Carver Must Go... Around The MLS, Observations

Toronto FC Stumbling and Bumbling, Back to the Future

Watching Toronto FC stumble their way through an MLS season is like watching the movie Groundhog Day, it's the same story over and over again. Boring soccer! After watching Toronto dismantle Kansas City in the first game of the year I was hopeful. Could this be the start of a new era for the boys from Toronto...a new look team that can actually attack... and score? It was all a wet dream. Toronto is still the same old "can't score, can't create, can't deliver" out fit that they have always been. The players change, but the results stay the same. It's time to fire Carver and find a coach who can select a team and tactic that produces results.

Seatle Sounders FC, Still Entertaining With Ten Men

How can Toronto get it so wrong and Seattle, debutantes, get it so right? Seattle games are worth watching. They play the best attacking soccer in the MLS and have the most dangerous striker in the league. I am an East coast guy, but I stay up late on Saturday to watch the Sounders. Last week Keller made a mistake and got tossed, leaving the Sounders to play sixty plus minutes with ten men. Guess what? They still found ways to attack the Wizards. I'm not saying that they dominated the Wizards, but rather that the game still looked rather despite the fact that Seattle was playing a man down. Next week's tilt between Chivas and Seattle looks to be the best fixture of the weekend, a game that looks like it could produce a fist full of goals.

Columbus Throws Away another Game

Columbus looked like the better side against the Rapids, but threw the game away in the last five minutes, allowing Conor Casey to level the game at one to one. Schelotto, as usual was terrific.. but his teammates can't seem to find the back of the net. Columbus should have won that game by two..three goals, but had to settle for a tie. One question I have is why isn't Lenhart playing more. I know the kid isn't the most skillful player on the pitch, but every time he comes into a game, things happen. Play the kid more, let's see what he can do.

Real Salt Lake...Do you have any fans?

I love watching RSL play, but, apparently, no one in Salt Lake City does. Last year I was impressed by the support in the stands when RSL lost to New York Red Bulls in the semi finals. Where did all of those people go? My son, only seven, nailed it on the head when he took one look at the empty stadium and said "RSL fans suck".
I couldn't agree more.

Chicago Fire are Deep

Denis Hamlett has some tough decisions ahead of him. Rolfe comes off the bench and scores an unbelievable goal and Blanco (the second highest paid player in the league) no longer starts. Pappa, Nyarko and McBride continue to impress, making it difficult for Hamlett to change this winning combination. Chicago has more attacking talent on their bench than Toronto FC has had in their entire history.

Prediction - San Jose will make the playoffs.

Even though their tie against Chicago must have felt more like a loss, I believe that San Jose has great upside. They have a great goaltender and an emerging attack that is not only effective, but fun to watch. Huckerbee is one of the most undervalued players in the league and together with a Convey (if he can regain his form) they form a nifty flank attacking unit.

Toronto FC Escape Columbus with 1-1 Draw

Toronto FC and their supporters rolled into Columbus with high expectations, fully confident that they could finally end a pathetic string of results against the Crew. And why not? Hadn’t they laid down one of their best offensive performances in Kansas City just a week ago? Well, alas, it was not to be. It was the Toronto FC of old; that offensively challenged, predictable outfit that plods their way to draws or losses, relying more often than not on luck more than anything else. In fact, it took a wonderful header by Padula, Columbus’s left back, to finally beat Will Hesmer, Columbus’s keeper and secure a 1-1 draw with the Crew.

Both teams, from the outset, had to rearrange their starting lineups in order to contend with the absence of key performers due to national team call ups and injuries. Toronto was without Guevara and Robinson, while Columbus had to replace Moreno, Hedjuk and Rogers. In the absence of three players Robert Warzycha, Columbus's coach, decided field a relatively inexperienced line up featuring Garey (for Moreno) and Schelotto up front, Grendi (for Rogers) and Gaven on the flanks and Ekpo infront of Carrol in the midfield. In the back Padula started on the left, Marshall and O’rourke in the Center and Zayner (for Hedjuk)on the right. Toronto changed their formation, starting two side by side upfront, Vitti (for Guevara) and, Ricketts, Harmse and De Rosario in the midfield with Cronin tucked in behind with Brennan, Velez (For Robinson), Serioux and Wynne rounding out the back four.

