First off, congrats to RSL for pulling off a near-miracle and making it to the playoffs. However, once you're there, can you do anything with it? The reds were out to do just that over the weekend.
It was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, and with it being Halloween, there were plenty of costumes to gawk at. On a related topic, have you stopped at gawked at the total morons bemoaning the loss of freedom of religion to the left-wing gay conspiracy (led by President Obama, of course) just outside of the stadium? It is truly a testament to America's freedom of speech that such lunacy is allowed in public. But I digress. Back to the game. Realistically, RSL needed an effort much like the 4-1 shellacking they put on the Crew at the River earlier this season to give themselves the best chance to get to the Eastern Conference Final (note to MLS: fix the screwy playoff system. NOW!). Unfortunately, some extremely tenative and mediocre play through the midfield made this impossible, but after working out the jitters RSL was able to control the game for the most part. However, the mids weren't really able to work the balls up front in any sort of dangerous position for most of the game, limiting RSL's chances. And after Findley missed a shot into the side netting in the 83rd, I think most fans were thinking we were looking at a 0-0 tie on the day. And that's what made the goal in the 88th that much sweeter. Yura took a quick throw in from WillJ that broke him free from the defense and put a pin-point pass into the box that Robbie toed home for the game-winner. And the place went, for lack of a better term (cover your eyes, children) apeshit. It was a combo of being excited for the goal and just total relief that RSL had FINALLY broken the ice. So although it's not the multi-goal lead that I (and I'm sure RSL themselves) would have liked, it's at least a lead. Well done RSL, and good luck in Ohio. Bring home the Cup boys!
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Not a lot to do
Chris Wingert-7 Steady
Nat Borchers-7 Solid as always in the back
Jamison Olave-7 Kept his head straight and had a nice game
Tony Beltran-7 Very active, looked good
(Robbie Russell 79)-6 Not a lot of time to put his mark on the match
Andy Williams-5 Like the rest of the midfield, too may turnovers
Kyle Beckerman-5 Meh
Javier Morales-3 Just awful. Passed consistently to CLB, no defense, no hustle.
(Clint Mathis 75)-6 Nothing special but anything was better than Javi Saturday
Will Johnson-6 Probably the best in midfield on a bad day for MFs
Robbie Findley-6 Scored a goal but was a bit rough most of the night
Fabian Espindola-5 Never really read any of Robbie's runs right
(Yura Movsisyan 65)-9 I'm a Yura-hater for the most part, but he was spectacular and RSL was a different team with him on the field Saturday.
Coach grade (Kreis)-8 Usually his subs are inexplicable to me, but these were good (recognizing that Javi was killing us was a good move) and his team pressed to get a W.
Ref grade (Geiger)-5 Inconsistent on calls as per usual in MLS.
RSL Man of the Match-Yura Movsisyan
Left Rio Tinto with a great performance that hopefully will get RSL one step closer to MLS Cup 09.
Assclown of the Match-Frankie Hejduk
Went in 2-footed on an RSL man (can't remember which off the top of my head) that I have often seen a red given for. Wasn't even given a card, so you'd think he'd be happy right? Oh no, he bitched for 10 minutes. Assclown.
Quote of the Day-"The Italian pedophile" in reference to Columbus's Gino Padula, who does, in fact, look like an Italian pedophile. Good job guys standing behind me in section 1!
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
29 Down, 1 To Go
Blah. Another poor road performance and RSL is now more likely to miss the playoffs than make them. Again. In a league that still has more teams qualify for the playoffs than miss them, if RSL again crashes and burns again this season it'll be 1 for 5 on making the playoffs. Let that sink in: in a system that makes it harder to miss the playoffs than make them, RSL can only get there 20% of the time. There is something VERY wrong with that. But I digress. Hopefully, with a little luck and a lovely hometown thrashing of the Crapids, RSL can sneak into the playoffs on the final day once again. It'll be cold and dark, yes, but I encourage EVERYONE to head out to the game. If you need a little more incentive (which, really? You can't get up for the RMC finale?), 101.9 The End is doing a $10 ticket promotion on their web site (details here), and they are decent seats. So come on out and help RSL pull out their 24.9% chance of making the playoffs (according to the awesome Sports Club Stats)! Go RSL!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Royal Rankings #1
Frequent readers of the review know I like to put together a "power ranking" every now and then (I try to do every week, but it doesn't always happen. Now that every team has gotten started, here is the first Royal Ranking for the MLS season:
15-Dallas (0-2-0) - Handily beaten in both their games. Could be a long season.
