It was a promising move that was supposed to reward the Houston Hispanic fan base.

Instead, Luis Angel Landín was holding back a franchise that, since its relocation from San Jose, experienced instant success and two MLS Cup Championships.

The United States is a results-driven country, and the Forward position in Soccer is the most criticized because it’s judged based on the statistics of goals scored. Nonetheless, a player receiving a salary in the six figures only to produce just two goals and three assists in almost one year's time is unacceptable.

It was expected that the Houston Dynamo would not pick up Landín’s contract option after the loan expired in December, but his early dismissal proves the Dynamo are ready to win now and won’t stand for setbacks.

Houston Dynamo announced the signing of Luis Angel Landín as the club’s first Designated Player on August 20, 2009. Landín joined La Naranja on loan from Mexican First Division team Cruz Azul until December 2010. Landín had already been registered in the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League with Cruz Azul, meaning the Houston Dynamo would be unable to use his services for that competition.

The Designated Player slot in MLS is commonly used by teams to bring a player of proven talent, although some also past their prime, to improve their squad. A Designated Player is also marketable and usually also brought for revenue through their merchandise. Houston decided to take a different approach and instead bring a player that was unproven, but young enough that they hoped would evolve into something greater. Landín never did.

When Houston acquired Landín, they were expecting the MLS style of play would suit him. Landín showed signs of promise but never really stood out in the Mexican First Division besides his YouTube sensation scorpion kick goal. Many expected that the more physical Major League Soccer would be the perfect opportunity to develop Landín’s talents.

When he arrived, Dynamo Head Coach Dominic Kinnear had this to say:

"I am looking forward to getting Luis involved with the team. He is a player that will fit nicely into our system. I think we improved our team with an exciting, young, attacking player. We'll get him training as soon as possible and get him ready to play in this physically demanding league."

As mentioned, during his tenure at Houston Dynamo, Landín only managed to score two goals and provide three assists.

When he arrived, he was criticized for being overweight, even though he managed to improve fitness over the offseason.

He also arrived injury prone, and just when he showed glimpses of what could’ve been, he hit the sidelines and took a long time to recover.

His inability to learn the English language quickly may have also hindered his performance. It was notable that there was a communication barrier between the Dynamo organization and the Mexican Forward.

Landín was simply not producing, and even more vital for a player of his importance to the team’s payroll, he could never solidify a starting spot in a team that always rotated the second forward position next to team Captain Brian Ching. Something had to give, and on Tuesday, the team announced his departure.

"A lot of factors came into play, where it just wasn't the right fit," Coach Dominic Kinnear said . "I feel sad because I like him and I don't like it when players come in and they leave soon after. You don't bring players in to have them leave. It's unfortunate that this has come to."

“We are sorry things didn’t work out with Luis Landín,” Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti said in a statement . “Our hopes and expectations for this signing were never met. We believe it is the right time for the club and Luis to move forward. We wish him well in the future.”

Just like that ends a roadblock in the Houston Dynamo history books. Landín will return to Mexico for Cruz Azul just in time for the start of the Apertura 2010 season.

Meanwhile in Houston, the Dynamo await the opening of the transfer season on Thursday, and many fans will wonder who will be the next signing that will hopefully move them back towards dominance. Houston will host the MLS All-Star Game on July 28, 2010 at Reliant Stadium.

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The New York Red Bulls have a new legend in their team. The American side has acquired the talents of Thierry Henry after a transfer from Barcelona.

At first, you would wonder why a player with such a unique and inspiring reputation would move to a team that can be interpreted as a major step down.

I, however, feel that this is a smart move.

For a player who is 32-years-old, he may indeed have a few more years within him. But come on—New York plus the Red Bulls equals a mouth watering prospect.

The place and the prospective exposure most surely influenced the move.

Henry himself is surely eager for the move after a year out of favour at Barcelona.

The horrible nightmare that followed with France's World Cup campaign did little to deter him from disillusionment.

A credible performance for the USA in South Africa will likely cause a rise in the popularity of football. It will not compete with the Super Bowl and the NBA, yet it is garnering a willing and enticed fan-base.

Henry, therefore, is moving to the MLS at a great time.

Not only that, he will get the opportunity to live the truly luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous. His current riches can only be enhanced by moving to the concrete jungle where dreams are made.

David Beckham brought attention to the sport with his time at LA Galaxy. Now Henry is ready to make his stamp on the place. He will become an American celebrity in his own right.

Obviously, this may detract from the rightful intention and passion of the sport. Yet it can also thrust an already celebrated hero into a league willing to accept and build upon such a superb talent.

I, for one, am insanely jealous. What I would give for a year or two surrounded by the influx of activity in the biggest apple of them all.

The move may also will the mass of American youngsters searching for their path in life. Coupled with the USA's World Cup performance, it may be the impetus they need to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams as athletes.

