Tag: mls

soccer

Panic at the All-Star Game: Why MLS fans should chill

Posted on by Beau Dure

Final score: Manchester United 5, MLS All-Stars 2.

What does tell us? Nothing, without the following bits on context that will explain why this game was different than the typical MLS summer friendly and why last night’s Twitter panic was a tad overblown:

– Man U were motivated, both on a team level and individual level. On a team level, they had just lost to the Kansas City Wizards, and the combination of a legendary club’s pride and some media pressure surely had them a bit more revved up than the typical EPL team on holiday. On an individual level, these guys are fighting for jobs — not just playing time, but jobs, given the new EPL roster limits.

– The Man U kids fighting for those jobs are pretty good. The third and fourth goals in last night’s game were sublime. You could lined up the all-time Serie A All-Stars against Man U, and they might have stopped the fourth with a hard foul. Not the third.

– The All-Stars had more nerves than usual, with an inexperienced side playing Man U in front of 70,000 people. That’s why you get a mistake like Kevin Alston’s poorly weighted pass to a flat-footed Jamison Olave in the first minute, leading directly to Goal #1.

– The experienced players would could’ve settled the side, like Landon Donovan and Dwayne De Rosario, played little because they’re busy with CONCACAF play.

And still, the All-Stars more than held their own in midfield, with Shalrie Joseph looking particularly strong. MLS outshot Man U 19-12, with 11 shots on target to Man U’s 9. But United keeper Edwin van der Sar played like someone who has as much interest in handing over his job as Brett Favre.

The final score was a matter of the defensive breakdowns that are bound to happen when you throw a team together for one game. The first goal was an MLS blunder. No. 2 was a case of one team being used to working together on set pieces and one not so fortunate. No. 5 was either offside or a player failing to push up with his linemates.

Chelsea, Everton, West Ham et al weren’t quite as efficient at capitalizing on those mistakes. That’s a combination of not being quite as motivated and perhaps not quite as confident. It’s also a case of this year’s All-Star team being weakened by various circumstances such as CONCACAF play.

All that said … it’s a friendly. You never know what you’re going to get or how seriously some people are going to take it. Sebastien Le Toux in particular seemed to be out for a leisurely stroll.

You can discern a few good things out of a friendly. The people rushing to buy Wizards tickets after Kansas City’s win hopefully saw a few signs of talent, even if the opponents weren’t up for it on that day. Anyone who saw last night’s game has to think United has some young players with flashes of brilliance.

But hanging Alston, Le Toux or coach Bruce Arena out to dry for the result overlooks the basic point. To restate:

It’s a friendly.

Resume panicking over CONCACAF games, though frankly, MLS didn’t win over any indifferent fans by winning that trophy twice and has every reason to take league games more seriously. Maybe Toronto or Seattle can eke out an away draw and calm people down. Though, frankly, both of those teams have plenty to worry about in the league games.

Back to business on Saturday.

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soccer

CONCACAF: The MLS graveyard

Posted on by Beau Dure

Funny how the buzz over the Kansas City Wizards beating Manchester United can be killed so quickly.

The Los Angeles Galaxy, several bajillion points ahead of the Wizards in the MLS table, played a more meaningful game last night in the CONCACAF Champions League against the Puerto Rico Islanders.

And lost.

At home.

4-1.

This is a tournament that hasn’t been kind to MLS teams over the past decade. The competition actually went better for MLS in the old days, with the Galaxy reaching the 1997 finals (MLS’ second year) and D.C. United winning it in 1998. Then the Galaxy won it in 2000. Since then, no MLS teams have reached the finals. Since moving to a “League” format rather than a simple eight-team Cup, the carnage has been worse.

It’s not just a case of losing to the better-established and better-financed Mexican league. Puerto Rico knocked out Toronto last year. Trinidad and Tobago’s W Connection FC knocked out New York, one year after countrymates Joe Public routed New England on 6-1 aggregate. Houston failed to advance from its group last year, finishing behind Panama’s Arabe Unido.

