An early impression [Archive]

Matrim55

22 Apr 2007, 03:36 PM

Just a quick note: So far this week we have seen three absolutely brutal fouls - Herron's elbow, Kljestan taking Williams out from behind, and now Ihemelu doing the ol' Daniel LaRusso to fishy's cabesa.

Lol - I didn't even have time to finish my thought. I was about to say "It's only a matter of time before Ruiz retaliates", and as I was about to type that he just gave Beckerman a forearm shiver to the back of the head.

Whole point of this blog was to say that, from where I sit, these teams look like they care more this season. And it's not just the dirty fouls, it's the fact that for the most part these guys are busting their asses for 90 minutes. Maybe the playoff changes have helped give the regular season an amount of urgency that's been noticably lacking in the past. In the spirit of optimism and good-fellowship, that's my take on the situation 3 weeks into the season.

Pescadito just got some more revenge, btw. The MLS season's off to a good start.

pr0ner

22 Apr 2007, 03:41 PM

I was amazed Ihemelu wasn't carded for kicking Ruiz in the head.

Of course, the instant I surfed back to the game, Ruiz flopped. Things never change with him, it seems.

Tone Capone

22 Apr 2007, 03:53 PM

could someone posts clips from youtube? i'd like to see these fouls.

Matrim55

22 Apr 2007, 03:53 PM

I'm not a Dallas fan, and as a rule I try not to complain about the refs. But any Hoops supporter who decides to bitch about the man in the middle after this first half is totally, completely and unequivocally justified.

Matrim55

22 Apr 2007, 03:54 PM

could someone posts clips from youtube? i'd like to see these fouls.
The Herron and Klestjan fouls are on the MLSnet.com video highlight packages. Over/under for how long Herron's suspended is four weeks, says I.

blkbrnrvr

22 Apr 2007, 04:08 PM

Just a quick note: So far this week we have seen three absolutely brutal fouls - Herron's elbow, Kljestan taking Williams out from behind, and now Ihemelu doing the ol' Daniel LaRusso to fishy's cabesa.

Lol - I didn't even have time to finish my thought. I was about to say "It's only a matter of time before Ruiz retaliates", and as I was about to type that he just gave Beckerman a forearm shiver to the back of the head.

Whole point of this blog was to say that, from where I sit, these teams look like they care more this season. And it's not just the dirty fouls, it's the fact that for the most part these guys are busting their asses for 90 minutes. Maybe the playoff changes have helped give the regular season an amount of urgency that's been noticably lacking in the past. In the spirit of optimism and good-fellowship, that's my take on the situation 3 weeks into the season.

Pescadito just got some more revenge, btw. The MLS season's off to a good start.

I think the change to the playoff system, while seemingly minor, is going to prove to be a huge factor in the intensity of the regualr season games. Sure, it's still over half the league making it into the postseason, but that #8 seed overall is having to look over their shoulders at a chasing pack of five, instead of a #4 conference seed only having to be concerned with two teams. That makes such a huge difference.

PJohnson

22 Apr 2007, 04:36 PM

I think the increase in intensity is real. And I agree that the new playoff format has a lot to do with it. But don't underestimate the lure of SuperLiga, and the desire of some clubs to secure the Supporter's Shield and the CCC spot that comes with it. DC made it a huge priority to win the Shield last year and it showed in the start they had. I think other clubs took notice.

The bottom line is that MLS clubs now have a lot to play for. And all of the prizes are based on performance during the MLS regular season. Kudos to the MLS competition committee. I think they are on to something.

Matrim55

22 Apr 2007, 04:48 PM

The bottom line is that MLS clubs now have a lot to play for. And all of the prizes are based on performance during the MLS regular season. Kudos to the MLS competition committee. I think they are on to something.
Sure seems like it.

And I just want to make sure that my original post isn't construed as support of dirty play, because it's not. All three fouls were awful, and I hope all three result in suspensions of varying degree. That said, it is clear that a lot of folks out there are taking these games more seriously this year. Makes for much better viewing.

Garyjuniors

22 Apr 2007, 04:58 PM

I think the increase in intensity is real. And I agree that the new playoff format has a lot to do with it. But don't underestimate the lure of SuperLiga, and the desire of some clubs to secure the Supporter's Shield and the CCC spot that comes with it. DC made it a huge priority to win the Shield last year and it showed in the start they had. I think other clubs took notice.

The bottom line is that MLS clubs now have a lot to play for. And all of the prizes are based on performance during the MLS regular season. Kudos to the MLS competition committee. I think they are on to something.

I totally agree with all of this. Without having much to add, I'll just say that this year I'm watching many more league games besides the team I root for. So, that is definitely a good thing. The games are much more intense and worth watching even if you don't have your favorite team competing.

