Insert Castillo and Ferreira against these guys during the playoffs and I think the tables turn completely.
Very disappointing stuff from FCD tonight. Connecting on the simplest of passes was too tough an order. The first touch for the majority of the players was non existent tonight. George came on and made a difference, and helped calm the back line. Brek didn't have a great game, but his teammates didn't make the best decisions with the ball when they had clear opportunities to give it to him him threatening areas. I'm looking at you Chavez and Ruiz. And WTF is up is Chavez? Just horrible decisions. Kicking the ball all over the place. I wish Brek had the opportunity to play in a more free flowing offense with guys who see the game quicker. It's fustrating as hell to watch him trying to connect with and play off teammates.
From the Seattle area but I come in peace. Just got back from the game and wanted to compliment you all on tight match that really could have gone either way. Your guys show class on the field and I've really come to admire Hyndman over the last couple of seasons. I wish you luck from here on out, except for when you play us.
Good observation about Shea. Yes, I still could be mad at Carlos Ruiz leaving us but I have let it go.
I'll first admit to sour grapes but I'll be glad when the US Open Cup and MLS decide they are as important as summer exhibition matches and only allow games on large grass fields. The environment around the game was great and cozy but small fake grass fields greatly change the game. It reminds me of some of those soccer console games for kids when you pick different field surfaces like ice, sand or rock.
This actually kept me awake last night, trying to work out the scenarios. It seems to me that we now need help. Best that I can tell, to get back in the next CCL, we should now be hoping for Seattle to win the Open Cup and LA the Supporters Shield. Then we need to finish the season as #2 or #3. It seems pretty clear at this point that LA, Seattle and Dallas are the best three teams in the league. Which, as you point out from Davis' column, leaves us needing to likely go through both Seattle and LA to even get to the MLS Cup final. A tough road. (Though it's true that we managed that tough road last year) Here's why I have a little optimism despite that tough road: even if we don't make it to the MLS Cup, finishing #2 or #3 should get us in the CCL, because of the likelihood that either LA or Seattle will end up in two of the four spots allocated for the CCL. I'm pretty sure that if a team ends up in two of the four spots, then one of those spots goes to the highest remaining team on the Supporters Shield table. That's how it was done for the 09-10 edition. To put it more clearly, assuming LA wins the Supporters Shield and Seattle wins the Open Cup, and either one of them makes it to the MLS Cup, then Dallas would make it back into the CCL by finishing in 2 or 3 in the SS. Yeah, it's not ideal, but it's something to keep in the back of our minds. A secondary goal along with actually winning the MLS Cup.
Great analysis and from my understanding of the allocation system, you are right. There is no auto-bid for reigning champs. The bid has to be re-earned each year through one of the same 4 slots (USOC, SS, MLS Cup finalist).
Some thoughts from last night: 1) We are being forced to see what clubs worldwide have experienced - too many fixtures. 2) Our boys are tired and not sharp, and I would say at risk of injury. Talent and system, we are in the top 3 in the league. Clearly our best remaining chances at trophies now are MLS Cup and CCL. I want MLS cup more than the rest of them. We have to shut mouths in LA and Seattle. Cooler weather will sharpen our play and energy level. I just hope it gets here by October.
Cruz and Chavez are critical connectors to Santos and Shea. Cruz and Chavez had atrocious performances. Quite frankly, I would've put Stewart and John in early after learning that Chavez and Cruz were WAY out of sync, and pushed up Jair and Ugo. Then again, I sometimes think SH subs are just as bad as Cruz's and Chavez's performances in this game.
We gotta get more out of our free kicks. Having Cap't Danny hit them into the wall over and over again ain't doing it. This are good opportunities that we are just letting slip away. In games like last night's free kick opportunities can make a huge difference. With our defense being as good as it is we are fools not to put more emphasis on free kicks.
Biggest mistake by Hyndman in almost 2 years. Devastating for those of us who care about the USOC and the trophy case, spiderwebs and all. Just a terrible decision but with MLS being a bush league and trotting out referees that change the outcome of championship deciding games, how can we fans really be expected to care?
Lot of blame to go around on this one. In addition to Hyndman and MLS, the FC Dallas front office is also to blame. Seattle is basically hosting this tournament as they know that's the only way they can win it. Keller realizes it: "Big credit to the organization by helping us out and being able to host so many games. That makes a huge difference for us and the organization has this environment for us to play in," Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller said. "There are a lot of reasons we're in our third final." Hyndman doesn't get it: "We were, I think, a little bit intimidated by the whole event," Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said. "I think a lot of things weren't going our way and I think we just kind of got wrapped up." http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/soccer/news/story?id=6911838
As much as I hate it, I can't call it dumb. Annoying, yes. But until the tournament better funds itself, the only way to keep it going is for the teams to care enough to pay more of the costs themselves. Seattle really cares. Chicago really cares. DC United really cares. FCD doesn't care as much as they do. Sad. Annoying. But, with where the tournament is right now, not dumb. It also helps if you can be confident that you'll pull in a good crowd. As much as Dallas is improving in that regard, they're not there yet. So I can understand them not putting in a stronger bid.
Dallas played what basically amounted to starters every game of the Open Cup. I think it's pretty silly to say FCD doesn't care as much as these other clubs. Chicago got outbid by Seattle for the final too. Because none of us know exactly how the bids are decided, I think it's a little far to cast too much blame on the FO in this situation.
We can talk all we want about organization/refereeing/venue, etc.......... What I see is that Seattle is just flat out better than we are right now. They beat us at home. They beat us away. They demolished/destroyed/pollaxed the East leaders last weekend. Chavez and Shea look worn out, which was bound to happen. Santos doesn't fit in yet. And on and on............... The good news is we're in fantastic shape in the CCL & basically out of the Supporter's Shield race (sorry to break that bit of bad news).............so we have a month to figure things out going into the MLS Cup playoffs. If Shea, Chavez and company need a break, we can now give it to them.
Knowing what we know then does the blame lie with the fans? BTW, can 7PM Saturday get here fast enough? Poor Golden Hurricanes.
Disagree. They did little to win either of the last 2 games against FCD. The absence of George John had everything to do with them winning those games. The teams are evenly matched at best. At best.