And Then There Were 23...

If This Is Flying Upside Down After Game 2, We're In Distress...

Trying to guess the 23-man U.S. roster for the 2010 World Cup was the equivalent of trying to correctly pick all of the games in the NCAA basketball tournament; nobody got that right either. Come on, did you REALLY have Robbie Findley in your 23? Over Brian Ching? Hell, Findley's going to wind up being the extra credit question on a sports history exam one day, because you'll have to be a genius to remember he was on the squad.

I guess I can understand Bradley's reasoning for bringing him along (a poor man's Charlie Davies), but if and when the U.S. does have a lead at some point late in a game, I'd rather have Ching's ability to hold the ball up top and kill time and draw fouls. Plus, perhaps Ching's fitness in coming back from his hamstring injury wasn't progressing as far as the team would have hoped. However, if that's the case, can't the same thing be asked of Oguchi Onyewu, who, as everyone else noticed, isn't quite firing on all cylinders after being out of action for 7 months?

Regardless, the time to speculate, guestimate, and criticize Bradley's selections is a moot point. Now the team heads to the White House today to meet with President's Obama and Clinton (the latter of whom will be the USA's Chairman of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Committee), and then off to Philadelphia for training before Saturday's farewell game with a Turkish side who have won 2 games in the past week, a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic and a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. Just because they didn't make the Cup doesn't mean they won't be a formidable foe; just look at the Czech team Tuesday night.

So, without further adu (see what I did there?), let me give you my best guess at our starting 11, not necessarily for Saturday, but for the June 12th showdown with our English cousins:

Howard

Spector Onyewu DeMerit Bocanegra

Holden Edu Bradley Donovan

Dempsey Altidore

I don't think my lineup is earth-shattering news to anyone, but I think this is Bob's best unit to go against a superior talented England team. However, there is a wealth of EPL experience with this lineup, and that should be a benefit to our boys as they are more familiar with the tendencies of their opponents.

If Onyewu is not physically ready to go for 90 minutes in the opening game, then you'd move Boca into the centerback slot, put Spector on the left, and Cherundolo on the right. Besides, as Walsh said yesterday, Cherundolo and Holden seemed to have some good chemistry on the right side.

Dempsey up top with Altidore is I think the best possible pairing at this point, since Davies is not on the team. Dempsey has scored some long-range bombs for Fulham, so the back four of England will have to be wary of that. If he can pull them out a bit, then that could open up space for the other attackers in behind the defense. Hercules Gomez would be my 1st option off the bench if we need a goal, as Walsh correctly called him a "super sub" long before other more credible media members began doing so. :)

What else do you see in that starting 11? Maybe an almost identical lineup for 2014, right? There are a couple of guys who might not be able to hold up that long, but Donovan and Onyewu would be 32, Dempsey 31, and the rest still in their mid-late 20's.

Why am I already talking about 2014? Because, in all honesty, I am lowering my expectations a bit for this 2010 team. I don't know if the forwards will be good enough to take it to the next level. What will Altidore do? Can any of the others contribute? Can the U.S. even score from the run of play, or just set pieces? Will a banged up defense be annihilated by England and then countered at will against Slovenia and Algeria? When faced with adversity, will Bradley have the ability to make the tactical changes necessary to pull out a win? Will Donovan play like the star he was in 2002, or the uninspired dud of 2006? So many questions; so few answers.

There's still a decent chance for this team to get out of the group, but if they lose to England, they will most likely HAVE to get 3 points, not just a draw, in game 2 against Slovenia to advance. If they can react with the poise and maturity expected of them, then 2010 will be considered a success, and then the hype can begin anew for an even better campaign in 2014.

Starting next week, Walsh and I aren't going to just predict the groups; oh no, we're taking it to another level. We're going to predict EVERY GAME in round 1, and then you'll know who we have going through. We'll do 2 groups a day, starting Tuesday June 1st. Make sure you check in, and let your friends know about us.

As always, thanks for reading! 15 days and counting!

U.S. Soccer: We Have A Problem...

The following are Pat Walsh's comments immediately following the U.S.' 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic Tuesday night. I'll be back tomorrow with my commentary on the final 23 players sideshow Bob has selected, and 1 or 2 thoughts going forward...enjoy.

