Back on March 1st my co-contributor and I wrote some predictions for the MLS season, and given that the regular season has come to a close and the playoffs are set to start I felt it was time to go back and hold myself accountable for my errors, as well as give myself credit for the few things I guessed right.

A quick recap of my picks to refresh our memories (or you can go to the full article):

Most Likely To Succeed: Columbus, Chicago, Toronto

Needs Improvement: Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas

Sleeper Pick: Chivas, Seattle

The Rest To Make The Playoffs: Houston, New York, New England, Kansas City

The Rest To Miss The Playoffs: DC, Salt Lake, Colorado

The track record is there, unedited, to be picked over.  So, what was I wrong about?  Well the most glaring errors are my Toronto and L.A. Galaxy picks.  It appears I had a wire crossed when I categorized them.  Toronto may only be in it’s third year, but it’s performance-to-talent ratio is baffling to those of us who were excited about that team at the start of the season.  As for the Galaxy, well, they pulled off all of the crazy things I said they’d need to to be competitive, and then some.  Bruce Arena ran a very tight ship, they did indeed find their diamonds in the ruff (Omar Gonzalez and Donovan Ricketts, anyone?), and Beckham came back and actually proved he had dedication to spare for the Galaxy.  They look a dangerous team poised to make a deep playoff run.  Two other rather obvious errors were saying that New York could carry on the momentum of last year and make the playoffs and calling Kansas City for a playoff run.  In my own defense I said that New York would be in trouble if Juan Pablo Angel went down for any length of time, and although he didn’t have a serious injury, he did have his lowest MLS goal total and several scoring droughts.  I also pointed out Kansas City as an extremely inconsistent team, which they were, but I didn’t think it would stop them from making the playoffs.  And although I was wrong about Salt Lake missing the playoffs, I don’t consider that as big an error as the others considering their limping fashion through the second half of the year.

Of course, there were some picks I’d say have made good on my confidence in them (or at least where they’d finish).  Columbus started slow, but now looks like a real contender; Seattle has looks like a solid sleeper pick to challenge; Houston and New England both made the playoffs, and DC and Colorado both missed the playoffs.  Don’t be fooled by Columbus losing to New England on the last day, they really are the strongest team right now in terms of challenging for the MLS Cup, but I’m also riding high in Seattle’s bandwagon and their momentum.  These two teams are the ones that I’m most interested in following.  I’m proud of my Revs for making it in, but they are hurting big time and made it in on piss and vinegar, and the shoulders of Shalrie Joseph, alone.  I’ll be cheering them on none the less and praying for a miracle, but I’m not overly optimistic about a real run.

I’ll admit that I had a few other questionable calls, like having Chicago listed as one of the more successful teams, and Chivas as a sleeper to make a deep run, but I think they’re border line enough that I don’t need to chastise myself for those.

In the spirit of making predictions that I can later catch flack for I’m going to make the following first-round playoff predictions:

Columbus tops Real Salt Lake 3-1 on aggregate (1-1 @ Rio Tinto and 2-0 @ Crew Stadium)

Chicago tops New England 2-1 on aggregate (1-0 @ Gillette and 2-0 @ Toyota Park…please let me be wrong)

Seattle tops Houston 3-1 on aggregate (2-0 @ Qwest and 1-1 @ Robertson)

Los Angeles tops Chivas 4-1 on aggregate (2-0 and 2-1)

Speaking of Arsenal in Europe, I’m a bit flummoxed by this decision to charge Eduardo with simulation by UEFA.  I’ve seen the replays, and will definilty say that the referee got it wrong.  I don’t believe that was a penalty.  No argument there.  But to come out and openly call Eduardo a cheat is another thing, and that’s exactly what UEFA are doing by deciding to charge him.  I’m no cheat, but I’ve gone to ground without being touched in situations with goalkeepers because I didn’t want to 1) get hurt or 2) hurt the other guy.  And anyone who has seen Eduardo’s collision from two seasons ago where he broke his leg cannot blame him for avoiding contact in a head-to-head situation.

Here’s the replay:

Here’s Wenger’s thoughts on the topic (notice I didn’t need to use any words like “rant” or “furious” to introduce this!):

For anyone still not convinced, here’s Eduardo’s injury from the ‘o7/’08 season:

What do you think?

