We're doomed, DOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!

I am happy to see this line repeat itself again and again id like to see this same line up when the season starts im also happy to see that Pat scored thats show that he is a young kid with a scoring mind. VAMOS UNITED

Join Barra Brava and show ur support for DC
barra-brava.com

Bligh me!

Does it speak to a lack of depth in midfield when DC goes from Gallardo to Justin Moose, mere weeks from his USL debut, according to this blog?

God forbid Gallardo gets hurt this season. We need Fred on the left flank.

So then, who can serve as a quality backup to Gallardo (and no one tell me Moose...)???

Pat scored ONE goal in four years at WVU...nice to see him open his DCU ledger a bit faster.

Erick,

Same person(s) who backed up Gomez - Dyachenko or possibly Fred. You act like we had a capable back-up last year and we don't this year. Face it - this is MLS, there is no such thing as depth.

Moreno as CAM, emilio and Neil(spelling??) up top if gallardo goes down.

I'm ready to wear the # 10 if DCU wants me...

I'm more concerned with the 1st team's lack of scoring since they shellacked the U-17's. The sky is falling!

Steve, is the Bradenton part of training camp now over?

Oh noes!!1 This culture of losing is unacceptable!

Bradenton camp is over. Team returns to Washington tonight for two days of rest, then heads to California for 10 days.

Wait till they walk out of the airport tonight after being in sunny FLA for two weeks. Brrrrr...

They should've stayed in FL for 2 days to relax...

I heard inside information that DCU will sign Steve Shak is Gallardo goes down...

P.S. I'm lying

Do we know who fouled to give up the PK (or who reffed?)? Was it inexperience from Burch or McTavish, the rumored temper of Martinez or Namoff making up for being slow coming off injury? Or was it late with one of the rookies doing the foul? Sounds like we beat them in the run of play but had a slip up in back, and knowing where the slip off came from would be nice.

I don't like Ike.

Any insights on the good, the bad, & the ugly?

I'm curious how Moose & Fred looked in the middle, as well as Pat, Grady, & the rest of the backs. How's Wells looking in the net?

Can't watch this stuff, so I'm just curious if there's any interesting chemistry happening with the new kids...

Info I have is that it was Burch who grabbed (or rather placed his hands on) Marinelli. Hopefully a preseason learning experience. Don't know if it was a legitimate call or not, but probably one of those things that could have been avoided.

Do we know who fouled to give up the PK (or who reffed?)? Was it inexperience from Burch or McTavish, the rumored temper of Martinez or Namoff making up for being slow coming off injury? Or was it late with one of the rookies doing the foul? Sounds like we beat them in the run of play but had a slip up in back, and knowing where the slip off came from would be nice.

Posted by: cmsore | February 12, 2008 01:29 PM

You guys DO realize Steve Goff isn't down in Bradenton, right? If you want scrimmage reports go to the DC United forum on BigSoccer.com and read John Dysons updates.

"If you want scrimmage reports go to the DC United forum on BigSoccer.com "

Yeah I'm sure those are completely 100 % objective
;-(

Interesting and nice Sven caricature:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/soccer/blog/

Skippy: Of course they're not objective. But since most of the people here are DCU fans, that's not *too* enormous a drawback.

Or, if you prefer, you can keep asking for details from someone who can't give them to you because he wasn't there.

Why don't you read them before you comment? John's been going to Bradenton for about a half dozen years now and gives us more inside, good and bad perspective than anyone else. Why would you question his motives without even bothering to read his writeups?

-------
Why would you question his motives without even bothering to read his writeups?
-------

Because it's easier, duh.

I'm sure you're glad about Diceson's reports. I wish we had someone like that for NY. But neutrals have been baffled for years-- at its worst in the seasons before 04-- at the vast gulf between Diceson's stories about how DC United is only barely worse than Brazil '70, and the reality we see when the season starts, in which these players we've been hearing so many great things about have no speed and the first touch of a rapist.

Bradenton for Diceson is the journalistic equivalent of the poor middle aged schlubs who pay $20k to spend a week at spring training to trot around in official size xxl uniforms and take a few swings at warmup pitches thrown by second-rate relief prospects.

I'd count on getting no more factual information from him than the correct spelling of players names.

GEEEZ lighten up dudes...
Did anyone go vote today?

Bigsoccer forums blocked at work.