The game, from the outset, was ugly. There was little flow, positive possession or rhythm as both teams seemed to struggle to find any direction. As it turned out, it was Schelotto, Ekpo and Gavin who began to turn the tide. All three of these players began making combining and making dangerous forays into Toronto’s defensive third. Toronto, for their part, made the job easy for Columbus by turning the ball over all over the field, but the class of Schelotto was once again making the difference. There isn’t a player in the league who understands the weight of a pass like Schelotto. He makes it so easy for his teammates to attack vulnerable space by laying the perfectly weighted ball into their path. Unfortunately for Toronto, it was a hand ball that eventually did them in. Schelotto played a ball into the box and it clipped the Toronto player on the arm/shoulder. It was a debatable call, but in the end, on the run of play, Columbus earned their chance. Schelloto calmy slotted the ball home in the 29^th minute giving the Crew the 1:0 lead. The rest of the first half continued in much the same pattern. Toronto FC’s midfielder seemed incapable of linking with their strikers and when they did Barret and Vitti gave the ball away. Vitti, Toronto’s new Argentinian striker, was as vanilla as they come. He showed absolutely no creativity, quickness or striking instinct. In fact, the only thing he did well was slide tackle. If I wouldn’t have known better, I would have said he was an outside back. I hope, for the sake of the Toronto FC supporters, that Mr. Vitti had an off afternoon, because if this is all he has to offer, Mo Johnston can add another one of his big signings to the MLS scrap heap.

The second half saw Toronto substitute goalie’s as Sutton came in for an injured Frei. From the outset the second half resembled that first half. Toronto giving the ball away or booming it upfield to an ineffective Barret and Vitti and Columbus calmy collecting the ball clinically moving the ball up the field through Schelotto and Ekpo. Columbus’s back four looked very good as both O’Rourke and Marshall easily picked off errant passes and silly long balls played by Toronto. Coming into the game, based on their performance against Kansas City, I was expecting Toronto to use their new found ability to attack quickly through their midfield, but with Guevara away on international duty, it became apparent that Toronto’s midfield was not up to the task. Cronin was invisible and Ricketts gave the ball away continuously. De Rosario, for his part, didn’t have his best game, but in fairness rarely had the ball passed to his feet. All in all it looked like another really bad day for Toronto, reminiscent of some of their worst performances. That is till Mr. Padula came to the rescue. Toronto won a foul just over the mid stripe and predictably pounded a long ball into the box. This ball did not look particularly dangerous till Padula knocked it with his head backwards, directly over the sprawled out body of Hesmer. Columbus, who had been in complete control of the game, had now just gifted Toronto with an away point. Misfortune for the Crew turned out to be life line for Toronto FC. The game finished in a 1-1 draw, allowing the throngs of Toronto FC supporters some vestige of respect as they left Columbus.

Next week, in what has to be considered the prime fixture, the surging Sounders and their wonder boy Fredy Montero, will descend on BMO Field. Let’s hope that Robinson and Guevarra come back to right the ship and we can all see a competitive match. I, for one, am very curious to what the result will be.

What did you think of the game? Let us know, we are always interested in what our readers have to say.

Weekend Predictions - Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew, Battle for the Trillium Cup

This week's fixtures in the MLS are full of exciting possibilities. Here is a prediction for one fixture that caught my eye.

Toronto FC at Columbus Crew, Saturday 3/28/09 - 4:00 PM

Injuries and National Team Duty:

Toronto: OUT: FW O’Brian White (knee); QUESTIONABLE: DF Nana Attakora-Gyan (hip flexor.

