Well, that sucked.
The Sounders put in a great performance last night only to fall short by 1 goal and were eliminated from the 2011 MLS Playoffs. It's a hard pill to swallow since the team put dug themselves into such a deep hole leading up to the 2nd leg. Who knew a Nick Grabavoy goal and a Tony Beltran save off the line would be the ultimate differences in this series?
I would like to say a sincere thank you to the entire Sounders FC organization. I cannot imagine my season tickets being more worth the tremendous season that I got to experience first hand.
Onwards and upwards though as it were. Lots to do in a short offseason for the club:
- Re-sign Mauro Rosales
- Expansion draft protection list
- Fill 3rd DP slot (if not Rosales?)
- 2012 MLS Superdraft
- Prep for CCL Quarterfinals
My protected 11?
- Steve Zakuani
- Fredy Montero
- Alvaro Fernandez
- Mauro Rosales
- Osvaldo Alonso
- Jeff Parke
- Jhon Kennedy Hurtado
- Mike Fucito
- Sammy Ochoa
- Erik Friburg
- Roger Levesque
11.03.2011
11.02.2011
Today of all days...
It's been almost 6 months since my last post in this space. Between getting married, buying a house and work, it's been near impossible to sit still much less to sit down and write. However, today of all days I wanted to say something.
Go get 'em fellas. I'll be there doing my best to will you to victory tonight.
Last Saturday, my beloved Sounders FC dug themselves one hell of a hole. As it stands, we are down 3 goals to a gritty, championship caliber opponent with 90 minutes to play. Our heroes have quite the task ahead of them.
However, before we can get the three goals back, we only need one thing- the first one. Once that first goal goes in, all bets are off. All logic will shrivel by the wayside and doubt itself...after that first goal, our "chance" becomes attainable, realistic even.
After that first goal, (with all due respect to them) doubt will climb into the minds of the RSL players as quickly as the confidence will flow throughout the Sounders. The 36,000+ in attendance will become louder and louder...and will start to sense that maybe...just...maybe, we are on the precipice of something great.
One goal...that's the beginning. I'm not saying that one goal will guarantee victory. And no, I'm not saying anything truly logical here. But, I feel that one goal is all we truly need tonight. After one goal- all bets are off.
6.20.2011
At the halfway point, how full or empty is your glass?
We, Sounders supporters, have had our share of frustrations, even anger, in the first half of the 2011 MLS season. Two 1-nil losses to LA and NY to start the season, two Cascadia derby home draws (albeit the Whitecaps one felt better), and of course, the Brian Mullan tackle in Colorado that took out a great player and young man for the season. To put it mildly, neither the season or club has lived up to expectations.
Supporters I have talked to at pubs, read on Twitter or their blogs naturally have opinions that range from "Fire Sigi!" and "Cut Flaco" to "Church of Fucito" and "Montero is this team's future." All of those sentiments have their place and merit. Afterall, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I am attempting to stay steadfastly calm through what feels like the most tumultous period in the Sounders brief MLS history. However, I think it's healthy to make an honest assessment at this point. Let's be frank then-
Alvaro "El Flaco" Fernandez has been inconsistent.
Montero has 3 goals and 6 assists- our most productive (statistically) offensive player this year.
Zakuani's injury changed the entire team's formation and offensive dynamic.
Mauro Rosales has been a very, very positive signing by the front office.
Kasey Keller has been excellent.
The defense is improved from last year overall (15 goals against this year, 24 through 17 matches last year).
We have 25 points through 17 matches- 6 better than last year at this point in the season.
All in all, it's safe to say that the club has been inconsistent. I know that's not an Earth shattering assessment, but I think it's unwise to not have patience- with Sigi, the front office and most of all, the club. However, as some of the bullets above show progress is being made and the team is in a far better place than last year's version at this point in the season.
Sure, the transfer rumors continue to swirl. Supporters are looking for a savior. However, I would like to remind everyone of a key moment and turning point in last year's campaign that rings very familiar to this past weekend.
Last year in the Sounders' 17th match of the season, Roger Levesque scored an 89th minute winner against a lowly away opponent (D.C. United). Just when so many of us were expecting a draw, the Sounders stole 3 points. That sentiment is very much how I felt sitting at home watching the Toronto match this past Saturday....a lowly opponent, but the guys found a way to steal 3 points (Montero's brilliant free kick). Here's to progress and trends (like the run we made last season in the second half) continuing for the Rave Green.
