Welcome
So first, welcome to my new blog. I’m about 2.5 months late, but … they say better late than never (whoever they are).
To make things worse, I’m going to begin on a downer.
I started thinking about this last night, and realized that about 2 months ago, I was so excited about this upcoming season. At that point, we didn’t know about Steve Ralston leaving or Jeff Larentowicz being traded, but we did know about Jay Heaps retiring. At that point, we didn’t know the status of Taylor Twellman (and we still don’t). But for whatever reason, the excitement was still there. Maybe because in the midst of winter, it’s exciting to think about being out tailgating on a gorgeous summer day, hanging out with friends, drinking a couple of beers, smoking a cigar and then watching the beautiful game.
As the season approaches though, I’m having the opposite feeling. The worst part is that I’m not even sure why I’m going through that. Maybe it’s the lack of moves by the Revolution organization, at least in regards to the on-field product. They’ve signed one player so far (Niouky Desire), and that’s it. At least they’re bringing in three trialists (Marko Perovic, Gareth Williams and Andres Raad) for the last part of pre-season, but to me they’re trialists for a reason, even if a couple have better pedigrees than Desire. It might just be me (and I can hear the chorus of “Yes it is”) but if you’re willing to sign a guy that plays in an obscure Senegalese league (nothing against Desire) but having to give trials to these three … you’re more sure about Desire in the first place. I’m hoping one/two of the trialists make the roster, but that’s a lot to hang your offseason moves on.
It could be that I’m going to miss some of the guys that we’ve gotten used to seeing on the field, giving their heart and soul for this team. I know Jay Heaps had a lot of detractors, but as a supporter, all I can ask anyone to do on the field is give their best. I don’t think anyone can question that Heaps did the most he possibly could with his talent. I’ll also appreciate Heaps being one of the very very few players that made it a point to thank the Revs fans and supporters alike after EVERY game. He’d also make it a point to go over to the travelling supporters and do the same. Then there’s Mr. Class himself, Steve Ralston. Steve, you’re heart will be missed terribly in the Fort. I’ve not had the chance to say this about too many guys in the Revs jersey over the 14 years now, but it was a pleasure watching you play. He gave everything he had, and unfortunately that’s why he’s no longer on the field. Two season ending injuries (I still hate Nick Garcia) so maybe he’s just had enough at this level. There’s nothing conclusive out there as to why he left the Revs. His own words were that he chose to leave even though he was offered a good contract. Arguing against that are some comments from a couple of writers that seem to suggest otherwise. Ralston stayed classy through his entire career here, and the fact that even IF he was upset, he left here with class isn’t thoroughly surprising. I suppose we’ll never know. I’ll also miss Jeff Larentowicz, our defensive mid, who scored a couple of wonderful goals, but in general did the dirty work on the field next to the best player remaining on the Revs, Shalrie Joseph, without really getting a lot of credit. The kid from Brown University did himself proud as a Revolution player.
Another factor is a possible strike. Look, I’m only a fan I know this. I know both sides have their arguments and I’m really not going to get into picking sides here. I do have a request though, of the league and the players. If the leaders of both sides don’t understand how much of a step back this would be for the game here in the US, they’re clueless. Figure it out people … and do it quick. Do not start the season late, don’t give the soccer-haters another reason to laugh. It’s much more fun as a fan to point to those people and say “Have you seen how Toronto, Seattle and Philly are doing on tickets?” and show the positives than to talk about why the league might be going on strike. Please fix the CBA immediately.
Finally, it’s a World Cup year. I’ll freely admit that I’m fortunate enough to be able to go, and seeing the game at that level will definitely take away some excitement from MLS. But I also went in 2002 and 2006, and was still excited about the beginning of the season in those years, so that can’t be it.
Yes, there’s some stuff to look forward to … watching Shalrie Joseph play is always a pleasure. Getting Matt Reis back on the field in May/June will help, not that I think Preston Burpo’s going to be a problem. Cory Gibbs can definitely play at this level, but can he keep away from the injury bug? Same with Edgaras Jankauskus. I think Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi will get better, anyway I hope they will. If they can put more crosses into the box than into the Fort, that’ll be a step up. Who knows, maybe we will even get to see Twellman come back this year to the form that ripped apart the league (not to mention the nets). It’ll also be fun to watch the rookies, especially Zack Schilawski and see how he/they progress over the course of the year under Nicol’s tutelage.
I’m hoping that in 2 weeks or so (at least my season preview blog), that moods will be lighter, and I’ll be more excited about our boys heading out to play the Galaxy. We’ll see.
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admin said:
Mar 26, 10 at 12:46 pmWoot!
Fran Harrington said:
Apr 09, 10 at 1:31 pmYay. comment!
hardhatmike said:
Aug 11, 10 at 9:06 amMonty…. what happened? You started out so strong on this, then…….?