TECOS President Antonio Leano said yesterday that if it was his choice Mexico should have a new captain.
Rafa Marquez was sent off in the 2-0 loss to the U.S. on Wednesday after kicking out at U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Marquez will miss Mexico’s next World Cup qualifier and FIFA is investigating the red card further.
“Marquez cannot continue doing these type of things. There should be a harsh reprimand,” said Leano. “If you ask me stripping him of his captaincy would be a good way of letting him know that you can’t commit those types of acts.”
There is no question that Marquez has had emotional control problems against the United States.
Marquez apologized after the match and said his desire to win sometimes forces him to act in this way.

Leano went on to say that Oswaldo Sanchez was at fault also in goal for Mexico, hinting that it was time for Guillermo Ochoa or Tecos goalkeeper Jesus Corona to take over.

BECKHAM DECSIONS LOOMS
A deadline has been set for today to make a final decision on the future of David Beckham in Italy or the U.S.
Now of course MLS wants to get this done so the future with or without Beckham can be realized. LA coach Bruce Arena as one would imagine wants this circus to end.

“I have nothing against the Galaxy, Los Angeles has been a wonderful experience but at Milan I have found great players who have been great to help me. For the time being things could not be going better, ” said Beckham to the Guardian.

KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

DC United owner Victor McFarlane says his team will pay 25 percent of the estimated cost of a 180-195 million dollar stadium that would hold 25,000 fans in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The remainder would be financed by the tax revenue generated by the stadium.

WEEKEND OF CLASSICS

The Milan Derby between Inter and AC Milan takes place this Sunday and will feature the final appearance in this rivalry by legendary Paolo Maldini. Maldini has only played during his career for AC Milan since it began as a teenager. Maldini is 40 years old and has played in over 50 of these rivalry games.

Celtic and Rangers will also square off this weekend in another of the great world club rivalries.

THE DYNAMO BEAT LA 2-0

An early own goal and Brian Mullan header was the difference as the Dynamo beat LA 2-0 in a pre-season match yesterday.
Brian Mullan and Kei Kamara are two players that right now are looking extremely sharp heading into the season.
Last year Mullan had a slow start after post-season surgery.
Kamara is hungry to score goals in pre-season and looks set for a break-out season. He will need to provide goals with Brian Ching expected to be on U.S. duty alot during the upcoming season.

Thoughts?

Most predicted a United States win and most were right.
In front of a sold out crowd in Columbus, Ohio the United States used a stronger collective game to get off on the right foot in the final round of World Cup qualifying against Mexico.

A few thoughts:

Key moment: Tim Howard of the U.S. comes up with a huge save inside the first 3 minutes on Gio dos Santos after a poor clear from Carlos Bocanegra.
Rafa Marquez getting ejected was almost like waving the white flag.

MLS starters: Brian Ching, Sacha Klejstan, Frankie Hejduk

Tactics: U.S. midfield outshines Mexico and makes it hard for Pavel Pardo to get comfortable in this game. They out-work Mexican and the collective effort is far
better than Mexico’s. The U.S. are better organized. Manager Bob Bradley got it right by pressing against Mexico which has to be the norm these days at home.

Personel: Lots of questions coming into this game around Euro-based players that get a start in this game but have not been playing regularly for their clubs.
The U.S. won out in this category with DaMarcus Beasley bringing a solid performance of energy and pace while Mexico loses Nery Castillo to a hamstring injury.

Star man: The talk of nepotism has to die down as Michael Bradley is the game’s star man. Yes he scored the two goals but it is far more than that. He positionally looked
far more mature than we have seen him with the U.S. He sat alot in the middle alternating between letting things come to him and closing people down.
It is a clear indication that his move to Germany has rounded out his game. Going back to the U.S. Mexico game last year at Reliant Stadium Bradley had a tough
night against Mexico being subbed out and consistently giving the ball away. On this night he was excellent and purposeful with the ball. The balance he provided
in midfield was priceless and helped set the tone. Talk of favoritism will die down from fans.

LD: The U.S. star man rarely got much space but being played in behind a striker is the place for Donovan to be. He was a part of both goals.

