TMR Recommended Reading: Eisenmenger, Davis, and Kartik

L.E. Eisenmenger has a great recap of the Revs vs KC Superliga match last night. I particulaly enjoyed reading Steve Nicol's comments.

Jason Davis has a great piece on the importance of yesterday's victory for the US over Spain in the Confederations Cup.

Kartik Krishnaiyer has a piece on Charlie Davies and Jay DeMerit and how their success differs from the traditional.

Jay Heaps for USA!!!!


Bob Bradley has named his 23 man roster for the Gold Cup - and although there are some notable absences (Dempsey, Donovan, Altidore) there is one shining newcomer to the squad.

Jay Heaps, US International Left Back.

After an 11 year career in the MLS, Jay is finally getting a look a the National Team. Some may question why a 32 year old is getting a look - well if anyone has seen him play this past season you can answer the question. The guy is playing better than I have ever seen - scoring 2 goals this season already - and I challenge anyone to give me an American left back in the league who is playing better (something I may have mentioned once or twice in my podcast).

Let me be clear, I am not saying Jay is the best the US has to offer. As a fan of the USMNT, I understand that this Gold Cup roster was picked to give the majority of the European based players a rest, but it was also to give Bob Bradley a look at some of the talent here in America. The fact that Jay was picked is Bob's way of giving Jay a tip of the cap for the effort he has put in over 11 years, and for the season he is currently having. Even if Jay does not make an appearance in Foxboro as the US take on Haiti on July 11th, having been picked to even wear the shirt is in itself recognition of an outstanding soccer player.


Now lets get Larentowicz a cap....

Episodio 9 - El Medianoche Viaje

This week on El Medianoche Viaje - we put on our sombrero and get ready for SuperLiga. Injuries, roster moves, and potential signings all to a beat that comes from south of the border to put us in a SuperLiga kind of mood.


Episode 9 Show Notes

Twellman and striker position Posted by Christopher Temper on June 14, 2009 at 2:04pm on Defendthefort.net in Revolution: On the Field
This question is for FO/Management folks. Clearly we can not rely on TnT to be available week to week. He makes a huge difference on the field for us. Without him, we struggle to even get SOGs, never mind goals. It appears we have no one else who can consistently score (double digit numbers for a season except maybe Ralston). As promising as some of the young guys like Mansally and Dube look to be the are clearly not able to fill a striker role in the way we need. Are we looking for a proven veteran who can regularly hit the back of the net? Doesn't matter if they are DP or a current player in MLS. Clearly we need something more. Can someone from the FO (Brian, SN, Burns, anyone?) comment on this?

Music: El Matador - by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs Xica da Silva - By Jorge Ben (I know it's not original, but you can blame Peter Brown on CSRN's Divers and Cheats for introducing it to me) "Why?" clip - excerpt from Rhymocerous and Hiphopopotamus - Flight of the Conchords

Props:
Scott Bornstein, Sandra Franz, Zach Woosley, and the Immortal Erik Young http://www.winninguglyradio.com
Zach Woosley - http://www.gingetalksthefooty.com
Twiggster - Glory Glory Leeds! http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/ podcast: http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/glory-glory-leeds-show/
Jason Davis - http://www.matchfitusa.com
http://www.csrnusa.com
Chris Nee and Gary Andrews - http://www.twofootedtackle.com
Michael Johnson (MJ_in_Pitt) - http://www.steelarmy.com/
Kartik Krishnaiyer - http://thekartikreport.com
Brian O'Connell - http://houseofsoccer.blogspot.com/


Be sure to check out the new article by L.E. Eisenmenger
http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-New-England-Revolution-Examiner http://twitter.com/madisonroad
Additional Props to Jorge Ben, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Flight of the Conchords
and the Midnight Riders Tailgate Party


Recent Roster "Casualty" Not Really A Surprise


When considering that the Revs are actively looking for help at the forward line, I was expecting that the next casualty on the Roster would be an outfield player - maybe Dube or Thompson.

However I was completely wrong - and at first I was a bit shocked when the Revs announced that they have waived Zack Simmons . Simmons however has the opportunity to go to Yale Law School, and had asked to be waived in order to pursue his legal career.

This is a classic case of "Fish" or "Cut Bait", and in retrospect, Simmons probably made the smart move. Third on the depth chart behind all-star keeper Matt Reis and 2nd year standout Brad Knighton, Simmons was pulling splinters out of his backside.

Simmons, a native of Durham, N.H., had an impressive collegiate carreer at UMASS Amherst, where he was a walk-on to the team as a freshman.

Over a four year span Simmons recorded a 0.97 goals against average in 84 starts. Simmons also leads all UMASS keepers in wins (42), shutouts (30), saves (386), and also wins (17), shutouts (10) and goals against average (0.79) in a single season (2007) earning him All-American status, and leading the Minutemen to a berth in the NCAA College Cup the same year.

