Russell sees perfect fit in U.S. return

SALT LAKE CITY -- When Robbie Russell decided it was time to return to the United States after spending seven years playing soccer in Europe, he wasn't looking for any run-of-the mill club to join.

Russell wanted to be with a team that was forward-thinking. He wanted to be involved building a solid foundation for the future more than latching onto a win-now mentality.

With Real Salt Lake, Russell thinks he has found exactly what he was looking for.

"I really feel like this is a place where the management and coaches have a specific goal in mind," Russell said. "In my experience with clubs in Europe, that's usually the teams that do the best -- teams that have plans."

RSL acquired the U.S. midfielder from Viborg FF of the Danish Superliga last Wednesday, one week into the international transfer window. Russell spent seven seasons in Norway and Denmark after being drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft.

RSL's newest acquisition arrived in Utah last week and took part in his first training session last Friday. He made his debut against Toronto FC at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Monday, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute.

Just how many minutes Russell plays and which spot he will play from on the field remains to be seen. But there is no doubt he can work his way into the rotation, given that he already possesses many qualities head coach Jason Kreis is looking for in an RSL player.

"He's athletic, he's versatile, he'll play several positions for us," Kreis said. "It's always nice to have players like that to give you options and choices in tactics."

Versatility will make Russell a major asset in putting together different lineups. During his time in Europe, Russell played major minutes at defensive midfield and right back.

With RSL, he should add some needed depth to the midfield -- an area that had become thinner than it was when the season got underway with the trade of Carey Talley and the midseason departure of Matias Cordoba.

"Anytime you get a new player that can help your team, it's exciting," midfielder Dema Kovalenko said. "It's good for the team. The coaches definitely think he can help us. We welcome him. It's good to have him."

Russell should make an impact with his new club eventually, but it could take a week or two to shake off enough rust before he sees substantial playing time. His last competitive soccer match, in Denmark, was two months ago.

Russell is happy to fill whatever role is required of him. He said he doesn't need a certain amount of minutes to keep him happy. And he feels like he can come in and help RSL in a multitude of ways.

"I see it as a plus that I can fill multiple spots," Russell said. "Any way I can help the team, I up for it."

If he can find a niche with RSL, Russell should be anchor for several seasons to come. The former Duke University product wanted to return to from Europe once he found the right situation.

Now that he is in Utah, he aims to get his game back to an elite level that will appeal to the U.S. national team. Russell figures he has from three to six good seasons still ahead of him and he hopes his time with RSL will allow him make the most of those remaining years.

"It's a perfect time (to return)," Russell said. "It gives me a chance to try and get back on the national team. Take a nice run at some of those goals I've set for myself."


FCD revitalized after short break
DINWIDDIE SEES FLAG MIX-UP AS OMEN

Alvarez back where it all began

FRISCO, Texas -- On Monday afternoon, FC Dallas traded midfielder Arturo Alvarez back to the team that drafted him in 2003, the San Jose Earthquakes. With the Quakes off on Wednesday, Alvarez returned to the club he's called home for nearly four seasons to gather some personal effects and also to say goodbye to his now former teammates.

"There are some great memories here," Alvarez said. "I was here for three and a half years and a lot of stuff happened. I think I came here, developed and matured on and off the field as a player. There were good moments here. Last year was probably the highlight of my career here in Dallas. Hopefully, I can go to San Jose and start playing the way that I should be playing."

The decision to trade Alvarez wasn't an easy one for FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman, but in the end, he saw it as the right move.

"I think Arturo (Alvarez) is a very gifted player on the ball," Hyndman said. "At times, what I was looking for on the flanks was to get behind the opposition by making deeper runs, getting to the baseline and serving balls. I think he felt more comfortable in the middle third of the field. It's almost like he liked being that withdrawn striker or a holding center midfield.

"I said to him that if we would keep you here, as the year goes on, I think our relationship would sour because I would keep asking you to do something you don't want to do or can't do. So, I don't want it to end on that note," Hyndman continued. "I think you're a good player and let's find a place where you can do the type of things that you can do."

On Sunday, Alvarez started and played 88 minutes in FCD's 4-0 win against the LA Galaxy. Later that evening is when the swap with San Jose started coming together.

