Dynamo 2008 Season Thread

[Keith]

Can't believe we don't have a Dynamo thread yet...

Nice 4-0 thrashing of Atlante last night in SuperLiga. Now they just need to find a way Tuesday night to get past Cd Guadalajara without DeRo.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jacqua back with the squad later this month. Seeing Mullan start up top with Ching sidelined last night is all I need to know about how bad this team needs a new forward. I had hoped for more from Caraccio, but maybe he's still young and learning MLS.

I heard Klinsmann asked for Ngwenya to workout with Bayern. Was sorta hoping he'd be back with the Dynamo, too. Without him, I think we need to keep seeing more of DeRo at forward.

[papabear]

I had really high hopes for Carracio as well. I still think there is a chance he could work out. I wasn't the biggest Jacqua fan in the world last year. His first touch often seemed bad, and I felt he made to many unnecessary turnovers....I've missed him a great deal this year though, and was glad to hear there is a chance he could be on his way back.

I actually really liked having D-ro up top with Ching, and I think Holden did a good job of filling that attacking mid-field role.


The dynamo, especially the offense, has been frustrating this year. They really turned it on later in the year, and hopefully they will do the same this year.

[Keith]

ugh, that was tough to lose. The Dynamo pretty much outplayed Chivas most of the match, then lose on a counter. I hate to dog any one player, but Ianni... ugh. He has been beaten bad too often this year. So slow.

Disappointing loss especially since a lot of other guys played pretty well without three of the team's better offensive players (Ching, DeRo, and Holden). Heck, I even thought Caraccio had one of his best efforts of the season tonight.

I was shocked when I saw that Atlante beat D.C. tonight as well. Hopefully the Dynamo take advantage of that to move on in the tournament.

Side note... DeRo and Onstad were added to the All-Star game. Nice for a couple Canadians playing the game in Toronto. Deserved, of course, too. I guess maybe I'll watch now :p and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Hammers look like a second division squad.

[papabear]

uugghh.....rough one to lose. I thought Caracio played his best game by far that I've seen. I had high hopes for him, and maybe he will settle in now. I thought Mullin wasted some opportunities by being indecisive. Ianni was just terrible. Not just on the goal, but all night. Waibel did a good job pushing up the flank several times.

Way too many missed opportunities at the end of the day. I still think the ball was across the line on one of the Chivas keeper's saves, but I never really saw the replay....so I'll just be a homer and say we got screwed.

I was amazed at how many good chances we created without DeRo, Ching, and Holden. It seems like we are finally starting to be on the same page offensively.

As much as I enjoy soccer....it annoys the crap out of me to see guys carried off on stretchers only to re-enter the game a few minutes later.

[Keith]

I thought Caracio played his best game by far that I've seen. I had high hopes for him, and maybe he will settle in now. I thought Mullin wasted some opportunities by being indecisive.
I think some of his indecisiveness though came from Caraccio being out of position. Caraccio seems to be pretty good with the ball at his feet, but he is not mentally all the way there yet about running where to go without the ball. While he had a nice header on goal, I kinda wonder if Jacqua might have been the difference had he been able to play instead.

Waibel looked about as good as I have seen him play this year. And Geoff Cameron's play is worth mentioning, too. I love his hustle and overall play from a number of different positions, plus I love he seems to have no remorse in putting the shot on goal from long distance, too.

I have to say that I am pleased with how SuperLiga seems to be improved this year. I wondered how seriously the Mexican teams took this (preseason) tournament last year, but Chivas seemed into it last night.

[papabear]

I think some of his indecisiveness though came from Caraccio being out of position. Caraccio seems to be pretty good with the ball at his feet, but he is not mentally all the way there yet about running where to go without the ball. While he had a nice header on goal, I kinda wonder if Jacqua might have been the difference had he been able to play instead.

You could be right about Caracio being out of position....Him and Mullin might just not be in sync as much as one of them being out of position. There were just a couple of times where he had the ball in an attacking position and he just froze and the ball taken away with seemingly little effort. He played well overall though, I'm just nit-picking a little.