Whatever happens, Henry's decision to follow in Beckham's footsteps can only increase the spectacle of the world's most famous sport in the world's most famous country.

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Sounders Coach Sigi Schmid looked understandably glum following his team’s last contest against D.C. United.

After the team’s most impressive MLS win of the season, a 3-0 shutout triumph over the New England Revolution, Seattle looked forward to closing out the first half of the season and enjoying the respite of the World Cup break.

All that stood between the Sounders and that ideal first-half close was a game at home, June 10 against D.C. United, which came into the contest in last place in the Eastern Conference. After the earlier victory against New England in the friendly confines of the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field the odds were very much in the Sounders’ favor.

Curt Onalfo’s visiting team spoiled the scenario by planting a 3-2 upset win behind the solid effort of one player to whom Schmid paid homage as he faced the media.

“We lost tonight to Chris Pontius,” Schmid declared.

Initially former Santa Barbara University star Pontius was given credit for a hat trick but ultimately one score was ruled an own goal by the Sounders. As Schmid said, the evening belonged to Pontius from an offensive standpoint, as reflected by the score and how the goals were accomplished.

D.C. startled the home team by jumping to a 3-0 lead before the Sounders launched a late rally that brought the score to 3-2 with Seattle battling for the equalizer when time expired.

Since that devastating June evening the injury-plagued Sounders have been seeking a formula for jumping out of the seventh spot they now occupy and into the ranks of teams seeking postseason playoff berths.

Coach Schmid believes that it will take 45 points to reach that precipice, meaning that the Sounders with 16 points and a 4-8-4 record have a large mountain to climb.

Meanwhile D.C. United played three games on the road since the upset triumph in Seattle with a mark of 0-2-1. Overall D.C. United stands at 3-9-3 with 12 points.

It is 2-4-1 at home and seventh in the East. D.C. United's goal differential of minus-14 ranks last in the MLS and the 11 goals scored is tied with Kansas City for the fewest.

The Sounders have cherished moments from last season at RFK Stadium, where this contest will be held.

Sounders FC claimed its first trophy at RFK Stadium on Sept. 2, 2009 after defeating D.C. United, 2-1, in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. Ten days later, Seattle beat United by an identical score in MLS play.

It could work to the Sounders’ advantage from the standpoint of a surprise element that there is so much indecision as to Thursday’s starting lineup. Star winger Freddie Ljungberg missed the Dallas contest after sustaining an ankle injury in the team’s final practice. It is uncertain at this juncture whether Ljungberg will start or even play.

Another point of indecision is whether Blaise Nkufo, Seattle’s newest player fresh from a great outing in Switzerland’s victory over eventual World Cup titlist Spain, will be making his debut on the RFK pitch Thursday night.

One more decision to be made just before game time is the status of first-year midfielder Michael Seamon, who drew praise from Coach Schmid after making a fine debut MLS start against Dallas.

Seamon went into that game with an ankle injury and was ascertained by Schmid to be at about 85 percent of his potential. His condition will be reevaluated up until the 5 p.m. Pacific Time kickoff to determine if he will be able to play against D.C. United.

The Seattle youth program was an important lineup element for the Dallas game. The median age of the Sounders’ midfield was 21.

As for Thursday night and what Sigi Schmid has planned, stay tuned.

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Sounder world is in a state of suspense.

Blaise Nkufo will soon be eligible for play. In fact, his name goes on the roster for eligibility on Thursday, July 15, a date that can prove highly significant.

Nkufo could conceivably make his Seattle Sounders debut the evening of July 15 in a road test at D.C. United. With last Sunday’s 1-1 tie in Seattle with FC Dallas the Sounders secured one point for a total of 16 on the season.

The team is running out of opportunities to make the playoffs. Coach Sigi Schmid thinks that it will take 45 points to insure a playoff spot, meaning that the Sounders will have to garner 29 points over the regular season’s final 14 games.

This need for points means not being satisfied with a tie and one point on the road but going for three points and wins, which takes us to the significance of the D.C. United matchup.

The Sounders have rancid memories stemming from a 3-2 loss to D.C. United at home in the final game prior to the World Cup break. A breakthrough Thursday night could elevate Seattle to 19 points.

So the question is: Will Nkufo make his Sounders debut that pivotal July 15 date, his first on the roster?

Efforts to ascertain what will happen on Thursday sought after Sunday’s match were met with uncertainty. This is apparently a decision for which one must stay tuned.

If Nkufo does not debut on Thursday then his next opportunity for action is the highly publicized friendly Sunday at noon at the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field against Scotland’s Celtic FC.

Sigi Schmid at Monday’s practice session at the Starfire Training Complex turned his attention toward Nkufo and what he means to the Sounders:

“We can’t expect him to be the savior. He’s going to be one member of the team. But he is an experienced player who has shown a knack and ability to finish goals.

