Okay, I'll start the weekly gripe session. Unlike the last episode, I thought the show took a step backwards this week. It seems the highlights have reverted back to their minimalist tendency. Let me illustrate what would have made the Quakes - Fire highlight segment so much more informative and reflective of the match. First of all, there was no mention made that the Quakes were fielding a different lineup for the first time this season. And there weren't just one or two changes--four guys who hadn't started a match all season had start this one. That's information that should be communicated, preferably by Harkes in the dorky review of the starting lineup. In the first half, two Quakes players had to exit the game. No mention--even though (1) there was good footage of Corrales' ankle giving out that ESPN played over and over, and (2) that left the team with exactly one field player on the bench, Johanes Maliza, a 5th round draft pick signed just the day before. There were at least two point-blank saves made by Thornton that weren't included, either. In the first half, he saved an Ian Russell shot, and in the second, he blocked Jamil Walker's close-range attempt. Both were exciting plays, good scoring chances, and beautiful saves. In the first half, San Jose thought they'd tied the game after a wonderful spin move by Lagos. But the AR called the ball out of bounds on the pass to Lagos. Replays weren't entirely conclusive, so this was definitely a play that should be included in the highlights. Several technical errors in the course of the broadcast showed up again. I'll also add that I think Beasley got shortchanged by the failure to include his nice Sunday goal in the choices for Goal of the Week.
Right now, the two biggest things they could do to improve the show (besides having the first showing Sunday morning instead of Saturday night) are: 1. Do a much better job with the lineups. Harkes is pretty good, but his comments on the lineups redefine vapid. That's his weak point. 2. Good God almighty, if we could get through one friggin' week with no Harkes-worship, that'd be great.
The lineups could be good if the highlighted players were highlighted for a pertinent reason, but yet again, they're wasted by Harkes' empty platitudes, along the lines of 'Ante Razov is going to be looking to do well up front'; 'Eddie Pope hopes to keep the Metrostars defense together tonight'. Well, duh. How about even MENTIONING the fact that Ruiz is out through suspension? Digi back from suspension? Shalrie Joseph out? Richie Williams back in the mix? Rhine starting instead of Johnson/Cerritos? Elliott back in for LA, Hong moved onto the backline? There are so many things they could highlight, which they completely, utterly, totally miss. It's damn frustrating now, and I'm beginning to side with those who believe this will be as good as it gets this year. That's not awful, but it's nowhere near as good as it could or should be. I'm also willing to buy and send the Wrap crew this book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...4526062/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-1531310-7537702 if they all promise to read it before setting up the next rematch between two teams whose players have been breaking each others legs.
They also didn't seem to be aware that the Dallas/Revolution game originally scheduled for next weekend had been moved to July 16th.
I thought it was their best show yet. Aside from the occassional oversight, I thought the presentation and commentary was the slickest so far.
I also thought it was the best show yet ... aside from the technical errors (I think they corrected some things on the rebroadcast). But I can't decide whether it's actually improving or if I'm just becoming numb to the show's flaws.
As much as I am grateful for a one hour show, MLS Wrap really needs to only be a 30 minute show. 22 mins... 5 games a weekend = 4 minutes for each game. 1 minute for intros, 1 minute closing, preview of the next week. It would cut out all the crap like Fox Populi and JH Worship.
Or they could show more highlights........they don't show a lot of exciting stuff during the games... The lineups are so predictable. Basically, who scored last week.... Okay, lets focus on him.