So I said in last weeks entry that Friday’s match up with the Revs was Abel Xavier’s chance to make it or break it as a starter for this LA team. He broke it like Nancy Kerrigan’s shin bone. The guy put up a howler in which he was partly responsible for both NE goals as well as a sitter that was denied by the upright. He, quite simply, can no longer be counted on to consistently compete at this level. That must be heart breaking to him too, because you can see he mentally knows what to do, but his body just can’t keep up.

Suddenly there is another problem for the Galaxy, two goals in two games. For a normal team this isn’t too large of a concern, but for the Galaxy you have to average three goals a game to even have a chance. Two reasons I’m not concerned about back to back one goal games:

1. Landon Donovan was a sickly shadow of himself last game, and he STILL raised the level of the Galaxy attack.

2. The team is creating chances, and bunches of them. The finishing has lacked the last few games, but I’ll chalk that up to being unlucky rather than a dip in form.

Enough about the past, this week is HUGE. Perhaps I should start prefacing such exclamations with the notation of “by Western Conference standards”. Because it is becoming quite apparent that the East is the class of the league. Hate me if you want, but it’s true. Hell, I hate myself for saying it, because the sad thing is my Galaxy should be disproving this fact by now. They have the stars and the style of play to take it to the Eastern teams, but they are wasting it with their defense. So this week against Chivas has to be a statement game. A statement to the rest of the league that you cannot lump LA’s one true team with the rest of this conference. A statement that the Galaxy started making with the 5-2 drubbing of Chivas the first time around.

The message to the team Thursday night needs to be “Mark your territory.” And I mean that in the most animalistic, primal sense of the phrase. These players need to stand up and become the Alpha Males of the West. Chivas walks down our halls, plays on our fields and parks their Taurus’ next to our Escalades. If we don’t lay the smack down on them the four times a year we get the chance, then all that separates us is body odor, little red horns and six inches on our rims. We can’t have that. We have to do more than simply win this game, we have to deny them their pride.

That’s what an Alpha Male would do…

One Liners:

-Heard at my house during Friday night’s game, “Why isn’t Big Bird out there playing any defense.”

-So I’m trying to get almost 40 group tickets to the Chivas home game versus the Galaxy in August. Left a message with their ticket rep 2 days ago and still haven’t got a call back. Are they really in any position to turn away spectators?

-Thank You MLS for scheduling Thrusday nights match at 8pm. Coming from the Inland Empire ain’t easy at 6:00pm in California.

-Can’t wait to see what the Riot Squad has planned for Thursdays match up. They always bring it for the Super Calssico. Here are some examples of years prior:

The Infamous Chivas Blow-Up Girls

Mariachi’s in 138

And my favorite from this year’s Classico, the giant poster of this:

Popularity: 24%

After watching, along with the rest of the nation, LA get outclassed on Sunday, it is apparent that the time is now. Time to fix this problem before we lose our season. Time to stick our nose in and play some defense. We need players on the defensive end that would smack their own momma in the mouth to win the ball. We need Jim Malone.

No, he is not some transfer from the Premier League or an up and coming youth player. He’s Sean Connery’s character in the Untouchables. I was up till 3am this morning watching this movie and I’m convinced we need a guy like this in LA. A guy that will make you wish you had never crossed him. We don’t have a player like that. Yes, Joey Franchino would break your leg for fun, but obviously he has fallen out of favor with Ruud quickly since his arrival. I’m talking about players like Gattuso. I’m scared of that guy just watching through the TV.

I don’t think this is a mystery either. So my question is… Why haven’t we already pulled the trigger? Alexi Lalas has known for 3 months this was an issue and we had nothing ready to go for the toughest stint of our schedule? We are hosting the #1 team in the East tomorrow and trotting out the same sorry defense we have had since the 2nd game of the season. Every point matters and we can’t afford to lose this game tomorrow.

