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Tides Are Turning In May

By on May 13, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Isn’t it odd how things are starting to shape up in the league? Sure it was a mere one game for a couple of teams for me to base this standing on but for others it has been building up. It’s strange how I was wrong about some teams but now they are proving to play just as I thought they would to begin with. April must really not be my month on a calendar year but maybe May is. I was off a month on my bases on a couple teams.

After this weekend I have some “I told you so” for some teams and other people out there. I knew it was too early to rank teams like Chicago, Kansas City and even LA too high in any sort of power ranking. I didn’t want to at times but I did because of run of play but now it is coming back around just as I thought it would at the beginning.

Sure, I will admit, I am gloating a bit about this here. You are allowed to when you get somethings right.

I know I have been dead wrong on a couple teams but I will accept that any day.

After this weekend I am seeing the Chicago that I expected. Even saw parts of the Red Bulls that I expected. And again I will point out that Clint Mathis is not back. Still no back-to-back games for Cleetus that were noteworthy for me to proclaim his return. At his rate he will have just as many cards as goals.

Many thought New York was unstoppable more so than ever now with the addition of Juan Pablo Angel but today they looked horrible against a legged Colorado team that had just played at home, across country a couple days earlier. You have to think losing points on the road in that controversy to Real Salt Lake did something to this team. I figured they’d bounce back but I guess not.

Chicago is playing like the Fire I thought they would. No defense, a midfield that isn’t creative enough on their own and strikers up front that are cooling off. I wonder if the next two Thursday night games will be enough to bounce them back on the right track. For now, I doubt it.
I will remind you that KC got off to a good start because they played the league’s worst team in Toronto in back-to-back games, plus throw in the game with a confused DC (at the time) and it is no wonder why they started the way they did. Oh yeah, Eddie Johnson, is slowing fading away folks. Plus, this squad oddly enough reminds me a lot of last years. Get off to a quick start, Jimmy Conrad goes down for a few weeks plus some National team duty, and before you know it they are struggling to find themselves in the east.

I knew New England would find their way. They are starting to look like a team on a mission here. They want a third trip to the MLS Cup to actually win the damn thing for once.

Scheduling for the Galaxy is killing them. Simple as that. They can’t gel as a team and when they will get a chance to it will be a media circus with Beckham in town. I will be shocked if they make the playoffs, I really will. Aside from Becks and Landon I see no true striker on that team and that is not a good thing.

Lastly, the west is going to be catching up to the east real soon to balance things out. Dallas and Colorado have shown this weekend they can contend with the ‘best’ that the east has to offer. Houston already shown signs of life last weekend and I can expect the same next weekend. As for Chivas, a draw on the road helps, but getting positive momentum going is the most important thing.

I will leave comments on Toronto, Dallas, and other teams for later. I just felt the urge to comment on what I’ve seen lately with some teams. I am wrong and right on many things still but then again we all are. I and others wouldn’t blog about this sport if we didn’t care enough to have an opinion on this matter.

But man, isn’t it odd how things are starting to turn here?

Continue Reading · · in Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, MLS, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Toronto FC
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Saturday MLS Action

By on May 12, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Even if you don’t like the new MLS club north of the border in Toronto, you have to enjoy watching how their fans are. Watching their game with Chicago this afternoon was probably one of the most fun games I have ever watched as a MLS fan in the league’s short history. Everything about the game from the goals, to the altercation at the end of the first half, to the other goals, to the end was just a joy to watch.

For one, I am not at all surprised over the game with Chicago and Toronto. It has taken longer for me to see the expectations that I laid upon both squads at the beginning of the year. I expected the Reds to be a bit like they are today but injuries and poor play delayed it all. As for the Fire, this was the kind of play I saw coming out of them. It wasn’t pretty but then again I believe Toronto will be the toughest place to play in the league this year for any team.

