One of the not-so-surprising moves Bruce Arena made a week ago was starting Sean Franklin at right back. I think it came down to a matter of bodies; with the arrival of Gregg Berhalter, there was an excess in defense and both Tony Sanneh and Franklin got bumped out of the back as AJ De La Garza, Omar Gonzalez, Berhalter and Eddie Lewis made up the Galaxy's defense and picked up a shutout in the process.
Berhalter's gone and won't play against San Jose tonight, but will that mean Franklin's short-lived stint in the midfield will be over? Franklin could easily slide back into central defense with Omar Gonzalez, as the two started the season there together. And that probably would make the most sense, really. But would it? I mean, it seems to make sense in that Franklin has seen a lot of time there in his career, but he's been moving around a lot. He's a right back, central defender, now a right mid.... and he's keeping a good face about, playing where the boss asks him.
I don't know if that's best, though. Franklin was completely at fault for the game-losing goal against Colorado as he got stripped of the ball when trying to make an ill-advised run and coughed up the ball easily.
I'd like to see Franklin settle into a position and stay there. If his best spot is at right back, then let him compete for the right back position. Chris Klein has been woefully out of position there and is far better in the midfield, so let Franklin and Sanneh fight out for the right back spot each week. But the depth is so thin on defense - well, really everywhere on the roster - that you need for Franklin or other versatile players to be able to move from spot to spot depending on injuries and cards and all that other good stuff.
So Franklin thus will likely spend his sophomore season as a utilityman. We'll see where Arena starts him tonight, but my money's on central defense.
Showing posts with label Galaxy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Galaxy. Show all posts
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Clasico aftermath
Saturday's Chivas USA-Galaxy match was a unique game, as all these matchups tend to be. But for some reason it didn't have the emotion, the drama that other matches have featured.
Maybe it's because some of the polarizing figures were absent, save for Landon Donovan of course. No Ante Razov. No Maykel Galindo. No Panchito Mendoza. And we're all still getting used to these new-look Galaxy players as Gregg Berhalter made his MLS debut and was one of six Galaxy players who had never played against Chivas USA before (stat check, Klein, Donovan, Gordon, Franklin have, believe Tudela has but have to go double check, in any case, about half the starting lineup).
Chivas never really looked dangerous after the first opening part of the game and then they went down a man, and the Galaxy never looked dangerous when they had a man advantage for a big chunk of the second half. And then, Chivas didn't look dangerous over the last 10 minutes.
The previous 0-0 draw in the series was a very good game, a game that produced a lot of drama and emotion. This one, meh.
One thing that would make this series even better, though, would be if the teams played only two times each season. Play once in late May/early June and another time in late September/early October. That would be better than three times a season, which is better than four times a season, but still not optimal. But that'll never happen. MLS will find ways to maximize this series rivalry and we'll get a minimum of three Clasicos a year.
I just hope that the next ones feature more drama and intensity (and maybe a few less cards) than Saturday's.
Maybe it's because some of the polarizing figures were absent, save for Landon Donovan of course. No Ante Razov. No Maykel Galindo. No Panchito Mendoza. And we're all still getting used to these new-look Galaxy players as Gregg Berhalter made his MLS debut and was one of six Galaxy players who had never played against Chivas USA before (stat check, Klein, Donovan, Gordon, Franklin have, believe Tudela has but have to go double check, in any case, about half the starting lineup).
Chivas never really looked dangerous after the first opening part of the game and then they went down a man, and the Galaxy never looked dangerous when they had a man advantage for a big chunk of the second half. And then, Chivas didn't look dangerous over the last 10 minutes.
The previous 0-0 draw in the series was a very good game, a game that produced a lot of drama and emotion. This one, meh.
One thing that would make this series even better, though, would be if the teams played only two times each season. Play once in late May/early June and another time in late September/early October. That would be better than three times a season, which is better than four times a season, but still not optimal. But that'll never happen. MLS will find ways to maximize this series rivalry and we'll get a minimum of three Clasicos a year.
I just hope that the next ones feature more drama and intensity (and maybe a few less cards) than Saturday's.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Clasico coaches
After Saturday's 0-0 draw between the Galaxy and Chivas USA, Bruce Arena and Preki each seemed a bit more upbeat than you'd expect. Perhaps because at the point that each team went down a man, the respective coaches were probably praying for or at least would have been content with a draw, which is exactly what they got.
Here's audio of Preki's press conference.
And here's Arena.
Here's audio of Preki's press conference.