Yes I know there are defenders in the mix and help is coming. I guess I just expect more from LA. Alexi has told us for two years that as LA fans we SHOULD expect more than other MLS fans. Well, just like Bush on that carrier, “Mission Accomplished.” Now deliver on your end of the deal.

Onto the game tomorrow. For the first time this season I won’t be in my seats for a Galaxy home game, but you can bet your behind I will be making everyone at my 4th of July party watch this game come 7:30.

New England are a complete team, plain and simple. Strong at the back, led by the best defender in the league in Michael Parkhurst. Classy through midfield with Ralston and Joseph. And dangerous in the finishing third with Christman, Dube and Mansally all having break out seasons. Oh, and they have a guy named Taylor Twellman who has yet to really even contribute this season. But this could be Taylor’s day. Most of the goals the Galaxy defense gives up are the exact type Twellman thrives on, dirty, scrappy, ball bouncing in the box goals.

This is Abel Xavier’s chance to show Ruud he can still be a piece of this team. I love Abel’s style of play, I really do. He just can’t keep the pace. Everytime he gets turned its a scoring opportunity. He needs to make a statement Friday night in a big way.

One final mention before I wrap up. The only time I was ashamed of being a Galaxy supporter was when Alexi convinced Chris Albright to sign a deal for less money, only to blindside him with a trade. Albright worked too hard for us for too long to be treated with such disrespect. I am really looking forward to seeing him again, I just wish I was going to be there to applaud him in person. So the onus falls to those of you who will be there. Give it up for the guy when he’s announced… then commence to booing.

Popularity: 31%

If you don’t know who Dave Denholm is, you may be missing out on one of the best soccer podcasts out there. Dave works for ESPN radio in Los Angeles on the Dameshek, Denholm and Long show on 710AM. His coverage of MLS is insightful and he never shy’s away from letting his opinion be known. In addition to this he is a Galaxy season ticketholder, which makes him OK in my book.I asked Dave if he would be willing to answer some questions to help us get to know the man behind the mic better. He was nice enough to agree. Make sure to check out the link to his podcast above and his radio show can be streamed live over the internet as well.

ASR- Did you play soccer growing up, or was it something that came to you later in life?

DD-  I was a typical American kid in the late 70’s. I played soccer for a few years, but didn’t really think much about it at all! I loved every other sport, but 1994’s World Cup here changed everything for me.

ASR- Talk about your role at ESPN. How did you convince them to let you do a soccer podcast.

DD-  I am currently doing the afternoon drive show as part of “Dameshek, Denholm and Long” from 4-8pm. I have kinda become known around L.A. media as the “soccer guy” and I wanted to talk about it on a regular basis, so I convinced the suits to let me do it for the web.

ASR- Do you find yourself having to defend your love of soccer to your ESPN colleagues?

DD-  At one point, I did have to. But over the last few years, not so much. Anymore, I don’t even waste time with people who “hate” soccer for no good reason.

ASR- During your podcast you make your allegiance to the Galaxy no secret. Do you worry at all that this may make you appear bias to listeners?

DD-  I get e-mails like that a lot. I’ve never hidden my love of the Galaxy, but most listeners know I am impartial. I have been very critical of the Galaxy when necessary. I was brutal towards that hideous 2007 season and rightfully so. We stunk and I said so. What else can a listener demand, right? You just have to be honest.

ASR- What does the Galaxy need to do in the upcoming transfer window, if anything, to improve it’s backline troubles?

DD-  Abel Xavier has been getting slightly better, but I would love another center back. Someone under 40 would be preferable.

ASR- In your opinion, is Edson Buddles recent run of goals the real deal? And if so, does this make Carlos Ruiz expendable?

DD-  Buddle just looks like he gets it under Ruud. Edson looks lively, engaged and into each match. That is a real positive for him. I think Ruiz could still be very valuable on this club, so unless it’s to get a major defensive upgrade, then I say keep El Pescadito as well.