"I think it all came down Sunday night," Hyndman said. "We were all talking about it and it got finalized on Monday. But there had been discussion with a couple of teams. San Jose wasn't the only team that showed interest in Arturo. With all fairness to Arturo, I think he might be a little bit relieved as well only because the demands I was having on him in that position, I don't know if he was willing or capable of doing it.

"That does not mean that he's not a good player, it means that maybe the style or structure wasn't bringing the best out of him. I told our players today that that was not something that was easy for me to do. I had never done it before, so it wasn't easy for me," added Hyndman. "But I always believe in being honest and letting the player be the first to know. I did that and let the team know that this has nothing to do with the quality of Arturo. This might not have been the best fit for him and we want him to do well. I know (Frank) Yallop really likes him and that's why they came up with such a high bid for him. We wish him nothing but the best."

Alvarez knew a swap was in the works but when he learned he would be joining the Earthquakes again, it made him very happy.

"I had been talking to my agent and knew that a couple of teams were interested," he said. "It really wasn't that big of a surprise. I'm really excited. I think maybe it was time for a change and what better place to go than to San Jose where it all started for me. I'm excited about that and can't wait to get going. I know they had [Wednesday] off, so I'm here getting some of my stuff and saying goodbye to some of the guys that I was friends with here. I'm happy to be at San Jose now."

He spent two seasons with the Earthquakes, 2003 and 2004, before being traded to FCD in January 2005. He was part of the team that won the MLS Cup in 2003.

"I was 17 or 18 when I was there," Alvarez said. "I do have some great memories. I remember winning MLS Cup with them in 2003. So, hopefully, good memories like that can repeat again. I know they're a new team this year and it's always difficult for a new team to get going here. I think Frank (Yallop) is a great coach and he will have the players to maybe have a better second half of the season and maybe even a better season next year."

Coincidentally enough, Alvarez's last game for FCD was against the Galaxy and his first game back with San Jose could very well also come against LA, who the Quakes meet on Sunday.

"I'm really happy that we won that game," Alvarez said of his last game with FCD. "I felt like I played well. It was a good win for this club because things hadn't been going well here."

Even though it has been more than three years since he last played in the Bay Area, Alvarez still knows some of his new teammates, including Ronnie O'Brien, who played with him at FC Dallas in 2005 and 2006.

"I know Ronnie O'Brien, Ramiro Corrales, who I played with in San Jose, Ryan Cochrane, who I played with in San Jose and the assistant coach Ian Russell, who I played with when he was a player in San Jose," Alvarez said. "I know a lot of the guys there and being in the league, I know some of the players they have now like Eric Denton, Joe Cannon, Nick Garcia and stuff like that. It's a good group and I can't wait to be in the mix."

Those won't be the only familiar faces to greet him with his new side. Alvarez also played for Frank Yallop as a rookie in 2003.

"For the few coaches that I've had in my young career so far, I've got to say that he's one of my favorite coaches," Alvarez said. "I think I'm really excited about that. I'm going to play for a coach that's really going to appreciate my game. He knows the kind of player that I am and is excited to have me. When a player is happy, that's when he performs well. So, I'm going to go out there and do my best."

Corrales currently wears No. 12, which Alvarez wore with the Hoops. But Alvarez said he will switch to a new number to signify a fresh start.

"I'm going to wear 17 now," he said. "I wore it a couple of times with the youth national teams. It's a good number. It was one of the numbers open, so I figured that I might as well take it. It's a new start."

On Oct. 2, San Jose will face FCD at Pizza Hut Park and Alvarez admits playing against the Hoops will be a little strange but the goal will remain the same.

"Yes, it will be weird but just like it is when I go to (my hometown) Houston and play against them, I will try and come here and get three points," he said. "There's nothing weird about that."


Rocha’s versatility benefiting FCD
Top game

FCD youngsters rapidly improving

FRISCO, Texas -- On Sunday evening, FC Dallas got their first win under new head coach Schellas Hyndman with a 4-0 blanking of the LA Galaxy at Pizza Hut Park. While the big story for FCD was the two goals from Kenny Cooper, FCD also got solid performances from a pair of younger players in Michael Dello-Russo and Chase Wileman.

