What a night! What a result! (Game recap.)
I should no longer refer to Bobby Boswell as BoBo. My wife suggests B-Swell has a more positive ring to it. And B-Swell's game winner comes a day or so after he says "For me, the goal is definitely to beat Pachuca, a team that [the Dynamo] played a lot last year. And if I can be a catalyst to help the team get past them and get into the finals, then that's a big step for me and the team." Congrats on your big step, Catalyst!
And I wonder how many more games I'll have to watch before I see Corey Ashe get another goal off a header. He's the smallest guy on the pitch, isn't he?
I thought there was a lot of energy in the crowd tonight. The two supporters' groups did well stirring up noise and fervor. We also were introduced to our newest player: Kei Kamara. He looked good, though he did not seem to have gelled with the team yet. No surprise there at this point.
My family tried a new seating position this time: Section 124. From that section we were looking over DeRo's shoulder when he made the two dangerous shots on goal from the left flank in the first half. The first shot looked like he was trying to bend it as a cross, only the ball didn't bend and it became a shot that was easily snuffed by Calero. The second shot looked like he swiveled to fake a cross, then attempted a clever flick that Calero deflected. Had a middie timed his run right, the deflection would have led to an easy follow-up shot on goal. (When I rewatched the play on Telemundo, it looked like Jaqua and Mullan actually were trailing the play, but the ball didn't get near them unfortunately.) DeRo's best shot was around the 8th minute. It was a spinning left-footed volley from about 25 yards out that Calero had to stretch to deflect over the ball. That shot, had it been a goal, would have been on the highlight reel.
From our seats, we were also in line with the play in the second half when Pachuca had a goal called back due to offside. We didn't see the infraction at the time, and watching the replay on Telemundo, it appears there wasn't one.
Before this divine/referee intervention, we also saw some excellent saves by Onstad in the first 5 minutes of the second half. The veteran saved our skin tonight.
I'd give Dynamo-H the edge in the first half. They had the better possesion and the better threats on goal. Pachuca completely dominated the first 5 minutes of the second half, and after that the game evened out (except for that fast break non-offside non-goal that we were gifted).
As the game wore on, I worried that we would head into extra time. If the Tuzos were able to sneak past the Dynamo yet again, who would I root for in the final, I wondered? Well, regardless of who wins the New England-Atlante match, I'd have to root for Pachuca. They're a quality team, and I won't root for the Revs as long as Steve Nicol is killing the game for them.
Then a bit of magic in the 77th minute when a DeRo corner is headed on by Waibel for a timely tap-in with B-Swell's side foot. After that, the game opened up as Pachuca sought the equalizer and the Dynamo had more opportunities to counter. Ashe's header 10 minutes later ensured that the non-offside gift wouldn't taint the Dynamo's victory.
Pachuca played a solid game, until their emotions got the best of them as time wore down. Then there was a fracas after the game. It seems Pachuca is only a class act when they're on top; they don't have the emotional maturity to face disappointment like men. Hats off to Calero (surprisingly, particularly after his antics with Dom at halftime) and Torres to show class and sportsmanship in their respective post-game interviews. They need to do some remedial training for some of their teammates.
Wednesday night, I guess I'll root for Atlante so we get the final at home. Either opponent would be difficult. We beat Atlante 4-0 in the group stage, so they'll be gunning for us -- plus they appear to have their edge back. Also, it's difficult to beat the same team twice in one tournament. New England would be difficult because they know how to frustrate the Dynamo, beating us for a combined 5-0 tally in our two matches this year. We've beaten them the past two MLS Cup championships, but that only makes the odds for a third consecutive championship victory seem that much more difficult to attain over the same opponent. Plus, we'd be on their home field with their fake turf. So, it's go Atlante.
But, Go Dynamo! even more.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Pachuca tonight
It's Tuzos vs Dynamo tonight. Here is the game preview. An essay by a fan. Another essay: It is the stuff of which movies are made. Pachuca will have to face the Dynamo at Robertson Stadium, in front of a crowd that bleeds orange. It will be impossible for Pachuca players to ignore their nerves for the game in Houston, because the Dynamo will be at home, the crowd will go crazy, and the team will shine. It will be a game for the history books, and it will be painted orange.
The Chron has a its own preview as well as various notes about the Pachuca match and other MLS news. Our newest player, Kei Kamara, might be on the bench. E-Rob is unlikely, Mulrooney is still out (but could be back for our next MLS match). Good news: Pachuca's Christian Gimenez (The Orange Slayer) is out due to card accumulation. "I don't know if it's a rivalry; they beat us out of every competition," Dynamo forward Brian Ching said. "It's more of a frustration for us. But they're a good team, and we consider ourselves a good team."
An article on Waibel's charity-driven field goal attempts. "You have the best job in the world!" Waibel told Brown, before admitting that on-rushing NFL defenders might make a slight difference. B-Fall mentions it in his blog as well.
The Chron has a its own preview as well as various notes about the Pachuca match and other MLS news. Our newest player, Kei Kamara, might be on the bench. E-Rob is unlikely, Mulrooney is still out (but could be back for our next MLS match). Good news: Pachuca's Christian Gimenez (The Orange Slayer) is out due to card accumulation. "I don't know if it's a rivalry; they beat us out of every competition," Dynamo forward Brian Ching said. "It's more of a frustration for us. But they're a good team, and we consider ourselves a good team."
An article on Waibel's charity-driven field goal attempts. "You have the best job in the world!" Waibel told Brown, before admitting that on-rushing NFL defenders might make a slight difference. B-Fall mentions it in his blog as well.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
All-Stars was entertaining ... Who'd've guessed?
I wasn't really looking forward to the MLS All-Star game ... like most people, I'm sure. I wasn't sure if I would watch. Turns out I did, and I'm glad I did. The match was fun from beginning to end; and I even found it relaxing since I didn't care who won or lost.
West Ham played well, but the players weren't going to hurt themselves in the process. That, and the fact that the Hammers probably aren't match fit yet, was really the factor that led to the MLSers controlling possession and territory so well.
But what was cool was watching Blanco and Beckham play together. Blanco actually was off with his passing and had several give-aways, but started getting into the groove and ended the half with a clever, skillful goal curving so nicely into the net. His earlier assist was even sweeter: picking up a pass from Beckham, Blanco popped the ball up then heel-flicked it to Christian Gomez, who slotted the ball clinically into the far netting. Becks-Blanco-Gomez-goal: That play right there made the All-Stars worth it.
B-Fall's blog has a good summary of the game. Here is a good article talking about DeRo and Onstad playing two MLS games the same day and in different countries. DeRo is capping off his day with a party benefiting Nothing But Nets.
Beckham played all 90 and looked very strong, particularly since no one cared if he helped with the defending.
DeRo, had some good flashes as a late sub, including a dangerous run that won a PK. I was surprised that he took the PK, and it was tense seeing his blast ping-ponging off the crossbar and into the net. With the goal, DeRo has another game winner for the All-Stars. The Creative Canuck made some nice runs and passing combos, which was all the more surprising since he had just wrapped up his MLS match in DC that morning. He was certainly pumped to be in front of his hometown fans. He had a solid free kick late in the game (Becks kindly let DeRo take the kick, I wager).
Onstad wasn't tested much, but did well with what he faced. I was very surprised to see him inserted in (just after DeRo's PK), but it was good to see him playing in this honorary game, as he is still one of the best in the league.
Landon Donovan was off his game and didn't seem to do anything.
And what was the formation there at the end, when Hejduk and Bornstein came off for Buddle and Ralston? Was it a 2 5 3? Ralston must've been playing as a back. It would be nice if the announcers would, you know, cover the game and instead of laughing over inside jokes or commenting on the obvious ("So-and-so would like to have that one back"). THEY can see the entire field. THEY should tell us how the formation is morphing as the game plays out and especially as subs come in.
Speaking of announcers, I have got my whole family to detest the "as wells" that Harkes includes in every other sentence regardless of whether the phrase is relevant. In the off-season, maybe Harksie can go to a speaking coach. I complain because I care.
