Welcome to my 7th annual MLS season preview. This year, each club is getting its own dedicated preview. Feel free to check out them all, or just for the clubs that intrigue you. So, here we go with the season preview for the Houston Dynamo...
IN:
M Memo Rodriguez (12/4/14 - Homegrown)
GK Joe Willis (12/8/14 - trade from DC)
D Samuel Inkoom (12/8/14 - trade from DC)
F Chandler Hoffman (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
M Nathan Sturgis (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
F Erick Torres (12/23/14 - transfer from Chivas Guadalajara)
M Leonel Miranda (1/8/15 - loan from Independiente)
D Raul Rodriguez (1/9/15 - free)
M Zach Steinberger (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
D Oumar Ballo (2/23/15 - SuperDraft)
D Taylor Hunter (2/23/15 - SuperDraft)
M Rob Lovejoy (2/23/15 - SuperDraft)
OUT:
D Eric Brunner (retired)
D Anthony Arena (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Omar Cummings (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Andrew Driver (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Brian Ownby (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Bryan Salazar (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Servando Carrasco (11/25/14 - out of contract)
M Andrew Driver (12/8/14 - traded to DC)
GK Tally Hall (12/8/14 - traded to Orlando City)
F Mark Sherrod (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
F Erick Torres (12/23/14 - loaned to Chivas Guadalajara)
MANAGER: Owen Coyle
The big news for Houston came on three fronts this offseason. The first was the departure of manager Dom Kinnear after 9 seasons, 4 MLS Cup Finals appearances, and 2 MLS Cup titles, which led to the acquisition of former Burnley, Bolton, and Wigan manager Owen Coyle. The second was the Dynamo's move from the Eastern Conference to the West, where they will get plenty of chances to come face to face with former manager Kinnear. The third, was the purchase (and loaning back to Chivas until July) of Erik "El Cubo" Torres, one of the best young strikers in MLS.
Up front, Torres will be a huge miss until his summer arrival, but in the meantime, serviceable striker Will Bruin looks to take the lead, with Barnes or Lopez in a support striker role. Chandler Hoffman has also been brought in as an option off the bench. While a stable group, the season won't truly begin for Houston until El Cubo arrives.
In the mid, the veteran line up looks to be the same from last season, Davis and Garcia on the wings, with Garrido and Clark in the middle. New loan arrival Leo Miranda looks set to spell both Davis and Garcia on the wings, and several young faces looking to break in during sporadic appearances.
Defensively, Owen Coyle knew he needed a rock in the back to play the way he intends and stop Houston from leaking goals. So into last seasons defense of Beasley and Sarkodie at the fullback, and Horst at CB, comes new signing Raul Rodriguez. Wether or not he is the man to solidify the defense is a question yet to be answered. And into this mix comes the question of keeper. Both youngster Tyler Deric and veteran Joe Willis look set to compete (and flip flop) for the role.
Overall, the questions for Houston and the potential answers look like they could miss the playoffs for the second season in a row. Can they score enough goals before Torres arrives to still be in contention come summer? Can Coyle do what other foreign managers without solid MLS experience have failed to do and impress? Look for and up and down, mainly down, season for Houston.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 8th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 8th
Thanks for reading my Houston Dynamo 2015 season preview. Please check out the other previews that may interest you, and as always, remember, MLS Matters.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Season Preview: FC DALLAS
Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season Preview. This season I've gone club specific, allowing you to check in with whatever clubs peak your interest. The following is the preview of FC DALLAS...
IN:
M Alex Zendejas (10/1/14 - Homegrown)
G Dan Kennedy (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
M Atiba Harris (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
D Otis Earle (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
M Kyle Bekker (1/21/15 - trade from Toronto)
M Michael Barrios (2/20/15 - free)
OUT:
D Jair Benitez (12/2/14 - option declined)
D Walter Cabrera (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Andres Escobar (12/2/14 - option declined)
GK Raul Fernandez (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Peter Luccin (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Adam Moffat (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Hendry Thomas (12/2/14 - option declined)
F Jonathan Top (12/2/14 - option declined)
D Nick Walker (12/2/14 - option declined)
D George John (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
D/M Je-Vaughn Watson (12/31/14 - out of contract)
M Brian Span (2/5/15 - waived)
MANAGER: Oscar Pareja
If you enjoy goals, FC Dallas could be the team you want to watch most. Could they score 7? Sure. Could they concede 7? Sure.
Up front, Blas Perez is back, and looking to add a dozen goals to Dallas' 2015 tally. A healthy and firing Perez could be a fun thing to watch.
The mid is where even more fun lies. MVP candidate (when healthy) Mauro Diaz is looking to build upon his great start to 2014, before injury slowed his second half of the season, with Fabian Castillo to his left and 2014 Rookie of the Year Akindele to his right. Though Ryan Hollingshead has been putting major pressure on the former Rookie of the Year during preseason, and looks to get some major playing time himself. Behind the attacking three, Michel and Ulloa look to protect the back four and distribute the ball for the attack, with new addition Kyle Becker looking to break in the mid himself as the season progresses.
In the back, Hernandez and former forward turned midfielder turned right back Atiba Harris look to be an adventure at the fullback positions, while former right back turned center back Zack Loyd and Matt Hedges form a questionable but potentially potent CB pairing.
A major question for Dallas is who the starting goal keeper should/will be. Last year Chris Seitz held the job down, but they brought in former Chivas USA keeper Dan Kennedy, perhaps the best keeper in MLS to push for the job. While smart money is on Kennedy taking the spot, Pareja may remain loyal to Seitz until he has reason not to.
2014 Western Conference Finish: 4th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 5th
Thank you for reading my FC Dallas preview, feel free to check out all of the other previews as well. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
IN:
M Alex Zendejas (10/1/14 - Homegrown)
G Dan Kennedy (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
M Atiba Harris (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
D Otis Earle (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
M Kyle Bekker (1/21/15 - trade from Toronto)
M Michael Barrios (2/20/15 - free)
OUT:
D Jair Benitez (12/2/14 - option declined)
D Walter Cabrera (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Andres Escobar (12/2/14 - option declined)
GK Raul Fernandez (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Peter Luccin (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Adam Moffat (12/2/14 - option declined)
M Hendry Thomas (12/2/14 - option declined)
F Jonathan Top (12/2/14 - option declined)
D Nick Walker (12/2/14 - option declined)
D George John (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
D/M Je-Vaughn Watson (12/31/14 - out of contract)
M Brian Span (2/5/15 - waived)
MANAGER: Oscar Pareja
If you enjoy goals, FC Dallas could be the team you want to watch most. Could they score 7? Sure. Could they concede 7? Sure.