And here's Arena.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Knocked out
The Galaxy won't contend for the US Open Cup title this year after getting knocked out of the tournament before it even started by Colorado again.
A year ago, Colorado beat the Galaxy in a play-in match last year and did so again last night in a 4-2 penalty-kick shootout win.
Here's some video from the post-game press conferences - Colorado's Gary Smith and the Galaxy's Bruce Arena.
The Rapids went down a man in the 36th minute but still managed to hold the Galaxy scoreless for the remainder of regulation and the 30-minute extra time session.
A year ago, Colorado beat the Galaxy in a play-in match last year and did so again last night in a 4-2 penalty-kick shootout win.
Here's some video from the post-game press conferences - Colorado's Gary Smith and the Galaxy's Bruce Arena.
The Rapids went down a man in the 36th minute but still managed to hold the Galaxy scoreless for the remainder of regulation and the 30-minute extra time session.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
First wins
I wrote a bit on this in the comments section of my rankings but wanted to expand on the topic.
Chivas USA and the Galaxy will meet for the first time in 2009 on Saturday, and history suggests it won't be a pretty match for Chivas USA.
Overall, the Galaxy have dominated the series against Chivas USA but in particular the first games of each and every season have gone towards the Galaxy's favor. And none of the games were anything but difficult setbacks for Chivas USA.
In brief:
2005: Galaxy scores three early goals, cruise to 3-1 victory over expansion Chivas side.
2006: Cornell Glen scores two late goals, Galaxy steal 2-1 win
2007: Harmse, Donovan score early, Jones scores late in 3-1 win
2008: Gordon, Donovan score twice each in 5-2 Galaxy win
2009: ???
At least Chivas have managed to score goals.
So, even though the Galaxy's defense is bunk and Chivas are 3-0, this game is anything but an easy match to predict. Based on current form, Chivas should win the game, but based on history Chivas have no shot.
Anyway, just a thought to get the week started. I suppose the Galaxy still have something to work out tonight in their US Open Cup play-in match against Colorado before they can focus on their intra-stadium rivals.
Chivas USA and the Galaxy will meet for the first time in 2009 on Saturday, and history suggests it won't be a pretty match for Chivas USA.
Overall, the Galaxy have dominated the series against Chivas USA but in particular the first games of each and every season have gone towards the Galaxy's favor. And none of the games were anything but difficult setbacks for Chivas USA.
In brief:
2005: Galaxy scores three early goals, cruise to 3-1 victory over expansion Chivas side.
2006: Cornell Glen scores two late goals, Galaxy steal 2-1 win
2007: Harmse, Donovan score early, Jones scores late in 3-1 win
2008: Gordon, Donovan score twice each in 5-2 Galaxy win
2009: ???
At least Chivas have managed to score goals.
So, even though the Galaxy's defense is bunk and Chivas are 3-0, this game is anything but an easy match to predict. Based on current form, Chivas should win the game, but based on history Chivas have no shot.
Anyway, just a thought to get the week started. I suppose the Galaxy still have something to work out tonight in their US Open Cup play-in match against Colorado before they can focus on their intra-stadium rivals.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday morning quick takes
Just a few things before I start the morning:
- Carlos Ochoa scored again, finally. You might remember Ochoa as Chivas' hot offseason acquisition. He did well to find the back of the net in InterLiga and on his debut with Chivas in league. Since his first game, however, he's been nothing but terrible and his ghastly unproductive performances led to Efrain Flores' ouster. Apparently, Ochoa's play had been so bad that some teammates began calling him "El Bloopers," according to Mural. Well, Ochoa scored on Sunday alright - for Tapatio. Looks like "El Bloopers" will be tearing things up for the second-division club.
- By the way, the guy who stepped up and started scoring goals was Javier "Chicharo" Hernandez, who was linked to Chivas USA in the preseason. Hernandez ain't going nowhere now. Also, um, Hernandez > Jesus Padilla. By a long shot.
- In case you forgot, international action returns on Tuesday in CONCACAF as Puerto Rico visit Cruz Azul. La Maquina are in a state of disarray but whether or not that carries over in the CCL remains to be seen. Puerto Rico already pulled off one improbable road win as they beat Marathon. But, well, let's keep the theme going... Cruz Azul > Marathon.
- Also on Tuesday is the return of the US Open Cup, for the Galaxy anyway. The Galaxy will play Colorado again - and that again is on two notes. The Galaxy played Colorado on Saturday night of course, but they also played Colorado in an Open Cup play-in game in 2008. The Galaxy lost both games, on Saturday by 3-2 and a year by 1-0.