Well then feel free not to read them. I spent a few days down there with him the last few years and know John quite well. What I saw first hand and what John writes coincide. If you choose to believe it or not, makes no difference to me. We as DC fans are fortunate to have him down there (on his own coin) to fill us in on what's going on in practice and the scrimmages.

I voted for Heather Mitts.

What was the question again?

Interesting our only goal from a reserve central defender? no biggie though since their focus right now is on fitness... saw no mention; did Niell play?

btw, still recovering from a 5 Guys lunch ... what masochist orders anything but the "regular" size fries?? ugh, my gut hurts.

With Peralta and Olsen out, it looks like Soehn used our top XI to start this game. Looks like we've just about got our starting lineup nailed down. But when should we start worrying about Benny? :-/

I think the assumption that Moose won't make the team is overhyped. Seems to me like he's in direct competition with Jamil Walker for the final senior roster slot, and we're deeper at forward right now than we are at attacking midfield, so I think Moose has got a decent shot.

I'd count on getting no more factual information from him than the correct spelling of players names.

Posted by: Massengill Juan | February 12, 2008 02:46 PM
________

Juan, don't be a douche! Diceson's reports are much appreciated by DCU fans. I agree with a lot of your ramblings, even though much of it is quite critical of some "Holier than thou" DCU supporters, but I was down in Bradenton myself, and John's report was a helluva lot more precise, correct and thorough than my memory.

My biggest objection is that he seems to be completely unable to evaluate play and tactics of the opponents, which says EVERYTHING about DC's performance. Instead we get a laundry list of sparkling DC plays, with no attempt to actually describe the flow of the game. (Except of course to assert that a telepathic understanding between midfield and forwards is just around the corner.)

It's a vanity project, giving Diceson a week in the sun and a chance to shamelessly flatter the players and rub shoulders with Tommy Soehn. Fine, but let's not pretend that it gives any sense whatsoever about what has gone on down there in Florida.

I-270, some campaign literature in case you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdz5r6VAU3M

Mastodon, let's face it you pretty much object to everything and have to tell everyone else about it.

Thanks!

I find it amusing when an acknowledged hack and demagogue calls out another on his presumed hackery.

If you don't care, why do you bother to post?

Answer: to wind people up!

Analysis: Troll.

You guys DO realize Steve Goff isn't down in Bradenton, right? If you want scrimmage reports go to the DC United forum on BigSoccer.com and read John Dysons updates.

Hmm, actually I didn't realize that. Thanks for the tip! I've never been a fan of the Big Soccer forums, just because I can't find my way around very well there. But if they have what I'm looking for, I'll dig in.

Thanks

We are back on the score sheet! The World Club Championship cannot be far behind!

I really hope United is not counting on a designated elite player to save the day. Even when they do well (Angel) nothing is guaranteed.

http://futbolinks.blogspot.com

When has United done that, with any player acquisition, ever?

Maybe you typed "United" when you meant to put "Fire" or "Metrobulls."

OT but BSPN actually picked up the newest Lalas adventure.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080212/SPORTS18/802120355/1067/SPORTS18

Hey Goff, Do you think you can post Results of the recent Copa Libertadores and a little bit of info on the game like you did with the African Cup of Nations? Since most likely we will see a US team in the CL sooner or later, and even the next up and coming Copa Sudamericana, i think it would be cool to get the readers of your blog familiar with teams in South America, not just Boca, River, Sao Paulo, etc. so they can gain some knowledge on teams from SA.

What does eveyrone else think about this suggestion?

Watching the San Lorenzo vs. Caracas FC and to see how they are doing with D'Alessandro now since they couldn't afford Gallardo since DC United outbid them. :p

35 days to the first home match!

What does eveyrone else think about this suggestion?
--------------
Very good idea specially I can't even pronounce most of the south american leagues. But noticed San Loreszo lost to Caracas.

Bolivian DC Fan,
There is a big difference between an every 4 years tournament with national team players and a yearly tournament with club teams. Last year's Copa America was well covered, as well as I expect the Euro championship this coming summer to be.

I think it's safe to say that those interested in Libertadores will find lots of coverage on a vast array of sites. The occasional nice goal is great for this site, but this blog is known for it's DC/MLS/US coverage with the occasional interesting blog entry that doesn't take leg work (to drive up the hit-count for Goff's yearly bonus). Libertadores would be pretty significant scope creep. I personally like that this blog is NOT "big soccer"-esque (in that it tries to be all things to all people), rather it gives Goff an outlet for stories and news that won't fit the print edition. Just my $.02

I'm not 100% sure that DC outbid anyone down in Argentina. It's entirely possible they did, but that's overlooking the other numerous good reasons to join MLS at this time for players like Gallardo. A decent paycheck that won't bounce, virtual anonymity, good schools, a press-pool that won't likely tear him to shreds unless he's the 2nd coming of Claudio Reyna (which all educated observers have found to be patently untrue), and the chance to be partially responsible for putting an American team in the global soccer consciousness for a reason other than marketing.