The goals in the game were very classy and great strikes from both teams. I love the reaction to the Reds goals that the Toronto faithful gave. A second thought on seat cushions will be in the front office of the league and the Toronto front office.

The little fight before halftime is expected. Anyone who has seen Danny Dichio play knows he is a scrappy guy that will look for a fight like that. People in the league aren’t used to his style of physical play. I have to say I love his style of play because it puts the defense on their heels. Expect the league to come down on him and Chicago keeper Matt Pickens. Pickens probably deserved a red just as much as the other two did. Though some will say it was blown way out of proportion, it was really handled well for the most part. Hat tip to the Reds fans though, standing ovation for Dichio as he walks off the field is classic.

Now moving on to Columbus.

I haven’t gotten to see any of it but a one-one draw isn’t too shocking. Early goal by Ante Razov is good to see if you are a Goat fan.

Is it me or do the refs in the league feel they have to card everyone these days? Eight cards in the Columbus-Chivas game today just seems like a lot to me. Maybe I will feel different when I see the game but until then it just sounds high. A lot of games this year have felt that way to me. Something I think the league really needs to take a hard look at.

Now down in Kansas City….

The Hooooooops are up 2-0. Cooper and Toja netting goals for Dallas. Good to see the Hoops scoring without Ruiz who just came on late in the game for Cooper. You can tell the Wizards look like a different team without Jimmy Conrad.

Classy move on the Wizards part with the Lamar Hunt tribute tonight. Actually like the LH logo on the kits.

Dallas is playing better in this game, getting chances and playing much better in midfield, which is also helping their defense. Dario Sala gets the starting nod tonight as well, which is a vast upgrade in the minds of Hoops fans from Shaka Hislop.

KC scores late but cannot find an equalizer. For the first time all season (or at least this weekend) I correctly predict a score to a game. Yeah, I will gloat about this some other time. Okay, probably none at all since my other predictions haven’t gone completely through.

One more game tonight out in LA between the Galaxy and the Revs.

More on that later on…

Continue Reading · · in Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, MLS, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Toronto FC
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MLS Weekend Preview

By on May 11, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

I have to say I have never and I mean never seen two own goals in a single game until last night. Its tough just seeing one own goal but two by opposite teams that ends up being the final result is rare. Sadly enough I have to say it is unfortunate for the league that it turned up on their prime-time event last night. Nonetheless, it leads into the weekend play and there are a couple intriguing games on tap.

Saturday’s games:

Chicago Fire at Toronto FC: A week off for the Reds and you have to wonder what exactly it will do to MoJo’s group. Chicago is coming off of their first lost of the season where they looked like the team I expected them to be at the start of the season. They had no answer defensively for New England and didn’t get enough up front to help their cause.

I really want the Reds to get something here this weekend. Just a goal. Its sad but I have never found myself rooting this much for a team to score other than my own.

This game is interesting to me because I feel Toronto’s crowd and enviornment is like none other in this league right now. Chicago probably hasn’t faced a crowd as savvy as Toronto’s. Thankfully for the Fire Toronto still hasn’t scored a goal in their time in the MLS. I think that will give in this weekend though. For the most part I see a draw, too. I know I feel a little dump thinking the Fire will drop points on the road to the league’s worst but after last weekend I wouldn’t be too terribly shocked by it.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 1, TFC 1

Chivas USA at Columbus Crew: Oh the Fire Preki ads and websites are starting to fire up I bet in Chivas land. From what I hear they are looking for a high profile Mexican to replace the mess-up that was Amado Guevara. They looked a bit out of it last weekend in the Nation’s Capital but things should be a bit different this weekend with the return of Sasha Kljestan. Man, will he really make that much of a difference for this team? Yes.

Columbus in large part, I felt got screwed a bit last weekend in KC. They controlled a decent portion of the game but gave up a goal in the final seconds. Not a good way to go. But thankfully for them this is a home game. I see a much different result against Chivas.

I like the Crew in this one. I see things turning around and I see Schelotto getting more involved.

