This was a popular topic at the beginning of the season and with the season winding down to a close, I thought I'd bring it back. People were worried about DeRo's lack of form, as compared to last year and previous years. To start this off, let us look at DeRo's stats in MLS (all from his bio on HD.com): Note: Goal and Assists are totaled for all competitions (USOC, CCC, MLS, etc) 2001 - 7G, 4A 2002 - 6G, 8A 2003# - 5G, 2A 2004 - 7G, 5A 2005 - 5G, 13A 2006 - 13G, 5A 2007* - 4G, 4A # - Missed most of the season due to injury * - As of September 12 Now let's look at his Honors: 2001 - MLS Cup MVP 2002 - None 2003 - None 2004 - GOTY 2005 - MLS Best XI, GOTY, Quakes MVP and Golden Boot winner, Runner-up MLS MVP, Canadian POTY 2006 - Runner-up GOTY, Runner-up MLS MVP, HD Golden Boot (Tied), HD MVP, MLS All-Star MVP, Canadian POTY 2007* - GOTW #16 (vs NER) * - As of September 12 Obviously, he has gotten better over the years, and just as obviously, 2006 was a career year for him. So, compared to 2005 and 2004, he is having about a usual year, I suppose. So, what are you people expecting of DeRo? More of 2006, or more of 2004 (his "average" year). So, with all this in mind, lets sit down and think about DeRo's year. Is he having a down year? Is he not producing and is he making things harder on the team by not "pulling his weight"? Here's the place to discuss. Personally, I think he is having a bad year. While he does have 4 goals, two of those came early in the year against Colorado, his real stand-out game. Other than that, he seems to be trying way too hard to do everything and has passed up on potential opportunities to let others score (and notch the A). He has had his technical moments. No doubt that the skill is there. Remember the last game where he juggled the ball with his feet and blew by the RSL midfield? Beautifully done. So what is it? Just a slump and he'll regain form next year? Somethin else on his mind (passed chances in Europe?) Let the games begin. P.S. To honor one of the best in MLS, here's a few vids to watch. In Honor Of... Ride the Bike!
I remember people saying it was because he was holding off until he got a new contract, but then he got a very good one. I believe DeRo is playing well, it's just not reflected on the stats. he keeps being moved out of position at times. he should be left at attacking middle. DeRo is DeRo, he's always a threat to our rivals and is a joy to watch on the field wearing the Orange.
Numbers-wise, I think part of it is that he doesn't have to carry the team this year like he did last year when Ching went out for WC or was injured. Look at the players that scored last year besides him and Ching and compare that with the players this year. DeRo also missed time this year for the Gold Cup. That said, he is still having an off year (some bad passes and holding onto the ball a little too long)
At this point, it'd be nice if he had an average year. Last year was incredible for him. He's being paid accordingly. I'm glad this team isn't depending on De Ro and Ching to be the goal-scorers. Remember when we worried what would happen when both Ching and De Ro weren't playing? Now we know we can expect results from other guys on the team.
This seems to be the biggest issue. There have been so many instances this year where DeRo is taking on two, three, heck even four players by himself. While that may work out for you the 1 time out of 10 Attempts and look spectacular, the other 9 Attempts is what concerns me. If you have more than one player against you the odds are pretty good that someone other than Pat is unmarked so pass the damn ball when you can. I do not fault his effort or commitment, just question the decision making on occasion. And I would not doubt that he has a potential GOTY tucked away. Wait and see.
I'll be surprised if he doesn't have a possible for 4 in a row. He had 04 and 05, graciously gave it to Ching in 06 but has yet to bag a really spectacular goal this year. If the season were to end right now, I'd have to say the GOTY goes to Ngwenya
De-ro Need-o To Take Free Kick-o's All dynamo fans should watch this if they haven't already. http://youtube.com/watch?v=K-z6iPk_9vM On that note, why hasn't Dwayne De Rosario taken any freekicks remotely close to this. Someone needs to get him in the mood or whatever it takes to bring that to the Dynamo. No reason in hiding talent
Re: De-ro Need-o To Take Free Kick-o's That was GOTY 05 IIRC. It was a beautiful goal, worthy of any league but I don't expect that from him much. I'd rather see him get one in the run of play. Actually, this year, I'd love to see him pass more. Too many times does he take that shot instead of going for the A. What made him so awesome last year, besides the 11 goals, was that he set up most other goals. He created the space or broke down the D or placed it perfectly. He hasn't done that this year. He's very quiet. Yes, our goals are very well distributed but DeRo is one of the best in the league but he hasn't acted it. It is great that teams still treat him as a DP-caliber player and double and triple team him...I just wish that he'd get rid of the ball when that happens. <EDIT> Btw, I forgot to add that DeRo won MLS Best XI in 06 as well.
