Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Galaxy 1-1 Revolution

By drawing 1-1 in LA this weekend, the Revolution exceeded my expectations (see? it works). However, it wasn't a particularly fun one to watch, and the torrential rain probably played into their hands considering the quality of passing amongst the two teams under normal circumstances.

Landon Donovan said after the game, "They defended...They had no intention of winning the game. That's how we knew they were going to play. That's how Steve Nicol-coached teams play. Give them credit." I can't decide whether this is too harsh, but it's at least close to the truth. When the Revs drafted A.J. Soares I personally predicted that, despite the high expectations surrounding him on draft day, I doubted that he would break the Revs' defense's habit of kicking the ball as far as they can down the field. After one game I think I've been right. True, this was a particularly tough game, being the first of the season, and away to LA with a ton of rain, but I don't expect this general trend to change soon.

No word yet on the non-MLS games in the season ticket package.

-John

Sunday, March 20, 2011

David Luiz and Charlie Davies

I dunno Andrew; I'm cautiously optimistic about David Luiz actually being good. I didn't see him play that much in Portugal...only in two or three big games that were on ESPN3. I'm seeing him more now since he's been with Chelsea, and he just had a good game vs Man City in which he scored the first goal in a 2-0 win. Tim Vickory warned on the BBC World Football Phone-In to "beware of a defender who looks better than he is." I haven't seen him face truly dangerous offenses enough to make a confident judgment of his defensive ability, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far, and rooting for him.

Charlie Davies made a pretty good start to his MLS season, scoring a penalty and a 2nd goal from open play for DC United this weekend. I'm pretty pumped to see him next weekend at Gillette in the Revs' home opener. I'll root for DC this season because of him.

Anybody see this article on Boston.com? Man, I hope one of these is included in the season ticket package. There were decent games included last season, but personally I'd love to see Man United or Spain or the USMNT much more than Benfica or Cruzeiro. The USMNT would be my top choice if I could choose ANY non-MLS team to see at Gillette.

Season opener at LA tonight. Set your expectations low and you won't get hurt.

-John