Posted on
5/9/2011
Perhaps you were one of the people who bothered to notice the MLS marquee match up in LA in early May of 2011. If you were, you saw what Toronto soccer fans and all of MLS was counting on to have happen by the shores of Lake Ontario last November. With all due respect to the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas, a Torontonian can not help but wonder what might have been had LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls had met for the MLS Cup in a city that has embraced it's "Reds" but still can't name more than one player on any other team at best.
David Beckham offered more proof he will be missed if he decides not to re-sign when his current deal wraps at season's end, while his passes loft directly in stride to the intended recipient. Landon Donovan is able to flourish with Beckham setting the table for the US national with ease.
NY's Thierry Henry is finally earning his DP status this season. Now more comfortable in MLS, Henry scored his fourth of the season with some nifty footwork in taking a sweet pass from Dane Richards in the fourth minute of the game.
37 Minutes later it was Beckham to Donovan and the game was even, and finished level at one a piece.
Toronto FC had more bite in it's line up for the Reds home date with Houston. The moves made by head coach Aron Winter paid off with a 2-1 win, fueled by the two smallest men on the pitch. Joao Plata with a goal and an assist, and Julian de Guzman with arguably his best overall game in a TFC uniform led the charge. De Guzman is fit, and took command of the midfield with his play and noticeable communication. Toronto's DP has been ripped in the past, and should be given credit now. Richard Eckersley proved he is fit and ready for MLS. No doubt with lessons to be learned, as is the case with Plata. I like the young players energy and desire and I can live with watching them learn on the job as long as they entertain as they did vs. Houston.
And finally, what is going on with boneheaded tackles in MLS this season? Chivas’ Marcos Mondaini, in the 38th minute of a match with RSL, tackled Javier Morales from behind and broke Morales ankle. The RSL playmaker will be out for at least four months. Mondaini was cleanly beaten by the speed of Morales and it was a cheap shot slide from behind. He was then shown red and should be suspended for the act, as it was, in my mind, clearly intent to injure.