ESPN Classic is hosting a series on The Art of Football, hosted by John Cleese. Don't know much about it, but it looks like it's going to start this Sunday, July 13, so check your listings. Maybe. The page for the show included a cool quote by uber-referee, Pierluigi Collina: "A good referee must defend creativity on the pitch. That is a very important role. If you make mistakes in this role, the beauty of the game and the creativity of the players can be influenced in a negative way." Amen.
I didn't attend the Free Kick Masters (and it sounds like it was a good thing I didn't), but I felt like I was there after reading Jen Chang's detailed account of the event. Here is his pre-event entry, with a tip o' the hat to DeRo. B-Fall also covered it in his blog.
And speaking of celebrity sightings, here's another nice recap of the Claudia Reyna-Steve Nash charity soccer game in New York last month. (More links here.) "This Is American Soccer" has some cool photos of the event.
Finally, check out the Dynamo blog. It quashes the rumor about DeRo going to FC Copenhagen, updates us on the Dynamo Academy's peformance in the SUM U-17 Cup tournament, and presents some nice photos of a few players and their wives at the Ronald McDonald House on June 27.
Showing posts with label Monty Python. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monty Python. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Battery drains Dynamo
Well, I would've liked to have won tonight, of course. Wins are always nice, and we'd have had the reward of facing the vile Frisco Hoops in the quarterfinals. It would be nice to add the US Open Cup to our trophy case one day, but it won't be this year.
As much as I would have liked to have beaten the Charleston Battery, I can't say that I'm all that disappointed with the loss. Usually when we're on the business end of a defeat, I gnash my teeth and glower at the dog and grunt at the kids, but I just don't feel the frustration tonight.
Why?
The US Open Cup is a fascinating competition, and it's a nice piece of hardware; but it's traditionally been third in importance in the hierarchy, and now with SuperLiga, it's dropped to fourth. Let's see...in my mind the order is probably:
(1) the MLS Cup,
(2) the Supporters' Shield (which is a greater accomplishment I think, but the MLS Cup gets the edge because of the lasting recognition, including the jersey scudetto that turns into a star, and the magical silver ball),
(3) SuperLiga, then
(4) the US Open Cup.
I would have to put the CONCACAF Champions Cup above the SuperLiga at this point, but I do think (hope) SuperLiga will grow with importance as it matures.
Let's get the bad stuff out of the way:
Other 3rd Round Results:
I can't hold it back any longer: listening to Steve Mark's game description (I can't call it game play-by-play) is pure torture. He doesn't use much soccer terminology first of all, but the worse sin is that he doesn't keep pace with the game. The PK was immediately called by the ref, but Mark seemed to think the ref was waffling and I didn't learn of the call until the video feed (which runs nearly a full minute behind the radio play) showed it. Action in front of the goal will end with a long silent pause while Mark tries to mentally sort it out, and I'm left shouting "What is HAPPENING?!" The man knows sports, and he's got passion, no doubt; I just wish he'd borrow some tapes of EPL games and listen to how it's done. Maybe Glenn Davis or even Charlie Pallilo (who's not a soccer guy, but knows play-by-play) could pass along some pointers.
Having said that, I really liked Steve Mark's post game report this past weekend. It's great to be able to flip over to 790 on the drive home after a game and hear the team interviews. Live local soccer with radio commentary; things have gotten good here in Houston.
The USL video feed of the game was actually pretty good. The camera work was hosed, but to be able to watch a US Open Cup game from a USL team's home stadium in South Carolina is really a treat. The play-by-play guy was understated and good. He didn't know many of the Dynamo players...but then neither did I tonight. I wouldn't mind him calling Dynamo games regularly, but who knows: his radio work might not be as good as his video work.
A nod to Monsieur Dwayne De Rosario
I really like the news that came out yesterday: DDR will be a Dynamo through 2010. Much bile has been spilled his way due to his lack of form so far this year. He's still the generator of electricity for the Dynamo, and his speed, touch, and imagination can leave you breathless on the sidelines. I've already noted many times that I don't think that he was not trying hard enough during the negotiation: he was trying too hard. Hopefully now he will be at ease and just let himself slip into the game. DDR through 2010 is a good thing.
As much as I would have liked to have beaten the Charleston Battery, I can't say that I'm all that disappointed with the loss. Usually when we're on the business end of a defeat, I gnash my teeth and glower at the dog and grunt at the kids, but I just don't feel the frustration tonight.
Why?