“If we can create some of the things we have created and he’s on the end of them we are confident he can finish them. So it’s a matter of us seeing where he is at, how he is in terms of his fitness, how quickly he can adjust and adapt to the team and the league. But obviously we expect him to have an impact for our team.”

Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg injured his ankle in the final practice session prior to last Sunday’s game with Dallas and was forced to miss action. Schmid also addressed the subject of the popular Swedish veteran and his availability against D.C. United:

“We’ll see. We will see how his ankle comes through today. Ankles are funny things. I had numerous ankle injuries when I played but sometimes it takes a few days, sometimes it takes longer. We wanted to see him push today and see how it would feel after practice and tomorrow (Tuesday).”

Osvaldo Alonso made his return to game activity on Sunday in the second half. What can be expected from Alonso Thursday night?

“With Ozzie, it’s just a matter of fitness,” Shmid explained. “I don’t think he’s ready for a full game from the standpoint of fitness but it’s a matter of him continuing to be out there in training. With the game coming up Thursday, we can’t really do extra work with him. But for sure next week after the Celtic game doing some extra work with him at the beginning of the week will help him get back his fitness.”

Schmid also commented on tight schedule demands this week. The team played Sunday night against Dallas and will be leaving shortly for the nation’s capital and Thursday’s match with D.C. United. From there it is back home quickly and the Sunday afternoon friendly with Celtic FC.

“It’s harsh,” Schmid conceded. “That’s why we trained today because tomorrow we’ll lose a training day for those guys because it takes a full day to travel back there.

“So sometimes you can’t get onto a field, you just try to get to the gym to do some aerobic stuff. It makes it a little tougher. But on the same token, we have had a pretty tight stretch of games over the last two weeks and I am confident we can maintain our rhythm and guys will be ready to play on Thursday.”

The Sounders’ coach praised Miguel Montano for his first start and stated that he had “played well.” The Colombian was credited for “playing with a lot of energy” and “creating things.” He called the red card that caused Montano’s banishment “unacceptable.”

To many in the stands and those observing video replays, the red card seemed excessive. As Kasey Keller said afterwards, “If they had been giving out red cards like that in the World Cup final today they would have had about six players left.”

Michael Seamon was praised for his pluck in starting his first MLS game despite an ankle injury that had to be taped up. Schmid thought that he was at around 85 percent for the Dallas match and that he played well.

It will be determined later how much action Seamon is likely to see Thursday night.

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Harrison, NJ - After a month of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, Red Bull Arena was open for MLS action against D.C. United. Minus the vuvuzelas, the poor officiating, and Luis Suarez's handball, the fans of 16,239 were treated to a snoozer.

On the eve before the World Cup final before Holland and Spain, the New York Red Bulls played to a disappointing 0-0 tie against the lowly D.C. United. As a result, the Red Bulls missed their opportunity to regain the Eastern Conference lead over the Columbus Crew.

However, help is on the way when the Red Bulls introduce their new "Designated Player" on Thursday, July 15, 2010. It's safe to say that we know who's coming and with Steve Nash making a guest appearance at the game 99.9% confirming it, there's no reason for me to jinx the team by writing the name of the newest Red Bull.

The only good thing entertaining about Saturday's match were the Empire Supporters Club. Once again, they entertained the fans with their never-ending chants for the Red Bulls

On a brighter note, the Red Bulls end their first half of the season with a 8-5-2 record and have not lost in five regular MLS season games. Compare to last season where the Red Bulls were 2-10-3 after 15 games, it's safe to say this year's Red Bulls have already exceeded expectations.

Along with the addition of the newest Red Bull, the team's future can only get brighter and that's something that Red Bulls will appreciate.

Cesar Diaz is the Soccer Editor for Latino Sports. Please send him your questions and comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Due to a rash of injuries during the first half of the season, Coach Sigi Schmid of the Seattle Sounders has been forced to demonstrate flexibility in making key position changes.

Sunday night, in a hard fought 1-1 tie against invading FC Dallas before the 25th consecutive sellout crowd of 36,091 at the Xbox pitch of Qwest Field, Seattle Sounders FC unveiled a new youth plan in the midfield area that drew much positive commentary.

A key event in triggering Schmid’s moves occurred when veteran right-winger Freddie Ljungberg strained a leg muscle in the team’s final training session prior to the Dallas game.

A team record was set when first year Colombian striker Miguel Montano became, at 19, the youngest player ever to start a game for the Sounders in league play. A key referee’s decision concerning Montano in the second half would be referenced as a turning point in the contest by both head coaches.

Michael Seamon, who graduated from Villanova University last month and was promptly signed by the Sounders, drew his first MLS start at midfield as part of the revamped starting lineup.

“It felt good out there,” Seamon enthused after the game, concerning the team’s continuity flow.

