One coworker who doesn't follow soccer commented Monday morning about Carlos' goal. How it looked pretty spectacular as they showed it on ESPN- SportCenter (of all places) One friend who runs soccer through his veins commented that some Mexican Channel had made Carlos' play and goal the Play of the Weekend or something like that. So what gives with MLS? They don't want to become too Carlos Ruiz dependent? as Greg Lalas would say.
They were quite obviously blinded by the sheer brilliance of the play. Either that, or they wanted to keep GOY competitive, and not have the title sewn up in mid-May. It's Pescadito's league, folks...
This has been discussed at some length on the MLS board, and if I knew how to post a link I would. But, the one point that you need to consider is this: There were an unusual number of absolutely exceptional strikes this weekend. At least four of the goals in the Metros v. Josers game were astounding. I think what happened is that Carlos' goal, because it came early in the day, got lost in the shuffle with the other really fine goals. The only one of the nominees that I thought might not be worthy was the Kovalenko strike, which seemed fairly ordinary to me. Remember also that this is one of those "fun" awards that is supposed to generate fan interest. If Carlos wins it every week, the game loses its attraction. So, yes, I think there may be some effort to spread the love around. Having said all that, even if he gets nominated, I am not sure he wins. I can't get over how many really fine strikes there were over the weekend.
There were some nice goals but all said and done, el gol del Pescadito was the best. Maybe being a little biased but I think it was real nice.
WORD! It might stick more butts in the seats when LA comes to town if Ruiz was winning the award every week or almost every week. The Adu circus would have some company/competition.
Ruiz' goal was spectacular for different reasons. He got completely whiped out by Graylick and completely left all of his flopping roots on the ground as he popped up and finished the play. That is what made it spectacular. It was a special moment for us LA fans because Ruiz worked to get back up quickly. I for one have never seen him do that before. But look with an open mind at the goals from the League that day. For my money the cheeky backheel equalizer by Glenn is the goal of the week, and possibly goal of the year candidate. Amazing. Plus a few long bombs not to mention Money Shot's deft little touch to Ching and we have highlight reel goals galore.
I don't think so. Adu was drawing a bunch of teeny-boppers who cheered FOR him at our crib. I can't imagine anything Ruiz could ever do that would draw people to cheer for him and against their home team when he is on the road. By the way, props to Ruiz for getting rid of that really goofy haircut.
There were a lot of nice goals last weekend, but I still think that Carlos had the best. You know, all the other goals you had to know something about soccer to appreciate their value--that it was a tricky angle or a half volley or from distance. Most people would think--"Big deal, so he kicked the ball in the goal". But if you showed the average non-soccer Joe Sixpack last weekend's Ruiz goal, he would have cracked up laughing and thought it was wonderful. The league should have publicized it and tried to get it on all the sports shows. Sometimes I think we soccer-snob ourselves away from people who might become a potential fan.
Not arguing, just voicing an opinion. I think that a lot of the other goals, and I saw most of them, are fine candidates for the soccer Connoisseurs, but for the average non-soccer Joe or Jane Carlos' would carry a lot more punch.
In all fairness and honesty Carlos Ruiz goal against the Burn was a nice goal, but it didn't look to me like a Goal of the week or goal of the year candidate. But if you looked at the 10 goals from the Quakes-Metro Match You can definetly pick 5 to 6 goals in that match that can truly be named goal of the week and be called goal of the year. Quakes candidate's Waibel's running header into the net, Donovan's strike. Chris Brown's leathal smack that bounced hard off the pitch and past Walker. Metro Candidates. Joselito Vaca's Cannon into the far upper 90. Cornell Glen's cheeky backheel to make the scoreline 5-5, or Fabian Taylor's far upper 90 floater that Onstad thought was going wide or Cornell Glen's 1st goal which was also a 23 yard low blast. Those were fantastic and fabulos goals. Nothing to take away what Ruiz did to create his goal, but still in all fairness not enough to be considered a candidate.
This isn't in the same league, state, or country as Ruiz's goal. The others I won't argue because everyone has their own opinion on what constitutes GOW or GOY, and the goals last weekend were exceptional for Quakes, Metros, and the Galaxy. Back to Waibel's goal...any pro worth his paycheck should stick that in the back of the net. Why? Because Agoos' cross into the mixer was impecable. Far more praise should be given to that cross than the guy that managed to get his melon in the way of the ball's flight. Not even close to Ruiz's goal. End 2 cents.
True, but I was using hatred factor to get butts in the seats. So many people hate Shaq & Kobe, but when the Lakers come to town, that game has the highest attendance. I thought folks would come to see their team beat the best player. Then again I thought people would go to see their team regardless, but the numbers prove me wrong each week.
I'm almost willing to bet that this play/goal will be in one of MLS promotional videos in the near future or next year.
My spin on it. MLS HQ doesn't want everyone to see a great goal and a clearly obvious MISSED REDCARD by the ref. you can't go around publizing how bad the officials are, its just not good business.
I saw the backheel goal by Glen that gave the Metros a tie and it was quite spectacular. I'd say it's neck & neck with Ruiz's goal. Interestingly enough, FSW Report had Ruiz's goal as #2 while #1 was just some long-range shot by Werder Bremen, something similar to the Metros long-range shots at San Jose. Hopefully they arhive Ruiz's goal; I've got to show that clip to friends & associates.
That's my point, it may not be the most beautiful goal in the world, but the whole action scene is very eye catching. Sure, some of the other goals are very well done, but when you compared to other leagues they are.....just average. Carlos' "fliparoo" may even be consider a "blooper", my point is not the quality is the impact.
I'll be happy to give Goal of the Week to anyone on The Clash, errr, Quakes. They can keep losing and tying, while LA just wins baby! Three points beats an ESPN highlight or Sierra Mist Draw of the Week any day!!!
Thanks rokstedy, awesome goal, shows a lot of heart, you can't tell me that didnt hurt- gets my vote for goal of the week.
Forget goal of the week, that was goal of the year. Ruiz touched by an opponent, yet no writhing? No stretcher necessary? No mournful looks at the referee so that the opponent will receive that richly deserved yellow card? Just -- dare I say it? -- energetic & honest soccer. Don't act too hurt. You'll also boo his tiresome act once CONCACAF qualifiers start.