GaLazy and Saprisa [R]

fuegote · 03-09-2006, 06:47 AM

I can't believe LA choked a 2-0 lead in the second half. it was a great game to watch but still.... MLS needed the GaLazy and Revs to win their first leg.

Rover · 03-09-2006, 02:16 PM

Big disappointment. Until MLS wins in these tournaments, we have no basis to claim we're at the same level as other major leagues around the world, let alone the region.

LA certainly choked. Whatever Medford told Saprissa at halftime, it worked. They came out and took the game away at the start of the second half, and LA never adjusted.

BroncsBomber · 03-09-2006, 02:21 PM

It is not a completely fair competition to have our preseason teams play vs. other teams in mid season form. We either need to start a little earlier or hope the tournament gets pushed back a little. The Galaxy looked like the better team but they weren't fit enough to hang through an overtime game. If these games happen a month later then the revs. would have finished their chances in Bermuda last week and the Galaxy would have been better able to hold on to a 2 goal lead.

Rover · 03-09-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncsBomber

It is not a completely fair competition to have our preseason teams play vs. other teams in mid season form. We either need to start a little earlier or hope the tournament gets pushed back a little. The Galaxy looked like the better team but they weren't fit enough to hang through an overtime game. If these games happen a month later then the revs. would have finished their chances in Bermuda last week and the Galaxy would have been better able to hold on to a 2 goal lead.

You're absolutely right, and in midseason form I think MLS teams would do very well in Champions Cup. We're actually set up to fail here, since we are forced to play teams in top form while our teams are in preseason.

The problem is that it's our own fault. Until we get on the standard FIFA calendar, we'll continue to run into this. MLSHQ has said it's going to happen at some point, but we don't know when. Until then, we're stuck with fielding teams that aren't at their best, or interrupting our season for big summer tournaments (i'm told there's one in Germany this year).

Aero · 03-09-2006, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

The problem is that it's our own fault. Until we get on the standard FIFA calendar, we'll continue to run into this. MLSHQ has said it's going to happen at some point, but we don't know when.

When it does happen, I hope they install heated seats in the new stadium. Games in Nov-Mar are going to get awfully chilly. It might be entertaining watching some games in 6" of snow though.

Rover · 03-09-2006, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero

When it does happen, I hope they install heated seats in the new stadium. Games in Nov-Mar are going to get awfully chilly. It might be entertaining watching some games in 6" of snow though.

There are two approaches to the cold and snow problem, and both keep teams on the FIFA calendar.

First, you take a winter break. The Bundesliga breaks from late December to early February, and other leagues take longer breaks (I think Norway's lasts longer, for obvious reasons).

Second, you play two seasons a year, like the Argentine opening/closing seasons or the MFL's fall and spring seasons. You get two champions a year that way.

Other than that, just remember that in most of the world's big leagues, "football weather" is not heat and humidity--it's cold and rain.

Aero · 03-09-2006, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

There are two approaches to the cold and snow problem, and both keep teams on the FIFA calendar.

First, you take a winter break. The Bundesliga breaks from late December to early February, and other leagues take longer breaks (I think Norway's lasts longer, for obvious reasons).

Second, you play two seasons a year, like the Argentine opening/closing seasons or the MFL's fall and spring seasons. You get two champions a year that way.

Other than that, just remember that in most of the world's big leagues, "football weather" is not heat and humidity--it's cold and rain.

I'm not saying it won't be possible. I'm just saying it's going to be a lot more uncomfortable. I'd take an evening game with 95 degree heat over an evening game that's 30 degrees with driving snow, which we still get even into March. Changing the schedule is going to have a big affect on attendance, especially in places like Salt Lake, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Boston.

Stucki · 03-09-2006, 11:03 PM

November would be a good reason to have afternoon games.

AreliusIII · 03-10-2006, 08:08 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/wires/03/10/2050.ap.soc.mls.obit.hamilton.4th.ld.writethru.0309/index.html

Jose Luis Luviano · 03-10-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuegote

I can't believe LA choked a 2-0 lead in the second half. .

You haven't watched the 2nd half or Overtime of many big Galaxy games, have you?

The Galaxy blowing a 2-0 lead in a big game is not news.

But Doug Hamilton, that's news!

The Riot Squad and the Galaxians liked him and I've only ever seen Peter Wilt as being a front office guy who is as popular with the fans. (But Steve Pastorino is working on it.)

The Galaxy has blown leads in big games before and they will do it again.

But Doug Hamilton will be hard to replace.