AS far as Jacqua vs. Caraccio. Carraccio is much better with the ball and it seems he has a little more speed and can be a little more dangerous on his runs. Jacqua's first touch was awful on occasion last year. He provides a bigger target in front of goal, and he's shown that he mixes in well with our style of play. I think Carracio has the POTENTIAL to be a more well rounded striker who can score/create in a wider variety of ways. Even though they play the same position I see them as different type players.

Waibel looked about as good as I have seen him play this year. And Geoff Cameron's play is worth mentioning, too. I love his hustle and overall play from a number of different positions, plus I love he seems to have no remorse in putting the shot on goal from long distance, too.

I thought Waibel was fantastic last night. Cameroon is one I forgot to mention. Versatile and very solid.

[papabear]

Holden and Ianni got named to the Olympic squad. It should be a good experience for both of them.

[Keith]

Well, so much for Caraccio with the Dynamo.


Dynamo forward Franco Caraccio has played his last game with the team, coach Dominic Kinnear said this morning following team practice at the Carl Lewis Complex.

If the Dynamo can't trade Caraccio by today, the team will waive 21-year-old Argentine rookie less than seven months after signing him.

http://blogs.chron.com/soccer/archives/2008/07/dynamo_give_car.html

[papabear]

That's strange to me. I know they need to clear a spot for Jaqua, and even though Crotch has been a disappointment I would think they would like to hold onto to him and let him develop...especially since we know that Jaqua is just a rental and Ching is 30. I thought he just played his best game of the season....

I guess my player evaluations skills are just as bad for soccer as they are for the NFL:p

[papabear]

Keith (since it seems we are the only ones who care)- Has Onstad made you nervous lately? He's always been solid and had a lot to do with our success. It just seems lately he's been coming out on balls a lot and not getting them. That's a cardinal sin for a keeper. The goal DC scored in the Superliga match was a pretty good example. I don't know if he doesn't have as much faith in the defense as he has in the past....or if I'm just latching onto to a few small mistakes and making it something bigger than it is.


Either way, he IS better than Caig.

[Keith]

Keith (since it seems we are the only ones who care)-
Hmmm... you know, soccer is a wonderful way to make it through the NFL offseason, esp. if baseball doesn't carry your interest long enough. Haven't heard from chuck around here in awhile. I think he followed the Dynamo a bit.

Has Onstad made you nervous lately?
Not really. Yeah, he makes the random mistake sometimes, but it happens. I agree with you that he did look like he had a lack of confidence early in the year, what with Boswell catching on and Ianni sucking. I think he missed Cochrane in the first couple months, but Boswell has really turned it up. Just need to keep Eddie on the pitch now.

Generally speaking, I tend to think the GK in MLS is overrated - it's all about the backline. Caig really sucks though, and it made me long for Wells to be back, but Wells even has been a bit shaky in what I've seen of him this year.

I dunno, just makes me think Pat is still doing a great job all things considered. You just have to wonder how much he has left. I don't really see much of a dropoff from last year in him though, but he can't last forever, can he??

I wish the Pachuca game wasn't starting so late (9pm). I'd love to see it in person, but that's a bit late on a Tuesday for me.

[papabear]

I wish the Pachuca game wasn't starting so late (9pm). I'd love to see it in person, but that's a bit late on a Tuesday for me.

I've been going back and forth on whether I want to try and go....can't make up my mind.

[Keith]

sonofabitch! The Dynamo game tonight at D.C. has been postponed AGAIN.

http://www.forever-orange.com/2008/07/22/postponed-again/

Power outages are to blame. Wtf is up with RFK?? First SuperLiga, now this.

[papabear]

that sucks. I hope they still show it on TV.....by the way I'm becoming a fan of the Superliga matches in Spanish.....I don't know that I've ever made it through a whole broadcast without getting mad at the announcers for being stupid unless it was in another language. I'm sure the Mexican announcers are stupid too....I just can't understand enough of it to get upset.

[KJ3]

no offense meant but how do you guys watch soccer? i've tried, i really have, it's just so agonizingly dull for me. that and hockey. i assume the game atmosphere is different than the t.v. viewing....still, i can't imagine a soccer match would peak my interest very much higher than it does anyway regardless of venue.

what is it? what draws you guys in?