Up front, Blas Perez is back, and looking to add a dozen goals to Dallas' 2015 tally. A healthy and firing Perez could be a fun thing to watch.
The mid is where even more fun lies. MVP candidate (when healthy) Mauro Diaz is looking to build upon his great start to 2014, before injury slowed his second half of the season, with Fabian Castillo to his left and 2014 Rookie of the Year Akindele to his right. Though Ryan Hollingshead has been putting major pressure on the former Rookie of the Year during preseason, and looks to get some major playing time himself. Behind the attacking three, Michel and Ulloa look to protect the back four and distribute the ball for the attack, with new addition Kyle Becker looking to break in the mid himself as the season progresses.
In the back, Hernandez and former forward turned midfielder turned right back Atiba Harris look to be an adventure at the fullback positions, while former right back turned center back Zack Loyd and Matt Hedges form a questionable but potentially potent CB pairing.
A major question for Dallas is who the starting goal keeper should/will be. Last year Chris Seitz held the job down, but they brought in former Chivas USA keeper Dan Kennedy, perhaps the best keeper in MLS to push for the job. While smart money is on Kennedy taking the spot, Pareja may remain loyal to Seitz until he has reason not to.
2014 Western Conference Finish: 4th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 5th
Thank you for reading my FC Dallas preview, feel free to check out all of the other previews as well. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Season Preview: DC UNITED
Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season Preview. This season I've broken the overall preview down into club specific previews, allowing you to catch up on clubs you enjoy, while skipping those you may not. While I suggest you read them all, to each their own. So here it goes, a preview for DC UNITED...
IN:
M Thomas McNamara (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
M Andrew Driver (12/8/14 - trade from Houston)
M/D Markus Halsti (1/12/15 - free)
F Jairo Arrieta (1/14/15 - trade from Orlando City)
M Michael Farfan (2/10/15 - free)
M Miguel Aguilar (2/18/15 - SuperDraft)
GK Travis Worra (2/25/15 - free)
OUT:
GK Joe Willis (12/8/14 - traded to Houston)
D Samuel Inkoom (12/8/14 - traded to Houston)
D Nana Attakora (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Alex Caskey (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Jeff Parke (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Kyle Porter (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Conor Shanosky (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Lewis Neal (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
M Thomas McNamara (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
M Andrew Driver (12/31/14 - out of contract)
MANAGER: Ben Olsen
After a worst to first turnaround last season, DC could be back on the downward trend for 2015. DP Eddie Johnson is out indefinitely with a "heart problem", and top forward Fabian Espindola is out 6 matches due to suspension. In should step Arrieta into the front line, a quality addition, but Espindola or Johnson.
In the mid DC is still solid, with Rolfe, Kitchen, Halsti, Deleon, and Pontius making a decent 5, but inconsistency has been an issue for all of them during their MLS careers, except perhaps for the aged veteran Chris Rolfe. The play of wide men Deleon and Pontius could in part decide the fate of DC this season.
In the back, not much has changed for DC, with Bobby Boswell still anchoring the veteran defense in front of the fantastic young keeper Bill Hamid. Another year older, consistency will again be key.
One potential bright spot which could see DC remain near the top of the table is potential Rookie of the Year candidate, midfielder Miguel Aguilar. Another may be former Union mid Michael Farfan.
So much of DC looks to be a strong, solid, veteran team, but my trick elbow keeps screaming that last season was as much of a blip as 2013's horrible run was. I'm almost at a loss as to what DC we will see in 2015.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 1st
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 6th
Thanks for reading, and feel free to check out all of the team previews for 2015. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
IN:
M Thomas McNamara (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
M Andrew Driver (12/8/14 - trade from Houston)
M/D Markus Halsti (1/12/15 - free)
F Jairo Arrieta (1/14/15 - trade from Orlando City)
M Michael Farfan (2/10/15 - free)
M Miguel Aguilar (2/18/15 - SuperDraft)
GK Travis Worra (2/25/15 - free)
OUT:
GK Joe Willis (12/8/14 - traded to Houston)
D Samuel Inkoom (12/8/14 - traded to Houston)
D Nana Attakora (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Alex Caskey (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Jeff Parke (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Kyle Porter (12/8/14 - option declined)
D Conor Shanosky (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Lewis Neal (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
M Thomas McNamara (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
M Andrew Driver (12/31/14 - out of contract)
MANAGER: Ben Olsen
After a worst to first turnaround last season, DC could be back on the downward trend for 2015. DP Eddie Johnson is out indefinitely with a "heart problem", and top forward Fabian Espindola is out 6 matches due to suspension. In should step Arrieta into the front line, a quality addition, but Espindola or Johnson.
In the mid DC is still solid, with Rolfe, Kitchen, Halsti, Deleon, and Pontius making a decent 5, but inconsistency has been an issue for all of them during their MLS careers, except perhaps for the aged veteran Chris Rolfe. The play of wide men Deleon and Pontius could in part decide the fate of DC this season.
In the back, not much has changed for DC, with Bobby Boswell still anchoring the veteran defense in front of the fantastic young keeper Bill Hamid. Another year older, consistency will again be key.
One potential bright spot which could see DC remain near the top of the table is potential Rookie of the Year candidate, midfielder Miguel Aguilar. Another may be former Union mid Michael Farfan.
So much of DC looks to be a strong, solid, veteran team, but my trick elbow keeps screaming that last season was as much of a blip as 2013's horrible run was. I'm almost at a loss as to what DC we will see in 2015.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 1st
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 6th
Thanks for reading, and feel free to check out all of the team previews for 2015. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Season Preview: COLUMBUS CREW SC
Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season preview. This season I've mixed it up a bit, giving each team their own dedicated preview. Feel free to check out them all, or those just for the clubs which most appeal to you. Here we go with the Season Preview for the Columbus Crew SC...