WVH Prediction: Crew 2, Chivas 1

FC Dallas at Kansas City Wizards: You have to wonder exactly how the week off will do for the Hoops. I think it will help even though they won’t have Carlos Ruiz in action over his no-show this week. Then again the Wizards won’t have Jimmy Conrad who got his jaw jacked up last weekend thanks to the Crew.

Those two ex-factors out it makes this game oh-so interesting. We should see the debut of midfielder Pablo Ricchetti for Dallas. I am telling you he should make a huge difference in midfield for the Hoops.

KC just needs to keep finding Eddie Johnson and they will be alright. He didn’t get in the mix enough against Columbus last weekend and you have to wonder if he is starting to cool off here. If he doesn’t get up for a game against his old club then you should know something is up with EJ. Remember his fast start was thanks in large part to playing Toronto twice in one week. People are quick to forget such a thing.
I like the Hoops this weekend. It will be close and hopefully not as boring as KC and Columbus were last weekend. Jimmy Conrad being out hurts the Wizards a lot.

WVH Prediction: FCD 2, KC 1

New England Revolution at LA Galaxy: A rematch of the 2005 MLS Cup. Yaaaay. I really don’t care about this game and it is large in part because of how the Galaxy schedule is set up. Too many weeks off early in the season is going to hurt this team too much in the long run. Even with Beckham it will. Just you watch.

New England is the hotter hand here. I feel they are playing the best soccer in the league right now, even more so than KC and New York. The ageless Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman are a fun group to watch. But give credit to that defense, they are pretty tough too. Five goals and five assist between the two. Oh yeah, Andy Dorman is doing pretty well with three goals of his own too.

I like the Revs because I just don’t know how the Galaxy will handle a good team like the Revs.

WVH Prediction: New England 2, LA 0

Sunday’s Game:

Colorado Rapids at Red Bull New York: Oh the cross country trip in a matter of four days. I love how the league schedules games here. Colorado is coming off a weird 1-1 draw of their rivals in RSL while New York is also coming off a weird draw to RSL.

I have to think the Red Bulls will bounce back in this one. Though no Hunter Freeman and I wonder about their goalie situation. The difference maker will be the debut of Juan Pablo Angel. He will score and score a lot I think. I am guessing two goals and maybe an assist. Colorado needs to find a way to stop Angel or it will be a long, long afternoon.

Biggest question on my mind is though, if Clint Mathis can put two good games together back-to-back. If he does, then folks, he has returned to form. If not, he will probably be red carded in the 67 minute.

Take the Red Bulls.

WVH Prediction: RBNY 3, Colorado 1

Continue Reading · · in Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, MLS, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, News and Rumors, Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Toronto FC
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Prime-Time Thursday Night MLS Preview

By on May 10, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Already at week six, and things keep moving along quickly in the MLS. The east is dominate and very tight, while the west is just as tight but less dominate. Tonight we are treated with a Thursday night showdown between the Mountain Cup rivals Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake.

Last time out in Salt Lake, the Rapids blanked RSL 2-0 and game proved to be then end of the John Ellinger era in the Mormon country. Jason Kries retired as we all know and is now another player to coach guy in the league. Last weekend they came from 3-1 to draw the league’s best in Red Bull New York. Despite controversy, getting a point may be what the doctor ordered for this club.

Colorado is coming off their first home lost of the season as they were dumped on by Houston 3-1. The Rapids showed signs of age in defense and also showed they struggled to create any real offensive chances in front of the net. But give credit where credit is due, Houston has one of the better defenses in the league today.

Tonight’s game could go either way since it is a rivalry game and the two teams are coming off different results. I like to think that RSL will be a little more energized for this contest and could steal a goal or two. However, I don’t think it will be enough because Colorado should be able to bounce back and get the three points, thus taking control of the west for a couple of days.

