Hiss!

The US Rattler
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

Nike Soccer’s new USMNT “Don’t Tread on Me” campaign launched this morning with an awesome new online site and a terrific print ad “So Says This American Game,” in USA Today. Kudos to the copy writers at Nike/Weiden & Kennedy for the work. A sampling…

“Less than 20 short years ago, even microscopic island nations drooled rivers at the opportunity to dribble around us…Other nations do not scout us anymore; they toss and turn and develop digestive problems over us…This is soccer. A game for the flag-waving, tax-paying, apple-pie eating, Star-Spangled Banner-singing, red-blooded American.”

I got chills. Really. I hope Nike keeps it up all the way through to Germany, and best of luck to the boys vs. Panama tonight (8pm ET, ESPN2). Perhaps we'll see some new TV creative as well on the broadcast?

Boo!

MLS Commissioner Don Garber put a scare into the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment folks trying to land a franchise in Toronto by laying down an October 31st deadline to get their Exhibition Place stadium plans in order. Speaking on a conference call yesterday afternoon, Garber made it clear that expansion will pass TO by without a firm construction plan that will get a stadium in place for an April 2007 kickoff. Apparently, MLS saw an opportunity to open the new market when Canada was awarded the 2007 FIFA World Youth (U-20) Championship. The league then approached MLSE, the owners of the NBA’s Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs and asked them to join the league. Other nuggets gleaned from the conf call:

-If all goes well with Toronto, MLS will announce the league’s 14th club at the MLS Cup in Frisco on 11/13
-Finalist cities include Houston, Philly, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and St. Louis
-The league will get an expansion fee “slightly higher” than the $10 million Chivas and RSL paid last year from MLSE
-The Toronto club will serve as the de-facto “Team Canada,” with a mostly Canadian roster. In the 1980’s, the NASL had a similar deal with US Soccer with the DC-based club “Team America”
-There may be a groundsharing agreement with the USL’s Toronto Lynx to play in the new stadium

Garber’s timetable gives MLSE just 14 business days to get their deal done. Best of luck to them. The Kin Of Fish will be fasting for a while, but will be back on Friday.

Vive le Frenchie!

Watching Youri Djorkaeff snap the ball past Nick Rimando Saturday night convinced me that he's the Metros MVP. Five of the Fabulous Frenchie's ten goals have been game-winners, and on numerous occasions this season Djorkaeff put the team on his back and carried them to victory. Next up for the squad is watching the Wiz at the Deep Dish this Saturday. A win or a draw by the Super Hoops makes things reasonably easy for Metro. A win by the Wiz and Metro needs to play Australia to Chivas' American Samoa on Sunday. There’s scuttlebutt today about Yallop & Lalas talking turkey (it was Canadian Thanksgiving, after all) about the coaching job. Lalas isn’t counting out Mo Johnston, and he shouldn’t. Johnston will be coaching somewhere in MLS next season.

All Wet
Even favored teams have an off night once in a while, but I don’t think the US was favored in its match at Costa Rica on Saturday. In one corner was a team playing as if its life depended on it, trying to clinch a World Cup bid in front of its home fans. In the other, a team with nothing to play for other than to impress the head coach. And, it’s pouring. And it’s on artificial turf. No one ever likes to lose 3-0, but folks, let’s keep it in perspective. Costa Rica needed it more than we did. Better to move on. Not sure what kind of crowd is expected in Foxboro tomorrow night for Panama, in the rain, on Yom Kippur, in a meaningless match for both sides, but I hope it’s a good show, and that Mr. Twellman finally finds the back of the net.

*Sigh*
Not sure how many of you heard this exchange between ESPN2’s Sean McDonough and his SoCo-sippin' color man on the miserable LSU-Vandy football game that delayed the US-Costa Rica telecast by forty minutes. I replayed it three times to make sure I got it right:

McDonough: “… and, unless you have a short memory, you know that soccer will be coming up after the game...and I think my partner is having a change of heart.”
Color Man: “I’m pulling for the US now... Are we favored?”
McDonough: “I have no idea.”

Our Home and Native Land?
Don Garberleone will be holding forth at 4pm today to possibly introduce the Toronto expansion team for 2007. Along with the RSL Stadium announcement, this could be quite a week in MLS history.

MLS Conference Semifinals Schedule:
Eastern Conference
#1 NE vs. #4 KC or MET
Game 1: NE at KC or MET, Sat Oct 22nd @ 7:30pm (FSC?)
Game 2: KC or MET at NE, Sat Oct 29th @ 8pm

#2 DC vs. #3 CHI
Game 1: DC at CHI, Fri Oct 21st @ 8:30pm
Game 2: CHI at DC, Sun Oct 30th @ 4:30pm on ESPN2

Western Conference
#1 SJ vs. #4 COL or LA
Game 1: SJ at COL or LA, Sat Oct. 22nd
Game 2: COL or LA at SJ, Sat Oct. 29th @ 10pm

#2 FCD or LA vs. #3 LA, COL, or FCD
Teams, Dates, Times TBD

Bring Out Your Dead

KC and Metro are both dead teams walking entering tomorrow’s penultimate league matches. The Wiz is home at the gaping maw that is Arrowhead vs. New England, and the Metros will dawdle down I-95 for a visit to the Nationals’ baseball stadium to take on a DC club that looks ready to retain their title. KC has gone a wretch-worthy 0-4-2 in their last six, while Metro has gone a mediocre 2-2-2. Neither of these teams look like they want a spot in the final eight. With both clubs’ title prospects so weak, however, who could blame them?

Quite a trip
Welcome to Panama? What? We’re supposed to be in Costa Rica? Oh, ok. Good luck to the Nats tomorrow night at the Saprissa. With a pumped tico crowd behind them and more to play for than our boys, I’m predicting a 2-1 Costa Rica win. No one get hurt, please. Personal shout-outs for favorable results for Israel, Senegal, and Holland tomorrow – Holla!

The Tube
The weekend east coast forecast is rain, rain, and more rain, so we know those wusses who play with bat and ball will be inside, watching soccer on TV. Here’s a sampling of what’s on the tube of boob, with a heavy serving of World Cup quallies:

Saturday, Oct. 8:
11:00am: WCQ: Russia - Luxembourg, FSC
1:00pm: WCQ: Bulgaria – Hungary, FSC
4:00pm: WCQ: Italy – Slovenia, TELE
7:30pm: MLS: DC United – MetroStars, DK
7:30pm: BRA: Corinthinans – Fortaleza, GOL
8:00pm: MLS: Kansas City – New England, DK
8:30pm: MLS: Chicago – Columbus, DK, FSC
8:30pm: MLS: FC Dallas – Colorado, DK, HDNet
9:00pm: WCQ: Mexico – Guatemala, TELE
9:30pm: HON: Marathon-Victoria, GOL
10:00pm: WCQ: Costa Rica-USA, espn2
10:00pm: MLS: San Jose – Real Salt Lake, DK

Sunday, Oct. 9
4:00pm: WCQ: Bolivia- Brazil, TELE
5:00pm: EXH: Chivas/Chivas USA XI- Santos, FSC
7:30pm: GUA: Comunicaciones – Suchitpequez, GOL

Required Reading

Want to know how much it costs to run an MLS franchise? The ECG's and YCJ's Andy Mead has located the answer in Convention Sports & Leisure’s “Feasibility Study for a Proposed Stadium, Sports Complex, and Retail Development” report for the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation. The 200+ page document (it reads much quicker – really!) is a treasure trove of info about MLS, how it operates it franchises, and what it really takes to run a soccer franchise in the US of A. Check it out.

*Snif*
What really can be said about last night’s Metro collapse at Soldier Field? That the result proves that Metro is cursed? That the team has thrown in the towel? That it’s beyond belief that the match went untelevised? That Mo Johnston has only two more matches at the helm of the Metro? I think the answer is yes to all those questions. I guess this is what it’s like to be an Arizona Cardinals fan, or an LA Clippers fan. Underachieving for a decade really blows. Truly.

Orgullo
The Mexicans have had a great week. First, their U-17s throw a smack-down on Brazil to win their first World Championship in Peru. Last night, both Mexican squads in the Copa Sudamericana advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinals, where UNAM Pumas will face off against Brazil's Corinthians and Club America has Argentina's Velez Sarsfield. At least we won't see an all-Mexican final; the winners of the above matches will meet in the Copa semis.

'06 Here We Come!