Granted, the tournament as a whole has some strange results. Puerto Rico, which plays in the USA’s second tier but qualifies through the Caribbean club championship, makes this competition its highest priority and reached the 2009 semifinals before losing on penalty kicks to Mexico’s Cruz Azul. Mexican teams often look disinterested, particularly if those teams are also involved in the more prestigious Copa Libertadores.

But the top team in MLS losing 4-1 at home to a team featuring a couple of players waived from MLS clubs?

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena put it succinctly: “Their effort was excellent and ours wasn’t good enough.”

From what I saw yesterday, Landon Donovan was at least putting in the effort. But Puerto Rico clearly brings a bit more motivation.

It’s not talent. Players from clubs that pull CONCACAF upsets sometimes sign with MLS, and they rarely have an impact. Perhaps the reserves that play in these games can’t cut it, which raises questions about the players MLS is signing for the 12th-20th spots on the rosters.

Whether it’s extra motivation or a deeper bench, MLS has to address this problem. The league knows full well that it’s battling to capture the fan base in the wake of the World Cup, the quadrennial revival tent for soccer fans. Beating Manchester United is nice, but these games are mere tune-ups for the English visitors. The real report card for the league’s quality of play is in meaningful games.

The saving grace for MLS is that no one’s paying attention other than us soccer nerds. The crowd in Kansas City was nearly 10 times the crowd in Los Angeles last night. But the league can’t rely on obscurity forever.

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soccer

MLS fans: Shut the *&^&# up

Posted on by Beau Dure

There’s a disagreement over fan behavior going on in the blogosphere, and it’s clear that my longtime RFK pressbox pal Aaron Stollar (Fighting Talker, BigSoccer) is better-informed than Ethiene Rodriguez at EPL Talk.

Usually, the better-informed person is right. And Aaron’s usually right. Unfortunately, this argument has hit upon a pet peeve of mine, which is gratuitous bleeping profanity at bleeping MLS games.

There’s nothing clever or entertaining about chanting “&%$# you, ref” after a disagreeable call. Frankly, we had far better chants in high school. (My favorite: “Nuts and bolts! Nuts and bolts! We got screwed!”)

There’s nothing clever or entertaining about yelling “You suck, a&&hole” just as the goalkeeper makes contact on a goal kick.

Forget for a moment — only a moment — that MLS can’t afford to tune out any audience. You 18-35ers who think you own the world have to coexist with the 40somethings and their U12 kids. Apologies to all who want to take the wrong lessons from Toronto’s success in filling BMO, but that’s the way it is. “F you ref” isn’t going to make anyone feel a sudden urge to take in an MLS game; it might get a few people to leave.

The larger problem is that you just look and sound like stupid wannabes. Like so many college basketball fans who copy Duke’s energy without any of the creativity (which, sadly, has faded in Cameron Indoor Stadium over the years), you’re taking the bit of someone else’s atmosphere that’s easiest to copy and running with it.

A lot of the U.S. soccer community has a complex about European soccer. We want the atmosphere at MLS games to be full of raucous chanting like we imagine we’re seeing and hearing at EPL games. Fine.

Now tell me what you think of when you think of Liverpool fans. “%&%# you, you &%$#munch” or You’ll Never Walk Alone? Thought so.

MLS fans are capable of much more than this. Some Toronto and Seattle fans may think they invented passionate atmospheres, but most clubs have at least one solid supporters group with good chants and sometimes stunning banners.

Changing the tone doesn’t mean keeping a swear jar at the turnstile, though they might be an effective way for some teams to afford a Designated Player. It means cutting down the organized pottymouth. You’re not going to intimidate the ref or the opponent. You’re just going to intimidate your neighbor who looks across the stadium and sees a mob missing a few brain cells.

These days, everyone’s asking MLS to raise the level on the field. How about raising the level off it?

Update: Match Fit USA has a typically articulate post defending the notion of MLS fans “being themselves.” I still disagree, of course, and I hope “typical Philly behavior” is closer to what I know of the Sons of Ben rather than the Flyers fans shouting homophobic slurs and starting fights in the men’s room at Verizon Center.