IN:
F Kei Kamara (10/7/14 - allocation)
M Ben Swanson (10/15/14 - Homegrown)
M Mohammed Saeid (10/29/14 - free)
M Kristin Steindorsson (12/11/14 - free)
D Chris Klute (12/16/14 - traded from Colorado)
D Hernan Grana (1/23/15 - free)
M Cedrick Mabwati (1/30/15 - transfer from Real Betis)*
D Sergio Campbell (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
D Kalen Ryden (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
F Sagi Lev-Ari (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
* = joining team in July
OUT:
M Fifi Baiden (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Ross Friedman (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Daniel Paladini (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Agustin Viana (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Matt Walker (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Matt Wiet (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Josh Williams (12/8/14 - traded to NYCFC)
M Bernardo Anor (12/8/14 - traded to SKC)
F Jairo Arrieta (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Eric Gehrig (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Ben Sweat (2/9/15 - waived)
MANAGER: Gregg Berhalter
The Columbus Crew are a team you are going to want to watch this season, even more so than last year. Up front they added Kei Kamara, a definite improvement, and still have the most exciting and creative midfielder over the past few seasons in Frederico Higuain. In the back, the still have Michael Parkhurst, and 3 capable fullbacks. The question will be in the partner for Parkhurst. It looks to be Pogoetz, but a midseason replacement might be warranted.
The real reasons to watch Columbus though if you are a USMNT fan are the terrific young players coming through. Will Trapp returns in his defensive midfield role, and at only 20, we could be looking at the rock in front of the back for the Crew and US for the next decade plus. They also have Romain Gall, who had a quality run for the US U19's, and looks to have a break out season. And if that isn't enough, if for any reason Tony Tchani should see his playing time diminished, the Crew also have an extremely talented young midfielder in Ben Swanson ready to pick up playing time.
With veterans and the best youth in MLS, the Crew could be fighting for the Supporters Shield. After a full season as coach, Gregg Berhalter looks ready to push on and stake his claim as the best former MLS player to manage in the league, and the best young coach in the league as well.
While it would be easy to call the Crew's potential line up a 4-3-3, for my money it is an attacking, yet defensively sound 4-2-3-1. You don't want to miss the Crew this season.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 3rd
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 2nd
Thanks for reading, and please take a look at my other club specific MLS Season Previews. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
IN:
F Kei Kamara (10/7/14 - allocation)
M Ben Swanson (10/15/14 - Homegrown)
M Mohammed Saeid (10/29/14 - free)
M Kristin Steindorsson (12/11/14 - free)
D Chris Klute (12/16/14 - traded from Colorado)
D Hernan Grana (1/23/15 - free)
M Cedrick Mabwati (1/30/15 - transfer from Real Betis)*
D Sergio Campbell (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
D Kalen Ryden (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
F Sagi Lev-Ari (3/2/15 - SuperDraft)
* = joining team in July
OUT:
M Fifi Baiden (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Ross Friedman (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Daniel Paladini (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Agustin Viana (11/18/14 - option declined)
M Matt Walker (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Matt Wiet (11/18/14 - option declined)
D Josh Williams (12/8/14 - traded to NYCFC)
M Bernardo Anor (12/8/14 - traded to SKC)
F Jairo Arrieta (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Eric Gehrig (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Ben Sweat (2/9/15 - waived)
MANAGER: Gregg Berhalter
The Columbus Crew are a team you are going to want to watch this season, even more so than last year. Up front they added Kei Kamara, a definite improvement, and still have the most exciting and creative midfielder over the past few seasons in Frederico Higuain. In the back, the still have Michael Parkhurst, and 3 capable fullbacks. The question will be in the partner for Parkhurst. It looks to be Pogoetz, but a midseason replacement might be warranted.
The real reasons to watch Columbus though if you are a USMNT fan are the terrific young players coming through. Will Trapp returns in his defensive midfield role, and at only 20, we could be looking at the rock in front of the back for the Crew and US for the next decade plus. They also have Romain Gall, who had a quality run for the US U19's, and looks to have a break out season. And if that isn't enough, if for any reason Tony Tchani should see his playing time diminished, the Crew also have an extremely talented young midfielder in Ben Swanson ready to pick up playing time.
With veterans and the best youth in MLS, the Crew could be fighting for the Supporters Shield. After a full season as coach, Gregg Berhalter looks ready to push on and stake his claim as the best former MLS player to manage in the league, and the best young coach in the league as well.
While it would be easy to call the Crew's potential line up a 4-3-3, for my money it is an attacking, yet defensively sound 4-2-3-1. You don't want to miss the Crew this season.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 3rd
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 2nd
Thanks for reading, and please take a look at my other club specific MLS Season Previews. Until next time, remember, MLS Matters.
Season Preview: COLORADO RAPIDS
Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season Preview. This season, I'm giving each team their own individual preview, allowing you to read about the clubs you want to, and skip those you have no interest in. I of course suggest you read them all, but understand that some clubs just aren't as sexy as others. So, without further ado, here is my MLS Season Preview for... The Colorado Rapids
IN:
F Caleb Calvert (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
D Michael Harrington (12/8/14 - trade from Portland)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
D Bobby Burling (12/10/14 - Waiver Draft)
GK Zac MacMath (1/6/15 - loan from Philadelphia)
D Axel Sjöberg (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
M Marcelo Sarvas (1/15/15 - trade from LA Galaxy)
M Sam Cronin (1/19/15 - trade from San Jose)
M Lucas Pittinari (1/31/15 - loan from Belgrano)
M Juan Ramirez (2/20/15 - transfer from Argentinos Juniors)
M Nick Labrocca (2/27/15 - re-signed)
M Carlos Alvarez (2/27/15 - re-signed)
OUT:
M Brian Mullan (retired)
D Gale Agbossoumonde (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Davy Armstrong (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Edson Buddle (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Kamani Hill (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Nick LaBrocca (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Thomas Piermayr (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Grant Van De Casteele (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (12/8/14 - traded to New England)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - option declined)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Tony Cascio (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
F Danny Mwanga (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Marvell Wynne (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
D Chris Klute (1/16/15 - traded to Columbus)
M Jose Mari (1/16/15 - mutual termination)
D Zat Knight (2/2/15 - mutual consent)
MANAGER: Pablo Mastroeni (and his amazing mustache)
The front line of the Rapids is a major question this season, with Kevin Doyle a potential summer addition, but until then, Deshorn Brown looks to be the main man. He has the potential to be a quality MLS forward, but still has a lot to prove, and the first few months of the 2015 season could tell us if a quality addition is really needed or not.