14-Kansas City (0-2-0) - Everyone's favorite soccer-playing-minor-league-baseball team with a rough start.
13-Los Angeles (0-0-1) - Scored a controversial tie in week 1 against DC.
12-New York (0-1-1) - Got a home tie against the injury ravaged Revs after getting dismantled by Seattle.
11-REAL SALT LAKE (0-1-0) - Extremely poor all around against the expansion Sounders.
10-Houston (0-1-1) - Falls in a shootout at San Jose.
09-San Jose (1-0-1) - Get the win against a middling Dynamo squad.
08-Colorado (1-0-1) - Protected the home turf against KC.
07-DC United (0-0-2) - Probably should've beaten LA, get the draw against the solid Fire.
06-Toronto (1-0-1) - 1500 fans head to Columbus to prove they are the classiest in MLS.
05-Chivas TST (2-0-0) - 2 wins, but against poor opponents.
04-Columbus (0-0-2) - 2 ties in games they probably should have won for the reigning champs.
03-Chicago (1-0-1) - Eke out a road tie at DC after an easy win at Dallass.
02-New England (1-0-1) - Manage a road tie against the energy bovines even while injuries reduce them to starting the fat kid sitting in the 57th row.
01-Seattle (2-0-0) - Two very convincing shutout wins, but can they do it on the road?
I hate to put the expansion team first, but they have earned it after those first two games. I will be curious to see, however, if they can keep the momentum going.
Also, on a quick side note, RSL's own Mr. Kyle Beckerman will be joining ESPN.com for a live Q and A tomorrow starting at 1 pm (Mountain). Should be some interesting stuff.
15-Dallas (0-2-0) - Handily beaten in both their games. Could be a long season.
14-Kansas City (0-2-0) - Everyone's favorite soccer-playing-minor-league-baseball team with a rough start.
13-Los Angeles (0-0-1) - Scored a controversial tie in week 1 against DC.
12-New York (0-1-1) - Got a home tie against the injury ravaged Revs after getting dismantled by Seattle.
11-REAL SALT LAKE (0-1-0) - Extremely poor all around against the expansion Sounders.
10-Houston (0-1-1) - Falls in a shootout at San Jose.
09-San Jose (1-0-1) - Get the win against a middling Dynamo squad.
08-Colorado (1-0-1) - Protected the home turf against KC.
07-DC United (0-0-2) - Probably should've beaten LA, get the draw against the solid Fire.
06-Toronto (1-0-1) - 1500 fans head to Columbus to prove they are the classiest in MLS.
05-Chivas TST (2-0-0) - 2 wins, but against poor opponents.
04-Columbus (0-0-2) - 2 ties in games they probably should have won for the reigning champs.
03-Chicago (1-0-1) - Eke out a road tie at DC after an easy win at Dallass.
02-New England (1-0-1) - Manage a road tie against the energy bovines even while injuries reduce them to starting the fat kid sitting in the 57th row.
01-Seattle (2-0-0) - Two very convincing shutout wins, but can they do it on the road?
I hate to put the expansion team first, but they have earned it after those first two games. I will be curious to see, however, if they can keep the momentum going.
Also, on a quick side note, RSL's own Mr. Kyle Beckerman will be joining ESPN.com for a live Q and A tomorrow starting at 1 pm (Mountain). Should be some interesting stuff.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Craziness of the Pre-Season
Before I get started, let me say something: let us never mention the Pan-Pacific Championships ever again. Losing to Houston is ok, losing to LA is pathetic. It was an after-the-season let down, that is all, let's move on with our lives...
Anyway, I've seen some various MLS blogs ranking teams by position and apparently (and not surprisingly, given the dearth of RSL TV coverage) no one saw Nick Rimando after those first 3 games last year. Here's a couple goalkeeper rankings I saw (that are absolutely ridiculous):
WV Hooligan has RSL's GK situation listed at #8, behind the likes of Colorado (sorry, I take Rimando/Seitz over Condoul) and 40 year old Pat Onstad.
