During the offseason, we heard Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerway pontificate that the team was trying to build a "culture of accountability". In fact part of the justification for bringing in Borchers and Kovalenko was that they were veteran players who would get in the face of the younger players and force them to be accountable. Well where is this accountability?
Who is being held accountable for the personnel?: Matias Cordoba was touted as our most important offseason acquisition. We were promised that Kenny Deuchar was going to score goals. Ian Joy was supposed to be a solid left back who would contribute on the offensive side as well. Our midfield was touted as very deep.
Who is being held accountable for the tactical decisions?: In my book tactical decisions have led to at least 2 and possibly 3 of our road losses. First, the debacle in Toronto which Kreis did own up to. Second, some questionable tactics and personnel against Colorado. Would we have still lost this one? Maybe. Finally the decision tonight to take out a very effective Olave and bring in Mantilla who has shown that he poorly marks opponents in the box, and does not have proper positioning. Meanwhile he does not make a change in the midfield where we have 3 exhausted players: Williams, Morales, and Beckerman. This led us to go from a 1 goal advantage with about 15 minutes left to a 2-1 loss. There is also the acknowledged tactical problem against Dallas at home which was not corrected until late in the first half. Fortunately that did not cost us. Where is the accountability?
How are the players being held accountable?: Dr. Goals: a supposed proven scorer who has not proven that he can score for us. Yet we trot him out there week after week. Is that holding him accountable? Ian Joy has been completely dreadful this season and his red card nearly cost us early on in this one tonight. Yet he gets opportunity after opportunity. Is that accountability? Mantilla was out of position on both goals scored tonight, marking absolutely nobody. Yet he keeps getting an opportunity. Where is the accountability?
When criticism was fired at the club for not demanding the playoffs, I was quick to their defense. When calls were made to fire Kreis last season and then again in the offseason, I was quick to the defense. When criticism was made that for all of the changes to the roster, we still weren't much better than in the past, I was in favor of letting these players prove themselves. When Garth Lagerway was counseling that we need to be patient in the first part of the season as the team needs "time to gel", I was willing to be patient. In fact, if you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you my greatest strength is patience. But patience needs to be balanced with courage. And now is the time to have courage. Now is the time to show that "the culture of accountability" wasn't just lip service. This applies to Checketts, Manning, Lagerway, Kreis and every player.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Accountability
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Daily Update: Saturday May 10, 2008
RSL acquires future second-round pick RSL to receive 2010 or 2011 SuperDraft selection for Carey Talley -> Real Salt Lake Media Relations
Real Salt Lake announced a trade with Chivas USA on Friday, with RSL sending MF Carey Talley to the Southern California club in exchange for a conditional second round selection in either the 2010 or 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
Real Salt Lake bids Talley farewell -> blog.roguecavaliers.com/My Soapbox
“We would like to sincerely thank Carey Talley for his three years of service to Real Salt Lake,” said RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey.
Real Salt Lake: RSL looks to regroup for FC Dallas -> Deseret News/James Edward
FC Dallas (2-1-3) sits atop the Western Conference standings along with Colorado with nine points. RSL (1-3-2) has earned five points through six games, but a win tonight at 7 would go a long way toward narrowing the gap.
Real Salt Lake game day -> Deseret News
Chivas' roster keeps evolving -> dailybreeze.com/Phil Collin
"Carey is an experienced, consistent defender who can play both in the middle and on the outside," Preki said. "We're glad he's joined the squad and think he'll be a good fit for us as we move forward."
Besagno on the rise at Salt Lake -> Seattle Post Intelligencer/Mathew Gaschk
"Obviously there were a lot of expectations on me. I was just thrilled to be in the league. I didn't put any expectations on myself, I was just happy to be here," Besagno said May 2, before playing a match with Real Salt Lake's reserve team. "As of now, I'm not going to be happy until I'm starting and playing for my team."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Player Profile: Matias Cordoba
Date of Birth: Oct 7, 1984 (23)
Place of Birth: Lanus, Argentina
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight:
Previous Clubs:Tigre, Argentinos Juniors
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #8
Current Status: Senior Roster (International)
How Acquired: loan from Argentinos Juniors
Personal summary: Born in Lanus, Argentina.
