Donk-the RSL Malcontent

Houston

RCB Donk — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:07:05 GMT

Ok, fews good points few bad and a total WTF point with play on the pitch. RSL looked pretty good, Olave handled Ching and between Borchers and Wingert, De Rosario was shut out too.

With the offense, I noticed that it seemed the team has become obsessed with getting that perfect shot. There were plenty of times that a driven volley or one timer was open. What that opens up, even if the shot isn't on target is rebounds which are a great way to catch a keeper out of position. For example, when Beckerman had a wide open shot thanks to Findley catching Onstad off his line and out of position, instead of just shooting and putting it in, he played with it, which allowed enough time for the defense to get back and clear the ball off the line. Drive the shot, score the goal.

As for the crowd, I don't know what to think sometimes. The dynamic between RCB and the FCB and add in the surrounding crowd and it's not a good thing. I don't really know what to think, to those who were rightly offended, I apologize, too many were out of line and too many don't understand where the line is. I can't wait until we will be the ones who have control over our section.

Now as for Wingert's red, totally warranted because he was dumb enough to retaliate. I just hope the league does the right thing and suspects all involved.

prematch Houston

RCB Donk — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:05:43 GMT

I don't know what to really think of the creamsicles coming to town. I do think it's great that ESPN will be broadcasting and of course there should be a good crowd because of the fireworks, but Houston always seems like such an enigma to me. The win the Cup, but yet don't seem to play terribly well through the year. That may just be my impression, but they don't seem to just destroy their opponents like you would think they should. The just seemt o get by and then win in the playoffs.

They have a lot of solid players, a great core to their team. I just checked the stats and it seems the mighty Hawaiian forehead (Brian Ching) has six goals this year. I was surprised by that, it has seemed that even though he's been playing pretty well for the US on the international level, he's sort of back-burnered MLS. Guess not. De Rosario as well. DeRo can shred a defense and do some pretty amazing things, it just seems that he doesn't do that as often as he's probably capable.

What can be said about Houston is that they have a sold defense. They always have. Vanilla Onstad, even if he has that hairstyle is still one of the top keepers in the league. Their backline is solid, but maybe a step slow. I don't know if they can both body up with Deuchar and deal with Findley's speed, but more telling than anything will be whether RSL can finish their chances or not. Ching and DeRo, if given an open shot will both bury them. I'm just glad they no longer have Nate Jaqua.

Houston just played a 120 minute match on Tuesday against the Charleston Battery in Open Cup play, losing on penalties. Hopefully between the long match two days ago, travel and then the carpet and altitude of RES, RSL gets a distinct advantage and comes away with 3 points. I am going to call this one 2-1 for RSL.

KC

RCB Donk — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:58:49 GMT

What happened to our midfield? When you want to play the possession style game that RSL does, the midfield needs to keep possession. This of course didn't happen. RSL had some chances, but KC controlled the run of play for the most part. It really comes down to the midfield, and for the most part, the problem as at defensive midfield. Dema didn't do well at winning balls or keeping them. Beckerman as well. Williams and Morales, when they did get the ball from the back, did well with it, were creative and made some chances, but again, RSL needs to put the ball in the back of the net when given a shot. At times, our backline looked a bit suspect this game as well, but I think that was mostly a function of the defensive mids not doing their jobs and allowing KC space in the attacking third. Findley looked to be just watching the game, it was great to see him subbed out, but I did not understand taking Deuchar out. I think Deuchar with Nunez would have given us a distinct advantage in the back that Movsisyan just didn't bring to the table.

The team just looked flat coming out. I still do not understand why they do that on the road. KC was a very beatable team, that should have been a win, but the way RSL played, they at best deserved a draw.

As to the end of the game, how typically RSL was that finish? I told my wife when the foul was called, which was a good call, even if it was one that the ref was not consistently making throughout the game, that KC would score. It just sucks for Beltran, who I think did a good job getting a head to the ball, but was just unlucky in which way it went. I have been impressed with Beltran's progress thus far this season. He's still making rookie mistakes, but they are getting fewer and farther between.