The US Open Cup is a fascinating competition, and it's a nice piece of hardware; but it's traditionally been third in importance in the hierarchy, and now with SuperLiga, it's dropped to fourth. Let's see...in my mind the order is probably:
(1) the MLS Cup,
(2) the Supporters' Shield (which is a greater accomplishment I think, but the MLS Cup gets the edge because of the lasting recognition, including the jersey scudetto that turns into a star, and the magical silver ball),
(3) SuperLiga, then
(4) the US Open Cup.
I would have to put the CONCACAF Champions Cup above the SuperLiga at this point, but I do think (hope) SuperLiga will grow with importance as it matures.
Let's get the bad stuff out of the way:
- Well, we lost, and that's never good.
- Ashe looks like he has an ankle sprain. He's recently been making a name for himself on the first team, and an ankle sprain could waylay him for a while -- just ask Dalglish. Cochrane may have also been nicked up.
- Charleston Battery were quite equal with us on the field, and could have gotten a goal without the ref's help had it not been for Zach Wells. Similarly, we had too few good chances on goal.
- Eddie Robinson played quite a bit. So? Well, this is bad because he's on my Fantasy Soccer team (currently in 6th place in my 86-team league; Go Balder Dash!) and will now probably sit much of the Thursday game.
- The reserves got some good time on the field and in a meaningful competition. I saw some talent out there, but a lot of development is still in the books. There was one left middie (or an advanced back) towards the end of the match who had a really good touch and could maintain possession well under pressure. Was that Hayden? Hatzke? Ustruck? Couldn't tell on my small screen. Moloi got some raves too.
- Dalglish finally got some work on the field and began to build up his fitness. Welcome back, Daggers! (What's with the hair?)
- Zach Wells continues to impress.
- It took a lame dive and chintzy call by the ref in the 106th minute to get the ball into our net, and even then, better reaction from our defenders may have paid off after Wells deflected the initial shot but couldn’t beat the Battery forwards to the rolling ball.
- Except for Robinson, our primary starters were able to rest. I know Onstad traveled to the game and Ching didn't, but I hope at least some of the other "Starting XI" attended the game to cheer on their mates.
- Our game schedule is now a little more open and less arduous on the lads. It's very likely we'd have to go with a mostly reserve team versus FCD, or risk our effectiveness in the league or SuperLiga.
Other 3rd Round Results:
- Dallas plays its first team against the Atlanta Silverbacks and is a man up for 68 minutes (from the 82nd minute through two overtimes) but still has to go to penalties to move on.
- LA takes the same approach as Dynamo Houston, and with the same results. Playing several reserves, the Gals lose to the Richmond Kickers 1-0.
- New England Revolution plays its first team and beats the historic club, the Rochester Rhinos, 4-2.
- Colorado relies on a mix of veterans and reserves to put away the California Victory, 3-1.
I can't hold it back any longer: listening to Steve Mark's game description (I can't call it game play-by-play) is pure torture. He doesn't use much soccer terminology first of all, but the worse sin is that he doesn't keep pace with the game. The PK was immediately called by the ref, but Mark seemed to think the ref was waffling and I didn't learn of the call until the video feed (which runs nearly a full minute behind the radio play) showed it. Action in front of the goal will end with a long silent pause while Mark tries to mentally sort it out, and I'm left shouting "What is HAPPENING?!" The man knows sports, and he's got passion, no doubt; I just wish he'd borrow some tapes of EPL games and listen to how it's done. Maybe Glenn Davis or even Charlie Pallilo (who's not a soccer guy, but knows play-by-play) could pass along some pointers.
Having said that, I really liked Steve Mark's post game report this past weekend. It's great to be able to flip over to 790 on the drive home after a game and hear the team interviews. Live local soccer with radio commentary; things have gotten good here in Houston.
The USL video feed of the game was actually pretty good. The camera work was hosed, but to be able to watch a US Open Cup game from a USL team's home stadium in South Carolina is really a treat. The play-by-play guy was understated and good. He didn't know many of the Dynamo players...but then neither did I tonight. I wouldn't mind him calling Dynamo games regularly, but who knows: his radio work might not be as good as his video work.
A nod to Monsieur Dwayne De Rosario
I really like the news that came out yesterday: DDR will be a Dynamo through 2010. Much bile has been spilled his way due to his lack of form so far this year. He's still the generator of electricity for the Dynamo, and his speed, touch, and imagination can leave you breathless on the sidelines. I've already noted many times that I don't think that he was not trying hard enough during the negotiation: he was trying too hard. Hopefully now he will be at ease and just let himself slip into the game. DDR through 2010 is a good thing.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-cable...