ASR- You, like myself, have not been shy about hailing the stand-out performances of rookie Sean Franklin so far this season. He got my All-Star vote. Did he get yours?

DD-  He actually has to get consideration for the Galaxy MVP this season. (don’t freak out everyone…I’d still give it to Landon). Franklin has been one of the best rookie defenders in league history. Just so steady and smart going forward as well as just being lock-down on the defensive end.

ASR- Have you noticed anything different about the HDC crowds since Beckham arrived?

DD-  They are a little bigger. And they wear his jersey.

ASR- Is it just me, or does it seem like the supporters groups have really stepped it up this year?

DD- Yeah, I think the Riot Squad is always in full voice, but they just seem to be growing nicely. I like the addition of ACB and the always faithful Galaxians to the other end of the stand. It adds some depth of noise and cheering. I gotta say that L.A. has the BEST MLS fans. You can have your Red Patch or Cabbage Patch or whatever Kids they are in Toronto.

ASR- You have been very vocal in calling out Bob Bradley for consistently playing two holding central midfielders. Do you hold Ruud Gullit’s feet to that same fire for using a similar tandem?

DD- No, not at all because Ruud demands they go forward and be two-way players. Plus, Ruud interchanges guys within a match and gets them to change up their positions and even style of play within the flow of a match. I don’t see any of that with Bob.

ASR- I assume you are credentialed, so why pay for season tickets rather than going to the games for free and sitting in the press box?

DD- I do both. I share two season tix with a good buddy of mine and I like to feel the atmosphere and be able to scream my lungs out for my beloved 11.

ASR- Back to the podcast before I let you go. What progress would you like to see from it by the end of this season and going into 09?

DD- I just want to see more interaction from the listeners. Let me hear the good and the bad at davedenholm@710espn.com

Well, you heard him kids, get out there and interact.  Here is a gentlemen taking it upon himself to try and carve out a niche for all of us.  Make sure you click the link and support what is, for my money, the best soccer podcast out there.

Popularity: 27%

WANTED: Central defender under 32 years old for emergency backline upgrade.  Perks include sunshine, superstar groupie leftovers and a free copy of Alexi Lala’s new CD.  Crazy hairstyle preferred but not mandatory.

For the second home game in a row the LA Galaxy saw their hard earned goal differential slip away due to sloppy defense and mental lapses.  Normally you won’t see me call out Chris Klein in my breakdowns here at ASR.  No one out works this guy.  His endless overlaps and two way play really fuels the Galaxy’s dangerous right flank.  But he needs to be called out for what can only be defined as a senseless penalty Saturday night.  Now it is true that Robbie Rogers was probably not going to get to the ball, and to some that makes the call controversial, yet if we all knew he wasn’t going to get there, Klein should have as well which makes his foul that much worse.

While we are riding the blame wagon a few more people need to be piled on.  Steve Cronin’s “save”, the rebound from which resulted in Columbus’ third goal, was not what is expected of a starting keeper in MLS.   Cronin has two options, hold the ball or punch it WIDE.  Simply parrying the ball down into the middle of the six yard box is never an option and the Galaxy was justly punished.

But let’s give credit where credit is due.  Edson Buddle’s goal on the night was absolutely clinical.  It was the type of goal that shows a striker oozing with confidence.  For the second home game in a row Buddle has finished side netting from acute angles.  This bodes well for a Galaxy attack that is already the most dangerous in the league.   His continuing hot streak furthers my suggestion that the Galaxy should unload Carlos Ruiz in the upcoming transfer window in order to bolster their defense.

One Liners:

-How bad is Landon wishing he had chosen to hit that sitter with his left foot now?

-The call and response chants back and forth between LARS and ACB is now one of my favorite parts about home games.

-Maybe Beckham should not be expected to convert that last shot Saturday night, but he should definitely be expected to put the ball on frame.

-I am convinced the guy that sits in front of my season seats is the exact look-a-like of the captain of the Wizard from the Deadliest Catch.

