Enjoy Yourself

Some of you may be too young to remember the period between 1984 and 1996 when (real, outdoor) soccer in this country was an afterthought. Not an “afterthought” in the way it is today, with spotty mentions in the nation’s top newspapers and rare highlights on SportsCenter, but a real afterthought, with no mentions, anywhere, about the sport outside of the World Cup. In the last ten years, the growth of both the internet and 500-channel television universe has helped cultivate a growing and fervent audience of fans of the US game (you, presumably).

Another major factor of that growth of course, is the league. Without MLS, we’d all be following the USL and its microscopic crowds around the US’ second (and third) cities and trying to follow our American heroes on the web & digital channels to judge our chances for the next World Cup. Over the course of the week, there has been a huge amount of negative press about MLS, its playoff system, its television broadcasts, its expansion plans, its stadium designs, its crowd passion, its uniform colors, paint on its fields, its boring matches, and so on and so forth.

To those columnists, posters, and bloggers out there, I say, “take a step back.” Is the league in the place we all want it to be? No. However, imagine what soccer in this country would be without MLS. Would you put the same energy into following teams overseas? Would you follow the Mexican league (shudder?). Would you support your local USL-1, -2, or PDL team with the same passion? Seriously, how would your “sporting” life change? For me, there’d definitely be something missing without MLS and my 2005 MLS Cup Champion MetroStars. I’d miss the friends I’ve made, pubs I’ve visited and the trips I’ve taken around MLS over the past ten years.

Warts and all, MLS has become a big part of my life, and I’m tired of the league getting ripped all time by folks that think they know better. Here’s some advice ahead of this weekend’s playoff matches: just enjoy them. Enjoy them despite the MLS haters out there. Enjoy them, even if your club loses over the weekend. Enjoy them even if the crowd looks sparse on TV. Just have a good time. ‘Cause that what it’s about, right?

Here’s what’s on the most popular networks, with the times ET.

Saturday, Oct. 29
8:00am: EPL: Tottenham-Arsenal, FSC
10:00am: GER: Moenchengladbach-Dortmund, FSC
12noon: EPL: Middlesbrough-Man. United, FSC
12noon: ITA: Sampdora-Inter, GOL
2:30pm: ITA: AC Milan-Juventus, GOL
3:00pm: EPL: Chelsea-Blackburn, FSC
4:30pm: ESP: Real Betis-Real Madrid, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: Atlante- Jaguares, GALA
6:30pm: PER: Bolognesi – Alianza Liam, GOL
8:00pm: MLS: Conf Semis, 2nd leg, New England-MetroStars, FSC, DK
8:00pm: MEX: Chivas – Morelia, TELE
8:30pm: MLS: Conf Semis, 2nd leg, FC Dallas-Colorado, DK
8:30pm: COL: America Cali – Independiente Santa Fe, GOL
10:00pm: MLS: Conf Semis, 2nd leg, San Jose-Los Angeles, FSC, DK, HD Net
10:00pm: MEX: Necaxa-Pachuca, GALA
12mid: MEX: Tigres – Toluca, GALA

Sunday, Oct. 30
9:00am: ITA: Lecce-Messina, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Fiorentina-Cagliari, GOL
11:00am: ESP: Valenica – Racing Santander, GOL
1:00pm: URU: Rentistas-Penarol, GOL
1:00pm: MEX: Pumas-America, UNI
1:30pm: EPL: Charlton-Bolton, FSC
3:00pm: FRA: Auxerre-Paris St. Germain, FSC
3:00pm: ESP: Atletico Madrid-Villreal, GOL
3:00pm: MEX: San Luis – Monterrey, GALA
4:30pm: MLS: Conf Semis, 2nd leg, DC United – Chicago, ESPN2
5:00pm: ITA: Treviso-Siena, FSC
5:30pm: COL: Independiente Medellin – Atletico Nacional, GOL
7:30pm: ELS: LA Firpo – Isidro Metapan, GOL
9:30pm: BRA: Corinthians- Vasco de Gama, GOL
11:00pm: ARG: Rosario Central – River Plate, FSC

Yay! Matchtracker!

So US Soccer decides to hastily arrange a friendly with the Scots. I’m all for that. As of today, however, the match will take place the day before the MLS Cup, deflecting attention and possibly key players away from the MLS final, and will only be available on Matchtracker! Way to go!

The last time the two teams met was on May 30th, 1998 at RFK stadium as the sendoff match before the World Cup in France that year. It was played as a doubleheader with the women’s team, which demolished New Zealand in the opener. I was there, along with two pals in a big Sam’s Army section, and the only thing I can remember about the MNT’s scoreless draw with the Scots was the oppressive pre-summer heat. Tough to stand for four hours behind the goal on the day, that’s for sure.