Sideline Views is even more ridiculous. Luis Bueno, a supposed soccer journalist, apparently knows nothing about the league he writes about, listing RSL's GK situation 11th out of 14 teams in the league. Let me repeat that, ELEVENTH. I still say Rimando was the best keeper in MLS last year, but even compensating for my home team allegiance, the man is 28, in his prime, and a MLS Cup winner. Seitz is the keeper of the future and a U-20 star. And yet, RSL is listed behind Conway and NY, Hesmer and Columbus, Hartman and KC, and the aforementioned Houston and Colorado to name a few. Luis Bueno either has a serious mental condition, or, more likely, needs to lay off the crack pipe. Seriously. At the very least, he could probably use a new line of work.
Anybody else see any ridiculous rankings like these? Send them my way, they're always good for a laugh!
Anyway, I've seen some various MLS blogs ranking teams by position and apparently (and not surprisingly, given the dearth of RSL TV coverage) no one saw Nick Rimando after those first 3 games last year. Here's a couple goalkeeper rankings I saw (that are absolutely ridiculous):
WV Hooligan has RSL's GK situation listed at #8, behind the likes of Colorado (sorry, I take Rimando/Seitz over Condoul) and 40 year old Pat Onstad.
Sideline Views is even more ridiculous. Luis Bueno, a supposed soccer journalist, apparently knows nothing about the league he writes about, listing RSL's GK situation 11th out of 14 teams in the league. Let me repeat that, ELEVENTH. I still say Rimando was the best keeper in MLS last year, but even compensating for my home team allegiance, the man is 28, in his prime, and a MLS Cup winner. Seitz is the keeper of the future and a U-20 star. And yet, RSL is listed behind Conway and NY, Hesmer and Columbus, Hartman and KC, and the aforementioned Houston and Colorado to name a few. Luis Bueno either has a serious mental condition, or, more likely, needs to lay off the crack pipe. Seriously. At the very least, he could probably use a new line of work.
Anybody else see any ridiculous rankings like these? Send them my way, they're always good for a laugh!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Seriously???
As much as RSL makes me say "What the hell are they thinking?", those in charge of MLS often have me saying the same thing. ESPN has posted a list of all seven opening week games for the 2008 season, with the games to be played on the weekend of Saturday, March 29. Let's take a look:
Toronto @ Columbus
DCU @ Kansas City
NY @ San Jose
Chivas @ Dallas
Nothing too bad about these four, but then there's these 3:
Houston @ New England
LA @ Colorado
Chicago @ RSL
What on earth is MLS thinking??? It's March. Why do you send Houston to the northeast??? Why is Chicago going up into the mountains??? And why, oh why, is LA headed to Denver??? Why are these games not the other way around? Granted, Chicago isn't great in winter either, but I would wager it's nicer than a city that HOSTED THE WINTER OLYMPICS!!! And what was the thought process in sending two warm climate teams to much colder climes in March? Seriously, very odd.
In other news, I'm still super pissed about this Jamie Watson (and to a lesser extent Jimenez) thing. And now, even more details have emerged at the RSLFM report. No employer should ever treat an emloyee that way. Especially if the allegation of basically holding him hostage in order to get something out of Dallas is true. To make matters worse, he was basically the only positive PR face this franchise had. To make matters even worse, he was a solid ballplayer! He seems to be playing well with Dallas according to the 3rd Degree blog (scroll down to the bottom for a Watson blurb).
And finally, a boy can dream can't he? It'll never happen (for various reasons), but, man, I'd love to see Archie Thompson in red... It would make my brown eyes blue...or something...
I wanted to post a good video of one of his truly awesome, over the top goal celebrations but I can't find a good quality one off hand. Let's just say he is possibly beyond even Cunningham in this regard. Here's a couple Archie vids nevertheless:
Here's the main part of the goal celebration:
Here's a modified one, adding the gun celebration:
And a few more for your viewing pleasure:
Archie (13) and Australia (31) set world goal scoring records.
Very nice goal (granted, against lower competition, but still).
A-League 2007 Grand Final Highlights, Archie with 5 goals.
Tell me celebrations like that wouldn't play here in the States. Just try.
Toronto @ Columbus
DCU @ Kansas City
NY @ San Jose
Chivas @ Dallas
Nothing too bad about these four, but then there's these 3:
Houston @ New England
LA @ Colorado
Chicago @ RSL
What on earth is MLS thinking??? It's March. Why do you send Houston to the northeast??? Why is Chicago going up into the mountains??? And why, oh why, is LA headed to Denver??? Why are these games not the other way around? Granted, Chicago isn't great in winter either, but I would wager it's nicer than a city that HOSTED THE WINTER OLYMPICS!!! And what was the thought process in sending two warm climate teams to much colder climes in March? Seriously, very odd.