- DTRT
Supporters I have talked to at pubs, read on Twitter or their blogs naturally have opinions that range from "Fire Sigi!" and "Cut Flaco" to "Church of Fucito" and "Montero is this team's future." All of those sentiments have their place and merit. Afterall, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I am attempting to stay steadfastly calm through what feels like the most tumultous period in the Sounders brief MLS history. However, I think it's healthy to make an honest assessment at this point. Let's be frank then-
Alvaro "El Flaco" Fernandez has been inconsistent.
Montero has 3 goals and 6 assists- our most productive (statistically) offensive player this year.
Zakuani's injury changed the entire team's formation and offensive dynamic.
Mauro Rosales has been a very, very positive signing by the front office.
Kasey Keller has been excellent.
The defense is improved from last year overall (15 goals against this year, 24 through 17 matches last year).
We have 25 points through 17 matches- 6 better than last year at this point in the season.
All in all, it's safe to say that the club has been inconsistent. I know that's not an Earth shattering assessment, but I think it's unwise to not have patience- with Sigi, the front office and most of all, the club. However, as some of the bullets above show progress is being made and the team is in a far better place than last year's version at this point in the season.
Sure, the transfer rumors continue to swirl. Supporters are looking for a savior. However, I would like to remind everyone of a key moment and turning point in last year's campaign that rings very familiar to this past weekend.
Last year in the Sounders' 17th match of the season, Roger Levesque scored an 89th minute winner against a lowly away opponent (D.C. United). Just when so many of us were expecting a draw, the Sounders stole 3 points. That sentiment is very much how I felt sitting at home watching the Toronto match this past Saturday....a lowly opponent, but the guys found a way to steal 3 points (Montero's brilliant free kick). Here's to progress and trends (like the run we made last season in the second half) continuing for the Rave Green.
- DTRT
4.08.2011
Turning the big 3-0
I turn thirty years old this coming Thursday. Being that I usally can be pensive about such milestones, I sat down and jotted down a few lessons learned in my first three decades. It's not that I think anyone really can learn from my own personal lessons, but I really like writing in this space. In fact, one of my goals for my next 30 years, is to get more time to do just that.
Lessons learned so far…
- Be yourself. Know yourself because...
- Self-awareness is irreplaceable.
- Friends are important. Family is MORE important and will always be there for you.
- Few things are more valuable than learning about and visiting new places.
- Love is grand.
- Arygle is badass.
- Patience IS a virtue.
- Stopping to smell the roses really can be nice…and healthy.
- Physical fitness is a must.
- That being said, bacon and cheese are the most delicious things in the world.
- Pride is good—to a certain extent.
- Having the ability to compromise is one of the most valuable skills to have in life.
- More reading encouraged…of actual books.
- I heart technology. And soccer.
Lessons learned so far…
- Be yourself. Know yourself because...
- Self-awareness is irreplaceable.
- Friends are important. Family is MORE important and will always be there for you.
- Few things are more valuable than learning about and visiting new places.
- Love is grand.
- Arygle is badass.
- Patience IS a virtue.
- Stopping to smell the roses really can be nice…and healthy.
- Physical fitness is a must.
- That being said, bacon and cheese are the most delicious things in the world.
- Pride is good—to a certain extent.
- Having the ability to compromise is one of the most valuable skills to have in life.
- More reading encouraged…of actual books.
- I heart technology. And soccer.
3.14.2011
Twas the night before First Kick...
Today, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. (Truth by told, I still feel extremely anxious to open presents even now as a near 30-year old "adult".) Regardless, the reason I feel so giddy with excitement is that the Major League Soccer season kicks off with my beloved Seattle Sounders FC versus the Los Angeles Galaxy tomorrow evening at 6:30 PST (on ESPN).
2011 is set to be a banner year for MLS. Here are a few storylines to know and follow throughout the season:
- PAC NW RIVALRIES: The league welcomes two expansion franchises to the Pacific Northwest soccer hotbed, Vancouver andPortscum Portland. Along with the Sounders, these three clubs will instantly have the best, most intense rivalry in professional U.S. soccer. The Whitecaps have mostly built for the future (sans their stellar and USMNT centerback, Jay DeMerit). However, Portland has honestly done a pretty nice job of mixing youth and experience. As much as it pains me to say it, Portland should be the better of the two clubs overall. Regardless, I would not expect either club to compete seriously for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Sounders have kept their core unit intact from consecutive postseason berths and look to push for more in year 3.