Amado Guevara -- Honduras (March 28th at Trinidad & Tobago, April 1 vs. Mexico) Carl Robinson -- Wales (March 28th vs. Finland, April 1 vs. Germany)

Columbus: OUT: MF Pat Noonan (lower back strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Robbie Rogers (L hamstring strain)

Alejandro Moreno -- Venezuela (March 28th at Argentina, March 31 vs. Colombia)Frankie Hejduk -- USA (March 28th at El Salvador, April 1 vs. Trinidad & Tobago)Duncan Oughton -- New Zealand (two friendlies at Thailand, Saturday 28th and March 31)

It's a shame that both squads will not be at full strength. Toronto will not have the services of Guevara and Robinson but Columbus will have to suffer the loss of Hejduk and Moreno to National team duty and Noonan and possibly Rogers to injury. This game will certainly test the depth of Columbus, who didn't play particularly well against Houston last week. Look for Columbus to reverse the trend of last week, where they employed a pragmatic defensive tactic against the Dynamo. They will come out attacking, looking to set the tone in front of their supporters, who haven't seen them at home since they captured the MLS Cup last year. Toronto will exploit this to their advantage and turn the game in their favor with some well timed counter attacks. Look for De Rosario to take advantage of any loss of shape or over zealous attacking on the part of the Crew.

Score: 2-1 Toronto FC

Tid bits to look for:

1) Will Pablo Vitti play for Toronto FC?

2) Will Steven Lenhart get the start for Columbus?

3) Who will win the battle of the supporters?

Around the MLS, More Notes than News

The Paradox of the MLS

As the final whistle ended the game between the LA Galaxy and DC United, it also simultaneously ended the first week of the 2009 MLS season. Finding one word to describe anything, let alone seven different fixtures, is a difficult task, but after watching the majority of this week’s MLS action I can’t help but think of the contrasts. In fact, the paradox of the MLS has never been more apparent than in this past week. Here in no particular order are a few thoughts on all that was good and bad on the MLS pitch this past weekend.

#1 Maybe it was a result of the pent up emotion, energy or just love for the game, but watching the Seattle Sounders dismantle the NY Red Bulls in front of 32,000 ardent supporters made me feel like Americans were now full fledged citizens of the world of soccer. The crowd was loud, jubilant and most importantly involved in all the movements of the game. In that kind of atmosphere, even the worst of games can have entertainment value. Now, compare that to the happenings at Pizza Hut Park. In fairness, the expected crowd of 5,000 did not materialize, but the actual number of 15,905 was not much louder than five Sounders supporters. For me, this is depressing. I love watching certain teams play (product on the field), but hate the fact that their supporters are more interested in not showing up, or sitting on their hands. Once again, congrats to Seattle Sounders FC supporters, you are what the league needs.

#2 In all my years watching MLS soccer, I can’t remember a weekend where I witnessed so many class goals from distance and so many equally shocking moments from goaltenders. Davy Arnaud hit two of the best crackers from twenty five yards out that any football fan can ever hope to see. Making it even more impressive was the fact that he hit the first one with his left foot and the second with his right. Added to Arnaud’s highlight bombs were and equally impressive free kick from Blanco and some clinical finishing from Guevara and Schelotto. Now, you are probably wondering why I haven’t talked about Kenny Cooper’s sixty five yard crack into the side netting as being equal to or on par with the above episodes of finishing. Well, the truth is, as much as I admire Mr. Cooper’s strike, I was shocked by Busch’s mistake. It was terrible goalkeeping. Before Mr. Busch runs off the pitch in shame, he should wait, because there are a few other goalkeepers who need to join him. Danny Cepero got nutmegged by a ball moving slower than Sigi Schmidt, Kevin “I never catch anything Hartman” gifted Guevara with a monster rebound aimed directly at the penalty spot and Dario Salas got caught flailing his arms around after a ball that should have been easily collected.