The midfield has been almost completely rebuilt around 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year Dillon Powers, with other young talents like Dillon Serna getting pushed aside as Sarvas, Ramirez, Sanchez, and Pittinari looking to be the preferred starting five in Mastroeni's preferred 4-2-3-1.
The defense, which conceded the most goals of any club last season, looks to be potentially improved, but not much. Quality CB Shane O'Neill looks to be paired with Watts or Sjoberg (pronounced ho-berry), with veterans Harrington and Harriston at fullback. A questionable back line looks to thrown further into question when you consider the potential rotation at keeper behind them. The Rapids took Union keeper Zac McMath on loan, while also having veteran Clint Irwin between the sticks. If either makes the position their own, it could dramatically improve the Rapids fortunes.
One major question coming into 2015, is the longevity, or lack thereof of manager Pablo Mastroeni. While he undoubtably has the greatest mustache in all of MLS, another season of poor results could see the second year coach facing the axe.
2014 Western Conference Finish: 8th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 10th
Feel free to check out my other MLS Season Previews, and as always, remember... MLS Matters.
IN:
F Caleb Calvert (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
D Michael Harrington (12/8/14 - trade from Portland)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
D Bobby Burling (12/10/14 - Waiver Draft)
GK Zac MacMath (1/6/15 - loan from Philadelphia)
D Axel Sjöberg (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
M Marcelo Sarvas (1/15/15 - trade from LA Galaxy)
M Sam Cronin (1/19/15 - trade from San Jose)
M Lucas Pittinari (1/31/15 - loan from Belgrano)
M Juan Ramirez (2/20/15 - transfer from Argentinos Juniors)
M Nick Labrocca (2/27/15 - re-signed)
M Carlos Alvarez (2/27/15 - re-signed)
OUT:
M Brian Mullan (retired)
D Gale Agbossoumonde (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Davy Armstrong (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Edson Buddle (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Kamani Hill (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Nick LaBrocca (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Thomas Piermayr (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Grant Van De Casteele (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (12/8/14 - traded to New England)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - option declined)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Tony Cascio (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
F Danny Mwanga (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Marvell Wynne (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
D Chris Klute (1/16/15 - traded to Columbus)
M Jose Mari (1/16/15 - mutual termination)
D Zat Knight (2/2/15 - mutual consent)
MANAGER: Pablo Mastroeni (and his amazing mustache)
The front line of the Rapids is a major question this season, with Kevin Doyle a potential summer addition, but until then, Deshorn Brown looks to be the main man. He has the potential to be a quality MLS forward, but still has a lot to prove, and the first few months of the 2015 season could tell us if a quality addition is really needed or not.
The midfield has been almost completely rebuilt around 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year Dillon Powers, with other young talents like Dillon Serna getting pushed aside as Sarvas, Ramirez, Sanchez, and Pittinari looking to be the preferred starting five in Mastroeni's preferred 4-2-3-1.
The defense, which conceded the most goals of any club last season, looks to be potentially improved, but not much. Quality CB Shane O'Neill looks to be paired with Watts or Sjoberg (pronounced ho-berry), with veterans Harrington and Harriston at fullback. A questionable back line looks to thrown further into question when you consider the potential rotation at keeper behind them. The Rapids took Union keeper Zac McMath on loan, while also having veteran Clint Irwin between the sticks. If either makes the position their own, it could dramatically improve the Rapids fortunes.
One major question coming into 2015, is the longevity, or lack thereof of manager Pablo Mastroeni. While he undoubtably has the greatest mustache in all of MLS, another season of poor results could see the second year coach facing the axe.
2014 Western Conference Finish: 8th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 10th
Feel free to check out my other MLS Season Previews, and as always, remember... MLS Matters.
Season Preview: CHICAGO FIRE
Welcome to my 7th annual MLS season preview. This season, each team will get their own blog, so you can catch up with the clubs you care about, and skip those you don't. So lets kick it all off with the Chicago Fire...
IN:
M Collin Fernandez (8/28/14 - Homegrown)
F Kennedy Igboananike (12/2/14 - transfer from AIK)
D/M Joevin Jones (12/3/14 - transfer from W Connection)
M Michael Stephens (12/9/14 - free)
D Eric Gehrig (12/10/14 - trade from Orlando City)
F David Accam (12/19/14 - transfer from Helsingborgs)
D Patrick Doody (12/22/14 - Homegrown)
D Adaílton (12/30/14 - transfer from Bahia)
F Guilherme do Prado (1/6/15 - free)
M Shaun Maloney (1/25/15 - transfer from Wigan)
M Alex (1/25/15 - re-signed)
GK Jon Busch (1/27/15 - free)
D Matt Polster (2/4/15 - SuperDraft)
OUT:
M Logan Pause (retired)
M Alex (11/18/14- option declined)
F Robert Earnshaw (11/18/14- option declined)
F Matt Fondy (11/18/14- option declined)
D Marco Franco (11/18/14- option declined)
D Patrick Ianni (11/18/14- option declined)
M Benji Joya (11/18/14- loan expired)
D Hunter Jumper (11/18/14- option declined)
D Steven Kinney (11/18/14- option declined)
M Victor Pineda (11/18/14- out of contract)
D Gonzalo Segares (11/18/14- option declined)
F Florent Sinama-Pongolle (11/18/14- option declined)
M Grant Ward (11/18/14- loan expired)
D Bakary Soumare (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
M Sanna Nyassi (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
F Juan Luis Anangono (12/18/14 - transfer to Universidad de Guadalajara)
GK Kyle Reynish (1/20/15 - traded to New York)
MANAGER: Frank Yallop
Chicago Fire underwent a dramatic overhaul this past offseason, brining in three designated players, while pushing out many veterans who did very little to help them in recent years.
In the forward line, Accam, Igboananike, and Prado look set to lead the way as Mike Magee starts the season injured. Quincy Amarikwa is another alternative off the bench as the young talent looks to build upon a strong season last year.
In the middle of the park, the show stopper signing is Shuan Maloney from Wigan. The veteran will be relied upon to create for the new forwards, as well as chip in with a few of his own. Rookie standout Harry Shipp will also be a key cog in the Fire mid, looking to build upon an impressive first campaign.
