[Aljarov]

I'm going to transfer the entire MLS thread from our website to here. We'll then update individually as we go.

Please visit www.fmusa4you.com for more information on the Relegation Fighters Clan.

[Aljarov]

RELEGATION FIGHTERS CLAN: MLS EDITION

MLS SHOCKS FOOTBALLING WORLD WITH MANAGERIAL CHANGES!

MLS has invoked sweeping changes to the managerial ranks ahead of the 10-team 2004 season.

In keeping with the single entity nature of MLS, the new managers all are part of the same cryptic Managers Association, known as the Relegation Fighters. An odd term, most will concede, in a league where the up/down, promotion/relegation format does not exist!

The rag tag group of unlikely coaches vary wildly in age, from teenages to their 50's. They boast managerial experience from some of the most unlikely leagues in World Soccer - Spain Division B, Belgian D3B, Championship, French National and other LLM Haunts.

Here's the way the new-look MLS shapes up, after the managerial changes.




CHICAGO FIRE: Russ


COLUMBUS CREW: Lee


DC UNITED: Omer


METROSTARS: Ricky


NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: [Nick] Jimmy





COLORADO RAPIDS: Greg


FC DALLAS: Stu


KANSAS CITY WIZARDS: Et


LA GALAXY: Tom


SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: Al

[Aljarov]

Clark Introduced To The Masses At Spartan Stadium

Alan Clark stood before the rowdy 'Quakes fans a man who had built a reputation in the various lower leagues of Europe. However, the SJ Board and MLS felt Clark (a 29y/o Brit) was the man for the job leading SJ into a new era.

"SJ is a club used to success, and I'm here to continue that trend. I'll be the first to admit that as a club, we're going into something of a rebuilding phase, after all, not many teams in the world would not be hurting from the loss of a player with Landon Donovan's caliber and we're no different."

He continued, " Of course, we thank Landon for his service to the club over the years, wish him the best in Germany and hope that he will return one day, perhaps even to North California. He will always be welcome here."

"But I'm not here to talk about LD, we've got a full roster of good players and, I assure you, more will be on the way. The loss of Landon has opened up some room on the cap and I'll be doing my professional best to get a quality replacement. The fans will have a new hero."

"We've got quality through the side - Canucks Pat Onstad and Dwayne de Rosario, Wily vet Agoos and the energy and craft of Dunnivant and Mullen. I feel we're strong in almost every position, and although I will bring my own flavour to the team, I feel it's more of a fine-tuning that is required, as opposed to wholesale changes."

Responding to a member of the public about the uncertain future of the franchise, Clark had this to say...."I am as aware as anyone that the future of this franchise in SJ is in the balance. But I'm not going to let what's happening off the field distract me or the boys. There's a job to be done and the best thing we can all do - and that includes you, the fans - is to get out there and do our level best to make this franchise a success. I want bums on seats - I think the quality we put on the field will warrant that. Spartan, with its narrow dimesions can be intimidating and rowdy. That's what I'll be looking for this season, and if all goes to plan we wont be going anywhere - except the MLS Cup Final".

Fighting talk from Clark. We'll see come season's end where the 'Quakes end up, not just in the rankings, but what city.

SJ Fans - Clark has laid down the gauntlet....time to pick it up.

[Aljarov]

The Rebuild is Underway!

"It didn't take Coach Clark long to start to ring in the changes"......said John Harkes on last night's MLS Wrap "...and that's something of an understatement".

In a blockbuster 6 player, 2 pick deal Clark and new Metros gaffer Ricky Lung hammered out a mega trade that gave Clark a solid foundation for the future, and the Metros a couple of wiley vets for what looks a very sincere push for the MLS Cup.

To SJ:
Ricardo Clark (arguably the future of the USMNT in theholding Midfied role)
Sergio Galvan Rey (The Argie is a capable scorer, though has struggled in his short time in the league. A change of scenery could be all he needs to regain his crown as 'King of Goals'.
Pablo Brenes (The TI Costa Rican brings a solid left foot to the Quakes and fills the second TI slot).

To the Metros:
Jeff Agoos (A born leader, he brings everything to the table, every time)
Ronnie Ekelund (The Dane is a former La Liga and EPL starter, his vision and ball winning skills make him a great addition alongside the attack minded reigning MVP, Amado Guevara).
Roger Levesque (a talent youngster who plays up front, bags of potential).
5th Round Pick in 2005
1st Round Supplemental Pick in 2005.

