Glory Glory Revolution: (Take 2) 2007 edition

[SirFozzie]

Ok, since folks liked my style on the original game (that I had to stop because of the Belgian crash), here's my current game:

Just a quick recap of my first two seasons

2005: We win the Supporter's Shield with 57 Points (17 Wins, 9 Losses, 6 ties), and make it to the Eastern Conference Final, but an injury crisis at goalie dooms us, and we fall to Chicago 3-1. This is despite losing two of our top players during the year, as Clint Dempsey goes to Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv for 2.9 Million Dollars, and Taylor Twellman leaves for German Bundesliga side Dortmund for 4.6 Million Dollars. We do manage to acquire some good players back, US star Brian McBride, joins us for 500K, and Rosenborg's Robbie Russell for 2 million. We also acquire Josh Wolff from Kansas City for a draft pick. Our winger/striker Khano Smith wins league MVP.

2006: We win the Eastern Conference regular season again with 57 Points (15 Wins, 5 Losses, 12 Draws) but we just cannot get over the hump, as after coming back to beat the Metrostars 5-2 on aggregate after being down 2-1 entering the 2nd leg, DC United ends our season, beating us 2-0 in the Eastern Conference final. Wolff wins league MVP with 17 goals, but losing at the last hurdle before the MLS Cup is not something I like repeating, and this year we're going to do it.. (i hope)

[SirFozzie]

The 2007 New England Revolution roster as of January 2007 (post Superdraft, pre Supplemental Draft)

Starters in BOLD , Reserves in Italics


Goalkeepers

Jon Busch, 30 Years Old, Acquired on a Free Transfer in 2006 from Columbus (Contract Expired), Last Year: 29 Games, 30 Goals Allowed, 3 Man of Match Awards, 7.31 Rating), Valued at 300K, Weekly wage $1200/wk

He missed all of 2005 with the Crew due to damaged cruciate ligaments in his left leg, and didn't fit into their plans for 2006. That's fine, he fits real well in ours! Jon was the East All-Star starting goalie last year, and ended up being named to the MLS All-Pro team. Only had 10 clean sheets, but didn't usually end up giving up more then 1 (as indicated by the 1.03 GAA).

Matt Reis, 31, Acquired in 2003 from Los Angeles, Last Year: 7 Games, 9 Goals Allowed, 7.14 rating, Valued at 190K, Weekly Wage $1700/wk

Well, he was pushed out by Busch, but he didn't have a bad 2005, (Only 24 goals allowed in 28 games), but he was injured a couple times late in the year, and when we needed him most, he was unavailable. Gets paid a lot of money to be the backup, but really could start for several teams out there.. if I could, I'd offer him around see if we could get a first round pick for him.

T.J. Tomasso, Acquired in 2003 (Draft), Last Year: Did Not Play, Valued at 14K, $250/week

TJ's strictly a reserve team goalie and injury cover, has played twice in two years (both games during the Revs injury crisis in 2005). He's cheap, and he's not totally horrible. But he knows the clock is ticking on his career.

[SirFozzie]

Defenders

Daniel Hernandez (30, Acquired in 2005 (Free Transfer, formerly of Mexico's Necaxa), Last Year: 34 Games, 5 Goals, 1 Assist, 7.06 Rating), Valued at $40K, $1800/Wk Salary

Position: Sweeper, Defense (Central)

Daniel's going to miss at least the first regular season game, he was sent off for a professional foul in the 2006 Eastern Conference Championship game. He's a decent player, and scored his goals mainly off corner kicks. His stamina and Pace are a concern, but he's a strong defensive back. Has dual American and Mexican citizenship

Pirata Castro (30, Acquired in 2006 (Free Transfer, formerly of Chivas USA), Last Year: 8 Games, 0 Goals, 2 Asissts, 6.75 Rating), Valued at $80K, $1100 weekly salary

Positions: Defense (Central), Defensive Midfield

It's kind of interesting, I brought him in late in the season on a free transfer, and I kind of wondered why Chivas USA had let him go (in 2005 29 Games, 6.93 rating).. he's really distinctly average, but he has good stamina and probably will start for me. Counts as an international (mexican)

Alex Zotinca (29, Acquired in 2005 Trade with Kansas City), Last Year: 26 Games, 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 6.85 Rating), Valued at $45K, $775/wk

Positions: Defense (Right/Left), Wing Back (Right/Left), Midfield (Right)

A versatile player.. not going to set the world on fire, but he gets the job done, and can be moved as needed to cover injury/international call up holes. Strong and has good endurance, however, his marking is average (10). Will start on the left side of defence.

Ohbum (22, acquired from Korean K-League team Pohang for $7k, in 2006), Last Year: 7 Games, 7.29 Rating), Valued at $180K, Base Wage: $1700/wk

Positions: Defense (Right), Wing Back (Right)

I won't give his full name, because Ohbum is his nickname, you'd just start giggling like Beavis and Butthead if I gave you his full name. Very good man-marking defender, and good at creating counter attacks, which is a VERY needed skill in our 4-1-2-3, Good Off The Ball and Work Rate stats too. Has 2 caps for the South Korean National side. Will start on the right side of defense.

Enrique Alfaro (32, Acquired from Mexican Side in 2005 for $12K, Last Year, 12 Games, 1 Goal, 1 assist, 6.58 Rating)

Position: Defense (Right), Wing Back (Right), Attacking Midfield (Right)

Enrique has 19 caps and two goals for the Mexican national side, but sadly, he's starting to wind down his career with us. Is pretty versatile, when we were running a 4-1-2-1-2, could play any of the right side positions, but now has to contend with Ohbum. But he'll definitely be in the travel squad for most of our games.

Eric Denton (28, Acquired in 2005 Trade with Colorado, Last Year: 30 Games, 0 Goals, 6 Assists, 1 Man of the Match Award, 7.10 Rating), Valued at $55K, $600/wk.

Position: Defense (Left), Wing Back (Left), Midfield (Left)

Denton's getting squeezed in the new formation, he's going to get significant playing time at the left side of defense, and if we spread the midfield out again, will play there too. A journeyman, won't win many games, but he won't be the reason you look back and say "That's the reason why we lost" either. Better physically then he is mentally, we're hoping he will still grow a bit skills-wise.

Marcelo Damieno (24, Acquired in 2006 on a Free Transfer (formerly of Greek side Ethnikos), Last Year: 2 Appearances, 6.00 Rating, Valued at $70K, Wage: $600/wk

Positions: Wing Back (Left), Defensive Midfield, Midfield (Left)

Well, Marcelo was brought in on a free to see what he could do.. and he's hit a wall, this may be as good as the Uruguayan gets, and that just may not be good enough, as he takes up an international slot. Horrible at marking, that might be his biggest flaw.

Luke Vercollone (24, Acquired in 2003 MLS Draft, Last Season: 22 Appearances, 0 Goals, 2 Assists, 6.95 Rating), Valued at $75K, wages of $350/week

Positions: Defense (Central), Defensive Midfield

Luke's versatility gave him some appearances last year, when Shalrie Joseph went down with injury. Very good defender, considering he had played 5 times in three years, he adjusted to the strain of playing a majority of games fairly easily. may not get as many games, but he will be in the mix this year..

Abdullah Al-Waked (31, Acquired from Saudi Arbian side Al-Ittihad for 9K in 2005, Last Year: 19 Games, 1 Goal, 4 Asissts, 7.00 Rating), Valued at: $50K, Wage: $1800

Positions: Defense (Right), Defensive Midfield, Attacking Midfield (Center)

Well, he's a good player, slightly above average.. except for one thing. His stamina sucks. Most games last year, he was winded (60% condition) between half time and the 60th minute. Really good at free kicks. Currently a 4 at Natural Stamina.. Has 45 Caps for Saudi Arabia, and 4 goals. May be on his way out if I can get something for him, with 28 roster spots, and a maximum of 5 Senior Internationals, it may just be time to cut the losses, we have enough injury holes without having a guy who never will play the full 90.

Sergio Flores (21, Signed on a Free Transfer in 2007, (Formerly of Real Salt Lake), Last Year: 1 appearance, 6.00 rating for RSL), Valued at 26K, $325/wk wage.

Position: Defense (Central)
Has four caps for USA U21's. Really on a make good contract here, his stats don't show me much, but we can at least have him train with us and then cut him if need be.

Robbie Russell (27, acquired from Norwegian side Rosenborg for 2 Million in 2005, Last Year: 19 Appearances, 0 Goals, 2 Assists, 2 Man of the Match awards, 6.84 Rating), Valued at $200K, wages $2700/wk)

Positions: Defense (Right), Wing Back (Right), Midfield (Right)

To say buying Russell was my worst act as manager of the Revs would be generous. Not that he's BAD mind you.. it was a matter of needing an American defender and he was the only one worth pursuing that wouldn't cost us Draft Picks (we had money from selling Twellman/Dempsey) and I overpaid for him. But he's had some good performances. But to be paying nearly 8% of my allotted budget for someone who's a useful sub.. I don't think he'll last the year unless we can get him to reduce his salary.

Tony Medina (21, Acquired in 2006 MLS Superdraft, Last Year, 1 Appearance, 7.00 Rating), Valued at $6k, $300/wk

Positions: Sweeper, Defender (Central)

Well, he's already avaerage at marking, and he is young. Very good at jumping, belying his 5'11" frame, our assistant manager Paul Mariner doesn't know if he has the potential to make it as a MLS defender.

Tim Johnson (23, Acquired on a Free Transfer in 2006, Formerly of San Jose), Last Year: 5 Games, 6.20 rating), Valued at $6K, Weekly Wage $250/wk

Positions: Defense (Right)

Primarily a practice body, acquired when defensive depth was a real need, and has two years to show something, but I think sadly, his career has reached its peak. May be one of those cut to reach MLS Roster limits.

Jim Henning (22, Acquired in MLS 2006 Superdraft, Last Year: 13 Appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists, 6.92 Rating, Valued at $24,000, wages: $250/wk

Positions: Defense (Central), Defensive Midfield

He's the focus of a bit of a disagreement amongst the coaches. Last year, he had to fill in while we were waiting for some of our transfers to go through, and he did relatively well, as you can see above. But there's a couple coaches who don't think he's good enough to stay at the club, and depending on who our roster numbers go, he may be on the chopping block.

Good at Marking, and just above the average when it comes to tackling, but he's quick and reaches top speed quickly (17 in Pace/Acceleration). I will try to keep him if at all possible.

[SirFozzie]

Before I continue with the 2007 Revs preview, I just got offered the Colorado Rapids job, and while they have a decent team, I just was not gonna leave my Revs for another MLS job unless pushed.

I get this nice reply.

Colorado chairman Beckerman disappointed

Colorado chairman Dan Beckerman has expressed his disappointment that you do not wish to join Colorado.

Beckerman stated that he hoped that you would use your management skills to bring success to the club but respects your wishes and hopes he will have a chance to make you the club's manager in the future

...

...

Damn.

Ok.. if it does come open again, I just might take it ;)

[SirFozzie]

Midfield

Sasha Victorine (28, Acquired in a Trade from Kansas City in 2005, Last Year: 27 Appearances, 2 Goals, 1 Assist, 7.19 Rating), Valued at $210K, Wage: $2200/wk

Positions: Defense (Right/Left), Wing Back (Right/Left), Defensive Midfield, Midfield (Right/Center)

Wow. Versatile huh? No matter where we had a hole in the back last year, he filled in, and he also plays pretty good midfielder (he's listed in his description as a Tireless midfielder). He's more of a defensive type though, then an attacking type.. but very good teamwork and workrate, and he will be starting somewhere, probably as one of the two midfielders in our starting 4-1-2-3. Has 3 caps and 1 goal for the USA.

Steve Ralston, (32, Acquired in the 2002 MLS Dispersal draft from the defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny, Last Year: 21 games, 1 goal, 4 assists, 6.90 Rating), Valued at $300K, Wage: $3000 week.

Position: Defense (Right), Wing Back (Right), Attacking Midfield (Right/Central), Striker

Last year was a really crummy year for Stevie, as within four months, he was injured four seperate times (Twisted knee, Bruised thighs (twice), and strained wrist. Never got into the flow of our team.. hopefully this year is different. Another year like that will see us attempt to move him to free up some Salary Cap room. When he's on though, can be very good. Has 34 caps and 5 goals for the USA.

Shalrie Joseph (28, Acquired in the 2003 MLS Draft, Last Year:33 Games, 1 Goal, 5 Assists, 7.27 Rating), Valued at: $325,000, Wages: $2300/wk

Position: Defensive Midfield

Shalrie is the rock in our defense. He doesn't miss time with his national team commitments (he plays for minnows Grenada), and he is very consistent. Very strong in the mental part of the game, good enough physically to use his skills to the fullest. Definitely a first team choice at defensive midfield.


You've met most of our reserves for midfield in the defenders post, but here's a couple reserves:

Chris Tanner (21, Drafted in 2006, Last Year: 1 Appearance, 6.00 rating), Valued at $7K, wages $250/wk (Right/Central Midfielder)

Needs to improve to make the team this year, has decent physical stats, but needs to improve on the technical side.

Brian White (21, Drafted in 2007, Valued at $12K, Wage $300/wk, Central Midfield

Good Pace and stamina, he's got a couple months to make the team, and he might just do it.

Mark Glazer (21, Drafted in 2007, Valued at $6k, Wage $170/wk, Attacking Midfielder (Right)

He's told me that he really considers this a paid vacation.. not that he doesn't work hard in practice.. just he knows and I know that him making the team is a longshot, and he's at least having fun.

Greg Brown (20, Drafted in 2007, Valued at $40K, Wage $300/wk, Attacking Midfield (right/center), Forward

Our first round superdraft pick, Brown is a sinch to make the team, and while he's starting on the reserves, could get some first team time if there's any injuries up front (and there usually are, with running a 3 man front line!)

[SirFozzie]

Attack

In the bastardized 4-1-2-3 we run, we really need to score goals, and we do pretty well.. here's our usual starting three.

Khano Smith (26, signed on a free transfer (from Bermudan side Dandy Town) in 2005, Last Year, 28 Appearances, 9 goals, 9 assists, 3 Man Of Match Awards, Average Rating: 7.46, Valued at 2.3 MILLION, wages $850/week

Positions: Attacking Midfield (Left), Striker

Khano Smith is a riddle wrapped in an enigma. Two years ago, he was coaching middle schoolers in Bermuda. That year he was the MLS MVP, and last year, he nearly did it again. He has average stats, but he's flexible, and somehow.. he works his way into scoring. He's scored key goals for us the last two years (9 each in the last two years), but he's fast, and he works within the system. That can't be beat, can it? He's even scored for the Bermudan national side.