Professional summary/highlights: Matias started out with Argentinos Juniors before being loaned out to Tigre. In late 2007, he was then loaned to RSL who had brought on board a trio of Argentines halfway through the prior season. The loan fee is reportedly $60K with a $900K buyout after the first year. Garth Lagerway described Matias as a “combination between Javi Morales and Kyle Beckerman”, “a truly technical two-way, linking midfielder” and said he was “the most important acquisition of the offseason for RSL”. However, after training in Florida Garth said “he had been a disappointment to this point”. Apparently Matias did not come to camp fit, which is something the coaching staff stressed for the returning players in the offseason. Based on a blog post by James Edward with the DesNews it sounds like he is now coming into form.
Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:
Youtube/video links: : Interview (Spanish)
Other links: MLS Player profile: Matias Cordoba/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Matias Cordoba/Wiki
Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Matias has not seen action with the senior team, but did have at least a couple of goals in preseason action and scored a goal in the first reserve match against Chivas. The midfield is a bit crowded which will make it difficult for him to break into the lineup. However, based on watching him in practice he seems to have the technical skills which could allow him to be a good fit with the rest of our midfield. I’d like to see the player that Garth described to us, and I think he is going to emerge.
Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Played with former RSL goalkeeper DJ Countess at Tigre.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Player Profile: Jamison Olave
Position: Central Defender
Date of Birth: April 21, 1981 (26)
Place of Birth: Medellin, Colombia
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Weight: 210
Previous Clubs: Deportivo Cali, Boyoca Chico FC, Patriotas FC, Atletico Huila
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #22
Current Status: Senior Roster (International)
How Acquired: loan from Deportivo Cali
Personal summary:
Professional summary/highlights: Started career with Deportivo Cali. Has spent time with several other clubs, but recently returned to Deportivo Cali before being loaned out to RSL.
Webpages/Myspace/Facebook:
Youtube/video links:
Other links: MLS Player profile: Jamison Olave/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Jamison Olave/Wiki, Deportivo Cali - Player Profile
Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: This guy is a physical specimen. He is tall (6’1), strong, and has good speed. This alone may get him into the lineup should there be an injury or a deficiency at one of the center back spots. My belief is that he’ll find his way into the lineup this season. This will likely be for Mantilla who can be erratic at times. Whether or not he’ll stay in the lineup on a consistent basis will depend on his play, but my guess is that Mantilla, Borchers and Olave will all see time in the central back “rotation”.
Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: Has a reputation for being overly aggressive, and having a temper. Was nearly loaned to Millionarios instead of RSL, but plans changed as he was preparing to get on a flight to travel to the club. Nicknamed “Goro”. Has stated that he sees playing in the MLS as a stepping stone in his career. Garth Lagerway has described Olave as “potentially one of the top central defenders in the league” and “Oguchi Onyewu but with better foot skills”.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Player Profile: Kenny Deuchar
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: June 8, 1980 (27)
Place of Birth: Stirling, Scotland
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Weight: 200
Previous Clubs: St. Johnstone, Northampton, Gretna, East Fife, Falkirk
National Team Exp: none
Jersey Number: #16
Current Status: Senior Roster (International)
How Acquired: Free transfer
Personal summary: Born in Stirling. Is a licensed doctor. Nicknamed by Jeff Stelling host of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday as “The Good Doctor”.
Professional summary/highlights: Started his career with Falkirk. Then transferred to East Fife and led them to a promotion. At the same time he became a doctor. In 2004, transferred to Gretna in the 3rd division. Led them to promotion to 2nd division and in 2007 to the Scottish Premiere league. Garth Lagerway signed him almost immediately after watching him play against SPL juggernaut Rangers in a game in which he scored 2 goals.