Re: De-ro Need-o To Take Free Kick-o's That was an awesome match!! I never think about looking stuff like that up but I need too. I remember when he made that shot mt youngest son sent his ball ( he had lined up to take a kick in the hallway) down the hall and in to the bathtub DeRo had some beautiful screamers in SJ. I think he is still adjusting to Houston and I believe he's had a good season. He just hasn't had the outcome that he has previously.
I think he has adjusted to the climate about as well as anyone can. I do think, though, that he is trying too hard and with the ball not going through him to Ching all the time, it has affected his stats (ie, different team tactics). Remember, that we have him signed at just below DP $$ through 2010. If he repeats this performance next year, would you still want that hit to the cap (assuming the cap doesn't jump, like some believe)? Bear in mind that he is 29 and will be 32 by the end of his contract.... Point of contrast: DC United and Jaime Moreno...some fans wouldn't mind having his salary cut as he is obviously gettin up there in years (33 this year). Just a thought....
I didn't mean the climate as much as the complete move. The team had no time to settle in after their move to Houston. It was all about getting a home for their families (or for them ) and starting pre-season. Then the season started and honestly the break between the Cup and the pre-season this year was pretty brief.
Re: De-ro Need-o To Take Free Kick-o's I know but honestly we got like Brad Davis and Richard Mulrooney doing this kicks when he should be. We could get some tight goals off of that
Re: De-ro Need-o To Take Free Kick-o's FTR : Brad Davis is a free kick technical expert. Mulrooney is filling in Brad's absence. Mulrooney is mostly a mid fielder / play maker. De-Rosario also a mid fielder has the responsiblity to recieve and distribute the ball. DeRo also has the freedom to move forward and defend when needed. He, like Clark aren't always defined by positions. I see that his play has improved the last few games. Just in time for the play off watch. He will (as he always does) play with all his heart and give 110 percent. IMHO, Just because he hasn't scored as many goals as last year, does not mean that he isn't trying. De-Rosario does many things in any game he plays in and isn't necessarily recognized as decisive or note worthy. No doubt, he is integral to this team funtioning as a unit. There is no need for any talk of De Ro being a shadow of himself or this cra* about him going back to San Jose. He ,and I daresay, Ching," are the heart and soul of the Dynamo" and certainly has a special place in my heart and his pictures adorn my walls too.
I understand what you mean that Davis is good at placing, but not with shots obviously. When in need of goals with one of our many tied games, we have had many times when we could take a shot from a free kick, and possibly made the goal if De-ro was to shoot. Then we wouldnt be so dam close to Chivas and FCD
DeRo's goal from last night against Costa Rica, for those who might be interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvmomKi9Biw
I noticed the ever so slight tendacy of opposing teams to... 1-elevate their game tremendously when playing in Houston 2-run out in a very compact and defensive shell, even moreso if they score first 3-Have figured our Houston wide play out and also clamp down on El Brujo so that he can get the ball but then the opposition closes him down with numbers and their game plan is to frustrate rather than hack and give up FK's. These are the major differences between what us Dynamo supporters witnessed happening at the Rob and then as Defending Champs what has happened this season. Everyone wants a piece of us and limiting Brujo's production is key to the opposition's success.
Then it's not workin very well as we sit ontop of the West and 5 points (I think) behind DC for the SS. And we did it without DeRo's help for a stretch, too, during the Gold Cup. But I don't think, perse, that it is because of DeRo rather than in spite of him. He hasn't costed us too many (if any) games or anything, but I think it is because of others who picked up the slack (Ngwenya, Holden, Ashe, etc) that we have stayed where we are in the standings. Without those guys stepping up, you would be right in that we wouldn't have much success with a shut down DeRo
DeRo piece on Yahoo Sports Martin Rogers has an article in Yahoo Sports on DeRosario: The maestro of the Dynamo
Let's hear what he has to say on these issues, eh? [youtube]IHhxqVZukDc[/youtube] dale baby, De Ro's the man. read his interview w/ yours truly in latest ish of 90 Min. Soccer Mag. WORD!
DeRo is right he really hasn't had the need to step up, however he hasn't been a world beater like he was last year. You just have to wonder what the offseason has in store... Will DeRo want to head for Toronto? Will Dom get a DP midfielder from South of the Border that AEG can't afford to pass up ($$$)?
You gotta wonder who Dom is gonna protect during the expansion draft.? And will De-Rosario wanna return to San Jose, Not Toronto? Personally, I don't think so. The big factor for San Jose to get a player like him is his expensive salary. San Jose could get three players for what De-Ro and Ching are making. I would bet on Wondo or possibly Jaqua (strikers) to not be protected. Just thinking out loud at this point. Too early to say.
He may not have had the need to step up, but that doesn't mean that he shouldn't have either. It would have been great if he could have played more like his self from last year PLUS what we have this year. We may not have had to be worrying about being on top of the West (or SS). Again, the DP situation is all about him this offseason. He hasn't shown quite the amount of magic this season as last. Hopefully he'll be able to step up in the playoffs. They won't be easy this year, no matter who we draw.