To punish me for my latent cynicism, the Lords of Soccer conspired with the Fates to keep me from the game tonight. Thankfully, The Tube provides a local broadcast of the game. Charlie Pallilo does a decent job (he knows sports, even if he's just learning soccer) and Glenn Davis is always insightful. The camera work is as good as Fox Soccer Channel's local crew, if behind ESPN's professionalism. I didn’t have any complaints except for the camera losing the ball a couple of times, and the replays were a bit frustrating (replaying the wrong play in question, for instance).
Some things about the game:
Davis Chevrolet needs to check their commercials for typos, unless they really are at 610 and Kriby.
The commercial pronouncing that the Dynamo had 51 goals last season but have only one goal this season is supposed to indicate how focused the Dynamo are on winning it all again. Instead, it is a bitter reminder that the Dynamo have only one goal this season. One goal after 4 games. That puts us behind everyone except for Toronto FC. Yes, even RSL and the Crew have more goals.
DeRo had a much better game. In fact, this is the first game this season where I thought the team played well for a majority of the game. For that reason, the loss wouldn't worry me if it hadn’t been preceded by the first three games that we've ambled through. The first half was all Dynamo, and DeRo was working the ball and taking chances. But then: what happened at the beginning of the second half? The first 15 minutes, we were completely flat and let the Fahr dictate the game. And once the goal was scored, we faced the bunker; and we know how hard it is for the Dynamo -- or any team, really -- to find the net on a bunkered team.
As for the goal, I was surprised to see Wade Barrett mistime his challenge. That's unlike him, and was an unfortunate mistake. Also, I wonder if the other back (Robinson, was it?) shielded Onstad from the ball, because the shot looked a bit soft yet easily beat a delayed Onstad.
Dynamo let go of the throttle at the beginning of the second and had to pay the price. And despite carrying the first half and the last part of the second half, Dynamo lagged behind the Fahr on shots, shots on goal, and of course the most important stat: goals.
Next week we play Colorado. Dynamo prefers the narrow confines of The Rob, but I wonder if their style of play wouldn't be better on a wider field. If so, then maybe they'll fare better in Colorado. One could hope. Lords of Soccer, can you help?
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Playing with Fahr
For the first time in this early season, Dynamo have a full week off between matches. Plus, they've had home cooking for the past week. Thus they should be rested, reinvigorated, and, most of all, hungry for a win when they meet the Chicago Fahr (the Texas way to pronounce the name) tomorrow.
It's too early to talk about "must wins" and worry about a poor season, but the fact is that Dynamo Houston have not impressed so far this season. They need to show their mettle -- and soon -- to show that they are a team that can drive their collective selves to a higher level, and show that they don't require an outside agent (like adversity) in order to thrive.
On a less psychological level, Dynamo need to show some sort of creativity and even diversity on the attack. Our strength is our flank play, sure; but is that all we really can throw at people? Ching is perfectly suited for that style of play (as are Davis and Mullan on the distribution side), but can teams just shut him down to hold us toothless? We don't have any other solid threats to redirect crosses, except for our defenders on set plays.
What we need on the attack is DeRo and Clark to show their wizardry in the middle, while Ching's partner up front needs to threaten with penetrating runs. Last year, Dalglish was the only forward to offer that threat; this year his slump in form is no different than the rest of the team's. With a solid threat up the middle, plus Ching's talents on finishing the work of our wingers, we are a dual threat and a solid contender in the MLS West. With one-dimensional play? Well, we'll score 1 goal every 3 games until Toronto and RSL come to town.
(Is DeRo the Dynamo Lance Berkman this year? And last year, for that matter? So goes Lance/DeRo, so goes the Astros/Dynamo? Discuss.)
On the other end of the ball, the defense is as physical as ever, but seems slower than last year. Whether it's Pachuca, or Donovan of LA, or Galindo of US Goats, or Dane Richards and Jozy-A of RBNY, if you've got speed, you're knocking on Onstad's door. (Or Wells' if you're Pachuca.) If we can't handle speedy attackers, then we need to rely on better positioning instead. It's a fixable problem.
I am optimistically thinking the offense responds to the rest, and the defense (particularly Onstad) maintains the integrity of their homefield. I say 2-0 Dynamo.
A Brief Sojourn into Cynicism
I must confess, when I heard that Dynamo Houston had taken on the Virginia Tech cause for this match versus the Fahr, I didn't cheer for the the team's humanity. I groaned.
No, I am not heartless ... or at least not due to a lack of sympathy for the victims and (most especially) their families. Whenever such pain is inflicted on a scale that makes the media flush with excitement, then those of us who are powerless spectators want to do SOMEthing because we are compassionate yet, as I said, powerless.
Enter the merchants who offer their charity as long as you buy their product. "Buy a six pack of beer and we'll give a percentage to MADD." In other words, give me money and I'll be sure that some of that money goes to something you value. Of course, if we wanted to help, more help would go to the needy if we gave directly to the charity and avoided the middle man. But we instead praise the middle man for his benevolent soul and ignore the slick marketing line we've been fed.
Sometimes it seems our need to come to terms with our own feelings of pain and/or impotence forces us into action even when our intrusion is not needed or wanted. Yet, we selfishly force ourselves onto the true victims, as if our need to cure our minor pain overwhelms our desire to help those who are truly in pain. Sometimes we even take on the mantle of victims ourselves.
So, that's my beef. But having said that, I've heard several VT alumni say they appreciate the gesture, which means the gesture certainly has some worth. (Of course the alumni are emotionally hit even harder by the magnitude of these events, yet are just as powerless as the rest of us, so the urge to do SOMEthing probably is more acute with them.)
Note that my disdain for such marketing spins has nothing to do with Team Dynamo: the coaches and players. They're merely playing a game and doing what they can to help and bring attention to a cause. Nor do I condemn the purchasers who feel good in what they do, as long as they don't feel superior because of what they did. My cynicism (and I rightfully admit that it is jaded cynicism) is reserved for the marketing merchants who prey on the emotions of others. Does that describe Corporate Dynamo? Possibly not. But I still don't feel like I'm helping the world because I'm watching a soccer game, just like I don't feel like I've supported public education because I've bought a lottery ticket.
Fantasy Soccer
I've never been into fantasy sports, but I did venture into fantasy soccer last year and enjoyed it immensely. I ended up something like 950th overall, but I did take my league. This year I'm floating around 15th in my 75-team Dynamo league. That puts me nearly 3000th overall. Less than stellar, to be sure.
Last year the game was played differently. Players' cost rose and fell according to demand. A good manager could find an overlooked talent and bring him on cheaply, then sell him for more at a later date and use the profits to bring in even better talent. That made cheap players as valuable as expensive players. This year, the prices are the same each week and the team cap doesn't waver. It seems luck plays a bigger role with this method. (Yeah, luck is why I'm 3000th. No, really!)
I got an extra dose of fantasy pain this week. I knew that KC had two games this week, so I picked up Eddie Johnson and put him as my captain. Just before the transfer deadline, I inexplicably switched to Carlos Ruiz as my captain. That was a bad move, as Eddie J has 2 goals this week to Ruiz's 0. I guess I should be happy that I at least have Eddie J on my team at all, but switching captains cost me several hundred points. I guess I'm pulling for a brace from Ruiz tomorrow vs the Revs. I wouldn't mind if the Revs won though, just to keep FCD's points down. Lessee, Shaka is still in goal, so a 3-2 Revs win isn't unthinkable.
Last week I had:
Dynamo ties RBNY 1-1 (nope, 10-man Red Bull won)
KC over Fire (Nope)
Chivas over RSL (Yep, a no brainer)
FCD ties Colorado (Nope, FCD was outplayed, but won)
That puts me at 3-2-5 (W-D-L) or 3-7. Don't take me to Vegas, friend. I'm just glad that I'm too late this week to enter any more predictions for the weekend.
Catch you on the other end of the game. Go Maroon.
It's too early to talk about "must wins" and worry about a poor season, but the fact is that Dynamo Houston have not impressed so far this season. They need to show their mettle -- and soon -- to show that they are a team that can drive their collective selves to a higher level, and show that they don't require an outside agent (like adversity) in order to thrive.
On a less psychological level, Dynamo need to show some sort of creativity and even diversity on the attack. Our strength is our flank play, sure; but is that all we really can throw at people? Ching is perfectly suited for that style of play (as are Davis and Mullan on the distribution side), but can teams just shut him down to hold us toothless? We don't have any other solid threats to redirect crosses, except for our defenders on set plays.
What we need on the attack is DeRo and Clark to show their wizardry in the middle, while Ching's partner up front needs to threaten with penetrating runs. Last year, Dalglish was the only forward to offer that threat; this year his slump in form is no different than the rest of the team's. With a solid threat up the middle, plus Ching's talents on finishing the work of our wingers, we are a dual threat and a solid contender in the MLS West. With one-dimensional play? Well, we'll score 1 goal every 3 games until Toronto and RSL come to town.
(Is DeRo the Dynamo Lance Berkman this year? And last year, for that matter? So goes Lance/DeRo, so goes the Astros/Dynamo? Discuss.)
On the other end of the ball, the defense is as physical as ever, but seems slower than last year. Whether it's Pachuca, or Donovan of LA, or Galindo of US Goats, or Dane Richards and Jozy-A of RBNY, if you've got speed, you're knocking on Onstad's door. (Or Wells' if you're Pachuca.) If we can't handle speedy attackers, then we need to rely on better positioning instead. It's a fixable problem.
I am optimistically thinking the offense responds to the rest, and the defense (particularly Onstad) maintains the integrity of their homefield. I say 2-0 Dynamo.
A Brief Sojourn into Cynicism
I must confess, when I heard that Dynamo Houston had taken on the Virginia Tech cause for this match versus the Fahr, I didn't cheer for the the team's humanity. I groaned.
No, I am not heartless ... or at least not due to a lack of sympathy for the victims and (most especially) their families. Whenever such pain is inflicted on a scale that makes the media flush with excitement, then those of us who are powerless spectators want to do SOMEthing because we are compassionate yet, as I said, powerless.
