What did you think? I thought Columbus gave this one away. LA was not impressive. They had little offense, and seemed to miss Cienfuegos a great deal. Buddle was particularly impressive. I like the way he stays upright when bumped, instead of flopping like you know who. Buddle reminds me of Twellman in that regard. McBride had one of his dissappearing games. Maissoneuve (sp?) was awful, except for the cross to Ruiz which led to the LA goal. I wonder if MLS will give him an assist? Dunseth had a rather quiet, foul-free game, although he put in a surprisingly good cross from a free kick late in the game. Cunningham was his usual ineffective self, losing the ball regularly after some impressive bursts of speed. I think Buddle will keep Cunningham on the bench. I liked Martino, although he seemed to get worse as the game went on. Tyrone Marshall should have had a red card for his tackle from behind on Ross Paule.
Buddle's stock is definitely rising. I really enjoyed his performance. I can see why many people believe he is the future forward of the national team. Although Martino did not have a great game, his ability to make smart passes is clearly evident. He is another person who has a shot in 3 years for the national team. It is nice to see a young American running the central midfield.
LA struggled on offense, it will be a recurring theme for them this year. As Wynalda put it, Ruiz got lucky. He wont be getting that lucky this season. Columbus controlled the play but didn't finish. Martino should have had that breakaway. Sounds like other Crew teams, doesnt it? Defense was solid, but their offense, which is probably the best on paper, will have problems. They are relying on Martino and Buddle, two players still looking to prove themselves. Although i believe they can both do it, it will be intresting if things don't go Greg's way.
I actually thought LA looked pretty good in the second half. Their patient control style really seemed to take over, although it seemed to aided by the Crew's complacence with a one goal lead in hand. Martino and Buddle looked very good, and, like him or not, Ruiz is just one helluva player. I'd say predictions that these two teams might make the Cup seem fairly reasonable (so long as Ruiz stays healthy). Just as an aside, boy that APC sure made a big difference for LA didn't he?
While I agree that Buddle played well (nice goal to boot), the one thing that DRIVES ME CRAZY when watching him is his penchant for running full speed into goalkeepers (when they have full control of the ball and the striker has no chance of reaching it) hoping for a ball to pop loose. He did it once to Hartman yesterday and he did it numerous times last season before getting hurt. There's absolutely no reason for that whatsoever. As a matter of fact, it reminds me of a tactic that Big Mama might use -- it's dangerous and classless and needs to be classified as a card-worthy offence.
I thought Hartman made some big saves, especially in the first 20 minutes, preventing the Crew from jumping out to a big lead. He had 2 point-blank saves on a play that was questionably ruled off sides, but nice saves just the same. Lalas also preventing a goal in the OT. Martino looked good but he can't finish. Hejduk looked good in his return. The Revs face a good challenge in the home opener.
I always think Buddle is better than Twellman... hope you guys agree by now even though it is one game.
I hope Buddle keeps Cunningham on the bench. Buddle has a future, Cunningham doesn't. Buddle really impressed me. I think Buddle is better than Twellman. He has better skills on the ball, is stronger, and is better in the air probably as well. That finish was great! Martino impressed me as well.
No offense guys, but can this discussion be taken to the general MLS boards and save this for Rev-related talk? Thanks! The Magpie
With all due respect, Evan, I think this thread is appropriate for the Revs board. I'd like to get the Revs' fans perspective on the game.
Carlos Ruiz If Thug Life were an American or spoke more Spanglish most fans outside of LA would be bonkers about this macho man. I don't want to get into the implications of what I'm saying here but, you know who I'm talking to out there. He's a shark and bites hard. We love him out here because he is a man. He was also the MLS MVP and somehow, somewhere his skills were viewed as superior to most. Amazing how many times we stereotype our players and run down someone who doesn't fit the mold. Wake up.
I don't see how there's any arguing that point. He has a decisive lead over Twellman right now in both minutes played and goals scored. And last year?...well, that was only last year.
Overall, not a work of art yesterday. At times both teams struggled to link three passes together and there was even some "bee hive" soccer. There were some nice points: Kyle Martino and Edson Buddle in particular. Cobi Jones: You stink! Considering the number of touches he had, Jones was pretty ineffectual. To me he looked, in addition to being short, slow and fat - a ball hog, too. FWIW, he, like a lot of the MN stars of the '90s, has always been grossly overrated [As they said when he was he was at Coventry: "He came - we saw - he was crap"...I think]. It's really starting to show now [granted, enhanced aging hasn't helped his cause]. Martino won't make it through the season in one piece. No way. Mr. Ankles, meet Mr. Studs. Columbus has to be the fastest team in MLS. See Jeff Cunningham and Hejduk. The previous comments on Maissoneuve were right on. For a 10 he doesn't see the field very well and doesn't anticipate like he should [Even U-10s are taught never to redirect a ball through the middle of the box]. With Hejduk back there, Brian Dunseth has the potential to score at least 5 goals this year if he were to go forward. Dunseth should be inside the box on all Crew corners - 'nuff said. Dunseth had a decent game. Ruiz is an apex predator and no doubt deserved the MVP honor last year. But, it still doesn't cloud the fact that he's a bad diver and is a bit of a cheap shot artist and an incessant whiner. Though he's slightly taller than Lt. Dan or Mini Me, Jon Busch plays much bigger than his advertised height. Alexi Lalas: Why can't we get players like that?
I still don't know what Andrulis is doing in picking Busch over Presthus. Is this part of an MLS wide plot to try to give a-league goalies some hope that when they sign with an MLS squad that they really do have a chance of starting regularly?
I thought it was a bit disjointed as well. However, while LA seemed to control the ball more, especially in the second half, Columbus is the team that had the better opportunities. Freddy and Kyle both missing breakaway efforts is inexecusable. McBride was interestingly invisible...except for the nod on ball that led to Martino's breakaway. I thought Jones was still able to get to the end line and make a cross. As one of the commentators said: 'It's the same move he has been doing for so long, but it still seems to work.' He created challenges for Colombus's left side. That said, none of his crosses resulted in a goal either. I was very impressed by Martino and Buddle. Our youth is getting good experience. And I always love watching Hejdude. His speed and tenacity make for some enjoyable moments. In the manner of monday morning quarterbacking...why did Cunningham come in again? And didn't LA score as soon as Garcia was taken out? I watch Lalas work effectively out there and I wonder, why can't we seem to find a 'system' that allows players to work 'above their abilities'? He was slow and clumsy for us how many years ago and now he looks smooth and in control. SN seems to get the need for a 'system'. Lastly....I am glad I have Hartman as my fantasy team goalie. He looked great.
But, he's got a new hairdo! His "sabbatical" away from the game seemed to rekindle his motivation. At the end of his tenure with the Revs he seemed totally disinterested! Same deal as last year: IF Cbus ever learns to finish, hand them them the "cup"! And that includes Brian (Premier League) McBride.