I Don't Want LA Galaxy in the Playoffs
I hope LA Galaxy get beaten well and good on Thursday against New York Red Bull. It would be a tragedy to see them have an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs on Sunday against Chicago. Galaxy have had one of the most disappointing seasons in MLS history. They don't deserve to be in the playoffs (the same can be said for half the clubs that will qualify). Landon Donovan did not deserve a US player of the year award and he certainly does not deserve any more opportunities to score penalty kicks. Essentially allowing him to boost his goal total for the season and giving MLS further chances to promote a truly ordinary player. David Beckham hysteria has come and gone. The World Series is just days away, the NFL season has several huge story lines and Kobe Bryant trade rumors are growing louder. Beckham would go unnoticed and it is best to let him heal up and make a real go at next season leading this out of sorts club.
Galaxy in the playoffs could hurt the league's image. What does it say about the regular season when a club can go on a brief run and have a shot at winning the championship? Galaxy are not close to being in the same class as DC United, Houston or Chivas USA. Those are clubs that have been consistent the entire season. They are well coached. They have players far more exciting and skillful than the likes of Donovan. I would hate to see their outstanding seasons overshadowed by Galaxy making the playoffs and the MLS putting all their hyping efforts behind Beckham and Donovan.
How many times throughout his career - club and international - have we witnessed Donovan come apart when the pressure is on. When has this "greatest American talent ever" risen to the level all these soccer writers claim he is destined to attain? Probably not as many times as he has scored penalty kicks. But definitely more times than he has scored from open play. For the good of the sport Donovan should end his career with the Galaxy a loser. Unless they make a move for another Designated Player roster spot they will have to let him go. He clearly won't leave the state of California - we know he can't handle being out of his tiny comfort zone. But let him leave LA a loser.
If poor sides are going to be let within a shout of winning the MLS Cup I'd much prefer Chicago or Kansas City be given the chance. I want to see Blanco, Chris Rolfe and Justin Mapp play an extra match or two. I want to see Eddie Johnson light up an opposing defense a couple more times before we can put this MLS season to bed. And that is really what I want to do.
Writing as someone that wants MLS to do well. Writing as someone that goes to matches, watches them on TV and stands up for the league when other sports fans put it down I am upset at the way this season has been handled. Too much hope was placed on Beckham. How in the hell can there not have been a Plan B in place in the event Beckham got hurt? Juan Pablo Angel, Luciano Emilio, Jozy Altidore and Taylor Twellman are legit stars of the league. I beg MLS to promote them next year. It might be too late for Altidore as I expect him to bolt the league the first chance he gets. But there are players currently in the league and that will be coming next season that are more important and more talented than Donovan.
Everything that American sport is supposed to stand for: Heart, Intensity, Desire, Competitiveness - Donovan is the exact opposite. And it hurts the MLS. It drags it right down the ladder in terms of importance on the national landscape. For the good of the league Galaxy should not make the playoffs.
An MLS Cup that goes unnoticed is one thing. An MLS Cup that goes unnoticed with David Beckham participating could set the league back years.
Galaxy in the playoffs could hurt the league's image. What does it say about the regular season when a club can go on a brief run and have a shot at winning the championship? Galaxy are not close to being in the same class as DC United, Houston or Chivas USA. Those are clubs that have been consistent the entire season. They are well coached. They have players far more exciting and skillful than the likes of Donovan. I would hate to see their outstanding seasons overshadowed by Galaxy making the playoffs and the MLS putting all their hyping efforts behind Beckham and Donovan.
How many times throughout his career - club and international - have we witnessed Donovan come apart when the pressure is on. When has this "greatest American talent ever" risen to the level all these soccer writers claim he is destined to attain? Probably not as many times as he has scored penalty kicks. But definitely more times than he has scored from open play. For the good of the sport Donovan should end his career with the Galaxy a loser. Unless they make a move for another Designated Player roster spot they will have to let him go. He clearly won't leave the state of California - we know he can't handle being out of his tiny comfort zone. But let him leave LA a loser.
If poor sides are going to be let within a shout of winning the MLS Cup I'd much prefer Chicago or Kansas City be given the chance. I want to see Blanco, Chris Rolfe and Justin Mapp play an extra match or two. I want to see Eddie Johnson light up an opposing defense a couple more times before we can put this MLS season to bed. And that is really what I want to do.
Writing as someone that wants MLS to do well. Writing as someone that goes to matches, watches them on TV and stands up for the league when other sports fans put it down I am upset at the way this season has been handled. Too much hope was placed on Beckham. How in the hell can there not have been a Plan B in place in the event Beckham got hurt? Juan Pablo Angel, Luciano Emilio, Jozy Altidore and Taylor Twellman are legit stars of the league. I beg MLS to promote them next year. It might be too late for Altidore as I expect him to bolt the league the first chance he gets. But there are players currently in the league and that will be coming next season that are more important and more talented than Donovan.
Everything that American sport is supposed to stand for: Heart, Intensity, Desire, Competitiveness - Donovan is the exact opposite. And it hurts the MLS. It drags it right down the ladder in terms of importance on the national landscape. For the good of the league Galaxy should not make the playoffs.
An MLS Cup that goes unnoticed is one thing. An MLS Cup that goes unnoticed with David Beckham participating could set the league back years.
posted by Anonymous at 10:08 AM
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