Wednesday, October 05, 2005

'06 Here We Come!

Bob Bradley’s booting yesterday (after a horrendous Metro effort in a 4-1 pasting by DC United) saved the coach more embarrassment as the team limps towards a likely fifth-place finish in the MLS East. Bradley’s dismissal will only allow the Jersey native to seek employment earlier than planned, as a new coach was always in GM Alexi Lalas’ designs for the team. You can’t blame Lalas, though, for pulling the trigger, as the team has produced a number of uninspired efforts during the ’05 campaign, such as:

• A 2-2 draw at RSL on July 4th
• A 1-0 loss at Columbus on July 20th, with the goal given up in stoppage time
• A 3-0 dismantling at DC on August 10th
• A 3-3 draw vs. Chivas on August 21st – Metro was down 3-1 in the 2nd half
• A 1-0 loss at New England on September 24th

Who will be the next Metro coach? Your guess is as good as mine, though former Earthquakes and current Canadian national coach Frank Yallop is the subject of rumors. Former Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid is out there as well, though rumors have the portly one heading to Columbus. Newly elevated Mo Johnston is unlikely, which is a shame. Thomas Rongen? Watch your mouth!

Newly Minted Yanks
I’ve never understood the BigSoccer posters who line the USMNT board with “Cap (fill in the blank) now!” postings. I mean I’m all for finding new talent for the team, but there’s a rich player pool of current players that need experience before the U-17 squad is rushed into full national team duty. Saturday's match at the Saprissa vs. Costa Rica, and next Wednesday's game vs. Panama in Foxboro should give The Bruce ample opportunity to get some new blood onto the field, including Ricardo Clark, Jonathan Spector, Santino Quaranta, and yes, Taylor Twellman. Big ups to Arena for not completely filling in his roster with untested youngsters, though, as vets Lewis, Mastro, Pope, and Albright should provide leadership and calm to the young’uns.

WTF?
Hack Paul Gardner apparently ran up a hill to pen this masterpiece at Soccernet.com. While I agree in principle with MLS clubs developing players, I just don't get the man's style.

With two weeks to go, here’s the MLS Eastern picture…
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (H/A), Most Possible Points
1. New England 55, +17, (1/1), 61
2. DC United 50, +20, (2/1), 59
3. Chicago 48, +1 (2/1), 57
4. Kansas City 43, +8, (1/1), 49
----------------------------------
MetroStars 40, +1, (0/3), 49
Columbus 34, -11 (0/3) 43

Key matches this week:
Wed 10/5: RSL v DC, CHI v MET, CMB v FCD
Sat 10/8: KC v NE, DC v MET, CHI v CMB

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fishkin,

Just wanted to let you know I stumbled on your blog a couple months ago and really enjoy reading your insights. I agree with the majority of your observations and can even forgive your loyalty to the MetroStars (go REVS!) Keep up the good work and, if you are auditioning for a more full time gig in writing, I wish you the best of luck.

Mr. Fish said...

Thanks so much, revs fan! Glad you're enjoying the blog!

scaryice said...

Don't forget to add tonight's disappointment!

D said...

That's very, very, mean to do ice. I mean, I should hate the Metros, but even I can't pile on here.

Anonymous said...

The RSL match isn't fair. The worst PK call in the history of the league was called against us, you can't say the team was "uninspired," becasue of a bad call.

And Chivas, we were again unlucky. They were up for that match becasue of JP Garcia and Palencia.

What about all the comebacks that we've staged this season? We have a lot of character.

Mr. Fish said...

Unlucky is one thing, but why should we be in position to draw or lose to those teams. After three years hovering around .500, don't we deserve better? Thanks for your comment!

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