[papabear]

no offense meant but how do you guys watch soccer? i've tried, i really have, it's just so agonizingly dull for me. that and hockey. i assume the game atmosphere is different than the t.v. viewing....still, i can't imagine a soccer match would peak my interest very much higher than it does anyway regardless of venue.

what is it? what draws you guys in?

I'm not really a hockey fan, but they aren't bad in person. As far as soccer I think it helps if you have played the game. Things that look simple on TV take on a lot more meaning if you have some idea how difficult a play it was...even if it didn't amount to anything. Either way, it's something i think you have to learn to appreciate. The chess match is much easier to see in a football game. In soccer everything is always in motion, and once you learn to appreciate all the little things going on and the strategies at play it really is an amazing game. Scoring chances are so rare that when your team does score, or even creates an opportunity to score, it is that much more exciting. If you really think about it, there are plenty of games in the NFL that end 21-14 or 14-10. That's really not much more scoring than 2-1 soccer game.

Of course I also love to watch a "boring" pitching duel in baseball, or low scoring defensive football games.

One thing I really like is that it's 45+ minutes, plus some injury time, a 15 minute break....and then another 45+ minutes and your done. No commercial breaks. No timeouts to ice the kicker, or to draw up a new play. Just play.

I played Soccer most of my life, but I honestly didn't watch much soccer until the Dynamo came to town. It had to do more with just not having a rooting interest in a team than not liking it. I would watch the World Cup when it rolled around or any US national team match, but I never bothered trying to find a place to watch the EPL or anything like that.


Now that the Dynamo are here I keep up with MLS more, but still rarely watch a MLS game unless the Dynamo are playing...or it's late in the season and the outcome affects the dynamo standing.

I still can't get into any of the foreign leagues. I will watch international matches/tournaments though. The Euro Cup was great this year. I also work for a German company so I'm going to have to listen to them talk about it all anyway. It is kind of fun to root against the Germans so I can give them a hard time when they lose too.

It really comes down to what you get used too. Most of the Europeans(there are a few big fans though) I work with have a hard time understanding how I watch "american football". There argument always come down to "it's a few seconds of play, and then everyone just stands around for thirty seconds". I tell them the same thing, if you learn a little about the game and understand what's going on then you would understand the excitement that can build up while you are watching them stand around.

there's stuff that annoys me about soccer....all the diving, complaining to the ref, acting like you have been shot and then popping up a minute late. Sometimes teams are just content to get a tie to advance in a tournament and they just fall back into shell and do everything possible to slow down the game with no interest in actually attacking. I still enjoy it though....if it's not a good match, I just turn it off just like I do for any other sport.

[KJ3]

i have played soccer competitively and i couldn't tell you the first thing about soccer strategy unless the first thing is "score a goal". maybe i'm just missing it but it doesn't seem to be very apparent. i mean 90% of the game is trying to kick the ball around the other guy, oh he got it, now he's trying to kick the ball around the other guy, another intercepted pass....it's more fun to play than to watch, that's for sure.

amount of scoring per game never made a sport any more or less interesting than i already found it. honestly, i'm built like you-i love defense in any sport football, basketball...baseball defense isn't quite what i picture when i say defense but highlight reels are sweet. being at a football game, hollering for the defense to shut it down pumps me up. seriously, i'm typing harder just thinking about it....

the one thing you mentioned that i totally find awesome is the unstopped play. not really possible for baseball or football, though teams are guilty of milking breaks and pauses in-game.

it's harder to access than our other sports, i find it boring, i have no idea where to begin following how a particular team like the dynamo navigates through different leagues, or how their players can have several allegiances and i know next to nothing about soccer specifically or in general. however, if i come across a game i'll watch it for about 10 minutes until i have to do something else.

[Keith]

I pretty much echo papabear's post on his sentiments which make soccer not only watchable, but enjoyable.

I will say too - - not to slam the Dynamo since they're the shizz of the MLS and all - - but watching North (and Central) American pro soccer is like watching a minor league sport on the global level. It can be thoroughly entertaining (I actually love to go to minor league hockey games when I can), but you're not watching the game at its highest level.

[papabear]

It can be thoroughly entertaining (I actually love to go to minor league hockey games when I can), but you're not watching the game at its highest level.


