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.
Showing posts with label Houston Dynamo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston Dynamo. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Down and out
Nice to see Houston defend their colors and MLS, for 20 minutes anyway.
Atlante 3, Houston 0. Atlante wins CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series by a 4-1 aggregate and are through to the semifinals.
I wonder... I think I included the stat in a recent column, probably the SI.com one from Friday. I think it's now an aggregate score of 44-10 that Mexican teams have over their MLS counterparts in the CCC/CCL since 2002, in games played in Mexico.
Over the years, we've heard about how MLS teams could and should be included in Copa Libertadores, which I've always felt was laughable. Now, not only do I not think MLS should have any part of Copa Libertadores, or Sudamericana for that matter, but I wonder whether they should be in the CONCACAF Champions League. Okay, that's a stretch, but four teams? Really? Based on what, exactly?
If you factor in previous results, MLS should have one team in the tournament proper and another team in the play-in round and that's it.
Atlante are through to the semifinals now. On the weekend, they can go back to stinking up the joint in league.
Atlante 3, Houston 0. Atlante wins CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series by a 4-1 aggregate and are through to the semifinals.
I wonder... I think I included the stat in a recent column, probably the SI.com one from Friday. I think it's now an aggregate score of 44-10 that Mexican teams have over their MLS counterparts in the CCC/CCL since 2002, in games played in Mexico.
Over the years, we've heard about how MLS teams could and should be included in Copa Libertadores, which I've always felt was laughable. Now, not only do I not think MLS should have any part of Copa Libertadores, or Sudamericana for that matter, but I wonder whether they should be in the CONCACAF Champions League. Okay, that's a stretch, but four teams? Really? Based on what, exactly?
If you factor in previous results, MLS should have one team in the tournament proper and another team in the play-in round and that's it.
Atlante are through to the semifinals now. On the weekend, they can go back to stinking up the joint in league.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Houston-Atlante highlights
The teams traded corner kick goals and tied 1-1 on Tuesday. The task is now monumental for Houston as they must win outright or tie 2-2 or higher in Cancun next week. They're trying to adjust to life without Dwayne De Rosario, which only makes things more difficult. Atlante could easily sit back and walk out with a 0-0 draw. Their defense is not terrible, so such a scenario is not out of the question.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Houston welcome Atlante
Houston and Atlante will renew hostilities tonight as the two teams will play in a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series. The first leg is in Houston and the next leg is scheduled for March 3 in Cancun.
The series will feature a different tiebreaker than the CONCACAF Champions Cup we became accustomed to. This time, away goals will serve as a tiebreaker. With the onus on the road team to score and the hosts to try and maintain a zero, these knockout games might have a bit more intensity.
It also means that Atlante could put a damper on Houston's spirits with one goal, even if the MLS side wins. Houston tied Pumas in Mexico City a year ago, but no MLS team has ever beaten a Mexican team on Mexican soil during a CONCACAF match. Of course, should Houston win tonight and draw next week, that would be enough to see them through no matter now many goals Atlante scores.
Atlante will bring a squad that has played more poorly than not in league this season. With a 1-4-2 record, Atlante are among the bottom of the pack and need to improve quickly to have a chance at the playoffs. Still, Luis Gabriel Rey is a formidable player. Atlante doesn't have the most anemic attack in Mexico but they've scored just eight goals in seven games.
Here are some stories on the game:
Houston Chronicle previews the game
A breakdown by Goal.com
USA Today looks at the tournament
The series will feature a different tiebreaker than the CONCACAF Champions Cup we became accustomed to. This time, away goals will serve as a tiebreaker. With the onus on the road team to score and the hosts to try and maintain a zero, these knockout games might have a bit more intensity.
It also means that Atlante could put a damper on Houston's spirits with one goal, even if the MLS side wins. Houston tied Pumas in Mexico City a year ago, but no MLS team has ever beaten a Mexican team on Mexican soil during a CONCACAF match. Of course, should Houston win tonight and draw next week, that would be enough to see them through no matter now many goals Atlante scores.
Atlante will bring a squad that has played more poorly than not in league this season. With a 1-4-2 record, Atlante are among the bottom of the pack and need to improve quickly to have a chance at the playoffs. Still, Luis Gabriel Rey is a formidable player. Atlante doesn't have the most anemic attack in Mexico but they've scored just eight goals in seven games.
Here are some stories on the game:
Houston Chronicle previews the game
A breakdown by Goal.com
USA Today looks at the tournament
Monday, December 29, 2008
Landin to Cruz Azul
Luis Angel Landin will stay in Mexico after all.
Despite interest from Houston, Landin moved from Morelia to Cruz Azul and will stay in the Mexican First Division. Houston, who lost both Nate Jaqua (expansion draft) and Dwayne De Rosario (trade) this offseason, were looking to fill their offensive shortcomings with Landin, a once-hot prospect who has been rather lukewarm at best during his career in Mexico.