Enter the merchants who offer their charity as long as you buy their product. "Buy a six pack of beer and we'll give a percentage to MADD." In other words, give me money and I'll be sure that some of that money goes to something you value. Of course, if we wanted to help, more help would go to the needy if we gave directly to the charity and avoided the middle man. But we instead praise the middle man for his benevolent soul and ignore the slick marketing line we've been fed.
Sometimes it seems our need to come to terms with our own feelings of pain and/or impotence forces us into action even when our intrusion is not needed or wanted. Yet, we selfishly force ourselves onto the true victims, as if our need to cure our minor pain overwhelms our desire to help those who are truly in pain. Sometimes we even take on the mantle of victims ourselves.
So, that's my beef. But having said that, I've heard several VT alumni say they appreciate the gesture, which means the gesture certainly has some worth. (Of course the alumni are emotionally hit even harder by the magnitude of these events, yet are just as powerless as the rest of us, so the urge to do SOMEthing probably is more acute with them.)
Note that my disdain for such marketing spins has nothing to do with Team Dynamo: the coaches and players. They're merely playing a game and doing what they can to help and bring attention to a cause. Nor do I condemn the purchasers who feel good in what they do, as long as they don't feel superior because of what they did. My cynicism (and I rightfully admit that it is jaded cynicism) is reserved for the marketing merchants who prey on the emotions of others. Does that describe Corporate Dynamo? Possibly not. But I still don't feel like I'm helping the world because I'm watching a soccer game, just like I don't feel like I've supported public education because I've bought a lottery ticket.
Fantasy Soccer
I've never been into fantasy sports, but I did venture into fantasy soccer last year and enjoyed it immensely. I ended up something like 950th overall, but I did take my league. This year I'm floating around 15th in my 75-team Dynamo league. That puts me nearly 3000th overall. Less than stellar, to be sure.
Last year the game was played differently. Players' cost rose and fell according to demand. A good manager could find an overlooked talent and bring him on cheaply, then sell him for more at a later date and use the profits to bring in even better talent. That made cheap players as valuable as expensive players. This year, the prices are the same each week and the team cap doesn't waver. It seems luck plays a bigger role with this method. (Yeah, luck is why I'm 3000th. No, really!)
I got an extra dose of fantasy pain this week. I knew that KC had two games this week, so I picked up Eddie Johnson and put him as my captain. Just before the transfer deadline, I inexplicably switched to Carlos Ruiz as my captain. That was a bad move, as Eddie J has 2 goals this week to Ruiz's 0. I guess I should be happy that I at least have Eddie J on my team at all, but switching captains cost me several hundred points. I guess I'm pulling for a brace from Ruiz tomorrow vs the Revs. I wouldn't mind if the Revs won though, just to keep FCD's points down. Lessee, Shaka is still in goal, so a 3-2 Revs win isn't unthinkable.
Last week I had:
Dynamo ties RBNY 1-1 (nope, 10-man Red Bull won)
KC over Fire (Nope)
Chivas over RSL (Yep, a no brainer)
FCD ties Colorado (Nope, FCD was outplayed, but won)
That puts me at 3-2-5 (W-D-L) or 3-7. Don't take me to Vegas, friend. I'm just glad that I'm too late this week to enter any more predictions for the weekend.
Catch you on the other end of the game. Go Maroon.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Paying the Piper
Dynamo have tempted fate all year, in 3 of the 4 matches of CONCACAF Champions Cup, in the Carolina Challenge Cup, and in the league games thus far. They've established a modus operandi of playing flat as if their reputation entitled them to a win, then -- after Dom uses halftime to remind them that one must, you know, play to win -- playing 45 minutes of soccer in the second half to rescue their reputation and salvage the match. Using this questionable technique, Dynamo dispatched Puntarenas in the second leg of their meeting, built a commendable lead versus Pachuca in the first leg of their meeting, came with 7 minutes of getting past Pachuca in the second leg, won the Carolina Challenge Cup after drawing with the Charleston Battery and having to come from behind versus Red Bull NY in the final, salvaged a tie with LA in the season opener, and eked out a win versus Chivas in the second league match.
Unfortunately, Red Bull got a red card in the first half yesterday, and I think that made Dynamo a little too comfortable to try any halftime adjustments. As a result, they reduced their 45 minute passion down to 15 minutes, and it just wasn't enough time.
Red Bull owned the first half. Dalglish (on a feed from DeRo) had the only serious threat for Houston in the half. The second half saw a more balanced game, which suggests that 11 Dynamo equal 10 Red Bulls. But even a man down, Red Bull looked as dangerous as we ever did, and certainly looked the more dynamic. About 15 minutes into the second half, young Jozy Altidore (who says "Impossible is Nothing") turned Eddie Robinson like a pro and knocked the ball just over Superman Onstad at point blank range, off the crossbar and into the twine.
The real problem here was the fact that no one challenged Hunter Freeman in the midfield, giving him the time and the space to make the pass to Jozy. This has been an intermittent problem with Dynamo going back to last year, but is even more egregious when done against a 10-man team. I can remember the team giving Ante Razov plenty of space in the midfield [last season, that is] and allowing him the time and confidence to make a 35 yard (or so) strike. Many assists, as well, were enabled [last year] by this lax pressure at the top of our defensive third.
Even after the goal, Dynamo didn't seem to want to score until about the 75th minute, which coincided with the introduction of Ching, Mulrooney, and Wondo. Then, Dynamo seemed to operate with a bit more urgency, but by then they were trying to score on a bunkered team, and Dynamo have serious problems with that.
I was very surprised with the introduction of Wondo. He didn't have much of an impact on the game, but I like the implications that his introduction suggests: forwards, unless you start performing, you'll be on the bench. Before the game, I thought it highly unlikely that we'd see Mulrooney, but in the first half the midfield's play was so sub-par that I thought Mulrooney would be injected to instill some passion and perhaps to send a message to the starters. His introduction was most welcome and I thought he made a case for himself as a Dynamo. Wouldn't it have been sweet irony if his shot in the closing minutes had gone in?
Boy I miss the DeRo of last year. I thought he had some moments of inspiration in this game, where he made an incisive pass that led to a solid threatening shot, but he'll be remembered for the inexplicable handball in the box. If that ball had been heading toward goal, it would surely have been a solid red...but maybe that would've ignited the team, which seems to feed on adversity rather than self-motivation.
DeRo says that the salary imbroglio isn't affecting him: "I love the game too much for outside stuff or decisions to affect me on the field." He realizes that improved play would help his case in bargaining for a better salary, so a work slowdown isn't in his best interest. Perhaps DeRo is trying too hard. Perhaps he needs a Taoist approach when playing.
Let's switch to something positive.
Another solid performance for Onstad, highlighted by his save of Mathis' PK. He's been bailing out the defense this year. As talented as Zach Wells is, I can't help but wonder if Pachuca would've put 5 goals on Onstad.
The Dynamo supporters were amazing even on the road. I heard the Dynamo chants (Is it "Dyna, Dyna, Dyna, Dynamo"?) more than I heard any RBNY chants. And the attendance was listed at a mere 12,400.
The more I hear Max Bretos calling games, the less I like him. I knew he was a Galaxy homer (he calls their games on the local LA broadcasts) but he was also practically pleading for calls to go for NY and against Houston. Christopher Sullivan is always balanced and has good technical analysis. (He did seem taken with Pachuca in the Dynamo-Pachuca match though -- but who can blame that?) Sully was correct that NY carried the play and Dynamo under performed.
Let's hope we turn things around versus the Fire this weekend. So far we're undefeated with the silver ball. At this point, losing when a man up and scoring one goal in three games does provide some cause for concern.
Unfortunately, Red Bull got a red card in the first half yesterday, and I think that made Dynamo a little too comfortable to try any halftime adjustments. As a result, they reduced their 45 minute passion down to 15 minutes, and it just wasn't enough time.
Red Bull owned the first half. Dalglish (on a feed from DeRo) had the only serious threat for Houston in the half. The second half saw a more balanced game, which suggests that 11 Dynamo equal 10 Red Bulls. But even a man down, Red Bull looked as dangerous as we ever did, and certainly looked the more dynamic. About 15 minutes into the second half, young Jozy Altidore (who says "Impossible is Nothing") turned Eddie Robinson like a pro and knocked the ball just over Superman Onstad at point blank range, off the crossbar and into the twine.
The real problem here was the fact that no one challenged Hunter Freeman in the midfield, giving him the time and the space to make the pass to Jozy. This has been an intermittent problem with Dynamo going back to last year, but is even more egregious when done against a 10-man team. I can remember the team giving Ante Razov plenty of space in the midfield [last season, that is] and allowing him the time and confidence to make a 35 yard (or so) strike. Many assists, as well, were enabled [last year] by this lax pressure at the top of our defensive third.
Even after the goal, Dynamo didn't seem to want to score until about the 75th minute, which coincided with the introduction of Ching, Mulrooney, and Wondo. Then, Dynamo seemed to operate with a bit more urgency, but by then they were trying to score on a bunkered team, and Dynamo have serious problems with that.
I was very surprised with the introduction of Wondo. He didn't have much of an impact on the game, but I like the implications that his introduction suggests: forwards, unless you start performing, you'll be on the bench. Before the game, I thought it highly unlikely that we'd see Mulrooney, but in the first half the midfield's play was so sub-par that I thought Mulrooney would be injected to instill some passion and perhaps to send a message to the starters. His introduction was most welcome and I thought he made a case for himself as a Dynamo. Wouldn't it have been sweet irony if his shot in the closing minutes had gone in?
Boy I miss the DeRo of last year. I thought he had some moments of inspiration in this game, where he made an incisive pass that led to a solid threatening shot, but he'll be remembered for the inexplicable handball in the box. If that ball had been heading toward goal, it would surely have been a solid red...but maybe that would've ignited the team, which seems to feed on adversity rather than self-motivation.
DeRo says that the salary imbroglio isn't affecting him: "I love the game too much for outside stuff or decisions to affect me on the field." He realizes that improved play would help his case in bargaining for a better salary, so a work slowdown isn't in his best interest. Perhaps DeRo is trying too hard. Perhaps he needs a Taoist approach when playing.
Let's switch to something positive.
Another solid performance for Onstad, highlighted by his save of Mathis' PK. He's been bailing out the defense this year. As talented as Zach Wells is, I can't help but wonder if Pachuca would've put 5 goals on Onstad.