Webpages/Myspace/Facebook: Bebo.com: http://www.bebo.com/DoctorGoals
Youtube/video links: St. Johnston –vs- Dunfermline 2007
Other links: MLS Player profile: Kenny Deuchar/MLSnet, Wikipedia Page: Kenny Deuchar/Wiki, Transfer announcement, Deuchar on Bill Riley show (courtesy of AYL)
Keepin It Real Expectations for 2008: Deuchar is almost a lock to start because of his proven experience and his physical presence. As he told Garth Lagerway, he just “scores goals”. Because of his work permit issues which held him out during two weeks of final practice before the season opener, it is unclear whether he will play or start for the first match against the Fire. When he does get in the lineup, let’s hope he can notch 10 goals or more for the season. I believe this is a real possibility.
Fans Scorecard Ratings: Deuchar rating
Interesting Fact/tidbits/quote: In 2005, tied a Scottish record of 6 hat tricks in a single season. In 2006, scored 11 goals in a friendly match against Threave Rovers (18-0 score). Part owner of a restaurant called the Wheelhouse. Ian Joy, who is also of Scottish descent, had a hand in recruiting Deuchar. Before signing, Deuchar talked to Joy on the phone to get his impression of the club. Deuchar is a Napolean Dynamite fan. Apparently his last year or so at Gretna was not a good experience as seen from his Bebo.com profile:
Happiest When: “not being moaned at!!! and scoring goals!!! On loan away from Gretna!!!”
Friday, March 14, 2008
Now Let's Come Together...
The front office last year was a little quiet from my vantage point. There was news, such as the Beckerman trade - that we heard from Rapids fans. There were unaddressed problems. And there was little information in general flowing out to the fans. The result was the fans were left feeling like they were unimportant. This, along with the miserably unsuccessful season, was a combination that caused many loyal fans questioning their ongoing support for the club.
Oh what a difference a year makes! There has been a remarkable change since the end of last season. The front office has had several meetings with the fans, has improved greatly their updates to the fans, and in general seems to care about us. The recent involvement with the fans in organizing a tailgate for the opening match is a good example of this.
For those who have complaints about the front office, take advantage of these opportunities and face the issues head on. The only way to bring about change is to be involved, let your voice be heard in the proper setting, and try to make a positive difference.
This is a recent development. If you haven't already done so, take the opportunity to visit http://rsltothecore.com/rslblog/. It's really too early to tell, but this could turn out to be a tremendous positive for the fans of Real Salt Lake. This appears to be a good outlet for the team to get the word out to the fans in a timely manner, and in a format that fits the times. I also like the possibility of having more photos than we've had in the past, such as the ones featured here http://rsltothecore.com/rslblog/?p=16. So far, so good. Judge for yourself.
I'll let you decide this one. The fact is that we don't fully know what to expect from any of the incoming players, except Beckerman. We've had glimpses of Findley, Mantilla, Morales, Espindola, Sturgis, and Movsisyan from the last half of last year. We also know what Kovalenko and Borchers have done in the past with different MLS teams. But we have only heard about Olave, Cordoba, Joy, and Deuchar.
We know what the retired Eddie Pope meant to us last season. We also know what Cunningham, Klein, Brown and Atiba were capable of. Unfortunately, we are also often reminded of how disatisfying Adu's performance was in his short time here. The rest? Mostly role players.
My belief? I think the group of incoming players will ultimately prove as a group to be a significant upgrade over the outgoing players (not that Eddie Pope's shoes are going to be easy ones to fill). The question in my mind is will they perform like this from Day1? Or will it take time? Even if they individually show their capabilities right from the start, I think they will need some time to "gell" as a group.
Below I've listed where the incoming players have played in recent years. This may give you a bit of an idea of their pedigree. In addition, I've listed where the outgoing players have gone, and used my own opinion of whether or not they have gone on to an inferior or superior league. You can track their precise movement in this thread http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508792.