I like the Rapids in a spirited contest that should yield some goals.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 3, RSL 2

Continue Reading · · in Colorado Rapids, MLS, News and Rumors, Real Salt Lake
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Expansion Talk – Vegas and San Diego Style

By on May 9, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

I honestly didn’t expect much expansion talk this week but I was proven wrong yet again. Should have thought better since we are quickly coming to that time of the year before the all-star break where the league sits down and decides where to go next. I would guess in the next month or so we will hear something either way.

But for today we are treated with two new cities, one that I haven’t talked about in years and the other that I really could never see happening.

First in San Diego, a town that the league has had an all-star game in before is looking to get their name back in the expansion hat. Developers are pushing to build a professional soccer stadium in San Ysidro, thus getting an expansion side in San Diego.

The developers — Corey Barnette, a Washington, D.C.-based businessman and Fred McDonald of Michigan — are pursuing a new soccer team’s franchise rights from the MLS, and have discussed building a 30,000-seat stadium on land currently owned by San Ysidro School District. Wow, 30,000-seat stadium! For an expansion side!

This group has tried before at getting a MLS team, they failed a year or so ago at getting DC United.

I have always though San Diego was an idea for the MLS. Now this is a long term shot for a team. Possibly 10-15 years down the road I believe but this is a city the league does need to look at.

The other option for the MLS is a city that really has no shot in my eyes to get is Las Vegas.

I have to say that I was shocked by seeing Vegas on here for this. But to their credit they want a team and they want one in the next couple years, not 10 to 15 or even 30 years down the road, like a team by 2010.

Mark Noorzai is leading the Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment Group has been negotiating with MLS owners and Commissioner Don Garber for three months, during which Noorzai has made 10 trips to Las Vegas to involve local soccer officials and explore land options.

The stadium idea is probably one that people will either love or hate. The sports group hopes to build a high-tech, state-of-the-art stadium with a retractable roof that will be linked with a casino. Its Vegas baby, I wouldn’t expect anything less than something linked to a casino.

Former U.S. national team defender and Hall of Famer Paul Caligiuri serves as the sports group’s main spokesman and would play a major role in the soccer operations of Las Vegas Football Club. Interesting, but I really wonder if the club can meet the league’s expectations for ticket sales by having Caligiuri as their spokesman.

The article says that the league will be announcing the next expansion site in October (around MLS Cup as usual) and that this city could be it.

I honestly don’t know if Vegas is the right idea for the league. Sure the city has no competition with other professional teams but is it the right town for the league?  I think this is a long shot really but you never really know what to think with this league.

Continue Reading · · in MLS, MLS Expansion
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Houston and Columbus Trade Forwards

By on May 9, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Columbus in an effort to get some attack going have dealt for Houston forward Alejandro Moreno, in return the Crew will send Joseph Ngwenya to the lonestar state.

The deal is expect to be officially announced sometime today. Though, knowing the MLS could be announced tomorrow night during the prime-time game with between RSL and Colorado. The league has a weird way of letting the general public know about these sort of deals. Most of us online knew about the Schelotto signing far before the league even discussed it on their website or on the airwaves. That is just how slow they are folks.
Anyways, this is an interesting deal. I like Ngwenya and his style of play. Houston is getting a very solid player because of his ability to play in the midfield or up top. Columbus on the other hand is trying to find some offense at any possible way that they can. Moreno has had moments where he has proven he can score for Houston but hasn’t done much of anything this far this season.

Overall it sounds like a very solid deal for both clubs. They both get something they need and a change of scenery does help some guys and I think it will work for both clubs in the long run.

Continue Reading · · in Columbus Crew, Houston Dynamo, MLS, News and Rumors
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Wynalda Being An Ass Yet Again

By on May 8, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Eric Wynalda was on a DC talk show this morning to shed more light in the choice words that he had for Jim Rome in an interview given over a few beers last month.

