Oh absolutely. The Chelsea supporters on the train in France. The Gooner supporters ripping down signage after playing Tottenham. But Italy and Eastern Europe are notoriously vicious.
The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread
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Oh absolutely. The Chelsea supporters on the train in France. The Gooner supporters ripping down signage after playing Tottenham. But Italy and Eastern Europe are notoriously vicious.
Grannyknot
Well-Known Member
Yep. Even tottenham have knuckleheads.
I went to an old firm derby in Glasgow many years ago and it was downright scary at times.
Outside magazine did a great piece on south American ultras several years ago. Very long, but worth the read -> http://www.outsideonline.com/1924266/beautiful-game
Never been, don't really follow either team, but I have many friends who are huge Celtic FC fans, and from what I understand there basically is no rivalry more intense in football. Once you have entire organized sections of fans singing songs about committing genocide against the other side's fans, that's a little over the line. Granted they all get in trouble for it. But it keeps happening. Neighborhood rivalries, historical rivalries, some such issue with some historical feud over something stupid at some point, sure. But you toss religion and Imperial occupation in there, and I understand how things get messy.
For those that may be interested, MLS's final day of the season is being called "Decision Day", all games in each conference will be played at the same time on Sunday. Fox Sports 1 starts with the eastern conference at 5 pm EST, where they will jump between games to find the most interesting parts, while ESPN gets the west at 7 pm EST. I'll be watching the Sounders on my local station, but it may be worth your while to watch the nationally televised bits, if only to see who makes the playoffs of the various USMNT players.
And just like that Harry Kane is back. 5-1 massacre against Bournemouth, with Harry getting a hat trick. 1st half they scored first and fast filling me with dread, but it was mainly Cherries paying dearly for errors the rest of the half. They stepped it up in the second, but so did we. Good start to a Sunday.
And Chelsea losing again and Mourinho getting sent off to boot is always fun. Was hoping Toffees could pull it off yesterday but no such luck.
And Chelsea losing again and Mourinho getting sent off to boot is always fun. Was hoping Toffees could pull it off yesterday but no such luck.
So, Orlando City are out after "Decision Sunday", let's see how they did.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Brek Shea, sometimes left winger for the USMNT plays as a left back for the Purple Lions. Cyle Larin plays for our northern rivals and looks to be a pretty good striker. There's a smattering of young American talent on the roster that could be something someday.
How are they out?
They needed to win on Sunday and get some help in goal differential, neither thing happened.
What went wrong?
By far the biggest mistake Orlando City made was signing young Designated Player Bryan Rochez and then not utilizing him. If you're going to spend that much money on a player, he cannot be a bench warmer. Beyond that, Orlando didn't make a lot of mistakes, as an expansion side things turned out pretty well for them.
What went right?
Break Shea did great work at left back, combined with young designated player on the left wing Orlando may have the strongest left side in MLS. Kaka seems to have found a fountain of youth that lets him play pretty well despite his age and Cyle Larin lived up to his place in the MLS Super Draft. Aurelian Colin did some good things at center back too. As an expansion team this is a pretty good result, you didn't get into the playoffs but you were in the running for it until literally the very end.
What do they need to do improve?
Orlando can't keep Bryan Rochez on the bench, they either need to switch to a 4-3-3 or they need to trade him so they can bring in another DP in the midfield or back line. Outside of Carlos Rivas, the midfield for Orlando City was pretty much rubbish and it's the single biggest spot they need to improve, Adrian Winter is a solid pick up but they need a bit more than just two good midfielders. Orlando City also need to improve on defense, they had the second worst goals against in MLS, after the three way tie for first between Toronto, NYCFC and Chicago, Brek Shea and Aurelian Colin do good work, but the rest of the back line is garbage. Finally, they need to fix their discipline issues, only Montreal saw more red cards than Orlando.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Brek Shea, sometimes left winger for the USMNT plays as a left back for the Purple Lions. Cyle Larin plays for our northern rivals and looks to be a pretty good striker. There's a smattering of young American talent on the roster that could be something someday.
How are they out?
They needed to win on Sunday and get some help in goal differential, neither thing happened.
What went wrong?
By far the biggest mistake Orlando City made was signing young Designated Player Bryan Rochez and then not utilizing him. If you're going to spend that much money on a player, he cannot be a bench warmer. Beyond that, Orlando didn't make a lot of mistakes, as an expansion side things turned out pretty well for them.
What went right?
Break Shea did great work at left back, combined with young designated player on the left wing Orlando may have the strongest left side in MLS. Kaka seems to have found a fountain of youth that lets him play pretty well despite his age and Cyle Larin lived up to his place in the MLS Super Draft. Aurelian Colin did some good things at center back too. As an expansion team this is a pretty good result, you didn't get into the playoffs but you were in the running for it until literally the very end.
What do they need to do improve?
Orlando can't keep Bryan Rochez on the bench, they either need to switch to a 4-3-3 or they need to trade him so they can bring in another DP in the midfield or back line. Outside of Carlos Rivas, the midfield for Orlando City was pretty much rubbish and it's the single biggest spot they need to improve, Adrian Winter is a solid pick up but they need a bit more than just two good midfielders. Orlando City also need to improve on defense, they had the second worst goals against in MLS, after the three way tie for first between Toronto, NYCFC and Chicago, Brek Shea and Aurelian Colin do good work, but the rest of the back line is garbage. Finally, they need to fix their discipline issues, only Montreal saw more red cards than Orlando.
