While I've been following the Dynamo all season, I have kept my comments to the various blogs (particularly Benardo Fallas and Glenn Davis) and haven't spent time on mine. Worse: I've attended only one game this season. That's primarily because my weekends are spent coaching my son's Divison 2 team, and that's proven very time-consuming.
The past two months have been painful because the Dynamo drifted into a malaise, and their game looked tired and uninspired. Even so, if they had won only one more game they would have earned the Supporters' Shield. This is actually the prize I wanted the most this year. When that went to The Crew, I shifted my hopes to the MLS Cup.
I was pretty pessimistic about our chances to get past the Sounders, but the excellent result at Seattle made me hopeful, and the Dynamo ended up closing out the series in style with an awesome extra time goal by Ching.
We match up fairly well against LA, so I was more optimistic than I was about our Sounders series. Several Dynamo and non-Dynamo fans suggested that the Dynamo would have to beat LA and the refs (and Don Garber and ESPN...) in order to get through to the final. I thought these fans were either paranoid Dynamo fans, or spiteful Galaxy-haters. Turns out they were right.
The Dynamo controlled the game in the first 18 minutes, other than a couple of dangerous forays early on by LA. After the blackout in the 18', the Galaxy asserted control. The MIO worked their way into the game again, but halftime took off their edge and the Galaxy again controlled the game after the break. Thankfully with the 2nd blackout in the 55th minute, the game became the Dynamo's again. They controlled the final 30 minutes or so, and looked like the only team on the field for long stretches. Then they get the only goal of the game off a Hainault header after a LA player takes out Ching and another LA player. Houston wins 1-0.
Except that the ref decided the Dynamo shouldn't have let the LA player take out his teammate and Ching. So no goal. A few crossbars later, and we're into Extra Time. Credit to the Galaxy for playing a solid 30 minute overtime, but it shouldn't have gotten to that. It was an illegitimate act that put an unequal hurdle before both teams. Turns out, you had to have the LA crest on your chest for your goal to count. We weren't aware of that stipulation prior to the game.
The Dynamo have nothing to be ashamed of. They acquitted themselves well for the 90 minute match and proved they were the better team. Fatigue and weak bench support proved to be their undoing when they were forced to play an illegitimate extra 30 minutes.
Question doesn't the Skunk-headed one make enough money to buy some maturity? He whines like a spoiled schoolboy. Does he always whine at every official? Does he always exchange whiny words with the opposition once the competition is over? He did versus Chivas USA, and now with the Dynamo.
It seems to me that the MLS is hurting its credibility with potential American sports fans by immersing itself more and more into the atmosphere of suspicious officiating, like seen with the NBA. I long ago gave up on basketball and I get physically ill whenever I see it on TV. It's an off-season YMCA conditioning exercise that they turned professional with all of the competitive legitimacy of professional wrestling. The MLS seems to be heading in that direction too, with their bush league referees and their rule-bending for the gender-bending Becks and his LA Gals.
I still support the Dynamo. They are the best organization in the MLS and, while physical, play a style of ball that other MLS teams only sometimes toy with. Coach Kinnear is the best in the league, and the players are class acts.
But I have slowly become a reluctant follower of the MLS in general, and have become a more and more infrequent watcher of the league. Furthermore, I worry that personnel changes and aging veterans will make the one bright spot in the league -- the Houston Dynamo -- a second rate team scrapping its way through the league next season as it waits on the next generation of talent to emerge.
Showing posts with label cynicism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cynicism. Show all posts
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The blah goes on...
RBNY came to town but little soccer was played.
Most irritating moment: The 36th minute when Ching (who might have been offside anyway) was 1 on 1 with a cold, newbie keeper and decided to chip the keeper, but didn't adjust his touch accordingly. I see that in youth soccer too often -- players who don't realize that you have to adjust your shooting power when you're going for the crafty arc; but should we see such things from professional soccer players?
Most cynical moment: When RBNY went down to 10 men, I said to my wife, "There goes our only chance to win the game. No goals from here on out." She knows my aggravation at the Orange's inability to break down a 10-man bunkered team.
Most despairing moment: When the game ended, and we hadn't gotten a single goal, and we were left with a lousy point that doubled our total and kept us down with the cellar-dwellers. No wins so far. Ten of twelve points lost thus far.
Most amusing moment: When Coach Osario tried to taunt the fans with his 3-0 hand gestures at the end of the game. Passion like that can be cool when you see it in players; it just looks sad and unprofessional when a coach does it. I knew the coach was a micromanager who, primarily because of the hubris of his micromanaging, is one of the worst gameday coaches out there; but the childish taunting made him look bush-league to boot. It also makes it look like he lives in the past, which should be worrisome to RBNY fans. They should be pleased with the away point they got tonight though.
Here's hoping that Cepero is okay and JP Angel gets his scoring touch back. The League is better when its stars are performing. Here's also hoping that the Orange get their scoring touch, that they find a new MLS star in Ade, and that they start playing complete games and earning complete points. Enough with the malaise! Sheesh, already!
Most irritating moment: The 36th minute when Ching (who might have been offside anyway) was 1 on 1 with a cold, newbie keeper and decided to chip the keeper, but didn't adjust his touch accordingly. I see that in youth soccer too often -- players who don't realize that you have to adjust your shooting power when you're going for the crafty arc; but should we see such things from professional soccer players?
Most cynical moment: When RBNY went down to 10 men, I said to my wife, "There goes our only chance to win the game. No goals from here on out." She knows my aggravation at the Orange's inability to break down a 10-man bunkered team.
Most despairing moment: When the game ended, and we hadn't gotten a single goal, and we were left with a lousy point that doubled our total and kept us down with the cellar-dwellers. No wins so far. Ten of twelve points lost thus far.
Most amusing moment: When Coach Osario tried to taunt the fans with his 3-0 hand gestures at the end of the game. Passion like that can be cool when you see it in players; it just looks sad and unprofessional when a coach does it. I knew the coach was a micromanager who, primarily because of the hubris of his micromanaging, is one of the worst gameday coaches out there; but the childish taunting made him look bush-league to boot. It also makes it look like he lives in the past, which should be worrisome to RBNY fans. They should be pleased with the away point they got tonight though.
Here's hoping that Cepero is okay and JP Angel gets his scoring touch back. The League is better when its stars are performing. Here's also hoping that the Orange get their scoring touch, that they find a new MLS star in Ade, and that they start playing complete games and earning complete points. Enough with the malaise! Sheesh, already!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Holden helps US beat Japan
This morning, I woke up early enough to catch the 2nd half of the US Men's Olympic team's match versus Japan. It was great to see the Houston Dynamo represented well, with our very own Stuart Holden scoring the winning (and only) goal for the US Team.
So our own Hometown Holden is the scoring leader for the US team. Okay, so that's a weak stat at this point. I won't mind if another teammate (McBride? Adu? Altidore?) passes him up this tournament, as long as Holden continues to contribute and the US continues to win.