Brian McBride (34, Acquired in 2005 from EPL side Fulham for 500,000, Last Year: 28 Appearances, 13 goals, 1 assist, 5 Man of the Match Awards, 7.39 rating, Valued at $30k, earns $4,300/week

Position: Striker

The old man of the team, gracefully scoring goals even at 34, McBride still is a tireless striker. He has one, maybe two seasons left in him, but they'll likely be really good ones. He has 96 caps and 31 goals for the USA. Has evolved into more of a target man in the box striker.

Josh Wolff (29, Acquired in a trade from Kansas City in 2005, Last Year: 29 Appearances, 20 Goals, 9 Assists, 7 Man of Match awards, 7.76 Rating, Valued at 2.1 Million, Wage $5500/wk

Position: Striker

Last year's MVP, Wolff and I got off to a rocky start, just months after he came in on a trade from KC, fearing for his job when I brought in Brian McBride. I told him, that he was the #1 choice as long as he proved it on the pitch..and he's proven it ever since. He's made several long runs that end up with the goal keeper on the ground as he dribbles it home. Simply a great player. Has 43 Caps and 10 Goals for the USA, and is currently playing for them in the North American Gold Cup.

Pat Noonan (26, Drafted in the 2003 Draft, Last Year: 23 games, 7 goals, 5 Assists, 2 Man of Match awards, 7.26 Rating), valued at $425K, wages 1600/wk

Position: Attacking Midfield (Right), Striker

Noonan is also off at the USA squad for the gold cup, and he doesn't even start for us, how cool is that? He's our outside midfielder if we need one, and he also is our backup striker. He probably will get a lot of playing time, with McBride's age, and injuries playing a role. Our best dribbling striker, he's above average in just about everything. Noonan has 18 caps and a single goal.

Jamie Holmes (23, Drafted in the 2005 MLS Superdraft, Last year: 3 games, 6.33 Rating, Valued at $45K, wages $250/wk)

Position: Striker

Hasn't had much of a chance to crack the first team squad, and when he has had a chance, hasn't really done much.. but a very serviceable reserve

[SirFozzie]

In the Gold Cup: The USA have an easy group stage, comfortably beating Guatemala 5-1, and then Bermuda 3-0 to advance to the quarter finals, and it's not even close as they smack around the British Virgin Islands 4-0 to advance to the semifinals, where they will play Canada.. and in the other semi final.. Brazil will play Mexico..

Yes.. that's USA vs Canada.. and Brazil vs Mexico.

(pause)

Yeah, I can see where they're bitchin.. ;)

Wolff has a goal for the USA in the tourney (against Guatemala)

[SirFozzie]

USA does their duty and dusts Canada 3-0 to advance to the Gold Cup Final against Brazil, who dismissed Mexico 2-0.

[Izulde]

Nice layout of the team, player by player. If I wasn't lazy, I'd do something like that. ;) Oh well, maybe if/when we get promoted to Conference National.

[SirFozzie]

Despite having the best of play throughout the game, the USA can't break through, and an 18th minute counter by Milan's Robinho (who moved to the Italian side from Real Madrid for $32 million this year), is the difference, and Brazil takes the Gold Cup, 1-0. But the Yanks don't have anything bad.. it was a great game.

[SirFozzie]

Nice layout of the team, player by player. If I wasn't lazy, I'd do something like that. ;) Oh well, maybe if/when we get promoted to Conference National.


It's much easier to do it once a year, if I had to do it with an EPL team, I'd be typing forever :)

[SirFozzie]

We're 2-0-1 in the preseason so far, as we had a 0-0 draw with Atlanta and a 2-1 win over Charleston while the Gold Cup is going on, and then we have a full team available for the game in Puerto Rico, and it shows, as we run over the USL team 5-0, Wolff scoring a hat trick, and Joseph and McBride adding goals.

We'll be hosting a preseason tournament for the first time, the Revolution Cup will see Chicago, DC, New England and the Metrostars in a four team knock out tourney. Chicago plays DC, we play the Mutts.

After that, more friendlies as we attempt to work ourselves into regular season form.

[SirFozzie]

We finish third in the Revolution Cup, as we lose to the Mutts 1-0 (Abbe Ibrahim scored the winner), but we did salvage some pride by beating Chicago 2-0 on a goal by Ralston and a Fire own-goal.

DC won the first Revolution Cup, and takes the tophy back to DC.. we'll be comin for it next year.. grrr.

[SirFozzie]

Colorado decides since they can't have me, they'll take my assistant instead, as Paul Mariner becomes the manager of the Rapids. I praise him, and wish him luck. That does put a hole in my coaching staff, and I end up promoting former Welsh international Gary Speed to the assistant Manager role... heady stuff, considering Speed just retired from playing in the middle of last year, and joined us shortly thereafter.

[SirFozzie]

The Turk Strikes, as we have to submit our 28 man MLS roster, with the following stipulations:

No more then 4 Foreigners over 25 (Senior Internationals)
No more then 7 Foreigners total
Maximimum of 18 players 25+

With that in mind, and with the fact that we acquired Julinho from Brazillian 2nd division side Paulista, here's our cuts.

Abdullah Al-Waked: Stamina was an issue, and will always be one for him
Adam Lewis: Hopefully will get some seasoning with a USL or USL2 team, maybe I'll take a look at him a couple years down the road.
Scott Vaughn: had an awful preseason.
Marcelo Damiano: Just the odd man out with regards to senior international spots

[SirFozzie]

Eight players are in the last season of their contract, and there's some rather big names in there

Daniel Hernandez- Gets offered a 2 year deal at the same pay level (1800/wk)
Pirata Castro- Wait and see on him
Alex Zotinca- Wait and See
Enrique Alfaro- Probably I will let him go at the end of the year
Shalrie Jospeh- Wants the same pay level for two more years, I'm glad to offer it.
Brian McBride- Has seemingly entered the death spiral of his career (his value just dropped to 6k), does not get an offer to start, let's see how he takes it.
Josh Wolff- Wow. The reigning MVP offers to take a PAY CUT of nearly 20%, from $5500/wk to $4300 week, as long as we keep him around for three more years. Let me think about it.. YES!

[SirFozzie]

All three players who get offered new contracts accept them. That's good news, as we have a full roster, but only have $34,240 a week in salary, with the salary cap being $38,460. If we want to bring an international player in later in the season, we have plenty of room to do so,

Real Madrid is just having an AWFUL year, with less then 10 games remaining in the year, they are incredibly 11th in La Liga, 24 points behind the league leaders, and it doesn't even look like they'll be in Europe next year. Manager Vanderley Luxembergo pays the price with his job.. and the top candidate to replace him is Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez? Wow. That might not go over well.

[SirFozzie]

The MLS odds folks have spoken from up high:

DC are 5-2 Favorites to repeat..
Chicago 6-1
Metrostars 10-1
Chivas USA 12-1
New England 16-1

They think I have an outside chance of mounting a title challenge. Unfortunately, we have a long term reputation now of losing the Conference Championship. But it's go time, we won't have Brian McBride for the beginning of the year, he hurt his wrist in training.

This is the year!

[SirFozzie]

Sanchez does become the new supremo at Real. Good luck.. you'll need it.

Our first game is against last year's Supporter Shield winners, Chivas USA. The first half is just wave after wave of attacks from Chivas, and Jon Busch basically stands on his head and somehow keeps them from scoring. We get a Noonan goal on the counter attack, and go into the break up 1-0, despite being out shot 7 (5 on net) to 3 (2 on net).

We play better in the 2nd half, Busch stones a one on one earlier in the 2nd half. Despite Ralston having a penalty saved at the hour mark, Noonan adds a 2nd late to seal the deal, and the Revs make a good start to the 2007 MLS season with a 2-0 win.

Busch and Noonan are both worthy candidates for Man Of the Match, but the game gives it to Noonan, and I can't really complain about it.

[SirFozzie]

We travel to LA to take on the Galaxy, and we're up 1-0 (thanks to Noonan again) late in the first half.. when a harmless corner kick starts a chain of events.

The corner kick drifts, and a crowd of players go up for it..

it's headed toward the net and inadvertantly deflecting off a Galaxy defender's arm.. it gets cleared, but we're already appealing for the handball on the Galaxy defender... and it's GIVEN!

While the Galaxy players are protesting with the referee, Khano Smith gets LEVELLED by a right cross by the Galaxy's Dimitriy Rubnenko, and that sparks off a mini melee as it's handbags at two paces all over the place.

When the smoke clears, Rubnenko is shown the red card, and finally we get back to the game, Daniel Hernandez converts the penalty and it's 2-0 Revs at the half.

Khano Smith adds a third, just to rub it in. Julinho, who's stepped into the left side of the Defense gets a 10 rating and Man of the Match, as we win 3-0.

[SirFozzie]

Wolff will miss between two weeks and a month with a twisted knee.. that leaves us a bit thin up front, looks like McBride will need to come back in. Rubnenko is suspsended for 2 additional games.

[Sublime 2]

Lets go Revs!! (Here and IRL)

[SirFozzie]

Our next game is home against Salt Lake (wow, really starting with the Western teams this year), and it's the Khano Smith show. He scores twice, and Jon Busch shuts down RSL's attack (through 3 games, he has a rating of 8.67 (!!!!)), and the Revs have won their third straight, 2-0.

Up next is the early season game I've been pointing to ever since last year's Eastern Conference Championship loss, DC United, AT DC. We could really turn heads if we pulled off a fourth straight win on the trot.

Khano Smith and Pat Noonan (who's picked up some European interest in the last little bit since he's been playing regularly) score first half goals, and when Polish international Krzyiof Lagiewka (I had a hard enough time typing it, don't ask me how to pronounce it!) gets sent off five minutes into the 2nd half for his 2nd yellow.. it's breathe easy time. DC does add a consolation goal deep in stoppage time, but all it does it make the final margin 2-1.

[SirFozzie]

Things kinda go pear shaped after that.. compared to the run we had been having:

We look like we're going to lose our first game of the year, when Santino Quaranta scores for FC Dallas in the 84th minute (he joined FC Dallas after refusing a DC United offer), in our game at Pizza Hut Park, but emergency substitute Jamie Holmes comes on, and in the 94th minute, knocks home the equalizer in a frantic scramble around the net.. and it counts! 1-1 is the final.

We're home against Columbus, and again, 1-1 is the final, in a rather bore game. Khano Smith scored the Revs goal in the 15th minute, and Columbus equalized through Edson Buddle in first half injury time.. and Columbus just bunkered after that. We couldn't break the bunker, and therefore take the point.

Up next is our first game against our old guy Paul Mariner, who gets a big hand from the Gilette crowd as the Rapids take on the Revs. Just a minute later, they are grumbling and not happy, as Brazillian forward Marlon scores a goal to put the Rapids up 1-0. We have a couple close chances, but as we get into the final twenty minutes, it looks like we won't be able to do i, but Khano Smith spares our blushes with a 72nd minute goal, and we have our third straight 1-1 tie.

[SirFozzie]

So, we've only taken 3 of our last 9 points, and despite being undefeated, we're in for a huge game home against the Mutts, a win here would restore the team's equillibrium.

The first half is sloppy, scrappy, and to most home fans at Gilette, sucky. They hit the post THREE times in the first half and ping the crossbar to boot. The team is looking at me turning an interesting shade of scarlet, and imagining with a wince, the yelling and screaming that is to follow at halftime..

And Pat Noonan goes on a 30 yard solo run, and smashes the ball past the despairing goalie, moments before the end of the first half.

There's a general feeling of having dodged a bullet as I go over some stuff with the assistants in the lockerroom., but when I step out of the office to give the half time team talk, they're still looking at me like schoolboys who just brought home a report card filled with C's and D's, and hoping the one A will mean that they won't be grounded..

"Right. Play the 2nd half the way you ended the first, and we'll win this thing." I say and turn and walk out.

They grin at each other, but it's a relieved grin.

Josh Wolff is back for us, and he scores his first goal of the year with 15 minutes to play, and despite a couple desperate minutes after Auntie Ratsass.. (ahem.. sorry.. Ante Razov) scores to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 85th minute.. but at the full time whistle, we win 2-1.

[SirFozzie]

We're on the road against San Jose, trying to run our undefeated streak to 9, and Pat Noonan scores the first goal, and Sasha Victorine pings one in off the post off a corner kick header, combined with a San Jose own goal, is enough for the Revs to win comfortably 3-1.

Uh oh.. the vultures are circling.

I just checked Noonan's screen:

Schalke 04 (German Bundesliga), Toulouse (French Ligue 1), Rennes (About to be relegated from French Ligue 1), Heerenveen (in 3rd place with a chance to win the Dutch Eredivisie if the 2 teams ahead of them falter on the last day), Auxerre (Again, French Ligue 1) all are interested in his services.

Stop that you vultures!

[SirFozzie]

The Standings:

Holders - D.C. United






| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | New England | | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 6 | +11 | 21 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Columbus | | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 6 | +6 | 18 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | MetroStars | | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 16 | 11 | +5 | 15 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | D.C. United | | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 11 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Chicago | | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 11 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Kansas City | | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 9 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|







| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | FC Dallas | | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 11 | +3 | 15 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Los Angeles | | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 13 | +2 | 15 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | San Jose | | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 14 | +2 | 14 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | Salt Lake | | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 8 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Colorado | | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 14 | -6 | 6 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Chivas USA | | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 20 | -14 | 4 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

[SirFozzie]

The Top Leagues in Europe, and how they fared in 2006-07:

England:

Champions: Manchester United (85 Points, 2 more then Liverpool)
Relegated: Portsmouth, Newcastle, West Ham

Scotland:

Champions: Hearts (70 Points, 3 more then Rangers) *** First time a team other then the Old Firm has won in 21 seasons!
Relegated: Falkirk

Italy:

Champions: Juventus (84 Points, 5 more then 2nd place Inter Milan)
Relegated: Empoli, Siena, Ascoli

France:

Champions: Lyon (who have now won 5 of the last 6) (72 points, wins by Goal Differential over Marseille)
Relegated: Troyes, Rennes, Nancy

Portugal:

Champions: Sporting (61 Points, 2 points over Benfica)
Relegated: Estrela de Amadora, Estoril, Penafiel

Spain:
Champions: Deportivo la Coruna (78 Points, 8 points over Real Betis)
Relegated: Murcia, Malaga and Cadiz (and honorable mention: Real Madrid, who finished THIRTEENTH!!!!)


If you want to know how a player/club is doing in 2007, let me know :)

[SirFozzie]

Ajax wins the Dutch Eredivisie.

We are up and down, losing 1-0 to Chicago and then 2-0 to Kansas City (our first two losses of the season)

Then Josh Wolff rises up and goes BOOOOOM, scoring all of our goals in a 4-0 rout of DC United.

of course, we then lose 1-0 to Columbus. sheesh.

And then June 1st rolls around, and the vultures are starting to swoop.