Embarrassing moments: Mexican assistant coach Paco Ramirez slapping Frankie Hejduk in the tunnel stepped over the line of sportsmanship and reminds us of the continued
mental problem that plagues Mexico’s national soccer team. He also reminded us that Sven Goran Erikkson does not have a grip over his staff which
has consistently been rumored.
Rafa Marquez truly can not lead “El Tri” in games against the U.S. and proved it again in this match getting ejected. He apologizes to his country.
Oswaldo Sanchez get’s beaten on the final goal on a play that should have been saved and kicks the ball in the crowd like a frustrated youth player.

Lack of concentration: Israel Martinez was completely un-attentive at the back post marking Landon Donovan whose header across the goal led to Michael Bradley’s game
winning goal just prior to halftime. This put huge doubt into the minds of Mexico heading into the locker room.
Martinez had come in for Nery Castillo minutes earlier after Castillo pulled a muscle.

Coaches: Bob Bradley clearly wins the war of tactics and preparation. Sure, some of the individual performances for the U.S. could have been better but to get a team
to gel this quickly based on where all the players were coming from and each with different challenges was excellent work.
Sven Goran Erikkson in his defense was without Andres Guardado yet his ability to unite a team is in question. Lack of playing time in Europe has dulled
Mexico’s other top weapons Nery Castillo and Omar Bravo.

What we might have liked to see: The U.S. push more for a second and third goal after the ejection of Marquez. Better play in the final third to create a few more chances
run of the play chances. All this in a perfect world can’t demean the significance of the result.

Spine tingling moment: When the sound of fans singing the U.S. National anthem could be heard!

Players:

Tim Howard: Will “win” games for the U.S., key opening save against Dos Santos. Nice to be a defender and see Howard behind you.

Heath Pearce: Was given time on the ball and was not challenged enough by Mexico. Could not get forward to get crosses in. No glaring mistakes.

Carlos Bocanegra: A bit shaky at times but still a warrior. Poor clear early was almost costly and could have been game changing yet intervened timely.

Oguchi Onyewu: Intimidating prescence whose game seems to be growing . His connection with Bocanegra good enough on this night.

Frankie Hejduk: What can you say about the “warrior mentality’ of the 34 year old. Maybe now a U.S. soccer legend to some…..think about it.

DaMarcus Beasley: Still can’t underestimate his liveliness and energy. A staple of the national team, helped to set tone for midfield.

Sacha Klejstan: Did defensive work, the hope of more creativity and passing involvment never happened.

Michael Bradley: Likes playing with Klejstan and clearly stood out in this game. Star man? You bet and a very mature and polished performance. 2 goals
Was a threat getting forward out of the central midfield role which will be essential in the future. Coming of age. Speared in first goal.

Clint Dempsey: Worked out wide and that was the place to play him based on Fulham these days. Had one great chance denied by Sanchez.

Landon Donovan: Help lead the team calmly. Didn’t get much space but set up both goals. Showed us his wise ability in the air . Must remain in a central role
in my humble opinion in the future.

Brian Ching: Battled bravely, U.S. could not find his feet nor did he get any service from wide to attack. Biggest contributions from his work ethic and occupying defenders.
His pass to Frankie Hejduk was brilliance turning the Mexican defense and leading to the corner that led to the game winning goal.

Subs: Jozy Altidore- needs more games in the future so he can play a part in the World Cup.

Ricardo Clark- Not much time to make an impact.

Review of Mexican players will come later………..

So what are your thoughts on the U.S./ Mexico game?

The weather for tonite’s U.S. /Mexico world cup qualifer in Columbus, Ohio seems nothing but unpredictable at this point.
The game scheduled to kick off at 7pm on Espn 2 is in an area where there is a tornado watch until 9pm.
The temperature is expected to be around 53 degrees with winds upward to 60 miles per hour……….If these conditions do not improve tonite’s qualifier could come down to who is better at adapting to the weather conditions.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard will get my nod over Oswaldo Sanchez in dealing with these conditions.

Silently but under the radar a bit was Argentina getting knocked out of qualification for the under 20 World Cup. Argentina has won 4 out of the last 6 titles at this age level.
Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay advanced out of South America.

I don’t know about you but I am absolutely worn out with the talk of steroids and baseball cheats. Soccer will hopefully learn from the baseball debacle that is as much about poor overall leadership and greedy owners as it is about the players who have lied. I guess we are all supposed to forgive Alex Rodriguez overnight for being a cheater. By this weekend I assume he will be forgiven and we can all move on. Lets get one thing clear, none of these guys would ever have come out publicly unless they were discovered.
Miguel Tejada had the concern about steroid use prior to be signed by the Astros.
I wish more of the guys who have gone about their careers ethically would speak out. The one’s who resisted the urge to use need to be championed a bit more for doing it the right way. Then do fans even care? I don’t know. They will be back at the ball-park come opening day I assume.
Too bad this broke recently because we might have had a bit more mainstream coverage of an event that transcends soccer. The United States and Mexico!