Former Metro Coach Bob Bradley (AP)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

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

Abridged Version

Congrats to the US Open Cup champ LA Galaxy and fans of the Colorado Rapids on the Commerce City stadium groundbreaking. Enjoy the weekend. The Kin of Fish will be back on Wednesday.

Clip ‘n’ Save
Lots of footie fun on the tube this weekend, including all six MLS matches, many with playoff implications. Here’s a sampling (all times ET)…

Saturday, 10/1
10:00am: GER: Eintract Frankfurt –Schalke on FSC
Noon: EPL: Sunderland – West Ham on FSC
Noon: ITA: Chievo – Treviso on RAI
2:00pm: ESP: Barthelona – Real Zaragotha on GOL
3:00pm: EPL: Charlton – Tottenham on FSC
4:00pm: MEX: Toluca – Chiapas on Galavision
6:00pm: MEX: Monterrey – Santos on Galavision
6:30pm: ITA: Udinese – Lazio on GOL
7:30pm: MLS: Columbus – Chivas on DK, HDNet
7:30pm: MLS: MetroStars – Scum, I mean DC United on DK, MSG, CSN
7:30pm: MLS: New England – San Jose on DK, WLVI
8:00pm: MLS: Kansas City – Chicago on DK, Comcast
8:30pm: COL: Millonarios – Santa Fe on GOL
9:00pm: MLS: Colorado – Real Salt Lake on DK, Altitude, KSL
10:00pm: MLS: Los Angeles – FC Dallas on DK, FSN West 2, KLDT
10:00pm: MEX: Atlas – Atlante on Telefutura
11:00pm: USL-1 Final: Seattle – Richmond on FSC

Sunday, 10/2
8:00am: ITA: Fiorentina – Livorno on RAI
9:00am: ITA: Lecce – Cagliari on FSC
9:00am: ITA: AC Milan – Reggiana on GOL
11:00am: ESP: Deportivo La Coruna – Osasuna on GOL
1:00pm: EPL: Arsenal – Birmingham on FSC
2:30pm: ITA: Juventus – Inter Milan on GOL, RAI
4:00pm: U-17: 3rd Place game: Turkey – Holland on FSC
4:30pm: ESP: Malaga – Real Madrid on GOL
5:00pm: MEX: America – San Luis on Telefutura
7:00pm: U-17: Final: Mexico – Brazil on FSC, Galavision
9:30pm: BRA: Corinthians – Brasiliense on GOL

Lalas (Sort of) Live

Metro GM Alexi Lalas took time out of his day to tackle some tough questions from fans in a chat on Metrostars.com. Not only did he field a marketing question from yours truly (3rd question in) but the red-haired one pulled the curtain back a bit to note:

• Tailgating won't be an option at Harrison, though there will be pubs & restaurants near the stadium
• Harrison may not be ready for the 2007 season
• Ticket prices will come down for 2006
• He loves AC/DC
• He believes that the US isn't producing "soccer entertainers" on the field
• Amado Guevara may not be a MetroStar next season
• He's expecting 20K fans for this Saturday's match vs. DC
• Daniel Garipe should make his Metro debut vs. DC

By the questions asked, one can ascertain the frustration and gloom that has gripped the Metro nation this season. A win vs. DC and positive results down the stretch will go a long way toward righting the ship, however. Respect to Lalas for answering the tough questions with humor and humility.

The Final Countdown

The Dewar-US Open Cup
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

There will be a two-time champion crowned when the LA Galaxy meets FC Dallas in the US Open Cup final tonight at the HDC (GolTV, 11pm ET). The Galaxy has beaten Chivas USA, San Jose, and the USL-1’s Minnesota Thunder to reach the final, while FC Dallas, which entered the competition in the third round, defeated the USL-2’s Wilmington Hammerheads and fellow MLS clubs Columbus, DC United, and Chicago en route to the championship match. Tonight’s all-MLS final continues a trend, as it’s been six years since a lower-division club has reached the final match. Here are the USOC finals in the MLS era:

1996: DC United 3-0 Rochester
1997: Dallas Burn 0 (5) – 0 (3) DC United
1998: Chicago 2-1 Columbus
1999: Rochester 2-0 Colorado
2000: Chicago 2-1 Miami Fusion
2001: LA Galaxy 2-1 New England
2002: Columbus 1-0 LA Galaxy
2003: Chicago 1-0 MetroStars
2004: Kansas City 1-0 Chicago gg

Note that San Jose is the only original MLS club to not reach a cup final. Although two MLS teams will be competing tonight, two lower-division sides were the stories of this year’s tournament: The PDL’s Des Moines Menace, an amateur club, played way above its head in defeating the USL-2’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the USL-1’s Charleston Battery and Atlanta Silverbacks, before succumbing to the KC Wizards in round four. The Minnesota Thunder, led by Liberians Melvin Tarley (who was sold to RSL) and Jonny Menyongar, did the USL proud by knocking off three MLS sides (RSL, Colorado, KC) to reach the cup semis.

Much debate as been made concerning the USSF’s shoddy marketing of the Cup, and that cup matches are usually played at “alternative” smaller venues when MLS clubs are the hosts. As it stands, LA will downsize the HDC to a capacity of 10,000 for tonight’s match. There’s no easy answer here. The clubs and leagues need to shoulder the load in both educating their fans on the importance of the competition and marketing the matches. Getting the final on national TV is a great thing, but hopefully MLS/SUM/USSF can bundle more cup matches in when the next television contracts are up for renewal. Best of luck to both Dallas and LA tonight.

Missed It By… That Much

The US U-17's Kevin Alston (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

The US played well, hit the woodwork a couple of times, but fell to Jeffrey Sarpong’s two goals for the Netherlands in the FIFA U-17 World Championship Quarterfinals. The US started strong, but lost steam after Kevin Alston suffered a broken leg after a tackle by Holland’s John Goossens. Sarpong’s goal in first-half injury time gave the Dutch the 1-0 halftime lead. The US effort was also hampered by a red-card expulsion by Neven Subotic in the 75th minute. Sarpong crushed the US hopes by scoring on a counterattack with six minues to play. The US finishes the tournament with a 2-1-1 record and the Group C title. The Netherlands will face Mexico in one semifinal, which Turkey meets Brazil in the other. Congrats to the US for a strong showing. Both the U-17s and the U-20s won their groups in World Championships this year. Perhaps the senior team can carry those vibes into Germany next summer? Stay tuned, and RIP Don Adams.

Leaving It ‘Til Late

Coming into Saturday’s match, MetroStars and New England Revolution had played three times this MLS season, and in every match, the game-deciding goal was scored in the 85th minute or later:

-May 21st @ Giants Stadium: Twellman scored in the 89th to give NE a 2-2 draw
-June 25th @ Gilette: Ralston breaks a tie in the 86th and the Revs win, 4-2
-Sept. 17th @ Giants Stadium: Youri’s 89th minute blast off Reis gives Metro a 5-4 win

It came as no surprise, then, that Saturday’s crucial contest (for the Metro, anyway) was settled with only minutes to spare as the Revs’ James Riley found himself unmarked in the six-yard box and scored in the 85th minute, giving New England a 1-0 victory.

With the win, the Revs became the first Eastern Conference club to clinch a playoff berth, and is in possession of an eight-point lead for home field advantage. The Metros, however, had a five-match unbeaten run snapped and lost a chance to gain ground on the 4th place K.C. Wizards, who dropped a 2-1 decision at LA last night. Much could be settled this coming weekend, and four Eastern Rivals face off. Chicago, for instance, could find themselves in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th after this weekend’s matches. It’s easy to see why the past few games have been so entertaining, as the teams are ratcheting up their intensity level for meaningful matches.

The current Eastern Conference picture:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (H/A), Most Possible Points
1. New England 55, +19, (2/1), 64
2. DC United 47, +17, (2/2), 59
3. Chicago 45, +2 (2/3), 60
4. Kansas City 43, +19, (2/1), 52
----------------------------------
MetroStars 40, +4, (1/3), 52
Columbus 34, -10 (1/3) 46

Matches this week:
Sat 10/1: NE v SJ, MET v DC, KC v CHI, CMB v CHV

Tough Lima Beans
The US U-17 squad was 5 minutes away from emerging from the first round with a perfect record, but the Cote d’Ivoire’s Siaka Bamba scored in the 87th minute to force a 1-1 draw. The result didn’t prevent the US from winning the group, though, and the Mini-Nats will face off against a strong Holland team today (5pm et, FSC) in the quarterfinals in Peru. Holland made it through group play with wins over Gambia and Qatar and a loss to Brazil. If the US advances, they’ll face… Mexico, who scored late vs. Costa Rica in their quarterfinal to take their match to extra time, then scored two in the extra frame for a 3-1 win. Hopefully our boys aren’t looking ahead, and best of luck to them today.

