Welcome to MLS MATTERS. This week, we look ahead to the 8th round of fixtures, as well as back at some of the talking points of the past week. The time to get stuck in is now...
WEEK 7 RESULTS:
NEW YORK CITY FC 1-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION
NEW YORK RED BULLS 2-0 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
DC UNITED 1-1 HOUSTON DYNAMO
COLUMBUS CREW SC 3-0 ORLANDO CITY SC
FC DALLAS 3-2 TORONTO FC
COLORADO 1-3 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
REAL SALT LAKE 0-1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
LOS ANGELES GALAXY 2-1 SPORTING KANSAS CITY
PHILADELPHIA UNION 1-2 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
NEW YORK CITY FC 0-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS
TALKING POINT 1 Rafael Ramos Red Card: 34 minutes in to the Columbus Crew match with Orlando City, a tight 1-0 match sprang to life with a straight red card from referee Ricardo Salazar for Orlando City right back Rafael Ramos. Seconds after believing he was fouled, Ramos sprinted up the pitch and slid in to the Crew's left back Waylon Francis, studs up. With Francis down on the ground and Crew SC players closing in, Ramos, then began making his way back down the pitch, ignoring calls from the referee to come to him. At this point Orlando City captain Ricardo Kaka attempted to calm the young player down, unsuccessfully. With referee Salazar closing in on him, Ramos began giving the ref a piece of his mind. Not a smart move when you consider that the original card pulled out of his pocket was yellow. Possibly after a word from his assistant in his ear, Salazar pulled out a red card. At this point, Ramos started playing the victim, throwing a small hissy fit, taking the long way off the pitch, slowly walking through the Columbus technical area before an Orlando staff member finally got him to the dressing room.
In what was a tight game gently moving in the Crew's favor, Ramos, who had settled in well to his first MLS season prior to this event, saw the red mist descend and gifted an easy victory to the home side. Just another example of a player forgetting his team and throwing away a chance at points for momentary vengeance after a perceived wrong doing on him. The reputation Orlando City is gaining for being a cynical and dirty team is becoming more and more justified as their debut season goes on.
TALKING POINT 2 Wacky Weather: After a stellar start for FC Dallas, scoring after just 29 seconds, they pushed on, scoring again at the 10th and 27th minute marks. Nothing it seemed could slow Dallas down. Then, lightning struck. Literally. A bad storm and lightning caused the match to be halted after 42 minutes. 206 minutes later, the teams came back out to play the final 3 minutes of the half, then return to the locker room for half time. Upon the start of the second half, both teams looked as if the lengthy delays had taken their toll on them. It took until the 84th minute for the match to spring to life again, with the first of Giovinco's 2 goals for Toronto FC, the second following in the 89th minute. In a final rush, Toronto fell short, with the match ending as it should have, a bit of lightning, and a whimper.
WORST PERSON(S) OF THE WEEK: This week, we debut a new section, "Worst Person of the Week", where I shame someone MLS related for their shocking, ignorant, or outlandish behavior. While it would be easy to give the debut gong to Orlando City's Rafael Ramos, instead I would like to give the nod to the Unimas in English commentators. For 90 minutes I had to listen to them call Sacha "Rasputin" Kljestan as "Klechan", and Dax "The Ginger Metronome" McCarty as "McCarthy". Mistakes that would make even the ignoramuses of FOX cringe. Shockingly bad.
Paul Caligiuri and Ramses Sandoval, the Worst People of the Week.
TACTICAL CORNER: Welcome back to the tactical corner, quickly becoming the most popular segment of MLS Matters. This week, we look back at Adrian Heath's tactical decision of using Amobi Okugo as a sitting midfielder in front of his center back pairing of Seb Hines and Aurelien Collin.
To the casual fan, this would automatically be considered to be a master stroke. With a lone striker in Kei Kamara, and Crew talisman Frederico Higuain playing in a central attacking role behind Kamara, putting 3 strong defenders in the middle of the pitch should equate to a clean sheet. The problem here lies in that anyone who watches the Crew can tell you, the Crew attack mainly through the wide areas of the pitch with Justin Meram and Ethan Finley, and Higuain drifting around from touchline to touchline trying to enter the space created by the wide men. And in this match, so it was.
Even before Orlando went down to ten men, handing the match to Columbus, it was the wide play that helped them control the match. The first goal of the match was created by Ethan Finley, slotting in to Higuain, who tapped it in for his first goal of the season, and Finley's third assist.
Columbus' second came after Kamara won the ball in Orlando's box, pushing it back out wide to Meram who knocked in a rocket from distance.
The third came just minutes later as Orlando, who isolated Kaka up front on his own after the red card and began to watch for the wide play, allowed Higuain to slide a ball right up their gut to Kamara, who cheekily chipped Orlando City keeper Donovan Ricketts.
For me, what on the surface could have been tactical genius, was in the end tactical naivety by Heath. Plugging up the middle on a team known for their wide play, was foolhardy and could have cost hi team points. The learning curve in MLS is a steep one, as Heath is well aware. Lets hope he and his staff learn from their mistakes as the season progresses.
MLS MATTERS WEEK 8 POWER RANKINGS:
1) VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 16 POINTS ON 8 PLAYED
2) NEW YORK RED BULLS 11 POINTS ON 5 PLAYED
3) FC DALLAS 13 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED
4) DC UNITED 11 POINTS ON 6 PLAYED
5) LOS ANGELES GALAXY 11 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED
6) NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 11 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED
7)SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 10 POINTS ON 6 PLAYED
WEEK 8 PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS:
CHICAGO FIRE 2-1 NEW YORK CITY FC: The Unimas Friday Night Match of the Week, Chicago enters having played just 5 matches, having had the last two weekends off. NYCFC enter having not won in their last 5 matches. This week, as Harry Shipp goes, so goes Chicago.
COLORADO RAPIDS 1-1 FC DALLAS: The road team has taken this fixture the last two matches, with Dallas winning three in a row prior to their meeting earlier this season. Three weeks ago, Colorado entered with a goalless and winless streak, but ended up thrashing Dallas 4-0 in Dallas. This week I expect the world to return to normal and Dallas to nick a point at the very least.
COLUMBUS CREW 2-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION: The Crew won all three meetings between these two last season, with a Union win and a draw preceding that. Overall, the Crew have won five of their six all time meetings on home soil, having yet to lose to the Union in Columbus.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 2-2 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: RSL enters with a three match win streak against New England, having not lost in their last seven meetings. They also have an overall five match undefeated streak entering into the match. The X Factor for New England could be the return last week of Jermaine Jones to the mix, shifting from his usual midfield position into his new proposed USMNT position of center back.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 2-2 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: The road team took both meetings last season, with both clubs entering with identical records this season. Houston got a draw at DC last week, as KC saw their unbeaten streak of 4 snapped in LA.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-1 DC UNITED: Vancouver has two draws and two wins in their last four against DC, drawing at home in their only meeting last season. United are undefeated in their last four, but haven't beaten Vancouver since their first ever clash back in 2011.
NEW YORK RED BULLS 3-1 LOS ANGELES GALAXY: ESPN2's Sunday Night Match of the Week, each club has two victories in their last four meetings. NY enters as the only undefeated team in MLS, having only played five matches, while LA enters with a two match win streak after a four match losing streak. NY has won their last two home meetings with LA. Marsch v Arena should be a tactical feast on par with the football. Could be the match of the week.
ORLANDO CITY SC 1-1 TORONTO FC: The first ever meeting between the two sides is the first of a FS1 Sunday Night Double Header. Toronto enter with a four match losing streak, as Orlando enter having yet to win at home. While I wanted to predict a 0-0 here, with Orlando allowing 8 goals in 7 matches, and TFC allowing 11 in just five, its hard to see a clean sheet for either side in this one.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 3-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC: FS1's second part of the Sunday Night Double Header sees Seattle coming in with a two match win streak against Portland, with a draw proceeding it, and two Portland victories before that coming in the 2013 season. In 88 all time meetings, Seattle leads 45-31-12. With Portland conceding a goal per match and Seattle giving up just under a goal per match, as well as 16 goals being scored in their three meetings last season, there should be goals in this one. Another potential match of the week. Still suffering from some major injuries, look for Seattle to continue their winning streak against their arch rival.