I thought it was laughable towards the beginning of the game when JP Dellacamera thought the Toronto fans would even consider chanting "We want Landon." No, Harkes was right: they were chanting "We want Brennan." And while it was cool that JPD mentioned DeRo played a 4 hour game last night, it'd be even cooler if he pointed out that DeRo actually finished playing that match THIS MORNING.
Finally, I don't know if it started to drizzle during the game, but the turf looked matted and slick by the end of the match. I didn't see a lot of sliding and falling, but the field sure looked worn. Was that an optical illusion or does that brand of turf have issues with heavy use?
All in all, great energy in the game. Good performance by the Dynamo reps. The MLS "super stars" (Becks, Blanco, and Angel, who looked onside when scored what would've been the 4th goal for the MLSers and would've been an assist for DeRo) all played up to the moment for the spectators. West Ham acquitted themselves well too.
I'd have to say that, other than my gripe about the announcers, the only negative of the whole night is that sad trophy presentation. Why is the MLS giving a trophy to itself in what is basically a friendly exhibition match? Who keeps it? Does the trophy go into the MLS headquarters' trophy case? This is a festival of soccer, not a meaningful competition. Invite both teams onto a stage. Let them swap jerseys. Pick an MVP, maybe even one from both teams. Thank everyone for coming. Then let the music blare and the confetti canons fire away. Having a "hooray for us" ceremony is just sad.
Speaking of shirt-swapping: did you see DeRo wearing (Anton) Ferdinand's shirt? With those cornrows, DeRo looked a bit like Anton's brother, Rio Ferdinand. Cool.
In Other news:
Check out Garber's "State of the MLS" speech. We'll have two more teams come 2011 it seems. Where will we get the quality players? Cannibalization? In the halftime interview, Garber said that the McBride situation has been resolved. It looks like he's going to Chicago. ("I hope he ends up in Chicago, yuk, yuk, yuk," Garber guffawed in the interview.)
In Toronto, Dynamo-Houston make the moves necessary to pick up the speedy forward they've been wanting: Kei Kamara. He has scored only 2 goals this year (so far!) and one of them was against us back in May. Here is B-Fall's take.
Do you ever feel that the Dynamo's 2nd striker position (Ching's partner) is kind of like the percussionist situation with Spinal Tap? The band could never keep a drummer due to all sorts of bizarre events, including spontaneous combustion. We've had Alejandro Moreno, Ronald Cerritos (kind of), Paul Dalglish, Nate Jaqua, Joseph Ngwenya, Franco Caraccio, Nate Jaqua again, and now Kei Kamara. That's not even considering the Reserves and midfielders that have played up there as band-aid approaches. Here's hoping that Kamara is the piece needed by the Dynamo to finish the season strong.
West Ham played well, but the players weren't going to hurt themselves in the process. That, and the fact that the Hammers probably aren't match fit yet, was really the factor that led to the MLSers controlling possession and territory so well.
But what was cool was watching Blanco and Beckham play together. Blanco actually was off with his passing and had several give-aways, but started getting into the groove and ended the half with a clever, skillful goal curving so nicely into the net. His earlier assist was even sweeter: picking up a pass from Beckham, Blanco popped the ball up then heel-flicked it to Christian Gomez, who slotted the ball clinically into the far netting. Becks-Blanco-Gomez-goal: That play right there made the All-Stars worth it.
B-Fall's blog has a good summary of the game. Here is a good article talking about DeRo and Onstad playing two MLS games the same day and in different countries. DeRo is capping off his day with a party benefiting Nothing But Nets.
Beckham played all 90 and looked very strong, particularly since no one cared if he helped with the defending.
DeRo, had some good flashes as a late sub, including a dangerous run that won a PK. I was surprised that he took the PK, and it was tense seeing his blast ping-ponging off the crossbar and into the net. With the goal, DeRo has another game winner for the All-Stars. The Creative Canuck made some nice runs and passing combos, which was all the more surprising since he had just wrapped up his MLS match in DC that morning. He was certainly pumped to be in front of his hometown fans. He had a solid free kick late in the game (Becks kindly let DeRo take the kick, I wager).
Onstad wasn't tested much, but did well with what he faced. I was very surprised to see him inserted in (just after DeRo's PK), but it was good to see him playing in this honorary game, as he is still one of the best in the league.
Landon Donovan was off his game and didn't seem to do anything.
And what was the formation there at the end, when Hejduk and Bornstein came off for Buddle and Ralston? Was it a 2 5 3? Ralston must've been playing as a back. It would be nice if the announcers would, you know, cover the game and instead of laughing over inside jokes or commenting on the obvious ("So-and-so would like to have that one back"). THEY can see the entire field. THEY should tell us how the formation is morphing as the game plays out and especially as subs come in.
Speaking of announcers, I have got my whole family to detest the "as wells" that Harkes includes in every other sentence regardless of whether the phrase is relevant. In the off-season, maybe Harksie can go to a speaking coach. I complain because I care.
I thought it was laughable towards the beginning of the game when JP Dellacamera thought the Toronto fans would even consider chanting "We want Landon." No, Harkes was right: they were chanting "We want Brennan." And while it was cool that JPD mentioned DeRo played a 4 hour game last night, it'd be even cooler if he pointed out that DeRo actually finished playing that match THIS MORNING.
Finally, I don't know if it started to drizzle during the game, but the turf looked matted and slick by the end of the match. I didn't see a lot of sliding and falling, but the field sure looked worn. Was that an optical illusion or does that brand of turf have issues with heavy use?
All in all, great energy in the game. Good performance by the Dynamo reps. The MLS "super stars" (Becks, Blanco, and Angel, who looked onside when scored what would've been the 4th goal for the MLSers and would've been an assist for DeRo) all played up to the moment for the spectators. West Ham acquitted themselves well too.
I'd have to say that, other than my gripe about the announcers, the only negative of the whole night is that sad trophy presentation. Why is the MLS giving a trophy to itself in what is basically a friendly exhibition match? Who keeps it? Does the trophy go into the MLS headquarters' trophy case? This is a festival of soccer, not a meaningful competition. Invite both teams onto a stage. Let them swap jerseys. Pick an MVP, maybe even one from both teams. Thank everyone for coming. Then let the music blare and the confetti canons fire away. Having a "hooray for us" ceremony is just sad.
Speaking of shirt-swapping: did you see DeRo wearing (Anton) Ferdinand's shirt? With those cornrows, DeRo looked a bit like Anton's brother, Rio Ferdinand. Cool.
In Other news:
Check out Garber's "State of the MLS" speech. We'll have two more teams come 2011 it seems. Where will we get the quality players? Cannibalization? In the halftime interview, Garber said that the McBride situation has been resolved. It looks like he's going to Chicago. ("I hope he ends up in Chicago, yuk, yuk, yuk," Garber guffawed in the interview.)
In Toronto, Dynamo-Houston make the moves necessary to pick up the speedy forward they've been wanting: Kei Kamara. He has scored only 2 goals this year (so far!) and one of them was against us back in May. Here is B-Fall's take.
Do you ever feel that the Dynamo's 2nd striker position (Ching's partner) is kind of like the percussionist situation with Spinal Tap? The band could never keep a drummer due to all sorts of bizarre events, including spontaneous combustion. We've had Alejandro Moreno, Ronald Cerritos (kind of), Paul Dalglish, Nate Jaqua, Joseph Ngwenya, Franco Caraccio, Nate Jaqua again, and now Kei Kamara. That's not even considering the Reserves and midfielders that have played up there as band-aid approaches. Here's hoping that Kamara is the piece needed by the Dynamo to finish the season strong.
Three points from the four-day match
Well, THAT was probably the strangest match of the season. (Game recap. Quotes.) Dynamo-Houston went to DC on June 4 to begin the match (abandoned after 15 minutes), then was hours away from restarting the match on July 22, then finally began the replayed match on July 23 and finished it in the wee hours of July 24.