The major question for the Fire will be their defense. Midfield veteran Jeff Larentowicz is making the permanent switch to center back, and should be paired with new Brasilian arrival Adailton. A fresh arrival and a veteran in a new position don't always hit the ground running in MLS, and questions at fullback could make this a long season for the Fire defenders and their excellent goalkeeper Sean Johnson. One player to keep an eye on if either CB fails to impress could be rookie Matt Polster. Given regular playing time, he could repeat the feat of former Fire CB Austin Berry in becoming rookie of the year.
After suffering a league leading 18 draws last season, Frank Yallop looks to cover for his weakness (defense) and attack attack attack, using a 4-4-2 Diamond formation, or a very attacking 4-3-3.
With so many new additions up front, star man Mike Magee set to return eventually, and the history of DP's in MLS who fall off a cliff before they even get going, smart money would be on one of the three new additions finding themselves cut free by the time the dog days of summer arrive.
Overall, my trick elbow says that the Fire may be this seasons DC United, a team going from the outhouse to the penthouse. They should be interesting to watch, wether they fly high to the top of the table, or sink to the bottom as they have the past several seasons.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 9th Place
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 5th Place
Feel free to check out my other MLS Season previews, and as always, remember... MLS Matters.
IN:
M Collin Fernandez (8/28/14 - Homegrown)
F Kennedy Igboananike (12/2/14 - transfer from AIK)
D/M Joevin Jones (12/3/14 - transfer from W Connection)
M Michael Stephens (12/9/14 - free)
D Eric Gehrig (12/10/14 - trade from Orlando City)
F David Accam (12/19/14 - transfer from Helsingborgs)
D Patrick Doody (12/22/14 - Homegrown)
D Adaílton (12/30/14 - transfer from Bahia)
F Guilherme do Prado (1/6/15 - free)
M Shaun Maloney (1/25/15 - transfer from Wigan)
M Alex (1/25/15 - re-signed)
GK Jon Busch (1/27/15 - free)
D Matt Polster (2/4/15 - SuperDraft)
OUT:
M Logan Pause (retired)
M Alex (11/18/14- option declined)
F Robert Earnshaw (11/18/14- option declined)
F Matt Fondy (11/18/14- option declined)
D Marco Franco (11/18/14- option declined)
D Patrick Ianni (11/18/14- option declined)
M Benji Joya (11/18/14- loan expired)
D Hunter Jumper (11/18/14- option declined)
D Steven Kinney (11/18/14- option declined)
M Victor Pineda (11/18/14- out of contract)
D Gonzalo Segares (11/18/14- option declined)
F Florent Sinama-Pongolle (11/18/14- option declined)
M Grant Ward (11/18/14- loan expired)
D Bakary Soumare (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
M Sanna Nyassi (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
F Juan Luis Anangono (12/18/14 - transfer to Universidad de Guadalajara)
GK Kyle Reynish (1/20/15 - traded to New York)
MANAGER: Frank Yallop
Chicago Fire underwent a dramatic overhaul this past offseason, brining in three designated players, while pushing out many veterans who did very little to help them in recent years.
In the forward line, Accam, Igboananike, and Prado look set to lead the way as Mike Magee starts the season injured. Quincy Amarikwa is another alternative off the bench as the young talent looks to build upon a strong season last year.
In the middle of the park, the show stopper signing is Shuan Maloney from Wigan. The veteran will be relied upon to create for the new forwards, as well as chip in with a few of his own. Rookie standout Harry Shipp will also be a key cog in the Fire mid, looking to build upon an impressive first campaign.
The major question for the Fire will be their defense. Midfield veteran Jeff Larentowicz is making the permanent switch to center back, and should be paired with new Brasilian arrival Adailton. A fresh arrival and a veteran in a new position don't always hit the ground running in MLS, and questions at fullback could make this a long season for the Fire defenders and their excellent goalkeeper Sean Johnson. One player to keep an eye on if either CB fails to impress could be rookie Matt Polster. Given regular playing time, he could repeat the feat of former Fire CB Austin Berry in becoming rookie of the year.
After suffering a league leading 18 draws last season, Frank Yallop looks to cover for his weakness (defense) and attack attack attack, using a 4-4-2 Diamond formation, or a very attacking 4-3-3.
With so many new additions up front, star man Mike Magee set to return eventually, and the history of DP's in MLS who fall off a cliff before they even get going, smart money would be on one of the three new additions finding themselves cut free by the time the dog days of summer arrive.
Overall, my trick elbow says that the Fire may be this seasons DC United, a team going from the outhouse to the penthouse. They should be interesting to watch, wether they fly high to the top of the table, or sink to the bottom as they have the past several seasons.
2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 9th Place
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 5th Place
Feel free to check out my other MLS Season previews, and as always, remember... MLS Matters.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Toronto, Dempsey, and thanks to Dom Kinnear...
THE TORONTO EXPERIMENT
"Attacking is the reward for playing defense." - Ryan Nelsen, Toronto FC manager.
The new look Toronto FC (the 7th incarnation?) are underway, and they got off to a cracking start, getting all three points on the road in Seattle. But what did we learn from the first 90 minutes of action?
1) Michael Bradley is going to have his hands full:
From the first kick, Bradley was a man on a mission. Trying to be everywhere he could, putting out every fire in defense, starting or taking part in every attack. "He just has to be Michael Bradley." Ryan Nelsen said, of what would make his new midfield general successful, and at the start, he wasn't trying to be Michael Bradley, he was trying to be three of Michael Bradley.
Once he settled into the game, Bradley looked much more like the player TFC believed they purchased. Playing box to box, covering the back four, chasing down balls, and breaking upfield on the counter. The issues looking to the future though could be in the need for Bradley to be quite literally everywhere, as he was in the early stages of the match. A goal, then a two goal cushion allowed him to relax, and Toronto to revert even more to natural form, basing everything on absorbing pressure. While Jonathan Osorio has been a bright spot coming out of the preseason as a partner for Bradley, one can't help but think to what the midfield would have looked like had they been able to keep hold of last years star performer, Matias Laba. Laba would have covered the center backs, Bradley, and helped spur attacks, while Bradley was more free to push forward into attack at will, and track back when possession was lost. With Osorio, a less accomplished and less natural defender, Bradley is needed to be in more positions while foreseeing the future as to where he needs to be.