As for the game itself, it seemed that the US tried to sit back on the lead. The US has a pretty good (if very shallow) defense, but that tactic won't work in the next match, versus the Netherlands. A draw versus the Oranje would help our chances quite a bit overall, particularly after their draw with Nigeria. I'm looking forward to watching my recording of the whole Japan match tonight; I heard we did well in the first half, although we conceded several golden opportunities to the Japanese.
Here's a preview of the Japan match. It doesn't bother to mention anything about Holden, choosing to stick to the easy subjects: Adu, Altidore, and McBride.
Here's the US Soccer recap of the match. Holden was the "Sierra Mist Man of the Match." And here's the AP recap of the match. (It's from the Chron, so the link will only be good for a few weeks.)
Here's an old article about both Dynamo players, Ianni and Holden, after they first joined the Olympic team.
Oh, and for minor laughs, here's Jamie Trecker's preview of the US Men's Olympic team. His schtick is to have a cynical perspective on the US soccer culture in general, and US soccer players specifically. (He seems to have a personal vendetta against Ching; being almost childish -- and definitely rudimentary -- in his criticism of the Hawaiian prior to World Cup 2006.) His counter-culture approach would be better served if he was better at analysis and if he didn't rely on media handouts as the basis for his opinions (even if his opinions are only to counter those handouts). For instance, he obviously hasn't watched any Dynamo games, because he says in the above-linked article "Holden looks to be a journeyman at Houston" and could be on the 2014 US World Cup team "if at all." No one who is considered a solid understudy for DeRo at attacking midfield could be considered merely a journeyman. And no one who has seen Holden's touch, powerful shot, and dribbling skills would consider him a journeyman. Research is perhaps the most difficult job for writers, and so Trecker often skimps on this aspect. If you see facts in his writing, don't take them as accurate. His opinions can be amusing, as I've said, or even interesting at times; but they are often based on a weak foundation of factual errors, on poor analysis, or simply on a hope that a negative perspective will sound insightful.
So our own Hometown Holden is the scoring leader for the US team. Okay, so that's a weak stat at this point. I won't mind if another teammate (McBride? Adu? Altidore?) passes him up this tournament, as long as Holden continues to contribute and the US continues to win.
As for the game itself, it seemed that the US tried to sit back on the lead. The US has a pretty good (if very shallow) defense, but that tactic won't work in the next match, versus the Netherlands. A draw versus the Oranje would help our chances quite a bit overall, particularly after their draw with Nigeria. I'm looking forward to watching my recording of the whole Japan match tonight; I heard we did well in the first half, although we conceded several golden opportunities to the Japanese.
Here's a preview of the Japan match. It doesn't bother to mention anything about Holden, choosing to stick to the easy subjects: Adu, Altidore, and McBride.
Here's the US Soccer recap of the match. Holden was the "Sierra Mist Man of the Match." And here's the AP recap of the match. (It's from the Chron, so the link will only be good for a few weeks.)
Here's an old article about both Dynamo players, Ianni and Holden, after they first joined the Olympic team.
Oh, and for minor laughs, here's Jamie Trecker's preview of the US Men's Olympic team. His schtick is to have a cynical perspective on the US soccer culture in general, and US soccer players specifically. (He seems to have a personal vendetta against Ching; being almost childish -- and definitely rudimentary -- in his criticism of the Hawaiian prior to World Cup 2006.) His counter-culture approach would be better served if he was better at analysis and if he didn't rely on media handouts as the basis for his opinions (even if his opinions are only to counter those handouts). For instance, he obviously hasn't watched any Dynamo games, because he says in the above-linked article "Holden looks to be a journeyman at Houston" and could be on the 2014 US World Cup team "if at all." No one who is considered a solid understudy for DeRo at attacking midfield could be considered merely a journeyman. And no one who has seen Holden's touch, powerful shot, and dribbling skills would consider him a journeyman. Research is perhaps the most difficult job for writers, and so Trecker often skimps on this aspect. If you see facts in his writing, don't take them as accurate. His opinions can be amusing, as I've said, or even interesting at times; but they are often based on a weak foundation of factual errors, on poor analysis, or simply on a hope that a negative perspective will sound insightful.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A new low in the Season Of Mediocrity
The Season Of Mediocrity (SOM) continues. Tonight, we continued our chronic inability to shoot balls on frame. Add an amateurish coffee break by the usually stalwart defense (Ianni and Barrett not communicating, thus allowing Cooper an open header on goal). Sprinkle in spineless officiating by a ref who is afraid to force players to play quality soccer; on that note, it was a smart play by Richetti to trip Holden from behind when Holden was going 1v1 with the keeper, but the price for his smart play would have to be leaving his team with 10 men for the final 13 minutes. It's a heavy price, but a worthy one...and one it turns out he didn't have to pay thanks to the spineless ref.
The result: a 1-1 tie, the third draw in this three-game series. With 4 away goals to our 2, Dallas takes El Capitan for the first time. Enjoy the gun in 2009, fellas; your cynicism earned it tonight (and Caig's cold hands gave you the 2 decisive away goals you needed on April 6).
Pet peeve of the night: Shooting the ball so high or so wide that Sala just glances casually at the ball as we blow another chance.
Pet peeve of the night, runner up: With 4 minutes of stoppage time and the clock at 4:01, our defenders pittypat the ball around the back rather than driving the ball quickly forward. Slim chance you score in the last moments with a rushed ball. No chance you score when the ball is at the halfway line and the final whistle blows. Another example of our non-champion mentality this year.
Without a doubt, Houston was the best team on the field tonight -- just as we were for most of the 7 draws we suffered this season (on schedule to set a MLS record for most draws in a season, woo-hoo!). But there is also no doubt that Houston is borderline incompetent when it comes to the attacking third. Also, there's no doubt that they are uncharacteristically lax and cavalier on defense at inconvenient times. This is not the Houston Dynamo that won the 2006 Championship nor the 2007 Championship, doing so both times with a crushing defense and potent (if sometimes inconsistent) offense. The only thing that remains from those teams is the ability to penetrate along the flanks from the back, and the ability to possess the ball and generate opportunities in the middle. But until we fix the problems up front, and until we regain the continuous (as in "non-stop") professional composure in the back, we can't expect to win the MLS Cup.
There are other things that we can achieve instead of the MLS Cup this season, including (in descending order of prestige): winning SuperLiga, winning the US Open Cup (maybe this should be first, since it guarantees a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League), and winning the Reserve League that we currently lead. Personally, I hope we fix our attack first.
The Supporters' Shield? Oh that's out of the question. You have to win consistently to get that. Even the stalwart teams of yesteryear couldn't do that.
Of course, with half the teams getting into the post-season in this silly league, the Dynamo should remain in contention for the MLS Cup, even with their bajillion draws. But we've seen plenty of harbingers that suggest this season will not be like the last two. The most recent harbinger is losing El Capitan for the first time, but there have been others, including losing by more than one goal at Robertson (New England, 0-2, June 12).
Having said that, this team tends to deliver results when the odds are stacked against them. If that's the case, then they're setting themselves up for some crazy-awesome results later this season. Here's hoping.
Until then...Go Dynamo!
Addendum:
Here are the game quotes. Kinnear: "The guys are disappointed, as we should be. At the halfway point [of the season], I don't think we are getting as many points as we want or need."