Dello-Russo came on for Andre Rocha in the 66th minute and was playing in the second MLS game of his career but first in 2008 after his MLS debut came last October against Kansas City. And Chase Wileman, a second-year player who played for Hyndman at SMU, came on in the 75th minute to make his league debut and assisted on FCD's last goal, scored by Abe Thompson.

All in all, Hyndman was pleased with how Dello-Russo and Wileman performed.

"He (Dello-Russo) did fine," he said. "I thought Michael did a good job getting forward holding the ball. It looked like there was no change as far as personnel. You also have to realize that he came in 66 minutes into the game when the other team was already tired and with three front runners."

Hyndman offered a similar review of Wileman's play.

"I thought he did great," Hyndman said. "He played for me (at SMU). I love the kid and have known him for so long. But I can't let my feelings interfere with what is best for the team. So, I went to Chase with the injuries we have and the boys away with the Milk Cup, I said that I had good news and bad news for him. The good news was that he was going to dress out for the game. He had big eyes, was happy and had a big smile on his face. As I was walking away, he asked me what the bad news was. I told him not to plan on playing.

"I really didn't plan on him playing in the game," Hyndman said. "I thought it was great for him to dress out his first time but after watching Arturo (Alvarez) and Andre (Rocha) struggle a little bit, I thought it was a wonderful day for Chase. I put him on the field and told him not to ask (David) Beckham for his autograph during the game. I know how excited he was to be on the field and to be marking up with Beckham. I thought he did fine."

Both players were clearly pleased to see some time with the first team on Sunday.

"It was fun," Dello-Russo said. "It was a great time. It was probably the best occasion too, a packed house, Beckham was there and we had the lead. You couldn't ask for much more. I was very excited and pleased with the team's effort."

Said Wileman: "It was awesome. Dressing for the first time ever and it being a sold-out stadium was awesome. I wasn't expecting to play. I was ready and did everything I had to do to be ready but we scored goals and things happened in my favor.

"When I went out there, (assistant coach John) Ellinger and him (Hyndman) told me to not wake up tomorrow and to not have any regrets about this," Wileman continued. "I just tried to go out there and do a job for the team. I got an assist but Abe (Thompson) did everything. I just played him the ball and he scored a great goal. It was great, a good experience."

Since taking over at FCD, Dello-Russo has been one of the players whom Hyndman has continually commended for a strong work ethic.

"I've been trying to do that (catch his eye)," Dello-Russo said. "That's what I've been doing my whole life, try to show up every day and if I try to do work hard every day and get the best out of myself, then I hopefully I can produce the most out here for the team. I'm glad that he recognized that and will just keep working hard from here and see what happens."

Wileman admits that in the hours before the game, he did everything he could to keep his mind off soccer so that he could avoid getting nervous.

"It was partly adrenaline," he said. "All day, I wasn't really thinking about the game. I tried to do other things so that I wouldn't get antsy about it. Once you get out there, soccer is soccer. You're playing against great players but you step between the lines and are playing the same game you've been playing since you were a boy. Sure, the game is faster but it was cool."

Like Wileman, Dello-Russo also came from a big-time college program in Maryland. He sees many similarities in Hyndman's training sessions to those he participated in during his days in College Park.

"Definitely (there are a lot of similarities), he expects a lot out of individual players, which is good," Dello-Russo said. "He holds everyone accountable, which is very good. I got that a lot in college and am very used to that. (Maryland head coach) Sasho (Cirovski) is a lot like that too, it's self accountability. I really enjoy practicing like that."

Dello-Russo has also noticed that Hyndman's practices are more intense than those of his predecessors with the Hoops.

"He's intense," he said of Hyndman. "I think that's coming from a college level also. A lot of college coaches are intense and expect a lot from their players. I'm not saying that Steve (Morrow) or Marco (Ferruzzi) didn't by any means, it's just a different mentality. Everybody coaches differently and now, we're getting used to the way Schellas (Hyndman) coaches and it's good for us and him."


Sacchi: Man Utd Betrayed England
Ellinger brings experience to FCD staff

Old demons once again doom Reds

SALT LAKE CITY -- The same shortcomings continue to doom Toronto FC, who have yet to earn a clean sheet while playing outside the comfort of BMO Field, and even the similar artificial surface of Rice-Eccles Stadium couldn't change that.