Wednesday night at 6pm central soccer fans throughout the Houston area and around the country will be glued to television sets watching the U.S. and Mexico.
These games are a fine line between winning and losing yet it is the U.S. that is favored based on their 8-0-2 record on U.S. soil. They have not lost to Mexico since 1999 in the United States.
One can point to the collective spirit and determination that the U.S. squad truly has had over Mexico in the last decade. The more you taunt and demean U.S. soccer the more you feed the belly of the beast. Respect comes hard for U.S. soccer and U.S. soccer players yet it only goes to provide more incentive in games like this against Mexico.
Games that are meaningful such as this one that are a part of World Cup qualifying are the ones you truly want to win.

Sven Goran Erikkson could very well be heading in to his final match for “El Tri” if they lose. Then again Mexico might just erect a statue of Erikkson if they produce a win right next to Benito Juarez.

Goalkeeping: UNITED STATES Tim Howard in excellent form at Everton and could be the difference in the match. Oswaldo Sanchez the leader?

Defense: EVEN Bocanegra and Onyewu will be solid in the middle but the question for the U.S. remains at outside back.
Veteran 34 year old Frankie Hejduk should get the start for the injured Steve Cherundolo while the inexperienced Heath Pearce
or Jonathan Bornstein goes on the left.
Euro pedigree here for Mexico with Carlos Salicdo, Rafa Marquez and Ricardo Osorio. Do they mesh well tomorrow and will Marquez
finally be a real leader in a game of importance against the U.S.?

Midfield: EVEN It is youth against experience in the middle. Pavel Pardo leads Mexico and is dangerous off free kicks . Can U.S youth like Michael
Bradley , Ricardo Clark ( will he start?), Francisco Torres and Sacha Klejstan make life difficult for Pardo and Leandro Augusto?
DaMarcus Beasley and I believe Clint Dempsey will handle the flanks which for Mexico should include Nery Castillo who is an x factor.
The U.S. could not contain him in the 2007 Gold Cup yet his club career has been a debacle.

For: Edge: U.S. My choice here would be Donovan behind the incumbent Brian Ching. The two love playing together and LD in a withdrawn role
will be the first target for either Bradley or Clark when they win the ball. Lets hope Donovan is not wasted out wide although if
Bob Bradley is concerned about that area he could sacrifice Donovan in that postition like he did in Guatemala. Mexico is said to start
with Matias Vuoso but Nery Castillo could also be used here in a loose role. The fact that eight forwards were called in for Mexico
means even Erikkson might not be clear on what he wants to do. Does Gio Dos Santos get to make his mark?

So what tactics does Mexico employ? Will they defend a little deeper and invite the U.S. forward? I believe this is the kiss of death if Erikkson employs this type of tactic as it clearly goes against their nature and it is exactly how they lost the last time in Columbus during 2006 World Cup qualifying. The U.S. will push Mexico away from their goal hoping to avoid the loss of central midfield that occurred during the first half of the Gold Cup final in 2007. No secret here that breaking the passing rhythm of Mexico will be a real key. Can Mexico match the U.S. ethic and desire?

Prediction: 2-1 United States

So have your say on who you think will win this match? Support it with a reason why you think either team will win and a prediction if you like

DYNAMO UPDATE

The squad trains today at UH and is headed to the airport to go to LA for three games and more training. My understanding is that their plan touches down at 4pm at LAX and they will miss a good portion of the U.S./ Mexico match.
They will take on the Galaxy on Thursday , a weekend match with San Jose and then Hammarby of Sweden before heading back to Houston.

*Don’t be surprised if Andrew Hainault is signed by the Dynamo. The young Canadien defender has show that he can play central and as an outside back in the games against FC Dallas. The search for an additional striker is still on but one doesn’t think the Dynamo will be pressured to get that forward . Joseph Ngwenya is still being tracked to address the needs up front but the flexibility and strength of this squad will still put them in the elite of MLS at this very moment.

*Guus Hiddink will take over Chelsea until the end of next season. Hiddink will meet the players at the end of this week. He will also continue to coach the Russian national team where he is under contract until after the 2010 World Cup. Supposedly he is only helping out Chelsea till the end of the season.

