The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was obliterated when in the Superliga tournament was created a few years ago.
It’s importance lessened under the developing rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico.
Now what would you rather watch? The Wilmington Hammerheads or Chivas?…….Now their is no disrespect here but the tournament in many ways has secretly become a hinderance to most MLS teams around this time of the year based on the heaviness of one’s schedule.
Conversely it is a great opportunity for lower division clubs to grab an MLS scalp and get a major boost of confidence and stake a claim. In the case of the USL, it is a way for them much like in the Concacaf Champions League to make a claim of being equal or better to MLS and these games become in many cases the highlight of the year. Are they up for the moment? Absolutely.
Last night Chicago, NE and Chivas USA were all ousted by clubs considered inferior on the American soccer landscape and I really wonder if coaches Denis Hamlett, Steve Nicol and Preki are crying over a bowl of cereal this morning about the loss. The ultimate prize remains the MLS Cup.
Now the flip side of the coin is the fact that without a reserve league these games provide opportunity to players on the back end of rosters yet I can’t believe that the Dynamo are extremely happy to be going to Austin to play on artificial surface against the Aztex.
That is unless of course you are one of the group of players that has not been getting regular time and need to make an impression to a coach. Coming to mind here are Houston players like Ade Akinbiyi, Dominic Oduro, Mike Chabala and others.
You can watch the Dynamo tonite at the United Soccer League website or listen on the radio at 790thesportsanimal.com
The Dynamo are expected to rest players as best they can ahead of the Kansas City Wizards 4th of July match which can be seen on KHOU 11.2 and FOX SPORTS HOUSTON.
Where does it all fit when rosters are stretched to the max and players are representing their countries in international play?
For individuals it may work but overall for MLS where does this tournament really fit in on the scale of importance? Do you care about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup?

KAKA UNVEILED

Thirty thousand people came out to welcome Brazilian KAKA in Madrid as he was officially unveiled to the Real Madrid fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be next and lets hope this is a good move for him….The boy has been acting a bit goofy these days.
Ok, back to Kaka. He was voted the top player at the Confederations Cup with his teammate Luis Fabiano second and the U.S.’s Clint Dempsey third.
Tim Howard was voted the top goalkeeper!

Get over to HOUSTONDYNAMO.com and get your tickets in for the Chicago and LA game. Cuahutemoc Blanco and David Beckham will appear here in Houston and no fan will want to miss these nights of star quality. Get the Chicago tickets and get in to the stadium early as they will be giving out Stuart Holden bobbleheads…..

FIESTA TICKETMASTER is the place to get your Concacaf Gold Cup tickets (Mexico vs. Panama) and World Football Challenge tickets that includes Chelsea vs. Club America.
Get them now and save some dinero!