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soccer

MLS Player News: Dallas debut, Bunbury’s case

Posted on by Beau Dure

Just a little experiment in gathering bits of news — feedback welcome.

Jon Conway, GK, Toronto — Not likely to play but happy to return home to Philly area. Main reason for inclusion here, of course: Dad’s name is Tim Conway. (Delaware County Times)

Columbus — In dire need of a DP? Not going to get one because of ownership? (Columbus Dispatch)

Thierry Henry, F, New York — Not ready to play in big match with Columbus, but he’ll travel with team. (multiple)

John Wolyniec, F, New York — Has missed last two practices, and coach Hans Backe has no comment. (MLSSoccer.com)

Dane Richards, F/M, New York — Expected to start alongside Juan Pablo Angel up front as Backe opts against 4-5-1. (MLSSoccer.com)

Milton Rodriguez, F, Dallas — Colombia striker gets transfer paperwork in order and may dive right in atop 4-1-4-1 formation. (MLSSoccer.com)

Teal Bunbury, F, Kansas City — Will the rookie keep starting job after he scored lone goal in 1-0 win at Columbus? (Kansas City Star)

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soccer

MLS: Still not sturdy enough to wish for another team’s demise

Posted on by Beau Dure

I often like to visit the visiting fans’ section at RFK Stadium. For one thing, it gets me out of the press sauna and out in the stands where the breezes offer some relief.

We're not superior -- RFK management just put us in the upper deck. Like the Open Cup replica?

It’s especially interesting when you have fervent fans who travel a great distance to see the recent expansion teams. They often offer insights on their teams’ successes and needs that you won’t get elsewhere. Tonight’s conversation with a Seattle supporter was no exception. Among the ground covered:

– If Adrian Hanauer were to stand today for re-election under the much-hyped promise to let fans retain or push out the GM, he’d have little trouble keeping his job. The Sounders aren’t matching last year’s results, but the good run last year didn’t give everyone unrealistic expectations.

– Freddie Ljungberg served the Sounders well in their first year, and there’s a certain amount of pride that the team’s medical staff fixed him up. But if it’s time for him to go elsewhere, so be it. The younger players could use more playing time, and the team can splurge on an even bigger designated player.

– Coach Sigi Schmid might be sticking with his old favorites (Peter Vagenas leaped to mind) a little too much.

– Players and fans need to get over their dislike of FieldTurf. World Cup qualifiers should be played at Qwest Field.

– The Seattle atmosphere is an awesome manifestation of civic pride.

And with that, he looked down (literally — visiting fans are in the upper deck) upon an unfilled lower bowl at RFK Stadium. He seemed surprised to learn that United fans, not too long ago, had filled that lower bowl on a regular basis. (Weeknights in traffic-choked, workaholic D.C. will always be tough, though.)

Continue reading →

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soccer

Prospective Revolution stadium site gets boost

Posted on by Beau Dure

The new home of the New England Revolution?

[cetsEmbedGmap src=http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=104388991439226121133.00048ad0b55d040ee2ab8&ll=42.309308,-70.984039&spn=0.203116,0.676346&t=h&z=11&iwloc=00048ad12146309db0694 width=500 height=650 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 frameborder=0 scrolling=no]

(Yes, the current home of Gillette Stadium is marked on that map, but you may have to zoom out to see it.)

The site was discussed in late 2008 (Boston Globe) but has new life now thanks to a location decision on a train maintenance facility (Somerville News).

Revolution COO Brian Bilello talks a bit about stadium efforts on the team’s blog. A bit more bureaucracy to go.

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cycling, mind games, olympic sports, soccer, tennis, track and field

Monday Myriad: Want U.S. world titles? We’ve got ’em

Posted on by Beau Dure

Even with an extra day, the weekend was overstuffed:

Soccer: No disrespect to Uruguay and the Netherlands, but isn’t the Germany-Spain matchup as good as it gets? The most explosive team in the Cup against a team that has spent the last three and a half years as the Harlem Globetrotters of world soccer?