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The MLS playoffs are here! After a nail-biting Decision Day, New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas and the Vancouver Whitecaps took the top four spots and have a bye week; surprisingly all of those teams are relatively small spenders, relying on good coaching to get to where they are. Also worth noting is that most of those teams (outside of the Red Bulls) have a lot of young talent, kids not yet making the "big bucks", by and large. Before anyone has to face the mighty elite four though, they need to get out of the "Play-in" round, unfortunately all of them are on Unimas, a channel that many don't get. Either way, here's how I see those matches playing out:
DC United vs New England Revolution, 7:30 EST Unimas
This is the match up between two of the east's most lackluster regular season teams. Both teams played defensive, dull soccer for the most part and both teams have been mired in bad results recently. Neither team are big spenders either. New England managed to get a win out of their last regular season match, but DC United was smacked around 4-0 in Columbus. This match is going to be played in DC though, which could give United an edge. Ultimately I think this comes down to who has the better night, Lee Nguyen or Fabian Espindola, both have under performed recently and both are key to their team's offenses. Personally, I'm giving this one to New England though, 2-1 Revolution
Seattle Sounders FC vs LA Galaxy, 10 pm EST Unimas
The two biggest spenders in the MLS west face on in Seattle in a mega fight most thought would happen in the conference semi-finals or even the western final at the start of the year. Both teams have had bad stretches due to injuries and both teams have at times looked unbeatable this season, a sort of Jekyll and Hyde situation. Historically LA have done well against Seattle, but the Sounders are playing this match up at home where they traditionally do very well, LA has unusually struggled on the road this season. The optimistic Sounders fan in me would like to say Seattle will win this handily, but the pessimistic side of me says it ain't happening, Goes to penalties on a 1-1 scoreline, LA wins on penalties
Montreal Impact vs Toronto FC, Unimas 7 pm EST
Montreal and Toronto just played in Montreal on Sunday, a match that gave Montreal the upper hand in this playoff match up. Toronto lost on Sunday, but will anyone bet against the presumptive MVP winner Sebastian Giovinco to show up big when it counts? The Impact will need to contain the offensive power of Toronto, but if they can and get out on the counter, nobody in the league has been softer on defense all year. My prediction: 3-2 Montreal in overtime
Portland Timbers vs Sporting KC, Unimas 10 pm EST
Two midmarket western conference teams clash in Portland after both won their last games to guarantee a playoffs spot. Sporting KC beat LA at home 2-1, while Portland slapped Colorado 3-1. For Portland, Fanendo Adi has caught fire at just the right time, Darlington Nagbe, perhaps spurred on by the USMNT rumors, has upped his game and become productive in the last two games in a way he usually isn't. On the other hand, Kristian Nemeth is doing crazy things for Sporting KC and Dom Dwyer is always a menace. Portland hasn't dropped many points at home this year though, so I'm going to give the edge to them, 1-0 Portland Timbers
DC United vs New England Revolution, 7:30 EST Unimas
This is the match up between two of the east's most lackluster regular season teams. Both teams played defensive, dull soccer for the most part and both teams have been mired in bad results recently. Neither team are big spenders either. New England managed to get a win out of their last regular season match, but DC United was smacked around 4-0 in Columbus. This match is going to be played in DC though, which could give United an edge. Ultimately I think this comes down to who has the better night, Lee Nguyen or Fabian Espindola, both have under performed recently and both are key to their team's offenses. Personally, I'm giving this one to New England though, 2-1 Revolution
Seattle Sounders FC vs LA Galaxy, 10 pm EST Unimas
The two biggest spenders in the MLS west face on in Seattle in a mega fight most thought would happen in the conference semi-finals or even the western final at the start of the year. Both teams have had bad stretches due to injuries and both teams have at times looked unbeatable this season, a sort of Jekyll and Hyde situation. Historically LA have done well against Seattle, but the Sounders are playing this match up at home where they traditionally do very well, LA has unusually struggled on the road this season. The optimistic Sounders fan in me would like to say Seattle will win this handily, but the pessimistic side of me says it ain't happening, Goes to penalties on a 1-1 scoreline, LA wins on penalties
Montreal Impact vs Toronto FC, Unimas 7 pm EST
Montreal and Toronto just played in Montreal on Sunday, a match that gave Montreal the upper hand in this playoff match up. Toronto lost on Sunday, but will anyone bet against the presumptive MVP winner Sebastian Giovinco to show up big when it counts? The Impact will need to contain the offensive power of Toronto, but if they can and get out on the counter, nobody in the league has been softer on defense all year. My prediction: 3-2 Montreal in overtime
Portland Timbers vs Sporting KC, Unimas 10 pm EST
Two midmarket western conference teams clash in Portland after both won their last games to guarantee a playoffs spot. Sporting KC beat LA at home 2-1, while Portland slapped Colorado 3-1. For Portland, Fanendo Adi has caught fire at just the right time, Darlington Nagbe, perhaps spurred on by the USMNT rumors, has upped his game and become productive in the last two games in a way he usually isn't. On the other hand, Kristian Nemeth is doing crazy things for Sporting KC and Dom Dwyer is always a menace. Portland hasn't dropped many points at home this year though, so I'm going to give the edge to them, 1-0 Portland Timbers
I completely forgot about the San Jose quakes, but then again, so did everyone else (ba dum tish). How did the other team in California do?
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Infamous shot misser Chris Wondolowski is the star player for San Jose, but they also have some potentially great young talent in Tommy Thompson and Fatai Alashe, both of whom have played well for USMNT youth teams.
How are they out?
The Quakes needed to win and for either the Sounders or Sporting KC to lose, none of that happened.
What went wrong?
In a lot of ways, it was all the little things that sank San Jose this season, they dropped a lot of points when they should have had them in the bag. In a big way you can see this in the goal differential, San Jose is the only team out of the playoffs with a positive goal differential, and they actually have a better goal differential than Portland, but many of those goals came from games they ran away, like the 5-0 thumping of Sporting KC. In a larger sense, Dominic Kinnear hasn't utilized his talented group of youngster to full effect, opting for veteran knowledge over youthful eagerness, but that can and will come back to bite this team in the long run as many of their veterans are aging out.
What went right?
Quincy Amerikwa came over from the Chicago Fire and had an immediate impact, scoring goals. Chris Wondolowski had 16 goals, showing little sign of slowing up. The Quakes are no longer hemorrhaging goals like they used to, and were one of the better teams defensively in the league this year.
What do they need to do improve?