I also have to question the sub of Cutler for Williams, Willams was playing well, was playing offensively, and should have stayed on the field. The sub should have been Dema, he was gassed, not playing well and an by taking out an offensive player in Williams and putting in the defensive Cutler, all you got was a failed attempt at bunker ball. How many times will RSL get beat when they bunker at the end before they learn that it's not a good tactic?

Now the last thing I want to touch on, that field sucks. I can only imagine what the sight lines are like especially for those along what would normally be the first base line. KC needs to get a real stadium, or at least try to do something with the infield and play on that end. Instead, the only seats with any sort of proximity to the pitch are the ones right behind the goal along the third base line. Even the empty Arrowhead is better than that garbage. Also, it was sad to see any time someone took a step or the ball bounced, sand kicking up.

Primary Elections

RCB Donk — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:41:40 GMT

It was such a wonderful experience to wake up this morning and find out that there are plenty of people who can think in the 3rd Congressional District and do not like getting constantly lied to. It was great to see Chris Cannon lose his primary, especially after his blatant lies about Chaffetz not living in the district (he would not be even eligible to run if he didn't live there) and even after being confronted about the lies, not backing off of them. I hope now that Cannon (the Troll) will finally go back to living under his bridge and not bother anyone again.

On a local level, I am currently (mis)represented at the Legislature by Glenn Donnelson. He has been on the wrong side of about every issue that has come up in the Legislature from what my stances are. For those who don't know, he's the one who, every year, presents the bill to take away in-state tuition to children of illegal immigrants who would otherwise qualify for resident tuition at the state's public universities. Thankfully, that bill has been beat down every time he's tried to present it. For you RSL fans, Donnelson voted against the stadium bill and when I tried to contact him regarding his vote, I was told by his intern, "Mr. Donnelson doesn't feel he needs to justify his vote to you." Well this is exactly why he is no longer going to (mis)represent me. The best part is, he got his ass handed to him by a political newcomer. I like Ryan Wilcox enough that, even though I'm a Democrat, I will probably vote for him in November. New blood is exactly what we need in the state legislature.

Back from Prague

RCB Donk — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:03:46 GMT

Well it was unfortunate to see the Czechs crash out of Euro 08. I was hoping to be able to see them play while I was over there, but it was not to be as they lost before I got there. My research trip I would generally call a success, even though I did not find 100% of what I was looking for. I am looking into Jan Masaryk and especially events leading up to his death in 1948 by apparent suicide. I am especially trying to pin down the proceedings of three meetings just prior to his death between him and the communist leader Klement Gottwald. The death of Masaryk has long been labeled a suicide, but I am hoping that the new sources now available at USU, Masaryk's personal papers, will shed some more light on what happened. So far, still digging. The only real bad part of the trip was that my camera was stolen at Gatwick Airport on the way home. The good news is that because I bought it with my credit card, they will get it replaced; the bad news: all my pictures from the trip are gone. At least they didn't get my laptop, that had all my research notes and stuff on it.

Anyway, enough of that, looks like I missed two very different matches. I have had a chance to watch the New England match on my Tivo, and all I can say is that it finally looked like RSL decided to show up and play to their potential. Dema was the only real dark spot on this match, he doesn't seem to be at 100% right now, whether it's a remainder of his illness of the last couple of weeks or something else, I don't know. Regardless, he has now taken the role of emotional leader of this team that Carey Talley had in 2006, but then decided he didn't want last year and while he played for RSL this year. Deuchar looked great especially, he was in the right places at the right times and RSL is finally starting to get him some quality service into the box. He's one of those sneaky type forwards who will always find a way into a danger position through the back door and it's nice to see RSL starting to figure that out. Nunez I also liked a lot. Beltran I will say, after a shaky first start is turning into a quality player. I still think that Joy is best on the left and Wingert on the right, but Beltran, given the playing time has adjusted to the professional speed rather well. Borchers, well the goal was all on him, but that will happen from time to time, even with the best in the world, so as long as it's a learning experience, I can live with that. Olave, what can you say about him? I am very impressed, in general, with RSL's additions since Kreis took over last season. This team on the pitch right now is a quality team that just needs to get some more playing time together and I think they have a shot at being legitimate contenders.