When looking for an explanation, TFC head coach John Carver said that his team continually suffers from the same mistakes, and he told his players following the 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake that he's starting to feel like a recording, saying the same thing after each match.

So, rather than dictate only his thoughts, Carver opened the floor to his players for a two-way discussion on what needed to be done to set Toronto FC on a successful course. Their private conversation lasted for several minutes following the match, more than twice the normal time that teams hold post-match talks.

"I don't really want to talk about what goes on in the dressing room, but it's like everything else," said Carver. "If you keep making the same mistakes, I start sounding like a recording. We're all making the same mistakes, and I'm seeing the same things. So, I'm asking for some feedback from the guys and what they're thinking. And, again, that remains private. You have to respect that. But, it was an open discussion and it was quite positive and the good thing is everybody respected each other's opinions." The most consistent problem for Toronto has been its defending, an issue that seems to amplify itself on the road. With the exception of a 3-2 result at Los Angeles in April, TFC has yet to earn another point on the road all year.

"It seems to be the story of our life at the moment, especially on the road," said Carver. "I don't know how we could defend like Trojans at home, maybe it's because you've got 20,000 screaming fans down your throat and if you make a mistake they'll let you know about it. But, there's something not right when we are away from home. You claw your way back into the game, you think you've got something from the game and then, again ... you shoot yourself in the foot -- and you come away with nothing."

Carver said that he has no doubt that his players give maximum effort on the field, but he's starting to realize that there may not be enough ability in some positions. In those situations, Carver feels he's going to need to make some changes.

"I feel for the guys who have given, again, maximum effort," he said. "The one thing I've got to start considering now is -- and I've never, ever doubted the effort and energy that they've given the team. But, sometimes you've got to start wondering their ability is good enough. I've said to certain individuals -- without going into it because I like to keep it private -- that the way we defended at times wasn't good enough. And, I need to do something about it."

Goalkeeper Greg Sutton saw a lot of the ball against RSL, doing his best to make sure that the 20 shots -- nine on frame -- fired his way didn't end up in the net. He was able to keep out all but two. The first goal for Salt Lake came off the head of Jamison Olave, and the second came after Sutton parried a Kyle Beckerman shot and the loose rebound was swept up by a sliding Robbie Findley.

Losing concentration was the reason for the breakdowns in defense, from Sutton's view. Other than a few key moments, where RSL scored, he felt the defense played well. Like Carver, Sutton feels the pattern of failing is too familiar.

"It's the same old story -- we can't put 90 minutes together," said Sutton. "We let ourselves down. We did well to get ourselves back into the game in the second half. I thought we did what we said we wanted to do at halftime, and when we came out it was pretty effective. Then we had that mental error again. It's one thing to happen once or twice, but now it's becoming a habit -- a real bad habit."

The Reds are still looking for a consistent option at striker. Their lone goal against RSL came off a beautiful free kick from Amado Guevara. It's good to get goals from the midfield, but they're still vying for solid front men.

They thought they had found their man in Chad Barrett, who traveled with TFC to Salt Lake, but have yet to receive word that the deal is finalized. Carver doesn't understand what is holding up the trade from completion.

"In fairness, it's been the story of the season," said Carver. "That's why we've been desperate at trying to get some strikers in, and when we feel like we've gotten so close to one -- where it was announced on Thursday by the commissioner that we would have a deal done by tomorrow, which was Friday. It's now Monday and the deal still hasn't been done. I'm a bit perplexed.

"I'm just surprised that something can't be done that's quite simple, that can take so long. It seems that everybody else seems to be able to trade over the last few days, but we can't. What is that?"


Carver unhappy with Reds
Reds close on Dossena
Reds jubilant after first win

All-Stars demonstrate strength of MLS

TORONTO -- After the MLS All-Stars' 3-2 victory against West Ham United at a packed BMO Field, All-Star head coach Steve Nicol thought his temporary charges earned the victory.

"It was a fantastic performance," Nicol said. "We thoroughly deserved to win and it was a pleasure for me."

Cuauhtemoc Blanco garnered MVP honors by scoring a goal and an assist in his 45 minutes of action. He said that it wasn't difficult to merge stars from across the league in order to overcome a strong West Ham United team.

