Pope News, RSL News

That's what it sounded like to me. I guess they feel he didn't get in enough training with the team to make the trip. I'm a little sad that we won't see him playing in the match, but it is good for RSL that he is getting in some good time with them since he hasn't really had all that much up to now.

 

That's what I get from it. It's probably better for RSL to have him rested and fully healed for the start of the season anyway. While he's a solid contributor for the USMNT, I'm sure they'll manage without him.

 

Amen. I'd much rather have him make a contribution with RSL than sit on the pine for the USMNT because he is not 100%. He'll make a big difference being with the club, even if he uses the time for recovery.

RSL needs a good start to the season - with a brand new team the first 5 games or so can really set the mood/pace for the rest of the season... winning breeds winning; losing breeds losing (see Utah Jazz).

 

True, but it takes more (see Utah Jazz (They won their first 5 games this season by lots of points)). Their winning didn't end up breeding consistant winning.

 

Of course, you can always fall apart... but "good starts" are better than "bad starts".

 

i think having Pope is more important than having Mathis. I'm more worried about our Defense then i am about the offense. We still have plenty of threats with mathis out, but without Pope i dont have as much confidence in the Defense.(a bunch of journeymen and a suspect d-mid dont exactly inspire confidence)

 

Mathis has been cut from the Mexico game day roster.

 

I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing. For the club, it is a good thing, less distractions and more time with the team.

Obviously, it's not fun for Clint, as any player wants to be on the national team - I wonder what it's about?... just not playing well enough or personality conflicts?

 

Hail to James Edwards - that is a good article! Local coverage like this helps tremendously to get people behind the team.