But he claims the team is still one of the league's elites. Disappointing season aside, I agree with him. The team is one of the best; it just has to become more composed and more consistent. How about Ching's take on the defense? "You look at our team and what has made us successful the past couple of years. It's defense. We have been one of the best defensive, if not the best, defensive team in the league. But now we've got guys letting in mistakes. They are making big mistakes and costing us games. It's the same guys costing us 3-4 games, so it's disappointing." Wow: It's the same guys costing us 3-4 games. I can't disagree with that, but that's not something you hear from a teammate like Ching too often. And while the defense could always counter by pointing out the chances repeatedly missed by the forwards, I hope they instead focus on what they can do to make the team better. That would be the mature and honorable thing to do. In other words: the Orange thing to do.
The result: a 1-1 tie, the third draw in this three-game series. With 4 away goals to our 2, Dallas takes El Capitan for the first time. Enjoy the gun in 2009, fellas; your cynicism earned it tonight (and Caig's cold hands gave you the 2 decisive away goals you needed on April 6).
Pet peeve of the night: Shooting the ball so high or so wide that Sala just glances casually at the ball as we blow another chance.
Pet peeve of the night, runner up: With 4 minutes of stoppage time and the clock at 4:01, our defenders pittypat the ball around the back rather than driving the ball quickly forward. Slim chance you score in the last moments with a rushed ball. No chance you score when the ball is at the halfway line and the final whistle blows. Another example of our non-champion mentality this year.
Without a doubt, Houston was the best team on the field tonight -- just as we were for most of the 7 draws we suffered this season (on schedule to set a MLS record for most draws in a season, woo-hoo!). But there is also no doubt that Houston is borderline incompetent when it comes to the attacking third. Also, there's no doubt that they are uncharacteristically lax and cavalier on defense at inconvenient times. This is not the Houston Dynamo that won the 2006 Championship nor the 2007 Championship, doing so both times with a crushing defense and potent (if sometimes inconsistent) offense. The only thing that remains from those teams is the ability to penetrate along the flanks from the back, and the ability to possess the ball and generate opportunities in the middle. But until we fix the problems up front, and until we regain the continuous (as in "non-stop") professional composure in the back, we can't expect to win the MLS Cup.
There are other things that we can achieve instead of the MLS Cup this season, including (in descending order of prestige): winning SuperLiga, winning the US Open Cup (maybe this should be first, since it guarantees a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League), and winning the Reserve League that we currently lead. Personally, I hope we fix our attack first.
The Supporters' Shield? Oh that's out of the question. You have to win consistently to get that. Even the stalwart teams of yesteryear couldn't do that.
Of course, with half the teams getting into the post-season in this silly league, the Dynamo should remain in contention for the MLS Cup, even with their bajillion draws. But we've seen plenty of harbingers that suggest this season will not be like the last two. The most recent harbinger is losing El Capitan for the first time, but there have been others, including losing by more than one goal at Robertson (New England, 0-2, June 12).
Having said that, this team tends to deliver results when the odds are stacked against them. If that's the case, then they're setting themselves up for some crazy-awesome results later this season. Here's hoping.
Until then...Go Dynamo!
Addendum:
Here are the game quotes. Kinnear: "The guys are disappointed, as we should be. At the halfway point [of the season], I don't think we are getting as many points as we want or need."
But he claims the team is still one of the league's elites. Disappointing season aside, I agree with him. The team is one of the best; it just has to become more composed and more consistent. How about Ching's take on the defense? "You look at our team and what has made us successful the past couple of years. It's defense. We have been one of the best defensive, if not the best, defensive team in the league. But now we've got guys letting in mistakes. They are making big mistakes and costing us games. It's the same guys costing us 3-4 games, so it's disappointing." Wow: It's the same guys costing us 3-4 games. I can't disagree with that, but that's not something you hear from a teammate like Ching too often. And while the defense could always counter by pointing out the chances repeatedly missed by the forwards, I hope they instead focus on what they can do to make the team better. That would be the mature and honorable thing to do. In other words: the Orange thing to do.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A wonderful vacation story
I get tired of hearing about people's trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, blah, blah blah. BO-ring! I know how to vacation. Here's my story. Don't get jealous!
The excitement begins yesterday. We have no air conditioning downstairs. The second story (where the bedrooms are) is quite comfortable. The ground floor (where everything else is): not so much. We call our friendly a/c repairman and he says he can come over at 8:30 AM today. I tell my boss I'm going to take a vacation day, get the air conditioning fixed, repair my fence gate latch at the same time, have a nice lunch somewhere with my wife, do something fun with the kids in the afternoon, watch the US take on Spain, then finish the day watching the Dynamo get their first victory in DC.
At 9:00 AM no repairman, so I call him. He's crazy busy, can he come later? Sure.
I spend the entire morning working on the gate. It takes the entire morning because I suck at basic carpentry. The only home repair technique I have mastered is basic profanity. I am sticky and not a little bit stinky. Still no a/c man, so I clean up my garage. A little. I still can't park either car in it. I am stickier and stinkier.
One o'clock and no repairman. I run quickly to Burger King and get a pre-processed burger to take home and scarf down.
Repairman comes at 2:30. He leaves at 2:40 to get the part he needs. He returns at 3:15. Air conditioner is fixed at 4:45. House is cool. I am poor. I have completely forgotten about the US game.
It's 5:30, so we call in wings from Wing Stop and we return with them just in time to see the pre-game. It's raining in DC. Ching won't play due to a hamstring issue. Lighting. They stop the pre-game and go to movie previews. Then at 7 they go to the game. The field is wet. People are flopping everywhere. The ball doesn't move. The ball doesn't roll. The ball can barely even be pushed. It can fly through the air okay though.
The picture goes out and Charlie Pallilo goes into radio game-play mode. He does a fine job. The picture returns in time to see the teams walking to the bench then to the locker room. Everything is wet.
Reno 911 comes on. Then some stupid sitcoms. Then B-Fall reports the game is canceled.
This vacation day just sucked from beginning to end. I am poorer than when I began. I am less rested. I didn't get to go to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Europe -- just to blah. I am just plain irritable.
But at least I'm cool. And at least the Dynamo didn't lose. TGFSF.
The excitement begins yesterday. We have no air conditioning downstairs. The second story (where the bedrooms are) is quite comfortable. The ground floor (where everything else is): not so much. We call our friendly a/c repairman and he says he can come over at 8:30 AM today. I tell my boss I'm going to take a vacation day, get the air conditioning fixed, repair my fence gate latch at the same time, have a nice lunch somewhere with my wife, do something fun with the kids in the afternoon, watch the US take on Spain, then finish the day watching the Dynamo get their first victory in DC.
At 9:00 AM no repairman, so I call him. He's crazy busy, can he come later? Sure.
I spend the entire morning working on the gate. It takes the entire morning because I suck at basic carpentry. The only home repair technique I have mastered is basic profanity. I am sticky and not a little bit stinky. Still no a/c man, so I clean up my garage. A little. I still can't park either car in it. I am stickier and stinkier.