Rangers ask about the availablity of Shalrie Joseph. I don't really want to sell him, but he lets me know that if possible, he would like to talk to them.. so I tell them that if they pony up $1.9 million, they can have him (valued at 400K, so I think he'll be safe)

Auxerre and Heerenveen make offers on Pat Noonan, offering 1.4 million up front, 10% of next sale, and 500 K after 30 goals. I negotiate, telling them they can have the 800K rated player is they make it 1.5 million, 550K after 10 goals, and 10% of next sale.

Arsneal can Arsene Wenger after a foourth place finish, and rumors have it that Paul Jewell, who guided Wigan to 2nd place in the championship and promotion this year, will take over the Gunners.

[SirFozzie]

We make a 90K bid on Beveren's american defender Jimmy Conrad, and he accepts. He wants 4,900/wk, that's a bit more then our salary cap allows, so I attempt to lower him to 4,000/wk

Robbie Russell complains about his lack of first team opportunities. I tell him if he works hard in training, he'll get a shot in games. Right now, Ohbum is doing a fine job.

Damnit, I underestimated Glasgow Rangers level of wanting Shalrie, they offer 1.9 million, and if I reject it now, I'd look like a hypocrite. Oh well, I accept it, hopefully Shalrie will want to stay.

[SirFozzie]

Double Damnit, Heerenveen beats us to the punch and offers $2 million for Noonan. *sighs*. I accept...

and then hear that McBride is out up to two months with strained knee ligaments.

another vulture drifts in..

[SirFozzie]

Auxerre and Toulouse quickly follow with what I'm asking for Noonan.. I can't reject them, because I've already accepted one bid, and rejecting bids now would be petty.

So.. time to see who I can bring in with all this money I soon will have... :/

[SirFozzie]

Joseph accepts the offer from Rnagers, and now it's time to see if he'll get a work permit..

[SirFozzie]

Conrad not only rejects the offer, his new demands are 6750/wk.

I hope that he'll accept 4900/wk

[SirFozzie]

A new bid comes in for Noonan, from Spanish side Villareal, they offer 2 million over 24 months, a million after 50 league games and a million after 30 goals. They also throw in a player. I'm pretty sure the young player won't want to join us, so I change it: 2.4 Million now, and 1.2 million extra after 50 games/30 goals.

[SirFozzie]

Conrad rejects our offer and announces he'll be joining Duisburg (5th in the Bundesliga last year)

Noonan costs us a possible 2 million dollar extra in his transfer by deciding to go to Toulose instead of Villareal. C'est La Guerre..

Rangers get a work permit for Shalrie, and he's off.

So we have 4-5 million dollars to spen, but the players will have to be young if they are not from the USA (we are at our limit of 4 senior internationals).

In MLS play, we've reacted surprisingly well, with a 1-1 draw with Chivas preceding two victories, 4-1 over the Metrostars (HAH!), Wolff with a pair, Smith and the departing Noonan scoring as well, and a 2-0 win over the Fire (wolff and Greg Brown (his first senior goal).

So I'm doing the player hunting thing, when another bid comes in, for Sasha Victorine, who's one of the folks who's taken over at midfield from FC Den Bosch. I negotiate it, but goddamn, I'm beginning to understand why coaches go crazy in this biz.

[SirFozzie]

We manage to start spending the money, and will get some late season help, as we agree a $600K deal with Argentinian 2nd division side Ferro to bring in Santiago Biglieri, an attacking midfielder, that's been capped for Argentina's U21 side.

Here's a snap shot of him (Click for full screen)

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/3192/santiago8ab.th.jpg (http://img387.imageshack.us/my.php?image=santiago8ab.jpg)

[SirFozzie]

We play next AT Kansas City, and it looks bad for us, as they score their 2nd goal in injury time of the first half, and are seemingly about to go into the break up 2-0. However, Khano Smith socres JUST before the halftime whistle, to cut the lead to 2-1. Just after the halftime break, sub Robbie Russell (who's now in our rotation at midfield due to the loss of Joseph), scores to tie it up, and Jaime Holmes scores the winner with 25 minutes to play, and it's an improbabe 3-2 win for the Revs

July 1st comes around, and Noonan officially departs for Toulouse, and we bring home one of the more.. polarizing players to US Fans, as Conor Casey signs on a free transfer, after having been frozen out of the Mainz main squad (despite scoring 10 goals in 8 games for their reserves in 2005-06!!!!), he'll immediately replace Noonan in the starting lineup..

[SirFozzie]

Final update of the morning, as I'm about to head home:

Two USL teams come up with.. innovative offers for Enrique Alfaro, one offering 2K up front, and 500K after 40 league goals, the other offering 40K, 200K over 24 months and 200K after 50 league goals.

Er.. No.

I tell them if they give me the money up front (400K over 24 months and 500K instantly), they can have him. They accept. Don't try to put shit over on me, buckos...

We resign Alex Zotinca for two years, at $725/week (slight pay dip from his $775/week current contract)

We have a couple more deals working out, that I'll report if they happen, but in the big news:

Freddy Adu is out of DC, and over to the Continent.

The now 18 year old Freddy is off to Italian side Viacenza in a deal that nets DC United (who currently possess the last playoff spot in the East in 4th place), $6.25 Million dollars.Adu has 5 U21 caps, but hasn't made the jump yet to the big team.

DC Fans treat this calm and collectively..

Actually, they throw a shit fit, screaming that they should have gotten more for their freddy (who is now valued at $9.5 million so they may have a point!)

[SirFozzie]

Time for the next edition of: Who Wants to buy a New England Revolution Player? (WWtbaNERP)

(I type that half joking, but I know that there will be at least one more player bid on.. god guys I'm doing good here, can you leave my players alone???

We miss a chance to put some big time difference between us and the rest of the East as we lose to the Columbus Crew 2-1, Khano SMith scoring our only goal.

Oop! There goes another offer

WWtbaNERP: French Ligue 1 side Bastia attempt to buy Sasha Victorine for 200K, 50K up front, the rest over 24 months. Let's make that 900K, I bet you don't want him that much, do you? You do.

Fuck.

Ok... talk to him. He just mentioned in the press how he loves it here..

What do you mean he accepted your offer..

*sighs*

well... Mr Kraft loves the fact that the Revs are making almost as much money as the Pats at this point.. but the fans are ready to strangle me I bet.

[SirFozzie]

We manage to stand firm on the pitch at least, trashing the Mutts 5-1 (thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!) Khano Smith scored, Wolff scored 2, and Conor Casey scored his first two goals as a Rev. Total domination. We'll take it!

The MLS standings as of July 27th, 2007


| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | New England | | 20 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 37 | 17 | +20 | 38 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Columbus | | 20 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 25 | 18 | +7 | 34 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | MetroStars | | 20 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 29 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | D.C. United | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 24 | 22 | +2 | 26 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Chicago | | 20 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 19 | 24 | -5 | 23 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Kansas City | | 20 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 28 | 30 | -2 | 21 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|







| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | Los Angeles | | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 32 | 25 | +7 | 32 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | San Jose | | 20 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 29 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | Salt Lake | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 26 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | FC Dallas | | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 24 | 27 | -3 | 25 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Chivas USA | | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 21 | 32 | -11 | 22 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Colorado | | 20 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 | 30 | -10 | 16 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

[SirFozzie]

As pretty much expected, Brian McBride announces that 2007 will be his last year, and that he will retire. Thankfully, he's back practicing fully so we have some depth at striker.

We continue to make contact with teams, and the second something is confirmed and happening with regards to transfers, you'll know about it :)

[SirFozzie]

Ouch, we're already down 1-0 in the 9th minute against Chicago when Sergio Flores gets sent off for throwing an elbow, and giving up a penalty. By the end of it, it's a 5-1 loss, and Flores (who gets a 4 rating), is lighter by 1 week in the paycheck.

[SirFozzie]

Flores accepts that he deserved the fine for his dismissal.

We manage to sign three players, one on a big money transfer, the other two on free transfers:

First is Panamanian youngster Cesar Aguilar.. he will join us on the first of september when his contract runs out

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5987/aguilar6lf.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aguilar6lf.jpg)

The big money transfer is from Nacional of Sao Paulo's Daniel Mendes. He'll cost us 1.9 million dollars, but I think he'll be just fine.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/148/mendes7uc.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mendes7uc.jpg)


Finally, Ricardo Faty, a youngster I've been keeping an eye on for a while. He's a dual citizenship of French and Senegalese, and doesn't cost us anything. He had a bad year for French La Championnat team Pacy (5.82 rating, ow!), but I think he'll be just fine.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5745/faty5cu.th.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/my.php?image=faty5cu.jpg)

Faty and Daniel Mendes will join us in about two weeks, when the MLS transfer window opens

[SirFozzie]

We play a lot of 2nd stringers in the US Open Cup fourth round match against DC united (we won the competition in 05), but theirs play better, and they bounce us out at the first hurdle, 2-0.

[SirFozzie]

We bounce back with a 2-1 win over KC at home (with Khano Smith scoring both goals), and then a 2-0 win (McBride and Khano scoring), that is momentous, because after the game, DC decides with 9 games to play, they need to make a change, and they fire Piotr Nowak. DC is currently one point OUT of the playoffs right now.

[MrBug708]

FOz, try to sign the South African youngster. Mokena? He's young and he's a stud...

[SirFozzie]

No one by that name in my database

[SirFozzie]

A 1-1 draw at home to LA (Conor Casey scoring the lone goal for us) cuts into our lead, Columbus is literally a point behind...

And then there was no difference, as we travel to Salt Lake, come back from a 1-0 deficit with goals from Daniel Mendes and a SPECIAL free kick from Daniel Hernandez, but then give up a penalty and another goal withing five minutes, and end up losinng 3-2. Damnit. Columbus drew, but we're level on points.. and guess we're going next?

[SirFozzie]

In the big game against Columbus, it's no score at half. Both teams have a feeling that they're playing not to lose, instead of to win.

I encourage them to step up and be counted in the second half. Great players make great plays.. are they great players?

I'll tell you who is a great player... Daniel Mendes. The 26 year old (who's already jumped in value to $3.2 million with us), comes out after halftime and scores his 2nd goal for us (in 2 games), with a diving header past the keeper and it's 1-0 Revs!

Columbus hits us on the counter, and boy is our defense way up field.. Buddle actually gets THREE shots at it.. save.. Post.. goal.. and with a half hour to play it's tied at 1!

With 20 minutes to go, we have a free kick. Hernandez could go for goal here, but it's a tight angle.. he swings the cross, a mess of people go up for it.. IT'S IN THE NET! It's in the net! 2-1 Revs!

I see a couple players look at each other like "Were you the one to get that one?".. it's only after the game when I review the tape that I see that Bryan Namoff accidentally headed the ball into his own net when trying to get his head on it to clear the cross out.

We look like the better side, the goal has taken it out of Columbus, despite the home fans cheering, and we are unlucky to have a third goal (from Mendes) called back on an offside..

But we'll definitely take the 2-1 win!

[SirFozzie]

We nearly give back the lead when we travel to the new Harrison Stadium, home of the Mutts, as Khano Smith tied things up in the first half after an early MetroStars goal form Razov, but Jason Thompson scores twice for the Mutts, and we go into the break 3-1.

Not saying that this is a big game for us.. but I actually am upset with them, and let them know about it in the halftime break. I just hope it translates into second half goals.

Enter the Wolff.

54th minute, he cuts the lead to 3-2, with a beautiful shot into the right side inside the net.

As the minutes tick by, the Mutts drop deeper and deeper into the bunker, as we search for the equalizer.. 88th minute.. cross from Ralston headed out. Ohbum shoots.. blocked.. Vercollone shoots.. blocked as well.. but it squirts to Wolff....


GOAL NEW ENGLAND! They've done it, come back from 3-1 down to tie 3-3!

Columbus won 1-0 over KC, so the lead is still 3.

[SirFozzie]

Up next, a home game against FC Dallas.

Wolff clashes heads with a Hoops defender in the 20th minute, and has to come out.. but that's ok.. our attack is strong.. Meet Conor Casey.

As I said previously, he was frozen out at Mainz, and this is a big opportunity for him to prove that he's an international level striker.. and in this game, he proves it.

Goals in the 8th, 28th and 34th minutes give us all the cushion we need, and it's an easy 3-0 win for the team.

Columbus won again, so they're still 3 back, but with four games left in the season, both the Revs and Columbus Crew have qualified for the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

[Desnudo]

FOz, try to sign the South African youngster. Mokena? He's young and he's a stud...

I believe it's spelled Mokoena.

[SirFozzie]

Up next is a trip into Colorado, who have had an awful year, and there's rumors that Mariner is going to be forced out after just a single season. I praise him in the local papers, and ask that the fans give him time.. I just hope that helps save his job for a bit longer, because I can't afford to be merciful when it's time to play the game.

Conor Casey scores in injury time in the first half, and it's 1-0 into the break, and indeed deep into the 2nd half, but since Colorado are pressing for an equalizer, I know we'll get opportunities, and Khano Smith puts it away with a goal in the 84th minute, and Casey adds his 2nd in the last minute of normal time, and it's a 3-0 final.

Casey now has two goals in five games.

Columbus just LOST to Real Salt Lake 2-1, so we're up 6 with 3 to play!

[SirFozzie]

The standings entering the 30th round of games (32 in total)


| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | Q | New England | | 29 | 16 | 7 | 6 | 56 | 31 | +25 | 55 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | Q | Columbus | | 29 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 37 | 26 | +11 | 49 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | MetroStars | | 29 | 9 | 14 | 6 | 40 | 39 | +1 | 41 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | D.C. United | | 29 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 30 | 29 | +1 | 39 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Chicago | | 29 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 33 | 34 | -1 | 38 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Kansas City | | 29 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 42 | -7 | 28 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|







| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | Chivas USA | | 29 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 40 | 39 | +1 | 42 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Los Angeles | | 29 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 41 | 37 | +4 | 40 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | Salt Lake | | 29 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 31 | 34 | -3 | 39 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | San Jose | | 29 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 37 | 46 | -9 | 34 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | FC Dallas | | 29 | 7 | 12 | 10 | 31 | 38 | -7 | 33 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Colorado | | 29 | 5 | 8 | 16 | 33 | 49 | -16 | 23 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|


Wow, the West are NOT best this year.. look at em!

[SirFozzie]

I believe it's spelled Mokoena.

ah.. there's about 20 players with that last name. a couple good ones too.. but sadly.. the good ones are making a ton of money.

[SirFozzie]

Columbus win the US Open Cup after a 0-0 draw on penalties..

Talk about a nervous penalty shootout.. thanks to saves, posts, and people hitting it over the cross bar.. the final score of the shootout was 2-1 (after 5 rounds). Ex-Rev Marshall Leonard took the winning PK

[Desnudo]

ah.. there's about 20 players with that last name. a couple good ones too.. but sadly.. the good ones are making a ton of money.

Lebohang Mokoena is the guy. If you don't sign him right at the start, he usually ends up at a big club.