*Sven Goran-Erikkson has denied he is set to take over Portsmouth and has reiterated his desire to remain as the manager of Mexico. Don’t for one second think that Erikkson has not enquired about the Portsmouth job. The minute Svengali gets a job he is looking for his exit plan.
Despite all this to Mexico fans he can become a “temporary” hero with a win tonite over the U.S.

The battle for midfield supremacy will be vital on Wednesday when the United States and Mexico start off their final round of world cup qualifying. Control this area of the field and it can be a platform for getting a result.
The old cliche “games are won in midfield” still rings true in alot of cases.

As I have mentioned before go back and look at the 2007 2-1 Gold Cup final win by the United States over Mexico.
The two players that changed that game were Dynamo striker Brian Ching and midfielder Ricardo Clark.
Clark came on and helping to re-gain control of the midfield where the U.S. were outplayed in the first half.

One assumes that Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Michael Bradley, son of manager Bob Bradley will get the start.
Bradley will need to improve upon his performance when the U.S. last played Mexico at Reliant Stadium here in Houston to a 2-2 draw. Bradley struggled the the quickness of Mexico in the middle of the field and rarely connected passes.
Yet Bradley is a gamer and one would not be surprised if he turned his performance around on Wednesday night.
Bradley should be partnered with Ricardo Clark on Wednesday night.
Clark has done it against Mexico, can cover immense ground and along with Bradley could make life difficult for the veteran Pavel Pardo.
Yes, this will be youth against experience in the middle . Bradley does not have the option of Pablo Maestroeni who is suspended and knows he can get the work out of these two players yet the pressure will be on youth to make good use of the ball when they gain posession. Precisely why I think Landon Donovan should be on top of the two central midfield players in a withdrawn striker role behind Brian Ching. Donovan will always be the first option for the holding midfielders when the ball is won.
Don’t think that Sacha Klejstan or Jose Torres couldn’t get a start here either.
Now Donovan has been played out wide in the past as a right sided midfielder but that role in this game could come down to Clint Dempsey? Then again Bradley might err on the side of caution and play Donovan in a wide role to secure that side of the field.
The choices are intriguing but based on the game at this moment in time I am hoping to see Ricardo “the general” Clark in the middle for the U.S. on Wednesday night.
Expect this game to get off to a flying start from the opening whistle.
Do you think Ricardo Clark and Michael Bradley should and will get the start in central midfield for the U.S.?
More on the U.S. and Mexico as we get closer to game time tomorrow here at www.glenndavissoccer.com

Check back at 790thesportsanimal.com for the podcast of last nights DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS that featured sound bites from U.S. Manager BOB BRADLEY, and interviews with BRAD GUZAN, JOHN HARKES and DOMINIC KINNEAR.

Dynamo All Access tonite with Glenn Davis on 790 The Sports Animal from 7-9pm.

Guests: Former U.S. international and ESPN broadcaster JOHN HARKES
Dynamo manager DOMINIC KINNEAR
Rumbo Newspaper writer GUSTAVO RANGEL

*We break down the U.S./ Mexico, update the Dynamo and stadium issue and dip in to the going on’s in Europe.
Will it be the UNITED STATES again? Or MEXICO? What do you think of the squads named by both coaches?

Call in number- 713-212-5790 Streaming live at MLSNET.com, 790thesportsanimal.com, houstondynamo.com

CHRISTIAN GOMEZ is officially back as a member of DC UNITED. DC sends Honduran IVAN GUERRERRO, a designated player spot and a 2010 draft back to the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids also will have to pay a portion of his salary which is close to $400,000. So who wins out in this trade ?

CHELSEA have relieved manager FELIPE SCOLARI of his duties . He will be replaced in the short term by former England international RAY WILKINS.
Was it time for FELIPE to go and why?

WARNING BLOG DANGER

There are some tremendous soccer writers and bloggers out there. And then there are some really bizarre bloggers and writers that are with reputable media sources
I stumbled upon one in which the writer is trying to stake a claim for FREDDY ADU to be in this national team camp and set-up.
Now I have no problem with that whatsoever but what is really funny is that the blogger says that many believe that ADU should be on the team instead instead of BRIAN CHING, RICARDO CLARK and CHARLIE DAVIES.
Who?
Three players (CHING, CLARK, DAVIES) that are completely different as players than ADU and hopefully for U.S. manager BOB BRADLEY will do different things to help them get a result.
Now I have no problem if ADU was called up but I can see the reasons why he wasn’t.
His playing time at MONACO has been limited and he still has limited experience in big games with the full U.S. squad.
This is not the game for FREDDY.
But to compare him to BRIAN CHING or RICARDO CLARK is somewhat bizarre and a real streeeeeeeeeeeeeetch!