Earlier today, a report in Mural criticized Landin and his father, who doubles as his agent. Landin had reportedly been pursued by European clubs, clubs from Russia, Belgium and Turkey. But the report questioned whether the interest was real, a stretch of the imagination or just plain lies from his agent/father. The report also said Landin's ego is large and if he were as good as he thought he was, Morelia would have used him more often.
In other words, Houston doesn't miss out on anything. Cruz Azul now will try and extract something from Landin. Good luck.
Despite interest from Houston, Landin moved from Morelia to Cruz Azul and will stay in the Mexican First Division. Houston, who lost both Nate Jaqua (expansion draft) and Dwayne De Rosario (trade) this offseason, were looking to fill their offensive shortcomings with Landin, a once-hot prospect who has been rather lukewarm at best during his career in Mexico.
Earlier today, a report in Mural criticized Landin and his father, who doubles as his agent. Landin had reportedly been pursued by European clubs, clubs from Russia, Belgium and Turkey. But the report questioned whether the interest was real, a stretch of the imagination or just plain lies from his agent/father. The report also said Landin's ego is large and if he were as good as he thought he was, Morelia would have used him more often.
In other words, Houston doesn't miss out on anything. Cruz Azul now will try and extract something from Landin. Good luck.
Friday, December 12, 2008
DeRo goes home
Dwayne De Rosario is headed back home. Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario was dealt from Houston to Toronto FC in exchange for Julius James and allocation money. In one fell swoop, two teams' fortunes have changed.
For Toronto, this is the best move they possibly could have made this offseason. De Rosario is a legitimate talent, a proven MLS superstar who has won championships in this league before. That he's Canadian makes this move a natural fit and one many speculated on since Toronto joined the league. De Rosario has been the backbone of Houston and San Jose before that for years and will do the same with Toronto. With Amado Guevara to pair with in central midfield, Toronto suddenly has a strong and potent midfield.
Not sure about this move from Houston's point of view. Houston likely cashed out early with De Rosario, probably feeling that he's on the wrong side of 30, will fade quicker than some would think and better to get something for him now than nothing for him a year or two from now. Also, players such as Stuart Holden are more than ready to move into a starting role as Houston's depth is as good as there is in MLS. Initially, Houston might struggle without their heart-and-soul but they will be fine. Solid coaching and a core group of players - even without De Ro - will keep Houston strong.
For Toronto, this is the best move they possibly could have made this offseason. De Rosario is a legitimate talent, a proven MLS superstar who has won championships in this league before. That he's Canadian makes this move a natural fit and one many speculated on since Toronto joined the league. De Rosario has been the backbone of Houston and San Jose before that for years and will do the same with Toronto. With Amado Guevara to pair with in central midfield, Toronto suddenly has a strong and potent midfield.
Not sure about this move from Houston's point of view. Houston likely cashed out early with De Rosario, probably feeling that he's on the wrong side of 30, will fade quicker than some would think and better to get something for him now than nothing for him a year or two from now. Also, players such as Stuart Holden are more than ready to move into a starting role as Houston's depth is as good as there is in MLS. Initially, Houston might struggle without their heart-and-soul but they will be fine. Solid coaching and a core group of players - even without De Ro - will keep Houston strong.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Houston goes through
Houston came up way short of domestic glory but international success is not out of reach.
Houston beat Luis Angel Firpo 1-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The match had been rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike.
Houston was the heavy favorite to come out of the West and reach MLS Cup but fell to New York 3-0 at home and a third consecutive title went by the wayside. But Houston still made history this year as they became the first MLS club to reach the knockout rounds of this new-look tournament.
In an interesting side note, Nate Jaqua started and played 68 minutes for his now-old club. Jaqua was selected earlier in the day by Seattle in the expansion draft.
Highlights, in case you missed them:
Houston beat Luis Angel Firpo 1-0 on Wednesday and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The match had been rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike.
Houston was the heavy favorite to come out of the West and reach MLS Cup but fell to New York 3-0 at home and a third consecutive title went by the wayside. But Houston still made history this year as they became the first MLS club to reach the knockout rounds of this new-look tournament.
In an interesting side note, Nate Jaqua started and played 68 minutes for his now-old club. Jaqua was selected earlier in the day by Seattle in the expansion draft.
Highlights, in case you missed them:
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Another victim of the system
Houston won't win three consecutive titles after all. The favorites to walk away with the trophy won't do so as the New York Red Bulls took care of that on Sunday. The Red Bulls pulled off the most stunning playoff upset in several years on Sunday with a 3-0 rout of Houston in Robertson Stadium.
Chalk this as another playoff system-induced travesty.
Houston and New York were all square entering the second leg. All Houston had to do was to beat the Red Bulls, which was seemingly an easy task. New York limped into the playoffs and were generally regarded as the worst playoff team.
But on Sunday, that was not the case. New York struck early and had two goals by halftime. Houston never recovered.
Remember the last giant playoff upset? The Galaxy, who owned all of the ninth best regular-season record in 2005, beat San Jose in the first round and went on to win the cup.
