A Message From The Houston Leones
By: Jeremy |
1 Comment
Last night I was surprised to receive an email from our friend, Coach Cuauhtemoc Rios, at the Houston Leones PDL club. The 2010 season will start soon and he has this message for you.
We will have tryouts on December 21,22 and January 3,4 at 7 pm on all dates. The cost is $20 dollars. The tryouts are going to be at our facilities at 6510 Rohan Rd. Richmond, TX 77469. We hope to see all the Houston soccer community as we are looking to have a renewed PDL team mainly made up of local players. If anybody is looking for an opportunity to pursue a career in soccer we are a great stepping stone for them.
The Leones finished at the bottom of the Mid South Division in the 2009 season and are looking to bounce back with a revitalized 2010 roster.
GO LEONES!
Category: Team News
2010 MLS SuperDraft: Houston Dynamo
By: Jeremy | 6 Comments
The 2010 MLS SuperDraft is quickly approaching. On January 14, 2010, the 15 teams will select 60 players through 4 selection rounds. Of course not all teams have the same number of picks. Several trades by the Houston Dynamo has resulted in a very poor draft position, a position the Dynamo should be accustomed to.
Geoff Cameron has proved to be the lone stellar player taken over the past four drafts. From ten picks, only four remain on the Dynamo roster.
2009 (41) – Danny Cruz – Current Dynamo, also represents the United States on the U-20 team.
2009 (56) – Marcus Tracy - He was selected fifty-sixth overall, falling so low due to clubs having the knowledge of his contract with AaB in the Danish Superliga. Should he return to America within a two-year period, his rights would be owned by Houston.
2008 (42) – Geoff Cameron – Current Dynamo, MLS Defender of the Year candidate, MLS First XI, MLS All-Star First XI.
2008 (56) – Jeremy Barlow – Traded to DC United for 2009 pick.
2007 (13) – John Michael Hayden – Waived on November 25, 2009.
2007 (26) – Corey Ashe – Current Dynamo, key bench contributor.
2007 (52) – Eric Ebert – Current member of Chivas USA.
2006 (8) – Patrick Ianni – Traded to Seattle for a conditional pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
2006 (32) – Andre Schmid – Sent to NY Red Bulls, released by Red Bulls, eventually signed with Seattle.
2006 (44) – Mike Chabala – Current Dynamo, key cog in the defensive machine.
Looking at the draft history, plus the additional moves to acquire Luis Landin, Ade Akinbiyi, Abe Thompson, Dominic Oduro, and Julius James, I am beginning to question the Dynamo’s talent evaluation capabilities. So, having just two picks in the upcoming draft may not be so bad after all. I would rather not have a selection than waste a coveted orange jersey on someone not deserving.
My main concerns are signing Stuart Holden to a new contract, finding a suitable replacement for Ricardo Clark, and solving the attack position opposite of Brian Ching. It doesn’t look like the 2010 SuperDraft is the answer.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks (no matter how many picks they have).
Category: Team NewsExpansion Draft: The Pick-a-Philly Circus
By: Jeremy | 7 Comments
Here’s the list of protected/available Dynamo players for tomorrow’s expansion draft. Who will get picked?
I think, by far, Mike Chabala is the most likely to join the Union. That’s too bad. He has been a solid part of the Dynamo’s back line and also has a nice Twitter feed, which is crucial when defending against any attack.
I’m not too surprised about who was left unprotected. Ricardo Clark has already said he doesn’t want to stay in MLS, so there’s no sense in protecting him. There’s not much risk in leaving Pat Onstad out there considering his age. Tally Hall would be an awesome keeper for Philadelphia, so protecting him over Onstad is a wise move. Luis Landin was an initial shock to see on the list, but after thinking about what he has (or hasn’t) brought to the team, why should he be protected over Oduro or Weaver? Most of the others have injury issues that a first-year team would surely want to avoid.
Personally, I would rather see Corey Ashe available in place of Chabala but I’m sure the Dynamo have a valid reason for their decision. Maybe it’s a contract issue, maybe it’s the uncertainty of re-signing Stuart Holden, but overall I think Chabala has more value to the organization.
If Chabala is selected, which would be a very wise move for Philly, I’ll wish him well and will look forward to seeing him and Danny Bonaduce oppose the Orange.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsSt. Louis, Part 2
By: Jeremy | 8 Comments
Let me first start by thanking everyone for their comments and generous words of advice. It is your comments that make this blog worthwhile. Whether you are complimenting me on a humorous post or telling me to go fuck myself, I cherish every word.
