retired_mallory08

Vancouver Lions : Supporter's Shield Winners 2006

Vancouver was the best team in the regular season for the second straight year. The finished a full 10 points ahead of Kentucky in 2nd place.

With an Allstar team now assembled in the PNW, some wonder if the Lion's strangehold will ever be broken?!

Could manager Roger Saint-Vil [Omer] turn regular season dominance into an MLS Cup victory? He certainly deserves it!

Well done Omer!

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2006 Supporter's Shield Winners: Vancouver Lions [Omer]

retired_mallory08

retired_mallory08

MLS CUP 2006 CHAMPIONS : VANCOUVER LIONS [OMER]


So, form for once won the day. The Regular Season Champions, Vancouver, continued their total dominance of the 2006 league season all the way through the playoffs and underlined it with an emphatic 3-0 victory against Texas - despite playing most of the 2nd half with only 10.

"Ten Men didn't even stop them" cried one fan, "North Is Best" chanted another.

The euphoric Canucks cheered their team all the way to victory, but the score was very misleading. Texas, fresh from a brace of trophies in 2006, were invigorated by the new manager and his assman. The Longhorns bossed much of the play, but simply could not break down a stubborn Lion's rearguard. Kentucky Kaiser's coach, Al Clark, who was at the game said "what goes around comes around. Texas were lucky to be there, but their luck clearly ran out. No one can begrudge Roger and his boys the spoils after their season."

The sentiment seemed widely to be a consensus.

Clark had earlier blasted that the fans wanted to see Kentucky in the final but he conceded, "These were the two best teams of 2006. It was fitting they lined up in the final. Texas may have been 2nd best in the confernece through the season, but I can see that was because they were concentrating on the other tournaments. 2 Trophies, a final appearance and a trip booked to the World Club Championships says their gaffer played it just right."

So, with the second season of the new MLS now in the books, the players have gone on holiday, the managers have gone to their desks and the fans await - anxiously - the next installment in the new year.

Official Result:

Vancouver Lions 3 :

Texas Longhorns 0

HT 0:0

Scoring Summary:
1:0 Van : Kalle Ljungberg (48)
2:0 Van : Eddie Gaven (54)
3:0 Van : Felix Alexander Borja (77)

Red Card:
Van : Alpay Ozalan (57)

MVP:
Julian De Guzman (VAN)

retired_hellokity111

Our expert analysts have worked around the clock to sort all the available players and provide for us a mock draft for the 2007 MLS Superdraft complete with the profiles of the players expected to be picked in the first round.




1st pick - Boston- Adam Sims
2nd pick - Muskegon - Scott Powers
3rd pick - Nashville - Aaron Medina
4th pick - Alaska - Greg Kennedy
5th pick - Toronto - Rafael Machado
6th pick - Nerdington - Michael Roberts
7th pick - Marquette - Chris Dusosky
8th pick - New Liskeard - Mark Gomez
9th pick - Rochester - Angel Carreno :blink:
10th pick - Kentukcy - Dan Williams
11th pick - Texas - Matt Kennedy
12th pick - Vancouver - Emanuel

retired_hellokity111

Vancouver Fans Jubilant As Vancouver Lift the MLS Cup

Managing to keep healthy towards the end of the season gave Vancouver the ability to field a full team after last year's dissapointing first round loss at the hands of Rochester Kings in the Conference Semi Finals. This time things were different as the Vancouver frontline did not have to depend on 3rd and 4th choice strikers to carry them through the playoffs. It was the likes of Jorge Daniel Achucarro, the league MVP and Vancouver Lions top scorer this year and last year's MVP and top scorer Taylor Twellman did the trick to put Rochester out at the Conference finals. It was the second year in a row that the Kings lost the Conference finals and their coach Tristan Oberle is surely disappointed to come so close and not reach the final. They do however have a good group of professionals returning next year and few would be suprised to see them back in the MLS Cup hunt next season.

In the final, Vancouver met perhaps the most successful club in the new MLS history, Texas Longhorns who have a stronghold in the Western conference. Despite finishing the group stages in second place, they managed to masterfully get past Kentucky Kaisers to earn a second trip to the MLS Cup for the second time in as many years. Missing their talented manager Ryan Thompson II, Texas started the match strongly and looked to get an early goal. Vancouver was having to sustain much pressure from the new MLS superstar youngster Danny Powers and prolific striker Bruno. Vancouver were lucky to go into the break scoreless.

With Texas continuing to pile on the pressure in the second half and Vancouver strikers not on their day, striker-cum-midfielder Kalle Ljungberg opened the scoring early in the second half. Another midfielder Eddie Gaven scored another to put Vancouver up by two and looked to end the hopes of the Longhorns who had trouble getting clear chances but sustained pressure up front.