I haven't watched the San Jose match yet, but just from the box score, more than anything else, RSL needed to get shots of frame. To have over 20 shots and only 4 on goal, that's a major issue, thankfully it seems to have been addressed in time for the New England match where that was much improved. That is an area that RSL still needs a lot of work in, but it appears that progress is being made.

I truly think RSL has finally turned a corner. The past three years have been tough, but there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. The stadium is almost done, the grass starts going in today from what my friend at the sod farm is telling me. The seats are almost in. The stadium is beautiful. I can't wait to stand in the south end and see RSL finally in the playoffs. I think that this dream is getting a lot closer to reality. Now I only wait and hold my breath, RSL has been known to rip out the hearts of fans in the past, here's to believing that those days are past now.

Goats

RCB Donk — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:54:12 GMT

For the first time this season, I think RSL caome out on the road and didn't look just lost. The first half, they played very well. Findley's goal was extremely fun to watch. I think we have the two best center backs in MLS. Olave and Borchers both played extremely well.

The second half was just horrible. The midfield decided to take the second half off it seemed and without them, RSL had nothing but problems. Braun, the kid from SLC could have done some real damage. Thankfully he seemed to always shoot right at Rimando. Rimando did play extremely well and certainly earned his paycheck last night.

Also, thank god we had Abbey as the ref, I think he likes RSL or had a bet placed on the game or something.

Euro 08 and Chivas

RCB Donk — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:50:18 GMT

First to the Euros. I can't stop watching. Who would have thought the Dutch would emerge as the team to beat? Wow! Beating, emphatically, both Italy and France, excellent. Spain also look tough, but I'm not convinced yet as they won big against a pretty weak Russian side. What can I say about Portugal either?

The Czechs, well, first game against Switzerland, it was a win, but they played horrible. They truly miss that creative force in the middle of the field that is Rosicky. David Rozehnal has not been playing well and the entire back line for the Czechs just gave up on Portugal's last goal. Petr Cech has been playing pretty well but hasn't been getting the support he needs. I also thought it was a bit of a mistake to start Baros over Koller, as Baros has not had any real form to speak of since about 2005. I do expect the Czechs to advance and most likely face Croatia in the quarters.

Now on to RSL. Hopefully they can finally muster up a win on the road at the Home Depot Center. How many RSL rejects can a single team have? I will be really pissed if either Eskandarian and Harris score, since they certainly couldn't do that when they were here. Hopefully Carey Talley has another one of his howlers and keeps giving the ball away in dangerous spots.

I really though do not see RSL getting a win here, but I do see a 2-2 draw. Not really sure why, just pulling numbers out of thin air.

And to add this, I found the best youtube video ever. I must give a warning that this video may offend some people, and if it does, I really don't give a shit, but don't whine that I didn't warn you.

Gretna Fans Ask for Help

RCB Donk — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:04:05 GMT

Gretna FC, where Dr. Deuchar played before RSL, is bankrupt and has the ground up for sale now. This is a complete tragedy for the community and for fans of football. They are trying desperately to save their team and preserve their historic ground. This is their website they set up to try to keep things going. Check it out.

KC Post game

RCB Donk — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:03:11 GMT

First half, excellent football. I really think they finally figured out how to play to the advantages of having Deuchar. If you have a guy who's that much taller than everyone, play to his head. Quite honestly, I think that Kevin Hartman had a great game and that was all that really prevented RSL from getting the win. Hartman made about 4 great saves, each of which should have been goals. I loved the offensive pressure thought the first half. The second half bogged down, but in my opinion mostly because the ref decided to stop letting the players decide the match on the pitch but decided he would start calling every little contact. It was horrible to watch him call back a break for a foul that should have obviously been allowed to continue as an advantage. He did that on about 3 different occasions. To top that off, he would allow obvious fouls, things that should have received a yellow card as a professional foul. The lack of referee consistency made the game bog down into a undecided stalemate the last 20 minutes of the match.

