I'm not sure how much I'll actually do (I want to watch the game!) but I'm going to try and throw up some thoughts as the game goes on...
9th minute-Defense looking a bit shaky. Donovan gets the ball in the box but is too slow with it. Play develops into a pretty clear header for Buddle, luckily put wide.
11th-Javi wastes a free kick straight on about 45 yds out, puts it directly over the end line.
12th-Beckham has the worst hairdo ever. Worse than a mullet. Gonna call it "the douchecut" as it is, indeed, quite douchy.
17th-Javi looks hurt after Beckham chops his legs out from under him. Announcer says "I didn't see a foul there." Makes me think that if you're going to commentate a game you should probably actually watch the game.
19th-Sounds like a knee injury for Javi, but he's going to come back on, at least for a while.
20th-Yura beats his man and then finds a new creative way to blow it by falling down. Javi about done, Cleetus going to come on for him.
22nd-Javi crying as he comes off, my wife feels really bad for him (understandably so). She thinks it sucks for him that he has to go out once he makes it all the way to the final.
25th-Findley wide open run, but called offside. Looked very borderline, looks like the AR are calling this (too) conservatively.
28th-Terrible corner call for LA. Looks like they're going to get all the calls, as, sadly, expected.
30th-Neither team showing much in the attack, basically back and forth in the midfield so far.
32nd-Andy with a long shot, misses quite wide, but at least he's going for goal.
34th-RSL losing basically every header, that could become an issue sooner rather than later.
36th-Terrible transition defense by RSL, Magee misses an open shot JUST wide.
37th-RSL has been trying to push forward but looks totally impotent in the final 3rd. Not even getting chances, too many turnovers.
41st-RSL's terrible defending finally kills them. Open Beckham to open Donovan to open Magee, goal.
42nd-RSL looks done. This looks like RSL defense circa 2005.
44th-Salt Lake obviously missing Javi, team looking lost in the final third.
45th +-Borchers gets a head to it but right to Ricketts.
45th +2-Yura forced to rush a shot in the box, puts it 40 feet high. Hate to say it, especially since he's scored some clutch goals in his day, but I will not miss him and his absolutely atrocious finishing.
Halftime-Defense, especially the outside backs, looks terrible. Midfield forcing too much and turning it over way too much. LA sitting back and waiting for the counter and RSL can't break it. Kreis being outcoached and the team sorely misses Javi. Both forwards look pretty useless, especially Yura, who has provided nothing positive. This is going to take an even better effort than we saw after going down 2-0 at Columbus. With Javi hurt and WillJ sick, I'm not sure RSL's got it in the tank...
46th-Will-J must be too sick to go on, Grabavoy on for him at half. 1 sub left-yikes!
47th-Findley breaks free, bad touch and unable to get onto it well. Robbie, Ricketts, and Omar Gonzalez collide. Robbie and Ricketts hurt.
52nd-Finally back to action, everyone still in.
54th-Getting chippy. Hope the Findley play wasn't the best look RSL is going to get.
58th-Free kick LA, just outside the box just off center. Douchecut Dave to take it. Hits the wall.
60th-Yura takes too long to shoot, possible PK, somehow a call on RSL. Ref's paycheck obviously written in LA.
62nd-RSL player literally thrown to the ground. No card from referee LA Joe. Apparently armed robbery is the only way the Gals will get a card.
64th-Scramble in the box, ball falls to Robbie Findley, goal RSL. Hell yes! Back in this!
66th-Ricketts' hurt hand comes back to get him, he's subbed out.
69th-Momentum with RSL right now. Need to capitalize while we can.
71st-Beckerman is a man among boys out there. Starts an RSL break, Ned with a beautiful ball to Yura who again blows it, this time with a shot about 20 feet high. Damn...
74th-Russell with a turnover reminiscent of the Columbus game. This time he recovers and shoves Landycakes off the ball.
75th-RSL takes Yura out for the last time, Espi in. I hate to see the last sub already, but Yura was worse than awful tonight.
