Coming of age
It's Midnight, my team is losing and not looking like they'll do anything except give up a couple more goals in the second half so rather than be a zombie the next day at work, I decide to go to bed. I guess I missed a good second half. Or at least a valiant effort. My Twitter on the right gives a taste of my thought process at the time.
What did we do before YouTube? Heck, a co-worker of mine came to my office to tell me he'd seen the highlights this morning on ESPN. It's sure not 1996 any more.
So, LA lost. I'll be willing to bet there weren't many who gave them much chance of winning any silverware. But, the team came back and played well from what I read. It's not the opponent was an average team...this was a Mexican team which has been winning every piece of silverware in site. The best team in CONCACAF.
But the thing which hit me the most was the fact that LA fans, the ones who have been with the team long before Beckham thought about heading to the New World, are heart broken yet proud of their boys at this loss. It's taken twelve years but that's the type of passion the league has been needing and it's coming around.
So, the season is virtually over for LA. The best bet now is to focus on next season. Rest Beckham for as long as he need to be fully fit. If McClaren wants him, so be it. But give him plenty of rest so he'll be 100% next season. Look at some of the youngsters and, heck, see if Cobi is willing to make one more tour. I know he has it in his legs if he really wants it.
Personally, I don't blame Lalas or Yallop for the failure of the team this season. Lalas is simply a puppet and Yallop an employee who hasn't had all the tools all the time to get the job done correctly. The blame rests with the money whores who own the team. Everything about this season was done to maximize the return on their investment in Beckham. Ok, they should at least break even, but it seems to me at this point they are getting that and more...much more. Of course, because of the salary cap we won't be seeing any of that applied to the talent on the pitch...so, why ruin the team buy continuing this tactic? call Vancouver and Minnesota and reschedule their friendlies for next spring. Give injured players (in addition to Beckham) time off to heal. Let the youngsters gain some experience.
Of course, AEG still calls the shots and, well, I'm not too confident about things at this point.
So, let's see if LA can build on this performance and get a good result in the Wooden Spoon Derby this weekend.
Defence was more a theory than a practice
What the heck was that? Think about it, you score 4 goals in the first 20 minutes of a game on the road and still struggle to win? C'mon now, that was just crazy. Sure, it was entertaining but it was poorly played at the back for both teams.
In the half-a-day or so since the match ended, I've read everything from, "it was the greatest MLS match ever," even though it wasn't an MLS match to," it was a sloppy mess and proof MLS is crap." Now, I'm not going to take either of those extremes...hey, I'm a moderate politically so why can't I be one here as well? But the match certainly touched on both ends on the spectrum.
I'm sure those Dallas fans who showed up at PHP for the first time expecting to see that English guy were disappointed at first but had to have enjoyed the wild ride...and, hopefully, will be even more determined to use that discount they were offered for when the Becks Circus really does come to town.
Now, I've used the baseball no-hitter analogy on numerous occations when confronted with the low-scoring argument from those who don't care for the sport. I guess you can use the other extreme after last night. Those high-scoring slug fests (with or without Bonds juice) are usually brought about by poor pitching. If baseball fans enjoy it, cool. Personlly, I've a hunch it's usually one pitch who's having an off night and one teams builds a huge lead and everyone (well, they do in LA) heads for the exits. Last night, both backlines just fell asleep. I remember the last time LA lit up the scoreboard in Dallas. Harut Karapetyan (had to look the spelling of his name up cuz it's been a while...I got it right first time) put three past Dallas in 5 minutes in 1998 on the way to an 8-1 for the good guys. It could have been worse as the game was stopped early cuz a storm was on the way or the ref decided the mercy rule was needed or something. My point is, that afternoon, LA did all the scoring and Dallas....well, they didn't.
Anyway, now LA have another match to add to their already busy schedule. Looks like it'll be at the HDC as well. Will the new pitch have taken hold by then or will it tear apart and injure Becks again? Of course, if LA are playing Morelia, they may just play the match at the Q. Why not? Another town for the Beckham Circus to hit.
One other point. Landon's goal celebration was silly and probably unnecessary, but he is an emotional player and I wouldn't wanna stifle that. Bottom line, it could have been worse.
Ok, enough of that. The match was an anomaly and LA were fortunate to get through it.
