Major League Soccer

Discussion in 'General Football & Other Sport' started by Fitz, Feb 12, 2011.

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  1. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Rather than pubs, we do parking lot tailgating here, and we stayed out in the lot after the game for hours drinking and celebrating. I am surprised the sheriff didn't kick us out sooner which usually happens in Galaxy home games.

    Good times.

    We found a luxury suite that was unoccupied during the game and once the security guard in the area moved away, 20 of us found our way into it, drank the beer in the fridge and the soft drinks laid out and enjoyed a lovely view of the close of the match.

    There's only one team in LA!
     
  2. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Entertaining game of football on Saturday night. New York scored after 42 seconds while the Dynamo defense slept on a long punt forward. We recovered well though and dominated the rest of the game pretty much, creating a load of good chances. NYRB looked dangerous on the counter throughout though and it was pretty much a miracle that the teams went in 1-1. The second half continued on the same theme, with Dynamo toiling to create chances and NY making the odd reminder of their threat on the break. We took a deserved lead after 83 minutes when Koke notched his first in the orange shirt, converting a goal mouth scramble from a corner. NY got their equalizer in stoppage time, when some horrendous marking at a corner left an unchallenged header from about 6 yards out.

    The team feels like one in transition and has no real outstanding area of quality. We're not bad defensively, but we're not particularly solid. Going forward we're able to score a few goals, but poor finishing is a real issue. In midfield, we've plenty of hard workers and grit, but no real attacking quality besides Brad Davis whipping in crosses.

    Pretty good crowd at Robertson Stadium, boosted by plenty of people in Arsenal shirts and French shirts hoping to see Henry, who was absent through injury. Oh and before KO, a plane flew over with a banner declaring "We All Hate Houston", no doubt attempting to stoke up the passion before the Texas derby this weekend.

    P.S. I'm just about to rebuild my fantasy team for the next segment. Don't forget.
     
  3. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Don't overlook tonight's match, Lukey...
     
  4. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Didn't see the game, but i'm hearing the pen was controversial. Ah well.
     
  5. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player


    Aren't they always controversial to the team that doesn't get to kick?

    One of the dullest games of the year though.
     
  6. The Voice of Reason

    The Voice of Reason First Team Captain

     
  7. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    It was terrible. Bruce Arena has the team playing very conservatively. If they get a goal, they bunker down and the game gets awful. He was an idiot, but Ruud Gulitt made a team that could score 6 goals but only win by one, so I suppose this is an improvement?
     
  8. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Another win for the Galaxy, 3 wins in 8 days...Galaxy are 7-2-5. This in a week where otherwise it was all draws except for a solid win by Ben's team Philly 6-2 over Toronto and Real Salt Lake lost at home to Seattle...

    Things are shaping up nicely for the G's so far, boring play aside.

    Lukey, did you get to the Texas durrby?
     
  9. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    The is a pretty wide range of # of games played in MLS at this point making the table a bit misleading. However, if you rank the East and West in points per game...


    Points per game standings

    WEST

    LAG - 1.93
    RSL - 1.88
    FCD - 1.69
    POR - 1.54
    SEA - 1.42
    COL - 1.38
    CHV - 1.18
    SJE - 1.18
    VAN - 0.75

    EAST

    PHI - 1.81
    NYR - 1.5
    DCU - 1.36
    CLB - 1.27
    HOU - 1.15
    NWE - 1.08
    TFC - 0.92
    CHI - 0.82
    SKC - 0.55
     
  10. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    By the way, following up on the two former Danish League players playing for New England, the American Feilhaber was hurt in the loss and will miss the entire CONCACAF Gold Cup for which he was called up. Lekic Radivoje was invisible.

    Whitecaps part ways with head coach
     
  11. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Didn't make the derby. I was being a real Texan and went to a crawfish boil. Not sure why they make such a fuss about it. Should have gone to the football.
     
  12. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Ha ha...you just realized America sucks!
     
  13. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Had free tickets as well. But had to attend one of those "suck up to people at work" type events. Sad times. Heading back to England for a couple of weeks now so i'll miss a couple more games. I don't think we'll make it to the playoffs, but i'm not many Houston fans expected it this year. It's obviously a year of building and i'm expecting a much stronger side next season.
     
