Thursday Kicks: Opportunity knocks for Chivas USA's Michael Lahoud & the Donovan debate
Two Three for Thursday:
*Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud has the chance to become a regular in the Chivas USA midfield. Also in this piece by reporter Phil Collin, meet the Chivas USA co-captains.
*An MLS players strike edges closer.
*Should Landon Donovan return to the Galaxy or stay in England? Soccer America took a poll.
It appears SA readers are thinking along the same lines as some readers of this blog. Here's an e-mail from reader Stephen Gordon that expresses some of those thoughts:
I wanted to weigh in on Landon Donovan and his status for the MLS this spring.I hope the Galaxy grants him an extension to stay in the Premier League, because our future depends on it.
Here's why...
*The World Cup and matchup with England. The need for players with European experience is at a premium, particularly those who understand the rugged English style of play, which often resembles a rugby match. Americans who play in England (and play regularly) understand the English mentality: physical prowess, work rate, long balls and crosses, and aggressive surges across midfield involving the entire swarm.
I've seen England overwhelm opponents who weren't prepared for the onslaught, but I've also seen England neutralized by teams with players who know how to counter the surge through smart tactics, namely ball control and counter attacks via their skill players. Nevertheless, this England team had a great qualifying campaign, and last week they scored a resounding victory over Egypt while we were outplayed by the Dutch.
*Weather. This year's World Cup will take place in chilly weather, and yes, it will be very cold in South Africa. European players thrive in cold conditions, at the expense of their warm-blooded counterparts in other parts of the globe. The MLS season begins and ends at the winter thaw, and Los Angeles has none, so forcing Donovan to return will not bolster his mental preparation, especially after his strong second-half performance with Everton last weekend.
*We need to make sure Donovan stays at Everton, where he must fight for playing time. The MLS doesn't need Donovan to survive. It needs World Cup success. The NHL can attest to this, thanks to a fine Winter Olympics.
Do you agree or disagree with Stephen? Do you fear what will happen to the Galaxy this season without Donovan? Or are you more worried about U.S. chances at the World Cup and believe American chances will benefit from Donovan staying in England?
Feel free to speak your piece in the comment section.
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About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Or am I more worried about whether we'll have a player strike in MLS?
Donovan proved he was capable of adapting to the EPL game fairly quickly and I doubt some time in MLS will change that. The reality is that it's not Donovan who needs to be in Europe learning to adjust to that type of game, it is the fringe players like Bornstein and Holden (who was starting to get that before injury) etc.
I agree with Benny in the sense that others need improving more than London when it comes to the USMNT. Landon is playing a support role in Liverpool but he is a leader here in LA now and needs to build on that by wearing the captain's arm band inspiring others to up their game HERE. It's divisive now, before the World Cup, to turn your back on club and country. I'll boo him 10 times as hard as I booed Beckham if he delays his reurn.
SU, if there's an MLS strike, what would you expect Donovan to do? If I were him and a strike took place, I would stay in England. What purpose would it serve for him to come here during a strike and do nothing but either train on his own or in ad hoc sessions with other players? Do you seriously think the Galaxy would open the HDC's training facilities to its players if they struck?
This isn't comparable to Beckham's situation, not in the slightest. Beckham's desire to move to Milan permanently was motivated by utter dissatisfaction with the Galaxy. Donovan's dissatisfaction has long-since been resolved.
Also, don't forget that Bradley and Arena are close. If Bradley wants Donovan to stay in England, then Donovan's chances to stay increase. You can't expect the national coach not to be a player in this situation. Beckham didn't have that kind of support; on the contrary, Capello demanded that Beckham play in Europe to have any chance of making England's team.
You're twisted sister, as always. Donovan should walk the line if the players go on strike. That's how you lead men and not by going on a vacation.
Donovan publicly admonished Becks for not committing to the team and he'll be a lesser man if he does the same.
Bradley is a non-player in this.
Jo, I agree with you... Studs, you are blinded by some slight selfishness... Saying that you will boo Donovan if he makes a decision to move is either ignorant or naive... Their is pride to be taken in his devotion to LA, but don't forget about his personal talent having to suffer, how will he grow anymore?... He will come back and be the same Donovan we know, until he grows old... If he doesn't move in the next couple of years, he will be stuck in the MLS or an equally talented league... This is shot at the EPL, how can you not be proud of him? How can you not support him? He has proven himself to LA and the MLS... Would you really want your favorite minor league baseball player reject an offer to the majors? No, of course not... Well then let's stop being selfish and let our best player in America continue his talent overseas...
Side note:
Look at our MNT starting lineup and explain to me why Donovan should stay in the MLS when there aren't but a few of MLS players representing us internationally... Why aren't you blogging about their devotion to the MLS?
JoSung,
Different factors went into my earlier comments here. The soccer reality is that Donovan will be a bit player no matter which top level league he goes to. He has proven himself worthy and capable of playing against the best after 2 failed attempts. So, I am proud of him for doing that. But I cannot see his game improving dramatically by playing off the bench. One bad game in Europe and 1000 players are lined up to take your place. 3 straight games off the bench in Everton's last 3 games should prove that to you. So, I 100% believe that his game will be better served playing a leading role here and that will benefit the national team best as well.
Like it or not, Donovan is THE iconic American player and this league and the players need him to act accordingly. And he IS under contract. No better time for him to come back now and support his fellow players than at this crucial point.
As for others playing overseas, I don't recall many of them breaking MLS contracts to move out. And besides, they are not Landon Donovan. If we had bunch of Donovans we won't be having this discussion.