I knew you'd come out of the woodwork today(i said as much to Bluff) Galaxy deserved to win on the night but Golden Balls should have been sent off for the studs up tackle and the rugby tackle,but he was protected by the MLS so that nothing could spoil his leaving party.
Oh and Mano,viewing figures show that more American's decided to watch our victory against Chelsea than their own domestic title deciding Cup Final. http://www.epltalk.com/fox-and-epl-win-soccer-tv-ratings-war-against-mls-and-espn-37205 Football>>>Soccer.
Well beckham's first challenge he clearly got all ball, but studs were up so it might have warranted a yellow, but obviously I don't think it was. And that rugby challenge was hilarious . I also thought it was comical that Beckham, Keane and Donovan all combined for the goal after all the build up of the LA and there designated players and this game. It doesn't surprise me that more people watched watched the Liverpool game. There's a lot of people up on their high horse and won't watch MLS because it isn't as high quality as leagues in Europe. I was like that for a bit until I learned to just enjoy the game. The MLS surpassed both the NBA and NHL in average attendance this year so things are looking up here in the states. Oh and I wish the united board wasn't so dead.
Oh,and Galaxy's disallowed goal should have stood. The pro Galaxy anti Dynamo bias shown by the ESPN coverage was gut wrenching,between Alexei Lalas on the panel and that twat Ian Darke commentating and the 90% everything Galaxy its no wonder the Dynamo fans threw plastic cups at Donovan and Beckham.
If that studs up tackle was made over here he'd have been sent off but it merited at least a yellow and the yellow he got for the rugby tackle deffo should have saw him off,but brand Beckham rules MLS 'soccer' and there was no way he was going out in disgrace.
The obvious Galaxy bias is a bit annoying as a galaxy fan. Alexi Lalas is a tool and I hope fire crotch burns him to hell. When he was the Galaxy GM he had a really great policy of drafting/finding young talent then trading/selling them off to buy old overrated players. The Galaxy get all of their bias due to the fact that they're a global brand. (100% because of Golden Balls) and the League is focused on promoting growth and a team with a bunch of superstars is supposed to appeal to the masses over here. I'm on my phone now, but there's a link somewhere that shows the increased attendance every time Beckham and Co. are in town. I don't think the Galaxy bias is going to go away anytime soon. We just signed a 10 year $55 million deal with time Warner cable on the terms that we'll have at least on "big" named player at all times during the contract. Not exactly sure what the real details are but that's what I've been hearing.
And that bias(that will no doubt piss opposing fans off)and the bigger sponsors and sponsorship aimed at 1 club(Galaxy)could either make other MLS clubs try harder to catch up with bigger name signings and bigger sponsors that will strengthen the league over there,or people will yet again as in the past become disillusioned with 'soccer' in the US due to no level playing field in finances except for the elite. Also the MLS should open up their transfer policy instead of the ridiculous situation with nominated overseas players etc,is there a players union over there?,if so they should start kicking arse and strike if the governing body dont bring the American game into line with the rest of the football playing nations.
Or if you're in mood for some Arsenal, support the Seattle Sounders, or if you'd like a side of Chav and go support the New York Red Bulls, I'm sure there high wage bill and lack of success would your cup.
Listen being a Liverpool fan has been tough enough lately so I need some instant gratification. Seeing as my missus has thrown out all the Dial-a-Whore calling cards I need other ways to find it Pick me a team then PMK and I can pretend I'm arsed about MLS
Soz billy,Stick to John Henry's neck of the woods and choose a New England/Boston NBA,MLB,NHL,College team and MLS club.
Don't do Basketball or American Throwball but I enjoy a bit of Baseball (or used to when it was on Channel5). I never liked the Yankees or the Dodgers (Murdoch owned) and always wanted the Red Sox to do well even before the JWH days at Anfield. I'll consider New England then even if they're ****e Haven't they just sacked Steve Nicol tho???
Mutual agreement with the owner to leave(and the'yre still best friends),Stevie's a panelist and match summariser with ESPN now. I went to see the Astros baseball matches a few times when i lived in Houston(they're ****e),but i went to see Houston Dynamo's a few times and have a soft spot for them(Paul Dalglish was there then)and thats why im not happy at Mano gloating after Golden balls Galaxy beat them last night.
Basketball is my second favorite sport, the biggest problem with basketball is the commercial breaks, but a lot of the movements and shapes are similar to football, which is why recently a lot of European basketball players have been successful in the States. It is also regarded as one of the reasons Kobe Bryant is as good as he is. (Grew up in Italy while his dad was playing in the Italian Basketball League). I used to really enjoy baseball, now I can only watch if I'm physically at the game. I'm Anaheim Angels fan, I lived about 4 minutes from the stadium when I was a kid. New England weren't **** until recently, I'm still surprised Shalrie Joseph hasn't played in Europe. He's easily been one of the top 3 players in the MLS for quite awhile now. You were always going to lose! If the Galaxy lost then their season was a complete and utter failure. If Houston lost, they could still be proud of their late season unbeaten run and surge into the finals. And realistically only 2 players when fit would have a chance of making the Galaxy first XI. Brad Davis, and Geoff Cameron. Not sure if Geoff Cameron would get in at Center Back, as Gonzalez is a beast and A.J. De la Garza is criminally underrated because he's a 4 foot tall center back, but the chemistry those two have is vidic-rio esque.
Ok i will try to use Liverpool as a barometer.... History ( I know) - DC United (4) and LA(3) lead the pack with San Jose (2) Houston (2) Columbus (1) Colorado (1) Salt Lake (1) Chicago (1) and Kansas City (1) * Note New England have been to 4 MLS finals and lost all four. Anfield Atmosphere- By far and away, Seattle and Portland have THE best supporters. They sing the whole time, they are on their feet, they get into the game. Check out on youtube what happens when Portland scores. Pass and move the Liverpool groove- Real Salt Lake play the best style of footy this side of the pond. They really try to keep it along the deck and play the game the right way. Jason Kreis is a good manager and they were the first MLS team to finally do well in the Concacaf champions league and made the final, to narrowly lose out to Monterrey from Mexico ( the Rayados- striped gang). I have a soft spot for Houston as it was where I was born and grew up for a bit of my childhood and one of the local boys from the club I played for in Memphis played for Houston and is a legend down there (Richard Mulrooney). I live about an hour and a half from Columbus so can't help but hear of their results and they have a nice stadium as well and get a good crowd. So to pick a team for you? Depends on what you really want in your MLS team ( why I listed everything)....... You could always go with the french/commonwealth ****s in Montreal who are joining next year