While the Vancouver defense looked comfortable, the moment that every single Vancouver fan as well as players and staff had feared for the last two seasons finally arrived on the 57th minute. Alpay was sent off with a direct red card for kicking out at an opponent following an on pitch argument and Vancouver were down to 10 men. Only the second red card in Vancouver Lions history and it came at the worst possible time.

Following the dismissal Vancouver boss decided to shore up the midfield by replacing team captain Jay Jay Okocha with Felix Alexander Borja and moved Emanuel Sarki in defense to replace Alpay. But with only 10 men, Texas started to get some clear chances but were not able to hit the back of the net with Julian de Guzman showing good composure in defense and starting many of Vancouver's counter attacks.

Substitute Felix Alexander Borja finally put the nail in the coffin, scoring the third Vancovuer goal of the evening and virtually ending any chance of a Texas comeback and Vancouver fans went wild coast to coast to celebrate the MLS Cup win.

It was back to business after the cup win for Vancouver as Vancouver was quick to target a player they had been looking to add to their squad for a while. Strong striker Conor Casey joins from Marquete for the next season as young striker Chad Barrett and defensive midfielder Marcel De Jong went the other way. "We got a good striker to help us in the continental competitions next year but had to give up a couple of players who will be quality starters in this league in the coming years. I hope it will be a good trade for both teams" Said Roger Saint-Vil.

Alpay was also given his marching orders as his behaviour and red card in the MLS cup final did not sit well with the Vancouver management. He joins Muskegon Mismatch for a low supplamental draft pick as Vancouver were eager to open his foreigner slot to bring in a replacement. The replacement has already been announced as Brazilian starley Vagner Leonardelli is set to join Vancouver at the start of the transfer period. He brings playmaking ability and youth to the Vancouver backline who looked to make many passing errors with the Goodson-Alpay pairing.

The future of Jay Jay Okocha is also undecided as the Nigerian playmaker had previously expressed his desire to move back to Europe and it is rumoured that he and Saint-Vil have an agreement to allow his transfer in January. Vancouver fans and Roger Saint-Vil certainly want team captain Okocha back for the next season but keeping him may not be an option if an offer for Okocha is made.

retired_mallory08

The Offseason Continues

Coach Clark does not move in mysterious ways. He's not cryptic, he's not cloak and dagger. His man-management 'style' is well know and he's apologizing to no one.

As the offseason continues into the new year and the annual SuperDraft, Clark had made mention of his desire to fatten the squad up. As usual, he;s drafted in a variety of trialists, youngsters from the reserve team, signed all his draft picks and acquired a couple of free agents. His squad is sitting at the maximum offseason limit of 35 players.

"Obviously there's going to be at least 7 guys who aren't going to be here next year. But no one is complaing here. All are grateful for a chance to impress. Think about - you're a young player trying to get on a team. We're a top team in this league and people are lining up for a chance to play here. Competition for places is great."

So, the revolving door continues to spin in the bluegrass. The arrivals of stature are Greg Vanney, Clint Mathis and Jovan Kirovski. The USMNT trifecta all wanted Kentucky so badly they signed near minimum wage deals ($48k each). All know their place - they're here for a place on the squad, a chance to fill in when there's an injury and reestablish themselves in the league. "If they pan out, great, if not, then well as free agent acquisitions we've not lost anything. I expect we'll see two of the three here come the opening day. Greg Vanney actually has a solid chance of making the DL berth his own. Jimmy Conrad is an excellent player, but he's been out of position there and his performances have been a little indifferent. 'JC', as we call him, is a superb defender and he'll fit a place on the team." Early signs are that the three are responding well in training and are clearly raising their game to get a place on the squad. "At those wages we'd be lucky to get a rookie. At over $100k like they were on I wouldn't have touched them."

Clark also rewarded Rookie of the Year, Brazillian live wire Leozinho with a huge payrise. "He had time left on his deal, but frankly he earned it. " He's reported to have increase his wages 6x up to $200k a year. " The increase in the cap helped us there."

Clark did not draft well. He tried to obtain a high pick to select a very promising young GK but there was nothing doing. 1st Rounder Dan Williams was the very player the pundits predicted Clark would select. The AM RC fits one of the needs on the team and he'll be given time to grow. All his picks were signed, but the Finnish winger has already been cut "Greg Andruilis picked him when I wasn't looking. Classic brain fart, and the final straw. I fired him on the spot. I should have done it a long time ago."