A major issue Toronto will face this summer will come when Bradley isn't around during the World Cup, with goalkeeper Julio Cesar also away, the fragile Toronto back four could really face some issues. In the meantime, Bradley and Osorio need to keep working on their relationship and timing, as well as gelling with Caldwell and Henry, becoming a real unit not just in defense, but when they are in possession, where the break downs happened last season, leading to disaster when the other team broke on the counter. If Nelsen truly believes that attacking is the reward for defending, Bradley's role needs to be perfectly defined for him and his teammates, and Michael Bradley needs to only be, Michael Bradley.
2) Who needs preseason or practice?:
As far as debuts go, Jermain Defoe had about as good of one as could have been expected for someone who didn't have a preseason with his new teammates. Two goals in less than a half hour, and a full 90, for a guy who hasn't played since February 8th against Everton for Tottenham, and only started practicing in the last few days.
With one match under their belt, Toronto still hasn't had their "big three" even on a practice field together. Gilberto arrived out of shape and overweight, getting injured before the season began. Defoe arrived injured, and only just began practicing. Only Bradley has had a full preseason and practice schedule with his new teammates.
One would say the worst time for a remade team to go on the road to face the Sounders would be in their opening match, especially after the Sounders got three points against the reigning champions just a week earlier. To do it without one of the big three, with so many new and important pieces not having ever played together, is impressive. One would assume the team is only going to get better.
3) 3 points masks deficiencies:
While Toronto got off to the best start they could have hoped for as far as results are concerned, the game did bring up some deficiencies in the team they have been assembling over the past few months.
They are still shaky in defense. With Nelsen's philosophy of defense first, Toronto spent the majority of the match without possession, and the final 20 minutes saw them barely get out of their own half. Once the Dempsey goal cut the lead down to one, the bus was for all intents and purposes, parked.
Despite having played together last season, Caldwell and Henry do not look to be the most in sync partnership. The same issues of last season are there, and it will be interesting to see if Henry is replaced during the course of the season.
While Defoe and Bradley showed great hustle, questions still abound about the rest of the team. De Rosario looked a shadow of his former self. Bloom is by no means a world beater, and could be a liability at right back. Alvaro Rey and Jackson have the tools to be successful out wide, provided they learn to gel with the fullbacks, be it Morrow and Bloom, or another pairing. What the team does to improve while in possession, something they have struggled with during the whole Nelsen era, could decide his future as manager. It will be interesting to see if De Rosario shifts out wide in some games once Gilberto is fit, or if he will slot back into the midfield, leaving Bradley to cover for his slowing pace and lack of defensive presence. Nelsen has some decisions to make, and it is doubtful Toronto will support Nelsen fully through the summer transfer window if results are not up to par.
On paper, Jermain Defoe, Gilberto, Dwayne De Rosario, Michael Bradley, Steven Caldwell, and Julio Cesar are about as good as any first six names on the team sheet as any MLS team might have. What comes from the next ten names in the squad will tell the tale of Toronto's season.
THE TWO FACES OF DEMPSEY
Against Toronto FC, we got to see both sides of US captain Clint Dempsey.
Having scored only 1 goal in his last 27 matches with any club or his country, Depmsey finally found the back of the net again on a wonderful counter attack where Steven Caldwell was caught in no mans land, having to leave either Obafemi Martins or Clint Dempsey uncovered. The ball took a slight hop off of Dempsey's first touch, which he volleyed with power to a favorable angle against Julio Cesar's position. A beautifully taken goal, and vintage Dempsey.
The bad however was even more prevalent. While Dempsey using the entire stoppage in play for the injury to Brad Davis to get in the face of the ref constantly berating him for the way he was officiating the first dozen minutes or so is expected of a complainer and captain like Dempsey, the rest of his behavior was rather repulsive.
First, Dempsey had an off the ball conflict with Toronto right back Mark Bloom, while play was being called back for a free kick being taken too quickly. Dempsey walked past Steven Caldwell, who was a shield to the referee that was waiting for the ball to return for the free kick, (and lets be honest, if he pulled this stunt on Caldwell, he would have left the field on a stretcher.) when Dempsey walked past Bloom, and used the back of his hand to aggressively swat Bloom in the baby maker. It was a cheap, dirty, gross, and disrespectful move by Dempsey, and I hope the MLS disciplinary committee takes a look at the incident, and at the very least fines him heavily.
But Dempsey was by no means done with the child like behavior. When Dempsey was fouled a few minutes later, in what could only be described as Dempsey taking contact and dramatically flopping to the ground, Jonathan Osorio attempted to offer Dempsey his hand to help him up. Dempsey's response, which the cameras caught for every viewer to see plain as day? "Fuck you bitch." Pure class.
In the second half, Dempsey was at it again. While battling Alvaro Rey for the ball, once the ball was away, Dempsey kicked out at Rey, kicking him in the right calf, tripping him. He then stepped over Rey and started making "he dived" motions to the referee.
Between nutting Bloom and kicking Rey, along with his otherwise poor professionalism, Dempsey shouldn't have been on the pitch past the 60 minute mark, and never should have had the opportunity for only his second goal in 28 matches.
The fact is, Clint Dempsey often acts like a spoiled child in a grown redneck mans body. While fans enjoy his passion and commitment, the moody, classless, reaper of vengeance against perceived injustice makes him thoroughly unlikable to me. His fall from his once mighty perch has felt like a slice of karma biting him in the ass. While I need him to be at his best come Brasil, if he fell of the face of the Earth following the World Cup, I can't say I would miss his antics.
For years people have had the debate, Donovan or Dempsey, with many saying that Donovan wasn't in Dempsey's class. To that I would reply, you are correct, they are not in the same class... Landycakes actually has some. And an even more stark contrast was seen in the very match in which his behavior showed his true colors. Michael Bradley was also on the pitch. Acting like a professional. Acting like a captain. All without the arm band. Dempsey could learn something from the future USMNT captain... how a professional behaves. A few minutes after Dempsey's goal, Obafemi Martins gave Bradley a nudge into the advertising boards next to the pitch. Bradley's response? A "good hard fought battle" tap of respect to Martins arm before returning to the pitch to play on.
