The Galaxy may have put out a B side against the Seattle Sounders last night, but Fredy Montero didn't care in slightest. He let loose this absolute blast in the 48th minute to leave no doubt who was in charge at Century Link Field.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Match Thoughts: Seattle Sounders vs. L.A. Galaxy
L.A.'s Bryan Gaul battles Seattle's Fredy Montero (Getty Images)
Coming into last night's match, the Seattle Sounders had never beaten the Galaxy at Century Link Field. However, when they saw the lineup LA was fielding for the contest, their confidence must have gone up ten fold. David Beckham and Robbie Keane stayed behind in Los Angeles while Edson Buddle and Mike Magee started the match on the bench.
The experiment did not work out well for the Galaxy, at all.
It looked like it might be alright for the opening ten minutes or so, after all, L.A. did still feature Landon Donovan. The US International took a couple of shots at the Seattle goal, but missed on both occasions. Marcelo Sarvas also took a crack, but his shot was blocked.
Then Seattle turned on the juice in the 10th as Fredy Montero nearly scored his first of the season, but was bested by Galaxy 'keeper Bill Gaudette. Still, it was obvious even at that early stage that the Sounders smelled blood.
Once again, Seattle nearly took the lead in the 23rd minute. Gaudette managed a great save on a shot by Eddie Johnson. The rebound fell to Montero at close range, and he appeared poised to slam the ball into the back of the net. However, Gaudette stuck his foot out at the last second hand knocked the ball away from the goal, perhaps giving a LA a thought that they could make it through this one after all.
If the Galaxy were entertaining that thought, it came crashing down in minute 40. Mauro Rosales sent in a cross to Eddie Johnson, and the Seattle forward deftly headed in a goal to make it 1-0 to Seattle. Johnson was left pretty much alone on the play, and Gaudette had no chance on the header. The Sounders took the 1-0 lead into the half.
Landon Donovan was quoted as saying the Galaxy still thought they could get something out of the match coming out of halftime. Fredy Montero put those hopes to rest in the 48th minute. He let loose an absolute blast from about 40 yards out that rocketed into the LA goal, nowhere near the reach of Gaudette, to make it 2-0. That strike has to be a goal of the year candidate.
Eventually the Galaxy brought on both Buddle and Magee, and managed to get some possession. Donovan managed the Galaxy's only shot on frame in the 62nd, but hit it right at the 'keeper. The Galaxy never really threatened the Seattle goal and the Sounders held on for the 2-0 win.
NOTES: Bruce Arena took responsibility for the line up, saying he had to make sure he rotated his older players during the 2 match week. Donovan briefly mentioned the Seattle turf as one of the reasons why Beckham and Keane and were left at home. Both are expected to play against the New York Red Bulls this weekend. For Seattle, Montero's golazo was his first of the season. Keeper Michael Gspurning left the match at halftime with a hip injury. The Sounders host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Match Thoughts: New England Revolution vs Colorado Rapids
New England's Saer Sene scores against the Colorado Rapids. (AP Photo)
The Revs came out of the blocks strong though, looking to defend their home turf in front of a sparse but noisy midweek crowd at Gillette Stadium. They established possession early on and set about hemming Colorado in around their own 18 yard box. Despite plenty of passes and decent crosses though, the Revs couldn't find a final ball, let alone trouble Matt Pickens in the early minutes.
After weathering the initial storm, the Rapids finally began to set up shop offensively in the second ten minutes. The Revs were showing plenty of holes in their back line, and Colorado was keen to take advantage. They managed to do just that in the 21st minute when Martin Rivero sent in a ball to Jamie Castrillion, who easily escaped the Revs defense and knocked the ball into the net to give the Rapids the 0-1 lead. It was their first goal in the first 30 minutes of a match all season.
The Revs looked to respond though and managed to do so in fairly short order. As it turns out, the Rapids defense proved to be just as porous as New England's. In the 27th minute, the Revs caused all kinds of trouble for the Rapids on a corner kick, and the ball fell to Saer Sene, who volleyed the ball home from about eight yards to equalize at 1-1.
Things didn't get any better for the Rapids in the rest of the first half, as their offense shut down and the Revs pushed for the lead. That lead finally came in the 39th minute when Sene played the ball to Fernando Cardenas just inside the penalty area. Cardenas noticed Pickens off his line in goal and chipped it in. Pickens back-tracked and got a hand to it, but tipped it down into his own net to make it 2-1 to New England heading into halftime.
The Rapids didn't go down easily in the second half, but all in all the Revs did a great job limiting their offensive chances. The best chance came in the 69th minute when Castrillion forced Matt Reis to perry over the bar after a nice feed from Jeff Larentowicz, but it would be about the last time the Rapids threatened in a choppy second half, and the Revs held on to a 2-1 win at home.