- I've got some audio links coming up later as I already posted one online and will have another couple also ready to go.
- One quick non-soccer note: Metallica tickets go on sale Saturday, at least locally. They've scheduled a show on Dec. 11 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
- Carlos Ochoa scored again, finally. You might remember Ochoa as Chivas' hot offseason acquisition. He did well to find the back of the net in InterLiga and on his debut with Chivas in league. Since his first game, however, he's been nothing but terrible and his ghastly unproductive performances led to Efrain Flores' ouster. Apparently, Ochoa's play had been so bad that some teammates began calling him "El Bloopers," according to Mural. Well, Ochoa scored on Sunday alright - for Tapatio. Looks like "El Bloopers" will be tearing things up for the second-division club.
- By the way, the guy who stepped up and started scoring goals was Javier "Chicharo" Hernandez, who was linked to Chivas USA in the preseason. Hernandez ain't going nowhere now. Also, um, Hernandez > Jesus Padilla. By a long shot.
- In case you forgot, international action returns on Tuesday in CONCACAF as Puerto Rico visit Cruz Azul. La Maquina are in a state of disarray but whether or not that carries over in the CCL remains to be seen. Puerto Rico already pulled off one improbable road win as they beat Marathon. But, well, let's keep the theme going... Cruz Azul > Marathon.
- Also on Tuesday is the return of the US Open Cup, for the Galaxy anyway. The Galaxy will play Colorado again - and that again is on two notes. The Galaxy played Colorado on Saturday night of course, but they also played Colorado in an Open Cup play-in game in 2008. The Galaxy lost both games, on Saturday by 3-2 and a year by 1-0.
- I've got some audio links coming up later as I already posted one online and will have another couple also ready to go.
- One quick non-soccer note: Metallica tickets go on sale Saturday, at least locally. They've scheduled a show on Dec. 11 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Berhalter to MLS
US World Cup veteran Gregg Berhalter was recently let go by 1860 Munich and is headed to the MLS.
The Galaxy sit first in the allocation table and stand a chance of acquiring Berhalter, if they choose to keep him and use the choice to take him. It wouldn't necessarily be the greatest choice as you never know what will happen. A year ago, San Jose took Jean Phillipe Peguero once he became available and the top spot in the allocation table moved to Toronto, who subsequently were first when Brian McBride became available. San Jose could have had the opportunity to trade McBride to Chicago since McBride wanted to go to Chicago but instead they got a bust of a player.
Still, the Galaxy could use Berhalter. As talented as Omar Gonzalez is, he's 20 years old. It might do him a lot of good to either play alongside Berhalter or watch and learn from Berhalter. Not that Berhalter is Maldini or anything but Gonzalez could learn a lot from a guy who's spent his entire career in Germany and has played in the World Cup. And the Galaxy's backline is paper-thin to begin with, so this may not be the flashy attacking player that most would probably like but it would fill a need.
The Galaxy sit first in the allocation table and stand a chance of acquiring Berhalter, if they choose to keep him and use the choice to take him. It wouldn't necessarily be the greatest choice as you never know what will happen. A year ago, San Jose took Jean Phillipe Peguero once he became available and the top spot in the allocation table moved to Toronto, who subsequently were first when Brian McBride became available. San Jose could have had the opportunity to trade McBride to Chicago since McBride wanted to go to Chicago but instead they got a bust of a player.
Still, the Galaxy could use Berhalter. As talented as Omar Gonzalez is, he's 20 years old. It might do him a lot of good to either play alongside Berhalter or watch and learn from Berhalter. Not that Berhalter is Maldini or anything but Gonzalez could learn a lot from a guy who's spent his entire career in Germany and has played in the World Cup. And the Galaxy's backline is paper-thin to begin with, so this may not be the flashy attacking player that most would probably like but it would fill a need.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Paying the bills
So I'm busy writing several different preview stories for several different outlets, but I wanted to pass along one thought that I'm following.
The local teams here in SoCal are going to struggle to compete this season. I'll give you the full breakdown when the story comes out, but overall I just don't see Chivas recovering from their injuries or the Galaxy having the necessary depth to compete for a full 30 games.
I do like the Galaxy better than some others. Last year's disaster won't be repeated. I think the team can be average, which is better than the slop they put out last season. Tony Sanneh seems like a reach but it's not like we didn't see another 37-year-old defender come in and perform admirably here at HDC before. Claudio Suarez was washed up several seasons before he joined Chivas USA and he did okay for them.
