DYNAMO players Patrick Ianni and Stuart Holden are off to represent the United States at the Beijing, Olympic games. They will play their final game for the Dynamo this Tuesday against DC at RFK Stadium. What an honor to represent your country……….

Lets examine the overage player choices by PETER NOWAK the US Olympic under 23 coach. Veteran BRIAN MCBRIDE has been chosen to play up front after concluding his career at FULHAM and now heading back to MLS…….BRAD GUZAN recently sold to ASTON VILLA is also in the mix while defender MICHAEL PARKHURST rounds out the trio. Simply yes in most cases you want strength up the middle of the team and that is exactly what these players will bring. Experience and personality are a big part of these choices but remember also that many of the choices that NOWAK may have wanted to make became unavailable based on WORLD CUP qualifying. Would he have preferred LANDON DONOVAN, CARLOS BOCANEGRA and TIM HOWARD? Quite possibly but this is the problem with serving two masters with the WORLD CUP and OLYMPICS. We all know where the priority lies.
The U.S. group is a difficult one with JAPAN, NETHERLANDS and NIGERIA…..Thoughts?

The NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION continue their SUPERLIGA success with a 1-0 win over PACHUCA on a stoppage time penalty kick from KHANO SMITH….The Revolution have now advanced to the semi-finals along with CHIVAS…..they also defeated PACHUCA. They have done this without TAYLOR TWELLMAN and one has to think that STEVE NICOL’s international experience as a player is playing into this success…..More good news came in the form of CHIVAS USA defeating defending MEXICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Santos 1-0 as ANTE RAZOV again living up to the moment…..CHIVAS USA like the DYNAMO remains a possibility to advance and will take on NE next….CHIVAS USA got this win without a number of key players including Swiss International RALPH WICKY, Cuban striker MAYKEL GALINDO, starting defender LAWSON VAUGHAN, ALEX ZOTINCA and JUSTIN BRAUN who has been starting of late…all things considered these are very positive results…….

I don’t know who was winding me up but someone called the radio station Monday and left a message about STUART HOLDEN playing in EUROPE. At first I shrugged it off but lets face it ….it is a great possible as he holds a dual citzenship. He also has played in England with the Sunderland reserves in the past….players are ambitious and I am sure the DYNAMO are preparing for one day players like HOLDEN and CLARK to be tapped up. Nothing really new here but it again reminds everyone that rosters and the salary cap need to be expanded in MLS……
The OLYMPICS are a great platform to make a statement to European clubs and agents and those that are there know it.

CHIVAS may have walked away winners last night 1-0 but the sport of soccer and the DYNAMO franchise as a whole were the true winners.
This was more than just a soccer game….this was celebration. Celebration for a sport that connects with so many different people.
As the “wave” rolled through the crowd of 28,732 fans one had to appreciate this moment. Oh, and by the way this crowd of 28,732 came out on a Tuesday night for a 9pm kick-off.

Observations:

*DOMINIC KINNEAR wisely pushed WADE BARRETT into midfield to contend with the Chivas power in that area of the field. The move paid off and CHIVAS had a hard time controlling the rhythm of the game.

*The Dynamo were valiant and in the end creating the better chances despite missing five regulars and four who were All Stars at some point in their career including Eddie Robinson, Dwayne DeRosario, Brian Ching, and Richard Mulrooney. Stuart Holden was also a scratch after a two goal performance against Atlante.

*The Dynamo seemed to have Chivas on their heels in and around the 65th minute and Chivas were showing signs of fatigue. You got the sense a Houston goal was coming and then Omar Arellano produced a moment of brilliance beating defender Patrick Ianni and then Pat Onstad with his finish to the near post. Arellano is making a bid to help replace OMAR BRAVO who has moved on to Spain’s LA LIGA with DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA.

*RICARDO CLARK was super in balancing out the DYNAMO midfield.

*Eight months ago GEOFF CAMERON was playing college soccer at the University of Rhode Island.

* Just to keep it in perspective……THE DYNAMO BENCH included FOUR out of seven players that have YET TO GET ANY MINUTES IN MLS.
CHIVAS conversely brought on ALBERTO MEDINA who has scored 10 goals for the full MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM. You get my point. It is now time for MLS to expand rosters and the salary cap. If they do MLS teams will win this tournament regularly…….

*Wow has the University Houston dropped the ball on their athletic facilities? Who is accountable for the poor condition of this field and who at this University will stand up and make a statement. Board of regents are you listening? For a stadium that is shone regularly on national television one wonders what image are they trying to portray. That UH athletics is in shambles? With that field that is the statement others around the country will make sadly. The field will apparently be torn up and replaced……little late after numerous national games this year on HDNET, ESPN and Univision. By the way the field looks doubly worse in high definition television.

*Lets end on the positive…..the effort from the Dynamo was spectacular and the night was a winner for the sport of soccer. The Dynamo now head to DC for two straight games . Superliga on Saturday and a league game on Tuesday.