Clark added a Brazillian as the new AssMan, fitting given the legion of his countrymen now calling Kentucky home.

Clark has arranged a number of friendlies for both his first team and is even sending his reserves on a tour north of the border to help give the large squad plenty of playing time ahead of the roster confirmation day.

"I don't expect too much movement over last year's starting XI. As I've said before, Samuel will replace Ruiz up front. DMB will take a starting role on one of the wings and new DMC Biglia will push Reyna extremly hard for the starting berth in the middle alongside Leozinho. Claudio is the club Captain and has been since day 1 of this franchise. He's currently retraining to a DC, a smart move that will extend his career and enhance his value to this side. The more versatile you are the better in the MLS. Biglia is definitely Reyna's long term replacement, but just when he takes over the starting role will depend on the performance of othe Cap'n, it's his role to lose."

retired_spaulsen

Interview with Ryan Thompson II

The Daily Texan recently sat down with the manager of the Texas Longhorns, Ryan Thompson II:

First off, we need to get something over with. There is a lot of talk that, along with a similar name, you look and sound a lot like Ryan Thompson I. Actually, there are some that say you are the same person... (*grins*) I have no comment on any of that, other than I think Thompson I is a great guy.

Texas lost in the MLS Final for the second straight year... You always want to win, but its so difficult just to reach the final. Vancouver had enjoyed a great season, and perhaps it was fitting that they finished with that victory. If we manage to get there again next season, we'll of course want to do better. We don't want to be the Buffalo Bills of MLS. Still, as I said, just getting there is an accomplishment and takes a lot of luck and hard work.

What sort of changes will the team see in the offseason? The core of this squad is very solid and does not require many changes. Continuity is important, even if its not as exciting for the media and fans. And for the most part, its still a young group of guys. People might forget that sometimes. Texas has also always been amongst the teams furthest under the salary cap, though maybe that will change this year.

Though Texas did just sign a new Swedish striker in Dahlberg, and by our math this puts you above your foreign limit, leading to a lot of speculation over Shovkovskyi and Rivaldo... This is true. We're excited to have added Dahlberg; we think with him and the development of some of our young forwards, like Bruno and Will John for example, we'll be dangerous in attack. As for the foreigner limit, something will be figured out. I don't want to say too much on that just yet.

And your tactical module? Thompson I built the team in a certain way and with certain characteristics, so I'd say there's a good chance I'll continue down that path with something similar.

You do realize that will just convince more people think you're really the same guy as Thompson I... Heh, no comment....

Last question. There are rumours that Toronto boss Ricky Lung thinks Europe is a country rather than a continent. Your thoughts? (*laughs*) Again, no comment...

retired_terragyrl

Atiba Hutchinson....discarded like so much garbage...

Atiba Hutchinson was dealt away from the New Liskeard North on the eve of the MLS Superdraft. He joins the sadsack Muskegon Mismatch for the new season.

The star midfielder had just recently voiced his dismay with the current setup at the Widowmaker, and may well have been surprised at the rapidnes of his departure.

"Primadonna,"sneered gaffer Stu Hopkins,"Anyone that doesn't want to be here...I don't want 'em here. It's a privelege to wear the Northmen shirt. Atiba will realise that when he's watching the playoffs at home, instead of participating in them with us."

New Liskeard fetched a pretty package for the disgruntled midfielder, including Muskegon's first two picks in the next year's draft, as well as ancient keeper Kasey Keller and young starlet Kenny Cooper.

In other news, the decisive manager released Clint Mathis and Greg Vanney from their contracts. Both players had been upset over lack of first team opportunities.

"Ungrateful so-and so's,"declared Stu,"They can go play in the wilds of Australia for all I care...if they can find anyone desperate enough to take 'em."

Eddie Robinson escapes Toronto...joins perennial powerhouse

New Liskeard gaffer Stu Hopkins was pleased to announce the capture of star defender Eddie Robinson from basement dwellers Toronto.

"Eddie rocks."said Hopkins.

Toronto will be sure to rue the day they let Robinson go as cheap as they did. A second rounder was all that was required to allow Eddie Robinson to take a big step up in the MLS world.

"I'm joining a team with direction."sad Eddie happily,"I'm so glad to get out of that rudderless ship in T.O."

retired_hellokity111

Interview with MLS Cup Winning Coach Roger Saint-Vil

Your team has been consistently winning games for the last two seasons. What do you attribute this success to?
First and foremost, I believe we were able to pick up players who suited our desired playing style. Intelligent Keepers, Strong centre backs, pacy full backs, midfielders who can open up the play and strikers who work hard and get goals. We may have made a few mistakes here and there in the draft but so did every other team. I happen to think we made a few less errors than the average and this allowed us to build on the core the last two seasons. Keeping players together for an extended time is always going to help the play on the pitch and we intend to continue doing so.