Now, let’s get to my St. Louis Soccer United post. There is this statement on their website:
St. Louis and soccer are synonymous. No city in North America has as long a tradition, or as deep a heritage as St. Louis, Missouri, the soccer capital of America.
This is on a St. Louis website, it’s not something I made up. Let’s break it down a little so I can better communicate my thoughts when I read that particular statement.
St. Louis and soccer are synonymous.
Well, I’m just going to take their word for it on that one. I’m not sure Louis IX would agree.
No city in North America has as long a tradition, or as deep a heritage as St. Louis, Missouri.
At the time I wrote the original post, I wasn’t very educated about St. Louis’s impressive soccer history. If you have read my posts before, you would know that I have described this blog as a chronicle of a new fan’s understanding and appreciation of the sport. I have gained some knowledge since the last post, but a deeper heritage than any city on the entire continent? Even any city in Mexico? That sounds a little boisterous, but that’s still not where my post was directed.
St. Louis, Missouri, the soccer capital of America.
Ah, that’s the part that gets me. I fully understand there is great history in St. Louis. The kids play and the World Cup players and on and on, but this is my question…
HOW DID ST. LOUIS RECEIVE THE DESIGNATION AS THE SOCCER CAPITAL OF AMERICA?
By definition, a capital is the city or town that is the official seat of government in a country, state, etc. From what I know, and most of you may argue that it isn’t much, The United States Soccer Federation is the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. Its headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois.
Again, was there an election that gave St. Louis that distinction? Who votes? Is it a national vote? A computer formulated vote? From my point of view, it appears that St. Louis Soccer United is trying to pass off some false information to help popularize their presence.
Am I saying this in all seriousness? Hmm, how many of my posts have I written and expected them to be taken seriously?
And don’t come at me with the Houston bashing stuff. I never said Houston should be the capital of soccer. That’s ridiculous. There are probably 50 cities more deserving.
I’m sure most people that are offended it’s because of my “high and mighty know-it-all douchebag attitude comment.” You know, the one I quickly recanted in the next sentence? Anyway, ok St. Louis, you aren’t high and mighty know-it-all douchebags. Whatever is the opposite of that description, that’s what you are. Better?
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks
Category: Team NewsBreaking News: St.Louis Is America’s Soccer Capital?
By: Jeremy | 20 Comments
I was reading about the rebel soccer teams and their departure from the United Soccer League’s First Division. It seems that St. Louis is about to unleash their soccer prowess upon the nation. This is from the website of the newly formed St. Louis Soccer United.
St. Louis and soccer are synonymous. No city in North America has as long a tradition, or as deep a heritage as St. Louis, Missouri, the soccer capital of America.
Interesting. I can’t say I have ever thought of St. Louis whenever someone mentions soccer. Actually, the only thing that comes to mind when pairing St. Louis and soccer is the spanking hot Hope Solo.
Here’s a message to St. Louis. Don’t get all presumptuous on us. It’s not becoming. When was the last time you had a professional soccer team, 1977? So don’t thrust yourselves upon us with your high and mighty know-it-all douchebag attitude. OK, that might be a little extreme. Just watch it, ok? You’re on thin ice.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsTwo Noteworthy Notes To Notate In Your Notebook
By: Jeremy | 2 Comments
-According to the Dynamo, Ricardo Clark, whose contract expires next month, has no intention to re-sign with Major League Soccer as he pursues opportunities abroad.
-Brian Ching underwent surgery Tuesday to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. He suffered the injury in Game 1 of the series against Seattle Sounders FC but is expected to make a full recovery during the offseason.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsOne Game Over Two Days; LA vs Houston (and other points to ponder)
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
Greetings, Dynamo fans. As we are all well aware, our beloved Orange fell short of the 2009 championship. It was a valiant effort against David Beckham and the LA Galaxy. Watching from Houston, the Dynamo played well on Friday night, but early Saturday was a different story.
As midnight passed, LA took advantage of two costly fouls by Ricardo Clark. These penalties weren’t the kind that we could accuse embellishment or anything of the like. They were straight up fouls with no other way to call them, which actually makes the loss easier to swallow. Congratulations to the Galaxy on a hard-fought victory.
Now, with David Beckham on the verge of becoming an MLS champion, do you think this truly benefits the league? It will definitely help from a TV ratings perspective. So on a national level, yes, David Beckham’s presence will benefit the league. But what about the global level? If Becks comes here and wins a championship, what does that say about MLS? Will the European clubs continue to look at it as an inferior league after the ease in which Beckham was able to win? Probably so. Or would Beckham not finding championship success ultimately cause foreign lands to reevaluate their thinking? If their best (arguably) couldn’t win here, how could our league be inferior to theirs? Wow, Jeremy, that’s an interesting point to ponder.
Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake – It’s such an unlikely final. Two Western Conference teams this year and two Eastern Conference teams last year. It makes me wonder if the playoff format is the best way to go about it. This year, the Eastern Conference only managed to qualify 3 teams, so it would seem that their conference isn’t as strong as the Western Conference. With that in mind, RSL may have been “rewarded” by being removed from the dominant division. Not that I can think of another way to do it, because if you are the best team then you should beat whoever is put in front of you. My point is that the final matchup may not always be the two best teams remaining. Does anyone really think RSL is one of the top two teams in the league? I don’t think so. Did they have an easier route to the final? Maybe.
Here’s to hoping for a fantastic finish. I would like to see David’s RSL beat Goliath’s Galaxy, but my prediction is a 2-0 result going to LA.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsCalm Before The Storm; Dynamo vs. Galaxy
By: Jeremy | 2 Comments
Gameday is upon us. I don’t want to talk any trash or make any predictions. We must avoid the jinx at all costs. It’s not that I believe in that voodoo rhetoric, but why chance it? I will keep it simple and possibly very bland.
Here are a few game related articles. One states how Los Angeles is just 90 minutes away from the finals. I’m still waiting on their article of the same title that substitutes Houston for LA, but I somehow doubt that will happen. There’s also a nice Stu Holden piece from Yahoo.
Houston Chronicle
Yahoo! Sports
LA Galaxy Offside
Big Apple Soccer
These are the latest Tweets from a few of the Dynamo players. There’s nothing too enlightening here, but it’s a brief glimpse into their day before the big game.
Mike Chabala - Couldn’t sleep last night knowing I can’t help my boys tonight. Pure torture this is but good thing I work with the best in the business…
Danny Cruz - Headed to breakfast with the boys…what a great day for such a big game!
Stuart Holden - Breakfast at the same spot, love it! Beautiful day in LA.
Good luck tonight, Dynamo. Make Houston proud.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsDid MLS Bet On Seattle?
By: Jeremy | 4 Comments
The MLS announced today that the start time for the Western Conference final at Los Angeles will take place at 10:25 p.m. CST Friday. That’s right, 10:25 P.M.! It STARTS at 10:25 p.m. WTF is that all about? Good luck watching that one, East Coast.
I’m guessing the time slot was already reserved prior to Houston’s victory over Seattle. Having such a late game would somewhat make sense if it were two west coast teams, which I’m assuming that’s what the MLS expected. What other logical reason could there be?
One other thing, this is funny.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team NewsAwards and an Assignment
By: Jeremy | 3 Comments
The Houston Dynamo announced their 2009 team awards Monday night at Dynamo Charities’ Dynamo Awards 09, presented by Audi, held at the House of Blues.
Newcomer of the Year: Cam Weaver
Goal of the Year: Brad Davis, September 19 vs. Real Salt Lake
Dynamo Academy Player of the Year: Sebastien Ibeagha
Dynamo Academy Players’ Player of the Year: Reagan Haisler
Game of the Year: May 30, Dynamo 3, Toronto FC 0
Defender of the Year: Geoff Cameron
Fan of the Year: Jason “Sarge” Milner
Save of the Year: Pat Onstad, April 19 vs. Colorado
Team Spirit Award: Luisa Baquero (Dynamo Girls)
USSF Humanitarian of the Year: Stuart Holden
Ironman of the Year: Pat Onstad (most MLS minutes played)
Young Player of the Year: Andrew Hainault (U-23)
Budweiser Golden Boot: Brian Ching (most MLS goals)
Defensive Play of the Year: Geoff Cameron, October 18 vs. Los Angeles
Forever Orange Award: Yuzo Itami (outstanding outside contributor)
Fans’ Choice Award: Stuart Holden (fan-voted MVP)
Most Valuable Player: Brad Davis
How many of these do agree with? I can’t argue with any of them, although I must admit that I was enjoying Robertson Stadium’s luxurious restroom facilities during the moment of Pat Onstad’s save of the year. Priceless.
Now, I need some help from the soccer world. I am looking for the Twitter accounts of any pro soccer players out there. I have several Dynamo players; Holden, Ching, Chabala, Boswell, Cruz, Ustruck (I think), plus Sunderland’s Darren Bent and Aston Villa’s James Collins. The only reason I have those two is because I read an article this morning about how Bent has his account name stitched onto his cleats, which it also mentions Collins. The article also has a link to other Twitterers (new word) but they are probably all of the European variety, plus the link doesn’t work for me at work. Anyway, please let me know of others.
FOREVER ORANGE
Dallas sucks.
Category: Team News
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