-There is a 50/50 chance my fiance would leave me by my wedding day if Ante Jazic asked her out.

Coming up this weekend is cracker of a game.  Galaxy vs DC United.  It is the first MLS rivalry.  Every Galaxy fan remembers the feeling as Eddie Pope’s rain soaked head put the winning goal past our 96 team.  It is the Man U vs Arsenal of our little league.  The best part about this years matchup from a fans point of view?  NEITHER team can play a lick of defense and both are capable of dropping 5 goals on you.  It is the perfect game for a nationally televised network broadcast.

Like the Galaxy, I am on the road this weekend so check back in later this week for Julian Valentin’s blog to get your Galactico fix.

Popularity: 25%

Apologies for being late this week, but it was an intense weekend of sports here in So. Cal. You had our favorite Galacticos visiting our most storied rivals The Smurfs, the Lakers making history in all the wrong ways, and the US showing the rest of CONCACAF that they are, indeed, the biggest fish in this small pond.

God, I wanted to be on that bus to Oakland this weekend, but alas when you have a month till your wedding you don’t get to go away for many drunken weekends of debauchery, besides the bachelor party. For those who may not know, the Riot Squad in conjunction with the front office organized the fantastic opportunity to travel with 300 other Galaxy fans up to Oakland via bus to support the Galaxy. My hat is off to you guys. By all accounts, including mine on the Biggie HD (Yes I name my TV), you guys did great. Through the whole game chants of “L-A Galaxy” could be heard to a nationwide audience. Congratulations to the Riot Squad, Angel City Brigade, Galaxians and all the other Galaxy fans who represented.

The Galaxy’s 3-0 win was the type of performance that makes you feel, maybe it is finally safe to trust this team again. The shutout alone should hopefully do wonders for the defense’s confidence. The good news? They now have two shutouts on the year. The bad news? They both are against expansion side San Jose. The good news? They are both against expansion side San Jose. So while it feels good to beat those little Smurfs, it’s kinda like the bully beating up the kid at school with the helmet on… It’s just not very fulfilling and kinda sad.

In terms of team analysis I really have one question for the Galaxy fans. Does this team need Carlos Ruiz? By that I do not mean to trivialize the man’s talents. His career speaks for itself. But consider the following, with no contributions from Ruiz this team already possesses the #1 offense in the league. Yet it lacks strength in defense. So is Ruiz’s max salary slot being used to its utmost potential? There are plenty of teams out there in need of strikers, with an unused DP slot available in trade. Both Real Salt Lake and San Jose could easily trade their DP slot for Ruiz, assuming that either team is willing to try to spend the money to resurrect their playoff hopes. The Galaxy could then turn that DP slot into a quality central defender.

In other So. Cal soccer events I had the pleasure of sitting with Sam’s Army for the United States’ thrashing of Barbados on Sunday. What a day. 8 goals and every time this was my view of the field.

I don’t know if I can ever go back to a regular seat again. Plus that flag provided the only shade on a brutally hot day. The best part about the 8-0 win for Galaxy fans is that this means Landon Donovan will be back in town for the return of Sigi and his Columbus Crew. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to getting a first hand look at Robbie Rogers. The kid has looked good so far this season.

Exciting announcement this week here at ASR. Julian Valentin has signed on to do a weekly blog. My question to him… Are there any interesting prop bets going on revolving around player’s Euro picks?

Lastly, a moment of silence for my fallen Lakers. I’m afraid in this scenario LA was the kid in the helmet.

Popularity: 23%

It’s a chance for redemption. The 4-0 thrashing by Colorado on opening day must still be lingering on the collective minds of the LA Galaxy. They were embarrassed that day and subsequently torched in the the media world wide. There is no altitude to use as a crutch Saturday night, so the Galaxy need to show the West why they deserve to be the #1 team.