[SirFozzie]

Well, clinching the East (and the Supporter's Shield) isn't going to happen just yet, as we draw 1-1 with San Jose, thanks to 40-Year-Old (!) Goalie Pat Onstad putting together a man of the match performance. Onstad, who's started 21 games for San Jose this year, is finally calling it a day at the end of the season.. but still.. wow.

Actually.. the draw IS enough to clinch the East/Supporter's Shield, as Columbus lost at home to FC Dallas, so our 56 points will be enough to clinch (Columbus has 49)

Three teams out West clinch playoff berths, LA, Chivas USA, and Real Salt Lake are all in, and Colorado is out.. FC Dallas (36 points) and San Jose (35) will fight it out for the final playoff spot.

In the East, the Revs and Crew are in.. The Metrostars are pretty much in (1 point away from clinching a playoff spot), Kansas City is out.. so it's between DC United (39) and Chicago (38) for the final playoff spot.

[SirFozzie]

Pirata Castro has stepped up and played well with the mass exodus of players we have, and he's willing to take a paycut, so the 31 year old gets a two year contract extension, he'll make $925 a week.

Up next is a game against Chicago.. damn.. if I beat them, I make it much easier for DC United to make the playoffs.. Oh wait.. if DC United makes the playoffs, I'd get them in the first round. REVENGE!

In a somewhat boring game, Busch makes a couple key saves, Khano Smith scores in the first half, Wolff late, and it's a 2-0 win.

DC United Steals a point against KC with a late penalty, so they are two up on Chicago. So Chicago must beat the Mutts, and hope that DC loses to Columbus (Theoretically, Chicago could get in with a win by 5 or more goals and a DC tie, but I doubt that will happen)

In the West, San Jose survives a late goal by Real Salt Lake to win at home 3-2, and move 2 points ahead of Dallas, who lost 2-0 at LA. Dallas will have it all to do at Salt Lake, and hope the quakes some how screw it up at home against Chivas

[SirFozzie]

With nothing to paly for but pride and momentum, we sit down our starters for the final game against KC, and allow Brian McBride to start his final MLS Regular Season Game (thankfully, he got his coaching badge, and has agreed to stay on as a coach)

In nearly a movie-ending moment, McBride scores in the 2nd minute.. sadly.. unlike the movies, the ref called offsides.

McBride has two further shots in the first half saved, and a third that hits the cross bar.. arrrghh..

It's 0-0 at the break.

McBride gets a yellow card for a rough challenge early in the 2nd half..

Jaime Holmes scores the only goal of the game, but it's a standing ovation for Brian McBride (who was just announced to be part of that All-Time Starting XI for MLS in Real life).. as he ends his career in a 1-0 Revs win.

[SirFozzie]

In the East, DC United fall 1-0 to Columbus, but they'll back into the playoffs, thanks to Chicago playing out a scoreless draw against the Metrostars.

FC Dallas eliminated themselves, when they couldn't win, drawing 0-0 with Real Salt Lake, meaning San Jose's 2-2 draw against Chivas mattered not.

The 2007 MLS playoffs:

East:

(1) New England (62 Points) vs (4) DC United (40 Points)
(2) Columbus (52 Points) vs (3) Metrostar (48 Points)

West
(1) Chivas USA (46 Points) vs (4) San Jose (39 Points)
(2) Los Angeles (46 Points) vs (3) Real Salt Lake (43 Points)

[SirFozzie]

The 2007 New England Revolution Regular Season Stats:


| Pkd | Inf | Name | Apps | Gls | Ast | MoM | Pas | Tck | Drb | Sh T | Av Rat|
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Khano Smith | 30 (1)| 17 | 11 | 2 | 67% | 0.80 | 4.01 | 62% | 7.81 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Josh Wolff | 25 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 72% | 0.69 | 3.70 | 72% | 7.72 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Tony Medina | 1 (1) | - | - | - | 78% | 5.33 | 1.33 | - | 7.50 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Daniel Mendes | 5 (3) | 2 | 2 | - | 70% | 0.46 | 4.43 | - | 7.50 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Conor Casey | 12 (3)| 9 | 4 | 2 | 61% | 1.06 | 2.28 | 85% | 7.47 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Jim Henning | 7 (3) | - | - | - | 71% | 5.43 | 0.76 | - | 7.40 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Julinho | 33 | - | 3 | 1 | 68% | 3.06 | 1.39 | - | 7.39 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Jon Busch | 32 | - | - | 2 | 76% | 0.03 | - | - | 7.34 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ohbum | 31 (1)| - | 4 | - | 62% | 3.66 | 1.44 | - | 7.28 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Steve Ralston | 29 (1)| - | 4 | - | 73% | 3.50 | 0.75 | 31% | 7.27 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Pirata Castro | 15 (1)| - | 1 | 1 | 77% | 2.88 | 0.13 | - | 7.25 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Inj | Daniel Hernandez | 22 | 2 | - | 1 | 75% | 3.02 | 0.24 | 47% | 7.23 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ricardo Faty | 8 | - | - | - | 71% | 1.68 | 0.52 | - | 7.13 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Jamie Holmes | 4 (4) | 3 | 1 | - | 72% | 1.26 | 2.95 | 80% | 7.13 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Chris Tanner | 0 (1) | - | - | - | - | 30.00 | - | - | 7.00 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Ret | Brian McBride | 5 (5) | 1 | 2 | - | 71% | 0.65 | 3.57 | 87% | 7.00 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Inj | Sergio Flores | 30 | - | 1 | - | 72% | 3.47 | 0.21 | - | 7.00 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Eric Denton | 1 | - | - | - | 63% | 5.00 | - | - | 7.00 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Alex Zotinca | 1 (2) | - | - | - | 80% | 3.50 | 2.00 | - | 7.00 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Inj | Luke Vercollone | 12 (5)| - | - | 1 | 74% | 3.59 | 0.50 | - | 6.76 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Robbie Russell | 6 (7) | 1 | 1 | - | 72% | 2.81 | 0.64 | - | 6.62 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Unf | Santiago Biglieri | 6 (3) | - | - | - | 76% | 3.02 | 0.50 | - | 6.56 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Matt Reis | 2 | - | - | - | 75% | - | - | - | 6.50 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Greg Brown | 2 (8) | 1 | - | - | 70% | 1.16 | 2.70 | - | 6.40 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Brian White | 0 (3) | - | - | - | - | 4.39 | 2.20 | - | 6.33 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Mark Glazer | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Tim Johnson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Mike Suarez | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Paul Johnson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ryan Donaldson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Peter Hunt | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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[SirFozzie]

Eastern Conference Semifinals 1st Leg: AT DC UNITED

With the injury crisis at central defense (with Hernandez, Vercollone and Sergio Flores all injured), we have a couple youngsters in skill positions. Here's our line up:

GK: Busch
DR: Ohbum
DL: Julinho
DC: Henning
DC: Medina
DMC: Castro
MC: Faty
MC: Ralston
FC(L) Smith
FC: Wolff
FC (R) Casey

S1: Reis
S2:Zotinca
S3: Biglieri
S4: Daniel Mendes
S5: Russell

[SirFozzie]

3rd Minute: Khano Smith hits one from a bad angle.. hits the side of the net

5th Minute: DC United's Brian Alvarez hits one.. tipped onto the post by Busch

7th Minute: DC United's Hanapiah hits a shot over the bar from just inside the 18.

11th Minute: Well, FUCK. Another injury to a defender, Henning can't contnue. I decide to put Zotincal on and hope for the best.

15th Minute: Busch goes up for the cross, gets undercut and thuds to the ground painfully.. he needs assistance from the trainer, while I curse at the ref asking why there wasn't a card issued.

21st Minute: A long range shot by DC's Van Sicklen is easily saved by Busch

27th Minute: Alvarez's scoop shot is well over the bar.. they are having the better of play at the moment.

29th Minute: Throw in by Ohbum deep into the box finds Casey, who nods it down and back to the oncoming Steve Ralston, who volleys it with his right foot.. TOP CORNER! GOAL REVS 1-0!

30th minute: DC tries to come right back, but Hagi Hanipah's header goes well wide, no trouble at all

40th Minute: DC's Wagenfuhr is booked for tripping Casey.

43rd Minute: Simms puts one just a bit too high for DC, skimming the bar as it went over.

1-0 Revs at Halftime. They make a double change at half, thug/legbreaker Dema Kovalenko comes on for Hanapiah, and Alvarez is off for Jaime Moreno. 24,055 in attendance at RFK

I'm encouraging them, a second score would be good, but let's win and make them beat us at our house to win.

47th minute: A Van Sicklen shot is well held by Busch

50th Minute: A free kick from Castro finds the head of Casey, but it's just wide.

51st Minute: Zotinca booked for a shirt-tug on Moreno.

54th Miinute: DC nearly punishes a defensive mistake by Julinho, but Lobodzinski's shot went high.

55th Minute: A cross by Khano Smith finds the head of Wolff, but Andrews parries it, and DC clear their lines.

56th Minute: Ohbum crosses for Smith, who heads it wide.

64th Minute: Lobodzinski breaks the offside trap and was racing through to get a through ball, but his first touch is poor and Busch is able to gather just before the onrushing attacker can get to it.

71st minute: Van Sicklen off, Lewis on for DC.

78th minute: They win a corner that comes to nothing. Biglieri on for the tiring Ralston

81st Minute: A cross nearly finds Khano Smith, but the defender nearly puts it into his own net trying to defend it.

85th Minute: Russell on for Faty

90th Minute: Zotinca with the corner kick, Medina with the header, but no real power on it, easy save by DC.

92nd Minute: Biglieri booked for a foul on Simms.

Final Score: 1-0 Revs. Means we did our jobs, but it's by no means over coming home for the 2nd leg.

[SirFozzie]

Busch got the man of the match award with an 8.

In other games:

Metrostars lay a surprise beating at home on Columbus, the 4-1 win means that Columbus will need to win by three goals at home to force extra time.

Salt Lake look comfortable, winning their home leg 2-0 against LA..

It's all over but the shouting, as San Jose absorbed a 4-nil thrashing by Chivas USA at Spartan Stadium, meaning Chivas can take it easy in the home leg.

Henning is fine after the game.. we really couldn't afford another defensive injury at this point.

Our Injury Status:

Luke Vercollone: Out 1-3 weeks (Groin Strain).. almost definitely won't take part in the 2nd leg.. and iffy for a possible Conference final. If we made the Cup final, he'd PROBABLY be ready for that.

Sergio Flores: Out Up to 3 weeks (twisted ankle).. well.. the doctors say he isn't ready to start putting weight on the ankle regularly (he hasn't returned to practice yet), but hopefully we'll have him for a possible conference final.

Daniel Hernandez: Out 2 days-2 weeks (Back strain) Hasn't returned to practice yet, but odds are good at least for a possible conference final

[SirFozzie]

Time for the 2nd leg:

Both Daniel Hernandez and Sergio Flores are back in practice, unfortunately they both lose the race for game fitness, and I have to regrettably leave them off the game roster.

[SirFozzie]

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL Leg 2: Home Vs DC United (REVS LEAD 1-0 ON AGGREGATE)


GK: Busch
DR: Ohbum
DL: Julinho
DC: Henning
DC: Medina
DMC: Castro
MC: Faty
MC: Ralston
FC(L) Smith
FC: Wolff
FC (R) Casey

S1: Reis
S2: Russell
S3: Denton
S4: Holmes
S5: Johnson
S6: Brown
S7: Daniel Mendes
S8: Zotinca
S9: Biglieri

[SirFozzie]

4th Minute: Andrews gets to the cross by Khano Smith before Wolff, and holds on to it.

5th Minute: Kovalenko puts a ball forward, it bounces off a New England defender, but Busch is there before any harm can come of it.

9th Minute: Medina blocks a shot

13th: Simms turns and fires from about 20 yards out, but Busch holds it easily

19th Minute: Smith puts a cros in, that's not great, but in the swirling winds, Andrews has to jump up and parry the ball over the crossbar just in case.

21st Minute: Olson is booked for a trip on Ralston

42nd Minute: Lewis seemingly had a half step on the Revs defense, but Castro manages to slow him down long enough for help to arrive.

Halftime: 0-0. We still lead 1-0 on aggregate, and right now, we're playing to keep that way. I tell them.. "Think on this. Right now, we are at a point where one mistake could undo 135 minutes of hard work. 2 mistakes could cost us a season's worth. We've played about 40 games this year. Let's not get stupid in the 2nd half. Make the plays, and we'll be playing next week."

[SirFozzie]

DC brings on Amoroso for Alvarez, and Lobodzinski for Hanapiah. 19,279 Rev fans in attendance.

46: Khano Smith booked for breaking up a possible DC attack by holding Lewis

51: Conor Casey goes down awkwardly under Wagenfuhr's challenge and has to come off. Daniel Mendes is on for him.

58: Wolff with the ball, he taps it to the oncoming Ralston, who tries to repeat his wonderful strike from last game.. Unfortunately, it went over the bar.

62: Busch makes a WONDERFUL save to rob Lewis, even holding the ball.

63: Our second change: Brown on for Ralston

66: Daniel Mendes in deep, tries to cross it across the face.. Wolff.... JUST hits it wide. If he could have gotten to it an instant earlier, the goal was wide open!

70: Gibson takes a hard shot, that deflects off Medina and seems to have Busch wrong footed.. but the goalkeeper recovers and somehow deflects it!

72: Olsen has a half volley, but Busch is there.

73: Gaxa nods down the ball, goes by Faty. cross.. AMOROSO UNMARKED.. GOAL DC! 1-0, 1-1 on aggregate! Julinho completely lost his man and Amoroso made him pay!

74: Our final roll of the dice. Biglieri on for Faty.

75: DC's Gibson needs treatment after a challenge by Brown.

80: Brown dispossesses Kovalenko at midfield.. it's a foot race.. Brown has the speed.. one on one with the keeper.. touches it around the keeper's dive.... GOOOOOOALL NEW ENGLAND! 1-1! Wonderful goal from the first round draft pick, and he's staking a claim for a first team place in the future! It's 2-1 on aggregate!

81: Wagenfuhr booked for a bad challenge

87: A shot by Khano Smith deflects off a DC defender and right to the keeper.

90: 4 minutes of stoppage time.

95: The final whistle blows! it's a draw on the day, but 2-1 on aggregate, the Revs avenge last year's Eastern Conference Championship defeat!

Julinho had a awful game, a 4.. normally that would draw a fine, but I just tell him he needs to do better if we are to advance. He understands.

Busch again is man of the match, with an 8.

We will play Metrostars, who drew with Columbus 0-0 (winning 4-1 on aggregate), in the Eastern Conference Championship at Gilette.