I worried when I read on B-Fall's blog that the officials were going to restart the match at 10:40 after the 3 hour rain delay. At that point, up 1-0 and having dominated the match, Dynamo-H had nowhere to go but down. Three points in hand couldn't get any better. The break could have broken their rhythm. The puddles could ruin their passing game.
Luckily, the Dynamo still were the better team. DCU had two (three?) extremely scary, possibly game-changing shots on goal that Onstad managed to snuff out, but other than that, it was all Dynamo.
Dude: 23 shots to 4. That is total domination. Yet, if Ching hadn't gotten that insurance goal, or if Onstad hadn't been clutch, all those shots wouldn't have given us the points we deserved. Hats off to Onstad, Cameron, Mullan, Davis, and Ching for earning us the points. Others were able to create the domination on the field of course, but it was those five that managed to turn our advantage to points. DeRo was instrumental in the game, the midfield completely shut down the passing lanes and managed the transitions extremely well, and our defense were the aggressors on the ball. Nice job all around, but a special tip o' the hat to those who saved goals and made or assisted on goals.
DeRo had some near-gimmees in the first half, but Zach Wells or a defender's ill-placed extremity seemed to always deny the Canadian Creator. We need DeRo to unleash the dogs of war and net these opportunities when they arise in our upcoming SuperLiga matches and the remaining MLS league games. DeRo will create those opportunities -- he's a master at that -- we just need him to get his finishing mojo back.
The bad news from the match: our next game will be without our two attacking mids: DeRo (card accumulation) and Holden (Olympics). We will also be without ERob most likely (injury) and his understudy, Ianni (Olympics). We will have Rico back. Kinnear has a lot of options, thankfully, but he will have to be creative. And he won't have his first choices at several key positions.
Tonight Onstad and DeRo are to play in the All-Star Game, the same day that they finished their match in DC. I won't be surprised if we don't see either player on the field tonight.
Now it's back to SuperLiga for a bit. I want to beat Pachuca so badly and I want that SuperLiga trophy. Why? Mainly because the odds of winning the MLS Cup are slim so you want to take the silverware that's immediately available. Also because I do not want the plodding Revolution to take it. I'm rooting against them in the US Open Cup too. It grates on me that they're the leader for the Supporters' Shield -- I don't want their style of play to be rewarded. They have too much talent to play the crappy game they play. Yet that talent is compensating for -- and, more irritatingly, justifying -- Stevie Nicols' unimaginative leadership.
Go Dynamo!
I worried when I read on B-Fall's blog that the officials were going to restart the match at 10:40 after the 3 hour rain delay. At that point, up 1-0 and having dominated the match, Dynamo-H had nowhere to go but down. Three points in hand couldn't get any better. The break could have broken their rhythm. The puddles could ruin their passing game.
Luckily, the Dynamo still were the better team. DCU had two (three?) extremely scary, possibly game-changing shots on goal that Onstad managed to snuff out, but other than that, it was all Dynamo.
Dude: 23 shots to 4. That is total domination. Yet, if Ching hadn't gotten that insurance goal, or if Onstad hadn't been clutch, all those shots wouldn't have given us the points we deserved. Hats off to Onstad, Cameron, Mullan, Davis, and Ching for earning us the points. Others were able to create the domination on the field of course, but it was those five that managed to turn our advantage to points. DeRo was instrumental in the game, the midfield completely shut down the passing lanes and managed the transitions extremely well, and our defense were the aggressors on the ball. Nice job all around, but a special tip o' the hat to those who saved goals and made or assisted on goals.
DeRo had some near-gimmees in the first half, but Zach Wells or a defender's ill-placed extremity seemed to always deny the Canadian Creator. We need DeRo to unleash the dogs of war and net these opportunities when they arise in our upcoming SuperLiga matches and the remaining MLS league games. DeRo will create those opportunities -- he's a master at that -- we just need him to get his finishing mojo back.
The bad news from the match: our next game will be without our two attacking mids: DeRo (card accumulation) and Holden (Olympics). We will also be without ERob most likely (injury) and his understudy, Ianni (Olympics). We will have Rico back. Kinnear has a lot of options, thankfully, but he will have to be creative. And he won't have his first choices at several key positions.
Tonight Onstad and DeRo are to play in the All-Star Game, the same day that they finished their match in DC. I won't be surprised if we don't see either player on the field tonight.
Now it's back to SuperLiga for a bit. I want to beat Pachuca so badly and I want that SuperLiga trophy. Why? Mainly because the odds of winning the MLS Cup are slim so you want to take the silverware that's immediately available. Also because I do not want the plodding Revolution to take it. I'm rooting against them in the US Open Cup too. It grates on me that they're the leader for the Supporters' Shield -- I don't want their style of play to be rewarded. They have too much talent to play the crappy game they play. Yet that talent is compensating for -- and, more irritatingly, justifying -- Stevie Nicols' unimaginative leadership.
Go Dynamo!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
SuperLiga - On to the Semis
A nice win yesterday in DC puts us into the Semis of the SuperLiga. (Game recap.) DC looked to be saving their effort for the MLS matchup on Tuesday, and started subbing players early. The odd part was that once their key players were pulled, DC began to look more dangerous and get more opportunities on our goal. I don't know if this was due to us easing up a bit once we realized that DC was capitulating, or if the effort was doubled by DC as players fought hard to make an impression on the coach so that one day THEY'd be the starters.
After Doe halved the deficit, I felt quite nervous that they'd at least tie up the game. Onstad wasn't as crisp as he usually was, although he made the saves when he had to. Our attack had dwindled as well.
Then the beautiful combination of a steal by Waibel, forward pass across the halfway line to Wondo, one-touch drop to Ching, through ball to a running Holden who touches the ball once with the outside of his right foot, then uses his right instep to slam the ball past Zach Wells from about 18 yards out. When I grow up, I want to be Stuart Holden.
Another match versus DC comes this Tuesday. I imagine it'll be difficult to beat the same team twice in a row at their home field, but that's what we need to do to make headway in the league. At least there's no travel in between games. Afterwards, Onstad and DeRo will have to trek to Toronto for the All-Star match up on Thursday, then it's back to SuperLiga. We should know who we face (and where) after tonight's matches.
Go Dynamo!
After Doe halved the deficit, I felt quite nervous that they'd at least tie up the game. Onstad wasn't as crisp as he usually was, although he made the saves when he had to. Our attack had dwindled as well.
Then the beautiful combination of a steal by Waibel, forward pass across the halfway line to Wondo, one-touch drop to Ching, through ball to a running Holden who touches the ball once with the outside of his right foot, then uses his right instep to slam the ball past Zach Wells from about 18 yards out. When I grow up, I want to be Stuart Holden.
Another match versus DC comes this Tuesday. I imagine it'll be difficult to beat the same team twice in a row at their home field, but that's what we need to do to make headway in the league. At least there's no travel in between games. Afterwards, Onstad and DeRo will have to trek to Toronto for the All-Star match up on Thursday, then it's back to SuperLiga. We should know who we face (and where) after tonight's matches.
Go Dynamo!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
SuperLiga-Final Group Stage Match
Tonight the Dynamo face DC United in a do-or-go-home match. The good news is that we have DeRo, Ching, and ERob back in the lineup; but will Ching and ERob be match fit after their injury? We also have Ianni and (most importantly) Holden for the two DCU matches before they traipse off to the Olympics in search of honor and glory. We also have Nate Jaqua, though I doubt he sees action. Maybe in our Tuesday DCU replay.
We won't have Caraccio anymore. That's a shame, but understandable given the limitations on salaries and personnel set by the League. Buena suerte, Caraccio! (I took French, not Spanish, in school, so forgive any solecism.) I know you'll find a club that suits you well.
(The same day, LA released Abel Xavier.)
Winning tonight's match is vital, but B-Fall has all of the different scenarios of winners and losers mapped out in his blog.
