Welcome footy fans to my 8th annual MLS season preview. Last season I went for the long form preview, a specified blog for each club. This season I'll give a brief overview as what to watch for each team, as well as my world famous (hey, people outside the US will read this, so I'll stick to my claim) season predictions. Lets get stuck in...
CHICAGO FIRE: Veljko Paunovic joins the Fire as their 5th manager in the past seven seasons. With a complete retooling of their lineup, the major question this season will be, can Paunovic turn the worst team in the league into a respectable bunch? There are still major questions about the new look side, what formation will work best for them, and will yet another management change from the front office down to the coach have the desired effect?
COLORADO RAPIDS: Manager Pablo Mastroeni is entering his third season in Colorado, stunning when you consider how dire the team has been during his first two seasons. After scoring only 33 goals in 34 matches last year, John Spencer has been brought in as an offensive guru for the club. With much turnover yet again, its hard to see what the Rapids can do to become relevant again. One attempt they are making is to bring in USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard from Everton in the summer on a DP salary. Yep, their entire season seems to hinge on John Spencer adding goals and Tim Howard coming in the summer to stop leaking them. Seriously.
COLUMBUS CREW SC: With minimal subtractions and depth additions, along with a new DP contract for Kei Kamara, last seasons MLS Cup runners up look set to pick up where they left off. With a solid young foundation only getting better as each season progresses, there are only two real questions marks regarding the Crew. First, can the few aging stars on the club, Higuain, Kamara, and Parkhurst, maintain their high levels of performance as they add an extra season to their legs, and two, can season three of Gregg Berhalter be as effective as the first two.
DC UNITED: Luciano Acosta. The entire season for DC may come down to how well the Boca Juniors loanee Acosta adjusts to MLS and his new teammates. MLS All Time foul sufferer Davy Arnaud needed to retire from the side due to concussions, but he has joined the coaching staff. Former LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids man, Marcelo Sarvas, looks to fill the gap.
FC DALLAS: Fabian Castillo. Maxi Urruti. Mauro Diaz. Jesse Gonzalez. Mauro Rosales. Carlos Gruezo. Acosta. Hedges. Akindele. Manager Oscar Pereja. What more do you need to know? Dallas is the one team in the stacked West capable of winning the Supporters Shield. Will Castillo find himself leaving in the summer as the largest transfer fee ever paid for an MLS player? Could be, but anyway you slice it, Dallas is the team to watch this season. I just wish they didn't play in the middle of nowhere.
HOUSTON DYNAMO: Owen Coyle enters season two in Houston, and many are left wondering what exactly he is bringing to the table other than being a less MLS successful version of Dom Kinnear. This season there are two major questions apart from the manager which will tell the tale of the Dynamo's season. One, will Cubo Torres put a poor loan spell and assault allegations from 2015 behind him and return to his Chivas USA form for the Dynamo? And two, will Christian Maidana be the spark that gets Houston into the playoffs, or the spark that sees them falter even below last seasons mediocre performances.
LA GALAXY: Bruce Arena enters into the last season of his contract in LA by selling Omar Gonzalez and Juninho to Mexican clubs, but adding veteran European talent in Nigel De Jong, Ca$hley Cole, and Jelle Van Damm, veteran MLS talent in Dan Kennedy, Mike Magee, Jeff Larentowicz, as well as Ghanian Emmanuel Boateng. Will they have the legs to last a season in MLS packed with travel and weather? One thing I know for certain, never under estimate Bruce Arena, even when he makes "crazy" decisions like brining in Cole.
MONTREAL IMPACT: Will Didier Drogba play more or less than 14 games this season? Thats where I place the over/under. With him, they are a title contender. Without him, they are a mediocre side. How often Drogba plays, if he still has the legs, and if Cameron Porter comes back and hits the ground running in Drogue's absence may tell the tale of the season.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: Out goes Jermaine Jones and his DP salary. In comes Gershon Koffie. Newly signed DP mid Xavier Kouassi suffered injury seeing out his contract in Switzerland, and will miss the beginning of the season. Apart from that, not much has changed in New England.
NEW YORK CITY FC: Patrick Viera. Patrick Viera. Patrick Viera. Manchester City would love for Viera to prove himself in MLS before replacing Pep Guardiola in the City hot seat in a few seasons time, but the chances seem slim based on the history of managers new to MLS, let alone the game itself apart from Man City's youth team. NYCFC is still to me a hopelessly unbalanced team, with Pirlo, Lampard, and Villa yet to gel. While Villa had his moments, and Lampard wasn't awful, Pirlo was awful. And while they are in the team with their old legs, younger talents like Mix and Poku are going to be riding the bench. Another major concern this season for NYCFC will be how those ancient legs respond to counter attacks. I smell another mediocre season, but the fallout should be fun to watch.
NEW YORK RED BULLS: Matt Miazga exits for Chelsea while Gideon Baah enters. Apart from that, last seasons Supporter's Shield winners are remarkably the same. Will the league have figured them out, or will Jesse Marsch add enough new wrinkles to keep the train rolling down the tracks?
ORLANDO CITY SC: Antonio Nocerino comes in, as well as Kevin Alston. Apart from that, the one major change Orlando will hope for in 2016 is Kevin Molino being healthy for the entire season. While Orlando had a decent first season, Kaka isn't in MLS to not make the playoffs.
PHILADELPHIA UNION: After a decade in the Netherlands building teams on a budget, the Earnie Stewart era begins in Philly. Youth and undervalued talent seem to be his aims in season one. Will it give the Sons of Ben the winner they deserve? Will Jim Curtain last the season? The experiment will be interesting to watch.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC: Last seasons Champions, Portland has seen the exits of Will Johnson, Maxi Urutti, Rodney Wallace, and Jorge Villafana. In the always competitive West, its hard to look at Portland and say they are better than last season. While a lot of talent remains, its hard to see a repeat performance in a parity filled MLS.
REAL SALT LAKE: Yura Movsisyan and El Burrito enter as Gil and Jamie exit. While boring boring RSL finished 9th in the West last season, they did evolve into a 4-3-3 formation down the stretch. With a healthy Plata and the new additions, RSL should be fighting for the playoffs.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: It won't be pretty, but it may be affective. Um... yeah.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Obafemi Martins leaves for China as Jordan Morris finally turns pro and enters MLS with Seattle. With a DP slot to fill come summer, the Sounders we see the first half of the season may not be exactly as it is come the end of the season. With the money spent and the fan support they have garnered, for me, it is do or die this season for Sigi Schmid. Win or retire. Even if by force.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY: MLS goal of the year winner Krisztian Nemeth takes his 16 goals to Qatar, making many ask where the goals will come from apart from Dom Dwyer, leading to the acquisition of new man Nuno Andre Coelho. And the service to the front men will be improved with the depth added through MLS veterans Justin Mapp and Brad Davis. Sporting should be solid in 2016, if not must see TV.
TORONTO FC: Last season on the back of the Atomic Ant, Toronto made the playoffs for the first time. While solid up front with Giovinco, the newly slimmed Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley, the defense was flawed at best. This year they look to take advantage of a weak East by solidifying the back through Drew Moor, Clint Irwin, Will Johnson, and Steven Beitashour. If they can survive injuries and summer internationals, this could be the year TFC makes a serious run.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: The caps were a young, solid, and entertaining side last season, and apart from the subtraction of Gershon Koffie in the mid, they seem to be all set to keep up last seasons good work. They added depth up front with Blas Perez and Masato Kudo, and midfield talent with Christian Bolanos. If you're looking for an MLS team to adopt, this could be it. Think of them as a Canadian Tottenham Hotspur.
So now its time for all of my gloriously inaccurate predictions.(Its MLS, batting .500 is amazing) First, my general thoughts, followed by my final predictions...
WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: Its a straight battle between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps. LA and Seattle are built for the playoffs, and perhaps not the long grind of a season.
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: Columbus, NYRB, and TFC. Only the Revs are even near the conversation.
SUPPORTER'S SHIELD WINNER: Dallas, Vancouver, Columbus, NYRB, or TFC.
US OPEN CUP WINNER: Sporting KC, Philly, Seattle, or Portland.
LEAGUE MVP: Kei Kamara, Sebastian Giovinco, Robbie Keane, David Villa, Fabian Castillo.
WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:
FC Dallas
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Seattle Sounders FC
Sporting KC
LA Galaxy
Portland Timbers
Houston Dynamo
Real Salt Lake
San Jose Earthquakes
Colorado Rapids
EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:
Columbus Crew SC
New York Red Bulls
Toronto FC
New England Revolution
Montreal Impact
DC United
Orlando City SC
New York City FC
Philadelphia Union
Chicago Fire
SUPPORTER'S SHIELD WINNER: FC Dallas
MLS CUP WINNER: LA Galaxy
US OPEN CUP WINNER: Portland Timbers FC
LEAGUE MVP: Robbie Keane
Thank you for reading my 8th annual MLS Season preview. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to let me know. It should be a great season in MLS.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Showing posts with label LA Galaxy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LA Galaxy. Show all posts
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Friday, May 1, 2015
WEEK 9
Welcome back to MLS Matters. It was another great week of MLS action in week 8, and week 9 has some fantastic match-ups on tap. Without any further ado, lets get stuck in...
WEEK 8 RESULTS:
CHICAGO FIRE 1-0 NEW YORK CITY FC
COLORADO RAPIDS 1-1 FC DALLAS
COLUMBUS CREW SC 4-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 4-0 REAL SALT LAKE
HOUSTON DYNAMO 4-4 SPORTINBG KANSAS CITY
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 1-2 DC UNITED
NEW YORK RED BULLS 1-1 LA GALAXY
ORLANDO CITY SC 0-2 TORONTO FC
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 1-0 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC
TALKING POINT: Goals, Goals, Goals
Last Saturday was goal night in MLS. First, Columbus put four past the Union, conceding one themselves. Then, the Revs embarrassed RSL with a 4-0 thumping. Then, Houston and KC topped it off with a 4-4 thriller.
Columbus has a quality side, and they showed it against a weak Union side. Its hard to imagine a better front four in MLS than Kamara, Higuain, Finley, and Meram. Put it together with a solid mid of Tchani/Trapp/Saed and your front men are free to express themselves. Combine that with a solid defense that contains one of the most exciting fullbacks in the league in Waylon Francis, and Columbus is built to excite. This won't be the last time they score four this season.