The Revolution made the Rapids pay dearly for their two defensive mistakes in the first half, but it must be mentioned that Colorado was without CB Marvell Wynne, who missed the match due to a hamstring strain. Manager Oscar Pareja told MLSSoccer.com after the match that the coaches were frustrated with the defense and with yet another slow start. Also, the finishing on offense was a far cry from what the Rapids pulled off against the Goats, but hopefully the return of Conor Casey will help the remedy that.
A final note: The win marks career win number 100 in MLS for Matt Reis, who for my money, is one of the league's real underrated 'keepers.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Congratulations to Real Madrid, 2012 La Liga Champions
Congratulations to Real Madrid, who tonight clinched the 2012 La Liga title with a 0-3 win at Athletic Bilbao. The Blancos got goals from Higuain, Oezil, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the match, though Ronaldo did miss a PK early on.
The title is a record 32nd league crown fro Madrid, but their first in four years. A couple of weeks ago they pretty much locked it up with the Clasico win at Camp Nou, but as of tonight, it's official!
I like this even more, of course, because at least one of my European clubs will bag a trophy this year. On the other hand, let's make sure Sergio Ramos doesn't get anywhere near it.
Roy Hodgson Confirmed as New England National Team Boss
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson signed a 4 year deal to manage England (heraldsun.com.au)
Well it's certainly not a sexy hire, but a hire it is. Yesterday the FA announced that West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has signed a 4 year contract to replace Fabio Capello as manager of the England men's national team. The announcement was met by a fair bit of skepticism in the footballing world.
After all, The FA appears to have snubbed the man dubbed "The people's choice," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. Several rumors have surfaced about why this might be the case, but one of the biggest surrounds the thought that Redknapp might just have cost too much money.
At any rate, it's now Hodgson's poisoned chalice, err job. He should quite prepared as he has an extensive amount of international experience, managing a successful stint at Switzerland for starters. He has also managed Italian giants Inter Milan, and took Fulham to the Europa League final a couple of years back.
However, it's Hodgson's spell at Liverpool that has fans of the Three Lions worried. He took over at Anfield last year, but lasted just half a season as results were dismal and supporters upset. When Liverpool's new owners took over, they replaced him with Kenny Dalglish. However, it should be noted that outside of domestic cup success, Dalglish has failed to return Liverpool to the Premier League glory, despite having plenty of money to go out and spend.
Hodgson's contract will take him through the next European Championships in 2016. However, Euro 2012 is already on his mind. While some pundits have urged England fans to keep their expectations under control, it's been speculated that Hodgson will be expected to at least get out of the group stage.
We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Well Wishes For LA's Josh Saunders
L.A.'s Josh Saunders in action last year vs the San Jose Earthquakes
The Puddle would like to extend well wishes and thoughts to Josh Saunders of the L.A. Galaxy. The LA Times reported today that Saunders has enrolled in Major League Soccer's substance abuse program and will be unavailable to the LA Galaxy for an indefinite period of time. Saunders did not play in LA's draw against FC Dallas last weekend due to "personal reasons." The Times has speculated that this was a result of entering this program. In 2010 New England Captain Shalrie Joseph participated in the program and was out for six weeks.
According to the Times, the Galaxy are saying that Saunders did not fail a league administered drug test, but have not explained his absence further. It is unclear at this time whether or not Saunders will face a suspension from the league.
On a personal note, we all know that there are things in this world bigger than soccer. I'm not going to speculate on Saunders or his treatment. I really hope that he gets the help he needs and gets back on the pitch. I know I speak for other MLS fans with those sentiments as well.
Best of luck to Mr. Saunders and I hope to see him playing for the Galaxy again soon.
2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Opening Round Set.
Some highlights of the first round:
Brooklyn Italians at GPS Portland Phoenix--The Phoenix are thought to be the first ever representatives from the state of Maine to play in the Open Cup. The Brooklyn Italians have won the Cup twice, in 1979 and 1991.
Long Island Rough Riders at FC Sonic--The Rough Riders have a nice history in the tourney, and the City of Bethlehem, PA, will host an Open Cup game for the first time in the modern pro era. They're the home of 5 time Open Cup Champions Bethlehem Steel. Perhaps some of you have purchased that particular retro shirt over at Bumpy Pitch.
Des Moines Menace at Milwaukee Bavarians--Last year the Bavarians could have been in the Cup, but the association lost their paperwork. I kid you not, it says right on the Open Cup site. This year they'll host the Des Moines Menace, one of the top teams in the PDL and perhaps a noise maker in the tourney.
The entire first round slate of fixtures as well as the second round pairings featuring USL Pro and NASL sides can be found here at the US Open Cup website.
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