The team can't rely on Wondolowski to score their goals forever, he's 32, but even now you can see some signs that he's beginning to lose a step or two. There's plenty of talented youth on this team to step up, but until Dominic Kinnear is willing to utilize it, it is just so much wasted time, that needs to change as this roster is rapidly running out of time. Beyond that, overall the midfield simply isn't good enough, and they need to bolster things in that direction if they want to be successful.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Infamous shot misser Chris Wondolowski is the star player for San Jose, but they also have some potentially great young talent in Tommy Thompson and Fatai Alashe, both of whom have played well for USMNT youth teams.
How are they out?
The Quakes needed to win and for either the Sounders or Sporting KC to lose, none of that happened.
What went wrong?
In a lot of ways, it was all the little things that sank San Jose this season, they dropped a lot of points when they should have had them in the bag. In a big way you can see this in the goal differential, San Jose is the only team out of the playoffs with a positive goal differential, and they actually have a better goal differential than Portland, but many of those goals came from games they ran away, like the 5-0 thumping of Sporting KC. In a larger sense, Dominic Kinnear hasn't utilized his talented group of youngster to full effect, opting for veteran knowledge over youthful eagerness, but that can and will come back to bite this team in the long run as many of their veterans are aging out.
What went right?
Quincy Amerikwa came over from the Chicago Fire and had an immediate impact, scoring goals. Chris Wondolowski had 16 goals, showing little sign of slowing up. The Quakes are no longer hemorrhaging goals like they used to, and were one of the better teams defensively in the league this year.
What do they need to do improve?
The team can't rely on Wondolowski to score their goals forever, he's 32, but even now you can see some signs that he's beginning to lose a step or two. There's plenty of talented youth on this team to step up, but until Dominic Kinnear is willing to utilize it, it is just so much wasted time, that needs to change as this roster is rapidly running out of time. Beyond that, overall the midfield simply isn't good enough, and they need to bolster things in that direction if they want to be successful.
hoppyhoppyhippo
Well-Known Member
Chelsea dropped again. Lol.
Bad news USMNT fans, Aron Johansson is going to be out for a few months after having hip surgery to correct some nerve issues. Johansson had scored 2 goals in 6 appearances for his new Bundesliga club, Werder Bremen. More likely than not he'll be out for the USMNT's first round of qualifying games.
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/10/28/aron-johannsson-injury-usmnt-werder-bremen
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/10/28/aron-johannsson-injury-usmnt-werder-bremen
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
Thanks, glad to see someone reads those things.
I dig 'em!
Yeah I think that news came out a month or so ago. Glad it was successful. Nerve surgery must be difficult.
Well, news was that he was having nerve pain issues, but they were trying to treat it. From my own experience with nerve issues (I had a Morton's Neuroma), they probably started with cortizone shots (most nerve pain is the result of swelling) and when that didn't work they removed the nerve. The surgery and recovery (in my experience) wasn't too tough, but it's not fun and I can only imagine it if it was my hip instead of my foot and I was a pro athlete expected to be back on the field to earn my keep.
Jesus finally I thought for a second it was groundhogs day and the Galaxy were just going to pull it out because the Sounders couldn't put them away.
Seattle's sigh of relief could be heard in LA I'm sure.
Seattle's sigh of relief could be heard in LA I'm sure.
Grannyknot
Well-Known Member
If a big European club comes in with a huge offer for Sebastian Giovinco, will MLS sell him?
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
It still hurts. Not to take anything away from Seattle, but LA beat themselves. Every goal conceded was due to a mistake in the back. They had no midfield control. Gerrard was damn near useless... seriously, why was he not taken out in the first sub? (And for Baggio... there were a few able youngins who would have been a better choice). Lletget was doing really well and keeping Seattle on their toes. Gerrard was giving away balls in the midfield and being unproductive on the attack.
Gordon should have come on sooner. Ricketts has been terrible the last couple months, Rowe has proven to be more capable.
And Bruce. I don't get it... typically he's tactically sharp. But he was sitting back, not engaging, and not making smart moves and adjustments. He was noticeably out-coached by Sigi. I swear it's almost like Gerrard has to be left in for publicity.
But still, congratulations to the Sounders. You deserved it more.
Gordon should have come on sooner. Ricketts has been terrible the last couple months, Rowe has proven to be more capable.
And Bruce. I don't get it... typically he's tactically sharp. But he was sitting back, not engaging, and not making smart moves and adjustments. He was noticeably out-coached by Sigi. I swear it's almost like Gerrard has to be left in for publicity.
But still, congratulations to the Sounders. You deserved it more.
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
I'd venture that they wouldn't. He's high profile, incredibly talented, and can do the impossible of getting TFC into the postseason.
The offer would likely have to be huge and I don't think he would be offered a bigger salary than MLSE are giving him.
hoppyhoppyhippo
Well-Known Member
I think that's the big thing. He's making what 7 million now? That would make him the second highest paid player in Serie A if he returned to Italy.
Aside from big boy teams he would be similar in almost every other league. If he was to go to Everton, he would be their 3rd highest paid player behind Lukaku and Mirallas. Same basic boat with Spurs as well.
I just can't see it happening right now.
I think it depends on exactly how big that offer is, he's currently making $7 million a year (plus bonuses and the like), making him the highest paid Italian player in the world. If someone is going to come knocking, it's going to be someone in England or La Liga with an absolutely ridiculous pile of cash. Personally, I doubt anyone is going to offer enough cash to make the buyout worth it to MLS or Giovinco.
So, in case you missed it, Jermaine Jones lost his damn mind again as New England was eliminated from the MLS playoffs by DC United.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/28/red-card-jermaine-jones-recieves-red-card
Jones the Revs have some valid complaints about the refereeing in the match, Juan Agudelo actually had to come off after Bobby Bosworth did something, the cameras didn't catch what, to the young striker's leg. According Juan Agudelo Boswroth delivered a knee to him which should have been a straight red. Both Bosworth and Jones are likely going to have to speak to the disciplinary committee, I wouldn't be shocked to hear Boswoth has to miss a playoff game or two or to see Jones receive an expanded suspension, probably 3 games on top of the red card, next season. In any case, with the Revs eliminated, it's time to see how they did.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Jermain Jones, well-known hot-headed central midfielder for the USMNT plays for the revolution, Juan Agudelo is a young striker with a lot of potential who already has some caps and goals for the red, white and blue. Lee Nguyen has gotten a few looks from the USMNT and there's a host of young talent on the Revs that could someday play for the USMNT.