The Revs are finally clicking as Jones returns from his injury break, and the pace of Agudelo out wide and his combining with Davies and Rowe makes for an exciting and effective front triumvirate. Even at home, putting four past RSL is an accomplishment. New England are built for the long haul and Supporters Shield contention.
Houston and KC may not have been a defensive master class, but it surely was entertaining. A match that had a little bit of everything, from late goals to red cards, this match was the perfect capper to a three match swing that saw seventeen goals.
BEST PERSON/PEOPLE OF THE WEEK: COLUMBUS CREW MEDICAL AND COACHING STAFF
Last week I had a worst person of the week, but decided this week to give some props to the good guys. After having a calf injury that kept him out of action, Crew mid Will Trapp complained of concussion like symptoms. After taking more time off, he played in a tough battle against Vancouver after being cleared to play again, but came off at the half after complaining of dizziness and fatigue, missing the past several weeks. Having been cleared medically again to play, Trapp and the medical and coaching staff have decided to take it slow, not willing to rush his return.
In this day and age, where concussions are still taken lightly despite increased scrutiny, its great to see a club take the cautious route. Bravo.
WEEK 9 POWER RANKINGS:
1) NEW YORK RED BULLS 13 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
2) VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 16 POINTS ON 9 PLAYED (DOWN 1)
3) DC UNITED 14 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
4) FC DALLAS 14 POINTS ON 8 PLAYED (DOWN 1)
5) NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 14 POINTS ON 8 PLAYED (UP 1)
6) SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 13 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
7) LA GALAXY 12 POINTS ON 8 PLAYES (DOWN 1)
7) COLUMBUS CREW SC 11 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (NEW)
WEEK 9 PREDICTIONS:
NEW YORK RED BULLS 1-1 COLORADO RAPIDS: Mid-week clash, NY needed a late penalty to nick the draw against a game Colorado side.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 1-1 FC DALLAS: The return of the Texas derby to the Western Conference, Dallas has come out on top in the last two high scoring affairs, while the previous two lower scoring affairs saw Houston take the bragging rights. The first of a Friday night Unimas double header, Jair Marrufo is the man in the middle, as Mauro Diaz enters the game fresh off his first goal of the season, while Brad Davis now holds third place in MLS assists for his career. Should be a fun way to start the week.
REAL SALT LAKE 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: The second half of the Unimas double header, RSL enters having beat the Quakes twice in a row, with two draws in the previous meetings. Meanwhile, RSL hasn't scored in over 300 minutes and comes in after getting hammered on the road last week. The Quakes enter after a week off, plenty of time to stew over their loss to NYRB the week before. 0-0 is a smart bet, but my trick elbow feels a few late goals will settle the affair.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 0-1 TORONTO FC: The Union enter having not lost to Toronto since 2012, winning four of the seven meetings since. Toronto, have yet to record a single victory in Philly, having been out scored 3-1 on Union soil all time. In what could be a dire match to watch, I expect Toronto to break their duck and finally get into the winners circle in Philly.
DC UNITED 2-1 COLUMBUS CREW SC: The one match this week I wouldn't miss for the world, the Crew enter having not lost to DC in five matches, winning the last three in a row. DC sits three points above Columbus in the table on the same number of matches played, and have a five match unbeaten streak going this season in the league, while Columbus have won two in a row themselves. The Crew have taken a point in all three all time visits to DC. Baldomero Toledo is the man in the middle. Should be a hell of a match between two of the best in the East.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1-2 NEW YORK RED BULLS: The Revs have won two in a row and are unbeaten in five, and unbeaten in their last twelve home league matches. New York enter on the back of a draw in the midweek at home against Colorado. In what is always a tightly contested affair, this should be a good one.
LA GALAXY 2-0 COLORADO RAPIDS: After a trio of Rapids victories, LA has won the last two meetings between these two conference rivals, with LA thumping Colorado 6-0 in their last meeting. In the absence of their star, LA has found new talent in Bardes clone Bradford Jamieson IV. The Rapids got a quality result on the road midweek, but with a cross country trip and two matches in four days, expect LA to get the job done.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 1-1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: The two Cascadia rivals have seen the home team win their last two meetings, with the road team winning the two previous match ups. Neither team enters on a winning note, both suffering a loss last weekend. Vancouvers two wins in the last four meetings between these two being their only victories in twelve MLS meetings between the rivals, Portland will look to keep the advantage going as Vancouver are without midfield general Matias Laba. This match is second on my list of must watch matches this weekend.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 1-1 CHICAGO FIRE: The home team has won three of the last four meetings between these two midwestern rivals, in what will be the ESPN2 Sunday match of the week. The Fire have back to back shutouts, while DP David Accam scored his first MLS goal last week, but they haven't won in KC since 2012.
NEW YORK CITY FC 0-2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: The first ever meeting between these two will be FS1's Sunday Night match of the week. New York enters without a win in six matches, while the Sounders come in with two victories on the bounce. This will be the only meeting between these two all season.
INJURY REPORT:
OUT:
Chicago: Magee and Nyarko
Colorado: Sarvas and Burch
DC United: Halsti, Johnson, Birnbaum, and Martin
FC Dallas: Craft and Keel
LA Galaxy: Perk, Keane, Villarreal
Montreal: Porter, Mapp, Crepeau, and Lopez
New England: Barnes
NYCFC: John, Taylore, and Calle
Orlando: Hall, Ribeiro, and Paterson
Philly: Bird
Portland: Zemanski
RSL: Plata and Schuler
San Jose: Sherrod and Lenhart
TFC: Simonin, Caldwell, and Bendick
Vancouver: Lewis and Bustos
QUESTIONABLE:
Chicago: Stephens
Colorado: Moor
Columbus: Trapp, Speas, and Pogatetz
DC United: Hamid
Houston: Garcia
LA Galaxy: Walker and Leonardo
New England: Goncalves, Kobayashi, and Nguyen
NYCFC: Villa, Nemec, and Hernandez
NYRB: Zubar
Orlando: Neal and Cascio
Philly: Aristeguieta, Nogueira, Vitoria, Carroll, Lee
Portland: Valeri, Johnson, Wallace, Nanchoff, and Asprilla
RSL: Jamie, Rimando, Morales, and Okwuonu
San Jose: Stewart
Sporting KC: Myers
TFC: Bloom
Vancouver: Rodriguez
Its been a stellar eight weeks so far in MLS, and week nine looks to keep that momentum going. There are several playoff previews this week, and the time to get stuck in is now. Thank you for reading, and remember, as always, MLS Matters.
WEEK 8 RESULTS:
CHICAGO FIRE 1-0 NEW YORK CITY FC
COLORADO RAPIDS 1-1 FC DALLAS
COLUMBUS CREW SC 4-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 4-0 REAL SALT LAKE
HOUSTON DYNAMO 4-4 SPORTINBG KANSAS CITY
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 1-2 DC UNITED
NEW YORK RED BULLS 1-1 LA GALAXY
ORLANDO CITY SC 0-2 TORONTO FC
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 1-0 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC
TALKING POINT: Goals, Goals, Goals
Last Saturday was goal night in MLS. First, Columbus put four past the Union, conceding one themselves. Then, the Revs embarrassed RSL with a 4-0 thumping. Then, Houston and KC topped it off with a 4-4 thriller.
Columbus has a quality side, and they showed it against a weak Union side. Its hard to imagine a better front four in MLS than Kamara, Higuain, Finley, and Meram. Put it together with a solid mid of Tchani/Trapp/Saed and your front men are free to express themselves. Combine that with a solid defense that contains one of the most exciting fullbacks in the league in Waylon Francis, and Columbus is built to excite. This won't be the last time they score four this season.
The Revs are finally clicking as Jones returns from his injury break, and the pace of Agudelo out wide and his combining with Davies and Rowe makes for an exciting and effective front triumvirate. Even at home, putting four past RSL is an accomplishment. New England are built for the long haul and Supporters Shield contention.
Houston and KC may not have been a defensive master class, but it surely was entertaining. A match that had a little bit of everything, from late goals to red cards, this match was the perfect capper to a three match swing that saw seventeen goals.
BEST PERSON/PEOPLE OF THE WEEK: COLUMBUS CREW MEDICAL AND COACHING STAFF
Last week I had a worst person of the week, but decided this week to give some props to the good guys. After having a calf injury that kept him out of action, Crew mid Will Trapp complained of concussion like symptoms. After taking more time off, he played in a tough battle against Vancouver after being cleared to play again, but came off at the half after complaining of dizziness and fatigue, missing the past several weeks. Having been cleared medically again to play, Trapp and the medical and coaching staff have decided to take it slow, not willing to rush his return.
In this day and age, where concussions are still taken lightly despite increased scrutiny, its great to see a club take the cautious route. Bravo.
WEEK 9 POWER RANKINGS:
1) NEW YORK RED BULLS 13 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
2) VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 16 POINTS ON 9 PLAYED (DOWN 1)
3) DC UNITED 14 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
4) FC DALLAS 14 POINTS ON 8 PLAYED (DOWN 1)
5) NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 14 POINTS ON 8 PLAYED (UP 1)
6) SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 13 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (UP 1)
7) LA GALAXY 12 POINTS ON 8 PLAYES (DOWN 1)
7) COLUMBUS CREW SC 11 POINTS ON 7 PLAYED (NEW)
WEEK 9 PREDICTIONS:
NEW YORK RED BULLS 1-1 COLORADO RAPIDS: Mid-week clash, NY needed a late penalty to nick the draw against a game Colorado side.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 1-1 FC DALLAS: The return of the Texas derby to the Western Conference, Dallas has come out on top in the last two high scoring affairs, while the previous two lower scoring affairs saw Houston take the bragging rights. The first of a Friday night Unimas double header, Jair Marrufo is the man in the middle, as Mauro Diaz enters the game fresh off his first goal of the season, while Brad Davis now holds third place in MLS assists for his career. Should be a fun way to start the week.
REAL SALT LAKE 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: The second half of the Unimas double header, RSL enters having beat the Quakes twice in a row, with two draws in the previous meetings. Meanwhile, RSL hasn't scored in over 300 minutes and comes in after getting hammered on the road last week. The Quakes enter after a week off, plenty of time to stew over their loss to NYRB the week before. 0-0 is a smart bet, but my trick elbow feels a few late goals will settle the affair.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 0-1 TORONTO FC: The Union enter having not lost to Toronto since 2012, winning four of the seven meetings since. Toronto, have yet to record a single victory in Philly, having been out scored 3-1 on Union soil all time. In what could be a dire match to watch, I expect Toronto to break their duck and finally get into the winners circle in Philly.