Shopping Cart Man

22 Apr 2007, 06:07 PM

But don't underestimate the lure of SuperLiga...

I hope that the media (especially ESPN) pays attention to the SuperLiga race, but at this moment its just one of those "wait and see" things.

Polski

22 Apr 2007, 06:08 PM

This is my first year watching MLS weekly and I have to say I'm happy with it so far. I can't really gauge this year on any of the past ones but its nice to see these teams fighting it out.

And hopefully next time Klestjan will get a red for that foul, its the only one I saw live and it was awful.

delo_pata

22 Apr 2007, 06:08 PM

the Dallas-Colo match today had some absolutely awful officiating in general. Unless the replay was very deceiving the Kirovski goal should have been disallowed on a handball.

Ghost

22 Apr 2007, 06:13 PM

You know, after the LA-FCD Thursday night game, there were some complaints that baffled me. One guy watched a Champions League game and then unfavorably compared the quality of that first Thursday game. But I thought the first Thursday nighter was a really compelling game. Sure it wasn't up to Champions League technical quality, like most matches in the world, but that's not what I expect of MLS. What I got -- both teams atacked, both teams hustled, both teams put in hard fouls, and both teams played to win. I was really pleased with that product.

Jasonma

22 Apr 2007, 06:49 PM

And I just want to make sure that my original post isn't construed as support of dirty play, because it's not. All three fouls were awful, and I hope all three result in suspensions of varying degree.

Given that Erpen wasn't suspended for kicking Peterson in the head (and giving him a concussion) in the opening match I see no reason to suspend Ihemelu.

That being said, I agree both merit suspensions, but MLS set the standard when Erpen wasn't suspended, and they have to be consistant.

Tone Capone

22 Apr 2007, 07:12 PM

Wizardscharter

22 Apr 2007, 07:12 PM

...from where I sit, these teams look like they care more this season. And it's not just the dirty fouls, it's the fact that for the most part these guys are busting their asses for 90 minutes. Maybe the playoff changes have helped give the regular season an amount of urgency that's been noticably lacking in the past. Isn't there a win bonus now also?

I don't know that there is a huge difference in will to date over last season...or any at all for that matter. I think it's way too easy to say that there is one just because now there is a minutely different playoff system or whatever other change exists. Dirty fouls have happened before and this isn't Ruiz' first rodeo by any stretch. Bad fouls are not new, nor do I think they are indicative of any heightened desire. If desire was truly heightened and focused then people wouldn't make these fouls at all knowing cards and suspensions follow.

Wait until it's 100 degrees in Houston and Dallas and LA or 100 percent humidity in KC and dc, etc. Whatever imagined heightened pace due to a playoff change will subside a bit as the heat comes up. So, if this happens - and it will - does that mean guys suddenly care less? Please.

Anyway, if there is an overall increase in desire - and I'm in no way agreeing there is one - I think it would be more a factor of everyone thinking that Beckham got x so maybe I can get more for me and mine. For me, the preceeding view isn't different form any held pre-Beckham...just the number is bigger. All of this is bedside the fact that successful athletes paid to play don't think about the money during the game. To paraphrase General Patton (I think); true Champions are not about dying for their team, they are all about doing whatever is required to make the other poor bastard die for his.

Here's another theory to chew on that also might be closer to the truth: Preki, Onolfo, Mo Johnston, others and many other assisatants like Chris Henderson are now coaches in this league. All were once the pure models of hustle, desire, making the most out of their gifts, and winning. These traits tend to filter to the boys, no?

Also, teams are as fresh, healthy, and un-beat-up right now as they will be all season. Home openers are also a solid reason to grind out the last percentage or two of effort. So far 11 of the 18 games have been home openers (TOR and KC yet to come).

I don't have all the answers, I'm just guessing. Still, I don't think there has been any increase in will. A small upgrade in talent overall in MLS? Maybe.

Flame away.

-WC

blkbrnrvr

22 Apr 2007, 07:55 PM

joeginto

22 Apr 2007, 08:38 PM

Who's Daniel LaRusso?

jpg75

22 Apr 2007, 08:38 PM

7Kt-sbp1o08

How the hell do you post those Youtube clips like that?

Is it as easy as sticking the youtube ID (ie. 7Kt-sbp1o08 as an example) between [youtube] brackets?

blkbrnrvr

22 Apr 2007, 08:40 PM

How the hell do you post those Youtube clips like that?

Is it as easy as sticking the youtube ID (ie. 7Kt-sbp1o08 as an example) between [youtube] brackets?

Yep, that's all there is to it.