The Dynamo supporters were amazing even on the road. I heard the Dynamo chants (Is it "Dyna, Dyna, Dyna, Dynamo"?) more than I heard any RBNY chants. And the attendance was listed at a mere 12,400.
The more I hear Max Bretos calling games, the less I like him. I knew he was a Galaxy homer (he calls their games on the local LA broadcasts) but he was also practically pleading for calls to go for NY and against Houston. Christopher Sullivan is always balanced and has good technical analysis. (He did seem taken with Pachuca in the Dynamo-Pachuca match though -- but who can blame that?) Sully was correct that NY carried the play and Dynamo under performed.
Let's hope we turn things around versus the Fire this weekend. So far we're undefeated with the silver ball. At this point, losing when a man up and scoring one goal in three games does provide some cause for concern.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Weekend Prognostication
Lessee, last week I picked:
Dynamo over Chivas (Check)
RSL over the Crew (Nope-draw)
DC over KC (Nope-KC wins)
New England over the Cannucks (Check)
FCD over RBNY (Nope-RBNY wins)
Colorado over Chicago (Nope-draw)
Not a great record thus far. I could call it 2-4, or call the draws a "push" and call it 2-2-2. At any rate, here's my guess for this weekend:
Dynamo ties RBNY 1-1
KC over Fire
Chivas over RSL
FCD ties Colorado
I wouldn't mind if Dynamo throws off my prediction and takes the Bulls.
Dynamo over Chivas (Check)
RSL over the Crew (Nope-draw)
DC over KC (Nope-KC wins)
New England over the Cannucks (Check)
FCD over RBNY (Nope-RBNY wins)
Colorado over Chicago (Nope-draw)
Not a great record thus far. I could call it 2-4, or call the draws a "push" and call it 2-2-2. At any rate, here's my guess for this weekend:
Dynamo ties RBNY 1-1
KC over Fire
Chivas over RSL
FCD ties Colorado
I wouldn't mind if Dynamo throws off my prediction and takes the Bulls.
Scoping out the NY Red Bowels
This Saturday, Dynamo faces the RBNY. Last year, when we faced the newly rechristened Red Bulls, we were in the midst of our scoring droughts and -- as sad as the NY team was -- could only split the points with them. I think the Bulls will be better this year, so we are facing a greater challenge.
I think we're lucky to be meeting them early in the season. Why?
Arena-ball: Say what you want about The Bruce, but he knows how to coach against the American style of play and, yes, the Mexican style of play. He will do well in the MLS (again), especially with the financial support of the Red Bull energy drink empire. Arena's teams, even the good ones, aren't completely foreign to slow starts; his DC team went 0-4 at the beginning of the 1996 season, the year DC won the first MLS Cup. Arena sometime out-thinks himself, and I think he'll still be struggling to get all the disparate pieces of his team together when we meet.
Claudio Reyna: It'd probably be best to face Reyna later in the season, when the turf, schedule, and travel has worn him down a bit. Still, he missed RBNY's last match vs FC Dallas (not that his absence hurt RBNY's result) and is listed as questionable for Dynamo due to a leg contusion. He can control the pace of a game (so the common thought goes), but already the media and Bowel fans are prepared to rip into the high-priced player sitting in the training room.
Juan Pablo Angel: He can be a goal-scoring machine, but luckily won't join NYRB until after this game. I'm looking forward to July 5, when he visits the Rob.
Clint Mathis: I would love Cleetus to find his form again and resurrect his ability to be the most unpredictable threat on the pitch. He's been so up-and-down of late that I can't help but feel (hope?) that the intense "up" versus FCD means we'll face him on a "down." He hasn't done much against Dynamo, but, as with mutual funds, past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Ronald Waterreus: He's no rookie, but he's new to the MLS, having played only 1.5 games. It's good to catch a Keeper when he's in his adjustment period.
In the Carolina Challenge Cup, the Dynamo beat the Red Bowels 2-1 in the final. Dynamo played their usual 45 minutes of soccer (conceding the first half to the opposition) but were down only 1-0 at the break. In the second half, Ching and Moreno scored unanswered goals to put the good guys on top and win the Cup. If we can string together 90 minutes of soccer, we should be able to stuff the Bowels. I don't know if 45 minutes will be enough this time.
I think we're lucky to be meeting them early in the season. Why?
Arena-ball: Say what you want about The Bruce, but he knows how to coach against the American style of play and, yes, the Mexican style of play. He will do well in the MLS (again), especially with the financial support of the Red Bull energy drink empire. Arena's teams, even the good ones, aren't completely foreign to slow starts; his DC team went 0-4 at the beginning of the 1996 season, the year DC won the first MLS Cup. Arena sometime out-thinks himself, and I think he'll still be struggling to get all the disparate pieces of his team together when we meet.
Claudio Reyna: It'd probably be best to face Reyna later in the season, when the turf, schedule, and travel has worn him down a bit. Still, he missed RBNY's last match vs FC Dallas (not that his absence hurt RBNY's result) and is listed as questionable for Dynamo due to a leg contusion. He can control the pace of a game (so the common thought goes), but already the media and Bowel fans are prepared to rip into the high-priced player sitting in the training room.
Juan Pablo Angel: He can be a goal-scoring machine, but luckily won't join NYRB until after this game. I'm looking forward to July 5, when he visits the Rob.
Clint Mathis: I would love Cleetus to find his form again and resurrect his ability to be the most unpredictable threat on the pitch. He's been so up-and-down of late that I can't help but feel (hope?) that the intense "up" versus FCD means we'll face him on a "down." He hasn't done much against Dynamo, but, as with mutual funds, past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Ronald Waterreus: He's no rookie, but he's new to the MLS, having played only 1.5 games. It's good to catch a Keeper when he's in his adjustment period.
In the Carolina Challenge Cup, the Dynamo beat the Red Bowels 2-1 in the final. Dynamo played their usual 45 minutes of soccer (conceding the first half to the opposition) but were down only 1-0 at the break. In the second half, Ching and Moreno scored unanswered goals to put the good guys on top and win the Cup. If we can string together 90 minutes of soccer, we should be able to stuff the Bowels. I don't know if 45 minutes will be enough this time.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Swapping Goldie for Mulrooney
It's official, Dynamo have traded Kevin Goldthwaite to Toronto FC in exchange for Richard Mulrooney (and a draft pick -- it doesn't matter which one because Dom doesn't seem to put much stock in the draft ... and there's no strong history in the MLS to suggest the draft can dramatically affect a team in the near-term, unlike in the NFL). We lose a future prospect in exchange for a veteran.
It's a bit of a risk, because we're losing a solid sub for Davis at left mid and for Barrett at left back -- and while Barrett can run all day (though he's not getting any younger), Davis' fortitude isn't always the best, though he seems to be finding his legs now that the season has begun. In return, we're getting a player who sat out most of the 2005 season due to a torn ACL and a good portion of the 2002 season due to a broken ankle. Furthermore, his primary positions -- defensive mid and right mid -- are already filled by solid players, Rico and Mullan, respectively.
Nevertheless, I am pumped about this trade. I agree with Glenn Davis that (barring injury) this trade means good things and more flexibility for the team. Mulrooney is versatile; in his career, he has played left back, right back, left mid, right mid, and defensive mid. He can score and provide the dangerous assist. He comes to us with the ability to provide solid service off the bench (or even as a starter) specifically as a defensive mid and right back. One of the major criticisms of this team has been its depth, which is going to be sorely tested with all of the matches we face this summer, and national team call ups (US and Canadian) could deplete us of key members of our starting 11. Mulrooney can definitely help when Rico departs. In fact, he can help out with at least journeyman abilities nearly everywhere on the field (save, perhaps, central defense and forward). When we're at full strength, he gives Dom the flexibility of shifting to a 3-5-2 or a (gasp) 4-5-1 when game conditions call for it.
He has the MLS experience that will bring immediate benefits to the team, yet he is also a good fit from a team perspective. The success of Dynamo owes much not just to the talents of its players, but the effectiveness of "the Kinnear system." Mulrooney played for Dom on the Quakes and played with many of the Dynamo starting 11 at that time. I've never met 'Rooney, but I saw him close up when I was sitting in Section 117 at the Rob last year when he took some corner kicks when FCD was in town. (I think it was the August 12 game, where Waibel scored the only goal of the match.) He seemed affable in his interaction with the crowd over there. Dom already knows how 'Rooney will fit psychologically with the team. Mulrooney will require no transition time, and he'll be a welcome presence in the locker room. Also, he's returning to Texas where he can be closer to his family, so he'll be playing with the confidence engendered by a happy domestic existence.
Mulrooney is available to us in NY/NJ this weekend. I'm sure he'll suit up and will be on the bench. Dom may even feel comfortable enough to give 'Rooney some time on the field, although I'd be a little surprised to see that.
Finally, I wish Goldthwaite the best of luck. I met "Goldie" briefly at one of Glenn Davis' on-site (meaning at a pub/bar) broadcasts, and he seems like a great guy. I think moving to Toronto will get him more playing time and help him develop faster...plus Toronto is technically "playing abroad" isn't it?
It's a bit of a risk, because we're losing a solid sub for Davis at left mid and for Barrett at left back -- and while Barrett can run all day (though he's not getting any younger), Davis' fortitude isn't always the best, though he seems to be finding his legs now that the season has begun. In return, we're getting a player who sat out most of the 2005 season due to a torn ACL and a good portion of the 2002 season due to a broken ankle. Furthermore, his primary positions -- defensive mid and right mid -- are already filled by solid players, Rico and Mullan, respectively.
Nevertheless, I am pumped about this trade. I agree with Glenn Davis that (barring injury) this trade means good things and more flexibility for the team. Mulrooney is versatile; in his career, he has played left back, right back, left mid, right mid, and defensive mid. He can score and provide the dangerous assist. He comes to us with the ability to provide solid service off the bench (or even as a starter) specifically as a defensive mid and right back. One of the major criticisms of this team has been its depth, which is going to be sorely tested with all of the matches we face this summer, and national team call ups (US and Canadian) could deplete us of key members of our starting 11. Mulrooney can definitely help when Rico departs. In fact, he can help out with at least journeyman abilities nearly everywhere on the field (save, perhaps, central defense and forward). When we're at full strength, he gives Dom the flexibility of shifting to a 3-5-2 or a (gasp) 4-5-1 when game conditions call for it.