How are they out?
A contentious loss to DC United in DC after a disappointing finish to their season saw them barely squeak into the playoffs.
What went wrong?
In a certain sense, not much necessarily went wrong for the Revs, this is the team they are with the current salary and support they have. Last year for the Revs was an anomaly, Lee Nguyen had the best season of his life and his since returned to his average, Jermain Jones came in strong after not seeing meaningful club minutes in months, but an early season injury and age are catching up to him, Juan Agudelo continues to do awesome things (see: his bicycle kick goal in the loss) but only on rare occasions. Injuries throughout the year have tripped the Revs up, but there can be zero such complaints about injuries in their last game, outside of the cheap shot to Agudelo all of their usual starters were healthy. The biggest assistance this club needs is the sort that can't, and won't, come from coaches or players, but instead must come from ownership; you either need a pile of money to get good talent and/or a smaller and leaner pile of money to develop young talent. Bob Kraft doesn't seem that interested in doing either of those things.
What went right?
Bobby Shuttleworth continues to be rock solid at keeper. The defense, overall, continued to be solid. When healthy and not out of his damn mind, Jones is still a very good center mid.
What do they need to do improve?
Ultimately, the improvement for the Revolution needs to come from ownership, and quite frankly, ownership seems to view the Revs as more of a side investment or hedge bet than a real team worthy of investment. Most of the youth talent on this team has come through the draft or trades and the New England academies simply aren't that great. The team needs some investment, something more than a single designated player and some half-assed academies, if they ever truly want to win the cup, I can't see that changing until ownership changes though.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/28/red-card-jermaine-jones-recieves-red-card
Jones the Revs have some valid complaints about the refereeing in the match, Juan Agudelo actually had to come off after Bobby Bosworth did something, the cameras didn't catch what, to the young striker's leg. According Juan Agudelo Boswroth delivered a knee to him which should have been a straight red. Both Bosworth and Jones are likely going to have to speak to the disciplinary committee, I wouldn't be shocked to hear Boswoth has to miss a playoff game or two or to see Jones receive an expanded suspension, probably 3 games on top of the red card, next season. In any case, with the Revs eliminated, it's time to see how they did.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Jermain Jones, well-known hot-headed central midfielder for the USMNT plays for the revolution, Juan Agudelo is a young striker with a lot of potential who already has some caps and goals for the red, white and blue. Lee Nguyen has gotten a few looks from the USMNT and there's a host of young talent on the Revs that could someday play for the USMNT.
How are they out?
A contentious loss to DC United in DC after a disappointing finish to their season saw them barely squeak into the playoffs.
What went wrong?
In a certain sense, not much necessarily went wrong for the Revs, this is the team they are with the current salary and support they have. Last year for the Revs was an anomaly, Lee Nguyen had the best season of his life and his since returned to his average, Jermain Jones came in strong after not seeing meaningful club minutes in months, but an early season injury and age are catching up to him, Juan Agudelo continues to do awesome things (see: his bicycle kick goal in the loss) but only on rare occasions. Injuries throughout the year have tripped the Revs up, but there can be zero such complaints about injuries in their last game, outside of the cheap shot to Agudelo all of their usual starters were healthy. The biggest assistance this club needs is the sort that can't, and won't, come from coaches or players, but instead must come from ownership; you either need a pile of money to get good talent and/or a smaller and leaner pile of money to develop young talent. Bob Kraft doesn't seem that interested in doing either of those things.
What went right?
Bobby Shuttleworth continues to be rock solid at keeper. The defense, overall, continued to be solid. When healthy and not out of his damn mind, Jones is still a very good center mid.
What do they need to do improve?
Ultimately, the improvement for the Revolution needs to come from ownership, and quite frankly, ownership seems to view the Revs as more of a side investment or hedge bet than a real team worthy of investment. Most of the youth talent on this team has come through the draft or trades and the New England academies simply aren't that great. The team needs some investment, something more than a single designated player and some half-assed academies, if they ever truly want to win the cup, I can't see that changing until ownership changes though.
So, the champions have left the building, the Galaxy were eliminated for the first time since 2009 in the first stages of the MLS playoffs by the Seattle Sounders. How did the champs fail to repeat? Well that's complicated, and this will probably be my longest post of this nature this year, let's see if we can parse it out.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Gyasi Zardes plays as a left winger/striker for the USMNT, Sebastian Lletget is also American and may see a call up sometime soon if he continues to play like he has for the Galaxy. Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Rogers have both featured for the USMNT in the past and could again. LA tends to attract a lot of attention from Klinsmann as they are pretty much in his back yard.
How are they out?
A spirited loss to the Sounders in Seattle, possibly in the best game of this years playoffs.
What went wrong?
LA really had two different seasons this season, pre trade window and post trade window. Pre trade window, the Galaxy were a deeply wounded beast, Donovan was gone, Keane was recovering from surgery and Marcelo Savras, their previous playmaker, was now playing for Colorado. LA played old school MLS football during this time, eking out points by stuffing the midfield and countering with Gyasi Zardes and young gun Bradford Jamieson. Keane would eventually return and get back to his goal scoring ways, but it simply wasn't enough.
