I'm very happy to see Clint's form seemingly coming back, but in my mind only one of his strikes have been anything remotely skillful, the chested down and then one-time strike against DC. It really was an attractive, controlled strike. The header vs. Colora_o was a solid finish, but the other two goals were pedestrian at best. Not seeing him every week except on highlights I'd like to know is he really showing signs of regaining form such as quickness, fitness, causing danger and being the overall menace he once was, or not? Kevin
Mathis is definitely coming back. He's never played the most attractive soccer. His game has always been just finding a way to score and he's done that 4 games in a row already. Physically he's slightly better than the average MLS'er but mentally he's on par with very good SA and Euro players.
I don't think he is coming back to where he used to be. I don't think we will see Mathis hatrick or break his own scoring record of 5 goals in a match any time soon this season.
he looks fit, very spirited and very influential - i, for one, never tore him apart and am eager to get him in the Nats uni against NZ
Since i started following MLS only last year, i have always wondered why there were so many Mathis lovers at bigsoccer. 5 goals in one game I guess is reason enough.
Scoring is promise enough, even if he's not bagging three in one half. Bradley is doing wonders for him.
Its not just the amount of goals that Mathis scores. It is also the creativity and brilliance in his goal efforts that no one in MLS save perhaps Donovan has come close to matching. I agree with xs220 that mentally Mathis is as good as a SA or Euro player. He attempts things that other players wouldnt dare. For example, last year against I think DC, Tab Ramos crossed a ball from about 50 yards across the field that Mathis met with a blistering volley that Rimando was lucky enough to be in the right place to save it. Mathis is scoring good goals right now but if you want an example of what kind of goals big Mathis supporters are used to seeing, then look at the chested ball from Guevara against DC. That is the type of form that Mathis lovers are hoping he will regain this year.
Yes, he's maturing as a player too. It looks like Bradley has gotten him to stop those no look one touch passes that do nothing but confuse everybody. He's playing simpler. That goal he scored at Colorado when he nutmegged the shot through Fraser's legs was skillful as was the header on the cross from Ziadie against Colorado at Giants Stadium. So that's 3 out of 4 goals you could call "skillful".
in 2000 and the beginning of 2001 Clint Mathis was the best MLS player ever. He probably could have played on a big club in Europe then. I think he's about 80% the way there and should get back to his old form soon. Internationally he's quality too, scoring goals against Brazil, 2 against Germany, etc and of course his world cup goal against S. Korea.