80th-Former Red Chris Klein in for the Gals.
85th-RSL leaving Douchecut Dave wide open. LA pushing for the game winner.
87th-Game opening up, if there's as much injury time as there should be, we could have a game winner in regulation. Gonzalez hurt now...
90th-7 minutes of injury time. Espi playing terribly, puts a cross into the side netting.
90+7th-Andy Williams slips in the box and a golden chance goes unused.
End of Regulation-RSL a different team in the 2nd half. This one could go either way, but LA having a sub left works in their favor. Unfortunately, recent history suggests LA wins this, having put 2 on Houston in overtime in the Western Conference Final, while RSL could only go 0-0. PKs have to favor any team with Nick Rimando in net, so if we get there I like our chances.
98th-Findley a heartbreaker into the side netting.
101st-Mathis with a free kick just outside the box, again into the side netting. RSL having the better of it, but nothing to show for it. RSL wasting too many attacks with long shots.
Extra Time Halftime-RSL wasting too many chances. Mathis with a nice look a few seconds ago but put it right into the one defender, LA with a counter attack but the defense (barely) holds. RSL needs to put one of these away, even with Rimando in goal, it's not a positive to face the likes of Donovan and Beckham in PKs.
107th-Espi open in the box decides to pass not shoot. SHOOT THE DAMN BALL!
110th-RSL finally gets a call. Foul on Klein trying to win a header over Wingert in the RSL box.
120th-1 minute injury time...
120+1-Clint with a gorgeous ball to Andy wide open in front of goal, but his legs refuse to work and the chance goes begging. Andy collapses on the field in disgust, he's exhausted. And off to PKs we go!
End of play-RSL facing a backup keeper but LA has Donovan, Beckham, Klein, etc. Anyone's game, but you like our chances.
PKs-Beckham limping but totally sends Nick the wrong way. Goal.
Mathis nails it. 1-1.
Berhalter?! Inside side netting. Perfect shot. 2-1.
Findley up, big time pressure. Left upper 90. Gorgeous. 2-2.
Kirovski now. Rimando time? Yes, indeedy! 2-2.
Kyle right to Saunders. Craptastic. Still 2-2.
Landycakes, you know he'll score. OH MY GOD, LANDON OVER THE BAR! HOLY SHITBALLS! 2-2.
Grabbing-boys bottom corner. 3-2 RSL!
Magee HAS to score... And does... 3-3.
Andy Williams FTW. This will be super sweet if he wins it... Poor shot, weakly dribbled to Saunders. 3-3.
Klein scores. 4-3 LA.
Wingert our last chance... Passes into the back of the net. 4-4.
Edson Buddle, can Nick take him? Yes! 4-4.
Now Robbie Russell to win. Knock on wood! YES! RSL IS YOUR MLS CHAMPION!!!
Showing posts with label LAG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LAG. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, September 8, 2008
Game 23: RSL @ LAG: Broken result, broken leg
Sigh...kind of a tough game to watch. RSL really outplayed the Galaxy for 99% of the game and yet could only come away with a draw against a very beatable LA team. A Galaxy squad that was also missing Beckham and MLS's leading scorer Landon Donovan. Instead, RSL decided to use some defensive moves from RSL circa 05-07 to give up 2 goals to nobodies. And in the process, give up two points that will be very crucial coming down the stretch. In addition, the inevitable finally happened and Espi injured himself doing his celebratory backflip. To add insult to injury, the goal was waved off. To make matters worse, the official word is that Espi has broken his leg. Well, that was a nice 80 or so minutes he gave us since the first injury...
On the plus side, RSL did get a point on the road, which is sadly a vast improvement over their usual road result. In addition, Yura finally played a game where he didn't look 100% lost. His goal was just a right place, right time affair, but credit is due on the assist on the Johnson goal. That was a beautiful pass. Unfortunately, if you discount the 15 seconds that those plays took up, he was completely invisible in this match. At least it is a step in the right direction.