I completely agree. MLS is like NFL Europe or AA baseball...I just can't get into any of the european leagues. As more MLS players (specifically ex Dynamo players) move up to the big leagues I'll probably pay a little more attention. It wouldn't surprise me to see Holden getting serious interest....especially if he does well in the Olympics.

[KJ3]

I pretty much echo papabear's post on his sentiments which make soccer not only watchable, but enjoyable.

I will say too - - not to slam the Dynamo since they're the shizz of the MLS and all - - but watching North (and Central) American pro soccer is like watching a minor league sport on the global level. It can be thoroughly entertaining (I actually love to go to minor league hockey games when I can), but you're not watching the game at its highest level.

funny you say that because i don't really watch the AA/AAA baseball games that come on OR college football. occasionally i might, especially if the football game is matched up to be a good game but not all that often.

[papabear]

Looks like Kinnear is getting that new forward he wants...sounds like Ngwenya 2.0.


http://blogs.chron.com/soccer/archives/2008/07/dynamo_aim_for_1.html

[Keith]

There's some untapped potential here. Far from a complete player, but the Dynamo need finishers. I like his size, too, if he learns to use it.

Here's his goal against the Dynamo earlier this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpmAYvC2MXU

And another goal he had for the Quakes earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdRya0ZGheQ

I think the Dynamo gave up a first round pick for him, which I know is nothing like a first rounder in the NFL... but there's talent available in the first round. I give Dom the benefit of the doubt here though.

[Keith]

Craig Waibel is so ready to take Kris Brown's job. :p Dude made a field goal from 63 yards out, no problem.

Article: http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080727&content_id=175933&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200

Video: http://houston.mlsnet.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=mms%3A//a1503.v115042.c11504.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/11504/v0001/mlbmls.download.akamai.com/11504/2008/shows/t200/072808_hou_waibels_field_goals.wmv&w_id=23533&catCode=shows&type=v_free&_mp=1

From Brown's hold, Waibel nailed field goals of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 yards for the first half of his intended 10 kicks.

"You have the best job in the world!" Waibel told Brown, before admitting that on-rushing NFL defenders might make a slight difference.

Moving back to 45 yards, Waibel had plenty of distance but hooked two attempts wide left before hitting successfully. He then hit a 50-yarder, setting up a 55-yarder for his 10th kick. On what was described as "the money ball," Waibel pulled his first 55-yarder just wide, but all present granted a re-kick, and he connected on his second attempt from 55 yards.

With the kicks for tickets completed, Brown told Waibel he had to try to match Brown's career best - a 57-yard kick from the right hashmark. Waibel dutifully obliged by making the kick on his first try.

The duo then moved back to the NFL record of 63 yards, held by Jason Elam and Tom Dempsey. Waibel's first attempt fell slightly short and to the left of the goalposts, but he sent his second attempt just over the crossbar, prompting Texans employees and media members alike to hold their arms aloft and signal the kick "good."

Waibel finished with a 10-of-14 rate on the day, including four of six kicks made from 50 yards or longer.

[papabear]

much different when you have guys there trying to block it, but 63 yards is impressive nonetheless.

Superliga Semi-Final tonight.....you going Keith?

[Keith]

No, it's Telefutura for me, and my continuing adult education in trying to remember all that espanol I took in high school and college. Robertson is quite a drive for me, and I have to be up early tomorrow morning for work.

I am, however, about to call up my ticket rep with the team to round up some tickets for Saturday's match against the Crew. My Saturday evening plans just got an opening, and I need to make sure the Dynamo can make it with DeRo out for card accumulation. :cool:

[Keith]

much different when you have guys there trying to block it, but 63 yards is impressive nonetheless.
Yes, much different. And I can't quite kick it like I used to, but 63 yards is pretty far away. I was one of like a hundred semi-finalists for a Meritage Homes contest a couple years ago (remember when there would be a fan attempting a field goal at halftime of a Texans game?), and I practiced in case I was picked to kick. I could make it from 35 yards no problem, but 40+ (with accuracy) was a challenge.

