Saturday, December 27, 2008

Turkey?!?!? Seriously???

Just heard that BB.com is over in the former Ottoman Empire either in training or on trial with a Super Lig squad. Unless it is Fenerbahce or Galatasaray, there should be no doubt that Boswell should return to Houston. And if it is one of those 2 clubs, Bos should be ready to ride the pine because the only games where he will see time with the first team is in the Fortis Türkiye Kupası.

It is so frustrating to see these MLS vets leaving the States and moving to 2nd or 3rd tier leagues in Europe. Obviously it is about the money for most of them since playing in Norway, Sweden, Austria or 2.Bundesliga have not lead to further development (Wolfe, Noonan, Jaqua, et al) and have seen a quick return Stateside. Most of them burn up months or years of their prime not playing, all for a few hundred thousand dollars. Some of them I can't blame, but surely a guy like Boswell that has only had 2 outstanding pro years in the USA, won't be helping himself any with a move like this.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Liverpool Still On Top

One thing that you should know is that I am an unapologetic Liverpool fan. They make Setanta worth the $15/month (well, the Reds and Aussie Football in the offseason). Watching the game against the Gunners this morning left me frustrated on several fronts.

First, I can't believe Lucas is still getting playing time. I know the team is still missing some players due to fitness issues, but is there no one else that can get on the pitch so this kid goes back to the Reserves side where he belongs? Secondly, how damaging would this team be if Torres were healthy? They teased the voyeur and his crew all day. I don't think Adebayor should have seen red, but I have given up on knowing what the EPL ref crews will do week-to-week. As soon as the red was shown, Rafa/Sammy should have gone to 2 men on top (even if Babel was one of them). It took them about 25 minutes to make that adjustment and to my dismay, left Leiva in the entire time.

My Christmas wish for Liverpool is no more stupid draws. They have the manpower to beat the likes of Hull and a down-on-their-luck Arsenal. Here's hoping that Chelski fall down tomorrow and stay 2 points down.

Friday, December 19, 2008

2009 Dynamo Lineup

So what do you think? Knowing that there will still be (at least) a few moves made by the Dynamo FO, this is starting 11 that I would put out on the pitch right now:

GK - Pat Onstead - Although Pat is pushing towards his last year, he is still the best in MLS.
LB - Wade Barrett (Captain) - Wade is still the anchor at the back. I am guessing that his new contract will keep Captain Wade at The Rob for at least another 2 years. It is possible that Wade might move over the right side for a few games to give Mike Chabala some first team playing time.
RB - Julius James - I put the kid here because I am hoping and praying that BB.com comes back with a nice, fat paycheck.
CB - Eddie Robinson - ERob had a down year and I am doubtful he is on the downside of his career. He still has some good years left as long as he can stay healthy (physically and mentally). In order for the Dynamo to retake the Cup, it is essential that Eddie get back to his 2007 form.
CB - Bobby Boswell - This has to happen. He had a terrific run last year and I can only imagine what 08 would have been like without him given the fact that Robinson had such a bad time of it.
DM/CM - Ricardo Clark - No Europe for Rico this year. He had another great year and will be looking abroad next year. But for now, he stays.
AMR - Brian Mullan - Mulls had a very nice 2008. It is imperative that he controls his temper a little more next year, but he enjoys getting under the skin of any opponent. Has some of the best ball control in MLS. Corey Ashe needs to learn from Mullan while he can.
AML - Brad Davis - My Christmas list contained a wish of health for this Missouri boy in '09. Brad is a favorite of mine not only because of the fact that he is from St. Louis and went to SLU, but he has the best left boot around. Should be taking every corner and every FK in the offensive zone (sorry Mulrooney). Is 2009 the year he scores from the corner??
AMC - Stuart Holden - This will be Stuie's breakout year. A favorite of every female fan, Stuie can stay on the ball more than DeRo and has a better shot from range. As long as he is patient with himself, he will have a better year in Houston than DDR ever did. Big statement I know, but I think he is the better player. Hopefully he sees some time with the MNT, but not too much.
ST - Brian Ching - Another prayer for a healthy 2009. Chinger will see alot of time with the Nats, and hopefully that will not hamper his ability to be at 100% during the season. Without Brian, this team is mid-table.
ST - Chaco Gimenez/Luis Angel Landin/Damian Alvarez - My guess is that this position will be filled by one of these players (fingers crossed). This is also the order that I would prefer, but my feeling right now is that Landin is at the top of Canetti's list. Of course, I was a huge Caraccio fan, so I am hoping that the striker that slides into the box next to Ching doesn't disappoint.

BENCH - Kamara (will get plenty of playing time), Cameron, Ashe, Chabala, Waibel (unless he hangs up the boots), Ianni (my guess is that he will be gone - probably during the SuperDraft), Mulrooney, CWondo.

NEEDED - Backup keeper, another CB (2 if Bos leaves), and at least one more striker for depth.


First Post!

This is just a little note to let you know that this blog will be your standard American soccer blog. Just wanted an outlet for my thoughts and feelings for my beloved Dynamo and other American soccer teams. Thanks for visiting!