One o'clock and no repairman. I run quickly to Burger King and get a pre-processed burger to take home and scarf down.
Repairman comes at 2:30. He leaves at 2:40 to get the part he needs. He returns at 3:15. Air conditioner is fixed at 4:45. House is cool. I am poor. I have completely forgotten about the US game.
It's 5:30, so we call in wings from Wing Stop and we return with them just in time to see the pre-game. It's raining in DC. Ching won't play due to a hamstring issue. Lighting. They stop the pre-game and go to movie previews. Then at 7 they go to the game. The field is wet. People are flopping everywhere. The ball doesn't move. The ball doesn't roll. The ball can barely even be pushed. It can fly through the air okay though.
The picture goes out and Charlie Pallilo goes into radio game-play mode. He does a fine job. The picture returns in time to see the teams walking to the bench then to the locker room. Everything is wet.
Reno 911 comes on. Then some stupid sitcoms. Then B-Fall reports the game is canceled.
This vacation day just sucked from beginning to end. I am poorer than when I began. I am less rested. I didn't get to go to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Europe -- just to blah. I am just plain irritable.
But at least I'm cool. And at least the Dynamo didn't lose. TGFSF.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A quality team behind the team
Today, Oliver Luck issued an apology for a picture that appeared in the e-newsletter issued by the team this week.
Unfortunately, the picture demonstrated that some of our fans are either ignorant or uncouth. However, people come in all sorts of qualities, and when you have a group of them -- regardless of the reason for the formation of the group -- you will find at least a few individuals who harbor the lowest of characteristics.
And with that lame little post, I ensure that I didn't let a month slip by without a post. Tomorrow begins Dynamo training camp, albeit with a skeleton crew due to US and Canadian team callups. It will be interesting how this new season plays out with the new dynamic that will arise with the personnel changes on the team. This is something to discuss in a future post.
This innocuous missive is yet another reason to respect the "team behind the team" of the Dynamo organization. I didn't notice the flag in the picture when I viewed the newsletter, but I still appreciate the message behind Luck's message. He demonstrated a respect for the symbols of our nation and showed that he is willing to be held accountable for mistakes, even those that are based more on perception.Dear Fans: On behalf of the Houston Dynamo organization, I would like to apologize for the fact that a picture of an upside down American flag was used in a recent e-mail newsletter that was sent out. It is completely inappropriate that this image was chosen. A third party vendor, which runs the website for MLS, is responsible for choosing the photo. However, we as an organization share responsibility for this because we have the obligation to proofread the newsletter before it was sent out and we failed. We apologize for this oversight.
By the way, for those that may not know, the International Charter of Flag Etiquette states that a flag may be flown upside down in cases of extreme distress. If you have been following the Dynamo since 2006, you will know that there have been no cases of extreme distress!
Oliver Luck, President/General Manager
Unfortunately, the picture demonstrated that some of our fans are either ignorant or uncouth. However, people come in all sorts of qualities, and when you have a group of them -- regardless of the reason for the formation of the group -- you will find at least a few individuals who harbor the lowest of characteristics.
And with that lame little post, I ensure that I didn't let a month slip by without a post. Tomorrow begins Dynamo training camp, albeit with a skeleton crew due to US and Canadian team callups. It will be interesting how this new season plays out with the new dynamic that will arise with the personnel changes on the team. This is something to discuss in a future post.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Another Year with the Silver Ball!
Another perfect ending to the season: Dynamo Houston crowned MLS Cup Champions again. (Game recap.) Another year with the silver ball and scudetto, only this time we do it with a star over our shield.As a Legend In My Own Mind, I correctly "predicted" it'd be a 2-1 victory with us either (1) going ahead 2-0 then conceding a late goal to halve the lead or (2) going down 1 goal then replying with 2 unanswered. Of course this was no true prediction, it was merely a wild guess, and I would gladly have been wrong as long as the Dynamo carried the day. Regardless, by following the above option #2, the Dynamo created a better storyline and further entrenched themselves as the never-say-die team of the MLS.
The first half was fairly even, I thought, with the Dynamo unable to capitalize on their opportunities. I'd say the run of play was tilted a bit in New England's favor, a fact that was highlighted by the 0-1 halftime scoreline. The second half (thanks in part to a switch to 3-5-2) saw the field tilt to favor the orange, leading to Ngwenya's "determination goal" and DeRo's excellent rocket of a header. In the final 10 minutes we resorted to withstanding the spirited barrage from the desperate New England side. The highlight here was Onstad's reaction save of Jeff Larentowicz's point blank header around the 86th minute.
Okay, time to correct the history books: it wasn't the switch to a 3-5-2 that turned the tide tonight, nor was it individual brilliance on the part of the players. No, it was me subbing out my untried lucky shirt and bringing on a veteran to seal the deal. It was about the 60th minute when I did this, and our fortunes changed immediately thereafter.
No, I'm not forsaking the rookie shirt. It'll get its chance again next season. But sometimes you need experience in a big game. The rookie shirt may get there someday.Overall, it was a very even contest -- just looking at the stats will confirm that. This is to be expected with these two teams that are both forged on consistency and teamwork. The only real differences between the two is (1) the Dynamo, while playing a 4-4-2 (compared to the Revs' 3-5-2), are more attack minded in general, and (2) the Dynamo individually seem to step up in the big games.
As close as the game was, it was a deserved win for the Dynamo. Khano Smith should have been sent off. Zidane's head butt was fiercer, but was to the chest. Smith's was to the face -- and in front of the ref no less! He should've been sent off for being stupid if nothing else. (Or maybe incessant diving?) Also, I felt that Jaqua was indeed fouled in the box around the 15th minute. Had it been anywhere else on the field, it'd been free kick Dynamo. Perhaps the referee thought it was too early to make a game-changing decision like awarding a PK -- okay, this line of reasoning from commentators always confused me. When a call is justified, the referee isn't the one making a game-changing decision; the fouling player had made the game-changing decision with his foul.
(On the reffing topic: Alex Prus, the center ref, is not one of the four full time professional MLS referees. Why wouldn't the MLS pull from this corps for the championship game? Do they feel these aren't really the best of the crop? I guess Jair Marrufo didn't impress with his reffing of the Dynamo-Wizards playoff game.)
It's great seeing the Dynamo on the awards platform. The guys sure looked happy (and exhausted), with even the most stolid players breaking out in wide grins. And Don Garber, after missing the Western Conference Championship, was present for the award.
Was it me, or did Don Garber seem a bit unenthused to be awarding the trophy to the Dynamo? Was he sad for his buddy, Sunil Gulati, who still is the President of Kraft Soccer for the New England Revolution, while also being the president of the United States Soccer Federation? The potential conflict of interest has been noted by many, but the MLS is still a small cabal of insiders. That's one great thing about the new teams and new ownership: it's bringing new blood into what can be perceived as an inbred family.
Enough cynicism from me.
I saw the news reports on Channel 2, Channel 11, and Fox-26. All good, and all positive, and all with the Dynamo victory as the lead item. There were some flubs -- like Matt Musil reporting that Ngwenya's goal came via a feed from Ching, but he knew Ching was on the bench and even wrote as much in his blog. Still, he cared enough to attend the match on a day when the Texans were playing, and for that he gets my respect -- even if he gets free kicks confused with penalty kicks.
