05 August 2010
Is this the way forward for soccer in the United States?
ith temperatures hitting 90
degrees, and games played
under sweltering conditions,
the mid-season point of Major
League Soccer is here. Along
with the brutal heat in some markets, transfer
news, major friendlies, and the All-Star games
are among the offerings that July and August
have to offer.
At the top, not much has changed. After a
slight blip during an away trip to New England,
the Los Angeles Galaxy remain firmly atop the
MLS table, holding off challenges from Real Salt
Lake and Columbus Crew.
Los Angeles was rewarded for their excellent
season with four selections to the All Star
team. Due to CONCACAF Champions League
obligations, the quartet of Edson Buddle,
Dononvan Ricketts, Landon Donovan and
Omar Gonzalez will see limited minutes
against Manchester United. Of course, regional
domination should take precedent over a rather
meaningless exhibition match.
With temperatures hitting 90 degrees, and games played under sweltering conditions,the mid-season point of Major League Soccer is here. Along with the brutal heat in some markets, transfer news, major friendlies, and the All-Star games are among the offerings that July and August have to offer.
At the top, not much has changed. After as light blip during an away trip to New England, the Los Angeles Galaxy remain firmly a top the MLS table, holding off challenges from Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew.
Los Angeles was rewarded for their excellent season with four selections to the All Star team. Due to CONCACAF Champions League obligations, the quartet of Edson Buddle,Dononvan Ricketts, Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez will see limited minutes against Manchester United. Of course, regional domination should take precedent over a rather meaningless exhibition match.
While Donovan may mean the most to Los Angeles’ offense, the recent suspension of second year defender Omar Gonzalez indicates that his presence in defense could be more important. Just look no further than the result: a 2-0 loss away to New England, one of the league’s worst at the moment. Gonzalez, while not blessed with the fleetest of feet, has shown a real knack for positional sense and is working to develop his technical ability.
One side that is continuing to live up to its potential is Real Salt Lake. Jason Kreis’ side earned plaudits for a Cup-winning run in the playoffs, but this year are continuing to show the ability to put together a very good regular season. Kyle Beckerman has been slowed with a foot injury, but the likes of Javier Morales, Alvaro Saborio and Nick Rimando means that the Utah side is going to be a threat to defend its title in the fall.
Joining the Western Conference duo as a clear favorite is the Columbus Crew. Armed with defensive stalwart Chard Marshall and the midfield genius of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus is once again battling at the top of the standings. A strong defensive record – while not quite reaching the levels of Los Angeles – buoys a decent offense. Another striker in the July transfer window would give their title chances a shot in the arm.
The Battle Below
Some surprising sides remain in the playoff hunt. The inspiration of a new arena has certainly played a part in the renaissance of the New York Red Bulls, but coach Hans Backe certainly deserves a majority of the credit, instilling confidence and a self-belief that can now call on French superstar Thierry Henry. While New York remains a work in progress even with the addition of Henry, a signing or two more could prove to be the difference between sputtering in the playoffs and pushing towards a Cup final
appearance. The rumored arrival of Mexican international Rafa Marquez would be an intriguing addition.
Another side hoping a key signing can trigger a turnaround is the Chicago Fire. New coach Carlos de los Cobos has struggled, and the move to let Jon Busch walk and bump up young ‘keeper Andrew Dykstra into the starting spot hasn’t panned out. Collins John has battled injuries, and Brian McBride’s age is catching up to him. Enter Nery Castillo – a Mexican star back in 2007 who has struggled since engineering a move to the Ukraine after a sensational Copa America three years ago. Castillo is the right kind of risk for MLS – a player close to his prime, down on his luck, who is hungry to turn his career around. Chicago has its work cut out, however, and must rectify defensive shortcomings if it hopes to be a playoff team.
One thing that the first half of the season revealed is one of Western Conference dominance. If the playoffs were to start today, the scales would tip in favor of teams like Colorado, San Jose, and FC Dallas. Even with the dynamic duo of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings misfiring, defensive midfielders Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz do enough to shutdown the opposition defense. If either of them can pick it up in the second half, the Rapids could be a team to look out for.
Trying to Save Face
A disaster in 2010 has befallen D.C., and there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. The wrong mix of players was in place prior to 2010, and when a rash of injuries hit, it was all over. Worst in the league in both goals scored and goals allowed, the emergence of Andy Najar and Bill Hamid are the only solace that United fans can take from this year.
Out West, a mass exodus is taking place at Chivas USA, and Martin Vasquez is more or less helpless to stop it. Sacha Klejstan has joined the list of Americans playing his trade in Europe, swapping the Rojiblancos for Anderlecht in Belgium. Jonathan Bornstein will join Tigres of Mexico at the end of the 2010 season. What does that leave for Vasquez? Zach Thornton’s Fountain of Youth seems to have run dry, while the new additions Giancarlo Maldonado and Paolo Nagamura can bring some kind of respectability to Los Angeles’ other team.
After so many positives during a special expansion season, Seattle Sounders FC are battling a Sophomore slump. The expectant crowds remain in place at Qwest Field, but a difficult season for Kasey Keller has been among the problems battering a young franchise. Injuries have also been the culprit, with Jhon Kennedy Hurtado lost the season with an ACL injury, and Freddie Ljungberg sidelined when not petulantly whining to the ref about this and that. Fredy Montero has scored, but not as much
as fans envisioned, while Steve Zakuani’s speed on the flank a constant threat. The arrival of Designated Player and World Cup veteran Blaise Nkufo won’t make all their problems go away, but it might help this side make the playoffs.
Kansas City Wizards made splash in the offseason, signing a host of international players, many of whom were unknown outside their home countries. It looked good a month into the season, but since then it’s gone all downhill in Kansas City. Ryan Smith doesn’t see enough of the ball; defensive miscues by Jimmy Conrad have been more and more frequent, though he’s bailed out time and time again by excellent goalie Jimmy Nielsen. The Wizards might bring in a new player or two, and must build momentum with a new park opening in 2011.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer (MLS) today introduced John Spencer as their first head coach in club history. After five seasons as an assistant coach with the Houston Dynamo of MLS, Spencer will lead the Timbers in their inaugural MLS season in 2011. Timbers technical director Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.
The question is what is his motivation and his expectations because on paper it just looks like a end of career jolly for Mr Henry whilst the Red Bulls get someone to put Bums on seats as they say.