Good Showing

To tell you the truth, I was expecting DC to fold easily last night after their red-eye to Santiago for their Copa Sud match vs. U. Catolica. I was pleasantly surprised after United took the lead on an early goal by Christian Gomez. When Jaime Moreno missed a penalty kick, though, I knew that the soccer gods weren’t smiling on DC. Then Gomez made me believe again when he scored on a freaky rebound of the post & the back of the Catolica keeper. Though DC led 2-1 at the half, two late goals by Catolica, the last coming in the 87th minute, sunk DC in their first-ever Copa Sud tie, 4-3 on aggregate. Despite the crushing loss, though, DC played well on the road and has a lot to be proud about. Hopefully United’s one-and-out experience won’t deter CONMEBOL from inviting another MLS club into next year’s competition.

DC’s exit from the Copa means that all Eastern clubs can focus 100% on the last few weeks of the MLS season. Heading into the weekend, only 12 points separate the first-place Revs from the fifth-place Metros, and the two will meet for the final time this season in Foxboro on Saturday night. With both DC and Chicago off this weekend, KC and the Metros could tighten things up even further for the final stretch.

The current Eastern Conference picture:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (H/A), Most Possible Points
1. New England 52, +18, (3/1), 64
2. DC United 47, +17, (2/2), 59
3. Chicago 45, +0 (2/2), 57
4. Kansas City 43, +10, (2/2), 55
----------------------------------
MetroStars 40, +5, (1/4), 55
Columbus 31, -11 (1/4) 46

This weekend's matches of import:
9/24: NE vs. MET (7:30pm et, DK & FSC)
9/24: RSL vs. CMB (9:30pm et, DK & HDNet)
9/25: LA vs. KC (8pm et, DK)

CONCACAF Strength
Heading into today’s final first round-match of the FIFA U-17 World Championships, the US is one of three participating CONCACAF nations to qualify for the tournament’s quarterfinals. Costa Rica beat host Peru yesterday to win Group A, and the Mexicans have advanced out of group B despite yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Turkey. The US has already clinched their berth ahead of today’s match with Cote d’Ivoire (4:30pm et, FSC). Unfortunately, we can’t have an ’85 Big East-like Final Four, as Costa Rica will meet Mexico in the quarters on Sunday.

Wuzzon?
If El Guapo asked you if he had a plethora of matches to watch this weekend, he'd be right. Here's a sampling of what's on, and when:

Saturday 9/24
7:30am: EPL: Birmingham City-Liverpool on FSC
10:00am: GER: Werder Bremen-Bayer Leverjusen on FSC
10:00am: ESP: Real Madrid-Atletico Bilboa on GOL
11:30am: ITA: Parma-Juventus on GOL
12 noon: EPL Bolton-Portsmouth on FSC
1:30pm: ESP: Betis-Barcelona on GOL
3:00pm: EPL: West Ham-Arsenal on FSC
6:00pm: MEX: Monterrey-Tigres on Galavision
7:30pm: MLS: New England-Metrostars on FSC
10:00pm: MEX: Atlas-Chiapas on Telefutura

Sunday 9/25
9:00am: ITA: Cagliari-Roma on FSC
9:00am: ITA: Sampdoria-Chievo on GOL
11:00am: ESP: Alaves-Real Madrid on GOL
1:00pm: MEX: Pachuca-Chivas on Univision
3:00pm: FRA: Lens-Rennes on FSC
3:00pm: ITA: Inter-Fiorentina on GOL
5:00pm: U-17 Quarterfinal on FSC
5:00pm: MEX: America-Necaxa on Telefutura
7:00pm: USL-1: Semifinal on FSC
8:00pm: U-17 Quarterfinal on Galavision
8:00pm: MLS: Los Angeles-Kansas City on Direct Kick
9:30pm: BRA: Flamengo-Corinthians on GOL

Enjoy!

Two For Two

Kyle Nakazawa Celebrates (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

For the second straight match, the US scored three goals en route to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru. Yesterday the team beat Italy 3-1 to clinch a spot in the 16-team competition’s quarterfinals. The goal scorers were Ofori Sarkodie, Kyle Nakazawa, and Ryan Soroka, the latter two scoring their second goals of the tournament. The Mini-nats will try to close out Group C with a perfect record on Friday when they face 0-2 Cote D’Ivoire (FSC, 4:30pm ET). Based on their finish, the US will face Gambia, Holland, or (ugh) Brazil in the quarters.

Geared up

My fellow Metro fans are split on this one, but I think all MLS fans have to pull for DC United in their Copa Sudamericana second-leg match vs. U. Catolica in Santiago, Chile on Thursday night (FSC, 8pm ET). While MLS sides played well vs. European clubs this summer, it's in competitions like this that we can see just how far the league has come. DC, who may be without Santino Quaranta and Jamil Walker, needs at least a 2-2 draw (thanks, d) to advance to the quarterfinals, where the four-time MLS champs would face Fluminese of Brazil or Banfield of Argentina. Best of luck. Hey d, any DC fanaticos making the trip?

In Limbo has a great analysis of Bob Bradley's woes with the Metro. Check it out.

Thanks, Grant!

Grant Wahl (SI.com)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

I'm honored that Grant Wahl has selected The Kin Of Fish as one his "starting XI" soccer blogs. Hope you all enjoy reading the site as much as I enjoy writing it. Thanks, Grant!

Big Ups to the Mini-Nats

The US U-17 Squad (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

The US got the biennial FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru going in fine style, beating Kim-Jong Il’s gang, 3-2 in Chiclayo. The US scored all of its goals off set pieces, and US keeper Bryant Rueckner let in a howler when he collided with defender Kevin Alston, dropping the ball to the foot of Myong Ho Choe, who poked in the North Koreans' first goal. The US goal scorers were Ryan Soroka, Kyle Nakazawa and Preston Zimmerman.Next up, the Italians on Tuesday (4:30pm on FSC), who beat the Cote D’Ivoire in a lively match, 4-3. A win should put the US through to the quarterfinals. Good luck, guys!

Guts, Take Two

Merci, Youri. (AP)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

Even if they miss the 2005 postseason, the MetroStars have shown more guts over the last two matches than they’ve shown in the previous twenty. Last week, the team held off KC on the road while playing a man down for the final 35 minutes. On Saturday, the team took three vital points in a thrilling 5-4 win against Supporter’s Shield contender New England. The stars of the Metro played huge, like French World Cup hero Youri Djorkaeff who all but willed the team to victory with two goals and an assist, including the game winning blast in the 86th minute against a poorly-positioned Matt Reis. Mike Magee played his best game of the year, scoring two goals, none bigger than the 76th minute-strike that evened the match at four. Magee took a picture-perfect pass from Michael Bradley & put one past Reis just two minutes after Taylor Twellman had put the Revs ahead. Twellman's goal had seemingly shifted all the momentum to New England. Amado Guevara had a goal and an assist, and Ante Razov added three assists in a night that made one proud to be a Metro fan and an MLS fan. If you haven’t seen the highlights, you owe it to yourself to check them out. The best part… the two teams go at it again this Saturday at the Big Razor. The night would have been perfect for the Metro if Columbus could have held Chicago to a draw, and LA could have defeated KC, but the fantastic win vs. New England will be enough for one week. Saturday’s match will surely go down as one of the best in Metro history. It’s no consolation that the Metro sits in 6th place in an MLS single table, and that the team would sit in 2nd place in the Western Conference, but c’est la vie.