Today, Canada easily took care of business versus Carlos Ruiz and Guatemala, while the US let Panama stay in the game but got the result the States needed. Canada and the US will now face each other in the semis on Thursday. Canada faces its biggest challenge of the tournament, due to the athleticism of the US and based on the recent on-field slump the Great White North has had versus its southern neighbors. Likewise, the US faces its biggest challenge, and if they aren't able to convert possession and penetration into goals, and if their defense lapses like it did today, then DeRo and Company will be in the finals.
Of course, we Houstonians are quite aware that it will be Ricardo Clark and Brian Ching versus Dwayne DeRosario and Pat Onstad. Here's hoping that Clark and Ching get to start the game for the US. DeRo and Onstad are near locks for their side.
And Ching should start. He played about 10 minutes (which includes a long stoppage time) at the close of today's Panama match, and didn't contribute much at that point. However, he's been a consistently solid asset on the field the previous games. Twellman didn't bring much to the table today, even though he played nearly the whole game. He squandered opportunities and wasn't able to link up well with his 'mates to generate other opportunities -- But, in fairness, many people squandered opportunities.
Twellman had about three looks and got nothing out of it. Landon had two chances that came to naught, including one in the opening minutes, but at least he did get the PK. Towards the end of the game (and mere moments before being subbed off for Ching in the 84th), Dempsey had the ball in front of the goal as a gift from Donovan, but Clint went for the razzle-dazzle and got stripped of the ball. Nice Cruyff, but braggadocio doesn't win games, goals do.
Not long after Dempsey fails to give us that insurance, we let Panama halve our lead when three defenders clustered around the Panamanian attacker and all three ignored the open passing lanes that the attacker could turn into. That sort of clustering is pure amateurism. I always tell my kids (or at least the defenders*) that the defenders have to be the smartest kids on the field. They can't get caught daydreaming and can't allow themselves to be hypnotized into ball-watching. Once a forward has a defender on him (and especially if there is a second defender providing support), then you have to look for the other threats and shut down those avenues. Today we had three defenders in a circle around the Panamanian. None of them were looking at anything other than the ball, and none had even put themselves in a supporting position for the first defender on that one attacker. All were drawn to the ball like moths to the flame. A quick touch by the forward got the ball into space, and he was able to finish the shot. Rookie mistakes can sink this team if they're not careful.
Thankfully, they're aware of this.
A final gripe: Donovan needs to take some of his off time to practice his PKs. This is the third PK he's taken in this tourney, and it's the third one that was poor. His first one versus El Salvador was saved (but was retaken). His next two (one vs El Sal and the other today vs Panama) were soft, and would have been easily saved if the GK had fallen in the right direction -- or if the GK had waited to move until after the ball began its painfully slow roll toward the goal line. Taking a soft shot so close to the goal limits your probability of success to 50% max. The goalie makes the save if he guesses correctly, left or right. We need more kicks like Stuart Holden's from the MLS Cup. With his, which was a scorcher that went into the upper 90, the goalkeeper would have to (1) guess right AND (2) be supernaturally athletic. That definitely leans the probability back in the kicker's favor.
Spamalot
My wife and I went to see Spamalot this evening. It was an amusing show, although a lot of it I had seen a thousand times in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The new stuff was particularly funny.
But there is a Dynamo connection, of course! I saw Wade Barrett at the event. (I think this bio is a little outdated.) He exited the building right in front of us after the show. When I saw him, I blurted out "So, Dom let's you guys out?" (Clever, huh?) Wade politely laughed and replied that Dom does so every now and then. My wife brought up that it was good that the US won that afternoon, and Wade agreed, but lamented that the late Panamanian goal made the final moments too stressful.
(Oh, and my sister, who has been to all of one Dynamo game, needed only that one game to get the "Dale Dynamo" chant in her head. She said that had she seen Wade (I told her about him; she'd never know who he -- or any Dynamo -- was on her own), she would've bounced up and down right next to him, shouting "Spama, Spama, Spama, Spamalot. Spama, Spama, Spama, Spamalot. Spamaaaa, SpamaLAHHHHT!" She has an odd sense of humor.)
It's nice to know we have a cultured crew with the Dynamo, attending the arts around town. Of course, that's assuming Spamalot counts as culture, or art for that matter.
But it is nice to see the guys enjoying the benefits of the hometown for as long as their careers have them here. Hopefully they leave Houston with some pleasant memories of the New York of the Southwest.