WEEK 8 INJURY REPORT:
OUT:
Mike Magee and Patrik Nyarko of Chicago Fire
Markus Halsti, Eddie Johnson, Steve Birnbaum, Collin Martin of DC United
Coy Craft and Stephen Keel of FC Dallas
Brian Perk of LA Galaxy
Adrian Lopez, Justin Mapp, Maxime Crepeau, Caleb Porter of Montreal Impact
George John, Tony Taylor, Jason Hernandez of NYCFC
Tally Hall, Pedro Ribeiro, Martin Paterson of Orlando City
Eric Bird of Philadelphia Union
Will Johnson, Diego Valeri, Michael Nanchoff, Ben Zemanski, Rodney Wallace of Portland Timbers
Joao Plata and Chris Shuler of Real Salt Lake
Chance Myers and Ike Opara of Sporting Kansas City
Clement Simonin of Toronto FC
Andre Lewis and Marco Bustos of Vancouver Whitecaps
QUESTIONABLE:
Michael Stephens of Chicago Fire
Sam Cronin, Marc Burch, Dominique Badji of Colorado Rapids
Wil Trapp of Columbus Crew
Dan Kennedy of FC Dallas
Boniek Garcia of Houston Dynamo
Kenny Walker, Leonardo, Robbie Keane, Jose Villarreal of LA Galaxy
Daigo Kobayashi, Chris Tierney, Jose Goncalves, Darrius Barnes of New England
David Villa, Mix Diskerud, Shay Facey, Josh Williams of NYCFC
Roy Miller and Ronaldo Zubar of NYRB
Lewis Neal and Tony Cascio of Orlando City
Fabinho, Raymond Lee, Vincent Nogueira of Philadelphia Union
Sebastian Jaime of Real Salt Lake
Mark Sherrod, Steven Lenhart, Shuan Francis, Jordan Stewart of San Jose Earthquakes
Damion Lowe of Seattle Sounders
Seth Sinovic and James Rogers of Sporting KC
Steven Caldwell and Mark Bloom of TFC
Diego Rodriguez of Vancouver Whitecaps
Thank you for your time, I hope you enjoyed this weeks look back and forward covering MLS action. The time to get stuck in is now, spread the word. Until next time, as always, remember, MLS Matters.
Showing posts with label Chicago Fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Fire. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Saturday, March 8, 2014
MLS Season Preview 2014
Welcome to my sixth annual MLS season preview. Its amazing how the league has grown and changed over the years, and this season could be the best yet for MLS.
For those not familiar with my season previews, I take a look at the major comings and goings with each MLS team, where they finished last season, and where I see them finishing this season. As you may know if you follow MLS, it may be the most difficult league in the world to predict. In just one season a club can go from worst to first, or first to worst. Mid season transfer can shake up the standings, and the World Cup this season adds another dimension to the predicting, but I will give you the most reasoned preview of which I am capable, and I hope you enjoy it.
Chicago Fire... 2013 Finish: 6th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 finish: 6th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D/M: Lovel Palmer, D: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D: Patrick Ianni, M: Benji Joya, D: Greg Cochrane, M: Matt Watson
OUT: M: Arvelo Rios, M: Joel Lindpere, F: Maicon Santos, D: Wells Thompson, D: Jalil Anibaba, D: Austin Berry, F: Frederico Puppo, M: Yazid Atouba
New manager Frank Yallop has already made some interesting changes in his short time with Chicago, making the team more solid defensively, but the story of Chicago's 2013 season was the out of his skin form of forward Mike Magee. When predicting a finish for 2014, I took into account the fact that Chicago should be more solid defensively, allowing fewer goals, but also acknowledging that the chances of Magee having a career year yet again are up in the air. If Magee finds his scoring boots again this season, expect Chicago to be fighting for playoff positioning, reaching as high as third in the East, but should the team fail to gel under Yallop in his first season controlling not only the first team but player personnel decisions, or Magee returning to the form of his first few MLS seasons, Chicago could fall as low as 7th or 8th in the conference.
Chivas USA... 2013 Finish: 9th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 8th in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Mauro Rosales, D: Andrew Jean-Baptiste, F: Adolfo Bautista, F: Eric Zavaleta (loan from Seattle), M: Agustin Pelletieri
OUT: F: Tristan Bowen, D: Jorge Villafana, M: Gabriel Farfan, F: Bryan De La Fuente, D: Steve Purdy
The story of Chivas' 2013 campaign was one of a poor team, racism, and abysmal attendance. The story of 2014 looks to be much brighter, if not just as muddled. MLS itself stepped in to purchase Chivas USA last month, keeping the name, manager, and stadium, with an eye to securing a new LA based ownership group which will provide a rebranding, as well as a new stadium in LA itself, preferably at some point this season.
Wilmer Cabrera has been brought in as manager, as well as an aging Rosales and Bautista. While Chivas should still struggle this season to get results, they should be one of the more interesting teams in MLS, and slightly improved. Few doubt that Cabrera has what it takes to manage in MLS, and the new ownership saga seems to be ripe for exploration as the season progresses.
Colorado Rapids... 2013 Finish: 5th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 9th in the Western Conference.
IN: D/M: Marc Burch, M: Marvin Chavez, M: Marlon Hairston
OUT: F: Atiba Harris, M: Tony Cascio (loan to Houston), M: Hendry Thomas, D: Kory Kindle (retired after one season)
After a somewhat surprising finish with a young core in 2013, Colorado look to push on in 2014. The major issues seem to be, can the youth continue to mature, and will they find a manager? In a very short span of time this off season Colorado lost an assistant coach and then their up and coming manager, leaving them in limbo as the season begins.
With so much disarray, I have to predict a poor finish for the Rapids. Add to the mix an owner more concerned with his NFL and EPL teams, and the uncertain continued growth of the Dillons, Serna and Powers, the entire bottom half of the West seems plausible for the Rapids, but my gut says they could see themselves fall behind even lowly Chivas USA.
Columbus Crew... 2013 Finish: 8th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 9th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: GK: Brad Stuver, M: Hector Jimenez, D: Michael Parkhurst, M: Daniel Paladini
OUT: M: Eddie Gavin, D: Drew Beckie, D: Chad Marshall, GK: Andy Gruenbaum, M: Konrad Warzycha
With a new ownership group in place for its first full season (replacing the Hunt family), and a club badge rebranding in the future, it would be easy to see things looking up for the Crew. Throw in former MLS player Gregg Burhalter as manager, sort of a disciple from the Bruce Arena coaching tree, and savvy additions, and a case could be made for Columbus finishing as high as 5th, but the questions are large enough for me to predict them sitting near the bottom of the conference.
One interesting thing to look for throughout the season will be Berhalter's tactical decisions. MLS, mainly known as a 4-4-2 league over the years, seems to be making a switch to 4-3-3. Berhalter, not to be out tweaked, has dabbled using 3 men at the back this preseason. Parkhurst is the perfect MLS player for a 3 back system, but in many games the formation could easily lead to Columbus getting over run with the wrong players to not only partner Parkhurst, but to big lung it up and down the wings all match long. When and where Berhalter tries this wrinkle will tell us a lot about Berhalter as a manager, and the changes they may need to make in the summer transfer window.