There are rumours that there are some players who are unhappy with their playing time. Do you intend to play them more?
Like who?

Danny Califf for one has publicly come out askinf for more playing time.
The way I see it is that for the last 2 seasons we carried three centre backs who could play at all times and some younger players. Danny played as many games as Alpay or Clarance so I really can't believe that Danny wanting to leave is anything more than fabrication by the media.

What about Okocha? He has handed in a transfer request.
Jay Jay is an influential player on the Vancouver squad and he is the type of guy you can build a team around. We hoped to do that at the inauguration draft and I think we did a pretty good job of it. If he still wants to return to Europe despite seeing the fans chant his name all last season, it's his decision not mine. He is always welcome on this team as an on and off the pitch inspiration to the younger players.

What about Jorge Daniel Achucarro? He won the MVP this year and scored many crucial goals.
He has suprised me quite a bit actually. At the start of the season, we had planned for a 3 man attack force with Kalle and Jorge on the sides of a lone striker Taylor Twellman. This is how we played most of our pre-season matches. But things just didn't click. We ended up being outmanned in the midfield and decided to move Kalle to midfield and I think he worked out great. I had intended to rotate Jorge with the other strikers who can play off Taylor but injuries and Jorge getting in a groove changed our plans. We started to let Jorge do his thing a little more rather than restricting him to rigidity of our tactic. He did well.

About your tactics. I bet most managers on here would love to get their hands on them.
I will be happy to have a conversation with anyone who is interested. I am in this for the love of the game and I always think back at matches and try to figure out what I did wrong. Even when we win. But football is not a complicated game. It requires the ability to anticipate what the other manager is likely to do before the match and paying attention during the match. If you do that, you just have to make sure that what you ask your team to do is coherent and they will do well.

What do you expect from your team for next season?
I hope we can go as far as we can in the continental competitions without any accidents. MLS will of course have to be a priority so that we don't blow up like Alaska did last season. I would have expeted them to make some moves to get some squad depth last year but I think their manager was high on the MLS cup glory and didn't get back to work until the mosses started to pile. We need to keep our players on their toes and bring in some fresh faces to ensure that we have players who are hungry for success.

And finally, There are rumours that Toronto boss Ricky Lung thinks Europe is a country rather than a continent. Your thoughts?
I'd rather not make a comment. This is between him and the his geography teacher..

retired_kcnoodle@cox.ne

THE 2007 CALENDAR IS AROUND THE CORNER

As we getting closer to the new calendar year and the Superdraft, the Toronto Syclones are exploring different options to improve their team for 2007. When the other teams keep bringing in players from foreign countries, the Syclones are sitting still, they have only acquired local players, since the start of the franchise, their biggest signing was a 80k cash for Nick Rimando.

During this current offseason, first of all, two players will not return as their contract coming to an end. Kerry Zavagnin and Javon Kirovski both are not interested in signing a new deal with the Syclones. With several key players, including Donovan and Guevara, questioning the progression of the team and demand a transfer, coach Lung has to find a way to convince them. Also, with the contract of Landon starting to count towards the cap next season, and all the rumours surrounding him, the team elects to keep him. Deportivo had offered an instalment worth of 8.25M US, and renegotiated a one time 8M payment, only backed down at the last second by the Syclones. They are not willing to let him walk away just yet.

In order to become competitive, the Syclones certainly need to bring in a few guys abroad. Coach Lung already has a quality list of players that he gathered throughout these two years. And with a few of them available on bosman transfer, the Syclones can really get some help without spend any money. Even if they need to splash some cash, they are more than capable of doing it, with a 8M transfer budget this coming year, and a 5M revenue from TV right, the Syclones now have over 23M US in the bank. They definitely want to use some of the money to bring a couple of guys in to boast their power.

Looking at their roster, they really don’t have any particular holes that need to be filled. They have quality starters, as well as some prospects and depth at each spot. The kids from last year’s draft have some serious potential. Perhaps the most problematic spot is the goalie, critics are heavy on Rimando, everyone is questioning his consistency. Reports said that coach Lung has spotted a prospect, who is currently under contract with a big Europe club, and is also available on bosman. Should Lung stick with Rimando or go with the young Italian?

On the other side of the field, with the lost of Kirovski, the Syclones need a striker to play behind Occean, Youngster Kelly, who scored 10 goals in the reserve division last season will be in the mix during the upcoming season, but he is not ready for a major backup role just yet.