Clint Mathis prolific scorer?

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Mathis is not a runner like Donovan. He needs a speedy forward to team up with, like he had with the Metros.
But I agree, we are making up excuses for Mathis. Clint should find something in 12(?) games.
If not, why is he the highest paid player on the team (for over $350K a year and the loss of our best allocation we will ever get)?

I'm concerned, but not calling for any heads yet. I'll wait until closer to the end of the season to start jumping on that bandwagon. I was happy with more of the effort I saw from people this game - even though we lost. I actually don't mind watching us put forth effort and pass the ball more effectively than usual even in a losing effort.

[Old Ska]

Originally Posted by alianza

I am so sick of him not doing a dang thing but yell at the officials. Is anyone else but me dissapointed in this guy?

Next game start Dipsy. Dante is terrible,
Start Watson. Mathis is Terrible

Man I am upset....

Show some dam@ effort please

I agree, but I felt better about Washington this game than I ever has before.

[DadOf8]

I like Clint and I keep hoping he gets a goal and soon. At the games I hear people around me complaining about what a hot-head he is and how he doesn't contribute anything on the field. I don't know if any of you remember the game against Colorado, but there wasn't a spark until Clint started arguing with the ref. From that point on, the crowd was in it and the team was in it. I think Clint provides veteran leadership, if nothing else. We need to give him a chance. When he's on the field, if he's close enough to where I'm sitting, I will encourage him, "Come on Clint, I know you can do it." I think, as fans, that's what we need to do. If he still can't get it done, then yes, Elinger should replace him.

[Old Ska]

Originally Posted by DadOf8

I like Clint and I keep hoping he gets a goal and soon. At the games I hear people around me complaining about what a hot-head he is and how he doesn't contribute anything on the field. I don't know if any of you remember the game against Colorado, but there wasn't a spark until Clint started arguing with the ref. From that point on, the crowd was in it and the team was in it. I think Clint provides veteran leadership, if nothing else. We need to give him a chance. When he's on the field, if he's close enough to where I'm sitting, I will encourage him, "Come on Clint, I know you can do it." I think, as fans, that's what we need to do. If he still can't get it done, then yes, Elinger should replace him.

I think Clint is a cool guy too, and more than anything I would like to see him score.

You know I like to play devil's advocate, so here goes:

With a $350,000+/year salary, RSL would have to sell over 25,000 $14 north goal seats just to pay for Mathis. Is he performing at that level? Is he bringing in that many ticket-buyers? What does it do for team morale among the other vets when the highest paid player is not producing? Especially when said marquee player is so close with Ellinger?

My prediction: a shake-up is imminent. If nothing positive happens in June (minimum of one road win and at least a draw against LA at home), it will be a big one. If it comes sooner it will be a smallish shake-up.

[edaw33]

i agree with the watson thing. if youa re going to lose, then lose with developing young players and not sticking in the old guys past their prime.

[Deuce]

I don't think Clint Mathis or any of the other starters are passed their prime.

I am at a loss for ideas to motivate them to perform like the players that seem to be stepping up and carrying them.

I don't think that finger pointing and scapegoating is the answer either.

There is a lot of season left and if Coach E is going to experiment with the lineup then now is the time... instead of the end of the season when there is nothing left to fight for.

On another note... I think the players that actually perform should be on the pitch come match time... regardless of salary!

Maybe a few matches on the bench will motivate them more so than the embarrassment of being shown up by a rookie.

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by Deuce

I don't think Clint Mathis or any of the other starters are passed their prime.

I completely agree. Sure, they may not have the same speed as they did in their early 20's, but the skill should still be there, and perhaps their experience should make up for some of the lack in speed.

My two cents.

[huntingfool12]

I would have to say that Daunte Washington is over his prime. He can not dribble the ball worth a dang. Also, i dont get why were are even trying to play long balls to this guy i didn't see him win on ball on Saturday, besides the one Watson put right to him, even then he headed the ball straight up, what ever happened to directing it to the side of the goal?

[HibaIssa]

Originally Posted by huntingfool12

I would have to say that Daunte Washington is over his prime. He can not dribble the ball worth a dang. Also, i dont get why were are even trying to play long balls to this guy i didn't see him win on ball on Saturday, besides the one Watson put right to him, even then he headed the ball straight up, what ever happened to directing it to the side of the goal?

That's why I'm still sticking with my Watson/Mathis duo up front.

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by huntingfool12

I would have to say that Daunte Washington is over his prime. He can not dribble the ball worth a dang. Also, i dont get why were are even trying to play long balls to this guy i didn't see him win on ball on Saturday, besides the one Watson put right to him, even then he headed the ball straight up, what ever happened to directing it to the side of the goal?

That's why I want a 3-3-4 with two ball controllers up front with Dante to do what he can't and to whip high balls into the center where a tall Dante awaits - hopefully with the two attacking mids. I saw him win several headers up front during Saturday's game - which is several more than we seem to have had all year. Kreis doesn't exactly tower over defenders. :p