Los Angeles Galaxy- It was once crazy year in Los Angeles for the Galaxy, as once again FC Hollywood provided the drama in the league this year. The Galaxy's year was off to a sour note before a ball was kicked as before the campaign began it was discovered that Midfielder David Beckham would not return with the club until mid season. With that in mind the young Galaxy club headed by their captain Landon Donovan went on a strange run of draws to begin there season. Eventually the Galaxy found themselves on the bottom end of the playoff race. Then the savior showed up. When Beckham was placed in the line up the clubs just started to play better and the results showed that. In the course of little less than three months the Galaxy now armed with the duo of Landon Donovan and David Beckham, and coached by Bruce Arena went on a tear up the standings and finished first in the Western Conference. The Galaxy defeated their arc-rival Chivas USA and then in dramatic fashion and beat the Dynamo in extra-time to win the conference. Then in a great final the Galaxy came up short in Penalty Kicks against Real Salt Lake, and Los Angeles' year ended in heartbreak. Despite missing his Penalty Landon Donovan still can hang his hat on leading his team to the Final, not bad for a club that was in disarray at the beginning of the year. While LA will be without Beckham for the beginning of next season look for LA to be strong next year in both the MLS, and the Champions League. I hope Mr. Beckham loves Costa Rica.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: A- MLS Playoffs: A Overall: A-
Houston Dynamo: Once again it was another strong year for the Dynamo as the club had a very successful year, keeping up with the standard Dominic Kinnear has set in Houston. The Dynamo started their year in Champions League play, losing to Mexican club Atlate in the Quarter-Finals of the tournament, still Houston had the best showing of all MLS teams in the tournament. Then it was time for the regular season, the Dynamo were solid all the way throughout the year as they were always on top of the Western Conference standings, until the end of the year when the Galaxy passed them with a couple weeks left in the year. The Dynamo also had a strong showing in the US Open Cup advancing to the Semi-Finals where they lost to Seattle 2-1 in extra-time. Then the focus was back on the this year's Champions League where the Dynamo were looking to rebuild upon last year's results. The Dynamo had a great chance of advancing out of group play, but a loss to Metapan eliminated the Dynamo from the competition as they finished third in the group. After being ousted from the Champions League the focus was back on MLS Play. Houston was seeded second in the Western Conference, and defeated Seattle in the first round. Then the Dynamo fell short in the playoffs losing in extra-time 2-0 to the Galaxy. It was a busy and overall successful year for Houston, however for the first time in a while no hardware. It will be odd not seeing Houston in next years Champions League, but they also have done well in SuperLiga. Look for Kinnear's club to continue to succeed in Houston next year.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: A- MLS Playoffs: B+ Champions League: C+ US Open Cup: B+ Overall: B+
Seattle Sounders- It was a dream first season for the Seattle Sounders, both on and off the field. The tone of the season was set in the first game after a 3-0 thrashing of the New York Red Bulls. From that point on Seattle came to prove that they were for real and they were not interested in becoming a dismal expansion franchise. In addition to their successes in MLS play, the Sounders won a trophy in their first year of play as they claimed the US Open Cup. The Sounders beat old rivals Portland from USL-1 in the round of 16. Then went through the Wizards, Dynamo and finally United to win the club's first US Open Cup. With the win Seattle will be in next year's Champions League-hopefully some much needed atmosphere will be provided for that tournament. The Sounders had a strong first season and finished third in the Western Conference. In the playoffs the Sounders faithful were rocking Qwest Field as Seattle played Houston to a draw. But in Houston the Dynamo won 1-0 and moved on. Despite the loss it was a great season for the Sounders, not only on the field-which was very successful-but the real success story was the fans of Seattle who really embraced their club and the sport. Way to Go Seattle fans, it was amazing watching you guys, keep up the support for your club next year, and show the rest of the league how it is done.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: B MLS Playoffs: B US Open Cup: A+ Overall: A-
