Catch-all update

So it didn't take long for Colorado to bring out Mehdi's "thug side." (thanks Steve Goff/Soccer Insider for the link) Fernando "Straight Thuggin' G" Clavijo must be proud. I think he may be a gang leader, but that's not confirmed. That trade was the steal of the century, I'm telling you... By the way, check out Mr. Victorine shortly after, that's quite an ice pack!

In other recent news, RSL has released backup to the backup to the backup keeper Matt Wideman, who saw a total of no action with RSL and has probably now had his development stunted for good. :) Also released was long-time Royal Danny Torres, in order to free up a senior international roster slot. Let's hope RSL's new SI's are actually good and not just guys they signed solely because they are Argentinian and because other Argentinians are currently playing quite well in MLS. Although, knowing RSL, it wouldn't surprise me... Anyway Danny, thanks for the memories...

Also, Freddy "Road Redwood" Adu has finally made his much lusted after move to Europe. I have two words for that: good riddance. If he won't play with passion or effort or even skill for our team we don't need him. He's definitely been part of the problem. Don't let the door hit you on the way out...actually, do. It may knock some sense into you. Either way, best of luck in Europe to Freddy, as I do hope his potential comes to fruition, the US team could use as many skilled technical attackers as it can get.

And now, we come to this weeks mfls.com Fantasy News (cue fanfare). Here's what the week 18 lineup looks like:

---------------------------Hesmer (CLB)---------------------------

------Wynne (TOR)-----Barrett (HOU)-----Larentowicz (NERds)------

----Joseph (NERds)--Ralston (NERds)--Holden (HOU)--Toja (DALass)----

--------Johnson (KC)------Esky (RSL)------Cristman (NERds)---------

A lot of NERds this week as they are the only team with 2 games: today vs. the "Pull over I gotta" Wiz and Sunday against the Black and Red of DC "Can't Win the Ben Cup" United. Esky is an iffy pick as he may still be out with whatever injury he has that he picked up whenever he did. Funny we didn't hear more about it...did he get called up to the Liberian National Team too??? But my other forwards (Galindo and Angel) both have the week off so I'm taking a shot with him (plus I like him so it works out on all fronts). Here's my spur of the moment (as always) mfls predictions for the week's games:
KC 2 - NERds 2
CLB 2 - CHI(cago) 1
Crapids 0 - Dallass 2
HOU 3 - RSL 1
DC 1 - NERds 1
LA 0 - TOR 2
I hope I'm wrong on RSL, I'll be at the match with some friends from out of town (the proprietors of "The Edgell Supporters" and Ben Cup losers). Perhaps they're here for a scouting trip? hahaha Anyway, I'm hoping to see a good performance from the Reds but I'm not holding my breath...

Finally, with DCU Ben coming to town the trophy for the Ben Cup will (hopefully) soon be finalized. I'll get pictures as soon as possible. Don't forget, Leg 2 is coming soon (Sept. 12) to RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. RSL is holding a 1-0-0 record and a +1 goal differential this year after winning it last year. Let's go RSL!!!
(Also, congrats to DCU on advancing to the semifinals of Superliga (that seems like that needs superhero fanfare before you say it)-smack around Houston the Galaxy! (duh, they JUST played Houston...I'm stupid... ha ha))

PS-Thanks to MLSnet for the videos and myself for the sweet, sweet Clavijo picture.

A couple things

First of all, if somehow you hadn't heard, RSL has traded "attacking" midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy to the Crapids in exchange for Kyle Beckerman. Hooray! I'm sorry, but Mehdi has been nothing short of terrible this year and Beckerman will bring experience (he has even played for the national team) and some much needed defensive bite to the midfield. Perhaps if Ballouchy had shown an ability to do any of the following: shoot, cross, hit set pieces, complete a reasonable amount of his passes, it would have been a different story, but this year he hasn't. While I still believe he has the potential to still become a very solid player, I am glad that we gave up potential (that may or may not ever develop) for a solid, known commodity (that's basically the same age). Plus, Freddy (or Okocha or someone else we may sign) will be able to take over at attacking central mid, and we can see what he can do. On top of all that, it also frees up a Senior International (SI) roster spot for RSL next year, when Mehdi will gain that status. It's amazing that I can say this, but some of the recent personnel moves by RSL haven't actually been awful. Even the much derided Esky/Cunningham trade I like. Esky's much younger and plays with heart that Cunny just doesn't have. Plus, RSL gets cap space and an extra first round pick coming up. Hopefully they can do something with it.

The other thing is just a note on something I heard on yesterday's Bill Riley show on 700 AM. Someone sent him an absolutely classic e-mail. I don't remember it word for word but here are the highlights:
-Why is Danny Torres still playing for RSL? He can't stop a nosebleed, let alone a striker.
-Nick Rimando is great and therefore should punch Torres in the face and thereby injure him so he can't play.
It was so ridiculous and over the top that it was amazing. I'll see if I can find a transcript (or better yet, someone with an audio copy of the show) and post it if I can find one. It was truly a high point in sports radio.

PS-Despite his recent play, I do like Ballouchy (and he has shown flashes), and wish him all the best. And hopefully he won't have to spend too much time with Pablo....yuck...can you imagine it? ;)