Nathan Sturgis also drew a start at midfield, while Nate Jaqua started at forward and Patrick Ianni was inserted as a defender.

Schmid noted that a major reason behind the numerous lineup switches concerned his satisfaction, with lineup changes in the team’s 2-0 win Wednesday night against the L.A. Galaxy at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila in a quarter-final round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition.

Nate Jaqua had been a major presence in Wednesday’s victory in scoring both Sounder goals. The rangy, 6-4 forward from Portland was a steadying influence Sunday as well in both attacking and repelling Dallas attacks.

With the Sounders coming in at 4-8-3 and badly in need of points, the team played at an early pace reflecting that urgency.

“Yes, we expected a lot of intensity,” Dallas Coach Schellas Hyndman reflected. “We didn’t expect them to sit back and go for a tie. They are desperate right now and need points and they came out with a lot of intensity.”

Hyndman then added, “The thing I’m learning is that you have to get your points at home. It is so hard to get them on the road. The league is very even and has great parity.”

The urgency of the Sounders’ attack in early stages resulted in a goal on two passes and a header. The assists came from Michael Seamon and James Riley respectively, with Fredy Montero converting a header in the 14th minute from a near post 10 yards out.

The score was Montero’s sixth for a team high. It was the second assist in Riley’s career and the first for Seamon of his young career.

Seattle has never lost at home after scoring first, and for a time, it looked as if the 1-0 advantage would hold up as the Sounders took it well into the second stanza.

The event that changed the complexion of the match occurred at the 56-minute mark, when Montano became involved in a fracas with Brek Shea.

The Dallas midfielder was cited with a yellow card for a foul against Montano. The Colombian was then given a red card and banished from the match by referee Kevin Stott for his retaliation.

Sounders veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller expressed incredulity after the game.

“Were you watching that World Cup game between Spain and the Netherlands today?” Keller asked the media questioners. “I mean, come on. You have to let these players play. If they had handed out red cards that way in the World Cup game today, you would have had about six players left at the end.”

It was the first red card of the season for the Sounders. The last occurred 25 matches ago on August 15, 1909, against the L.A. Galaxy.

“It wasn’t that big of a deal,” Keller asserted further regarding the red card.  “Nobody was punched.  I even asked the ref about it after the game.”

“I was falling down,” Montano explained. “My intention was not to hit him (Shea). There is no explanation.”

Once that the Sounders were compelled to play one man short following Montano’s banishment the complexion of the game changed. Dallas began attacking more aggressively, and Seattle fell into more of a protective shell to preserve its one goal edge.

“I think that the game definitely changed at that time,” Dallas Coach Hyndman observed.

Keller was a stalwart on defense with five saves. The most spectacular one came in the 71st minute on a shot by David Ferreira, which he thwarted with a quick, reactive dive.  “Kasey made a great save on that shot,” Hyndman said.

Determined forward Ferreira was ultimately not to be denied, however, as he supplied the equalizer in the 87th minute. He took a return ball from Heath Pearce and volleyed a shot off the far post and into the back of the net.

While the visiting Coach Hyndman was pleased to earn one point, coming from a superior momentum position, Sigi Schmid was understandably disappointed over his team’s failure to garner a win and three points.

“That (the tie) was disappointing because I thought we put the right team out there,” Schmid said. “I thought we played with a lot of energy, we played well. We scored a good goal in the first half and had some other good changes. The red card had a big impact on this game. They played well and ended up scoring a great goal.

“Maybe we could have defended a little better, but who knows. I feel bad for our guys because they played with a lot of heart and desire and I thought they deserved to win tonight."

While the Sounders remain in seventh place in the Western Conference with 16 points and have not thus far defeated a divisional rival, Dallas is a team on the move.

With Sunday’s deadlock, Dallas stands at 5-2-7 and 22 points. The tie enabled Dallas to vault into a three way tie for third place in the West.

The Sounders must regroup quickly since two important games are on tap this week.  Thursday night in the nation’s capital Seattle seeks to repay D.C. United for an earlier 3-2 home defeat just before the World Cup break.

Seattle returns home next Sunday to face powerful Scottish contingent Celtic FC in a noon friendly at Qwest Field.

Kasey Keller put a philosophical note on the evening’s activities:

“I'm just glad we were able to hang on for the point because it really would have been a shame to not get anything out of this game. Yes, if we could've hung on to all three it would have been phenomenal but, in the end, it took a great strike to tie us, and I think we have a lot to build on in this game."

As for the Sounder youth plan put on display, the average age of the starting midfield group was 21. Neither veteran Dallas Coach Hyndman nor experienced goalkeeper Kasey Keller could ever recall anything like this occurring in a professional soccer match.

“To have this many good young players speaks well for Sigi Schmid’s future,” Hyndman observed.

