Overhit Crosses, Aug 09 2006

[BuffloSoldier]

--So, time for D.C. to take up the "mantle of respectability" for Major League Soccer in Seattle tonight (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080801115.html). Real Madrid's almost just off the plane from Europe, and now must head northwest to face United in front of a possible sellout at Qwest Field. Here's a good recap by the Washington Post on how this game came together. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080801157.html)

My only thought about tonight is...it's gonna be a bad weekend for Real Salt Lake. I can't see Madrid playing well tonight, and even with a win Fabio Capello is gonna relatively crack the whip for Saturday night.

--The more important game tonight when it comes to MLS is Houston versus LA. The Galaxy desperately need to start getting wins at this juncture, and it wouldn't hurt for RSL to take a point or three from Colorado this evening as well. White courtesy phone for Mr. Landon Donovan and company....

--As for the trade yesterday (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080800805.html), I sincerely hope this move is what Santino Quaranta's career needs. That, and a good stretch of clean health. Tino's seemingly second to John O'Brien on the National team pool list of injuries, and this silver medal is likely an award no one really wants.

--Nothing big overnight from the European landscape; no big transfers or such. On one front, I'm just surprised that Juan Pablo Sorin has been left twisting (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=408700&CPID=8&clid=30&lid=2&title=Bolton+miss+out+on+Sorin) by Villareal for so long. The Argentinean may not be the best defensive left back in the game, but his world class motor, attacking ability and overall play should have meant Sorin's transfer by now.

--The Bundesliga starts this weekend, and I'll have my thoughts on that tomorrow--but Werder Bremen's move for Per Mertsacker (http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=408568&CPID=22&clid=171&lid=9&title=Bremen+wrap+up+Mertesacker+move) brings them closest to giving Bayern Munich a run for their money this season. For the neutral observers and fans, let's hope this campaign isn't a one-horse race.

[Foousic]

I normally agree with Goff, maybe I'm way off here but in no way do I see a 3-1 scoreline in Real's favor tonight. A prediction like that has no basis reguarding the way that DC has played against international opposition this year, and year's past, and I for one do consider the All-Star game to be in some form or another "a DC game". Maybe Goff's right, maybe DC will fall flat on their face tonight and walk away with a 3-1 scoreline, and that scoreline would be a terrible result under the circumstances for this team, but I just don't see it happening.
My Prediction: 1-1, both second half goals.

[SoccerPrime]

Good news is that the DC/RM match is on Direct Kick tonight. Cool!

[rifek]

Gonna be a rough weekend for RSL even if Madrid comes down with teamwide amoebic dysentery. Brat-Boy Dave's temper tantrum deadline is Saturday.

[Blitzz Boy]

Real Madrid's squad has the phone numbers for car rental agencies and directions on how to get to Wendover, right?

And directions on how to get to, um, those certain entertainment establishments in Elko and Wells?

[MightyMouse]

Good news is that the DC/RM match is on Direct Kick tonight. Cool!

Yes, thank the Gods!

[ETucker]

I think DC can win the game tonight 1-0. Real Madrid signed a bunch of slightly younger galacticos, and did not address the hole in midfield left by the absence of Zidane.

They have two good defenders (Ramos and Cannavaro), one good by old midfielder (Emerson), and a bunch of all star fowards that are too old. Exceptions: Cicinho (not really much in the way of defending), Robinho (not getting enough playing time)

Anyone who thinks Guti and Beckham are good midfielders only needs to re-watch the last World Cup. Guti was not called up to Spain's squad and Beckham only appears on setpieces (He would be a DH in baseball, but alas there's no such position in soccer)

I predict this team will have another trophy-less season, assuming no miracles in the Copa del Rey

[Eric B]

Good news is that the DC/RM match is on Direct Kick tonight. Cool!Did anoyone ever see a rationale for Comcast Mid-Atlantic blacked out the Celtic match for out of town satellite viewers (and why it appears they're doing the same with this match)?

[chessplayer]

I normally agree with Goff, maybe I'm way off here but in no way do I see a 3-1 scoreline in Real's favor tonight. A prediction like that has no basis reguarding the way that DC has played against international opposition this year, and year's past, and I for one do consider the All-Star game to be in some form or another "a DC game". Maybe Goff's right, maybe DC will fall flat on their face tonight and walk away with a 3-1 scoreline, and that scoreline would be a terrible result under the circumstances for this team, but I just don't see it happening.
My Prediction: 1-1, both second half goals.

What was funny about that was that right before, Goff said that "normally Real would beat DC 3-0, but since it's preseason.." What, he'll give DC a goal but Real still gets three? Chelsea couldn't get through Bozilla/Erpen this past weekend and he thinks that Real will just shred 'em? Chelsea only got 2 on DC last year, when Boswell was a rookie and Erpen hadn't arrived yet. Our defense is better than it was a year ago, does Goff think Real's offense is better than Chelsea's? In its preseason form and with new players working in (one of whom on that daunting offense, van Nistelrooy), I don't see Real coming together that well to put three by us, especially if DC is as up for the game as I have read.
I can see Real winning this game if they take the humbling of Chelsea over the weekend seriously (laugh at MLS' worst, but not at MLS' best)- but we are good enough to win if they don't come with their A game. They are in preseason form, we are in midseason form and dominating our league by historic proportions (when was the last time a team led its league in both goals scored and in fewest goals allowed?). Time for another Nowak attack.

[Foousic]

What was funny about that was that right before, Goff said that "normally Real would beat DC 3-0, but since it's preseason.." What, he'll give DC a goal but Real still gets three? Chelsea couldn't get through Bozilla/Erpen this past weekend and he thinks that Real will just shred 'em? Chelsea only got 2 on DC last year, when Boswell was a rookie and Erpen hadn't arrived yet. Our defense is better than it was a year ago, does Goff think Real's offense is better than Chelsea's? In its preseason form and with new players working in (one of whom on that daunting offense, van Nistelrooy), I don't see Real coming together that well to put three by us, especially if DC is as up for the game as I have read.
I can see Real winning this game if they take the humbling of Chelsea over the weekend seriously (laugh at MLS' worst, but not at MLS' best)- but we are good enough to win if they don't come with their A game. They are in preseason form, we are in midseason form and dominating our league by historic proportions (when was the last time a team led its league in both goals scored and in fewest goals allowed?). Time for another Nowak attack.
I agree totally, a DC win in very much in the cards tonight, but be wary of Robhino's play, and Becks set pieces.

[Foousic]

told ya Goff.

[BTFOOM]

Never takes too long for the Euro apologists to come up with reasons, before the game even starts, to explain away why DC United isn't really that good and will only stay in the game because the other team really isn't that interested.

If DCU were put in any of the top leagues in Europe, given a financial package that is average (or even below average) that those teams enjoy, and given a stadium that would be filled by the fans that currently support this team, they would not only stay up, but would compete for a place in Europe every year.