DC United... 2013 Finish: 10th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 8th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Davy Arnaud, D: Sean Franklin, D: Bobby Boswell, F: Conor Doyle, F: Eddie Johnson, F: Fabian Espindola, D: Jeff Parke, M: Alex Caskey
OUT: F: Carlos Ruiz, F: Lionard Pajoy, M: Dwayne De Rosario, D: James Riley, M: John Thorrington, D: Dejan Jakovic, F: Casey Townsend, M: Collin Martin
The argument could be made that no one had a better offseason than DC. Adding a USMNT forward as a designated player in Eddie Johnson, an aging but dangerous proven scorer in Espindola, a solid vet in Arnaud, as well as 3 veteran rocks in defense with Franklin, Boswell, and Parke, I was almost tempted to believe that last seasons rock bottom finish and season of abject misery was a blip, and the playoff team of 2012 is the norm under manager Ben Olsen. While I believe they will be greatly improved, I'm not sold on the team being solidified in time to get the early results they will need to put things in motion for a playoff run. Johnson, even if he wants to show Seattle what they are missing just because of money, he will be away this summer because of the World Cup, which could cause the team to falter should the US be away for longer than just the group stage.
FC Dallas... 2013 Finish: 8th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 5th in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Adam Moffat, M: Hendry Thomas, F: Andres Escobar, F: David Texeira
OUT: M: David Ferreira, M: Jackson, F: Kenny Cooper, M: Bobby Warshaw, F: Eric Hassli
Oscar Pareja left Colorado this winter to go back "home", and this could be the start of something special in Dallas. The additions of Moffat and Thomas in the midfield could be exactly what Dallas needed to take an underperforming side last season and really put it all together. Thomas in particular could be one of the moves of the offseason, protecting the defense and distributing through the middle, making it all work in ways it hasn't since Daniel Hernandez was shown the door. Look for Dallas to get off to a hot start, and the teams pace to wear the opposition out during the long hot summer. You'll enjoy watching FC Dallas.
Houston Dynamo... 2013 Finish: 4th in the Eastern Conference. 2014 Predicted Finish: 4th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D: A.J. Cochran, D: David Horst, M: Tony Cascio
OUT: F: Brian Ching, D: Bobby Boswell, F: Callen Carr
Other than the loss of solid veteran Bobby Boswell, it was a quite offseason in Houston. While I could make a case for Houston falling to 7th or 8th in the league, the Dominic Kinnear factor as well as Houston's legacy as a team that grinds it out all season long has me keeping them in the playoffs this season. Typical boring Houston.
LA Galaxy... 2013 Finish: 3rd in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 2nd in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Baggio Husidic, F: Samuel, F: Rob Friend, D: James Riley
OUT: M: Colin Clark, D: Sean Franklin, M: Michael Stephens, GK: Carlo Cudicini, M: Pablo Mastroeni, F: Jose Villarreal, D: Bryan Gaul, D: Greg Cochrane
Bruce Arena is the king of the tweak, making minor changes year after year while keeping his team among the best in the league. This seasons tweak, adding a large target man (2 actually) for Robbie Keane to play off of, while sliding Landon Donovan back into the midfield. The main loss, Sean Franklin, was replaced by James Riley, making it a wash.
The question will be how LA handles the World Cup with Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez being gone, and only that keeps me from placing them as Western Conference winners. If either Samuel or Friend hits the ground running, LA could be in for a dominating season, and Robbie Keane could be headed toward an MVP season.
Montreal Impact... 2013 Finish: 5th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 10th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D/M: Eric Miller, D: Heath Pearce
OUT: D: Allesandro Nesta, M: Paolo DelPiccolo, M: Maximilliano Rodriguez, M: Davy Arnaud, D: Zack Valentin
Frank Kloppas has joined Montreal this season as manager, after a mediocre spell in charge of the Chicago Fire. With no major additions to coincide with veteran departures of a mixed nature, nothing about Montreal has me excited for the upcoming season. I don't know who they are, nor do I trust Kloppas to do anything with them. Though they finished just in the playoff race last season, in a wide open battle from 3rd to 10th in the East, my gut says Montreal sink to the bottom.
New England Revolution... 2013 Finish: 3rd in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 5th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Paolo DelPiccolo, M/F: Steve Neumann, F: Patrick Mullins, F: Teal Bunbury, M: Diego Kobayashi
OUT: F: Chad Barrett, D: Tyler Polak, GK: Matt Reis, F: Juan Agudelo, M: Juan Toja
Last season New England took a young squad with a young manager, had fun playing, and took it all the way to the 3rd seed in the East. This season I expect much of the same. A major loss will be Juan Agudelo heading to Europe, but the addition of Teal Bunbury could be just what the doctor, or in this case Jay Heaps, ordered. Bunbury has yet to prove himself, but will finally be given the chance to be the main man for a club, and the positive atmosphere could be just the thing he needs. Throw in 2 of the top 10 players in this years draft and New England is looking good.
The worry of course is a second season syndrome setting in with Heaps and the youngsters of the Revolution. Have other clubs figured them out? To me, the deciding factor in New England making the playoffs could be that they wont be losing anyone to the World Cup.
New York Red Bulls... 2013 Finish: 1st in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Bobby Convey, D: Richard Eckersley
OUT: GK: Kevin Hartman, D: Brandon Barklage, D: Heath Pearce, F: Fabian Espindola, D: Markus Holgersson
New York had a relatively quite offseason with no real major losses and no major additions. Eckersley could prove that he is better than a few seasons in the hell that was TFC have shown, and Convey is always serviceable. For the first time since Bob Bradley's Metro Star days, New York decided team chemistry is more important than adding a "name".
Tim Cahill will miss time for the World Cup, and Theirry Henry, in his final contracted season with the club, isn't getting any younger. Already Henry is being pulled from New York's opening match due to the issue of a turf field, which Henry refuses to play on unless it is Portland. While I believe the Red bulls will be in the Supporters Shield race until the season ends, these issues will see them finishing 2nd to me. Then again, who knows what name could enter the fray post World Cup.
Philadelphia Union... 2013 Finish: 7th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
IN: GK: Andre Blake, M: Maurice Edu, D: Austin Berry, M: Vincent Nogueira
OUT: M/F: Kleberson, D: Chris Albright, M: Michael Farfan, D: Jeff Parke
Philly made two superb acquisitions in Edu and Berry, with Blake, the best keeper in the MLS Super Draft, still needing MLS seasoning before stepping in to take McMath's spot as Philly's #1. Farfan and Parke will be losses, but as the team matures one more season together, Philly looks destined to put it all together and make a run. Every year I pick a team to surprise everyone with their strong finishing position, and this year I feel it is the Union. Look for Philadelphia to be more defensively sound this season, and Jack McInerney to have a season similar to his start of last year. Watch the flanks for Philly this season.
Portland Timbers... 2013 Finish: 1st in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 1st in the Western Conference.
IN: D: Jorge Villafana, M: Steve Zakuani, F: Gaston Fernandez, D: Norberto Paparatto
OUT: D: David Horst, D: Dylan Tucker-Gagnes, F: Ryan Johnson, D: Andrew Jean-Baptiste, M: Sal Zizzo, F: Sebastian Rincon, F: Jose Valencia, D: Mikael Silvestre
This could be the year of Darlington Nagbe. If Steve Zakuani gets fit and back in form, Portland becomes even faster and more dangerous. Should Fernandez hit the ground running with the help of hi countryman Diego Valeri, they may be unstoppable. As long as Will Johnson stays fit, Portland has the inside track to the Supporters Shield. The most fun team to watch as well as the hipster choice thanks to Caleb Porter and the Timbers Army, Porterball 2.0 could be even better than version 1.
Real Salt Lake... 2013 Finish: 2nd in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 3rd in the Western Conference.
IN:
OUT: GK: Josh Saunders, D/M: Lovel Palmer
RSL has been one of the most consistent teams the past several years, and the fact that they made no major changes should see that trend continue. The one major worry is that they are now under a new manager in Jeff Cassar. Much of the credit RSL has received in recent years has been laid at the feet of Jason Kreis. If RSL should falter this season, the legend of Kreis will only grow prior to his debut with NYCFC in 2015.
San Jose Earthquakes... 2013 Finish: 6th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 7th in the Western Conference.