Wynalda stopped by the “Elliot in the Morning show” to talk soccer for the most part and to shed more light in the Rome story. He was making a point about how Rome hates soccer and that his alma mater (UCSB) won a National Championship in soccer last year. Wynalda had invited Rome to the game, but Jim had declined by saying, “I’m more proud of our school’s Water Polo Championship in 1978.” The host Elliot laughed, and Wynalda jumped in with the nickname….

(paraphrasing) “Yeah that’s why I call him Kim Rome now. He’d rather watch a bunch of guys in speedos.”

Rome caught wind of the news and said this:

“I have better things to concern myself with than what Eric Wynalda is doing or saying. I will say this, the guy came on my show, apologized to me personally, in front of a few million people and then issued a similar apology which was read on ESPN – and obviously didn’t mean a word of it. Soccer, as ridiculous as it ever was.”

Oh the war is far from over I can tell. I guess a red card will be issued to Jim Rome in the next halftime segment this Thursday. And by the way, that halftime segment is continuing to be more ridiculous each week.Believe me I hate listening to Jim Rome as much as the next guy but sometimes you have to face it and stop being an ass about things. Wynalda is always very outspoken but he is hurting the sports credibility with his antics time and time again. I really would like him to just go back to the color-commentator role that he originally started doing with ESPN and not this commentator on soccer, life, and everything else in the world that he is mad at.

ESPN needs to step in and talk to Wynalda about this issue before it gets even more out of hand.

Continue Reading · · in MLS
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Week 5 MLS Power Rankings

By on May 8, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

As mentioned over the weekend, teams stole points while others regained the form we expected. Some teams got a much deserved week off while the Galaxy were off doing nothing but trying to figure out which former French star they want (though I don’t believe any of the hype surrounding any of the rumors).

Ranking (last week Ranking) Team (points) -

1. (1) Red Bull New York (11 pt.) - Yes even a draw at Salt Lake doesn’t move this team down. I will say it again though about Clint Mathis, I won’t proclaim his “return” until I see two solid games in a row like what we saw against RSL. If he does that against Colorado at home this Sunday then you all will have your so called claim from me that Cleetus is back.

2. (4) New England Revolution (11 pts.) – A draw and a nice win this past week moves the Revs up to the two spot. I have to say that this team is really starting to come together. It was a nice win against the Fire at home over the weekend and I expect much of the same style of play against the Galaxy this weekend out in LA. They are proving that they can get it done without Clint Dempsey (which they did anyways some last year) and the suspended Sharlie Joseph.

3. (2) Chicago Fire (10 pts.) - Not the result against the Revs that the Fire were looking in their first defeat of the season. But all should change with a trip to Toronto this weekend. However, if the week off helps the Red Leafs then the Fire will be in for a very tough match, if not, expect a decent sized blowout.

4. (7) Kansas City Wizards (12 pts.) - So you lead the league and you haven’t really beat anyone of note yet. I have trouble seeing this team at the top of other power rankings out there. Yes, they stole a couple points at home against the Crew in that boring contest. They host a rested FC Dallas squad this weekend and I think it will be a different outcome. But we will see won’t we?

5. (9) Houston Dynamo (7 pt.) – Welcome back DeRo and welcome back Dynamo. That was the kind of play I was expecting from you this season. It looks as though they have returned to their solid form. If that is the case then they will begin to run away with the west. They are off this weekend so it will be interesting to see how they return after a week’s time off.

6. (3) Colorado Rapids (7 pts.) - Can’t drop games at home like that one to the Dynamo. Especially giving up late goals at home. Thankfully they get their Mountain Cup Rival again this week in a prime-time game on Thursday night. I look for a bounce back. But a trip to New York on Sunday will be tough. They will be lucky to get four points this weekend I think. If they get anything less than four it will be a failure.