Speaking of the local attractions, I wonder if Ching saw the article in the Chronicle about how one can surf at Galveston? I hope not. I think Texas surfing pales to that found in Hawaii.
* Note: I tell my forwards that they have to be the most creative people on the field, and the biggest risk-takers. I don't let them know that defenders have higher IQs than they do.
Of course, we Houstonians are quite aware that it will be Ricardo Clark and Brian Ching versus Dwayne DeRosario and Pat Onstad. Here's hoping that Clark and Ching get to start the game for the US. DeRo and Onstad are near locks for their side.
And Ching should start. He played about 10 minutes (which includes a long stoppage time) at the close of today's Panama match, and didn't contribute much at that point. However, he's been a consistently solid asset on the field the previous games. Twellman didn't bring much to the table today, even though he played nearly the whole game. He squandered opportunities and wasn't able to link up well with his 'mates to generate other opportunities -- But, in fairness, many people squandered opportunities.
Twellman had about three looks and got nothing out of it. Landon had two chances that came to naught, including one in the opening minutes, but at least he did get the PK. Towards the end of the game (and mere moments before being subbed off for Ching in the 84th), Dempsey had the ball in front of the goal as a gift from Donovan, but Clint went for the razzle-dazzle and got stripped of the ball. Nice Cruyff, but braggadocio doesn't win games, goals do.
Not long after Dempsey fails to give us that insurance, we let Panama halve our lead when three defenders clustered around the Panamanian attacker and all three ignored the open passing lanes that the attacker could turn into. That sort of clustering is pure amateurism. I always tell my kids (or at least the defenders*) that the defenders have to be the smartest kids on the field. They can't get caught daydreaming and can't allow themselves to be hypnotized into ball-watching. Once a forward has a defender on him (and especially if there is a second defender providing support), then you have to look for the other threats and shut down those avenues. Today we had three defenders in a circle around the Panamanian. None of them were looking at anything other than the ball, and none had even put themselves in a supporting position for the first defender on that one attacker. All were drawn to the ball like moths to the flame. A quick touch by the forward got the ball into space, and he was able to finish the shot. Rookie mistakes can sink this team if they're not careful.
Thankfully, they're aware of this.
A final gripe: Donovan needs to take some of his off time to practice his PKs. This is the third PK he's taken in this tourney, and it's the third one that was poor. His first one versus El Salvador was saved (but was retaken). His next two (one vs El Sal and the other today vs Panama) were soft, and would have been easily saved if the GK had fallen in the right direction -- or if the GK had waited to move until after the ball began its painfully slow roll toward the goal line. Taking a soft shot so close to the goal limits your probability of success to 50% max. The goalie makes the save if he guesses correctly, left or right. We need more kicks like Stuart Holden's from the MLS Cup. With his, which was a scorcher that went into the upper 90, the goalkeeper would have to (1) guess right AND (2) be supernaturally athletic. That definitely leans the probability back in the kicker's favor.
Spamalot
My wife and I went to see Spamalot this evening. It was an amusing show, although a lot of it I had seen a thousand times in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The new stuff was particularly funny.
But there is a Dynamo connection, of course! I saw Wade Barrett at the event. (I think this bio is a little outdated.) He exited the building right in front of us after the show. When I saw him, I blurted out "So, Dom let's you guys out?" (Clever, huh?) Wade politely laughed and replied that Dom does so every now and then. My wife brought up that it was good that the US won that afternoon, and Wade agreed, but lamented that the late Panamanian goal made the final moments too stressful.
(Oh, and my sister, who has been to all of one Dynamo game, needed only that one game to get the "Dale Dynamo" chant in her head. She said that had she seen Wade (I told her about him; she'd never know who he -- or any Dynamo -- was on her own), she would've bounced up and down right next to him, shouting "Spama, Spama, Spama, Spamalot. Spama, Spama, Spama, Spamalot. Spamaaaa, SpamaLAHHHHT!" She has an odd sense of humor.)
It's nice to know we have a cultured crew with the Dynamo, attending the arts around town. Of course, that's assuming Spamalot counts as culture, or art for that matter.
But it is nice to see the guys enjoying the benefits of the hometown for as long as their careers have them here. Hopefully they leave Houston with some pleasant memories of the New York of the Southwest.
Speaking of the local attractions, I wonder if Ching saw the article in the Chronicle about how one can surf at Galveston? I hope not. I think Texas surfing pales to that found in Hawaii.
* Note: I tell my forwards that they have to be the most creative people on the field, and the biggest risk-takers. I don't let them know that defenders have higher IQs than they do.
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