He has the MLS experience that will bring immediate benefits to the team, yet he is also a good fit from a team perspective. The success of Dynamo owes much not just to the talents of its players, but the effectiveness of "the Kinnear system." Mulrooney played for Dom on the Quakes and played with many of the Dynamo starting 11 at that time. I've never met 'Rooney, but I saw him close up when I was sitting in Section 117 at the Rob last year when he took some corner kicks when FCD was in town. (I think it was the August 12 game, where Waibel scored the only goal of the match.) He seemed affable in his interaction with the crowd over there. Dom already knows how 'Rooney will fit psychologically with the team. Mulrooney will require no transition time, and he'll be a welcome presence in the locker room. Also, he's returning to Texas where he can be closer to his family, so he'll be playing with the confidence engendered by a happy domestic existence.
Mulrooney is available to us in NY/NJ this weekend. I'm sure he'll suit up and will be on the bench. Dom may even feel comfortable enough to give 'Rooney some time on the field, although I'd be a little surprised to see that.
Finally, I wish Goldthwaite the best of luck. I met "Goldie" briefly at one of Glenn Davis' on-site (meaning at a pub/bar) broadcasts, and he seems like a great guy. I think moving to Toronto will get him more playing time and help him develop faster...plus Toronto is technically "playing abroad" isn't it?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Beefing up the Quality of MLS Refs
A quick note:
As the MLS announced on April 2, the "Game First" initiative is designed to improve the quality of play in the MLS. As part of the scope, several steps have been undertaken to improve game officiating, including the hiring of four full-time professional referees (Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo, and Terry Vaughn ) and overall coordination by Esse Baharmast, US Soccer's Director of Advanced & International Referee Development.
The US Soccer website has more on this aspect of the iniative, and even has bios for the four referees. I think this is an excellent step in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to seeing results in this aspect of the US soccer culture. It seems that the scope may extend beyond MLS to other aspects of American soccer (like national team play) since the hiring comes from the US Soccer level rather than at the MLS level. This is all the better, although the two organizations are so intermingled that it's hard to read the full impact of such bureaucratic moves. Still, I'm optimistic.
As the MLS announced on April 2, the "Game First" initiative is designed to improve the quality of play in the MLS. As part of the scope, several steps have been undertaken to improve game officiating, including the hiring of four full-time professional referees (Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo, and Terry Vaughn ) and overall coordination by Esse Baharmast, US Soccer's Director of Advanced & International Referee Development.
The US Soccer website has more on this aspect of the iniative, and even has bios for the four referees. I think this is an excellent step in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to seeing results in this aspect of the US soccer culture. It seems that the scope may extend beyond MLS to other aspects of American soccer (like national team play) since the hiring comes from the US Soccer level rather than at the MLS level. This is all the better, although the two organizations are so intermingled that it's hard to read the full impact of such bureaucratic moves. Still, I'm optimistic.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Well, THAT was cold
The game was a cold, blustery one. My son and I didn't dress as warmly as we should've, so we huddled next to a wall in Section 208, a new vantage point for me directly west of the northern goal.
The game was a pretty open affair and could've gone either way. Our "disciplined" defending that I noted earlier wasn't so disciplined. Or maybe it was too disciplined and not heated enough. We seemed tentative in closing down the opposition, giving them space (and, thus, time) to turn the ball -- even IN the box -- or make runs. Fortunately, we had luck and Onstad on our side.
On the other end of the field, in the attacking third, we seemed indecisive when we had time in front of the goal. Dalglish, DeRo, and Ching were shut down when going 1v1 with the GK (the young Guzan). When we didn't have time and had to rely on raw, viceral reflexes, we did better. Davis, Mullan, and Gray had at least an excellent chance apiece, and Ching scored the only goal of the game on his calling card header from a Davis freekick. We (my son and I) were walking down the steps between Section 210 and 211 during the kick and had the perfect vantage point for the goal and subsequent celebration.
All in all, Dynamo kept up the trend of soft first halves and solid second halves. We got the 3 points, and that's what matters, but we won't get many of them if we refuse to play 90 minutes of soccer -- 45 minutes just won't cut it.
Odds and ends...
It was good to see the Dynamo youth team recognized at the beginning of the match. They've done well in a short time, and here's hoping that the system becomes a credit to the community and the Dynamo organization.
Hey, what was Guzan complaining to the ref about in the second half? Looked like he didn't like something the Texian Army was doing. Maybe he didn't like the fluttering streamers.
Speaking of windswept: the flag looked good! A full-sized Dynamo flag (2-sided) flew above a similarly sized (if not same size) Championship flag. Very nice -- should've had these up the first day (or skipped the flag ceremony).
And with all the wind and cold, I felt sorry for the skimpily dressed and newly introduced Dynamo Girls. Hopefully their welcome warmed them enough. They were pleasantly posing for pictures with happy guys at the end of the match. My son (who's 10) felt compelled to avert his eyes as we walked past them. (Here's a raw vid of their Friday intro.)
I saw Craig Roberts watching the game just to the right of Section 109 towards the end of the match. Semper Fi.
The game was a pretty open affair and could've gone either way. Our "disciplined" defending that I noted earlier wasn't so disciplined. Or maybe it was too disciplined and not heated enough. We seemed tentative in closing down the opposition, giving them space (and, thus, time) to turn the ball -- even IN the box -- or make runs. Fortunately, we had luck and Onstad on our side.
On the other end of the field, in the attacking third, we seemed indecisive when we had time in front of the goal. Dalglish, DeRo, and Ching were shut down when going 1v1 with the GK (the young Guzan). When we didn't have time and had to rely on raw, viceral reflexes, we did better. Davis, Mullan, and Gray had at least an excellent chance apiece, and Ching scored the only goal of the game on his calling card header from a Davis freekick. We (my son and I) were walking down the steps between Section 210 and 211 during the kick and had the perfect vantage point for the goal and subsequent celebration.
All in all, Dynamo kept up the trend of soft first halves and solid second halves. We got the 3 points, and that's what matters, but we won't get many of them if we refuse to play 90 minutes of soccer -- 45 minutes just won't cut it.
Odds and ends...
It was good to see the Dynamo youth team recognized at the beginning of the match. They've done well in a short time, and here's hoping that the system becomes a credit to the community and the Dynamo organization.
Hey, what was Guzan complaining to the ref about in the second half? Looked like he didn't like something the Texian Army was doing. Maybe he didn't like the fluttering streamers.
Speaking of windswept: the flag looked good! A full-sized Dynamo flag (2-sided) flew above a similarly sized (if not same size) Championship flag. Very nice -- should've had these up the first day (or skipped the flag ceremony).
And with all the wind and cold, I felt sorry for the skimpily dressed and newly introduced Dynamo Girls. Hopefully their welcome warmed them enough. They were pleasantly posing for pictures with happy guys at the end of the match. My son (who's 10) felt compelled to avert his eyes as we walked past them. (Here's a raw vid of their Friday intro.)
I saw Craig Roberts watching the game just to the right of Section 109 towards the end of the match. Semper Fi.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
North American Goats
Today, Dynamo Houston plays Chivas-Lite. In the brief history of the team, quite a little rivalry has developed between them and their caprine counterparts from the west -- a rivalry fed by highly physical play, short tempers, and exacerbated by Dynamo's emotional come-from-behind win of the playoff series last year.
Chivas USA has a passionate fan base, as does Dynamo. Chivas also brings a solid midfield with Amado Guevara, Jesse Marsch and Sacha Kljestan (who had a brilliant strike last week vs the team of Mo Johnston, hater of Serioux). Match them against DeRo, Rico Clark, and Mullan/Davis, and we should see some fun action in the middle of the field. There's also the background storyline that Ante Razov's next goal will get him to the century mark.
The US Goats have undergone substantial changes in their leadership (Preki is a rookie coach replacing veteran Bob Bradley) and their team (buh-bye Juan Pablo Garcia and Juan Francisco Palencia). At this point, their style of play seems to be the most Latin style in the MLS, with creative, open attacks, but equally open defense. I think Dynamo's attack will be able to exploit the defensive lapses, and Dynamo's disciplined defense will shore us up enough to carry the day for the Orange. Dynamo 2-0. If Chivas scores, it'll be from a set-piece...I say that even though I just said that their open, flowing attack is their strength. Oh well.
Lessee, my other predictions...
RSL over the Crew
DC over KC
New England over the Cannucks
FCD over NYRB
Colorado over Chicago
It seems I'm thinking the home teams are going to carry the day, except for NYRB.
Other thoughts...
I like the idea of an "MLS Anthem" to define the beginning of a 90 minute respite from the humdrum daily routine. Being that it is for an American league, it seems fitting that American musicians would be used; but the PTB ("powers that be") decided Prague was the way to go. Poor choice, if only for symbolic reasons. I like that the fact that Dynamo still incorporate their "Braveheart" intro into the proceedings, playing it after the anthem and after the opposition takes the field. I don't know how long the league PTB will allow it though, since they're trying to standardize the pre-game with both teams walking out together behind the officials.
Are we going to have a full-size, adult Championship flag flying today?
It seems at least one journalist likes the Dynamo Girls. Not much of a surprise, given that the commentator is Tino Palace.
Chivas USA has a passionate fan base, as does Dynamo. Chivas also brings a solid midfield with Amado Guevara, Jesse Marsch and Sacha Kljestan (who had a brilliant strike last week vs the team of Mo Johnston, hater of Serioux). Match them against DeRo, Rico Clark, and Mullan/Davis, and we should see some fun action in the middle of the field. There's also the background storyline that Ante Razov's next goal will get him to the century mark.
The US Goats have undergone substantial changes in their leadership (Preki is a rookie coach replacing veteran Bob Bradley) and their team (buh-bye Juan Pablo Garcia and Juan Francisco Palencia). At this point, their style of play seems to be the most Latin style in the MLS, with creative, open attacks, but equally open defense. I think Dynamo's attack will be able to exploit the defensive lapses, and Dynamo's disciplined defense will shore us up enough to carry the day for the Orange. Dynamo 2-0. If Chivas scores, it'll be from a set-piece...I say that even though I just said that their open, flowing attack is their strength. Oh well.