It was a disappointing night for Bob Bradley’s side for sure. Not so much in the score line, as the lingering questions that outweighed the positives on the night. Here are my thoughts following the 4-2 loss to the Czechs:

- At least Oguchi Onyewu doesn’t have to do aerial battles with any Czech forwards from here on out. Gooch was smothered on the first goal -- just moments after losing another headball in which he inexplicably ducked behind the defender -- and it’s clear he’s nowhere near 100%. As I told our buddy Craig Stouffer yesterday afternoon, if I were playing against Gooch I’d send every service to his man, as he will make several errors. If he’s on Peter Crouch, the beanpole might win the Golden Boot in one match. Even more disconcerting were some of his mental errors: he looked lost on the third goal and it was his man who should have done better with an early chance for the Czechs. He has 17 days and two games to get ready for England. Let’s hope he can.

- Clarence Goodson, on the other hand, had one of the better nights for the Yanks. He played a part in both U.S. goals and did well to fight the urge to punch in one of those crosses. Could’ve done better on the third Czech goal, but that play never should have been that dangerous.

- Left back is by far the biggest question mark for Bradley. Bornstein and Pearce should have just played themselves off the plane as Bornstein again dragged a guy down from behind (but unlike against Holland it wasn’t for a PK) and Pearce just isn’t ready for this level (and the level against the Czechs was about three steps down from what it will be on June 12). However, there aren’t any other options besides Carlos Bocanegra (if you mention DaMarcus Beasley I will hunt you down). You know Fabio Capello was licking his chops and figuring out a way to tilt his midfield to the right and let Ashley Cole deal with the left alone.

- Marcus Hahnemann may have staked his claim as the number two while on the bench. According to the stats, the Czechs had 5 shots on goal meaning Brad Guzan had just one save. I don’t remember it. He also flailed at an early cross, limply palming it instead of punching it as every other goalie would. On the final goal, Mo Edu was at fault, but El Guzano should have done better to come out and cut down the angle on the shot that scored.

- To not be a complete Debbie Downer, there were some good performances. It pains me to say DaMarcus Beasley looked good, but still shouldn’t see the field in South Africa. Edu prior to the late gaff had a great night. Stu Holden and Steve Cherundolo appear to be developing some chemistry on the right (thought still not something that would scare Capello enough to not tilt his midfield to the other side). And lastly, how about Herculez Gomez scoring as a sub? As Grant Wahl tweeted: “One advantage Gómez may have over Buddle making 23: Gómez scored lots of goals in Mex off bench--would be sub in WC too.” I agree now like I did when I wrote that last month.

- As for cuts, these would be my seven to go: Chad Marshall and Robbie Findley are easy cuts as the only two bubble guys to not play. Next would be Sacha Kljestan, Eddie Johnson, Robbie Rogers, and Alejandro Bedoya, none of whom impressed in limited action. That leaves one more. It should be Heath Pearce, and if Bradley only takes seven defenders (with Edu as an option as well) that means Edson Buddle would stay, but I feel like Buddle gets the axe. Personally I would take Buddle over Jose Francisco Torres, but I think it wouldn’t happen mainly for the political option concerning future Mexican-Americans choosing the Red, White, and Blue as their national team.

Is This Rock Bottom?

Is Will Chang not smiling because he knows something the other three didn't?

This is a season that I’m pretty happy I’m not covering D.C. United. Having been there early last decade, I know how difficult and uncomfortable it is asking questions after multiple losses. It’s those times that I don’t envy the Craig Stouffers, Steve Goffs, and Brian Strausses of the world.

Not only do these guys have to go into locker rooms after these games, but also they have to watch the full 90 minutes. The game this past weekend, a 1-0 loss to Colorado, was dreadful. I enjoyed hearing Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski fill in for Thomas Rongen, but that was about it for the 90 minutes. How they managed to pull nearly six minutes of “highlights” for MLSsoccer.com is beyond me.