Il Bruce
The Bruce was at the Swamp on Saturday, presumably a lot warmer and drier than me and the ESC as the Metro Boys continued their unbeaten streak under coach MoJo (Yeah, baby!). Arena told the Star’s Ledger’s Frank Giase how tough MLS coaches have it, especially in comparison to front-office types. He’s got a point there. Brucie also inferred that he won’t be around after next summer in Germany. He seemed downright ornery in Jack Bell’s column regarding getting a seed in Deutschland, MLS parity, and Bob Bradley’s future. Geez, pal, lighten up a bit!

Gack!
Last season, Columbus sped into the MLS Cup playoffs as the top seed in the East and on an 18-match unbeaten streak, only to be quickly dispatched in the first round by New England. History could repeat itself this Saturday in Foxboro, with the Revs on the short end if the young Metro defense can play like it did in NJ. Huge ups to Jason Hernandez and Seth Stammler for their efforts in containing the high-powered Rev offense, which was 2nd best in the MLS regular season. Although MoJo’s job is on the line, the Metro is playing with house money, and hopefully will get a result in the half-melon that is Gillette. I feel sorry for Rev fans that have to stare at a blue tarp the whole game. They deserve better, though most MLS fans were staring at empty seats in all four matches this weekend.

DC has to feel good about their chances at home vs. Chicago on Sunday. I see a 2-0 victory. Boy, did the Quakes take it on the chin vs. LA. San Jose has history on its side, though, and look for Dwayne De to be the deciding factor at Spartan. Quakes, 3-2 on aggregate after extra time. I have no feeling whatsoever about the Dallas-Colorado matchup. In my eyes, neither of these teams have much to offer, though if FC Cows make it to the final, I guess they’ll guarantee only 3,000 empty seats at the Deep Dish for MLS Cup. I keed! I keed!

RIP, Wellington Mara.

Kill Your Television

No, wait! Don't do that! Not with the MLS Cup Playoffs & so much other soccer to see on the tube this weekend. Enjoy, people... all times ET:

Friday, Oct. 21st
9:00pm: MLS: Quarterfinal, 1st leg Chicago-DC United: HDNet, DK

Saturday, Oct. 22nd
7:30am: EPL: Blackburn-Birmingham, FSC
10:00am: GER: Hertha Berlin-Mainz, FSC
12noon: EPL: Portsmouth-Charlton, FSC
12noon: ITA: Messina-Ascoli, RAI
2:00pm: URU: Nacional-River Plate, GOL
2:30pm: ITA: Fiorentina-Parma, RAI
3:00pm: EPL: Arsenal- Manchester City, FSC
4:00pm: MEX: Toluca-Atlante, GALA
4:00pm: ESP: Barcelona – Osasuna, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: Monterrey-Necaxa, GALA
6:30pm: BRA: Sao Paulo-Santo, GOL
7:00pm: MLS: Quarterfinal, 1st leg MetroStars-New England, DK, FSC
8:30pm: COL: Ind. Santa Fe- Junior, GOL
9:00pm: MLS: Quarterfinal, 1st leg Colorado-FC Dallas, DK, FSC
10:00pm: MEX: Atlas-Dorados, TELE
10:30pm: PER: Sporting Cristal – San Martin, GOL

Sunday, Oct. 23
8:00am: ITA: AC Milan-Palermo, RAI
9:00am: ITA: Lecce-Juventus, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Villareal-Mallorca, GOL
1:00pm: USA: WNT- Mexico, ESPN2
1:00pm: EPL: Newcastle-Sunderland, FSC
1:00pm: ESP: Racing-Atletico Madrid, GOL
2:30pm: ITA: Roma-Lazio, RAI
3:00pm: MLS: Quarterfinals, 1st leg LA Galaxy-San Jose, ESPN2
3:00pm: FRA: Auxerre-Paris SG, FSC
5:00pm: ITA: Treviso-Empoli, FSC
5:00pm: BOL: The Strongest-Bolivar, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: America-Veracruz, TELE
7:00pm: COL: Nacional-Pereira, GOL
9:30pm: ITA: Udinese-Inter Milan, GOL

Just Enough

Happy Metro Men (MLS/Wireimage.com)
Originally uploaded by mr fish.

How many times did Tony Meola stand on his head? How loud was Mo Johnston screaming in the locker room at halftime? After watching the MetroStars fight through a game Chivas side and their own tendency to self destruct, it was evident that the answers to above the questions were “just enough.” Wee Bradley picked an ideal time for to open his MLS goal scoring account, but the undisputed star of the Metros’ 2-0 win at Chivas USA Sunday was home-town boy Meola, whose stellar effort in goal pushed his team to the MLS Cup playoffs and eliminated his former KC Wizards club. There was much grumbling amongst the Metro “faithful” (a loose term) when the 36-yr keeper returned to the Jersey side earlier this season, and some soft goals allowed down the stretch did little to endear Meola to the Metro fans, but after yesterday’s performance, all is forgiven. All hail Tony the Tiger!