Clark's activities didn't end there. Welcomed to Spartan Stadium were :

GK Mark Bonsich (Aussie Intl)
F Dwight Pezzarossi (Guatelmalan hitman)
M Ramon Ramirez (ex-Mexico playmaker, even at 34 will be a creative force to be reckon with)
D Drew Moor
D/M C.J Klass
F Wolde Harris (knows what MLS is all about)

Of course, such additions meant that space had to be made both on the cap and in the 24 man squad. Shown the door were Jamil Walker (who was snapped up by DC), Dwayne de Rosario the talented Canadian who was purely a victim of the SI rule. His registration is now held by the Rapids. Steve Conway, the 3rd string keeper has gone and is rumoured to be considering retirement as many feel his chance has passed.

Clark was offered the opportunity to sign a number of other SI players, including Italian Legend Pepe Signori but until the goalkeeping dual has been settled between Bosnich and Onstad (and one can reasonably expect the lsoer to be shown the door to release that precious SI spot) there will be no foreign vets coming in.

Pre-season has gone well so far with no defeats in their games against A-League and D3 teams. Obviously the season will be a much stiffer test. Clark was up-beat "I'm thrilled at the quality of player we've been able to bring in so far, both the veterans and the two youngsters. We've got a great future in this line up, and enough experience and enthusiasm to have a real go this year. I think our team is match for anyone in MLS, though DC remain the team to beat. I also fancy Chicago's chances of making a good run. Luckily for us - they're both in the East! I guess we'll probably see one of them come Final Sunday!"

[Aljarov]

A NEW ERA IN MEADOWLANDS

"Last broadcast we have discuss about a new era is about to begin out west in San Jose, they are in a rebuilding process, Alan Clark was named as their new head coach, a blockbuster trade one month before the start of the MLS season, a lot of stuff is going on there."

"Apparently, a similar situation is going on at the east coast. Lets talk about the team on the other end of the blockbuster trade on tonight's broadcast."

"The Metrostars is sort of in a rebuilding process or you can say a transitional period."

The Metrostars made a very very suprising move two months ago when they named Ricky Lung, an unknown gentleman who will turn thirty this year<in the game, haha>, came out of nowhere, as their team new head coach.

At the news conference at Giant Stadium two months ago when they officially announced the hire of Ricky Lung, the fans were upset, disappoint, furious on the management team decision.

"I personally was shocked at news as were the fans in New Jersey, but apparently the management must have seen it differently. They must have seen something in Lung and they think he is suitable for the job."

"Let us recall what Lung had said at the news conference." He said,"......I know I am not known in the soccer world, I know the fans are disappointed, I understand all that. When a team did not achieve any significant results in the past few years, then an unknown head coach is being named, a lot of stuff is going on........" He also said,"......I will prove to you guys what I can bring to this club, I will prove to you that the management had made a right decision, I will do all my best and help this team win. I cannot promise anything, I cannot promise that I will bring the MLS champion or the US Cup here in New Jersey at the end of the season, but I can guarantee that we will compete night in and night out. Our goal this year is to win the East and get to the MLS Final......"

"He seems so confident."

Shortly after Lung has been named as the head coach, he went out and made a blockbuster trade with San Jose, which will bring Jeff Agoos, Ronnie Ekelund, and Roger Levesque to Giant Stadium, and leaving for San Jose are Ricardo Clark, Sergio Galvan Rey, and Pablo Brenes. The team also obtain a 5th round pick a 1st round supplemental pick in the 2005 draft from SJ.

Agoos and Ekelund, two veteran players, will provide leadership for the Metros at the back and in the middle. Agoos, a long served US international, along wtih Eddie Pope will give the team a very solid back line. Ekelund, a former La Liga and EPL starter, along with reigning MVP, Amado Guevara, will be the focus in the middle. The concern is whether they can make up for the departure of Clark, who is arguably the future of the USMNT in theholding Midfied role. They have to depend on some young player in the middle to provide support for Ekelund and Guevara, namely Regan, Arena, Vaca.

Up front, the departure of scoring machine Rey means more playing time for the young forwards, Gaven, Magee, and Levesque. Levesque is a very promising young striker who may shine in a couple of years time.

"It is hard to tell who is the winner of this trade at this moment, we will have to wait until the middle or the end of the season to make a judgement."

Lung seems is not set with his roster yet, he has been in some serious look at a couple of young talents: Kevin Harmse, a D/AMRC from Canada, and Jesse Munoz, an AMC from Cuba. It will not be suprise if a few more moves will take place before the new season kicks off on the 3rd of April.

"We will keep an eye on whats going on at Meadowlands. How will they do this season? And will Lung keep his "promise"?"

[Aljarov]

And they're off....!!

The MLS season 2004 is under way! After a lot of chopping and changing Coach Clark has to be happy with his 2-1-1 record after 4 games. After losing the season opener to the very strong Fire side, he recovered to take the spoils against LA and Colorado. SJ sit second in the West, behind Willy's (Et) KC up-starts.