Post trade window, the Galaxy were all offense. Robbie Keane, Giovanni Dos Santos and Steven Gerrard formed a nice central offensive triangle, while wingers Gyasi Zardes and Sebastian Lletget darted in to either be goal dangerous or to supply crosses into dangerous areas for Keane and Dos Santos. Offensively, post trade window Galaxy were a scary machine to face. Unfortunately, to really fully utilize an offensive setup like that, you need a strong central defensive trio, and Juninho, Gonzalez and his partner at central defense (usually Leonardo), were not that. Juninho really isn't a true Central Defensive Midfielder, he's a two-way midfielder, when he was partnered with Marcelo Savras last year that was fine, Savras was also a two-way midfielder, albeit more offensively minded; but Steven Gerrard is not that sort of midfielder (his excellent bicycle kick save aside). Gonzalez, on the other hand, hasn't had a great year; he's made a lot of defensive mistakes like the ones we saw in Seattle last night, but he hasn't gotten much help from his central defensive partners either. Perhaps the biggest nail in the defensive coffin for LA was the mid season loss of Jaime Pinedo, who demanded more cash of the club after it had spent a lot of cash on big acquisitions and paying down Omar Gonzalez's salary, LA had to scramble to find a keeper and went with Donovan Ricketts, five years ago Ricketts won a cup with LA, but the big man hasn't aged very well since then. All of these defensive issues combined to sink the Galaxy in their playoff game.
What went right?
Pretty much everything offensively. Robbie Keane continued to be a goal machine, Giovanni Dos Santos is a very similar style of striker and got some goals and assists of his own, Llettget and Zardes were a deadly winger combo and Steven Gerrard had a few goals and assists of his own. Alan Gordon continued to be a super-sub holding forward.
What do they need to do improve?
This is going to be a challenging offseason, there's no two ways about it for the former champs and the biggest challenge is to first keep as much of the talent they have now as they can. In order to bring in both Gerrard and Dos Santos, the Galaxy had to pay down Omar Gonzalez salary using the new TAM system, since it was only for half of the year the Galaxy didn't need to pay down the full amount, but they'll have no such luxury in the coming season. Omar Gonzalez is due another $1.2 million next season, he's easily the highest paid defender in MLS, and if LA want to keep him they need to come up with a wallet-straining $800,000 of allocation cash; TAM and regular allocation money can't be combined, further complicating matters. MLS voodoo economics mean that we can't see exactly how much allocation money LA has in the bank, but given that they settled for Donovan Ricketts as a keeper we have to assume the answer is: not much. In order for LA to get the sort of allocation money they need, they'll need to sell off players, fortunately Gyasi Zardes is rumored to have gotten interest from European clubs, which could give LA a lot of the money they'll need. Other players that might get traded for significant cash could include Robbie Rogers, Sebastian Llettget and Bradford Jamieson IV. But LA may not want to keep the towering central midfielder, he's had the sort of season a $1 million man shouldn't have in MLS, two years ago Europe was whispering sweet nothings to the American but not so much now, it could be that LA will tell Omar to accept a lesser contract or take a walk.
Beyond the issues of keeping the band together, LA need a better goalkeeper and that should be their #1 aim this offseason because Ricketts is barely better than a cardboard cutout right now. A true center defensive midfielder should be #2 on the wish list if LA wants to keep running this 5 offensive player setup, and a replacement for Leonardo and/or Gonzalez at central mid should be a very close #3 and 4.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Gyasi Zardes plays as a left winger/striker for the USMNT, Sebastian Lletget is also American and may see a call up sometime soon if he continues to play like he has for the Galaxy. Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Rogers have both featured for the USMNT in the past and could again. LA tends to attract a lot of attention from Klinsmann as they are pretty much in his back yard.
How are they out?
A spirited loss to the Sounders in Seattle, possibly in the best game of this years playoffs.
What went wrong?
LA really had two different seasons this season, pre trade window and post trade window. Pre trade window, the Galaxy were a deeply wounded beast, Donovan was gone, Keane was recovering from surgery and Marcelo Savras, their previous playmaker, was now playing for Colorado. LA played old school MLS football during this time, eking out points by stuffing the midfield and countering with Gyasi Zardes and young gun Bradford Jamieson. Keane would eventually return and get back to his goal scoring ways, but it simply wasn't enough.
Post trade window, the Galaxy were all offense. Robbie Keane, Giovanni Dos Santos and Steven Gerrard formed a nice central offensive triangle, while wingers Gyasi Zardes and Sebastian Lletget darted in to either be goal dangerous or to supply crosses into dangerous areas for Keane and Dos Santos. Offensively, post trade window Galaxy were a scary machine to face. Unfortunately, to really fully utilize an offensive setup like that, you need a strong central defensive trio, and Juninho, Gonzalez and his partner at central defense (usually Leonardo), were not that. Juninho really isn't a true Central Defensive Midfielder, he's a two-way midfielder, when he was partnered with Marcelo Savras last year that was fine, Savras was also a two-way midfielder, albeit more offensively minded; but Steven Gerrard is not that sort of midfielder (his excellent bicycle kick save aside). Gonzalez, on the other hand, hasn't had a great year; he's made a lot of defensive mistakes like the ones we saw in Seattle last night, but he hasn't gotten much help from his central defensive partners either. Perhaps the biggest nail in the defensive coffin for LA was the mid season loss of Jaime Pinedo, who demanded more cash of the club after it had spent a lot of cash on big acquisitions and paying down Omar Gonzalez's salary, LA had to scramble to find a keeper and went with Donovan Ricketts, five years ago Ricketts won a cup with LA, but the big man hasn't aged very well since then. All of these defensive issues combined to sink the Galaxy in their playoff game.
What went right?
Pretty much everything offensively. Robbie Keane continued to be a goal machine, Giovanni Dos Santos is a very similar style of striker and got some goals and assists of his own, Llettget and Zardes were a deadly winger combo and Steven Gerrard had a few goals and assists of his own. Alan Gordon continued to be a super-sub holding forward.
What do they need to do improve?
