Practice Update: April 24, 2008

Not surprisingly, today’s practice was quite short due to the bad weather, and the teams impending departure to DC. Things were quite intense as usual.

• The team was split into two groups. One group took shots on goal while the other was doing a possession/defensive pressure drill.


• They finished with a full sided scrimmage.


• The starting lineup of one side may give some indication to the coaching staff’s thoughts at this point for Saturday’s starting eleven.


• This lineup included Rimando, Wingert, Borchers, Olave, Beltran, Talley, Beckerman, Kovalenko, Morales, Deuchar and Findley. Sturgis was not present and Espindola spent his time running. Everyone else participated fully.


• Look for Cordoba to possibly get some action in the Open Cup match next Wednesday.

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Dignity? What About Respect?

Despite my better judgement, I am falling for this trap -http://rslfm.blogspot.com/2008/04/041408.html . If you read the opinion piece, I assume you'll find it as disturbing as I did. While I think some of the points are very accurate - we do need to put this in perspective - it turned into an attempt to take another jab at the coach and those fans who she views as too loyal for her liking. I respect the author, and the website for all that they contribute to the RSL community, but I can't support this opinion piece. Here is why...

Balance
I agree that this win does not a season make. It is clear that RSL was not facing DC's best eleven on Saturday. In fact, in many aspects of the game I felt like we played better in the first two games of the year than this one. The two things that we did extemely well in this one was to finish our shots (4 goals on 11 shots), and to avoid those second half defensive breakdowns. While this was our most lopsided victory in club history, it probably wasn't our finest victory. In fact, our two prior victories against DC were probably more meaningful. So I do agree that we need to view this victory with some balance and perspective.

Dignity
Dignity is defined as "bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an occasion or situation." My first reaction is why in the world are you asking fans of a professional sports team to show dignity? After all, fan is short for fanatic which is defined as "a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, as in religion or politics." Go try to find any dignity among the DC fans about now. They are simply in denial. However, after the euphoria does wear off, I think that we do need to "show appreciation for the gravity of the situation". This victory, while sweet, surely doesn't prove Kreis' coaching capabilities or that this team is an MLS Cup contender or even a playoff contender. But let's also put this into perspective with the play in the first two matches (sorry RSLFM - you can't have it both ways). The excitement that is building wasn't just this victory - it is the general improved play that we have seen this season. Please accept that with dignity.

Respect
Whenever you are preaching about dignity, I would encourage you to embrace its close cousin, respect. I have an opinion about RSL. You have an opinion about RSL. Thousands of others have opinions about RSL. But in sharing our opinions, I don't believe that its appropriate to insult and denigrate the opinions of others. Using the term "fanboys" in a derogatory manner to try to marginalize the support that others give to the team is insulting and embarrasing. Suggesting that RSL fans can't show dignity or "class in victory" is equally embarassing. I am struggling to find the dignity in either of those comments.

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Player Profile: Nick Rimando

Nick Rimando

Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: June 17, 1979 (28)
Place of Birth: Montclair, CA, USA
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 184
Previous Clubs: DC United, Miami Fusion, UCLA
National Team Exp: United States – 3 Caps
Jersey Number: #18
Current Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: via trade with NYRB (initially trade with DCU)

Personal summary: Married to Jacqui Little who played in the WUSA for the Washington Freedom. Wedding was performed by teammate Ben Olsen.

Professional summary/highlights: Drafted by Miami Fusion in 2000 and took over starting job from Jeff Cassar in rookie season. Helped the Fusion win the Supporters Shield in his second season. Selected by DC United in 2002 allocation draft after the Fusion were contracted. Lost the starting job to Troy Perkins in the 2004 season, after suffering an injury at the end of 2003. Regained the starting job and helped DC win the MLS Cup. Traded to Real Salt Lake prior to the 2007 season. Named club MVP, after leading the league with 146 saves.

Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:

Youtube/video links: Profile interview with Dunseth (must view): Rimando/Dunseth, Rapids match 2007: Save of the Year, AYL Double Talk (with Chris Wingert)

Other links: MLS Player profile: Nick Rimando/MLSNet ; Wikipedia Page: Rimando/Wiki

Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Will start 90% of matches. Will be challenged less as RSL midfield holds ball better, and defense is much improved. Will still have great year, and be in the running for GK of the Year.

Fans Scorecard Ratings: Rimando Rating

Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: During the 2007 hosted teammate Alecko Eskandarian as a housemate.

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