Yeah, I get that Suarez is a legend and Sanneh was a decent to good player at his best but Sanneh is the type of player that will help ease the Galaxy along and gives the youngsters someone to learn from.
Still, you have to factor in how many games Donovan will miss and how many games Beckham will miss and how difficult it will be when Beckham arrives, and all that will test the Galaxy.
Chivas' problems, well, all you need to know is Carey Talley and Jonathan Bornstein have seen time at central defense during the preseason and could actually start there at some point this year. Both players are valuable to the team but NOT at central defense. If they brought in Abel Xavier on trial, you know they are panicking.
And if Alecko Eskandarian, Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo are not healthy in March, what makes you think they will be able to get healthy and stay healthy once the season is in full swing?
Well, I'll develop those thoughts into a column this morning and hopefully will be able to chime in here on stuff throughout the morning. Until then, I have to go find me some coffee. I ran out yesterday and I'm not coping well.
The local teams here in SoCal are going to struggle to compete this season. I'll give you the full breakdown when the story comes out, but overall I just don't see Chivas recovering from their injuries or the Galaxy having the necessary depth to compete for a full 30 games.
I do like the Galaxy better than some others. Last year's disaster won't be repeated. I think the team can be average, which is better than the slop they put out last season. Tony Sanneh seems like a reach but it's not like we didn't see another 37-year-old defender come in and perform admirably here at HDC before. Claudio Suarez was washed up several seasons before he joined Chivas USA and he did okay for them.
Yeah, I get that Suarez is a legend and Sanneh was a decent to good player at his best but Sanneh is the type of player that will help ease the Galaxy along and gives the youngsters someone to learn from.
Still, you have to factor in how many games Donovan will miss and how many games Beckham will miss and how difficult it will be when Beckham arrives, and all that will test the Galaxy.
Chivas' problems, well, all you need to know is Carey Talley and Jonathan Bornstein have seen time at central defense during the preseason and could actually start there at some point this year. Both players are valuable to the team but NOT at central defense. If they brought in Abel Xavier on trial, you know they are panicking.
And if Alecko Eskandarian, Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo are not healthy in March, what makes you think they will be able to get healthy and stay healthy once the season is in full swing?
Well, I'll develop those thoughts into a column this morning and hopefully will be able to chime in here on stuff throughout the morning. Until then, I have to go find me some coffee. I ran out yesterday and I'm not coping well.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friendlies that aren't really friendlies
Chivas USA and the Galaxy will wrap up their respective preseasons over the next two days. While these games will mean nothing in terms of the regular season, they could provide a glimpse of what will be for both local sides.
Chivas USA-Houston: Chivas host Houston tonight at HDC. It's actually being played in the main stadium and should have the feel of a real game. Chivas have a ton of question marks heading into the season as things don't look good in Red-and-White land. Injuries have carried over from the end of last year to the start of this season as players such as Ante Razov, Alecko Eskandarian and Bobby Burling are injured, and all were expected to play key roles for the club.
We should see in what direction the club will turn to in terms of a starting lineup, but we could see something like this both tonight and next week against Colorado: Thornton; Talley, Thomas, Curtin, Jazic; Kljestan, Marsch, Nagamura, Bornstein; Braun, Lillingston.
Normally, this would be a match against an MLS Cup contender but without Dwayne De Rosario and to a lesser extent Nate Jaqua, Houston doesn't have the feel of a favorite these days. They are a hard-working team but that doesn't mean they won't be contenders, just that they'll be the hardest-working average team out there.
Galaxy-Chicago: This game should be good. The Galaxy and Chicago play in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday. Landon Donovan is back and will play with the Galaxy for the first time this year. That shouldn't really matter to him, as he could wait until the season opener against DC United to play and still do fine but his teammates, especially the new guys, will need to have him on the field to learn to play with him.
Chicago is a favorite, a cup contender, anything you've got. Columbus I think took a hit by losing Sigi Schmid and no other team closed the gap between themselves and the Fire. It's a good thing the Galaxy will be tested against one of the best teams MLS has to offer.
Chivas USA-Houston: Chivas host Houston tonight at HDC. It's actually being played in the main stadium and should have the feel of a real game. Chivas have a ton of question marks heading into the season as things don't look good in Red-and-White land. Injuries have carried over from the end of last year to the start of this season as players such as Ante Razov, Alecko Eskandarian and Bobby Burling are injured, and all were expected to play key roles for the club.
