Cangialosi has one of the fakest voices around and he really doesn't know the sport of soccer Shep is dumb as rocks Smyth? Please he was senile and blind and people thought he was good because he had the accent. We need Max Bretos - he can do PbP and color at the same time and he's funny.
I don't have much of a problem with either play by play guy, but Messing is a complete A$$. He is like Bill Walton, without the intellegence. More concerned with hearing himself talk. Not concerned with what is actually going on the field. So that makes them better, more that it makes the MLS announcers sad. You need to get out more If you find him entertaining, then I would say it's not out brains which are dull.
Cangialosi and JP aren't bad, and Shep isn't that bad either. What can definitely be said positively of them is that at least they treat MLS seriously. I can actually think of MLS as a respectable soccer when they are talking about it (even if what they're saying is stupid), unlike MLS wrap or Rob Stone who are stupid and make MLS look like a "mickey mouse league." Even if I often disagree with their analysis at least they offer something resembling play by play and analysis and sometimes they get it right.
Yeah, Shep can say some dumb things, but what really bothers me is the delayed "OOHHHH BABY! YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" after every goal. I realize the delay is waiting for SG to stop talking, but a little variety in the required post goal analyst excitement would be nice. And SG is good as a studio guy, doing the MSR and pre-game shows, but he's way too slow at PxP. It's like he can't follow the game and talk at the same time. I know I can do better, and often do, calling the games for my daughter (both live and on TV). Maybe I should do a demo tape for MSG.... MSG may be one of the best in local sports coverage, but unfortunaty anytime they get someone half decent, ESPN swoops in and buys them up (Tommy Smyth, JP Dellacamera) and MSG has to find someone new to groom, and we have to suffer through thier learning curve.
Well, I think Tommy and JP were elsewhere before coming here, but yes, NY is seen as a fast track to national promotion : (See Breen, Mike ; Albert, Marv ; Emerick, Mike ; Davidson, John)
Shep is a mediocre analyst. Sure there are better ones out there. But can MSG afford better? No. One important thing to remember about Shep is that he is one the very few soccer names that has name-recognition with the average non-soccer fan in the NYC area. Ask a non-soccer fan what sport Shep Messing played, and you will get the correct answer. Non-soccer fans know Pele, Shep Messing and Freddie Adu. Maybe they know the carrot top but they forgot his name.
I can't believ anyone is waxing nostalgic for Tommy Smyth. Though enthusiastic, Tommy is best remembered for the numerous asinine comments he would make in a single broadcast! His understanding of the modern game is limited and he has a tendency to blurt out his first reaction to plays without considering the stupidity of what he is saying. If you want someone to hype up a game, Tommy can do a good job; but only on script. Once he goes off script, the errors he makes are numerous.
Shep may be the Jack Edwards of NYC, but I love that he's not afraid to give his honest opinion. Too many times you hear announcers afraid to criticize their own teams (just turn on YES network at any given time), and while I don't agree with him most of the time, he's not afraid to say when Metro players are fcuking up.
I have to give Shep some credit too. One of his keys to the game, the speed and quickness of the Metro front line against the slow SJ central defense, led to the last two goals of the game. He does tend to get a little carried away with his analysis during the heat of the battle though.
========================================================= I guess you dont really know anything about the broadcast business. Tommy Smyth is the color guy, color guys dont operate with a script. Just curious where did you ever see Smyth read a script. I hate it when guys get on here and blabber away about guys and make general statments. Give us some quotes not just statments about nothing. Tommy Smyth is the best in the business do you ever listen to his Champions League stuff or his spot each week on ESPNews. I can tell you the only reason he is on ESPNews is because they get a reaction to his stuff. The guy sure makes a lot of money to be some one like you describe. Tommy Smyth was always good to the Metros and still manages to give them a mention when he can. Show the guy a little respect.
How soon we all forget I remember watching the pxp on bigsoccer and never having the opportunity to see the goals. I am grateful every time I see MLS soccer on tv. I can turn off the sound if I have too. Having said that I like what MSG has put together and support it 100%. Could it be better...maybe....could it be worse...been there and don't want to go back.
Yeah I thought it was funny. But I rather enjoy that. I just crack myself up. Another good option if you don't enjoy his commentary, just switch to SAP if you prefer to hear a good GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL!! DEEEEE MMMMEEETTTTTTRRROOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!.
The MSG guys are pretty cool and do make the game interesting. I don't think anyone mentioned this, but Shep correctly predicted a penalty kick as a result of a dumb play.
Well Tommy, I would suggest that your Champions League promos, lead-ins and the like are often quite good, especially at raising interest in the game. While perhaps not scripted per se, it would be hard to argue this type of announcing is off-the-cuff. Those are prepared/rehearsed spots often taped in advance. OTOH your gametime analysis is lacking in real understanding, especially as it applies to the Laws of the Game. I credit you for enthusiasm; but do not appreciate the scarcity of credible analysis, especially in the context of a live game.
The MSG are real good. Not sure what u guys are looking for, but next time u doubt their technique try listening to some of these other MLS games.. pathetic..
on balance, i don't mind messing, and appreciate msg's efforts. i'm just not sure he'll ever live down his playgirl spectacular: http://www.male-nude-celebs-free.com/Gary_Rethmeier/shep_messing001.gif
========================================================= Can we all have some of what you are smoking. Maybe we better not it seems to have burned your brains out a little .