DC UNITED 2-1 COLUMBUS CREW SC: The one match this week I wouldn't miss for the world, the Crew enter having not lost to DC in five matches, winning the last three in a row. DC sits three points above Columbus in the table on the same number of matches played, and have a five match unbeaten streak going this season in the league, while Columbus have won two in a row themselves. The Crew have taken a point in all three all time visits to DC. Baldomero Toledo is the man in the middle. Should be a hell of a match between two of the best in the East.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1-2 NEW YORK RED BULLS: The Revs have won two in a row and are unbeaten in five, and unbeaten in their last twelve home league matches. New York enter on the back of a draw in the midweek at home against Colorado. In what is always a tightly contested affair, this should be a good one.
LA GALAXY 2-0 COLORADO RAPIDS: After a trio of Rapids victories, LA has won the last two meetings between these two conference rivals, with LA thumping Colorado 6-0 in their last meeting. In the absence of their star, LA has found new talent in Bardes clone Bradford Jamieson IV. The Rapids got a quality result on the road midweek, but with a cross country trip and two matches in four days, expect LA to get the job done.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 1-1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: The two Cascadia rivals have seen the home team win their last two meetings, with the road team winning the two previous match ups. Neither team enters on a winning note, both suffering a loss last weekend. Vancouvers two wins in the last four meetings between these two being their only victories in twelve MLS meetings between the rivals, Portland will look to keep the advantage going as Vancouver are without midfield general Matias Laba. This match is second on my list of must watch matches this weekend.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 1-1 CHICAGO FIRE: The home team has won three of the last four meetings between these two midwestern rivals, in what will be the ESPN2 Sunday match of the week. The Fire have back to back shutouts, while DP David Accam scored his first MLS goal last week, but they haven't won in KC since 2012.
NEW YORK CITY FC 0-2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: The first ever meeting between these two will be FS1's Sunday Night match of the week. New York enters without a win in six matches, while the Sounders come in with two victories on the bounce. This will be the only meeting between these two all season.
INJURY REPORT:
OUT:
Chicago: Magee and Nyarko
Colorado: Sarvas and Burch
DC United: Halsti, Johnson, Birnbaum, and Martin
FC Dallas: Craft and Keel
LA Galaxy: Perk, Keane, Villarreal
Montreal: Porter, Mapp, Crepeau, and Lopez
New England: Barnes
NYCFC: John, Taylore, and Calle
Orlando: Hall, Ribeiro, and Paterson
Philly: Bird
Portland: Zemanski
RSL: Plata and Schuler
San Jose: Sherrod and Lenhart
TFC: Simonin, Caldwell, and Bendick
Vancouver: Lewis and Bustos
QUESTIONABLE:
Chicago: Stephens
Colorado: Moor
Columbus: Trapp, Speas, and Pogatetz
DC United: Hamid
Houston: Garcia
LA Galaxy: Walker and Leonardo
New England: Goncalves, Kobayashi, and Nguyen
NYCFC: Villa, Nemec, and Hernandez
NYRB: Zubar
Orlando: Neal and Cascio
Philly: Aristeguieta, Nogueira, Vitoria, Carroll, Lee
Portland: Valeri, Johnson, Wallace, Nanchoff, and Asprilla
RSL: Jamie, Rimando, Morales, and Okwuonu
San Jose: Stewart
Sporting KC: Myers
TFC: Bloom
Vancouver: Rodriguez
Its been a stellar eight weeks so far in MLS, and week nine looks to keep that momentum going. There are several playoff previews this week, and the time to get stuck in is now. Thank you for reading, and remember, as always, MLS Matters.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
WEEK 8
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
WEEK 6 REVIEW/WEEK 7 PREVIEW
WEEK 6 RESULTS:
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-2 COLUMBUS CREW SC
FC DALLAS 0-4 COLORADO RAPIDS
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 0-0 COLUMBUS CREW SC
PHILADELPHIA UNION 2-1 NEW YORK CITY FC
DC UNITED 2-2 NEW YORK RED BULLS
HOUSTON DYNAMO 3-0 MONTREAL IMPACT
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 0-0 REAL SALT LAKE
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 1-0 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 0-2 ORLANDO CITY SC
LA GALAXY 1-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
WEEK 6 REVIEW:
The story of the week may have been Colorado finally scoring a goal. Four of them in fact, on the road, against a Dallas side that started well. It was a result no one could have expected, and another reason why we love MLS.
With the start of double game weeks, Vancouver and Columbus both saw double duty, with the two drawing in Vancouver, the Whitecaps losing on the road to San Jose, and the Crew getting 2 road points in the week after drawing the Revs.
In a battle of the potential kings of the East, DC and the Red Bulls battled hard to a stalemate in the nations capital. A case can be made the the new Red Bulls, version Jesse Marsch, could be the best team in the East, if not all of MLS.
Sundays television matches gave us two interesting clashes as Orlando City stunned Portland at home getting a clean sheet as well as two goals themselves. A side everyone predicted to be Kaka-or-bust might finally be starting to gel. In the other matchup, LA Galaxy showed why they are always near the top of the league when they put one goal past the Sounders, then hung on to seal the three points.
TACTICAL CORNER: Over the history of MLS, one thing has proven true. The home side is much more likely to win or draw than they are to lose. Even more so than in many of the top leagues, MLS is a league where you play a high line at home, pressing the game, and attacking to appease the fans. On the road, you play a much deeper line, concede much of the possession, and hope to nick a point on the counter attack.
While there are times common sense says to park the bus, or attack attack attack, why more teams don't play the high line pressing game on the road is beyond me. A good example of this would be Vancouver, a team that often plays the same at home as they do on the road. They often concede possession while using pace on the counter and tactical fouling to control matches the numbers say they didn't control.
Against LA in week 5, Vancouver threw the tactics book out the window, played a high line, pressed the game from minute one, and completely dominated the LA Galaxy in a way Bruce Arena had never experienced during his time with the club. It was a work of art, and my hope was that a talented Vancouver side would now take up the mantle and play this way more often than not, at home or on the road. Then week 6 came, they had a double match week with matches at home and on the road. In both games, they reverted to old form, and walked away with only one point. The team that dominated the kings of MLS, the team with all of the talent needed to play a more aggressive style of football while laying a marker down as to what it takes to be the best in MLS, while a quality side, took their foot back off the gas and played like a quality road side both home and away.
Over the coming weeks we will check back in on the tactical decisions made by managers when their teams play home and away, with particular interest on who shows as much aggression on the road as they do at home, and what the results from this style of play are. Vancouver, facing a tactically changed Real Salt Lake in week 7, has the perfect opportunity to play the high line and force RSL onto the back foot on their own home pitch. Sadly, I predict Vancouver sitting back, fouling, and using the counter in an attempt to steal a point.
WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS AND PREVIEW:
NEW YORK CITY FC 2-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Another double game week kicks off Thursday as NYCFC and the Union face off for the second time in history, and the second time in five days. Last Saturday the Union won at home 2-1, and I look for NY to return the favor this week. With Mix Diskerud away on international duty, the hill will be tougher for NY to climb, but my trick elbow says that this is the week David Villa will double his MLS goal tally with a brace.
NEW YORK RED BULLS 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: The UNIMAS Friday night match of the week, Jesse Marsch's men come into the game unbeaten, coming off a dramatic equalizer, with Lloyd Sam in the form of his career, bagging his third goal in 4 matches. San Jose for their part haven't lost in New York since 2011, but also haven't won in NY since 2005. NY could be the best team in MLS early doors, and a win over a tough Dom Kinnear managed side would do much to hush Marsch's summer doubters.
DC UNITED 1-0 HOUTSON DYNAMO: DC are 3-1-1 on the season, without a loss in the last 4. Perry Kitchen had a brace last week, but a strong Red Bulls side came back for a draw, ending DC's win streak. In their first 5 matches, Houston scored 2 goals. Last week, they put 5 past Montreal. The road team has won 3 of the last 5 matches between these two, and what should be a fierce battle could be a draw, but my money is on the home team stealing all three points off a single goal.
COLUMBUS CREW SC 1-0 ORLANDO CITY SC: Columbus sits three points behind Orlando having played a match less. They come home after a coast to coast road swing last week. Up front, Columbus features Kei Kamara, coming off a brace last week, while Orlando features rookie Cyle Larin, fresh off his first career goal. The key matchup this week may be Orlando's Kaka, the man who has scored half of Orlando's goals this season, and the Crew's defensive minded mids. If Trapp is healthy, back Columbus. If not, all bets are off.
FC DALLAS 1-0 TORONTO FC: Bradley is potentially out for international duty. Joey Altidore won't play for the US due to suspension, and is in Texas with the US, so expect him to start. Dallas has won 3 of the last 5 meetings between these teams, with two draws coming in the other results. After starting the season with a win, TFC followed it up with three losses and a bye week. In what should be an interesting match of two teams reeling from recent results, bet the home team.
COLORADO RAPIDS 0-1 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Seattle has won the last four meetings between these two sides, three of those at home, but the most recent coming in Colorado. Of the past 5 matches, Seattle has won twice 4-1, while Colorado won 5-1. While it would be easy to predict that Colorado snapping their 18 match winless streak would give them a boost this week at home, in the end I feel Seattle has enough in the tank to sneak a victory. Clint Dempsey's injury hampers their chances, with Martins being a shadow of himself since Dempsey went down, but this could be a week for Lamar Neagle.
REAL SALT LAKE 1-1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Last season gave us two score draws in Salt Lake City and a win for the Whitecaps at home. Like the Red Bulls, RSL are the other unbeaten team early this MLS season. While RSL hasn't conceded a goal on the road this season, they have let 4 past themselves at home, where they play more openly. Vancouver has never won at the Rio Tinto. While I am predicting a draw, if Laba and Teibert team in the midfield and Vancouver presses the game throughout, expect a minor upset.