Overall, this is a game RSL could and should have won and one that will come back to haunt them. If RSL misses the playoffs, they will look back to this game as the point where it got away. That being said, they did outplay LA on the road and looked like a team that may be able to put a couple road results together yet.
GAME GRADE: B-
Individual Grades:
Nick Rimando-5 Put in a bad position on both goals, but if he's going to dive after the ball he needs to get it clear at the very least.
Chris Wingert-6 Pushed forward well, pretty good defensively.
Nat Borchers-5 See below
Jamison Olave-5 I wanted to give 6's across the board for the D, but those two insane scrambles that led to the goals (that prominently featured these 3) push them all down to a collective 5.
Ian Joy-5 See above
Will Johnson-8 Has been a great pickup; nice goal and was EVERYWHERE on the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Finally, some of the feistiness that's been missing.
Javier Morales-6 Meh.
Clint Mathis-5 Didn't really provide much of anything.
(Dema Kovalenko 67)-6 Nice to see Dema on the field.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Kept the defense honest throughout.
(Robbie Findley 75)-6 Why he came in so late is beyond me (did he run over Jason's stupid cry kids or something?); was ok after coming in.
Fabian Espindola-3 Broke his leg celebrating a goal that got called back...at least wait on the celebration until you know it stands!
(Yura Movsisyan 9)-7 Goal and (very nice) assist, yes, but invisible for the other 80 minutes he was on.
Coaching grade-6 JK lucked out with the Movs sub, but I'd still have liked to have seen Robbie get some extended minutes against a club that he would have something to prove to. Why exactly does Jason hate Robbie anyway? He seems to be SO reluctant to use him...
Refs grade-6 Would've been a 7, but really, does it really take 15 minutes to decide whether a goal stands or not? On top of that, there were a few foul calls both ways in this game that came in REALLY late. It almost seemed the ref was watching the game on tape delay or something...
RSL Man of the Match: Will Johnson
Scored a goal and, with Beckerman, was really the catalyst for the offense. On top of that, he worked hard defensively as well and was more than willing to mix it up.
Assclown of the Match: Fabian Espindola
I love ya, Espi, but 80 minutes between major injuries isn't going to cut it. Especially when it's 100% preventable...
On the plus side, RSL did get a point on the road, which is sadly a vast improvement over their usual road result. In addition, Yura finally played a game where he didn't look 100% lost. His goal was just a right place, right time affair, but credit is due on the assist on the Johnson goal. That was a beautiful pass. Unfortunately, if you discount the 15 seconds that those plays took up, he was completely invisible in this match. At least it is a step in the right direction.
Overall, this is a game RSL could and should have won and one that will come back to haunt them. If RSL misses the playoffs, they will look back to this game as the point where it got away. That being said, they did outplay LA on the road and looked like a team that may be able to put a couple road results together yet.
GAME GRADE: B-
Individual Grades:
Nick Rimando-5 Put in a bad position on both goals, but if he's going to dive after the ball he needs to get it clear at the very least.
Chris Wingert-6 Pushed forward well, pretty good defensively.
Nat Borchers-5 See below
Jamison Olave-5 I wanted to give 6's across the board for the D, but those two insane scrambles that led to the goals (that prominently featured these 3) push them all down to a collective 5.
Ian Joy-5 See above
Will Johnson-8 Has been a great pickup; nice goal and was EVERYWHERE on the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Finally, some of the feistiness that's been missing.
Javier Morales-6 Meh.
Clint Mathis-5 Didn't really provide much of anything.
(Dema Kovalenko 67)-6 Nice to see Dema on the field.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Kept the defense honest throughout.
(Robbie Findley 75)-6 Why he came in so late is beyond me (did he run over Jason's stupid cry kids or something?); was ok after coming in.
Fabian Espindola-3 Broke his leg celebrating a goal that got called back...at least wait on the celebration until you know it stands!