The US boys put on quite a show these past few weeks.  First off they disappointed the fans with a very lackluster performance versus Italy and Brazil in the group stages.  Then they tore up the Egyptians, putting the US through to the semi-final round, and I was happy.  My expectations were met, and I had little hope for a win against the world’s number one team Spain.  But wait there’s more!!!  Holy *@#$, they won?  That’s right kids the underdogs came to win and they put the hurt on Spain with strong defense, and exceptional energy.  Now it was up to a rematch with Brazil, and this time I had hopes.  Brazil was set back on their heels after the US scored twice in the first half, again with strong defense and stronger energy.  The second half came and so did the US team from the early stages.  The team slacked off allowing open space in the midfield, and did not control possession of the ball well.

So, the question is obvious. What do we learn from this?  The answer is not so clear.  Obviously what worked for us was the pounding energy, and stifling defense.  What did not work?  perhaps the amount of running sapped the energy level late in the game.  Donovan, Dempsey, and Spector were among the top five players who covered the most distance.  The allowance of so many shots on goal, Howard did win the golden glove award.  How about not giving up so many yellow and red cards in the group stages.  I could go on and on, but the point is that the US needs to gain confidence in their performance and act like they deserve to be there.  Donovan said after the game that they weren’t looking for respect, they wanted to win.  I love that, and he played like he believed it, yet some of his teammates were a little to awe struck by the competition to be competent in their service.

Charlie Davis, Spector, and Demerit surprised me in their overall performance.  They seem to be fighting for their positions for next year.  Kljestan and Casey were less than spectacular, and need to make up for their performances.  Notable absences were Beasley, Adu, and Wynne.  With that kind of speed and fire power on the bench, the US must think highly of its other options.  The Gold Cup starts soon, and lets see if the US, with a largely different team, will take these adjustments into account.  Good Luck US Men’s Soccer!!!

Hands down the in person viewing of football is the best in my opinion.  The crowd energy and enthusiasm is awesome, even if you don’t care for the teams playing.  You can’t help route for the home team, and DC’s fans are rabidly loyal to their team.  If you wear an enemy jersey to a DC United match, you might get pushed around the crowd.  I look forward to seeing Chelsea vs AC Milan, and DC United vs Real Madrid this summer.

Watching the UEFA Cup title match in an Irish bar with friends comes in second in my book.  The energy was great, and the food was cheaper, but it was missing the fan unity.  There were equal fan split in the bar, which made the cheers and jeers more contentious.  Due to the timing of some international games, I will be seeing more games at the bar down the street after work, than running home and missing the first half.

Now home viewing of games are by and large the format that is the cheapest, and most comfortable.  Yet, all the energy and spirit of the game is gone.  I have fallen asleep during more games lately than I’ve finished.  The MLS games that start at 10:00 est. are starting to bug me, but I get why they are on so late.  I have my DVR scheduled to record all of the US Men’s games in South Africa next week, and I’m still hoping to run out to a bar to watch the game.

Well fans, how do you want to watch the beautiful game?

Today I am wrestling with an internal conflict.  Arsenal played one half in the 4-4 dance that was the Arsenal-Liverpool match.  This match had title implications, as Liverpool had really been nipping at Man United’s heels, and in fact had surpassed them on goal differential.  Here’s where the conflict comes in.  Arsenal’s draw with L’pool means that United have the opportunity to go three points clear this weekend, and still have a game in hand.  I despise Manchester United and the last thing I want to see is Arsenal helping them to the top of the table…a place they hold now for the third year in a row.  But I can’t help being giddy at the irony of Arsenal ending Liverpool’s title hopes this year by drawing them late in the season.  It was Liverpool that arranged for our Champion’s League exit last year at The Emirates with a 4-2 win capped off by a Steven Gerrard penalty.  It was Liverpool that, earlier that same week, ended any realistic title hopes the Gunners had with a 1-1 draw.  Seeing them out of the CL and pushed to the brink of being out of the title race in the same week is gratifying to me, in an immature revenge seeking kind of way.  And then I came upon this comment in my blog archives:

“Bit of a wimpy response, mate. Face the facts, there has to be a major overhaul of the squad. The other big three have left us well behind because we didn’t SPEND ENOUGH! Senderos, Hleb and Aboule – and probably Bendtner – are out of their depth. That’s why Ces is always so tired lately, and therefore not as effective. Those four have got to go and need to be replaced. Otherwise, next year, more of the same dross…”

As some of you may know I have a personal blog, and that’s how I got started writing articles about soccer-related topics.  Last year I wrote an article called “The Utter Heartbreak of Arsenal’s 2007-08 Season“.  I criticized the hesitation to spend enough money to bring in an experienced player or two to help the young squad gel.  They fell off at the end of the year due to a lack of grit, and little else.  Grit is something that comes with experience.  The above response was written to me at that time.  At the time I refused to say that the squad needed overhauled because I felt that Wenger new what he was doing.  I despise the large clubs who buy the biggest name at every position to try to gain immediate success (*cough* Real Madrid *cough* Chelsea).  I believe this squad will show it’s steel in the future…and I’m willing to be patient.  But I really felt they needed some experience now to help this squad find itself.