The current Eastern Conference picture:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (H/A), Most Possible Points
1. New England 51, +18, (3/2), 66
2. DC United 47, +17, (2/2), 59
3. Chicago 45, +2 (2/3), 60
4. Kansas City 43, +10, (2/2), 55
----------------------------------
MetroStars 40, +5, (1/4), 55
Columbus 30, -11 (2/4) 48

Matches this week:
Wed 9/21: NE vs. CMB, SJ vs. CHI
Thu 9/22: U. Catolica vs. DCU in the Copa Sudamericana
Sat 9/24: NE vs. MET, LA vs. KC, CMB @ RSL

At the Cope-ah

United v. Catolica (AP)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

Have to say that I’m happy that mid-week Cup matches have become a part of the US soccer culture, especially when the games had such meaning. DC’s 1-1 draw vs. U. Catolica in the Copa Sudamericana Wednesday night was a tense affair, and kudos to FSC for picking up the broadcast. Catolica looked more relaxed and experienced than DC, and the late first-half goal certainly added to their confidence. Give DC credit, though, for attacking well against the bunkered Chileans. United maintained possession well through stretches of the match, and definitely earned their draw. Big ups to super sub Jamil Walker on his goal. Based on the matchup, though, I’d be floored if DC was able to get a result in Chile later this month.

Unfortunately, neither of the two USOC semifinals were televised. Congrats to FC Dallas and LA Galaxy for making to the final on Sept. 28th (GolTV) at the HDC. What this tournament really needs is some marketing muscle behind it, however. If US Soccer marketing was smart (hmm…) they’d try to sell the title sponsorship of the tournament to an MLS/SUM sponsor. How about “The Pepsi Lamar Hunt US Open Cup,” rolls of the tongue, doesn’t it? A title sponsor could build awarness of the event, big time. Anyway, I’m glad to hear how seriously the players take one of the oldest tournaments in modern North American sports. If only the fed, leagues, and teams took the Cup that seriously.

Gritty, gutty Metros

Mmm... donuts. (wireimage.com)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

Being a Metros fan is a really tough. The team’s decade of futility has produced few shining moments – a one-goal loss in the 2000 MLS Cup semifinals at Chicago, a one-goal loss in the USOC Final to the Fire in 2003, and that’s about it. This past Saturday night at Arrowhead, however, the Metros showed heart, brains, and effort (all in the same match!) and beat Kansas City 1-0 to keep their slim playoffs hopes alive. Playing in front of a teeny-tiny crowd (mostly Tony Meola’s family and friends), the Metros got a lucky goal by Eddie Gaven shortly before half-time and played the final 35 minutes down a man after Tim Regan picked up a second yellow card. Meola got his first shutout since returning to the team earlier this season, and amazingly, the Metros got their first 1-0 victory of the year in their twenty-sixth match. Big ups to subs Chris Leitch and Mark Lisi, two defensive minded subs who showed their mettle staying behind the ball after the squad was reduced to ten men. The victory, the team’s first on the road since May, has the Metros within five points of Chicago and KC for the final Eastern spot. Metro should be rested for Saturday’s home clash vs. the Revs, though DC and Chicago face midweek competition that may hurt their league efforts this weekend. Here’s how the picture looks today:

The Current picture:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (Home/Away), Most Possible Points
1. New England 51, +19, (3/3), 69
2. DC United 44, +15, (3/2), 59
3. Kansas City 42, +10, (3/2), 57
4. Chicago 42, +1, (2/4), 60
----------------------------------
MetroStars 37, +4, (2/4), 55
Columbus 30, -10 (3/4) 51

Matches this week:
Tue 9/13: DCU vs. Univ. Catolica in Copa Sudamericana
Wed 9/14: FCD vs. CHI in US Open Cup
Sat 9/17: MET vs. NE, CMB vs. CHI, DCU vs COL, KC vs LA

MLS' Big 'To

Looks more and more like MLS is headed to the Great White North for it’s next club. Speaking at a gathering of Milwaukee investors and fans, grande queso Don Garber “said the next round of expansion should come in 2007, when Toronto is expected to join the league.”

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, owners of the NHL Leafs and NBA Raptors, is in place to serve as investor-operators, and there’s a twenty thousand seat stadium in the works that has to be ready for the ‘07 FIFA U-20 Championship. The stadium will apparently include an “inflatable winter roof” so the field will be playable year-round. There’s a little bit of political back-and-forth going on in terms of the stadium location, but if the home of the Blizzard (?) is to be ready by April of ’07, these issues need to be solved quickly.

Point of information: the NASL Toronto Blizzard/Metros/Metros-Croatia drew 15,000+ fans in 1980, their most successful season. Between 1979 and 1984, Toronto attracted an average of 10,905 fans/season, a number that would fit right in with KC or San Jose.

I’m not sure how I feel about a Canadian club joining the league, especially when there are so many US cities that could support MLS. Of course, Toronto seems to have everything that Garber & Co. want: solid ownership, an SSS plan, a soccer-hungry fan base. I’ve read that the club will be stocked with mostly Canadian players, which doesn’t thrill me all that much, but I guess if Chivas can play with a mostly Hispanic roster, it shouldn’t be that big a deal. They won't be a road draw, that's for sure. In the search for national sports relevance, however, I think heading to Houston (which may still happen for SJ or KC), Philly (where to play, who to own?) or Seattle (Paul Allen, please pick up the white courtesy phone) should be a top priority.

Bloated Expectations

Johnson Chases (AP)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

Remember the days, not too long ago, that the US feared playing World Cup Qualifiers in Central America? During the last qualifying cycle, the US was jobbed on a fantasy pk call in Costa Rica to drop a game, and the same happened in Guatemala to turn a win into a tie. This time around, of course, the road has been kind to the US, and even when Bruce Arena trots out a young b-team on the road in CONCACAF, the expectation is a victory. Last night’s scoreless draw in Guatemala City was an ok result, and the defense played well, but the Yanks could have easily won the match by three goals if its finishing was sharper.

Here’s a look at who helped their Deutschland dreams last night, and who hindered them.

Helped:
Marcus Hahnemann: Make some dazzling saves in net, and is in line for the #2 keeper position, assuming Sir Alex doesn’t start playing Tim Howard this season.

Bobby Convey: Generated most of the early scoring chances for the US on the left wing, and punished the Guatemalan defenders who tried to take him on 1-on-1.

Jimmy Conrad: A steady, if not solid match in the center back position. Should get playing time in Costa Rica and vs. Panama. A strong defensive sub prospect for Germany.

Chris Albright: I’m not a fan, but he had a good match last night. Imposing size, especially vs. the vertically-challenged chapines.

Hurt:
Taylor Twellman: Oy. Taylor. You wonder when the kid will snap and pick the ball up and throw it in the goal. He runs forever, and helps break up plays on D, (Capt. Kirk Voice) But. He. Just. Can’t. Score.

Clint Dempsey: Was he tired? Did he have a stomach problem? What an off match. Hey kid, Bruce believes in you – he even tried you in two positions last night to find a fit for you. You’ve got to start delivering out there.

Greg Vanney: Yuck. May have played himself off next summer’s squad. Gave up too many balls, hit too many sightless clearing passes to the opposition.

Fair-to-middling: Marshall, Quaranta, Cunningham, Johnson

Already there: Donovan, Mastroeni

Incomplete: Ralston

Oh, and Mr. Hall-of-fame Balboa. It’s MAS-TRO-ENN-EE, not MAS-TREE-OH-NEE. Say it, just like it reads, ok? Ok.

That giant sucking sound
The Metro aren’t going to get to the playoffs by drawing every match. That sound you hear is the season slipping away. Saturday, Ante Razov hit a late ball to salvage another home draw, 2-2 vs. KC, leaving Metro seven points out of the playoffs with seven matches to play, and Columbus is coming up on the outside. Luckily, DC will have the Copa Sudamericana to worry about down the MLS stretch. Things are so bleak among Metro faithful that fans hope the team tanks to get coach Bob Bradley a pink slip.

The Current picture:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (Home/Away), Most Possible Points
1. New England 48, +17, (4/3), 69
2. Kansas City 42, +11, (4/2), 60
3. Chicago 42, +1, (2/4), 60
4. DC United 41, +14, (3/3), 59
----------------------------------
MetroStars 34, +3, (2/5), 55
Columbus 30, -8 (3/5) 54

Matches this week:
Sat 9/10: NE vs. CMB, KC vs. MET, FCD vs. DCU

Are the Arenas a Nielsen family?

Bruce Arena (Allsport)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Yesterday US Coach Bruce Arena told the US soccer community to “put up or shut up,” in discussing the challenges that the USSF had in getting Saturday’s WCQ with Mexico on live, English-language television. To Il Bruce, I say, no matter how many friends I invite over to watch the match, no matter how many friends and family members I tell to watch the match, it won’t make a bit of difference on the television rating that Saturday’s match collects. Why? Because I’m not, or don’t have access to a Nielsen family.

