We're Not Going To Take It!

Yes, I know Twisted Sister does not make it on the air waves anymore. But, the title of their album "Stay Hungry" says it all for FCD. Back in July, FCD was hungry and had a more youthful exuberance. Some injuries crept up around that time and they signed some slacker named Denilson (aka De-nada-son = The son of nothing much). Regardless of his signing, the one time adolescent intensity has since vanished. This is typical for FCD. It seems every year when they feel they have accumulated enough points for the playoffs, they hang up the boots and attentions are elsewhere. Now, they are scrambling to regain the magic they once had in the first half of this season.

Here are some suggestions for FCD as they approach the playoffs.

1. Play team defense. The reason the back line is weak is because no one else is coming to help. Defenses only excel when the whole team helps. Get back on D and rebuild the Big Red Wall.
2. Play young. Need a reference. Look at Dee Snyder above. Simply put, the young are hungry. Any player not hustling and not playing defense, get them out of the game. Keep the young guys in the game and good things will happen. Keep the old guys in the game and the same predictable sleepy sloth match will unfold. The young are hungry and the old are not. Oh and, start Ray Burse, Jr. in goal.
3. Play smart. Get back on defense, chase down loose balls, work together, pass quick. Trying to look impressive by juggling the ball while your teammates streak to an open area to receive your pass late while they're covered is stupid. If you are not going to pay attention to your teammates, please do not come to the park.

FCD played Houston 4 times this year. They earned 1 point against their in-state rival from these matches going 0-3-1. Things do not look good for FCD based on these results. If FCD could get the swagger it had in Superliga and the first half of the season, then they may have a chance.

Grasping at Straws ... In the last two years, FCD has taken on Colorado and lost in the first round of the playoffs. During those seasons, FCD dominated Colorado. I think Colorado won maybe one game over those two regular seasons against FCD. If the strange MLS history repeats itself, then FCD will win. Then again, they are playing the battle harden Dynamo ... The glimmer of hope rests on Arturo Alvarez, Abe Thompson, Juan Toja, Dax McCarthy, Chris Gbandi, Drew Moor, Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper. If these guys rise above, the others will follow.

Last point ... FCD must win the first game by two goals. If they win by one, tie or lose, then they are done. A two goal cushion may be enough for them to survive in Houston. Anything less is another early exit.

If FCD wants to get fired up or have a good laugh, the link below should help. You will thank me for this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs37NSLy3z4

Becks scores his first goal for the LA Galaxy

David Beckham finally had his chance to start a game for his new side: The LA Galaxy.

The SuperLiga 2007 semifinal game against DC United was televised here in the DFW area on TeleFutura in Spanish. It’s too bad that ESPN didn’t televise this one as David Beckham’s “first game in the US”. Because last night’s game had all the elements of a hallmark national broadcast.

After the tough East Coast swing that the Galaxy took last week, the team looked primed, loosey-goosey & ready for the Home Depot Center duel. DC United must have not expected a completely different team than the LA Galaxy they dominated against back at RFK last week. But that's what they got. With Becks as the new Galaxy captain, the team showed renewed vigor and organization. The LA defense was well assembled. There were plenty of stabbing attacks into DC United territory. And there was the free kick that everyone's talking about today. Mr. Beckham bent it like, well, Beckham. He also had a really nice assist to Landon Donovan in the second half.

The game was a blast to watch. It really is a shame that this wasn't the way that the LA Galaxy debuted Beckham. There were a lot of empty seats in the stands. But those that did show up and watched on TV, saw a real barn burner. It puts the Galaxy in the finals of the SuperLiga against Pachuca on Augugst 29th. And psychologically, this victory gives them a real boost for the remainder of the MLS season. While they're still an outside chance to get in the playoffs, they are a lot closer today than they were at this time yesterday.