We should see in what direction the club will turn to in terms of a starting lineup, but we could see something like this both tonight and next week against Colorado: Thornton; Talley, Thomas, Curtin, Jazic; Kljestan, Marsch, Nagamura, Bornstein; Braun, Lillingston.
Normally, this would be a match against an MLS Cup contender but without Dwayne De Rosario and to a lesser extent Nate Jaqua, Houston doesn't have the feel of a favorite these days. They are a hard-working team but that doesn't mean they won't be contenders, just that they'll be the hardest-working average team out there.
Galaxy-Chicago: This game should be good. The Galaxy and Chicago play in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday. Landon Donovan is back and will play with the Galaxy for the first time this year. That shouldn't really matter to him, as he could wait until the season opener against DC United to play and still do fine but his teammates, especially the new guys, will need to have him on the field to learn to play with him.
Chicago is a favorite, a cup contender, anything you've got. Columbus I think took a hit by losing Sigi Schmid and no other team closed the gap between themselves and the Fire. It's a good thing the Galaxy will be tested against one of the best teams MLS has to offer.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
More Donovan coverage
Some links for other coverage from the Donovan press conference:
Larry Morgan writing for MLSnet.com included some stuff he got from his Galaxy teammates.
Nick Green on his 100 Percent Soccer blog has some more quotes from the presser.
That's it for now. I filed my PE column, which I wrote on Donovan (of course). I'll link to that in the morning. And if I come across some other stuff I'll link to it here.
UPDATE:
Here is a link to video of the press conference shot by my former blog cohort AC.
And of course how could I forget the Galaxy's blog, which has lots of video (thanks J).
Larry Morgan writing for MLSnet.com included some stuff he got from his Galaxy teammates.
Nick Green on his 100 Percent Soccer blog has some more quotes from the presser.
That's it for now. I filed my PE column, which I wrote on Donovan (of course). I'll link to that in the morning. And if I come across some other stuff I'll link to it here.
UPDATE:
Here is a link to video of the press conference shot by my former blog cohort AC.
And of course how could I forget the Galaxy's blog, which has lots of video (thanks J).
Wicks out
Josh Wicks is out with the Galaxy. Wicks was dealt to DC United for draft picks. Ha. Wicks for picks.
Anyway, Wicks' departure isn't a surprise. What was a surprise was that he survived the purge and seemed destined to back up Donovan Ricketts, although having Wicks on the bench would have hardly given anyone confidence. Josh Saunders is now the number two guy.
Anyway, Wicks' departure isn't a surprise. What was a surprise was that he survived the purge and seemed destined to back up Donovan Ricketts, although having Wicks on the bench would have hardly given anyone confidence. Josh Saunders is now the number two guy.
LD and Arena on LD
Just got back from HDC, it takes a while for me to get back home, but here I am now writing away.
Some of the notes and quotes from today's presser (and I'm going to update this more as I transcribe more):
Bruce Arena on having Landon back in tow:
It is absolutely critical to have Landon and his quality. This time around we not only expect him to do what he does on the field but we're asking him to do a little bit more and be the leader of this team and do the things off the field that are necessary to make us a good team on the field. Landon certainly wants to do that.
In Landon we have the best player in MLS. We were absolutely thrilled seeing him on the field today. sometimes you don't appreciate what Landon offers. When he stepped on the field today, he was all business, all quality, is well-respected by his teammates, demonstrated all the qualities we believe he has and will continue to have and be even better.
This is a great day for the LA Galaxy.
Landon on his return:
I'm very excited to be back. I had a good time in Germany. It was a very interesting experience for a lot of reasons, some good, some bad, a lot of learning. It made me certainly appreciate having teammates and having people that you are familiar with, comfortable with, enjoy being around. I enjoyed a lot of the players and staff in Munich but there is a feeling here... that is different. It's nice to be back.
Landon on Beckham's situation:
Like all my teammates, past teammates, future teammates, I want the best for him. he's made it very clear that he wants to be there. in that circumstance I'm happy for him. However fromt he Galaxy;'s standpoint it makes it quite difficult. I know from Bruce's standpoint he's trying to build a team and it makes it difficult now to do that because of this situation.
From David's perspective I'm happy for him. From the team's perspective it would be nice to move on now and kind of figure out what's going on now.
As long as he's committed to helping this team win and give us his all, he's still a world class player and we want him on this team.