Technically, RSL played extremely well. Even without the goals, the technical aspects of their game were first rate. The pressure from the back line, through the midfield, to the strikers was excellent. The midfield did an excellent job keeping the ball in the attacking third and maintaining good possession, as long as the referee was not blowing his whistle and making some completely strange call. This match should be made into a referee training video on how not to do things. Not to say the fouls were not something that could have been called, they certainly were, but I have to question the referee's assessment of when to apply advantage and when not to.

One other impression I got from this game and thinking through the week as to who would be RSL's MVP so far this year was how obviously improved the team is since last year. Taking the wrecking ball to the team over the past year really will start paying off. Last year, the only defender that we had who was worth anything game in and game out was Eddie Pope. Our back line was mostly absent for the season, which is why Nick Rimando had such a great year. That said, this year Rimando hasn't been our MVP, which is really a good thing. While Nick has certainly demonstrated that he's capable of making spectacular saves, the fact that he has rarely this season been called upon to make those saves says something about our backline's play so far. Nat Borchers has been an extremely capable replacement for Eddie Pope, shoes that are extremely hard to fill. Olave I think with some more playing time will be a better defender than Gooch on the USMNT. He has the size and speed, and as he gets more experience with his positioning, which is good already, he will be a shut-down defender that will be extremely hard to beat. I think Ian Joy is the best left defender we have, but to really say anything about him, I would like to see him at 100%. PErhaps the biggest surprise this year has been the play of Chris Wingert. His crosses are spot on, other than Morales and Williams, he's the best crosser on the team. Beltran, after a rough first game has steadily improved and should be able to work his way into a consistent starting position.

Our midfield this season has probably been the weak point. I am not a fan of the Ellinger diamond midfield, but it works if you play it right. My personal preference would be to run a 5 man midfield with either just Deuchar up top so a 4-5-1. Another option would be a 3-5-2 with Espindola up top to start. Findley is a very capable supersub, but I think his speed is best utilized towards the end of a game after defenders are tired. Off the bench is where Findley is most dangerous.

Well, overall a good game for RSL, just a bit disappointing that in the last 20 minutes, the referee ruined the match. Until the referee problem in MLS is fixed, MLS will continue to be viewed as nothing more than just a pub league. This is the first step really. Yes there are bad refs all over the world, but in general, most top flight leagues have top flight refs and MLS certainly cannot say that.

Now for Euro thoughts, the Czechs played generally poorly, but Karel Bruckner is a tactical genius and made a perfect sub in bringing Koller out and Svěrkoš's goal was great. Jankulovski looked bad in the first half, but played better as the match wore on. Grygera had a howler, lucky it was against Switzerland, against Turkey or Portugal, if he plays like that he will be punished. Rosicky is sorely missed, in general the service into the box for Koller was poor and there was little in the way of creativity coming through the midfield.

KC

RCB Donk — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:19:01 GMT

Not sure really what to say about this match. KC doesn't really have many threats, which is why they are tied with RSL in the table with 11 points. No more Eddie Johnson, and nobody else really that gives defenders nightmares. Their leading scorer is Jimmy Conrad, a defender who has seen better days (but still an American international). They have won two consecutive non-league games, one against the cRapids (who they have now beat twice this season), but I'm just not sure what to think. One thing is that their keeper is Kevin Hartman, the one keeper in the league who lets the abuse get to him. For those in the north goal, make sure Hartman gets a steady stream of insults, he tends to do stupid things like drop the ball in the goal when he loses his concentration and starts listening to the fans. For those that don't remember, Butterfingers dropped an easy shot right at him back in 2006 when he was with LA against RSL that gave RSL the win. Last year's Open Cup match also showed what Hartman is capable of, with Andy Williams' shot from midfield.

The injury report will be telling. Dema Kovalenko has been sick, and is uncertain for this Saturday, and probably won't be 100% if he does play. I won't be surprised to see Cutler come in, if not even get the start. Cutler is capable but I just have a hard time being excited with him playing. Espindola will probably be out, so Findley starts, which right now I think is a good thing, Findley had a great match last week and has to be flying high after winning GOTW and Player of the Week. Our forward line seems to be getting a bit thin.