BOB BRADLEY ON MEXICO from today’s press conference

BRADLEY ON ADU:
“Freddy is a guy in our pool and is a player that will be looked at every time we get together”

BRADLEY ON JOSE TORRES:
“Jose is a player good with the ball. He see’s things quickly. We have always like the simple way he connects with people around him. He is a player that will continue to help us.”

BRADLEY ON OGUCHI ONYEWU:
“He has matured as a leader and continues to polish his game.”

BRADLEY ON CONTROLLING THE MIDDLE THIRD OF THE FIELD
“We hope to make it hard for them (Mexico) in that area of the field. We know Pavel Pardo is an incredibly important player for them. We must put him under pressure and make it difficult for him.”

BRADLEY on NERY CASTILLO:
“He is clever, has speed and an excellent left foot. Nery has had some challenges in his club career.”

BRADLEY ON PACE OF GAME
‘There will be alot of energy at the beginning of the game.”

*BRADLEY ON MEXICO
“We respect the talent they have and the way they play.”

NOTES:
*Landon Donovan and Jose Torres arrive later today.
*The U.S. train today at Obetz, the Crew training facility.
* Bradley concerned about sharpness of those that are not playing as much in Europe.
*Forecast Wednesday is for thundershowers and wind with a high of 62 degrees and a low of 36 degrees.
Seems as though the conditions will be slick nonetheless.

Sponsors who we should support: TURQUOISE GRILL- 59 and KIRBY Excellent Turkish cuisine, kebabs, hummus, soups,
Mama Sadet’s famous stuffed peppers
tghouston.com

MARK WEST PINOT NOIR- the best selling Pinot Noir in Texas, ask for it at your liquor or
grocery store.

MEZZANINE LOUNGE- Sheperd and 59, U.S. /Mexico game watching party Wednesday

It has been great in the past few years to see youth clubs beginning to look at the bigger picture when it comes to growing the sport.
Whether male or female, young players should be encouraged to watch the U.S. take on Mexico this Wednesday at 6pm on espn2. Club youth directors that re-schedule or cancel training make it clear they get it and have made game watching and game awareness a part of their player development programs.
The CY-FAIR DYNAMOS and their director OLIVIER FINIDORI have been real proponents of this over the past few years.
Let me know if your youth clubs are on board by re-scheduling practice this Wednesday.
This is a decision that needs to be made by technical directors who in turn will be showing leadership in growing the game!!!

DYNAMO ALL ACCESS WITH GLENN DAVIS this Monday night from 7-9pm on 790 The Sports Animal features lots of discussion and analysis of the UNITED STATES vs. MEXICO WORLD CUP QUALIFIER.

Also DYNAMO updates on their pre-season match at FC DALLAS from Monday morning and more stadium talk.

GUESTS: JOHN HARKES- Former U.S. National team member, ESPN analyst
DOMINIC KINNEAR- Dynamo manager
GUSTAVO RANGEL- Rumbo Newspaper

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

U.S. NAMES 20 MAN ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Danny Califf, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Marvell Wynne

Midfield: Damarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Sach Kljestan, Robbie Rodgers, Jose Francisco Torres

Forward: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan

So what are your thoughts on this roster?

Don’t forget our sponsors the TURQUOISE GRILL near KIRBY and 59 for the best in TURKISH CUISINE

MARK WEST PINOT NOIR- The best selling PINOT NOIR in TEXAS.

MEZZANINE LOUNGE- hosting U.S./MEXICO game watching party, Sheperd and 59

MEXICO has arrived in Columbus, Ohio in preparation for Wednesday’s match against the United States in the final round of CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING.

VOODOO DOLL 101

A Mexican newspaper called the RECORD found a new sponsor to help put a voodoo hex on the U.S. National team who have not lost on U.S. soil to “EL TRI” in their last 10 matches.
Initially RADIO SHACK was approached but then then pulled out.
Enter DALLAS based BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO who began distributing voodoo dolls with the likeness of a U.S. national team player in exchange for a newspaper coupon in their stores in Mexico. On the back of the jersey on the doll it reads “gringos”.
“Hold a needle firmly between your thumb and index finger and prick slowly the part of the doll where you want to affect the opponent,” the instructions read.