Closer to home, MLS had terrific goals in the Seattle-Los Angeles matchup, and Conor Casey is playing like he’s still auditioning for the national team. Or like he thinks he’s Marta.

Tennis: Serena and Nadal winning Wimbledon isn’t the surprise. The surprise is that Roger Federer has fallen all the way to No. 3.

Track and field: David Oliver set an American record in the 110 hurdles at the Prefontaine Classic, which also saw Walter Dix outrun Tyson Gay down the stretch in the 200. Field events were less kind to Americans — Dwight Phillips finished second in the long jump and pulled up with some sort of strain, and Jenn Suhr no-heighted in the pole vault.

Softball: Not all of the games were easy, but the USA trounced Japan 7-0 in five innings in the World Championship final.

Water polo: Soccer isn’t the only sport settled with a penalty shootout. The U.S. women tied Australia 7-7 in the World League final and won the shootout. Brenda Villa was named top player; Betsey Armstrong was top goalkeeper.

Gymnastics: Bronze for U.S. men at Japan Cup, featuring mostly A-teamers.

Cycling: The Tour de France is underway, which means it’s time for one of the funniest annual reading activities — the Tour de Schmalz. If you prefer drama to comedy, read the Wall Street Journal‘s harrowing story on Floyd Landis’ doping allegations.

Poker: The Main Event is underway, even as two other events are still going … and going … and going …

The Tournament of Champions is over, at least, with Huck Seed outlasting Howard Lederer.

Volleyball: The U.S. men got two wins in Egypt, leaving themselves in contention to make the World League’s six-team final tournament. All they have to do is beat pool-leading Russia twice July 9-10 in Wichita.

Beach volleyball: Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers remained unbeatable, winning the FIVB event in Norway. Yes, Norway. What? They have beaches.

MMA: All hail Brock Lesnar.

Chess: Yes, they exhumed Bobby Fischer.

And a couple of random reads of interest …

Cricket: Did you know about Staten Island’s cricket history?

Soccer: One of the best reads about South Africa since the Cup started — meet Santos, “The People’s Team.” (Not in the Communist sense.)

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soccer

D.C. United’s new star player … who?

Posted on by Beau Dure

D.C. United could use, among other things, an attacking midfielder. As Black and Red United points out, the current options don’t really fit the role. Jaime Moreno was never really the best player for that spot, and he doesn’t have the legs for it these days. Teen phenom Andy Najar’s too green. Santino Quaranta is better elsewhere on the field, as is Clyde Simms.

Here’s the question: Does D.C. United need an attacking midfielder so badly that they should use one of the budget-busting Designated Player slots on a guy who won’t see any extra tickets outside Washington’s Montenegrin community?

(I’m assuming there is a Montenegrin community here — we have a community for every other country in the world. Then I’m assuming the Montenegrin community could name anyone on Montenegro’s national team, especially someone who appears not to be the captain. I shouldn’t rely on Wikipedia for such information, but I’m not relying on FIFA, either. Or UEFA, which followed MLS in expunging the “history” section when it revamped its Web site.)

Does D.C. United need an attacking midfielder so badly that they’ll use that DP slot on a guy who couldn’t get much playing time at Paris Saint-Germain five years ago and has been toiling in the obscurity of the Austrian Bundesliga since then?

So while it may be too early to cast doubt on the abilities of one Branko Bošković, D.C. United’s new attacking midfielder, it’s not too early to wonder if such a signing is what the league had in mind with the DP rule. It’s the “Beckham rule,” designed to bring well-known players who might lift the quality of play and, not incidentally, lift TV ratings and sell a few tickets. Beckham does that. Cuauhtemoc Blanco does that. Juan Pablo Angel’s impact is harder to measure, but he had enough of a name to make a few people take notice.

