Rob Stone starts it off asking John Harkes “whats gotten into Beckham that he is showing such thin skin?”, and Harkes goes on to say that Beckham started off on a bad foot by wanting to stay at AC Milan and shouldn’t be surprised at the negative reception from some L.A. fans. Then he starts talking about David “underestimating the passion of the fans in this country.”

He’s joined in this line of thought by Alexei Lalas who goes on about how Beckham should concentrate on the play on the field and not the fans, and then reiterates the “passion” of Galaxy fans.

Julie Foudy then says the big one, “it makes me wonder, is this some sort of exit strategy?”

Perhaps this is some kind of MLS strategy of exiting Beckham while saving face, and big upping the fans for their stubbornness and lack of understanding of football norms all at the same time. The way all the announcers are ganging up on him, all with the same thoughts and ideas, is reminiscent of the way political news organizations attack someone under the false pretense of “news” or “analysis” *(fox news). I’m not particularly fond of Beckham, but I don’t like how they are doing him in this pregame. It will be interesting to see how long Becks lasts in the MLS, right now it looks like neither party is happy, and both may be looking for a way out.

UPDATE:

MLS Commissioner Don Garber was interviewed about Beckham at halftime and was much more level headed (as expected), defending him, saying he’s building the league and trying to bring his team to the championship. He also said that he has heard from Beckham that he wants to go back to Milan and play for England and also that he wants to play the rest of his career in MLS. Well, which one is it? I’m skeptical of the latter, but i’m glad to hear Beckham get a fair shake.

Ives Article with some tactical Information: http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/02/new-england-lin.html

Unfortunately, this isn’t the same Figo that won the World Player of the Year, this is a 35-year old former superstar. Considering Figo is one of the greatest players to ever lace up boots, and in his heyday, was arguably better than fellow right winger David Beckham – this is huge! But is Figo worth a DP slot? His guidance would be invaluable. Imagine Wells Thompson after a few seasons training with Figo? Or how much faster Nyassi would develop? The intangibles are there; now think of the regular service that Twellman would get? This is exciting! But would Figo be better for the Revs than say Dejan Petkovic? Who is also an older, flamboyant, attack-minded midfielder. He’d be cheaper for sure too. The question is: how much is a 35-year old guy worth? This isn’t a retirement league, and he isn’t Pele.

Aside from the actual playing that Figo would do, this is big for soccer in Massachusetts. It hearkens back to the days when the Fall River Marksman was one of the greatest soccer teams in the world (yes, the world!). The Portuguese and French-Canadian textile workers made Southern Massachusetts a hot bed of soccer much like the Germans did in St. Louis, MO and the Scots in Kearny, NJ.

Among the players Fall River had at its disposal were Billy Gonsalves and Bert Patenaude (who scored the first hat trick in World Cup history in 1930). The two are arguably the strongest strike force in US history winning the US Open Cup thrice, twice with Fall River and again with St. Lewis Breweries.

Their stadium still exists to this day, in N. Tiverton, RI. They built the stadium in RI because of Massachusetts’ blue light laws.

That’s what I think of when I think Figo, and Portuguese players in general, in the MLS. If any of you have an interest in the history of soccer in the US, I urge to check out Dave Litterer’s site at: http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/index.html.

The Revs beat the Bermudan National Team on 2/20/08 by a score of 2-0. Kenny Mansally netted his fourth goal in two games, while Ace Cristman banged in his second of the trip and picked up a handy assist. Trialists Javi Delgado (M) and Sam Brill (D) looked lively. Brill having saved a near definite goal with some last minute heroics.

Strangely, Khano Smith played the first half as a Revs left mid and the second half as a Bermudan striker! Who did he give his all to? The team signing his paycheck? Or his country?

We’ve also picked up Argenis Fernandez, a standout striker on the Costa Rican U-20 team, from Costa Rican club Santos de Guápiles (or is it Puntarenas?). Too bad, wrong Santos…

Rumor is Nicol and Co. are still working on signing central defender Gabriel Badilla from Saprissa. Badilla, 23, was part of Costa Rica’s 2006 World Cup team.

Dorman is a fine attacking midfielder who never seemed to find the feet expected of him this season. Earlier this year, his agent was saying that a midfielder with his amount of goals should be paid more — to be sure, MLS salaries need some help — and Dorman himself has always thought about going back to England to play. Looks like that’s what he’ll be trying to do.

With James Riley now on his way to San Jose, and Dorman looking for a spot in an English league — my bet is in the Championship at some tier: he’s too good for non-league — where does that leave the Revs for next season?

Riley is a versatile defensive midfielder who served well enough in either role to keep us afloat when needed. Dorman’s late attacking runs were oft the topic of announcers, pundits, press and post-game coach reviews. Both have the potential to develop into amazing, stand-out players: Dorman perhaps more-so, as far as that goes.

My thoughts are that the Revs need to find another striker who’s good for 20+ goals per season. Whether that’s a fit Pat Noonan, a developed Adam Cristman, a combination of the two, or a new guy: we need goals. Losing Riley is a blow to our defensive depth, so health will continue to be a concern there. With Dorman on the way out — or so it seems — the midfield is missing some options, too.

