Don't Want To Mess Up That Chemistry.

Well that was fun.

Some questions I have concerning whatever the hell that was:
1.) Why is Evans starting over a healthy Moffat?

So the thing I have noticied missing from the Crew's midfield lately is Moffat. I never really say to myself, "boy, you know what we need right now? A little Brad Evans." However, apparently Sigi does as he hasn't gotten over Evans goal from four weeks ago. Yeah I hate to say this, that's his good play of the year.

I'm sorry, I can't fathom a reason behind Evans starting in Moffat's place tonight? Moffat always was good earlier in the season and looked good in the midfield playing 90 minutes on Tuesday against RSL. So, your guess is as good as mine on why Evans gets the start?

2.) Ezra will start every game for the Crew the rest of the year.

Mark it down. Can't get rid of the guy. Sigi just has his favorites in guys like Ezra and Evans. Doesn't matter if we lose, as long as they play and play often.

I don't get it though. Why not give a 22 year old guy who had an excellent game on Tuesday in Junge a shot at left back. He has to have more speed, versality, and more of everything over Ezra, plus he has a left foot which is helpful.

3.) Gaven is getting a free ride just for being associated with the team that won six games.

Nickname him Casper the Friendly Ghost. Never gets stuck in, never fouls, never has the ball, never does anything attacking, when he does he'll miss goal because he has no confidence, doesn't exist.

Just telling the truth.

Psst. You have this guy named Ekpo who can at least give you something offensively. But,

4.) If you can't bunker for 100% percent of the game and spring for that one counterattack opportunity, your a sub at best on this team. Don't want to mess with that bunker ball chemistry.

And, what we have done the last three games is we have played scared bunker ball. We have gone for the ties on the road. The not wanting to give up the first goal. But, instead we invite the other team to dictate the pace of the game and have all the possession in the process.

I wasn't a bit surprised when Chivas scored first. It was as predictable as our gameplan. Or James Gandolfini going for the Capicola.

5.) Where has Moreno gone?

Hate to break it to Bliss and Sigi but adding a DP striker now isn't going to mess up team chemistry. It will do the opposite. It will help to improve team depth and give us another good striking option up top.

And, surprise, surprise strikers go through their ebbs and flows, and Moreno is ebbing at the moment. Since Moreno is ebbing it puts us in a bind since we have zero other strikers. And, what are we going to do if this ebb continues the rest of the summer. Probably stay at 19 points?

Well, maybe Ben Winkler will get a shot. Or maybe Ricardo Pierre Louis will tear it up when he joins in the last week of the season. I just think Moreno is getting frustrated alone up top and needs a strike partner.

Plus, you will be shocked. Most teams play with two strikers. I know, crazy right? And, don't get me wrong, I love Moreno. But, he just isn't on now. I think he plays better with shorter hair, not even kidding. When he grows it out, it slows him down.

6.) Don't be afraid of changing things, especially when your losing.

Teams have caught on to the Crew's secret counterattacking gameplan or they stole our mojo or whatever and are shutting us down. Ezra, Evans, and Gaven barely worked when we are winning. And, now we are losing and we are still afraid to change things up because it will mess up the chemistry. What chemistry?

Introduce someone new at left back like Junge.
Play Ekpo for Gaven.
Play Moffat for Evans.
And, somehow find a way not to make Moreno an island. If that means playing with two strikers, then so be it. One has to wonder why we are still paying guys like Garey, Hernandez, and So?

7.) Not sure if that Danny O'Rourke experiment is working out so well. But, what other option do we have? Iro must not be the player we expected him to be when we drafted him. Or he would be playing already.

However, anything is better then Ezra. "ABTE's," for short. Want more cool sayings? Next time your at the post office say, "I want to Gaven this," instead of, "I want to mail this in."

But, who am I kidding Ezra will be in middle of the defense next week. Because Iro isn't up to that high level of sucking (great guy doesn't always make a great footballer). And, I'm not trying to be mean. I think Ezra is a good person and filled in well for a while (I defended him last weekend on the podcast and it's not his fault he is getting selected each week at left back.) But, I didn't know it would go on for this long term. And, it's just he's 36 and the slowest man alive, it's time to hang them up or go to Australia.

8.) A lot of teams change things up week to week. Just look at Liverpool. We could use a little more rotation and a couple starters deserve time on the bench. And, if Ezra, Gaven, and Evans start next week I will be at a loss for the smarts of our coach.

Because they are just not simply good enough and we have better options on the bench.

If Sigi needs help, here is your lineup next week:
-----------------Hesmer---------------------
Hejduk---Marshall---Iro------Junge/Zayner
------------------Carroll---------------------
Ekpo-------------Moffat--------------Rogers
----------Moreno---------Lenhart-----------

Mise well experiment and see what we have against San Jose. It's not like having Evans, Gaven, and Ezra on is going to make much of a difference. And, really all of Sigi's substitutions on Saturday should have started before the kickoff, not in the second half.

9.) And, GBS stunk tonight too, so sit him for a game(I know that the apocolypse will probably happen first) but let's go with two strikers. Let's mix things up and give Ekpo, Iro, a new left back since Padula will be ready in August, and Lenhart a start. Seems like that Open Cup hybrid worked better anyways.

10.) Oh and when you win in the new jerseys, you don't go back to the old jerseys that you lost in. It seems like the all yellow kits are losing their zip just like the players who happen to be filling them.

Read More

Don't Want To Mess Up That Chemistry.

Well that was fun.

Some questions I have concerning whatever the hell that was:
1.) Why is Evans starting over a healthy Moffat?

So the thing I have noticied missing from the Crew's midfield lately is Moffat. I never really say to myself, "boy, you know what we need right now? A little Brad Evans." However, apparently Sigi does as he hasn't gotten over Evans goal from four weeks ago. Yeah I hate to say this, that's his good play of the year.

I'm sorry, I can't fathom a reason behind Evans starting in Moffat's place tonight? Moffat always was good earlier in the season and looked good in the midfield playing 90 minutes on Tuesday against RSL. So, your guess is as good as mine on why Evans gets the start?

2.) Ezra will start every game for the Crew the rest of the year.

Mark it down. Can't get rid of the guy. Sigi just has his favorites in guys like Ezra and Evans. Doesn't matter if we lose, as long as they play and play often.

I don't get it though. Why not give a 22 year old guy who had an excellent game on Tuesday in Junge a shot at left back. He has to have more speed, versality, and more of everything over Ezra, plus he has a left foot which is helpful.

3.) Gaven is getting a free ride just for being associated with the team that won six games.

Nickname him Casper the Friendly Ghost. Never gets stuck in, never fouls, never has the ball, never does anything attacking, when he does he'll miss goal because he has no confidence, doesn't exist.

Just telling the truth.

Psst. You have this guy named Ekpo who can at least give you something offensively. But,

4.) If you can't bunker for 100% percent of the game and spring for that one counterattack opportunity, your a sub at best on this team. Don't want to mess with that bunker ball chemistry.

And, what we have done the last three games is we have played scared bunker ball. We have gone for the ties on the road. The not wanting to give up the first goal. But, instead we invite the other team to dictate the pace of the game and have all the possession in the process.

I wasn't a bit surprised when Chivas scored first. It was as predictable as our gameplan. Or James Gandolfini going for the Capicola.

5.) Where has Moreno gone?

Hate to break it to Bliss and Sigi but adding a DP striker now isn't going to mess up team chemistry. It will do the opposite. It will help to improve team depth and give us another good striking option up top.

And, surprise, surprise strikers go through their ebbs and flows, and Moreno is ebbing at the moment. Since Moreno is ebbing it puts us in a bind since we have zero other strikers. And, what are we going to do if this ebb continues the rest of the summer. Probably stay at 19 points?

Well, maybe Ben Winkler will get a shot. Or maybe Ricardo Pierre Louis will tear it up when he joins in the last week of the season. I just think Moreno is getting frustrated alone up top and needs a strike partner.

Plus, you will be shocked. Most teams play with two strikers. I know, crazy right? And, don't get me wrong, I love Moreno. But, he just isn't on now. I think he plays better with shorter hair, not even kidding. When he grows it out, it slows him down.

6.) Don't be afraid of changing things, especially when your losing.

Teams have caught on to the Crew's secret counterattacking gameplan or they stole our mojo or whatever and are shutting us down. Ezra, Evans, and Gaven barely worked when we are winning. And, now we are losing and we are still afraid to change things up because it will mess up the chemistry. What chemistry?

Introduce someone new at left back like Junge.
Play Ekpo for Gaven.
Play Moffat for Evans.
And, somehow find a way not to make Moreno an island. If that means playing with two strikers, then so be it. One has to wonder why we are still paying guys like Garey, Hernandez, and So?