As a fellow UMASS Alum, I am sorry to see him leave the Revs, but at the same time, I respect his decision to move on with his career. Best of luck Z.


Episode 8 - Questioning Steve Nicol's Tactics

In Episode 8, TMR takes a hard look at the tactics employed by Coach Steve Nicol against Kansas City - also special guest Lisa Eisenmenger (Boston Pro Soccer Examiner) talks Shalrie Joseph, and TMR looks ahead to SuperLiga.

Click here for this weeks episode

Episode 8 Show Notes

Special thanks to this week's guests - Lisa Eisenmenger - Boston Pro Soccer Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-New-England-Revolution-Examiner

Music: Kicks - By Paul Revere and the Raiders
Xica da Silva - By Jorge Ben (I know it's not original, but you can blame Peter Brown on CSRN's Divers and Cheats for introducing it to me)
"Why?" clip - excerpt from Rhymocerous and Hiphopopotamus - Flight of the Conchords

Props:
Scott Bornstein, Sandra Franz, Zach Woosley, and the Immortal Erik Young http://www.winninguglyradio.com

Zach Woosley - http://www.gingetalksthefooty.com

Twiggster - Glory Glory Leeds! http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/ podcast: http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/glory-glory-leeds-show/

Jason Davis - http://www.matchfitusa.com
http://www.csrnusa.com

Chris Nee and Gary Andrews - http://www.twofootedtackle.com

Michael Johnson (MJ_in_Pitt) - http://www.steelarmy.com/
Kartik Krishnaiyer - http://thekartikreport.com

Brian O'Connell - http://houseofsoccer.blogspot.com/

Be sure to check out the new article by L.E. Eisenmenger
http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-New-England-Revolution-Examiner
http://twitter.com/madisonroad

Additional Props to Jorge Ben, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Flight of the Conchords
and the Midnight Riders Tailgate Party


Is help on the way?

Boston Herald reporting ....
Revs Notes

With Taylor Twellman day-to-day as he battles the lingering effects of a whiplash-like neck injury, the Revs have made a move to bring in offensive reinforcements. Former FC Porto, Benfica and Real Sociedad target man Edgaras Jankauskas, 34, is expected to join the team on trial this week, according to vice president of player personnel Michael Burns.

MLS Rumors also says....
Jankauskas is currently out of contract, last having played for Skonto Riga (Lativa) in 2008, before that having recently been on the books at Belenenses (Portugal) and AEK Larnaca (Cyprus). The tall (6 ft 4 in.), physical striker has also played for a host of higher profile European clubs, including a three-year stint at FC Porto under José Mourinho where he earned a Champions League winner's medal in 2004.
Video also available.

This is kind of the striker that we need - someone who has some experience and can bring a physical prescence into the box - his age has me concerned about his fitness but better a 34 year old guy that can give you 30-45 minutes of quality than a 19 year old that is keeping the bench warm.


Questioning Steve Nicol's Tactics

I have never been one to criticize the coach, but I have to wonder what Steve Nicol was trying to accomplish last night - and why he continues to play Shalrie as Striker - yes I know Shalrie scored a goal.... but that was practically a set piece (in fact it was the rebound from the set piece corner kick that led to the goal) and Shalrie always runs forward and scores most of his goals of the cross into the box - so you can't tell me that Shalrie as striker is working. Yes - It WAS a good idea when Ralston was still OUT - but now he's healthy and playing - so why continue?

Also with the lack of width on the pitch - Mansally and Nyassi were basically handcuffed from the get go. My preferred lineup would have been play a midfield of Tierney - Shalrie - Larentowicz - Thomson and clog up the middle. Play Dube or Mansally up top with Ralston and leave Shalrie in the midfield.

But After Osei went out with the red card, Nicol could have brought back Shalrie to the midfield and played Mansally up top with Ralston, and instead of using Dube - put on Tierney, Thompson, or even Videira, to keep the play clogged up the middle.
Instead he put on Dube for Phelan - when the game was already lost. A last gasp effort to manage some offense? Too little too late.

The game was not lost with the red card fellas... Nicol could have restructured the lineup to play for the draw.

Episode 7 - Milestone Road

The Midnight Ride celebrates a night of Milestones as Jay Heaps notches his 300th league appearance, Matt Reis gets shutout # 50, and Taylor Twellman becomes the youngest and fastest player ever to reach 100 goals in the MLS. Special Guests Brian O'Connell and Mike Kuhn join host Hank as they head down Milestone Road.