So, now LA return home for a couple days before heading to the Great White North for the first time. No one knows If Becks will be involved. Personally, if he does play on their plastic turf, it'll be as a sub late in the match...where have we seen that before? Well, the same TV network will be in attandance.
Now, the fans up there have already had fun with a recent big name import.
We'll see if they can come up with something different if Becks gets to take a corner.
Like I said a few days ago. Being the topic of this cartoon strip has to be a sign that Becks arrival goes beyond anything else the league/sport has seen so far.
More from Tank
With all the silly media hype available everywhere you look right now (they even had news of his arrival in LA on the local morning news here) these silly Tank cartoons are a nice change and probably more accurate than 90% of the British Tabloid reports.
Yallop vs Lalas
I've been hearing rumors to the effect that Lalas and Yallop aren't exactly BFFs. It seems a lot of the recent trades (many of which I still don't understand) are all the work of the ginger one. Now I'm finally hearing about it from a reliable source.
If you want my opinion--well, your reading my blog so your gonna get it--dump Lalas before he does much more damage to the team. My problem isn't what he's been saying to the British press--I actually enjoy the way he winds them up--it's with his player/coach management. He doesn't exactly have the best record there.
However, I'm sure AEG will see things different. What do I know?
As Ives said, don't expect anything soon...but it's gonna by playoffs or bust time once Spice Balls arrives.
I said I wasn't going to... ....but I'll be wearing this shirt pretty soon. I've talked about wearing old Galaxy shirts all the time as proof I'm not some bandwagon Becks fan. But to be honest, I hope the all white (with blue and gold trim) is what LA will be wearing on a permanent basis...like after Becks retires.
Interesting move
At first I was excited to see Yallops latest gamble was to bring Edson Buddle to LA. But then I noticed he was giving up Tyrone Marshall to do so. Further thought leaves me thinking the backline isn't the problem as much as LAs lack of goals. After all, isn't Abel Xavier already in town waiting for his work permit?
This should be a good move. Alan Gordon and Nate Jaqua shouldn't be planning a long-term stay in LA at this point.
If he wasn't injured, would Chris Albright be packing his bags? Tyrone has plenty of time to pack and get his move in order though.
On the flip side, Toronto are getting one of the best central defenders in the league. their defence just improved dramatically.
Those who have read my blog or my posts on BigSoccer for a while will know that I feel pretty strongly that MLS should not by playing matches on dates set aside by FIFA as International Dates.So far, no one has paid any attention to this bloggers opinion.However, the British media (ya gotta love them) have managed to create several stories related to this.
It started off positive enough.Becks has played well the last 5 months and done well enough to be considered for a recall to the England squad for a couple of matches next week.Of course, the fact that England have played like crap since McClaren took over I’m sure helped.
Now, that’s great news for LA Galaxy and MLS right?Heck, Alexi Lalas even said, "Ultimately, we look at it as a statement on the Galaxy. The fact we have a player who's been called into the English national team says a lot about who he is. We couldn't be happier for him."
Of course, all this does have its downside.Ya see, MLS and AEG (and, of course, the Galaxy) are making a mint off the signing of Beckham already.Wouldn’t it suck if he missed a few matches which sold out based on the fact that Becks would be in Green and Gold--or whatever the new colors are going to be when Becks dons the colors?
Lalas spoke with BBC Radio 5 a few days ago.In that interview, he basically said what managers like Alex Ferguson or ArseneWenger say when their players are called up for meaningless friendlysin Africa or somewhere which isn’t around the corner.We’d rather he didn’t go, but it’s ultimately up to him.Or at least that’s the paraphrase I got out of it.That sounds reasonable enough.It seems t be that international coaches usually talk with club managers and try to work something out that works for everyone involved.
Now the British hacks (gotta love ‘em) started “finding” all kinds of interesting stories.The Daily Mail seems to think he could go to Newcastle (or Spurs, or Everton or Blackburn) on a three-month loan.No need for a vacation or rest or anything.Of course, the article is pure speculation.There are no real quotes from anyone involved.But sometimes fiction sells more papers.
So, back to the first point, Beckham being recalled for England.It seems someone in the British media decided to go to FIFA and get a quote from them about Lalas preventing Becks from joining England for games this fall.
"The same rules apply for everybody," a FIFA spokesman said. "For all national associations, for any club, for any player.
"Players must be released for friendly or competitive games if they are on the international calendar and the required notice is given.
