MLS on YouTube, Part Two: The Eastern Conference

Last week we introduced those few of you who have never heard of it to YouTube, that wonderful website where fans of all sorts of pastimes can go to see video clips of their favorite performers, whoever or whatever they may be. Fans of the AAXI are, by extension, fans of Major League Soccer, and YouTube is the best place this side of MLSNet to watch a variety of MLS and MLS-related highlights. For the AAXI Week 22, we considered the Western Conference; now it’s the Eastern Conference’s turn. The criteria remains the same: videos must be found via entering only the team name, rather than a particular player, and a particular video must focus on some aspect of the team or a player to be included in the review (meaning, All Star Game highlights that pop up in a search for DC United don’t count towards the DC total listed herein).

This week we take a look at the six Eastern Conference teams and try to identify the “best” clip available on YouTube.

Chicago Fire Much like last week’s entry on the Colorado Rapids, it comes as no surprise that a search for “Chicago Fire” on YouTube brings all sorts of videos. Many of them are videos of the Chicago Fire Department fighting fires all over the city, but there’s still an impressive 60 clips of the team itself. Well, maybe it’s less impressive when you consider that 10 of the first 12 videos have something to do with the recent visit of Chivas USA to Toyota Park. And it is certainly odd to find a lengthy slide show (?!) in place where video is the expected media. But there’s a great video there that should equally please fans of the Fire specifically and league generally: Damani Ralph, 2003 Rookie of the Year. Fire fans get to see a few of the many great moments Ralph generated that season; people who miss the heady days of removing shirts to celebrate goals get to see Ralph’s chest over and over; the rest of us get to see the immortal Paul Grafer and his pants try to stop Ralph.

Columbus Crew Sometimes fans owe allegiance to odd combinations of team, so it isn’t inconceivable that you would find a combination video featuring both DC United and Columbus Crew highlights. But why only for the 1999 season? YouTube poster sum1uno2 is the culprit, but there’s just no way the AAXI staff will criticize this guy: check out the whole list of videos he posted and you’ll find highlight packages from many MLS games, clips from a couple of NASL Soccer Bowls, and even a video featuring “Great US Soccer Hair” (!). Considering everything, sum1uno2 is welcome to post odd combinations of MLS team highlights if he wants. Also found in the modest list of Crew clips (11 total) is the grainiest shot of the Crewzers performing at halftime that one could imagine, and what must be the “best” clip on there for Crew fans: Greg Andrulis walking off the field for the last time as Crew manager, with the jeers raining down on him. Too bad there’s no clip of the famous “pink slip” moment from 2005 when the embattled coach was showered with pink confetti.

DC United Not surprisingly, DC United is the champ amongst all MLS teams with a whopping 98 videos posted to YouTube. Some are odd - “DC United Offsides Goal,” anyone? - and certainly the Barra Brava almost deserves a section of its own. In fact, there’s so many videos of the Barra Brava doing its thing that you start to wonder if some of its members are more enamored of the supporter group, or DC United itself - regardless of how interesting some of the clips are. In a nice touch, you can also see something unique for MLS teams: a compilation of the “Best Saves of 2004” featuring both Troy Perkins and Nick Rimando. It’s a classy touch, and the “best” clip among many fine DC United offerings.

Kansas City Wizards Last week the AAXI staff gave Colorado Rapids fans a bit of a bad time because the team only has 11 videos on YouTube. Well, a search for the Kansas City Wizards reveals no clips whatsoever. No clips! AAXI staffers had to violate the search criteria for the activity and include the team’s prior name in the search - Kansas City Wiz. Again, no clips! But one of the multitude of DC United clips featured Nick Garcia’s first MLS goal, so figuring out how to link to it using only the team name is theoretically possible. “KC Wizards” does the trick, and reveals . . . an underwhelming two videos. Both feature Garcia’s goal. And for such a small sample, the “best” clip is surprisingly good. KC Metrosports did a nice piece on the goal. The clip begins with Jimmy Conrad describing how he tried to catch up with Garcia to celebrate with him, but couldn’t, for Garcia “was like a man possessed.” Well, any of us might be if we played 181 games without scoring a goal, as Garcia had up to that point. The video concludes with an interview featuring Conrad upon his return to MLS from World Cup duty. Good stuff, but come on, KC fans - no clips? Even the defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny have a highlight clip on YouTube!