Now in other more important issues, Euro 08 starts Saturday as well. As a Czech Republic fan, I of course am going to say they are going to win. This year is a bit scary as their attacking midfielder and team captain, Tomas Rosicky is out with a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined with Arsenal since January. With the retirement from international play by Pavel Nedved, the Czechs have no proven creative force in the midfield. They have a top notch back line, lead by Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina) and Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan). At holding midfield is Tomas Galasek (Nuremburg), who is one of the best holding mids in Europe. Not to be missed is Jan Koller (Nuremburg) at forward. The 6'8 Koller, the Czech's all-time leading scorer, has announced his international retirement that will take place after the tournament. Koller, as he demonstrated at the World Cup against the United States before going down injured is extremely dangerous in the air and the key to the Czech attack. Their group has Portugal, who's a very good team, especially with Christiano Ronaldo (diving whore). Turkey will also be tough. They kick things off for the entire tournament with a match against host Switzerland. As co-hosts, the Swiss got an automatic berth in the tournament. Recently the Swiss managed to lose to the United States, so that does show what sort of quality they are. I expect that the Czechs should cruise to a win in the opener and should get past the group stage. The biggest point for the Czechs is their health. If they can stay healthy, especially Koller, they are dangerous. If they start getting injuries, like they did in the World Cup, their lack of depth in key positions, especially in the midfield and at forward will be killer.

Obama!

RCB Donk — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:55:25 GMT

Finally Hilary is done. I really hope that she gets the ultimate insult and is made the VP nominee. I can think of no better way to make her irrelevant than to put her in a job where the only real purpose is to wait around in case the President dies.

Now it's just a matter of Obama not screwing up and he'll be the next President. If you haven't done so already, read his book, The Audacity of Hope.

San Jose post-match

RCB Donk — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:25:59 GMT

What a great time, I thoroughly enjoyed that game! First thing, I picked up some Winger's wings before I got to the stadium for the tailgate, I love their wings. As soon as I got there, the Fox Soccer Channel team was there lead by Brian Dunseth. I got to ask a question on camera, not sure really what I said or how I did, but it was sort of cool. The tailgate was great, but some of our missing comrades (Judge) sort of brought it down. Our drummer was also missing, which really made a difference at the stadium, we couldn't really keep together as a group without the drums.

Tailgating over, it was time for the match. On the way in, I grabbed my shot of Xango (I don't even think if oyu mixed it with vodka it would taste good, but every time I take a shot of that stuff, we win, maybe I need a bottle of that shit for when RSL is on the road). Anyway, got to E38, and were ready for kickoff.

I was impressed with how RSL started out deciding to play, pressing into the offense. The early PK was well earned and unfortunate that Cannon saved it. I will grudginly admit that Joe Cannon is a great keeper, much as I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, HATE HIM. It was shortly after this we had the most interesting incident of the first half. A fan who had been offered reseating by Guest Services when he complained about sitting next to us (in the chairback seats no less) decided he would take matters into his own hands and took one of our cowbells and threw it on the pitch, almost hitting Espindola. We pointed him out to security and while we were waiting for him to be escorted out, he decided to get into some people's face and try to cause problems. Thankfully, nobody in our group would bite (much as it was certainly tempting) and the guy was eventually escorted out of the stadium (and rightly so). Guest services handled the matter perfectly. Hopefully, as Garth assured me after the match, we will finally have a supporter's section where only those who fully accept what they are getting into will be allowed when the new stadium is completed.

The rest of the first half just really showed that Cannon is a good keeper. Lot of good chances, RSL was playing great, building from the back, doing what they should. Espindola hurt really is the only big news. Why they can do that at home, but not on the road, I don't quite get. Guess that's the real problem with the team. Why can they seemingly beat about anyone at home, but look lost and shell-shocked on the road? Kreis, for the sake of his job, really needs to solve this quick. My opinion is that on the road, they are really just looking to play for the draw, which is not a good way to approach a game. Play for the win, settle for the draw as a good result.

Second half, Findley started us off, great play. The whole play in the second half was even better than the first. The entire half was mostly spent in the attacking third. The bunkerball at the end didn't even bother me because being up 3-0, that's when it's appropriate. Yes, they gave up a goal at the end, but it was meaningless.