PLAYERS IN
Matias Mantilla: Defensores de Belgrano, Argentine 3rd Division/Club Atletico Huracan, Argentine 2nd Division/Argentinos Juniors, Argentina Primera Division
Javier Morales: UD Vecindario, 3rd level Spain/Instituto, Argentine 2nd Division/Arsenal de Sarandi, Argentine Primera Division/Newell’s Old Boys, Argentine Primera Division
Fabian Espindola: LDU, Ecuador 1st Division/Aucas, Ecuador 2nd Division/Talleras de Cordoba, Argentine 2nd Division/Boca Juniors, Argentine 2nd Division
Nathan Sturgis: LA Galaxy, MLS
Dema Kovalenko: NYRB, MLS/DC United, MLS/Chicago Fire, MLS
Kyle Beckerman: Colorado, MLS/Miami, MLS
Robbie Findley: LA Galaxy, MLS
Yura Movsisyan: Kansas City, MLS
Chris Wingert: Colorado, MLS
Kenny Deuchar: Gretna, Scottish Premiere League/St Johnstone, Scottish 2nd Division/Northampton, Third League England/East Fife, Scottish 3rd League
Ian Joy: FC St. Pauli, Bundesliga 2nd Division/Hamburg SV, Bundesliga/Kidderminster, 5th level England/ Montrose FC, Scottish 3rd Division
Matias Cordoba: Tigre, Argentine 2nd Division/Argentinos Juniors, Argentine Primera Division
Nat Borchers: Odd Grenland, Norweigan 2nd league/Colorado Rapids, MLS
Jamilson Olave: Deportivo Cali, Columbian 1st division
PLAYERS OUT
Jeff Cunningham: Toronto FC, MLS; starter
Chris Klein: LA Galaxy, MLS; starter
Mehdi Ballouchy: Colorado, MLS; reserve
Atiba Harris: Chivas, MLS; reserve
Kyle Brown: Houston, MLS reserve
Jason Kreis: retired
Eddie Pope: retired
Freddy Adu: Benfica, Portugal, superior league
Jean-Martial Kipre: Sounders (trial), USL, inferior league
Willis Forko: Vancouver, USL, inferior league
Luis Tejada: America de Cali, Colombia, inferior league
Danny Torres: Bodens BK, Sweden, inferior league
Chris Brown: Portland Timbers, USL, inferior league
Jamie Watson: unknown
GARTH LAGERWAY
The addition of a general manager was a critical one for the club. Jason Kreis was in the middle of trying to put together a team, putting in his own system, putting together a coaching staff, searching for upgrades to the talent on the team, and learning how to be a coach in professional soccer while doing it. Simply put, he was trying to do too much and their were several signs that he was in over his head. First, the lack of a GM is likely the reason for the feeling of neglect by the hardcore fans, who received little attention from the front office. Second, there were a couple of high profile procedural errors that led to sanctions by the league. Finally, the product on the field just did not yield results despite some seemingly positive additions in personnel.
Garth's selection was initially criticized. After all, his background amounted to being an announcer for DC United, after retiring from the MLS as a goal keeper. My impression of him has been very postive to this point, despite some limited ongoing criticism. I feel like his approach to the fans has been very positive, his dedication to upgrading the talent, and developing depth on the club has been great. We will see what this produces on the field, but I think he has helped put the club in a good situation to be successful.
STADIUM
There might not be a more significant change for the club this season than the opening of the magnificant stadium currently under construction in Sandy. You can see photo's of the progress here http://www.rslstadium.com/construction.html
Stepping into this fabulous stadium, right here in the heart of the Salt Lake valley in just a few short months will be a moment for many of us to remember for the rest of our lives. It really will be a special moment. One that seems like a dream that is about to finally come true.
NOW LET'S COME TOGETHER
I think everything has been put in place for us. Just one thing remains... the club, the players on the pitch, the organization, the stadium and the fans...Now Let's Come Together. Join me in hoping for a very successful 2008 Real Salt Lake campaign.