LA GALAXY 2-1 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: The home side has won 4 of the last 5 matches between these two, with one draw KC along the way. With Ike Opara out indefinitely with his knee injury, and Dom Dwyer yet to hit his stride, while Roger Espinoza has yet to have the impact upon his return many expected, the odds may be in LA's favor. KC has to rely on other players returning from injury to give them a spark. Look for LA to continue the home cooking this series has become known for.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 1-1 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: ESPN2's Sunday night clash gives us Philly's second match of the week, after they finally came to life last week. After three home wins, the road team has won the last two meetings between these two. After 2 losses to kick the season off, the Revs haven't lost in their last 4, and are finally starting to click. Jermaine Jones is back in training, and the run many of us expect from them could be getting ready to roll. In what should be a fiesty battle of Eastern Conference foes, look for a draw.
NEW YORK CITY FC 1-2 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC: FS1's Sunday night match features the second of NY's home matches of the week, their first ever clash against Portland. After a stunning loss at home against the other expansion side, Portland look to travel from coast to coast and turn the results around. In MLS, the home team often gets the result, and teams that travel from one coast to another for a match are also at a massive disadvantage, and Portland is still without some very key pieces, I have a feeling they will get it done in Prime Time.
Week 7 injury report:
CHICAGO- OUT: Magee and Nyarko. QUESTIONABLE: Johnson.
COLORADO- QUESTIONABLE: Alvarez, Cronin, Sjoberg.
COLUMBUS- QUESTIONABLE: Trapp, Francis.
DC UNITED- OUT: Johnson, Birnbaum. QUESTIONABLE: DeLeon.
FC DALLAS- QUESTIONABLE: Keel, Kennedy, Diaz.
HOUSTON- QUESTIONABLE: Rodriguez, Garcia.
GALAXY- OUT: Perk. QUESTIONABLE: Walker, Leonardo, Keane.
MONTREAL- OUT: Mapp, Porter.
NEW ENGLAND- QUESTIONABLE: Kobayashi.
NYCFC- OUT: John. QUESTIONABLE: Facey.
NYRB- QUESTIONABLE: Miller, Zubar, Perrinelle.
ORLANDO- OUT: Hall. QUESTIONABLE: Ribeiro, Neal.
PHILLY- OUT: Bird, Fabinho. QUESTIONABLE: Maidana, Edu, Aristeguieta.
PORTLAND- OUT: Johnson, Valeri, Zemanski.
RSL- OUT: Plata. QUESTIONABLE: Pecka, Glad.
SAN JOSE- QUESTIONABLE: Sherrod, Stewart, Lenhart, Francis.
SEATTLE- QUESTIONABLE: Dempsey.
SKC- OUT: Opara, Myers. QUESTIONABLE: Zusi, Sinovic.
TFC- OUT: Caldwell. QUESTIONABLE: Perquis, Bloom, Zavaleta.
VANCOUVER- OUT: Lewis, Bustos. QUESTIONABLE: Rosales, Koffie, Rodriguez.
Hope you enjoyed this weeks review/preview. Any questions or comments, feel free to post them below. Hope to see you back next week, and as always, remember, MLS Matters.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-2 COLUMBUS CREW SC
FC DALLAS 0-4 COLORADO RAPIDS
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 0-0 COLUMBUS CREW SC
PHILADELPHIA UNION 2-1 NEW YORK CITY FC
DC UNITED 2-2 NEW YORK RED BULLS
HOUSTON DYNAMO 3-0 MONTREAL IMPACT
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 0-0 REAL SALT LAKE
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 1-0 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 0-2 ORLANDO CITY SC
LA GALAXY 1-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
WEEK 6 REVIEW:
The story of the week may have been Colorado finally scoring a goal. Four of them in fact, on the road, against a Dallas side that started well. It was a result no one could have expected, and another reason why we love MLS.
With the start of double game weeks, Vancouver and Columbus both saw double duty, with the two drawing in Vancouver, the Whitecaps losing on the road to San Jose, and the Crew getting 2 road points in the week after drawing the Revs.
In a battle of the potential kings of the East, DC and the Red Bulls battled hard to a stalemate in the nations capital. A case can be made the the new Red Bulls, version Jesse Marsch, could be the best team in the East, if not all of MLS.
Sundays television matches gave us two interesting clashes as Orlando City stunned Portland at home getting a clean sheet as well as two goals themselves. A side everyone predicted to be Kaka-or-bust might finally be starting to gel. In the other matchup, LA Galaxy showed why they are always near the top of the league when they put one goal past the Sounders, then hung on to seal the three points.
TACTICAL CORNER: Over the history of MLS, one thing has proven true. The home side is much more likely to win or draw than they are to lose. Even more so than in many of the top leagues, MLS is a league where you play a high line at home, pressing the game, and attacking to appease the fans. On the road, you play a much deeper line, concede much of the possession, and hope to nick a point on the counter attack.
While there are times common sense says to park the bus, or attack attack attack, why more teams don't play the high line pressing game on the road is beyond me. A good example of this would be Vancouver, a team that often plays the same at home as they do on the road. They often concede possession while using pace on the counter and tactical fouling to control matches the numbers say they didn't control.
Against LA in week 5, Vancouver threw the tactics book out the window, played a high line, pressed the game from minute one, and completely dominated the LA Galaxy in a way Bruce Arena had never experienced during his time with the club. It was a work of art, and my hope was that a talented Vancouver side would now take up the mantle and play this way more often than not, at home or on the road. Then week 6 came, they had a double match week with matches at home and on the road. In both games, they reverted to old form, and walked away with only one point. The team that dominated the kings of MLS, the team with all of the talent needed to play a more aggressive style of football while laying a marker down as to what it takes to be the best in MLS, while a quality side, took their foot back off the gas and played like a quality road side both home and away.
Over the coming weeks we will check back in on the tactical decisions made by managers when their teams play home and away, with particular interest on who shows as much aggression on the road as they do at home, and what the results from this style of play are. Vancouver, facing a tactically changed Real Salt Lake in week 7, has the perfect opportunity to play the high line and force RSL onto the back foot on their own home pitch. Sadly, I predict Vancouver sitting back, fouling, and using the counter in an attempt to steal a point.
WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS AND PREVIEW:
NEW YORK CITY FC 2-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Another double game week kicks off Thursday as NYCFC and the Union face off for the second time in history, and the second time in five days. Last Saturday the Union won at home 2-1, and I look for NY to return the favor this week. With Mix Diskerud away on international duty, the hill will be tougher for NY to climb, but my trick elbow says that this is the week David Villa will double his MLS goal tally with a brace.
NEW YORK RED BULLS 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: The UNIMAS Friday night match of the week, Jesse Marsch's men come into the game unbeaten, coming off a dramatic equalizer, with Lloyd Sam in the form of his career, bagging his third goal in 4 matches. San Jose for their part haven't lost in New York since 2011, but also haven't won in NY since 2005. NY could be the best team in MLS early doors, and a win over a tough Dom Kinnear managed side would do much to hush Marsch's summer doubters.
DC UNITED 1-0 HOUTSON DYNAMO: DC are 3-1-1 on the season, without a loss in the last 4. Perry Kitchen had a brace last week, but a strong Red Bulls side came back for a draw, ending DC's win streak. In their first 5 matches, Houston scored 2 goals. Last week, they put 5 past Montreal. The road team has won 3 of the last 5 matches between these two, and what should be a fierce battle could be a draw, but my money is on the home team stealing all three points off a single goal.
COLUMBUS CREW SC 1-0 ORLANDO CITY SC: Columbus sits three points behind Orlando having played a match less. They come home after a coast to coast road swing last week. Up front, Columbus features Kei Kamara, coming off a brace last week, while Orlando features rookie Cyle Larin, fresh off his first career goal. The key matchup this week may be Orlando's Kaka, the man who has scored half of Orlando's goals this season, and the Crew's defensive minded mids. If Trapp is healthy, back Columbus. If not, all bets are off.
FC DALLAS 1-0 TORONTO FC: Bradley is potentially out for international duty. Joey Altidore won't play for the US due to suspension, and is in Texas with the US, so expect him to start. Dallas has won 3 of the last 5 meetings between these teams, with two draws coming in the other results. After starting the season with a win, TFC followed it up with three losses and a bye week. In what should be an interesting match of two teams reeling from recent results, bet the home team.
COLORADO RAPIDS 0-1 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Seattle has won the last four meetings between these two sides, three of those at home, but the most recent coming in Colorado. Of the past 5 matches, Seattle has won twice 4-1, while Colorado won 5-1. While it would be easy to predict that Colorado snapping their 18 match winless streak would give them a boost this week at home, in the end I feel Seattle has enough in the tank to sneak a victory. Clint Dempsey's injury hampers their chances, with Martins being a shadow of himself since Dempsey went down, but this could be a week for Lamar Neagle.
REAL SALT LAKE 1-1 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC: Last season gave us two score draws in Salt Lake City and a win for the Whitecaps at home. Like the Red Bulls, RSL are the other unbeaten team early this MLS season. While RSL hasn't conceded a goal on the road this season, they have let 4 past themselves at home, where they play more openly. Vancouver has never won at the Rio Tinto. While I am predicting a draw, if Laba and Teibert team in the midfield and Vancouver presses the game throughout, expect a minor upset.
LA GALAXY 2-1 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: The home side has won 4 of the last 5 matches between these two, with one draw KC along the way. With Ike Opara out indefinitely with his knee injury, and Dom Dwyer yet to hit his stride, while Roger Espinoza has yet to have the impact upon his return many expected, the odds may be in LA's favor. KC has to rely on other players returning from injury to give them a spark. Look for LA to continue the home cooking this series has become known for.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 1-1 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: ESPN2's Sunday night clash gives us Philly's second match of the week, after they finally came to life last week. After three home wins, the road team has won the last two meetings between these two. After 2 losses to kick the season off, the Revs haven't lost in their last 4, and are finally starting to click. Jermaine Jones is back in training, and the run many of us expect from them could be getting ready to roll. In what should be a fiesty battle of Eastern Conference foes, look for a draw.
NEW YORK CITY FC 1-2 PORTLAND TIMBERS FC: FS1's Sunday night match features the second of NY's home matches of the week, their first ever clash against Portland. After a stunning loss at home against the other expansion side, Portland look to travel from coast to coast and turn the results around. In MLS, the home team often gets the result, and teams that travel from one coast to another for a match are also at a massive disadvantage, and Portland is still without some very key pieces, I have a feeling they will get it done in Prime Time.
Week 7 injury report:
CHICAGO- OUT: Magee and Nyarko. QUESTIONABLE: Johnson.