IN: F: Atiba Harris, F: Billy Schuler, D: Brandon Barklage
OUT: M: Ramiro Corrales, M: Mehdi Ballouchy, D: Justin Morrow, M: Marvin Chavez, D: Steven Beitashour
On paper, the Quakes have a team more than good enough to reach the playoffs in 2014. But games are not played on paper. The Quakes lost most of their depth this offseason, meaning any extended injury or rash of injuries/suspensions could lead to a tumble down the table. I feel this season San Jose will once again fall just short of making the playoffs.
Seattle Sounders FC... 2013 Finish: 4th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 4th in the Western Conference.
IN: GK: Stefan Frei, F: Tristan Bowen, D: Chad Marshall, F: Kenny Cooper, F: Corey Hertzog, F: Chad Barrett, D: Jalil Anibaba, M: Marco Pappa
OUT: GK: Michael Gspurning, D: Marc Burch, M: Blair Gavin, F: Steve Zakuani, M: Mauro Rosales, M: Adam moffat, F: Eddie Johnson, D: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D: Patrick Ianni, F: Eric Zaveleta, M: Alex Caskey
Sigi Schmidt is in the final season of his contract with the Sounders. Eddie Johnson as well as a host of veteran players were shown the door. In return they gained a quality defender in Marshall, a mid who completely lost form during a year away from MLS in Pappa, and a handful of forwards who are either past prime or haven't gotten there yet, and maybe never will.
It would be easy to call Seattle the losers of the MLS offseason, because no one seems to be able to tell me what is going on in Seattle, what the plan is if it does exist. But with Cooper said to be looking better than he has since his brief Red Bulls spell, Marshall ready to marshall the back line, and Pappa being a possible key cog in the mid, should everything go exactly right for Seattle, they will be figting for the top of the West. And yet, should Clint Dempsey fail to reach form, or Obafemi Martins fail to ever achieve any, it is also plausible that by the time the World Cup arrives, Sigi could be unemployed.
Sporting Kansas City... 2013 Finish: 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 1st in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Sal Zizzo, GK: Andy Gruenbaum
OUT: GK: Jimmy Nielsen, F: Teal Bunbury
When you walk away from the 2013 season as MLS Cup champions, you don't need to make many changes to your team, and KC didn't. Can they survive with a new keeper in front of the leagues most consistent defense? Can they repeat as champions? Will CONCACAF Champions League slow them down? Will the hunt for an MLS Cup/US Open Cup double be too much for a team that will be worn thin should the US make it past the group stage at the World Cup?
The questions in regards to KC are many, but as their positioning last year and eventual Cup win tell us, the questions could very well come with positive answers. Like with most teams, as long as the key players stay fit, KC could be fighting on all fronts, sticking in the Supporters Shield race until the bitter end.
Toronto FC... 2013 Finish: 9th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 7th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Jackson, F: Gilberto, D: Justin Morrow, M: Dwayne De Rosario, F: Jermain Defoe, M: Michael Bradley, D: Bradley Orr, GK: Julio Cesar
OUT: F: Robert Earnshaw, F: Justin Braun, F: Danny Koevermans, GK: Stefan Frei, M: Bobby Convey, D: Richard Eckersley, M: Mattias Laba, M: Reggie Lambe
Where to begin with Toronto FC and the overhaul that has begun? Their best player last season, Mattias Laba, is now gone, but Michael Bradley now anchors the midfield. They added proven EPL goal scorer Defoe to the front line, as well as Gilberto, who came into training camp over weight and out of shape. Elder statesman De Rosario came back to Toronto against all odds, with Brasilian #1 Julio Cesar joining from the English Championship.
All signs would point to Toronto FC climbing the table, solidifying a playoff spot, and even challenging for the Supporters Shield. And yet the game doesn't always work that way. There are still many holes in the Toronto squad to be filled in during the coming seasons, and in its current state, the team seem to be very reliant on Michael Bradley. It would be easy to say as Bradley goes, so goes TFC, but realistically even a brilliant season from Bradley and the TFC new boys should see them fall a few points short of the playoff places in a heavily muddled Eastern Conference.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC... 2013 Finish: 7th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 6th in the Western Conference.
IN: D: Christian Dean, M: Mehdi Ballouchy, D: Steven Beitashour, M: Matias Laba, M/F: Sebastian Fernandez, M/F: Nicolas Mezquida
OUT: D: Lee Young-Pyo, GK: Joe Cannon, M: Daigo Kobayashi, F: Corey Hertzog
Welshman Carl Robinson takes over Vancouver as they continue to take steps forward. The addition of the fantastic Laba should help secure the back while also helping Vancouver gain and keep possession. Ballouchy and Beitashour should also help in that regard. I expect the Whitecaps to be marginally improved and in position most of the season in a dog fight for the final playoff places. Much will ride on Robinson's vision and tactical decision making.
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As with every season, the summer transfer window can shake things up in positive and negative ways for every team, so while some of my predictions will make me seem a visionary, others will make me seem rather thick. Who knows, maybe both are true? I will close with a few other predictions for the upcoming season...
Supporters Shield Winner: Sporting Kansas City
Potential League MVP: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls)
Player To Watch: Matias Laba (Vancouver), Michael Bradley (Toronto), Darlington Nagbe (Portland), Hendry Thomas (Dallas), Eddie Johnson (DC)
Rookie Of The Year: Difficult choice this season as so few rookies look likely to get steady starting minutes.
Well, that was it, season preview #6. I hope you learned something, were aggravated by something, or inspired to watch a club you hadn't really paid attention to before, or watch an old face in a new place.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
For those not familiar with my season previews, I take a look at the major comings and goings with each MLS team, where they finished last season, and where I see them finishing this season. As you may know if you follow MLS, it may be the most difficult league in the world to predict. In just one season a club can go from worst to first, or first to worst. Mid season transfer can shake up the standings, and the World Cup this season adds another dimension to the predicting, but I will give you the most reasoned preview of which I am capable, and I hope you enjoy it.
Chicago Fire... 2013 Finish: 6th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 finish: 6th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D/M: Lovel Palmer, D: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D: Patrick Ianni, M: Benji Joya, D: Greg Cochrane, M: Matt Watson
OUT: M: Arvelo Rios, M: Joel Lindpere, F: Maicon Santos, D: Wells Thompson, D: Jalil Anibaba, D: Austin Berry, F: Frederico Puppo, M: Yazid Atouba
New manager Frank Yallop has already made some interesting changes in his short time with Chicago, making the team more solid defensively, but the story of Chicago's 2013 season was the out of his skin form of forward Mike Magee. When predicting a finish for 2014, I took into account the fact that Chicago should be more solid defensively, allowing fewer goals, but also acknowledging that the chances of Magee having a career year yet again are up in the air. If Magee finds his scoring boots again this season, expect Chicago to be fighting for playoff positioning, reaching as high as third in the East, but should the team fail to gel under Yallop in his first season controlling not only the first team but player personnel decisions, or Magee returning to the form of his first few MLS seasons, Chicago could fall as low as 7th or 8th in the conference.
Chivas USA... 2013 Finish: 9th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 8th in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Mauro Rosales, D: Andrew Jean-Baptiste, F: Adolfo Bautista, F: Eric Zavaleta (loan from Seattle), M: Agustin Pelletieri
OUT: F: Tristan Bowen, D: Jorge Villafana, M: Gabriel Farfan, F: Bryan De La Fuente, D: Steve Purdy
The story of Chivas' 2013 campaign was one of a poor team, racism, and abysmal attendance. The story of 2014 looks to be much brighter, if not just as muddled. MLS itself stepped in to purchase Chivas USA last month, keeping the name, manager, and stadium, with an eye to securing a new LA based ownership group which will provide a rebranding, as well as a new stadium in LA itself, preferably at some point this season.