Back from international duty will be David Beckham, Carlos Ruiz and Ante Jazic. Of those three, only Beckham’s absence played any role in LA’s loss in Toronto. With Landon Donovan away with the USA in New York, this needs to be the game where Ruiz shows the league he is back. He went the full 90 minutes for Guatemala midweek, so we know he is back to near full fitness. What remains to be seen, however, is if he still has his scorers touch. To make the storyline even better, Ruiz could get his first start since returning from injury against the very team that blew out his knee with a terrible tackle. I suspect that El Pescadito will have no problem finding motivation for this game.

Colorado are not without their own player absences. With Mike Petke out through injury, and both Bouna Coundoul and Pablo Mastroeni away with their respective national teams, the leagues most potent offense is going up against a defense with large holes in it. Mastroeni’s absence denies Christian Gomez every attacking midfielder’s greatest asset, an enforcer doing the dirty work in midfield. Gomez will have a difficult time getting free to press forward if his defensive duties are increased.

My most exciting matchup to watch Saturday night? Herculez Gomez vs everyone. The Galaxy faithful have not forgotten what Herc meant to us in 2005. He took a lot of pride in that season, and he will be keen to show the Galaxy what they lost by trading him. If you go by stats, the Galaxy haven’t missed much, but every team would love to have a passionate player such as Herculez in their clubhouse. My bet is that Fernando Clavijo will find some way to get Gomez on the field Saturday night, whether as a sub or starter.

From a fan’s perspective, another interesting sub-plot Saturday night will be the “official” return of the Bacon Wrapped Hotdog. A Galaxy street vendor staple since the days of the Rose Bowl, and banned in LA County. The Galaxy Front Office has arranged for the sale of these illustrious items at two grill locations inside the HDC. My hope is that the concession stands can make them with the same taste as those wonderful people in the parking lots on shopping carts. Full report to follow on this breaking news…

Also, on the rumor front… Clint Mathis was seen on the sidelines of the Galaxy practices this week. Rumor has it that Ergotelis, his Greek club, has not renewed his contract. I believe the Galaxy still own his MLS rights. Could Cletus be looking for both a teammate and drinking partner in Joey Fanchino? We’ll see. I, for one, hope he comes back.

My Homer Prediction: 2-1 Galaxy

My Homer Lineup:

Cronin

Klein - X - Franklin - Vanney

Beckham - Pires - MickeyD - Randolph

Ruiz - Buddle

Popularity: 21%

This was their chance. To prove that, at least for one game, they were not just a star’s supporting cast, but players deserving of the leagues respect. With Beckham away on national duty, and Donovan nursing a groin injury, the Galaxy’s lesser knowns were going to have the spotlight. What happened? Stage Fright.

Let’s be honest about this game, it was ugly. Both teams were missing big names. The result was a sloppy game where neither team could string any quality combinations together. The difference however, was that TFC seemed to work harder.

The first half ended scoreless, with the rain starting to poor. The Galaxy had a really tough time adjusting to the wet Field Turf of Toronto in the second half. Every ball seemed to require an extra touch to control. Everyone knows that Toronto has the best home field advantage in the league, but Saturday’s game showed it isn’t only because of its fans. Toronto seemed to understand the pitch and how it would react to the rainy conditions. The Galaxy were left befuddled.

Let’s talk Abel Xavier for a sec. The guy had two decent games for LA leading into Saturdays contest. But can the Galaxy afford to keep a guy around that either cannot or will not play on artificial surfaces? In a Galaxy back line that already is one of the worst in the league, can they really risk the inconsistencies this brings to the team? Roughly 25% of teams in MLS play home games on artificial turf. I don’t see how the Galaxy can expect their defense to improve when the back line will be changing week to week, especially on the road. What this defense needs is some consistency.