No Magic
While Metro-land is all aglow today dreaming of an upset playoff victory over New England, the fans of “City,” as Derek Rae used to refer to the Wizards, must be utterly despondent. Blame for missing the playoffs can’t be directed at the Wiz’s result at the PHP on Saturday, however. KC hasn’t won a game since August 19th vs. Chicago – an eight-match winless streak (0-4-4) to end the regular season. With a dreary performance on the field and at the gate (9,961 avg. home attendance, last in MLS), and a “for sale” sign still hanging on the door, things look bleak for the franchise as a whole. Here’s to hoping things are brighter for the Wizards in 2006.

Bracketology: Semis Week 1
Now to the eight clubs that will be fighting it out for the silver Rothie. In the East, DC took the season series vs. Chicago (2-1-1), but the two haven’t faced each other since August 6th. In that match at Soldier Field, DC took a 3-0 lead on goals by Carroll, Kovalenko, and Moreno and hung on to for a 3-2 win. I see a similar result this weekend.

The Metro are surely riding high, but the Revs had a sharp outing vs. Chicago last week and should be in good form. The Metros, on the other hand, will just be happy to be playing. I say 2-1 Revs on an 89th minute goal by Clint Dempsey.

Out West, the playoff-style California Classico will continue in the Quakes’ favor. San Jose took the season series over LA by a 3-1 margin (3-2 if you count the USOC). On the road at the HDC, the Quakes will "Ching-Chung-tonight" their way to a 2-1 win.

Nobody’s really talking about Colorado, but the Rapids haven’t lost a match since September 17th, going 4-0-2 to finish the regular season. Yes, they’ve been playing mostly the expansion clubs for the last few weeks, but matches over inferior opponents build confidence, something Dallas is surely lacking after blowing a win in injury time on Saturday vs. KC. I feel a 2-0 Rapids win at Invesco, with MOT Dedi Ben Dayan and Jeff Cunnigham the goal scorers.

Down to the Wire

There’s so much about MLS to complain about. A quick visit to the BigSoccer N&A board will bring some salient topics to mind. However, with such a meaningful game at hand Saturday night in Dallas, it truly is a shame that TV coverage can’t be pulled together for the match. Surely there’s a few grand sitting in Don Garber’s petty cash account to get three high-quality cameras to the Deep Dish for an internet video broadcast. Announcers aren’t even needed (many fans would welcome the change, I suspect.) Hopefully the Hoops will give life to the Metros' playoff aspirations by dispatching the Wiz, and hopefully the Metros won’t be too distracted by the, um, talents of Chivagirl Adriana (pictured) to deliver the Metro Nation into a two-match playoff series with New England. The Revs, on a 1-2-2 slide, may be vulnerable come playoff time.

For your viewing pleasure... here are this weekend's TV highlights:

SATURDAY, Oct. 15
7:30am: EPL: Wigan-Newcastle, FSC
10:00am: GER: Stuttgart – Moenchengladbach, FSC
12noon: EPL: Chelsea - Bolton, FSC
12noon: ITA: Siena – Udinese, RAI
2:30pm: ITA: Juventus – Messina, RAI
3:00pm: ESP: Dep. La Coruna – Barcelona, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: Atlante – UAG, GALA
7:30pm: MLS: New England-Chicago, DK
7:30pm: MLS: DC United - Columbus, DK
7:30pm: MLS: Los Angeles – San Jose, FSC, DK
8:00pm: MEX: Chivas –Morelia, TELE
8:30pm: COL: Real Cartegena – America de Cali, GOL
10:00pm: MEX: Necaxa – Cruz Azul, TELE
12mid: MEX: Tigres-Atlas, GALA

SUNDAY, Oct. 16
9:00am: ITA: Lazio – Fiorentina, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Inter Milan – Livorno, GOL
11:00am: ITA: Caglari – AC Milan, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Osasuna – Celta de Vigo, GOL
1:00pm: EPL: Birmingham – Aston Villa, FSC
1:00pm: MEX: Unam – Toluca, UNI
3:00pm: ARG: River Plate – Boca Juniors, FSC (The SuperClasico!)
3:00pm: MEX: San Luis – Veracruz, GALA
4:00pm: MLS: Chivas USA – MetroStars, ESPN2
5:00pm: FRA: Lyon – Ajaccio, FSC
6:00pm: USA: Women’s NT – Australia, ESPN2
9:30pm: BRA: Palmeiras – Corinthians, GOL

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
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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
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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