There's been more coverage of the Dynamo's fight on behalf of all MLS players to get better compensation from tournament purses. Or at least to allow clubs to decide what is fair for their own players. Sounds reasonable. B-Fall has an article on the imbroglio. That MLS would prevent a team from voluntary striking bonus deals with players for this type of tournament can also hurt a team like the Dynamo, who could use the incentive to entice a player to sign with the team. ESPN has an article as well.The Dynamo case could set a precedent. If an arbitrator rules in favor of Dynamo players, each MLS team could be allowed to determine payouts to players for tournaments. This certainly challenges the single-entity system and could become a milestone decision.
In other soccer news, some of the New England Revs' staff are keeping the skies safe. Certainly a timely move by the MLS club members. Even off the field the club can effectively kill any offensive environment; sometimes it is not only easier, but better, to destroy than to create.
We won't have Caraccio anymore. That's a shame, but understandable given the limitations on salaries and personnel set by the League. Buena suerte, Caraccio! (I took French, not Spanish, in school, so forgive any solecism.) I know you'll find a club that suits you well.
(The same day, LA released Abel Xavier.)
Winning tonight's match is vital, but B-Fall has all of the different scenarios of winners and losers mapped out in his blog.
There's been more coverage of the Dynamo's fight on behalf of all MLS players to get better compensation from tournament purses. Or at least to allow clubs to decide what is fair for their own players. Sounds reasonable. B-Fall has an article on the imbroglio. That MLS would prevent a team from voluntary striking bonus deals with players for this type of tournament can also hurt a team like the Dynamo, who could use the incentive to entice a player to sign with the team. ESPN has an article as well.The Dynamo case could set a precedent. If an arbitrator rules in favor of Dynamo players, each MLS team could be allowed to determine payouts to players for tournaments. This certainly challenges the single-entity system and could become a milestone decision.
In other soccer news, some of the New England Revs' staff are keeping the skies safe. Certainly a timely move by the MLS club members. Even off the field the club can effectively kill any offensive environment; sometimes it is not only easier, but better, to destroy than to create.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
SuperLiga-Beaten by the Bimbos
They're back! After a one-game respite, the 2008 Dynamo returned in full force. The two telling traits were there for all to see:
1. Solid defense except for a costly moment of confusion
2. Chances aplenty up front but no goals
That's the 2008 Dynamo, love 'em or leave 'em. And in a season of unpleasant firsts, we added a new one: losing in an international competition at home for the first time.
The 1-0 loss to Chivas-Guadalajara answered the questions I posed earlier:
In all fairness, the Dynamo were missing four key starters (DeRo, Holden, Ching, and ERob) plus a fifth usual starter (Mulrooney, who is a very useful journeyman, but his lack of specialization means he's not an essential cog in the Orange Machine). That wasn't our A-Team that was out there, although they looked like our A-Team often does, given that they maintained some solid possession, demonstrated an indefatigable work rate, and clung to those two nasty traits I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. This patched-up team, but for a lousy 5 seconds, earned themselves a draw. But 5 bad seconds can kill you in this game.
The team also had three or so point blank shots that were saved by Luis Michel, the Chivas keeper. Good goalkeeping. Dreadful finishing.
Needing only a tie to get into the semifinals, the Dynamo took their usual rocky road and are essentially forced to win this weekend versus DC at DC. That's not an easy task. We then need to beat them on July 22 to help our MLS standings. (We could move on to the semis if we tie DCU and Chivas-Bimbo beats or ties Atlante, but we want a victory. Two of them. Both in DC.)
Another tough road ahead. That's the 2008 Dynamo for you.
PS: Check out Lark's blog. Good summary of the game, recap of the atmosphere, and analysis of Caraccio.
1. Solid defense except for a costly moment of confusion
2. Chances aplenty up front but no goals
That's the 2008 Dynamo, love 'em or leave 'em. And in a season of unpleasant firsts, we added a new one: losing in an international competition at home for the first time.
The 1-0 loss to Chivas-Guadalajara answered the questions I posed earlier:
Was the domination of Atlante a fluke?This game was a "a microcosm of the Dynamo's 2008 season."
Probably. The fact that Atlante beat DC United handily does suggest that we didn't beat a pansy team. And the fact that we were missing so many starters does make it hard to say we couldn't beat Chivas-Bimbo with the lineup that beat Atlante, particularly since we were oh-so-close with the lineup we threw together. But in the absence of a different result, we have to say at this point that it was a fluke. We need some more data points (positive ones, A.K.A "victories") if we want to say that this side can be consistently good. Can you provide us with some more positive data points this year, dear Dynamo?
Can the Dynamo be creative and effective without DeRo?
Not really. Especially not when Holden is gone too.
We will be missing some regulars; Who will step up tonight?
No one. Try back again this weekend and we'll see what we can do for you.
Will Houstonians go to a game that begins at 9PM on a weeknight?
Apparently yes. But they won't necessarily be rooting for the Dynamo. Good crowd though.
Will the field still be crappy?
Ugh, yes.
In all fairness, the Dynamo were missing four key starters (DeRo, Holden, Ching, and ERob) plus a fifth usual starter (Mulrooney, who is a very useful journeyman, but his lack of specialization means he's not an essential cog in the Orange Machine). That wasn't our A-Team that was out there, although they looked like our A-Team often does, given that they maintained some solid possession, demonstrated an indefatigable work rate, and clung to those two nasty traits I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. This patched-up team, but for a lousy 5 seconds, earned themselves a draw. But 5 bad seconds can kill you in this game.
The team also had three or so point blank shots that were saved by Luis Michel, the Chivas keeper. Good goalkeeping. Dreadful finishing.
Needing only a tie to get into the semifinals, the Dynamo took their usual rocky road and are essentially forced to win this weekend versus DC at DC. That's not an easy task. We then need to beat them on July 22 to help our MLS standings. (We could move on to the semis if we tie DCU and Chivas-Bimbo beats or ties Atlante, but we want a victory. Two of them. Both in DC.)
Another tough road ahead. That's the 2008 Dynamo for you.
PS: Check out Lark's blog. Good summary of the game, recap of the atmosphere, and analysis of Caraccio.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
SuperLiga-Chivas-Guadalajara is up
Tonight the Dynamo take on the original Chivas in the 2nd match of SuperLiga group play. (Game preview.)
Questions to answer tonight:
Was the domination of Atlante a fluke?
Can the Dynamo be creative and effective without DeRo?
We will be missing some regulars; Who will step up tonight?
Will Houstonians go to a game that begins at 9PM on a weeknight?
Will the field still be crappy?
And here's an optimistic take from an East-Coaster, Ives Galarcep: Houston may only have four wins but the blowout of Atlante reminded us just how good they can be. The Dynamo will start turning those ties into wins, and for my money they are still the best team in the West.
I agree they are the best in the West. Let's hope they start getting the results that support this opinion.
Questions to answer tonight:
Was the domination of Atlante a fluke?
Can the Dynamo be creative and effective without DeRo?
We will be missing some regulars; Who will step up tonight?
Will Houstonians go to a game that begins at 9PM on a weeknight?
Will the field still be crappy?
And here's an optimistic take from an East-Coaster, Ives Galarcep: Houston may only have four wins but the blowout of Atlante reminded us just how good they can be. The Dynamo will start turning those ties into wins, and for my money they are still the best team in the West.
I agree they are the best in the West. Let's hope they start getting the results that support this opinion.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
SuperLiga-Atlante Aftermath
First things first: last night was awesome, destroying Mexican club Atlante 4-0 at Robertson. Simply awesome. Here are B-Fall's player grades. Nearly all A's, but just short even after a 4-0 win?
We got goals from both forwards (DeRo and Mullan) and two from our attacking midfielder (yup, that's Holden, who serves when DeRo is not in). Cameron served up two assists, Davis served up one free kick assist, and Barrett threaded one through for Holden's fabulous second goal.
