[retired_mallory08]

Playoff Dream Ends, Was Nothing More Than Fantasy

"Noone had a tougher draw than us. Colorado won the Supporter's Shield by a mile and it was always going to be difficult against them over two legs. Greg Broz and I have had our disagreements, but I can respect the good work he's done out there. I hope they go on to be Champions...they deserve it."

"Of course, we were undone by a strike tandem that we had on our books. I have to hold my hand up for that, but I honestly thought it was good business at the time. Pezz had a decent season with us but the deal to take him to Colorado was fair and I had a ready made replacement in Estoyanoff. It was his difficulties settling in the area, his attitude problems and going MIA on the field that caused me to trade him. I was out of patience, and he was beginning to hurt morale in the locker room. Getting a 1st, under the circumstances, was pretty good business.....but I wish I could have that one back. He helped move the Rapids to another level and without him in the team I think we would have progressed."

As it turned out, the 'Quakes had a very competitive matching over the two legs. "We lost it after the first one", said Clark "0-0 with all the chances we made was like a death knell."

The second leg was again very tight, but Colorado made the most of an indifferent goalkeeping display (Big Joe got a pitiful '5') to score twice on their first three shots. A few subs and a tactical switch later, saw Freddy Adu grab a big goal (84min) as SJ threw caution to the wind....but it turned out to be little more than a consolation effort.

"We outshot the best team in the league, and were it not for two very motivated individuals up front for the Rapids, we would have progressed. It was a good series and it showed the potential that I know we have here. I never thought we be found wanting for a goal, but that's how it turned out."

"There's a good core of the First XI that will be back next year. No wholesale changes this time around I don't think. We're maybe only 1 player away from a dominating team. I do think we lack depth and although we had some very good players on paper, the replacements simply did not perform. Kreis, Jardel and Namoff have been released and I wish them well elsewhere. I just hope they don't come back to haunt us, the way Pezz and Fab have. Somehow, I don't think so...."

"I'm making a couple of players available for transfer, Todd Dunivant hasn't done enough over the past two season to convince me he can beat out Pete Vagenas for the srarting leftback berth. I've also listed Eric Quill, who simply could not recreate his sterling Dallas form for me on the wing. He's not going to get a chance in the middle, we're loaded there."

Responding to a question about the need for defensive improvements through the middle, Clark had this to say.."We needed a solid centre half all season, not because we leaked goals [they were pretty solid] but because I want that young Belgian Vandenborre to be the holding midfielder. Let's not forget that we have Norweigan International Andre Muri arriving this month on a bosman. He will free up Anthony for a move to the midfield."

"Will there be other arrivals? Well, there's the draft where we have two first round picks [though Greg's will feel like a 2nd!], we still don't have any money for transfers. I guess that's a by-product of having the worst attendance in the league. We probably have one of the lowest payrolls in the league (about $7k a week below the $34k cap) but we just aren't generating any money. We can't afford to offer the signing bonuses, transfer fees to get the top players I see arriving in MLS. We've made a tidy profit this year and hopefully the board will offer me a little more. So far in two years I've spent $80k, and that was actually the work of the AssMan. I'm not blaming the board for our disappointing season last year, but with a bit more cash I could speed up our development."

"The board and fans seem content to give me another year [a bad start to 2006 may reduce that] so let's see what we can achieve next year when hopefully we can keep more of our key players fit. "

[retired_mallory08]

THE DAY AFTER


Now that the newly appointed Revolution manager Jimmy Ventura has had time to digest a few things like the early exit from the playoffs, the current Revs roster, the plan at hand and the early trades, he's finally ready to dive into the offseason.

His scouts are out and about scouring a couple regions looking for some hidden talent to add to the roster. Malcontent Clint Mathis has been shipped out. He's been looking over other rosters for some seldom used players or transfer listed players that may be of use to the Revs. The only thing left now is to trade off some of the Revs players that don't fit into his plan but may fit into another team's plan.