(Yura Movsisyan 9)-7 Goal and (very nice) assist, yes, but invisible for the other 80 minutes he was on.
Coaching grade-6 JK lucked out with the Movs sub, but I'd still have liked to have seen Robbie get some extended minutes against a club that he would have something to prove to. Why exactly does Jason hate Robbie anyway? He seems to be SO reluctant to use him...
Refs grade-6 Would've been a 7, but really, does it really take 15 minutes to decide whether a goal stands or not? On top of that, there were a few foul calls both ways in this game that came in REALLY late. It almost seemed the ref was watching the game on tape delay or something...
RSL Man of the Match: Will Johnson
Scored a goal and, with Beckerman, was really the catalyst for the offense. On top of that, he worked hard defensively as well and was more than willing to mix it up.
Assclown of the Match: Fabian Espindola
I love ya, Espi, but 80 minutes between major injuries isn't going to cut it. Especially when it's 100% preventable...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Pan-Pacific Championship
The Pan-Pacific Championship kicks off tonight so I thought I'd throw a little preview out there as there is little news on the RSL front (other than an embarrassing debacle against Lynn Univ. Who? Exactly.) and it features my other team, Sydney FC out of the Australian A-League. It is my blog, after all, so I'll talk about whatever the hell I want! hahaha
Tonight's first game features the LA Galaxy vs. Gamba Osaka of the Japanese J-League. LA is the one team in the competition not there on their merits, but obviously on their marketing potential. Yes, there is some BS given about being runners up in Superliga, blah blah blah, but seriously, we all see through it. Anyway, LA was not a very good team last year to be honest, but have made some interesting additions (for example Ruiz) and some odd subtractions (Albright). It'll be interesting to see how and if this team can come together and if the players will all play to their ability.
As for Gamba Osaka, I know as little about the J-League as anyone. I know it has a reputation as a fairly good level of play. I know it is in Japan. I know it exists. There you have it. A quick look at wikipedia says that Gamba finished 3rd in the 18 team J-League last year, but they won the J League Cup, which appears to be a tournament featuring every team in the J-League (but whose results are not a part of the J-League). This sounds like a solid team, featuring some players from Japan's national team, past and present. However, on the same token, this team will be missing SEVEN of its players to national team duty (6 to the men's squad, 1 to U-23).
Both teams are in their preseason and are trying to fit new players in. However, just by a few videos on the PPC web site, Gamba seems much more about results and LA more about being seen. Also, I'm honestly not sold on this LA team yet.
PREDICTION: LA Galaxy 1 - Gamba Osaka 3
Game 2 is the one I'm looking forward to. It features reigning MLS champs Houston and my boys, the sky blues of Sydney FC. This game could be interesting on many fronts, not the least of which is to see how the Dynamo work out their forward line. They lost 3 or 4 forwards this offseason (including, just so I can work this line in, Nate "Andre the Giant" Jaqua) and have a couple players (like Brian Mullan) who could cover the midfield to move DeRosario back up top. Nevertheless, I can't count out the two-time MLS champs, especially when most of the players that left were depth, not stars. I have a feeling Houston will show well in this tournament.
That leaves me with Sydney FC, who will have the good fortune of being the only team coming off their season, having lost in the minor semi-finals to Queensland less than two weeks ago. However, going against them are the continued injury woes of Juninho, who will not play in the PPC, and a possible lack of confidence after a very mediocre showing in the playoffs (0 goals in 2 games). This lack of confidence will certainly extend to winger/forward Alex Brosque, who at times can be brilliant, but in the playoffs choked worse than Karl Malone. If he can overcome this, and old man Steve Corica can keep up the form he showed at the end of the season, then SFC will have a good shot at taking down Houston. If not, it could get ugly.
I really want Sydney to win, but I don't see it against a solid Houston team, even if they are in their preseason. Maybe a bit of this pessimism toward my team comes from being an RSL fan (and a Cubs fan, a Syracuse Orangemen fan-especially "pointy football", a Southen Utah Thunderbirds fan, etc. etc. etc.) and I hope it's irrational, but I think the Creamsickles win this one.