7.) Not sure if that Danny O'Rourke experiment is working out so well. But, what other option do we have? Iro must not be the player we expected him to be when we drafted him. Or he would be playing already.

However, anything is better then Ezra. "ABTE's," for short. Want more cool sayings? Next time your at the post office say, "I want to Gaven this," instead of, "I want to mail this in."

But, who am I kidding Ezra will be in middle of the defense next week. Because Iro isn't up to that high level of sucking (great guy doesn't always make a great footballer). And, I'm not trying to be mean. I think Ezra is a good person and filled in well for a while (I defended him last weekend on the podcast and it's not his fault he is getting selected each week at left back.) But, I didn't know it would go on for this long term. And, it's just he's 36 and the slowest man alive, it's time to hang them up or go to Australia.

8.) A lot of teams change things up week to week. Just look at Liverpool. We could use a little more rotation and a couple starters deserve time on the bench. And, if Ezra, Gaven, and Evans start next week I will be at a loss for the smarts of our coach.

Because they are just not simply good enough and we have better options on the bench.

If Sigi needs help, here is your lineup next week:
-----------------Hesmer---------------------
Hejduk---Marshall---Iro------Junge/Zayner
------------------Carroll---------------------
Ekpo-------------Moffat--------------Rogers
----------Moreno---------Lenhart-----------

Mise well experiment and see what we have against San Jose. It's not like having Evans, Gaven, and Ezra on is going to make much of a difference. And, really all of Sigi's substitutions on Saturday should have started before the kickoff, not in the second half.

9.) And, GBS stunk tonight too, so sit him for a game(I know that the apocolypse will probably happen first) but let's go with two strikers. Let's mix things up and give Ekpo, Iro, a new left back since Padula will be ready in August, and Lenhart a start. Seems like that Open Cup hybrid worked better anyways.

10.) Oh and when you win in the new jerseys, you don't go back to the old jerseys that you lost in. It seems like the all yellow kits are losing their zip just like the players who happen to be filling them.

Read More

Don't Want To Mess Up That Chemistry.

Well that was fun.

Some questions I have concerning whatever the hell that was:
1.) Why is Evans starting over a healthy Moffat?

So the thing I have noticied missing from the Crew's midfield lately is Moffat. I never really say to myself, "boy, you know what we need right now? A little Brad Evans." However, apparently Sigi does as he hasn't gotten over Evans goal from four weeks ago. Yeah I hate to say this, that's his good play of the year.

I'm sorry, I can't fathom a reason behind Evans starting in Moffat's place tonight? Moffat always was good earlier in the season and looked good in the midfield playing 90 minutes on Tuesday against RSL. So, your guess is as good as mine on why Evans gets the start?

2.) Ezra will start every game for the Crew the rest of the year.

Mark it down. Can't get rid of the guy. Sigi just has his favorites in guys like Ezra and Evans. Doesn't matter if we lose, as long as they play and play often.

I don't get it though. Why not give a 22 year old guy who had an excellent game on Tuesday in Junge a shot at left back. He has to have more speed, versality, and more of everything over Ezra, plus he has a left foot which is helpful.

3.) Gaven is getting a free ride just for being associated with the team that won six games.

Nickname him Casper the Friendly Ghost. Never gets stuck in, never fouls, never has the ball, never does anything attacking, when he does he'll miss goal because he has no confidence, doesn't exist.

Just telling the truth.

Psst. You have this guy named Ekpo who can at least give you something offensively. But,

4.) If you can't bunker for 100% percent of the game and spring for that one counterattack opportunity, your a sub at best on this team. Don't want to mess with that bunker ball chemistry.

And, what we have done the last three games is we have played scared bunker ball. We have gone for the ties on the road. The not wanting to give up the first goal. But, instead we invite the other team to dictate the pace of the game and have all the possession in the process.

I wasn't a bit surprised when Chivas scored first. It was as predictable as our gameplan. Or James Gandolfini going for the Capicola.

5.) Where has Moreno gone?

Hate to break it to Bliss and Sigi but adding a DP striker now isn't going to mess up team chemistry. It will do the opposite. It will help to improve team depth and give us another good striking option up top.

And, surprise, surprise strikers go through their ebbs and flows, and Moreno is ebbing at the moment. Since Moreno is ebbing it puts us in a bind since we have zero other strikers. And, what are we going to do if this ebb continues the rest of the summer. Probably stay at 19 points?

Well, maybe Ben Winkler will get a shot. Or maybe Ricardo Pierre Louis will tear it up when he joins in the last week of the season. I just think Moreno is getting frustrated alone up top and needs a strike partner.

Plus, you will be shocked. Most teams play with two strikers. I know, crazy right? And, don't get me wrong, I love Moreno. But, he just isn't on now. I think he plays better with shorter hair, not even kidding. When he grows it out, it slows him down.

6.) Don't be afraid of changing things, especially when your losing.

Teams have caught on to the Crew's secret counterattacking gameplan or they stole our mojo or whatever and are shutting us down. Ezra, Evans, and Gaven barely worked when we are winning. And, now we are losing and we are still afraid to change things up because it will mess up the chemistry. What chemistry?

Introduce someone new at left back like Junge.
Play Ekpo for Gaven.
Play Moffat for Evans.
And, somehow find a way not to make Moreno an island. If that means playing with two strikers, then so be it. One has to wonder why we are still paying guys like Garey, Hernandez, and So?

7.) Not sure if that Danny O'Rourke experiment is working out so well. But, what other option do we have? Iro must not be the player we expected him to be when we drafted him. Or he would be playing already.

However, anything is better then Ezra. "ABTE's," for short. Want more cool sayings? Next time your at the post office say, "I want to Gaven this," instead of, "I want to mail this in."

But, who am I kidding Ezra will be in middle of the defense next week. Because Iro isn't up to that high level of sucking (great guy doesn't always make a great footballer). And, I'm not trying to be mean. I think Ezra is a good person and filled in well for a while (I defended him last weekend on the podcast and it's not his fault he is getting selected each week at left back.) But, I didn't know it would go on for this long term. And, it's just he's 36 and the slowest man alive, it's time to hang them up or go to Australia.

8.) A lot of teams change things up week to week. Just look at Liverpool. We could use a little more rotation and a couple starters deserve time on the bench. And, if Ezra, Gaven, and Evans start next week I will be at a loss for the smarts of our coach.

Because they are just not simply good enough and we have better options on the bench.

If Sigi needs help, here is your lineup next week:
-----------------Hesmer---------------------
Hejduk---Marshall---Iro------Junge/Zayner
------------------Carroll---------------------
Ekpo-------------Moffat--------------Rogers
----------Moreno---------Lenhart-----------

Mise well experiment and see what we have against San Jose. It's not like having Evans, Gaven, and Ezra on is going to make much of a difference. And, really all of Sigi's substitutions on Saturday should have started before the kickoff, not in the second half.

9.) And, GBS stunk tonight too, so sit him for a game(I know that the apocolypse will probably happen first) but let's go with two strikers. Let's mix things up and give Ekpo, Iro, a new left back since Padula will be ready in August, and Lenhart a start. Seems like that Open Cup hybrid worked better anyways.

10.) Oh and when you win in the new jerseys, you don't go back to the old jerseys that you lost in. It seems like the all yellow kits are losing their zip just like the players who happen to be filling them.

Read More

Possibly The Worst Highlight Video Ever Made.

Crew-RSL Open Cup Video Highlights.

Filming credits go to Steven Lenhart's little cousin, Jimmy Lenhart.


Btw, that song is horrible.

Read More

Possibly The Worst Highlight Video Ever Made.

Crew-RSL Open Cup Video Highlights.

Filming credits go to Steven Lenhart's little cousin, Jimmy Lenhart.


Btw, that song is horrible.

Read More

Possibly The Worst Highlight Video Ever Made.

Crew-RSL Open Cup Video Highlights.

Filming credits go to Steven Lenhart's little cousin, Jimmy Lenhart.


Btw, that song is horrible.

Read More

Independiente, West Ham, and Peoria

Usually I can't get enough into the summer friendlies or the Open Cup to drive from Pennsylvania. But, I must say that I'm intrigued by all three of these non-season matchups this year.

The Crew with their 2-0 win over RSL, have received the privelege to play here on June 10th.


Against Blanco and the Fire. Peoria is really lucking out with this matchup and it seems that some Crew fans are talking about going. If I can save up enough money maybe I'll ride with a few others.

I'm really interested in this matchup because I would like to see a good Open Cup campaign in honor of Lamar Hunt. We haven't had a good run in that competition for a while.

Then the Crew play Independiente on July 9th.


Independiente finished 9th last year. They have some fierce fans.