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This is Part 21 in a series of articles on the players that make up the 2010 Los Angeles Galaxy.

Throughout history, there have been many well known people with names that start with Leonardo.

There's the Italian Renaissance scientist, architect, botanist, musician, anatomist, inventor, engineer, sculptor, roboticist, geometer, writer, and painter known as Leonardo da Vinci.

Moviegoers the world over are familiar with one Leonardo DiCaprio. The Fibonacci sequence is credited to Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa. And for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans young and old, the katana-wielding Leonardo is recognized as the leader of the heroes in a half-shell.

There are many football players that go by the name Leonardo. One of them is José Leonardo Ribeiro da Silva, a defender who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy. At 1.88 meters, he provides an imposing presence to the team's reliable backline.

On loan from Sao Paulo FC, Leonardo is part of a trio of imports (the others being Alex Cazumba and Juninho) that look to help the Galaxy return to the 2010 MLS Cup.

José Leonardo Ribeiro da Silva was born on February 8, 1988 in São Paulo, Brazil. Like Alex Cazumba and Juninho, Leonardo went through the Sao Paulo FC youth system at age 13 before joining the  first team.

Despite not playing a single match for Sao Paulo in 2008, he was part of the team that won the Serie A that year.

In 2007, Leonardo was part of the youth side that won the 2007 Dallas Cup, defeated Real Madrid and Chelsea on their way to the crown. During his days with Sao Paulo's youth, Leonardo played for the Under-15 and Under-20 teams.

Last year, with Alex Cazumba and Juninho, Leonardo was loaned out to Toledo in the First Division of the Brazilian Paraná Championship. As a member of the national team, Leonardo joined the Under-16 and Under-17 sides in 2004.

On December 22, 2009, the Galaxy signed Leonardo on loan from Sao Paulo. With Gregg Berhalter sitting out the early part of the 2010 Major League Soccer season due to injury, Leonardo's presence and dispossessing ability would prove to be what the doctor ordered in terms of depth.

As the 2010 MLS regular season enters the halfway mark, the need for depth to win the games that matter could not be any more urgent.

And with Leonardo working his Brazilliance on the pitch with Junho and Alex Cazumba, only time and results will tell if that need has indeed been satisfied.

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Ladies and gentlemen, the Los Angeles Galaxy are officially in a slump. I repeat, for the first time this season, Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy are in a slump.

After the 2-0 pratfall with the reserve side against the Seattle Sounders FC in the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the futility has shown to be contagious.

Now—could you believe this—it's the starters who don't show up ready to play.

A 2-0 defeat to the New England Revolution at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts? Seriously?

Has the world ended or has Real Salt Lake's chances of pipping the Galaxy (11-2-3, 36 points) for the Supporters' Shield late taken a huge upswing from the unlikeliest of teams?

I will let you know this: it's both, but even worse, it has to do with two more things that I am very disgusted about: the Galaxy's inability to defend the set piece late and Donovan Ricketts' pulling off a Robert Green.

Marko Perovic's goal in the 67th minute was a thing of beauty. No question about that. A clinical shot, and Ricketts was not going to get to that.

However, the howler in the 75th minute was one to be damned. Donovan Ricketts, why hast thou forsaken us? This is a textbook save that even a high school keeper about to enter residency can make in his sleep, and all you do is pull a Robert Green.

It's a makeable save, oh Big Cat from Montego Bay, and you let it slip past your hands like an amateur.

I hate to break this to you, but this will go down as the worst performance of your career as a member of the Galaxy. The horrible afterword I want to put out here is that D.C. United, the lagging laggards of Major League Soccer, got a huge boost of confidence.

They are hoping you turn into Robert Green again, Ricketts. This was an uncharacteristic effort and just adds salt to the wounds of a week to be damned for Los Angeles.

One final note here...get healthy fast, Landon Donovan. Your team needs you ASAP. No need for me to explain why.

Youth Academy Update

While the Los Angeles Galaxy's first team were by all means futile in their efforts in Massachusetts, the Under-20 side had a more favorable result.

The Galaxy's 1-0 victory over the Poway Vaqueros at Poway High School means that even if SUSA-Everton defeats the Lancaster Rattlers on July 11, the Galaxy clinch the USL Super-20 Pacifc Southern California Division due to their superior goal differential.

Actually, it would have to take a shellacking by SUSA-Everton to do its part, and still, they have to hope for help from the Southern California Seahorses at Biola University against the Young G's on July 13.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT.

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T-180 minutes to kickoff: Time to play those starters for the rest of the year, Bruce Arena. Maybe you can play the schmos on the reserves if we tear apart the first leg against Puerto Rico good enough.

The Los Angeles Galaxy gave away a 2-0 victory to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday in the 2010 U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals.

I don't think this reserve team is ready for prime time, given how poorly they performed. Time for the starters to show the reserves how to show up against a Major League Soccer opponent.