Click here to download episode


Episode 7 Show Notes Special thanks to this week's guests - Brian O'Connell - http://houseofsoccer.blogspot.com/ Michael Kuhn - http://www.downthebyline.com
Adam Cristman Interview - http://www.backpost.net/2009/04/adam-cristman-interview-04292009.html

Music: Kicks - By Paul Revere and the Raiders Xica da Silva - By Jorge Ben (I know it's not original, but you can blame Peter Brown on CSRN's Divers and Cheats for introducing it to me) "Why?" clip - excerpt from Rhymocerous and Hiphopopotamus - Flight of the Conchords

Props:
Scott Bornstein, Sandra Franz, Zach Woosley, and the Immortal Erik Young http://www.winninguglyradio.com
Zach Woosley - http://www.gingetalksthefooty.com
Twiggster - Glory Glory Leeds! http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/ podcast: http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/glory-glory-leeds-show/
Jason Davis - http://www.matchfitusa.com
http://www.csrnusa.com
Chris Nee and Gary Andrews - http://www.twofootedtackle.com
Michael Johnson (MJ_in_Pitt) - http://www.steelarmy.com/
Kartik Krishnaiyer - http://thekartikreport.com
Brian O'Connell - http://houseofsoccer.blogspot.com/


Be sure to check out the new article by L.E. Eisenmenger
http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-New-England-Revolution-Examiner http://twitter.com/madisonroad
Additional Props to Jorge Ben, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Flight of the Conchords
and the Midnight Riders Tailgate Party


Ponder this - Autograph Alley

The Revs have a tradition at the end of every game where they send a few players out to sign autographs for the fans.

So at Sunday night's record breaking extravaganza, in which Jay Heaps has his 300th appearance and scored a goal and an assist, Taylor Twellman becomes the youngest and fastest goal scorer to reach 100 goals (and # 101) all with the same club I might add), Matt Reis registers his 50th career shutout, and Steve Ralston - the all time MLS Assist Leader (who also sets a new record every minute he plays) notches another assist and a goal to boot - who do you think the Revs send out to sign Autographs?

Brad Knighton, Chris Tierney, Mauricio Castro, and Zack Simmons.

Two backup goal keepers and two left wings - none of which appeared in the record breaking event at all.

Don't get me wrong - I understand how it works - the list of who signs autographs is developed way in advance and everyone takes a turn. And I have the utmost respect for both Brad Knighton and Chris Tierney who have played some serious minutes this season and have earned some street cred in my opinion - as well as increase their trade value.

But my point - and I do have one - is why not switch it up on this special occassion - call an audible to borrow a phrase - send out Heaps, Twellman, Ralston, Reis and heck throw Shalrie Joseph out there as well (he only had two assists). Heaps and Shalrie and Ralston were all signing stuff for the crowd anyway from the dressing room stairs - why not just send them around the alley? Even Twellman - who ran out to sign a banner made in honor of his 100th goal - gave a few high fives at the dressing room door before disappearing.

And what is the point of sending out people that don't play to sign autographs? I know they are part of the team and all - but the fans don't identify with them. Who wants Nico Colaluca's autograph (yeah - he signed autographs last week) when he hasn't even played for the team yet?

It's about giving the people what they want, not about equal face time for players. On a night where the Revs could have capitalized on one of the greatest events in team history - they missed out.

Episode 6 - The Return of Taylor Twellman

In this week's podcast, we celebrate the return of Taylor Twellman, look at next week's game against New York with a new guest host, plus we break in a new man on the street with some excellent feedback.

Click here for this week's episode

Episode 6 Show Notes Special thanks to this week's guest - Daniel Feuerstein Check out Daniel's blog, Feuerstein's Fire at http://www.CSRNUSA.com and also his column on http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com

Music: Kicks - By Paul Revere and the Raiders Xica da Silva - By Jorge Ben (I know it's not original, but you can blame Peter Brown on CSRN's Divers and Cheats for introducing it to me) "Why?" clip - excerpt from Rhymocerous and Hiphopopotamus - Flight of the Conchords Theme Song from "Around the League in 90 Minutes" - CSRN

Props:
Scott Bornstein, Sandra Franz, Zach Woosley, and the Immortal Erik Young http://www.winninguglyradio.com
Zach Woosley - http://www.gingetalksthefooty.com
Twiggster - Glory Glory Leeds! http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/ podcast: http://www.csrnusa.com/glorygloryleeds/glory-glory-leeds-show/
Jason Davis - http://www.matchfitusa.com
http://www.csrnusa.com
Chris Nee and Gary Andrews - http://www.twofootedtackle.com
Michael Johnson (MJ_in_Pitt) - http://www.steelarmy.com/
Kartik Krishnaiyer - http://thekartikreport.com
Brian O'Connell - http://houseofsoccer.blogspot.com/


Be sure to check out the new article by L.E. Eisenmenger
http://www.examiner.com/x-4128-New-England-Revolution-Examiner http://twitter.com/madisonroad
Additional Props to Jorge Ben, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Flight of the Conchords
and the Midnight Riders Tailgate Party