#3 What in the name of all that is good and right were the groundskeepers at Robertson stadium doing this past week? The pitch looked like my toast in the morning. It really is quite interesting that Dallas FC, the club who no one in Dallas seems to care about, has the nicest looking pitch in the country. Why can’t the Dynamo switch groundskeepers with Dallas FC? Wouldn’t it be nice to see that bright orange offset by the deep green of Pizza Hut Park?

#4 Fredy Montero, a twenty two year old wonder boy from Colombia, appears from the hinterlands of Colombian football and electrifies a crowd of already jacked up Sounders Supporters with two goals and an assist in his first game. Now, compare that for a second, with the Brickhead from Britain, Sir David “I’m here to save American Soccer, but I can’t bring myself to show up” Beckham. Enough with the European rock stars, let’s round up more young studs like Montero.

Observations

Toronto FC v. Kansas City Wizards (3-2):

• Davy Arnaud is one of the most under rated players in the league. This guy scored two highlight reel goals and covered miles of turf doing all the things super stars refuse to do…like defend.
• Guevara and De Rosario are going to tear up the league together. I have watched many a Toronto FC game and have done what most neutral observers have done, fallen asleep. Not this year. If Toronto had any sort of finisher up front they would have scored six goals on the night.
• On the topic of Toronto FC finishers, what in the heck was Barrett doing on that one on one with the keeper? Put down your purse son. If Barrett is best Carver can put on the field, what does that say about Pablo Vitti? Is the young Argentinean a bust already? Isn’t he better than Barrett? If I were an FC fan I would be worried.
• Kevin Hartman has confirmed my belief that he is involved in some sort of reality TV show where he has to masquerade as an MLS keeper. How can it be otherwise, he is terrible?
  

Seattle Sounders FC v. NY Red Bulls (3-0):

• Angel was terrible and Montero was great, two Colombians going in opposite directions.
• Osario better not come back with another starting eleven like the bunch he fielded on Thursday night.
• Le Toux, Montero, Jaqua, Nyassi and Alonso, the best attacking five of the weekend. Who would have predicted that? Can’t wait to watch Seattle’s next game.
  
  
  

Houston Dynamo v. Columbus Crew (1-1):

• The score line did not reflect what was happening on the field. The Dynamo was the better team, but couldn’t make good on some quality buildups. The Crew, on the other hand, showed exactly what to do when presented with a half of chance. Of course it helps to have Schelotto, the man who once again proved that he can strap a team on his shoulders and steal a point.
• Given some time, Dynamo supporters are going to forget about De Rosario. Stuart Holden is going to be a star in this league and is a much better two way player than De Rosario. Hopefully he won’t take off for greener pastures in Europe.

Dallas FC v. Chicago Fire (1-3):

• Both goal keepers made huge blunders in the game.
• Blanco, who is slower than a carthorse, proved it doesn’t matter how much you can run. A dead ball is a dead ball and no one hits them better then Blanco.
• Dallas could have won this game, but they make to many mistakes in the back and can’t seem to find the net when they are in the box.
• More than 5,000 people showed up. Hopefully they will return for the next game.
  

LA Galaxy v. DC United (2-2):

• I thought things would be different with Arena calling the shots, but alas things in LA are still the same, bad goals against and Donovan scoring to salvage a result.
• Kovalenko, the king of ugly soccer, tried to piggy back on Gomez’s shoulders, a perfectly reasonable thing to do don’t you thinks? Dema may have his supporters, but don’t count me as one of them. DC United should have gotten two PK’s for that Kovalenko’s idiotic foul.
• Now that Beckham is coming until a later date, I guess three quarters of the fans are following his lead.
• Nice to see Ben Olson playing again, especially when he started making fun of Kirovski after Kirovski flopped in the box.
  

San Jose v. NE Revolution (0-1):
No comment, did not watch the game.

Chivas USA v. Colorodo Rapids (2-1):
Fell asleep after ten minutes.

Three Things I Will Be Looking For Next Week

1) A whole new NY Red Bulls team on the pitch.
2) Can Freddy Montero duplicate his heroics?
3) Will Pablo Vitti play for Toronto FC?

