Thoughts
July 12th, 2001
I truly question the ability of Kasey Keller's agent at this point. This is the second time in three summers that the U.S. #1 has had problems finding a club. He ended up at small Madrid club Rayo Vallecano after his stint at Leicester City. With clubs needing goalkeepers (Aston Villa, perhaps?), it's rather amazing that the solid Keller is out on the market.
Recommendation of the week. Check out Subside Sports. If you want selection, they have a bevy of kits. Despite their European base (Exeter, England to be exact), the sheer depth and quality of their offerings are spectactular. With shipping a pretty reasonable $12.75 (for orders of under £100), it makes sense to take advantage of these deals. How many places can offer Uganda (home and away), Bangladesh (home), Persepolis (home and away!), Wollogong Wolves (home and away), Greenland, and Bohemians (the Czech one) in one spot? I'm in awe right now.
Jovan Kirovski has reemerged from the depths to win back a spot on the National Team. Next up for the Nats? Eric Wynalda, whose play has attracted the attention of Bruce Arena. However, rumors that Hugo Perez is coming out of retirement to take up a spot on the beleaguered frontline have been proven false.
Is anyone getting excited about the future Mixu Paatelainen era? Supposedly the big 35 year old Finn has agreed a £3,000 a week deal with MLS to come Stateside. I'll believe it when I see it. His long-rumored destination was Colorado, but with three foreign players already rostered, that seems a slim possibility.
Rochester is getting desperate in their search for a striker. Next up on the list: former Rapid Neathan Gibson. Gibson is looking to reclaim the form he had with MyPa of the Finnish First Division, where he had 12 goals (good for 3rd in the league). This comes on the heels of signing John Wolyniec. No doubt Kirovski is next on the list for the impotent Rhinos (10 goals in 10 A-League contests).
LA are seriously thinking about trading Salvadoran international Mauricio Cienfuegos. From a playing standpoint, that almost makes sense. They have his heir apparent in house in Simon Elliot. The Galaxy have never won anything (read: MLS Cup) with the Salvadoran at the controls, and LA management feels that it may be time to give the younger blood a chance. While it is unlikely that the Galaxy will make a move before the return of Marvin Quijano and Brian Mullan, it makes sense to give up Cien and either picks or a younger player for say a disgruntled Mamadou Diallo. With the talented San Jose and Miami clubs playing well plus the ever dangerous Fire, LA will have to upgrade the 2nd striker position beside El Matador to make a run.
The Copa America is in shambles. It's gotten so bad that even Canada has pulled out of the competition. Argentina, easily the best side in South America right now, refused to take part. Mauro Silva, the Brazilian captain, has refused to travel to Colombia due to the safety concerns. However, these concerns do not both Costa Rica or Honduras who will take the places of Canada and Honduras, respectively. It would be quite an eye-opener for CONMEBOL if a CONCACAF nation were to win the Copa. Surely, these mistakes have already tarnished a glorious reputation. It's unfortunate that the South Americans could not realize the damage that this shamble of a competition has done to their worldwide reputation.
Game of the Open Cup Round 3: San Jose at Milwaukee. Most people thought this one would be close, but who would have predicted 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 scoreline? Milwaukee came to play at home and their effort is commendable. San Jose stuck with it, and now go on to face California rivals Los Angeles.
Now that the Revs have safely negotiated through the tough Charleston matchup, can we see a potential Ukrop vs. Revs matchup in the semis? Anything can happen....