Chivas USA: The early part of the season looked to be so promising for Chivas as the club went a tear in the West at the beginning of the season. Then things went downhill after a loss to Chicago in May. Chivas never fully recovered from the slip in the standings, and secured a playoff spot only in the dying moments of the regular season. During the season Chivas competed in SuperLiga. The tournament did not go well for the Goats as they finished last in their group with only one point. The US Open Cup did not go better for Chivas USA either as the club was ousted from the tournament in the round of 16 to USL-1 side Charleston Battery. In the MLS Playoffs Chivas did not fair much better. As the four seed in the West Chivas played first seed, and cross-town rival Galaxy in the Playoffs. After a 2-2 draw in Game 1, the Galaxy beat their arc-rivals in the Game 2 by a 1-0 mark. After the season ended Chivas announced that Preki will not be rejoining Chivas and even more recently Chivas has announced that former Bayern Munchen Assistant Coach Martin Vasquez will be the new many in charge of Los Angeles' "other" team. What started as such a good season, turned out to be another the disappointment with no real sustaining results for Chivas. Maybe Vasquez can turn it around for the Goats next season.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: B- MLS Playoffs: B- US Open Cup: F SuperLiga: D- Overall: C-
Real Salt Lake: Real Salt Lake are proof that the regular season really does not matter. Okay, that may be a bit extreme, but it is a problem when a sub-.500 team is the league champion. But I will not dis-credit RSL for their Championship, they won it by the current rules the league has. All I am asking is the league changes the rules. Either way. Salt Lake really had an up and down season, and for the most part did not look like they would be in the playoffs. (As can be noted by most of my league review where I state that Salt Lake's Playoff hopes are slim to none. However in the Playoffs the Lakers did not disappoint. beating the defending Champions Crew twice, as well as Chicago and Los Angeles both on Penalty Kick to win the title. It is a great story as Salt Lake become the second (third counting Houston, who used to by the original San Jose Earthquakes) non- first year team to win the MLS Cup. It also is the first sports title for the state of Utah since 1971, so congrats to Utah, and congrats to Real Salt Lake. And for the loyal fans of the Lakers, you will be rewarded as Salt Lake will be in the Champions League, for next year. Congratulations. It was a great year for Jason Kreis' side, and I cannot wait to see if the Lakers of Salt Lake can do it again next year. Good Stuff RSL.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: C MLS Cup: A+ Overall: B+
Colorado Rapids: Once again the Rapids experience heartbreak as for the second straight year the Rapids' arch-rival Real Salt Lake defeated them on the last day of the regular season and eliminate them from playoff contention. During the season the Rapids were hanging around third and fourth in the West, and were well into playoff contention. However failing to win in their last seven games were their ultimate undoing as the Rapids fell apart at the end of the season. For now things look like they will stay the same in Colorado as Head Coach Steve Smith is still employed in Colorado. However, one must start to guess how long with the Rapids organization wait until this once proud franchise is back in the post-season.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: C
FC Dallas: For a majority of the year FC Dallas was being labeled the New York Red Bulls of the West (Not Good!). FC Dallas never really seemed to get out of the gates, and they really dug themselves a deep hole. Strangely enough Dallas only wins in the first half of the season came against the heavy hitters of the league such as Chicago and Columbus. Still, most of the Hoops' season was plagued by defeat and disappointment. With the occasional 6-goal night Dallas's season was pretty much over before it ever began. However, the club stands by the former SMU Head Coach Schellas Hyndman, who they feel has all the right stuff to turn around the franchise at Pizza Hut Park. One key for Dallas next year will be to get off to a better start, and not have to score 6-goals a game in order to have a shot at winning them. Seriously guys- Draft a Defender of two.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: D+
San Jose Earthquakes: Let me be the first to say that I, unlike many ESPN writers, did NOT pick the Earthquakes to have a good year. I based this prediction on the following factors. A lack of a true scoring threat, an inconsistent midfield, terrible defense, and some questionable Goalkeeping at times. Other than that I think the Earthquakes can be a true contender. Really I have else to say to the Earthquakes, who claimed they had the tools necessary to do well this year-they obviously did not. Two good notes for the Earthquakes on this year. Number One: They still were better than the Red Bulls, a lot can be said about not finishing last. Number Two: They get a high draft pick for the MLS Draft next year. Use it will Earthquakes, you guys could use some serious help. Until then, do not call yourself a contender until you can at least win more than one measly road game.
Final Report Card: MLS Regular Season: D-
Well that is it for my MLS review for 2009. Class dismissed. See you all for the 2010 Season...maybe?.. If not it has been a pleasure covering American Soccer this semester. Please leave a comment or request if you would like me to continue covering the beautiful game in America. I appreciate all feedback, as this is supposed to be a blog of the fans and by the fans, and directed by me. Thanks to all I read. See You Latter. Peace.
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