Holden, Mullan, and Cameron were men of the match with their tireless play. Atlante were obviously in pre-season form, but let's hope this match serves as the catalyst for a great second half of the season for these three MIO, and for the team as a whole.
But first we have to face Chivas Guadalajara. They look to be in better form than Atlante. I didn't see all of their match versus DC United, but their 2-1 victory seemed to be due to a lot of luck, with DCU hitting the post hard on two occasions and missing a PK (Jaime Moreno, at that!) late in the game. Still, although they didn't look dominant, they looked better than Atlante did versus us, and we'll have to face them without DeRo.
This is the second match in a row (and maybe the fourth this season) where I thought "What the hell is DeRo doing? Is he trying to get kicked out?" Last week at Salt Lake he instigated a pushing and pointing match and he did the same last night. He didn't even get a warning in Salt Lake, but the SuperLiga ref wasn't having any of those childish shenanigans and sent DeRo off. What DeRo did was not deserving of a red card, but when you engage in tom-foolery (senseless tom-foolery at that), you take your fate out of your own hands and put it into someone else who might be capricious with it. If you want to control your destiny, act like a man.
So it seems ERob isn't the only hot-head we have on the team. DeRo has shown his temper on multiple occasions. My question: is it getting more frequent? Is there a cause? Is the increased hacking and double-teaming frustrating him and building up his irritibility?
Finally, hooray for the MLS Players Union, who is calling out the MLS. It seems the league is more than happy to market SuperLiga as having a "One Million Dollar Pot" if it sells tickets and hype, but only as long as they don't have to give that money to the players that have earned that money for the MLS and generate the revenues for the league every week. It seems that in the US, the pot is actually only $150,000 for MLS players, or just over $5,350 per player on a 28-man roster. The MLS struggles with credibility from soccer fans and sports fans in general. Improving the quality on the field and opening up the bureaucracy to the light of day would both go a long way towards improving credibility. Giving players what they earn, especially when the league itself hypes the amount, would help improve the motivation of those on the field and reduce the impression that the MLS is a Soviet-style apparat. Red card goes to the MLS on this one.
We got goals from both forwards (DeRo and Mullan) and two from our attacking midfielder (yup, that's Holden, who serves when DeRo is not in). Cameron served up two assists, Davis served up one free kick assist, and Barrett threaded one through for Holden's fabulous second goal.
Holden, Mullan, and Cameron were men of the match with their tireless play. Atlante were obviously in pre-season form, but let's hope this match serves as the catalyst for a great second half of the season for these three MIO, and for the team as a whole.
But first we have to face Chivas Guadalajara. They look to be in better form than Atlante. I didn't see all of their match versus DC United, but their 2-1 victory seemed to be due to a lot of luck, with DCU hitting the post hard on two occasions and missing a PK (Jaime Moreno, at that!) late in the game. Still, although they didn't look dominant, they looked better than Atlante did versus us, and we'll have to face them without DeRo.
This is the second match in a row (and maybe the fourth this season) where I thought "What the hell is DeRo doing? Is he trying to get kicked out?" Last week at Salt Lake he instigated a pushing and pointing match and he did the same last night. He didn't even get a warning in Salt Lake, but the SuperLiga ref wasn't having any of those childish shenanigans and sent DeRo off. What DeRo did was not deserving of a red card, but when you engage in tom-foolery (senseless tom-foolery at that), you take your fate out of your own hands and put it into someone else who might be capricious with it. If you want to control your destiny, act like a man.
So it seems ERob isn't the only hot-head we have on the team. DeRo has shown his temper on multiple occasions. My question: is it getting more frequent? Is there a cause? Is the increased hacking and double-teaming frustrating him and building up his irritibility?
Finally, hooray for the MLS Players Union, who is calling out the MLS. It seems the league is more than happy to market SuperLiga as having a "One Million Dollar Pot" if it sells tickets and hype, but only as long as they don't have to give that money to the players that have earned that money for the MLS and generate the revenues for the league every week. It seems that in the US, the pot is actually only $150,000 for MLS players, or just over $5,350 per player on a 28-man roster. The MLS struggles with credibility from soccer fans and sports fans in general. Improving the quality on the field and opening up the bureaucracy to the light of day would both go a long way towards improving credibility. Giving players what they earn, especially when the league itself hypes the amount, would help improve the motivation of those on the field and reduce the impression that the MLS is a Soviet-style apparat. Red card goes to the MLS on this one.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A moment about Ching, DeRo's foot, and Rojo for Blanco
There's an article in the Seattle paper about former Sounder, Brian Ching. Regarding the move to Houston: "It was a hectic first couple of months, and we really didn't feel settled until August or September. Having said that, the fans have really made us feel at home, especially on the field. But they inherited a winning team and that definitely helps."
Who in the MLS is likeliest to break the sound barrier with his shot? According to DC goalkeeper Zach Wells, it's our own DeRo. Now if only the Canadian Rocketeer could get those on target this season...
Check this out. It seems the ever-creative Blanco does more than just highlight other players' fouls with melodramatic falls, he himself is a rapacious fouler of the most disgusting kind. Eye-gouging?
Who in the MLS is likeliest to break the sound barrier with his shot? According to DC goalkeeper Zach Wells, it's our own DeRo. Now if only the Canadian Rocketeer could get those on target this season...
Check this out. It seems the ever-creative Blanco does more than just highlight other players' fouls with melodramatic falls, he himself is a rapacious fouler of the most disgusting kind. Eye-gouging?
Media roundup (part deux)
ESPN Classic is hosting a series on The Art of Football, hosted by John Cleese. Don't know much about it, but it looks like it's going to start this Sunday, July 13, so check your listings. Maybe. The page for the show included a cool quote by uber-referee, Pierluigi Collina: "A good referee must defend creativity on the pitch. That is a very important role. If you make mistakes in this role, the beauty of the game and the creativity of the players can be influenced in a negative way." Amen.
I didn't attend the Free Kick Masters (and it sounds like it was a good thing I didn't), but I felt like I was there after reading Jen Chang's detailed account of the event. Here is his pre-event entry, with a tip o' the hat to DeRo. B-Fall also covered it in his blog.
And speaking of celebrity sightings, here's another nice recap of the Claudia Reyna-Steve Nash charity soccer game in New York last month. (More links here.) "This Is American Soccer" has some cool photos of the event.
Finally, check out the Dynamo blog. It quashes the rumor about DeRo going to FC Copenhagen, updates us on the Dynamo Academy's peformance in the SUM U-17 Cup tournament, and presents some nice photos of a few players and their wives at the Ronald McDonald House on June 27.
I didn't attend the Free Kick Masters (and it sounds like it was a good thing I didn't), but I felt like I was there after reading Jen Chang's detailed account of the event. Here is his pre-event entry, with a tip o' the hat to DeRo. B-Fall also covered it in his blog.
And speaking of celebrity sightings, here's another nice recap of the Claudia Reyna-Steve Nash charity soccer game in New York last month. (More links here.) "This Is American Soccer" has some cool photos of the event.
Finally, check out the Dynamo blog. It quashes the rumor about DeRo going to FC Copenhagen, updates us on the Dynamo Academy's peformance in the SUM U-17 Cup tournament, and presents some nice photos of a few players and their wives at the Ronald McDonald House on June 27.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Another media roundup - Midseason edition
As wordy as I can be, I won't waste time on prolix introductions. Here's a summary of some interesting articles that touch on all things Orange.
"Climbing the Ladder" has the midway stats for each MLS team. Last year Houston earned 1.73 points per game by the midway point, 0.48 higher than this year's 1.06 average. The reason for that drop is because we're only scoring 1.06 goals per game (0.37 fewer than last year's midseason average of 1.43) while conceding 1.19 goals per game (compared to last year's dominant 0.77 per game). Of the 14 teams, our points per game average ties us with RSL at #10. Our goals allowed average puts our defense at a respectable third place (behind only Chicago and New England and tied with RSL). We are allowing more goals than last year, and that change from last year's GAA is the second worst drop (of the 13 teams that played last year), but it just so happens that last year's defense was so good that a drop in quality is to be expected, and a significant drop still puts us in the top three defensively. Our offensive production is 11th, ahead of only New York, Kansas City, and expansion San Jose. In case you didn't know: that's not good.