Fredy Montero and The Sounders FC Crush Red Bulls 3-0

After watching Seattle Sounders thrash the NY Red Bulls 3-0, one has to wonder who was drinking the Red Bull before the game. Seattle Sounders FC, MLS debutantes playing their first game, came out of the blocks with energy, passion and a clear concept of organization. The Red Bulls, finalists in last year’s MLS cup, looked like an uninterested, unmotivated, listless bunch of Sunday afternoon posers out for a leisurely kick around in the park.

The Sounders and their supporters, looking every bit the part of a real football club, took the game to the Red Bulls from the start. Fredy Montero, their young Colombian striker, continued to be the danger man he has been the throughout the pre season. He calmly slotted the ball home after the Frenchman Le Toux found him alone on the right side of the box. The finish, though well placed, was partly the fault of Danny Cepero, the Red Bulls young keeper, who tonight proved once again that he is a paradox, capable of being both great and terrible. The second goal, this time supplied by a crafty pass from Montero, was scored by Brad Evans after he darted past a cement footed Pietravallo into the box, turned and hit a weak shot between Cepero’s legs. New York escaped the first half only down 2-0, a fairly generous score considering they rarely strung more than three passes together. In fact, Osario, the Red Bulls coach, was forced to substitute for Andrew Boyens only twenty seven minutes into the first half, for what can only be characterized as a mercy killing.

The second half, though not as one sided, at least demonstrated that New York wasn’t entirely asleep. They did force Keller into making some quality saves, but true to form made as Petke made a terrible error coughing up the ball to Montero, giving him a free run at Cepero. Montero slotted his second goal of the night after undressing Cepero with a fake and calmly striking the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Seattle continued to create quality chances and were unlucky not to collect a fourth after first year player Steve Zakuani was denied by Cepero at the near post. The final whistle couldn’t have blown faster for New York as Seattle celebrated their first victory in front of thirty two thousand satisfied green sea of supporters.

Ten Observations:

1) Montero, Montero, Montero…. Forget old European players who are either injured or unwilling to stay the full length of their contract. This type of player is what MLS fans crave. Montero’s skill level, finishing ability, youth and clear passion are what we want. Were the other fourteen MLS teams sleeping as this guy was lighting up the Columbian league with 43 goals. Note to all MLS general managers… go south and steal the talent.
2) Angel was terrible tonight - Usually I am a big supporter of the clinician from Columbia, but tonight he wasn’t good. His touches in the box were clumsy and his decision making slow. He better get better fast or it may be a long season for the Red Bulls.
3) LeToux, Nyassi, Montero, Jaqua and Alonso... to say that I was impressed is an understatement. For the first game of the year they were a very coherent as an attacking unit. This is not to say that they were perfect, but that they have the potential to be a good attacking side. One has to wonder where Freddy L. is going to fit in.
4) Kasey Keller punts for a reason. John Harkes, commentating for ESPN 2 remarked that Keller doesn’t put the ball on turf and drive it with his laces. No kidding John, did you see Keller’s first attempts at goal kicks? I guess forty year old legs can only manage half the field.
5) Did the NY Red Bulls play with central midfielders? I couldn’t spot them on the pitch.
6) Danny Cepero does not belong in the MLS. This type of goal keeping is going to cost the Red Bulls more games than it is going to win them. He had one good game against Houston last year and scored a seventy five yard goal. Good for him. If I was Red Bull fan I would be mighty depressed knowing that Cepero was my keeper.
7) Toronto FC supporters, it’s on. Seattle Sounders FC has arrived and their supporters are every bit as passionate as you. Too bad the cities are 3,000 miles apart.
8) Don Garber said half a season with Beckham is better than no season with Beckham. I could care less. Give me more players like Montero.
9) Sebastian Le Toux hits a wicked swerving ball into the box.
10) I guess Portland is will get the next MLS franchise….big surprise ESPN. Who do you think is watching your games, soccer moms?