Hopefully we can convert one of these Argentinians over to the Crew as our next GBS. Anyways, expect Guillermo to play well in this game as he always seems to excel over his Argentinian brothers.

I would also like to see our team play our starters in both games just to see how good we possibly are on an international level. Because I think we could surprise both West Ham and Independiente.

Talking about West Ham, the Crew play West Ham on July 20th.


The Hammers finished a respectable 10th in the EPL last year and have players like Ljunberg, Boa Morte, Bellamy, and Niell on their team.

All three matchups should be interesting affairs and I'm hoping to make one, if not two of these three contests.

Go Crew!

Read More

Independiente, West Ham, and Peoria

Usually I can't get enough into the summer friendlies or the Open Cup to drive from Pennsylvania. But, I must say that I'm intrigued by all three of these non-season matchups this year.

The Crew with their 2-0 win over RSL, have received the privelege to play here on June 10th.


Against Blanco and the Fire. Peoria is really lucking out with this matchup and it seems that some Crew fans are talking about going. If I can save up enough money maybe I'll ride with a few others.

I'm really interested in this matchup because I would like to see a good Open Cup campaign in honor of Lamar Hunt. We haven't had a good run in that competition for a while.

Then the Crew play Independiente on July 9th.


Independiente finished 9th last year. They have some fierce fans.



Hopefully we can convert one of these Argentinians over to the Crew as our next GBS. Anyways, expect Guillermo to play well in this game as he always seems to excel over his Argentinian brothers.

I would also like to see our team play our starters in both games just to see how good we possibly are on an international level. Because I think we could surprise both West Ham and Independiente.

Talking about West Ham, the Crew play West Ham on July 20th.


The Hammers finished a respectable 10th in the EPL last year and have players like Ljunberg, Boa Morte, Bellamy, and Niell on their team.

All three matchups should be interesting affairs and I'm hoping to make one, if not two of these three contests.

Go Crew!

Read More

Independiente, West Ham, and Peoria

Usually I can't get enough into the summer friendlies or the Open Cup to drive from Pennsylvania. But, I must say that I'm intrigued by all three of these non-season matchups this year.

The Crew with their 2-0 win over RSL, have received the privelege to play here on June 10th.


Against Blanco and the Fire. Peoria is really lucking out with this matchup and it seems that some Crew fans are talking about going. If I can save up enough money maybe I'll ride with a few others.

I'm really interested in this matchup because I would like to see a good Open Cup campaign in honor of Lamar Hunt. We haven't had a good run in that competition for a while.

Then the Crew play Independiente on July 9th.


Independiente finished 9th last year. They have some fierce fans.



Hopefully we can convert one of these Argentinians over to the Crew as our next GBS. Anyways, expect Guillermo to play well in this game as he always seems to excel over his Argentinian brothers.

I would also like to see our team play our starters in both games just to see how good we possibly are on an international level. Because I think we could surprise both West Ham and Independiente.

Talking about West Ham, the Crew play West Ham on July 20th.


The Hammers finished a respectable 10th in the EPL last year and have players like Ljunberg, Boa Morte, Bellamy, and Niell on their team.

All three matchups should be interesting affairs and I'm hoping to make one, if not two of these three contests.

Go Crew!

Read More

Smitty's Silly Match Preview - Game 10: @ Chivas

The Crew are coming off a long week. Nevermind anything else that might have gone on surrounding the team, when you have 3 games in 7 days, and one of those games is on the other sides of the country, it can be more taxing than the California Legislature.

Fortunately, the Crew get to head to beautiful shores of California to take on the Cheevus Goats, a team we've already beaten once this year.

CHIVAS USA


What You Need To Know: After their last meeting, not only does Robbie Rogers own Brad Guzan, he also own's Guzan's house, car, and collection of Barbies. If the last game were an episode of "Pinks", Robbie ran in the low 9's while Guzan's vehicle smoked and sputtered before throwing a rod.

New Additions: Is it just me, or do a few of the ChivaGirls appear to have gotten...um..."enhanced"?



Also, in completely unrelated news, the Chivas Youth Soccer Academy is suffering a shortage of size 3 balls.

Biggest Holes to Fill: Here are all of the contract players who are OUT for this Saturday's game:

- Jonathan Bornstein
- Alecko Eskandarian
- Maykel Galindo
- Lawson Vaughn
- Raphael Wicky
- Alex Zotinca

Not "Probable," or "Doubtful," or "Questionable." OUT. Not playing. Add in the fact that Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas are both listed as "Questionable," and the Crew are going to be playing a bunch of backups. So, I would guess there are some holes to fill this weekend.

2008 Prediction: Chivas wasn't that good to start off, but then again, the West is terrible. Look for a Superclassico Western Conference Final, with both L.A. teams in the mix.

Match Preview here.

Game Prediction: The Crew get back off the losing train, and get back 3 points on the road to make up for the 3 they lost at home last week. Goals by Robbie Rogers, Adam Moffat, and Chad Marshall. Chivas goal by Sasha Kljestan. Crew win 3-1.

Read More

Smitty's Silly Match Preview - Game 10: @ Chivas

The Crew are coming off a long week. Nevermind anything else that might have gone on surrounding the team, when you have 3 games in 7 days, and one of those games is on the other sides of the country, it can be more taxing than the California Legislature.

Fortunately, the Crew get to head to beautiful shores of California to take on the Cheevus Goats, a team we've already beaten once this year.

CHIVAS USA


What You Need To Know: After their last meeting, not only does Robbie Rogers own Brad Guzan, he also own's Guzan's house, car, and collection of Barbies. If the last game were an episode of "Pinks", Robbie ran in the low 9's while Guzan's vehicle smoked and sputtered before throwing a rod.

New Additions: Is it just me, or do a few of the ChivaGirls appear to have gotten...um..."enhanced"?



Also, in completely unrelated news, the Chivas Youth Soccer Academy is suffering a shortage of size 3 balls.

Biggest Holes to Fill: Here are all of the contract players who are OUT for this Saturday's game:

- Jonathan Bornstein
- Alecko Eskandarian
- Maykel Galindo
- Lawson Vaughn
- Raphael Wicky
- Alex Zotinca

Not "Probable," or "Doubtful," or "Questionable." OUT. Not playing. Add in the fact that Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas are both listed as "Questionable," and the Crew are going to be playing a bunch of backups. So, I would guess there are some holes to fill this weekend.

2008 Prediction: Chivas wasn't that good to start off, but then again, the West is terrible. Look for a Superclassico Western Conference Final, with both L.A. teams in the mix.

Match Preview here.

Game Prediction: The Crew get back off the losing train, and get back 3 points on the road to make up for the 3 they lost at home last week. Goals by Robbie Rogers, Adam Moffat, and Chad Marshall. Chivas goal by Sasha Kljestan. Crew win 3-1.

Read More

Smitty's Silly Match Preview - Game 10: @ Chivas

The Crew are coming off a long week. Nevermind anything else that might have gone on surrounding the team, when you have 3 games in 7 days, and one of those games is on the other sides of the country, it can be more taxing than the California Legislature.

Fortunately, the Crew get to head to beautiful shores of California to take on the Cheevus Goats, a team we've already beaten once this year.

CHIVAS USA


What You Need To Know: After their last meeting, not only does Robbie Rogers own Brad Guzan, he also own's Guzan's house, car, and collection of Barbies. If the last game were an episode of "Pinks", Robbie ran in the low 9's while Guzan's vehicle smoked and sputtered before throwing a rod.

New Additions: Is it just me, or do a few of the ChivaGirls appear to have gotten...um..."enhanced"?



Also, in completely unrelated news, the Chivas Youth Soccer Academy is suffering a shortage of size 3 balls.

Biggest Holes to Fill: Here are all of the contract players who are OUT for this Saturday's game:

- Jonathan Bornstein
- Alecko Eskandarian
- Maykel Galindo
- Lawson Vaughn
- Raphael Wicky
- Alex Zotinca

Not "Probable," or "Doubtful," or "Questionable." OUT. Not playing. Add in the fact that Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas are both listed as "Questionable," and the Crew are going to be playing a bunch of backups. So, I would guess there are some holes to fill this weekend.

2008 Prediction: Chivas wasn't that good to start off, but then again, the West is terrible. Look for a Superclassico Western Conference Final, with both L.A. teams in the mix.

Match Preview here.

Game Prediction: The Crew get back off the losing train, and get back 3 points on the road to make up for the 3 they lost at home last week. Goals by Robbie Rogers, Adam Moffat, and Chad Marshall. Chivas goal by Sasha Kljestan. Crew win 3-1.

Read More

Past, Present, and Crewture Tense...I Told You So!