PREDICTION: Houston Dynamo 3 - Sydney FC 2
Predictions for the 3rd-place and Championship games after my current predictions come undone (haha).
Also, on a completely unrelated note, props to the dude on big soccer who echoed my sentiment of getting Archie Thompson over here, and I second his Joel Griffiths idea as well. Well done, my good man.
Tonight's first game features the LA Galaxy vs. Gamba Osaka of the Japanese J-League. LA is the one team in the competition not there on their merits, but obviously on their marketing potential. Yes, there is some BS given about being runners up in Superliga, blah blah blah, but seriously, we all see through it. Anyway, LA was not a very good team last year to be honest, but have made some interesting additions (for example Ruiz) and some odd subtractions (Albright). It'll be interesting to see how and if this team can come together and if the players will all play to their ability.
As for Gamba Osaka, I know as little about the J-League as anyone. I know it has a reputation as a fairly good level of play. I know it is in Japan. I know it exists. There you have it. A quick look at wikipedia says that Gamba finished 3rd in the 18 team J-League last year, but they won the J League Cup, which appears to be a tournament featuring every team in the J-League (but whose results are not a part of the J-League). This sounds like a solid team, featuring some players from Japan's national team, past and present. However, on the same token, this team will be missing SEVEN of its players to national team duty (6 to the men's squad, 1 to U-23).
Both teams are in their preseason and are trying to fit new players in. However, just by a few videos on the PPC web site, Gamba seems much more about results and LA more about being seen. Also, I'm honestly not sold on this LA team yet.
PREDICTION: LA Galaxy 1 - Gamba Osaka 3
Game 2 is the one I'm looking forward to. It features reigning MLS champs Houston and my boys, the sky blues of Sydney FC. This game could be interesting on many fronts, not the least of which is to see how the Dynamo work out their forward line. They lost 3 or 4 forwards this offseason (including, just so I can work this line in, Nate "Andre the Giant" Jaqua) and have a couple players (like Brian Mullan) who could cover the midfield to move DeRosario back up top. Nevertheless, I can't count out the two-time MLS champs, especially when most of the players that left were depth, not stars. I have a feeling Houston will show well in this tournament.
That leaves me with Sydney FC, who will have the good fortune of being the only team coming off their season, having lost in the minor semi-finals to Queensland less than two weeks ago. However, going against them are the continued injury woes of Juninho, who will not play in the PPC, and a possible lack of confidence after a very mediocre showing in the playoffs (0 goals in 2 games). This lack of confidence will certainly extend to winger/forward Alex Brosque, who at times can be brilliant, but in the playoffs choked worse than Karl Malone. If he can overcome this, and old man Steve Corica can keep up the form he showed at the end of the season, then SFC will have a good shot at taking down Houston. If not, it could get ugly.
I really want Sydney to win, but I don't see it against a solid Houston team, even if they are in their preseason. Maybe a bit of this pessimism toward my team comes from being an RSL fan (and a Cubs fan, a Syracuse Orangemen fan-especially "pointy football", a Southen Utah Thunderbirds fan, etc. etc. etc.) and I hope it's irrational, but I think the Creamsickles win this one.
PREDICTION: Houston Dynamo 3 - Sydney FC 2
Predictions for the 3rd-place and Championship games after my current predictions come undone (haha).
Also, on a completely unrelated note, props to the dude on big soccer who echoed my sentiment of getting Archie Thompson over here, and I second his Joel Griffiths idea as well. Well done, my good man.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ninja...Ninja rap, even
Sorry for the Vanilla Ice reference. I was watching that the other day on Youtube. Hilarious stuff.
ANYWAY, on to the latest from RSL Land (also known to fans as the 19th level of hell):
"The [USA U-23] roster has been reduced to 20 players, with Nate Sturgis (calf) and Adam Cristman (hamstring) not fit enough to make the trip to China." Straight from the US U-23 blog
Thanks RSLFM Report for the heads up.