T-170: Lineups...

LOS ANGELES GALAXY

Manager: Bruce Arena

Formation: 4-4-2 Diamond

Colors: White tops with blue and gold accents, white shorts, white socks

1 Donovan Ricketts

2 Todd Dunivant ---- 16 Greg Berhalter ---- 22 Leonardo ---- 28 Sean Franklin

11 Chris Birchall

88 Alex Cazumba ---- 19 Juninho

26 Michael Stephens

14 Edson Buddle ---- 17 Tristan Bowen

Substitutes:

12 Josh Saunders GK

20 A.J. De La Garza DEF

6 Eddie Lewis MID

7 Chris Klein MID

8 Dema Kovalenko MID

9 Jovan Kirovski MID

21 Alan Gordon FWD

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

Manager: Steve Nicol

Formation: 4-4-2

Colors: Navy blue tops with red accents, navy blue shorts, navy blue socks

1 Matt Reis

30 Kevin Alston ---- 5 Emmanuel Osei ---- 25 Darrius Barnes

17 Sainey Nyassi ---- 21 Shalrie Joseph (C) ---- 16 Jason Griffiths ---- 27 Seth Sinovic ---- 8 Chris Tierney

15 Zack Schilawski ---- 29 Marko Perovic

Substitutes:

34 Bobby Shuttleworth GK

25 Darrius Barnes DEF

28 Pat Phelan DEF

19 Michael Videira MID

23 Joseph Niouky MID

7 Kenny Mansally FWD

11 Kheli Dube FWD

40 Tim Murray

T-160: Even with Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle sitting this one out to recharge the batteries and Omar Gonzalez out with suspension, the Galaxy should have the rest of the top guns ready to go today.

T-150: There is no place like home for Steve Nicol's New England Revolution...or is there? The Revs enter the match with a 0-6-2 record against Western Conference sides this season, including a 0-2-2 mark at Gillette Stadium.

T-140: I wonder if the Revs were looking at the game tape from Wednesday and seeing some vulnerabilities in the defense. The Sounders' creativity stretched the vaunted Galaxy back line, and some inspiration may be in order.

T-130: The Revolution are currently 3-9-2, good for seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference and 15th overall. Their next three matches are all SuperLiga contests.

They will host Pumas UNAM on July 14, travel to Bridgeview, Ill., to face the Chicago Fire on July 17, and tangle with Monarcas Morela on July 20 at Gillette Stadium.

T-120: Two hours to kickoff. LA is 11-1-3 overall, good for best in the MLS Western Conference and the league. Their next three matches include a July 18 road trip to RFK Stadium to face D.C. United, a July 22 home tie with the San Jose Earthquakes, and a July 27 match with the Puerto Rico Islanders at the Home Depot Center in the first leg of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League Preliminary Round.

T-110: Gillette Stadium (also known as The Razor) was christened in 2002. With a seating capacity of 68,756, it also houses the New England Patriots of the National Football League. It was originally slated to be called CMGI Field, but the dotcom bubble burst before that could be realized.

Then again, it was a good idea that the pitch name is Gillette Stadium. Who would want to have a stadium name like "CMGI Field" anyway?

T-100: Earlier this week, Real Salt Lake defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 and Toronto FC shut out the Colorado Rapids 1-0.

T-90: 90 minutes 'til. Other matches going on today include Philadelphia Union vs. San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United in the Atlantic Cup rivalry, Kansas City Wizards vs. Chivas USA and Houston Wizards vs. Columbus Crew. Tomorrow, the Seattle Sounders take on FC Dallas.

T-60: An hour to go. Germany will finish where they finished last time out at the World Cup: third place with a 3-2 win over Uruguay. That leaves one more match to go: Spain vs. the Netherlands.

T-45: I think the Revs will use this match as a chance to see what will work in their SuperLiga campaign and what won't.

T-30: The Galaxy will be without the services of Landon Donovan (rest) and Omar Gonzalez (suspension). Otherwise, everyone else—and Edson Buddle—is available and ready. Looks like Gregg Berhalter will get the captain's armband once again for Los Angeles.

T-5: One more stat to run through here: the Revs have failed to score a goal in 280 minutes.

FIRST HALF START: 4:39 P.M. PT

1' - We're underway here.

4' - Some ball movement in order.

5' - Throw-in Los Angeles, and Shalrie Joseph is down after colliding with his own player. His solar plexus will be feeling that in the morning.

6' - Edson Buddle in traffic. Here's another throw-in. Alex Cazumba will look to break through today after the reserves failed to do so on Wednesday.

7' - Here's the Big Cat from Montego Bay, Donovan Ricketts. Still early, still scoreless.

8' - Paul Ward is our match official today. Bowen's chance is snuffed out by the Revs' D.

