Some observations on three MLS opening day matches that I got to watch. And, I am so glad that MLS season is finally here. This will be an exciting year for many teams, I imagine!
Match ONE : Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC @ Columbus
Once again, Sigi Schmid showed that he has the "where-with-all" to make good, solid choices when it comes to forming his team. He used steady, solid dependable players. More than that he knows he has players on his team that are FAST, FLANK RUNNERS. And, he will position them wisely to get the most out of "break-out plays". The opposition needs to have pacy defenders to keep up with these fast, flank runners.
John Carver is new to this league - has coaching experience in England... but, still new to this league. I believe that Toronto FC is still not there yet. I believe they need a good five games or so before they find their form. But, Maurice Edu, Marvell Wynne, and Brian Edwards peformed well for this match.
Columbus WON (2 - 0).
Match TWO : Chicago Fire vs. Real Salt Lake @ Rice-Eccles in Salt Lake City
Dennis Hamlett should be happy with his defenders. They showed to be solid and composed. And, they played like they understood where they have to play & hold. But, the Midfielders and Forwards needs more work, I believe. Diego Gutierrez, Bakary Soumare, and Justin Mapp all played well.
Jason Kreis's team looks more potent in offense... but, the key thing that stands out is how good Real Salt Lake's offense is in capitalizing on turn-overs and fast-breaks.
The problem for a lot of MLS teams playing Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles will be the stadium itself. It's artifical turf! This surface is not good for players who are trying to fight off old injuries. Also, it is very hard to control the ball on passes. Typically, the ball rolls off faster than many players can reach or catch up.
Played to a TIE (1 - 1).
Match THREE : Houston Dynamo vs. New England Revolution
Houston played like they normally do... like what we expect out of a 2-X MLS Cup winning team. The players in Houston Dynamo are experienced, well-positioned, well-controlled, and confident. But, today they found out that this season is NOT going to be as easy as last year. There's a lot more experience and talent in other MLS teams this year!
Steve Nicol and Asst. Coach Mariner should be very proud of their New England team. With just the addition of two or three younger players... it made a HUGE difference in New England's offense! WOW!!! Nyassi & Mansally are FAST!!! And, they play very well with the rest of the New England team. Mauricio Castro is a very good addition to the LEFT-FLANK! Once again, Shalrie Joseph EASILY proved why (in my mind) he is the BEST CENTRAL OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE midfielder in MLS. If New England can continue to play the way they did on opening day... Watch out Houston... Watch out DC-United... Watch out Chivas USA!
New England Revolution WON (3 - 0).
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