[papabear]

Yes, much different. And I can't quite kick it like I used to, but 63 yards is pretty far away. I was one of like a hundred semi-finalists for a Meritage Homes contest a couple years ago (remember when there would be a fan attempting a field goal at halftime of a Texans game?), and I practiced in case I was picked to kick. I could make it from 35 yards no problem, but 40+ (with accuracy) was a challenge.


many moons ago I was playing around and I could hit from 40-45 yards maybe a little better than 50% of the time...honestly probably a little less than that. Any farther than that was highly unlikely.

[papabear]

great win last night. I've never had a soccer team to focus my hate on like I do in other sports....Cowboys, Jazz, Bud Adams, etc. I think Pachuca just made that list.

They got hosed on the offsides call, but anyone who has ever played even a little soccer knows that call is missed either way quite a bit. I would have been pissed too....but all the cheap shots after the ball had been cleared out of bounds in the closing minutes were uncalled for.

[Keith]

Dynamo are just kicking it into a higher gear that I don't think any other MLS team has. They are so deep.

Rico has been absolutely wonderful for them the last two months. The Dynamo really seemed to start clicking once he began taking over games.

The addition of Nate Jacqua has been amazing. It's like he really learned how to become a more complete player between his stints here in Houston. He put a wonderful ball into the box for Kamara tonight.

Speaking of Kamera, two goals tonight. He's a little bit of a one- or two-trick pony at times, but he's got some speed and power though. He is a matchup nightmare, especially combined with the size of Ching and Jacqua.

And to think ERob isn't all the way back... once he and Mulrooney are back to full speed, this team could put together another terrific run deep into the playoffs.

[papabear]

I really think Kinear is a genius. I don't know how much he has to do with trades/aquisitions but it always seem they find the perfect fit....jaqua twice, kamara( keith is dead on with his speed pairing with the size of Jaqua and ching), and plenty others. His subsitutions/formation changes against Pachuca were brilliant. I'm in Germany so I've missed the last couple of matches, but once again he seems to have them ready for a run at the MLS cup.

I like what Bradley does, at least initially, with the national team. It seemed he was more willing to experiment with new players compared to the mouth breather that preceded him. I think kinear would be a fantastic with the national team....but I don't want to lose him from my home club.

[Keith]

And the Dynamo just keep on rolling. Watching them wipe the Wiz 3-1 on the DVR last night helped make yesterday a little better for me. Minus DeRo, Ching, Rico, and Pat (i.e. almost half their starters, the better half), the Dyanmo still treated their opponents like they were a reserve squad.

They have a pretty substantial lead in the conference now, but I worry since the West sucks so much that they might have to play the NYRB on that turf in the first leg of the playoffs. As good as the Dynamo are, astroturf is their undoing every time.

[Keith]

Very entertaining game tonight in Mexico City, the Dynamo earning the unusual 4-4 draw in CONCACAF champions league play. If I'm not mistaken, it is the first result a MLS team has had on Mexican soil.

Intriguiging matchup, what with the size and set piece ability of the Dynamo versus the speed and creative play of UNAM Pumas. I think the Dynamo's SuperLiga play, albeit mostly at Robertson Stadium, really helped them tonight. They played some smart soccer in the last 20 minutes or so and even created a chance or two to steal three points.

I think competitions like these sometimes expose just how slow (and in most cases, old) the backline is. I don't know who took Eddie Robinson, but I want the old one back immediately. Just lots of flat-footed defending back there, and Jacqua, who yes I know is a forward, was nothing special defending set pieces either. I was a little surprised not to see more from Rico given how he tore up SuperLiga.

That said, guys like Kamara, Cameron, and Holden did great. Our reserves are simply amazing, and they rarely disappoint on nights like these when given then chance at more minutes. There is talk of DeRo and Jacqua leaving in the offseason (to Toronto and Seattle, respectively), and while that would suck, Kinnear has assembled more than enough depth - young depth - to keep on keeping on. I love it.

[papabear]

Yep, fantastic game. If you would have told me we would come out of Mexico city with a point I would have taken it in a heartbeat. Watching the game it is one I feel we should have won. Our backline has major problems against faster opponets....they are slow, but some of it last night was just lack of focus. It's also amazing to me how good Jaqua can be on corners on one end, but so bad on the other. That's not his job, but there are plenty of times when we need him to defend set pieces.