Rumored to be on the block are all 3 SI's, talented midfielder Jose Cancela, forward Andy Herron, and English defender Steve Howey. Not for lack of talent but because each manager likes to bring in his own SI players. Obviously, these players would probably come cheap knowing how valuable SI slots are in the MLS. Mid to late round draft picks would probably do it or players that just don't fit on other teams but may be able to help the Revs.

Also rumored to be on the block are midfielder Steve Ralston and feisty defender/midfielder Joey Franchino who both requested to be on the transfer list. Though he likes Franchino's heart and hustle, he won't tolerate any player that doesn't want to be in New England.

Ventura will almost assuredly always be available to talk trade since he wants to get his team set very soon and will return phone calls very quickly. It will be very interesting to see what this team has in store for next season.

[retired_mallory08]

Out with the old, In with the new...


An irate manager returned from a lengthy vacation only to have found himself made redundant.

Former manager Stu Hopkins returned from a lengthy rehabilitation spell at his seaside villa to find himself replaced...by the unlikely named Stu Hopkins II.

"Fire me! I can't believe it! I rebuilt this team from nothing! Ungrateful b*******. What a load of manure. If they should fire anyone it should be that usurping Bob Bradley; if he had followed my tactics and player selection all would have been fine, the dozey tw*t."

"Its not my fault they finished last...I wasn't even here! There's a reason that Dallas is called America's armpit you know. Undechiperable accents, rowdy frat boys, Brad Davis...the list goes on. I'm well rid of that sewer."

"I mean really, did you see the players at my disposal? What's a Wagenfuhr? Why is Steve Jolley? Oughton...he oughton go back to New Zealand, that's what. He did nothing! Nothing!

Stu Hopkins the first, continued, grudgingly...

"At least they've picked up a likely enough manager to replace me. He seems to share my tactical ideas and player philosophies...and at the very least, he is quite the handsome one."

[retired_mallory08]

the more things change...the more they stay the same...

With the managerial change, Dallas would have been forgiven for expecting a different attitude towards attendance of league matches from their managers. But despite being hired with ten games left in the season, recently appointed manager Stu Hopkins II distinguished himself by...not arriving in Dallas until after the season was already finished.

"Detroit, Dallas, it's a common enough mistake." The II shrugged, "Besides the side wasn't going anywhere anyways. Too many injuries, off-form strikers, clubhouse rot...I'm glad I stayed away."

"But now I'm here, you can be sure I'll be ringing the changes. EJ might be a star, but he's no longer a Dallas star. 0 goals! What is that?"

In confirmation of recent transfer speculation,The II confirmed that Oughton was indeed on his way to the Revolution with Jay Heaps coming to the Cotton Bowl.

"He's got such a fun name...Heaps..."The II murmured happily.

"And Eddie Johnson is as good as gone. I can report with 98% certainty that he is going to San Jose...all that remains is the crossing of the 't's' and the dotting of the 'i's'. I'm expecting him to bring us two or three starters in return. This one trade should catapult us into contention for a playoff position...this year."

The new manager seems to share many of the same traits as the deposed manager...a propensity for violence, an irrational hatred of Eddie Johnson, (he betrayed us all!), and a lax attitude towards match attendance. Time will tell if the change is what Dallas needed.

[retired_mallory08]

2005 Playoff Conference FInals





#1 DC United #2 Chicago Fire





#1 Colorado Rapids #2 LA Galaxy

[retired_mallory08]

2005 MLS CUP FInal



#1 DC ................#1 Colorado Rapids

[retired_mallory08]

2005 MLS CUP: COLORADO RAPIDS (Greg Broz)

Broz Makes History by Sealing the TREBLE!


Greg Broz's amazing transformation of the Colorado Rapids ended with them taking the silverware back to Mile High, the final piece in an historic treble.

Following on from their success in the Open Cup and Supporter's Shield the MLS Cup almost seemed like destiny. It also one-upped on Tom Yaglowski & LA's Double last season.

In quite a run of dominance, the West has now won 5 of 6 trophies in the last two years - and the two All-Star Games.

