My hope for this game is that maybe JK tunes in to see Donovan and notices Farrell and Nguyen. Farrell is a rising star with speed and ball control... I'd take him over Cameron right now and they should start developing him as a star for the future. You will never convince me that Sacha or Davis are better than Nguyen at the midfield. I think there is a very good chance that the NAT coaches will tune in to see Donovan play and in the process, maybe have their eyes opened by some that aren't on their radar screen too.
If nothing else, Nguyen is well on his way to a January camp invite. Farrell, maybe U23 first. He hasn't looked that great going forward so far - at best, inconsistent.
I think Farrell does very well going forward as far as runs, timing, and ball movement are concerned. Where he breaks down is when he gets into a position to shoot (hesitant) or cross (over hits it). I think both will improve with experience. He seems like a bright and humble kid who is willing to put in the work to hone his craft. I'm pretty confident he'll be making important offensive contributions by the end of the season.
Still don't really understand why our best player and fringe USMNT guy is making so close to minimum. If he was on $200K a year I would not blink an eyelid.
1. You and I may feel that Nguyen is unappreciated, but he has gotten plenty of abuse on this board for being an aimless dribbler. 2. The usual speculation about players who are underpaid: Nguyen himself is opting to play out his contract at a crappy wage, hoping to score an overseas contract rather than tying himself down to MLS. Of course, he may be getting the Larentowicz treatment.
It's still fairly early in the season, but based on tonight's results a Revs win tomorrow would leapfrog them over Columbus and Philly for 5th place. It would also put them in striking distance of SKC for 4th (with doormat DC at home coming up next week), and the Revs have games in hand on all of these teams (1 on Columbus, 2 on Philly, THREE on SKC). According to MLS' Fantasy article (not always the most accurate predictor, but worth noting) this is LA's projected lineup tomorrow: Not exactly fearsome - that backline is a combination of small (DeLaGarza and Franklin are 150 and 160 lbs., respectively, and both are sub-6 feet) and inexperienced (Cochrane). Plus they'd be starting a rookie (Zardes) and someone who's essentially a rookie (Villarreal) as their forwards. Unlike RSL, who we lost to this year at home when they fielded a B team lineup (again), the Galaxy play a style the Revs can handle and we have historical success at home against them. The Revs avoid a Juninho golazo from distance (and he's been hobbled a lot this year) or a moment of individual Donovan brilliance and they should get points from this game. Get it done!
I am feeling weirdly optimistic about this game. Can't really say the last time I felt this way about this team. Hope the lightning holds off.
So a guy has 1 solid season in MLS on $50k salary and has already earned himself a 400% raise? I wish you were my boss. I like Nguyen but he certainly can be an aimless dribbler at times. I hope he does get a contract abroad! He started his career in Holland and I could see him going back to Europe. If he has the right manager who knows how to utilize him tactically, he'd add value to a lot of clubs.
Lots of dump and chase from McCarthy early on. But hes great at patiently playing it out of the back of course.
Can't pay as much attention as usual as I'm keeping an eye on a dog I'm fostering but I did hear that comment about "worst field to play soccer on."
Sene and Diego combine for a beautiful goal. Easy 1-2 play towards the top of the box. Sene beats the keeper calmly. Very much against the run of play, as the Revs have really struggled to find any possession. No matter, they've taken the lead.
Revs are just deadly with Nguyen, Rowe, Fagundez, and Agudelo linking up together. So much on the ball talent there.
Farrell's quickness with the ball at his feet reminds me of a young, bigger Beasely, with a better touch. Not sold Nguyen. He seems to float in and out of games too much.