World Cup Bound

Here are the details from last night’s U.S. Women’s National Team game in Carson.

Columnist Paul Oberjuerge has more on the declining profile of the women’s game. Still, to be fair the Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain et al generation was akin to capturing lightning in a bottle. This version of the team is undoubtedly better, it’s just that most Americans respond better to hype because of a lack of knowledge about the game.

Looking Good, Playing Bad

Back in the 1960s a group of American players trooped around the world in matching white cowboy hats playing games on a goodwill tour. They produced plenty of goodwill; they lost everywhere they went.

The modern-day version of this are the Galaxy with their splendid new team suits and horrible record. One of two MLS teams without a road win this season, today they come up against the Colorado Rapids.

The Galaxy had a slow start to the season, but pointed to what turned out to be the mirage-like number of games they had in hand as their ace in the hole.

Of course, their other ace (David Beckham) is injured, exhausted, and for this game, absent, the game schedule is murderous, the squad’s lack of depth is being brutally exposed and no-one has any sympathy for the flagship MLS franchise many believe has always received preferential treatment.

“I wish the public at large had a better understanding of what this organization is going through,” GM Alexi Lalas said after the loss to Chivas USA. “When we say it, it sounds like excuses.”

Yes, it does.

Chivas USA are much more fun to watch.

Here are today’s game previews.

Soccer Roundup

Here’s the rest of Saturday’s MLS action.