Landon on whether or not he felt a negative vibe from his Bayern teammates:
I never got the vibe that there was an arrogant European thing there. Actually, on the contrary guys were very respectful. On the field you have to earn your respect and I learned that quickly. If you make plays and do things to help them out, then you earn their respect and they become a little more friendly, a little more nicer in the locker room and they respect you more. Those things I did relatively quickly and I was proud of that.
Some of the notes and quotes from today's presser (and I'm going to update this more as I transcribe more):
Bruce Arena on having Landon back in tow:
It is absolutely critical to have Landon and his quality. This time around we not only expect him to do what he does on the field but we're asking him to do a little bit more and be the leader of this team and do the things off the field that are necessary to make us a good team on the field. Landon certainly wants to do that.
In Landon we have the best player in MLS. We were absolutely thrilled seeing him on the field today. sometimes you don't appreciate what Landon offers. When he stepped on the field today, he was all business, all quality, is well-respected by his teammates, demonstrated all the qualities we believe he has and will continue to have and be even better.
This is a great day for the LA Galaxy.
Landon on his return:
I'm very excited to be back. I had a good time in Germany. It was a very interesting experience for a lot of reasons, some good, some bad, a lot of learning. It made me certainly appreciate having teammates and having people that you are familiar with, comfortable with, enjoy being around. I enjoyed a lot of the players and staff in Munich but there is a feeling here... that is different. It's nice to be back.
Landon on Beckham's situation:
Like all my teammates, past teammates, future teammates, I want the best for him. he's made it very clear that he wants to be there. in that circumstance I'm happy for him. However fromt he Galaxy;'s standpoint it makes it quite difficult. I know from Bruce's standpoint he's trying to build a team and it makes it difficult now to do that because of this situation.
From David's perspective I'm happy for him. From the team's perspective it would be nice to move on now and kind of figure out what's going on now.
As long as he's committed to helping this team win and give us his all, he's still a world class player and we want him on this team.
Landon on whether or not he felt a negative vibe from his Bayern teammates:
I never got the vibe that there was an arrogant European thing there. Actually, on the contrary guys were very respectful. On the field you have to earn your respect and I learned that quickly. If you make plays and do things to help them out, then you earn their respect and they become a little more friendly, a little more nicer in the locker room and they respect you more. Those things I did relatively quickly and I was proud of that.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
It's official: Donovan's back
The Galaxy announced the official return of Landon Donovan as Bayern Munich passed on Donovan after all.
With the move, the Galaxy became contenders in the Western Conference... well, contenders for a playoff spot anyway. I don't think they will be as bad as they were last season, with Donovan in tow. Without him, they would have struggled.
Donovan's stint in Germany was ultimately unsuccessful but it wasn't a failure. With Bayern, it wasn't the right fit because the club had different ideas about how to spend their millions and where to invest - they opted to spend on young players instead of a 26-year-old. That doesn't mean Donovan won't get another look, nor does it necessarily mean his desire to play abroad has lessened.
At least this loan went along as planned and wasn't a dragged-out soap opera.
With the move, the Galaxy became contenders in the Western Conference... well, contenders for a playoff spot anyway. I don't think they will be as bad as they were last season, with Donovan in tow. Without him, they would have struggled.
Donovan's stint in Germany was ultimately unsuccessful but it wasn't a failure. With Bayern, it wasn't the right fit because the club had different ideas about how to spend their millions and where to invest - they opted to spend on young players instead of a 26-year-old. That doesn't mean Donovan won't get another look, nor does it necessarily mean his desire to play abroad has lessened.
At least this loan went along as planned and wasn't a dragged-out soap opera.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Biggest failure?
I wrote my PE column on David Beckham and his loan deal. I compared him to some of the Galaxy's former high-profile players like Luis Hernandez and Carlos Hermosillo, well, mostly those two, in terms of how they used to join the Galaxy in the middle of the season and all that.
Anyway, the full column should be up on Wednesday and I'll link to it. But one thing I really didn't pursue was this: which one was the biggest failure?
Now, I actually think Carlos Hermosillo was decent in his time and I don't know that I'd call him a failure on the field. But he didn't bring in any large numbers of fans either.
I guess it depends what criteria you use. If it's that - the ticketing, marketing, general interest standpoint - that's one thing. If it's the on-the-field impact, that's another. Possibly. Maybe you can't judge those players without taking everything about them into account.
And it also may not be quite time yet to judge Beckham since he still could play for the Galaxy this year. I say could because I'm not sure that he will come back. After all we heard there was no chance he'd leave, then we heard the rumors, then we heard about some lame ultimatum set by the league, then we heard he was coming back on March 9, and now we hear that he's coming in July. Right.