In other words, we’re pretty much right where we were at the beginning of the 2007 season: a solid core group of people with some pieces that need to be fit in at some point.

I can’t wait to see how the off-season plays out as the transfer market opens up in Europe and reports come in prior to the winter warm-ups for MLS. What do you think?

My thoughts? The fact that Andy Dorman appears there shows what has been apparent all season: there is a lack of faith from the Revs as to whether Dorman can come back and be the danger he once was. Joe Franchino has always been a stalwart member of the Revs, but his season-long injury and fitness are surely a concern. My biggest shock was seeing Avery John’s name there as an available player. While sometimes inconsistent, I think he showed in the playoffs his willingness to make huge plays.

The whole list of available players can be seen here, at the Revolution website. San Jose has a lot of players to pick from, and I have some ideas who I would pick for my 10, but a good analysis has already started over here.

For our point of view, does the above list strike you as odd in any way? Anyone left out? Someone who shouldn’t be there?

A startling loss to D.C. United at home followed two weeks later by a phoned-it-in performance in Colorado has left the Revolution a mere six points ahead of their east-cost rivals, and it’s D.C. and New York who now have games in hand.

Additionally, Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan are both on the DL with flu-like symptoms and a pulled groin muscle, respectively, though may play on Saturday. Jay Heaps came out just before half-time with an injury at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The bench is to be tested, it seems, and clouds are gathering around the Revs’ picnic.

The fates, however, seem to be watching out for the Revs this year. In spite of key squad members holding injuries, New England played one of their best games of the season against Kansas City on Sunday. Wells Thompson made up for Thursday’s disastrous performance, and Khano Smith played a fantastic game, his best moment leading to Taylor Twellman’s winning goal. Adam Cristman also proved why he’s being considered rookie of the year as Jimmy Conrad worked hard to keep up with the Revs’ rookie

As far as the race for the East goes, New England made The Wizards’ task a lot harder on Sunday, and New York and D.C. will use up one of their games in hand against each other this coming Wednesday. The Revs will then host New York on the 25th for their chance at separating the pretenders from the contenders this week. New England will need to defeat New York if they’re to go into their Labor Day weekend rest with any sense of well-being, though.

New England hasn’t had a season so filled with points since 2005, and are just three points shy of that pace. Though the ogre of injuries is marching towards them, the Revs look to be in position to make a solid run for the MLS Cup. Additionally, their run in the US Open Cup is their best in years. Could they get a treble this year? A double? Most Revs fans would settle for one of the three, but a few of them — if they’re anything like me — are daydreaming about the possibilities.

Pat Noonan socred the first goal after a build-up play by Jeff Larentowicz and Taylor Twellman. With phenomenal footwork and balance Noonan slipped a tricky left-footed shot past keeper Nick Rimando and brought the Revs ahead in the 39th minute. His second goal in as many games, Noonan seems to be finding his form again.

“I’m pretty much 100 percent,” he said.” I’m starting to feel in form and as long as we’re winning games, that’s all I care about.”

In the 67th minute, Andy Williams was sent off for a red-card tackle on Andy Dorman, who got up after spending a few minutes on the field. In spite of being down a man, however, RSL was able to earn a penalty kick in the 72nd minute when Kyle Beckerman went down on what looked like a desperate tackle by Jay Heaps. Carey Talley beat Matt Reis with a low strike, tying the game one all.

The lead wasn’t to hold, however. The Revs continued to dominate play after RSL’s game-tying goal. After a number of shots on goal and good build-ups over the next 10 minutes, a free kick hammered home by Larentowicz in the 82nd minute gave the Revs the lead. The well-driven shot through the wall caught Rimando off guard and was all they needed to clinch the 3 points.

“Steve [Ralston] said I could take it, simple as that,” Larentowicz said. “I grabbed the ball right when the foul happened and put it down the way I wanted it and Steve looked at me and said I could have it, so I hit it”.

In addition to the free kick goal, Larentowicz played a solid defensive-midfield game and earned himself the Honda Man of the Match honors. Also, the Fox Soccer Channel announcers pronounced his name correctly for the first time I can remember. All in all, it was a good night for Larentowicz.

RSL will come out of the loss with some positives, or at least they should. A largely drab first half was overshadowed by the passion the home team showed in the second. This team, more than any other, has been affected by staffing and player changes, right up to this weekend. Rather than play this last game with his teammates, Freddy Adu packed his bags for Benifica of Purtugal. Alecko Exkandarian stayed on the sidelines with an injury, and Jason Kreis continues to try and find the right balance for a winning combination.

In spite of that, however, the team played with passion and drive. Even when down a goal, they didn’t push for the draw, but the win.

Noonan’s goal was assisted by a downfield pass from Larentowicz and a great placement-header from Taylor Twellman. It seemed an even game in the final stats, with both teams pretty much even on shots, shots on goal, fouls suffered, and fouls committed.

Analysis
The Revs are playing a refreshing style of attacking football in an era when this is — more often than not — the exception rather than the rule. With a league-best road record of 5-2-2, the Revs are proving that going for draws away from home isn’t the only way to play. Despite that, their home performances have been weaker than they’d like, and fans will want to see the points racked up at Gillette if they are to feel satisfied that a draft-only team is the best way to a post-season victory.