Wilmer Cabrera has been brought in as manager, as well as an aging Rosales and Bautista. While Chivas should still struggle this season to get results, they should be one of the more interesting teams in MLS, and slightly improved. Few doubt that Cabrera has what it takes to manage in MLS, and the new ownership saga seems to be ripe for exploration as the season progresses.
Colorado Rapids... 2013 Finish: 5th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 9th in the Western Conference.
IN: D/M: Marc Burch, M: Marvin Chavez, M: Marlon Hairston
OUT: F: Atiba Harris, M: Tony Cascio (loan to Houston), M: Hendry Thomas, D: Kory Kindle (retired after one season)
After a somewhat surprising finish with a young core in 2013, Colorado look to push on in 2014. The major issues seem to be, can the youth continue to mature, and will they find a manager? In a very short span of time this off season Colorado lost an assistant coach and then their up and coming manager, leaving them in limbo as the season begins.
With so much disarray, I have to predict a poor finish for the Rapids. Add to the mix an owner more concerned with his NFL and EPL teams, and the uncertain continued growth of the Dillons, Serna and Powers, the entire bottom half of the West seems plausible for the Rapids, but my gut says they could see themselves fall behind even lowly Chivas USA.
Columbus Crew... 2013 Finish: 8th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 9th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: GK: Brad Stuver, M: Hector Jimenez, D: Michael Parkhurst, M: Daniel Paladini
OUT: M: Eddie Gavin, D: Drew Beckie, D: Chad Marshall, GK: Andy Gruenbaum, M: Konrad Warzycha
With a new ownership group in place for its first full season (replacing the Hunt family), and a club badge rebranding in the future, it would be easy to see things looking up for the Crew. Throw in former MLS player Gregg Burhalter as manager, sort of a disciple from the Bruce Arena coaching tree, and savvy additions, and a case could be made for Columbus finishing as high as 5th, but the questions are large enough for me to predict them sitting near the bottom of the conference.
One interesting thing to look for throughout the season will be Berhalter's tactical decisions. MLS, mainly known as a 4-4-2 league over the years, seems to be making a switch to 4-3-3. Berhalter, not to be out tweaked, has dabbled using 3 men at the back this preseason. Parkhurst is the perfect MLS player for a 3 back system, but in many games the formation could easily lead to Columbus getting over run with the wrong players to not only partner Parkhurst, but to big lung it up and down the wings all match long. When and where Berhalter tries this wrinkle will tell us a lot about Berhalter as a manager, and the changes they may need to make in the summer transfer window.
DC United... 2013 Finish: 10th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 8th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Davy Arnaud, D: Sean Franklin, D: Bobby Boswell, F: Conor Doyle, F: Eddie Johnson, F: Fabian Espindola, D: Jeff Parke, M: Alex Caskey
OUT: F: Carlos Ruiz, F: Lionard Pajoy, M: Dwayne De Rosario, D: James Riley, M: John Thorrington, D: Dejan Jakovic, F: Casey Townsend, M: Collin Martin
The argument could be made that no one had a better offseason than DC. Adding a USMNT forward as a designated player in Eddie Johnson, an aging but dangerous proven scorer in Espindola, a solid vet in Arnaud, as well as 3 veteran rocks in defense with Franklin, Boswell, and Parke, I was almost tempted to believe that last seasons rock bottom finish and season of abject misery was a blip, and the playoff team of 2012 is the norm under manager Ben Olsen. While I believe they will be greatly improved, I'm not sold on the team being solidified in time to get the early results they will need to put things in motion for a playoff run. Johnson, even if he wants to show Seattle what they are missing just because of money, he will be away this summer because of the World Cup, which could cause the team to falter should the US be away for longer than just the group stage.
FC Dallas... 2013 Finish: 8th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 5th in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Adam Moffat, M: Hendry Thomas, F: Andres Escobar, F: David Texeira
OUT: M: David Ferreira, M: Jackson, F: Kenny Cooper, M: Bobby Warshaw, F: Eric Hassli
Oscar Pareja left Colorado this winter to go back "home", and this could be the start of something special in Dallas. The additions of Moffat and Thomas in the midfield could be exactly what Dallas needed to take an underperforming side last season and really put it all together. Thomas in particular could be one of the moves of the offseason, protecting the defense and distributing through the middle, making it all work in ways it hasn't since Daniel Hernandez was shown the door. Look for Dallas to get off to a hot start, and the teams pace to wear the opposition out during the long hot summer. You'll enjoy watching FC Dallas.
Houston Dynamo... 2013 Finish: 4th in the Eastern Conference. 2014 Predicted Finish: 4th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D: A.J. Cochran, D: David Horst, M: Tony Cascio
OUT: F: Brian Ching, D: Bobby Boswell, F: Callen Carr
Other than the loss of solid veteran Bobby Boswell, it was a quite offseason in Houston. While I could make a case for Houston falling to 7th or 8th in the league, the Dominic Kinnear factor as well as Houston's legacy as a team that grinds it out all season long has me keeping them in the playoffs this season. Typical boring Houston.
LA Galaxy... 2013 Finish: 3rd in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 2nd in the Western Conference.
IN: M: Baggio Husidic, F: Samuel, F: Rob Friend, D: James Riley
OUT: M: Colin Clark, D: Sean Franklin, M: Michael Stephens, GK: Carlo Cudicini, M: Pablo Mastroeni, F: Jose Villarreal, D: Bryan Gaul, D: Greg Cochrane
Bruce Arena is the king of the tweak, making minor changes year after year while keeping his team among the best in the league. This seasons tweak, adding a large target man (2 actually) for Robbie Keane to play off of, while sliding Landon Donovan back into the midfield. The main loss, Sean Franklin, was replaced by James Riley, making it a wash.
The question will be how LA handles the World Cup with Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez being gone, and only that keeps me from placing them as Western Conference winners. If either Samuel or Friend hits the ground running, LA could be in for a dominating season, and Robbie Keane could be headed toward an MVP season.
Montreal Impact... 2013 Finish: 5th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 10th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: D/M: Eric Miller, D: Heath Pearce
OUT: D: Allesandro Nesta, M: Paolo DelPiccolo, M: Maximilliano Rodriguez, M: Davy Arnaud, D: Zack Valentin
Frank Kloppas has joined Montreal this season as manager, after a mediocre spell in charge of the Chicago Fire. With no major additions to coincide with veteran departures of a mixed nature, nothing about Montreal has me excited for the upcoming season. I don't know who they are, nor do I trust Kloppas to do anything with them. Though they finished just in the playoff race last season, in a wide open battle from 3rd to 10th in the East, my gut says Montreal sink to the bottom.
New England Revolution... 2013 Finish: 3rd in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 5th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Paolo DelPiccolo, M/F: Steve Neumann, F: Patrick Mullins, F: Teal Bunbury, M: Diego Kobayashi
OUT: F: Chad Barrett, D: Tyler Polak, GK: Matt Reis, F: Juan Agudelo, M: Juan Toja
Last season New England took a young squad with a young manager, had fun playing, and took it all the way to the 3rd seed in the East. This season I expect much of the same. A major loss will be Juan Agudelo heading to Europe, but the addition of Teal Bunbury could be just what the doctor, or in this case Jay Heaps, ordered. Bunbury has yet to prove himself, but will finally be given the chance to be the main man for a club, and the positive atmosphere could be just the thing he needs. Throw in 2 of the top 10 players in this years draft and New England is looking good.
The worry of course is a second season syndrome setting in with Heaps and the youngsters of the Revolution. Have other clubs figured them out? To me, the deciding factor in New England making the playoffs could be that they wont be losing anyone to the World Cup.
New York Red Bulls... 2013 Finish: 1st in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Bobby Convey, D: Richard Eckersley
OUT: GK: Kevin Hartman, D: Brandon Barklage, D: Heath Pearce, F: Fabian Espindola, D: Markus Holgersson
New York had a relatively quite offseason with no real major losses and no major additions. Eckersley could prove that he is better than a few seasons in the hell that was TFC have shown, and Convey is always serviceable. For the first time since Bob Bradley's Metro Star days, New York decided team chemistry is more important than adding a "name".