COLORADO- QUESTIONABLE: Alvarez, Cronin, Sjoberg.
COLUMBUS- QUESTIONABLE: Trapp, Francis.
DC UNITED- OUT: Johnson, Birnbaum. QUESTIONABLE: DeLeon.
FC DALLAS- QUESTIONABLE: Keel, Kennedy, Diaz.
HOUSTON- QUESTIONABLE: Rodriguez, Garcia.
GALAXY- OUT: Perk. QUESTIONABLE: Walker, Leonardo, Keane.
MONTREAL- OUT: Mapp, Porter.
NEW ENGLAND- QUESTIONABLE: Kobayashi.
NYCFC- OUT: John. QUESTIONABLE: Facey.
NYRB- QUESTIONABLE: Miller, Zubar, Perrinelle.
ORLANDO- OUT: Hall. QUESTIONABLE: Ribeiro, Neal.
PHILLY- OUT: Bird, Fabinho. QUESTIONABLE: Maidana, Edu, Aristeguieta.
PORTLAND- OUT: Johnson, Valeri, Zemanski.
RSL- OUT: Plata. QUESTIONABLE: Pecka, Glad.
SAN JOSE- QUESTIONABLE: Sherrod, Stewart, Lenhart, Francis.
SEATTLE- QUESTIONABLE: Dempsey.
SKC- OUT: Opara, Myers. QUESTIONABLE: Zusi, Sinovic.
TFC- OUT: Caldwell. QUESTIONABLE: Perquis, Bloom, Zavaleta.
VANCOUVER- OUT: Lewis, Bustos. QUESTIONABLE: Rosales, Koffie, Rodriguez.
Hope you enjoyed this weeks review/preview. Any questions or comments, feel free to post them below. Hope to see you back next week, and as always, remember, MLS Matters.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
WEEK 5 REVIEW/WEEK 6 PREVIEW
With a short week to write a blog this week with the midweek action for Vancouver vs Columbus, I'm shaking things up a bit with this review/preview. Any questions or comments, feel free to let me know. With that said, lets get stuck in...
TISSUE GATE: What do you get when you combine two young managers filled with passion and a penchant for pissing other managers off? Tissue-gate. After a hotly contested matchup that saw Portland Timbers get past FC Dallas 3-1, Portland manager Caleb Porter approached Dallas manager Oscar Pareja for the customary handshake. At this point, the tale of what happened diverges into a he said/he said. Porter claims Papi Pareja blew his nose on a tissue and tried to hand it to Porter, which Porter grabbed and threw back at him as he walked away. For his side, Pareja claimed he used to tissue to dab a mock tear, telling Porter to take the tissue and stop his constant crying to the ref.
The way I saw events unfold, and from the responses to the case of handbags, it is pretty clear to me that Pareja was being a little whiny himself, but was still in the right. Porter and his staff do constantly complain and whine over every call, as many managers do, and the tissue gag from Pereja was rather funny.
If you are a betting man, wager heavy on both of these managers getting involved in another mock fight this season, possibly against each other, as they are scheduled to face off one more time this season before a potential future matchup in the playoffs.
VANCOUVER RISING: At this stage of the season, the best team in the league changes from week to week, but at this early stage of the season, our new kings of the mountain are the Vancouver Whitecaps. In a week 5 match this past weekend, Vancouver outplayed LA Galaxy, having answers to questions LA hadn't even thought of asking yet. Vancouver controlled possession, against their usual style, and were completely comfortable in the first half, with Ousted not being forced into a single save. In the second, LA began pressing the game and taking chances, which left them more open and vulnerable as a counter attack led to a 1-0 lead as Rosales put Manneh through. Not long after the hour mark, Vancouver doubled the lead with the final score of the match as Octavio Rivero did all of the work himself before laying the ball off to Mezquida, and banging home the rebound.
With a record of 4-1-0, Vancouver currently sit atop the Western Conference, as well as in pole position for the Supporter's Shield. A team loaded with talent, consistency will tell the tale of how they fare this season, but early doors, things are looking up.
TACTICAL CORNER: The 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation has been king as of late in MLS, perhaps due to the quality and depth of attacking midfielders in the league. Rosales, Higuain, Kaka, Diaz, and the like, are the cogs that keep their teams clocks ticking. So far this early season there seems to be two thoughts of how to deal with such important pace setters from the clubs they face. One school of thought is to put your best defensive midfielder on him, be it Beckerman, Alonso, Trapp, etc. While the other school of thought is to drop the man marker, and instead play a sort of zone, sharing the duties between several players.
For me, even when you have a top drawer defensive mid, the best way to deal with an attacking mid who can control a game, is to play a loose triangle around him. With the loose triangle, you can choke out any passing lane open to the player, making his impact on the game almost nil. Without the ball, these players become dead weight to their teams.
Playing the triangle too tight can lead to too much space for the other attacking talents in the opposition, while playing the triangle too loose fails to close off those all important passing lanes. Some might call the loose triangle a rotational man marking system, but the loose triangle term puts an image in your head the rotational man marking system moniker does not.
Over the coming weeks, I will continue to monitor what tactic clubs use against some of the bigger name attacking mids to compare and contrast what works, what doesn't, and why.
WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS:
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-1 COLUMBUS CREW SC: Potentially the match of the week, and a clash of two of my favorite squads of 2015, Vancouver has won the last three meetings between these two clubs, and bring a league leading points total (12) into the match. Columbus on the other hand hasn't won in Vancouver since 2011, Vancouver's expansion season, and is playing in just their 4th match of the season here, while Vancouver will be playing their 6th.
FC DALLAS 3-1 COLORADO RAPIDS: The UNIMAS Friday night matchup, Dallas comes in off a loss to Portland, but is riding a 3 match winning streak against Colorado, who enter the match winless as well as goalless. Colorado has now gone 18 matches between the past two seasons without a win, tying the all time MLS record. While I feel they may finally break their goal drought this week, I foresee a record breaking result in the offing for them. Whether or not they score that goal in the first 23 minutes will decide if they set another record, longest streak to start the season without a goal. So far they have gone 600 minutes without a goal, and may set the new all-time mark currently held by TFC should they go another 23 minutes without a goal.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1-0 COLUMBUS CREW SC: Are you sensing a theme yet? NE enter the match with a 3 game winning streak against Columbus. The Crew however won two of the three regular season meetings last year, before being demolished in the playoffs by the Revs. While Rowe has been has been hot as of late, the Revs are still missing a key figure in Jermaine Jones, and the Crew could capitalize on this miss as they did last year. Should be a solid Eastern Conference clash.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 0-0 NEW YORK CITY FC: In the match I'm least excited about this week, the Union enter with a 3 match losing streak after their 2 initial draws. NY enters with a mixed bag of results at 1-1-2. Two of the Unions 5 goals this season have been own goals, with new boy Fernando Aristeguieta bagging the other three. NY has scored three goals this season, but hasn't scored in 186 minutes.
DC UNITED 1-1 NEW YORK RED BULLS: NY has won three of their last 5 meetings with DC. DC enter the match with back-to-back added time victories, as well as with the knowledge that the home team walked away with a 2-0 victory in all of the three previous regular season match-ups, and the home team winning in both legs of their playoff clash last season. NY however enters the match having already defeated DC once this season, having scored two more goals than DC, despite having played a match less.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 2-0 MONTREAL IMPACT: The Dynamo haven't scored in 259 minutes. The Impact had a tough midweek clash in Costa Rica. The Dynamo however have won their last 4 against the Impact in Houston, with Montreal's only win of the series coming on home soil. I look for Houston to break their duck this week, and continue the streak.
SPORTING KC 2-2 REAL SALT LAKE: Over the last 4 meetings between these two powers, Sporting won twice, followed by back-to-back draws. KC enter the match coming off two stoppage time goals in a thriller last week against the Union, while RSL snuck by the Earthquakes. RSL hasn't won in KC since 2009, and has never won at Sporting Park. In what should be a good matchup, wise money is on a KC win, but my trick elbow is backing the draw.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 2-2 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: The Caps won their last 3 against San Jose at home, while drawing the last two in San Jose, having only lost to San Jose once in history. This will be the Caps first trip to Avaya stadium, where San Jose suffered their first home loss last week. Vancouver does have a midweek match to deal with, but are young enough to cope unless there are injuries. This should be a true battle between Wondo and Rivero. Could be interesting. I predict Vancouver will go defensive, concede possession, and in the end, get a point.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2-1 ORLANDO CITY SC: ESPN2's Sunday Night Match of the Week, it will be the first meeting between the two squads. Portland enters on a winning note after stunning high flying Dallas, while Orlando enters after losing a match on yet another late goal. So far, 4 of their 5 points have been earned on the road. The atmosphere and Kaka make it one to watch.
LA GALAXY 3-2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Fox Sports 1's Sunday Night Match of the Week, the home team has won the last three meetings between these two Western Conference and Supporter's Shield giants. LA has had a bit of a wobble as of late, losing their last two matches, while Seattle greeted the return of Dempsey with a win in Houston. Every Seattle goal this season has been scored by DP partnership Martins and Dempsey. While form may suggest Seattle can sneak all three points, I have a feeling Robbie Keane nets a brace, with a mid stepping up and netting a third.
Thank you for reading my Week 5 review (ish) and week 6 preview. IF you have any questions or comments about the format dabbling, feel free to post a comment below. Until next time, remember as always, MLS Matters.
TISSUE GATE: What do you get when you combine two young managers filled with passion and a penchant for pissing other managers off? Tissue-gate. After a hotly contested matchup that saw Portland Timbers get past FC Dallas 3-1, Portland manager Caleb Porter approached Dallas manager Oscar Pareja for the customary handshake. At this point, the tale of what happened diverges into a he said/he said. Porter claims Papi Pareja blew his nose on a tissue and tried to hand it to Porter, which Porter grabbed and threw back at him as he walked away. For his side, Pareja claimed he used to tissue to dab a mock tear, telling Porter to take the tissue and stop his constant crying to the ref.
The way I saw events unfold, and from the responses to the case of handbags, it is pretty clear to me that Pareja was being a little whiny himself, but was still in the right. Porter and his staff do constantly complain and whine over every call, as many managers do, and the tissue gag from Pereja was rather funny.
If you are a betting man, wager heavy on both of these managers getting involved in another mock fight this season, possibly against each other, as they are scheduled to face off one more time this season before a potential future matchup in the playoffs.