In other news, I'm still super pissed about this Jamie Watson (and to a lesser extent Jimenez) thing. And now, even more details have emerged at the RSLFM report. No employer should ever treat an emloyee that way. Especially if the allegation of basically holding him hostage in order to get something out of Dallas is true. To make matters worse, he was basically the only positive PR face this franchise had. To make matters even worse, he was a solid ballplayer! He seems to be playing well with Dallas according to the 3rd Degree blog (scroll down to the bottom for a Watson blurb).
And finally, a boy can dream can't he? It'll never happen (for various reasons), but, man, I'd love to see Archie Thompson in red... It would make my brown eyes blue...or something...
I wanted to post a good video of one of his truly awesome, over the top goal celebrations but I can't find a good quality one off hand. Let's just say he is possibly beyond even Cunningham in this regard. Here's a couple Archie vids nevertheless:
Here's the main part of the goal celebration:
Here's a modified one, adding the gun celebration:
And a few more for your viewing pleasure:
Archie (13) and Australia (31) set world goal scoring records.
Very nice goal (granted, against lower competition, but still).
A-League 2007 Grand Final Highlights, Archie with 5 goals.
Tell me celebrations like that wouldn't play here in the States. Just try.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
It's Tough Being an RSL Fan (aka Will the Ineptitude Ever End???)
A few things in RSL-land lately, and all have been hard to swallow:
1) This report (thanks for the heads-up to RSLFM Report) which has Jason Kreis making over $200k per year to coach RSL. This despite the fact that he has NO coaching experience. This despite the fact that 3 years running MLS Cup finalist coach Steve Nicol only makes around $175k per year. This despite the fact that Kreis's slip-ups have cost the team lots of extra money in fines. What the hell? Seriously. Let's put some of that money toward the on-field product. I swear Checketts and Kreis are having a secret love affair. It's sexy!
2) Jamie Watson is already making a case for a contract with another team, the Hoops of FC Dallas. He is one of three "guest players" (aka trialists) joining the team on a trip to Trinidad for a set of exhibition games. I've already made my feelings known on the release and treatment of Watson, but to see him already seeming to catch on with another team shows just seems to backup my viewpoint that Kreis was WAY off base on this one.
3) The MLS waiver draft is coming up tomorrow, let's see who is up for grabs from RSL:
Chris Brown (good riddance), Steven Curfman (too bad for him), Christian Jimenez (good luck), Jack Stewart (see Chris Brown), and...Jean-Martial Kipre. Now I don't know the story here, but Kipre better have DEMANDED to be released to go overseas or else someone needs to be smacked. Hard. Kipre is young, fast, and dangerous. He's already proven he can play in this league and with some seasoning, possibly be a VERY good player in MLS. If RSL is just letting him go it makes me sick. With Pope retiring we need all the help we can get on defense!
Sigh... It really is hard to be an RSL fan sometimes. Hopefully there are some big signings on the horizon...
In other depressing (at least to me) sports news, my Syracuse Orangemen have pulled an RSL and inexplicably brought back (American) football coach Greg Robinson after 3 seasons in which the team has won a grand total of 7 games and has been near the bottom in every statistical category. Look for RSL to sign him as "Grand Poobah" or something after he is fired after the debacle that will be the 2008 season.
Finally, a slight ray of sunshine on this cloudy day. Congratulations are in order for Robbie Findley, Nathan Sturgis, and Chris Seitz as the three have been called into the US U-23 camp in preparation for an upcoming trip to China. Let's hope their personal successes carry over to RSL next year. Well done boys!
1) This report (thanks for the heads-up to RSLFM Report) which has Jason Kreis making over $200k per year to coach RSL. This despite the fact that he has NO coaching experience. This despite the fact that 3 years running MLS Cup finalist coach Steve Nicol only makes around $175k per year. This despite the fact that Kreis's slip-ups have cost the team lots of extra money in fines. What the hell? Seriously. Let's put some of that money toward the on-field product. I swear Checketts and Kreis are having a secret love affair. It's sexy!
2) Jamie Watson is already making a case for a contract with another team, the Hoops of FC Dallas. He is one of three "guest players" (aka trialists) joining the team on a trip to Trinidad for a set of exhibition games. I've already made my feelings known on the release and treatment of Watson, but to see him already seeming to catch on with another team shows just seems to backup my viewpoint that Kreis was WAY off base on this one.