By Smitty




On October 16th of 2007, on a Big Soccer thread entitled "Wishful Thinking" on the Crew forum, I posted the following comments in response to the idea of the Crew's ability to obtain Riquelme as our Designated Player:

Since we're in the wishful thinking category, what about German Denis? Here are the basics:

15 goals in the 13 games so far in the Apertura this year playing for Independiente. Also, he just got a call up to the Argentine National team.


(Note: This isn't the original vid I posted, as the one I used has been removed. Still, here are all 18 goals he ended up scoring last season.)

His Wikipedia page for further info...

Normally, I would say he's out of our league. But...
-He's 26, so he's not "old", but not a young prodigy. Could be a Juan Pablo Angel type player.
- He's already done the Europe thing.
- We have GBS, and thus, maybe, an "in".

Plus, he's a "German", so Sigi wouldn't have any problems...

The Crew have made no announcements regarding signing this player. BUT today they annouced the team we are playing in our first exhibition match. Yeah, it's none other than Independiente, a legendary club in South America. More importantly, it's the home of one German Denis.

Now consider that Brian Bliss just got on a plane today headed to "Brazil" (suuuuure...) to scout some players. Make no bones about it, I know what I'm talking about. Here's my step-by-step prediction of what's going to happen:

1. Bliss is putting up a smoke screen about Brazil. He'll make one or two stops, grab a cab in the middle of the night and head for Argentina.

2. The whole reason Bliss is in South America is to pitch German Denis on taking over the reigns once GBS hangs up the boots after this season.

3. The Crew can afford Denis because of the money they're not going to be spending on McBride (more on that in a moment), and the money they'll save once Guille walks away next year.

4. Independiente come to Columbus and allow Denis to get one good runout in front of Mark and the Fat Man against competition both will know well (The Crew).

5. Denis rips off his Independiente kit after the game, revealing a fresh #20 Banana kit that he took from the soon-to-be-released Nico Hernandez, and immediately has a press conference at the center circle in front of all the Argentine fans who came out to the match to see him.

- Denis becomes the perfect point man to finish all those beautiful crosses being sent in by Robbie Rogers, Frankie Hejduk, and Guillermo.

- The Crew beat L.A. 5-0 in the MLS Cup and get a taste of double, also swiping the U.S. Open Cup.

- Denis gets a hat trick in two seperate playoff games.

- Everyone buys me beer for calling this situation a whole year ago.

Just saying, don't be shocked when I'm right.

In other Crew news...

- Brian McBride has stated he's leaving Fulham. Wishful Crew fans are hoping it's to come back to the Black and Gold, but I have news for you: He's not. McBride will most likely end up with the Fire or Toronto, but Chicago does not have a DP, so it'll be interesting to see what they give up to get him. Still, McBride's agent and brother Matt is doing some PR, saying that McBride will always love Columbus, regardles of where he ends up. That means it won't be Columbus folks. He wouldn't have to tell us he loves us if he wasn't going somewhere else.

- Channel 6 did a story on the Youtube video last night. Thus continuing this douchebag's 15 minutes of "in"fame..

- I'll be posting my Silly Game Preview before Friday is out.

Read More

Past, Present, and Crewture Tense...I Told You So!

By Smitty




On October 16th of 2007, on a Big Soccer thread entitled "Wishful Thinking" on the Crew forum, I posted the following comments in response to the idea of the Crew's ability to obtain Riquelme as our Designated Player:

Since we're in the wishful thinking category, what about German Denis? Here are the basics:

15 goals in the 13 games so far in the Apertura this year playing for Independiente. Also, he just got a call up to the Argentine National team.


(Note: This isn't the original vid I posted, as the one I used has been removed. Still, here are all 18 goals he ended up scoring last season.)

His Wikipedia page for further info...

Normally, I would say he's out of our league. But...
-He's 26, so he's not "old", but not a young prodigy. Could be a Juan Pablo Angel type player.
- He's already done the Europe thing.
- We have GBS, and thus, maybe, an "in".

Plus, he's a "German", so Sigi wouldn't have any problems...

The Crew have made no announcements regarding signing this player. BUT today they annouced the team we are playing in our first exhibition match. Yeah, it's none other than Independiente, a legendary club in South America. More importantly, it's the home of one German Denis.

Now consider that Brian Bliss just got on a plane today headed to "Brazil" (suuuuure...) to scout some players. Make no bones about it, I know what I'm talking about. Here's my step-by-step prediction of what's going to happen:

1. Bliss is putting up a smoke screen about Brazil. He'll make one or two stops, grab a cab in the middle of the night and head for Argentina.

2. The whole reason Bliss is in South America is to pitch German Denis on taking over the reigns once GBS hangs up the boots after this season.

3. The Crew can afford Denis because of the money they're not going to be spending on McBride (more on that in a moment), and the money they'll save once Guille walks away next year.

4. Independiente come to Columbus and allow Denis to get one good runout in front of Mark and the Fat Man against competition both will know well (The Crew).

5. Denis rips off his Independiente kit after the game, revealing a fresh #20 Banana kit that he took from the soon-to-be-released Nico Hernandez, and immediately has a press conference at the center circle in front of all the Argentine fans who came out to the match to see him.

- Denis becomes the perfect point man to finish all those beautiful crosses being sent in by Robbie Rogers, Frankie Hejduk, and Guillermo.

- The Crew beat L.A. 5-0 in the MLS Cup and get a taste of double, also swiping the U.S. Open Cup.

- Denis gets a hat trick in two seperate playoff games.

- Everyone buys me beer for calling this situation a whole year ago.

Just saying, don't be shocked when I'm right.

In other Crew news...

- Brian McBride has stated he's leaving Fulham. Wishful Crew fans are hoping it's to come back to the Black and Gold, but I have news for you: He's not. McBride will most likely end up with the Fire or Toronto, but Chicago does not have a DP, so it'll be interesting to see what they give up to get him. Still, McBride's agent and brother Matt is doing some PR, saying that McBride will always love Columbus, regardles of where he ends up. That means it won't be Columbus folks. He wouldn't have to tell us he loves us if he wasn't going somewhere else.

- Channel 6 did a story on the Youtube video last night. Thus continuing this douchebag's 15 minutes of "in"fame..

- I'll be posting my Silly Game Preview before Friday is out.

Read More

Past, Present, and Crewture Tense...I Told You So!

By Smitty




On October 16th of 2007, on a Big Soccer thread entitled "Wishful Thinking" on the Crew forum, I posted the following comments in response to the idea of the Crew's ability to obtain Riquelme as our Designated Player:

Since we're in the wishful thinking category, what about German Denis? Here are the basics:

15 goals in the 13 games so far in the Apertura this year playing for Independiente. Also, he just got a call up to the Argentine National team.


(Note: This isn't the original vid I posted, as the one I used has been removed. Still, here are all 18 goals he ended up scoring last season.)

His Wikipedia page for further info...

Normally, I would say he's out of our league. But...
-He's 26, so he's not "old", but not a young prodigy. Could be a Juan Pablo Angel type player.
- He's already done the Europe thing.
- We have GBS, and thus, maybe, an "in".

Plus, he's a "German", so Sigi wouldn't have any problems...

The Crew have made no announcements regarding signing this player. BUT today they annouced the team we are playing in our first exhibition match. Yeah, it's none other than Independiente, a legendary club in South America. More importantly, it's the home of one German Denis.

Now consider that Brian Bliss just got on a plane today headed to "Brazil" (suuuuure...) to scout some players. Make no bones about it, I know what I'm talking about. Here's my step-by-step prediction of what's going to happen:

1. Bliss is putting up a smoke screen about Brazil. He'll make one or two stops, grab a cab in the middle of the night and head for Argentina.

2. The whole reason Bliss is in South America is to pitch German Denis on taking over the reigns once GBS hangs up the boots after this season.

3. The Crew can afford Denis because of the money they're not going to be spending on McBride (more on that in a moment), and the money they'll save once Guille walks away next year.

4. Independiente come to Columbus and allow Denis to get one good runout in front of Mark and the Fat Man against competition both will know well (The Crew).

5. Denis rips off his Independiente kit after the game, revealing a fresh #20 Banana kit that he took from the soon-to-be-released Nico Hernandez, and immediately has a press conference at the center circle in front of all the Argentine fans who came out to the match to see him.

- Denis becomes the perfect point man to finish all those beautiful crosses being sent in by Robbie Rogers, Frankie Hejduk, and Guillermo.

- The Crew beat L.A. 5-0 in the MLS Cup and get a taste of double, also swiping the U.S. Open Cup.

- Denis gets a hat trick in two seperate playoff games.

- Everyone buys me beer for calling this situation a whole year ago.

Just saying, don't be shocked when I'm right.