VANCOUVER RISING: At this stage of the season, the best team in the league changes from week to week, but at this early stage of the season, our new kings of the mountain are the Vancouver Whitecaps. In a week 5 match this past weekend, Vancouver outplayed LA Galaxy, having answers to questions LA hadn't even thought of asking yet. Vancouver controlled possession, against their usual style, and were completely comfortable in the first half, with Ousted not being forced into a single save. In the second, LA began pressing the game and taking chances, which left them more open and vulnerable as a counter attack led to a 1-0 lead as Rosales put Manneh through. Not long after the hour mark, Vancouver doubled the lead with the final score of the match as Octavio Rivero did all of the work himself before laying the ball off to Mezquida, and banging home the rebound.
With a record of 4-1-0, Vancouver currently sit atop the Western Conference, as well as in pole position for the Supporter's Shield. A team loaded with talent, consistency will tell the tale of how they fare this season, but early doors, things are looking up.
TACTICAL CORNER: The 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation has been king as of late in MLS, perhaps due to the quality and depth of attacking midfielders in the league. Rosales, Higuain, Kaka, Diaz, and the like, are the cogs that keep their teams clocks ticking. So far this early season there seems to be two thoughts of how to deal with such important pace setters from the clubs they face. One school of thought is to put your best defensive midfielder on him, be it Beckerman, Alonso, Trapp, etc. While the other school of thought is to drop the man marker, and instead play a sort of zone, sharing the duties between several players.
For me, even when you have a top drawer defensive mid, the best way to deal with an attacking mid who can control a game, is to play a loose triangle around him. With the loose triangle, you can choke out any passing lane open to the player, making his impact on the game almost nil. Without the ball, these players become dead weight to their teams.
Playing the triangle too tight can lead to too much space for the other attacking talents in the opposition, while playing the triangle too loose fails to close off those all important passing lanes. Some might call the loose triangle a rotational man marking system, but the loose triangle term puts an image in your head the rotational man marking system moniker does not.
Over the coming weeks, I will continue to monitor what tactic clubs use against some of the bigger name attacking mids to compare and contrast what works, what doesn't, and why.
WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS:
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-1 COLUMBUS CREW SC: Potentially the match of the week, and a clash of two of my favorite squads of 2015, Vancouver has won the last three meetings between these two clubs, and bring a league leading points total (12) into the match. Columbus on the other hand hasn't won in Vancouver since 2011, Vancouver's expansion season, and is playing in just their 4th match of the season here, while Vancouver will be playing their 6th.
FC DALLAS 3-1 COLORADO RAPIDS: The UNIMAS Friday night matchup, Dallas comes in off a loss to Portland, but is riding a 3 match winning streak against Colorado, who enter the match winless as well as goalless. Colorado has now gone 18 matches between the past two seasons without a win, tying the all time MLS record. While I feel they may finally break their goal drought this week, I foresee a record breaking result in the offing for them. Whether or not they score that goal in the first 23 minutes will decide if they set another record, longest streak to start the season without a goal. So far they have gone 600 minutes without a goal, and may set the new all-time mark currently held by TFC should they go another 23 minutes without a goal.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1-0 COLUMBUS CREW SC: Are you sensing a theme yet? NE enter the match with a 3 game winning streak against Columbus. The Crew however won two of the three regular season meetings last year, before being demolished in the playoffs by the Revs. While Rowe has been has been hot as of late, the Revs are still missing a key figure in Jermaine Jones, and the Crew could capitalize on this miss as they did last year. Should be a solid Eastern Conference clash.
PHILADELPHIA UNION 0-0 NEW YORK CITY FC: In the match I'm least excited about this week, the Union enter with a 3 match losing streak after their 2 initial draws. NY enters with a mixed bag of results at 1-1-2. Two of the Unions 5 goals this season have been own goals, with new boy Fernando Aristeguieta bagging the other three. NY has scored three goals this season, but hasn't scored in 186 minutes.
DC UNITED 1-1 NEW YORK RED BULLS: NY has won three of their last 5 meetings with DC. DC enter the match with back-to-back added time victories, as well as with the knowledge that the home team walked away with a 2-0 victory in all of the three previous regular season match-ups, and the home team winning in both legs of their playoff clash last season. NY however enters the match having already defeated DC once this season, having scored two more goals than DC, despite having played a match less.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 2-0 MONTREAL IMPACT: The Dynamo haven't scored in 259 minutes. The Impact had a tough midweek clash in Costa Rica. The Dynamo however have won their last 4 against the Impact in Houston, with Montreal's only win of the series coming on home soil. I look for Houston to break their duck this week, and continue the streak.
SPORTING KC 2-2 REAL SALT LAKE: Over the last 4 meetings between these two powers, Sporting won twice, followed by back-to-back draws. KC enter the match coming off two stoppage time goals in a thriller last week against the Union, while RSL snuck by the Earthquakes. RSL hasn't won in KC since 2009, and has never won at Sporting Park. In what should be a good matchup, wise money is on a KC win, but my trick elbow is backing the draw.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 2-2 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: The Caps won their last 3 against San Jose at home, while drawing the last two in San Jose, having only lost to San Jose once in history. This will be the Caps first trip to Avaya stadium, where San Jose suffered their first home loss last week. Vancouver does have a midweek match to deal with, but are young enough to cope unless there are injuries. This should be a true battle between Wondo and Rivero. Could be interesting. I predict Vancouver will go defensive, concede possession, and in the end, get a point.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 2-1 ORLANDO CITY SC: ESPN2's Sunday Night Match of the Week, it will be the first meeting between the two squads. Portland enters on a winning note after stunning high flying Dallas, while Orlando enters after losing a match on yet another late goal. So far, 4 of their 5 points have been earned on the road. The atmosphere and Kaka make it one to watch.
LA GALAXY 3-2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC: Fox Sports 1's Sunday Night Match of the Week, the home team has won the last three meetings between these two Western Conference and Supporter's Shield giants. LA has had a bit of a wobble as of late, losing their last two matches, while Seattle greeted the return of Dempsey with a win in Houston. Every Seattle goal this season has been scored by DP partnership Martins and Dempsey. While form may suggest Seattle can sneak all three points, I have a feeling Robbie Keane nets a brace, with a mid stepping up and netting a third.
Thank you for reading my Week 5 review (ish) and week 6 preview. IF you have any questions or comments about the format dabbling, feel free to post a comment below. Until next time, remember as always, MLS Matters.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
WEEK 4 REVIEW/WEEK 5 PREVIEW
Predicting MLS is like predicting the winning lottery numbers, easier said than done. Off to a poor start, hopefully I turn it around this week. Before then, lets review last weeks action...
NEW ENGLAND 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Snow and a slick pitch made for a slow start from San Jose, with the Revs pressing the game from both sides of the ball. The game started to turn when Rowe swapped the left for the right, with Agudelo moving left. Coming inside from the right, Rowe bagged New England's first two goals of the season.After the half, San Jose made changes and made the game tighter, getting a goal back, but in the end, the Revs did enough for all three points.
MONTREAL IMPACT 2-2 ORLANDO CITY: The first half hour of this match was a mix of poor defending and luck, with the next hour of the match becoming a banal stalemate. The scoring started in the 14th minute, after a St. Ledger handball that Piatti put away, Montreal took a 2-0 lead. Within minutes, Orlando struck back, tying it 2-2 in the first half hour. From there on, Montreal had plenty of corners, and Orlando plenty of free kicks, with nothing come from it. By the 80th minute, Orlando began time wasting, happy with a point.
DC UNITED 1-0 LA GALAXY: A war of attrition is the best way to describe the first hour of the match, with injuries to Leanardo and Beirnbaum forcing each team to make an early sub and a quick rethink about the game plan. The match started to open up after additional subs and tactical changes after 60 minutes, with an added time goal off of a scramble from Pontius stealing three points for DC.
NEW YORK CITY FC 0-1 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: Not much to report here. Opara nicked an early goal, and not much of merit happened after that. NY was chippy as hell, so its not surprising they had two red cards from their first two matches. Both teams are hard battling and tactically sound, but there was very little flash or fire on display from either side.
COLUMBUS CREW 1-2 NEW YORK REDBULLS: A stop/start first half, there wasn't enough quality possession either way. The Crew made the first major mistake of the game when Pogatetz made a silly challenge, running over Sam in the box, with BWP converting the PK. The moment of the match for me came when Sal Zizzo went over rather easily in the box, getting the response "He went down like a Tijuana whore" from the Crew fans. This was followed by Tchani leveling the match off a set piece, before Grella's shot from long distance won the day. While Robles was forced into several great saves down the stretch, the Crew threw away their chances and harmed their next match when Higuain was sent off with a second yellow in the 83rd minute for dissent.
VANCOUVER 2-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS: Portland's Ghanian international Kwarsey continues to struggle in MLS, and both goals for Vancouver did not look good for the new keeper. Mezquida took a lovely free kick, which Kwarsey flapped at in ludicrous manner, before Adi leveled. There were plenty of chances both ways, or at least half chances, when right at the death Robert Earnshaw sealed his debut with a goal, three minutes after coming into the match, where again Kwarsey seemed unaware of how to deal with a basic chip. On the other side, Ousted was immense all match long.
FC DALLAS 0-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS: Acosta was too geared up for his first action in some time, was sent off. For the first time in MLS history, there was not a single shot on target in the entire match. Enough said about this stinker.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 0-0 COLORADO RAPIDS: Colorado has gone 510 minutes without a goal. Missing key figures due to internationals, Houston had very little bite. Again, enough said.
CHICAGO FIRE 1-0 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Fred was sent off for Philly late. Chicago finally scored a goal. Not much else happened. Pretty dire, as to be expected from both of these sides, though for some reason the main thought coming from the match seems to be that Harry Shipp is the next Blanco. He's ugly, short, and slow. Apart from that, I don't see it. He's more of a poor mans Iniesta than the new Blanco. What generated this buzz for Shipp? He isn't Maloney, which is a plus, and he made a few decent passes, supplying the free kick the goal arose from. Hardly Blanco.
REAL SALT LAKE 2-1 TORONTO FC: The game got off to a slow start, with Mulholland getting the opener as the first half neared its end. The second half was mainly controlled by Toronto, even with some big names missing, with the atomic ant delivering a free kick which Hagglund headed home. A draw would have been a fair result, but near the death, (giving up late goals, something familiar with the US and MLS teams) Allen got the first goal of his career, giving RSL all three points. Both teams played well for the major pieces missing, giving both teams hope that they have the depth for the long slog of the MLS season.