Give credit to Toronto. They battled and scrapped for their two goals, with their first coming from a nice aerial effort from James. The Los Angeles strikers, however, could not produce. What became quite apparent in this game, was the lack of creativity through midfield, when both Beckham and Donovan go missing. You cannot expect to start three holding midfielders in Franchino, McDonald, and Pires across a four man midfield and see offensive results. It is my same complaint of Bob Bradley at the national team level. Too many holding players and not enough creativity. And that statement really sums up the Galaxy’s performance this weekend.

Popularity: 32%

Thanks to a youtube posting, the issue of race in MLS is prevalent for the first time in its short history. We have been lucky as soccer in fans in the US. We see horrific stories from around the world regarding riots, stadium collapses and racially charged banners and chants. I was proud of the fact that, while racism is still a big problem in the US, we always seemed to do a good job of keeping it out of our sports. In America the athlete is gray. Until someone goes and messes it up.

As you can see from the clip linked above, there are always going to be individuals who will ruin it for everyone else. I don’t think we can ever truly stop that. What makes it worse for us American soccer fans, is the inevitable hooliganism tag we get smacked with anytime the general sports media gets a hold of any story similar to this. We already fight an uphill battle everyday trying to change the minds of the masses and convert them to what we know is a beautiful game. Instances such as this force our sport to take a step back and see how far we really have left to go.

So what can we do? How we answer this question will show our mettle. There are people who will choose to roll over and dismiss it. There are others who will blow it out of proportion. The fact is that this could have been any stadium on any day, that it happened in Columbus is an unfortunate circumstance for the true Crew fans. They will shoulder the brunt of the blame. And perhaps they should, because what you don’t hear in that clip is anyone standing up to the guy abusing the players…

I don’t think there is a supporters group in the this country that would stand up and say they support shouting out racial slurs from their sections. So, my challenge to the supporters groups? Put your money where your mouth is. We are in a unique position to “police our own”, and we should. The talk of bans is ridiculous. What I’d like to see is something like the following:

The leaders of all the different supporters groups, regardless of size, in MLS should get together to form a Cultural Council of sorts to establish what will and will not be tolerated in their sections. They need to go on record and serve notice that certain guidelines need to be followed. Once the guidelines are established each group should nominate one volunteer to serve as their representative to the council, to update other groups on their results and how they have dealt with their own group’s adversity.

I know many of the supporters groups already have their own proclamations, regarding acceptable behavior, and that is awesome. But couldn’t your experiences in dealing with these problems help another group? We need a handful of people that can put their respective colors aside and talk.

This doesn’t have to be a big formal deal, it can be a private message board on an unassuming server. Whatever it is, it has to happen to show that we, as soccer fans, expect more from ourselves and are willing to take accountability. It can’t be just Columbus alone against the world. Our group, that reads the blogs, posts on message boards and get up at 3am to watch games on Sopcast, is a small but passionate one. To further divide it serves no purpose.

So the ball is in your court supporters groups. Do you want to do something about it? Or wait for it to happen in your section next?

Popularity: 30%

The Kansas City Wizards have players that are hard for me to hate. Kevin Hartman, KC’s present goalkeeper, was an institution for us Galaxy fans. El Gato, as he is called, could often be seen having a beer with fans after games, and was even partly responsible for helping establish the Galaxy’s largest supporters group the LA Riot Squad. So when I see him trot out on the field and when his name is called out during the starting lineup, I have to applaud.

That’s what it means to be a Galaxy immortal. It is a small group, one that most would agree includes, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Cobi Jones and El Gato. After that, you get into debates. It is elite company, and Hartman is the only one still active. So it is a Galaxy fan’s duty to applaud him. Once the whistle blows, however, you have to support your current team.

Also in my “Hard to Hate” list is Jimmy Conrad. Now this one is for more selfish reasons. The dude is basically living my life. I present my case:

-Both Jimmy and I were born in Southern California on Feb 12th, 1977

-We both play central defense (He gets paid, I don’t)

-We both went to San Diego State University (only I never tried out for the team)

-We both write about soccer (He gets paid, I don’t)

So either I am his biggest hater or I should embrace the random correlations and say “Good for him”… I’m somewhere in between.