In spite of no big-name deals, the Revs now sit alone at the top of the Eastern Conference. They are on a four-game no-loss streak. Noonan has scored two goals in as many games. The team is on pace to match or exceed their season points of 2005 and — counting games-in-hand — are in place to meet or exceed league-leader Houston’s points. Hard work seems to have given this always-the-bridesmaid team an edge, but is this really the year for the Revs?

A lot of pundits out there think so, and one can’t help but wonder if the dream can become reality. Some fans are doubtful, though, making the argument that the Revs lack in defensive midfield depth.

The players and staff, though, are a veteran team used to dealing with hardships and continue to play their style of football whether at home or away. They know what they need to do to win, and their rookies seem to get better with every game. These are all good signs. Though every hard tackle and mis-placed step causes fans to beg for no more long-term injuries, my belief is that the victories this season will not be remembered as Pyhrric, but rather as step after inevitable step towards that coveted piece of silverware.

They Revs sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with 27 points, however, and hold a two-game advantage over second-place New York Red Bulls who lost to Chivas on Thursday. They won’t consider it much of an advantage, however, as the top five teams in the East are still separated by just three points: New England, New York, Kansas City, Columbus, and D.C. are all in serious contention for the top spot. This is a good weekend for the Revs to increase the spread, however, as there are only four games to be played this weekend, with New York being the only other team out of the top five that will be playing (against Chivas USA on Thursday night).

Looking ahead, the Revs face eight games over the next four weeks, half of which are on the road. They might feel lucky for the away stands, though, as the Revs have the best road record in the MLS (4-2-2), but haven’t been performing up-to-snuff in front of The Fort, according to some of the players’ assessment of the Houston game.

“We have to figure it out. At home, we can’t keep doing this to ourselves,” Taylor Twellman said. “Out of the six ties, we probably should have four wins.”

Analysis
Despite their home-stand concerns, the Revs’ style of play continues to be aggressive and – for lack of a better term – scrappy. With a top-of-the-conference spot on the line, sense of pride, and a busy schedule coming up, the Revs are going to fight hard for the win in Utah. RSL, for their part, will remember holding the Revs to a draw at Gillette and are going to exploit any weaknesses they found for the win at home. What seems on paper to be a bit of a lopsided match, this Saturday’s contest should be a good one. Both teams have a lot to gain in this match, and my guess is we won’t see it end in a draw.

Prediction
The Revs really want to start this four-week period right and are ultimately the better team. Look for them to win by at least two goals.

US Open Cup Quarterfinals
In addition to the seven league matches this month, the Revs play host to the Harrisburg City Islanders on August 8th in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. One of only three MLS teams to get this far, the Revs are in a good position to make it to the finals. That said, the USL-1 and USL-2 teams this year seem tough and determined, so the Revs won’t be taking the matches lightly, by any means.

Revolution Official Write-up

We’ll be making the trek down to Gillette Stadium to watch the game live, and it looks to be a good match-up. Most of us will be billing it as phase 2 of the MLS Cup 2006 Re-match, but let’s look at it for what it is: a mid-season match between two teams who are heading in what look to be opposite directions.

Houston is a team running on a hell of a no-loss streak, seem to be performing well as a unit, and are looking to continue that form. On the other hand, the Revolution — who started strong — have faltered recently and seem to struggle to find a way to move the ball around the field in any kind of commanding way.

I’ve mentioned here before that the Revs tend to choke when their ahead, and shine — or at least don’t choke — when behind. That said, there may be hope for the Revs tomorrow.

The last time the two met — May 19th at Robertson Stadium — the Revs came away with a 1-0 win. Outside of the MLS Cup final last season, the two teams are fairly evenly matched, with the Revs a bit ahead in regular season play in terms of goals scored. In terms of matches, the teams are even with a record of 1-1-2 each.

They’re showing close-ups of Beckham’s shoes … I can’t believe this. Is this what you cats across the pond deal with all the time? This circus? Maybe it’s good for soccer (maybe), but it’s not good for TV … Ugh.

My thoughts on tomorrow? Houston are a great team and out of all of the games we’ve watched this season there’s are the most fun. The Revs have shown a stalwart defense once again, are matching their 2005 run in terms of points, and look to be on the upswing. Both teams have solid veterans in key positions and are well-matched. The fates have got this one, but the fates, when the Revs are home, where tri-cornered hats. I’m calling this in favor of the Revs.

I’m looking forward to tonight’s game for two reasons, really. The first is that the Revs will be showcasing a solid contingent of players: Matt Reis, Shalrie Joseph, and Michael Parkhurst. All of whom are rapidly leaving their underappreciated status behind.

The second reason is because I love watching Nicol coach. I count him as one of the most talented — or tenacious — managers in the MLS, and am glad to be able to have other folks see what he does.

On the gossip side of things: Remember that Celtic FC is the team that tried twice to sign Joseph, so look for those sparks and bits of interest. Will they manifest on the field? One can only guess.