Lessee, my other predictions...
RSL over the Crew
DC over KC
New England over the Cannucks
FCD over NYRB
Colorado over Chicago
It seems I'm thinking the home teams are going to carry the day, except for NYRB.
Other thoughts...
I like the idea of an "MLS Anthem" to define the beginning of a 90 minute respite from the humdrum daily routine. Being that it is for an American league, it seems fitting that American musicians would be used; but the PTB ("powers that be") decided Prague was the way to go. Poor choice, if only for symbolic reasons. I like that the fact that Dynamo still incorporate their "Braveheart" intro into the proceedings, playing it after the anthem and after the opposition takes the field. I don't know how long the league PTB will allow it though, since they're trying to standardize the pre-game with both teams walking out together behind the officials.
Are we going to have a full-size, adult Championship flag flying today?
It seems at least one journalist likes the Dynamo Girls. Not much of a surprise, given that the commentator is Tino Palace.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Dynama'ams
I've always liked soccer because it's a pure sport. Speed, strength, dexterity, and fortitude -- Citius, Altius Fortius and all that -- on the ground and even in the air. No timeouts from the action and no superfluous pagentry -- in fact no compromise that will detract (or distract) from the fact that this is a competition between athletes.
For that reason, there is no need and, in fact, no place for the likes of cheerleaders and mascots. And while I think there are ways we can "Americanize" the game a bit and add our own unique culture to the mix, it would be better for us to do it by applying our diverse cultural mix into the game and creating a diverse, new style of play.
That may still come. In the meantime, we are adding only superficial elements to the game. Here in Houston, that takes the form of Dynamo Diesel (the Fox recently introduced as our mascot), and now Dynamo Girls.
These steps cheapen the game, I think. At the same time, it looks like the Dynamo front office realizes that stunts such as these have to be handled with kid gloves, and they are limiting the mascots and dance team to activities when the game is not underway. Bully for them.
And there might be advantages. I know my daughter's eyes were transfixed when Diesel was scampering about during halftime. And the dance team could generate some interest (albeit in a different demographic than the mascot) as well.
So, I stand firmly waffling ... but my instinct is to reject these moves as trivial, base, and completely unnecessary.
For that reason, there is no need and, in fact, no place for the likes of cheerleaders and mascots. And while I think there are ways we can "Americanize" the game a bit and add our own unique culture to the mix, it would be better for us to do it by applying our diverse cultural mix into the game and creating a diverse, new style of play.
That may still come. In the meantime, we are adding only superficial elements to the game. Here in Houston, that takes the form of Dynamo Diesel (the Fox recently introduced as our mascot), and now Dynamo Girls.
These steps cheapen the game, I think. At the same time, it looks like the Dynamo front office realizes that stunts such as these have to be handled with kid gloves, and they are limiting the mascots and dance team to activities when the game is not underway. Bully for them.
And there might be advantages. I know my daughter's eyes were transfixed when Diesel was scampering about during halftime. And the dance team could generate some interest (albeit in a different demographic than the mascot) as well.
So, I stand firmly waffling ... but my instinct is to reject these moves as trivial, base, and completely unnecessary.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
I hate the Lagalaxy
It was great to see the Dynamo in action again (CONCACAF tourney aside). The night grew chilly, and the soccer wasn’t too flowing, but it was good to start the sophomore campaign.
The evening (though not the match) began strong, with George H. W. Bush on hand for the ceremonial first kick, a dramatic video showing highlights from the past season, another clever video showing players and celebrities passing along the MLS Champion ball, and a flyover by what looked to be the Commemorative Air Force. I think the MLS Champion flag needs to be either bigger or on another pole; it looked puny and sad next to the large, proud US and Texas flags. Also, I didn’t see the rings get passed out; did I miss it? (I do think that pre-game is not the place for such ceremonial back-patting though; makes for an embarrassment if one loses the subsequent game.)
The match, as I said, was erratic. Kinnear faced his former mentor, Frank Yallop. The Galaxy, and ex-Quake Donovan in particular, seemed to have the best of the first half. Onstad looked a bit shaky at times in the opening moments, but made some spectacular saves to keep the clean sheet and was deserved in his selection as MOTM. His 1-on-1 save vs Donovan in the 13th minute was brilliant. It was good to have him back from injury. He’s the only MLSer who is older than I (though not by much); so I can identify with the old man.
The second half -- as seems to be the standard so far this year -- was much better for the ‘Mo. Ching came close to one of his calling card headers in the 48th minute, but it sailed high. In the 70th minute, DeRo had the best chance for the ‘Mo when he stole a ball just outside the box, drove in and unloaded a shot that bent the wrong way from the far post. From my seats, it looked like it was on its way in.
About 6 minutes later, Ryan Cochrane continued his shaky play. He was red-carded after he was beaten by Findley and he “playfully tugged” on Findley’s jersey as the forward drove towards our box. Findley made hay out of the tug, and Cochrane was sent off. Kudos to Joe Cannon who came out of his goal to shake Cochrane’s hand and wish him well as Cochrane trudged the lonely walk off the pitch. Cannon is all class; I noticed that in how he carried himself in the Colorado (his team last season) loss to the Dynamo in the Western Conference Championship last year. I do wish that the 2007 season opener would have begun like the 2006 opener, where we pinned 4 goals into Cannon’s net.
After the red card, Kinnear took 2nd half sub Dalglish out after Dalglish had been on only about 15 minutes. This was a bit of a surprise, although I understand the intent of moving Mullan back for Cochrane and needing another winger to replace Mullan. The only alternative would have been to take off Ching and keep the fresher Dalglish in…which might have been a good idea, not because of Ching’s performance, but to limit the wear and tear on the guy. Hometown hero Stuart Holden was inserted for Daggers. Holden was gung-ho and got some spirit into our attack, but it was hard to get anything substantial going, being a man down.
We sat way up high in Section 219. This was a new perspective for me, and not too bad considering that we were used to being close to the field (Section 118). We brought my sister and brother-in-law who aren’t much into soccer. Hopefully they found something to appreciate despite the draw. I’ll have to post pix tomorrow maybe.
You know, I really hate the Galaxy. I also hate the tradition we had last year of finishing games a man down and settling for draws. Lets stop both those traditions now. We're the only team that gets to practice and play with the silver Teamgeist ball; we should have a familiarity with the ball that leads to nothing but wins at home. Finally: we need DeRo to find his mojo again. Has anybody seen it?
The evening (though not the match) began strong, with George H. W. Bush on hand for the ceremonial first kick, a dramatic video showing highlights from the past season, another clever video showing players and celebrities passing along the MLS Champion ball, and a flyover by what looked to be the Commemorative Air Force. I think the MLS Champion flag needs to be either bigger or on another pole; it looked puny and sad next to the large, proud US and Texas flags. Also, I didn’t see the rings get passed out; did I miss it? (I do think that pre-game is not the place for such ceremonial back-patting though; makes for an embarrassment if one loses the subsequent game.)
The match, as I said, was erratic. Kinnear faced his former mentor, Frank Yallop. The Galaxy, and ex-Quake Donovan in particular, seemed to have the best of the first half. Onstad looked a bit shaky at times in the opening moments, but made some spectacular saves to keep the clean sheet and was deserved in his selection as MOTM. His 1-on-1 save vs Donovan in the 13th minute was brilliant. It was good to have him back from injury. He’s the only MLSer who is older than I (though not by much); so I can identify with the old man.
The second half -- as seems to be the standard so far this year -- was much better for the ‘Mo. Ching came close to one of his calling card headers in the 48th minute, but it sailed high. In the 70th minute, DeRo had the best chance for the ‘Mo when he stole a ball just outside the box, drove in and unloaded a shot that bent the wrong way from the far post. From my seats, it looked like it was on its way in.
About 6 minutes later, Ryan Cochrane continued his shaky play. He was red-carded after he was beaten by Findley and he “playfully tugged” on Findley’s jersey as the forward drove towards our box. Findley made hay out of the tug, and Cochrane was sent off. Kudos to Joe Cannon who came out of his goal to shake Cochrane’s hand and wish him well as Cochrane trudged the lonely walk off the pitch. Cannon is all class; I noticed that in how he carried himself in the Colorado (his team last season) loss to the Dynamo in the Western Conference Championship last year. I do wish that the 2007 season opener would have begun like the 2006 opener, where we pinned 4 goals into Cannon’s net.
After the red card, Kinnear took 2nd half sub Dalglish out after Dalglish had been on only about 15 minutes. This was a bit of a surprise, although I understand the intent of moving Mullan back for Cochrane and needing another winger to replace Mullan. The only alternative would have been to take off Ching and keep the fresher Dalglish in…which might have been a good idea, not because of Ching’s performance, but to limit the wear and tear on the guy. Hometown hero Stuart Holden was inserted for Daggers. Holden was gung-ho and got some spirit into our attack, but it was hard to get anything substantial going, being a man down.
We sat way up high in Section 219. This was a new perspective for me, and not too bad considering that we were used to being close to the field (Section 118). We brought my sister and brother-in-law who aren’t much into soccer. Hopefully they found something to appreciate despite the draw. I’ll have to post pix tomorrow maybe.
You know, I really hate the Galaxy. I also hate the tradition we had last year of finishing games a man down and settling for draws. Lets stop both those traditions now. We're the only team that gets to practice and play with the silver Teamgeist ball; we should have a familiarity with the ball that leads to nothing but wins at home. Finally: we need DeRo to find his mojo again. Has anybody seen it?
Saturday, April 07, 2007
First Kick, post facto
I really like Colorado's new field. I've always like soccer fields to be a big as possible. The stadium looked nice too, but I hate the dearth of seats behind the one goal. It's not a deserted stage like at Frisco, but it has only a few (what look like) portable bleachers. If you want to get into a GK's head, you gotta have more voices down there. I have a list of wants for the future Dynamo stadium; I’ll have to list them out someday.
I was eager to hear the new MLS theme. It did sound regal, but also somnolent and lethargic. Maybe it'll grow on me.
