that all my season rankings and such still are correct.
Nick Rimando-7
Chris Wingert-6
Nat Borchers-3 Was at least partially responisble for both goals.
Jamison Olave-6 Defense held until he came off
(Matias Mantilla 77)-5
Ian Joy-4 Sadly, RSL's best player going forward in the first half, but can't forget the red.
Dema Kovalenko-5
Kyle Beckerman-4
Andy Williams-4
Javier Morales-5
Kenny Deuchar -4
(Fabian Espindola 54)-6
Robbie Findley-6 Thoroughly outplayed Deuchar, yet comes off instead of Kenny...
(Kenny Cutler 46)-4
RSL Man of the Match:
Nick Rimando - None of the field players earned it, and both goals were not Nick's fault. I have to give it to someone, so I give it to Nick and his 5 saves.
Assclown of the Match:
TIE Bobby Rhine and Jason Kreis - Rhine for his complete overreaction and unnecessary "assault" of Javi Morales. Kreis for his inexplicable substitution patterns.
Nick Rimando-7
Chris Wingert-6
Nat Borchers-3 Was at least partially responisble for both goals.
Jamison Olave-6 Defense held until he came off
(Matias Mantilla 77)-5
Ian Joy-4 Sadly, RSL's best player going forward in the first half, but can't forget the red.
Dema Kovalenko-5
Kyle Beckerman-4
Andy Williams-4
Javier Morales-5
Kenny Deuchar -4
(Fabian Espindola 54)-6
Robbie Findley-6 Thoroughly outplayed Deuchar, yet comes off instead of Kenny...
(Kenny Cutler 46)-4
RSL Man of the Match:
Nick Rimando - None of the field players earned it, and both goals were not Nick's fault. I have to give it to someone, so I give it to Nick and his 5 saves.
Assclown of the Match:
TIE Bobby Rhine and Jason Kreis - Rhine for his complete overreaction and unnecessary "assault" of Javi Morales. Kreis for his inexplicable substitution patterns.
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