In other Crew news...

- Brian McBride has stated he's leaving Fulham. Wishful Crew fans are hoping it's to come back to the Black and Gold, but I have news for you: He's not. McBride will most likely end up with the Fire or Toronto, but Chicago does not have a DP, so it'll be interesting to see what they give up to get him. Still, McBride's agent and brother Matt is doing some PR, saying that McBride will always love Columbus, regardles of where he ends up. That means it won't be Columbus folks. He wouldn't have to tell us he loves us if he wasn't going somewhere else.

- Channel 6 did a story on the Youtube video last night. Thus continuing this douchebag's 15 minutes of "in"fame..

- I'll be posting my Silly Game Preview before Friday is out.

Read More

Just For Laughs

I was searching around YouTube, bored out of my mind, when I stumbled across this little video. Now I'm not sure, but I think I might have found the guys that posted all that stuff on MLSR about Crew/Nordecke/Crewfighter/Ultra. And let's just say we're not the only people that they get on the wrong side of. If you don't believe me, check it out!

Read More

Just For Laughs

I was searching around YouTube, bored out of my mind, when I stumbled across this little video. Now I'm not sure, but I think I might have found the guys that posted all that stuff on MLSR about Crew/Nordecke/Crewfighter/Ultra. And let's just say we're not the only people that they get on the wrong side of. If you don't believe me, check it out!

Read More

Just For Laughs

I was searching around YouTube, bored out of my mind, when I stumbled across this little video. Now I'm not sure, but I think I might have found the guys that posted all that stuff on MLSR about Crew/Nordecke/Crewfighter/Ultra. And let's just say we're not the only people that they get on the wrong side of. If you don't believe me, check it out!

Read More

Crewfighter's Chivas Preview: Expect At Least 5 Goals

Robbie Rogers hit a 30 yard beauty on Tuesday that sadly no one will see. I can bet that the Chivas defense remembers him. And, I wasn't aware we wore the new jersey's on Tuesday. Looking sharp. I guess we keep going with these ones until we lose again then back to the yellows. (pics via:mlsnet.com)

The last time Robbie Rogers and Chivas USA met up it was 2-0 Rogers and could have just as easily been 4-0 Rogers as he cruise misseled a weak Chivas defense. However, just like every team that the Crew have been playing lately Chivas is on an either two or more game winning streak and just peaking at the right time to play Columbus. Coming into this matchup Chivas has two come from behind wins against DC United and Colorado. To get a third Chivas is going to have to find a way to stop Rogers.

And, just in case the reader needs a refresher course in Robbie Rogers schooling 101. Here it is in a highlight of the last matchup between the Crew and Chivas USA:


CHIVAS USA:



However, another great story going into this matchup is 19 year old Jorge Flores who won Sueno MLS and now has 2 goals in 2 games for Chivas USA. The second of his goals was a real cracker(below). Nice that Chivas fans have a hometown kid playing for them.



And, I would expect Chivas to continue to play Flores. Because when you have a youngster scoring two goals in two games you don't sit him on the bench. You give him a chance to continue to do what he is doing.

AndSomeAreAngels quote from bigsoccer:
"I said this in another thread, but he reminds me of a poor man's Leo Messi, which isn't a slight in the least." Promising to have young talent like this in MLS.

Probable Chivas Lineup:
-----------------Guzan--------------------
Talley-----Burling-----Curtin-----Nagamura
Klejstan---Marsch-------Mendoza-----Flores
-----------Harris-------Razov-------------

Chivas is still rather banged up as Bornstein, Eskadarian, Galindo, Vaughn, Wicky, and Zotinca are all out and all pretty much probable starters. Shavar Thomas and Claudio Saurez are questionable, therefore I didn't put them into the above lineup. But, if either is good to go all you would have to do is throw them in the middle in replacement of Burling and Curtin.

Still with the injuries Chivas USA is resembling Houston's run last year with a ton of injuries and young guys stepping up. With that in mind this is by no means going to be an easy game for the Crew.

Columbus Crew

The Crew come into this game with only 1 point out of the last two matches against Toronto FC and New England. It is a priority this week that we get back to winning. Mainly because if the Crew don't win this weekend it is likely we will be surpassed at the top of the league by either the Chicago Fire or New England tonight.

In this game I believe the key is will Rogers do the same thing he did against Chivas the first game being an absolute terror. With this probability in mind, I don't expect that you will see Ebbert on the field for Chivas. It is also key that Moffat controls the midfield and we get back to winning because of it. And, I think that this is the missing piece, Moffat. With Moffat in the middle we are unstoppable. I'm so glad we have him back and according to a few people I talked to after the RSL game on the phone, Moffat was a difference maker again.

I also think that Alejandro Moreno has to start scoring goals again. It's been a good long while since his fourth goal and if it goes on for another few games we are in trouble. I love Moreno but if he doesn't get back to his goal scoring we will be in desperate need to get another DP striker now this summer. And, it looks like it probably won't be McBride. And, it also looks like McBride won't play again until next year. All here.

If Moreno doesn't score by the 70th minute maybe we could throw in Lenhart and reward him for his goal on Tuesday. And, if Padula isn't a go let's give Ryan Junge who looked excellent on Tuesday a shot at left back. I'm also thinking we give Ekpo a go over Gaven this week. Let's mix it up a little and see what we have because we are going to need some of these young guns this summer. I say this because whatever was so successful before these last two games, teams are starting to catch up on.

Although then again we played well enough in our last two games to deserve the tie against TFC and the win against New England. So maybe all we need is Moffat back in the mix. So maybe we leave Gaven in and bring Ekpo in late if we need the spark.

Crew Probable Lineup:
--------------Hesmer----------------
Hejduk---Marshall---O'Rourke---Junge
--------------Carroll---------------
Ekpo/Gaven----Moffat----------Rogers
-------------Schelotto--------------
--------------Moreno----------------

Prediction:
Crew 3 Chivas 2

(CLB) Rogers-- 17th minute
(CVS) Flores-- 38th minute
(CLB) Moffat-- 60th minute
(CVS) Razov-- 83rd minute
(CLB) Schelotto-- 89th minute

Another barn burner with a range of emotions but the Crew pull it out on the road with a 3-2 victory.


Here is my Crew Probable Lineup:

Read More

Crewfighter's Chivas Preview: Expect At Least 5 Goals

Robbie Rogers hit a 30 yard beauty on Tuesday that sadly no one will see. I can bet that the Chivas defense remembers him. And, I wasn't aware we wore the new jersey's on Tuesday. Looking sharp. I guess we keep going with these ones until we lose again then back to the yellows. (pics via:mlsnet.com)

The last time Robbie Rogers and Chivas USA met up it was 2-0 Rogers and could have just as easily been 4-0 Rogers as he cruise misseled a weak Chivas defense. However, just like every team that the Crew have been playing lately Chivas is on an either two or more game winning streak and just peaking at the right time to play Columbus. Coming into this matchup Chivas has two come from behind wins against DC United and Colorado. To get a third Chivas is going to have to find a way to stop Rogers.

And, just in case the reader needs a refresher course in Robbie Rogers schooling 101. Here it is in a highlight of the last matchup between the Crew and Chivas USA:


CHIVAS USA:



However, another great story going into this matchup is 19 year old Jorge Flores who won Sueno MLS and now has 2 goals in 2 games for Chivas USA. The second of his goals was a real cracker(below). Nice that Chivas fans have a hometown kid playing for them.



And, I would expect Chivas to continue to play Flores. Because when you have a youngster scoring two goals in two games you don't sit him on the bench. You give him a chance to continue to do what he is doing.

AndSomeAreAngels quote from bigsoccer:
"I said this in another thread, but he reminds me of a poor man's Leo Messi, which isn't a slight in the least." Promising to have young talent like this in MLS.

Probable Chivas Lineup:
-----------------Guzan--------------------
Talley-----Burling-----Curtin-----Nagamura
Klejstan---Marsch-------Mendoza-----Flores
-----------Harris-------Razov-------------

Chivas is still rather banged up as Bornstein, Eskadarian, Galindo, Vaughn, Wicky, and Zotinca are all out and all pretty much probable starters. Shavar Thomas and Claudio Saurez are questionable, therefore I didn't put them into the above lineup. But, if either is good to go all you would have to do is throw them in the middle in replacement of Burling and Curtin.

Still with the injuries Chivas USA is resembling Houston's run last year with a ton of injuries and young guys stepping up. With that in mind this is by no means going to be an easy game for the Crew.

Columbus Crew

The Crew come into this game with only 1 point out of the last two matches against Toronto FC and New England. It is a priority this week that we get back to winning. Mainly because if the Crew don't win this weekend it is likely we will be surpassed at the top of the league by either the Chicago Fire or New England tonight.