[SirFozzie]

Casey has a dead leg: He's probable for the final (2 days-week out)

Greg Brown must have rolled his ankle late in the game, he's out for the year, but it's only a sprain thank god.. (4 weeks-2 Months)

Chivas USA also win the 2nd leg, 2-1 over San Jose, so the top team in the West is through to the final as well, 6-1 on aggregate.

Real Salt Lake beat LA at home (Landon Donvan was out injured in the series), 1-0, to win 3-0 in the series. They'll be right back at the Home Depot Center next week for the WCF

[SirFozzie]

Hernandez resumes full training on Tuesday, he's an almost definite go for the final. Flroes is back on Wed.. he's a bit more iffy..

But I have a feeling they'll both be in the game squad at least, if not starting.

[SirFozzie]

Something has to give in the Eastern Conference Final.. we have a 9 game unbeaten streak.. they have a 13 game unbeaten streak. They are a slight favorite, apparently folks remember our record in these games.. 2002..2003..2004..2005..2006..

Hopefully it ends here, and gets us to the Cup Final.

GK: Busch
DR: Ohbum
DL: Julinho
DC: Pirata Castro
DC: Hernandez
DMC: Faty
MC: Ralston
MC: Henning
FC (L): Smith
FC: Wolff
FC (R): Casey

S1: Reis
S2: Sergio Flores
S3: Denton
S4: Holmes
S5: Russell
S6: White
S7: Daniel Mendes
S8: Zotinca
S9: Biglieri

[SirFozzie]

3: Thompson's shot is blocked by Busch, but he can't hold on to is, and it bounces back to Thompson, who stuffs it past Busch.. GOAL Metrostars 1-0.

6: Wolff is through, but Pearce slide tackles the ball away and the Mutts clear it.

11: Thompson nearly adds a 2nd, but Busch makes the save, it comes back to Nat Borchers, but he's not close

16:Thompson has another go, and Busch saves

26: Gaven's header is well over the bar.

30: Quill gets a shoulder ahead of Julinho.. crosses over.. Thompson heads it back across the net, Busch has no chance.. GOAL Metros.. 2-0!

31: Mendes steps in and takes a golden chance for the Revs right off of Wolff's foot.

35: Wolff is limping.. we'll let him go till halftime

39: Wolff seemingly is gutting it out.. he intercepts a wayward Mutts pass.. and fires it on net.. saved by Westberg

45: Ralston finds casey on the Right side, Casey breaks it back in towards the net.. crosses.. WOLFF HEADS IT HOME! 2-1.. and a ray of light for the Revs!

2-1 at the Half.. 44,260 in the attendance. I tell the team the excuses stop here. We need one goal, let's go out and get it..

No changes at half, but Ralston and Wolff have eyes on them (78% condition)

47: Busch with a blunder, and Thompson intercepts.. shot.. save.. rebound.. Ibrahim.. GOAL mutts! 3-1.. ouch

50: Hernandez finds Smith.. Smith on the left side.. crosses for Casey.. GOAL! 3-2..

55: Borchers nearly scores the Mutts 4th, but Busch tips it around the post.

61: Thompson's had an awesome game, and Busch barely keeps him from getting a hat trick.

64: Razov on for Ibrahim

70: Wolff off, Mendes on, Biglieri on for Ralston

73: Thompson off (whew), Lisi on, as well as Brown on for Quill. Having Thompson off=GOOD THING.

87: Mendes has a shot go wide

90: Casey goes up for the header... just over the bar.

93: Full time./


Shit.

[SirFozzie]

Chivas USA win the west on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake.

[SirFozzie]

Real Madrid are not doing that well, they are 11th in La Liga again, and Hugo Sanchez is quickly showed the door. Told ya you'd need luck :)

A 114th minute goal from Nat Borchers is the difference as the Mutts raise the MLS Tropht, defeating Real Salt Lake 3-2 in extra time. Damnit. DC United last year, Mutts this year. When the hell is it our turn?

[SirFozzie]

Arsene Wegner is the new gaffer at Real Madrid.

Awards time in MLS:

GK of the Year: Busch
Defender of the Year: Ohbum (julinho 2nd)
Rookie of the Year: Tim Ward (no Revs in top 3)
Golden Boot: Jason Thompson 21 (Khano Smith 3rd)

6 Revs in the All-Pro Team: Busch, Hernandez, Julinho, Ohbum, Khano Smith, Wolff

Khano Smith wins the MVP (his 2nd), Wolff is 2nd.

But I'd trade all that for an MLS Cup :/

[SirFozzie]

We have two months before training camp opens, but we already know what next year's status will be.. we signed a 5 year sponsorship worth $350K a year.

Our transfer money will be about 1.7 Million.

I will update all on some of the Revs that now play in other leagues in the next few posts, then the 2008 season will be in this thread as well

[SirFozzie]

Taylor Twellman: Left the Revs in 2005 to join Dortmund, in a transfer worth 4.6 Million dollars. Has gotten off to a good start finally this year for Dortmund, 6 goals in 9 games, 7.33 rating. Valued at 2.6 Million, earns $24K/wk

Clint Dempsey: Joined Maccabi Tel-Aviv in 2005 for 2.9 Million, more of a defensive midfielder, has played three times for the Israeli Premier League squad, before a knee injury sidelined him for a month. Valued at $300K, but Maccabi has turned down $2 million dollar offers for him previously. (earns $9750/wk)

Michael Parkhurst: Had joined English Premier League side Birmingham for $975,000 early in 2006, and has been a regular for them. Had 24 appearances for them last year, with a rating of 7.04. Has four starts for Birmingham this year.

Shalrie Joseph: Joined Scottish Premier League side Rangers for 1.9 Million.. has already played for them 15 times in various competitions (8 starts, 7 subsitutes) and done well if not great (rating of 6.87). Valued at $1,000,000, earns $10,250/week

Pat Noonan: Joined Toulouse, and is now a regular in their lineup, has 18 appearances and 4 goals for the French Ligue 1 side, and an average of 7.13 ( Valued at 7.25 Million, makes $21,000/week)

Sasha Victorine: Joined Bastia in France, has 17 appearances, 2 assists and averaging 7.00 rating. Makes $22K/week after his 1 million dollar transfer.

[SirFozzie]

As part of my mission to bring in new players, Columbus offers me the extra 1st rounder they have (from LA) for Julinho. He's a senior international, so I'd get a decent american player, and free up an international spot.. I think for a while, but I accept it.

[SirFozzie]

it's obvious that Matt Reis will never star as long as Jon Busch is here, and I put him on the market.. and I get a pretty nice offer too.. San Jose offers their 2nd and 4th round draft (5th in each round) for him.. I accept.

[SirFozzie]

At the last minute, KC tries to sweep in for Reis, offering the 2nd pick in the second round, but I'd rather have him in the West, then in the East, and getting a chance to beat me.. so I stay with the San Jose offer.

[SirFozzie]

We fill the void by fofering our 4th round Supplemental Draft selection to Columbus for their reserve keeper, Jan Kjell Larsen. He played for Columbus's reserves last year, but the year before, he was the Crew's first choice, allowing 1.33 Goals per game (36 goals in 27 games).

He's a bit pricy (1900/wk), but we have room

[SirFozzie]

Chicago fires Werner Lorant, the hot favorite to replace him is ex-DC United gaffer Piotr Nowak.


Nowak does replace Lorant as Fire boss.

The trades go through, so now we wait for the MLS Draft.

[SirFozzie]

Well, well well.. if this isn't an interesting offer. Real Salt Lake has offered us their first round pick (#9) if we give them Daniel Hernandez.

I have my eyes on a couple defenders, and I am a sucker for draft picks.. I think long and hard on this one.. and resolve to grab a defender ASAP.. and accept the offer.

[SirFozzie]

We make a 190k bid for Berg, a 19 year old Brazillian defender for Brazillian Serie A side Paulista who's valued at $75K. They come back at 45k, 220K over 24 months and 25% of next sale..

He has a mininum fee release at 300K, and I figure, if he turns out well, he'll be eventually going elsewhere for a good amount of money.. the kid's talented enough to star for a top Brazillian side's U20 team.. so I just go ahead and offer 300K straight.

[SirFozzie]

Berg only wants $450 per week till 2010, and I am MORE then happy to give it to him as a hot prospect. I expect good things from him.

Berg agrees, and will join us on the first of the year (just 8 days away)

[SirFozzie]

Mick Harford, the former Rotherham coach, joins DC United as their new manager.

[SirFozzie]

Things are getting better.. we have good facilities, but I request that they improve them, and they agree to.. it's not as good as an overseas team would get with the youth academy and all that, but I want to get young trainable players, and get them to the best of their abilities.

[SirFozzie]

In the big name transfers, AC Milan acquire Michael Essien for $61,000,000.

Berg signs, and says he can't wait to play for us... I think that he doesn't know it yet, but I have a feeling he'll get PLENTY of playing time.

[SirFozzie]

It is now draft day.

We have five picks out of the first 24:

1st Round:
LA (#7)
Real Salt Lake (#9)
Ours (#10)

2nd Round
San Jose (#5)
Ours (#10)

3rd Round
Ours (#10)

4th Round
San Jose (#5)
Ours (#10)

[SirFozzie]

1st Round Pick

#7: Ryan Lopez (21 years old, D C, but can play anywhere in the back line) 6'1, 178 lbs. He had 1 man of the match award in the combine, and his size, team work, and work rate made him the choice here.

#9: Jason Myers (21 years old, Natural Midfielder, listed as an attacking midfield, but he can play anywhere in midfield or attacking midfield), 5'9, 160: A dead ball specialist, (19 at PK's 13 at Free Kick). Decent at getting to speed and top speed (12 at acceleration and pace.

#10: John Allen (21, AM/F C, 5'11, 174) Well now, how did he drop so low? Had 2 goals in the combine, and a very good finisher already (15 finishing, 14 Heading, 11 Long Shots), Fast too, Pace of 14, Acceleration of 17, Needs a bit of off the ball work (7), but once he gets it, he has a good first touch (15). Welcome to the team, John.. have a feeling if you work hard, you'll be breaking the first XI soon enough.

2nd Round
#5 (#17 overall) David Warren (Striker, 5'11, 169) Had 3 goals and 2 MoM awards in the combine, Raw, but not bad physically (17 natural fitness, 11 Accell, 11 Pace, 11 Strength). Will take some time to make his mark.

#10 (#22 overall) Ryan Rudisill (Midfielder L/C, 5'9, 163) Good creative (Passing 14, First Touch 12) base.. but needs to translate it into on field Creatively (4), Good Influence 12, and good stamina (16 Natural Fitness

Also Drafted (Round 3 and 4)

3rd Round #10 (#34 overall) Jeff Barragan (Sweeper), Long way from MLS ready, but has some good physical tools (Fitness 20, Strength 12, Acceleration 10)

4th Round #5 (#41), Jeff Stewart (Defensive Midfield), Good Tackling, average physically. May need some USL time to mature.

4th Round #10 (#46) Tony Schulte (Defensive Midfield) Not bad, this late, 17 years old, already has some good physical stats (Accel 14, Natural Fitness 13, Pace 14, Stamina 12)

[SirFozzie]

Another US icon travels overseas, as Landon Donovan signs on with Serie A laggards Fiorentina for $13,500,000, and the Galaxy fans hate it. If Fiorentina don't get out of the relegation zone however (they are five points from Safety, about halfway through the season)

[RPI-Fan]

A few questions if you don't mind:

1) Are you using any extra/different graphics/skins?
2) What leagues are you running on your database, and what database size are you using?
3) Can you compare MLS in FM06 to previous versions. It seems like they have done an OUTSTANDING job on MLS so far from what I can tell here. Is that correct? Why or why not?

Thanks!
~rpi-fan

[SirFozzie]

1) I'm using the Aurora 2006 Blue Skin
2) It'd take all day to list the ones I'm using: There's a couple more/less from my last game, so I'll copy from a previous game's list

Following leagues selected:

S. Africa (Premier)
China (Super)
India (NFL)
South Korea (K-League)
Mexico (First Div A and above)
USA (MLS)
Austria (Premier Only)
Croatia-First Division
Czech Republic- First
England- Confernece National+
France-2nd League+
Germany-2nd division+
Greece- National B+
Isreal- Premier
Italy- Serie C/1+
Holland-Premier
Northern Ireland-2nd div+
Poland-1st Division
Ireland-Premier
Russia-Premier
Turkey-Premier
Wales-Permier
Scotland-3rd Div+
Slovakia- 1st Div
Spain-2nd Div+
Sweden-Premier
Australia-A-League
Argentina-2nd div+
Brazil-2nd Div+
Chile-1st Div
Colombia-1st Div
Peru-1st Div
Uruguay-1st Div

3) It is much improved.. there's a couple things I think need tweaking.. overage Euro stars come to the MLS draft for a year (or a few months) then retire, but otherwise it is bang on.

[RPI-Fan]

Wow that's a lot of leagues! I have a career in MLS w/ FC Dallas, and am running 31 leagues in 10 nations.

I think it will at least provide a good base of players (Normal database size) and so far the speed has been very tolerable for me!

My laptop is 1.6GHz w/ 512MB RAM, and I'm running (parantheses indicate how deep the levels are):

USA (1)
England (6)
Belgium (3)
Italy (4)
Spain (3)
Brazil (3)
Argentina (2)
France (4)
Germany (3)
Holland (2)

What kind of speed do you get with that many leagues?!?!? (and what are your computer specs?)

[SirFozzie]

usually, it takes me longer to write about it then do it, the off season stuff was, "See what's happened, hit continue, write about it, hit post, come back, see what else has happened..


All on Normal:

AMD Athlon64 Processor
3000+
2.0 Ghz, 1.50 GB of Ram

[SirFozzie]

Well, after the disappointment in real life today, hopefully tonight will be a bit better for the Revs. At least I hope so.. :eek:

Clint Dempsey, who I mentioned a few posts up.. is going to England. Ipswich paid 3.1 Million dollars to pry him away from Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and that's a nice pay day for us, as we had a 20% sell on clause, earning us a nice 620,000.. the gift that keeps on giving.. :D

[SirFozzie]

We have 34 players on roster.. we can have 28 in the regular season, so it's time to see which 6 players will be cut.

[SirFozzie]

Goalkeepers

Jon Busch (31, Valued at 300K, 1200/wk) Last Year, 34 Appearances, 36 Goals Allowed, 7.32 Rating: Jon did a great job for us last year, hopefully he can keep it up.

Jan Kjell Larsen (24, Valued at 140K, 1900/wk) Last Year: Did not Play first team: banished to the reserve bench for Columbus last year. Will be a capable backup, and still can get better

TJ Tomasso (24, Valued at 14K, 250/wk) Last Year: Did not play First team: Still the #3, and on his final year contract. Does not expect to get much action this year.

[SirFozzie]

Defenders

Alex Zotinca (31, Valued at $35k, 725/wk) Last Year: 4 Apperances, 7.00 Rating. Probably will start at left side of defense if our transfer plans do not work out. Did not play much last year with the emergence of Julinho, but with him gone to Columbus will likely need him to play more.