"If anyone doubed the comeptitiveness of the West, well, I'm sure they're only painfully aware now of the truth" said SJ gaffer Al Clark. "We almost had Greg and his boys in the semi's, but there was to be no denying their achievement. I wonder if they can add a continental trophy to their collection next year?"

More details and quotes to follow.

WELL DONE THE COLORADO RAPIDS, 2005 MLS CUP CHAMPIONS!

[retired_mallory08]

Turnover Continues

Contrary to previous reports Clark has kept the Spartan Stadium revolving door turning this offseason. "Most of these guys have essentially been signed to try out in camp. IF they make an impression they stay, if not they'll be released and we'll keep looking. I pruned a lot of the fringe players at the club in the last couple of weeks, so we were looking a bit thin."

Out:
Released
Bryan Namoff
Jardel
Wes Hart
Johnny Walker
Inigo Rey (had to be cut to free up a TI slot)

Traded
Richard Mulrooney
Todd Dunivant
Eric Quill
Josh Wolff


In:
Free Agents
Inigo Rey (Now Released)
Craig Ziadie
Chris Wingert
Kyle Martino
Jeff Agoos
Manny Lagos
Neil Lennon
Andre Muri (Bosman)
Steve Ralston (Bosman)

Trades
Eddie Johnson
Brad Davis
Quinton Westerberg (Cash Transfer from Brest, France)
Ederson (awaiting visa, will be with the squad next week).

"Clearly, Eddie Johnson is a huge signing. Though, it appears, he's turned up still carrying a chip on his shoulder from his time in Dallas. I hope this doesn't turn into another Fabian Estoyanoff situation. He's going delusional. He thinks he's still mad at his manager, he thinks he's still on the list. I can't honestly say that i know this one is going to end well. What really bites is that he didn't come cheap - he and Brad Davis came over for starters Richard Mulrooney & Josh Wolff and 1st team rotation players Todd Dunivant and Eric Quill. He's a young lad (Grown Assed Man, my arse!) and hopefully he can just grow up a bit and settle down. He wont be traded any time soon. He's the kind of player we can build the whole franchise around."

"I'm pleased to add Andre Muri, Neil Lennon and Steve Ralston. Those guys are really class acts and upgrade us in all three positions. The rest of the arrvials are playing for a roster spot. I think Craig Ziadie could work out, but the other free agents will have their work cut out."

"I had to release Johnny Walker, he is a starting keeper and wasn't likely to dislodge Joe Cannon any time soon. He was mouthing off in the press and generally not helping the team spirit. I would have thought he'd be more grateful after I took him out of the firing line at the Metros. Good luck to him, though I see him fading out in the USL as I doubt he'll get another chance at the MLS level."

"I just wanted to take time to thank Richard Mulrooney, our assistant Captain, for his efforts at the club. We all knew he's from Texas so the chance to move to FC Dallas was granted as much in recognition of his service as anything. He'll be a great asset for them. " The departure of Richard and Todd Dunivant leaves just Ryan Cochrane on the roster from when Clark took over. Jeff Agoos has come and gone a couple of times, so the youngster is really the only remain legacy of the previous regeime. No one can say Clark hasn't molded the team or brought in his own players.

"Finally, I was overjoyed to complete the paperwork on Brazillian starlet Ederson. He's one the fans will love and should ultimately provide a quality replacement for our Captain Ramon Ramirez. We had been monitoring him for two years but only this offseason (with the generous allocation of $1m in transfer funds) was I able to make my move. I know DC were in the fray too, so I'm glad I was able to persuade him that his future lay in California. I'm hoping he's providing the bullets for EJ for years to come. Welcome to San Jose Ederson!"