This is going to be a challenging offseason, there's no two ways about it for the former champs and the biggest challenge is to first keep as much of the talent they have now as they can. In order to bring in both Gerrard and Dos Santos, the Galaxy had to pay down Omar Gonzalez salary using the new TAM system, since it was only for half of the year the Galaxy didn't need to pay down the full amount, but they'll have no such luxury in the coming season. Omar Gonzalez is due another $1.2 million next season, he's easily the highest paid defender in MLS, and if LA want to keep him they need to come up with a wallet-straining $800,000 of allocation cash; TAM and regular allocation money can't be combined, further complicating matters. MLS voodoo economics mean that we can't see exactly how much allocation money LA has in the bank, but given that they settled for Donovan Ricketts as a keeper we have to assume the answer is: not much. In order for LA to get the sort of allocation money they need, they'll need to sell off players, fortunately Gyasi Zardes is rumored to have gotten interest from European clubs, which could give LA a lot of the money they'll need. Other players that might get traded for significant cash could include Robbie Rogers, Sebastian Llettget and Bradford Jamieson IV. But LA may not want to keep the towering central midfielder, he's had the sort of season a $1 million man shouldn't have in MLS, two years ago Europe was whispering sweet nothings to the American but not so much now, it could be that LA will tell Omar to accept a lesser contract or take a walk.
Beyond the issues of keeping the band together, LA need a better goalkeeper and that should be their #1 aim this offseason because Ricketts is barely better than a cardboard cutout right now. A true center defensive midfielder should be #2 on the wish list if LA wants to keep running this 5 offensive player setup, and a replacement for Leonardo and/or Gonzalez at central mid should be a very close #3 and 4.
So, I've got some time during halftime of Portland vs Kansas City, so let's break down the $20 million pile of fail that is Toronto.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, arguably two of the USMNT key players, both play for Toronto. Beyond that, not much else is here as far as American talent (not surprising given this is a Canadian club).
How are they out?
Montreal Impact made them look silly during the knock out game with a 3-0 thrashing.
What went wrong?
Defense! Defense! Defense! While Michael Bradley is played as a central defensive midfielder by Toronto, he can't do it all, and pretty much everyone behind him is garbage. Okay, that's not entirely true, Justin Morrow does good work. Chris Konopka has slow reflexes, Jackson is a fouling machine and Williams and Kantari are so easily split by strikers that I think we should call them "Kit-Kat". But defense doesn't just start at the back, Osorio and Findley pretty much don't defend, and Cheyrou is more likely to foul than execute a great tackle.
What went right?
GIOVINCO! Seriously, people questioned the signing that made the Italian forward the best paid Italian in the world, but it has definitely paid off and every MLS fan knows who the "Atomic Ant" is. Beyond the presumptive MVP, Michael Bradley had another good season and Altidore, when healthy, scored great goals. While Osorio and Findley aren't great on defense, they are great on offense and they contributed to Toronto's prodigious scoring, they came in second in goals scored only after the New York Red Bulls.
What do they need to do improve?
I think they need to start with finding a replacement right back for Jackson, he's too big of a foul concern. Beyond that central defense needs to be better and Konopka's replacement would be third on my list. A team spending this much cash shouldn't be this average, and Toronto really should already have had set up a great academy, but so far they haven't really gotten any great performances out of youth players, and they've even mishandled many of the players they've gotten. Stefan Frei with the Sounders is having a massively great season after being let go by Toronto sheerly because they couldn't properly train him and help him recover from his previous injuries. Ultimately, Toronto's dysfunction runs throughout the organization and until that is fixed Toronto will continue to struggle.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, arguably two of the USMNT key players, both play for Toronto. Beyond that, not much else is here as far as American talent (not surprising given this is a Canadian club).
How are they out?
Montreal Impact made them look silly during the knock out game with a 3-0 thrashing.
What went wrong?
Defense! Defense! Defense! While Michael Bradley is played as a central defensive midfielder by Toronto, he can't do it all, and pretty much everyone behind him is garbage. Okay, that's not entirely true, Justin Morrow does good work. Chris Konopka has slow reflexes, Jackson is a fouling machine and Williams and Kantari are so easily split by strikers that I think we should call them "Kit-Kat". But defense doesn't just start at the back, Osorio and Findley pretty much don't defend, and Cheyrou is more likely to foul than execute a great tackle.
What went right?
GIOVINCO! Seriously, people questioned the signing that made the Italian forward the best paid Italian in the world, but it has definitely paid off and every MLS fan knows who the "Atomic Ant" is. Beyond the presumptive MVP, Michael Bradley had another good season and Altidore, when healthy, scored great goals. While Osorio and Findley aren't great on defense, they are great on offense and they contributed to Toronto's prodigious scoring, they came in second in goals scored only after the New York Red Bulls.
What do they need to do improve?
I think they need to start with finding a replacement right back for Jackson, he's too big of a foul concern. Beyond that central defense needs to be better and Konopka's replacement would be third on my list. A team spending this much cash shouldn't be this average, and Toronto really should already have had set up a great academy, but so far they haven't really gotten any great performances out of youth players, and they've even mishandled many of the players they've gotten. Stefan Frei with the Sounders is having a massively great season after being let go by Toronto sheerly because they couldn't properly train him and help him recover from his previous injuries. Ultimately, Toronto's dysfunction runs throughout the organization and until that is fixed Toronto will continue to struggle.
OP
OP
Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
Damn good write up about LA. It's incredibly accurate. The only things I'd say in contrast is Lletget is already in the making to be a senior national teamer, having played for the U-18's, U-20's, and U-23's. Also, Omar actually had a DP worthy season... it's just that everybody on the team except Keane, Lletget, and Juninho played absolutely terrible since September.
EDIT: And I think the worst part is that they completely fell apart in September. Their goals across all competitions were 23-6 in August.... are you f***ing kidding me? That includes away matches, which they have been notoriously bad in this season (2 away wins all year. Pathetic.) But then they lost to San Jose (only loss in that block) and I guess that was demoralizing enough to make them forget how to play.
After that, in October, they went 7-12 against all competition with zero wins.
Tale of two teams for sure, with very little changes to the Starting XI happening in the last two months.
EDIT: And I think the worst part is that they completely fell apart in September. Their goals across all competitions were 23-6 in August.... are you f***ing kidding me? That includes away matches, which they have been notoriously bad in this season (2 away wins all year. Pathetic.) But then they lost to San Jose (only loss in that block) and I guess that was demoralizing enough to make them forget how to play.