I thought this was much better ref'd match than most of the Super Liga games. I thought their could have been at least a few cards handed to the Pumas for diving, but you can say that in just about every game.

I thought the tackle on Holden was pretty blatant and should have drawn a card as well. There is a pattern of hard late fouls with a high potential for injury from the Mexican clubs any time they lose or are down to a US side. That and the fact that Pumas got their first goal with Holden on the ground had me more than a little irritated. It wasn't like they played for several minutes and didn't play it out of bounds, and they were in a attacking position so I understand....but throw that in with the fact that Holden was down to a dirty tackle got me a little excited. There was no reason for our defense to be that flat footed, and Holden being on the ground really shouldn't have affected our D on that particular play. I really hope Holden's injury is not to serious.

Any time you can get any points on the road in a competition like this is a plus though. I'm really starting to like this team more with some of the younger guys on the field. I really enjoy watching guys like Cameron, Ashe, and Holden. As much as I would hate to lose D-Ro I think we are capable of filling that hole...I woulds till rather keep him though.

Kamara was fantastic last night....even if you take away his two goals. He did a beautiful job of holding possession until the attack could get organized. Another genius personnel move for the Dynamo.

I think Kinnear's next move will be to work his magic and find some youth for the backline. Hopefully Ianni develops, but it would be nice to have one more young guy back there. As much depth as I think we have at forward and especially mid-field I don't have that same comfrot level with the backline.

The schedule is brutal, but I'm pretty optimistic about our chances to gain some respect internationally in this tournament.

[papabear]

Tonights a great chance to get 3 more points towards advancing in Champions League. I hope the weather clears out by then. If it wasn't for the weather and the late start I would probably go....I still might.

I've really gotten into this tournament....even though it's made our schedule brutal.

[papabear]

I hate caig

[Keith]

Hou 2:1 SF

De-fureaking-Ro. 'nuf said.

This was a painfully frustrating second half to watch until DeRo did what DeRo usually does.

Caig is total rubbish. I think Ashe would have to be my MOTM, but DeRo singlehandedly saved Caig's arse here tonight. I would have loved to have gone (seemed like I could have had my pick of any seat), but these 9pm midweek international start times are just brutal for those of us with kids and jobs living an hour away.

The new CCL is the way this thing ought to be. I love watching Liverpool in the UEFA CL. SuperLiga is nice and all, but the CCL needs to be the premier midseason tournament for MLS and really all club teams in CONCACAF.

On a side note, Beckham picked up a yellow and will miss the match here (again) on 10/18. I don't have a ticket to the game only to see him (I'm there to see another win, of course), but I was kinda looking forward to it regardless. F'ing Capello picking up his old ass for England this weekend... otherwise he'd suffer his suspension this Saturday instead of next.

Speaking of... wtf MLS?? Quit scheduling games on World Cup Qualifer / FIFA weekends. Seems other leagues can figure this out. The whole MLS schedule just frustrates me. I wish they kept a calendar more like the Euros do. I'm guessing they think it's too cold to play in Boston/NY/Chicago in the winter? I dunno... sucks to have such counter-programming to the rest of the soccer world.

Lastly, have you seen the new jersey? Ugh, absolutely horrible. The lone blue sleeve is about the dumbest kit design I have seen. I was holding off on buying a long-sleeved jersey for when the new ones came out, but that's off now. No way I'm paying for that thing.

[papabear]

I was so pissed from the Baltimore game that I made myself a whiskey drink and turned off the TV...nd completely forgot about the dynamo game until after it was over. Sounds like we outplayed them, but just couldn't convert while they made the most of their limited opportunities. I was shocked when I saw the final. There was no way I expected them to lose this game.

Oh well, maybe they get extra fired up for the Champions league now.

[Keith]

waaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!! :(

As if losing to the Ravens weren't bad enough, the Dynamo fell in a collossal upset at home to the Red Bulls, 3-0. I actually gave my Texans tickets to a friend so I could go to the Dynamo (I watched Texans on DVR afterward). STUPID MLS with their STUPID scheduling.

MLS season is over. The Dynamo still have one more game left in the CCL, 11/26 against Firpo.

If I understand this correctly, we need for Columbus to beat Chicago to ensure the Dynamo get a shot at the CCL qualifying next year.