Man of the Match: Fredy Montero

Worst Man on the Pitch: Any of the Red Bull players

A Blanco Problem, Is Chicago Better Without Him?

When Chicago signed Blanco two years ago, I was sceptical. Another aging star with a me first personality and an out of control ego was not what the league needed I argued. I was wrong. Blanco was exactly what the league needed. His fiery personality, flair and highlight clip goals propelled the Chicago Fire out of the doldrums and into the ranks of contenders.

Blanco does not look like a player, he is stubby, built like a fire hydrant and chubby. He looks like that old wily veteran in my summer league, who is slow, out of shape and crafty. How could a player, who appears to be a physical wreck, compete in a league that is known for raw athleticism and speed? Skill and vision. Blanco for all of his shortcomings has a deft touch and a uncanny ability to sense the movements of players in and out of his range of vision. The minute he arrived in Chicago, Fire games started to look like soccer again. My skepticism turned into delight as I watched this physical freak dictate the pace of a game with his touch and soccer intellect. It was once again fun to watch Fire Games.

Now, two years later, I find myself once again at the Blanco crossroads. I can't deny that I love to watch the old Mexican weave his magic on the field, but the skepticism that I once felt is back and it seems to get stronger every day. Let me explain. As the season wound down last year I was keenly aware of the movements of the Chicago Fire. In my view, it was either going to be the Fire or Crew coming out the East. Much to my delight, and MLS fans across the country, that's exactly what happened. For me and many others, the battle for the East was really the MLS final. There was little doubt in my mind that the winner of this game would win the final.

Chicago started well in the game, going in front 1-0, but as the game progressed it was clear that the Crew were the better team. In the second half of that game, Columbus came at Chicago in waves. The attack, led by the creative instincts of Schellotto and the quality of the Argentinian's supporting cast was too much for the Fire to handle. The Fire, unable to mount any sort of attack, looked like they had been relegated to playing with ten men. In fact, they were playing with ten men. My old friend, Blanco, the creative genius that Chicago relied on, was no where to be found. He was gassed, exhausted and looking every inch the part of the old pro who does more talking on the pitch than playing. For better or worse the Fire were stuck with their ineffective superstar. In the MLS superstars do not come out games unless they are injured or their team is safely in front. Blanco needed to come out of that game, he was totally ineffective for much of the second half. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, therefore erasing any opportunity for the Fire to mount a late game charge.

That was last year and most Fire fans would argue, a one game anomaly. I don't see it that way. Blanco, for all of his creative juices, has reached a place where he is not going to run unless he absolutely has too and worse yet, at the end of games, can not run because of his lack of conditioning and age. Blanco can be great, can win games with a couple strokes of the ball, but will those moments eclipse the shortcomings of age and physical commitment. In the past, Blanco has managed to make it work, but as the playoffs showed last year... the post season is a different animal. It comes at the end of a gruelling season, is played in inclement weather and typically brings out a new level of physical play. Blanco, for all of his heroics in season, has not made an impact in the playoffs that does justice to his status as the second highest player in the league.

Denis Hamlett, the coach of the fire, will probably be a little more judicious in how he plays Blanco this year, giving him longer spells of rest when needed, but the fact remains, the Chicago Fire are married to an aging Superstar who demands that a game revolve around him. Since divorce is not an option, it's my opinion that the Fire, though exciting to watch, will start to sputter and cease up as the season moves deep into August. They have put all their chips on the Blanco table and it's a bet that they will lose.

Major League Soccer - The Next Generation - Who Will Breakout in 2009

The MLS season is one week away and every serious fan has had enough of worthless friendlies against college teams and unmotivated reserve sides. It's time for some real game. Like most fans, I am anxious to watch and analyze the skills and contributions of Blanco, Schelotto, Angel and Beckham, but if truth be know, I am more interested in tracking the contributions of players who are about to make their mark in the league. Last year we all witnessed the rise of Yura Movsisyan, the maturing of Marvel Wynn and the explosion of Sacha Kleijstan into an elite national level player. Who will it be this year? Which little known players are ready to make an impact? Here is a short list of five players I will be keeping my eye on, players who I believe have a bright future ahead of them.