So in the end, it was just another case of the supposed better team not being able to answer the call, right?
Not quite. Houston already proved they were the better team than New York. Remember that thing that was played between late March and late October? That thing called the MLS regular season? Houston proved it was deserving of fighting for the right to play in MLS Cup while New York proved they were worthy of being completely rebuilt. The Red Bulls had exactly one road win, finished with a losing record, had a lousy defense surpassed only in their pathetic state by DC and the Galaxy. And yet there they were, on even footing with the two-time defending champions, the Western Conference champions, a team that had lost only five times in the regular season.
On what planet do New York's statistics merit a shot at the MLS Cup? How meaningful is the regular season when a team like New York can play like utter shit and still make the playoffs? How effective is the regular season in weeding out the crap teams from the good teams if New York is allowed entry into the postseason?
How can the league be taken seriously with these kinds of shenanigans?
Chalk this as another playoff system-induced travesty.
Houston and New York were all square entering the second leg. All Houston had to do was to beat the Red Bulls, which was seemingly an easy task. New York limped into the playoffs and were generally regarded as the worst playoff team.
But on Sunday, that was not the case. New York struck early and had two goals by halftime. Houston never recovered.
Remember the last giant playoff upset? The Galaxy, who owned all of the ninth best regular-season record in 2005, beat San Jose in the first round and went on to win the cup.
So in the end, it was just another case of the supposed better team not being able to answer the call, right?
Not quite. Houston already proved they were the better team than New York. Remember that thing that was played between late March and late October? That thing called the MLS regular season? Houston proved it was deserving of fighting for the right to play in MLS Cup while New York proved they were worthy of being completely rebuilt. The Red Bulls had exactly one road win, finished with a losing record, had a lousy defense surpassed only in their pathetic state by DC and the Galaxy. And yet there they were, on even footing with the two-time defending champions, the Western Conference champions, a team that had lost only five times in the regular season.
On what planet do New York's statistics merit a shot at the MLS Cup? How meaningful is the regular season when a team like New York can play like utter shit and still make the playoffs? How effective is the regular season in weeding out the crap teams from the good teams if New York is allowed entry into the postseason?
How can the league be taken seriously with these kinds of shenanigans?
Friday, October 31, 2008
New York over Houston - can't happen?
Perhaps the most lopsided MLS playoff series is the New York-Houston encounter. Here you have the two-time MLS champions, fresh off their first-ever conference title, playing a team that barely made it into the postseason. New York also has the league's third-worst defense - and that includes teams that did not make the playoffs. In fact, New York allowed the most goals amongst playoff teams.
So does that mean Houston will have it simple against New York? Actually, it is quite the contrary. Houston must worry and stands the most to lose in the first round.
- For three consecutive seasons, MLS has seen a lousy club not only make the postseason but advance out of the first round. It happened last season with Kansas City, who beat Chivas USA by 1-0 in their home leg before heading to Carson to kill off Chivas and the series with a scoreless draw.
- In 2006, Colorado ousted Western Conference champions FC Dallas. Colorado had a losing record that season but still made the playoffs. Actually, Colorado had the league's lowest-scoring offense, the worst defense, the lowest goal differential and still made the playoffs. The Rapids proved to be too tough for FC Dallas and reached the title game.
- The Galaxy padded their record in 2005 against expansion teams Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake, having won six games against their western opponents. The Galaxy finished ninth overall that season and, had today's playoff rules been in place, would have missed the postseason. Instead the Galaxy reached the playoffs, knocked off San Jose and Colorado before beating New England in MLS Cup 05.
So there you have it, three teams who few gave them a chance and instead made noise in the postseason. Of course, it's a complete travesty that MLS allows a team like New York to play against a team like Houston in the playoffs but that's a different topic for a different day.
So does that mean Houston will have it simple against New York? Actually, it is quite the contrary. Houston must worry and stands the most to lose in the first round.
- For three consecutive seasons, MLS has seen a lousy club not only make the postseason but advance out of the first round. It happened last season with Kansas City, who beat Chivas USA by 1-0 in their home leg before heading to Carson to kill off Chivas and the series with a scoreless draw.
- In 2006, Colorado ousted Western Conference champions FC Dallas. Colorado had a losing record that season but still made the playoffs. Actually, Colorado had the league's lowest-scoring offense, the worst defense, the lowest goal differential and still made the playoffs. The Rapids proved to be too tough for FC Dallas and reached the title game.
- The Galaxy padded their record in 2005 against expansion teams Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake, having won six games against their western opponents. The Galaxy finished ninth overall that season and, had today's playoff rules been in place, would have missed the postseason. Instead the Galaxy reached the playoffs, knocked off San Jose and Colorado before beating New England in MLS Cup 05.
So there you have it, three teams who few gave them a chance and instead made noise in the postseason. Of course, it's a complete travesty that MLS allows a team like New York to play against a team like Houston in the playoffs but that's a different topic for a different day.
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