As for the next year, I think there probably needs to be a bit of a youth movement with the squad. There are too many old legs on the back line (Wade Barrett, Richard Mulrooney, Craig Waibel) to play so many minutes. And Eddie Robinson needs to return to 2007 form ASAP. Bobby Boswell has aspirations to play overseas I think, so it will be interesting to see if he's picked up in the next transfer window... I have my doubts though.

Brian Mullan can still be a useful player for another couple years, but he had way too much PT this year at his current position. Maybe try him as a RB and free up more minutes for Geoff Cameron. Corey Ashe and Brad Davis should probably split time more evenly.

With the expected departure of Nate Jacqua to Seattle, rather than go gung-ho for another forward (unless Ngwenya somehow wants to return), instead push DeRo to play more up top and let Stuart Holden play the attacking mid more often, assuming Holden doesn't go overseas. Sign someone else to develop behind Kei Kamara (Chris Wondolowski will likely never be the answer), and give Brian Ching more rest to focus on being better for the USMNT.

Speaking of DeRosario... if Holden doesn't go anywhere, I'd consider offers to move him. Not saying I would move him to the best offer, but if there is a team willing to pay for a DP-type player in DeRo, I'd consider it.

Lastly, and goes without saying, but this team needs a better goalie to develop behind Pat Onstad than Tony Caig. The NYRB showed that there's probably some young depth on other MLS rosters, we just need to find it. Pat found the fountain of youth this year, but I don't want to bank on him being this good again in 2009, at least not for as many games he had to play in 2008.

There's the plan. Time for Firpo and the expansion draft.

[papabear]

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I hate Tony Caig.

I'm with you about letting De-Ro play forward more and letting Holden play the attacking mid-role. Ashe and Cameron earned bigger roles next year as well.

The back line is physical, but they are getting slow. Your rioght on about getting some younger legs back there.

I have zero doubt that the dynamo will make a couple of great roster moves, and the Kinnear will get the most out of them.

Am i missing something....if we beat Firpo we advance to the quaterfinals to begin in February. What does Columbus and Chicago have to do with it?

[Keith]

I'm talking about qualification for the 2009-2010 CCL, not the current one. This would make more sense if MLS played a season schedule with a calendar similar to the rest of the world (too cold in northern cities to do this though I suppose).

The MLS representation will include the Supporter's Shield winner this season (Columbus), the two MLS Cup finalists (not the Dynamo :(), and I think the US Open winner (can't remember who, but it isn't the Dynamo). Well, if Columbus reaches the MLS final, they can't represent themselves twice, so my understanding is the team with the second most regular season points (which would be the Dynamo) would get to go.

[papabear]

The Dynamo have declined the option on Caig's contract....and there was much rejoicing:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Their up against the cap...can Luck pull another rabbit out of the hat? I hope they get the stadium deal worked out soon. I've really gotten into this team and I would hate to lose them.

[Keith]

Perish the thought of leaving... *shudders*. I'm going to be nervous about this stadium thing until the ground is broken. I can't wait to see it happen.

I'm going to be interested to see if any Dynamo players are talked about more seriously when the January transfer window opens. It'd suck if someone like Rico or Stuie left, but I'd be proud of them if they had the opportunity. I think Stuie's game would translate in England or Scotland, and it'd be interesting to see Rico smooth out the edges to his game in Europe as well. And really, it might do the USMNT a ton good, too.

Boswell leaving would be just as bad for the Dynamo since my hopes for Ianni have slipped this year, but I'm not sure whether he's as desirable a commodity overseas. He also needs a new contract here if he's gonna stay, too. Hmmmm....

[papabear]

Perish the thought of leaving... *shudders*. I'm going to be nervous about this stadium thing until the ground is broken. I can't wait to see it happen.

I'm going to be interested to see if any Dynamo players are talked about more seriously when the January transfer window opens. It'd suck if someone like Rico or Stuie left, but I'd be proud of them if they had the opportunity. I think Stuie's game would translate in England or Scotland, and it'd be interesting to see Rico smooth out the edges to his game in Europe as well. And really, it might do the USMNT a ton good, too.