[retired_mallory08]

Playoffs

Chicago 1-0 Columbus. The Crew were very tough, their manager always has a sound defensive gameplan in store for us. In the opening leg we got an early break and Damani took it. From then on out, it was a defensive contest with goalscoring opportunities few and far between, this included the second leg. So, Ralph's strike was the difference and we get through the bruising tie. Our reward is DC

We were very confident going into the match, even with the injuries to key defnders Perez and Gray. These injuries did force a change in formation, so we went to three at the back. In the opening 15 minutes, former DC winger the much maligned Georgi Gakhokidze was causing trouble down the left and we looked to be carving out the better chances. His injury, forced my hand and I brought on Ralph to replace him. In retrospect, I should've moved Mapp to left wing and brought on Guevara. This change led to an onslaught and we were lucky to be only 2-0 down at Ht. There was a controversial incident just before Ht, we had a legitimate goal ruled out for offside. Razov took a freekick and the ball came back out into the path of Davy Arnaud and he was level. . Even a halftime tirade from Grommen didn't do much to lift their spirits, they weren't upto it today. It was obvious that It wasn't going to be our day when I defensive mix up with Brede and DJ in the box led to the third goal.
It finished DC 4-2 Fire, the score line is misleading because they were far superior on the day. Congrats Omer, we will get you next time.

" I didn't see it happen but how does a guy break 3 ribs on accident"

"Listen that call changed the complextion of the match, it would've given us a boost going into the lockeroom. That assistant needs to review the rule change because when a player is level he is considered onside and if there is any doubt the attacking player is supposed to gain the advantage.

Offseason Moves

Alexandre Boucicaut traded to Colorado for their 3rd round pick
Ante Razov traded to LA for promising player Justin Moose
Hashim Suarez was released since he was our 4rth Si
Boban Grncarov in for 400k from Metalurg Donetsk

We are also narrowly missed out on Yankov, as he choose Juventus over us.

[retired_mallory08]

Season comes to a close and United look to prepare for the next one

After the conference semi final exit at the hands of Chicago last season, United started the season strongly and followed through to clich the Eastern conference spot in the MLS Cup. United had a promising start to the playoffs with a 4-3 win over New England in Foxboro and a 2-0 win at home. But stiff compeitition awaited them in the form of Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference finals. With an injury plagued backline Chicago was helpless to stop the United attack . The match ended with a 4-2 score with Carlos Fernando Figueroa providing great leadership in the midfield.

In the final match, United faced off against Colorado. A simple marking assignment mistake by Leonardo Gonzalez put Colorado up 1-0. With United having trouble getting anything going in attack, a second goal from the penalty spot sealed United's faith and took the cup to Colorado.

United skipper was crowned the manager of the year following the season. When reached for comment about this achievement he said "Obviously I am pleased, but I think the award would have been well deserved by the Colorado manager. He did a very good job this season and as I had stated at the beginning, their squad and tactics were spot on from the beginning."

Carlos Fernando Figueroa was also selected the MVP and Stoyko Sakaliev was the top scorer in the MLS.

Already having a nucleus of young starters, United will not be very active in the offseason. Leonardo Gonzalez was allowed to leave since he would be occupying an SI slot next season and the manager preferred to keep Sakaliev, Alva and Figueroa in the squad for next season.

Jason Wright was also added to the squad to provide more options on the right side of the midfield.

United failed in an attempt to sign Brazilian youngster Ederson, as the player preferred San Jose. "Obviously they offered him more money. I wasn't prepared to break the bank and have Ederson the highest paid player in the club so we offered him a salary comparable to our other squad rotation players." United manager said.

"We would have offered Ederson more fans to play in front of, an already strong squad which would challenge for titles for the next several years, and a superb coaching staff."

"But I guess these intangibles were less important for him. I wouldn't be suprised if San Jose tries to offload him before the season is even completed. That's the type of team they are running over there and the treatment of Pezzarossi and Estoyanoff in the past are a clear example of how a manager can ruin his club's chances of competing."

"We have other options so I am not worried about losing out on Ederson. We already have an extremely potent attack. Right now we are looking into bringing in another defender that our scouts have spotted. I can't reveal the name just yet but I can promise that he will prove to be one of the premier defenders in the league."