I'm not convinced that United will win anything this year with the lineup they have, but if they manage to gel as a team, and either 3-peat as Shield winners or win MLS Cup, next year they'd be ridiculously tough to stop. If United is somehow able to take advantage of that 2nd DP spot by bringing in another elite player, then all bets are off.

Oh, and Mastodon Juan has a Napoleon-Complex. Enjoy another year of Metro-mediocrity.

For those of you who have watched him played:
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=689884.html

With all the hoopla about Wednesday's baseball steroid hearings, thought I'd share something I just heard on Telemundo:

There's apparently a report out there that says 85 percent of the soccer players in Mexico's professional leagues use performance-enhancing drugs, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

Anybody else hear this or something similar?

Bolivian DC Fan,
There is a big difference between an every 4 years tournament with national team players and a yearly tournament with club teams. Last year's Copa America was well covered, as well as I expect the Euro championship this coming summer to be.

___________________________________________

I dont want to start any trouble, but he does post clips from random games from the Champions League every and clips from there, so its not like he is only reporting on 4 or 2 year tournaments club or internationally.

Yea i could feel where your coming from though, when it comes to just being more about USA stuff/MLS/USA players abroad. But i mean i feel alot of US fans' and those who only watch MLS and EPL/ Euro Footie come to this blog for news, when they should also start learning more about our brother Continent South America. But thats just my opinion.

___________________________________________

not 100% sure that DC outbid anyone down in Argentina. It's entirely possible they did, but that's overlooking the other numerous good reasons to join MLS at this time for players like Gallardo.

Posted by: AlecW81 | February 12, 2008 08:40 PM
___________________________________________

Yes, you listed great great reasons why pro's all want to retire or come here to play whether it be from south america or europe, the anonymity part IMO plays a big part also along wtih the other reasons you listed, our country is number one to live that good life in general. He said in the press that he had his family in mind when coming here, and the idea of adventure of coming to a new country which he i am guessing has heard about great thing when it comes to living here, most likely from Angel.

But also i recall reading in a argentine press piece that he stated San Lorezno(struggling right now with Andres D'Alessandro who looked like crap aka their number 2 choice next to Gallardo as they lost 2-0 to caracas FC LOL) offered him a big big salary of 800grand a year, which is incredible considering they arent one of the bigger 2 clubs in Argentina, and he said that he had a signifigantly bigger offer in US, so that is also why he came here. They sure are hurting right now wihtout him now that we got our paws on him. :p

O yea, and Veron's Team just lost their first away game, against an Ecuadorian Squad, maybe he shoulda' came to us in december? :p

For those of you who have watched him played:
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=689884.html

Posted by: td | February 12, 2008 08:54 PM
------------------------------------------

Thanks! This is interesting. By coincidence, El Diablo is also mentioned in the latest news digest I received from Soccer America, as are two other DCU oldtimers, Raul Diaz Arce and Dave Sarachan. Sarachan has just been named the head scout for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, with Diaz Arce working under him. Etcheverry is doing occasional scouting work for them.

Steve, would it be possible to put the "posted by" information at the top of each post, rather than at the bottom? This would make it easier to avoid reading what Mastodon Juan has to say, which is a complete waste of time. Sorry to say, people who post on here with the sole purpose of annoying most readers are ruining the blog. The "ignore" feature is one advantage of big soccer...

Read John Dyson's Q & A with Tom Soehn on Bigsoccer. Some interesting insight into training camp...

Honestly, I'm kind of glad that I am not watching them play now. Going through this process of coming together as a team can be painful to watch. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

Anyone know if the Arsenal-Man U FA Cup match will be shown on TV in the US?

The Gunners FA Cup win is PPV - probably Summers in Arlington or other such places that will allow you to pay to watch.

That guy was not skippy. The real skippy hangs on Diceson's every word and had the honor of meeting him last year in ... Bradenton.

STEEEEEEVEEE! Where you at?

News deprivation. Can't take it anymore. If this keeps up I'll tell you where Bin Laden is.

Ummmmm......... never mind.

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