How about those C-Rapids? They looked surprisingly sharp and hurt Troy Perkins' numbers. He's the keeper for my fantasy team this week, so thanks a lot, Mountain Boys. Herculez Gomez looked creative (if a bit dive-y) and Terry Cooke was a maestro. The crowd looked cold.
I think it's best to have four backs on a field as wide as Commerce City's. Five mids are good, but four backs may be more essential. I do like the "wear out the opponent" strategy the Rapids have set for themselves and their new field. Every team should have a home field advantage, and hopefully the Rapids develop theirs.
For some reason, the referee was Michael Kennedy. Why not have one of the four "full-time" refs officiate the marquee match of opening day? Jair Marrufo was at the Dallas draw with RSL, Baldomero Toledo at the Chicago win over N England, and Terry Vaughn at the Tool Shed with Chivas over Toronto. Don't know where Ricardo Salazar was, but he should've been in Colorado.
As for the ESPN innovations, I liked the team formation graphics at the beginning of the show, and I also liked the info-boxes that would pop up with game-relevant info. I thought the Kick Trax replays were underutilized and poorly executed, and they relied on the graphic's pizzazz rather than on any communication of information or coherent message. Also, the video feed kept stopping and pixilating on my reception. (Was that a local thing, or did everyone have that issue?) Didn't have a problem with Julie Foudy, although she didn't add too much analysis. Dave O'Brien has the perfect voice, but strays too far off topic (stick to the play calling) and calls nearly any foul as offside.
To me, less is more. All I want is the play-by-play to tell me the names of the players on the ball or challenging for the ball at the moment it happens. I'd like the color commentator to convey the strategic situation that cannot be seen on a small screen, and to describe what a call was and why. And why does the line up have to be shown only at the beginning of the game? It should also come up at the beginning of the second half (in case we tune in late to the game) and whenever any sub comes in and changes the lineup. If the team is sliding from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2, overlay a graphic to the side of the screen (or one semi-transparently splashed across the screen might work) so I can visualize who is where. Give me game-relevant info! I also expected more and better camera angles. The First Kick's camera work wasn't bad (except for that transmission trouble I had), it was just not the improvement I expected. And where was the computer offside line?
Tomorrow, the Dynamo get a chance to get into an early 3-way tie for first place in the Western Conference, alongside the Rapids and Chivas.
More pre-season Dynamo chatter
Jamie Trecker has his MLS preview up. He likes the Dynamo apparently (who doesn't?), which leads me to the conclusion that they're doomed. He strays from his usual pulp in that he doesn't take a shot at Ching.
2006: 11-8-13 (46) 2nd in West, 2006 MLS Cup champions
In: M John Michael Hayden
Out: D/M Adrian Serioux
Coach Dominic Kinnear knows a good thing when he sees it, and he's left well enough alone with the three-time champs for the new season. The Dynamo are solid all over the field without being spectacular, and it works.
There are no surprises here: Ricardo Clark and Brad Davis drive the midfield; Brian Ching and Paul Dalglish are best when Dwayne De Rosario is on the field. Eddie Robinson and Brian Mullan are must-have guys. With some solid defense in Craig Waibel and the ageless Wade Barrett, along with the emergence of Zach Wells as a credible goalkeeper, this is a tough lineup to knock. The Dynamo aren't always pretty, but they play with a lot of confidence and pride.
The only hitch in the Dynamo's plans could come mid-summer, when some of these guys will be lost to Gold Cup and Copa America duties. Then, a lot of the load will fall on some untested shoulders, such as Hayden and Stuart Holden. We think they can handle it.
BOTTOM LINE: The Dynamo are just like Homer Simpson's favorite BBQ sauce: "Best In The West."
ESPN has its inaugural power rankings out. These mean abso-smurfly nothing before the first game is played. I would agree with its top 2 teams (but maybe would reverse them...)
1. DC United - Still not sold on the iffy "D", but that Latin attack simply rocks.
2. Houston - League's strongest defense should run the West.
ESPN also has an MLS preview that has this nifty line in it: Houston, whose logo ought to accompany the word "persistence" in the dictionary, will not cede its title without a fight.
USA Today has its team by team summary. Dynamo goes like this:
Regular season: 11-8-13, second
Playoffs: MLS Cup 2006 champion, beat New England on PKs.
Major moves: Draft picks in, M Adrian Serioux out. That's it, at least in terms of anyone who played significant minutes last year.
Top draft pick: M John Michael Hayden (Indiana), No. 13.
Best case: Winning carries over from last fall, rookies pitch in while a couple of players are on international duty and the Dynamo repeat.
The US Soccer website has a Eastern Conference preview by Sacha Kljestan (of the Western Conference Chivas USA) and a Western Conference preview by Chris Rolfe (of the Eastern Conference Chicago). Rolfe picks LA and Chivas ahead of Houston, the Philistine. He must crave a movie career in LA:
Chris Rolfe’s Western Conference Picks
While I know a lot of people are picking Houston maybe to finish one or two, I think with their long preseason they might peak a bit too soon. They’re still going to be one of the best teams in the league, but playing those games in the Confederations’ Cup just might come back to haunt them, at least in the regular season. By the playoffs, I wouldn’t be betting against them to be back in the MLS Cup. Look for Ching, De Rosario and the rest to have a bit of an up-and-down season early, but then turn it on when it matters most.
Friday, April 06, 2007
"Game First"
The MLS unveiled their "Game First" initiative earlier this week. All in all, I'm pleased with their plans.
Here is a summary of the initiatives:
New Players
In addition to the Designated Player Rule, MLS clubs now receive two-thirds of the fees earned when one of their players is transferred. That money can be used in a number of ways to improve the team's on-field product. [That’s good, but the salary cap still limits the reinvestment opportunities a bit.]
Also:
· MLS has provided recruiting resources, including a worldwide player database and video library for teams to use as a scouting resource, and a full-time consultant based in South America to assist MLS teams in scouting.
· The Youth Development program allows for teams that invest in player development to reap competitive rewards for their efforts. Players who are part of an MLS club's Youth Development program for at least 24 months become eligible to sign directly with that team instead of entering the MLS SuperDraft. [This is perhaps my favorite of the initiatives...or at least the one I can see bringing long-range benefits to our league as it develops the future MLSers.]
Game Presentation
MLS has implemented certain standards for pre-game presentations that will occur at all MLS games.
· Teams will line up alongside each other in the tunnel prior to emerging for kickoff. [Not sure how this will be accomplished at stadiums with dual entry ramps like the Rob.]
· As teams enter the field, led by the referees (FIFA style), a new MLS anthem will be played. The new MLS anthem and “signature sound” [huh?] was recorded last month by a full orchestra in Prague, Czech Republic, under the direction of an American conductor. [This anthem sounds kinda cool, but I also like the individual character of each team shining through the local pre-game choices, like with Dynamo’s “Braveheart” intro at the end of the 2006 season.]
· In-stadium commercial PA announcements during play will be significantly reduced. [Thank you! Will this include canned PA music? Please?]
· MLS has established guidelines for field maintenance, including: The length of the grass cut and optimal watering schedules prior to the match; The pattern of directional cuts, so as to assist fans and referees better view offside decisions
ESPN has also done some work on the game presentation of broadcasts. See my two recent blogs.
Competition Format
· The four MLS teams with the best regular season records in 2007 will qualify for SuperLiga 2008. Starting in 2006, the Supporters' Shield winner for best regular season record receives one of the United States' two spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The MLS Cup champion receives the other. [I like the increased emphasis on providing benefits to the Supporter’s Shield winner.]
· During the past few years, more bonuses for starts and wins have been incorporated into player contracts. In 2007, those bonuses will be paid once every two weeks instead of in one sum at the end of the year as in the past. [Instant rewards will definitely make the benefits of all-out play more tangible, thus making all-out play more practical.]
· Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top two teams in each conference earn playoff spots along with four "wild cards" which have highest point-totals in the standings, regardless of conference. This will add competition and intensity to the playoff race. If one conference is stronger than the other in a given year, more of its teams can qualify for the playoffs.
· On July 24, 2007, the inaugural edition of SuperLiga begins. This international tournament features four of the top teams from MLS and four of the top teams from Mexico's first division competing in a Champions' League-style format for a $1 million prize. The MLS Technical Committee will continue to examine the competition format for possible changes in the future. [So the Supporters’ Shield winner automatically goes into the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the SuperLiga Tourney. Extra benefits for the Shield winner, but quite a cramp on their schedule. The extra strain will make dynasties harder to develop. It seems that the winner of a conference isn't necessarily going to be one of the top 4 teams in a season (though that will likely be the case), so the SuperLiga complement from MLS could potentially come from one conference, however improbable that might be.]
Officiating
· U.S. Soccer has hired full-time referees for the first time. Jair Marrufo, Ricardo Salazar, Baldomero Toledo, and Terry Vaughn will become full-time referees, enabling them to focus their professional abilities on preparation and training. [This is great news, and long awaited. I hope to find bios for these "star" referees so I can follow their progress. I'm not much of a follower of referees in general, but I could handle keeping track of 4. I wish them the best of luck.]
· MLS has established the MLS Working Group on Officiating, which will conduct regular meetings between officials, coaches, and player representatives to promote better relationships and understanding of the rules and their application.
MLS works continuously with officials and players to protect player safety and prevent tactics that destroy the game. Among the new League initiatives for players and referees aimed at improving the attractiveness and rhythm of MLS games are:
· Players have been advised to no longer kick the ball out of play when a player is on the ground unless they believe a serious injury has occurred. The referee will stop play in cases of serious injury. This change is designed to help maintain the flow of the game and reduce the feigning or exaggerating of injuries as a tactic to stop play, kill momentum and waste time. If a team kicks the ball out of play deliberately, but the player down is not injured, there is no obligation on the part of the opponent to return possession to that team. [Whatever. Diving is a much bigger problem, as are inconsistent calls that enable the defenders to play in the shoddy way that encourages forwards to dive. It's not a victimless crime, and the problem isn't limited to just forwards.]
· Referees have been encouraged, at their discretion, to issue a yellow card caution to players who raise their hand with an imaginary card. [I hate the petitioning, but wasn't this already covered by "bringing the game into disrepute"?]
· Referees have been encouraged to issue a yellow card caution to players who embellish or feign contact or injuries in an attempt to have opponents cautioned or sent off or otherwise disrupt game flow. [That's better.]