  14. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    One of the things I find boring about top leagues in world football is that the same rehashed teams make all the money and spend it to get players that bring championships. The MLS salary cap prevents this for the most part.

    Below, find the number of unique champions since 1996(the start of MLS). Supporter's Shield goes to the team that has the most wins at the end of the season, and the MLS Cup to the winner of the post-season tournament.

    Since 1996:

    EPL = 3
    Serie A = 5
    Bundesliga = 6
    La Liga = 5
    MLS = 8 (Supporters Shield), 9 (MLS Cup)


    Last 10 years:

    EPL = 3
    Serie A = 4
    Bundesliga = 5
    La Liga = 4
    MLS = 6 (Supporters Shield), 7 (MLS Cup)
     
  15. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Any of you MLS tellers taking heed of the CONCACAF Gold Cup?

    Many of the North American stars are away for the month to play this tournament important for International standings in the area.

    There are two giants in USA and Mexico, with Costa Rica typically finding 3rd or 4th. The last spot is always fun to see get sewn up. Canada gets it occasionally, Jamaica, Trinidad or the cinderella Honduras or El Salvador squeak in from time to time.

    The Galaxy are missing both Donovan's Landon and Ricketts for the USA and Jamaica respectively. New York is missing four starters in Agudelo & Ream(USA), Dane Richards (Jamaica) and De Rosario (Canucks).

    Who else?
     
  16. sonofben

    sonofben Reservist

    Good too see Jozy get a goal, though seeing Mexico's 5-0 thrashing was a bit scary
     
  17. sonofben

    sonofben Reservist

  18. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Whaaa? Mexican soccer cheating?! No WAY!
     
  19. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

  20. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Lekic just drew a PK which Shalrie Joseph had blocked.
    Seconds later Henry forced New England into an own goal.
     
  21. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    USA just made Panama look like Spain.

    On the other hand, the Donovanless Galaxy just scored in the 3rd against Toronto.
    Chris Me mum Birchall did the honors.

    EDIT: the Galaxy just made former Galaxy player Alan Gordon look like Diego Forlan.

    Final 2-2 with two 90+' goals.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2011
  22. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Just noticed that the semi finals are here in Houston. If USA makes it then I might have to get a ticket.

    EDIT: Looks like i'm going regardless of who is playing. Got a feeling that mrs_golden has arranged it as part of my birthday. Looking forward to it. Hopefully USA makes it so there is a bit of atmosphere.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2011
  23. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    It will be fun...enjoy it and let me know how big of a bunch of Douchebags the "American Outlaws" supporters group turn out to be. I am embarrassed to be an American when they are around.
     
  24. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

  25. krisvad

    krisvad Forum Viking

    So glad you're not bitter ;) In his latest proopcast comedian Greg Proops mentions Thick and Thin and the Galaxy - check it out it's on iTunes free. The Smartest Man in the World proopcast - it is very good.
     
  26. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Am I wrong in my judgement? Would you approve if this was Danny Graham for WFC instead? I think not sir.

    I will check out the proopcast once Jamaica defeats the USA in the Gold Cup...
     
  27. krisvad

    krisvad Forum Viking

    you are nowhere near wrong. In fact your are incredibly right. And if there's a touch of bitterness it is warranted.

    Be aware that Greg Proops is very liberal and quite political. But his take on the US and the world is very funny.
     
  28. sonofben

    sonofben Reservist

    Well you got your wish luke. USA, Panama part 2
     
  29. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Just when I was getting used to the idea of the US tanking and Bradley getting fired, now I think they are going to smoke Panama and put up a good fight against Mexico.

    Torn.

    Hey why is the damn Gold Cup always in the USA?
     
  30. krisvad

    krisvad Forum Viking

    I watched most of the second half yesterday. Not too bad...
     
  31. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    Apart from some shocking outfits (few guys in full kit and football boots, amongst other things) and a couple of smoke bombs, they were fairly innocuous. Plus they were somewhat overshadowed by the 60,000 or so Mexican supporters.

    USA deserved to win, although i'd have expected them to make lighter work of Panama. To their credit though, the underdogs had a few physical monsters and a couple of pacey guys, but they never really threatened. USA goal was a decent one. The pass by Adu was exceptional, About time he did something useful. If Donovan was fit, he had to start.