On to the game. The Galaxy are looking to build on last week’s offensive explosion versus Dallas. LA needs to prove that it was, indeed, their skills that provided the win, and not Dallas’ dip in form. The Galaxy also need to show the league that the HDC is still one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams to come into and get three points.

LA’s home record already has two losses in five games. While not poor, that record does not imply the fortress that the HDC should be. Good news for the Galaxy though, they are no longer the leagues worst defense. DC United has edged them out, but they have also played nine games to the Galaxy’s eight.

The motto for the Galaxy this weekend? “Mark an Argentinian!” LA will have to try and keep playmakers Claudio Lopez and Carlos Marinelli in check. Their abiliy to slot passes into space and hold the ball make them dangerous through the midfield.

The Galaxy’s secondary motto? “Mark Jimmy Conrad!” KC has done very well on set pieces so far this season, and no one has benefited more from this than Conrad. This will be a tough order for LA who have displayed plenty of issues clearing the ball out of their box. Scrappy strikers have excelled against LA in this regard. If the Galaxy’s defense can stop KC on set pieces it has a good chance of seeing a rare shutout.

My Homer Prediction: 2-0 Galaxy

My Homer Lineup:

Cronin

Klein - Xavier - Franklin - Vanney

Beckham - Mickey D - Buffalo - Franchino

Donovan - Buddle

Popularity: 39%

In my pre-game analysis of this matchup I missed out on what would be it’s most pivotal breakdown.  Coaching.  This game really did come down to that.  What we all saw on the field that day were two teams, one who is buying into their coach’s ideals and one that has given up on them.

With every game you get the sense that the Galaxy is building.  Even the defense allowed less than their average amount of goals (Credit to Cronin).  More than that, however, is the rhythm with which the Galaxy seems to be developing.  If you compare the style of play LA tried to force early in the season, it was very direct, with long balls and counter attacks.  In the last three to four games LA has adopted a possession and first and second touch passing through midfield that reminds me of the great DC United teams of the last two years.  For this the credit must go to Ruud Gullit.

Ruud came to the team saying priority one needed to be fitness.  To play the style the Galaxy currently are takes a tremendous work ethic off the ball.  Making runs into space to create passing lanes and developing triangles for one touch passing is a tiring process.  Yet even in the stifling heat of Pizza Hut Park the Galaxy was able to impose their style onto the game.  Credit Ruud’s commitment to conditioning for Sunday’s success.

Now in a fitting tale of two cities we have to look at FC Dallas.  This team was never in the game after Cronin made that great kick save on Kenny Cooper.  Once they got behind they gave up.  Their body language said it all.  Sluggish movement of the ball forward and stagnant passing spelled a slow painful death for Dallas fans.  It deserves mention that the only two people who seemed to not give up were Cooper and Oduro.  They kept pressing and never stopped believing that if they worked hard at least they could leave with their dignity in hand.

Steve Morrow, the Dallas Coach, really is in trouble here.  He doesn’t seem to have the confidence of his players anymore and the TV shot of him with his head in his hands said it all.  He wasn’t on his feet trying to breathe some passion into his players, but instead he was postured in the international sign for surrender.  As much as I have always liked Morrow for his dedication to sticking up for the American game every time he is interviewed, something has to change in Dallas.  And it may have to start with him.

One last note regarding Gullit.  His use of Franchino in the left mid slot was bothersome to me when I first saw it in the lineups.  But once the ball started rolling what I saw was a very nice compliment to Vanney.  Having Franchino out wide allowed Vanney to freely overlap and get forward, because Franchino can easily cover the left back spot.  This makes me even more happy for Ante Jazic’s immanent return, because he is more potent going forward than Vanney.  While Franchino may not be much of an offensive threat from left midfield, on a team with plenty of offense it’s good to see a nice defensive adjustment.

Popularity: 37%