3) The MLS waiver draft is coming up tomorrow, let's see who is up for grabs from RSL:
Chris Brown (good riddance), Steven Curfman (too bad for him), Christian Jimenez (good luck), Jack Stewart (see Chris Brown), and...Jean-Martial Kipre. Now I don't know the story here, but Kipre better have DEMANDED to be released to go overseas or else someone needs to be smacked. Hard. Kipre is young, fast, and dangerous. He's already proven he can play in this league and with some seasoning, possibly be a VERY good player in MLS. If RSL is just letting him go it makes me sick. With Pope retiring we need all the help we can get on defense!
Sigh... It really is hard to be an RSL fan sometimes. Hopefully there are some big signings on the horizon...
In other depressing (at least to me) sports news, my Syracuse Orangemen have pulled an RSL and inexplicably brought back (American) football coach Greg Robinson after 3 seasons in which the team has won a grand total of 7 games and has been near the bottom in every statistical category. Look for RSL to sign him as "Grand Poobah" or something after he is fired after the debacle that will be the 2008 season.
Finally, a slight ray of sunshine on this cloudy day. Congratulations are in order for Robbie Findley, Nathan Sturgis, and Chris Seitz as the three have been called into the US U-23 camp in preparation for an upcoming trip to China. Let's hope their personal successes carry over to RSL next year. Well done boys!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Another random catch-all update
First off, congratulations to the Creamsicles on winning another MLS Cup. I accidentally slept through the first half, but the second half was quite entertaining and Houston certainly deserved the win. Word is the NERds are in talks to change their name to the Buffalo Bills. Also, Khano Smith's new nickname is "Atiba."
Anyhow, there are lots of rumors floating around RSL-land these days so I'll hit on a few of those and what they would mean.
The most current has Kreis talking Adidas into graduating Jamie Watson out of Generation Adidas early so that he could cut him. While I believe it (see: various debacles featuring the coaching staff/front office this year), I hope this is not the case, as it is VERY bush league. In fact, if true, it saddens me. Kreis gives Watson little to no playing time. When he does play (and plays well), Kreis calls him out for not scoring when Jamie was the only player on the field playing with any of the following 1) heart 2) hustle 3) passion 4) energy 5) courage 6) shots. Everyone else on the team was afraid to even attack! And now, Kreis gets him taken out of a guaranteed contract so that he can cut him. Weak. While I don't think he'll ever be a star, don't be surprised to see Watson land elsewhere in MLS and become a solid role player with tons of hustle (something Kreis says he wants...hmmm....)
AYL filed this rumor report about 3 weeks ago (and I've heard little else since) but has listed Atiba Harris, Steven Curfman, Chris Brown, and Jean Martial Kipre as soon to be ex-RSL players. Here's my thoughts on each, if true.
Curfman-reserve player, never really saw the field. Too bad for the kid, but not a big loss. Good luck!
Brown-Thank God! The fact that he almost won the RSL Golden Boot proves two things: 1) RSL just plain can't score 2) Findley was criminally under-utilized. If he'd been on the field more, it wouldn't have been close.
Harris-Sad to see him go. His toughness/recklessness actually would have served him well in continued play at D-mid. Supposedly going to Norway (I'm guessing on a much larger contract) so I can't say as I blame him.
Kipre-BIG loss. I think this kid was the future at outside back. He had the speed and the moves to keep up on defense and to really disrupt the opposition's plans while on offense. If it is true he is gone, he better be leaving for a big contract as RSL would be painfully dumb (granted it wouldn't be the first time) to let him go easily.
Also in that report was word that Christian Jimenez has been traded. For what? No one knows. I'll wait on final judgement on this until the details come out. Having said that, while everyone says Jimenez has the talent, he has been very injury prone and I can understand if RSL cuts their losses on this one. Good luck to him wherever he goes!
Also, I was thinking the other day and I realized something. RSL MUST retire Eddie Pope's number 23. If they don't, they are a bigger joke than...well, they have already proven to be (or Jack Stewart's defense-take your pick on whatever reference you prefer). It not only would be the correct thing to do for Eddie, as he has been an absolute rock not only for this franchise but for the national team as well, but for the fans as well. It would give us something to take pride in and rally around. Having a GREAT (not good) player's number in the rafters (or wherever you'd put it at a soccer stadium haha) gives your team a sense of history and pride. I see RSL as having 3 chances to get this right:
1) At home game #1 of the season. Start the year off right and with a big celebration.
