Greetings, folks – thanks for joining me again today. Let’s get started!
Looking Back & Looking Ahead
Well, I’m sure that everyone saw our game against DC United on Sunday. I didn’t make the travel roster for the weekend so I watched the ABC broadcast from my living room. I thought that we did okay in the first half, had some chances and I thought that it was fairly even. It was 1-1 at the half with both sides having their chances. Then things sort of unraveled for us and it became a difficult match to watch for LA fans.
A very good DC United team put the clamps down in the second half, scoring 3 more goals as they attacked relentlessly. We were unable to get any sort of rhythm or possession and they were able to keep the ball for long stretches and make us run in the heat. The final: 4-1 DC. Not a good game for us and we know that there are things that need to be worked on this week in training.
But last Sunday is in the past. This Friday night we play the top team in the league right now, the New England Revolution who sit atop both conferences with 30 points. We’re still leading in the West with 21 points and looking to regain some momentum. Many of the matches in the last few weeks have been East vs. West matchups and the Eastern conference teams have demonstrated significant lead so it’s big that we pick up one for the West. The New England match is a huge one for us and it’s crucial that we respond well and pick up 3 points.
This Week
This week we hit the training pitch really hard. We did a lot of possession and tactical work. We had to work on a number of things based on the DC game and we have to make sure that we’re ready to put on a good performance for our fans on the 4th of July!
Living in Southern California is like a different world for me – coming from a small Amish town in Pennsylvania and then going to school in the suburbia that is Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I’ll tell you, there are a lot of perks to living in LA. Well, I actually live south of LA in Orange County (cue The OC theme song now) but that’s neither here nor there. Nice weather is one. Beaches are another. And Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles is another nice thing about LA, even though I can only eat it once a year for body composition purposes. It’s also pretty cool living near Hollywood and for once in my life, I was cool the other day. I was on “THE LIST.”
One night after training this week the whole team and their significant others got together to see a movie in Hollywood at Universal Studios. But this was no ordinary movie. It was a special screening of the new Batman movie, The Dark Night, and we were there with the director of the movie, the music guy, and a bunch of other bigwigs. And it was in IMAX. And it doesn’t come out for another few weeks so I can brag to all my friends in the meantime. When I walked up to the VIP line and said “Julian Valentin,” I felt like a real somebody for once in my life.
Anyways, the movie is incredible and I don’t typically like those kinds of movies – actions flicks like that and I don’t really like the whole “comic book movie revival” thing that so popular right now. I’m more of a comedy guy but this one was different. Even my Brazilian roommate who speaks no English loved it as he struggled to figure out what was going on. Without giving anything away, I will just tell you to go and see the movie when it comes out. Go see it – no questions asked.
Most important of all, it was nice to meet everyone’s wives and girlfriends for the first time and it was good to get the team together after training, not in our kits. These types of things are important for the team to become closer as a unit and, I believe, will definitely pay dividends on the pitch.
And a quick update from last week: I’ve started ripping into my Costco goods this week. Right now I have some spicy barbecue shrimp marinating in the refrigerator. In the past week I’ve made a meatloaf, three different kinds of chicken, Puerto Rican style steaks, and blacken salmon tacos – and all had some sort of onions…
Around the World
Euro 2008 was a magnificent tournament. It had drama, Cinderella teams, big stars playing at their best, breakout players, and, most importantly, world-class soccer. I’m sort of in withdraw but to look back on the tournament, I’m going to share my All-Tournament teams.
In order to be included on these squads, a player’s team had to qualify for the knockout round. I made my decisions based on my opinions of a player’s contribution to their team, their performances in the spotlight, and statistical considerations.
1st Team (3-5-2)
Iker Casillas – Goalkeeper of the tournament in my eyes and leader of the Spanish Champions. Made a number of big saves to keep them in games.
Carlos Marchena – Mainstay of stability and composure in the Spanish back four, he quietly had a fantastic tournament.
Pepe – A controversial pick here, Pepe was a solid player for the Portuguese team that was near perfect until facing Germany. He has a nose for reading the game and his speed and athleticism was an asset to the Portuguese defense. Also scored (from the run of play!) against Turkey and had a number of other near-misses.