In this game I believe the key is will Rogers do the same thing he did against Chivas the first game being an absolute terror. With this probability in mind, I don't expect that you will see Ebbert on the field for Chivas. It is also key that Moffat controls the midfield and we get back to winning because of it. And, I think that this is the missing piece, Moffat. With Moffat in the middle we are unstoppable. I'm so glad we have him back and according to a few people I talked to after the RSL game on the phone, Moffat was a difference maker again.

I also think that Alejandro Moreno has to start scoring goals again. It's been a good long while since his fourth goal and if it goes on for another few games we are in trouble. I love Moreno but if he doesn't get back to his goal scoring we will be in desperate need to get another DP striker now this summer. And, it looks like it probably won't be McBride. And, it also looks like McBride won't play again until next year. All here.

If Moreno doesn't score by the 70th minute maybe we could throw in Lenhart and reward him for his goal on Tuesday. And, if Padula isn't a go let's give Ryan Junge who looked excellent on Tuesday a shot at left back. I'm also thinking we give Ekpo a go over Gaven this week. Let's mix it up a little and see what we have because we are going to need some of these young guns this summer. I say this because whatever was so successful before these last two games, teams are starting to catch up on.

Although then again we played well enough in our last two games to deserve the tie against TFC and the win against New England. So maybe all we need is Moffat back in the mix. So maybe we leave Gaven in and bring Ekpo in late if we need the spark.

Crew Probable Lineup:
--------------Hesmer----------------
Hejduk---Marshall---O'Rourke---Junge
--------------Carroll---------------
Ekpo/Gaven----Moffat----------Rogers
-------------Schelotto--------------
--------------Moreno----------------

Prediction:
Crew 3 Chivas 2

(CLB) Rogers-- 17th minute
(CVS) Flores-- 38th minute
(CLB) Moffat-- 60th minute
(CVS) Razov-- 83rd minute
(CLB) Schelotto-- 89th minute

Another barn burner with a range of emotions but the Crew pull it out on the road with a 3-2 victory.


Here is my Crew Probable Lineup:

Read More

Crewfighter's Chivas Preview: Expect At Least 5 Goals

Robbie Rogers hit a 30 yard beauty on Tuesday that sadly no one will see. I can bet that the Chivas defense remembers him. And, I wasn't aware we wore the new jersey's on Tuesday. Looking sharp. I guess we keep going with these ones until we lose again then back to the yellows. (pics via:mlsnet.com)

The last time Robbie Rogers and Chivas USA met up it was 2-0 Rogers and could have just as easily been 4-0 Rogers as he cruise misseled a weak Chivas defense. However, just like every team that the Crew have been playing lately Chivas is on an either two or more game winning streak and just peaking at the right time to play Columbus. Coming into this matchup Chivas has two come from behind wins against DC United and Colorado. To get a third Chivas is going to have to find a way to stop Rogers.

And, just in case the reader needs a refresher course in Robbie Rogers schooling 101. Here it is in a highlight of the last matchup between the Crew and Chivas USA:


CHIVAS USA:



However, another great story going into this matchup is 19 year old Jorge Flores who won Sueno MLS and now has 2 goals in 2 games for Chivas USA. The second of his goals was a real cracker(below). Nice that Chivas fans have a hometown kid playing for them.



And, I would expect Chivas to continue to play Flores. Because when you have a youngster scoring two goals in two games you don't sit him on the bench. You give him a chance to continue to do what he is doing.

AndSomeAreAngels quote from bigsoccer:
"I said this in another thread, but he reminds me of a poor man's Leo Messi, which isn't a slight in the least." Promising to have young talent like this in MLS.

Probable Chivas Lineup:
-----------------Guzan--------------------
Talley-----Burling-----Curtin-----Nagamura
Klejstan---Marsch-------Mendoza-----Flores
-----------Harris-------Razov-------------

Chivas is still rather banged up as Bornstein, Eskadarian, Galindo, Vaughn, Wicky, and Zotinca are all out and all pretty much probable starters. Shavar Thomas and Claudio Saurez are questionable, therefore I didn't put them into the above lineup. But, if either is good to go all you would have to do is throw them in the middle in replacement of Burling and Curtin.

Still with the injuries Chivas USA is resembling Houston's run last year with a ton of injuries and young guys stepping up. With that in mind this is by no means going to be an easy game for the Crew.

Columbus Crew

The Crew come into this game with only 1 point out of the last two matches against Toronto FC and New England. It is a priority this week that we get back to winning. Mainly because if the Crew don't win this weekend it is likely we will be surpassed at the top of the league by either the Chicago Fire or New England tonight.

In this game I believe the key is will Rogers do the same thing he did against Chivas the first game being an absolute terror. With this probability in mind, I don't expect that you will see Ebbert on the field for Chivas. It is also key that Moffat controls the midfield and we get back to winning because of it. And, I think that this is the missing piece, Moffat. With Moffat in the middle we are unstoppable. I'm so glad we have him back and according to a few people I talked to after the RSL game on the phone, Moffat was a difference maker again.

I also think that Alejandro Moreno has to start scoring goals again. It's been a good long while since his fourth goal and if it goes on for another few games we are in trouble. I love Moreno but if he doesn't get back to his goal scoring we will be in desperate need to get another DP striker now this summer. And, it looks like it probably won't be McBride. And, it also looks like McBride won't play again until next year. All here.

If Moreno doesn't score by the 70th minute maybe we could throw in Lenhart and reward him for his goal on Tuesday. And, if Padula isn't a go let's give Ryan Junge who looked excellent on Tuesday a shot at left back. I'm also thinking we give Ekpo a go over Gaven this week. Let's mix it up a little and see what we have because we are going to need some of these young guns this summer. I say this because whatever was so successful before these last two games, teams are starting to catch up on.

Although then again we played well enough in our last two games to deserve the tie against TFC and the win against New England. So maybe all we need is Moffat back in the mix. So maybe we leave Gaven in and bring Ekpo in late if we need the spark.

Crew Probable Lineup:
--------------Hesmer----------------
Hejduk---Marshall---O'Rourke---Junge
--------------Carroll---------------
Ekpo/Gaven----Moffat----------Rogers
-------------Schelotto--------------
--------------Moreno----------------

Prediction:
Crew 3 Chivas 2

(CLB) Rogers-- 17th minute
(CVS) Flores-- 38th minute
(CLB) Moffat-- 60th minute
(CVS) Razov-- 83rd minute
(CLB) Schelotto-- 89th minute

Another barn burner with a range of emotions but the Crew pull it out on the road with a 3-2 victory.


Here is my Crew Probable Lineup:

Read More

Do You Miss? And, New Players To Make a Difference

Interesting little thread at bigsoccer asking who we missed from last year originally posted by CrewFootball:

"I was looking at the updated roster thread and started thinking about the preseason. Of course, not expecting the results thus far, many did not like the moves made in the off season which prompts the question: Do you miss...?

1. Ned Grabavoy - No
2. Kei Kamara - No
3. Ben Hunter - Who?
4. Andy Herron - No
5. Marcos Gonzalez - Good player, but don't miss him.
6. Brandon Moss - I feel bad that injuries never allowed him the chance.
7. Andrei Pacheco - Who?
8. Rusty Pierce - I appreciate Rusty's determination, but no.
9. Jacob Thomas - Isn't he still on the DL?
10. Bill Gaudette - I miss his fiery personality, but no.
11. Tim Ward - No.
12. Ricardo Virtuoso - No. But I'd like to know if he is playing anywhere.
13. Leonard Griffin - No. Maybe the FC Seattle Sounders FC Football Club (I know, its a joke) will pick him up."

I think we could have definitely still used Marcos Gonzalez and I think he is a starter today if he wouldn't have left for Chile. Either way, having Gonzalez still would have added depth to the defense. But, sometimes a club has to let go of a player especially when I believe that Gonzalez wanted to go back to Chile.

And, Virtuoso had a fast start but tapered off last season. He might have deserved more of a chance.

Pachecho, Hunter, and Griffin were guys we signed that didn't play a single minute with us. Don't know what the point was of their time in C-bus but thanks for coming.

And, the rest I would have to say that we don't miss too much at all.