Steve Davis does his weekly MLS roundup -- this one from the midseason perspective. He spends some time on the Dynamo. Houston has tied half of its 16 games. Why so many? Just look at the latest draw, one that kicked off Round 15 of MLS matches, a scoreless tie at Real Salt Lake. Houston's defense was good enough to keep an attack-minded RSL side from ever claiming the big goal. But at the other end, Houston managed just two shots on target. The result was a 0-0 tie, which isn't bad on the road. On the other hand, Kinnear's outfit has just two goals in its last four MLS matches. Good defense. Stagnant offense. Sounds like a draw waiting to happen, no matter how good the team feels about itself.
Speaking of the RSL match, Soccer America has an article that's mosting a "calling-out" of RSL Coach Jason Kries. About the Dynamo-RSL game: Houston’s tie was its eighth in 16 games yet it just missed scoring a late winner when Brian Ching just failed to get his head on a cross. Of its 10 shots, five came in the final 10 minutes. The Dynamo kept pushing to score a winning goal, RSL got into a pushing contest. That's an interesting unpartisan outlook on how the two teams approached the endgame of the match. The article concludes with some advice for RSL that the Dynamo should heed (and, fortunately, the Dynamo already realize): In all team sports, mediocre teams are mediocre because they can’t win close games, and in soccer, chances don’t decide game. Goals do. It’s harsh, it’s unfair, and sometimes painfully cruel, but that’s how it works. Don’t moan about being the better team. Prove it.
As you know, Dynamo will spend much of July battling for the SuperLiga Cup. The Chronicle has an article on how the tourney could revive the Dynamo's lackluster season. The League website has a similarly-themed article. The LA Daily News has a brief piece on the tournament as well. Despite the generally superior players (and far higher team salaries) on the Mexican teams, the timing of the tournament has proved a great leveler that accentuates the clash of futbol cultures.
And from the most recent tournament that saw Houston fall -- the US Open Cup -- comes some news that may hearten the disheartened Houston fan. As you know, Dynamo's Reserve team couldn't beat the USL Charlestown Battery, but managed a draw and lost only on penalties. FC Dallas' regular starting 11 couldn't even manage doing as well as our Reserves. The "Hoops" got manhandled by the USL team 3-1, with the lone Dallas goal coming as a consolation goal in the 94th minute. It could be worse, guys; we could be Dallas fans.
Finally, the Bellaire Examiner has an article on the Dynamo's supporters groups. The north and south ends of Robertson Stadium are home to Houston’s most rambunctious group of supporters, The Texian Army and El Batallon. To truly understand these groups, one must understand one basic concept: a supporter is very different from a fan. Also: With live music, nonstop singing and dancing, and more confetti and streamers than they know what to do with, Dynamo supporters provide the entire stadium, fans and players alike, constant liveliness and entertainment. They may be in large part to thank for a Dynamo home record of 24 wins, 12 ties, and only 6 losses. Hey, that's perfect doubling of results in the right direction 6=>12=>24.
Stay Orange.
"Climbing the Ladder" has the midway stats for each MLS team. Last year Houston earned 1.73 points per game by the midway point, 0.48 higher than this year's 1.06 average. The reason for that drop is because we're only scoring 1.06 goals per game (0.37 fewer than last year's midseason average of 1.43) while conceding 1.19 goals per game (compared to last year's dominant 0.77 per game). Of the 14 teams, our points per game average ties us with RSL at #10. Our goals allowed average puts our defense at a respectable third place (behind only Chicago and New England and tied with RSL). We are allowing more goals than last year, and that change from last year's GAA is the second worst drop (of the 13 teams that played last year), but it just so happens that last year's defense was so good that a drop in quality is to be expected, and a significant drop still puts us in the top three defensively. Our offensive production is 11th, ahead of only New York, Kansas City, and expansion San Jose. In case you didn't know: that's not good.
Steve Davis does his weekly MLS roundup -- this one from the midseason perspective. He spends some time on the Dynamo. Houston has tied half of its 16 games. Why so many? Just look at the latest draw, one that kicked off Round 15 of MLS matches, a scoreless tie at Real Salt Lake. Houston's defense was good enough to keep an attack-minded RSL side from ever claiming the big goal. But at the other end, Houston managed just two shots on target. The result was a 0-0 tie, which isn't bad on the road. On the other hand, Kinnear's outfit has just two goals in its last four MLS matches. Good defense. Stagnant offense. Sounds like a draw waiting to happen, no matter how good the team feels about itself.
Speaking of the RSL match, Soccer America has an article that's mosting a "calling-out" of RSL Coach Jason Kries. About the Dynamo-RSL game: Houston’s tie was its eighth in 16 games yet it just missed scoring a late winner when Brian Ching just failed to get his head on a cross. Of its 10 shots, five came in the final 10 minutes. The Dynamo kept pushing to score a winning goal, RSL got into a pushing contest. That's an interesting unpartisan outlook on how the two teams approached the endgame of the match. The article concludes with some advice for RSL that the Dynamo should heed (and, fortunately, the Dynamo already realize): In all team sports, mediocre teams are mediocre because they can’t win close games, and in soccer, chances don’t decide game. Goals do. It’s harsh, it’s unfair, and sometimes painfully cruel, but that’s how it works. Don’t moan about being the better team. Prove it.
As you know, Dynamo will spend much of July battling for the SuperLiga Cup. The Chronicle has an article on how the tourney could revive the Dynamo's lackluster season. The League website has a similarly-themed article. The LA Daily News has a brief piece on the tournament as well. Despite the generally superior players (and far higher team salaries) on the Mexican teams, the timing of the tournament has proved a great leveler that accentuates the clash of futbol cultures.
And from the most recent tournament that saw Houston fall -- the US Open Cup -- comes some news that may hearten the disheartened Houston fan. As you know, Dynamo's Reserve team couldn't beat the USL Charlestown Battery, but managed a draw and lost only on penalties. FC Dallas' regular starting 11 couldn't even manage doing as well as our Reserves. The "Hoops" got manhandled by the USL team 3-1, with the lone Dallas goal coming as a consolation goal in the 94th minute. It could be worse, guys; we could be Dallas fans.
Finally, the Bellaire Examiner has an article on the Dynamo's supporters groups. The north and south ends of Robertson Stadium are home to Houston’s most rambunctious group of supporters, The Texian Army and El Batallon. To truly understand these groups, one must understand one basic concept: a supporter is very different from a fan. Also: With live music, nonstop singing and dancing, and more confetti and streamers than they know what to do with, Dynamo supporters provide the entire stadium, fans and players alike, constant liveliness and entertainment. They may be in large part to thank for a Dynamo home record of 24 wins, 12 ties, and only 6 losses. Hey, that's perfect doubling of results in the right direction 6=>12=>24.
Stay Orange.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Salt Lake - post facto
Hope all had a great Independence Day weekend. I did. Except for Thursday.
Thursday night the game started late, so I first watched a movie I had rented: "Be Kind Rewind." I didn't enjoy it much. It tried very hard, but had very little heart and passion. It was very choppy, with very little continuity from one event to the next. And the ending didn't seem to resolve anything and left me hanging. And do you want to hear my opinion of the movie, too?
Well, same description goes for the movie. It would have been better with more "sweded" movies included.
Back to the match.
Well, actually not much to say there. Here's the match recap. All in all it was one of the more dreary performances by the MIO, likely due partially to the turf. We should have had a free kick or PK early on when a cross by Mullan was knocked down by the extended arm of a defender right on the line of the penalty box, but the ref didn't see it or didn't deem it worth a free kick. Our best chances for a goal came late, particularly with a rocket of a shot by Mullan in the 84th and a sneaky header by DeRo that was heading for the corner of the goal before a goal line clearance by an RSL defender.