Even that brief glimpse of the game shows how little D.C. pressured Matt Pickens. After watching the game, the thought that popped back into my head summoned the days of the early 2000’s when Ray Hudson was at the helm of United. One night in his post-game presser he spouted a typical Hudson quote that rang true at RFK on Saturday night: “Without penetration, it’s just masturbation, and tonight we were just playing with ourselves.” United were able to string together some passes in the middle third, but once they got to the final third it all came apart prematurely.

(As a quick aside, is it just me or is it odd that United has been on national TV twice and scored two goals in both of those games, but has been shutout in every other league game? I suppose Galavision counts for this weekend, but if not United won’t score again until June 10 when they travel to Seattle should that trend continue.)

Danny Allsopp and Adam Cristman are not a pair of forwards who are going to lead a team into the playoffs. They’re too similar of a player and unfortunately for United it’s not a pair of Lionel Messis. But it’s not their fault they rarely see the ball in dangerous areas. The midfield is appalling. Sure, injuries have hurt (pun intended), but again the international player brought in (Christian Castillo) is showing signs of being a bust and the club still lacks a playmaker. Of course that’s been true since United shipped Christian Gomez to Colorado.

At the time, trading away Gomez was a bold move, one that I wrote for Goal.com in early 2008 I agreed with as it showed boldness by United. Here’s part of that column:

Respect must be paid to United’s offseason moves. Instead of being content with winning back-to-back Supporters’ Shields, the front office gutted the spine of the team to challenge for MLS Cup and, more importantly, international trophies like the Champions’ Cup and SuperLiga.

However, the crop that was brought in that year -- Marcelo Gallardo, Gonzalo Martinez, Gonzalo Peralta, Franco Niell, and Jose Carvallo -- were all gone within a year, two not even making it to the summer heat. The bold move was a complete failure. But who paid the price for that failure? In terms of firing, no one ever did.

With that in mind, the focus of why the club is on track to miss the playoffs for the third straight year has to shift upstairs. This downward spiral started well before Curt Onalfo took over as head coach and while he might not have been the best hire -- Richie Williams was my first (realistic) choice -- the poor start to the season shouldn’t rest only on his shoulders. Onalfo is the second new coach since the last MLS Cup was won by United while Kevin Payne and Dave Kasper still oversee the club.

The front office made a great pickup with the aforementioned Gomez who helped lead them to MLS Cup 2004, but since then the signings haven’t fared quite so well. Brazilian attackers Luciano Emilio and Fred had several good years, as did Argentine defender Facundo Erpen even if he was prone to frequent brain farts. However, only one of those guys is still on the team and Emilio couldn’t score against the Northern Virginia Royals in a reserve match on Monday. Quite a fall for the 2007 MLS MVP.

The flops in recent years of international signings leave them at a success rate of three for fourteen, or just above the Mendoza Line. For the failures, they had the quintet from 2008, Lucio Filomeno, Matias Donnet, Steve Guppy, Eliseo Quintanilla, and Louis Crayton, none of whom lived up to their billing. You could even toss in the reacquisition of Gomez prior to 2009. This year Juan Manuel Pena is still up in the air -- as is Castillo, to be fair -- but things are not looking good for the aging defender who was beaten by Mehdi Ballouchy for Colorado’s lone goal and has already missed several games due to injury. Should Pena and Castillo continue at their current rate, that drops the success rate to three for seventeen (including Gomez last year).

Drafting has had an upward tick in the past couple of years to bolster D.C.’s lineup in a relatively unconventional way for the side. The stretch from 2005-08 had 14 draft picks, but none are still on United’s roster; two are overseas -- Brian Arguez and Louis Robles -- and Andrew Jacobson is with Philly, but no one else is in MLS. However, the past two drafts have produced Chris Pontius, Rodney Wallace, Brandon Barklage, and this year’s diamond in the rough Jordan Graye. A solid base of players to go with veterans like Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms, and Bryan Namoff, but not one that translates into a playoff team. Of course they didn’t have a first round pick this year because that was part of the package -- along with Fred and allocation money -- to reacquire Troy Perkins, a move that may force Perkins back into the mortgage loan business a bit earlier than he anticipated.