Sergio Flores (22, Valued at $22K, $325/wk) Last Year: 30 Appearances, 7.00 Rating. Not quite average at central defense, but right now he's a starter at central defense. Getting better quickly however.

Berg (19, Valued at $110K, $450/wk) Last Year: 13 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist 4 MoM awards, 8.00 rating for Olaria, Paulista, 1 Appearance, 7.00 rating) He's just about average as is, and will only get better with our training facilities. Young, so stamina may be an issue.

Luke Vercollone (25, Valued at $130K, $350/wk), Last year: 16 Appearances, 1 Man of the Match Award, 6.81 rating) . I expect a real break through year from Luke. He can play defense or defensive midfield.. right now I have him playing in Shalrie Joseph's role. Will be a full time player.

Pirata Castro (31, Valued at $50K, 925/wk), Last Year: 18 Appearances, 1 Assist, 1 Man of Match, 7.22 Rating). Can play defense, defensive midfield or midfield. Probably will have a starting point as a defensive midfielder to start, or a defender.

Eric Denton (30, Valued at $50K, 600/wk) Last Year: 1 Appearance ( a 7). didn't play much last year, and was injured a lot last year, let's see how he bounces back.

Jim Henning (23, Valued at $35K, 250/wk), Last Year: 12 Appearances, 7.08 rating. Hoping that we can use him more this year.. our coaching staff feels like if he applies him self, he could be a very good player for us. Looking at his stats , he did well last year.

Tony Medina (22, Valued at $18K, 300/wk), Last Year:4 appearances, 7.25 Rating. Despite his gaudy rating, he's got an uphill battle to remain with the club. has not progressed the way we like. Let's see what happens, however.

Jeff Baragan (21, Valued at $6k, 230/wk) Longshot to make the club.

Ryan Lopez (21, Valued at $4k, 250/wk), Even a longer shot to make the club.

I transfer list Baragan and Lopez, hoping to get USL teams interested in them

[SirFozzie]

Midfielders

Steve Ralston (33, Valued at $130K, 3600/wk, Last year: 31 appearances, 1 goal, 4 assists, 7.26 rating). Definitely a starter. Fitness starting to creep up on Stevie, but even though he might not go full 90, he's the #1 choice.

Santiago Biglieri (21, Valued at $1.1 Million, 475/wk, Last Year:12 Appearances, 6.5 Rating). Mostly a sub last year, still learning our center midfield duties, Santiago is well liked by our coaches, and we're thinking about starting him at midfield to start the year.

Robbie Russell (28, Valued at $150K, 2700/wk, Last Year: 14 apps, 1 G, 1 A, 1 MoM, 6.57) Never really fit in here, hasn't adjusted to playing central midfield. I put him on the list, so I can get something for him, and hopefully free up some salary (not that I'm close to the cap, but who knows!)

Ricardo Faty (21, Valued at $55k, 350/wk, Last Year: 11 Appearances, 7.00 Rating). Did well in coming in last year on a free transfer, and can play defensive midfield. Will get further training at midfield.. I'd like to see him replace Ralston there as we get close to the end of the year.

Chris Tanner (22, Valued at $9k, 250/wk, Last Year: 1 Appearance (7)), Injured knee cartilage over the winter, and may not be recovering as well as we'd like. His position is precarious.

Greg Brown (21, Valued at $80k, 300/wk, Last Year: 11 Appearances, 2 G, 6.45 Rating), did alright for a rookie.. will get his fair share of starts and sub appearances to help him develop.

Brian White (22, Valued at $18k, 300/wk, Last Year:3 App, 6.33 rating). Knows he has to come to practice and work hard every day if he's to stay on the roster. I think he'll be a reserve again, but who knows?

Mark Glazer (22, Valued at $6K, 170/wk, did not play last year) Somehow made the roster last year. Won't this year. On the list.

Paul Morris (21, Valued at $6k, 170/wk) nowhere near MLS ready. on the list.

Ryan Rudisill (21, Valued at $6k, 230/wk) Probably will stick for the full year, unless we bring several players in. Gonna be a reserve tho.

Jason Myers (21, Valued at $14k, 250/wk) Probably will stay with the team, but needs to improve.

Jeff Stewart (20, Valued at $6k, 230/wk), hasn't moved the needle in preseason. On the list.

John Allen (21, Valued at $70K, 275/wk) Definitely will stay, very good at a young age, has worked on his crossing already, and a good late game attack choice.

[SirFozzie]

Attack

Josh Wolff: (30, Valued at 1.5 Million, 4300/wk, Last Year: 26 Games, 15 G, 10 A, 6 MoM, 7.62 rating), Our #1 attacker, and only did not win the MVP because of Khano Smith last year. Has another year left on the contract, so I expect him to start proving he deserves another contract soon. Top-Class all the way.

Conor Casey (26, 400K, 3700/wk, Last Year: 17 Games, 10 G, 6 A, 2 MoM, Rating: 7.41) Usually scored goals in bunches last year, really nicely done. Has started to work his way back into the USA set up. Hoping he takes the next step.

Khano Smith (27, 2.9 Million, 850/wk, Last Year: 33 Games, 17 G, 12 A, 2 MoM, 7.76 Rating) Wow. A two time MVP, and he's a great player. I'm just glad the other teams haven't started sniffing around Khano yet. And he's really in his prime, and actually could get better! I expect another great season from him.

Daniel Mendes (26, 3.2 Million, 2900/wk), Last Year:10 GP, 2 G, 2A, 7.30 Rating). Our #1 backup (pricy).. but only because our attack is so good. With injuries and such, we should give him plenty of games.

David Warren (21, 6K, 325/wk): Already on the list

Jaiime Holmes (24, 70K, 250/wk) Last Year, 8 Appearances, 3 goals, 1 Assist, 7.13 Rating: Still good physically, good finishing, needs to increase his other technical skills.. he's #5.. but when you have 3 strikers, that's not so bad!

[SirFozzie]

We sign 2 players, it's going to bring us close to the internationals limit, but here's what we have:

Hernani might be the bargain of the centuy. He was not going to play for Portugese side Nacional, and we acquire for 10k, a player now worth 2100 times that (as in 2.1 MILLION) He's a Left side midfielder.. and the 20 year old (who has been capped at the U19 level for Portugal), may just immediately break into the lineup if not make us choose a wider formation. He's a player you build a team around.

Pedro Junior is a 22 year old central midfielder, we acquired for 40K from Portugese non-league side Clube Oriental. he's now worth 150K, and he's pretty good at everything. not as much as Hernani, but Hernani's injured, and iffy for the start of the year.

[SirFozzie]

After our first friendly (a 0-0 draw at Rochester where we did everything but score), the Turk visits, and the following players are cut.

Ryan Lopez
Mark Glazer
Jeff Barragan
Paul Morris
David Warren

[SirFozzie]

Allen, Mendes and Smith all score against Northern Virginia, and we win 3-0.

Lopez bugs me that I screwed up one of the first rounders, but right now, even after cutting those 5, we have 31 on roster, and we have to cut at least 3, and one or more of them may need to be internationals

[SirFozzie]

Allen scores his 2nd of preseason, and two own goals provide us a 3-1 win at Western Massachusetts. Now we get down to the nitty gritty. By my count, looks like we have 31 players, and 10 international players. Shit. that means we need to cut three, and they're no bums in the group.

[SirFozzie]

Wolff scores the only goal in a 2-1 loss to Montreal, we have the 2nd annual Revolution Cup (we play DC United, Chicago plays USL2 team Atlanta) left.. and the decisions aren't getting any easier.

[SirFozzie]

Shit, 3 weeks to go till opening day against the Mutts, and Busch breaks a finger on a misstimed catch, which means he's out for 4-8 weeks.

Well, Larsen will get in early I guess.

[SirFozzie]

Finally, Cut day for the Internationals arrive.

Damnit, I hate when I miscalculate so badly.

Our Cut List:
Pirata Castro
Ricardo Faty
Berg

This hurts a lot. These guys will be offered a job if any of my internationals move on.

Now I shall go bang my head into the wall.

Repeatedly.

[SirFozzie]

Well.. one thing is going right.. Steve Ralston and Conor Casey score goals, and we beat DC United 2-0 in Revolution Cup II semifinal action. We will Play Chicago, who beat Atlanta 2-1 in the other semi final.

Khano Smith got a bruised head, but he shouldn't miss much more then the opener (and that's on the OUTSIDE!

[SirFozzie]

Well, we have a trophy, even if it IS our own tournament, maybe that's a good sign.. we beat Chicago 2-1 thanks to goals from Josh Wolff and Daniel Mendes, and win the Revolution Cup II.

next year, I want to be playing in the Concacaf Champion's Tourney (The winners of the conference final play in that!)

[SirFozzie]

The odds makers have spoken

Odds
Metrostars 2-1 (F*** them)
DC United 5-1 (F*** them 2)
Chivas USA 8-1
Chicago 14-1
NEW ENGLAND 14-1
Real Salt Lake 16-1.

[SirFozzie]

We start the year in Harrison, New Jersey against the Eastern Conference Champion Metrostars.

I say that just so my blood will properly be boiling for this game.

What a wild game.

Alejandre Moreno scores for them in the 6th minute.

Conor Casey Scores in the 7th.

He then does it again in the 9th

Josh Wolff makes it 3-1 Revs in the 19th (yes, four goals in less then 20 minutes)

Dunseth makes it 3-2, with a goal in the 27th.

3-2 at the half.

Khano Smith restores the two goal condition 8 minutes into the 2nd half, 4-2.

Casey finishes a hat trick an hour in..

Michael Bradley scores with 20 minutes to play to make it 5-3.

And at the end, your preseason favorites lose to the Revs 5-3.

This is your warning MLS. We're coming hard this year. We're hungry.

[SirFozzie]

We have a game three days later, and we're down at the half 1-0, but 2nd half goals by Conor Casey, Daniel mendes, and a PK by Khano Smith is enough for a 3-1 win.

[RPI-Fan]

When you "cut" players, do they move to the reserves or are they off your payroll altogether?

When you say you'll give them a job back, does that mean assuming they haven't already latched on somewhere else?

Thanks!
~rpi-fan

[SirFozzie]

If they're not on your 28 man roster, they are automatically free transferred.

And I would give em a job, but Berg and a couple others immediately hooked up with new teams :(

[SirFozzie]

Just taking a couple days off with work and my surgery in the morning, will update when I feel better.

[SirFozzie]

Guess who's back.. back again. Fozzie's back.. tell a.. (checks clock).. never mind.. there ain't no one awake at this time anyway :D

[SirFozzie]

Our fast start hits a brick wall as DC United takes us behind the woodshed, and only a good game by backup goalie Larsen (who made some tough saves but gave up goals on somewhat easier opportunities), keeps it 2-0.

[SirFozzie]

Well, losing 1-0 to Columbus sucks. In fact, it triple sucks.

A) We lost.

B) We had two goals called back for fouls I didn't see/agree with

C) Columbus's only goal was on an own goal by Pedro Junior.

Shitttt...

We're now 2 wins, 2 losses on the year.

[SirFozzie]

To make things worse, Conor Casey went down hard in the fifth minute, and after the game, it's discovered he has fractured ribs, and will miss a month or two.

Daniel Mendes scored both disallowed goals, but I decide to shift away from the 4-1-2-3 for the time being and go back to a diamond based 4-4-2 for now.

[SirFozzie]

While Real Madrid have returned to at least CONTENDING for La Liga glory (they have bounced back to 4th), Barcelona is 8th, 13 points out with just 5 games to play, and they decide to fire Michael Ladrup after two years as the Catalan giants gaffer.

And hooboy, do they set a chain of dominoes in motion, probably with this one. The new manager at Barcelona? Jose Mourinho, who never was able to get Chelsea to repeat their championship (Finishing 3rd and fourth the two prior years, and they were in third this year, two points out with three to play). What a strange time to be making the change.

[SirFozzie]

I forget to change the tactics 11 days later, as we're home against Chicago. We still have a good front three, but any injuries, and the striker on the bench is Jaime Holmes, and that should be enough said right there.

Josh Wolff scores the only goal for us, after pegging back a 2nd minute Chicago goal, so we'll take the 1-1 draw.

[SirFozzie]

This time I remember to change the tactic, and Hernani finally gets a start on the left side of midfield, let's see what the kid can do.

We take on the Mutts at home..

John Allen is another youngster just getting his 2nd start in a Revs jersey, and he pounces on a Khano Smith shot that wasn't saved cleanly, and in the fifth minute, it's 1-0 Revs, and his first MLS goal.

11 minutes later, Daniel Mendes (in for the slightly injured Josh Wolff), ets the ball on the breakaway, but has a defender riding his inside shoulder.. preventing the cutback.. so he just beats him to the touch line, gets a step, and cuts it back, crossing it to Khano, who heads it home for a two goal cushion. Think I should've made the tactic switch earlier? :D

It's 2-nil at the break.

In the 60th minute, we make two 2nd half subs as the Mutts try to pressure us. Tim Johnson on for Stevie Ralston (who moved back to defense at halftime), and Jaime Holmes is on for Daniel Mendes, who already has a yellow, and is tiring.

84th minute, Larsen makes a good save, tipping over the bar a Razov long shot.

86th minute.. there's a mad scarmble in the box, Larsen can't save it cleanly, and somewhere in the madness, the ball hits off the post before Luke Vercollone can clear it out.

92nd minute.. the Mutts again hit the post.. this time from distance, on a shot that was curling back, but couldn't QUITE curl enough.

That's the game, and our three game slide without a win is over, as we beat the Metros 2-0.

Hernani gets a 7 (19-30 passes, 1 key, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 2 shots, 2 on target).

Khano Smith is man of the match a 9.

We are now caught up to where I was prior to the break.

[SirFozzie]

Chelsea hire Claudio Ranieri to replace Jose Mourinho, who joined Barcelona.

Up next is Chivas USA, and games involving them are USUALLY high scoring, and this one starts off with a bang, as we are THREE goals up within twenty minutes, (Goals from Khano Smith, a set piece goal by defender Sergio Flores, and a penalty kick by Ralston), and from that point, we just sock it in, and Chivas can't break us down, and it's a 3-0 win.

Khano Smith gets the man of the match award with a perfect 10 rating.

[SirFozzie]

In our next game, against Real Salt Lake, I can retire the award for "Worst Penalty Kick in MLS, 2008 edition" Steve Ralston gets to take a first minute PK, and he hits it wide right. How wide right? The ball crossed the endline OUTSIDE OF THE SIX YARD BOX. He could only shake his head sheepishly while the RSL fans jeered him mercilessly.

Thankfully, the ref was in a giving mood.. ie he gave the gift that keeps on looming, yellow cards, and Nik Besagno picked up his 2nd a half hour in, and combined with a Daniel Mendes hattrick (9th, 38th, and 79th minutes), that's enough for a 3-1 win.