I know that for many Americans, saying anything negative about Clint Dempsey is akin to publicly killing Julia Roberts and then raping her corpse, but truth is truth, and Clint Dempsey can be a real miserable C-U-Next-Tuesday.
THANK GOD FOR DOMINIC KINNEAR
Over the past few years, thanks in large part to Barcelona and the Spanish National Team, tiki taka has become the way the game, short-short-short is the way every team wants to play. Keep the ball on the ground, and try to walk it into the net, or find the perfect diagonal pass to crack open a defense.
The 1970's/1980's stereotypical (think of the slaughtering Big Sam takes for his tactics) british long ball hung around longer in the US than it has in other leagues, and I for one don't mind that. The short-short-long game has been pushed out of the game, even at youth level.
What seems to be missed by most fans and managers, is that Barcelona/Spain play the Dutch way, but the old Dutch system had the short-short-long aspect to their game as well, with De Boar opening up the field with a long ball to Bergkamp when the defense tried pressing the ball. Hell, even Barca employs it on a rare occasion where Xavi can ping a 55 yard ball on a dime as Dani Alves or Jordi Alba are bombing down the wing on the overlap into space.
David Beckham was a master of switching play quickly from one wing to the other, or 30-40-50 yards down field, unlocking defenses for a variety of players over the years for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy. The way he could take his team from defense to attack in a matter of seconds may have been his greatest attribute.
While most teams in MLS have made the switch the rest of the world has been making over the past 6 years or so, Dominic Kinnear in Houston has been sticking with traditional short-short-long system. You play a short pass, then another short pass, attempting to bring defenders in to create space, allowing for a longer pass, which when accurate, can unlock a defense.
Teams which still play the fundamental style need to be well drilled. The long pass which can unlock a defense, can also leave you open to a counter attack if it is mishit, or just if possession is lost. Kids these days are not taught how to perfectly place a ball like Michel Platini from 40 yards, or David Beckham, or Emmanuel Petit.
While the youngest of children should be drilled in the style of playing defense by holding possession, and the skill of the short-short-short game, teenagers should be taught the art of the long ball. Not as an always tactic, but as an alternative. A way to unlock a defense. A way to change play from one side of the pitch to the other. Its a dying art that very few players are still capable of, especially in MLS.
So for sticking to a fundamental style, not jumping on the latest trend, and for being successful year in and year out all the same, I have to say, thank god for Dominic Kinnear.
Thanks for reading the latest edition, and remember, MLS Matters.
"Attacking is the reward for playing defense." - Ryan Nelsen, Toronto FC manager.
The new look Toronto FC (the 7th incarnation?) are underway, and they got off to a cracking start, getting all three points on the road in Seattle. But what did we learn from the first 90 minutes of action?
1) Michael Bradley is going to have his hands full:
From the first kick, Bradley was a man on a mission. Trying to be everywhere he could, putting out every fire in defense, starting or taking part in every attack. "He just has to be Michael Bradley." Ryan Nelsen said, of what would make his new midfield general successful, and at the start, he wasn't trying to be Michael Bradley, he was trying to be three of Michael Bradley.
Once he settled into the game, Bradley looked much more like the player TFC believed they purchased. Playing box to box, covering the back four, chasing down balls, and breaking upfield on the counter. The issues looking to the future though could be in the need for Bradley to be quite literally everywhere, as he was in the early stages of the match. A goal, then a two goal cushion allowed him to relax, and Toronto to revert even more to natural form, basing everything on absorbing pressure. While Jonathan Osorio has been a bright spot coming out of the preseason as a partner for Bradley, one can't help but think to what the midfield would have looked like had they been able to keep hold of last years star performer, Matias Laba. Laba would have covered the center backs, Bradley, and helped spur attacks, while Bradley was more free to push forward into attack at will, and track back when possession was lost. With Osorio, a less accomplished and less natural defender, Bradley is needed to be in more positions while foreseeing the future as to where he needs to be.
A major issue Toronto will face this summer will come when Bradley isn't around during the World Cup, with goalkeeper Julio Cesar also away, the fragile Toronto back four could really face some issues. In the meantime, Bradley and Osorio need to keep working on their relationship and timing, as well as gelling with Caldwell and Henry, becoming a real unit not just in defense, but when they are in possession, where the break downs happened last season, leading to disaster when the other team broke on the counter. If Nelsen truly believes that attacking is the reward for defending, Bradley's role needs to be perfectly defined for him and his teammates, and Michael Bradley needs to only be, Michael Bradley.
2) Who needs preseason or practice?:
As far as debuts go, Jermain Defoe had about as good of one as could have been expected for someone who didn't have a preseason with his new teammates. Two goals in less than a half hour, and a full 90, for a guy who hasn't played since February 8th against Everton for Tottenham, and only started practicing in the last few days.
With one match under their belt, Toronto still hasn't had their "big three" even on a practice field together. Gilberto arrived out of shape and overweight, getting injured before the season began. Defoe arrived injured, and only just began practicing. Only Bradley has had a full preseason and practice schedule with his new teammates.
One would say the worst time for a remade team to go on the road to face the Sounders would be in their opening match, especially after the Sounders got three points against the reigning champions just a week earlier. To do it without one of the big three, with so many new and important pieces not having ever played together, is impressive. One would assume the team is only going to get better.
3) 3 points masks deficiencies:
While Toronto got off to the best start they could have hoped for as far as results are concerned, the game did bring up some deficiencies in the team they have been assembling over the past few months.
They are still shaky in defense. With Nelsen's philosophy of defense first, Toronto spent the majority of the match without possession, and the final 20 minutes saw them barely get out of their own half. Once the Dempsey goal cut the lead down to one, the bus was for all intents and purposes, parked.
Despite having played together last season, Caldwell and Henry do not look to be the most in sync partnership. The same issues of last season are there, and it will be interesting to see if Henry is replaced during the course of the season.