What are your thoughts on last night’s Chivas/Dynamo match at Robertson Stadium?

Tonite the DYNAMO enter into one of the most important games in their franchise history when they take on Chivas of Guadalajara at 9pm.
The Dynamo will be missing key players like Dwayne DeRosario, Brian Ching, Eddie Robinson and Richard Mulrooney. Can they accomplish the task of earning a draw or a win?
With a win the Dynamo and Chivas would advance to the semi-finals of the Superliga.
How can the Dynamo accomplish getting a result tonite?

Check out the podcast for The Dynamo All-Access with Glenn Davis at 790TheSportsAnimal.com. Miss a show? Hit the website and click the PODCAST drop down box and click Glenn Davis and catch what you may have missed.
Listen to the podcast here

It’s that night of the week that I want to hear from you on 790 The Sports Animal so bring your best soccer fans. Dynamo All Access goes tonite from 7-9pm on 790 The Sports Animal. Remember soccer fans, this is your show and a platform for your thoughts on the sport. Tonite’s guests include:
* DYNAMO head coach DOMINIC KINNEAR
*CHIVAS head coach EFRAIN FLORES
* COLUMBUS CREW ALL STAR and potential Olympic team member ROBBIE RODGERS
*DYNAMO player tba

Lots of great information on the show tonite….Preview of Dynamo vs. Chivas, transfers rumors and realities, Jacqua to Dynamo….is this the answer?

Call in number is 713-212-5790, streaming live on the internet at 790thesportsanimal.com or MLSNET.COM

MAESTROENI SPEAKS OUT IN COLORADO

Pablo Maestroeni seems as though he is ready to head out of Colorado and a recent quote cited the comfort level of MLS. Now this is an area to be fair that is changing in some markets thanks to the David Beckham spotlight , the work of MLS franchises and independent journalists covering the sport in the various mediums. Yes it is slow so don’t expect it to be like OLD TRAFFORD but maybe you can be a part of it’s growth like many of the great MLS fans…..here is what Pablo said and it echoes what he said about Colorado a few years back.
“There is a level of comfort in MLS. The pressure is not there to win or lose. You can go to supermarkets, hang out at the park and enjoy Sunday’s playing frisbee with your friends,” said Maestroeni who is hoping for a move to Europe.
Now we know that Maestroeni in the past has had interest in Italy and Mexico but the question remains is there interest from a club now? That I don’t know.
What I do know is that Maestroeni’s comments may seem harsh but are true in that now more than ever clubs have got to embrace a new pressure, criticism whether good or bad and use it to their advantage. IF YOU ARE NOT BEING CRITICIZED AS AN MLS FRANCHISE YOU ARE NOT GROWING…….Loosen up a little bit and realize that criticism is an ally …

Respond to this on the radio tonite…….

The Dynamo crushed Atlante 4-0 in Superliga play at Robertson Stadium behind two goals from Stuart Holden….The Dynamo seemed in control of this one throughout the night but the win came at a large cost as Dwayne DeRosario was ejected and will not be available for the huge encounter this Tuesday against Chivas in their second Superliga game.
Atlante was outclassed clearly in this match…..

Meanwhile in DC …….United hit hit the post twice and Jaime Moreno missed a penalty kick as DC went down 2-1 to Chivas….
Luciano Emilio had the lone DC goal. United will now have to knock off Atlante to stay alive in the Superliga competition.
Superliga is off an running.

Is the Superliga a true measuring stick of the balance of power in Major League Soccer and the Mexican Football League?
Mexican clubs can be quick to use the pre-season excuse . It is the same challenge to a degree when MLS teams are thrust quickly into the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Enough with the excuses. The Superliga was criticized as a money grabbing tournament last year (what tournament isn’t about money at the professional level these days). Initially perceived as contrived last year, Superliga ultimately producing thrilling games and passion tapping into the whole U.S./Mexico rivarly. I for one am looking forward to seeing this year’s version!

I am hoping sports fans in Houston will come out to the Dynamo/Atlante opener tonite but my fear might be that many soccer fans might be waiting to see Chivas on Tuesday take on the Orange. This game is extremely important to the Dynamo and MLS as a whole. Beating Mexican competition has gone a long way towards helping MLS gain credibility in the eyes of Mexican fans.
Secondly, could this tournament and the additional international edge it brings be a platform to better times for the Dynamo? Winless in five the Dynamo need an impetus. The SUPERLIGA provides the perfect opportunity!!! Fans should note that the game kicks off tonite at ROBERTSON STADIUM AT 9PM.