Anyway, the full column should be up on Wednesday and I'll link to it. But one thing I really didn't pursue was this: which one was the biggest failure?
Now, I actually think Carlos Hermosillo was decent in his time and I don't know that I'd call him a failure on the field. But he didn't bring in any large numbers of fans either.
I guess it depends what criteria you use. If it's that - the ticketing, marketing, general interest standpoint - that's one thing. If it's the on-the-field impact, that's another. Possibly. Maybe you can't judge those players without taking everything about them into account.
And it also may not be quite time yet to judge Beckham since he still could play for the Galaxy this year. I say could because I'm not sure that he will come back. After all we heard there was no chance he'd leave, then we heard the rumors, then we heard about some lame ultimatum set by the league, then we heard he was coming back on March 9, and now we hear that he's coming in July. Right.
Monday, March 2, 2009
What a joke
I thought MLS learned from the past, that the league had grown to the point where clubs and the league itself didn't rely on one player.
I was so wrong.
Now, Becks gets to stay away with Milan for the duration of the season and, as an added bonus to Galaxy fans, he won't be able to play until mid-July.
By the way, this will be the theme of my Wednesday PE column so I will gather my thoughts on the matter and let everyone know how childish and absurd this whole deal is. It's too bad I won't be able to call it what it really is: complete bullshit.
I was so wrong.
Now, Becks gets to stay away with Milan for the duration of the season and, as an added bonus to Galaxy fans, he won't be able to play until mid-July.
By the way, this will be the theme of my Wednesday PE column so I will gather my thoughts on the matter and let everyone know how childish and absurd this whole deal is. It's too bad I won't be able to call it what it really is: complete bullshit.
Galaxy versus... yawn... the Rapids
The Galaxy will play the Colorado Rapids in a US Open Cup play-in game on April 7 at Home Depot Center.
A year ago, the teams played a snoozer of a game in their USOC play-in match. Can't lie and admit that I'm particularly excited about the prospect of Colorado coming here again and stinking up the joint again and still having a chance of winning.
Neither David Beckham nor Landon Donovan were in the country when that game was played, and who knows if they will be around for this game either. It's a week after the United States' third qualifier (vs. T&T in Nashville on April 1) so presumably Donovan will be around. Who knows about Beckham. Probably neither would play much anyway, since it's a play-in game and everything anyway.
A year ago, the teams played a snoozer of a game in their USOC play-in match. Can't lie and admit that I'm particularly excited about the prospect of Colorado coming here again and stinking up the joint again and still having a chance of winning.
Neither David Beckham nor Landon Donovan were in the country when that game was played, and who knows if they will be around for this game either. It's a week after the United States' third qualifier (vs. T&T in Nashville on April 1) so presumably Donovan will be around. Who knows about Beckham. Probably neither would play much anyway, since it's a play-in game and everything anyway.
Bad idea
Remember in the late 90s when the Galaxy had some aging Mexican superstar on their team? At the start of the season, the team would go through business as usual and then sometime in May or so the aging Mexican superstar would be plunked down in their midst, the team would have to re-adjust to the player and one another and the team would go on business as usual.
Those days are long gone and the league has grown up a lot since then.
Or so we thought.
Reportedly, the Galaxy are considering a blast from the past, except this time it's an aging English superstar that would be the one dropped into the Galaxy's midst sometime in the first third of the regular season.
The Galaxy and Milan are supposedly looking into an agreement that would see Beckham join the Galaxy after all, but not until the Italian season ends. Then Beckham would be free of all other obligations and would be able to return to the Galaxy. Except, of course, his true obligation should be to his contract and the Galaxy.
This is a terrible idea, the thought of sharing a player in this way. When MLS was two or three years old, there wasn't really any other way around it, and everything was so new that nobody really knew any better. Many people didnt' care for it then as it took time for players to adjust to Jorge Campos or Carlos Hermosillo or Luis Hernandez. In 1998, the Galaxy were off to a flying start but when Hermosillo came the club regressed and it took some time for the team to recover.
The Galaxy owe it to their fans to move forward with Beckham: either he will be here at the start of the season or they'll move on without him. It should be that straightforward. Accepting Beckham's desire to stay in Milan by allowing him to do just that, stay there and join the Galaxy in the middle of the season, will send all sorts of negative messages. How insignificant will the first part of the season be with a big piece of their puzzle off in Europe? Remember 2007, when the arrival was a gigantic distraction? We could see some of that again, and who knows if this team will be able to handle that.
