2010 Major League Soccer thread [R]-90% Fitz and Ben

Discussion in 'General Football & Other Sport' started by Fitz, Dec 3, 2009.

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  1. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    PS one of my buddy's who interacts with the Galaxy President Tom Payne said he spoke with him tonight and that despite working hard to corral both Ronaldinho and Adu, it looks like both deals fell through at least for now...
     
  2. sonofben

    sonofben Reservist

    Shame about both.. would have rather liked to see Adu back in the mls.. maybe we can lure him to phila with promises of cheese steaks
     
  3. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Not sure what the reason is for falling through, but I would expect to see Adu back in MLS somewhere. San Jose is at the front of the list of teams that get dibs on returning US player pool men right now so I think there was a negotiation together the position from SJ that fell through.
     
  4. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    This is the reason I hate these meaningless friendlies/cash grabs, all partying and kickabouts aside:
    [yt]8n1p4tUqHS4[/yt]

    This is a Real Madrid player not particularly necessary to Real Madrid's overall success karate kicking the Galaxy's Juninho who is absolutely critical to the Galaxy's success in the neck/chest/face. Last year, at the Barcelona friendly, young Alecko Eskandarian's career was ended forever by sustaining a concussion during the game and Sean Franklin, a critical defender/middie, was out nearly two months recovering from a run of the mill knee injury sustained during the game. HATE!
     
  5. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Three LA Galaxy players start against Brazil in New Jersey tonight: Good luck Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle & Omar Gonzalez!

    Kickoff in one hour...

    EDIT: the best result possible is that Bob Bradley gets fired!
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2010
  6. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Beckham started practicing with the Galaxy again today. Yay.
    [​IMG]

    The press are flocking back to the Home Depot Center...asking him soft questions about the weather and how stiff his leg is.
    The Galaxy are in first place and the guy hasn't played a game in LA this year. I can't see his return to LA helping the Galaxy, but I hope he proves me wrong. I feel he's not worth the trouble, to be honest. We fans are so ungrateful and unworthy, I wish he would just do the right thing and go back to England. There. I said it.
     
  7. krisvad

    krisvad Forum Viking

    HERE ARE THE ANSWERS YOU WILL BE GETTING:

    1. Michael Stephens has become a starter in the midfield and has 7 assists. How will you fit in with him, Juninho, Birchall and Dema?
    Michael's done tremendously well and all I can to is train hard and push for a place in the starting 11. I believe I will fit in fantastically well with those other you mention and over the course of a long season there will be a need for everybody to play their part.
    2. The Galaxy have had some trouble keeping the ball out of the net. How will your contributions shore up the defense?
    I always try to do my best when defending whether I play centrally or on the flank.
    3. What dimension do the Galaxy need that you can provide?I have a bit of experience which will be of great value to a young set of players.
    4. Your attention has been focussed everywhere except the Galaxy the past several months, are you ready to settle down and focus your complete attention on the Galaxy? I have always been 100% focussed on the G whenever I've been here and I am 100% focussed now
    5. Do you think the travel and the lack of time off contributed to your injury? What measures are you taking to limit a reoccurance? I think I may have tried to do a little too much trying to stay in the frame for a world cup berth. Unfortunately I got injured but that could have happened anyway. I am working with several specialists to ensure I stay fit the the Galaxy
     
  8. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Bravo, Krisvad...


    Just got back from the New York game against the Galaxy.

    Here is some math:

    Galaxy = Donovan + Buddle - Beckham > New York = JP Angel + Thierry Henry + Rafa Marquez

    Buddle scores again to beat NY. The New York stars were shut down in the game though Angel was a threat a few times. Buddle was awesome, yet again. Atmosphere was electric in the 25,000 strong crowd. All in all a great match which led to a legendary night out for the 40 or so who traveled out with us from LA.
     
  9. nascot

    nascot First Team


    Now that is an away journey!
     
  10. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    I slept 14 hours yesterday to make up for it. What a great town.
     
  11. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

  12. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    This is dedication...
    Looking at YOU, Dave.

     
  13. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Galaxy are in a slump...away to Chicago Saturday.


    Biggest news here is the predictable but disappointing extension of contract offered to Bob Bradley by the US Soccer Federation.
    Boooooooooooooooo!
     
  14. krisvad

    krisvad Forum Viking

    I saw you lost to Kansas due to some great goal keeping by my compatriot Jimmi Nielsen.
     
  15. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    You mean Bridgitte Nielsen?
     
  16. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    From Andrea Canales, my second favorite American soccer writer (but that's only because I drink with my favorite soccer writer):
    The Big Comeback And The Smaller Player
    [​IMG]

    Juninho got kicked in the face by one of Real Madrid's *****faces in the recent "friendly".
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

  18. Prentice

    Prentice Administrator

    Was he doing the tango?
     