Anyone know why the team refers to the "voice of the Dynamo" Steve Mark as "Screech"? They did so on the 790 postgame report.
With the Cup in the books, now Coach Kinnear needs to settle on his protected lineup and hope we don't lose anyone too vital to San Jose in next week's expansion draft. Then Dom is apparently going to Britain and Spain to reconnoiter. Then we have to prepare for the CONCACAF Champions Cup in February (and onward, hopefully), and also the Pan Pacific Cup in February. We'll be exhausted by time the season starts and will, thankfully, have a while before we have to worry about the US Open Cup and the SuperLiga. Here's hoping that our League schedule is kind, given the extracurricular competitions in which we'll be expending our energy.
But that can wait. Before worrying about the future, let's celebrate this season at the Houston City Hall on Tuesday at 5:30.
How about this Hot News?...
Hot news: Fox Soccer has as one of its top news items the breaking story that Beckham says he wants to play in the World Cup in 2010. This is indeed breathtaking insight. Unreported is news as to whether any Americans want to play in the World Cup at this time; however, it has been rumored that both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning say they want to play in the Superbowl at the end of the season. The Houston Astros say they want to win the World Series next season. The Houston Dynamo haven't said, but are presumed to want to win the MLS Cup next year. Off the record, I believe that there are a few players on the Revolution, DC United, RBNY, Chivas USA, KC Wizards, FC Dallas, [insert your favorite MLS team name here]..., and FC Toronto who also want to win the MLS Cup next season. If I can confirm this, I'll be sure to let everyone know. (Well lookie there: I did have some more cynicism in me.)
Go Dynamo! Back 2 back champions!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Killing their way to another MLS Cup
Yet again, the New England Revolution will grace the MLS Cup with their special brand of anti-soccer. Beating the Chicago Fire with an acrobatic chileno from Taylor Twellman, all the more impressive because he had two defenders pressing him hard, the Revs are in their third straight MLS Cup match.
Raise your hand if you thought "That's it: the only goal we'll see in this match" after Twellman scored. It's difficult to type with one hand in the air, but I'm a trooper.
The Revs were aided by an ineffective Wanchope who appeared able to take any half-chance and turn it into a no chance. I think Osorio was too late in inserting Carr --Wanchope looked like he would never score. I'm not a big fan of Blanco, but he has to be irritated with his quality passes being wasted by Barrett and Wanchope. Rolfe had some good shots from distance, but nothing that panned out. I think his battered body will do well with an off-season of rest.
Credit should go to the Revs ability to defend -- some would say "kill a game" -- and protect their lead. Shalrie Joseph, Michael Parkhurst, and Matt Reis are some of the best at this.
We're halfway to a rematch of last year's MLS Cup -- a match-up that most of the US soccer community is dreading. The only thing worse than a Dynamo-Rev match-up would be a Wizards-Rev match-up. Let's hope that the latter doesn't come to pass.
And given the success of Boston in football (with the Pats winning the Superbowl and undefeated so far this season) and baseball (with the Red Sox -- the new New York Yankees some would say -- sweeping the World Series), the Revs seem destined to win the MLS Cup. That would give them the domestic double, them having already won the US Open Cup.
However, if there is a pantheon of gods that governs soccer, the Revs will not be rewarded with a win, and either KC or the Dynamo will take the silver ball. I think Lark Howorth said it as well as anybody: "...the skillful cynicism Nicol brings to the playoffs, especially with the talent he has, frankly has met its just end in all his three MLS Cup finals. I'm so glad we've got a Dynamo team to support that's more interested in winning playoff games via scoring goals, rather than locking down opponents in tactical stalemates."
Word.
I haven't always been a Revs hater, by the way. In fact, I had been impressed with the quality of their individual talent over the years. But seeing them play in person at Robertson over the past two years made me realize that this is a team that hurts the sport. In both instances (2006 and this year), the Dynamo played open, possession-style soccer against a prosaic, cynical opponent that had prostituted its game. Last year's match ended 1-1 and this year's 0-1. Credit the Revs for earning 4 out of 6 points in 2006 and 2007; but they also earned my spite for squashing the creativity from either team and for confirming the haters' stereotype of soccer being boring and banal.
Since I've turned this piece into a bit of a Revs-bashing, I guess I'll continue.
How about Michael Parkhurst as the MLS Defender of the Year? He is a talented defender to be sure, and did you know that he only garnered 5 yellow cards and no red cards all year? Isn't that amazing? It must be: it's mentioned in nearly every article about the young defender.
Is it right that he beat out a player (E-Rob) on a team that conceded 20 fewer goals than his team and another player (Claudi Suarez) on a team that conceded 15 fewer? And Suarez playes for Chivas USA, which conceded fewer goals while also playing an open, attacking style of play. Parkhurst was at the core of a defense that allowed 9 more than even lowly Colorado -- and that's with a keeper as good as Reis in the nets behind him (and a defensive style of play ingrained by Coach Nichol). Maybe Parkhurst should have fouled more.
Despite the stats, Parkhurst is indeed a good defender, and I can't say that the award is an abomination. It's not like giving Eddie Johnson the Comeback Player of the Year award or anything. (What exactly did Eddie comeback from? Underachievement? And does half a good season constitute a comeback?) But I think it says a lot about the MLS when "feel good stories" win out over performance; and the Dynamo's record-setting defense -- which smashed the previous 29 goal record by conceding only 23 goals -- doesn't win a single award. Onstad in particular was slighted.
As for Parkhurst's only goal (and only shot) of his career -- his 60-yard shot versus Toronto this year -- being up for Goal of the Year: it's interesting how the MLS got this into the running despite the fact that it wasn't selected as the best goal even in the week it occurred. (Granted, that's probably due to the votes of overzealous Toronto fans voting for Dichio the same week.) The goal is certainly impressive due to its rarity (haven't seen one since Dwayne DeRosario's shot versus Chicago and Zach Thornton last year), and Lord knows the fans love goals from really, really, really far away (with bicycle kicks right up there). I can't argue that both types of goals aren't impressive, but Parkhurst's feat has the air of luck and coincidence about it. I think a better GOTY would be one that demonstrates intentional skill.
Joseph Ngwenya's doesn't have the "gee-whiz" factor that surrounds a fortuitous strike; however, it does impress due to its focused application of skill. In fact, it is the type of feat that proves that we have skillful players here in the MLS. I think that is what the MLS should emphasize and laud: skill. It seems that we should want the world to know that we are a league of talented players, rather than knowing us as a league that has some lucky blokes every now and then -- because everyone has blind luck from time to time.
When you get a chance, vote for GOTY.
Raise your hand if you thought "That's it: the only goal we'll see in this match" after Twellman scored. It's difficult to type with one hand in the air, but I'm a trooper.
The Revs were aided by an ineffective Wanchope who appeared able to take any half-chance and turn it into a no chance. I think Osorio was too late in inserting Carr --Wanchope looked like he would never score. I'm not a big fan of Blanco, but he has to be irritated with his quality passes being wasted by Barrett and Wanchope. Rolfe had some good shots from distance, but nothing that panned out. I think his battered body will do well with an off-season of rest.