Scoring was initially a problem for Clark, with two new strikers up front. However, SGR has now hit three goals and strike partner Pezzarossi has a couple. However, the secondary scoring has been sadly lacking and Clark will be hoping for more goals from his midfield which includes some talent attack-minded player, like new captain Ramon Ramirez (who is currently in the Top 5 in MLS for average rating at over 8.00). Mulrooney is good for a goal or two also, but as long as the results are going Clark's way this is less of an issue. However, should the points dry up, the Quakes players can expect to beon the receiving end of Clark's Wrath.

Despite proclaiming that this would be a season of rebuilding, Clark made a couple of moves to solidify his team and perhaps make a real push for a title this year.

The signings of Sergio Galvan Rey and Dwight Pezzarossi meant Clark had strikers to spare, and despite being young US internationals both Brian Mullen and Brian Ching were shipped out in return for Jimmy Conrad (KC) and Eddie Pope (Metros) respectively.

The addition of these two stand-out D-men gives SJ a very solid back line and a legitimate shout at honours this year. "Opportunity knocked and I let it in" said Clark. "Who in their right mind passes up Eddie Pope? He's arguably the best defender this nation has ever produced - AND - we got a 2nd round pick to boot. Sure, his wages are high [$5800] but hopefully we can restructure as part of a long term deal and either way, we had cap room after shifting some vets earlier in the offseason."

Here's the current starting line up for the 'Quakes:

GK Mark Bosnich

DR Craig Waibel
DC Eddie Pope
DC Jimmy Conrad
DL Todd Dunnivant

MR Brian Mulrooney
MC Ricardo Clark
MC Ramon Ramirez (Captain)
ML Arturo Alvarez (an area of concern, he's too young)

FC Sergio Galvan Rey
FC Dwight Pezzarossi

The rest of the squad has a mix of quality and potential including: Pat Onstad (GK), Troy Dayak (DC), Eddie Robinson (DC), Drew Moor (D RC), CJ Klass (MR), Chris Brown (SC) and Wolde Harris (FC) amongst others.

Clark seems to be in the market for a AML as the consensus is that Arturo Alvarez, though indesputdely talented, is not ready to start just yet. Clark has a free TI slot and his scouts have been busy in South and Central America looking for a deal. There's also potentially a SI slot available...now that Bosnich has wrapped up the #1 shirt duel, Onstad's days may be numbered. Using two of three SI slots on keepers just doesn't make sense in MLS.

On the Block:

Clark has made the following players available for trade should an appropriate deal come in:

Pat Onstad (GK),
Troy Dayak (DC),
Eddie Robinson (DC)
Tighe Dombrowski (D/M L)

[Aljarov]

RICKY LUNG MADE HIS MLS COACHING DEBUT

A couple of days before the season opener, Lung went out and made a deal, they sent young forward Fabian Taylor to New England in return for young midfielder Bobby Thompson.

After a 2-1-2 pre-season, Lung, the head coach of the Metrostars was set to coach his first competitive MLS game, but it turned out to be a miserable performance by the club, a 4-0 loss to the FC Dallas on the road.

Things didn't get any better for the next couple of games. They can just managed to pull out a 1-1 draw with New England at Giant Stadium, where the New England scored on their only shot on target. They conceded 4 goals again on a 4-1 road loss to DC United a couple of days later. Jonny Walker, the goalkeeper of the Metros had a very poor outing again.

Nothing seems to go for the first year head coach. Their goalkeeper Walker conceded 9 goals in 3 games.

Just when things were about to go out of control, they seemed settle down a bit as they stormed back during the second half and won the Columbus 2-1 with goals from John Wolyniec and Eddie Gaven.

Lung noticed the lack of scoring power up front when his team only score twice during the first three games, and his forwards did not score a goal until the win against Columbus. Because of that, Lung made yet another trade, with the offer of Brian Ching from San Jose head coach Al Clark, Lung sent Eddie Pope, the veteran full back in return for the forward.

After a 2-1 come back victory against Columbus, the Metros seems to have established some kind of momentum when they face the undefeated Kansas City. The forward combo of Cing and Gaven bond together right away. Eddie Gaven finished a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes of the game, he scored one more at the 68th min. Kansas made thing a little bit interesting when they pulled back with two when they scored their second goal at the 78th min, but Brian Ching, the newly acquired forward scored on his debut at the 83 min. mark. They hold on to win 5-2 despite an excellent shooting effort by their opponent, Kansas shot on target on their first 14 attempts before missing 2 during the stoppage time.