Cut to a year later.  Arsenal has bought mostly young players in the past year, with one exception.  We’ve been through a horrible run of injuries that has masked what this squad can do.  But that with the squad beginning to get healthy and the youth beginning to take the mantle at Arsenal, that one player that Wenger did splash cash on (by Gunner standards anyway) is doing exactly what is needed to help carry that mantle with the young players.  Andrei Arshavin pulled Arsenal along today and provided that last bit of grit in the final third that the Gunners have needed and lacked for so long.  And he’s been brilliant since he got here.  With a healthy squad all it took was that one piece and away we go.  Arsenal has looked a different squad since Arshavin arrived…at it only really took one player to add to the existing squad, even with a few losses that were considered key at the time.  I stand behind Arsene Wenger as one of the greatest managers in the game, one of the best minds in charge of a club’s future and direction in the game, and stand behind Arsenal as the lone exception in the top four in terms of the amount of MONEY that takes the field and maintains a high level of competition.

That, and they’re just beautiful to watch…

Arsenal is benifiting from Arshavin's grit this year in it's domestic campaign

McBride watched his 2 goal lead go away

The Kansas City Wizards went on the road to Chicago, and were forced onto their heels for a solid 35 minutes during the first half of play.  The Fire were on fire by dominating the pace and control of the ball.  The scoring chances fell fast for Chicago, with Brian McBride scoring twice before halftime.  Blanco was in full force and confident over the ball.  He played the fiddle while the others danced his tune.  The Fire showed why they are the current leaders of the Eastern Division.  The second half allowed for a shift of play to the Wizards, and Josh Wolfe.  KC was able to counter the Fire’s control with their own patience and quality passing.  The Wizards were also able to cut Blanco out of the game, forcing Chicago to sub him out for a more straight forward midfielder.  By throwing the Fire off their original game plan, the Wizards were able to capitalize on the gaps in the midfield and tie the game.  Josh Wolfe was able to match McBride’s double with a set of his own in the second half, and won player of the week. This game was exciting to watch due to the many examples of skillful ball control and shot taking opportunities.

Watch out for high kicking you two

The “power” game of the week was the Houston Dynamo at home against the Colorado Rapids.  Houston was able to push the Rapids around the pitch, and frustrate them into giving up multiple yellow cards and fouls in dangerous locations.  The Dynamo defense has experienced several injuries and shakeups this season, yet they always seem to gel when the time is right.  Pat Onstad was, also, on point to prevent a penalty kick in the second half that sealed the Dynamo’s first win of the season.  The heart of the game was holding off the Rapids’ opportunities, and there were plenty, by pushing and fouling in strategic locations.  Houston kept the Rapids’ offensive threat from forming into a cohesive attack, and the frustration levels grew throughout the second half.  Yellow cards were thrown all over the field for both sides, and pushing and shoving all over.  This played right into Houston’s hands.  Conner Casey the star forward for the Rapids got an early yellow card that limited his aggressive opportunities.  Pablo Mastroeni received a yellow card early in the second half, which limited his aggressive play through the midfield.  Late in the game, the other offensive threat in Omar Cummings got his own yellow card.  Houston’s power play and ability to frustrate their opponents allowed them to dictate pace and ball control.

When teams embrace their style of play and create an atmosphere that supports that type of play, they can be successful against any other MLS team.  Team philosophy on this topic must be unanimous and team management must find players that will fit into that philosophy for years to come.  It’s when new coaches and new players don’t try to fit into a team philosophy, or worse try to change it, that years of problems occur.  Look at the LA Galaxy for that.  They should have been a MLS Cup threat for years now, yet they struggle to find their identity with star players going in different directions.

Major League Soccer has an even bigger opportunity this season to hype up the non-international players in preparation for the World Cup in 2010.  The players that will be in and out of the league this season due to international play could pull viewers away, or diminish the importance of games during those time periods.  MLS executives need to promote players that will not be pulled away for international duty, and make them regular faces to watch along side the big name stars.  I do have a few ideas for players, but if you want to add a name or two please add your thoughts.  I would love to see young and old players highlighted such as; Brian McBride, Brad Davis, Blanco(if he is health), Schelotto, Casey Keller, Fredy Montero, and any other rookie that is punching through.  Without a strong story line to sell, MLS fans will watch, yet new or seldom viewers will not feel the passion some of us have for the game.  MLS, please promote the league like there is a reason to watch every week, and to every game.