Not really ref related but, since we're thought of as the CEREBRAL forum on BigSoccer, I'm wondering how referees around the country and across the pond view this Sunday's match. Also, is anybody going to be there besides me???
btw...I like the REVs in a close one (Duh!), maybe extra time but not kicks from the spot. This team has been on a tremendous role and if Taylor Twellman can lace them up, they could SHOCK THE WORLD and beat the favored Galaxy! Scott
See? I thought we were all blind. This unabashed supporter of the New England Revolution is looking forward to revenge for OC'01. Viva Revolution!!!
I know NE has the home team advantage, but the Galaxy has been on a tear lately with decisive wins over the Wiz and Rapids. I'm picking Cobi, Fish, EZ(Drake connection), and company. Scott, are there going to be any refs left for the MAPLE games? I'd love to see all those refs, players, coaches, and families in the stadium. I'll be checking it out later on my VCR since I have a full afternoon of coaching and refereeing.
I see the Galaxy winning probably around 2-0 or 3-1. I don't particularly care for them but I do believe they are the stronger team and will win by a couple goals barring any major mistakes.
We should have most of our games covered, though I won't know until Friday night how many of the games will have to be moved around. Then those which are cancelled will have to be made up, so the mess is just starting. Frankly, it woudl have been a whole lot simpler and mutually beneficial for MLS to accomodate our schedule by a few hours, than to do as they have done, irrespective of whether the Revs made the finals or not. Sherman MAPLE assignor
Damn that MLS for scheduling a little thing like a Championship right in the middle of the MAPLE day!! RE-VO-LU-TION (clap) (clap) (clap-clap-clap)!!!! Scott
No Problemo I would expect so, there is going to be a monumental rescheduling and changing of MAPLE venues going on Friday night I guess. They'll figure out a way of pulling it off...I'm pretty certain Sherman can pull off his plan of reffing 3 matches at the same time from a cherry-picker! RE-VO-LU-TION (clap) (clap) (clap-clap-clap)! Scott
Well that certainly was an enjoyable and surprising MLS Cup this year. The amount of strategy employed made out for a strong chess match between both teams. I don't think one could ask for a more fitting end to the 2002 season. I won't give away the results in this thread as it wasn't declared in the topic. Both teams would deserve the victory in the end but of course one team always has to go home the losers. There were a few questionable call/no-calls made, perhaps the most obvious non-yellow on the tactical foul preventing the clean breakaway. It would have been the player's second yellow... I also question only adding 1 minute of stoppage in the first half -- it should have been more like 3 or 4. Either way it was hard-fought and both teams gave it their all. Congrats to the winner and let's hope the future of MLS is bright.
I'd agree that over all, it was a hard fought match befitting a cup final, but does anyone know why Joey Francino finished the match on the pitch instead of in the dressing room? After his first yellow, it looked like he could have been booked again twice. The late challenge against Cobi Jones practically redefined "reckless". And there are those who thought Daniel Hernandez's WWF style clothesline should have brought a red instead of a yellow. Outside of that, I thought the referee did a pretty good job.
Revolution should have been playing two players short: Franchino for any of several second yellow cards he did not receive, and Hernandez on a straight red for the flying clothesline. The lack of cards gives credence to Bob Evans's assertions ...
Funny you should mention the WWF, but my first thought on seeing that was the Undertaker would be jealous ...