It’s hard to believe, but the nation’s television ratings are determined by an ever-changing list of 5,100 households across America. 28,000 more households in top cities are measured for local market ratings. Maybe the USSF should spend a little of their reported $30 million surplus on advertising its matches to help casual soccer fans find the matches on television. I mean ESPN Classic is a little tougher to locate on the dial than say, ABC. To the Fed, I say, YOU put up. Then Bruce, you shut up.

Please Help

It looks like the news is getting worse by the moment in New Orleans, one of the US' most beautiful cities, and one of my favorite places on Earth. I've had the good fortune to visit The Big Easy three times in the last five years for Jazz Fest, and along with the incredible music and amazing food we found friendly people and beautiful architecture there.

Right now, however, there are tens, if not hundreds of thousands of those friendly people who have lost everything they owned and need your help. Please visit the Red Cross and give whatever you can. If you work for a large company, please ask your HR department if they'll match your contribution. Thanks.

An Open, um, Posting, to Jack Bell at the NYT

Jack,

I look forward to reading your "Soccer Report" that appears each Tuesday in the New York Times. However, this morning's column, Wizards' Klein is Healthy Again, deflects attention away from THE soccer story of the week - the US WC '06 qualifier this Saturday vs. Mexico. I've read that The Times has asked you not to write too many "rah-rah" pieces about the US and the MetroStars, but if there was ever a week to push your editors, it was this one.

By burying the news about the match until the fifth paragraph, and then referring to it merely as an aside, you did a disservice to soccer in America. While focusing on Chris Klein's desire to get back on the US squad, you ignored many other angles that could have directed attention to match, such as:

• The convergence of soccer and college football fans on a single day in Columbus
• The challenge of getting the match televised on live english-language television
• The wealth of Euro-based goal scorers on the US squad
• The challenge of creating a US-friendly crowd
• The sheer magnitude of the match here and south of the border

I know that as a journalist, your responsibility is to the reader, but really, you missed an opporuntity to expand awareness of Saturday's match. And that's a shame.

The Time is Now

Cesar Daniel Garipe
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

They’re still on the outside looking in, but the Metros are getting help from their Eastern Conference rivals in the race for playoff spots. Both Kansas City and DC United took tough losses this weekend to buoy the Metros’ hopes ahead of this Saturday untelevised (hmph) tilt with the Wiz in the Swamp. Here’s how the teams sit today:

Team, Pts, GD, Matches remaining (Home/Away), Most Possible Points
1. New England 45, +16, (4/4), 69
2. Kansas City 41, +11, (4/3), 62
3. Chicago 39, 0, (2/5), 60
4. DC United 38, +11, (4/4), 62
----------------------------------
MetroStars 33, +3, (3/5), 57

Matches this week:
Wed 8/31: RSL @ DC
Sat 9/3: KC @ MET, DC @ COL, NE @ RSL
Sun 9/4: CHI @ LA

Of course, MLS rosters will be impacted significantly by the 9/3 World Cup qualifiers. Expected absences include:
New England: Ralston, Twellman, Dempsey
Kansas City: Conrad, Sealy, Wolff, Zavagnin
Chicago: Armas, Mapp
DC United: Quaranta
Metros: none, thanks for asking

Not only will the Metros have a delapidated KC lineup, but the team is expected to sign Argentinian defensive midfielder Cesar Daniel Garipe this week. Garipe, along with Amado Guevara and Youri Djorkaeff, may provide a steady spine to a team that will be getting back numerous starters from injuries, including Ante Razov, Carlos Mendes, Tim Ward, Tim Regan and Jeff Agoos. If the Metros are to make the playoffs, and save coach Bob Bradley’s job in the process, the stars seem to be aligning. The time is now.

The ROAD to the Cup

Johnny Menyongar (mnthunder.com)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Road was the key word last night as all four road teams won their US Open Cup quarterfinal matches. I’d defer to the source on the competition, but that’s got to be a record. Carlos Ruiz scored the tying goal in injury time for FC Dallas, who took DC on penalties, and Chicago did the same at Rochester. 2nd division Minnesota got a brace from Johnny Menyongar (above) in a convincing 3-1 win at the defending champions Kansas City, and LA got two goals from Herculez Gomez to win a California Cup Classico at San Jose, 2-1. The semi matchups on September 14th: Chicago at Dallas, and Minnesota at LA.

Yuck.

The Washington Generals (realmadrid.com)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

What can really be learned from yesterday’s, um, competition at the Bernabeu where Real Madrid beat the Washington Generals, I mean the “MLS Select XI” 5-0?

Not much, really. Real dominated from start to finish, though for the first twenty minutes of each half the MLS gang played ok. Here are my thoughts on players that helped or hurt their chances of getting “discovered” by European scouts who pried themselves away from Partizan Belgrade – Artmedia Bratislava to watch the match:

Helped:
Jeff Cunningham. He’s fast (as we know) and he made some dangerous runs. If Eddie Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley aren’t ready for 9/3, will Bruce start him up top with McBride vs. Mexico?

Amado Guevara. The MLS game seemed to pick up a bit when he replaced Jamie Moreno.

Matt Reis. Yes, he gave up 5 goals, but what goals! Reis turned away a few quality chances throughout the match.

Shalrie Joseph. While not stellar, he did ok until Guevara came in to run the midfield for MLS. Went the distance. As said on FSC, it’s a shame he decided to play national-team ball for his native Grenada. He’d be an asset for the Yanks.

Hurt:
Landon Donovan. As we know, he plays best when he’s happy, and he was clearly unhappy and in need of a rest. Perhaps missing his USOC quarterfinal tonight won’t be such a bad thing. As Sigi said on the telecast, he normally plays a bit more withdrawn, not up top as vs. Real. Just not a good showing from the balding one. Not that he needs to be "discovered," anyway.

Justin Mapp. Not ready for prime time. Was a non-entity out there.

Pablo Mastroeni & Jimmy Conrad. Tough to put them in this bucket, though they were burned, badly, by one of the best scorers in the world.

Cup time again
Only eight teams remain in the hunt for Lamar’s US Open Cup tonight, including six clubs (Chicago, DC United, FC Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Rochester) that have won the prize before. The matchups:

Rochester (II) vs. Chicago
DC United vs. FC Dallas
Kansas City vs. Minnesota (II)
San Jose vs. Los Angeles

Second division clubs Rochester and Minnesota should be emboldened as their opponents will be missing key players who took the plane to Spain. Chicago will be without Justin Mapp, Kansas City will miss Jose Burciaga and Jimmy Conrad. In addition, DC will miss Jaime Moreno, who took a nasty ankle knock vs. Real, and Nick Rimando. Dallas will be without Ronnie O’Brien, LA without Landon Donovan, and SJ, Ricardo Clark.

Reserves Beat Chivas, 2-1

At least some Metro team can beat expansion Chivas USA. The mini-Metro reserves got goals from non-roster invitee Jarrod Laventure and sub and first-teamer Mike Magee to come from behind in a 2-1 MLS Reserve League win yesterday. The win puts the reserves within three points of the top of the table with four matches to play. Could the Metros' first title come from the second teamers? Why not? Stay tuned.

Lovin’ El Lobo

Guevara: Player of the Week (wireimage)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Yes, the Metros defense is hurting, big time. Yes, Chivas USA just added a host of players from its Mexican big brother (sister?) club, including Mexican international Paco Palencia, but still, one would have hoped that the teammates of Metro Honduran superstar and MLS Player of the Week Amado “El Lobo” Guevara would have recognized the importance of last Sunday’s clash at the Swamp. Instead, Guevara single-handedly kept the Metros alive in the Eastern Conference playoff chase with a hat trick that included an injury-time, curling goalazo-azo-azo from twenty yards out to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw.

The Metros took the field without defensive stalwarts Chris Leitch (suspended), Jeff Agoos and Carlos Mendes (injured), and were victimized twice by the Goats’ Palencia for two goals in a five-minute span in the first half, and by Juan Pablo Garcia after halftime. Guevara scored twice on penalty kicks before curling his highlight-reel goal into the top right corner off a restart pass from Youri Djorkaeff with only seconds remaining.

The draw left the Metros on the outside looking in, five points behind DC United, who have one game at hand.