[SirFozzie]

In a shocker, Chelsea win the EPL when both Arsenal and Middlesborough falter down the stretch. So much for Jose Mourinho being a super manager, huh? Claudio Ranieri comes in for the final games of the year, and manages to pull off the unthinkable.

[SirFozzie]

One note I forgot to mention prior to the RSL game is that Khano Smith is the MLS player of the month for April. He's a true system player, as he would only be average in any other system I think, but flourishes for us. This is his 3rd player of the Month award in as many years.

[SirFozzie]

We continue our winning streak, defeating Kansas City 2-1, thanks to a pair of first half goals by Khano Smith. 3 wins in a row, after 2 losses and a draw. You explain it.

[SirFozzie]

Game invalidated by crash, will pick up below

[SirFozzie]

Game invalidated by crash Reposting below

[SirFozzie]

The Games were invalidated by the crash

Now.. time for a little audience participation. I have arranged for another international player to join us at the summer transfer window (August 15th). Yeah, I know, you think I would have realized my lesson :P But.. this is a really tough decision.

I will be posting the two players as soon as imageshack is up. I need you to help me decide whether I should keep Larsen, dump him for Barroso, or trade Jon Busch and let go one of my other international players. It's now June 1st, so we have some time to decide.

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3109/larsen8wh.th.jpg (http://img361.imageshack.us/my.php?image=larsen8wh.jpg) (Larsen, our existing keeper.. has been getting to be our #1a keeper this year)

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/4383/barroso5mj.th.jpg (http://img359.imageshack.us/my.php?image=barroso5mj.jpg)And Alan Barroso, the guy I'm bringing in. For $1,000. There's gotta be something wrong.. but I just don't see it!

[SirFozzie]

Image Shack is very slow, so you may not see them :)

[winkingpirate]

I think it may be due to his height, I think the game undervalues short keepers.

[SirFozzie]

Had a non-FM2006 computer crash wipe out back to the KC game, so I'll try to quickly resim and see how it turns out :D

[SirFozzie]

We look awful for the first sixty minutes of the DC United game going down 2-0, but adding Khano Smith on the left helped, as he hit a GREAT cross for Josh Wolff to nod home in the 67th minute to cut the lead in half, and then Ohbum hit the best pass I've ever seen.. from three or four steps past the centre line, curling it into Wolff, who crashed it home, and we had tied it up, 2-2 in the 82nd minute.

We'll take it.

[SirFozzie]

We lose 1-0 to Columbus, and even our best player, Wolff, was average on the day. Our defense is not so good, we'll have to look into improving it.. (more in central defense then on the sides).

[SirFozzie]

Seattle's been bugging me about Jaime Holmes for a while, and I tell them if they pony up $210K for him, they can have him. To my surprise, they accept. I'll take it, this frees up a roster spot if we can acquire a defender.

We re-submit a transfer deal for Barroso, hopefully he accepts again, the selling of Holmes doesn't help, he needs to take one of the International spots.

[SirFozzie]

We acquire Drew Moor from Colorado for a 2nd round Supplemental Draft Pick, he can play central defense and right side defense. He's 24, and was pushing hard to get into Colorado's first team plans.

Barroso accepts our deal, so the clock is ticking, come August 15th one of our internationals will have to go.

[SirFozzie]

Two Late goals from sub Josh Wolff (he's pretty much convinced me that he and Daniel Mendes should start up front with Khano moving to the left side midfield role), combined with earlier goals from Daniel Mendes and Eric Allen, give us a 4-2 win on the road at Chicago.

Long time USA goalie Tony Meola is back in MLS, as he signs on with FC Dallas as their new manager. Meola had 101 caps for the USA, and he'll have a lot of work ahead of him, as Dallas are 10 points out of the playoffs 12 games into the year (they only have 7 points)

[SirFozzie]

The Mutts fire Bob Bradley, and if rumors are true, Crewe manger Steve Cotterill may be the new boss, which says a lot about MLS gaining visibility, last year, Cotterill was managing Crewe in the EPL, sadly they were relegated.

[ice4277]

RE: The Argentinian goalie.

Could your scout be overvaluing him? That's the only thing I can think of that may make things not as they seem.

[SirFozzie]

I dunno.. he is playing for Boca, so the training facilities are good.. but I guess we'll find out come 8/15...

The least said about our game against the Mutts, the better. We get taken to the woodshed, 4-1. ow.

[SirFozzie]

We acquire more defensive help, as we trade for Columbus's 29 year old versatile defender Bryan Namoff for a 2nd round SuperDraft Pick. He can play all three defensive positions, and probably wil lstart right away.

[SirFozzie]

Cotterill does take the reigns at the Mutts. That'll be interesting.

As contracts are now seven months from expiring.. time to make some decisions.

Alex Zotinca (12 appearances, 6.92 rating): Makes $725/wk, wants $750 wk. I offer $725 wk

Robbie Russell (4 starts, 4 subs, 7.00 rating): Makes $2700/wk, wants the same. I offer 2200. He's going to take at least somewhat a paycut if he's going to stay.

Robbie Denton (6 starts, 1assist, 7.17 rating): Makes $600/wk, wants $825/wk, I offer $675/wk for a couple years

Khano Smith (11 starts, 1 sub, 6 Goals, 9 Assists, 8.08 Rating): Makes $850/wk, wants $4300/wk (thank god I have a ton of salary cap room :D).. I offer 3800/wk long term.. he'll get what he wants if he doesn't accept it.

Steve Ralston (12 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist, 7.42 Rating)L Makes $3600/wk, wants 4200/wk.. I offer a 1 year extension at 3600/wk

[SirFozzie]

Russell signs through December of next year, as does Denton.

Smith doesn't like my offer.. I think about trying to meet him half way, and then decide it's not worth the trouble, and offer him what he wants. ($4300/wk, through 2011)

[SirFozzie]

Well.. Ralston is now gone.

He did accept my offer, but then Italian side Ascoli offered us 1.8 million dollars.. and I jumped at it. He's gone as of July 1st, but considering I was looking at him as only a short term option on the right side anyway..

[SirFozzie]

We comeback from the Mutts shellacking and beat San Jose 3-0, on goals by Daniel Mendes, and two late goals from sub Greg Brown (I've gotten lucky with some of my draft picks, I guess, Brown and Allen both have contributed.

[Blade6119]

Its very possible Boca just has a world class keeper or two in front of him so he has spent the entire game so far toiling in the reserves and hasnt had a chance to gain any exposure or value(he is on the reserve team)

Kind of a stretch, but possible

[SirFozzie]

Well, we'll see shortly. I've just about decided what I'm going to do (let you know after the update) :D

Up next after the San Jose beatdown we served up, was a game against the LA Galaxy, who are fighting for first place in the west (with about three other teams, it's a mess over there).. and it's the boringest game I've watched all season. No Goals. 7 shots total (no, not 7 shots on net.. 7 shots!). 0-0 Draw sends us out of first for the first time in a while.

[SirFozzie]

In a rarety, Sergio Flores, a defender, scores both our goals in the 2-0 win at home over FC Dallas. One of them was a corner, the other was a scramble around my net that got sent out a couple times and then immediately back in. Flores was pushed forward and it finally bounced out to him after a botched clearance.

I can just imagine the coach on the sidelines yelling at him "SERGIO! SERGIO! GET YOUR ASS BACK.. SER.. AW HELL.. GET IT BACK IN... FLORES GET YOUR STUPID ARSE BACK TO.. SHIT HERE THEY COME AGAIN.. NICE D.. FLORES THIS IS THE LAST TIME.. GET YOUR.. AW hell. Nice Goal Sergio.. Don't let it ever hapen again"

[SirFozzie]

Another bore draw is at hand, against Kansas City.. the game was marred by the 2nd appearance of the super Pop-Up Card machine (12 more yellow cards, 5 on us, 7 on them). Somehow, despite over half the players on the field having a yellow.. no one got sent off. Wow. KC actually committed the most fouls in one game I can ever remember seeing in FM2006.. 24. Wow.

Up next is a game against Colorado, who's manager, Paul Mariner, used to be my assistant. Sadly, he could be on the block, they just can't get it together. I don't make it any easier on him, however, Josh Wolff puts together a hattrick of goals, and we beat them 3-0.

After that, we had a game against Chivas USA who are in first in the West right now (check back next week, the way that conference is going, it could all change). It was just nuts. Busch didn't have a good game. Chivas goalie Brad Guzan didn't have a good game. The scoreboard operator didn't have a good game. All in all, 8 goals are scored. (Russell, John Allen scoring twice, and Daniel Mendes) in a 4-4 draw.

That led to the big one, against DC United. First place in the East is at stake.. and we destroyed them. Josh Wolff had a hattrick, and John Allen added an injury time "insult to injury" goal, and we outshot them 16-7, and won 4-0.

We have a midweek friendly in Portugal at Liga de Honoria club Oriental, part of the Pedro Junior transfer, before returning to MLS play.

Now.. the future of certain players. I have decided to keep Larsen.. he's just 25, and can work with us for many more years. I have decided to keep Barroso.. after all, from what I can tell, he will be a #1 keeper in this league for years and years to come.

So that means two things.

1) Jon Busch, sadly, has to go. He is 31, and has only played in 7 of our games this year. Time to let him get first team football where he can. He's put on the trade/transfer list.

2) Pedro Junior hasn't lived up to his bidding, and with Hernani doing well on the left side, and quickly learning center positions thanks to the training he's on.. he's surplus to requirements. he's listed as well.

[SirFozzie]

The standings after 20 games.


| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | New England | | 20 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 42 | 23 | +19 | 38 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | D.C. United | | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 25 | 18 | +7 | 36 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | Columbus | | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 20 | 14 | +6 | 32 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | MetroStars | | 20 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 25 | 23 | +2 | 27 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Chicago | | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 30 | 27 | +3 | 25 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Kansas City | | 20 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 31 | -15 | 15 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|







| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | Chivas USA | | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 21 | 22 | -1 | 32 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Los Angeles | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 27 | 30 | -3 | 29 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | Salt Lake | | 20 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 25 | 18 | +7 | 28 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | San Jose | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 30 | 27 | +3 | 28 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Colorado | | 20 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 22 | 29 | -7 | 21 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | FC Dallas | | 20 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 38 | -21 | 13 |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

[SirFozzie]

One burst of updates today, with all the family gatherings and stuff, it'll probably be an only one.

We travel to Portugal to take on Oriental, and win 2-0, Wolff and Henning scoring for us. Conor Casey is back playing with the main squad, and he starts to get offers. Lots of offers. Many Lots of offers.

We lose 2-1 to Real Salt Lake (they have players with names right of the old fiction books, Emanuel Centurion and Dusty Swinehart scored for them), John Allen scoring the revs only goal. That bounces us from first, at least temporarily.

We have an immediate rematch with Real Salt Lake, this time in the US Open Cup 4th round, and this time, it's OUR turn to win 2-1, with Allen (again, he's really having a good year) and Santiago Biglieri scoring the goals. That puts us through to the fifth round.

We travel to Columbus, where goals from Hernani (his first as a Rev) and Conor Casey mean we win, 2-1. Casey at this point had five offers rejected and four accepted.. we're just waiting for things to die down to see which one he accepts.

Hernani played attacking midfield for us in our last game, as both Greg Brown and John Allen were called up by Bruce Arena for the 2008 Olympic Games, in Beijing China, and they will play for the USA U23's.

[SirFozzie]

I'm up (don't know for how long), so more updates are here.

Pedro Junior departs for Portugese SuperLiga team Maia for 75K.

Conor Casey takes a deal with German Bundesliga team Bayern Leverkusen that sees no money change hands, but the german team will owe us 2 million dollars when Casey scores his 10th goal for the team.

BTW.. SOOOOOO frustrating. Pat Noonan has scored NINE league goals for Toulouse.. they owe us $650,000 after 10.. and as the French Ligue 1 starts, he's in the reserves..

[SirFozzie]

John Allen played in the USA U23's 1-1 tie with Italy at the Olympics.. did rather well too, rating of 8. They still have games against La Cote d'Ivorie (Ivory Coast), and Senegal, but this was an important game.

[SirFozzie]

Brown and Allen both play (Allen as a starter, Brown as a 2nd half sub), in the USA U23's 1-0 win over Ivory Coast. They now lead Group B with four points from two games, and will advance with a draw in the next game against Sengal.

Busch won't be going anywhere for a bit, Larsen injured himself in practice for up to 2 months, and Barroso will join in just a couple days.

Khano Smith is recovered from injury, but with the sale of Casey, we were getting a little short rostered at striker.. we look for a player to acquire when the transfer window opens up.

[SirFozzie]

USA fail to make the medal round in the Olympics as they lose 2-1 to Sengal and lost out to Ivory Coast on total goals scored (both with a goal differential of +0, they scored 4, US scored 3).

Barroso signs, and we'll throw him right in against San Jose, see how he does.

[SirFozzie]

Barroso makes a couple great saves in the first half (including one session where he makes the save, but gives up a rebound, is seemingly wrongfooted when the ball comes back in off a deflection.. but somehow tips it on to the post, and it's 0-0 at the half, despite San Jose being the better team so far.

He makes a couple more good saves early in the second half, and you can see the air just go out of San Jose (nice to see a computer team deal with the Supergoalie :D), and we score twice (Daniel Mendes and Josh Wolff, Wolff's being a PK), in the last half hour to win 2-0.

Not bad, an 8 on Barroso's debut :D

[SirFozzie]

The media, the ones who were asking me after every game if we could hold on to Casey are back, this time about Barroso, saying that he looked very impressive against the Earthquakes, and how did I view his first game.

I'm very pleased with him, I believe Alan will prove to be an excellent signing for this club, and there will be lots more to come from him.

High praise for a new player.. but I figure after the game he's had, he deserves it.

[SirFozzie]

For the 2nd time this season, we have a back to back, league and cup thing going on this time with San Jose. Barroso again starts, gets a 7, and two goals by Daniel Mendes wins the US Open Cup Quarterfinal match up, 2-1. We are through to the semifinals.

[SirFozzie]

A pair of 1-1 draws tightens things up in the East (Wolff scored our goal in the 1-1 draw with the Metrostars, and Allen scored in the 1-1 draw at Kansas City)

We have a double shot with the Galaxy coming up, first in the MLS, and then in the Semi-Finals of the US Open Cup, then it's just about all east games the rest of the way, as we'll take on DC (who we're currently ahead of by goal differential), Columbus, Dallas, Colorado and Chicago.

[SirFozzie]

One final update for the night.

We manage to bring home two American players to fill out our roster, what with all the guys we've been losing..

Zak Whitbread had been toiling at Scottish Premier League side Livingston, we decided to bring him home, he cost us $375K, but he really will help shore up any defensive holes we have.

