So...Who Do We Root For? Well, I know it's been quite some time since anyone mentioned "DC United" and "Flagship franchise" in the same breath (without adding the modifer "one time" to the phrase "Flagship Franchise"). Still, up to this point, everyone else has only one the MLS Cup one time (well, except for those teams that have never won it at all). So we do we root for in this game today? Two former United assistants (Yallop and Sarachan) who are both class guys. The top two teams in MLS--both of whom have shown a willingness to go forward. Peter Wilt is one of the classiest guys in sports and it's too bad he can't be cloned. Both teams have a number of US National team stalwarts. But which ever team wins is going to have two MLS titles (plus some other hardware) and will undoubtedly start up talk of the "new MLS flagship." Anyone have any thoughts about who deserves our support (or opposition) in this one?
I root for the Smurfs. Donovan is one of my favorite young players and I'd rather see SJ repeat (Agoos, especially) than see Chicago get the "treble". And in 45 minutes we'll know for sure.
Classic stuff. Quite an enjoyable match. Wish I would have taped it. Congrats to the Earthquakes for the second MLS Cup championship - well deserved. Ed
Congrats Goose. GREAT to see the Screaming Eagles banner so many times behind the goal (goal with the sun in the keepers' eyes)! GREAT to see the DC United jerseys in the section just above it! (Ursula? Knave? Roadtrippers?) GREAT to see the Freddy Adu interview and the dude with the DC United logo jacket leaning into the background ... twice. Wow, we were seriously represented. And rightfully so, as the finals pitted two DC United Assistant Coaches against one another. BTW, did anyone else find it funny that Rob Stone was talking about the interview with Freddy Adu to come up after the break while Freddy was on camera being prepped by another person. Stone goes "... who has already made more money than me ..." while they're showing Freddy elsewhere nodding his head yes. Coincidental comedy is sometimes the best. Congrats to the Quakes, I guess the Fire fans will have to be content with the Double this year ... and we United fans will have to be content with our stellar supporters getting us on camera in what was probably the most exciting MLS Cup Final ever ... and the 4th best ever. -Digital
did anybody notice if jim curtain was picking on smaller players after the game today? man what a class act...such a shame not to see that guy win the cup...tough break jimmy
Great game to watch - and more offense than I've seen in the last two months of DCU games. I forgot what can happen when you mix low fast serves with a forward that can make fast runs. And dribbling at the defense, yes it can work! And while Landon is not my favorite, it sure shows why he's plays in the big games for Bruce and Ante sits at home. My apologies for hitting when your down, but Ante has to put some of those shots in the net.
Oh yeah - it still wasn't better than '96. Or '97. Or '99. IMO, they're not even close to the early United dynasty.
Like I said, 1996 was the best final ever. It had overtime and a come from behind victory. 2003 was second best. SIX goals! A blocked PK! I'm not talking about the best finals from the perspective of a DC United fan, but the best finals from the perspective of soccer fans. And like it or not, San Jose is building a dynasty. They've won two out of the last three MLS Cups.
I agree. That is going to be hard, considering that Yallop is rumored to be leaving to coach the Canadian national team and Landon Donovan will be going back to Leverkusen soon.
Not even a rumor anymore. He will accept the Canadian coaching position and will make the official announcement within the next two weeks. I din't think that SJ will be able to build a dynasty. Next year, they'll lose Donovan, Agoos, Onstad, DeRosario and likely Mulrooney to CONCACAF qualifying for long stretches, so they'll be stretched thin. I don' think that they'll be as good next season. Neither will Chicago for the above reasons and the fact that they may lose some of their star players. Both squads have a solid lineup, but call-ups will make a serious dent in their performance.
Everything I've read (newspapers, websites, etc.) say that Yallop is leaving. What better way to leave than right after winning a championship? That, IMO, is the final nail in the coffin for him leaving. He has nothing left to prove and is looking for the next challenge, namely getting Canada into the World Cup.
Using the term "dynasty" and "MLS" together is a mistake I think. DCU was as close as it gets--and then Arena left. I think Yallop showed (when he had DeRo out and Donovan with the National team, Barrett and Cannon gone in off-season--and the team still won consistently), that he's the primary reason SJ is what they are. As long as he's there, they'll be a fine team. When he leaves, they'll lose a great deal.
Did anybody else catch Landons' dig at the Earthquakes (lack of) fans? After he got the MVP trophy he said "I'd like to thank the fans who stood behind us, even though there aren't that many" or something close like that. It is pretty sad that they have a team that's won two Cups and still have pathetic attendance! Great mach today though. Good to see Curtain get beat by Donovan. How many days until the DCU home opener?
He was pretty vague. He could've been refering to the Chicago media love fest, or the Chicago/LA fans cheering against the Quakes. I don't think he would've put down the entire section of traveling San Jose fans that were really great the entire game.