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....

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.