"We also wanted to put in a good team performance because we are a bunch of players that play against each other every week and haven't played with each other," Blanco said. "But we proved tonight that we can come together and we played as a team, we worked as a team and we won as a team. So, overall, it was a very good performance."

It started off a bit sluggishly for the All-Stars as they tried to figure out how to communicate and how to mesh with each other. Without much practice time, the opening stages of the match turned into the time where the team could mold into a unit.

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SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Highlights: MLS 3, WHU 2: 350K
Postgame press conference: 350K
Awards presentation: 350K
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Cuauhtemoc Blanco's bender: 350K
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MLS-West Ham Preview: 350K
All-Star Highlights, part 1: Photos
All-Star Highlights, part 2: Photos
2008 All-Star First XI: Photos

"We were feeling each other out, trying to figure out where the space was going to be," All-Star captain Jimmy Conrad said. We really only had one practice and that was yesterday. We only had eight guys at our practice on Monday. It's going to take 15-20 minutes."

Defensive midfielder Shalrie Joseph said that the team settled into the game after Dean Ashton opened the scoring with the first of his two goals.

"Soccer's a universal language," Joseph said. "Playing with these guys makes it easier. These are some of the top guys in the league. It makes it easier."

Ashton's goal was met with an instant reply from Christian Gomez. The goal restored parity and allowed the All-Stars to show off to the crowd with their newfound momentum.

"We got the flair going once we got scored on," Conrad said. "We scored a great first goal and then we loosened up a bit. The first 20 minutes was just about us feeling each other out. We don't know who they are as players. We see these guys on TV a little bit, but we don't know what they're about. We have to figure out what they are trying to accomplish. I thought as the game went on, we did a better job of that. The only time we were threatened was when we turned the ball over in bad areas."

As the match progressed, the All-Stars' superior fitness came to the fore. West Ham is in the middle of its preparations for the English Premier League season, allowing the All-Stars to surge forward and keep the Hammers inside their own half.

"We wanted to be the aggressors," midfielder Steve Ralston said. "We were in better shape than them. We wanted to try to get on top of them."

Dwayne De Rosario's penalty ensured a happy ending to the night, one that Nicol feels established that the quality of MLS players continues to improve with each passing year.

"It's always a pleasure to be involved with good players," Nicol said. "I think we showed tonight that not only do we have good players in this league, but we have great players."


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FALDO WILL CONSULT RYDER CUP STARS

New faces key Quakes' draw with NY

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Jose Earthquakes have been experiencing the growing pains every MLS expansion team faces as they build a new team from scratch, but the club is hopeful for a strong finish to its first season back in the league after the signings of three new players this month.

Darren Huckerby, Francisco Lima and Scott Sealy all figured prominently in San Jose's 1-1 tie against New York Sunday afternoon at Buck Shaw Stadium. Huckerby scored his first MLS goal, banging in the rebound of a Sealy shot, while Lima controlled the midfield for most of the match.

The Earthquakes' first two games with their new players have ended in ties, but with an overall 3-9-6 record, San Jose has already shown an improvement from the beginning of the season.

"I think the first half today was probably the best we've played this year," San Jose coach Frank Yallop said after Sunday's game. "Overall, our performance was excellent, to be honest. I thought we were very good today, and I was really happy with the spirit and the togetherness and everything, the creation of chances. Finishing is the thing we can't do now, but again, that will come."

For the most part, San Jose controlled the run of play Sunday against New York, and the three newest Earthquakes were a large part of the team's showing, even if they have barely met their teammates. After giving up an own goal in the fourth minute, San Jose scored the equalizer nine minutes later.

"Scott makes the first (shot) and Darren scores it, so that's always a good start," Yallop said. "I thought Lima held possession well. Both Darren and Lima have been in Canada for the week. Lima got back on Friday night, practiced Saturday and played, so he has not even trained. Darren was there 'til Thursday so he missed training as well, but I thought both guys did great. Scott's more game-fit.

"We're building a team here that's going to be good for many years, hopefully, and I think that we all, myself included, get carried away with the results we've had," Yallop continued. "I look at the performances of individuals and the team, and we're not far off. I think that we've got a pretty solid team. We need to add in certain areas and juggle around the (salary) cap and all that stuff, but I thought we were the better team today with the ball."