How about the players we have gained, good additions:
1. Brian Carroll- Yes by far a great addition. One of the main silent reasons for our fast start to the season.
2. Adam Moffat- Played one game at the end of last year but still count him as a new acquistion, by far a great addition. Also according to some people I talked to after the RSL match, Moffat looked good and made his usual difference in the midfield.
3. Gino Padula- Yes, but needs to get healthy again.
4. Andy Iro- Yes, tremendous upside, will be a starter someday, I'm willing to bet on that.
5. Niko Hernandez- No, not yet as he has probably received 15 minutes tops all season. Expected him to see more minutes on the field. Didn't even get a start in the Open Cup.
6. Guillerme So- Maybe, was looking like a real talent early in the preseason but has dropped off since then. Didn't impress me too much in TFC Reserve match.
7. Emmanuel Ekpo- Yes, this kid has tremendous upside and just might become our attacking mid if Schelotto leaves us after this season. Could use a couple more performances like he had against San Jose. Where he came in and effectively changed the game.
8. Steve Lenhart- Looking pretty good with a goal in the Open Cup, doing Azusa Pacific proud.
9. Cory Elenio- Who?
10. Kevin Burns- Who? Isn't that an actor?
11. Ryan Miller- Has this kid even played in a reserve match for us? Figured he may be a little farther up the depth chart and get some time at left back with Padula out. At least you would have thought when everyone was saying he was a good pick up on draft day. I don't even know what he looks like.
12. Ryan Junge- On all accounts looked excellent at left back in the Open Cup, possibly he gets a start if Padula is out again. Why not give a young kid with an upside a shot.
13. Andrew Peterson- Looked good against TFC reserves.
14. George Josten- Don't know much about him except he is from Gonzaga but he got into the second half against RSL. Had a great pre-season.
15. Ricardo Pierre Louis- Apparently coming to the Crew after he is done helping Haiti get into a group for World Cup qualifying. Good luck Ricardo and I hope he becomes a big striker. Hopefully he still ends up here sometime in June.

I think that out of our group of youngsters, you may see Junge as a starter at left back someday, Ekpo definitely as an attacking mid, Iro definitely as a central defender, and Lenhart might break through as our second striker. I would add in Ricardo Pierre Louis but would actually like to see him in a Crew jersey before I make that call. Lenhart seems to be Sigi's favorite backup after Moreno at the striker position and may have a bright future. And, I have a feeling that Josten will stick around for a while as well.

With all the youngsters above who have an excellent opportunity to be starters with the Crew someday along with our already young midfield, the future is looking consistently bright for the Crew.

Read More

Do You Miss? And, New Players To Make a Difference

Interesting little thread at bigsoccer asking who we missed from last year originally posted by CrewFootball:

"I was looking at the updated roster thread and started thinking about the preseason. Of course, not expecting the results thus far, many did not like the moves made in the off season which prompts the question: Do you miss...?

1. Ned Grabavoy - No
2. Kei Kamara - No
3. Ben Hunter - Who?
4. Andy Herron - No
5. Marcos Gonzalez - Good player, but don't miss him.
6. Brandon Moss - I feel bad that injuries never allowed him the chance.
7. Andrei Pacheco - Who?
8. Rusty Pierce - I appreciate Rusty's determination, but no.
9. Jacob Thomas - Isn't he still on the DL?
10. Bill Gaudette - I miss his fiery personality, but no.
11. Tim Ward - No.
12. Ricardo Virtuoso - No. But I'd like to know if he is playing anywhere.
13. Leonard Griffin - No. Maybe the FC Seattle Sounders FC Football Club (I know, its a joke) will pick him up."

I think we could have definitely still used Marcos Gonzalez and I think he is a starter today if he wouldn't have left for Chile. Either way, having Gonzalez still would have added depth to the defense. But, sometimes a club has to let go of a player especially when I believe that Gonzalez wanted to go back to Chile.

And, Virtuoso had a fast start but tapered off last season. He might have deserved more of a chance.

Pachecho, Hunter, and Griffin were guys we signed that didn't play a single minute with us. Don't know what the point was of their time in C-bus but thanks for coming.

And, the rest I would have to say that we don't miss too much at all.

How about the players we have gained, good additions:
1. Brian Carroll- Yes by far a great addition. One of the main silent reasons for our fast start to the season.
2. Adam Moffat- Played one game at the end of last year but still count him as a new acquistion, by far a great addition. Also according to some people I talked to after the RSL match, Moffat looked good and made his usual difference in the midfield.
3. Gino Padula- Yes, but needs to get healthy again.
4. Andy Iro- Yes, tremendous upside, will be a starter someday, I'm willing to bet on that.
5. Niko Hernandez- No, not yet as he has probably received 15 minutes tops all season. Expected him to see more minutes on the field. Didn't even get a start in the Open Cup.
6. Guillerme So- Maybe, was looking like a real talent early in the preseason but has dropped off since then. Didn't impress me too much in TFC Reserve match.
7. Emmanuel Ekpo- Yes, this kid has tremendous upside and just might become our attacking mid if Schelotto leaves us after this season. Could use a couple more performances like he had against San Jose. Where he came in and effectively changed the game.
8. Steve Lenhart- Looking pretty good with a goal in the Open Cup, doing Azusa Pacific proud.
9. Cory Elenio- Who?
10. Kevin Burns- Who? Isn't that an actor?
11. Ryan Miller- Has this kid even played in a reserve match for us? Figured he may be a little farther up the depth chart and get some time at left back with Padula out. At least you would have thought when everyone was saying he was a good pick up on draft day. I don't even know what he looks like.
12. Ryan Junge- On all accounts looked excellent at left back in the Open Cup, possibly he gets a start if Padula is out again. Why not give a young kid with an upside a shot.
13. Andrew Peterson- Looked good against TFC reserves.
14. George Josten- Don't know much about him except he is from Gonzaga but he got into the second half against RSL. Had a great pre-season.
15. Ricardo Pierre Louis- Apparently coming to the Crew after he is done helping Haiti get into a group for World Cup qualifying. Good luck Ricardo and I hope he becomes a big striker. Hopefully he still ends up here sometime in June.

I think that out of our group of youngsters, you may see Junge as a starter at left back someday, Ekpo definitely as an attacking mid, Iro definitely as a central defender, and Lenhart might break through as our second striker. I would add in Ricardo Pierre Louis but would actually like to see him in a Crew jersey before I make that call. Lenhart seems to be Sigi's favorite backup after Moreno at the striker position and may have a bright future. And, I have a feeling that Josten will stick around for a while as well.

With all the youngsters above who have an excellent opportunity to be starters with the Crew someday along with our already young midfield, the future is looking consistently bright for the Crew.

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Do You Miss? And, New Players To Make a Difference

Interesting little thread at bigsoccer asking who we missed from last year originally posted by CrewFootball:

"I was looking at the updated roster thread and started thinking about the preseason. Of course, not expecting the results thus far, many did not like the moves made in the off season which prompts the question: Do you miss...?

1. Ned Grabavoy - No
2. Kei Kamara - No
3. Ben Hunter - Who?
4. Andy Herron - No
5. Marcos Gonzalez - Good player, but don't miss him.
6. Brandon Moss - I feel bad that injuries never allowed him the chance.
7. Andrei Pacheco - Who?
8. Rusty Pierce - I appreciate Rusty's determination, but no.
9. Jacob Thomas - Isn't he still on the DL?
10. Bill Gaudette - I miss his fiery personality, but no.
11. Tim Ward - No.
12. Ricardo Virtuoso - No. But I'd like to know if he is playing anywhere.
13. Leonard Griffin - No. Maybe the FC Seattle Sounders FC Football Club (I know, its a joke) will pick him up."

I think we could have definitely still used Marcos Gonzalez and I think he is a starter today if he wouldn't have left for Chile. Either way, having Gonzalez still would have added depth to the defense. But, sometimes a club has to let go of a player especially when I believe that Gonzalez wanted to go back to Chile.

And, Virtuoso had a fast start but tapered off last season. He might have deserved more of a chance.

Pachecho, Hunter, and Griffin were guys we signed that didn't play a single minute with us. Don't know what the point was of their time in C-bus but thanks for coming.

And, the rest I would have to say that we don't miss too much at all.