New England Revolution The selection of Revolution videos isn’t as extensive as one might imagine, given the team’s recent history of playing in big games and popular players who might draw dedicated YouTubers posting clips of their every move (no, not Steve Ralston groupies: we mean Clint “Deuce” Dempsey). You do find the longest clip of any MLS team featured in our overview (more than ten minutes from a single 2005 game between the Revolution and the MetroStars) among the 26 Revolution clips. And there’s one truly odd video entitled “Aftermath of Taylor Twellman Goal” that shows almost nothing aside from the male pattern baldness of the guy standing in front of whoever wielded the camera. But the “best” clip is the appropriately titled “Me @ Gillette Stadium” - three students from the English High School ask, “do you want to learn about the Revolution? Then come follow us.” They teach you everything there is to know about the team in a clip that lasts precisely one minute and thirty-one seconds. Apparently ex-broadcast team Adrian Healy and Brad Feldman - who feature prominently - are what the Revs are all about.

New York Red Bulls In one sense it isn’t quite fair to compare the number and quality of videos for a newly rebranded team like the Red Bulls with one of MLS’s original franchises. But we held the Dynamo to the same standard last week, and they managed some pretty interesting stuff in their 29 clips. Searching for New York Red Bulls generates more clips than Houston - 42 in all. You can learn a good deal even before you watch the clips, since YouTubers get to describe whatever they upload. For example, did you know that the early summer exhibition victory for the Red Bulls over Bayern Munich was fixed to help NYRB become more popular(how’d that work out, by the way?)? Neither did we, but there in the description of peruvianproduct’s “Pizzaro vs. Red Bull” clip we learn the shocking truth. Another way to learn great stuff is to read the comments other YouTubers posted after watching the video. YoungGunz92’s video of a minor altercation between NYRB and DC fans is no great shakes, but the comments that follow are quite bizarre and somewhat engaging reading. Regardless, the “best” clip for the new squad is “Amado Guevara talks about Red Bull NY” on Univision. The question is, are even YouTube video clips related to soccer more exciting because they’re in Spanish and on Univision? If this same clip were recorded in English by an ESPN announcer, would the AAXI staff judge it the “worst” NYRB YouTube clip?
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Ah, the offense - where has it been these past few AAXI teams? Nowhere except at the feet of Jeff Cunningham. But with Cunningham off this week’s list, we find ourselves fielding a line-up that would make fans happy, and coaches cringe: the 4-2-4.

Joe Cannon – (3)

The man almost single handedly kept Colorado in the game against the Fire. The Fire threatened over and over throughout the game and consistently it was Cannon coming off his line or making the big save that kept the Rapids alive. His vision of the field is second to none, and as far as reflexes go, he’s almost inhuman. Chicago eventually eked out the win on an quick shot off a corner by Dasan Robinson (see below), but Cannon really looked good.

Tony Sanneh – (1)

Remember when Sanneh was affectionately known as the Big Cat? The oft-injured defender with the big contract has been known to Fire fans as “Big Cash” these past two ineffective seasons. But since returning from his latest injury, he’s come as close as we’ve seen him to his old form. Against the Rapids Sanneh was dominant in the air, kept Thiago Matins in check for nearly every second of the game, and distributed well from the back. Big Cash is finally earning his paycheck.

Dasan Robinson – (5)

We’re almost sorry to bring Robinson up again, but the kid just keeps playing good games. This time around what really stood out was his composure on and off the ball. When he’s defending he doesn’t commit or dive in unnecessarily, and he is physically tough in the air and on the ground. Offensively, he holds the ball well, is a good passer, and as we found out against Colorado, can put the ball in the back of the net. Bornstein and Kjlestan are always at the top of the ROTY list for pretty much everyone, but Robinson is deservedly right on their heels.

Jeff Larentowicz – (1)

Jeff Who? Larentowicz. He isn’t a rookie - a lone minute against DC United in 2005 took care of that status - but has to be considered among the impressive crop of new players in the league. With twelve starts and eighteen appearances he’s no stranger to the Revolution lineup, but his solid defense and game winning goal against the Crew still probably surprised some people.