San Jose, USMNT and other random thoughts

RCB Donk — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:51:28 GMT

First and foremost, RSL is playing at home, they better not look like they do on the road. They have already shown they can beat the Smurfs on the turf, so they better just take care of business.

Really I want to talk about the USMNT going to Wembley this week. The match was extremely boring, I think the best part was when the color commentator guy called Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Alex Ferdinand. Quite frankly DaMarcus Beasley should not EVER take another free kick again. Second, this just proves that the US is really just a third rate football power. They couldn't even look dangerous against one of Europe's second-tier teams (and yes England is second-tier in Europe, otherwise they would be playing in about a week). Bocanegra looked, to borrow the phrase, absolutely knackered. Maybe he should do what Eddie Pope did and step down before he gets to the point of being embarrassing. It is scary to think what a quality striker like Fernando Torres will do to him when the US plays Spain (yes, I do not count Wayne Rooney, at least when he's playing for England, as a quality striker, the dirty Scouser). It is also sad that the US depends so much on Princess Landy to not have a pulled l muscle. When Landy isn't leading the attack, there is no attack. It's bad enough when he's actually out on the pitch and having a bout of PMS and pouting, but to not even play, when you're playing England at Wembley for god's sake?!? Well, guess I shouldn't be so surprised that Landy is such a .

Now the one good thing to note is that the US is finally playing outside of CONCACAF. Now if they really want respect, they have to start at least scoring on the second rate teams of the world.

Well that's all I can really stomach talking about the USMNT. I am a bit scared for the Czechs in Euro 08 because Rosicky is out injured. Now they still have Koller, and the same back line they've had for years, so I think they should be ok, especially if Petr Cech plays like he is certainly capable of. For those who don't remember here's a video

open cup

RCB Donk — Tue, 27 May 2008 23:09:14 GMT

Glad this one wasn't on TV. Is it bad that even John Kaluder said the team was playing like shit? I think I'm just going to make a macro for future blog posts so I don't have to do much for a post. RSL played like shit on the road, they got exposed by quick counter attacks. The wings could not get into the attack and the few times they did, they neither provided good service into the box and also got caught with a counter. How many times could we say this about an RSL road match? This team does not have the testicular fortitude required to preform at a high level and meet the low expectations set for them. Really, how hard is it to make the playoffs in MLS? You don't even have to be in the top half of the table. What happened to the talk of accountability from Coach Kreis this year? At the coach's show tomorrow, are we going to hear yet more Ellingeresque excuses? The time for excuses is well past. I will say this, I do expect this team to at least go out and attempt to compete. Right now they aren't even doing that. The midfield that was so highly touted coming into the season has more or less disappeared. The only two who seem to be making any effort are Beckerman and Kovalenko, but even that tonight was lacking. Sure would have loved to have seen video of what got Dema sent off tonight though. Sorry but this is just too much, I don't know how much more I can really take of this team and the lack of professionalism. Maybe I'll turn this into a Red Wings blog. At least they are going to win the cup this year.

Dallas

RCB Donk — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:15:47 GMT

All I can say is it really sucks that Dallas always seems to snatch a win from RSL in the closing minutes of the game. Why Olave was taken out, I don't understand. That is when all that room in the middle opened up. Olave had the size and pace to deal with Lurch (Cooper). I also do not understand why Espindola did not get the start instead of Findley. Findley this season has not really impressed. That was the biggest mistake of the match. I don't understand the whole mentality of RSL. They actually played how they needed to in order to get a win on the road; good possession for the most part, and capitalize on a mistake. Then they decide to bunker down into a shell and look what happens. Why they always want to bunker when they get up a goal I do not understand. There was still 20 minutes left in the match. If they could bunker effectively, I would not have a problem, but RSL has NEVER played good bunker ball.

The other problem I noticed is that there were not runs being made by the forwards off the ball. Service would be sent in and there would be nobody there. This happened more than once. RSL did not play well in general, but I have no problem with an ugly win, provided they actually hang on and win. I am also not convinced that Morales is the true answer long-term at attacking midfield. Sometimes he is creative, other times his service is suspect at best. His corners today were erratic, while Andy Williams' were consistently right where they needed to be.