Philip Lahm – Lahm is enjoyable to watch as he gets up and down the left flank all game. He’s a handful for any opposing winger and relieved a fair amount of pressure by forcing the opposing flank players to defend. Had an unbelievable goal to finish off Turkey and he was a key part of the Germans making it to the final.
Lukas Podolski – Started the tournament hot and cooling only slightly, he earns a spot on the 1st 11 with his 3 goals, a few assists, and ruthless attacking mentality.
Marcos Senna – Revelation of the tournament for me, Senna anchored the Spanish midfield protecting the back four and allowing the creative players in front of him to operate. Broke up countless situations and always had a nose to stomp out danger. While not a good buy for a Fantasy team, he’s a great buy for any real manager and I believe he was the most important player for the Spanish champions.
Cesc Fabregas – With limited playing time, Cesc showed his early season form for Arsenal as he single-handedly changed each game as he was introduced. The supersub of the tournament could, and maybe should, have been a starter. He had 1 goal and 4 assists and played the part as a #10.
Wesley Sneijder – The crafty Sneijder was a joy to watch as he was the designer of the Dutch attack that ran away with the Group of Death. His skill on the ball and striking of the ball is incredible.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Had a couple of great goals from Podolski services, he also returned the favor a number of times to his teammate. Had a strong impact on the tournament as he caused fits for every opposing team.
David Villa – Sealed his ticket in my 1st 11 with his hat trick but continued his top form throughout the tournament. Leading scorer of the tournament will have big money coming his way in no time.
Roman Pavalchenko – Another pleasant surprise of the tournament for me, the Russian target man was a handful at all times. Had 3 goals in total but really opened up opposing defenses and always provided an outlet for the players underneath him.
2nd Team (4-5-1)
Gianluigi Buffon – Was the only bright spot for the Italians; Buffon kept his side in a number of games and helped his team go through to the knockout round. But it wasn’t enough to keep his team above water later in the tournament.
Denis Kolodin – Everyone will remember Kolodin’s 40 yard near-miss laser beams against Holland but I will remember his consistent, steady contribution to the surprise Russian defense.
Robert Kovac – I only had a limited knowledge of Kovac before the tournament but he won me over in this championship. He’s a hard-tackler, a no nonsense player, who was a key element of a solid Croatian defense.
Carles Puyol – Had to miss time with an injury but Puyol’s intense, “never-say-die” mentality was a true asset to the Spanish back four. He played very well in the final.
Giovanni van Bronkhorst – Gio had a very good tournament making his way up and down the flanks much like Lahm. Always seems to put the other team on their back foot, he bagged a goal against Italy and showed that he can still do the defensive work on the highest level.
Xavi Hernandez – Xavi had a good tournament where he largely controlled the tempo of the Spanish team. He’s a very good passer and a regular in the Spanish lineup. I definitely understand why he was named tournament MVP.
Deco – I’m a big fan of Deco and thought he had another solid tournament. He plays so smoothly and glides through the game connecting the dots for his team. He’s an unbelievable passer as he plays and thinks so quickly. He definitely deserves a spot here.
Michael Ballack – Although he was a bit inconsistent at times, Germany’s midfield general still has to be included on the 2nd team. He’s a fantastic two-way player and showed he can be a game-breaker with two game-winning goals.
Andrei Arshavin – Would have undoubtedly earned a spot in the 1st team had he not been suspended for the first two games, Arshavin was the breakout player of the tournament for all spectators. The way that he relentlessly runs straight at defenders was a key to the Russian success late in the tournament and the attention that he attracted opened up his mates. I look forward to watching him play in Spain or England this coming season.
Luka Modric – I admit that I had huge expectations for Modric after his move to Tottenham and while I was slightly disappointed, I can see why he’s so highly regarded. A very good passer with a keen mind for the game and a quick first step, he fueled a very good Croatian team.
Nihat Kahveci – Although a teammate scored more goals than he, the Turkish captain was the driving force for the resilient Turks who scored big goals at BIG times.
Q & A
1. If you had a chance to play in England who would you play for? And why?
Cheers,
Craig
I love watching the Premier League and catch a few games per weekend when it’s in season. I’ve always dreamed about playing in the Premiership. Like most Americans, and people all over the world for that fact, I like Manchester United. They play an attractive style, have lots of stars, and are consistent contenders for all trophies. I’ve also been to both of their training grounds and Old Trafford a couple times which makes the club more of a real place to me, not just some fantasy team.