- BECKHAM'S LAST HURRAH? This is the last year on David Beckham's current MLS contract. There is little reason to think he'll stay stateside after this year and the Galaxy know that. That is why they have loaded up more than ever this season. Newly minted designated player, Juan Pablo Angel, leads their stellar frontline (along with USMNT hero Landon Donovan and Beckham) and their backline may be the best in the league. On paper they appear more talented than the team that won the Supporter's Shield last season. Time will tell if they can go beyond that success and actually go the distance in the MLS Cup playoffs.
- NEW STADIUMS: Two new soccer-specific stadiums will open this season in MLS: Livestrong Sporting Park (Sporting Kansas City) and PGE Park (Portland). These two beautiful grounds add to the growing list of soccer-specific stadiums and signal that soccer and MLS continues to grow in this country.
- PLAYOFF FORMAT CHANGE: MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, recently announced that the 2011 MLS playoffs would include 10 clubs. This would include the top 3 from both the Eastern and Western Conferences along with the next four regardless of conference affiliation as Wild Card teams. In one way, this dilutes playoffs with having more than half of the available teams qualify for the postseason (much like the NBA or NHL). However, this should keep more teams "in the hunt" longer and make the regular season stretch run more competitive.
Now, that you are all caught up...here is my attempt to throw my hat in the MLS season prediction "ring"... (Sounders' fan disclaimer- I have kept these as neutral as possible)
2011 MLS PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
(*- denotes playoff team; **- denotes Supporter's Shield)
Eastern Conference
1. New York Red Bulls*
2. Sporting Kansas City*
3. Houston Dynamo*
4. D.C. United*
5. Philadelphia Union
6. Chicago Fire
7. New England Revolution
8. Toronto FC
9. Columbus Crew
Western Conference
1. Real Salt Lake**
2. Los Angeles Galaxy*
3. Seattle Sounders FC*
4. FC Dallas*
5. Colorado Rapids*
6. San Jose Earthquakes*
7. Portland Timbers
8. Chivas USA
9. Vancouver Whitecaps
Regular Season MVP: Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
Rookie of the Year: Darlington Nagbe, Portland
Comback Player of the Year: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Seattle
Newcomer of the Year: Jan Gunnar Solli, New York Red Bulls
Defender of the Year: Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Goalkeeper of the Year: Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
Eastern Conference Champion: New York Red Bulls
Western Conference Champion: Real Salt Lake
MLS Cup winner: Real Salt Lake
On a personal note, I am still a few months away from keeping this space up on the regular basis that I desire. However, I am going to do my best to post as much as possible until then....
2011 is set to be a banner year for MLS. Here are a few storylines to know and follow throughout the season:
- PAC NW RIVALRIES: The league welcomes two expansion franchises to the Pacific Northwest soccer hotbed, Vancouver and
- BECKHAM'S LAST HURRAH? This is the last year on David Beckham's current MLS contract. There is little reason to think he'll stay stateside after this year and the Galaxy know that. That is why they have loaded up more than ever this season. Newly minted designated player, Juan Pablo Angel, leads their stellar frontline (along with USMNT hero Landon Donovan and Beckham) and their backline may be the best in the league. On paper they appear more talented than the team that won the Supporter's Shield last season. Time will tell if they can go beyond that success and actually go the distance in the MLS Cup playoffs.
- NEW STADIUMS: Two new soccer-specific stadiums will open this season in MLS: Livestrong Sporting Park (Sporting Kansas City) and PGE Park (Portland). These two beautiful grounds add to the growing list of soccer-specific stadiums and signal that soccer and MLS continues to grow in this country.
- PLAYOFF FORMAT CHANGE: MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, recently announced that the 2011 MLS playoffs would include 10 clubs. This would include the top 3 from both the Eastern and Western Conferences along with the next four regardless of conference affiliation as Wild Card teams. In one way, this dilutes playoffs with having more than half of the available teams qualify for the postseason (much like the NBA or NHL). However, this should keep more teams "in the hunt" longer and make the regular season stretch run more competitive.
