The regular season is starting to wind down, so it's time to start reflecting on it. Who do you think the team should be? Almost all our starters have seen injuries, and when one went down, another stepped up. My two votes: Ngwenya & Holden Ngwenya came over during the season from Columbus and is having his best season ever. Already seven goals and two assists, and he's really stepped up when Ching's been injured. 2007 has been Holden's breakout year. Mr Thursday night has 3 goals and 5 assists and has had to take on a huge responsibility when Davis went down. Holden's recent injury IMHO is one of the major reasons why we've been tying lately and not winning. Who do you think is our MVP?
Of course, IMO you could make an argument for Brian Mullan being MVP. He doesn't score the goals but the guy is all over the field - wherever there's a need, he's there. Whenever everyone else is wiped out, he's still running full steam. My family is convinced he has a teleporter.
I think some of the most critical games are still to be played, but if I had to pick nominees right now, other than Craig Waibel, I'd go with Brian Mullan, Ricardo Clark, and Richard Mulrooney. I think Mullan may be the most influential player for the Dynamo. When he's fit, he's beating people down the flank and whipping in crosses. He also gets back on defense all game long. I don't know how many times I've seen him get that saving tackle or clearance on the defensive end. Without him, we often look anemic. Clark, when healthy, is probably the most dominant defensive midfielder in the league. He completely shuts down the other team's effort down the middle. You can see people get the ball, turn, see him coming, and send the ball back. Of course, he hasn't been available for significant stretches this year. I really think he would've made a difference in that Pachuca CCC series. I throw Mulrooney into consideration because he's filled in admirably at both defensive mid for Clark and right back for Waibel. I'm not sure that we'd be competing for first in the West at this point if we didn't have him. You may be able to say that for a number of players, but he's provided experienced coverage in a couple of key spots all year. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who steps up as the season winds down. I'd rather see one of our attacking players go on a crazy run, but I think our strength has been our defensive play and the guys I've listed above are pretty key. I'd also give some honorable mention to Eddie Robinson, who has really developed into a quality, high level defender. He's always been tough. But this year he's proven that he can play a smart, skillful game in the center of defense. I'm still edging Clark and Mullan ahead of him, but he's been very important to our success this year.
Tough call to make and it is not quite over yet so who knows? As of this moment I would personally give the nod to Mullan for his Superhuman efforts, Never say die attitude and all around play. Offensively I would have to go with the Black Iguana who I thought was going to be a major bust after the first few games. Pleasantly surprised how much he has contributed once he found his place in the team. Where would be without him right now? Defensively, Eddie Robinson has been a monster. Nuff said. Craig Waibel is Craig Waibel, if he wants to be MVP who is going to tell him he cannot be MVP?
My votes go to Waibel or Mullan. I believe they deserve it the most. Eddie the Elbow would be a close third.
What a wonderful problem to have - so many great, hard-working, never say die players, who do you choose?
Corey Ashe would be my sentimental favorite. but I would have to say Mullan is my guy because he is a silent assassin.he is a low key bottle of dinamite. you don't know when he'll strike and make you look like a fool, you just know he's there.
I still think that Ching is our MVP. We are a much, MUCH better team when he is in the line-up. Unfortunately, he's not in the line-up as much as I'd like, and if playing time is a requirement for MVP, I'll go with Eddie Robinson (25 games and 0 red cards so far!).
One position has been great!! and has kept our team going... The Goalie.... So my Vote is both Pat Onstad and Zach Wells..... The Goalies without them.. we would have lost so many more games by more then one goal and don't forget the goalless streak going!!
sentimental???? he has started only 3 games... for MVP lets choose someone that has played at least half the season...
Really tough call. The first name that came to my mind was Mulrooney but you could easily make a case for Mullan, Clark, or Ngwenya.
Ngwenya has as many goals as Ching and has left it all on the field when he has been in. Ngwenya now has played more minutes than Ching I think? Really, where we be right now without Ngwenya? My choice right now would have to be Pat Onstadt, lowest GAA avergae in the league and he has kept alot of games very close for us with big saves (esp. 1v1) when we have been playing poorly.
the Dom. Dealing with all of the injuries like a champ and finding combinations that produce victories no matter what.
Gave? We traded with Columbus for Ngwenya where he was playing after LA traded him away. Waibel was on the MLS Cup winning team for the Galaxy in 2002 but was waived by the Galaxy in 2003 and then the Earthquakes signed him. Mullan was traded by the Galaxy to the Earthquakes for a draft pick after sitting on the bench for two seasons in LA. Ching was released by the Galaxy in 2002 after being loaned for most of the 2001 season to Seattle. Yes, they all played a bit for LA but I don't think "gave" is the right verb unless you mean in terms of what you got back. LA mostly just let those guys go.
one man's trash in another man's treasure Mullan is without a doubt the MVP-he does all the little things-as he goes so will the Dynamo. Mulrooney-a lot of heart but too many mistakes in the back, but he has had his games. Ching and Waibel have been hurt/in and out of the line up. Joe? he's blown too many chances, depsite making a bunch, we really should be a 20 goal scorer if he could convert. Rico could have an argument, same with Stew if they weren't hurt as much. Ianni would get a nod if he played a little more as he has been solid when he has played.
I actually don't think this is a tough decision at all. Mullan - Got out very slowly but his hustle and tenacity are absolutely fantastic. If you look at his G's and A's this year, there isn't much though. Waibel - Has been great when healthy...but didn't start early due to coach's decision and didn't start late due to injury/coach's decision. I may be struck down for saying this...he has had a good year, but not a team wide MVP year. Onstad - Statistically is having a fantastic year. I just can't sit here and recall a bunch of saves he made to win us/keep us in games. There have been a couple here and there and he is definitely worthy of consideration, but I just can't recall enough huge saves to warrant this pick. HOlden - Too injured and didn't start/play much early. Would be if you were to extrapolate over the whole season and clearly a large portion of the team's success. If he dominates over the next 5 games if and when he returns, then maybe...but until then... Barrett - Has been absolutely solid all year. As I sit here though a couple of goals stick out that cost us a couple of points. I am probably nitpicking when you consider his workrate and the fact that he is a robot. Clark - Missed most of June/July with Gold Cup/Copa -- Other than that, he has been very good all year, but had injuries early as well. Erob - very little national team call ups. very little injuries. a couple of suspensions, but in the end, the leader of our defense and has been absolutely great this year. I can't seem to recall too many people winning to many long balls in the air against the guy.....Scored a goal this weekend also. Big part of the streak as well. This is who I think deserves it this year.