9' - Goal kick Ricketts. It's been a wet day today in Beantown.

10' - Ten minutes in, and we are still scoreless. Can Juninho do something here?

11' - Sainey Nyassi gets tackled on the sidelines after getting tangled up.

12' - Here is Seth Sinovic with the throw. Back come the Revs. That was a good sequence, but it was call offsides. Chris Tierney butchered that sequence. A bullet well dodged for LA.

13' - This is what doomed Los Angeles on Wednesday. Happy birthday, Mr. Ricketts. He's now 36.

14' - That pass by Sean Franklin didn't turn out well; back come New England. And Bowen had a good touch on it, but the Revs backline and goalkeeper Matt Reis did the work.

16' - Transition for Bowen. Good stuff from the NE back line, Chris Tierney again.

17' - One victory in three months and 11 starts. Such futility. Sinovic with the throw. And Reis resets the movement for the Revolution's next sequence.

18' - Juninho will be marking Shalrie Joseph today. So far, so good. The Goal of the Week winner in action. Here comes New England. This is Marko Perovic. Cleared.

19' - Tristan Bowen with the foul, and the Revolution are chalking up the possession. Anxiety seeping in for the road team hailing from Victoria Street? Stay tuned...

20' - Some deflections, and Ricketts is there to take that one. Alex Cazumba is double-marked.

21' - The midfielders are getting manhandled early here. Nuff said.

22' - Now here's New England again, Tierney's spacing was closed tight. 

23' - One-time volley from Alex Cazumba is grabbed by Matt Reis. End-to-end action, Ricketts takes that one.

24' - Edson Buddle is offsides. Now it's Zack Schilawski. 40 goals, 20 assists in 99 matches for the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University. There's some stats for Mr. Schilawski's resume.

25' - Reis with the goal kick. Todd Dunivant is getting jammed, and the Revs' Darrius Barnes has to clear that one.

26' - Chris Birchall is still looking for his first goal of the season. Misses wide of the post.

27' - Jason Griffiths is shaken up.

28' - Shot goes wide, and Kevin Alston nearly got that to go in. Best chance so far for the Revs.

Substitution New England Revolution

IN 23 Joseph Niouky

OUT 16 Jason Griffiths

29' - 29 in, and it's still scoreless. Love the tempo and pace here at Gillette Stadium.

30' - No dice, Sainey Nyassi.

31' - Goal kick, Reis. Sean Franklin didn't keep that in bounds, throw in New England.

32' - Nice touches from Emmanuel Osei.

33' - That chopper from Chris Tierney won't work. Back come the Galaxy. Franklin is marked near the corner, and it will be a goal kick for Matt Reis.

34' - Throw-in for Sean. And that's too long a ball for Edson Buddle. Reis resets.

35' - And what is Shalrie Joseph doing? We understand your frustrations, but gag me with a spoon, Paul Ward; that should at least be a yellow!

36' - Matt Reis-ets. And here's Ricketts. Matt Reis-ets to Ricketts. Hmmm.

37' - Juninho with the knock. Here comes a set piece for the Revs.

38' - Set piece is blocked by Sean Franklin. Here comes New England again, led by Sainey Nyassi's speed.

39' - Good stuff from Matt Reis. Unless we see some late heroics, we got ourselves a scoreless first half.

40' - Corner for the Galaxy. Alex Cazumba will do corners today in lieu of Landon Donovan. Let's see what he does here. Long...and low. And Bruce Arena cringes at the lack of air. Valient volley from Tristan Bowen.

41' - Player down for NE, and it's Darrius Barnes in the orz formation. Looks like there will be some stoppage time here. Steve Nicol can't believe his bad luck.

42' - Barnes got hit in the jewels, but is otherwise all right. And New England is offsides on that sequence.

43' - Yellow card 17 Tristan Bowen

Los Angeles Galaxy

Paul Ward may want to ease up on the road yellows.

44' - Ricketts with the save. Arena can't be pleased with that tackle by Bowen.

45' - So, readers, let us see how many minutes of stoppage time we will be getting. Methinks it will be one minute or less. Ricketts with the grab. Schilawski was dangerous, but Berhalter was there to send it back to the Big Cat from Ontego Bay.

46+' - Three minutes, says the fourth official. Not bad.

47+' - Corner for the Galaxy. Juninho will also do corners. And Buddle butchered the delivery. Goal kick, Reis.

48+' - Side netting for Schilawski. It's starting to rain now—rain and confetti from the Fort of supporters behind Ricketts. It's halftime.

HALFTIME

Los Angeles Galaxy 0

New England Revolution 0

A final from PPL Park in Chester: San Jose defeats Philadelphia 2-1, while New York and DC United are scoreless through the first half.

