While waiting on Klinsmann conference call, a quick MLS review
by Steve Davis on Aug 1, 2011 10:55 AM EDT
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Owing to the fast-moving news cycle in U.S. Soccer over the last few days, stories at SI.com are stacked up like Tokyo subway riders at rush hour.
As such, there will be no “Five Things to Know” review at SI.com’s soccer site this week.
So, while you lament the winding down of another summer friendly season here (just a couple of them babies left) and while I prep for a 1 p.m. ET conference call with new national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann, here’s a super-fast version of MLS Round 20:
- Life on the road got suddenly, curiously agreeable around MLS. The visitors ruled Round 20 with a 4-2-2 mark. The showpiece of the set was in Vancouver, where the Whitecaps made an absolute mess of Los Angeles’ visit as Landon Donovan took charge for the Galaxy in a 4-0 win at packed Empire Field. Columbus, Colorado and D.C. United were also winners in Round 20.
- Kansas City struck late, once again, to salvage a 1-1 tie, as they continue to supply memorable moments for fans inside that swell new ground. So, over the last few weeks Kansas City has scored in the 89th, 90th and 93rd minute to secure 1-1 draws. (One was on the road.)
- I believe I can see something happening soon at San Jose, which lost once again over the weekend at home. Frank Yallop’s team has three wins in a dozen matches this year at Buck Shaw. Not. Good. Enough.
- While Vancouver and Chicago struggle under interim coaches, who are proving they are no better than the men they fired, and while San Jose limps along, something just happened that will add pressure to it all. Perhaps you heard: Bob Bradley is now available.
Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper: Matt Pickens (Colorado)
Defenders: Kevin Alston (New England), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Dejan Jakovic (D.C. United).
Midfielders: Emmanuel Ekpo (Columbus), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), Joao Plata (Toronto), Robbie Rogers (Columbus).
Forward: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Brian Ching (Houston), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United).
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not questioning, but asking
Steve, do you think BB would settle for an MLS gig right now? I figure he’d have the reputation and ambition to warrant a job w a 2nd tier European club (read: not EPL, La Liga, or Serie A), or a Euro NT that is gearing up for a longshot WC qualification.
What kind of job do you think he’ll aim for, and do you expect him to take some time off first?
by fennsk1 on Aug 1, 2011 11:56 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Realized I might have just requested a full blog post or column, rather than asked quickly and easily answerable questions.
Thanks for all you do, sir, and congrats on that new SI photo you’ve been wanting for awhile.
by fennsk1 on Aug 1, 2011 12:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yallop is only partly to blame
the ownership spends so little that the quakes have nothing after the starting 11… with the number of games that convey, wondo, lenhart, and dawkins have missed this year it has killed us. quakes have second lowest payroll in the league just above chivas usa. which is riduclous when you think about how many people live in the bay area and how wealthy this area is. I put most of the blame on lew wolff
Win or lose, we'll always be there for you.
The owners don't pay Senior Team salaries
MLS does.
I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart
Yes, but...
the original point may still be valid. It is up to the club’s organization to fit whatever players they want within their salary cap, right? Lack of good depth still speaks poorly for front office, not MLS’s fault.
false
MLS teams pay a portion of the salary pool based on their own roster’s payroll number. It absolutely is our ownership’s fault.
Win or lose, we'll always be there for you.
by johnjahafanclub on Aug 3, 2011 3:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
God damn it.
I support both Toronto FC and the Whitecaps cause I live in Edmonton, but prefer TFC just a smidge more. I knew Vancouver wouldn’t do THAT good, but this bad? They completely have looked terrible? And MLSE just can’t seem to get ride of their itchy finger. Stop changing the dynamic of the team! That’s why they can’t make the playoffs, because they never can develop any chemistry. Ugh…
If Charlie Sheen played for the Leafs, the Leafs would be #winning. If LeBron James played for the Cavs, oh wait, he already did that.