ATLANTE won the 2007 Apertura title dramatically after the club moved to Cancun, Mexico of all places. Seems a strange destination , a resort town that has as many gringos as soccer fans. Last year they struggled mightily ending up 15th in the Mexican League table so this squad has alot to prove.
One player that I am familiar with is striker GIANCARLO MALDONADO who is a Venezuelan international. I have called some of his South American World Cup qualifying games in the past and also when I was in EL SALVADOR he caught my eye in a Central America and Caribbean games match.
The other Atlante striker should by LUIS GABRIEL REY whose best times were at Morelia but recently played at PACHUCA. The Colombian is in his 2nd stint at ATLANTE.
FEDERICO VILAR their goalkeeper is somewhat the ATLANTE spiritual leader and produced amazing play when they won their title 2 seasons ago.
Former COLORADO RAPID Alain NKONG is no longer at ATLANTE and has moved on apparently to LEON.

Today I am in SALT LAKE CITY for the RSL vs. Columbus (6pm HDNET) match on the fake stuff. I am heading out to the future this morning though as I will take a tour on their new stadium in SANDY , UTAH with PR man Trey Fitzgerald. The stadium has been all over the news and will host next years ALL STAR GAME.

REAL SALT LAKE have three players in contention for the Olympics including goalkeeper CHRIS SEITZ, NATHAN STURGIS, and striker ROBBIE FINDLEY. The DYNAMO have two in both STUART HOLDEN and PATRICK IANNI.
The only real guarantees I see out of this group that will go to the OLYMPIC games are SEITZ and HOLDEN. Much will also come down to who manager PETER NOWAK takes as over-age players……Don’t forget that DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS will air this Monday night . We will re-cap the Dynamo vs. Atlante and preview the CHIVAS match plus much more.
The show airs at 7pm on 790thesportsanimal..

For the best in soccer talk and highlights, check out the Dynamo Soccer Report with Glenn Davis Friday at 9:30 on Channel 55. This week, Glenn interviews Dynamo goal keeper Pat Onstad as well as assistant coach John Spencer. Plus, Glenn has a special interview with 1994 World Cup champion Brazil’s own Romario. The Texas Rush U-14 team is heading to Nationals, and we head out to the field for goal keeping tips from Pat Onstad. Rumors, rants, and raves along with your viewer mail round up what is going to be an exciting show.

The 2008 MLS ALL STAR FIRST 11 is as follows:

GK Matt Reis NE: Could it have been anyone else?

DEF: Jimmy Conrad KC: Consistent solid leader at back for KC
DEF: Frankie Hejduk Columbus: Indefatigable energy. Still gets called up by the U.S. National team. Most votes from players in league as a defender.
DEF: Michael Parkhurst NE : Uses brain and positional sense to get it done.

Midfield: David Beckham LA: Obvious fan favorite but second overall in players votes to Landon Donovan his teammate.
Midfield: Cuauhtemoc Blanco Chicago: Mexican legend has produced on and off the field.
Midfield: Shalrie Joseoph NE: Little support from fans in voting but big support from players, media and gm’s. Best two way player in league?
Midfield: Robbie Rodgers Columbus: Great to see an American who relishes taking on opponents individually..will he go to the Olympics?
Midfield: Sacha Kljestan Chivas: Attack oriented midfielder is deserving..good support in voting from players.

Forwards: Landon Donovan LA: Still remains on his day the most dangerous player in MLS….Beckham has pushed him to produce…
Forwards: Ken Cooper Jr. FC Dallas: 6′4 and full of muscle….soft feet for a big man, what will it take to get involved with U.S. National team?

Alternates or reserves: BRIAN CHING, DWAYNE DEROSARIO, Jon Busch, Gonzalo Segares, Bakary Soumare, Steve Ralston, G Barros Schelotto, Maurice Edu and Luciano Emilio.

So what do you think of this All Star Selection? Anyone that should be included?

Don’t forget to catch LA and CHIVAS USA tonite on espn2 at 9pm central time. This should be interesting with a sold out crowd at the Home Depot Center…..transfers rumors around MLS and the world continue to swirl. JARED BORGETTI was linked to Dynamo….not true and the Dynamo did not speak with him this past weekend with Borgetti in town. Could others in MLS be talking to him? Maybe they should. Borgetti clearly has chased the money trail with five clubs in the last few years including in the Middle East….could be a great signing for MLS and he would score goals. DWAYNE DEROSARIO and the FC COPENHAGEN connection does not seem to be a reality though some have brought up this rumor…

RONALDINHO apparently was feeling pressure in Houston during the FREE KICK MASTERS event because of his high appearance fee (trust me players find all this information out) of 1 million dollars plus. RONALDINHO went 0-8 on his free kick attempts and showed up in Brazil on Tuesday for a charity event. Personally he looked a little overweight which might go back to his lessened playing time at BARCELONA under FRANK RIJKAARD. He has been summoned by BRAZIl to try and win that elusive gold medal at the Olympics (Brazil has never won it) . Here’s to hoping that RONALDINHO gets back to his playing best. I for one want to see more of his magic.

SO where do the DYNAMO go from here? How important is this SUPERLIGA competition? I say it is huge and will address it in future blogs and in the Houston Chronicle.

Remember this is YOUR website……….