    Can't say i have ever experienced an atmosphere like the one tonight for the Mexico game. Those guys are some passionate fans. And they sure do love Chicharito. Once the frustration began to set in though, most of them decided to forget about the game and fight amongst themselves. The last 25 minutes of normal time were basically spent watching fight after fight break out in the stands, with plenty of beer being thrown around as well. I'm glad they won, or else there may not have been much of Houston left tomorrow morning. Now the only losers will be those who expected to get their grass mown tomorrow.

    I actually fancy USA to win the final. I think they're too well organised for Mexico to break down.

    Cracking night out though.
     
  32. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Yeah, the Mexico fan is a piece of work. They love to throw things and fight. Very "enjoyable". Remind me to show you my pics from Azteca.

    It is definitely Mexico's tournament to lose. This game reminds me of the 2005-2006 era US v Mexico clashes. Mexico SHOULD win, but they seem to play right I to the US team's strength, then get frustrated if they are tied or down near the end and start red card inducing fouls. Chicharones is the difference. If he can give Mexico the composure to keep their confidence, they will win.

    Adu was impressive. I really believe he can be a contributor for the US, but he needs time and a chance, which really hadn't gotten until last night. He, Donovan, Dempsey and Agudelo had strong games. I have hated Cherundolo for years, but he is also playing great right now, too.

    I may attend the final at the Rose Bowl, might just tailgate outside there though. It is one of the best tailgates in the country.
     
  33. luke_golden

    luke_golden Space Cadet

    I had a cracking time. My wife wasn't so impressed about taking a full cup of beer to the back of her head when Dos Santos missed the one-on-one on 89 minutes. It was pretty intense. Tailgating was actually banned last night for some reason, i guess because they were worried about fighting breaking out.

    I really fancy USA to beat them though. Like you said, if they can't get a goal, they'll get frustrated and be vulnerable. Honduras never really looked in the game until about 75 minutes when Mexico started to worry a bit. I'm confident you'll/we'll take the victory. What kind of support will there be for the final in terms of numbers for each side?

    Adu did impress me. He looked dangerous and fairly composed. His pass for the goal was beautiful. It takes real talent to not only spot a pass like that, but to make it inch perfect. I hope he can kick on a make himself into a solid performer either at home or in Europe. Dempsey is a really top player, technically gifted and full of desire. I really like him. Goodson is a decent defender as well. Composed and strong in the air.

    I also have a question about the Gold Cup and soccer in the CONCACAF region. Do players see the tournament as a chance to put themselves on the radar of MLS and Mexican clubs? Or do a number of them already ply their trade in the leagues around South/Central/North America? Obviously the guys playing for Mexico and USA established professional players, but how about the guys from Panama etc? Panana had a few impressive players who were technically sound and physically imposing. They looked suited to MLS play. Do those guys aspire to play in America or are their eyes focused on Mexico, Brazil etc? Perhaps you can shed some light on it for me!
     
  34. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    I'm sorry. That's how it is with the Mexifans. You can see now why they are so interesting yet so loathed.

    I love you for the bolded part. There will be 94,000+ at the Rose Bowl, and about 60,000 will be Mexico supporters. It will be a little difficult for the USA fans.
    [​IMG]
    All these guys are pros in some league or other. For example, the three best Hondurans weren't even playing. One is at Tottenham, one at Celtic and another at Wigan. Almost all the Jamaican team are MLS or Jamaican league players.

    There are many examples of players coming up into MLS after the Gold Cup. Some work out, many don't. Philly Union forward and former Galaxy legend Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala is one example of a success. Galaxy legend Mauricio Cienfuegos who retired in 2003 was out of El Salvador, but Carlos Pavon came out of Honduras after the 2007 Gold Cup to the Galaxy and was absolutely terrible. I blame Frank Yallop for that one.

    Look for Rodolfo Zelaya out of El Salvador to go somewhere after this tournament and his strong World Cup Qualifier campaign in 2009. He is pretty short, but there is a place for that type of small crafty guy in MLS like Cienfuegos was. Try googling the various national teams and see where they play. Sort of interesting. CONCACAF is no UEFA, but it is still pretty fun.
     
  35. Fitz

    Fitz Squad Player

    Panama National Soccer Team on wiki. Start here, check out the roster, then click on the other team's country names like Guatemala and El Salvador to see their rosters.
     
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