After that, in October, they went 7-12 against all competition with zero wins.
Tale of two teams for sure, with very little changes to the Starting XI happening in the last two months.
Mongrel
Well-Known Member
Still recovering from the Timbers pk shootout. Damn, we got lucky.
HoppyDaze
Well-Known Member
that was insane...
HoppyDaze
Well-Known Member
I agree that Omar Gonzalez has had a good season, a DP worthy season...I don't think he was $1.2 million plus bonuses good though, but then again it's hard to judge a center back in isolation from the rest of the defense.
Sporting Kansas City lost to Portland in an absolutely insane penalty kick shootout, seriously if you haven't seen the highlights go watch them, I'll wait. You back? Great! Let's see why things shook out this way for them.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Graham Zusi is a former USMNT player who could see some play time again, Matt Besler is frequently in camp as a left center back. If you're a Klinsmann hater and/or a little delusional, you think Feilhaber should be in the USMNT lineup. Beyond that, there's a smattering of possibly good young talent.
How are they out?
Did I mention the insane 11 rounds of penalty kicks already? Go watch the highlights again!
What went wrong?
At the start of the season, injuries were a big factor. Graham Zusi had surgery in the offseason and various other members of the team picked up some knocks and issues over the season at inopportune times. But no such injury complaints apply to this last game, only their keeper was out in a team otherwise at full strength. When Sporting KC last won the title, they played a bruising, violent and frankly dirty style, but with the times changing in MLS Vermes recognized that style wouldn't work anymore. Instead, Vermes has opted for a high-press style, relying on Matt Besler to bolster the defense to avoid any major issues defensively. The problem with a high press is that you need high stamina, fast players since, if the ball gets turned over everyone needs to get back in a hurry, quite frankly Sporting KC doesn't have a lot of players of that type. If Sporting were still in the east, this tactic probably would have worked, but the west has too many cagey strikers who will ride the back line and make you pay and too much youth and speed compared to the east.
What went right?
Benny Feilhaber had a monstrously good season, probably his best ever, and if Sebastian Giovinco hadn't had an even better season Feilhaber might be in the running for MVP. Krisztian Nemeth, in his first year for MLS, had a very good season, scoring 10 goals in 28 games with 23 starts. Dom Dwyer had a good, but not great (like last season) year. Matt Besler continues to be solid.
What do they need to do improve?
Quite frankly, the high press isn't working for Sporting KC, they need to change tactics. I think that, if we're looking at their current roster, a much more effective idea would be a defensive, possession-oriented soccer not unlike what Sounders FC have done this season. Keep possesion, work your way towards the final third and try to catch your opponent out of position with a darting run from Dwyer or crafty tricks from Nemeth. Beyond that, some better left and right backs couldn't hurt.
Why does this matter to the USMNT?
Graham Zusi is a former USMNT player who could see some play time again, Matt Besler is frequently in camp as a left center back. If you're a Klinsmann hater and/or a little delusional, you think Feilhaber should be in the USMNT lineup. Beyond that, there's a smattering of possibly good young talent.
How are they out?
Did I mention the insane 11 rounds of penalty kicks already? Go watch the highlights again!
What went wrong?
At the start of the season, injuries were a big factor. Graham Zusi had surgery in the offseason and various other members of the team picked up some knocks and issues over the season at inopportune times. But no such injury complaints apply to this last game, only their keeper was out in a team otherwise at full strength. When Sporting KC last won the title, they played a bruising, violent and frankly dirty style, but with the times changing in MLS Vermes recognized that style wouldn't work anymore. Instead, Vermes has opted for a high-press style, relying on Matt Besler to bolster the defense to avoid any major issues defensively. The problem with a high press is that you need high stamina, fast players since, if the ball gets turned over everyone needs to get back in a hurry, quite frankly Sporting KC doesn't have a lot of players of that type. If Sporting were still in the east, this tactic probably would have worked, but the west has too many cagey strikers who will ride the back line and make you pay and too much youth and speed compared to the east.
What went right?
Benny Feilhaber had a monstrously good season, probably his best ever, and if Sebastian Giovinco hadn't had an even better season Feilhaber might be in the running for MVP. Krisztian Nemeth, in his first year for MLS, had a very good season, scoring 10 goals in 28 games with 23 starts. Dom Dwyer had a good, but not great (like last season) year. Matt Besler continues to be solid.
What do they need to do improve?
Quite frankly, the high press isn't working for Sporting KC, they need to change tactics. I think that, if we're looking at their current roster, a much more effective idea would be a defensive, possession-oriented soccer not unlike what Sounders FC have done this season. Keep possesion, work your way towards the final third and try to catch your opponent out of position with a darting run from Dwyer or crafty tricks from Nemeth. Beyond that, some better left and right backs couldn't hurt.
So, we now have our "round of four" set for the MLS playoffs. In terms of my predictions last time, I was 50% right on who won it...which is no better than a coin flip and I didn't get a single scoreline right 
. That said, maybe these two game home and away series will go better for my predictions! No scorelines to guess this time, hah!