"The only difference in competitive and friendly games is regarding the time frames. All players are equal."
Like I said above, it's no different than anyone else.I still don’t think Alexi ever said he wouldn’t let Becks join England.He simply shared his frustration at the business issue this creates for him.
So, what are the matches in question?
England
LA Galaxy
9/8/07
Israel
9/8/07
Colorado
9/12/07
Russia
9/13/07
@ Chivas
10/13/07
Estonia
10/13/07
Toronto
10/17/07
@ Russia
10/18/07
New York
11/21/07
Croatia
11/21/07
MLS Cup Final
All the matches are at the HDC so that shouldn’t be a huge problem…well, except for the Cup Final.
So, back to my first point, why does MLS still schedule matches (especially the MLS Cup Final) on International weekends?They used to say it was because of stadium availability.Honestly, I’m having a difficult time believing that one now that over half the teams now have their own stadiums…and that percentage is growing.Of course, events like the X-Games get to bump matches, but that’s another topic.
MLS/AEG has no one but themselves to blame here.They over promoted and over promised with Becks just like everyone did when Freddy Adu joined the league.When will they learn?
Of course, they weren’t as outrageous as Harrisburg, but that’s a whole new level…guess it work, they sold the match out.Anyone know when the 3rd draw is?
Just one last thought, at the start of the season in 1999, LA were performing poorly.My belief at that time (well, still) was that coach Octavio Zambrano was putting together a team which was built around Luis Hernandez who wasn’t arriving for a couple of months.Before Hernandez could show up (we know the story there) Zambrano was replaced by SigiSchmid.
I hope Frank Yallopisn’t counting on Beckham's arrival improving LA that dramatically.Otherwise, McClaren won’t need to worry about Lalas wanting to keep Golden Balls when they face Croatia.But wouldn’t it be what MLS deserve, if LA makes the MLS Cup final and not being able to have the leagues most influential player cuz he has to play a match in London the same day.C’mon on Garber, you are still running MLS like it’s a second-tier league.Forget about NFL, NBA etc.You should focus more on other soccer leagues and schedule appropriately.Otherwise, you be creating more messes.
The whoring of the team is going to cost them by the playoffs. it's all well and good that LAG and AEG are raking in the money needed to sign Beckham...however, what good is it if the team misses the playoffs again?
So, for the 1,638th time, put a team on the field which will win consistently, and the fans will show up. How much longer until AEG have gone to this well too many times?
Bunches of stuff...
It's easy to tell myself, "Ah, I'll post that tomorrow," and then do the same thing the next day. It's easy to get well behind...much like school work. Anyway, I've got a little time so let's get caught up.
The MLSPU gave out a list of all the players salaries a couple weeks ago. Don Garber made some interesting comments about the difference in salaries. At the time, I thought they were a bit out of line. He's hardly comparing apples to apples here. The union then responded with a solid argument. There's no denying that the lower players are working for nothing. If nothing else, part of this can be addressed by giving those players under $30k a playing bonus of $1000 or something like that each time they play for the first team. However, the whole thing makes me think everyone is posturing for a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) which will need to be worked out sometime in the next 2 1/2 years.
What is it with all the investment by American Investors in British clubs? At least the ManUre style protests aren't involved of late. I thought the Glazier takeover would kill ManUre...sure didn't seem to hurt them this season. So close to the darn treble.
It's funny. I remember back in the 70's comparing the experience of going to Portman Road for an Ipswich game and to Jack Murphy Stadium (as it was then known) for Padre and Charger games and comparing how different the experiences were. Lately tough, the experience in England seems to becoming more Americanized. Corporate Boxes, better game concessions etc. are vast improvements in ways of generating income for teams in England. When ManUre and the Yankees announced their big marketing deal a few years ago I figured we'd see more cross over. We probably have and I just haven't been paying attention. But you'd have to think that with the advent of DVRs that American sports would want to find ways to market their sponsors in-game more. Give it time. There's money to be made all around. Just make sure you're willing to shell out the bucks as a consumer.
On a similar note, it looks like the G14 will soon be expanding. What a very American way of forming things...giving the clubs the power rather than a central governing body. Let the owners vote on decisions. Personally, I believe they will continue to bring in more teams until they are large enough for a league in each country and then will allow the top teams from the remaining leagues in each country to replace the bottom clubs in the big league. The champion will be decided by a competition run concurrently with the regular season made of of teams who finished well the previous season...not too unlike the current format we have. Actually, until Ipswich are invited, I could care less.
