http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21919-2002Aug31.html http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20020901-71180680.htm
Thanks for the links. Two nice articles, despite us still having the worst record in the league. Kudos to both authors and both papers!!! P.S. If you are filling out the Washington Post questionairre and it asks you which country you are from, choose something other than the United States. I think the Post relies on old demographics, and as such, underreports stories related to Virginia (as their population base is relatively new) and international stories (as people are assumed American unless the Post is shown otherwise). This means that they will likely report more soccer coverage if they realize how international their readership is. Goff, as always, great article and thanks for getting United column inches in the paper! -Tron
As usual, a bit of lame stuff in the WashTimes: "The Earthquakes had nothing to play for last night. San Jose, which has been MLS' best team for most of the season, already clinched a playoff berth." So, even though they have the second worst road record in the league, they aren't interested in trying to earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That wouldn't be important to them, would it? With last night's loss, LA has tied them. If LA (or Dallas) passes them, they get the third seed (or fourth, if both pass them), so they'd only likely have home-field advantage for the first series -- making an early exit from the playoffs more likely. Nothing to play for, indeed.
Atouk- I'm suprised about how many times people have said that the Quakes have nothing to play for. The Quakes themselves and most of their supporters know they have loads at stake. Earlier in the year, hell a month ago, it looked like the Quakes were a cut above the rest of the teams but not any more. They really need home field advantage. Their home-and-home vs the Gals the last two games will be most interesting.