Credit should go to the Revs ability to defend -- some would say "kill a game" -- and protect their lead. Shalrie Joseph, Michael Parkhurst, and Matt Reis are some of the best at this.
We're halfway to a rematch of last year's MLS Cup -- a match-up that most of the US soccer community is dreading. The only thing worse than a Dynamo-Rev match-up would be a Wizards-Rev match-up. Let's hope that the latter doesn't come to pass.
And given the success of Boston in football (with the Pats winning the Superbowl and undefeated so far this season) and baseball (with the Red Sox -- the new New York Yankees some would say -- sweeping the World Series), the Revs seem destined to win the MLS Cup. That would give them the domestic double, them having already won the US Open Cup.
However, if there is a pantheon of gods that governs soccer, the Revs will not be rewarded with a win, and either KC or the Dynamo will take the silver ball. I think Lark Howorth said it as well as anybody: "...the skillful cynicism Nicol brings to the playoffs, especially with the talent he has, frankly has met its just end in all his three MLS Cup finals. I'm so glad we've got a Dynamo team to support that's more interested in winning playoff games via scoring goals, rather than locking down opponents in tactical stalemates."
Word.
I haven't always been a Revs hater, by the way. In fact, I had been impressed with the quality of their individual talent over the years. But seeing them play in person at Robertson over the past two years made me realize that this is a team that hurts the sport. In both instances (2006 and this year), the Dynamo played open, possession-style soccer against a prosaic, cynical opponent that had prostituted its game. Last year's match ended 1-1 and this year's 0-1. Credit the Revs for earning 4 out of 6 points in 2006 and 2007; but they also earned my spite for squashing the creativity from either team and for confirming the haters' stereotype of soccer being boring and banal.
Since I've turned this piece into a bit of a Revs-bashing, I guess I'll continue.
How about Michael Parkhurst as the MLS Defender of the Year? He is a talented defender to be sure, and did you know that he only garnered 5 yellow cards and no red cards all year? Isn't that amazing? It must be: it's mentioned in nearly every article about the young defender.
Is it right that he beat out a player (E-Rob) on a team that conceded 20 fewer goals than his team and another player (Claudi Suarez) on a team that conceded 15 fewer? And Suarez playes for Chivas USA, which conceded fewer goals while also playing an open, attacking style of play. Parkhurst was at the core of a defense that allowed 9 more than even lowly Colorado -- and that's with a keeper as good as Reis in the nets behind him (and a defensive style of play ingrained by Coach Nichol). Maybe Parkhurst should have fouled more.
Despite the stats, Parkhurst is indeed a good defender, and I can't say that the award is an abomination. It's not like giving Eddie Johnson the Comeback Player of the Year award or anything. (What exactly did Eddie comeback from? Underachievement? And does half a good season constitute a comeback?) But I think it says a lot about the MLS when "feel good stories" win out over performance; and the Dynamo's record-setting defense -- which smashed the previous 29 goal record by conceding only 23 goals -- doesn't win a single award. Onstad in particular was slighted.
As for Parkhurst's only goal (and only shot) of his career -- his 60-yard shot versus Toronto this year -- being up for Goal of the Year: it's interesting how the MLS got this into the running despite the fact that it wasn't selected as the best goal even in the week it occurred. (Granted, that's probably due to the votes of overzealous Toronto fans voting for Dichio the same week.) The goal is certainly impressive due to its rarity (haven't seen one since Dwayne DeRosario's shot versus Chicago and Zach Thornton last year), and Lord knows the fans love goals from really, really, really far away (with bicycle kicks right up there). I can't argue that both types of goals aren't impressive, but Parkhurst's feat has the air of luck and coincidence about it. I think a better GOTY would be one that demonstrates intentional skill.
Joseph Ngwenya's doesn't have the "gee-whiz" factor that surrounds a fortuitous strike; however, it does impress due to its focused application of skill. In fact, it is the type of feat that proves that we have skillful players here in the MLS. I think that is what the MLS should emphasize and laud: skill. It seems that we should want the world to know that we are a league of talented players, rather than knowing us as a league that has some lucky blokes every now and then -- because everyone has blind luck from time to time.
When you get a chance, vote for GOTY.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Dynamo's record-setting defense draws no respect
Brad Guzan was selected as MLS Goalkeeper of the year by votes from the "media, players, coaches and general managers." Guzan is a talented keeper who looks to have a bright future ahead of him, but you'd think the award would go to the GK who had a record setting season.
Onstad was on the team that set records for most consecutive minutes (726) without conceding a goal, for fewest goals (23) conceded in the season, and for fewest goals conceded per game (an amazing 0.766). Onstad had the best goals against average (0.83) and the second most shutouts (11, second to Guzan's 13) of the season. And to do that at 39 years old? Impressive.
Guzan will surely win this award again. Will he be able to break the records the Dynamo set this season? I doubt it; Dynamo-H completely blew out the records that had stood through the millennium. If he were to break the record, I suppose someone besides him would get the awards and accolades that season, in order to keep the precedence established this season.
Michael Parkhurst of NE is the favorite to win MLS Defender of the Year on Monday. Eddie Robinson is also contending for that prize. Parkhurst is a young, solid, talented defender who plied his trade while committing only 5 fouls and earning no cards in the regular season. I can't argue with Parkhurst's selection should he take the award, but I do find it interesting that the Dynamo's record-setting defense has no one that the MLS considers worthy of recognition.
In other news where the MLS slights the Dynamo:
Ricardo Clark's appealed his "record-setting" 9-game suspension and accompanying $10,000 fine. Late last night, the disciplinary committee (comprised of Don Garber) upheld the punishment set by the disciplinary committee (comprised of Don Garber). Don Garber may be manipulative, cabalistic, tenditious, and soccer-obtuse, but at least this businessman is consistent.
(Side note: At the beginning of this season, I liked Garber and thought him unfairly criticized for the most part. I'm not sure what, specifically, has caused me in the interim to turn a jaundiced eye towards his machinations, but the whole Clark-Ruiz iniquity did play a role.)
Ricardo is going to spend his time off under the surgeon's knife, so maybe he'll be able to come out of this suspension in better health.
Onstad was on the team that set records for most consecutive minutes (726) without conceding a goal, for fewest goals (23) conceded in the season, and for fewest goals conceded per game (an amazing 0.766). Onstad had the best goals against average (0.83) and the second most shutouts (11, second to Guzan's 13) of the season. And to do that at 39 years old? Impressive.
Guzan will surely win this award again. Will he be able to break the records the Dynamo set this season? I doubt it; Dynamo-H completely blew out the records that had stood through the millennium. If he were to break the record, I suppose someone besides him would get the awards and accolades that season, in order to keep the precedence established this season.
Michael Parkhurst of NE is the favorite to win MLS Defender of the Year on Monday. Eddie Robinson is also contending for that prize. Parkhurst is a young, solid, talented defender who plied his trade while committing only 5 fouls and earning no cards in the regular season. I can't argue with Parkhurst's selection should he take the award, but I do find it interesting that the Dynamo's record-setting defense has no one that the MLS considers worthy of recognition.
