Okay, so the new ‘Quakes forward is “Peguero Jean Phillippe.” Somewhere, the old NASL Chicago Sting’s Ingo Peter (who’s also in the record books as “Peter Ingo”) is smiling.
Taking a quick look around the league…
Can someone in the MLS office take steps to stop fans throwing streamers (and other crap) at players taking corner kicks? That kind of behavior is embarrassing, strictly bush league. I love all the passion MLS matches can muster — chants, songs, signs, flags, etc., but when you start throwing things at players, the Commish has to step in. If the fans can’t respect their opponent, they should at least respect the game. Yeah, Toronto, I’m looking at you. LA, too.
While I’m addressing the MLS brass, Don Garber’s letter about his “concerns of a lack progress” in Houston’s negotiations for a stadium deal was a complete misstep in what has otherwise been a very successful run as MLS’ fearless leader. In his new blog on MLSnet.com, the Commish said he was “very surprised” that letter was leaked (welcome to big city politics) and that “anyone who read the letter knows, I was not threatening the Mayor (of Houston) in any way.” Um… yeah, right. The letter was addressed to the Dynamo owners, but Don Garber telling Phil Anschutz what city his team can or can’t be in is a laugh. And if the letter wasn’t threatening the city of Houston with moving the franchise, how do you read this part:
It is inconceivable that MLS will allow the team to continue playing as a secondary tenant in a college football facility, particularly after the League moved the team due to the challenges at San Jose State.
While another relocation would be equally traumatic, we both must consider our options to ensure that the team has a path to economic success.
In a league where playoff games often see smaller crowds than regular season games (sound familiar, New England?) the Houston Dynamo drew over 30,000 to each of their two home playoff matches last year. Garber might say a strong fan base isn’t enough to ensure success, but it’s one hell of a good start.
A group of investors led by boxing’s Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya recently purchased half the Houston club from AEG. When you put all that working capital next to two shiny new MLS Cups, it should be good times in Houston. I hope they’ll be able to file Garber’s letter next to all those old “Houston 1836” logos and move forward. In Houston.
As the Quakes continue shopping for more help on offense, some folks might wonder why Amado Guevara ended up in Toronto instead of California. Not me.
A glance Columbus’ way shows what a difference one man can make to a team, if it’s the right guy. With Guillermo Barros Schelotto in the lineup, Columbus is atop the East and (at times) is even entertaining. Toronto is hoping Amado Guevara will work the same wonders for their club, and while his signing immediately makes them a better team (for now), it’ll be interesting to see how long the love lasts.
Guevara played hungry in his TFC debut, scoring two goals (the first TFC player to ever net 2 in a game). Still, he has a long way to go to erase memories of his departure from Chivas USA last year. The Goats had traded their Designated Player slot for Guevara, but ate that investment when he couldn’t get with coach Preki’s program. Preki kicked Guevara to the curb after just four games, and went on to win the Western Division and MLS Coach of the Year.
New York was also glad to get rid of Guevara, despite his 2004 MLS MVP trophy (that Joe Cannon should’ve won for carrying Colorado to the playoffs that year despite an offense that produced less than one goal a game). So, stay tuned. Guevara can be a big talent, and an even bigger pain in the… coach’s side. I’m glad the Quakes didn’t consider him.
Next up: searching for US Open Cup results, and getting ready for Buck Shaw's debut as a MLS venue. See you at the game.