I hate to think this, let alone say this (and jinx him further), but Sturgis seems to be turning into an injury machine. This is almost certainly giving the (and I use this term VERY loosely) "braintrust" in LA too much credit, but maybe there is a reason they let Sturgis go so easily. Hopefully Nate can use the rest of his time off this offseason to get healthy and come back and have a great year next year. That way we can just call him a "talented player" instead of "talented but injury prone".
On a completely different topic, not a day goes by where I don't hear about (possible and real) signings and trades in MLS, including the latest doozy:
D Bobby Boswell to Houston for GK Zach Wells & a second round draft pick
So Houston, already the MLS champs, trade away their backup goalkeeper for a former MLS defender of the year. Yes, Boswell had a poor season last year, but I think a change in scenery and the motivation to prove himself again bodes well for him and Houston. Meanwhile, RSL does nothing (other than waving goodbye to Eddie Pope and then waiving promising defender Kipre). Somehow I think not changing, and even losing THE key piece of, a team that has yet to make the playoffs while the champs bolster their defense is not the way to bring a winner to Utah.
Even LA is looking to further skirt the salary cap by adding Polish striker Maciej Zurawski to the roster from Scotland's Celtic FC
Meanwhile, there is not a word on any moves coming from RSL's camp. Note to Dave Checketts: 'People like to cheer for winning teams. Especially in sports that may be considered "fringe" by some. Especially in Utah. Try getting some decent and ESTABLISHED personnel in here, including in the front office. Winning can be fun, I promise.'
How RSL plans to suddenly become better than teams that have already proven themselves better than RSL just by losing their top defender is beyond me. Can anyone explain it to me? Anyone?
PS to Dave-Seriously, I love this guy. Open the checkbook.
PPS-
ANYWAY, on to the latest from RSL Land (also known to fans as the 19th level of hell):
"The [USA U-23] roster has been reduced to 20 players, with Nate Sturgis (calf) and Adam Cristman (hamstring) not fit enough to make the trip to China." Straight from the US U-23 blog
Thanks RSLFM Report for the heads up.
I hate to think this, let alone say this (and jinx him further), but Sturgis seems to be turning into an injury machine. This is almost certainly giving the (and I use this term VERY loosely) "braintrust" in LA too much credit, but maybe there is a reason they let Sturgis go so easily. Hopefully Nate can use the rest of his time off this offseason to get healthy and come back and have a great year next year. That way we can just call him a "talented player" instead of "talented but injury prone".
On a completely different topic, not a day goes by where I don't hear about (possible and real) signings and trades in MLS, including the latest doozy:
D Bobby Boswell to Houston for GK Zach Wells & a second round draft pick
So Houston, already the MLS champs, trade away their backup goalkeeper for a former MLS defender of the year. Yes, Boswell had a poor season last year, but I think a change in scenery and the motivation to prove himself again bodes well for him and Houston. Meanwhile, RSL does nothing (other than waving goodbye to Eddie Pope and then waiving promising defender Kipre). Somehow I think not changing, and even losing THE key piece of, a team that has yet to make the playoffs while the champs bolster their defense is not the way to bring a winner to Utah.
Even LA is looking to further skirt the salary cap by adding Polish striker Maciej Zurawski to the roster from Scotland's Celtic FC
Meanwhile, there is not a word on any moves coming from RSL's camp. Note to Dave Checketts: 'People like to cheer for winning teams. Especially in sports that may be considered "fringe" by some. Especially in Utah. Try getting some decent and ESTABLISHED personnel in here, including in the front office. Winning can be fun, I promise.'
How RSL plans to suddenly become better than teams that have already proven themselves better than RSL just by losing their top defender is beyond me. Can anyone explain it to me? Anyone?
PS to Dave-Seriously, I love this guy. Open the checkbook.
PPS-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