  19. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    All that is missing is the foot marks.
    Americans are so enthralled with stats. A friend of mine has a blog and did this for it in his spare time. I wish I had that kind of time!
     
  20. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Had my second taste of MLS on saturday night for Dynamo v Toronto FC. Firstly, as far as i can tell, Houston is having its worst season for a while, which could explain the pretty sparse crowd. Earlier on in the season, there was a pretty decent attendance for the visit of FC Dallas and a decent enough atmosphere created by the mexican contingent. Well sadly this contingent was mostly missing, which meant i spent the majority of the 90 mins being the only person actually watching the game, rather than indulging in conversation with those around me.

    Houston did look pretty poor in most areas. Slow in defence and fairly toothless in attack, with the exception of Ching, who looks like a fairly gifted player and a pretty terrible goalkeeper - Pat Onstad - who is literally the least agile keeper i have ever seen. And apparently can't dive to his left. Geoff Cameron in midfield looked a decent enough player as well, strong and played the simple passes well, impressive considering he was supposed to be out for the season after picking up cruciate ligament damage earlier in the year. Toronto weren't much better, with the exceptions being De Rosario who scored 2 identical free kicks and De Guzman, who ran the midfield.

    One thing i did notice, is that the game became completely bereft of any structure with about 20 minutes left on the clock. I don't know if this a trend in MLS, or just down to the players having a bad day, or even the Texas heat taking its toll on the players? Maybe the others here who watch more MLS than me can shed some light on it? Basically, with 20 minutes left, nobody seemed to play a position on the field and they spent the majority of it hitting the ball long and everybody chasing it, or misplacing the most simple of passes. Still despite the 2-1 defeat, thanks to the 2 aforementioned free kicks, the winner coming with literally the final kick of the game, i enjoyed my latest foray in the the soccer experience. I think next year i'll certainly be investing in a season ticket and hopefully will be able understand the ways of the american game a little better!! Did enjoy the tailgating beforehand and managed to meet a few people! Was also very impressed with the local high school cheerleaders who put on a show at half time. Some cracking views to be had!!
     
  21. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Well my bad luck charm continued as the Dynamo fell to another disappointing defeat, this time against the Revolution of New England. Sadly the high school cheerleaders didnt feature this time around. Houston desperately need a striker and a goalkeeper. Without Ching they basically have nothing. Decent crowd this time around though. Also impressed with all the local soccer clubs that they invite along and get to stand on the field to welcome the teams out. Good strategy to keep kids coming back and getting them involved with the club.
     
  22. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Thanks for your efforts cursing HouDy out of the playoffs. Well done!

    I shall be sharing the next two home games for the Galaxy with the son of WFCForums.com's The Voice Of Reason. He will have a great time...

    I meet him Friday, we will catch an NHL game that night, LA Kings vs Vancouver Canucks. Saturday at noon, we hit the big game, University of California Golden Bears vs University of Southern California Trojans, in a massive college football matchup in the LA Coliseum. Should have somewhere around 50,000 in attendance. That evening we will head to the Galaxy's game against Colorado, penultimate home game before playoffs.

    The next weekend, on Saturday we will drive 6-7 hours up to Berkeley to see The Golden Bears at home against Arizona State Sun Devils. It will be a great road trip to where I went to uni, then we scram back to LA to catch the final Galaxy home game of the season against FC Dallas.

    TVORS son will be catching some other games in there as well that I can't make it to...hell of a roadie!
     
  23. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Lukey, to your point on having kids attend to extend the game's reach...
    I have to say that is mostly an act of desperation by the Front Office. All the MLS teams do it when they don't have enough paying customers. They call the local AYSO league and offer a great deal for the kids (many of whom will end up bringing parents) at a cheap rate. The parents don't understand soccer. The kids are not serious players for he most part.

    Right now there is a backlash among US MLS fans to the family first attitude many MLS teams have since we've been around for 15 years catering to kids and parents and they really don't come back at some point.

    They need to target fans like me: I go to every game, drink like crazy and tell the opposing teams players what they can do with my balls in as loud a voice as possible. Decidedly unfamily friendly. We are loyal, we care about the team and the players and we understand the game, all of which cannot be said about the vast majority of the kids in soccer uniforms at each game.


    Edit:
    There is playing competitive soccer and then there is youth soccer in the US. Most youth soccer just has moms with orange slices bringing their kids to a safe environment to make them tired before bed. The numbers and the quality don't matchup... These kids don't really understand the game beyond an "activity" and quit as they become adults without grasping what it means.

    A friend of mine puts it this way:
    The point is the kids don't really bring that much to the table.
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2010
  24. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Well thank you for the interesting viewpoint there Fitz. I didn't actually know there was a more competitive type of soccer to be played. I think the kids i am coaching will be the AYSO (American youth soccer organisation??) and like you say, no real coaching or idea about the game. Which is why i am going to make a lot of effort to get them playing outside of practice and matchday, in the hope it'll improve them and also bring others into the game.