While Defoe and Bradley showed great hustle, questions still abound about the rest of the team. De Rosario looked a shadow of his former self. Bloom is by no means a world beater, and could be a liability at right back. Alvaro Rey and Jackson have the tools to be successful out wide, provided they learn to gel with the fullbacks, be it Morrow and Bloom, or another pairing. What the team does to improve while in possession, something they have struggled with during the whole Nelsen era, could decide his future as manager. It will be interesting to see if De Rosario shifts out wide in some games once Gilberto is fit, or if he will slot back into the midfield, leaving Bradley to cover for his slowing pace and lack of defensive presence. Nelsen has some decisions to make, and it is doubtful Toronto will support Nelsen fully through the summer transfer window if results are not up to par.
On paper, Jermain Defoe, Gilberto, Dwayne De Rosario, Michael Bradley, Steven Caldwell, and Julio Cesar are about as good as any first six names on the team sheet as any MLS team might have. What comes from the next ten names in the squad will tell the tale of Toronto's season.
THE TWO FACES OF DEMPSEY
Against Toronto FC, we got to see both sides of US captain Clint Dempsey.
Having scored only 1 goal in his last 27 matches with any club or his country, Depmsey finally found the back of the net again on a wonderful counter attack where Steven Caldwell was caught in no mans land, having to leave either Obafemi Martins or Clint Dempsey uncovered. The ball took a slight hop off of Dempsey's first touch, which he volleyed with power to a favorable angle against Julio Cesar's position. A beautifully taken goal, and vintage Dempsey.
The bad however was even more prevalent. While Dempsey using the entire stoppage in play for the injury to Brad Davis to get in the face of the ref constantly berating him for the way he was officiating the first dozen minutes or so is expected of a complainer and captain like Dempsey, the rest of his behavior was rather repulsive.
First, Dempsey had an off the ball conflict with Toronto right back Mark Bloom, while play was being called back for a free kick being taken too quickly. Dempsey walked past Steven Caldwell, who was a shield to the referee that was waiting for the ball to return for the free kick, (and lets be honest, if he pulled this stunt on Caldwell, he would have left the field on a stretcher.) when Dempsey walked past Bloom, and used the back of his hand to aggressively swat Bloom in the baby maker. It was a cheap, dirty, gross, and disrespectful move by Dempsey, and I hope the MLS disciplinary committee takes a look at the incident, and at the very least fines him heavily.
But Dempsey was by no means done with the child like behavior. When Dempsey was fouled a few minutes later, in what could only be described as Dempsey taking contact and dramatically flopping to the ground, Jonathan Osorio attempted to offer Dempsey his hand to help him up. Dempsey's response, which the cameras caught for every viewer to see plain as day? "Fuck you bitch." Pure class.
In the second half, Dempsey was at it again. While battling Alvaro Rey for the ball, once the ball was away, Dempsey kicked out at Rey, kicking him in the right calf, tripping him. He then stepped over Rey and started making "he dived" motions to the referee.
Between nutting Bloom and kicking Rey, along with his otherwise poor professionalism, Dempsey shouldn't have been on the pitch past the 60 minute mark, and never should have had the opportunity for only his second goal in 28 matches.
The fact is, Clint Dempsey often acts like a spoiled child in a grown redneck mans body. While fans enjoy his passion and commitment, the moody, classless, reaper of vengeance against perceived injustice makes him thoroughly unlikable to me. His fall from his once mighty perch has felt like a slice of karma biting him in the ass. While I need him to be at his best come Brasil, if he fell of the face of the Earth following the World Cup, I can't say I would miss his antics.
For years people have had the debate, Donovan or Dempsey, with many saying that Donovan wasn't in Dempsey's class. To that I would reply, you are correct, they are not in the same class... Landycakes actually has some. And an even more stark contrast was seen in the very match in which his behavior showed his true colors. Michael Bradley was also on the pitch. Acting like a professional. Acting like a captain. All without the arm band. Dempsey could learn something from the future USMNT captain... how a professional behaves. A few minutes after Dempsey's goal, Obafemi Martins gave Bradley a nudge into the advertising boards next to the pitch. Bradley's response? A "good hard fought battle" tap of respect to Martins arm before returning to the pitch to play on.
I know that for many Americans, saying anything negative about Clint Dempsey is akin to publicly killing Julia Roberts and then raping her corpse, but truth is truth, and Clint Dempsey can be a real miserable C-U-Next-Tuesday.
THANK GOD FOR DOMINIC KINNEAR
Over the past few years, thanks in large part to Barcelona and the Spanish National Team, tiki taka has become the way the game, short-short-short is the way every team wants to play. Keep the ball on the ground, and try to walk it into the net, or find the perfect diagonal pass to crack open a defense.
The 1970's/1980's stereotypical (think of the slaughtering Big Sam takes for his tactics) british long ball hung around longer in the US than it has in other leagues, and I for one don't mind that. The short-short-long game has been pushed out of the game, even at youth level.
What seems to be missed by most fans and managers, is that Barcelona/Spain play the Dutch way, but the old Dutch system had the short-short-long aspect to their game as well, with De Boar opening up the field with a long ball to Bergkamp when the defense tried pressing the ball. Hell, even Barca employs it on a rare occasion where Xavi can ping a 55 yard ball on a dime as Dani Alves or Jordi Alba are bombing down the wing on the overlap into space.
David Beckham was a master of switching play quickly from one wing to the other, or 30-40-50 yards down field, unlocking defenses for a variety of players over the years for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy. The way he could take his team from defense to attack in a matter of seconds may have been his greatest attribute.
While most teams in MLS have made the switch the rest of the world has been making over the past 6 years or so, Dominic Kinnear in Houston has been sticking with traditional short-short-long system. You play a short pass, then another short pass, attempting to bring defenders in to create space, allowing for a longer pass, which when accurate, can unlock a defense.
Teams which still play the fundamental style need to be well drilled. The long pass which can unlock a defense, can also leave you open to a counter attack if it is mishit, or just if possession is lost. Kids these days are not taught how to perfectly place a ball like Michel Platini from 40 yards, or David Beckham, or Emmanuel Petit.
While the youngest of children should be drilled in the style of playing defense by holding possession, and the skill of the short-short-short game, teenagers should be taught the art of the long ball. Not as an always tactic, but as an alternative. A way to unlock a defense. A way to change play from one side of the pitch to the other. Its a dying art that very few players are still capable of, especially in MLS.
So for sticking to a fundamental style, not jumping on the latest trend, and for being successful year in and year out all the same, I have to say, thank god for Dominic Kinnear.
Thanks for reading the latest edition, and remember, MLS Matters.
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