WEEK 5 PREDICTION:
OLRANDO CITY SC 1-1 DC UNITED: Unimas match of the week on Good Friday, expect a hard fought battle with each side happy with a point.
CHICAGO FIRE 0-1 TORONTO FC: The names will be back, which should help TFC, but will it help or hurt Chicago? Being at home should give Chicago a leg up, but I see Toronto breaking their hearts and a new goalless streak starting for the Fire.
COLORADO RAPIDS 0-0 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: If there is a goal to be had in this match, expect NE to get it. Colorado's goalless streak should reach 600 minutes.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 1-1 HOUSTON DYNAMO: Sigi vs Owen. Should be fun to watch. Only home pitch advantage may separate these two.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-2 LA GALAXY: Potentially the match of the week, either team can put a few past the opponent. De LaGarza should be in for the injured Leanardo, which isn't much of a step down. Don't be shocked if a red card decides the match.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 1-2 FC DALLAS: Despite last weeks difficult match, most of it down to ten men, I still believe in Dallas. Kwarsey against Blas? Bet on Blas.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 2-2 REAL SALT LAKE: ESPN2's Sunday Night Match, I expect a hot crowd, a hard fought battle, and an entertaining match. A nice change for what Sunday has been giving us as of late.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 2-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Fox Sports 1 Sunday Night Match, I can see no other result than Sporting KC going over on a dire Union. Philly is battling the Fire to see who fires their coach first this season, and though they both should, a few more poor results and Philly may get the itchy trigger finger first.
Its a holiday weekend, now would be a good time to get stuck in.
Thanks for reading, and remember as always, MLS Matters.
NEW ENGLAND 2-1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Snow and a slick pitch made for a slow start from San Jose, with the Revs pressing the game from both sides of the ball. The game started to turn when Rowe swapped the left for the right, with Agudelo moving left. Coming inside from the right, Rowe bagged New England's first two goals of the season.After the half, San Jose made changes and made the game tighter, getting a goal back, but in the end, the Revs did enough for all three points.
MONTREAL IMPACT 2-2 ORLANDO CITY: The first half hour of this match was a mix of poor defending and luck, with the next hour of the match becoming a banal stalemate. The scoring started in the 14th minute, after a St. Ledger handball that Piatti put away, Montreal took a 2-0 lead. Within minutes, Orlando struck back, tying it 2-2 in the first half hour. From there on, Montreal had plenty of corners, and Orlando plenty of free kicks, with nothing come from it. By the 80th minute, Orlando began time wasting, happy with a point.
DC UNITED 1-0 LA GALAXY: A war of attrition is the best way to describe the first hour of the match, with injuries to Leanardo and Beirnbaum forcing each team to make an early sub and a quick rethink about the game plan. The match started to open up after additional subs and tactical changes after 60 minutes, with an added time goal off of a scramble from Pontius stealing three points for DC.
NEW YORK CITY FC 0-1 SPORTING KANSAS CITY: Not much to report here. Opara nicked an early goal, and not much of merit happened after that. NY was chippy as hell, so its not surprising they had two red cards from their first two matches. Both teams are hard battling and tactically sound, but there was very little flash or fire on display from either side.
COLUMBUS CREW 1-2 NEW YORK REDBULLS: A stop/start first half, there wasn't enough quality possession either way. The Crew made the first major mistake of the game when Pogatetz made a silly challenge, running over Sam in the box, with BWP converting the PK. The moment of the match for me came when Sal Zizzo went over rather easily in the box, getting the response "He went down like a Tijuana whore" from the Crew fans. This was followed by Tchani leveling the match off a set piece, before Grella's shot from long distance won the day. While Robles was forced into several great saves down the stretch, the Crew threw away their chances and harmed their next match when Higuain was sent off with a second yellow in the 83rd minute for dissent.
VANCOUVER 2-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS: Portland's Ghanian international Kwarsey continues to struggle in MLS, and both goals for Vancouver did not look good for the new keeper. Mezquida took a lovely free kick, which Kwarsey flapped at in ludicrous manner, before Adi leveled. There were plenty of chances both ways, or at least half chances, when right at the death Robert Earnshaw sealed his debut with a goal, three minutes after coming into the match, where again Kwarsey seemed unaware of how to deal with a basic chip. On the other side, Ousted was immense all match long.
FC DALLAS 0-0 SEATTLE SOUNDERS: Acosta was too geared up for his first action in some time, was sent off. For the first time in MLS history, there was not a single shot on target in the entire match. Enough said about this stinker.
HOUSTON DYNAMO 0-0 COLORADO RAPIDS: Colorado has gone 510 minutes without a goal. Missing key figures due to internationals, Houston had very little bite. Again, enough said.
CHICAGO FIRE 1-0 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Fred was sent off for Philly late. Chicago finally scored a goal. Not much else happened. Pretty dire, as to be expected from both of these sides, though for some reason the main thought coming from the match seems to be that Harry Shipp is the next Blanco. He's ugly, short, and slow. Apart from that, I don't see it. He's more of a poor mans Iniesta than the new Blanco. What generated this buzz for Shipp? He isn't Maloney, which is a plus, and he made a few decent passes, supplying the free kick the goal arose from. Hardly Blanco.
REAL SALT LAKE 2-1 TORONTO FC: The game got off to a slow start, with Mulholland getting the opener as the first half neared its end. The second half was mainly controlled by Toronto, even with some big names missing, with the atomic ant delivering a free kick which Hagglund headed home. A draw would have been a fair result, but near the death, (giving up late goals, something familiar with the US and MLS teams) Allen got the first goal of his career, giving RSL all three points. Both teams played well for the major pieces missing, giving both teams hope that they have the depth for the long slog of the MLS season.
WEEK 5 PREDICTION:
OLRANDO CITY SC 1-1 DC UNITED: Unimas match of the week on Good Friday, expect a hard fought battle with each side happy with a point.
CHICAGO FIRE 0-1 TORONTO FC: The names will be back, which should help TFC, but will it help or hurt Chicago? Being at home should give Chicago a leg up, but I see Toronto breaking their hearts and a new goalless streak starting for the Fire.
COLORADO RAPIDS 0-0 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: If there is a goal to be had in this match, expect NE to get it. Colorado's goalless streak should reach 600 minutes.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 1-1 HOUSTON DYNAMO: Sigi vs Owen. Should be fun to watch. Only home pitch advantage may separate these two.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2-2 LA GALAXY: Potentially the match of the week, either team can put a few past the opponent. De LaGarza should be in for the injured Leanardo, which isn't much of a step down. Don't be shocked if a red card decides the match.
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC 1-2 FC DALLAS: Despite last weeks difficult match, most of it down to ten men, I still believe in Dallas. Kwarsey against Blas? Bet on Blas.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 2-2 REAL SALT LAKE: ESPN2's Sunday Night Match, I expect a hot crowd, a hard fought battle, and an entertaining match. A nice change for what Sunday has been giving us as of late.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY 2-1 PHILADELPHIA UNION: Fox Sports 1 Sunday Night Match, I can see no other result than Sporting KC going over on a dire Union. Philly is battling the Fire to see who fires their coach first this season, and though they both should, a few more poor results and Philly may get the itchy trigger finger first.
Its a holiday weekend, now would be a good time to get stuck in.
Thanks for reading, and remember as always, MLS Matters.
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.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Parity or Parody?
Is Major League Soccer a league based on parity, or is it a parody of a league?
During ESPN's coverage of the recent Seattle Sounders v Portland Timbers match, the network made one of their usual errors during Alexi Lalas' talk on league parity, with the screen caption about league "parody". While Lalas and ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman had a good laugh about the Freudian slip on their ESPN "Big Head/Red Head" podcast, for many Americans, it is a legitimate question.
The match in which this mistake happened was the home debut of America's captain and the highest paid player in MLS, Clint Dempsey. It was in front of more than 67,000 fans in Seattle, or in other words, one fifth the audience who watched the match on television. The meager 350,000 audience (.001% of our population) was still good enough to garner ESPN its second best rating for an MLS match this season.
Part of the reason the numbers were so low could be attributed to the often late start times for ESPN MLS matches, normally 10PM start times on the East coast. ESPN often points to the small ratings as an excuse for pushing the league into a corner, often late prime time Sunday nights, and the lack of a "southern presence" from the league for their lack of support and promotion. Something that seems to me to be a sort of self fulfilling prophecy. You don't receive strong ratings, so we don't promote and push your product, airing it in a dead zone, guaranteeing a further lack of ratings.
In response, MLS commissioner Don Garber has stated the league will be expanding, and as I have stated in a previous article, two of the four expansion teams are expected to be in the south, with the leagues newest expansion side NYCFC being in the New York/East Coast media market. Don Garber seems to be acquiescing to the desires of ESPN, with no proof of support on the offer. Worst of all, with television rights ready to come up for the bidding, ESPN may not even be a partner with the league when next season rolls around, let alone by the time a "southern presence" enters the league.
As I have stated in previous posts, an increase in MLS television deals to that of what the National Hockey League receives would automatically lend itself to a massive increase in the salary cap, allowing MLS to compete financially with Mexican clubs, but also allowing itself to keep improving the standard of play with the type of players it can attract. At the same time the TV deal comes up for bidding, MLS must also renegotiate its collective bargaining agreement with the MLS players union. American Soccer Super Agent Ron Waxman, who barters for a large percentage of MLS player as well as American exports like Michael Bradley, has come out as of late and made outrageous claims about the league and its standard (insulting his own clients no?) claiming the league has never been this bad in its entire history. Obviously Waxman is either the most ignorant man to ever watch MLS, or he is completely invested in the raising of the salary cap and increasing the wallets of his clients and more importantly himself.
The behavior of ESPN toward a sports league it shows on their air, and the behavior of the most influential agent in the game in America, lend themselves to saying MLS is in fact a teenage parody of a football league. The reactionary behavior of Don Garber lends itself to people believing the league and its commissioner as being a parody of what American sports are, in particular the socialist and most popular sports league in the country (let us not forget, the organization Garber came from) the National Football League.