Tim Cahill will miss time for the World Cup, and Theirry Henry, in his final contracted season with the club, isn't getting any younger. Already Henry is being pulled from New York's opening match due to the issue of a turf field, which Henry refuses to play on unless it is Portland. While I believe the Red bulls will be in the Supporters Shield race until the season ends, these issues will see them finishing 2nd to me. Then again, who knows what name could enter the fray post World Cup.
Philadelphia Union... 2013 Finish: 7th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
IN: GK: Andre Blake, M: Maurice Edu, D: Austin Berry, M: Vincent Nogueira
OUT: M/F: Kleberson, D: Chris Albright, M: Michael Farfan, D: Jeff Parke
Philly made two superb acquisitions in Edu and Berry, with Blake, the best keeper in the MLS Super Draft, still needing MLS seasoning before stepping in to take McMath's spot as Philly's #1. Farfan and Parke will be losses, but as the team matures one more season together, Philly looks destined to put it all together and make a run. Every year I pick a team to surprise everyone with their strong finishing position, and this year I feel it is the Union. Look for Philadelphia to be more defensively sound this season, and Jack McInerney to have a season similar to his start of last year. Watch the flanks for Philly this season.
Portland Timbers... 2013 Finish: 1st in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 1st in the Western Conference.
IN: D: Jorge Villafana, M: Steve Zakuani, F: Gaston Fernandez, D: Norberto Paparatto
OUT: D: David Horst, D: Dylan Tucker-Gagnes, F: Ryan Johnson, D: Andrew Jean-Baptiste, M: Sal Zizzo, F: Sebastian Rincon, F: Jose Valencia, D: Mikael Silvestre
This could be the year of Darlington Nagbe. If Steve Zakuani gets fit and back in form, Portland becomes even faster and more dangerous. Should Fernandez hit the ground running with the help of hi countryman Diego Valeri, they may be unstoppable. As long as Will Johnson stays fit, Portland has the inside track to the Supporters Shield. The most fun team to watch as well as the hipster choice thanks to Caleb Porter and the Timbers Army, Porterball 2.0 could be even better than version 1.
Real Salt Lake... 2013 Finish: 2nd in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 3rd in the Western Conference.
IN:
OUT: GK: Josh Saunders, D/M: Lovel Palmer
RSL has been one of the most consistent teams the past several years, and the fact that they made no major changes should see that trend continue. The one major worry is that they are now under a new manager in Jeff Cassar. Much of the credit RSL has received in recent years has been laid at the feet of Jason Kreis. If RSL should falter this season, the legend of Kreis will only grow prior to his debut with NYCFC in 2015.
San Jose Earthquakes... 2013 Finish: 6th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 7th in the Western Conference.
IN: F: Atiba Harris, F: Billy Schuler, D: Brandon Barklage
OUT: M: Ramiro Corrales, M: Mehdi Ballouchy, D: Justin Morrow, M: Marvin Chavez, D: Steven Beitashour
On paper, the Quakes have a team more than good enough to reach the playoffs in 2014. But games are not played on paper. The Quakes lost most of their depth this offseason, meaning any extended injury or rash of injuries/suspensions could lead to a tumble down the table. I feel this season San Jose will once again fall just short of making the playoffs.
Seattle Sounders FC... 2013 Finish: 4th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 4th in the Western Conference.
IN: GK: Stefan Frei, F: Tristan Bowen, D: Chad Marshall, F: Kenny Cooper, F: Corey Hertzog, F: Chad Barrett, D: Jalil Anibaba, M: Marco Pappa
OUT: GK: Michael Gspurning, D: Marc Burch, M: Blair Gavin, F: Steve Zakuani, M: Mauro Rosales, M: Adam moffat, F: Eddie Johnson, D: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, D: Patrick Ianni, F: Eric Zaveleta, M: Alex Caskey
Sigi Schmidt is in the final season of his contract with the Sounders. Eddie Johnson as well as a host of veteran players were shown the door. In return they gained a quality defender in Marshall, a mid who completely lost form during a year away from MLS in Pappa, and a handful of forwards who are either past prime or haven't gotten there yet, and maybe never will.
It would be easy to call Seattle the losers of the MLS offseason, because no one seems to be able to tell me what is going on in Seattle, what the plan is if it does exist. But with Cooper said to be looking better than he has since his brief Red Bulls spell, Marshall ready to marshall the back line, and Pappa being a possible key cog in the mid, should everything go exactly right for Seattle, they will be figting for the top of the West. And yet, should Clint Dempsey fail to reach form, or Obafemi Martins fail to ever achieve any, it is also plausible that by the time the World Cup arrives, Sigi could be unemployed.
Sporting Kansas City... 2013 Finish: 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 1st in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Sal Zizzo, GK: Andy Gruenbaum
OUT: GK: Jimmy Nielsen, F: Teal Bunbury
When you walk away from the 2013 season as MLS Cup champions, you don't need to make many changes to your team, and KC didn't. Can they survive with a new keeper in front of the leagues most consistent defense? Can they repeat as champions? Will CONCACAF Champions League slow them down? Will the hunt for an MLS Cup/US Open Cup double be too much for a team that will be worn thin should the US make it past the group stage at the World Cup?
The questions in regards to KC are many, but as their positioning last year and eventual Cup win tell us, the questions could very well come with positive answers. Like with most teams, as long as the key players stay fit, KC could be fighting on all fronts, sticking in the Supporters Shield race until the bitter end.
Toronto FC... 2013 Finish: 9th in the Eastern Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 7th in the Eastern Conference.
IN: M: Jackson, F: Gilberto, D: Justin Morrow, M: Dwayne De Rosario, F: Jermain Defoe, M: Michael Bradley, D: Bradley Orr, GK: Julio Cesar
OUT: F: Robert Earnshaw, F: Justin Braun, F: Danny Koevermans, GK: Stefan Frei, M: Bobby Convey, D: Richard Eckersley, M: Mattias Laba, M: Reggie Lambe
Where to begin with Toronto FC and the overhaul that has begun? Their best player last season, Mattias Laba, is now gone, but Michael Bradley now anchors the midfield. They added proven EPL goal scorer Defoe to the front line, as well as Gilberto, who came into training camp over weight and out of shape. Elder statesman De Rosario came back to Toronto against all odds, with Brasilian #1 Julio Cesar joining from the English Championship.
All signs would point to Toronto FC climbing the table, solidifying a playoff spot, and even challenging for the Supporters Shield. And yet the game doesn't always work that way. There are still many holes in the Toronto squad to be filled in during the coming seasons, and in its current state, the team seem to be very reliant on Michael Bradley. It would be easy to say as Bradley goes, so goes TFC, but realistically even a brilliant season from Bradley and the TFC new boys should see them fall a few points short of the playoff places in a heavily muddled Eastern Conference.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC... 2013 Finish: 7th in the Western Conference. Predicted 2014 Finish: 6th in the Western Conference.
IN: D: Christian Dean, M: Mehdi Ballouchy, D: Steven Beitashour, M: Matias Laba, M/F: Sebastian Fernandez, M/F: Nicolas Mezquida
OUT: D: Lee Young-Pyo, GK: Joe Cannon, M: Daigo Kobayashi, F: Corey Hertzog
Welshman Carl Robinson takes over Vancouver as they continue to take steps forward. The addition of the fantastic Laba should help secure the back while also helping Vancouver gain and keep possession. Ballouchy and Beitashour should also help in that regard. I expect the Whitecaps to be marginally improved and in position most of the season in a dog fight for the final playoff places. Much will ride on Robinson's vision and tactical decision making.
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As with every season, the summer transfer window can shake things up in positive and negative ways for every team, so while some of my predictions will make me seem a visionary, others will make me seem rather thick. Who knows, maybe both are true? I will close with a few other predictions for the upcoming season...