Rusty Pierce – (2)

Rusty returned to one of his old stomping grounds (New England) and looked good in the losing effort for the Crew. He got forward on one dangerous break and spent the rest of the game making life difficult for the Revolution attackers. Too bad he and Richie Kotschau seem to be alternating injuries - the two of them plus SI’s Marcos Gonzales and Jose Retiz could make up a solid defense.

Jonathan Bornstein – (5)

The first member of our two-man midfield has more recently made the AAXI as a forward. This weekend he lined up further from goal, but the result was the same: another tally (complemented by an assist) for the ROTY frontrunner. Is he going to be the latest left-sided player to keep Jose Burciaga Jr. off the US National team?

Sacha Kjlestan – (3)

One thing the AAXI staff agreed upon this week was the two members of the midfield, both from Chivas USA. Nothing particular stood out from what was a terrific overall effort, although his assist on Ante Razov’s well-taken second goal was pretty good. His 7 assists lead Chivas and put him sixth in MLS - welcome to the league, Sacha!

Edson Buddle – (3)

Edson couldn’t have looked more casual on his way to a hat trick, as if it had all been arranged between Bruce and Edson before the game that he’d rest for a half while RSL got tired, defending down a man, and then go in and utterly dominate. His third goal was a brilliant mix of hustle and composure in the box, beating Jay Nolly to a bouncing ball, turning, and calmly placing the ball where only a defender’s hand could possibly have stopped it. He wasn’t phased that his first goal briefly seemed to have been incorrectly called a goal-line clearance, nor was he phased that he popped in a surpassingly brilliant header. We’re sorry that we bet a buddy a drink for every Red Bulls goal. We’re also still hung over. But Jay Nolly probably has post-traumatic stress disorder from the whole experience, so we’re not so bad off after al.

John Wolyniec – (1)

Woly just looks right in Giants Stadium. Sure, he’s wearing yet another new uniform, but Wolyniec, his cheering section, and Bruce Arena could be a great combination, even if Buddle pushes him to the pine at some point. Wolyniec set the tone for the game with a great run onto a perfectly-weighted through ball from Youri Djorkaeff, suckering Jack Stewart into an 8th minute red card (yeah, 82 minutes on the road in August down a man should work . . .). The RSL winning streak was doomed from that point on. Plus, Woly earned a secondary assist on goal #1, made an unselfish pass for an assist on goal #5, and for some reason, was still hustling in the 80-somethingth minute to pick up a garbage goal for #6. If you’re scoring at home, that’s a drawn red card, a goal, and two assists, for a guy two teams couldn’t wait to get rid of within the last couple months. Yet another brilliant personnel move by the Red Bulls Finally the Red Bulls made a “positive karma” move, and were rewarded.

Landon Donovan – (4)

You might have heard that the Galaxy systematically dismantled DC United over the weekend. Want to know why? Look no farther than the enigmatic Mr. Donovan. This week was the dominant version of Landon, whose impact reverberated far beyond the pair of goals he scored. He was dangerous at every turn, and tracked far back on defense when the occasion demanded it. How far can Donovan take the re-energized Galaxy? If last year’s run is any indication, we may be watching Landon and LA play well into the Fall.

Ante Razov – (6)

Razov just killed the Dynamo. Did you know he’s really good with his left foot? That peg carried him to a pair of goals and into a tie in the race for the Golden Boot. It was definitely another MVP quality outing against Houston, as Razov and Chivas are suddenly hanging around the upper half of the Western Conference standings. One observation from the AAXI staff: Eric Wynalda’s man-crush on Ante is getting old.
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• Header by ismitje. He’s the Justin Mapp of MLS contributors.
• List compiled and edited by ismitje with input from all of the AAXI contributors who didn’t flake.
• All typos and errors should be blamed on Doug Logan.

MLS on YouTube, Part One: The Western Conference

You may have heard of it - apparently it’s quite popular these days - but there’s a place besides MLSNet where you can watch all sorts of MLS and MLS-related highlights. YouTube is a global phenomenon, and our corner of the soccer world is pretty well represented thereon. And your friends on the AAXI staff have gone to the trouble of reviewing each MLS Season XI team’s presence on YouTube. The criteria: videos must be found via entering only the team name, rather than a particular player, and a particular video must focus on some aspect of the team or a player to be included in the review (meaning, All Star Game highlights that pop up in a search for the LA Galaxy don’t count towards the Galaxy total listed herein).

