Midfield Throw-ins

1. As you know, I'm a huge supporter of MLS fan clubs (with a special affinity for Chicago's Section 8).  Here's a great article from ESPN on the rise of the MLS fan clubs.  I've also updated the fan club links on the main page.
2. Tell me if this sounds familiar, MLS based US defensive midfielder loses head, acts out, gets sent off and puts team in bad position.  If you are a Real Salt Lake fan, that sounds very familiar as Kyle Beckerman flushed any hope of a supporters shield down the toilet getting sent off in the 10th minute of Wednesday's game against Chicago.  If Kyle's head can't handle (or maybe it handled it too much) Daniel Paladini, how is he going to be able to handle the antics of any Central America player?  I have a feeling we may find out in the next year and will not like the results.
3. Frank Klopas certainly didn't dream that he would have a hard time selecting a team for the Open Cup final after the triumph over Richmond.  Sure he knew he'd be facing three matches in seven days, but he surely couldn't have guessed he'd have his team in position to not only make the playoffs, but still have a shot at the division crown.  Every game is a must win now.    I think he has Interm-Manager of the Year on lockdown.
4. Sure seems to be a number of slight, nagging injuries that pop up when Henry and Becks have to get on planes these days.  If fans outside of NY and LA are showing up to see Henry and Becks, then that ticket purchase is a gamble these days isn't it?
5. Since Open Cup matches go to the highest bidder and attendances have been good, you think they could pony up a bit more for the finalists.  $50K for the runner-up, ouch!  And only twice that for the winner.  Sell the naming rights and pump some cash into this grand old tournament. 

US Soccer Snob’s US Soccer Update – 10/05/07

Thanks for the patience – The Snob is still preparing the new grounds to play to the teams strength. In the meantime, please enjoy this training session.

TOP STORY

US Open Cup
Congrats to the Revs for finally getting a result out of PHP when it counted. Unfortunately, no one knows about the tournament they won thanks to the continues poor promotional efforts of the folks behind the Open Cup. Attendances do seem to be climbing, but this tournament of underdogs versus the big dogs is just the thing that casual American sports fans can get behind.

Quick Notes:
- Glad to see the Crew pick-up Glidden as a sponsor. Glidden has been stepping to the plate for a while here and now has taken the next step. If you find yourself in Home Depot, check out the Glidden paint display. They have a “Team Colors” brochure that features rooms done up in Rapids and FIRE colors.

- Garber the Don threw the gauntlet down on Rico Clark for his absurd attack on Carlos Ruiz. Garber fined Rico more than half a developmental players salary and suspended him for nine games. In effect saying, you don’t mess with stars or national broadcasts.

- Did Bruce Arena bribe Steve Morrow to pick-up Denilson? You know Il Bruce will go to great lengths to put Claudio Reyna in the best light. The Brazilian couldn't even make the Open Cup roster because Dallas could only carry five foreign players. Denilson has sunk sub-Oduro!

- Oh, look whose training with the Galaxy again (for the first time?, for the last time?) Can’t wait for the Beckham v. Blano showdown October 21. There might be a playoff spot in the balance.


MLS Prediction Central
Last Post (3-2)
SEASON (45-75)

Kansas City v United - Look for the Wizards to pull out a tie over a spent United. (although they didn’t really seem to be exerting much energy south of the border)

RSL v LA Goats – RSL is doing it’s too little too late routine once again. Should be enough for a draw.

FIRE v REVS – Another sellout for Blanco and another blown lead, but this time FIRE find a way to win and stay ahead of the crew.

Columbus v Dallas – Crew drops a fading Dallas side.

Rapids v UFC – Another playoff contender tries keep the interest of the masses as the Rapids roll over Mo’s bhoys. (Let’s face it, its not a friendly pitch to Scots.)

Dynamo v Gals
Gals playoff hopes take a hit as the Dynamo chase the West crown and the Supporters Shield in front of one of the best crowds MLS has seen (south of the US-Canada border)

Podcast:
The Soccer/Dynamo Power Hour
(NOTE: If you know a Podcast that needs to be added please let me know and post a link.)