Supporters Shield Winner: Sporting Kansas City
Potential League MVP: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Will Johnson (Portland Timbers), Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls)
Player To Watch: Matias Laba (Vancouver), Michael Bradley (Toronto), Darlington Nagbe (Portland), Hendry Thomas (Dallas), Eddie Johnson (DC)
Rookie Of The Year: Difficult choice this season as so few rookies look likely to get steady starting minutes.
Well, that was it, season preview #6. I hope you learned something, were aggravated by something, or inspired to watch a club you hadn't really paid attention to before, or watch an old face in a new place.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Penalty Kicks: 8-23-13
As the 2013 MLS season begins to wind down, the matches and story lines of the season start to take on a greater and more dramatic feel. Here with Penalty Kicks, I cover the 5 things in MLS you should be talking about this week...
1: ESPN's Sunday Night game featuring Clint Dempsey, the Seattle Sounders, and more than 60,000 of their friends, against Caleb Porter, 1,500 members of the Timbers Army, and the Portland Timbers.
As soon as Clint Dempsey took off his sweatshirt to reveal his Sounders jersey in one of the most grotesque displays of ego stroking and anticlimactic hype MLS has ever produced, the executives at ESPN started licking their lips over the thought of having Clint Dempsey's home debut on their air. If it wasn't enough that they had Dempsey's debut, it was against the Portland Timbers, possibly the fiercest rivalry in all of MLS.
Earlier in the season with the Sounders struggling and Portland riding high, the Timbers dismantled the Sounders vaunted attack through Will Johnson and Diego Chara running the game in Portland's midfield. That was Seattle without Dempsey, and now Portland will face this task with a midfield 3 missing Will Johnson, and possibly Diego Chara and Jack Jewsbury as well.
Porter's tactical decisions and team selection will be key to Portland's success or failure, while for Seattle, all eyes will be on Clint Dempsey and the crowd. Tune in, set your DVR, or throw a viewing party for family and friends, this one has the potential to be special.
Oh, and did I mention that while sitting at 7th place in the West, that this is close to a must win for Seattle?
2: Vancouver Whitecaps FC v LA Galaxy
In the highly competitive Western Conference, 5th place hosts 4th place in what could show us who is real in the West, and who isn't. This will be the third meeting of these two sides this season, with the home team walking away with a victory on the previous two occasions. That trend would seem to favor the floundering Whitecaps, but don't count out the streaking Galaxy just yet.
Martin Rennie may be the "Tinker Man" of MLS, while Bruce Arena is the steady and solid rock of LA. The team selection each man gives us will tell us who is playing to win, and who is playing not to lose.
A side note from this match would be the recent admission of Vancouver's Daigo Kobayashi that MLS has not been as easy a league as he expected. There is no tougher test in MLS than the always professional (possible dynasty) that is the Galaxy. Coming on the back of 4-2 win against Western leaders Real Salt Lake, LA will look to push on for playoff position. Whether or not Vancouver can play the role of spoiler is yet to be seen.
3: Chicago Fire v Sporting KC
Friday night NBC Sports Network hands us the best team in the East taking on 7th place in the home team Fire. If the Fire are to take advantage of the goals delivered by Mike Magee this season, they need to push on and move into the final playoff position out East.
Tied on points and games with New York out East, while being tied on points with Colorado who has played one more match, Portland which has played 2 fewer matches, and 3 points behind Real Salt Lake who has played 1 more match out West, KC needs points to stay in the Supporters Shield race to have hopes for home field throughout the playoffs.
This is another one of those getting to be must win situations for both teams should they have any chance of achieving their playoff goals for the season.
The home fans will be hoping for something from new DP signing "El Cacha" Arevalo Rios. He and Magee need to form a partnership between distributor and goal scorer quickly if Chicago is going to make and succeed in the playoffs.
4: Chicago's Communications Director
I'll just let you read it for yourself. The following is from Chicago Fire Director of Communications Dan Lobring...
I have a confession to make. I’m a new Chicago Fire fan, having been hired to oversee communications for the club just six months ago. But according to some folks, I was also a “shitty hire.” The only professional experience (“zero soccer experience”) I have is “promoting a video game” and I do “not belong leading the Communications department.”
Additionally, I also “need to shave.” To be fair, that one is true, but my wife thinks I look weird totally clean shaven. To be fairer, all of the other statements might also be true, but I would like the opportunity to prove how shitty I am first. To be fairest of all, maybe I already have proven it six months into the job.
But I’m more interested in learning what made me a shitty hire on day one? What brought about the warm reception from a vocal few as I was introduced as a new member of the “Fire family?” My best guess is that because I work for an owner who is supposedly “cheap,” “doesn’t care,” and only sees the team as a “toy.” Or maybe it’s because I’m joining a front office staff that just “doesn’t get it” or only makes “bad decisions.”
Really? Yikes.
Want to make calls for front office firings? Find me someone who doesn’t think they could be doing their job better. Telling me I suck at my job? That all comes with the territory I guess.
Fortunately, those are the only things that I’ve read about online, or have had forwarded my way, or that I have seen on the supporter message boards (I would hate to read the non-supporter boards).
I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about soccer, the Fire or MLS.
That was Lobring's rambling defense of himself, and an attack on fans who criticize him or the front office. If you were wondering, not only did the owner approve the rant before Lobring posted it to the Fire website, they have come out in support of their passionate director of communications.
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the stadium on Friday night. I'm kind of sad I didn't buy tickets for the game.
5: Landon Donovan wants LA to show him the MONEY!!!!!
Even the most ardent Landon Donovan supporter will admit that LA Galaxy have fair to Landon Donovan more often than not. Pre-Designted Player (Beckham) Rule, Donovan was the highest paid player in MLS. Post Beckham Experiment and Beckham Rule, there also was let us not forget a Landon Donovan Rule which led to a second DP spot. When Landon wanted to spend his winter break with Everton, LA, against their better judgement, acquiesced. When Landon wanted to take a break and get his mind right in Cambodia, again against their better judgement, LA allowed it.
Granted, they also forced him to publicly hand over the captains armband to David Beckham, of his own free will, wink wink. They got away with years of underpayment due to the salary cap, and plenty more, but overall, LA has been good to Landon.
So what does Landon do just days after Chris Klein, former teammate and current Galaxy President, tells the official MLS podcast that he wants to keep Donovan beyond his expiring contract? Donovan comes out and says that he has offers from Europe that he is considering. (He already has 6 MLS Cup titles to his name and maybe a 7th on the way, what more does he have to prove?)
Already MLS all time assist leader, to go along with his assist and goal records for the USMNT, Donovan is close to surpassing the all time MLS goals mark. He has established himself as not only the best American field player to ever play the game, but the greatest player in the history of MLS. All while looking at Clint Dempsey making at least 3 times his salary having done next to nothing in or for MLS. (Dempsey's transfer did pay for the Revs academy, something Bob Kraft is far too stingy to do himself.)
With people asking where Donovan could go, or why he would want to leave MLS now at the end of his career, Donovan came out once again and sent a message to MLS, and in particular LA Galaxy. He stated that "all things being equal", he would prefer to remain with the LA Galaxy.
We all know LA was one of three teams interested in Clint Dempsey, but the money they were willing to give Dempsey was not what Seattle ended up offering. We know LA offered a Dempsey size deal to Giovanni Dos Santos just a few months ago. We all know "all things being equal" means "MONEY".
Donovan is a Southern California kid. His family is there. His ex-wife is there. His friends are there. Its where he wants to stay, but not at the cost of losing even more money out of loyalty and comfort.
LA is used to distraction. They had the Beckham circus. They had the Ruud Gullit experiment. They had Beckham announcing he was leaving MLS before last season even ended with a trophy being raised in LA. They had Donovan finding himself in Cambodia. They are used to distraction, so this current drama should have little effect, but how this plays out will be very interesting indeed.