2) At RSL's home game vs. DC United. Have Eddie's former team help celebrate him with us.
3) At the opening of the Sandy Stadium. No brainer, but if done here, it mustn't get lost in the fanfare of the stadium opening.
Anything else is an affront to Eddie and to RSL (and Pope) fans everywhere.
Finally, just a quick look at my MLS playoff predictions:
Round 1:
Chivas USA over Kansas City - WRONG
Houston over Dallas - RIGHT
DC United over Chicago - WRONG
New England over New York - RIGHT
Round 2:
Houston overChivas USA - RIGHTish
DC United over New England - WRONG
Final:
DC United over Houston - WRONG
As you can see, I did fairly well with the exception of DCU. Their choke in the first round killed me. But I learned something doing these predictions. Don't ever pick DCU, whenever I do, they lose.
Sigh...and there goes MLS 2007. At least we have the Draft and player moves to look forward to, I suppose. Now off to check on my other (soccer) team, the boys in blue of Sydney FC! Farewell until next time!
Anyhow, there are lots of rumors floating around RSL-land these days so I'll hit on a few of those and what they would mean.
The most current has Kreis talking Adidas into graduating Jamie Watson out of Generation Adidas early so that he could cut him. While I believe it (see: various debacles featuring the coaching staff/front office this year), I hope this is not the case, as it is VERY bush league. In fact, if true, it saddens me. Kreis gives Watson little to no playing time. When he does play (and plays well), Kreis calls him out for not scoring when Jamie was the only player on the field playing with any of the following 1) heart 2) hustle 3) passion 4) energy 5) courage 6) shots. Everyone else on the team was afraid to even attack! And now, Kreis gets him taken out of a guaranteed contract so that he can cut him. Weak. While I don't think he'll ever be a star, don't be surprised to see Watson land elsewhere in MLS and become a solid role player with tons of hustle (something Kreis says he wants...hmmm....)
AYL filed this rumor report about 3 weeks ago (and I've heard little else since) but has listed Atiba Harris, Steven Curfman, Chris Brown, and Jean Martial Kipre as soon to be ex-RSL players. Here's my thoughts on each, if true.
Curfman-reserve player, never really saw the field. Too bad for the kid, but not a big loss. Good luck!
Brown-Thank God! The fact that he almost won the RSL Golden Boot proves two things: 1) RSL just plain can't score 2) Findley was criminally under-utilized. If he'd been on the field more, it wouldn't have been close.
Harris-Sad to see him go. His toughness/recklessness actually would have served him well in continued play at D-mid. Supposedly going to Norway (I'm guessing on a much larger contract) so I can't say as I blame him.
Kipre-BIG loss. I think this kid was the future at outside back. He had the speed and the moves to keep up on defense and to really disrupt the opposition's plans while on offense. If it is true he is gone, he better be leaving for a big contract as RSL would be painfully dumb (granted it wouldn't be the first time) to let him go easily.
Also in that report was word that Christian Jimenez has been traded. For what? No one knows. I'll wait on final judgement on this until the details come out. Having said that, while everyone says Jimenez has the talent, he has been very injury prone and I can understand if RSL cuts their losses on this one. Good luck to him wherever he goes!
Also, I was thinking the other day and I realized something. RSL MUST retire Eddie Pope's number 23. If they don't, they are a bigger joke than...well, they have already proven to be (or Jack Stewart's defense-take your pick on whatever reference you prefer). It not only would be the correct thing to do for Eddie, as he has been an absolute rock not only for this franchise but for the national team as well, but for the fans as well. It would give us something to take pride in and rally around. Having a GREAT (not good) player's number in the rafters (or wherever you'd put it at a soccer stadium haha) gives your team a sense of history and pride. I see RSL as having 3 chances to get this right:
1) At home game #1 of the season. Start the year off right and with a big celebration.
2) At RSL's home game vs. DC United. Have Eddie's former team help celebrate him with us.
3) At the opening of the Sandy Stadium. No brainer, but if done here, it mustn't get lost in the fanfare of the stadium opening.
Anything else is an affront to Eddie and to RSL (and Pope) fans everywhere.