Record spokesman Daniel Paz had this to say: “In soccer training and practice are what determine good results. The best team will win,” he said.
“But with out any doubt, this little doll can help the vibes of the Mexican fans to change the history of Mexico and turn things around.”

So is this good marketing? Good fun? Or a little too much?

The issue of outside back is in question for the UNITED STATES against MEXICO this Wednesday as STEVE CHERUNDOLO who has had a lock on that position is out with a strained right hip.
Cherundolo who will turn 30 on February 19th has not played since an exhibition game for HANNOVER in GERMANY on January 10th and U.S. Manager BOB BRADLEY says he will not be ready.
The obvious choice now to start at right back is long time national team player FRANKIE HEJDUK of the COLUMBUS CREW.
The bigger question is with Hejduk getting on in age who is the right back of the future for the UNITED STATES ? Jonathan Spector? Marvell Wynne?

ERIKSSON STRUGGLES WITH MEXICAN CULTURE

In my opinion this was a poor choice by the MEXICAN FEDERATION as a coach.
ERIKSSON clearly seems out of his element with MEXICO and is just using it as another stop on his coaching carousel. I truly believe MEXICO and it’s players are not on the same page as SVENGALI.
Now the players have to bear responsibility as well and one hear’s repeatedly from Mexican fans that the players do not play for the shirt? Is that true?
If the U.S. were to beat MEXICO this coming WEDNESDAY will ERIKSSON be fired? Should he be fired ?
I do not believe he has the ability to appeal to the national pride of his players but in the end do you really have to be convinced to put out maximum effort while representing millions or your countrymen?

How about this from RAMON RAMIREZ in a recent interview about Eriksson and Mexico on goal.com

“I sometimes think that Mexicans themselves are not sure about what that team identity is or should be. It’s a difficult conflict of many years, and I don’t think the problem is necessarily with Eriksson. The most important thing is taht the players convince themselves of what they need to do. The problem with the national team is structural, it’s not with the coach. I think the players bear the largest responsibility for results. We also need to improve the structure of development-we want a big team, but we don’t have things organized at the lowest levels to really improve that. We’ve neglected that in Mexico. For the immediate situation, though, the players need to come together to make sure qualificiation happens, because it won’t be easy.”

DYNAMO YOUTH TO GUADALAJARA

Under 18 and under 16 Dynamo Academy teams are headed to Guadalajara next weekend to play matches and soak up the Mexican soccer culture.
Dynamo youth director James Clarkson and his squads will play two games while in Mexico and also go to the ATLAS VS. ATLANTE match.

The Blue Chip soccer tournament put on by Texas Soccer Club is ongoing this weekend with college coaches in to check out area youth clubs.

What does your soccer weekend entail?

Warning: Assuming too much from one pre-season match could be dangerous to your health.

Ok, now that I got that out of the way here are a few of my thoughts from the Dynamo/FC Dallas exhibition match at Robertson Stadium this morning.

* Goals were scored by CHRIS WONDOLOSKI, CRAIG WAIBEL and newcomer JULIUS JAMES.
WAIBEL and JAMES come from the air and WONDOLOSKI’s goal comes off a great cross from BRIAN MULLAN.

* Canadien Andrew Hainault played for the Dynamo on trial today and looked solid and came into the match not lacking confidence. He certainly was vocal and even could be heard above the El Battalon. What were your impressions.

*Always interesting to see how players approach a game at this point of the year. Veterans in alot of cases not pushing it. I think CRAIG WAIBEL and DAVE VAN DEN BERG of FC DALLAS made a gentleman’s agreement that went like this:

WAIBEL: Dave, your new to Dallas, work yourself in, take it easy it is a long year.
VAN den BERG: Craig your reading my mind, I’ve got an idea.
WAIBEL: What is that?
VAN den BERG: I won’t take you on once and every ball I get I will dribble back into my midfield and give it to someone else.
WAIBEL: That sounds good, and the only time I got forward will be for set pieces….Sounds like a deal.