7. (8) FC Dallas (7 pt.) - Didn’t play and it didn’t matter. Worked out that other teams played poorly and the Hoops didn’t play. Trip to KC will prove a decent amount this weekend. I hope to see newly signed Ricchetti fits into the midfield. If he does anything from what I have read that he can do, he will change that midfield and improve it drastically.
8. (5) Columbus Crew (6 pt.) - They kinda got robbed a couple points on the road this past weekend. I thought they were the better of the two teams in KC but sometimes a bit of luck and bad defending will do that. I think a home game against the reeling Goats will help. They need the points because right now the east is too competitive to drop games.

9. (10) LA Galaxy (4 pt.) - Weird scheduling with this team is going to hurt them in the long run.

10. (11) DC United (4 pts.) - Think the United is back? They finally did some decent things and got some points. But that defense is still shaky. Apparently they are looking for help to sure it up in the coming week. Its an off week so why not huh?

11. (6) CD Chivas USA (6 pts.) - Biggest droppers this week. They looked puzzled out there but getting Sasha Kljestan back this weekend should help. They need points to stay alive in the west. If they don’t it will be a battle with them and Salt Lake for the cellar-dwellers of the west. I wonder what they will do with that cap space now that Guevara is gone. Possible go after a DP type of player? Who knows, they need some kind of spark.
12. (13) Real Salt Lake (3 pt.) - Yeah, you got a point against the league’s best but it came at some controversy, which apparently against New York it always does. I honestly don’t know what to make of this team but getting a new coach in should help. I cannot see this team making the playoffs though which is a bad thing for them. Can this team get better defense though is the real (no pun intended) question.
13. (12) Toronto FC (0 pt.) - A week off to gel more as a team should help. If Mo can get this club going while they have so many home games they should be able to reel off some points. If not, it makes you wonder just how long Mo will be sticking around as coach. His patience has to be wearing thin here.

Continue Reading · · in Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, MLS, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC, Toronto FC
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Maybe We Aren’t In Kansas Anymore

By on May 7, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

Its probably true. I didn’t expect at the start of week six in the MLS that the Kansas City Wizards would be in first place in the east and overall in the league. Four wins and one loss yielding 12 points thanks in large part to the resurgence of Eddie Johnson thanks in large part to new coach Curt Onalfo.

But has anyone noticed?

Does anyone care that the Wizards are led by one of the league’s best in Jimmy Conrad and probably one of the most underrated in Jose Burciaga Jr.? How about that exciting rookie from UNC in Michael Harrington? No? Or does anyone care that between the pipes is one of the league’s most well known keepers Kevin Hartman?

No?

It’s pretty obvious that no one cares so far in Kansas City. Their average attendance so far in two games is a meager 7,432!

Now I know people in KC will argue that one game was a Wednesday night game against expansion side Toronto in the pouring rain and the other was a Saturday afternoon game in 70-degree weather against Columbus (a team that hadn’t lost before).

Believe me I know Arrowhead stadium is a horrible venue for this sport. But in a metropolitan area like KC, you can’t tell me you can’t at least draw 10,000 to a sporting event. Especially on a beautiful 70-degree day.

I’ve seen and heard all of the excuses over the years. The marketing is bad (which it probably is), the weather wasn’t nice enough, I got lost going to Arrowhead…and so on and so on. It gets you thinking just how embarrassing this team is for the league. Leading the league and playing very solid soccer yet they are unable to draw in their home town.

I don’t know how to exactly correct this other than the obvious, getting this team out of Arrowhead.

I’ve said they would probably move but with the new owners they will not let the team leave the city just that easy, which is probably the best thing. I hate seeing teams move, even this one. But there some ideas that could help in the short run and the long run and the league’s front offices need to act on soon before this team just fades away in ever growing Arrowhead Stadium.