The Eastern Conf looks like this:
Team, Pts, GD, Matches left (Home/Away), Most Possible Points
1. New England 42, +15, (5/4), 69
2. Kansas City 41, +12, (5/3), 65
3. Chicago 39, 0, (2/5), 60
4. DC United 38, +12, (4/5), 65
----------------------------------
MetroStars 33, +3, (3/5), 57

I’ve left off sixth-place Columbus. Thankfully, the Metro are off until Sept. 3rd, and hopefully can get completely healthy. If the Metro wants in, they’re going to have to earn it, as they have home-and-homes with KC, NE, and DC, a match at Chicago and a return match at Chivas to end the regular season. The Fire looks like the easiest to catch, as Chicago plays a majority of matches on the road, including two California road trips (LA and SJ).

Today at 3:30 ET, the MLS Select XI, including Guevara and Djorkaeff take on Real Madrid on FSC. My TiVo is ready to go. Enjoy.

Mixed Messages

It’s tough to take MLS seriously when it sends it's star players across the pond for a “meaningless” exhibition match in the middle of the playoff race and the US Open Cup. Yet, thanks to the MLS bigwigs, players such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Ronnie O’Brien are jetting to Madrid for Tuesday’s Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu match vs. Real Madrid as the “MLS Select XI.” Six MLS teams are playing in the US Open Cup quarterfinals the following night and must make due without their big guns, which is a huge slap in the face to the USSF and the history of the cup, which the players take very seriously. I can only hope that there’s a payday in the match for MLS/SUM, ‘cause otherwise this trip makes no sense. Soccernet’s Ives Galarcep chimes in here with a similar stance.

Will the biggest US home match this year be televised on English language TV? ESPN isn’t so sure. The September 3rd US-Mexico WCQ match was scheduled to air on ESPN Classic of all places, due to college football commitments at the mouse network(s). SI’s Grant Wahl doesn’t see the match on ESPN’s program guide. And they say the boys in Bristol don’t care about soccer…

Unrelated, but Nike is getting ready to promote the Nats with a soon-to-be-released commercial. Click here to see the foundation of a Nike site just for the Yanks. Clint, don't drive angry.

Taking Care of Business

McBride Hugs It Out (Reuters)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

World Cup qualifying, it is said, is business, not art. That was definitely the case in East Hartford, CT, last night, as the US Men’s National Team took care of business in an ugly 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago that pushes the Yanks ever closer to a 2006 World Cup bid. Attendance was just over twenty-five thousand as Rentschler Field, home of UConn football, hosted the USMNT for the first time.

Veteran forward Brian McBride knocked in a Bobby Convey cross on the US’ first quality chance, just 92 seconds into the match to account for the scoring. The US outshot the outmatched Soca Warriors 18-1, but clearly lost focus around the Trinidad net.

The Yanks were robbed on several calls by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez, including calling back a clear goal by substitute Taylor Twellman in the 86th minute. Two minutes later, Rodriguez gave Convey his second yellow card of the match, not only sending him to the showers early, but also suspending him for the next qualifier, September 3rd vs. Mexico at a sold-out Columbus Crew Stadium. The US can formally wrap up qualification with a win or tie vs. the Yanks’ chief rival. Press reports on the match include: Soccernet.com, NYTimes, USA Today, Yahoo, MLSNET, NY Daily News.

Standings after six of ten matches:
Team, Pts, Goal Differential
1. Mexico 16, +8
2. USA 15, +9
3. Guatemala 7, 0
------------------
4. Costa Rica 7, -4
------------------
5. Trinidad 4, -6
6. Panama 2, -7

Captain America is Ready To Go

Captain Claudio Reyna (Getty)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Tonight, the US picks up the chase for the 2006 World Cup in East Hartford, CT, when the Yanks take on Trinidad (8pm, espn2) in the sixth of ten final-round qualifying matches in the CONCACAF region. After 5 matches, the US is sitting pretty in 2nd place, five points ahead of 3rd place Costa Rica. The top three teams qualify directly for Germany 2006, while the 4th place finisher meets an Asian team for another slot.

The US has been buoyed by the return of captain Claudio Reyna, who has sat out most of the round recovering from injuries suffered after a punishing EPL season at his club, Manchester City. The US will be missing midfielder DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), who took a knock in practice, but still are easily considered favorites in tonight’s match. Other matches in the region tonight include Mexico vs. Costa Rica, and Guatemala hosting Panama. With a win, the US can clinch at worst 4th place in the group, but must wait until the next match, September 3rd vs. Mexico in Columbus, OH, to mathematically nail down a trip to Germany next summer.

Press on today’s match includes John Eligon’s piece on Reyna in the New York Times, a profile of up and coming US defender Oguchi Oneywu at USA Today, and match previews at the Hartford Courant and Soccernet.com.

Current Standings:
Team, Pts, GD:
Mexico 13, +6
USA 12, +8
Costa Rica 7, -2
Guatemala 4, -1
Trinidad 4, -5
Panama 2, -6

Le Vieux Grenouille

Youri: Player of the Week (Wireimage)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

The old frog, Youri Djorkaeff, scored both goals in the MetroStars 2-2 road draw at FC Dallas’ new Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, TX. Djorkaeff’s second tally came on a looping shot from 25 yards out to beat Dallas keeper Jeff Cassar and bank in off the right post. The world cup champion was named MLS player of the week for his efforts. The draw, combined with road wins by Kansas City and DC United left the Metros in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, three points out of a playoff spot with 11 matches left to play. Metro starts its stretch run tonight in DC at 7:30pm on MSG. United will be without Freddy Adu, who suffered a sprained MCL at Chicago on Saturday. The Metros’ remaining schedule is almost exclusively within the East, though the team gets a break with two matches against league bottom-feeder Chivas USA. With all players returning to health, and without the distraction of the US Open Cup, the Metros should make the playoffs for the third straight season. In the last two seasons, the Metros have lost in the conference semifinals. The Metros' remaining schedule:
WED AUG 10 @ DC United
SUN AUG 14 vs. Columbus
SUN AUG 21 vs. Chivas USA
SAT SEP 3 vs. Kansas City
SAT SEP 10 @ Kansas City
SAT SEP 17 vs. New England
SAT SEP 24 @ New England
SAT OCT 1 vs. DC United
WED OCT 5 @ Chicago
SAT OCT 8 @ DC United
SUN OCT 16 @ Chivas USA

Cup Up-date

Rhino Carbajal is pumped (Roch. D&C)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Before their great stadium news yesterday, the MetroStars were drubbed by homestanding Rochester Rhinos 3-1 in the fourth round of the US Open Cup on Wednesday. At least Metro wasn’t the only MLS club to be beaten by a lower-division opponent. The Minnesota Thunder got four goals from Liberian Melvin Tarley to beat the Colorado Rapids 4-1 in St. Paul. Also of note, Kansas City ended the Des Moines Menace’s dream run with a 6-1 thrashing. In other matches, Chicago beat the Revs in extra time, 3-2, DC United handled USL 1 club Richmond Kickers 3-1, San Jose took second division Portland Timbers 2-0, the LA Galaxy remained undefeated against crosstown rival Chivas USA 5-2, and FC Dallas got two extra-time goals to beat Columbus 3-1.

The quarterfinals, with two second-division clubs still alive, will be held on August 24th, and set up like this:
San Jose v LA Galaxy
Kansas City v Minnesota (II)
Rochester (II) v Chicago Fire
DC United v FC Dallas

It’s Really Happening!

MetroStars Stadium (Rossetti/MLS)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Five years ago, former Metro GM Nick Sakiewicz set out to build a soccer-specific stadium for the MetroStars in Harrison, NJ. The stadium would be built as part of a development that included retail, restaurants, housing, office space, and parking on the banks of the Passaic River, adjacent to a PATH station connection to/from Manhattan.

Today, after nearly eighteen hundred days of delays, deals that fell apart, and broken promises, the MetroStars, NJ Governor Codey, and other local, state, and national officials announced that the project will become reality. Ground will be broken on the MetroStars stadium this fall, with a June 2007 projected opening.

In recent days, AEG, the parent company of the MetroStars that also owns the Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes, agreed to fund the stadium without any public support of the project. Paraphrasing AEG Entertainment President Tim Lieweke, “We realize that New York is too important a market to have a team without a top flight facility. We believe the area deserves a top-flight home for a top-flight team." Metro fan Jay Goppingen attended the press conference, held in 95 degree heat at the Harrison Public Library. His photos from the site can be found here.