How about the players we have gained, good additions:
1. Brian Carroll- Yes by far a great addition. One of the main silent reasons for our fast start to the season.
2. Adam Moffat- Played one game at the end of last year but still count him as a new acquistion, by far a great addition. Also according to some people I talked to after the RSL match, Moffat looked good and made his usual difference in the midfield.
3. Gino Padula- Yes, but needs to get healthy again.
4. Andy Iro- Yes, tremendous upside, will be a starter someday, I'm willing to bet on that.
5. Niko Hernandez- No, not yet as he has probably received 15 minutes tops all season. Expected him to see more minutes on the field. Didn't even get a start in the Open Cup.
6. Guillerme So- Maybe, was looking like a real talent early in the preseason but has dropped off since then. Didn't impress me too much in TFC Reserve match.
7. Emmanuel Ekpo- Yes, this kid has tremendous upside and just might become our attacking mid if Schelotto leaves us after this season. Could use a couple more performances like he had against San Jose. Where he came in and effectively changed the game.
8. Steve Lenhart- Looking pretty good with a goal in the Open Cup, doing Azusa Pacific proud.
9. Cory Elenio- Who?
10. Kevin Burns- Who? Isn't that an actor?
11. Ryan Miller- Has this kid even played in a reserve match for us? Figured he may be a little farther up the depth chart and get some time at left back with Padula out. At least you would have thought when everyone was saying he was a good pick up on draft day. I don't even know what he looks like.
12. Ryan Junge- On all accounts looked excellent at left back in the Open Cup, possibly he gets a start if Padula is out again. Why not give a young kid with an upside a shot.
13. Andrew Peterson- Looked good against TFC reserves.
14. George Josten- Don't know much about him except he is from Gonzaga but he got into the second half against RSL. Had a great pre-season.
15. Ricardo Pierre Louis- Apparently coming to the Crew after he is done helping Haiti get into a group for World Cup qualifying. Good luck Ricardo and I hope he becomes a big striker. Hopefully he still ends up here sometime in June.

I think that out of our group of youngsters, you may see Junge as a starter at left back someday, Ekpo definitely as an attacking mid, Iro definitely as a central defender, and Lenhart might break through as our second striker. I would add in Ricardo Pierre Louis but would actually like to see him in a Crew jersey before I make that call. Lenhart seems to be Sigi's favorite backup after Moreno at the striker position and may have a bright future. And, I have a feeling that Josten will stick around for a while as well.

With all the youngsters above who have an excellent opportunity to be starters with the Crew someday along with our already young midfield, the future is looking consistently bright for the Crew.

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Chivas Preview Upcoming

Today's my first day off from work since the Wednesday from the week before so I'm going to enjoy a nice day. But, I'll have my Chivas preview up later after 4 and before the Thursday night game. And, I'm sure Smitty's silly Chivas preview will be up later as well so look out for those.

Btw, if anyone sees an image of Frankie playing in the US National Team jersey yesterday please send it to me. Thanks.

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Chivas Preview Upcoming

Today's my first day off from work since the Wednesday from the week before so I'm going to enjoy a nice day. But, I'll have my Chivas preview up later after 4 and before the Thursday night game. And, I'm sure Smitty's silly Chivas preview will be up later as well so look out for those.

Btw, if anyone sees an image of Frankie playing in the US National Team jersey yesterday please send it to me. Thanks.

Read More

Chivas Preview Upcoming

Today's my first day off from work since the Wednesday from the week before so I'm going to enjoy a nice day. But, I'll have my Chivas preview up later after 4 and before the Thursday night game. And, I'm sure Smitty's silly Chivas preview will be up later as well so look out for those.

Btw, if anyone sees an image of Frankie playing in the US National Team jersey yesterday please send it to me. Thanks.

Read More

Dante Washington's Perspective

Former Crew player Dante Washington makes some great points here. A good read.

Let's get on with the footie.

And, on to footie news:
Frankie Hejduk got into the game against England and looked like the best defender in there even though the U.S. lost. Looking for a pic to post up of Frankie in the US digs since it's been a while.

Read More

Dante Washington's Perspective

Former Crew player Dante Washington makes some great points here. A good read.

Let's get on with the footie.

And, on to footie news:
Frankie Hejduk got into the game against England and looked like the best defender in there even though the U.S. lost. Looking for a pic to post up of Frankie in the US digs since it's been a while.

Read More

Dante Washington's Perspective

Former Crew player Dante Washington makes some great points here. A good read.

Let's get on with the footie.

And, on to footie news:
Frankie Hejduk got into the game against England and looked like the best defender in there even though the U.S. lost. Looking for a pic to post up of Frankie in the US digs since it's been a while.

Read More

Massive Radio

Here's the new podcast.

Download massive pt 1 - massive

Download massive pt2 - massive

Download massive 3 - massive

Read More

Massive Radio

Here's the new podcast.

Download massive pt 1 - massive

Download massive pt2 - massive

Download massive 3 - massive

Read More

Massive Radio

Here's the new podcast.

Download massive pt 1 - massive

Download massive pt2 - massive

Download massive 3 - massive

Read More

Soccer Hero Back In The US!

McBride leaves Fulham although he was wanted for another year. Crew or Fire bound? (Pic via: Fulham FC.com)

McBride is back.

And, it's a good guess that he will either end up with the Chicago Fire or his old team, the Columbus Crew, this summer. I'm hoping it's the second one. But, Sigi Schmid's comments that he has made to Mitchell on Mitchell's blog suggest otherwise. Sigi has said that he has had no contact with McBride and that hasn't changed today. Which makes me believe he is headed to the Fire. And, really Sigi has no reason to fib us on this. It's not a delicate transfer process and it would lead to rejoicing in the streets, so no reason to not disclose any conversations like that.

However, maybe the no contact between Sigi and McBride is because McBride hasn't made a decision what club he wants to join yet. As this comes from Jeff Bradley of ESPN Soccernet. However, unless the Fire scramble for a second DP one would think that only the Crew would have a shot at getting him. McBride wouldn't come for less then DP money, would he?

Maybe so as Goff reports, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/,
*One reliable source tells me this afternoon that, one way or another, McBride is, indeed, headed home to Chicago to play for the Fire. (It's just one source, so I'm hoping for more information from other contacts soon.) What Chicago is giving up to acquire him is unclear.

But even if McBride does and ends up in a Fire jersey, I'll enjoy to have him back in the MLS again. Welcome back McBride.

Btw, in my sensationalizers are yahoo's thread I pointed out Goff with MLSRumors. Goff wasn't trying to sensationalize this however. My post was after a long day of work when I came home and punched it out before even looking at Goff's blog. I did that post because during my midday work break I got a call from Kevin asking if the person who made that video sent me an email asking me to show the video, they didn't, I check the youtube thread and post every Crew video I see. I didn't really listen to it closely and when I did I just brushed it off as one idiot. But, I figured it was relevant to show Shalrie Joseph. But, really whoever threw the beer cups or slurred that deserved the middle finger. Anyways, I asked why? Because I was totally obvilous to all that happened that morning and he told me that MLSRumors, Goff, and everyone is reporting on it. I didn't like that the good people I know were getting a bad image from this one fan. I want to apoligize to Goff because he is the most reliable source of information in the world of MLS soccer. I'm sure though that this blog didn't really bother him because it's just a little fun blog I do.

Read More

Soccer Hero Back In The US!

McBride leaves Fulham although he was wanted for another year. Crew or Fire bound? (Pic via: Fulham FC.com)

McBride is back.

And, it's a good guess that he will either end up with the Chicago Fire or his old team, the Columbus Crew, this summer. I'm hoping it's the second one. But, Sigi Schmid's comments that he has made to Mitchell on Mitchell's blog suggest otherwise. Sigi has said that he has had no contact with McBride and that hasn't changed today. Which makes me believe he is headed to the Fire. And, really Sigi has no reason to fib us on this. It's not a delicate transfer process and it would lead to rejoicing in the streets, so no reason to not disclose any conversations like that.

However, maybe the no contact between Sigi and McBride is because McBride hasn't made a decision what club he wants to join yet. As this comes from Jeff Bradley of ESPN Soccernet. However, unless the Fire scramble for a second DP one would think that only the Crew would have a shot at getting him. McBride wouldn't come for less then DP money, would he?

Maybe so as Goff reports, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/,
*One reliable source tells me this afternoon that, one way or another, McBride is, indeed, headed home to Chicago to play for the Fire. (It's just one source, so I'm hoping for more information from other contacts soon.) What Chicago is giving up to acquire him is unclear.

But even if McBride does and ends up in a Fire jersey, I'll enjoy to have him back in the MLS again. Welcome back McBride.

Btw, in my sensationalizers are yahoo's thread I pointed out Goff with MLSRumors. Goff wasn't trying to sensationalize this however. My post was after a long day of work when I came home and punched it out before even looking at Goff's blog. I did that post because during my midday work break I got a call from Kevin asking if the person who made that video sent me an email asking me to show the video, they didn't, I check the youtube thread and post every Crew video I see. I didn't really listen to it closely and when I did I just brushed it off as one idiot. But, I figured it was relevant to show Shalrie Joseph. But, really whoever threw the beer cups or slurred that deserved the middle finger. Anyways, I asked why? Because I was totally obvilous to all that happened that morning and he told me that MLSRumors, Goff, and everyone is reporting on it. I didn't like that the good people I know were getting a bad image from this one fan. I want to apoligize to Goff because he is the most reliable source of information in the world of MLS soccer. I'm sure though that this blog didn't really bother him because it's just a little fun blog I do.

Read More