MLS flavors of the week: 2012 Edition [MLS R's]

Completely agree... he was having an excellent game up until the red. 28/31 passes complete:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-07-14-sj-v-rsl/chalkboard

 

In his defense, he has 17 goals in that league, while Henry has 9, Keane has 8, and Donovan has 7.

 

Thankfully Dominic Kinnear fell victim to this very illogical line of thought when he let John Doyle pick his pocket in one of the most lopsided trades in MLS history of Cam Weaver for Chris Wondolowski.

Narratives and tradition rule in sports, and when data contradict them it’s because data can’t possibly figure out the relevant “intangibles.” The Wondo detractors arguments are more narrative than reasoned debate. Wondo hasn't "shown he belongs." He "can't cut it" at the int'l level. Noting that a 8 game span of garbage minutes isn’t really an illuminating sample gets in the way of a lot of narrative structure.

They are smart coaches but they are not infallible... I think many USMNT fans were upset they left Eric Lichaj at home for the most recent camp.

Wondo has also stepped up his game and goal-scoring rate since then.

 

Not the same as my picks but fair enough.

 

Near sitter?

 

Actually the Houston Dynamo/Dom Kinnear seem to be pretty relaxed about letting players who need to or want to leave move on without much hassle or compensation. They let Richard Mulrooney move. The let Brian Mullen move. The let DeRo move. The let Wondo go.

And Houston made MLS Cup during which if not for the in-game injury to Cameron probably would have won it. That's how awesome Dom Kinnear is.

I gave verify specific reasons. Pique isn't much of a rebuttal. How long did it take Herc to score under Klinsmann? How long did it take Buddle? Even friggan Ricardo Clark managed to come in from the wilderness and score a goal under Klinsmann.

Not bringing in a player you've never worked with isn't same as running the rule over a player who plays in your position[albeit at a much lower level] for numerous hours and coming the conclusion that he deserves to be in the mix but not foremost.

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Absolutely. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets a well deserved invite for the Mexico.

 

Connor Lade came on as a sub today and absolutely lit up the match for the Red Bulls.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/07/18/super-sub-lade-sparks-red-bulls-draws-rave-reviews

 

Nguyen just scored a Dempsey. Not sure if they'll give it to him, or if they'll declare an own goal. Either way, great shot by Nguyen.

 

Rowe showed some nice composure in traffic before the goal Nguyen goal.

 

Brek Shea just got a ball cleared off the line from a corner scramble.

 

Something about that Rowe kid. He has good instincts.

 

Jose Villareal with a GOLAZO

 

No Shea next month please.

 

Shea really has gotten himself into a sticky situation in Dallas.

 

Anyone know anything about Villarreal? I've never heard of him, but I imagine if he's playing at 18 then he should be a decent prospect.

 

He scored a brace in last year's Developmental Academy Final. Fast up and comer.

First 2 goals in this video:

 

This kid is special

 

CAP HIM NOW!

 

Cap him after the current U20 cycle is over.

 

Had my eye on him since the Academy Playoffs last year. He really was a standout player there. Hope he gets more time with the Galaxy

 

Yeah, combine his youth and immaturity with press that tended to jump the gun on his potential and a coach that looks like he's lost the locker room... Not a good mix. As much as I'd love to see FCD represented on the USMNT, it is not Brek's time...

I wouldn't mind seeing Loyd in the mix though... But unfortunately for him, he's up against a little bit stiffer competition than Brek for his position.

 

Shea Salinas wouldn't be the worst pick.

 

Totally different types of players. Wondo needs a Bruin or Lenhart type to be most productive. Wondo's been excellent playing with a target man. Its more of a Wondo needs a look with Bruin, not instead of.