In other news where the MLS slights the Dynamo:
Ricardo Clark's appealed his "record-setting" 9-game suspension and accompanying $10,000 fine. Late last night, the disciplinary committee (comprised of Don Garber) upheld the punishment set by the disciplinary committee (comprised of Don Garber). Don Garber may be manipulative, cabalistic, tenditious, and soccer-obtuse, but at least this businessman is consistent.
(Side note: At the beginning of this season, I liked Garber and thought him unfairly criticized for the most part. I'm not sure what, specifically, has caused me in the interim to turn a jaundiced eye towards his machinations, but the whole Clark-Ruiz iniquity did play a role.)
Ricardo is going to spend his time off under the surgeon's knife, so maybe he'll be able to come out of this suspension in better health.
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Weekend's Anti-soccer
The US Soccer Players blog (I site I now regularly hit) has its take on the recent first round leg matches of the conference semis. Here are some highlights:
Regarding the Dynamo match:
Check out Ian Plenderleith's article for his perspective on the entire weekend.
"We wanted to play and go forward but, at the end of the day, who cares?" Revs' coach Steve Nicol told the Boston Globe.
It's naive to imagine that Nicol might worry about entertaining the 14,165 fans who came to watch. But to say "who cares?" like an insouciant teenager suggests he thinks that everyone watching his dull but efficient team in the playoffs is similarly fixated on "smart play" and the final result as he is. The thought of the revs making it through to the MLS Cup Final again is, frankly, depressing.
Regarding the Dynamo match:
Steve Morrow reverted to the British stereotype, breaking up all opposing plays with niggly fouls and using the big lad Adrian Serioux to launch in as many long (and arguably foul) throws as possible in the hope that one might careen around and land in the right place. It worked, with Clarence Goodson banging in a loose ball for the only goal of an intense but extremely poor game of soccer.
Dallas committed 23 fouls in the game, to Houston's eight. The Dynamo, sometimes seen as the Revs of the West, deserved a tie at least for their effort, and because they weren't as dirty as their opponents. It's a strange game when you end up feeling sympathy for Eddie Robinson, the victim of yet another discreet Carlos Ruiz elbow to the face.
Ruiz continued his mediocre form, showing no on-field rapport at all with the lumbering Kenny Cooper. In the end, you prayed for a cameo five minutes from Denilson just to watch him backheel the ball and remind you that this was really supposed to be a game of soccer, and not hands-free rugby played by panicky, over-developed third-graders.
"We made it difficult for them to establish a rhythm," Dallas defender Bobby Rhine told the Dallas Morning News in the understatement of the weekend. Congratulations, Bobby. And did you wonder why there were only twelve and a half thousand people in the stadium for what should have been the biggest game of the season?
Check out Ian Plenderleith's article for his perspective on the entire weekend.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The Banning of Clark; The Empowering of "El Peccadillo"
Thursday, the PTB of the MLS spoke, saying: "I have decided that it is necessary to take firm action to reflect the fact that Ricardo Clark's violent kick to Carlos Ruiz in last weekend's game against FC Dallas, while out of character, is unacceptable behavior from an MLS player. In taking this action, Major League Soccer is sending a signal that it will not accept reckless and dangerous behavior on its fields. If there is a repeat of this kind of behavior by any MLS player, even firmer sanctions can be expected in the future. I hope and believe that Ricardo Clark will reflect on and learn from his mistake and become a better professional as a result."
Then he (they?) suspended Clark for 9 games and fined him $10,000.
Oh, here's the voice mail that Don Garber left on Ricardo Clark's machine last Thursday:
I think Clark's punishment was excessive. Throwing an elbow or a series of punches to someone's face is more malicious that a single kick to the arm. As violent as the kick looks (especially in dramatic slow-motion), it's pretty mild despite the histrionic lamentations of many viewers. It certainly doesn't warrant a third of the season. You wouldn't see a baseball player get suspended for 53 games or a basketball player suspended for 26 for something like that.
Maybe I watch too many Die Hard movies and I've become inured; or maybe others are too effete. Probably neither. I just think there is greater violence and greater injustice in the world and in the world of sports. Even in the game of soccer I think there are things that bring greater disrepute to the game.
Clark was definitely foolish though, and his violence should be punished. That's why I thought a 6 match ban would be appropriate punishment, plus a fine. That's what Sala earned for his participation in a post game melee. And for the record, I think brawling is more violent, more dangerous, and more disreputable than a single kick to the arm.
Also, I think that the cause of the violence explains the incident a little, and perhaps attenuates the degree of disgust associated with the violence. When violently victimized, it's natural to lash out. Is it the right thing to do? No, but it's understandable.
And the cause of Clark's violence was a punch to the kidneys administered by Ruiz.
Even with the replay, it is hard to determine Ruiz's wrongdoing. He's good at what he does and has learned how to hide his peccadilloes. You can't see anything from the Internet feeds--or at least I can't. I had to slow down the slow-mo DVR replay on my big screen TV to see the progression. When the ball is kicked, everyone (except Ruiz) is focused on playing the ball. Ruiz is focused on another target, Clark. Ruiz makes an unnatural movement with his harm that looks to be a jab or punch to Clark's side. Clark immediately collapses. Clark wasn't watching Ruiz (he was doing what you're supposed to do: playing the ball), so he wouldn't have known to "dive" then; his fall was caused by the strike. Only after Ruiz had violently dispatched Clark did Ruiz attempt to play the ball.
When Clark's momentary lapse of reason led to a kick to Ruiz's arm, Ruiz must have been elated. This created another opportunity for the Soccer Con Man. The shot to the arm obviously was harmless because Ruiz was able to go to his Plan B (every con man has a back up). He grabbed his head and rolled around in an attempt to exaggerate his own "victimization" by his former punching bag, thus masking his own earlier assault and possibly drawing a PK.
Clark could have kicked Ruiz several more times before others restrained the Dynamo midfielder. Multiple strikes are typical of hooligan activity -- but Clark didn't, because this wasn't hooliganism. It was a one-time momentary lapse of reason brought about by stress.
The major difference between Ruiz's violence and Clark's is that Ruiz's violence was premeditated and with the sole intent of gaining an advantage for himself. Clark's violence was emotional and in reaction to being wronged. Neither action was right, but a moment's weakness after being wronged is much less offensive than a pre-planned assault designed for selfish gain. Ergo, Ruiz deserves equal if not more punishment.
As for the violence itself, people can be easily swayed by the drama of a kick, but it can be argued that a kick to a fleshy arm is less dangerous than a sucker punch to the back/side.
And this has nothing to do with Ruiz's past antics. This is based on the actions and violence of THIS incident. (Although repeat offenders should be punished more harshly.)
Clark's violence should be punished, no doubt; but I find Ruiz's incessant cheating and continual violent conduct (which has, disgustedly, been refined to a subtle art) to bring repeated disrepute to the game. His transgressions go far beyond diving; his nickname should change from "El Pescadito" to "El Peccadillo".