Will Donovan follow the money to a mid table Serie A club? Will LA show him the money despite his age and penchant for retirement? Will he give LA a loyalty discount? Will Donovan stay in MLS with a hefty raise, just not in LA? Where else would Donovan be willing to go in MLS?
One thing seems certain, Landon Donovan will be entering a higher tax bracket thanks to his next contract.
Those were my penalty kicks for 8-23-13, thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS MATTERS!
1: ESPN's Sunday Night game featuring Clint Dempsey, the Seattle Sounders, and more than 60,000 of their friends, against Caleb Porter, 1,500 members of the Timbers Army, and the Portland Timbers.
As soon as Clint Dempsey took off his sweatshirt to reveal his Sounders jersey in one of the most grotesque displays of ego stroking and anticlimactic hype MLS has ever produced, the executives at ESPN started licking their lips over the thought of having Clint Dempsey's home debut on their air. If it wasn't enough that they had Dempsey's debut, it was against the Portland Timbers, possibly the fiercest rivalry in all of MLS.
Earlier in the season with the Sounders struggling and Portland riding high, the Timbers dismantled the Sounders vaunted attack through Will Johnson and Diego Chara running the game in Portland's midfield. That was Seattle without Dempsey, and now Portland will face this task with a midfield 3 missing Will Johnson, and possibly Diego Chara and Jack Jewsbury as well.
Porter's tactical decisions and team selection will be key to Portland's success or failure, while for Seattle, all eyes will be on Clint Dempsey and the crowd. Tune in, set your DVR, or throw a viewing party for family and friends, this one has the potential to be special.
Oh, and did I mention that while sitting at 7th place in the West, that this is close to a must win for Seattle?
2: Vancouver Whitecaps FC v LA Galaxy
In the highly competitive Western Conference, 5th place hosts 4th place in what could show us who is real in the West, and who isn't. This will be the third meeting of these two sides this season, with the home team walking away with a victory on the previous two occasions. That trend would seem to favor the floundering Whitecaps, but don't count out the streaking Galaxy just yet.
Martin Rennie may be the "Tinker Man" of MLS, while Bruce Arena is the steady and solid rock of LA. The team selection each man gives us will tell us who is playing to win, and who is playing not to lose.
A side note from this match would be the recent admission of Vancouver's Daigo Kobayashi that MLS has not been as easy a league as he expected. There is no tougher test in MLS than the always professional (possible dynasty) that is the Galaxy. Coming on the back of 4-2 win against Western leaders Real Salt Lake, LA will look to push on for playoff position. Whether or not Vancouver can play the role of spoiler is yet to be seen.
3: Chicago Fire v Sporting KC
Friday night NBC Sports Network hands us the best team in the East taking on 7th place in the home team Fire. If the Fire are to take advantage of the goals delivered by Mike Magee this season, they need to push on and move into the final playoff position out East.
Tied on points and games with New York out East, while being tied on points with Colorado who has played one more match, Portland which has played 2 fewer matches, and 3 points behind Real Salt Lake who has played 1 more match out West, KC needs points to stay in the Supporters Shield race to have hopes for home field throughout the playoffs.
This is another one of those getting to be must win situations for both teams should they have any chance of achieving their playoff goals for the season.
The home fans will be hoping for something from new DP signing "El Cacha" Arevalo Rios. He and Magee need to form a partnership between distributor and goal scorer quickly if Chicago is going to make and succeed in the playoffs.
4: Chicago's Communications Director
I'll just let you read it for yourself. The following is from Chicago Fire Director of Communications Dan Lobring...
I have a confession to make. I’m a new Chicago Fire fan, having been hired to oversee communications for the club just six months ago. But according to some folks, I was also a “shitty hire.” The only professional experience (“zero soccer experience”) I have is “promoting a video game” and I do “not belong leading the Communications department.”
Additionally, I also “need to shave.” To be fair, that one is true, but my wife thinks I look weird totally clean shaven. To be fairer, all of the other statements might also be true, but I would like the opportunity to prove how shitty I am first. To be fairest of all, maybe I already have proven it six months into the job.
But I’m more interested in learning what made me a shitty hire on day one? What brought about the warm reception from a vocal few as I was introduced as a new member of the “Fire family?” My best guess is that because I work for an owner who is supposedly “cheap,” “doesn’t care,” and only sees the team as a “toy.” Or maybe it’s because I’m joining a front office staff that just “doesn’t get it” or only makes “bad decisions.”
Really? Yikes.
Want to make calls for front office firings? Find me someone who doesn’t think they could be doing their job better. Telling me I suck at my job? That all comes with the territory I guess.
Fortunately, those are the only things that I’ve read about online, or have had forwarded my way, or that I have seen on the supporter message boards (I would hate to read the non-supporter boards).
I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about soccer, the Fire or MLS.
That was Lobring's rambling defense of himself, and an attack on fans who criticize him or the front office. If you were wondering, not only did the owner approve the rant before Lobring posted it to the Fire website, they have come out in support of their passionate director of communications.
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the stadium on Friday night. I'm kind of sad I didn't buy tickets for the game.
5: Landon Donovan wants LA to show him the MONEY!!!!!
Even the most ardent Landon Donovan supporter will admit that LA Galaxy have fair to Landon Donovan more often than not. Pre-Designted Player (Beckham) Rule, Donovan was the highest paid player in MLS. Post Beckham Experiment and Beckham Rule, there also was let us not forget a Landon Donovan Rule which led to a second DP spot. When Landon wanted to spend his winter break with Everton, LA, against their better judgement, acquiesced. When Landon wanted to take a break and get his mind right in Cambodia, again against their better judgement, LA allowed it.
Granted, they also forced him to publicly hand over the captains armband to David Beckham, of his own free will, wink wink. They got away with years of underpayment due to the salary cap, and plenty more, but overall, LA has been good to Landon.
So what does Landon do just days after Chris Klein, former teammate and current Galaxy President, tells the official MLS podcast that he wants to keep Donovan beyond his expiring contract? Donovan comes out and says that he has offers from Europe that he is considering. (He already has 6 MLS Cup titles to his name and maybe a 7th on the way, what more does he have to prove?)
Already MLS all time assist leader, to go along with his assist and goal records for the USMNT, Donovan is close to surpassing the all time MLS goals mark. He has established himself as not only the best American field player to ever play the game, but the greatest player in the history of MLS. All while looking at Clint Dempsey making at least 3 times his salary having done next to nothing in or for MLS. (Dempsey's transfer did pay for the Revs academy, something Bob Kraft is far too stingy to do himself.)
With people asking where Donovan could go, or why he would want to leave MLS now at the end of his career, Donovan came out once again and sent a message to MLS, and in particular LA Galaxy. He stated that "all things being equal", he would prefer to remain with the LA Galaxy.
We all know LA was one of three teams interested in Clint Dempsey, but the money they were willing to give Dempsey was not what Seattle ended up offering. We know LA offered a Dempsey size deal to Giovanni Dos Santos just a few months ago. We all know "all things being equal" means "MONEY".
Donovan is a Southern California kid. His family is there. His ex-wife is there. His friends are there. Its where he wants to stay, but not at the cost of losing even more money out of loyalty and comfort.
LA is used to distraction. They had the Beckham circus. They had the Ruud Gullit experiment. They had Beckham announcing he was leaving MLS before last season even ended with a trophy being raised in LA. They had Donovan finding himself in Cambodia. They are used to distraction, so this current drama should have little effect, but how this plays out will be very interesting indeed.
Will Donovan follow the money to a mid table Serie A club? Will LA show him the money despite his age and penchant for retirement? Will he give LA a loyalty discount? Will Donovan stay in MLS with a hefty raise, just not in LA? Where else would Donovan be willing to go in MLS?
One thing seems certain, Landon Donovan will be entering a higher tax bracket thanks to his next contract.
Those were my penalty kicks for 8-23-13, thank you for reading. Until next time, remember, MLS MATTERS!
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