#5 Patrick Nyarko (Chicago Fire) - Chicago is a tough place for an offensive minded player to make his mark. With the creative genius of Blanco, the experience of McBride and the flank play of Rolfe and Mapp, it's difficult to find your place. To make matters worse, Blanco is a free spirit who refuses to defend, which makes it difficult to add another offensive player into the system. All that aside, I still believe that Nyarko will find his spot. Last year, in a game against the Galaxy at Home Depot Center, Nyarko showed the type of quality he is capable of. His runs off the ball were crisp and he was dangerous every time he touched the ball. Unfortunately, he left the game due to injury, but for me, I had seen enough. When given a chance Nyarko will make his mark.


#4 Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders FC) - Le Letoux, a Frenchman who jumped across the pond to ply his trade in the USL - 1 is going to be a revelation to MLS fans who are unfamiliar with him. The Sounders, getting a jump on the league, inked him to a contract well in advance of their first season. In the USL he was dominant physical presence, winning the league's MVP award in his first year. Initially he was brought in as a flank defender, but was quickly moved to outside mid and eventually to striker as a withdrawn forward. Under the tutelage of Sounders coach, Brian Schmetzer (also known for developing Brian Ching, Maykel Galindo and Cam Jenson) Letoux developed into a dominant goal scorer. He is a great two way player who is versatile, athletic and tactically aware. His versatility will make him a tremendous asset to Sigi Schmid as the Sounders look to gain respectability in their inaugural season. Le Toux, for his part, is not your typical European player. He wants to play in the US and has stated bluntly that he would jump at the chance to represent the US at the National Level.

#3 Steven Lenhart (Columbus Crew) - Steven who? For those who don't follow the Columbus Crew, this little known small college product (Asuza Pacific) is an unknown quantity to many a MLS fan. Last year, in somewhat of a shock, he surprised everyone by making the roster of the Crew. Not the most skillful man on the pitch, he began to do something that most first year players don't do.... score goals. He scored for the reserve team and then when given a few minutes with the full squad he managed to score some decisive goals. He is raw, athletic, nasty and unsophisticated... but in the box he is a reckless hammer who has a nose for finding the space and getting to the ball first. With Schelletto delivering world class balls into the dangerous areas, get ready to see Lenhart climbing over defenders to put the ball in the back of the net. It won't be pretty, but who cares, a goal is a goal.

#2 Jorge Flores (Chivas USA) - The winner of "Sueno MLS - Chivas Wants You" is entering his second year in the league. This kid beat the odds, came directly out of high school and won a spot on the Chivas Reserve Team, then broke into the full squad and scored three goals (2008) and won a spot on the U-20 National Team. He is a dynamic player with a touch of flair who darts around the field with passion and energy. I especially enjoy his runs on the ball and forays into the attacking third because he moves with pace and daring, something I don't particularly see from American players.






#1 Macoumba Kandji (NY Red Bulls) - Macoumbae, a native of Senegal, joined the Red Bulls at the end of last season (via the Atlanta Silverbacks). Due to his late arrival, he did not receive enough minutes to make an immediate impact, but if you watched him play, you couldn't help but notice that he possessed a skill level in combination with pace that is not always evident in MLS wingers. In a lot of ways he reminded me of a bigger, faster version of young Clint Dempsey. NY Red Bulls surprised many by making their way to the finals, but truth be known, it was a fluke. Juan Carlos Osario, their coach, knows this and has made every effort to upgrade the talent on the pitch. This year I expect the Red Bulls to make a serious run in the East, challenging the likes of Columbus and Chicago, and Kandji, I believe will be a large part of their run to the top of the table.

What do you think? Who is your break out player for 2009? Let us know, we love feedback.