The best news for the team has come from their youth academy. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid has been solid -- he made a big save on Omar Cummings to balance out being caught by Ballouchy to the near post -- and midfielder Andy Najar has show signs that he could develop into a good player. But again, both of those players aren’t going to boost the team into the playoffs this year. (Perhaps the luster off the youth academy is about to come off, though, as John Maessner just resigned. Could the best talent evaluator in the front office have just left?)

As an aside and I think an interesting look at the league, check out this stat from the Columbus Dispatch’s blog showing the amount of substitution minutes by team since 2009. United has used the most by a full eight minutes per game over second placed Chivas and more than double Columbus, the side that has used the fewest minutes.

As the article that the blog links to points out, “Columbus, Seattle, Chicago and Houston have averaged the fewest minutes from subs the past two seasons. All four were playoff qualifiers and in the top five in points last season.” Certainly that’s not a sole indicator of how a team will fare as Real Salt Lake averaged the third most minutes used, but are the defending MLS Cup Champions.

However, I would argue that having a core eleven players as the Crew, Sounders, Fire, and Dynamo have is a better blueprint for success. Using subs is going to disrupt a team’s flow for several minutes, or it means that the players you rely upon aren’t good (or young) enough to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis. While RSL did this successfully with Clint Mathis and Andy Williams, Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez weren’t at that level last year and Moreno has dropped off even more this season.

So where does the team go from here?

Though it’s not completely his fault, I don’t see United winning with Onalfo. However, that choice would have to be made his boss or bosses. And that decision should not include Dave Kasper or Kevin Payne.

United owner Will Chang has to follow what Dave Checketts did in Salt Lake. Maybe not to the extent of pulling the MLS all-time leading goal scorer off the field and installing him as head coach, but he does need to clean house. The balance of the first season under Kreis wasn’t the best, but he followed that up with the club’s first playoff appearance, and then MLS Cup last season.

Similarly, New York seems to have finally gotten their act together in the offseason, making United’s struggles an even tougher pill to swallow. Los Angeles showed that the right coach can turn things around; obviously having Landon Donovan greatly benefits Bruce Arena’s cause, but the former U.S. boss has rebuilt a Swiss cheese defense into the league’s best as they’ve allowed just two goals in nine games.

If United wants to restore their Tradition, the club needs to break with some old ties. All three of those teams underwent a major overhaul and are currently defending MLS Cup champs (RSL), first place in the Eastern Conference (NYRB), and first place in the Western Conference (LA). All did so relatively quickly.

D.C. may have to write off the 2010 season. But with the right moves, there will be hope for 2011 and beyond. That is as long as Will Chang can bring in better people than those signed by Dave Kasper and Kevin Payne.

- Pat Walsh

Removing The Dead Weight

"This Is How Many Good Plays I Made In Game 7!"

Sorry for the lack of updates this week. Had a death in the family and was out of town, and Walsh is slammed with Finals and all of the mutants he has to deal with. You've already seen the U.S. preliminary World Cup roster by now and read everyone else's opinions about it as well as formed your own. I thought he might bring in Edgar Castillo or Jermaine Jones just for a look, but Jones just couldn't get healthy and Castillo made up his mind to play for the U.S. too late for Bradley to really get a good look at him. However, Castillo and Charlie Davies could be big pieces of the puzzle when the U.S. starts qualifying for 2014. Let me take a minute or 2 to give my predictions for the 7 players whom I think will be left off the squad and why. Bob's taking 3 goalies, so we don't need to discuss that. So let's look at the defenders:

Defenders - He called in 9, so I'm thinking he'll take 7. That leaves Heath Pearce out as Bornstein, Bocanegra, and Spector can all play on the left. Then it comes down to Chad Marshall and Clarence Goodson. Tough call on this one, as I can make a case for either to make the squad or get cut. My gut tells me Bob goes with Marshall because he has been one of MLS' top defenders for several years, is fully fit, and has more international experience than Goodson. I wouldn't look for either to play regardless of who makes it. Bob will use a 3-man rotation of Bocanegra, DeMerit, and Onyewu. Plus, if Oguchi can't play all 90, Maurice Edu could see some time back there as well.