This week we take a look at the six Western Conference teams and try to identify the “best” clip available on YouTube.

Chivas USA There are a whopping 31 video clips featuring Chivas USA, tops for Western Conference teams. But you can’t watch most of them at work or with the kids, unless no one there understands swear words in Spanish. Chivas USA fans swearing at opposing teams, and opposing team fans swearing at Chivas USA – now that’s variety. The Red Bulls fan falling on his face while jumping up and down and singing swear words at Chivas USA does have something going for it, but the clip titled “UC Irvine vs. Chivas USA” just shows a girl rolling down a hill. Hmmm. But the “best” clip is one that demonstrates a hallmark of YouTube: film of the untelevised event. In this case, you get scenes from Chivas USA’s exhibition against Tigres in Donna, Texas – available nowhere else.

Colorado Rapids It’s no surprise that searching for “Colorado Rapids” on YouTube leads you to a host of white water rafting videos. What is surprising is that, including the rafting videos, you only get 17 hits from the search. Take out the rafting, and you’re down to 8 videos. Of those eight, you get fireworks on the Fourth of July (a big draw in Denver), two and a half minutes of Mascot Soccer (a halftime event), two clips of Brian Ching scoring against the Rapids, and the LA Galaxy playing a couple of times. Remove the compilation of departed player Jean-Phillipe Peguero scoring for Colorado and the Red Bulls, and you’re left with only one choice for “best” clip: “Big Head” featuring the partially shaved head of a Rapids fan. Nineteen seconds of the fan, followed by a written statement: the haircut stays until the Rapids win. That’s it. Come on, Rapids fans - there’s more Mascot Soccer highlights than Rapids clips! Start uploading!

FC Dallas What happens when almost half of the 27 videos posted featuring a team are variations of the same fifteen second clip? And that clip isn’t one of Carlos Ruiz’s bicycle kicks or Kenny Cooper’s headed goals, but a shot of some drummers in the supporters’ section shot from a low angle? I’m going to guess that Dallastar02 was new at the whole YouTube thing when s/he uploaded the clips for the first time. Or obsessed with that one drummer! But the best clip there - one that may make you laugh - is the appropriately named “National Anthem Played on a Saw” before an FC Dallas home game. It really does show a guy playing the anthem on a saw - and while we’re sure there’s a logical explanation for why the FC Dallas FO picked this particular way to start the game, it’s still a guy playing the national anthem on a saw!

Houston Dynamo The Dynamo just moved to Houston a short time ago, and so one might expect there to be little to see on YouTube featuring them instead of the Earthquakes or Clash. Surprise! You’ll find 29 videos featuring some aspect of the Houston Dynamo experience. Fan clips, homemade game previews, and “Stuart Holden’s first professional goal EVER!” (The capital letters from YouTuber 12dangbang12 really brings it home for the AAXI staff). It isn’t funny, but the best clip is the lengthy highlight package and interviews broadcast by Houston’s CBS affiliate following the team’s first match in 2006.

Los Angeles Galaxy The Galaxy feature in 18 videos posted on YouTube. Some of the connections are a bit tenuous, such as “Breanna singing the national anthem at a Los Angeles Galaxy game,” which was posted by a YouTube user named . . . Breanna. But there’s some fun to be had watching some of these gems. Remember the Riot Squad taking on Brad Guzan last year? Or the host of Chivas Girls blow up dolls? Pop on over and watch the clips. You can watch MLS Cup highlights featuring the Galaxy, but from a neutral standpoint the “best” Galaxy clip is this one, featuring game two of the Galaxy-Earthquake playoff series in 2003 - the one with the phenomenal San Jose comeback.

Real Salt Lake This team has only been around for a season and a half, but its recent exhibition against Real Madrid means that it is featured in an impressive 28 videos. Of course, more than half are things like “Ruud penalty against Real Salt Lake” and the like. There’s also an odd series of “how to” videos of 2-5 minutes in length from RSL players, such as “Punting” by backup goalie Jay Nolly and “Shooting” from Chris Klein. But the “best” is something that follows one of the most common (and sometimes truly bizarre) YouTube traditions: the homemade music video. Someone takes one of their favorite songs, clips things together, and off you go (the strangest ones feature clips from video games set to popular music). In RSL’s case, “RSL 2005 Goals”, is set to Weezer’s “Damage in Your Heart.” Why? Only YouTube member climbingtheladder knows.
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It’s a 5-4-1 this week for the AAXI. Once again, Jeff Cunningham is the only Yank forward to make the team. Apparently the Americans have the defensive part of the field covered, but Cunningham could use some company - where have you gone, Ante Razov?