Also, there’s no harm in using the DP slot to retain or reclaim an American who might have designs on Europe, at least the lesser European leagues. Granted, United doesn’t have an American player on the roster who could fill a DP slot, though Najar might be worth it in a couple of years if he keeps up his rapid progress.

If Bošković had come in as a discovery player making $200K, few would’ve thought to question it. But the new guy might face a bit of pressure if he’s the big-deal United signing while clubs to the north, geographically and in the standings, are talking about Thierry Henry or Robert Pires.

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soccer

MLS and the $40,000 men

Posted on by Beau Dure

The new MLS collective bargaining agreement has ensured one thing: No more stories in the media expressing shock that some players in the league are making $20,000 a year. (The shock wore off when this became an annual occurrence.)

We still don’t have full clarification of “developmental players” and how they may or may not fit into the MLS roster regulations this year, but as a salary class, that group is gone. According to the union figures released today, very player in MLS is making at least $40,000 except two: D.C. United academy signings Bill Hamid ($35,700, but $42,366.66 guaranteed compensation) and Andy Najar ($39,000, total $58,995.83 guaranteed).

We can tell from the figures that $40,000 isn’t just for developmentals. It’s not just for first-years, second-years or third-years. Among the $40K club: 10th-year Crew player Duncan Oughton.

Numbers of $40K players (including the oddball $40,008 players) per club:

  • Chicago: 6
  • Chivas USA: 6
  • Columbus: 8
  • Colorado: 8
  • Dallas: 5
  • D.C. United: 7
  • Houston: 7
  • Kansas City: 6
  • Los Angeles: 3
  • New England: 9
  • New York: 9
  • Philadelphia: 6
  • Salt Lake: 8
  • Seattle: 6
  • San Jose: 7
  • Toronto: 8
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soccer

MLS marquee matchup: Real Salt Lake and R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Posted on by Beau Dure

Through a fluke of the schedule, MLS has a terrific lead-in to the World Cup: an MLS Cup rematch (9 p.m. ET Wednesday, Direct Kick/MLSSoccer.com) that finds both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake in good form.

Real might be exhausted, having spent several days sweating in D.C. for an Open Cup qualifier, a White House visit and a league game. But they’re motivated. The mountain men have an MLS trophy, but after squeaking into the playoffs last year, they know they have some work to do.

“We’re going to have to keep fighting in order to keep getting respect,” captain Nat Borchers said after Saturday’s 0-0 draw in D.C.

“At the beginning of the season, everyone thought we were going to be a big-time team,” Robbie Russell said. “We lose three games on the road against the top three teams from last year, and all of a sudden everyone’s talking about how we’re not good. We have another streak of form, get some home wins, and all of a sudden, we’re good again.”

Russell isn’t exaggerating. Real’s April schedule was borderline sadistic. At Houston. A lone home game against Seattle. At Los Angeles. At Columbus.

“When you’re 1-3-1 and have played a lot of good soccer, I think it’s a bit frustrating,” Borchers said. “That being said, we did play very good soccer. We know how good we are at home – that’s our castle, and we got good results there.”

“Castle” may seem a little overblown, but in general, Real’s players have a strong belief that they’ve found that mythical Right Way of Doing Things.

“It’s been about a 2 1/2-year season where we’ve been striving to get to where we’re getting to now,” Kyle Beckerman said. “We have a style of play now we really believe in. You feel confident in games when you have a style you know works. That’s keeping the ball on the ground, keeping a good deal of possession. When you tend to do that, the other team is playing defense a lot of the time, and that takes a lot out of you.”

And so Beckerman, who’s nursing a torn tendon in his left foot, is in a hurry to get back after the World Cup break.

“I’m about two weeks into rehab. We decided to continue with that. It happened at a decent time where I’m only going to miss three games and should be back for the game after the break.

“The injury was a bit unique. It’s not a standard injury where you do the surgery and you’re back in a certain amount of time. I didn’t really feel comfortable with the surgical options. The one doctor who I did feel comfortable with, he thought it would be OK to go the conservative route without surgery.”

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