Midfielders - Probably the toughest to call. Bradley will probably cut 3, so let's go with DaMarcus Beasley, Robbie Rogers, and (gulp) Sacha Kljesten. That last one is tough, because he's one of Bob's "finds." Still, I don't see how he would see any playing time when there are 5 or 6 options in front of him. Alejandro Bedoya has the least experience of this group, but, like Davies and Castillo, has shown enough promise that he will probably be a player in 2014, so Bradley wants to get him some experience at the big level. Plus, since he plays wide, can bring some much needed pace if the team starts showing some fatigue and needs some fresh legs. Beasley hasn't had "it" for nearly 2 years, and Rogers is a solid MLS player who has yet to distinguish himself during any of his limited international appearances.

Forwards - If anyone other than Eddie Johnson or Robbie Findley are cut, then I agree with Walsh's statement a few weeks ago that Bradley should be fired before the plane even taxis' on the runway to South Africa. Seriously, Johnson has scored a couple of goals in Greece and deserves a look. But is the Greek league better than the Mexican 1st Division, or even MLS for that matter? And to be brutally honest, the guy doesn't exactly have the best reputation in the locker room. Does Bob want to possibly jeopardize the chemistry that is vital to succeed in this tournament? Findley is in camp because Davies is not, simple as that.

So there you have it. We'll find out in a few weeks if I'm right.

And yes, I was wrong about Giuseppi Rossi. Honestly, he deserves to be on the team, or at least in consideration for it. Still pissed he didn't want to play for the U.S. though. Hey, it's my blog and I can be bitter.

As for other news, Chelsea wins the EPL by 1 point over Manchester United. The Blues won their last 3 games by a combined score of 17-0. They also became the 1st EPL team to score 100 goals in a season. I don't like 'em, but they deserved the Title this year.

DC United followed up a big win over Kansas City with another inept performance on the road against FC Dallas. Friend of the blog Craig Stouffer (the only "legit" reporter who emphatically said over the past 2 months that Charlie Davies would not be fit for the World Cup) told us he's hearing that DaMarcus Beasley is a player who could be added to the team after the Cup. Not sure how well he would do, as I think all of the injuries he's had have taken their toll on him, but at this point, what does DC have to lose? Oh, yeah, that's right; many, many games...

After spending last weekend in Pittsburgh and seeing nothing but Crosby and Roethlisberger jerseys (the latter of which surprised me), it was nice to watch the Penguins get ousted last night...at home...in game 7. Guess this proves the Capitals were beaten by a team much better than everyone thought. Still agree with Ted Leonsis that despite the regular season success, the overall season was a failure. 1 last word on that; is it possible for Mike Camilleri to give Alexander Semin some tips on what it's like to actually show up in a playoff series?

Finally, when is it fair to start making comparisons about LeBron James and Alexander Ovechkin? The best players in their respective leagues with nothing to show for it? Just sayin'...

Thanks for reading and we'll see you next week!

Off The Schnide

Any doubt that's a goal with Perkins playing?

(Photo courtesy Washington Post's Toni Sandys)

A funny thing happened on the way to writing a blog this week: D.C. United actually won! I’ll be honest, I had a free ticket to the game and passed it up to watch at home. The decision was based largely on the fact that United had one legit goal in five games this season and the Wizards hadn’t scored in three straight, but the parking situation and the ability to drink more and not have to drive an hour home after also played into my decision.

It certainly wasn’t a vintage United performance. For them to earn points this year, though, that’s how they’ll have to get them as this side isn’t going to have the glitz and glamour of seeing a Christian Gomez run at defenses or a Marco Etcheverry hitting pin point passes to a youthful Jaime Moreno. This team doesn’t have a true #10, though Andy Najar could eventually be the next maestro for United’s midfield. But that’s some time off.

The big positive of course was the play of Bill Hamid in nets. Well, a positive to everyone except Troy Perkins who looked sullen on the bench Wednesday night. Maybe someone should’ve slipped a $5 margarita in his Gatorade bottle. Hamid still has work to do, obviously, but at a youthful 19 time is certainly on his side. The physical attributes are there as well with his 6’3”, 225 lb frame that still is agile enough to make reaction saves like we saw the other night.

