2008 MLS Player Talk

Did anyone else catch the Chicago-Chivas match last night?

If not you missed what I thought was a superb performance by Sacha Kljestan. He seems to really be growing as a playmaker. He was creative, threatened the goal and easily looked like the best player on the pitch last night. Barring a return to form by Benny Feilhaber this guy may be exactly what we are missing in central midfield on the US MNT.

On the opposite end of the spectrum Chad Barrett will probably find himself out of a starting position or on Toronto FC's roster soon. He missed two opportunities in the first half last night that really seemed to take the wind out of Chicago's sails. Neither opportunity was exactly a sitter but all he had to do on both shots was put the ball and frame and he would have scored either time. Couple that with Blanco's seemingly endless frustration with Barrett's play and McBride's probable return to the Fire and a change of venue may be just what Barrett needs. It is not like the guy does not have talent but I am afraid much like EJ he may need to get his head on straight to truly harness it.

 

I did and I agree on Kljestan. Thought he looked good out there. I wouldn't be surprised if he got a nice run out there for the 2nd leg against Barbados.

 

i hate Kljestan because of a dirty tackle he had on Andy Williams last year, but I also recognize he is a pretty good player. If he were on my team, I would love the guy

 

I am a big Sasha fan (from HB, CA). He has demonstrated a consistent level of improvement in his game. I would not be surprised to see him get some international opportunities soon. He may get the chance to play in Mexico given the Chivas ties (pure speculation on my part). One thing I noticed in the Olympic qualifiers was that he did some excellent controlled moves with his left foot, and I had not seen that before. He is not afraid to use his left foot, but I did not know he had the nice skills there too.

I know that Sasha and Benny are buddies, so that could make for a pushing competition at the CM position. Sasha appears to be more flexible playing on the outside as well. I hope Benny makes it back healthy soon (knee surgery on the meniscus). He said he is aiming for the Olympic team.

One other thing I saw was an excerpt from an interview with John O'Brien. He said that he was trying to make a go of it again training at the Chivas USA facilities, but his injuries were just not healing. Apparently, he has torn tendons in his groin (ouch!!!!!).

 

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Well if you did not see it last night Don he added Blanco's goal celebration to the end of his karate routine.

 

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Josh Wolff has rejoined the Kansas City Wizards. I truly hope this turns out to be a good homecoming for Mr. Wolff.

 

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Eric, thanks for sharing the info on John O'Brien. All USMNT fans are desperate for world-class players (that aren't GKs) and frankly he was. I've always thought he was our best player, but he was always on the shelf. He and Tab Ramos fall in the 'what might have been file'.

I like Sasha also and hope he has the fortitude and work ethic to keep improving.

 

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I gotta go with Claudio. In his day he was top notch. Tab was right there as well. But I'm goin with Claudio.

 

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Nice guy, but "rubbish" on the pitch in my opinion. Could not believe that the guy got on vs. England.