But Salt Lake definitely had the more dangerous chances, and the only way we ended up with a point was due to the ever-steady Onstad, some good positioning by the defenders, and some simple good fortune. Our midfield couldn't establish any sustained rhythm to maintain possession, which is highly unusual. Our forwards had a performance typical for this season, only this occasion was exacerbated by the lack of possession and service from the middies.
Salt Lake was extremely physical -- FC Dallas-style physical with the likes of Olave and Wingert taking out players when they were beaten. In the end, we resorted to the same tactics more than usual (at least, more than usual when E-Rob is not on the field) since that was the style of play RSL and the officials seem to want to play on the turf. Ugly game aesthetically and technically. I'm glad it's our last game in that stadium...unless something happens in the MLS Cup tourney that takes us back there.
After the MLS league action this weekend, our one point puts us in fourth place with more draws than any other club. (Three points would have flung us to the top.) We're one point from fifth and two points from sixth, and we don't have any League games to generate forward momentum until July 22. That's not too big of a problem, because two of the other Western Conference clubs have played as many games as us, and the other four clubs have only one game in hand. Therefore, we have as many games as the rest of the conference does to generate points.
The trip to Salt Lake ended with the Reserves losing their first match, 5-3. Don't know if that result had anything to do with our third string goalkeeper tending the nets. In the recap, it sounds like the defense didn't do the GK any favors.
Thursday night the game started late, so I first watched a movie I had rented: "Be Kind Rewind." I didn't enjoy it much. It tried very hard, but had very little heart and passion. It was very choppy, with very little continuity from one event to the next. And the ending didn't seem to resolve anything and left me hanging. And do you want to hear my opinion of the movie, too?
Well, same description goes for the movie. It would have been better with more "sweded" movies included.
Back to the match.
Well, actually not much to say there. Here's the match recap. All in all it was one of the more dreary performances by the MIO, likely due partially to the turf. We should have had a free kick or PK early on when a cross by Mullan was knocked down by the extended arm of a defender right on the line of the penalty box, but the ref didn't see it or didn't deem it worth a free kick. Our best chances for a goal came late, particularly with a rocket of a shot by Mullan in the 84th and a sneaky header by DeRo that was heading for the corner of the goal before a goal line clearance by an RSL defender.
But Salt Lake definitely had the more dangerous chances, and the only way we ended up with a point was due to the ever-steady Onstad, some good positioning by the defenders, and some simple good fortune. Our midfield couldn't establish any sustained rhythm to maintain possession, which is highly unusual. Our forwards had a performance typical for this season, only this occasion was exacerbated by the lack of possession and service from the middies.
Salt Lake was extremely physical -- FC Dallas-style physical with the likes of Olave and Wingert taking out players when they were beaten. In the end, we resorted to the same tactics more than usual (at least, more than usual when E-Rob is not on the field) since that was the style of play RSL and the officials seem to want to play on the turf. Ugly game aesthetically and technically. I'm glad it's our last game in that stadium...unless something happens in the MLS Cup tourney that takes us back there.
After the MLS league action this weekend, our one point puts us in fourth place with more draws than any other club. (Three points would have flung us to the top.) We're one point from fifth and two points from sixth, and we don't have any League games to generate forward momentum until July 22. That's not too big of a problem, because two of the other Western Conference clubs have played as many games as us, and the other four clubs have only one game in hand. Therefore, we have as many games as the rest of the conference does to generate points.
The trip to Salt Lake ended with the Reserves losing their first match, 5-3. Don't know if that result had anything to do with our third string goalkeeper tending the nets. In the recap, it sounds like the defense didn't do the GK any favors.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Astroturf, Jaqua, Dalglish, and unimpressed journalistas
Tonight the Dynamo play RSL for the last time on the astroturf of the University of Utah. That's a good thing. One pundit predicts Houston winning 2-1. B-Fall talks about how tonight's game is just the beginning of the more difficult 2nd half of the season. (Yah mean we only got 4 wins on the EASY half?) He also has some soccer notes that discuss the likelihood of Nate Jaqua being added to the roster for the remainder of this season then going to Seattle for next season. I think most people realize Jaqua's limitations, but are willing to try anything to turn the malaise around. Plus Jaqua is a good sub for Ching when (if) Ching is away with the USMNT or, should misfortune strike, due to injury.
Speaking of ex-Dynamos, B-Fall has a cool article about Dalglish who has definitely settled in the area. I think this is so cool because it is the first discussion of the lasting effects of having a professional team in the area: permanent colonization by professional players from afar. This will only grow the exposure as the new residents, and the relationships they still maintain nationally and internationally, bring an influx of talent and mentoring to the area. It expands Houston's footprint in the soccer universe. It also kind of makes one proud to live in an area where scions of the English soccer aristocracy say they "like it here" and are starting soccer camps (Braveheart Soccer Camps) "to give a little bit back to the community that was so good to me when I was here." Daggers, who is taking on several local youth coaching roles including with the Dynamo Academy, also talks about "beautiful Texas girls" who apprently "don't like to leave Texas." So it's good that Houston has some things that can overcome the heat, humidity, and mosquitos.
Ever wonder how the Dynamo's Season of Mediocrity is viewed in the national press, outside the sphere of Houston? How's is this for an assessment of the Dynamo's latest run of form: Football is my life and I could get excited about watching a U-8 AYSO game, but even I couldn't put a positive spin on the performances of Houston over the past few weeks of the season. This Dynamo team has been performing so flat that it makes it difficult to watch their games without finding myself nodding off. Fans of Houston will always tell you that their team will turn it on in the playoffs when it really counts, but on the evidence of their last few performances, I just don't see it happening this year. Ouch! That comes from Keith Costigan's "Power Rankings" on Fox Sports. He currently has Houston at #10. (That's a "power ranking" of recent form, not an overall assessment of the season.) He started the season with the Dynamo at #2 and has had them as low as #14. Yeah, there are only 14 teams in the league.
ESPN ranks the teams weekly as well. Let's see how the Dynamo have fared according to that Website:
Pre-Season: #1
Week 1: #5
Week 2 #9
Week 3: #11
Week 4: #10
Week 5: #12
Week 6: #12
Week 7: #9
Week 8: #7
Week 9: #8
Week 10:#7
Week 11: #4
Week 12: #6
Week 13: #6
Week 14: #6
During the break (at least in league games), I'll have to compare the halfway point of this year to past years. Of course the stats mean nothing; we all know this season has been less fullfilling.
Speaking of ex-Dynamos, B-Fall has a cool article about Dalglish who has definitely settled in the area. I think this is so cool because it is the first discussion of the lasting effects of having a professional team in the area: permanent colonization by professional players from afar. This will only grow the exposure as the new residents, and the relationships they still maintain nationally and internationally, bring an influx of talent and mentoring to the area. It expands Houston's footprint in the soccer universe. It also kind of makes one proud to live in an area where scions of the English soccer aristocracy say they "like it here" and are starting soccer camps (Braveheart Soccer Camps) "to give a little bit back to the community that was so good to me when I was here." Daggers, who is taking on several local youth coaching roles including with the Dynamo Academy, also talks about "beautiful Texas girls" who apprently "don't like to leave Texas." So it's good that Houston has some things that can overcome the heat, humidity, and mosquitos.
Ever wonder how the Dynamo's Season of Mediocrity is viewed in the national press, outside the sphere of Houston? How's is this for an assessment of the Dynamo's latest run of form: Football is my life and I could get excited about watching a U-8 AYSO game, but even I couldn't put a positive spin on the performances of Houston over the past few weeks of the season. This Dynamo team has been performing so flat that it makes it difficult to watch their games without finding myself nodding off. Fans of Houston will always tell you that their team will turn it on in the playoffs when it really counts, but on the evidence of their last few performances, I just don't see it happening this year. Ouch! That comes from Keith Costigan's "Power Rankings" on Fox Sports. He currently has Houston at #10. (That's a "power ranking" of recent form, not an overall assessment of the season.) He started the season with the Dynamo at #2 and has had them as low as #14. Yeah, there are only 14 teams in the league.