All I can say is I'm getting sick of the constant disappointment. I am also getting sick of the constant excuses from the top. The excuses without improvement ring hollow. I won't even get into the issue of no Real Madrid this year, but that is just another fiasco. The FO seems much more organized than previous years, but I still think it's FUBAR. RSL's biggest selling point for season tickets this year was the new stadium opening with Real Madrid and that isn't going to happen. This, I think, demonstrates a lot that Checkett's ploy of naming the team after them isn't working. Whatever partnership RSL has with Real Madrid just doesn't seem to exist as anything more than just an idea on paper. Other than the pre-season trip last year, and the first friendly, I don't think we've seen any fruit of this so-called union. More than anything, what is the status of the academy? That, if I remember right, was supposed to be built with Real Madrid's help and was one of the key pieces of the stadium deal from the Legislature and Salt Lake City and County. Is this not going to be a reality?

I think the bottom line is that there is a huge lack of professionalism from the team from top to bottom. The excuses from the top, especially Kreis, demonstrate this. Certain players seem to also think this is just a bunch of guys getting together after work for a couple of cold ones and a kick around. While this cannot be said for most of the team, there are a few that this certainly fits. I think that a lack of professionalism seems to apply to enough of the organization from top to bottom that it is easily seen and reflects poorly on those who are preforming in a professional manner.

Shock!!!

RCB Donk — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:08:48 GMT

Got the surprise of my life today. My wife went to her first prenatal appointment and yes, she certainly is pregnant, with TWINS!!!!! Not sure what to think as yet, but right now it's a mix of excitement and fear mostly.

Here's the ultrasound, not sure if you can make much out, but the doctor assures us that there are really two in there. As yet still too early to determine the gender, but when that happens, I'll post it here.

Post cRapids thoughts

RCB Donk — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:10:08 GMT

RSL always seems to have a deer in the headlights look about them on the road. I don't know why this is and have suspicions that its because they are content to play for the draw. Really both teams didn't play that well. As some have described the nasty rivalry that is the Rocky Mountain Cup, it was a cripple fight to make South Park proud.

I don't understand why Culter is taking so much blame, he played well, especially since Christian Gomez, one of the three best attacking midfielders in the league, really didn't do much to distinguish himself. On the other hand Beltran had a howler. Colin Clark exposed him and made him look absolutely like a rookie who din't understand positioning oand didn't have enough speed to compensate. It was a good thing Colorado played so poorly and were not making runs for most of the match, because Clark sent in about 4 crosses right on the 6 yard box that went untouched by anyone. Finally, they did make the run to it and scored, it was just inevitable that it would finally happen. The worst part was, at about minute 60, I was screaming at my TV for Kreis to sub him, yet who comes in, Findley for Culter of all people. That was an almost Ellingeresque substitution. While Cutler was in, Gomez had no clear looks at goal. For a defensive midfielder, that means he's doing his job.

Morales was missed, without him, we cannot seem to maintain possession in the attacking third. RSL would have a great buildup to the attacking third and then just waste it by turning the ball over. This was done by about everyone too, not just a single player repeatedly. Also, while it's great to get the wing backs into the attack, if they are going to do so, they need to send it quality service to Deuchar. What good does it have to have a target forward if nobody ever crosses the ball to him? He can play in the air, I've seen him do it at Gretna, but he needs that service into the box. Also, a huge weakness that gets exposed when the wing backs get into the offense like that is a vulnerability to quick counter-attacks. RSL has been killed this year on taht because the wingers get caught too far forward and that opens a clear lane down the sideline. Again, Beltran was exposed this way. He could not get back fast enough to deal with Clark and when he did, he was so far out of position, it didn't matter that he caught up with him. The good news is, he's a rookie and has time to develop. The bad news is, if we are that thin on the wings, we have a serious depth issue at that position. So far the only one to distinguish themselves at that position is Wingert, who I think thus far has been one of our best players. Central defense was pretty solid, other than the handball for a PK by Mantilla. It was obvious that he didn't really mean to handle the ball, but at the same time, it was unmistakable that it happened and it was in the box. While he may not have really meant to handle the all, he certainly did gain an advantage from it, and from there the call was an easy one to make. I was just scared Abbey would do something like book him for it. You never know with Abbey in the center. Borchers is nicely filling the void left when Pope retired which are some pretty big shoes to fill.

