DCU Fans Don't Like Secrets
"Ten players and a goalie."
That's all United Coach Tom Soehn would say about his plans for Wednesday's game at Toronto FC.
For some folks, "ten players and a goalie" is enough. I know it answered all three of my questions about soccer.
For fans who just want to know the lineup, it's frustrating (though really, what could be worse than Joe Gibbs's "hard fought"/"fought their guts out" combo?):
downtown: Tommy's comments just bug me at this point. His silly little media blackout and non-answers sure are helping this team get their act together and win some games.
George: Closing practice, refusing to open the locker room after the match, and now the "ten players and a goalie" response to each question proves that Soehn has quit blaming his team and is now blaming the media, Mr. Goff in particular, for the poor results. Oh, wait, he still blames the players. Just not himself.
Skippy: Yeah, is the "ten players and a goalie" bit part of the media blackout? If so, it worries me all the more - "My team is playing like a JV high school team from Idaho, it must be all the press coverage." I understand the desire to keep some things secret or at least low-key, but some how other MLS teams are running smoothly while making themselves available to the press.
Soccer Insider commenter JkR(-er?) makes a fair point:
JkR: It's possible that Soehn views his team as vulnerable right now and doesn't think his players would benefit from seeing lineup projections in the paper. Just guessing, but that wouldn't be an outrageous decision, IMHO. He my not be 'blaming the media' just holding his cards a little closer. Again, guessing....
And guessing is just what fans will have to do, because it doesn't seem like they'll be getting much else from Soehn.
First question:
Cashous: where's or who's the "Enforcer"??? Who has Gallardo's or Moreno's back when teams keep hitting them with those heavy tackles??? We all know Benny is being held back on the sideline, but who on th pitch is going to fight back??? Looking for a hero, but an enforcer will do.
Ron: Re the enforcer, I hear Donald Brashear isn't doing anything at the moment.
Just take a minute to get a good look at that mental image. *Shudder*
By Lindsay Applebaum |
May 20, 2008; 2:20 PM ET
| Category:
D.C. United
Previous: A Different Point of View |
Next: Expect Great a New Ad Campaign?
Posted by: koolcaio | May 20, 2008 4:18 PM
he can be a mute if DCU can win.
Posted by: JSF | May 20, 2008 4:44 PM
Hey Lindsay, maybe you should try asking some question to Tommy. See if he has something to say differently to you what really is Emilio's problem.
Posted by: td | May 20, 2008 5:14 PM
If that answered all three of your questions about soccer then maybe you shouldn't be writing for the sports page. You don't have anywhere near the credentials or gravitas to be able to pull of a soccer bashing joke.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 20, 2008 7:32 PM
I've covered plenty of high school soccer games and a few DCU games for the AP. Don't be so sensitive, Anonymous! Also, don't be so anonymous, Anonymous!
Posted by: Lindsay Applebaum | May 20, 2008 7:43 PM
None of this is really a surprise. Soehn learned the ropes of coaching from Peter Nowak (who used to say essentially the same line every week). The only difference is that Nowak never had a bad stretch like Soehn is having right now.
Personally, the reason I think it's a little silly is that anyone that cares to know about DC United knows what the questions in the lineup are.
- Will Emilio start or not? If not, will he be replaced by Doe? Niell? Quaranta?
- Will Peralta be making the trip or not? If not, will it be McTavish or Mediate replacing him?
- If Peralta is available, will McTavish play right midfield to replace Quaranta/allow Quaranta to move forward?
That's it. There isn't some crazy formation that will make this team better, and it seems odd to pretend that we have something amazing up our sleeves. The reason United is losing is because of bad form, concentration lapses, and a level of intensity that is too low over 90 minutes. Those aren't things you treat as some ace up your sleeve. They're either there at kickoff or not. I mean, if Soehn is telling the team to play possum until June and then let us all of the sudden turn out to be Brazil 1970 reborn, he's the greatest coach in the history of any sport ever played or imagined, but I somehow don't see that happening.
Posted by: Chest Rockwell | May 20, 2008 10:24 PM
Lindasy,
Another secret we DC fans don't like concerns the winner of the Gallardo caption contest. Most of the previous contests were decided in a few days and this one elicited a lot of entries. Were they that bad? Can we try again?
"Seven... eight... nine.... yup. Coach was right. Ten players and a goalie."
Posted by: I-270, Exit 1 | May 21, 2008 8:20 AM
Sorry 'bout the typo. Lindsay
Posted by: I-270, Exit 1 | May 21, 2008 8:21 AM
Soehn can say or not say whatever he wants. same goes for the players. The only thing that matters is the result on the field, and no amount of talking is going to affect that. Jeez, you think this coach was hired for his public speaking abilities? just take a look at that mug! He's a coach, so let him coach. Take a deep breath, relax, and let what will be, be.
Posted by: loosek | May 21, 2008 8:56 AM
Lindsay, would you be watching Champions League today? Who do you think will win?
Posted by: FC Arlington | May 21, 2008 12:35 PM
Dammit,
I can't comment here after 2 o clock cause I've got the Champions League game being DVRed at my house.
Although, we got a TV here at work...hmmmm
FC Arlington, I know you asked for Lindsay's prediction, not mine, but you'll get mine anyway:
Man U: 2 Chelsea:1
Drogba scores an early goal and the blues try to sit on the lead like they always do (seriously, they should be in Serie A)
and Rooney and Ronaldo will each come through in the second half.
I'm not really rooting for either team, just hoping for a good game.
Posted by: Can't comment | May 21, 2008 1:08 PM
Montgomery Mall,
I thought there were too many worthy entries to announce a winner. But you're right, I should do that.
Let me "consult the panel" and get on it. And by "consult the panel," I mean eat lunch.
Posted by: Lindsay Applebaum | May 21, 2008 2:06 PM
Of course a woman would call me Montgomery Mall :-).
Posted by: I-270, Exit 1 | May 21, 2008 6:38 PM
"I've covered plenty of high school soccer games and a few DCU games for the AP."
I'm really hoping this was meant ironically. But I doubt it...
Posted by: todd11 | May 22, 2008 2:49 AM
Err...no. *Embarrassed shrug goes here*
Posted by: Lindsay Applebaum | May 23, 2008 1:34 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I don't see Mr. Soehn past this month, and with those comments maybe sooner