San Jose has struggled on the offensive side of the ball so far, scoring just 12 goals in their 18 games, so even though he's pleased with his three new signings, coach Yallop admits he isn't finished putting his side together.

"We're always looking," he said. "I think, the three guys we signed have been terrific for us. If we can add one more ... You know, Ryan Johnson is a terrific player for this club -- wherever he plays he does his best and he tries hard, and I think he does well. (But) he's not a natural forward and a goal scorer. If we can add another quality forward, I think that will make us more of a force."

New York's coach Juan Carlos Osorio had good things to say about the trio of new Earthquakes.

"With their new signings, they should have a good second half of the season," Osorio said. "Darren (Huckerby) is a threat, not only because of his pace but also because of his ability to come inside and combine with the strikers. Lima has a good left foot, good quality, and also a good free kick taker. Sealy is a very good forward, and a proven goal scorer in this league, so I think they're on the way up and they'll be a difficult team to play against, as they proved today."

San Jose, after another week getting acclimated to their new teammates, will have the chance to show just how difficult they can be next Sunday when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy at home.


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Quakes stay fit, rout Honduras

Crew strike first, hold off Rapids

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- Steven Lenhart made the first start of his MLS career, scored his third goal in six games -- and then was sent off before the first half was out. But the Columbus Crew withstood the pressure from the Colorado Rapids despite the man disadvantage, then got a second late goal for a 2-0 victory Sunday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Lenhart put the Crew ahead in the 21st minute then was ejected in the 43rd. Jason Garey sealed the victory for the Crew with his goal in the 75th minute, but goalkeeper William Hesmer certainly did his part, recording seven saves on the night as the Crew pulled within a point of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Conor Casey had Colorado's best chance early, getting a rebound off a throw-in in the 12th minute and unloading a powerful shot on the turn that Hesmer was just able to punch to his left.

Lenhart gave Columbus the edge with a 21st-minute goal on an assist from Stefani Miglioranzi, who found Lenhart to the right of the net and forced Rapids 'keeper Bouna Coundoul to come out of the goal and challenge him in front of the near post as Lenhart fired low into the far corner.

The opportunities were increasingly falling Colorado's way as the first half progressed, but they were unable to finish on their chances. The Rapids had an excellent opportunity in the 24th minute, with Mehdi Ballouchy passing to Colin Clark from midfield and Clark centering it for Casey, who headed it just wide of the goal.

The Rapids responded again in the 32nd minute with an opportunity in front of the goal, but Hesmer punched it out, recording another big save from close range.

Colorado nearly caught a break when Hesmer handled a pass back to the goal, setting up an indirect kick from just outside the penalty box. Terry Cooke charged in for the kick, apparently thinking it was a direct kick, and easily buried it into the goal behind Hesmer, but the goal was not allowed and Columbus was given a goal kick, escaping the threat.

Christian Gomez made good use of Ballouchy, finding him open when Gomez was getting extra attention, and setting up combinations like Ballouchy's pass to Terry Cooke on the wing, from where Cooke chipped it into the center and Casey sent a high header that Hesmer pulled in at the goal's edge.

The game was rough, with Columbus determined to get physical on the Rapids' home turf. Danny O'Rourke was shown a yellow card in the 13th minute after a sliding trip of Clark, and the Crew's Frankie Hejduk and Andy Iro and Colorado's Nick LaBrocca all earned yellow cards later in the match.

Lenhart played aggressively from the early minutes, getting a nasty push off on Facundo Erpen in the 15th minute that wasn't called. By the 43rd minute, however, when he sent Erpen to the turf with an elbow in front of Colorado's goal, he was shown a red card and ejected from the game by referee

With Columbus down a man, the Rapids kept the pressure on throughout the second half, keeping the ball in Columbus' back third. They were unable to find the net, however, and Columbus added to their lead when 63rd-minute substitute Jason Garey took a flick-on from Eddie Gaven after a long downfield kick from Hesmer. Garey was able to maintain control despite pressure from Erpen in front of Colorado's goal, flicking it over Coundoul for a much-needed insurance goal.

The Rapids kept ramping up the pressure, with Clark missing two close shots in the last 15 minutes of the match, settling and shooting once wide and firing from the top of the area in the 82nd minute, just high.

Hesmer came up with two remarkable saves in the dying moments to preserve the shutout. Omar Cummings dove headlong to send a low header goalward, but Hesmer acrobatically kicked it aside.