[Aljarov]

Pre Season
DC United fans were delighted with the signing of the 28 year old ex Turkish international Oktay Derelioglu prior to the season. While the Turk brings a great deal of attacking power to DC, his problems with adjustment saw him change three clubs last season. Reportedly, Oktay has already expressed concerns of adjusting to life in the USA even before the first match of the season.

United also added some experience on the left wing with the signing of the 28 year old Georgian Georgi Gakhokidze. The Georgian was brought in on a free transfer after being released by FC Twente. He has spent five seasons in Holland appearing in 70 matches and scoring 7 goeals in that span with PSV and Twente.

United also brought in reinforcements in the centre of the park with Hashim Suarez of Mexico and Marko Dinjar of Croatia and Carlos Fernando Figueroa of Guatemala. Costa Rica international full back Leonardo Gonzalez was also brought in to fill the hold on the left side of the defense. Finally, Jamil Walker was brought in as a 4th choice striker after his release from San Jose.

And we kick off: Defense Solid, Attack Questionable in D.C.

United kicked off the season in Los Angeles with an entertaining game that produced a lot of chances but failed to produce a goal. Dema Kovalenko was sent off in the dying minutes of the match which saw him miss the all important match against Chicago. Man of the match Nick Rimando who has been criticized for his eccentricity was solid between the posts. In a post match interview he hailed DC's new manager and his solid defensive tactics which left little room for the LA forwards.

The contest in Chicago was another solid performance by DC. Despite having most of the chances, Chicago never looked like scoring as once again man of match Nick Rimando gave another stellar performance. DC had their best chance of going ahead on the 35th minute from the penalty spot but the newly signed Oktay Derelioglu's shot was saved. Despite failing to score in their first two matches United manager is delighted of the defensive performance put forward by his players.

Keeping the United forwards in check was not possible for the MetroStars as the United home debut went accoridng to plan. United came out attacking and kept the MetroStars goal under constant pressue in the early parts of the match and finally found a goal thanks to Dema Kovalenko scorcher from the edge of the area right before half time. The man of the match Jason Thompson added two in the second half before Santino Quaranta closed United's scoring in the 70's minute. The final score was determined by an Amado Guevara free kick in the 82nd minute.

Next, United travelled to Foxboro to face New England. United seemed to be back to their old ways as a game of few chances ended in a 0-0 draw. Ben Olsen won the man of the match for his performance in the midfield.

Colorado's visit to D.C. was no different as the 0-0 score did not impress the home fans. Man of the match Joe Cannon was forced to make five saves as the pre-season signings of Oktay and Gakhokidze to reinforce the attack are still not working to the liking of the DC United manager who may be forced to take some decisive actions in the coming matches.

Despite the string of draws, United sit second in the Eastern Conference one point behind the leaders Chicago.

[Aljarov]

[Aljarov]

(Scene opens to blizzard-like conditions. Camera zooms in on a large earthen hut)

“Over priced prima dona....” The words still ringing in my ears.

Who else would schlep their butts out to this place this time of year?

I swear Tom is off his rocker. Either that or he is ****ed he caught his wife with me. Who knows.

First Siberia, and now Iceland and it isn't even the good time of year to go to Iceland! 24 hours of darkness... and the hotel is 200 miles from a town, plus I have to change my own sheets! What is the deal?

Oskarsson, he said there was this Oskarsson fellow up here, but I have yet to hear anyone talking of him. I am probably chasing a ghost. No matter. I am sure my time will come. Some MLS team will want me to coach. I am young, but I know my stuff. Tom is going to miss my services in LA. Boy is he going to rue the day.

Just as I was walking to the fireplace (had to chop the wood for that too!) a carrier pigeon swooped down and smacked into the window. After bringing it inside. I read the message he was carrying. It was from Colorado. They were looking for a new manager and they thought I was someone that could help pull them from their eternal #3 position.

The next morning I was on my way to the airport. I called Tom to say good luck, and called Colorado to let them know I was on my way. The only problem was that they were in the “Champions Cup” and I had almost no time to get the team ready for it. Hell, I had almost no time to even evaluate the squad and make trades.

I was shocked at my reception in Colorado. There were more fans waiting at the airport than I had expected. Guess I should have shaved before my trip. Oh well. Apparently it was big news that the Rapids had been able to steal away a member of the Galaxy's staff. I told the press I was looking forward to the challenge and that I would do my best to put the team in a position to challenge for the MLS championship.

The team was already being put through their paces by the former Rapid, Paul Bravo. I Looked at my staff and realized that I would not have the time to make staff changes, but it did not matter as I liked what I was seeing out of the current staff. As for the players, I had a few I wanted to get rid of but there was hardly any time to do it. We faced Comunicaciones in just a week's time and we had to get ready.