Troy Perkins – (5)

If ever there was a game where a player deserved AAXI honors without doing anything particularly flashy, it was Wednesday against New York for Troy. His decision making, positioning, and execution were superb. He kept his defense organized, and only his distribution was short of superlative, being merely adequate. Just a great game from a player where keepers are remembered frequently more for their dubious choices in coming off the line than in their strong understanding. He got the clean sheet and bettered his best-in-the-league goals against average.

Dasan Robinson – (4)

The guy is never mentioned when it comes to Rookie of the Year candidates, and it is a crime. He’s had a stellar season for the Fire and by in large has played nearly flawless games week in and out. Did you know Eddie Johnson played against the Fire? We didn’t; we figured he was still touring Germany or something. EJ had no impact because Robinson effectively neutralized him from the first whistle to the last.

Ugo Ihemelu – (1)

Ugo receives fair criticism for an overly phsyical style, but his speed and positioning against Dallas shouldn’t be overlooked. His physical strength helps with the likes of Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper, but he’s also developing a good sense of timing and increasingly gets to the right place at the right time. His defensive partner in central defense, Troy Roberts, deserves some credit this week as well.

Jack Stewart – (1)

Stepped right into the RSL defense and picked up where the injured Danny Torres left off. “Hot New Guy,” as he is known in certain circles, has been solid from his first start with RSL. And while other RSLers on this week’s AAXI may be getting much of the credit, the teams winning streak coincides with Stewart’s first start following his trade from Chicago.

Carlos Mendes – (1)

We’ll admit that one mistake by a defender could wipe out a great performance, whereas a striker only needs one good play to have a good game. And we know that Joseph Ngwenya beat Mendes on the Crew goal late in the half. But for at least 88 minutes of the game, he won every one on one match up and kept the Crew at bay. And I daresay he wasn’t the only one flummoxed by Ngwenya on that run. Hence, Mendes on the AAXI.

Bobby Boswell – (3)

Boswell made a great sliding tackle to disrupt Amado Guevara in a drab 0-0 draw with the Red Bulls. So what? Well, for one thing no one on the AAXI staff can remember the last time Bobby left his feet. He is putting together an amazing season while getting to the ground less frequently than Bruce Arena’s ego. This game was not an exception, as he neatly shielded attackers, disrupted crosses, and actually was one of the few DC defenders who could make a pass out of his own defensive third.

Justin Mapp – (4)

So, sometimes he starts, and sometimes he doesn’t because the team never knows how much “sustained Mapp” they’re going to get. He got the start last Wednesday against Kansas City, the kid was a terror. He led the Fire to victory with tireless effort and some very strong runs. Two assists (one from the left, one from the right) and a goal is a damn fine performance for Mapp; now, if only he could do it more often.

Chris Klein – (2)

The MLS Player of the Week had quite a pair of games for the suddenly hot team from Salt Lake City. In the Wednesday match, he ran absolutely rampant through the Crew defense during a sustained thirty minute siege of the Columbus goal. Sometimes he was mysteriously wide open, while most often he timed his runs prefectly. He did most of his damage on the right but looked good running left and center as well. His well-taken goal off a perfect Andy Williams feed leveled the score, and he contributed to the game winner as well. And while his goal against Houston on Saturday never crossed the goal line, Klein’s performance all game long was outstanding. He played useful balls and seemed minimally troubled by Houston’s defensive pressure.

Jacob Thomas – (4)

Thomas led the Crew attack Wednesday when it looked dangerous in the first half. In fact, Columbus looked every part the more dangerous team while he was on the field. When he left injured in minute 44, so went the Crew offense - and the defensive pressure in the midfield as well. His foray down the right and into RSL’s box led to the Crew penalty and a 1-0 lead. Still, his apparent fragility has to be troubling - or perhaps he keeps rushing back from injury and would do well to stay off the field until he’s fully healed.