Now, that you are all caught up...here is my attempt to throw my hat in the MLS season prediction "ring"... (Sounders' fan disclaimer- I have kept these as neutral as possible)
2011 MLS PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
(*- denotes playoff team; **- denotes Supporter's Shield)
Eastern Conference
1. New York Red Bulls*
2. Sporting Kansas City*
3. Houston Dynamo*
4. D.C. United*
5. Philadelphia Union
6. Chicago Fire
7. New England Revolution
8. Toronto FC
9. Columbus Crew
Western Conference
1. Real Salt Lake**
2. Los Angeles Galaxy*
3. Seattle Sounders FC*
4. FC Dallas*
5. Colorado Rapids*
6. San Jose Earthquakes*
7. Portland Timbers
8. Chivas USA
9. Vancouver Whitecaps
Regular Season MVP: Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
Rookie of the Year: Darlington Nagbe, Portland
Comback Player of the Year: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Seattle
Newcomer of the Year: Jan Gunnar Solli, New York Red Bulls
Defender of the Year: Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Goalkeeper of the Year: Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
Eastern Conference Champion: New York Red Bulls
Western Conference Champion: Real Salt Lake
MLS Cup winner: Real Salt Lake
On a personal note, I am still a few months away from keeping this space up on the regular basis that I desire. However, I am going to do my best to post as much as possible until then....
1.25.2011
You're welcome, NFL. Regards, U.S. Soccer
As I have sat through the NFL playoffs, I have enjoyed one thing just a little bit more than most other fans. That one thing has been the Super Bowl commericals showing fan reactions to pivotal plays from the last two Super Bowls. Why do I enjoy it so much? It's because the first time I saw one of the commercials I was instantly reminded of Landon Donovan. Why do you ask? Oh...because of this little diddy:
The World's Reaction to Landon Donovan's Goal
The Donovan World Cup compliation was put together shortly after that unforgettable Algeria match and now has over 3 million views. The fact that the NFL may or may not have copied that format is really of no consequence. However, it urges me to go back and view the Donovan clip and enjoy it all over again. And if the NFL really did plagarize a bit, it's quite flattering isn't it?
Go...go...USA. :-)
The World's Reaction to Landon Donovan's Goal
The Donovan World Cup compliation was put together shortly after that unforgettable Algeria match and now has over 3 million views. The fact that the NFL may or may not have copied that format is really of no consequence. However, it urges me to go back and view the Donovan clip and enjoy it all over again. And if the NFL really did plagarize a bit, it's quite flattering isn't it?
Go...go...USA. :-)
1.24.2011
Reasons to smile (if you're a USMNT supporter)
This past Saturday evening saw a very inexperienced (in terms of international experience) USMNT side draw even with a B-side Chilean national team, 1-1. The match was choppy, mostly unorganized and not exactly easy on the eyes. However, I think Coach Sweatpants got a great chance to evaluate lots of young and fringe national team talent- and that was point right?
The result didn't matter and if you think it should have or did, you're missing the point. Yes, there were glaring holes in the 2nd half backline and the boys played long ball almost all night (frustrating). However, there were many positive to take away.
Bradley set the table for Gold Cup support roles with this January camp. Teal Bunbury (Boon-Boo-Ree!) and Juan Agudelo impressed (I'll get to these two in a minute) as well as Zach Lloyd and Dax McCarty (wonder if Portland is second guessing the decision to trade him). It was also pointed out by The Shin Guardian on Twitter during the match that Tim Ream was taking charge of the backline in the first half. Hearing about that type of leadership from a young centerback is phenomenal. Additionally, I know that Mix Diskerud got some mixed reviews, but I really have been impressed with the young attacking mid in his two appearances with the national team. His touch and creativity seem destined to be a USMNT mainstay for years to come.
Now about those two strikers, Agudelo and Bunbury. They absolutely changed the match when they came on in the second half. Both were active and showed great chemistry in the final third. There is a reason that Red Bull New York was ok with letting Juan Pablo Angel go this winter. Something tells me that Agudelo is going to make that front office look like geniuses this season. As for Bunbury, it just seems like he has something different in terms of swagger when he's on the pitch. After the World Cup and all the talk about how the USMNT lacks options up top outside of Jozy, Bunbury and Agudelo brought a smile to face on Saturday. Things continue to look up for the Yanks.
The result didn't matter and if you think it should have or did, you're missing the point. Yes, there were glaring holes in the 2nd half backline and the boys played long ball almost all night (frustrating). However, there were many positive to take away.
Bradley set the table for Gold Cup support roles with this January camp. Teal Bunbury (Boon-Boo-Ree!) and Juan Agudelo impressed (I'll get to these two in a minute) as well as Zach Lloyd and Dax McCarty (wonder if Portland is second guessing the decision to trade him). It was also pointed out by The Shin Guardian on Twitter during the match that Tim Ream was taking charge of the backline in the first half. Hearing about that type of leadership from a young centerback is phenomenal. Additionally, I know that Mix Diskerud got some mixed reviews, but I really have been impressed with the young attacking mid in his two appearances with the national team. His touch and creativity seem destined to be a USMNT mainstay for years to come.
