Five Weeks In: Five Questions Answered

Welcome back ya’ll, I’m still here and updating, I promise to get back on a regular schedule very soon. Big new over on the du Nordfront, Brucio is re-opened for business. That is great news all around. Now we will see some sort of competition between MLS Daily and du Nord. Should be interesting to see how that plays out. Hopefully they will work together for the greater good.

Five Answers
Will Gary Smith Improve Colorado?

Perhaps this question should be: how could Gary Smith not improve Colorado? Gary has everything going for him. He has put in place a system that rights all the wrongs Fernando Clavijo put in place.

Horrible tales were told while Clavijo coached. Absolutely no scouting other teams before they played. Practices with no structure, just open games. Little communication between teammates and the coach. Supporter groups held down and kicked out of the stadium. From the moment Gary took over new air flowed into Colorado. Order was restored, a up and coming coach was getting his chance, and the players were behind him.

A run towards the playoffs resulted and this season Colorado is off to a strong start.

Will the Wizard’s young players produce?

Kansas City’s 09 team is loaded with young players. And unlike some teams in the league, they are getting minutes, Besler, Kraus, Espinoza, and other young stars are expected to step up and fill the gaps. Curt Onalfo is building for the future. He needs his young quick agile players to quickly move into the ebb and flow of his system.

So far it has been a success. The Wizards got off to a rough start losing their first two games (not for a lack of scoring though) and then proceeded to go 2-1-0. Last week saw a jaw dropping come from behind victory at Chicago. When I was leaping through the air in my living room that tie sure felt like a win.


Will Fredy Montero be convicted of rape?

Earlier I reported on Fredy Montero’s rape charge and I am happy to report that all charges have been dropped due to lack of corroborative evidence. Fredy is safe, Seattle can continue to be proud of their nineteen year old star, and the league breathes a sigh of relief as their new model franchise goes unblemished.

Will MLSnet.com’s streaming service be any better?

Yes this is perfect representation of video streaming

I really wish I could say yes to this. I really really, really do. I am a huge fan of Major League Soccer’s media distribution model. They realize that letting their fans see almost every game is a win. They have embraced web 2.0 like no other soccer league in the world. While the Premier League actively tries to stop fans from watching online video, and on their site, provide zero video.

But MLSnet’s streaming service still has large problems. The Wizards game against Seattle that thousands were counting on failed horribly and no one knew why. No details that I am aware of where ever reported.

MLSnet, you need to at least provide a layer of transparency. I know that working with tech and streaming services can be hard and prone to problems, but at least let fans know what is going on. Provide updates on your front page instead of just removing the “Watch Live” links. Send out update emails about current problems. You will find much more forgiveness if you communicate with your paying customers.

How will the economy influence league attendance?

Is Major League Soccer free from the horrible economy? Unfortunately the answer is no. Attendance has been low for the first five weeks, and excuses have been forthcoming. Horrible weather, everyone had the flu, Giants stadium sucks, and your mom. But even with two huge outliers in Seattle and Toronto the attendance is down a bit. Obama, send a stimulus to Major League Soccer.

Now go take care of 4/20.

Three Questions for Seattle and New York

The birds are singing and eating worms, disc golfers are back on the course, spring soccer practices are starting, and the first game of the 2009 Major League Soccer season opens tomorrow with Seattle vs New York at 8pm central standard time on ESPN2.

I’ll be tuned into the game, I’m ready to get back into all the MLS action. I started this blog just as the 2008 season ended so I am excited for the storylines that will unfold and I will get to cover as the season progresses.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game I’m doing that old blogger favorite, the three questions. Why three? I guess two seems lazy and four is way too much work.

Three Questions for Seattle

Will Sigi continue wearing scarves?
Rain, shine, sleet, rainbows, hail, or beer showers, Sigi wore his bring yellow Columbus scarf to every game last season. Like a lighthouse, he warned passing ships of eminent danger. What will he wear at Seattle? Will he continue with the scarf? I am for a change in look. How about a hat, or a nice beanie?

Will Fredy Montero produce in the regular season?
Fredy had been outstanding in preseason. Goals have been coming in torrents. His South American flair has been dazzling defenses where ever Seattle has traveled. The real question is will he continue to score when defenses get a solid look at him. Can he adapt when double teamed or he is pressured high every time he touches the ball. If he can he will make his mark on Major League Soccer.

What will Seattle fans throws when the first goal is scored?
Everyone remembers when Toronto FC scored their first goal. Now I am not a TFC fan. But when those seat cushions rained down after the clubs first goals I jumped out of my chair and cheered. It was a heartwarming display of enthusiasm.

Seattle needs an equally memorable moment. Maybe they will hand out CDs. Those would only slice up a couple of players in the ensuing celebration.

Three Questions for New York

Will Osorio’s tactical bookwork pay off again?
I love Osorio because he is a student of the game. Osorio doesn’t just carry around a clipboard and a few notes. He writes constantly during each game, and when he travels he takes a library with him. My favorite story is how he got a room above Manchester United practice pitch and studied them every day for over a year.

Osorio’s studies paid off in full last year with a surprise run to the final. Will he emulate his previous success this year? If so, score one for the ivory tower.

Will Angel continue to be class?
Angel is the anchor of New York. Game after game he works hard, passes well, reads the game with remarkable clarity, and scores great goals. If Angel stays healthy and continues with his always positive attitude he will lead New York far. Conversely, if Angel falls, how will New York respond? The young guns like Macoumba Kandji and Matthew Mbuta need to respond and put in strong performances they provided in the United Soccer Leagues.

Will John Wolyniec score more than one goal this season?
John, John, John, you art a mystery to me. All last season I saw your run the pitch. You provided good passes, you were a hardworking option up front. Osorio continued to put faith in you. Yet the goals would not come. Wolyniec needs to have a strong season, not only for New York’s cause, but for his own career.

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