New York Red Bulls vs DC United
The Atlantic Cup rivalry has come back to the MLS playoffs once again, the oldest all-MLS rivalry in the league should produce a game that will be fun to watch for everyone involved. DC United haven't played the greatest football this season, and if it weren't for Bill Hamid I don't think they'd be anywhere close to getting into the playoffs, but credit to United, they did win the game in front of them against the Revs that I thought they would lose by utilizing good counter attacking soccer. I'm going to bet against the red and black again though, because quite frankly, NYRB are the best coached team in MLS this season, hands down. I was skeptical of Jesse Marsch when he took over for Mike Petke, given his results with Montreal, but Marsch has taken a much leaner NYRB salary and turned it into one of their best seasons yet, getting good results out of both veterans and newcomers alike. The New York Red Bulls are playing a possession oriented style as well, which usually is the bane of counter attacking teams like United. Anything less than NYRB series win would be shocking. Winner: New York Red Bulls
Columbus Crew vs Montreal Impact
This match up is the spear vs the shield, Columbus Crew are one of the most high flying attacking teams in MLS, while the Impact are one of the best defensive teams in the east. Unlike Toronto, Columbus' great attack and poor defense has less to do with poor personnel and more to do with a chosen style. When Columbus attack, they swarm like the bees their uniforms kind of make them look like, virtually the entire midfield and both wing backs will get forward practically simultaneously in an all out attempt to get the ball in the net; when the ball gets turned over players race to swarm their opponent and get the ball back. It's an exhausting tactic, a sort of high press counter attack, and when it works Columbus get lots of goals...but when it doesn't work they get pulped. The Impact, by comparison, while officially playing a 4-3-3 that should be more offensive, are really playing a possession oriented narrow style. The Impact will hold onto the ball, and when the time is right the three forwards will move towards goal at once after lulling opponents. With a striker like Drogba, this style works extremely well, as the veteran forward just needs one look at goal to get the ball in the net. This is a tough one to call, but I'm giving the edge to Montreal because well, Drogba. Winner: Montreal Impact
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers
The Timbers are pumped about their great escape, but Vancouver are a far bigger mountain to climb. Sporting KC's high press is a poor choice against the swift Darlington Nagbe, but Vancouver are probably the very best counter attacking team in MLS, and their swift young players will make a meal of the older Portland back line. The Whitecaps won the overall, three game series against Portland this year, with 1 win and 2 draws, so this season's history also seems to back up my observations. Add in that Portland will be exhausted in the first match, and I'm giving the clear edge to Vancouver. Winner: Vancouver Whitecaps
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC
Easily the hardest match up to judge of the four. Looking back on the season, Seattle beat FC Dallas 3-0 at home and tied 0-0 on the road, but Seattle had that 3-0 win with an almost entirely healthy team and this time around Seattle won't be nearly so healthy, Alonso may still be out, Evans may be out and Leo Gonzalez is almost certainly out, which may leave Seattle with a real crisis on the back line. On the other hand, that 0-0 tie in Dallas happened with both Martins and Dempsey out of the line up and this time both of them will be in the series barring a freak injury. What's more, Dallas has gotten better since those results and I'd argue they're the most complete team in MLS, able to implement just about any tactic with a fair bit of fluidity; their typical counter-attacking style won't work against Seattle, but maybe possession and swift attacks will. With the Sounders banged up, I'm going to give the edge to Dallas. Winner: FC Dallas
. That said, maybe these two game home and away series will go better for my predictions! No scorelines to guess this time, hah!New York Red Bulls vs DC United
The Atlantic Cup rivalry has come back to the MLS playoffs once again, the oldest all-MLS rivalry in the league should produce a game that will be fun to watch for everyone involved. DC United haven't played the greatest football this season, and if it weren't for Bill Hamid I don't think they'd be anywhere close to getting into the playoffs, but credit to United, they did win the game in front of them against the Revs that I thought they would lose by utilizing good counter attacking soccer. I'm going to bet against the red and black again though, because quite frankly, NYRB are the best coached team in MLS this season, hands down. I was skeptical of Jesse Marsch when he took over for Mike Petke, given his results with Montreal, but Marsch has taken a much leaner NYRB salary and turned it into one of their best seasons yet, getting good results out of both veterans and newcomers alike. The New York Red Bulls are playing a possession oriented style as well, which usually is the bane of counter attacking teams like United. Anything less than NYRB series win would be shocking. Winner: New York Red Bulls
Columbus Crew vs Montreal Impact
This match up is the spear vs the shield, Columbus Crew are one of the most high flying attacking teams in MLS, while the Impact are one of the best defensive teams in the east. Unlike Toronto, Columbus' great attack and poor defense has less to do with poor personnel and more to do with a chosen style. When Columbus attack, they swarm like the bees their uniforms kind of make them look like, virtually the entire midfield and both wing backs will get forward practically simultaneously in an all out attempt to get the ball in the net; when the ball gets turned over players race to swarm their opponent and get the ball back. It's an exhausting tactic, a sort of high press counter attack, and when it works Columbus get lots of goals...but when it doesn't work they get pulped. The Impact, by comparison, while officially playing a 4-3-3 that should be more offensive, are really playing a possession oriented narrow style. The Impact will hold onto the ball, and when the time is right the three forwards will move towards goal at once after lulling opponents. With a striker like Drogba, this style works extremely well, as the veteran forward just needs one look at goal to get the ball in the net. This is a tough one to call, but I'm giving the edge to Montreal because well, Drogba. Winner: Montreal Impact
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers
The Timbers are pumped about their great escape, but Vancouver are a far bigger mountain to climb. Sporting KC's high press is a poor choice against the swift Darlington Nagbe, but Vancouver are probably the very best counter attacking team in MLS, and their swift young players will make a meal of the older Portland back line. The Whitecaps won the overall, three game series against Portland this year, with 1 win and 2 draws, so this season's history also seems to back up my observations. Add in that Portland will be exhausted in the first match, and I'm giving the clear edge to Vancouver. Winner: Vancouver Whitecaps
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC
Easily the hardest match up to judge of the four. Looking back on the season, Seattle beat FC Dallas 3-0 at home and tied 0-0 on the road, but Seattle had that 3-0 win with an almost entirely healthy team and this time around Seattle won't be nearly so healthy, Alonso may still be out, Evans may be out and Leo Gonzalez is almost certainly out, which may leave Seattle with a real crisis on the back line. On the other hand, that 0-0 tie in Dallas happened with both Martins and Dempsey out of the line up and this time both of them will be in the series barring a freak injury. What's more, Dallas has gotten better since those results and I'd argue they're the most complete team in MLS, able to implement just about any tactic with a fair bit of fluidity; their typical counter-attacking style won't work against Seattle, but maybe possession and swift attacks will. With the Sounders banged up, I'm going to give the edge to Dallas. Winner: FC Dallas
