McFire

Well, I had a "music meeting" at church last night, and wound up joining the church choir. They'd been after me for a number of years, but ...

... [in the words of Arlo Guthrie], this isn't why I came here to talk to you tonight.

Once HatterMom realized I'd be so late as to miss the beginning of McBride's first start against the Galaxy, she DVR'd it for me. Yes, I know, I am very VERY VERY! lucky.

First thing: after pitching it all week as "McBride v. Beckham," ESPN waited until about the 30th minute to point out that Becks was on his way to Beijing for the closing ceremonies. I thought that ESPN was just being sloppy when they didn't list who was on the sub's benches for each team at the beginning of the match. As they made the off-hand comment about Beckham, I realized that they weren't sloppy -- just dishonest.

Macca looked good, fit, strong, and committed. Unfortunately, I counted only one ball directed to his head outside the box that he could nod on to the Fire's other, very committed, attackers. Perhaps when Blanco gets in the side, they'll figure out how to use McGod better. Macca did get the assist on the only goal of the match with a smooth layoff, but it was less his pass than Thorrington's gutsy charge that led to the goal. Once the rest of the Fire get used to Brian, I think things will go well for them. They have a solid defense with what looks to me to be the league's best keeper backing it up.

As for the Gals, they only really have three great players on their roster. One was on a fast jet to China, one was making cutesy faces in the private boxes [were his puppies with him?], leaving only one on the pitch. Chris Klein always catches my eye as a VERY attacking right back. He was playing up in Beckham's position last night, and was the Gal's most creative player. Perhaps it isn't fair to say that Buddle wouldn't have all those goals if defenders didn't have to worry so much about where on the pitch LandyCakes is, but it IS accurate.

1-0 was flattering to the Gals. Chicago will do well; they'll continue to flounder. Even the non-stop gushes of adulation for Arena from ESPN's announcers couldn't do enough to lift these no-hopers out of the mud. When they have their two stars back, they'll score. They'll also leak goals. Maybe next season.

 

I missed the Houston-Fire match last night. I'd watched so much snore-inducing football over the weekend [NYRB-DCU= yuck/Villa v. Liverpool =BORING!], that I didn't chance watching this for fear of more disappointment. As a result, I missed Macca's first goal for the Fire. Assist to Blanco.

We should be seeing that Blanco to McBride to goal thang happening a few more times before the season is over.

 

I'm trying to conceive of a scenario in which I WOULDN'T be delighted to see McBride play in person. I've been lucky enough to see Pele, Bobby Moore, and Johan Cruyff play on pitches in San Antonio and Washington DC, and I've seen a multitude of wonderful players plying their trade in England from the 60s-90s.

When Malcolm McDonald [ex-Fulham also] was transferred to Toon for mega-quid [back then], Luton fans were shattered. When Luton were promoted and met Newcastle at Kenilworth Road, we cheered only one Newcastle player -- Malcolm McDonald. We even applauded him politely after the match even though he'd scored the game's only goal.

I can't imagine being a Crew fan and not being proud of everything Macca has done in his amazing career. Perhaps it's just that every MB has its share of idiots, although the offal certainly has its share, but Maik Taylor, Steve Finnan, and Edward VDS are still treated with respect when they visit the ground in enemy colors.

Perhaps it's just that I don't understand American "fans" anymore.