Then Christian Gomez tried his luck with a free kick that was almost on the goal line, near the left corner. Gomez whipped the ball inside the near post, but Hesmer dove back and somehow knocked it away from almost right on the goal line.


Lenhart’s energy key in comeback draw
Clavijo, Rapids finding consistency
Bielefeld are saved
Gomez back on the ball

RSL avoid late-match meltdown

SALT LAKE CITY -- With a crucial three points on the line against Toronto FC, it seemed like Real Salt Lake had cooked up the perfect recipe for a late-game disaster once again.

RSL yielded a slim lead in the 83rd minute when a foul by Jamison Olave set up a TFC direct free kick just outside the top of the penalty area. Amado Guevara curled his shot over the wall and under the post -- past a diving Nick Rimando and his outstretched hands -- to knot the game at 1-1.

But Robbie Findley refused to let the game become the latest to get away from Real in the closing minutes. Findley keyed a 2-1 RSL victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Monday night when he stuck a dagger in the Reds' comeback hopes with a spectacular game-winning goal in the 87th minute.

Findley netted his team-high fifth goal of the season when he corralled a ball after TFC 'keeper Greg Sutton deflected a shot by Kyle Beckerman toward the top of the box. He beat a pair of Toronto defenders to the bouncing ball and threaded a sliding strike right between to make it 2-1.

Just like that, a seeming draw was back to a sure win.

"It's such a relief," defender Chris Wingert said. "It would have been such a disappointment if we came away with a draw in that game after working so hard. It would have been a real letdown."

That moment also proved to be sweet redemption for Findley. He had a ready-made opportunity to put RSL up 1-0 in the 27th minute when Wingert set Findley up with a perfect cross inside the six-yard box, only to see him clank a chip shot off the left post and back out the other side.

It would have been easy enough at that point to second-guess himself, but Findley was determined to make another play when the situation arose to do so.

"It's always tough if you miss a goal early in the game," Findley said. "You usually think about it the whole game. I think I did a good job of letting it go and just keep on focusing on the game."

In terms of confidence for the front line, the late goal was a huge thing too. Kreis had worked to keep both Findley and Yura Movsisyan thinking positive at halftime after several first-half shots did not go their way.

Getting such a dramatic goal, the RSL boss thinks, will have a long shelf life for Findley.

"I'm so glad that things fell Robbie's way there in the end because I think it's very important for his development here," Kreis said.

Another player who also took an important step forward was Olave. The Colombian defender netted his first career MLS goal when he pushed a header over Sutton for the match's first goal in the 63rd minute.

Olave nearly netted his first header on a free kick from Javier Morales two minutes earlier, but that attempt sailed wide. He finally broke through when Wingert sent in a long ball from the right side toward him in front of the left post.

Olave leapt into the air and got his head under the ball -- easily pushing it over Sutton and into the net.

For Kreis, the goal proved just how well-rounded a player he is.

"He's been nothing short of spectacular and defensively tonight he was spectacular as well," Kreis said. "I was very excited to see him score a goal because I known all along he could be dangerous for us on attacking corners."

Olave nearly traded his good fortune for bad with his foul and subsequent yellow card in the 83rd minute. But with disaster averted, he could walk away instead feeling satisfied at his contributions to another victory.

"Fortunately, I'm starting to reach a good level," Olave said. "Every day, I'm working a little bit harder to get to the level I should be at."

The win not only helps RSL hold onto first place, but it shows another step in the club's maturation process -- namely the ability to pull out a late-game goal when needed.

For Kreis, that is the sweetest part of finally guiding his players to a rare winning record.

"It makes me feel very good," Kreis said. "It makes me feel like my faith is well-placed in them and I know it's a mentally strong group."


Real Salt Lake roll past San Jose
Findley: Real Salt Lake’s energizer
Ten-man Energie stage spectacular comeback

Wizards, Fire still streaking

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Kansas City Wizards extended their unbeaten streak to seven games and the Chicago Fire theirs to five games in a 0-0 draw at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Saturday night. The Wizards had the better of the chances but Chicago goalkeeper Jon Busch held his fort and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman did the same for Kansas City for their league-leading seventh shutouts of the season.