I’d have to say that my other favorite club is Portsmouth. I’ve really enjoyed watching Pompey play the last few years and I think that Harry Redknapp is a fantastic manager. They’ve turned themselves into a solid club with depth and quality players all over the pitch. I’m a big fan of Sulley Muntari. Both of these clubs would be awesome to play at and would be a very different experience at both.
2. When do the players learn if they are on the squad for a particular game and if it’s an away game who travels? Is it just the players selected and the substitutes?
Good Luck,
Becke
Becke – We typically find out the dress list the day of the game. So, everyone goes to the stadium prepared to play and then the list is given. This is good because they everyone prepares to play. For a road trip, we typically find out the travel roster the day before we leave for the trip – the dress list and travel roster is 18 players.
Each team typically has 28 players – so about 10 are left off the roster each week – and the roster changes all the time based on injuries, tactics, and form of players.
3. So, my question is, how does the Home Depot Center feel down on the field this year? What’s the atmosphere compared to say, the U-20 WC, the NCAA Championship game, etc.? Also, do the people in your apartment complex know who you are and recognize you guys? Or is it typical SoCal, where they have no clue? Have you found it easier to get dates now? Do you ever play video games with Alvaro? I bet that would be pretty interesting.
- Jay in Los Angeles
Lots of good questions here, Jay from LA. First, the HDC is an incredible environment. Down on the field, there’s a certain electricity and excitement that can be felt from the fans. It’s much different than the U-20 World Cup of the College Cup that has a lot of neutral fans because most of the people who go to a Galaxy game are there to support us – that’s what makes it so special. The fans are also quite intelligent soccer people, who know the right things to cheer for and who can appreciate good soccer.
We rarely get recognized in our apartment complex. In fact, nobody would even know that we play for the Galaxy if they weren’t told. I prefer it this way and like to keep things low key. Saying that, none of the guys that live in my complex are particularly recognizable. And no dates for me – well only with my girlfriend!
Alvaro and I don’t really play video games. He’s always talking to his family and friends on Skype webcam and likes to just hang out in the room. I am going to ship down my original Sega Genesis, though, when my mom can send it over here and I’ll have him playing FIFA ’94, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Terminator 2 in no time. I’m teaching Alvaro English, though, and we try to do lessons every few days. (I speak Spanish, for the most part, and my Portuguese is becoming pretty good).
4. I’ve got two quick questions for yah! First, have you been invited over to the Beckham’s pad? If so what’s it like? Second, What was draft day like? Did you have an idea of what time wanted you?
- Bianca in Santa Monica
No! I haven’t been to the Beckham estate yet. Hopefully I’ll get an invite soon – that would be sweet.
Draft day was extremely stressful and I would NOT like to go through it again. Even if you’re the 1st overall pick (which I was certainly not), it’s unbelievably stressful not knowing for sure where you will be living and who your employers will be! Going into it, most players have an idea of a few teams that are interested in drafting them and in what round – this information typically comes from a player’s agent. I was the same. I had a pretty good idea of which teams were interested in me and when I might get taken, but, to be honest, I was both surprised and thrilled when LA drafted because I had no idea they were interested.
5. I was wondering if you ever considered playing overseas. There are several players (Jared Jeffrey, Sal Zizzo, etc..) that went directly from High School or College to playing overseas. Did you ever consider it? Or were you more interested in playing in the US?
- Warren G
Warren G – First of all, you’re a great rapper. Second, playing overseas is something that I’d definitely like to do some day. To play at the highest level is the goal of any serious athlete and it would be amazing to play in some of the top European leagues. Saying that, I still have so much to learn about the game and about being a professional and I’m completely happy in LA and in MLS. Saying that, I believe that MLS will be a major league in the world some day…
In terms of leaving from high school or college, I was actually considering going to MLS right after the U-17 Residency Program (Project-40/Generation adidas) and after my Junior year of college but decided both times to finish my degree. I still had confidence and faith that I would continue to improve and the professional opportunities would still be there. It’s also nice to have a college degree!
That’s all that I’ve got for this week everyone. Continue to send your questions to Julian@americansoccerreader.com. Have a great week and I’ll see you again before long!
-jules