Finally, just a quick look at my MLS playoff predictions:
Round 1:
Chivas USA over Kansas City - WRONG
Houston over Dallas - RIGHT
DC United over Chicago - WRONG
New England over New York - RIGHT
Round 2:
Houston over
Final:
As you can see, I did fairly well with the exception of DCU. Their choke in the first round killed me. But I learned something doing these predictions. Don't ever pick DCU, whenever I do, they lose.
Sigh...and there goes MLS 2007. At least we have the Draft and player moves to look forward to, I suppose. Now off to check on my other (soccer) team, the boys in blue of Sydney FC! Farewell until next time!
Monday, November 5, 2007
MLS (Playoff) Format
It seems there are a LOT of people out there that don't like the current MLS playoff system. I must admit, I'm not 100% convinced myself. From the lack of advantage for higher seeds to the number of teams on, there are a lot of things people don't like. Here's a few ideas that I came up with. They almost certainly won't be liked by the 'soccer purists', especially those that want a single table & promotion/relegation (get over it, it'll never happen), but it is a semi-'Americanized' system that also tries to set fairness at a high level.
NOTE: This setup is based on a 16 team league, which MLS can and will be at soon.
First, I would break the league up into 2 conferences and four divisions, based mostly on geography (and therefore helping promote more regional rivalries). Teams like RSL & Colorado (or LA & Chivas, DCU/NE/NY, etc.) should be kept in the same division to help foster interest with the already developed rivalries. So the league would look something like this:
Western Conference:
Div. 1
Chivas USA
LA
San Jose
Seattle
Div. 2
RSL
Crapids
Houston
Dallas
Eastern Conference:
Div. 1
DCU
New England
NY
Toronto
Div. 2
KC
Chicago
Columbus
Eastern Team 8 (St. Louis?)
In the interest of a fair, balanced schedule teams would have an increase in the number of games. In my system, each team would play every other league team twice, once at home and once away. They then would play each team in their division an addition 2 times (home and away). This would mean a total of 36 games in the regular season, which I admit is a lot, but the best way I can think of to keep a balanced schedule while still keeping extra "rivalry games." There may have to be a few extra midweek games to meet this schedule, but it is possible. In short, the regular season looks like this:
15 other teams x 2 games each = 30 games
3 division teams x 2 additional games each = 6 games
30 + 6 = 36 games
Now we come to the playoffs. I actually have two systems in mind, one which will drastically cut the number of playoff teams and one that allows for more teams while giving an advantage to the higher seeds (based on the format used in the Australian A-League). Both try to give teams an advantage for having a better regular season while also assuring every team a home playoff game.
Playoff Format One:
The winner of each division advances to the playoffs. Each conference's 2 representatives face off in the semi final in a best of 3 game home-away-home series. The team with the highest number of points on the season is the home team and plays a possible 2 home games, with the other team given one. Each game would be in the current MLS format, with a 30-minute overtime if needed. If the game is still tied after 120 minutes, there are two options: a 15 minute golden goal second overtime followed by a shootout if necessary or just a shootout without the golden goal overtime. The first team to win 2 games advances to the MLS Cup. The MLS Cup itself would be as currently formatted, that is, a single game at a "neutral" field.
Playoff Format Two: (I'll try and have this make sense...)
The top 2 teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. Each division winner would be considered the #1 seeds in the playoffs with the runners-up being the #2 seeds. The two #1's would play a "major quarterfinal" match at the home of the team with the most points on the season (or the better record in head-to-head matches that year, we're making this up so whatever you prefer). The winner of that match moves on to the conference final, the loser moves to the conference semifinal.
Meanwhile, the 2 #2's play a home-and-away "minor quarterfinal" series formatted in the same manner as the MLS playoffs currently are (aggregate, no away goals rule). The team with the most points would get to choose whether they wanted to be home first or away first. The winner of this series would move on to the conference semifinal.
The conference semifinal would pit the winner of the minor quarterfinal against the loser of the major quarterfinal in a one-off match at the major quarterfinal loser's home stadium. If tied, the game would have MLS's current 30 min. overtime (and if still tied) followed by one of the two options I used in format one (a 15-min. golden goal then, if necessary, a shootout OR just a shootout). The winner of this game moves to the conference final.
The conference final would be played in the home stadium of the winner of the major quarterfinal, using the same rules as the conference semifinal and with the winner moving to the MLS Cup, which, as per usual, would be one match played in a neutral stadium.