You have to love the veterans and it reminds me of my time as a rookie and “advice” that I got from veterans.
BRIAN MULLAN and RICHARD MULROONEY were buzzing around like it was the MLS playoffs and KEI KAMARA showed tremendous hunger up front and I believe this will be a big break-out year for him in MLS. His play will be critical with BRIAN CHING off for national team duty and the Dynamo still looking for another striker.
A gorgeous morning at Robertson and so interesting to see a great turnout of fans on a work day all interested in seeing the Dynamo in pre-season. The game again was a reminder of the great diversity that the Dynamo draw.
Too bad these free outing wasn’t on Saturday and sort of a curtain dropper to introduce the team. It clearly would have drawn a couple thousand.
Rest assured the two teams put out early by each manager will morph and change alot before the opening day.
This is how the DYNAMO started:

ONSTAD

WAIBEL BOSWELL JAMES CHABALA

MULLAN MULROONEY DAVIS BARRETT

WONDOLOSKI KAMARA

*RED CARD MOMENT: A tackle between BRIAN MULLAN and BREK SHEA led to both being red-carded and benches emptying for a few moments. Shea played all of about 5-10 minutes in the final thirty minute period.

*BEST LINE FROM A FAN: “Ref come on I have to get back to work”, unidentified Dynamo fan.

*IMPACT AWARD: EL BATTALON with their drums and chanting making their prescence known along with all the DYNAMO fans that showed up on a work day. Were you in attendance? If so give me your thoughts? Also loved being serenaded by the EL BATTALON “sounds” ringing throughout Robertson Stadium.

*BREK SHEA FC DALLAS: SHEA has got size and speed and FC Dallas has to figure out what they want to do with him soon. He has played on youth national teams in midfield, was tried at center back by FC Dallas last year and was playing right back before his ejection. He’s young and needs to find out positionally where he can cut his teeth. Positional consistency will help this kid at this point after injury last year. Shea is from Bryan College Station.

*A visit with SCHELLAS HYNDMAN and JOHN ELLINGER. Two of the nicest guys in MLS.
I for one want HYNDMAN to be successful as he is a rarity making the jump from the college game to MLS. Ellinger is a gentleman and always willing to extend himself to people. As American coaches I would like to see them turn FC Dallas around. They will be under pressure now being in charge from the word “go” this year.
They told me that two players to keep an eye on that are less known include SEAN BUCKNOR from the UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA and defender STEVE PURDY.
BUCKNOR got behind the DYNAMO defense but was saved easily by PAT ONSTAD.

*WHO is number 33 on the DYNAMO?
That man was former MLS player ERIC QUILL now 30 years old and an assistant at UH. Quill formerly played at TAMPA, KC, DC, NY and was a teammate of DOMINIC KINNEAR at the TAMPA BAY MUTINY. Quill is doing some training with the club and has been playing locally in the HOUSTON FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.

A good day for all and the Dynamo will now head to Dallas on Monday to play a return pre-season match as they build towards February 24th an their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal first leg against ATLANTE.

DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS on 790 The Sports Animal this Monday night will feature lots of talk and interviews around the UNITED STATES/MEXICO match this coming Wednesday.
I will preview this match along with JOHN HARKES former U.S. National team member , GUSTAVO RANGEL of RUMBO and DOMINIC KINNEAR the HOUSTON DYNAMO MANAGER. More guests to come!
I want to hear from both the fans of the UNITED STATES and MEXICO! More on the downtown stadium plus more updates from DYNAMO pre-season training.
The show airs from 7-9pm Monday and streams live at mlsnet.com

SPONSORS :

Please welcome and do business with those that support the sport and have signed on to promote soccer on the radio:

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MARK WEST PINOT NOIR- the number one selling PINOT NOIR in Texas and it is delightful on the taste buds. Silky, smooth finish. Ask for it at your local liquor or
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MEZZANINE LOUNGE- a favorite haunt of the TEXIAN ARMY, the MEZZANINE LOUNGE located at SHEPERD and 59 is a great stop coming into town and carries the MLS
Direct Kick package. They will also host a U.S./Mexico game watching party this Wednesday.

BEST PROFESSIONAL SPORTS VALUE IN TOWN? I THINK SO!!!

HOUSTON DYNAMO: Call and ask the Dynamo about an amazing ticket special. The MLS PACKAGE gets fans a season ticket to 15 MLS games ($10 bucks a ticket is out of
this world).
On another note , fans can jump on the four pack for the DYNAMO /ATLANTE match for only $32. Yes, 4 tickets for only $32 which averages
out to $8 per ticket. These are amazing deals.