As far as the offense, well the most important player for United on both goals was Kansas City’s Pablo Escobar. First, it’s such unfortunate name for a Colombian defender, though mildly better than Andres. However, it wasn’t like he was named Michael Bolton and all of a sudden that no talent ass clown came along -- this Escobar isn’t very good to begin with.

Escobar didn’t do well in allowing Danny Allsopp to run through him, and then take advantage of some lax defending by Jimmy Conrad before using Conrad’s leg to deflect in his shot on the first goal. The second was even worse as Escobar tapped a pass that Adam Cristman intercepted, allowing him to find Allsopp running free between Escobar and Conrad for a well-placed finish to double the lead. As my buddy Chris asked me via text “so he pulled a Mike Green?” Harsh, but accurate.

So now that United has those first points on the board -- hello tied for 7^th in the East!!! -- where do they go from here? Bushman told me yesterday he thinks at least a point at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday night is a must to have a chance at salvaging the season. I’m inclined to agree, but I just can’t be a half-cup-full kinda guy after that win considering the opponent. That Dallas just beat a scrappy Houston team doesn’t bode well for D.C. either.

Much like their stadium situation, I don’t see things getting better in the near future for United. With Hamid as their keeper, they shouldn’t gift goals to the opposition like they did with Perkins. However, the creative ability from the midfield just isn’t there. Clyde Simms does help tremendously in negating the other team’s possession, and the pairing of Cristman and Allsopp up front are hard working and might continue to grind and produce goals like they did against Kansas City. However, that’s not the D.C. United “tradition” and even if the season is turned around I can’t see the front office being particularly pleased in winning in that fashion.

Other stuff…

- Sad to see Chelsea win the title, though I’d have to say they are the best team thanks mainly to their depth. I can’t imagine Wayne Bridge will be buying any papers on Monday with John Terry lifting the trophy. Manchester United actually have the tougher test on Sunday morning against Stoke as Wigan have lost 13 of their 18 road games this year with a -29 goal differential. It is nice though that the game does mean something as Chelsea have to get the win, rather than the typical walk in the park it has been in years past.

- Gotta love the controversy coming out of Serie A again as Lazio rolled over to let Inter win, helping them maintain their league lead over Lazio’s hated rivals (as co-tenants at Stadio Olimpico) Roma. Not match fixing as much as just screwing over a rival. Of course, if I was in a similar situation and say UNC was playing at Comcast and a Terp team not caring about the result just let the Heels win so Duke wouldn’t win the title I’d be all for that.

- As I was writing this, Montreal became the 19^th team in MLS. No real shock there, but I still wonder how three Canadian teams will do given their limited player pool. It’s not like TFC has lit things up as the only MLS Canadian side. Granted, both Vancouver and Montreal will bring up some of their players currently with the team, but will any be competing for an MLS Cup in five years? I think not.

It also brings up the question of where the 20^th, and presumably final MLS team, will be. St. Louis was always an option, but with AC St. Louis I don’t know that they are the best now. A second New York team to me would be the most desirable for a second official derby in the league, but we need to see fans consistently going to Red Bull games for that to be a viable option. Other than that, the Florida locales make sense until you realize they still wouldn’t support a team, Phoenix is too hot, Vegas would be awesome but it’s out, and the Atlanta/Nashville ideas just don’t work. I’m sure The Don has an idea, but they need to get that 20^th team for 2012 as well to avoid more byes every week. Don’t mess with MFLS like that Garber!

- Pat Walsh

Weekend Wrap-Up

"I Can't Wait to Play For Italy...wait, what?"

Tons of soccer this past weekend as the domestic leagues (save for MLS and USL) are winding down and we get ready for arguably the greatest month of sports that only visits every 4 years... Oh yeah, and that whole Capitals debacle that we shouldn't mention but will anyway...