Here are some ideas and your suggestions are always welcome (this does not include a stadium…that again is too obvious):

  • Be like FC Dallas and Colorado and build lots and lots of soccer fields for the little kiddies. Believe me, I have seen it in Frisco, the plan works. The more the better really. I know there is land in KC somewhere. It really is true…”if you build it they will come”
  • Market the hell out of this team, there is nothing other than a crappy baseball team to compete with in KC
  • Maybe re-brand this team…let’s face it…what the hell does a Wizard have to do with KC? Oh yeah, disappearing fans
  • Get this team a rival! St. Louis wants a team and they need to get one…let’s face it Chicago, Columbus and Dallas aren’t exactly rivals for this city. Dallas would make sense but since the fan base has stunk it never too off

Those are just a few that came to mind.

What do you think? Does anyone in KC care anymore or are we just beating a dead horse on this issue?

Continue Reading · · in MLS, Sporting KC
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Teams Stealing Points

By on May 6, 2007 | Follow @WVHooligan |

A couple teams stole some points, while another team dominated on the road. Saturday’s lackluster schedule proved to be otherwise. Loads of goals and a few points in the standings were stolen by home teams instead of road teams for once.

It all started with Columbus at Kansas City. The Wizards looked like a team for the most part that were settling on getting a draw yesterday afternoon while the Crew were pushing forward and making changes on the pitch to get three points. Then along comes a beautiful KC goal from Jose Burciaga Jr., and the Wizards steal three points with seconds left on the clock. For once there we saw a vulnerable Crew defense who just let Burciaga dribble right through their hearts and score. It was a great strike, a replay that you should look for on youtube.

We also got to see the debut of Schelotto for the Crew and honestly he guy didn’t at all impress. There was maybe a couple times that he got on the ball and wowed the crowd and the TV audience. But other than that he look a bit lost on the pitch. Maybe it was because he didn’t have a midfield giving him the ball and maybe he hasn’t had enough time to settle in with his new team. I am sure things will turn around for the Boca legend.

Fact was, the Wizards stole three points in my mind. The late goal now gives the Wizards a slim lead in the overall standings in the east and in the league. Who would have thought.

Another couple points were really stolen out in Mormon country. Its been documented before that New York just doesn’t play well in Salt Lake and it looked like that was about to not be true as the Red Bulls had a nice 2-0 going into the half. Clint Mathis put his stamp on both goals by scoring one and assisting on the other.

But then right after the hour mark their shutout streak came to a close. The league’s all-time longest shutout streak was ended and RSL looked like a new team. But then struck Clint Mathis with his second goal, yes, second goal. He really likes playing against RSL folks so don’t get over excited about Cleetus’s performance last night. That second goal put the Red Bulls up 3-1 with under 10 minutes to go when “controversy struck” according to Red Bull faithful.

A weird PK call in the 90th minute put RSL within one and then somehow two minutes later RSL was able to steal the three points and get the draw with a Chris Brown goal. Which by the way, may end up being the goal of the year. Something special folks. View that highlight if you can.
Controversy or not, this game was very ugly for a Red Bull fan. It gave them and the rest of the league a view of just how easy it can be to rattle this club. It was very Metrostar like if you want to get right down to it.

Fact remains, the Red Bulls have not won in Salt Lake in over two years. Is the confidence shot? I highly doubt it, they will rebound but they best do it quick or they will be trailing KC and Chicago before they know it.
The last game of the night was expected to be a good contest and it was. We finally saw Dewayne De Rosario come alive and lead the Dynamo to a nice road victory. After going down 1-0 early the Dynamo found many different ways to score and won in Commerce City against the Rapids 3-1 behind two, count them, two DeRo goals.

Not only did DeRo get on the board for the first and second time of the season, Brian Ching was into the attack scoring the tying goal early in the second half.

This was the game that Dynamo fans and people around the league were waiting on from this club. It took a slow start but you have to think there is more to come with this. A lot of momentum will come of this for the Dynamo going into their next couple of games I think. As for Colorado, the defense is looking older everyday and that is not something they need at this point in the season. It is far too early in the year for an old defense to be looking that old.

Two more games today, if they are anything like last nights then it will be a great weekend for the league.

Continue Reading · · in Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Houston Dynamo, MLS, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Sporting KC