Strategic Relationships
· On March 13, 2007, MLS and the German Bundesliga launched a new relationship that will foster collaboration between the Leagues on multiple levels. The Bundesliga is a world leader among soccer leagues in average attendance, stadium design, broadcast production, and corporate governance.
· MLS will strategically develop relationships with other leagues, federations, and clubs to glean the best applicable practices and maximize connectivity to the global soccer marketplace.
· MLS is actively exploring new, meaningful international competitions.
Defeat at Eight Thousand Feet
Dynamo played with heart and held on to the lead (or a share of it) for 105 minutes of this 80-minute contest. I think the only thing that the team should be ashamed of is the first half of this game. They played that half as if it were the second half and they were exhausted. Their defending was undisciplined, but worse was the distribution and the passing. Players would bust their guts to win and/or keep possession, and then would drop it off to a teammate who would then promptly backstab their hard-working teammate by giving the ball over to Pachuca with a blind punt of the ball.
The first half ended with 2 goals for Pachuca (and a 2-2 aggregate tie), both goals coming in the first 15 minutes. The first goal came off a free kick, which was headed in by (an apparently offside) Gabriel Caballero. It looked like Ryan Cochrane failed to mark Caballero, freeing the Tuzo for the header. The second goal came off a PK by Argentinean Christian Gimenez, after a poor tackle in the box by Craig Waibel. On the PK, Wells got a good hand on the ball, but the ball squeezed in nonetheless.
The Dynamo redeemed themselves in the second half, and played outstanding ball for the vast majority of that 45-minute period. In the 52nd minute, Ching won the ball at the touchline (and Mexican cameramen should remember that the entire ball must cross the entire line before being called out into touch...a majority of the ball into touch is not the same thing), crossed the ball to DeRo who touched it to Mullan for the exclamatory finish. Advantage Dynamo...until Davis makes a poor decision on a tackle in the box. It wasn't a foul, but was close enough for the ref to give Pachuca (and Gimenez) the PK. Wells jumped the wrong way, and Pachuca was up 3-1 (but tied 3-3 aggregate).
Still, Dynamo's passing was crisper, there was more off the ball movement, and the on-ball players were looking at their options and making good decisions. Then, in the 80th minute, Ching looked to have locked up the win with an uncontested header. I found much joy in the despairing visage of the crowd...but Pachuca's first goal from the run of play -- endowed by Cochrane when he paused long enough for his mark to gain space in the box -- tied up the aggregate at 4 and sent the teams into OT.
If the CONCACAF followed the pattern followed by Europe and South America, the away goals would have allowed the Dynamo to move on. Instead, the rules required the teams to play OT and then PKs if necessary. This rule gives an enormous advantage to the second host of the 2-leg match...and what an advantage it is when the field is 8,000 feet above sea level.
OT saw Pachuca control the run of play and the possession, which is no knock on the Dynamo who are more accustomed to playing with oxygen. Yet, early on DeRo had a fantastic header that required the Tuzo GK (Miguel Culero, who showed no class in shoving Dominic Kinnear just prior to the start of OT) to make a spectacular save. Seconds past the 15-minute mark of the first half of OT (and 105 minutes into the combined match), the Dynamo D-line inexplicably didn't close down Gimenez as he dribbled up the center, and with that space the Argentinean let loose a rocket of a goal. Dalglish came on for DeRo in the second half of OT. Ching uncharacteristically missed a wide open header. In the closing seconds, Ching got the ball into the net, but a handball had killed the play. The game ended with handshakes (unlike when the Tuzos lost to us in Houston) and jersey-swapping.
This is the third or fourth time (counting CONCACAF matches and the Carolina Challenge Cup) that the Dynamo refused to play two entire halves of soccer. If the poor halves were always in the final 45 minutes, we could chalk up the deficiency to poor conditioning; but the problem strikes in the first halves too. Some criticize Dom for this, but I must say that the fact that he gets them back on track after halftime suggests that Dom is making the adjustments expected of a savvy coach. If a team isn’t performing, that isn't always the coach's fault; but if the team isn't adjusting, that would be the coach's fault.
I thought Cochrane and Davis were liabilities for this match, while Barrett and Mullan were strong. Ching did what he was supposed to do -- and more with his flank play at times, including the cross that led to the first goal -- and DeRo came and went throughout the match. I think Wondo might have been more effective than Dalglish tonight; he couldn't have been less effective.
The fortunes of the game could have changed at so many points. Moreno should have had that 3rd goal in the first leg. (Which would have precluded the need for OT in the second leg.) The first Pachuca goal should have been called offside. Wells almost saved the first PK. The second PK was arguably not a foul and arguably not in the box. DeRo had a point block shot saved. The ref almost blew his whistle before the last goal. Ching missed a header that he NEVER misses towards the end. Yes, Pachuca had bad luck too; but this isn't a Pachuca blog.
In the end, the ref didn’t blow this game, nor did the Dynamo. It was just a poor combination of bad luck, thin air, and a slow start for the team. The Tuzos played solid, possession-based soccer, and Dynamo still came within a hair of winning the aggregate score. Had any of the factors -- luck, oxygen, or a smart start -- been tweaked, the scales would've tipped in the Dynamo's favor.
In the end Dynamo did something that the Tuzos couldn't: they lost with class like the sportsmen and athletes that they are.
Maybe we'll see the Tuzos again in the SuperLiga tourney this summer.
The first half ended with 2 goals for Pachuca (and a 2-2 aggregate tie), both goals coming in the first 15 minutes. The first goal came off a free kick, which was headed in by (an apparently offside) Gabriel Caballero. It looked like Ryan Cochrane failed to mark Caballero, freeing the Tuzo for the header. The second goal came off a PK by Argentinean Christian Gimenez, after a poor tackle in the box by Craig Waibel. On the PK, Wells got a good hand on the ball, but the ball squeezed in nonetheless.
The Dynamo redeemed themselves in the second half, and played outstanding ball for the vast majority of that 45-minute period. In the 52nd minute, Ching won the ball at the touchline (and Mexican cameramen should remember that the entire ball must cross the entire line before being called out into touch...a majority of the ball into touch is not the same thing), crossed the ball to DeRo who touched it to Mullan for the exclamatory finish. Advantage Dynamo...until Davis makes a poor decision on a tackle in the box. It wasn't a foul, but was close enough for the ref to give Pachuca (and Gimenez) the PK. Wells jumped the wrong way, and Pachuca was up 3-1 (but tied 3-3 aggregate).
Still, Dynamo's passing was crisper, there was more off the ball movement, and the on-ball players were looking at their options and making good decisions. Then, in the 80th minute, Ching looked to have locked up the win with an uncontested header. I found much joy in the despairing visage of the crowd...but Pachuca's first goal from the run of play -- endowed by Cochrane when he paused long enough for his mark to gain space in the box -- tied up the aggregate at 4 and sent the teams into OT.
If the CONCACAF followed the pattern followed by Europe and South America, the away goals would have allowed the Dynamo to move on. Instead, the rules required the teams to play OT and then PKs if necessary. This rule gives an enormous advantage to the second host of the 2-leg match...and what an advantage it is when the field is 8,000 feet above sea level.
OT saw Pachuca control the run of play and the possession, which is no knock on the Dynamo who are more accustomed to playing with oxygen. Yet, early on DeRo had a fantastic header that required the Tuzo GK (Miguel Culero, who showed no class in shoving Dominic Kinnear just prior to the start of OT) to make a spectacular save. Seconds past the 15-minute mark of the first half of OT (and 105 minutes into the combined match), the Dynamo D-line inexplicably didn't close down Gimenez as he dribbled up the center, and with that space the Argentinean let loose a rocket of a goal. Dalglish came on for DeRo in the second half of OT. Ching uncharacteristically missed a wide open header. In the closing seconds, Ching got the ball into the net, but a handball had killed the play. The game ended with handshakes (unlike when the Tuzos lost to us in Houston) and jersey-swapping.
This is the third or fourth time (counting CONCACAF matches and the Carolina Challenge Cup) that the Dynamo refused to play two entire halves of soccer. If the poor halves were always in the final 45 minutes, we could chalk up the deficiency to poor conditioning; but the problem strikes in the first halves too. Some criticize Dom for this, but I must say that the fact that he gets them back on track after halftime suggests that Dom is making the adjustments expected of a savvy coach. If a team isn’t performing, that isn't always the coach's fault; but if the team isn't adjusting, that would be the coach's fault.
I thought Cochrane and Davis were liabilities for this match, while Barrett and Mullan were strong. Ching did what he was supposed to do -- and more with his flank play at times, including the cross that led to the first goal -- and DeRo came and went throughout the match. I think Wondo might have been more effective than Dalglish tonight; he couldn't have been less effective.
The fortunes of the game could have changed at so many points. Moreno should have had that 3rd goal in the first leg. (Which would have precluded the need for OT in the second leg.) The first Pachuca goal should have been called offside. Wells almost saved the first PK. The second PK was arguably not a foul and arguably not in the box. DeRo had a point block shot saved. The ref almost blew his whistle before the last goal. Ching missed a header that he NEVER misses towards the end. Yes, Pachuca had bad luck too; but this isn't a Pachuca blog.
In the end, the ref didn’t blow this game, nor did the Dynamo. It was just a poor combination of bad luck, thin air, and a slow start for the team. The Tuzos played solid, possession-based soccer, and Dynamo still came within a hair of winning the aggregate score. Had any of the factors -- luck, oxygen, or a smart start -- been tweaked, the scales would've tipped in the Dynamo's favor.
In the end Dynamo did something that the Tuzos couldn't: they lost with class like the sportsmen and athletes that they are.
Maybe we'll see the Tuzos again in the SuperLiga tourney this summer.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
This is it – Pachuca Redux
Well, we played a half of good soccer in the first leg. Tonight we meet the Tuzos in the same in the rarified air of Pachuca. Pachuca is undefeated at home, and a US club has never beaten -- or even tied, for that matter -- a Mexican club in Mexico. Can Dynamo start a new trend?
