A short one today, because frankly, there’s not much to be said about Real Salt Lake that’s not been said — at least, nothing that comes to mind so immediately. I do believe the club is conspiring to send us on a bit of a rollercoaster ride this season, showing so much promise then looking so exhausted. I suppose that’s inevitable, and I’m sure we’ll recover in the long run.
But how good has the U.S. Women’s team been? After struggling against Brazil but prevailing in the end, they did a quick smash and grab against the French women’s side — no slouches in their own right — and made it to the final, which, as it turns out, will be against Japan. It should be quite exciting, and they’ve deserved support through their performances.
The World Football Challenge is underway, and I watched a very boring Manchester United - New England Revolution match up that threatened to collapse into a deep slumber. (It wasn’t that bad, but I’m no United fan, no sir.) But the most disappointing thing about it? Revs coach Steve Nicol, mid-match, speaking over a headset to ESPN. To see him paying so little attention — well, you’ve seen my rant on friendlies played during the season — it’s incensing.
It’s clearly a money-making endeavor on the part of both U.S. clubs and those involved — and, of course, for those organizing the friendlies. When a coach spends him time not coaching his team, not watching his team, not examining play — there can be nothing else to it. It’s a shame.
On another note, why would an established club play their friendlies against teams who have already proven capable of injuring players regularly? These U.S. clubs, friendlies or not, are in a mid-season mode, and they’re going to — or should — fight for every ball, and that can involve tackles that are less than savory. It’s simply a bad move, I think. I understand the reasons, but to me, they’re nothing but selfish.
Right, two days until we face off against Vancouver, so a bit of a preview tomorrow. It’s a mid-day kickoff (2 p.m. MT, I believe) so be aware of that.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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