Davis Daily

So here are a few things on my mind after this weekend in the world of soccer:

*First I want to thank all the great soccer fans who made it out to the Stags Head Pub for last night’s Dynamo All Access show. It was great visiting and talking to so many passionate Dynamo and soccer fans!! Thanks again. We will do a Champions League game watching party at the Stags Head when the Champions League semifinals take to the air on April 22nd.
I will be there and I know Craig Waibel will be plus some other Dynamo players.
In the meantime see you next Monday at the Stags Head Pub, I will book Dynamo players this weekend.

*Toronto FC had a scary flight on the way home from LA after their 3-2 win over the Galaxy.
The plan had a hydraulic problem and had to land in Omaha, Nebraska according to the Toronto Sun.
“We panicked a bit, we had a lady sitting next to us and she actually started crying she was so petrified,” said coach John Carver.
Apparently the hyraulic problem didn’t turn out to be serious but the runway was full of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances.
Same thing happened to me in 1983 with the Pennsylvania Stoners after playing the Jacksonville Teamen, on a Delta flight but upon take-off and getting outside of Jacksonville, Florida the pilot turned the flight around and shut down one engine……..The airport was full of emergency vehicles when we landed……….hard not to remember that one. Glad everyone was safe.
On an unrelated note Carver said this about Toronto FC fans.
“Because of our fanatical fans we can make this a fortress” when talking about BMO Field.

*Speaking of center back problems, LA have got them. LA defender Greg Vanney had a tough night and was beaten on two goals individually in the 3-2 loss to the LA Galaxy. Abel Xavier could return against the Dynamo but the chances will come for the Dynamo this weekend in LA. You can catch the game on Channel 55 this Saturday at 9pm. As for me I will be in New York to do the Red Bulls vs. New England game on HDNET so maybe you can catch that before the Dynamo/LA game in high definition.

*Eddie Robinson looks to be out on Saturday for two reasons. His knee is extremely swollen and I know that for fact as he was gracious enough to do an interview with me today for the Dynamo Soccer Report that will air this Friday at 9:30 pm. Robinson addresses the incident with Kansas City Wizards defender Tyson Wahl which will see him suspended from MLS you would have to think if it hasn’t happened already.
So that means Bobby Boswell/Patrick Ianni and the thought here is which of these two defenders will step up to lead from this postion.

*Nice to see the Dynamo midfield getting back to normal, this will not solve problems but it will alleviate them in other areas of the team. I see a few Dynamo goals on Saturday night against LA . Concern is Landon Donovan in the hole and playing off our back-line with the passing ability of David Beckham.

*Interesting signing in Columbus who picked up Nigerian under 23 player Emmanuel Ekpo…Sad to see that this organization has lost steam in their community with their team becoming more interesting on the field. Has to be the leadership, this is a market that has a good youth community but has been mired in years of mediocrity which is not unlike a few other clubs in MLS.

*Attendance down this past weekend in MLS including less than 7000 in Columbus for the most interesting team they have had in years.

*Noticed that the Kansas City Wizards have a few more Hispanic fans involved with their supporters group behind the goal this past weekend which leads me to believe they are reaching out to their energy which is needed.

* If you didn’t hear the Ruud Gullit interview last night on Dynamo All Access check it out on the podcast at 790thesportsanimal.com Gullit was once the world player of the year and is challenged by the rules of MLS and defends David Beckham in this interview. He also weighs in on Johan Cruyff who remains a large figure as you know in Holland.
Claudio Lopez also interviewed on the show and is all about producing in MLS. Refreshing to hear from both the former Italian Serie A stars.

* Lots of change on the youth landscape with so much confusing competition from U.S. Soccer Development Academy, U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Club soccer.
Clubs in Houston and around the country are conflicted as to what direction to head into. U.S. youth soccer has allowed California clubs to change the criteria of the Academy a bit which is creating confusion.
Where will the Dynamo fit in this landscape down the road? One day when they get their own training facility they will take the true lead in player development…….I believe that will happen. Their is talent in South Texas if nurtured can make their way to the first team in MLS but the real benefits are down the road and the club will do the right thing and continue to tap into the Mexican soccer culture.

*Rumors about Omar Bravo , Bruno Marioni and Boffo Bautista continue to exist.
Lets face it Bravo first and formost wants to go to Europe, MLS can’t be on the top of his list despite people’s blind loyalty of him coming to MLS.
As for Marioni, who isn’t he shopping himself too? He may put himself up on EBAY for all I know.
Bautista was approached by MLS by Chivas USA who are looking for an impact DP but need to acquire a DP slot before it can happen. Remember they conceded it when acquiring Amado Guevara who is now at Toronto FC.
Everybody wants to find the next Blanco but it is not going to be easy.
Blanco has become a true revelation in MLS both on and off the field and is a draw no matter where he goes.

*Manchester United is valueing Cristiano Ronaldo at over 100 million dollars, now there is an MLS DP, just kidding.

Thoughts email me at gdavis98@swbell.net