Carey Talley – (4)

Scored the game winning-goal Wednesday with a well-placed shot off of Cunningham’s setup. His play may not have been spectacular, but he played hard, set up shots, and helped shut down the Crew defense. But somewhere between the Crew game and Saturday’s match against Houston, Talley cut this hair. Luckily the haircut didn’t jinx him, and his continued integral play on both sides of the ball was a main contributor to both RSL wins.

Jeff Cunningham – (5)

When will Cunningham slow down? He did not have a particularly standout 60 minutes in the Wednesday game in Columbus, and then an average minutes 60-75. But over the last fifteen minutes he was absolutely everywhere in the attacking third and cut through a tired Crew defense seemingly at will. Some good play by Crew keeper Bill Gaudette and several close calls kept it close until minute 90 when Cunningham’s assist of Talley won the game. Without Cunningham, there would not have been an RSL win on the night. Then on Saturday, Cunningham completely exposed the lack of speed in Houston’s defense all night. He worked right up the middle of a previously very decent defense with ease that can’t be discounted simply because Eddie Robinson was out. Ryan Cochrane, Adrian Serioux, and Ricardo Clark all know their defensive responsibilities and none of them could deal with Cunningham.
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• Header by ismitje.
• List compiled and edited by ismitje, with input from all of the AAXI contributors.
• All typos and errors should be blamed on Kelly Dalglish.

Sometimes, the planets really do align for soccer in the USA in general and Major League Soccer in particular. At the same time that the Galácticos from Real Madrid were in the US to play a pair of exhibition games against MLS opposition, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) met in Austria to determine, among other things, the fate of Pluto and the official make-up of our Solar System. Should Pluto remain a planet or not? In a terrific coincidence, the IAU membership is currently debating increasing the number of planets to 12, with a series of other “Trans-Neptunian Objects” on a watch list of candidates to become planets.

The IAU discussions simply dovetail too perfectly with MLS and MLS expansion to not be featured in the AAXI header this week. The question is, which MLS teams correspond to which planets?

First, some background on the whole question of the planets. There are eight “classical” planets – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto is widely considered to be the ninth planet, but it is much smaller and has a much different orbit than the others, leading many to question its status. Astronomers used to consider Ceres a planet, but it was downgraded to asteroid status in the late 1800s (it is located between Mars and Jupiter). And over the past few decades, stronger telescopes have helped locate a whole host of other planetoids and plutons out past Pluto, leading to the question of whether Pluto should be downgraded or these newbies upgraded.

So, we’ve got eight classical planets, and eight original MLS teams still playing in their original cities (Colorado, Columbus, Dallas, DC United, Kansas City, Los Angeles New England, and New York) . A ninth “traditional” planet, Pluto, with an irregular orbit, and one MLS original franchise relocated to a new city (Houston). Three new planets as proposed by the IAU – Ceres, Charon, and 2003 UB313 - and three former expansion MLS teams (Chicago, Chivas, and Real Salt Lake). An IAU watch list of a dozen candidates for expansion – Hygiea, Ixion, Orcus, Quaoar, Pallas, Sedna, Varuna, Vesta, 2002 AW197, 2002 TX300, 2003 EL61, and 2005 FY9, matched with a similar number of expansion candidates and the soon-to-debut Toronto FC.

And it gets better. Planets can be rebranded, a la Clash-to-Earthquakes-to-Dynamo or MetroStars-to-Red Bulls. The IAU is working on an official name for 2003 UB313, although the working name of (seriously) Xena (Gabrielle being its moon!) has some marketability.

However, after additional consideration, we can’t very well post a list of which MLS teams correspond to which planets – the negative feedback from whichever team got assigned to Uranus would overwhelm us! Sounds like a good topic for the MLS Rivalries board at BigSoccer.com: which MLS team is Uranus?

Now on to the AAXI for weeks 19 and 20. The single game from All-Star Weekend and the full slate from week 20 were all considered, resulting in this week’s 6-2-2 – with both the midfielders on the list lining up as d-mids, we’re pretty heavy on the defensive end of things – but we can hardly help it if these are the Yanks who stepped it up this week:
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Matt Reis – (3)

The New England ‘keeper earns the nod in part for his work in stymieing Ante Razov in week 19’s draw with Chivas. But in particular, Reis played a terrific game in the scoreless draw against the Wizards in week 20. His seven saves were all crucial with nothing easy about any of them.