Amando Guevara is gone. Will his attitude be missed?
OK...ten years ago I could see some big name playing in an All-Star game even if they don't play much (Luis Hernandez) but Beckham? C'mon. Then again, I never watch the All-Star game so who cares. Besides, the whole thing just reads like someone trying to create a story outta nothing...sounds like the British tabloids.
BMO Field is falling down, falling down, falling down...ok, that's not funny. With the speed it went up, I guess things like this could happen. Thankfully, it seems no one was hurt and everything has now been taken care of. I finally got to see a TFC game last week(?) and gotta admit, the seat cushion flinging was quite amusing.
I've know Dan Loney for several years (first met him at the MLS Cup Final in Columbus) and enjoy his writing a great deal. However, I'm not buying this scoop. Of course, I didn't believe he actually sez it's the "Galaxy" logo anywhere.
I guess it's a good thing for Chelsea they don't read the local Ipswich paper. I can't believe I paid $25 to watch that match. It wasn't that great IMO. I wish Chelsea had scored in the first half so things might have opened up more in the second half. Oh well, at least we got to see the new Wembley in action.
WooHoo...no PPV needed to watch the Copa America. I'm really glad it was GolTV who got the broadcast rights. I know they'll do a great job. Of course, ESPN will probably now wanna make sure they hold the rights next go 'round.
When Kreis announced his career change the other week, I knew it was just a matter of time before he was no longer #1. I know some are pointing out that a large number of Moreno's goals were spot kicks but he still finished them.
Wow, I got married in '03. We spent our honeymoon at resort just south of Playa Del Carmen--an hour south of Cancun. I remember talking with a couple of the guys who worked there about local teams (they'd noticed my Galaxy jersey--poor guys were Luis Hernandez fans--and I'd been hoping to see at least a lower league match if possible--if the wife allowed it) but their response was pretty negative. All the teams near them sucked (or words to that effect) They were all Chivas, America or Cruz Azul fans. Well, guess they have a team now. Actually, I'm thinking this is a good move. Getting away from the crowded Mexico City (sharing the massive Azteca) will help with a new identity for the team. Also, yeah, Cancun is a tourist spot (and an awesome one at that) but it's a rapidly growing city. if Atlante put down some roots, they should grow a decent fan base...and who knows. Beyond that, I now have added incentive to try and talk my wife into a Mexican vacation.
When did the Romario reaching 1000 goals jump the shark? Seriously, he's hardly even playing now. Yet, he's hanging onto the hope of reaching the mystic number. Why not wheel him on for a penalty in a meaningless match then sub him off after he takes the shot and hope it's all over. He was a great player in his day...but now it's just becoming a joke. UPDATE:Looks like he got it today. Too bad FIFA sez he needs another 71 though. He'll be playing with a walker if he's ever gotta get that many more.
Bored yet? Ok, I'll try and post more in the next couple of days.
Finals are over (finally…well, I have to turn a paper in by tomorrow night, but it just needs to be proofed and it’s done) and I now have a little time before summer session starts to actually watch a little soccer.Man, has a bunch happened since I entered study hell.
Heck, where do I start?Ok, NY got themselves another Designated Player.I’ve always been a JPA fan so I can’t see how this won’t pay off for them.Heck, they already have the best record in the league-there’s a first.JPA should only help them on the pitch (which, as I always say, is what will eventually help things in the stands)
Ipswich is safe in the Championship for another season despite all the money problems at Portman Road.I have to laugh at the possibility of Leeds going down.I’ve always hated Leeds and this is…well, funny.Their fans didn’t help matters on Saturday.They should be docked points for their fans actions on Saturday.(See video...the quality isn’t the best, but you can see what the event looked like to traveling Town fans)
So, I actually got to see the SuperDuperClassico on Saturday night.Wow, Landon showed up to play.Nice one.Actually, I probably would have enjoyed the match as a neutral.One thing though, can someone please explain to me why LA (the home team) was wearing their road colors?