We also brought home 24 year old midfielder/attacker Mike Magee for $1 Million, from Greek side PAOK. He can play the attacking midfield as well as the striker position.. this was his offseason, so he'll need some time to get up to speed, but we'll do our best.

We get shmucked by LA in the first of our psuedo-double header, 3-1. We don't even have a goal scorer, our goal was scored an own goal. The loss knocks us out of first place in the East.

The 2nd game, is quite frankly, the most tense match I've played since joining New England. The US Open Cup Semifinal match was back and forth 90 minutes of soccer. and that was just to start. I give Barroso a night off and put Busch back in, Barroso needs some time to get his morale up, and Busch made four key saves in the first 90 minutes.

At the 90 minute mark, it was 0-0, and we were headed to OT. Khano Smith had taken over for Josh Wolff when Wolff went out injured in the 34th minute.. and early in Extra time, had a good opportunity, but was scythed down by a LA defender. I cheered as the referee awarded the penalty.. but I saw the little green cross appear by Khano's name. I had used all three of my substitutions, so I was really worried.. but after a few moments, he signaled he was ok, but he was heavily limping.

So.. imagine my shock/dismay/fear when Smith grabbed the ball and strode to the penalty spot. HE was going to take it?

I was about to call him off, and Gary, the assistant manager grabbed my arm. "Nah. He's got too much adrenalin goin through his veins right now. He'll bury it."

Full of dread.. I saw him place the ball, and the ref signal..

and Smith took the best damn penalty I've ever seen. Top Corner Right. No goalie in the world could have saved it. 1-0 Revs.

He eventually DID have to come out in the 112th minute when he couldn't continue, but that was ok. That was the winning margin... 1-0 Revs. Off to the Final we go.

[SirFozzie]

Well, I'm finished barfing, at least for the moment.. might as well wait for the next time my stomach declares war on me by posting what's going on.

We have a chance to reclaim first place when we travel to DC United, and it looks good early, as we have a 5th minute goal by John Allen give us a 1-0 lead.. and we hold that lead for 84 minutes.

I hear you say, But Foz.. that only takes you to the 89th minute..

Perceptive..

Their South African striker Lungisani Ndlela scores in the 90th minute, and DC escapes with a 1-1 draw. They are still three points up.

Up next is a bore draw against Columbus, 0-0. TOok about 20 seconds to play. Fortunately, DC loses, so we gain a point on them.

Then it's time for the game against Colorado in the US Open Cup Final. They recently fired Paul Mariner, and Bob Bradley took over, so the new boss could have a trophy in his cabinet a week into his new job.

It's really a defensive struggle, there's a total of 7 shots on net the entire game.. but the difference is John Allen's 73rd minute strike that seperates the teams, and we have our second US Open Cup trophy in four years, 1-0 final.

Unfortunately, our players are really knocked out, they've been playing two games a week for a while now, and we just don't have the finishing touch against Dallas. We hold them to zero shots on net, but none of our 8 shots (4 on net) go in either, so we have our third straight MLS draw.

DC lost again 2-1 to Colorado, so we're now one point out.

That's game 30, so we have two games left in the year, and there's still a lot to play for.

East: DC United (51), New England (50), Chicago (46), Columbus (44), Metrostars (39), KC (30)

The East can change rapidly, the top three teams can all take the title, but realistically, it's between DC and myself. The Mutts need a miracle to make the playoffs, Chicago and Columbus are jockeying for third.

West:San Jose (46), Chivas USA (43), LA (42), Salt Lake (38), Colorado (36), Dallas 18

Well, San Jose, Chivas have clinced playoff spots. LA is pretty much clinched too, but the positions are not set in stone.. more like Oatmeal.

[SirFozzie]

My contract with the Revs has three months to go, and they offer me a new contract.. being the first offer, they naturally try to offer me a small pay cut (from $15,500/wk to $14,250/wk) for two more years.

I counter offer, $15.5k/wk, plus they agree to improve the training facilities.

[SirFozzie]

They think the training facilities are fine the way they are but agree to the $15.5 K a week. That works.

[SirFozzie]

We end the season horribly, with another 1-1 draw with Colorado, Daniel Mendes scoring the Revs goal, and then Zak Whitbread gets sent off in the 5th minute against Chicago, and we go down in flames, 5-2.

We finish the regular season having not won in our last 8, but still in 2nd place, and we get Columbus in the playoffs. Time to pull things out.

[SirFozzie]

To call our defense tattered would be charitable, as entering the first round we have:

Whitbread suspended for at least the first leg against Columbus, due to his red card.

Namoff injured (Gashed head)

Zotinca getting cortisone shots after he tweaked a hamstring in practice.

Add Allen being out for 1-3 weeks, and we're in trouble.

[SirFozzie]

((I'm up, don't know for how long, but at least long enough to get the rest of the season in))

We manage to make it through the semifinal, rather easily dispatching Columbus in the first leg at Columbus, 2-0, Magee and Denton scoring. We know that we don't have to do much to win series in the 2nd leg, and we take it somewhat easy, winning the home leg, 1-0 (Wolff) to advance 3-0 on aggregate.

Daniel Mendes is injured for the Eastern Conference Final. Our.. Fifth? Sixth? in a row? Yet we've never gotten past this point, and we'll take on DC United, who survived a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw with Chicago in the other semifinal. It's at DC's new DC United Stadium

Sheesh, are we cursed? Hernani comes out injured in the fourth minute. There's one of our allowed three subs right there. Khano Smith comes on for him.

Josh Wolff gives us a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, with a rebound off a Khano Smith shot.. but it doesn't last long, as DC's Nick Van Sicklen equalizes in the 19th minute.. it's back and forth, but neither side can break through, and it's 1-1 at half.

Wolff scores in the 51st minute, on a counter one on one breakaway.. and the minutes tick by, and I'm starting to get my hopes up. I use my second sub to replace Santiago Biglieri, who still isn't 90 minutes fit, with Eric Denton. He takes the left midfield side position Khano Smith was in, and Khano moves forward to replace Magee, who replaces Biglieri.

84th.. 85th.. 86th.. I remember what happened previously, and I hope that we can just hold out..

Damnit, Lungisani Ndlela did it to us again. He really should have business cards made up that state "Professional Rev Killer".. in the 87th minute, the South African striker heads home a cross to tie things up.. 2-2. Don't get your hopes up, they'll just be dashed. DAMNIT. Jim Henning comes on for Luke Vercollone right before the full time whistle.

Off to extra time we gooooooooo.

Early in OT, KHANO SMITH PUTS US AHEAD, 3-2! He heads home a Wolff cross, and I'm dancing on the sidelines. Once again, we are less then a half hour from victory.

Of course, we never do things easy, and we give up a bullshit handball call in the box (no card or anything, it's painful enough).. and DC's Eric Lewis converts. 3-3.

*sigh*

the whistle blows, and we are now 15 mintues from penalties.

Oh look, here comes Ndlela again. There isn't a New England jury that would convict me if I hired someone to Gilooly him in the offseason, is there? He scores in the 113th minute, and now we're seven minutes from doom.

Except we fight back, and it's Mike Magee who scores in the 115th minute to tie things again. 4-4.. are you kidding me?

Off to penalties.

DC goes first..

Eric Lewis.. who made his penalty in extra time.. SAVED BY LARSEN!

Khano Smith... GOALLLLL! 1-0 Revs

David Wagenfuhr for DC... Off the post and in.. 1-1

Josh Wolff.. SAVED! Still 1-1 after two rounds.

Ndlela.. Of course he scores... God I hate him. 2-1 DC

Ohbum.... GOAL! 2-2!!

Ben Olsen... SAVED BY LARSEN! 2 Huge saves...

Denton to put us on the brink... WAY WIDE... 2-2 after four rounds.

John Wilson is the #5 for DC... GOAL.. 3-2..

Mike Magee to keep it going..

Saved.

Shit.

4-4, 3-2 in penalties. We've failed at this hurdle again.


*sighs*

[SirFozzie]

Some final New England Revolution stats for 2008..


| Pkd | Inf | Name | Apps | Gls | Ast | MoM | Pas | Tck | Drb | Sh T | Av Rat|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DC | | Sergio Flores | 39 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 70% | 3.76 | 0.18 | - | 7.03 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DMC | | Luke Vercollone | 38 | - | 1 | 3 | 71% | 4.13 | 0.43 | - | 7.16 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Inj | Daniel Mendes | 27 (5) | 13 | 5 | 2 | 68% | 0.62 | 2.17 | 60% | 7.03 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ML | | Hernâni | 27 (4) | 1 | - | - | 73% | 3.21 | 3.21 | - | 6.65 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DR | | Drew Moor | 27 | - | 1 | - | 70% | 3.28 | 0.45 | - | 7.07 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| FC | | Josh Wolff | 26 (1) | 16 | 7 | 3 | 69% | 0.77 | 3.39 | 66% | 7.37 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| MR | | Ohbum | 24 (6) | - | 9 | 1 | 66% | 3.30 | 2.33 | - | 7.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| FC | | Khano Smith | 23 (10) | 8 | 12 | 4 | 67% | 1.32 | 4.11 | 57% | 7.30 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Inj | John Allen | 23 (5) | 10 | 5 | 2 | 77% | 1.60 | 1.32 | 66% | 7.07 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Alex Zotinca | 20 (7) | - | 1 | 1 | 74% | 3.08 | 1.78 | - | 6.81 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DL | | Bryan Namoff | 20 | - | - | - | 70% | 3.29 | 0.73 | - | 6.85 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| GK | | Jan Kjell Larsen | 18 | - | - | 2 | 72% | - | - | - | 7.39 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| S1 | Wnt | Jon Busch | 15 | - | - | 3 | 72% | - | - | - | 7.40 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| S2 | | Jim Henning | 14 (5) | - | 2 | - | 70% | 3.92 | 0.37 | - | 7.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| S5 | | Robbie Russell | 13 (7) | 1 | 2 | - | 66% | 2.94 | 1.54 | - | 7.10 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| AMC | | Santiago Biglieri | 12 (9) | 1 | 3 | - | 63% | 2.60 | 3.23 | - | 6.48 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DC | Inj | Zak Whitbread | 10 | - | - | 2 | 72% | 3.32 | 0.30 | - | 6.70 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| S3 | | Eric Denton | 9 (4) | 1 | 1 | - | 64% | 2.84 | 1.75 | - | 7.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Alan Barroso | 7 | - | - | 1 | 65% | - | - | - | 7.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| S4 | | Mike Magee | 5 (2) | 2 | 3 | 1 | 71% | 1.35 | 2.53 | - | 7.14 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Greg Brown | 3 (12) | 2 | 1 | - | 75% | 2.54 | 2.39 | 45% | 6.67 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Jason Myers | 0 (4) | 1 | - | - | 72% | 2.27 | - | - | 6.50 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Tony Medina | 0 (2) | - | - | - | - | 30.00 | - | - | 6.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | Lst | Jeff Stewart | 0 (1) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6.00 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ryan Rudisill | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Brian White | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Matt Smith | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ryan Johnson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Chris Tanner | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Mike Suarez | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Paul Johnson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Ryan Donaldson | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Scott Palmer | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | Peter Hunt | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - | | T.J. Tomasso | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

[SirFozzie]

Well now, this is interesting..

Maccabi Tel-Aviv have fired their manager, they are 9th in the table after 9 games, and the hot rumor is that yours truly will take over the Isreali power (39 league and cup championships in their long history.

I think long and hard, and decline to make a statement on this one. If they make an approach, I'll consider it.. but right now, I may be overreacting to another Revs playoff failure..

DC United wins the Cup again (they seem to win it in odd years.. 04/06/08) on penalties after a 2-2 draw with LA. They become the first team in MLS history to win all three rounds on penalties.

In awards:

Robbie Russell finishes 2nd in the Defender of the Year awards..

John Allen wins the Gatorade Rookie of the Year award.

Russell, Wolff and Smith are All-Pro's.

Chicago's Nate Jaqua wins MVP.

Next year's transfer budget will be around $450K, and they did end up improving the training facilities. Our youth acadamies may not help us, but at least we will bring out the best in the players we do have.

I'm also linked with Czech Republic team Sigma Olomouc, but I also issue no comment on that one.

Jose Mourinho didn't last long at Barcelona, and he's fired. Sadly, I'm not considered for that job

[Tekneek]

Man, this is like the Colts not being able to get past the Patriots. But this time, Kraft is on the losing end. ;)

That sucks, but this kind of drama is what these dynasties are all about for me. It really pulls me in and makes it seem real.

[SirFozzie]

Hey.. stay tuned for an important update regarding this dynasty.

I've been offered and accepted a new job.. but for WHOM? :D

[SirFozzie]

Actually, not going to leave you all hanging for hours.

Bruce Arena retired at the end of 2008, after having guided the US through the first two phases of World Cup 2010 in South Africa.After much deliberation...

I'm the new manager of the USA :D :D :D :D

And hoo boy are we in for a crowded schedule in 2009.

In January, we have the North American Gold Cup.. at least two games, then a knockout phase.

Then, from February-June and August-October, we have 10 World Cup Qualifiers.

And finally, we have in June, the Confederations Cup. at least three games plus a semifinal/final knockout stage

That means we have at LEAST 15 National Games this year, and could have up to about 20 or so. Wow. There's gonna be some unhappy teams if we advance far in these tournies, about us using up their best players.

[SirFozzie]

We draft (and keep) two players at least until training camp in the MLS superdraft.

Matt Myers, 21, DC (Valued at $24K)
Bill Allen, 22, ML (Valued at 7K)

So far, looks like Myers will stay, Allen will go.

[Tekneek]

Have you ever looked to see if any of your draft castoffs are still in football? Maybe if they have hooked up with lower level clubs, or just retired from the game? I'm curious about that.

[SirFozzie]

Usually, if they don't make the Revs, they retire six months later. a very few hook up with USL teams.

[lytic]

You should get that US Keeper: Gargan from a lower level Icelandic Club. He's from the Boston area and has potential. :D

[SirFozzie]

He's not in my game, sadly ;)

Couple transfers to report: We sign Mexican U21 defender Edgar Castillo from Seattle for 130K. He's got American citizenship, so won't count as an international.

TJ Tomasso is released on a free transfer.

We receive an offer from Kansas City. The 2nd pick in the Supplemental Draft for Eric Denton. Sounds fair to me..

back to the USA game before sleep time

[SirFozzie]

Ok, back to the Revs after the USA's Gold Cup adventures, as well as the WCQ against Panama.

I draft Brandon Prideaux and Kevin Thomas from the Supplemental draft. Prideaux might have a chance to make it. Thomas is a long shot.

[samifan24]

Are you still playing this dynasty?

[Tekneek]

He got a new job or something like that.

[SirFozzie]

I just don't have time right now.. I will try to update this when I can, but don't expect it anytime soon