ESPN ranks the teams weekly as well. Let's see how the Dynamo have fared according to that Website:
Pre-Season: #1
Week 1: #5
Week 2 #9
Week 3: #11
Week 4: #10
Week 5: #12
Week 6: #12
Week 7: #9
Week 8: #7
Week 9: #8
Week 10:#7
Week 11: #4
Week 12: #6
Week 13: #6
Week 14: #6
During the break (at least in league games), I'll have to compare the halfway point of this year to past years. Of course the stats mean nothing; we all know this season has been less fullfilling.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Dynamo battered by Battery
Well, we see that MLS Reserves can compete versus a top-tier USL team, but they cannot beat a top-tier USL team. Dynamo-R were the second best team in the first half. They managed to improve their play in the second half and, 15 minutes after the Battery went down to 10 men, Dynamo-R managed to find an equalizer. After the Battery went down to 9 men, Dynamo-R were out of creative ideas and the 11 only managed to give about as much as they got from the 9. That's nothing to be proud about.
Yes, this was the Dynamo-R, not the Dynamo. I'm completely fine with that choice of personnel. A reserve squad losing to a good USL team in PKs is completely understandable. Losing to a 9-man team (who still looked like they could score with those 9 men)? That's a sign that our Reserves have a lot of maturing to do. I also can't help but wonder why The Dom didn't make the moves in extra time that could have taken advantage of the 2-man advantage and prevent going to PKs. I believe the US Open Cup allows a lot more than the traditional 3 substitutes.
Once the PKs start, the result becomes a crapshoot. And, unfortunately, the USL players were the ones who looked confident and composed when taking their kicks. The Dynamo-R did not. That is completely unacceptable for an MLS club.
How did New England Revolution (who schooled us in our two meetings this year) fare with their reserve squad? They beat the Richmond Kickers 3-0. Taylor Twellman (just off injured reserve) and (maybe) Kenny Mansally are the only names you'd probably recognize on that reserve squad, yet they managed to take care of business.
All in all, a very disappointing indictment of the status of the Dynamo Club and the Club's development system. Let's hope a good result comes on Thursday to wash the bitter taste of this result out of our mouth. Without the possibility of winning the US Open Cup (and we're not even sniffing distance from the Supporters' Shield), we'll need to win the MLS Cup or come in second in the MLS Cup if we wish to compete in next year's CONCACAF Champions League. Slowly but surely, we're trimming our options by losing key matches. Being destroyed in the Pan-Pacific final, losing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, embarrassed in the league opener, held winless through the month of April and being the last team to record its first win, losing El Capitan, losing to a 9-man squad in the US Open Cup...it's time for the MIO to man up and succeed at something this season. And quickly.
Hmm. I guess I'm bitter.
Addendum, the morning after...
First of all, I'm less bitter, but still bitter.
Here is the official recap of the game and an anecdotal recap of the game. Charleston used four subs, the Dynamo used a paltry two. "Paltry" because you are allowed more than the typical three in the US Open Cup, and the MIO-R had played 120 minutes.
The Chronicle has its own post-game article. The Battery again had more juice than the Dynamo.
Another ESPN match for the Dynamo tomorrow, so Soccernet has a preview of the game vs RSL. Houston hasn't been horrible in the season's first three months. In fact, the team is tied for the fewest losses in MLS. But the Dynamo have found it difficult to beat teams, and their league-high seven draws have meant that the defending champs have gone sideways for much of the season.
Go Dynamo!
Yes, this was the Dynamo-R, not the Dynamo. I'm completely fine with that choice of personnel. A reserve squad losing to a good USL team in PKs is completely understandable. Losing to a 9-man team (who still looked like they could score with those 9 men)? That's a sign that our Reserves have a lot of maturing to do. I also can't help but wonder why The Dom didn't make the moves in extra time that could have taken advantage of the 2-man advantage and prevent going to PKs. I believe the US Open Cup allows a lot more than the traditional 3 substitutes.
Once the PKs start, the result becomes a crapshoot. And, unfortunately, the USL players were the ones who looked confident and composed when taking their kicks. The Dynamo-R did not. That is completely unacceptable for an MLS club.
How did New England Revolution (who schooled us in our two meetings this year) fare with their reserve squad? They beat the Richmond Kickers 3-0. Taylor Twellman (just off injured reserve) and (maybe) Kenny Mansally are the only names you'd probably recognize on that reserve squad, yet they managed to take care of business.
All in all, a very disappointing indictment of the status of the Dynamo Club and the Club's development system. Let's hope a good result comes on Thursday to wash the bitter taste of this result out of our mouth. Without the possibility of winning the US Open Cup (and we're not even sniffing distance from the Supporters' Shield), we'll need to win the MLS Cup or come in second in the MLS Cup if we wish to compete in next year's CONCACAF Champions League. Slowly but surely, we're trimming our options by losing key matches. Being destroyed in the Pan-Pacific final, losing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, embarrassed in the league opener, held winless through the month of April and being the last team to record its first win, losing El Capitan, losing to a 9-man squad in the US Open Cup...it's time for the MIO to man up and succeed at something this season. And quickly.
Hmm. I guess I'm bitter.
Addendum, the morning after...
First of all, I'm less bitter, but still bitter.
Here is the official recap of the game and an anecdotal recap of the game. Charleston used four subs, the Dynamo used a paltry two. "Paltry" because you are allowed more than the typical three in the US Open Cup, and the MIO-R had played 120 minutes.
The Chronicle has its own post-game article. The Battery again had more juice than the Dynamo.
Another ESPN match for the Dynamo tomorrow, so Soccernet has a preview of the game vs RSL. Houston hasn't been horrible in the season's first three months. In fact, the team is tied for the fewest losses in MLS. But the Dynamo have found it difficult to beat teams, and their league-high seven draws have meant that the defending champs have gone sideways for much of the season.
Go Dynamo!
Battery is Included
Tonight the Dynamo begin their quest for the US Open Cup, the oldest cup competition in the United States. It was born in 1914, during Woodrow Wilson's term as president.
Here is the game preview. The team blog is here. (Looks like the blogger had interned with the Dallas Burn prior to working with the Dynamo, but that's just my guess). You can watch the match online at USLLive.com.
The Chronicle has a pre-game article as well. Wondo says: "This is a big game; it means something. We certainly take the reserve games very seriously, but this is a step up." Chabala says: "These are games for us to take advantage of. Dom gives us the privilege to take that game because we've worked hard and done well. It's time for us to pull our weight and get a win. It's a tournament we've never won as a club, and it's one we want to put on our trophy case."
Last year a mostly Reserve-unit of the Dynamo lost to the Battery in OT. This year, with a league match in Salt Lake just two days away, we'll probably field a mostly Reserve team again. I have no problem with that.
Go Dynamo!
Here is the game preview. The team blog is here. (Looks like the blogger had interned with the Dallas Burn prior to working with the Dynamo, but that's just my guess). You can watch the match online at USLLive.com.
The Chronicle has a pre-game article as well. Wondo says: "This is a big game; it means something. We certainly take the reserve games very seriously, but this is a step up." Chabala says: "These are games for us to take advantage of. Dom gives us the privilege to take that game because we've worked hard and done well. It's time for us to pull our weight and get a win. It's a tournament we've never won as a club, and it's one we want to put on our trophy case."
Last year a mostly Reserve-unit of the Dynamo lost to the Battery in OT. This year, with a league match in Salt Lake just two days away, we'll probably field a mostly Reserve team again. I have no problem with that.
- It gives the Reserves a chance to compete for something meaningful.
- The Reserves of an MLS team should be capable of competing with a USL team.
- Our starters need time to recuperate. And they had better take advantage of the time off by getting a result on Thursday.
Go Dynamo!
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