Ruiz should be punished no less than Clark, and his cynical machinations should not give his team any advantage over potential opponents in the post-season. I don't think a Clark-less Dynamo should have to face a Ruiz-led FCD in the playoffs...not that Ruiz brings much to the pitch these days.
I am baffled how teams continue to put up with the stain that is Ruiz. But on the Internet, one can find many Ruiz-apologists to this day. This pleases Ruiz to no end, I'm sure; because without gullible folks, con men can't survive. His shenanigans could not continue without the MLS's, journalists', and even some fans' tacit blessing. They're all being conned, but the true victim is the game.
If the MLS truly wanted to end these incidents, it would go after the instigators. Instead, they let the criminals roam free to create more victims...and then the victims themselves are held to a separate standard when they react to the injustice that the criminals (and, by proxy, the MLS) have unleashed upon them.
So, if 9 games is the new standard for a momentary slip into rash violence, then so be it. Future offenders will have to be held to this ever-changing standard. But if Ruiz doesn’t get more than his standard 1 game suspension (on top of his 1 game for yellow accumulation), then he is giggling at the chaos he is able to sow…and others of his ilk are preparing their own surreptitious jabs and taunts in order to further undermine the game for their own personal gain.
Then he (they?) suspended Clark for 9 games and fined him $10,000.
Oh, here's the voice mail that Don Garber left on Ricardo Clark's machine last Thursday:
...oh, there's the beep. These machines are tricky sometimes. Uh, Rico, Don here. I just wanted to let you know that one sin we cannot abide is a momentary slip into passion -- well, we encourage passion, of course, just certain types of passion. Anyway, it would be better if you wouldn't be so obvious with your violence. Regular violence done subtly is fine; and who cares if it's selfishly motivated? Just none of that "moment of provoked weakness" stuff, okay? Please try to conceal it a bit better, and remember: violence should be a tool to enhance your game and give you an edge. Use it insidiously for the betterment of the game.Oh, and next time just break his leg in the run of play. Even if you cause a career-ending injury, we'd have suspended you only 2 games -- just ask Hristo. See ya, and good luck in the play-offs -- oops, didn't mean to rub it in.
The Internet boards are lit up with Ruiz-haters defending Clark, pacifists denouncing Clark, and wizened journalists shaking their heads sagely and reprimanding Clark for not being the professional that they are. The only journalist who has taken up a position that I agree with (including even our hometown journalists) is Ives Galarcep, who has had several blog posts about this incident. Here is one that summarizes his viewpoint.
I think Clark's punishment was excessive. Throwing an elbow or a series of punches to someone's face is more malicious that a single kick to the arm. As violent as the kick looks (especially in dramatic slow-motion), it's pretty mild despite the histrionic lamentations of many viewers. It certainly doesn't warrant a third of the season. You wouldn't see a baseball player get suspended for 53 games or a basketball player suspended for 26 for something like that.
Maybe I watch too many Die Hard movies and I've become inured; or maybe others are too effete. Probably neither. I just think there is greater violence and greater injustice in the world and in the world of sports. Even in the game of soccer I think there are things that bring greater disrepute to the game.
Clark was definitely foolish though, and his violence should be punished. That's why I thought a 6 match ban would be appropriate punishment, plus a fine. That's what Sala earned for his participation in a post game melee. And for the record, I think brawling is more violent, more dangerous, and more disreputable than a single kick to the arm.
Also, I think that the cause of the violence explains the incident a little, and perhaps attenuates the degree of disgust associated with the violence. When violently victimized, it's natural to lash out. Is it the right thing to do? No, but it's understandable.
And the cause of Clark's violence was a punch to the kidneys administered by Ruiz.
Even with the replay, it is hard to determine Ruiz's wrongdoing. He's good at what he does and has learned how to hide his peccadilloes. You can't see anything from the Internet feeds--or at least I can't. I had to slow down the slow-mo DVR replay on my big screen TV to see the progression. When the ball is kicked, everyone (except Ruiz) is focused on playing the ball. Ruiz is focused on another target, Clark. Ruiz makes an unnatural movement with his harm that looks to be a jab or punch to Clark's side. Clark immediately collapses. Clark wasn't watching Ruiz (he was doing what you're supposed to do: playing the ball), so he wouldn't have known to "dive" then; his fall was caused by the strike. Only after Ruiz had violently dispatched Clark did Ruiz attempt to play the ball.
When Clark's momentary lapse of reason led to a kick to Ruiz's arm, Ruiz must have been elated. This created another opportunity for the Soccer Con Man. The shot to the arm obviously was harmless because Ruiz was able to go to his Plan B (every con man has a back up). He grabbed his head and rolled around in an attempt to exaggerate his own "victimization" by his former punching bag, thus masking his own earlier assault and possibly drawing a PK.
Clark could have kicked Ruiz several more times before others restrained the Dynamo midfielder. Multiple strikes are typical of hooligan activity -- but Clark didn't, because this wasn't hooliganism. It was a one-time momentary lapse of reason brought about by stress.
The major difference between Ruiz's violence and Clark's is that Ruiz's violence was premeditated and with the sole intent of gaining an advantage for himself. Clark's violence was emotional and in reaction to being wronged. Neither action was right, but a moment's weakness after being wronged is much less offensive than a pre-planned assault designed for selfish gain. Ergo, Ruiz deserves equal if not more punishment.
As for the violence itself, people can be easily swayed by the drama of a kick, but it can be argued that a kick to a fleshy arm is less dangerous than a sucker punch to the back/side.
And this has nothing to do with Ruiz's past antics. This is based on the actions and violence of THIS incident. (Although repeat offenders should be punished more harshly.)
Clark's violence should be punished, no doubt; but I find Ruiz's incessant cheating and continual violent conduct (which has, disgustedly, been refined to a subtle art) to bring repeated disrepute to the game. His transgressions go far beyond diving; his nickname should change from "El Pescadito" to "El Peccadillo".
Ruiz should be punished no less than Clark, and his cynical machinations should not give his team any advantage over potential opponents in the post-season. I don't think a Clark-less Dynamo should have to face a Ruiz-led FCD in the playoffs...not that Ruiz brings much to the pitch these days.
I am baffled how teams continue to put up with the stain that is Ruiz. But on the Internet, one can find many Ruiz-apologists to this day. This pleases Ruiz to no end, I'm sure; because without gullible folks, con men can't survive. His shenanigans could not continue without the MLS's, journalists', and even some fans' tacit blessing. They're all being conned, but the true victim is the game.
If the MLS truly wanted to end these incidents, it would go after the instigators. Instead, they let the criminals roam free to create more victims...and then the victims themselves are held to a separate standard when they react to the injustice that the criminals (and, by proxy, the MLS) have unleashed upon them.
So, if 9 games is the new standard for a momentary slip into rash violence, then so be it. Future offenders will have to be held to this ever-changing standard. But if Ruiz doesn’t get more than his standard 1 game suspension (on top of his 1 game for yellow accumulation), then he is giggling at the chaos he is able to sow…and others of his ilk are preparing their own surreptitious jabs and taunts in order to further undermine the game for their own personal gain.
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.
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