In Light of

OFFICALLY ON MY SOAPBOX

OK, so this week I have been doing a little reflecting about RSL, and here are my thoughts

First let’s take a little look at some history, so a year ago John Ellinger was out as head coach and Jason Kreis went from team captain to head coach, and within a few months the rumblings had already started, why did RSL go with someone with no coaching experience, why didn’t we find a big name coach, was this a temporary move, and many other questions were asked. Then came the start to this season, it was one game in and people were proclaiming RSL dead, Jason should be out, and discounting the season, why? Because Blanco scored a great goal in the last seconds of the match, something that over the last 3 years has been a habit of RSL, but now 7 matches into the season one should look to that first game and consider something very different. Chicago has 5 wins, one loss, and the tie at RES, they have given up a total of 3 goals so far this season, and if we got a 1-1 draw against a 5-1 Chicago today most fans would be content with that result against one of the top two teams in MLS. So let’s do a little comparison:

First the points (currently 7 weeks in tied for best in team history 2005)

Now let’s look at goals scored (since the 4-0 DC United win we have been above normal)

Next up goals against (since the 1-4 loss at United, we have been higher than average, but still not as bad as 07)

So what does it mean? It means it is way too early to give up on the season, and way too early to think we are a top tier team. I do have to believe that while listening to other teams coverage of RSL matches, the comments that RSL is an improved side and early in the season looks like a playoff contender are right on target. Those comments have come from the Fire, DC United, Galaxy, and FC Dallas announce teams, granted the DC comments came from our 4-0 win (the season highlight) and not the 1-4 loss (the season lowlight).

The recent big story has been the LA Galaxy match, the officiating, Jason’s comments to the media, the MLS reaction, and now the US Soccer review of the officiating. As I have stated, I like that Jason voiced his opinion and concern, it was worth the fine, it was worth the suspension, and now it is up to MLS to review the punishment (since both Galaxy calls that were mentioned by Jason have raised suspicions by US Soccer) and either impose the same punishment on the officiating crew, or issue a public statement of intent to improve the officiating in the league.

I have from the start thought that Jason would make a good MLS coach, he knows the league and style of play in MLS as well as anyone, he knows the talent in the league having played with or against almost 90% of the current players in the league, he is demanding, but no more of his players than he is of himself, and he has worked with new GM Garth Lagerwey to bring in exciting new talent. In just 12 months almost the entire roster has been reworked, we have matched our best start in team history, we have scored more goals than in the past, and while we still have some issues on defense, I believe that will come as our new line up has looked good the past couple weeks. I think the improvements have been the right ones, I think Jason will get RSL into the playoffs, and I think Garth is working on a summer surprise roster move (will it be a DP?).

RSL travels to Denver to face off in the first of the Rocky Mountain Cup matches this year, I expect a great match Thursday night and I will post my preview and prediction on Wednesday.

OFF MY SOAPBOX

This entry was posted on May 14, 2008 at 12:35 am and is filed under The soapbox. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.