1. Giuseppi Rossi - He's been left off the initial 29-man roster Marcelo Lippi has called into Italy's World Cup squad. Some reports are that he may get called in, but a vast majority of the ones I've read have said no he won't. So, pal, how's that decision to play for the Azzuri sounding right about now? Goodness, can you imagine the hype and expectations if both he and Nevan Subotic decided to play for the red, white, and blue? There isn't much that could be done about Rossi, as it looked like he decided from an early age to play for Italy, but Subotic was ready to play here until he had a very public falling out with U-20 Coach Thomas Rongen. But I digress. Regardless, Rossi is a hugely talented player who still has his best years ahead of him. If he doesn't get on the squad, watch for him to be extra motivated to stake a claim for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

2. USL2 - For the first time in 10 games played so far, the home team won a game, as Charleston beat Charlotte 2-1. That continues the Battery's impressive form as they went to Real Maryland earlier in the week and pulled out a 1-0 win. Richmond had a very successful road trip (Kickers assistant coach Jesse Myers told me he thinks they play better on the road) as they got 4 points in less than 24 hours with a 1-0 win over Real Maryland and a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh. Matthew Delicate got both goals for the Kickers (he's scored all 4 so far), the latter coming against the Riverhounds in injury time.

3. MLS - Got a couple of teams to address this week:

A. DC United -It goes without saying this is the worst team in the league, and it's not even close. No goals scored in 3 home games? A crowd of only 12k on a Saturday? Red Bulls fans being louder than Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles, or La Norte (at least it seemed like that on television)? Tough times in DC for sure. Is this the lowest point in the team's history? I don't see how it can't be...even when the team was losing in the Thomas Rongen days, or even the subpar seasons with Ray Hudson, the team, and its fans, remained optimistic. I see nothing of the kind now. The Coach appears in over his head, proving Kansas City was not just bad luck for him, and the front office has put together a God-awful squad that doesn't look capable of beating a quality NASL/USL side right now. And I don't see it getting any better this year. At least 1 or 2 "legitimate" reporters are now asking about the job security of everyone involved, something Walsh and I brought up just 2 weeks into the season.

B. Philadelphia - They lead the league in red cards, most of them for stupid fouls or reckless challenges. But is anyone really surprised? Danny Califf is a red card waiting to happen, and DC fans will remember the number of ejections the team had under Peter Nowak. That Eastern European "play hard, hit harder" style of play might have worked in previous years, but with the FIFA mandate on referees to start aggressively booking rough play, Peter might have to change tactics a little bit. Will he be able to do so?

C. L.A. Galaxy - So what are they going to do when Buddle and Donovan leave for 6 weeks (yes, Buddle will be on the squad)? Well, if they can keep up the stingy defense, they at least have a few 0-0 draws in their future. Again, those who are still critical of Bruce Arena's failures in Germany of 2006 need to be quiet. He's won everywhere he's gone, and even got a dismal Red Bulls team into the playoffs before being summarily dismissed by an impatient ownership group. L.A., for now, is the team to beat, with the Red Bulls being a close 2nd.

4. Champions League - I guess Inter Milan is the favorite going into the game with Bayern in a few weeks? Should be interesting, but I'm still stunned Barca isn't playing in the Final. Wonderful job by Jose Mourinho to stifle the Spanish giants' attack. So where do you think he winds up coaching after the Cup is over? I know people say he would prefer to be a club coach, but perhaps the millions that will surely be offered to him will be enough to lure him into this new spotlight. And no, U.S. fans, he will never coach here. The kind of power he would want is the kind the U.S. Soccer "braintrust" wouldn't be willing to give...just ask Jurgen Klinsmann.

5. Washington Capitals - Well, that sucked, didn't it? I was ready for them to play until June. Win the Stanley Cup, and then have a seamless transition to the World Cup. I know our boy Scott Morath and other friends know more about hockey than myself, but I'm pretty sure we all agree the team shouldn't panic and blow it up. Give it 1 more year. Give the coach and GM 1 more year to fix what's wrong. Maybe try to move Semin for a decent 2nd or 3rd line scorer and a couple of promising prospects? Maybe get Boudreau to make some changes when your league-best power play goes 1 for 33? Come on, Bruce, show us you really know the X's and O's of the game...

Oh, by the way, how much did it hurt watching Halak get completely shelled in Game 1 Friday night against Pittsburgh and actually get yanked? Trust me, Morath and I were texting big time on that one, the language used not something we could put on this site and still make it family-friendly...

That's all for this week, fans. Thanks for reading. Walsh will stop by later in the week for his usual spot-on analysis, and watch out for our World Cup group-by-group previews coming in the next few weeks.