An idea for the timing of these matches would be:
Friday: Minor Quarter Game 1
Saturday: Major Quarter
Tuesday: Minor Quarter Game 2
Saturday: Conference Semifinal
and then the conference final and MLS Cup on the 2 following Saturdays. This setup would keep the length of the playoffs to a minimum, while giving the higher seeded teams the advantage of getting some extra rest.
For reference purposes (and to maybe clear up what I'm trying to convey), here are "bracket" versions of each format:
Format One:
Format 2:
I guess that's it for now, thanks for reading! Enjoy! And as always, feel free to comment below!
NOTE: This setup is based on a 16 team league, which MLS can and will be at soon.
First, I would break the league up into 2 conferences and four divisions, based mostly on geography (and therefore helping promote more regional rivalries). Teams like RSL & Colorado (or LA & Chivas, DCU/NE/NY, etc.) should be kept in the same division to help foster interest with the already developed rivalries. So the league would look something like this:
Western Conference:
Div. 1
Chivas USA
LA
San Jose
Seattle
Div. 2
RSL
Crapids
Houston
Dallas
Eastern Conference:
Div. 1
DCU
New England
NY
Toronto
Div. 2
KC
Chicago
Columbus
Eastern Team 8 (St. Louis?)
In the interest of a fair, balanced schedule teams would have an increase in the number of games. In my system, each team would play every other league team twice, once at home and once away. They then would play each team in their division an addition 2 times (home and away). This would mean a total of 36 games in the regular season, which I admit is a lot, but the best way I can think of to keep a balanced schedule while still keeping extra "rivalry games." There may have to be a few extra midweek games to meet this schedule, but it is possible. In short, the regular season looks like this:
15 other teams x 2 games each = 30 games
3 division teams x 2 additional games each = 6 games
30 + 6 = 36 games
Now we come to the playoffs. I actually have two systems in mind, one which will drastically cut the number of playoff teams and one that allows for more teams while giving an advantage to the higher seeds (based on the format used in the Australian A-League). Both try to give teams an advantage for having a better regular season while also assuring every team a home playoff game.
Playoff Format One:
The winner of each division advances to the playoffs. Each conference's 2 representatives face off in the semi final in a best of 3 game home-away-home series. The team with the highest number of points on the season is the home team and plays a possible 2 home games, with the other team given one. Each game would be in the current MLS format, with a 30-minute overtime if needed. If the game is still tied after 120 minutes, there are two options: a 15 minute golden goal second overtime followed by a shootout if necessary or just a shootout without the golden goal overtime. The first team to win 2 games advances to the MLS Cup. The MLS Cup itself would be as currently formatted, that is, a single game at a "neutral" field.
Playoff Format Two: (I'll try and have this make sense...)
The top 2 teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. Each division winner would be considered the #1 seeds in the playoffs with the runners-up being the #2 seeds. The two #1's would play a "major quarterfinal" match at the home of the team with the most points on the season (or the better record in head-to-head matches that year, we're making this up so whatever you prefer). The winner of that match moves on to the conference final, the loser moves to the conference semifinal.
Meanwhile, the 2 #2's play a home-and-away "minor quarterfinal" series formatted in the same manner as the MLS playoffs currently are (aggregate, no away goals rule). The team with the most points would get to choose whether they wanted to be home first or away first. The winner of this series would move on to the conference semifinal.
The conference semifinal would pit the winner of the minor quarterfinal against the loser of the major quarterfinal in a one-off match at the major quarterfinal loser's home stadium. If tied, the game would have MLS's current 30 min. overtime (and if still tied) followed by one of the two options I used in format one (a 15-min. golden goal then, if necessary, a shootout OR just a shootout). The winner of this game moves to the conference final.
The conference final would be played in the home stadium of the winner of the major quarterfinal, using the same rules as the conference semifinal and with the winner moving to the MLS Cup, which, as per usual, would be one match played in a neutral stadium.
An idea for the timing of these matches would be:
Friday: Minor Quarter Game 1
Saturday: Major Quarter
Tuesday: Minor Quarter Game 2
Saturday: Conference Semifinal
and then the conference final and MLS Cup on the 2 following Saturdays. This setup would keep the length of the playoffs to a minimum, while giving the higher seeded teams the advantage of getting some extra rest.
For reference purposes (and to maybe clear up what I'm trying to convey), here are "bracket" versions of each format:
Format One:
Format 2:
I guess that's it for now, thanks for reading! Enjoy! And as always, feel free to comment below!
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