Boswell leaving would be just as bad for the Dynamo since my hopes for Ianni have slipped this year, but I'm not sure whether he's as desirable a commodity overseas. He also needs a new contract here if he's gonna stay, too. Hmmmm....

I've become a big stuie fan...I would love to see him overseas for national team reasons...but I would hate to see him leave. I don't think Ianni would draw much interest from overseas...yet. He's still got a chance to turn into something, but I think he needs more time on the filed to prove that he's worthy of a trip overseas. His 6 figures salary also counts against the books next year since he is no longer a generation Adidas player (don't really know how that all works though).

Clark could use some time overseas for the USMNT, but I have become less enamored with him this season...but I don't really have a good reason why? I expect both Clark and Holden will both play significant roles for this team once the World Cup rolls around again....assuming we qualify, but I feel pretty confident of that.

[papabear]

DeRosario has been traded....my initial reaction ws that I'm crushed. They got a young fast defender who still has enough size to fit in with our physical defense. They also got rid of DeRo's $300,000+ slary for a guy making $45,000. It's a net loss on the field, but this will give them the flexibility to find that other forward and a new back up keeper...I'm still enthralled that Caig is gone. They addressed what was their biggest weakness, speed and youth in the back line. So I'll manage to get over it....eventually.

Holden should get a chance to establish himself as one of the top players in this league...and I think he can.

DeRo will be sorely missed. He left my jaw on the floor more times than I can count, and was always fun to watch. I understand he wanted to play at home...but I'm really going to miss him.

[Keith]

It's sad to actually have to say goodbye to DeRo, but I mentioned him getting traded in a couple earlier posts, so I can't say as though I'm too surprised. DeRo supposedly really wanted to play at home, and at 31, he's earned the right in MLS terms.

As sad as it is to lose his clutchiness, strategically, this makes some sense. Holden is more than ready to take over the position. I'm not too familiar with James, but our backline was DESPERATE for speed. Not sure if he's strictly a CB or if he can play either RB or LB... apparently re-signing Boswell is still in the plans, so it will be interesting to see if Ianni is still here in March.

And of course, the Dynamo now have more than a half million to spend on a contract for Boswell and a new forward to replace Jacqua. Kamara and Ching are solid, but they need a third forward, and Wondo probably isn't that guy.

Lots of speculation about bringing in a DP, but I'm not seeing it. I think they'll look south for some young prospects like Caraccio again, but not a 'household' (casa-hold?) name.

Kamara - Ching

Davis/Ashe - Rico - Stuie - Mullan/Cameron

Barrett/Chabala - Boswell/Ianni - Eddie/James - Mulrooney/Waibel

Onstad

Hmmm... I guess Toronto wouldn't give up Marvelle Wynne. Man, would he have ever looked terrific on our backline.

[Keith]

Here's some news:


Harris County Commissioners El Franco Lee and Sylvia Garcia have tentatively agreed to contribute $10 million in public money to the Dynamo stadium project, provided the team and the city agree to certain conditions, city and county officials said Tuesday.

The proposal the commissioners sent the city late Monday states the money would have to be used to build the public amenities and infrastructure serving the stadium, rather than the physical structure itself, Garcia said. That might include the water and sewer lines for the stadium, or the parking lots and tree-lined plazas surrounding it.

Other conditions include guaranteeing that Texas Southern University will be allowed to play home games at the stadium and agreeing that 15 percent of the seats will never be sold for more than than the average price of a movie ticket.


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6180023.html

Some (negotiable?) concessions here, but I'm going to guess that AEG will find this agreeable. If so, approval from the Commissioner's Court would be set for as soon as 1/13.

[papabear]

Here's some news:



http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6180023.html

Some (negotiable?) concessions here, but I'm going to guess that AEG will find this agreeable. If so, approval from the Commissioner's Court would be set for as soon as 1/13.

I don't see anything that should be a deal breaker in what the county is proposing. The infrastructure requirement should not be a big deal...it's just accounting. Texas Southern being allowed to play there was already a given I thought....though I would prefer that this be a soccer only field. The 15% of tickets be the same price as the average movie ticket might cause a little debate...but I'm sure they can negotiate some some wiggle room in there.

Glad to here it some movement in any direction. I can't see this not getting done now.