    I'm moving out here permanently around christmas, maybe slightly before and my main aim to find a soccer team for myself. Hopefully through this i'll be able to get involved a little more with the coaching side of things and try to offer my experience and skills to the younger generations. I'm lucky that i received some great coaching as a young kid from professional coaches and it really improved my game.

    I'm also going to have to stop watching the Dynamo because i've really done a number on them so far this year.
     
  25. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    MLS playoffs are under way.
    No Houston and no Philly anymore so Luke and Ben are long gone...I guess it's just me here.

    Here is a slick bracket tool to follow the playoffs.
    http://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/bracket

    First round is home & home, then the conference final and MLS Cup final are win or go home, just one game.

    The Galaxy finished top of the league riding Edson Buddle all the way, and earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs. First round opponent is Seattle.

    The MLS Cup final is always at a predetermined 'neutral' site, this year being Toronto FC's BMO Field on November 21st.

    Should my dear local side make it to the final, I shall be there in T'ronno to support them.
     
  26. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Buddle's game winner, a volley over Kasey Kellar, to put the Galaxy on top of Seattle...gotta see it.
    [yt]Zah2w0fwB5Q[/yt]
    Nice shot of the few traveling Riot Squadders up there for this one, too.


    Playoffs continue next week as Seattle comes down to LA. LA has outscored Seattle 8-1 this season in three wins, but since it is aggregate goals, Seattle can still advance with a 2-0 win.
     
  27. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Juan Pablo Angel, Rafa Marquez, Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls failed to live up their expectation of meeting "Beckham's Galaxy" in the MLS Cup.

    The San Jose Earthquakes eliminated New York tonight when the Red Bulls gave up 2 goals in 5 minutes.

    Rafa Marquez' defense...

    Galaxy and Earthquakes have a great past of success and failure on both sides when facing one another. A rematch in the MLS Cup would be great for long time MLS Supporters, though the MLS commissioner is probably crying in his cheerios over lost ratings...
     
  28. Timbers

    Timbers Apeman

    Fitz, that was great goal by Buddle, very impressed! How has Mr Beckham been playing in the last few weeks? Do you feel confident that LAG will at least get to Toronto then?

    Also, how on earth can Red Bull manage 3 designated players? I know you have the draft system etc and can trade picks for players, can you trade picks for designated player status then? What happens when that period of time runs out, do you have to trade the player again unless he drops into the salary bracket? I would assume Angel hasn't got many more seasons left in him though has he?

    Cheers!
     
  29. sonofben

    sonofben Reservist

    I'll take Angel if he fancies a trip down 95
     
  30. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Seems like Angel is done at NY. He will play another couple years in MLS, but he is losing his speed which is inexcusable in this league that emphasizes raw athleticism.

    League rules have been expanded to allow multiple DPs (ew!) on a team and in fact LA had three in 2008 with Carlos Ruiz, Donovan and Beckham.

    Becks had a slow start after coming back from Achilles problems...he looked out of step, out of breath and rusty. However the last 2 games he has really done well...finally scored a goal in the run of play which he always seemed to unnecessarily dish off to someone else in the dumbest way possible before. It was very satisfying.

    I feel pretty good about MLS cup, though I probably just f'd it up by saying so...will advise. First we have to knock out Seattle Sunday, then on to the Conference Finals...
     
  31. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    The good news: the Galaxy eliminated Seattle from the playoffs.

    That was indeed sweet. Read about it here: link

    Beckham played very well, and has been very focused over the last 5 games or so. We are finally getting the Beckham that we were promised. His dead ball plays were spot on and led to the first goal on the night.

    The bad news:
    I woke up yesterday morning with a nagging thought that my passport may have expired...I ran to the cabinet and checked it: yes, it expired in June and I now have 11 days to expedite a renewal before heading to Toronto if we get there.

    Boo!
     
  32. UEA_Hornet

    UEA_Hornet First Team Captain

    You need a passport to travel to Canada? Hmmm, for some reason I thought you might not, like travel inside Europe.
     
  33. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    It became a requirement over the last 5 years or so. You can obtain a card to cross by land and sea, but air requires a passport now. Same rules apply to Mexico, though that makes a lot more sense than Canada, frankly.
     
  34. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    There are 3 games left in the MLS season.

    2 conference championships and the MLS Cup final.

    FC Dallas plays the LA Galaxy in one, and Colorado plays San Jose in the other.

    Here is your Galaxy preview:
     
  35. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Chart of Beckham's participation in the game that eliminated Seattle from the playoffs.
    [​IMG]
    Article here at World Soccer Reader.
     
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