The Eurocentric snobbery of many fans in America is one based on wanting "the best". It may be based on "the American spirit", or more likely an inferiority complex when it comes to a game many of us came to later in life than those in the rest of the footballing world. What we have isn't as good as what you have, so we will mock what we have, ignore it, and support what others have to offer as a way of fitting in. The American soccer fandom itself can be seen as a parody of European football culture, from the support of major European football powers, to the naming of recent Major League SOCCER teams ending with an "FC". (Football club)
One of the many reasons Americans seem to mock their home league, is because it is a league based on parity. Squads are very fluid. Every club for the most part has the same advantages and disadvantages as all the others. Location and owners with open pockets can give a small leg up on the competition, but in the end, MLS is harder to predict week in and week out than any sports league in the country. And what drives many fans crazy, the league is rather secretive about its rules, as well as who and what the money is being spent upon. In response to these valid criticisms, Don Garber has given a rather snarky yet honest response, when transparency is beneficial to the product and the fan experience, transparency will be granted, until then, they will stick with what they do.
Some might argue that MLS is not a league of parity, as the LA Galaxy have built a dynasty in the era of designated players. This argument shows the short term memory loss or ignorance of many fans. The first three years of the "Beckham Experiment" were for the most part a complete and utter failure in the results department. It wasn't until the arrival of Robbie Keane to complete the Galaxy trinity that LA won back to back MLS Cups. Last season included a playoff to get into the playoffs (#4 seed v #5 home and home series) and some playoff scares along the way which could have made the "dynasty" one time champions in a five year era. Not exactly the Yankees or Patriots.
The New York Red Bulls have spent massive amounts of money on designated players while having nothing to show for it. Apart from a few US Open Cup victories, (thanks in part to a long home match streak) the Seattle Sounders have spent large amounts of money to mediocre results. Meanwhile, small spenders like Houston Dynamo continue to compete, as do Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids, teams that have nearly as much "dynasty" claim as the Galaxy. When it comes to results on the pitch, despite the "have and have not" mentality most fans view MLS with, MLS is the most open and unpredictable league in the world.
This weekend a few hundred thousand Americans sat in front of a television and watched Manchester City, soon to be MLS franchise owner and one of the best teams in England, take on Hull City, one of the weakest clubs in the English top flight. The majority of Americans would tell you about the quality of English football and the superiority of the product on every level. They like to watch "the best". On the same network, NBC Sports Network, a smaller audience tuned in to see the New York Red bulls, one of the best teams in MLS, take on DC United, the worst team in all of MLS. What those who tuned in saw was a much more competitive match, a much more fluid match, a much more entertaining match, a much more open match, a match filled with more talking points, and frankly, more interesting football.
When you combine the inferiority complex of American fans with the PR machine that backs European football, you get a sense that anything European is automatically better than whatever MLS can and does give us. It is rarely based on visual evidence and experience, but on old beliefs about a league in its infancy.
Am I saying MLS is better than the EPL? Of course not. But the standards are not as far apart as many American fans suspect. Don Garber has stated his goal for MLS is to be one of the top leagues in the world by 2020. While ratings would suggest MLS is a few country miles away from such a placement, those who view football from all over the world thanks to the current plethora of options available to us, reality is that MLS has already achieved that goal on the pitch. While England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France can all lay claim to having "better" leagues, MLS is at or near the top of the pack following those top leagues. But unlike those leagues, where only 2 or 3 clubs ever have a chance of lifting the title, MLS is wide open, a potentially more inclusive fan experience.
Parity can be the strength of MLS. Revenue sharing. Salary caps. All staples of the most successful league in America. If we as fans get behind our MLS clubs and the league itself, the improvements MLS has made in the past few years will only make the league everything we hoped but never thought it could one day be. The alternative would be a continued ignorance of and disdain for the league, unnatural expectations, and a league which is nothing more than a parody. Support the league and we will get what we deserve, fail to do so, and we never will. The choice is ours, parity or parody, and the end result is completely up to us.
Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
During ESPN's coverage of the recent Seattle Sounders v Portland Timbers match, the network made one of their usual errors during Alexi Lalas' talk on league parity, with the screen caption about league "parody". While Lalas and ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman had a good laugh about the Freudian slip on their ESPN "Big Head/Red Head" podcast, for many Americans, it is a legitimate question.
The match in which this mistake happened was the home debut of America's captain and the highest paid player in MLS, Clint Dempsey. It was in front of more than 67,000 fans in Seattle, or in other words, one fifth the audience who watched the match on television. The meager 350,000 audience (.001% of our population) was still good enough to garner ESPN its second best rating for an MLS match this season.
Part of the reason the numbers were so low could be attributed to the often late start times for ESPN MLS matches, normally 10PM start times on the East coast. ESPN often points to the small ratings as an excuse for pushing the league into a corner, often late prime time Sunday nights, and the lack of a "southern presence" from the league for their lack of support and promotion. Something that seems to me to be a sort of self fulfilling prophecy. You don't receive strong ratings, so we don't promote and push your product, airing it in a dead zone, guaranteeing a further lack of ratings.
In response, MLS commissioner Don Garber has stated the league will be expanding, and as I have stated in a previous article, two of the four expansion teams are expected to be in the south, with the leagues newest expansion side NYCFC being in the New York/East Coast media market. Don Garber seems to be acquiescing to the desires of ESPN, with no proof of support on the offer. Worst of all, with television rights ready to come up for the bidding, ESPN may not even be a partner with the league when next season rolls around, let alone by the time a "southern presence" enters the league.
As I have stated in previous posts, an increase in MLS television deals to that of what the National Hockey League receives would automatically lend itself to a massive increase in the salary cap, allowing MLS to compete financially with Mexican clubs, but also allowing itself to keep improving the standard of play with the type of players it can attract. At the same time the TV deal comes up for bidding, MLS must also renegotiate its collective bargaining agreement with the MLS players union. American Soccer Super Agent Ron Waxman, who barters for a large percentage of MLS player as well as American exports like Michael Bradley, has come out as of late and made outrageous claims about the league and its standard (insulting his own clients no?) claiming the league has never been this bad in its entire history. Obviously Waxman is either the most ignorant man to ever watch MLS, or he is completely invested in the raising of the salary cap and increasing the wallets of his clients and more importantly himself.
The behavior of ESPN toward a sports league it shows on their air, and the behavior of the most influential agent in the game in America, lend themselves to saying MLS is in fact a teenage parody of a football league. The reactionary behavior of Don Garber lends itself to people believing the league and its commissioner as being a parody of what American sports are, in particular the socialist and most popular sports league in the country (let us not forget, the organization Garber came from) the National Football League.
The Eurocentric snobbery of many fans in America is one based on wanting "the best". It may be based on "the American spirit", or more likely an inferiority complex when it comes to a game many of us came to later in life than those in the rest of the footballing world. What we have isn't as good as what you have, so we will mock what we have, ignore it, and support what others have to offer as a way of fitting in. The American soccer fandom itself can be seen as a parody of European football culture, from the support of major European football powers, to the naming of recent Major League SOCCER teams ending with an "FC". (Football club)
One of the many reasons Americans seem to mock their home league, is because it is a league based on parity. Squads are very fluid. Every club for the most part has the same advantages and disadvantages as all the others. Location and owners with open pockets can give a small leg up on the competition, but in the end, MLS is harder to predict week in and week out than any sports league in the country. And what drives many fans crazy, the league is rather secretive about its rules, as well as who and what the money is being spent upon. In response to these valid criticisms, Don Garber has given a rather snarky yet honest response, when transparency is beneficial to the product and the fan experience, transparency will be granted, until then, they will stick with what they do.
Some might argue that MLS is not a league of parity, as the LA Galaxy have built a dynasty in the era of designated players. This argument shows the short term memory loss or ignorance of many fans. The first three years of the "Beckham Experiment" were for the most part a complete and utter failure in the results department. It wasn't until the arrival of Robbie Keane to complete the Galaxy trinity that LA won back to back MLS Cups. Last season included a playoff to get into the playoffs (#4 seed v #5 home and home series) and some playoff scares along the way which could have made the "dynasty" one time champions in a five year era. Not exactly the Yankees or Patriots.
The New York Red Bulls have spent massive amounts of money on designated players while having nothing to show for it. Apart from a few US Open Cup victories, (thanks in part to a long home match streak) the Seattle Sounders have spent large amounts of money to mediocre results. Meanwhile, small spenders like Houston Dynamo continue to compete, as do Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids, teams that have nearly as much "dynasty" claim as the Galaxy. When it comes to results on the pitch, despite the "have and have not" mentality most fans view MLS with, MLS is the most open and unpredictable league in the world.
This weekend a few hundred thousand Americans sat in front of a television and watched Manchester City, soon to be MLS franchise owner and one of the best teams in England, take on Hull City, one of the weakest clubs in the English top flight. The majority of Americans would tell you about the quality of English football and the superiority of the product on every level. They like to watch "the best". On the same network, NBC Sports Network, a smaller audience tuned in to see the New York Red bulls, one of the best teams in MLS, take on DC United, the worst team in all of MLS. What those who tuned in saw was a much more competitive match, a much more fluid match, a much more entertaining match, a much more open match, a match filled with more talking points, and frankly, more interesting football.
When you combine the inferiority complex of American fans with the PR machine that backs European football, you get a sense that anything European is automatically better than whatever MLS can and does give us. It is rarely based on visual evidence and experience, but on old beliefs about a league in its infancy.
Am I saying MLS is better than the EPL? Of course not. But the standards are not as far apart as many American fans suspect. Don Garber has stated his goal for MLS is to be one of the top leagues in the world by 2020. While ratings would suggest MLS is a few country miles away from such a placement, those who view football from all over the world thanks to the current plethora of options available to us, reality is that MLS has already achieved that goal on the pitch. While England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France can all lay claim to having "better" leagues, MLS is at or near the top of the pack following those top leagues. But unlike those leagues, where only 2 or 3 clubs ever have a chance of lifting the title, MLS is wide open, a potentially more inclusive fan experience.
Parity can be the strength of MLS. Revenue sharing. Salary caps. All staples of the most successful league in America. If we as fans get behind our MLS clubs and the league itself, the improvements MLS has made in the past few years will only make the league everything we hoped but never thought it could one day be. The alternative would be a continued ignorance of and disdain for the league, unnatural expectations, and a league which is nothing more than a parody. Support the league and we will get what we deserve, fail to do so, and we never will. The choice is ours, parity or parody, and the end result is completely up to us.
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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