And now, Back to the Action

The MLS All-Stars Fly High (AP)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

After a horde of European clubs came to our shores in July, MLS clubs will return to focus on the league and the US Open Cup this week, while another soccer-specific stadium opens its doors this Saturday.

First, a recap of last week’s action. MLS sides did pretty well against European clubs, as Chicago dropped a 3-1 decision to AC Milan at Solider Field. DC United’s Bobby Boswell gave the defending champs a first-half lead against Chelsea, but fell 2-1. The MLS All-Stars sent a packed Columbus Crew Stadium home happy after dismantling EPL mid-flight squad Fulham by a 4-1 score. The Revs’ Taylor Twellman, FC Dallas’ Ronnie O’Brien, and Colorado’s Jeff Cunningham (2 goals) scored for MLS.

Though many snobs were decrying that the matches were “meaningless friendlies,” short of December’s World Club Championship (Costa Rica’s Saprissa is the CONCACAF entrant) in Japan, there’s really no “meaningful” competition that club teams from Europe and North America can take part in together. Critics have really got to get a grip.

The fourth round of the US Open Cup will be played tomorrow night with eight matches, and the MetroStars, who take on USL-1 front runner Rochester in upstate New York, are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s uninspired 1-0 upset loss to Charleston. Mike Magee, interviewed on bigapplesoccer.com, says the Metros will be ready.

Though the amenities won’t all be in place, FC Dallas’ spanking new Pizza Hut Park opens this Saturday night with the Metros the opponent. When the paint is completely dry, the Frisco, TX stadium will hold 21,000. With parking lots yet to be finished, the Hoops will host about 15,000 fans for the inaugural match.

A check of its webcam page shows how nicely Chicago’s stadium in Bridgeview, IL is coming along. MLS’ next stadium could be ready for opening day in 2006. As for the Metros’ Harrison, NJ project? We’re coming up on FIVE FULL YEARS since the project was introduced, and nary a shovel has hit the dirt. Stay tuned.

Ka-sey Kel-ler!

USA: Gold Cup Champs (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

The Washington State native brought home the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the US on Sunday, winning a penalty shootout vs. upstart Panama 3-1 after a scoreless draw and a scoreless 30-minute overtime period. Keller, who has played for clubs in England, Spain, and Germany, stopped the plucky canaleros on numerous occasions throughout the match, but set the tone for the US win early in the shootout. Keller guessed correctly, dove to his left, and stoned Luis Tejada to open the tiebreaker and rattle the Panamanians’ confidence. After Santino Quaranta scored for the US, Jorge Dely Valdes hit the crossbar. After Chris Armas’ shot was saved, Felipe Baloy scored for Panama. After Landon Donovan gave the US a 2-1 lead, Alberto Blanco missed the net entirely. Finally, the US’ Brad Davis, in only his second international appearance, buried his penalty shot, giving the US their third Gold Cup title.

National team soccer now gives way to some MLS-European exhibitions, as AC Milan takes on Chicago on Tuesday (9pm), DC United hosts Chelsea on Thursday night (espn2) and the MLS All-Stars take on Fulham on Saturday in Columbus (ABC, 3:30pm). The US gets back in the World Cup groove on Wednesday, August 17th vs. Trinidad at Rentschler Field in Hartford, CT.

Last-Minute Love

Oneywu and the US Celebrates (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Whew! The US National Team played from behind for nearly an hour before scoring two last-minute goals to beat Honduras 2-1 in last night’s Gold Cup semifinal match at Giants Stadium. Playing in front of 40,000 mostly Honduran fans, the US gave up a goal in the 30th minute after a defensive lapse left Ivan Guerrero all alone on Kasey Keller, and the Honduran prevailed. US Coach Bruce Arena was ejected in the second half after arguing a poor call by the officials, and the US looked like they were going to get beat… until John O’Brien tapped in poor Honduran clearance in the 86th minute to knot the game at one. In injury time, Landon Donovan lofted a free kick into the box that found the head of 6’ 2” defender Oguchi Oneywu, who deflected the ball into top corner of the net, sending the US to the Gold Cup Final. The US will play Panama, a surprise semifinal winner over Colombia, in the final at 3pm on Univision.

Da Beas' Knees

Beasley Scores (Reuters)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

DaMarcus Beasley had a hand in all three of the US goals in a 3-1 win over Jamaica in Saturday’s Gold Cup Quarterfinal at the Big Razor in Foxboro. The PSV midfielder scored two and assisted on a Josh Wolff goal to open the scoring in the early going. Both teams had a man sent off (for the US, Ben Olsen) and failed on a penalty kick (for the US, Landon Donovan). Next up, Honduras in the Semifinals at Giants Stadium on Thursday evening (6pm, Telefutura). Should the US prevail, they’ll face either Panama or Colombia, who did the US a favor by knocking off tournament favorite Mexico 2-1 in the quarters, on Sunday at 3pm (Univision). The US, on a seven-match unbeaten streak, has two Gold Cup titles to its credit, in 1991 and 2002. The US' 3-0-1 record in the continental championship has boosted its FIFA World Ranking to a best-ever#6, ahead of France, England, Spain, and Portugal in the top 10.

The Real Deal
A packed Home Depot Center saw top global club Real Madrid defeat a Landon Donovan-less LA Galaxy 2-0 on Monday night. While Real held possession for much of the match, LA didn’t embarrass themselves or MLS with its effort. Upcoming Europe vs. MLS matches in the next two weeks include Chicago vs. AC Milan, DC United vs. Chelsea, and the MLS All-Stars vs. Fulham in Columbus.

Recent Results
Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Saturday, July 16th
Honduras 3-2 Costa Rica
USA 3-1 Jamaica
Sunday, July 17th
Colombia 2-1 Mexico
Panama 1-1, 5-3pks South Africa

MLS
Friday, July 15th
DC United 3-0 San Jose

Saturday, July 16th
Chicago 1-1 Columbus
New England 3-2 FC Dallas
MetroStars 1-1 Colorado
Kansas City 3-2 Salt Lake
LA Galaxy 2-0 Chivas USA

Tuesday, July 19th
US Open Cup 3rd Round
Richmond Kickers 8-4 Ocean City (NJ) Barons

Standings (Team, pts, gd)
MLS Eastern Conference
Chicago 36, +7
New England 35, +15
Kansas City 28, +7
MetroStars 25, +6
DC United 25, +5
Columbus 15, -14

MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 34, +13
San Jose 28, +5
LA Galaxy 28, +3
Colorado 18, -5
Salt Lake 13, -20
Chivas USA 9, -22

This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, July 20th
Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm FSNY
Kansas City vs. DC United, 8pm
Colorado vs. San Jose, 9:30pm

Thursday, July 21st
Gold Cup Semifinals
USA vs. Honduras, 6pm, TELE
Colombia vs. Panama, 9pm, TELE

Friday, July 22nd
Chivas USA vs. New England, 10:30pm

Saturday, July 23rd
LA Galaxy vs. DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
Columbus vs. Kansas City, 7:30pm, HDNet
Colorado vs. Chicago, 9pm
Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 9:30pm, FSC
San Jose vs. MetroStars, 10pm

Sunday, July 24th
Gold Cup Final, 3pm, UNI

Big Night

Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz (AP)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Wednesday night was a huge night for soccer across the country. Not only was the first round of the Gold Cup finishing up at Reliant Stadium in Houston, but six third round matches of the US Open Cup took place, at venues stretching from Ludlow, Massachusetts to Dallas, Texas.

In Houston, Guatemala earned its first point of this year’s Gold Cup in a 1-1 draw with guest participant South Africa. One point wasn’t enough to lift the chapines out of the Group C cellar, however. Mexico got a goal from Alberto Medina in the 19th minute to beat Jamaica, 1-0 in the nightcap, giving Mexico the group title. The tricolores, South Africa and Jamaica will move onto the quarterfinals this weekend. Here are the matchups (times EDT):

Saturday at Foxboro:
1pm: Honduras vs. Costa Rica
4pm: USA vs. Jamaica

Sunday at Houston:
3pm: Mexico vs. Colombia
6pm: South Africa vs. Panama

The Gold Cup semis and finals will be held at Giants Stadium on July 21st and 24th.

In US Open Cup action last night, three MLS clubs were taken to overtime by lower level competition (one lost), and the Des Moines (IA) Menace from the Premier Development League, an amateur summer league mostly for college kids, beat a team two levels above it to advance to the cup’s fourth round.