In the first leg vs Puntarenas in Costa Rica, we played ugly soccer and went down a manageable 1-0 (which we overcame in the 2nd leg). I love good soccer, and I particularly hate when US teams play prosaic soccer -- but I found the Puntarenas away game to be fascinating stuff in a hostile environment. We now have a 2-0 advantage vs the Tuzos. I'm fine with an ugly game at Pachuca that has a good result. The altitude will negate our fitness and our usual aggressive play, but if we can eke out a tie, we'll have moved on to the next round and done what no other US club has done before; and these two accomplishments would be good enough for me. Go 'Mo.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
More on ESPN's New Media Tech
Here is more info on the new enhancements ESPN expects to unveil this season:
"With our successful FIFA World Cup experience and long-term commitment to soccer, the next natural step is to establish MLS Primetime Thursday as the premier weekly soccer telecast that will attract new fans to the sport and retain its core, passionate base," said Tim Scanlan, ESPN senior coordinating producer, remote productions. Scanlan spearheaded ESPN's 2006 FIFA World Cup production, which was just nominated for a 2007 Emmy Awards in the "Live Special" category.
The in-game enhancements will debut Saturday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC during the 2007 MLS season-opening match – DC United at Colorado Rapids – from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. ESPN2 will debut these innovations Thursday, March 12 from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. – site for the FC Dallas at Los Angeles Galaxy match and premiere of MLS Primetime Thursday.
Highlights of ESPN's 2007 MLS Primetime Thursday production enhancements:
• Kick Trax: A virtual replay device that displays on-screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces (free-, direct- and indirect-kicks) in a match. It also provides the distance of key crosses and long passes including hang-time on goal-kicks. It will be used as a telestrator by the analyst in explaining in-game strategies on critical plays. Kick Trax also features a "radar gun" system – much like in baseball – that will measure and provide the speed of key shots and set pieces. [I think this could be a nice visual if not overdone. See previous blog entry for a link to an example.]
• Offside Line: A key replay technology which displays a virtual line affixed to the last defender to show the viewer whether the referee’s offside decision is accurate. [This is a pretty simple enhancement, but nice to have to support our armchair reffing.]
• SkyCam: A staple of ESPN’s many award-winning telecasts – NFL, college football and MLB – SkyCam will return on a more regular basis than in 2006 to provide aerial views of the field, giving fans a unique angle to appreciate the development and speed of match action. MLS Primetime Thursday will be the only soccer telecast using this aerial, remote and mobile camera. [This does provide some nice perspectives on the on-field play and overall buildup of an attack.]
• New Graphics: MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2 will feature new, enhanced graphics consistent with ESPN’s top-tier programming series, such as Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Baseball, NBA on ABC, NASCAR and college football. [No futuristic robo-soccer players, m'kay? Leave that to the NFL.]
• Access: Throughout the season, MLS Primetime Thursday’s sideline reporter will have unprecedented access on the touchline for in-game, halftime and post-game reports. [Personally, I don't like the in-game sideline interviews of the coaches. We don't gain any candid insight (unless Dom is talking and the ref is slacking!) and the coach is distracted. Save it for the pre-game, halftime, and post-game periods.]
"With our successful FIFA World Cup experience and long-term commitment to soccer, the next natural step is to establish MLS Primetime Thursday as the premier weekly soccer telecast that will attract new fans to the sport and retain its core, passionate base," said Tim Scanlan, ESPN senior coordinating producer, remote productions. Scanlan spearheaded ESPN's 2006 FIFA World Cup production, which was just nominated for a 2007 Emmy Awards in the "Live Special" category.
The in-game enhancements will debut Saturday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC during the 2007 MLS season-opening match – DC United at Colorado Rapids – from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. ESPN2 will debut these innovations Thursday, March 12 from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. – site for the FC Dallas at Los Angeles Galaxy match and premiere of MLS Primetime Thursday.
Highlights of ESPN's 2007 MLS Primetime Thursday production enhancements:
• Kick Trax: A virtual replay device that displays on-screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces (free-, direct- and indirect-kicks) in a match. It also provides the distance of key crosses and long passes including hang-time on goal-kicks. It will be used as a telestrator by the analyst in explaining in-game strategies on critical plays. Kick Trax also features a "radar gun" system – much like in baseball – that will measure and provide the speed of key shots and set pieces. [I think this could be a nice visual if not overdone. See previous blog entry for a link to an example.]
• Offside Line: A key replay technology which displays a virtual line affixed to the last defender to show the viewer whether the referee’s offside decision is accurate. [This is a pretty simple enhancement, but nice to have to support our armchair reffing.]
• SkyCam: A staple of ESPN’s many award-winning telecasts – NFL, college football and MLB – SkyCam will return on a more regular basis than in 2006 to provide aerial views of the field, giving fans a unique angle to appreciate the development and speed of match action. MLS Primetime Thursday will be the only soccer telecast using this aerial, remote and mobile camera. [This does provide some nice perspectives on the on-field play and overall buildup of an attack.]
• New Graphics: MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2 will feature new, enhanced graphics consistent with ESPN’s top-tier programming series, such as Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Baseball, NBA on ABC, NASCAR and college football. [No futuristic robo-soccer players, m'kay? Leave that to the NFL.]
• Access: Throughout the season, MLS Primetime Thursday’s sideline reporter will have unprecedented access on the touchline for in-game, halftime and post-game reports. [Personally, I don't like the in-game sideline interviews of the coaches. We don't gain any candid insight (unless Dom is talking and the ref is slacking!) and the coach is distracted. Save it for the pre-game, halftime, and post-game periods.]
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Media Beautifying the Beautiful Game
The Chronicle (specifically Bernardo Fallas) reports that ESPN is adding some technology to enliven their MLS broadcasts. Among the highlights:
• Kick Trax — A virtual replay device that displays on screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces, distance of key crosses and long passes, including hang time on goal-kicks, and speed of key shots and set pieces.
• Offside Line — Replay technology that displays a virtual line affixed to the second-to-last defender (the last defender is usually the keeper) to show the viewer whether the referee's offside decision is accurate.
The samples found here look pretty impressive. I think it will help with the casual fan, and I know my kids will like it. Heck, I'll enjoy the spectacle myself.
At that same link, you can preview three commercials ESPN plans to run to market their broadcasts of MLS Thursdays. "You're a fan; you just don't know it yet." is the spiel. (When you hit the link, go to the list in the left panel and click on MLS-Things You Love About Baseball, MLS-Things You Love About Football, and MLS-Things You Love About Basketball.)
Fallas notes that "Dynamo fans will be especially pleased as all three ads show the MLS champs love. Look for Pat Onstad's MLS Cup shootout save, Eddie Robinson's denying of Chelsea at the MLS All-Star Game and Dwayne De Rosario's missed PK against Chivas in BASEBALL, Brian Ching's header in MLS Cup in FOOTBALL and Ching's bicycle kick and MLS Cup goal celebration in BASKETBALL. Also, look for Landon Donovan's sweet move on RSL and Stuart Holden's cameo appearance at the end of BASKETBALL."
• Kick Trax — A virtual replay device that displays on screen the trajectory and placement of set pieces, distance of key crosses and long passes, including hang time on goal-kicks, and speed of key shots and set pieces.
• Offside Line — Replay technology that displays a virtual line affixed to the second-to-last defender (the last defender is usually the keeper) to show the viewer whether the referee's offside decision is accurate.
The samples found here look pretty impressive. I think it will help with the casual fan, and I know my kids will like it. Heck, I'll enjoy the spectacle myself.
At that same link, you can preview three commercials ESPN plans to run to market their broadcasts of MLS Thursdays. "You're a fan; you just don't know it yet." is the spiel. (When you hit the link, go to the list in the left panel and click on MLS-Things You Love About Baseball, MLS-Things You Love About Football, and MLS-Things You Love About Basketball.)
Fallas notes that "Dynamo fans will be especially pleased as all three ads show the MLS champs love. Look for Pat Onstad's MLS Cup shootout save, Eddie Robinson's denying of Chelsea at the MLS All-Star Game and Dwayne De Rosario's missed PK against Chivas in BASEBALL, Brian Ching's header in MLS Cup in FOOTBALL and Ching's bicycle kick and MLS Cup goal celebration in BASKETBALL. Also, look for Landon Donovan's sweet move on RSL and Stuart Holden's cameo appearance at the end of BASKETBALL."
Monday, April 02, 2007
2007 'Mo Preview
The two major sports outlets have their previews of the 2007 Dynamo.
ESPN has their preview of the team up. Our key addition is much less impressive than other team's off-season addition. I'm sure John Michael Hayden will do his best to dispel that notion over time.
Many of the general themes are echoed here from other publications: does Dynamo have the depth to endure its busy schedule, can Ching stay healthy, can they defend their title. Wynalda throws a left-handed compliment out there: "This team is not the best group of soccer players in the league...It's a group that has figured out a system and figured out a way to play. The Dynamo enjoy playing at home. Their fans love them and they will always be a difficult game for everybody." Team chemistry is mentioned as the team's "ace in the hole." It is indeed a big reason for their success.
Fox Sports lists Dynamo at the top of the power ranking. That's a nice compliment, but will surely change when the stumbles and droughts come, and they likely will. As long as the team is back on top at the end of the season, everything will be fine.
And how nice would it be to prosper in international play as well as domestic play. We'll see how likely that is at 8:30 PM on Fox Soccer Channel on Thursday.
ESPN has their preview of the team up. Our key addition is much less impressive than other team's off-season addition. I'm sure John Michael Hayden will do his best to dispel that notion over time.
Many of the general themes are echoed here from other publications: does Dynamo have the depth to endure its busy schedule, can Ching stay healthy, can they defend their title. Wynalda throws a left-handed compliment out there: "This team is not the best group of soccer players in the league...It's a group that has figured out a system and figured out a way to play. The Dynamo enjoy playing at home. Their fans love them and they will always be a difficult game for everybody." Team chemistry is mentioned as the team's "ace in the hole." It is indeed a big reason for their success.
Fox Sports lists Dynamo at the top of the power ranking. That's a nice compliment, but will surely change when the stumbles and droughts come, and they likely will. As long as the team is back on top at the end of the season, everything will be fine.
And how nice would it be to prosper in international play as well as domestic play. We'll see how likely that is at 8:30 PM on Fox Soccer Channel on Thursday.
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