Eddie Robinson – (4)

The Houston back showed why there isn’t a Soccernet “cover” jinx to match the Sports Illustrated one. The same week he got the good press from Jeff Carlisle, he played the same kind of steady game he has all year long and helped shut down the Dallas attack. And if AAXI staff favorite Kenny Cooper ever goes crazy, don’t be surprised if he starts screaming “Eddie Robinson is everywhere” because Kenny couldn’t even spit on Saturday without Eddie being there to stop it. By shutting down Cooper, Robinson shut down Dallas.

Nick Garcia – (2)

With Jimmy Conrad out again - this time with a broken jaw - Garcia stepped up for the Wizards like he did earlier in the year. With Jose Burciaga storming forward and Shavar Thomas playing somewhat shakily, the main work to preserve the weekend shutout of Columbus fell to Garcia, who rose to the task. Then again, he wasn’t half bad while partnering with Conrad in the midweek shutout of New England.

Tim Regan – (5)

Regan has become the steadiest defender in the league this season. Although he didn’t particularly standout in the drab week 19 affair, he played well for the Goats in their controversial win at Chicago during week 20. In that game he exhibited a knack for going forward at the right times, while clogging the attack effectively as well.

Dasan Robinson – (5)

Robinson played well, moving over to the center of the field a number of times to cover for emergency center back Tony Sanneh. He is the reason that Chicago was still in the match at the end of the game. He is among a group of five or so MLSers who belie what it means to be a rookie.

Chris Albright – (3)

Albright kept the left side of Houston’s attack in check in midweek action, including introducing Stuart Holden to more physical defense than he’s probably seen since playing with the Sunderland reserves. Albright also had several good runs to contribute to the attack.

Craig Waibel – (2)

He is finally getting fully fit again and it’s shown in his improved play over the last few games. This week, he added a badly needed attacking dimension with better crossing from his position than Houston usually sees. He scored a header against Dallas, but his overall effort in the attack and keeping possession also helped Houston win that “damn cannon” given to the winner of the Houston-Dallas series. He continues to defend well in one-on-one situations, even against players who should beat him for speed.

Pablo Mastroeni – (3)

The World Cup veteran absolutely shut down Landon Donovan in Saturday’s 1-0 Rapids win. It was truly a vintage Mastroeni game, one more often seen for the USNT than in MLS. But this one got his MLS team three big points in what is shaping up to be an interesting Western Conference playoff race.

Jesse Marsch – (2)

Marsch scored a cracking goal from his d-mid position during the week 19 game against New England. In a funny game that should have shown MLS’s good side to the 90,000 people in the LA Coliseum primed to see the Barcelona-Chivas game that followed, Marsch was one of the only players who didn’t look like he was more prepared for an afternoon nap than to showcase his skills for the assembled crowd.

Santino Quaranta – (1)

The new Galaxy acquisition gets the nomination for only two touches, his first two in an LA uniform. Fox Soccer Channel commentator Allen Hopkins may have overstated it when he said that Q looked like a man who received a get out of jail free card, but he surely did look happy to be on the field when he came on and stole three points for the Galaxy.

Jeff Cunningham – (5)

RSL’s 4-1 win over the Rapids might just spark the team into doing something with this season. If it does, Cunningham’s performance will be a huge part of it. He was all over that field, making space and finding people. Over and over he was a threat. If it wasn’t for Joe Cannon in goal, this game might have been a “huge” blowout. And don’t look now, but not only does Cunningham lead MLS with 13 goals following his pair against Colorado, but he’s tied for the RSL team lead with six assists. Not bad for a “selfish” player.
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• Header by ismitje.
• List compiled and edited by ismitje, with input from all of the AAXI contributors.
• All typos and errors should be blamed on Justin Mapp.
• All typos and errors blamed on Justin Mapp are, of course, actually the fault of Shep Messing.

We start off Week 18 with a relatively well-rounded 2-4-3, and two ‘keepers in goal. (Stop laughing. This is the AAXI. Unless this is your first time here, you should expect lineups like that by now.)

Joe Cannon – (2)

He absolutely stood on his head at the end of the game, making up for a Rapids defense that lacked a lot of bite without Petke in there. Made three excellent diving saves, controlled his box, and helped the Rapids stay dominant at home.