I commented on this before, but the Galaxy schedule is a joke.They’ve played 3 matches so far this season.It’ll be a couple weeks before they play another match.Then, they have all their matches jammed into the second half of the season (along with matches against Chelsea, Vancouver, and probably just about anyone willing to fork out a few bucks to have Beckham play.The good news is that they have 4 points from the 3 matches so far.I’m not going to hold my breath about the chances of making things happen this season.Heck, Yallop thinks the Open Cup is a cause of the team missing the playoffs last season…of course, I’ve always contended that if LA hadn’t won the Open Cup in ’06, they wouldn’t have won the MLS Cup…but what do I know?
Whose bright idea was it to have only last names on jerseys?Thankfully, it seems that matter has been resolved already.
Even one of my favorite writers isn’t he same.I never saw that one coming.All the best to Mike/Christine.
Well, that's all I can think of now. Hopefully I'll have more time this week to post.
It's not quite the same kinda global brand I'd associate with CitiBankUntil recently, I'd never heard of Herbalife. Heck, I've now heard of them but still don't really have a clue what they sell. Maybe that's why they are forking out all this money so people like me will buy their product. I dunno. I think I would have preferred to wear CitiBank on my chest. However, the money is good, though not what had been rumored a few weeks ago. Bottom line, they sealed the deal.
Now, I guess I can't really have too much of a beef on the Herbalife deal. I mean, back in my youth, I'd have probably jumped at the "Herb O' Life" name in a StickyGreen/420/KGB kinda way. But I'm grown up now (well, unless you ask my wife) and that type of thing doesn't bring quite the same humor. Well, I was a Beavis and Butthead addict as well....but I'm probably admitting more than I should. Actually, I really shouldn't complain too much about the name of sponsors on shirts. Back in the early Nineties, Ipswich had a local company named Fisons as their sponsor. Why not? They are based in Ipswich (well, before they were bought out) and produced a product which was used in the area. However, when you realize that Fisons was a chemical company who produced fertilizer....well, it really was an invitation to rival fans to comment on how "shit" we were.
But money is money and as I'm not paying the bills, I guess I'll just have to shut up and advertise a company I know nothing about.
Which leads me to 2 final comments. 1) Herbalife is spending a lot of money to get their name out yet I really don't know much about them (nor do I have the desire to) I must not be in their target demographic. 2) They sure have a ton of cash available in their marketing budget...there's got to be a decent markup on their product.
UPDATE: My buddy Dan Loney has now caught me up to speed with his piece(s) on Herbalife. I kinda wish I hadn't read them now.
And now...the end is near....
I wish I could remember more about the match like who it was against and the result. However, I'm pretty sure it was in July of 2002 and it was against KC or Columbus or someone like that. LA lost a match at the Rose Bowl and just looked awful doing it. I watch the match from my seat in Sec 5 Row 13 (right on the halfway line...great seats) thinking it was going to be another disappointing playoffs.
The next day I read in the paper (I'm pretty sure it was in the LA Times) that once in the locker room after the match, Cobi Jones had written the words "PRIDE" on a chalk board and gave an impassioned speech to his teammates about having pride in their team, their teammates and the city they represent--or something like that. Either way, LA's season got back on track and finished with Cobi grabbing the MLS Cup and running across the field with it to share with the LA fans who had made the trip to Boston for the final. What a great leader.
I've followed Cobi's career pretty much since he first played for the US. We are the same age, about the same height, back then I had long hair as well and I played in and outside attacking roll. The differences, he was a good player...and I wished I was a good player.
I followed his unsuccessful season in Coventry as best I could. I knew he was in Rio with Vasco but could never find much information..probably cuz there wasn't any. When he signed with LA, I pretty much decided I'd be going to games at the Rose Bowl.
During his time with LA, my opinions of his performances fluctuated greatly. A lot of the time, I didn't think he was giving his full commitment , that he wasn't trying. I was certain he took his position in the starting XI for granted. Weather it was true or not, as a season ticket holder attending every home match and watching the road games on TV, that's the opinion I'd formed. However, when I'd really be down on him, he's suddenly come to life and turn in a great performance.
The last few years, LA fans have known he'd have to hang up his boots eventually. That day will come at the end of this season. As much as I at times have wanted him to do this sooner, I'm now sad realizing that #13 won't be playing in 2008.
I know retiring of numbers in MLS is something which probably won't happen...and probably shouldn't. However, I'm not sure it would be right for anyone else to wear Cobi's number.
Thanks for 12 great seasons Cobi. I'll be in Bridgeview (closest MLS team to me now) to see you play one last time.