Now about those two strikers, Agudelo and Bunbury. They absolutely changed the match when they came on in the second half. Both were active and showed great chemistry in the final third. There is a reason that Red Bull New York was ok with letting Juan Pablo Angel go this winter. Something tells me that Agudelo is going to make that front office look like geniuses this season. As for Bunbury, it just seems like he has something different in terms of swagger when he's on the pitch. After the World Cup and all the talk about how the USMNT lacks options up top outside of Jozy, Bunbury and Agudelo brought a smile to face on Saturday. Things continue to look up for the Yanks.
1.21.2011
Random Friday Notes
Here are a few thoughts as we head into the weekend:
- It was finally made official today, the Cascadia MLS clubs (Seattle, Vancouver and Portland) will play each other in a preseason round robin format during a supporters "summit" March 4-6. Some are disappointed that the first time these sides meet as MLS combatants will not essentially count for anything. Some are disappointed about the relatively low amount of tickets available to fans not apart of supporters' groups. However, overall most are just READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL. I'm very excited just to see the Sounders back on the pitch. It's been a solid offseason for the club and I look forward to seeing the likes of Erik Freiburg and Michael Tetteh join the rest of the boys as soon as possible.
- Why are people getting impatient with the Luis Suarez/Liverpool dance going on right now? Obviously it would be a great addition to Anfield, but I have but one word to my fellow Reds' supporters on the new management's transfer tactics- PATIENCE. John Henry will get this right...soooner than you think. YNWA
- I really like the fact that the Browns hired Dick Jauron today as their new defensive coordinator. He's got legit pedigree as a defensive stud of a coach. Holmgren continues to restore pride amongst the Cleveland football faithful.
- Just as I was typing a blurb about how I feel like the Gareth Bale hype may have gotten ahead of itself this past fall- the Welsh international fires a cross into the box to Rafael Van Der Vaart on the Spurs-United replay on FSC that is sublime. Utterly sublime. Nevermind that thought.
- If you have a sense of humor, are a soccer fan and aren't listening to Winning Ugly- you are WRONG. I have no connection to this wonderment of soccer-based humor podcast whatsoever, but it's awesome. Check it out if you haven't already.
And with that- have a great weekend.
- It was finally made official today, the Cascadia MLS clubs (Seattle, Vancouver and Portland) will play each other in a preseason round robin format during a supporters "summit" March 4-6. Some are disappointed that the first time these sides meet as MLS combatants will not essentially count for anything. Some are disappointed about the relatively low amount of tickets available to fans not apart of supporters' groups. However, overall most are just READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL. I'm very excited just to see the Sounders back on the pitch. It's been a solid offseason for the club and I look forward to seeing the likes of Erik Freiburg and Michael Tetteh join the rest of the boys as soon as possible.
- Why are people getting impatient with the Luis Suarez/Liverpool dance going on right now? Obviously it would be a great addition to Anfield, but I have but one word to my fellow Reds' supporters on the new management's transfer tactics- PATIENCE. John Henry will get this right...soooner than you think. YNWA
- I really like the fact that the Browns hired Dick Jauron today as their new defensive coordinator. He's got legit pedigree as a defensive stud of a coach. Holmgren continues to restore pride amongst the Cleveland football faithful.
- Just as I was typing a blurb about how I feel like the Gareth Bale hype may have gotten ahead of itself this past fall- the Welsh international fires a cross into the box to Rafael Van Der Vaart on the Spurs-United replay on FSC that is sublime. Utterly sublime. Nevermind that thought.
- If you have a sense of humor, are a soccer fan and aren't listening to Winning Ugly- you are WRONG. I have no connection to this wonderment of soccer-based humor podcast whatsoever, but it's awesome. Check it out if you haven't already.
And with that- have a great weekend.
1.14.2011
What did I miss? and LFC accountability
It's been a while and a LOT has happened since I last wrote in this space. Here's a quick rundown of what I haven't wrote about:
- I got ENGAGED.
- Sounders bowed out of the MLS playoffs to the silly Galaxy.
- Winning Ugly broadcast its epic 100th episode (and it was....EPIC)
- Mid-term elections
- The ENTIRE NFL season
Now that we're all caught up on the pertinent details, I have a few things on my mind. However, I'm only going to touch on one at the moment...
