Monday, August 30, 2010

Without a captain the ship will sink

     Saturday night the LA Galaxy took on the KC wizards at the Home Depot Center in what many thought would be the turn around game for LA, but it turned out to be the exact opposite. At this time I would like to give a warning, what you are about read is solely my opinion and I will probably say some things you will not agree with. We don’t have to agree, but at least hear me out.

     The Wizards took us down 2-0 at home, how the heck did that happened? While most people will look for answers as to what was different with the Galaxy I decided to take a look at what’s been consistently wrong. Many may consider this blasphemy but I’m calling out names starting with Ricketts. Remember when were shutting out teams and everyone was going home with unused chicken coupons? Suddenly things get rocky in the back 4 and we start to lose. Now let me see if I got this right, when we lose it’s the defense’s fault right? But when we got all those shutouts we gave the credit to Ricketts? The mistakes the defense makes have never lead to a 1 on 1 between Ricketts and a striker. Saturday’s second goal was all Rickett’s fault. It’s hard to block a goal off the post but it’s even harder when you are blocking the far post on a free kick from almost midfield. When ever I watch a game with a soccer fan who has never watched the MLS before the first thing I always hear is “your keeper sucks.” Being the loyal a Galaxy fan I always answer “he started the season with 9 shutouts and he’s the MLS All-Star’s keeper” only to be hear back “he must have a great defense in front of him.” Sure he made some great saves, but his wild goal kicks up top are just basically giving away possession, and we all know that the Galaxy’s strength is in its speed. How can we expect them to be quick when they have to use their legs to win the ball back every time it’s a goal kick?. How can we expect to get into an offensive rhythm if we have to fight for the ball most of the game? I believe this is where the galaxy miss Juninho the most, when he's in the middle the Galaxy win more possession and that allows Donovan to spread out more and save his legs for his sprints, not just chasing the ball around. Another name that needs to be called out is Leonardo, whose mistakes never lead directly to a goal but result in other defenders having to over help leaving another man open. He’s also not good at handling pressure, and the Galaxy have been seeing a lot of that lately. De La Garza isn’t exactly the Galaxy’s answer to this spot, but I believe he’s capable of filling those shoes while Berhalter is away. Still, this is not Rickett’s fault or Leonardo’s fault. This is the team’s fault, and when that happens we look at the captain and the coach to make the adjustments on and off the field.

     Ever see Kobe grab a teammate by the jersey and give him hell for missing a mark? Or watch him demand the ball and put up a 3? Listen to him give the ref a mouthful and get a technical? Remember when Phil Jackson publicly called out Gasol and let him know his team was counting him? These are the things that separate the champions from everyone else. I hate to say it but we’re not looking like champions by any sense of the word. See Kobe seems to understand one thing that Landon doesn’t and that is that there is a time to play your role, and a time to be a leader. Lets face it, the passion is gone from the Galaxy and that all falls on leadership. Where’s the fire?! Where’s the magic?! Where’s the Galaxy team that we all fell in love with that played every game like it was for the championship?! See that picture up above of Donovan, when's the last time you seen that passion?  Donovan seemed really interested in leaving during the transfer window, maybe his heart left but he’s stuck here and it’s showing in his game. The Galaxy need a captain and they need one now. I know one guy who would love that armband…here’s looking at you Beckham. @Trunksra

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