SECOND HALF START: 5:42 P.M. PT

46' - The second half is underway. Some adjustments will need to be in order; let's see what happens. I did like the defending and the multiple looks the Revs brought to the table and the chances they generated for themselves. They got the LA on their heels today, didn't they?

47' - 25,000 on hand today for this one. The Galaxy scoring in front of the Fort...a novel idea. Goal kick, Matt Reis. Here comes a corner for the Revolution, and Gregg Berhalter can't be too pleased about this.

48' - Underneath the chicken wing? You never cease to amaze me, Jim Watson.

49' - Some tinkering metronome cowbell in the background. Here's Kevin Alston, and Sean Franklin clears.

50' - New England on the attack again. Marko Perovic, and now Alston with the throw.

51' - Bowen squanders the transition. His touch has been abysmal tonight. Side netting for Perovic. Timing was just off.

52' - Michael Stephens with his first shot. Could have done better with some passing to his teammates ahead of him.

53' - Set piece for the Revs. Shalrie Joseph and Edson Buddle get jammed. Goal kick, Ricketts.

54' - Matt Reis-ets, and LA tries to counter. I don't understand what's going on with Bowen; he has been going through a funk right now.

55' - That smile from Edson Buddle is infectious, I will say that. 55 in, and we're still scoreless.

57' - Dunivant clears that Revolution set piece.

58' - Both teams have been off, off and off.

59' - Goal kick for Ricketts, and now goal kick Reis. Did the field just shrink, or is Lord Jabu at it again? Someone call the witch doctor or forensic.

60' - The best are in the West, by test. Yes, and it's a corner.

61' - Bowen misses that one, and back come the Revs. Sean Franklin with the dispossession. Buddle couldn't keep that in bounds, throw-in Revolution.

62' - We are officially 62 minutes in, and as we see someone with the lucha mask supporting New England on the Fox Sports Prime Ticket feed, it's still scoreless. A substitution may be in order here for the Galaxy. Here it comes.

Substitution Los Angeles Galaxy

IN 21 Alan Gordon

OUT 17 Tristan Bowen

63' - Ricketts with the goal kick. This FieldTurf is well-liked by the Patriots, and the Revs seem to like it. It's just not the real thing.

Yellow Card 16 Gregg Berhalter

Los Angeles Galaxy

Sainey Nyassi got tackled hard. He might be done here.

65' - Set piece forthcoming for Marko Perovic. Blocked for a handball. Leonardo was trying to protect his face.

66' - Take two. Let's see what happens here.

67' - GOAL! New England Revolution 29 Marko Perovic

Low, driven shot. Ricketts tried to cheat on this one, but that wasn't going to work. The scoreless streak is over, but now the Galaxy's lack of form from Wednesday is rearing its ugly head again!

68' - Unacceptable defending from Los Angeles. Corner forthcoming.

69' - You know something? I think D.C. United may have some hope on the 18th. This LA Galaxy team can be scored on.

70' - Substitution New England Revolution

IN 11 Kheli Dube

OUT 15 Zack Schiulawski

71' - Substitution Los Angeles Galaxy

IN 6 Eddie Lewis

OUT 11 Chris Birchall

72' - I am getting a very nasty feeling that this team could be in a slump if they don't stop the bleeding.

73' - Here comes New England on the counter. Michael Stephens marks Kheli Dube.

74' - Memo to Landon Donovan: Get well ASAP. Signed, Your Fans.

75' - GOAL! New England Revolution 17 Sainey Nyassi

What the bloody heck was Donovan Ricketts doing? This has to go down as the worst blunder he has made all season. And I cannot believe this moment of madness from Ricketts. Unbelievable.

76' - That is a routine save, Ricketts. Shame on you!

79' - 2-0 New England, the same garbage from Wednesday carrying over.

80' - Complete and utter disconnection from this team. So far, they have continued to unimpress in the Summer Gauntlet.

81' - Another shot from Sainey Nyassi. He wanted his brace.

83' - At this rate, both teams will be holding serve at home. Los Angeles opened the season with a 1-0 win at the Home Depot Center. New England is returning the favor 2-0.

84' - Eddie Lewis screwed that one up.

85' - This should really be a done deal now. D.C. United really has to be thinking that they stand a chance, and they should.

88' - Yellow Card 17 Sainey Nyassi

New England Revolution

89' - This has to be a sign of relief for the long-suffering fans here at Gillette Stadium.

90' - Actually, to put things in perspective...could Real Salt Lake actually catch up here and pip the G's for the Shield? Too early to say, but it looks better for RSL.

93+' - Substitution New England Revolution

IN 28 Pat Phelan

OUT 5 Emmanuel Osei

FINAL

LOS ANGELES GALAXY 0

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 2

Marko Perovic 67'

Sainey Nyassi 75'

This match can go to heck from whence it came if you follow the Galaxy. Otherwise, do stay tuned for my take on this contest on The View and on Bleacher Report.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

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