The midfield looked at times good, at times suspect. I still would really like to see Dema at d-mid. I think that's more of his natural position. I would also like to see a possible 4-5-1 formation, I think Deuchar can play the lone forward, Beckerman, Morales and Williams in midfield, with Cutler and Dema at d-mid and Joy (for lack of a better person), Olave, Borchers and Wingert in the back. I also like a 4-4-2 with Espindola and Duechar up front, and Beckerman, Kovalenko, Morales, and Williams in the midfield.

More than anything, I want to see RSL come out with the same intensity they have at home when they get on the road. Don't keep playing for a draw, play for a win.

cRapids tonight on ESPN

RCB Donk — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:56:25 GMT

I love how this will be on HD, but I absolutely despise ESPN's MLS broadcasts. I really do not like listening to Eric Whine-all-day talking about how great he was 10 years ago. It would be much better if as a color guy they had, like they do in England, some Scot you can barely understand. I think that's a law in England when it comes to broadcasts of football, you have to have at least one incomprehensible Scot on the broadcast team.

This is the projected lineup

I think this is about the best lineup we have or at least close to it. Espindola and Deuchar up front seem to be a good combination. Dema is our best d-mid, but I think I like Sturgis here and Dema out wide as Sturgis is capable and Dema is also great out wide, so having them both on the pitch is the best combination. Regardless, I also like Williams. It seems whenever Andy plays, great things happen. I got a jersey from Jamaica I need him to sign too. The backline I really like. It is great to finally have some depth back there, especially in the center. If either Olave or Borchers go down, Mantilla is more than capable of starting in this league. We have never had an option back there like that before. After Eddie Pope, the cupboard was pretty bare. Wingert to me has been very solid. Beltran is a bit of a question, but I think it's better to get him some first team time.

As for Colorado, Christian Gomez was a great addition for them (look for Colorado to trade him to RSL at the end of the year for a couple of pairs old gym socks). Coundoul is either very good or very bad. I am interested to see how he reacts to Deuchar in front of him. I am not sure Colorado really has an answer for the good Doctor, provided he gets good service into the box.

I look for this match to end 2-0 with a brace from Deuchar, I just don't think they can deal with him, but Dema and Borchers can deal with Gomez.

cRapids tonight on ESPN

RCB Donk — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:48:06 GMT

I love how this will be on HD, but I absolutely despise ESPN's MLS broadcasts. I really do not like listening to Eric Whine-all-day talking about how great he was 10 years ago. It would be much better if as a color guy they had, like they do in England, so Scot you can barely understand. I think that's a law in England when it comes to broadcasts of football, you have to have at least one incomprehensible Scot on the broadcast team.

This is the projected lineup

I think this is about the best lineup we have or at least close to it. Espindola and Deuchar up front seem to be a good combination. Dema is our best d-mid, but I think I like Sturgis here and Dema out wide as Sturgis is capable and Dema is also great out wide, so having them both on the pitch is the best combination. Regardless, I also like Williams. It seems whenever Andy plays, great things happen. I got a jersey from Jamaica I need him to sign too. The backline I really like. It is great to finally have some depth back there, especially in the center. If either Olave or Borchers go down, Mantilla is more than capable of starting in this league. We have never had an option back there like that before. After Eddie Pope, the cupboard was pretty bare. Wingert to me has been very solid. Beltran is a bit of a question, but I think it's better to get him some first team time.

As for Colorado, Christian Gomez was a great addition for them (look for Colorado to trade him to RSL at the end of the year for a couple of pairs old gym socks). Coundoul is either very good or very bad. I am interested to see how he reacts to Deuchar in front of him. I am not sure Colorado really has an answer for the good Doctor, provided he gets good service into the box.

I look for this match to end 2-0 with a brace from Deuchar, I just don't think they can deal with him, but Dema and Borchers can deal with Gomez.

Thought of the day for Wednesday

RCB Donk — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:39 GMT

I really hate the cRapids. That is all.