Bill Gaudette – (1)

Gaudette is supposedly out for the year with a broken hand. And it hurt - you could really tell a couple of times. But, it did not hurt his play, which was inspirational as he saved a deserved point for the Crew on the road by stymieing the Fire on the occasions when Chicago seemed ready to make a go of it. Well done throughout.

Eddie Robinson – (3)

Robinson played well for Houston, keeping things tidy in front of Houston’s goals for most of the game. He coordinated well again with Ryan Cochrane and Ricardo Clark. Edson Buddle and Mike Magee were active all game for the Red Bulls and Robinson kept them in check. Basically, he controlled the backline.

Clarence Goodson – (1)

If you remember, Clarence had a nightmarish game against Colorado earlier in the season that earned him a regular spot on the bench. To his credit, he’s worked hard, kept his mouth shut, and is making the most of this “second chance”.

Carey Talley – (3)

If all you saw were minutes 50-55 of the midweek game between RSL and Chivas, you saw why Talley is the fan favorite in Salt Lake City and such a key performer this year in MLS. In minute 50, he suffered a crunching tackle from Jesse Marsch that looked like a high ankle sprain and a certain substitution. He tried to walk it off, but was stretchered off with his shoe and sock off as fans pondered who the sub would be. In minute 54, he hobbled back onto the field after being taped up, and in minute 55, he hit a thirty yard bomb that gave RSL a short-lived 2-1 lead. Did anyone see much of DC United’s Argentine wonder Christian Gomez on Saturday night? No? That’s because Talley allowed him precious little space, save for those times when he had to slide over to close down Ben Olsen. Once Olsen subbed out, Talley had Gomez the rest of the way. A gritty, solid 90 on both offense and defense earns Talley a return trip to the AAXI. If those reasons are not enough for you, we have one final reason for nominating Talley to this week’s XI: the headband. Need we say more?

Ricardo Clark – (5)

We know it sounds odd to say, but he’s really a fun defensive midfielder to watch. His tackles are usually pretty clean, he reads passing lanes well, he passes intelligently, makes good runs with the ball, and isn’t afraid to unload from distance. His run drew the PK that helped Houston salvage a tie from a game they really should have won. Performed well again on both sides of the ball. He helped keep possession and tracked down NY’s midfielders for most of the game. His run down the middle of NY’s defense resulted in the penalty kick. He also unleashed a long-range blast early in the game that barely missed.

Justin Mapp – (3)

Maybe supersub is a role that suits him? He played with energy, vision, pace, and derring-do in a thirty minute stint rarely seen from him in a ninety minute stint. It was only upon his insertion into the game that Chicago looked destined to score - except for the aforementioned Bill Gaudette manning the nets for Columbus.

Mehdi Ballouchy – (1)

Ballouchy had a very good game for RSL. He’s demonstrated superior vision and the skill to send very nice balls over the top of the defense. He also mixed it up well on defense, winning balls in his half of the field. Although he faded a bit in the second half, he came on strong near the end of the game and drew the tying penalty kick. (So it turns out he’s not eligible.)

The Ubiquitous One – (4)

The Ubiquitous One, a.k.a. Jonathon Bornstein, was all over the field this past week. After much deliberation by the AAXI staff, we have nominated him to the top XI for his play in defense, midfield, and as a forward. We also suspect that he would make a fine ‘keeper, but that spot was already taken. Basically, he’s the man, the ubiquitous one, the spark of the team we call Chivas. Thomas Rongen may have been a little ahead of himself when he said Bornstein should get a look at forward from the new USNT coach, but his form has been terrific so far this year in MLS. He’s blossoming right before our eyes.

Kenny Cooper – (7)

Cooper was everywhere during the match. Tracking back on defense and sprinting forward for offense. Yes, it’s become a cliché to nominate young Cooper, but his work on the pitch, from what we can see, makes it well worth it.

Jeff Cunningham – (4)

Cunningham would have done well in post-group play World Cup (ok, in group play too, but we’re trying to make a point here); he managed to score two goals off PKs this past week. Oh, and he also scored another goal and added two assists for good measure. Not only that, but he also generated just enough offense on breakaways earlier, in the game that DC had to be cautious about pushing too many players forward. If he could learn to pass better, he’d be an outstanding forward, not just a really good one.

The Bench

Kevin Novak, Bobby Rhine, and Chris Henderson
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