No matter what happens this weekend I'm pleased with the way the Revs have conducted themselves down the stretch and I'm feeling positive about SN and the the future of our team. Win lose or draw this weekend, playoffs or not, the strtech run put on by the Revs in the face of almost certain elimination from the playoffs has made my season and I plan to renew my season tickets. To the Rev Coaching Staff and all the players: WELL DONE NOW--go smother the MUTTS.
And i would like to add on an extra special thank you to steve and TnT for leading the team all year. Making us look good even in the darkest days. Thank you.
Moacir: I don't have the euro symbol on my computer but I couldn't agree with you more. MLS: break the bank with this kid! He has the goods on the pitch and a huge, huge soccer smile that you can market the hell out of. In my house we call anyone who puts on a confident, "I'm the deal" grin TAYLOR! JIM DOW
You know what's scary, say the Revs win Saturday and Columbus gets knocked off by Chicago on Sunday, the Revs would win the division (I believe). Talk about worst to first.
The Revs would be the #2 seed in that scenario. If it happens, a Bruins-esque banner goes up next season? Just kidding, no time to settle for that.
The Revs stretch run reminds me of the NY baseball Giant run for the National League Pennent back in 1951 (50?) that culminated in Bobby Thompsons 9th inning home run on the last day of the season to complete their improbable turn around and to win the pennent. If the Revs win Saturday and the Crew lose Sunday the Rev run will go down as in sports history as another example of that great saying-----"It ain't over till it's over".
Okay, I may be a little superstitious, but you guys are starting to weird me out a bit. Remember, if the Revs lose Sunday and a couple of other things go awry, this will just have been another Revs-can't-place-in-the-top-eight-of-a-ten-game-league subpar (for anyone else that is...) season. The Revs have accomplished absolutely squat right now. It all comes down to Sunday. If they win the big game...then it's a different story. Until then, they bear a closer resemblance to the 2000 Patriots than the 50/51 Giants. Sorry but no optimist ever goes unpunished...
George- it must be the air up there on PEI or you must still have access to writing prescriptions- Our beloved Revs put together a "few" good games-added to poor showings by others within the division all of which gives us a possible playoff berth and you're ready to renew your season tickets...! I guess I must be getting a little more cynical in my old age! I, personally, may wait to think about renewing. I would like to have a little better idea of a few small factors- like who will be GM, coach and what castoffs from other teams will be wearing Revs uniforms next year- before I get caught up in the fact that the team we follow has finally played 5 or 6 good games- they still have an overall season rating of pretty poor in my book. However, like all gluttons for punishment (aka Revs Fans) Jim and I will be there AGAIN on Saturday hoping that we make the next round by beating the Mutts!!! Jon
I respectfully disagree with those that continue to indulge in negative thinking about the Revs. Prior to the start of the season we all had visions of a new era for the Revs. Unfortunately we were all to be disappointed--again. We've rehashed over and over the reasons why they were doing poorly and by mid season we all rightfully were ready to stick a fork in the body. In fact we were ready to wear paper bags again. But while we were ready to bail out SN was trying to teach defensive skills, add new players, instill confidence and get a bunch of individuals to act as a team and believe in themselves. And his efforts paid off. The Revs record in the second half of the season is dramatically better than the first half and over the last quarter of the season they have been unstoppable. Sure they still have weak spots and we could still miss the playoffs but I firmly believe that the Revs finally have some developed some charerter and confidence. I for one think the Revs have finally come of age--they may not be a championship level team yet--but I don't think we will be a laughing stock anymore. I'll say it again, win, lose or draw this weekend, I think SN and the Rev team all deserve a heartfelt Well Done.
Ohhhhh... would THAT be nice! Who would've figured this being a possibility midway thru the season. Talk about "hangin' in there"!
George- there is no disagreement that the last few games have been most likely one of- if not the most enjoyable stretches to be a Rev fan in our history- all I was saying and I really do not consider it "negative" is that this short stretch of success and making the playoffs to me does not warrant- an "I'm ready to renew..." to me that tells the organization that as long as we make the playoffs, in an 8 out of 10 do league- we'll continue to support you. This year with the team we had on paper comming in and all the expectations that went along with that- coupled with all the turmoil and changes AGAIN this year...I do not feel that this small stretch and making the playoffs is enough compesation to off set the entire season especially when you add in all the unknowns - next GM, coach and players. This organization today may be headed in a direction that you (and I) feel encouraged about, however, until I see who the next GM will be, who the coach next year will be and if the current "nucleaus" of players that you believe to be our "new foundation" actually are here. I am not ready to give the organization my unconditional support for next year. That does not mean we will not and do not support this current team. We will certainly be there on Saturday because we are Rev fans and the current team deserves our support for an outstanding turn around as they march into the playoffs by stomping on the MetroScum! Jon
Well Jon, I guess you and I have a somewhat different view of what is to be expected of a professional sports franchise. I guess I've set my requirements for the Rev organizations and team--at this moment in their history-- somewhat lower than yours. What I ask is that the GM and his staff provide a safe and adequate place for the team and fans, that they act responsibly in signing players and making trades and that they provide the coaching staff and players with the tools they need to succeed. I ask that the coach be an effective leader with the skill to teach and motivate the players and to have the technical knowhow to field a team that can be competative in MLS. I expect the players to work as a unit and to leave it all on the field--every game. Does this describe the Rev organization, coaching staff or players over the years? NO Do I think that the organization is headed in the right direction? YES Do I think the Revs have a coach who can teach, lead and produce a winner? YES Do I think the current Roster is ready to capture the MLS Cup? NO Do I think this team found themselves in mid season and is coming on strong? YES Do I think the whole bunch deserves a hearty--Bravo Zulu? Absolutely I believe the Revs are a work in progress. I know the Pats will always be the priority for the Krafts but they are smart enough to know that a winning Rev team can fill seats, attract sponsors, get TV ratings and make them money. They know that they have a dwindling fan base that is angry and frustrated at 61/2 year of mailed in performances. The first half of this season smacked of SSDD. But SN has turned that around. The second half of the 2002 season has been a time of emergence for this Roster. Injuries and lack of depth have cost them dearly but despite all that they have found ways of winning and have left it all on the field--every game. Never has a Rev team shown that type of character in the past. Threy are a work in progress and I will again state my starting premise::: WIN--LOSE--DRAW this weekend the Lads and SN deserve a Hearty Well Done !
As was announced on the air on Saturday, Taylor had a terrible case of GI flu or food poisoning. Despite this, after flying back with the team on Sunday he immediately went out and made a public appearance for the Revs. He has given his all for this team both on the field and off. His public appearances have gone way beyond what his contract requires and he has never said no to the Revs. If any one deserves some monetary compensation for a job well done in this league its Taylor.
TnT has become an emblem for a team that really seems to enjoy playing the game itself as well as with one another. This is new territory for the Revs and it sure is a pleasure to watch. JIM DOW