Scores (club level: MLS=I)
Portland Timbers (II) 2-0 Seattle Sounders (II) (played on 7/12)
Rochester Rhinos (II) 2-1 Virginia Beach Mariners (II)
Western Mass. Pioneers (III) 1-3 Chicago Fire (I)
Charlotte Eagles (III) 2-3 OT Chivas USA (I)
Atlanta Silverbacks (II) 1-5 Des Moines Menace (IV)
FC Dallas (I) 3-1 OT Wilmington Hammerheads (III)
Minnesota Thunder (II) 6-4 OT Real Salt Lake (I)
Overtime in the USOC is thirty minutes, without a golden goal.

The Richmond Kickers (II) – Ocean City Barons (IV) match was postponed due to lightning and will be played on 7/19.

In the fourth round on August 3rd, eight MLS clubs join the competition. The final will be held on September 28th. Fourth Round matches: (clubs MLS unless noted)
Columbus Crew – FC Dallas
Ocean City (IV)/Richmond (II) – DC United
Minnesota Thunder (II) – Colorado Rapids
Kansas City Wizards – Des Moines Menace (IV)
CD Chivas – LA Galaxy
Rochester Rhinos (II) – MetroStars
New England Revolution – Chicago Fire
Portland Timbers (II) – San Jose Earthquakes

Going for Gold

Landon Donovan vs. Canada (ISI)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Landon Donovan is, as they say, en fuego. His three goals for the US in their CONCACAF Gold Cup wins last week (4-1 vs. Cuba and 2-0 vs. Canada) have pushed the Nats through to the tournament’s quarterfinals. First, though, the US must finish first-round group play vs. Costa Rica in Foxboro this evening. (7pm, Telefutura). The Ticos have also clinched a quarterfinal berth, so both of tonight’s lineups may be highly experimental. Donovan’s three tallies give him 25 all-time, lifting the Redlands, CA product to 3rd place on the career US scoring list behind Hall of Famer Eric Wynalda (34) and elder statesman Brian McBride (28). Considering that Donovan is all of 23 years old, the Galaxy midfielder is destined to hold the top spot. The only question is how soon he’ll get there.

Open Cup-date
Amateur squads Ocean City (NJ) Barons and Des Moines (IA) Menace made big news in the US Open Cup’s second round on June 29th. The Barons knocked off the Long Island Rough Riders, a pro outfit from the USL’s Division Two by a dominating 4-0 scoreline at St. John’s University in Queens. The Menace took an even bigger scalp, defeating the USL’s Division One’s Charleston (SC) Battery 3-2 in Iowa to advance in the knockout tournament. The Cup’s third round will be played tonight and tomorrow, with some MLS clubs finally getting into the act:

Third Round Matches (club level: MLS = I)
Portland Timbers (II) vs. Seattle Sounders (II)
Richmond Kickers (II) vs. Ocean City Barons (IV)
Rochester Rhinos (II) vs. Virginia Beach Mariners (II)
Western Mass Pioneers (III) vs. Chicago Fire (I)
Charlotte Eagles (III) vs. CD Chivas USA (I)
Atlanta Silverbacks (II) vs. Des Moines Menace (IV)
FC Dallas (I) vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (III)
Minnesota Thunder (II) vs. Real Salt Lake (I)

Recent Results
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Group B
July 7th: Cuba 1-4 US
July 9th: US 2-0 Canada

US Open Cup
Second Round: June 29th
Wilimington (NC) Hammerheads (III) 5-0 Roma of Dallas (Amateur)
Western Mass. Pioneers (III) 5-0 Reggae Boys of Indiana (Amateur)
Virginia Beach Mariners (II) 3-0 Richmond Kickers Future (IV)
Ocean City (NJ) Barons (IV) 4-0 Long Island Rough Riders (III)
Des Moines Menace (IV) 3-2 Charleston Battery (II)
El Paso Patriots (IV) 1-4 Charlotte Eagles (III)
Minnesota Thunder (II) 2-1 Chicago Fire Premier (IV)
Seattle Sounders (II) 3-1 Salinas Valley Samba (Amateur)

MLS
Saturday, July 9th
DC United 0-1 Kansas City
Columbus 1-2 San Jose
MetroStars 2-1 LA Galaxy
Chicago 1-0 New England
Chivas USA 5-1 Salt Lake

Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF Gold Cup
x=clinched quarterfinals
Group A
x-Honduras 4, +1
x-Panama 4, +1
Trinidad 2, 0
Colombia 0, -2

Group B
x-USA 6, +5
x-Costa Rica 6, +3
Canada 0, -3
Cuba 0, -5

Group C
Jamaica 4, +1
South Africa 4, +1
Mexico 3, +3
Guatemala 0, -5

MLS Eastern Conference
Chicago 35, +7
New England 32, +14
Kansas City 25, +6
MetroStars 24, +6
DC United 22, +2
Columbus 14, -14

MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 34, +14
San Jose 28, +8
LA Galaxy 25, +1
Colorado 17, -5
Salt Lake 13, -19
Chivas USA 9, -20

This Week’s Matches
Tuesday, July 12th
CONCACAF Gold Cup
US vs. Costa Rica, 7pm TELE

Saturday, July 16th
Chicago vs. Columbus, 4pm, ESPN2
CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, 1pm UNI, 4pm TELE
MetroStars vs. Colorado, 7:30pm, FSC
New England vs. FC Dallas, 7:30pm
Kansas City vs. Salt Lake, 8pm
LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA, 10pm FSC, HDNet

Up For The Cup

The US Open Cup
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. First contested in 1914, the USOC is a single-elimination tournament along the lines of the English FA Cup. The Cup runs concurrently with the MLS and other league seasons, and any team, amateur or professional, can take enter. The competition was named for US soccer pioneer and investor Lamar Hunt in 2002.

While the NASL teams of the 1970’s-80’s never took part in the USOC, MLS teams have participated in the Cup since the league kicked off in 1996. The league has captured all but one Cup title since then, when the 1999 Rochester Rhinos of the USL 1st division upset Colorado 2-0 in the cup final. Since MLS’ inception, Chicago has been the most successful Cup team, with 3 titles (’98, ’00, 03), while DC United (’96), FC Dallas (’97), LA Galaxy (’01), Columbus (’02), and Kansas City (’04), have the others.

This year’s final tournament includes forty-two clubs from MLS, the USL’s 1st and 2nd divisions and its Premier Development League, and the US Amateur Soccer Association. Cup matches are played on Wednesdays, and sixteen clubs are taking in tonight’s second round.

Tonight’s matches (club level, MLS=I):
Wilimington (NC) Hammerheads (III) vs. Roma of Dallas (Amateur)
Western Mass. Pioneers (III) vs. Reggae Boys of Indiana (Amateur)
Virginia Beach Mariners (II) vs. Richmond Kickers Future (IV)
Ocean City (NJ) Barons (IV) vs. Long Island Rough Riders (III)
Des Moines Menace (IV) vs. Charleston Battery (II)
El Paso Patriots (IV) vs. Charlotte Eagles (III)
Minnesota Thunder (II) vs. Chicago Fire Premier (IV)
Seattle Sounders (II) vs. Salinas Valley Samba (Amateur)

Chicago, Dallas, Salt Lake, and Chivas USA enter the cup in the third round on July 13th. The remaining MLS clubs start play in the fourth round on August 3rd. The final will be held on September 28th.

Last Weekend’s Results
Saturday, June 25th
New England 4-2 MetroStars
Kansas City 3-0 Chivas USA
Colorado 1-3 FC Dallas
San Jose 3-0 LA Galaxy

Sunday, June 26th
Chicago 3-1 Salt Lake

Standings (Team, Points, GD)
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 31, +15
Chicago 26, +4
Kansas City 21, +6
MetroStars 20, +5
DC United 19, +3
Columbus 13, -12

MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 33, +14
LA Galaxy 24, +2
San Jose 21, +6
Colorado 14, -5
Salt Lake 12, -15
Chivas USA 6, -23

This Week’s Matches:
Wednesday, June 29th
Kansas City v Columbus, 8pm
Chicago v DC United, 8:30pm
San Jose v Colorado, 10:30pm

Saturday, July 2nd
Columbus v DC United, 7:30pm, FSC, HDNet
FC Dallas v San Jose, 8:30pm
Chivas USA v Chicago, 10pm

Monday, July 4th
Salt Lake v MetroStars
Colorado v Kansas City, HDNet
LA Galaxy v New England, FSC