This drama hopefully will culminate by week's end. Until March 10 comes and goes, we won't really know for sure what will happen. But let's hope an agreement in which both sides share Beckham is not one of the options on the table.
Those days are long gone and the league has grown up a lot since then.
Or so we thought.
Reportedly, the Galaxy are considering a blast from the past, except this time it's an aging English superstar that would be the one dropped into the Galaxy's midst sometime in the first third of the regular season.
The Galaxy and Milan are supposedly looking into an agreement that would see Beckham join the Galaxy after all, but not until the Italian season ends. Then Beckham would be free of all other obligations and would be able to return to the Galaxy. Except, of course, his true obligation should be to his contract and the Galaxy.
This is a terrible idea, the thought of sharing a player in this way. When MLS was two or three years old, there wasn't really any other way around it, and everything was so new that nobody really knew any better. Many people didnt' care for it then as it took time for players to adjust to Jorge Campos or Carlos Hermosillo or Luis Hernandez. In 1998, the Galaxy were off to a flying start but when Hermosillo came the club regressed and it took some time for the team to recover.
The Galaxy owe it to their fans to move forward with Beckham: either he will be here at the start of the season or they'll move on without him. It should be that straightforward. Accepting Beckham's desire to stay in Milan by allowing him to do just that, stay there and join the Galaxy in the middle of the season, will send all sorts of negative messages. How insignificant will the first part of the season be with a big piece of their puzzle off in Europe? Remember 2007, when the arrival was a gigantic distraction? We could see some of that again, and who knows if this team will be able to handle that.
This drama hopefully will culminate by week's end. Until March 10 comes and goes, we won't really know for sure what will happen. But let's hope an agreement in which both sides share Beckham is not one of the options on the table.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Changes afloat
A lot of good this goal did...
Brandon McDonald, who will be remembered for this nifty goal at the end of last season, was one of five Galaxy players who are now unemployed.
McDonald, Steve Cronin, Troy Roberts, Mike Randolph and Ely Allen are all gone.
Allen also had one goal, though it wasn't a goal of the year finalist like McDonald's.
Colorado again, but a different game, earlier in the season when the Galaxy still had a chance of something.
Both players were rookies a year ago, but now they're gone. Cronin is gone, which is a move that comes a year too late. Cronin was hideous a year ago and was never cut out to be a starting MLS goalkeeper.
Roberts seemed like a decent experienced option off the bench or as a spot starter but apparently Bruce Arena doesn't have that luxury. Randolph looked like he had potential but regressed some a year ago. Todd Dunivant's arrival spelled the end of Randolph.
Brandon McDonald, who will be remembered for this nifty goal at the end of last season, was one of five Galaxy players who are now unemployed.
McDonald, Steve Cronin, Troy Roberts, Mike Randolph and Ely Allen are all gone.
Allen also had one goal, though it wasn't a goal of the year finalist like McDonald's.
Colorado again, but a different game, earlier in the season when the Galaxy still had a chance of something.
Both players were rookies a year ago, but now they're gone. Cronin is gone, which is a move that comes a year too late. Cronin was hideous a year ago and was never cut out to be a starting MLS goalkeeper.
Roberts seemed like a decent experienced option off the bench or as a spot starter but apparently Bruce Arena doesn't have that luxury. Randolph looked like he had potential but regressed some a year ago. Todd Dunivant's arrival spelled the end of Randolph.
Donovan update
This morning, the Press-Enterprise ran my latest column as I tried to help my PE readers catch up with Landon Donovan and his trails and travails.
A few hours later, we found out that his chance apparently has come and gone. Donovan was included on Bayern's Champions League roster but did not even make the bench for Bayern Munich's game against Sporting Lisbon.
I'd say the tone of the column would change now if I had to re-write it. I'd say I'd have a better chance of learning to speak Mandarin Chinese in two weeks than he does of staying with Bayern Munich.
At least now that's over with and we can all move on to preparing for the Galaxy's season.
Almost. There is that whole Beckham thing that's been in the news of late.
A few hours later, we found out that his chance apparently has come and gone. Donovan was included on Bayern's Champions League roster but did not even make the bench for Bayern Munich's game against Sporting Lisbon.
I'd say the tone of the column would change now if I had to re-write it. I'd say I'd have a better chance of learning to speak Mandarin Chinese in two weeks than he does of staying with Bayern Munich.
At least now that's over with and we can all move on to preparing for the Galaxy's season.
Almost. There is that whole Beckham thing that's been in the news of late.
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