YNWA
To say that my beloved Liverpool Football Club have struggled during the current Premiership campaign is to put it lightly. The new owners sacked Roy Hodgson and hired a Reds legend, Kenny Dalglish, to be a "temporary" manager and lead the team to its former glory. However, since King Kenny has taken the reigns (albeit it's only been two matches), LFC has yet to get a victory. Sunday marks yet another edition of the wonderful Merseyside derby between LFC and Everton at Anfield.
As all Liverpool supporters, I can't wait for this match and hope to the Spirit of Shankly that the Reds get all three points this weekend. However, if they don't, we all need to take a hard look at something as supporters of this club. Last season, Rafa was blamed for a spotty transfer record and not getting the most out of the players last season. The former owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, were also the subject of us supporters for putting the club in tremendous financial hole during their tenure. So the club finished sixth last season and we looked for a fresh start under Roy Hodgson. The 2009-10 season started with a sputter and we all blamed the ownership crisis. New England Sports Ventures thankfully took over and the ship was back on course, right? Unfortunately, Roy's tenure was mired with horrid road form and calls for his head a few months after the ownership change. The new owners succumbed to these calls and replaced Hodgson swiftly last week.
It has been a tumultuous 18 months for Liverpool Football Club. However, with all the change, there has only been two consistent pieces of the club during this timeframe- poor/inconsistent results and the PLAYERS. If the club can't get up its crosstown rival missing two of its best players (Cahill and Jagielka) and a third with more than one foot out the door (Pienaar) on Sunday- who do we point fingers at? King Kenny? I don't think so...all I want- all any of us want is a full 90 minute effort of organized football from our beloved Reds. At what point do professional soccer players take it upon themselves and have pride in what they do out on the pitch? I have seen it during the last 18 months, but only glimpses and at best, in spurts. At what point does a world class striker like Fernando Torres just take it upon himself to put the club on his back and will a much needed victory?
I dare say that if Nando and any LFC player not named Reina don't turn in a spirited effort on Sunday, we have run the well dry on whom to hold accountable at Anfield. YNWA
- I got ENGAGED.
- Sounders bowed out of the MLS playoffs to the silly Galaxy.
- Winning Ugly broadcast its epic 100th episode (and it was....EPIC)
- Mid-term elections
- The ENTIRE NFL season
Now that we're all caught up on the pertinent details, I have a few things on my mind. However, I'm only going to touch on one at the moment...
YNWA
To say that my beloved Liverpool Football Club have struggled during the current Premiership campaign is to put it lightly. The new owners sacked Roy Hodgson and hired a Reds legend, Kenny Dalglish, to be a "temporary" manager and lead the team to its former glory. However, since King Kenny has taken the reigns (albeit it's only been two matches), LFC has yet to get a victory. Sunday marks yet another edition of the wonderful Merseyside derby between LFC and Everton at Anfield.
As all Liverpool supporters, I can't wait for this match and hope to the Spirit of Shankly that the Reds get all three points this weekend. However, if they don't, we all need to take a hard look at something as supporters of this club. Last season, Rafa was blamed for a spotty transfer record and not getting the most out of the players last season. The former owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, were also the subject of us supporters for putting the club in tremendous financial hole during their tenure. So the club finished sixth last season and we looked for a fresh start under Roy Hodgson. The 2009-10 season started with a sputter and we all blamed the ownership crisis. New England Sports Ventures thankfully took over and the ship was back on course, right? Unfortunately, Roy's tenure was mired with horrid road form and calls for his head a few months after the ownership change. The new owners succumbed to these calls and replaced Hodgson swiftly last week.
It has been a tumultuous 18 months for Liverpool Football Club. However, with all the change, there has only been two consistent pieces of the club during this timeframe- poor/inconsistent results and the PLAYERS. If the club can't get up its crosstown rival missing two of its best players (Cahill and Jagielka) and a third with more than one foot out the door (Pienaar) on Sunday- who do we point fingers at? King Kenny? I don't think so...all I want- all any of us want is a full 90 minute effort of organized football from our beloved Reds. At what point do professional soccer players take it upon themselves and have pride in what they do out on the pitch? I have seen it during the last 18 months, but only glimpses and at best, in spurts. At what point does a world class striker like Fernando Torres just take it upon himself to put the club on his back and will a much needed victory?
I dare say that if Nando and any LFC player not named Reina don't turn in a spirited effort on Sunday, we have run the well dry on whom to hold accountable at Anfield. YNWA
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