The match began promisingly for each side on the attack as both showed the ability to be dangerous. Fire forward Chris Rolfe nearly broke the match open in the 14th minute as he went in alone on Hartman after a long pass out of midfield. His shot from the top of the box forced Hartman to leap high while palming the ball out with his left hand for a corner.

The Fire corner turned counter for the Wizards, though, as forward Claudio Lopez was loosened into the Fire end where he forced a corner that resulted in Davy Arnaud redirecting Lopez's service into the box at the near post. But Busch gobbled up the attempt and kept the scoreboard empty into the 15th minute.

By the half-hour mark, the Wizards' high pressure on the ball was serving them well as Chicago built well but found little near K.C.'s box. The home side's possessions, however, broke down in combinations that lacked the necessary timing and combination.

The emotion and energy of the match began to grow as the overflow crowd's noise spiked late in the half. To the delight of the crowd and those standing on vehicles outside the stadium, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Wizards right back Michael Harrington tussled in the K.C. box before a 44th-minute corner. Arnaud then broke in on Busch's left after a clearance and beat midfielder Logan Pause, but failed to get off a cross despite the promising situation.

Dominating the chances through the opening half of the second 45 minutes, the Wizards tried to take some of the drama out of the match. Midfielder Kurt Morsink hit 25-yard shot first that Busch bobbled but held on to. Then left midfielder Roger Espinoza used a stepover and a spin to beat his man on the left side of the Chicago box but Busch knocked his attempt off the crossbar.

After a 54th-minute Arnaud volley from 16 yards off an Espinoza penetration that finished off a nice combination, Arnaud laid the ball back for an onrushing Jewsbury whose low, blistering cross just evaded midfielder Sasha Victorine but sat for Lopez at the far post in the 64th minute. His attempt forced a save from Busch at his right post.

The Fire tried to ignite their attack four minutes later during a scramble in the Wizards box, but the resulting shot from Blanco from a prone position did little to trouble Hartman.

In the 74th minute, the Fire dodged a bullet. A Michael Harrington cross was aimed in from the left flank and John Thorrington, who had moved to right back, saw it hit his arm and bounce down. Referee Mark Geiger ruled it was a handball, but just outside the edge of the area, and the resulting free kick came to nothing. But the Wizards felt the foul had occurred inside the area.

But despite the Fire's defensive posturing and the Wizards three offensive substitutions, Chicago still saw the better late chances. First Patrick Nyarko got off a quick shot under a defender that nearly caught Hartman napping, but the veteran 'keeper was still able to the parry the chance in the 74th minute.

Thorrington went high and wide with a bullet shot in the 81st from 19 yards followed by substitute Stephen King who went wide left from the right side five minutes later.

In the end, the hot hands of the two goalkeepers had earned each their seventh shutout of the season, to tie with Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake, despite the efforts of each side's attackers.

The Wizards visit D.C. United at RFK Stadium next Saturday while the Fire play host to Chivas USA at Toyota Park.


MLS Clubs Turn On Charm For McBride
Wizards douse Fire, move into first
Germany blunder their way to loss
Wizards survive furious NY rally

RSL fall to Deportivo Saprissa

SALT LAKE CITY -- For all of the trouble MLS teams have had producing any good result against Real Salt Lake on their home field this season, foreign club teams keep leaving with plenty of victories.

RSL stumbled in its second international friendly in two weeks, falling 2-1 to Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa on Wednesday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Real scheduled a match with the three-time CONCAF Champions' Cup winner as part of its annual Pioneer Day celebration. Saprissa struggled in the first half while figuring out the RSL defense, but took off in the second half behind rapid-fire goals from Ronald Gomez and Armando Alonso.

Just as he did against Santos Laguna, RSL coach Jason Kreis mixed in plenty of reserve players with his regular starters to begin the match. The results were much better for the club during the early stages than it ended up being against Santos two weeks ago.

Real just missed on a golden opportunity to stake out a quick lead in the eighth minute. Dema Kovalenko angled a free kick through a cluster of players to Kenny Deuchar in the center of the penalty area. Deuchar uncorked an on-frame header, but Saprissa 'keeper Keylor Navas knocked the ball down before it could reach its intended destination.

Throughout the half, RSL controlled possession like they hoped to do, but could not cash in on it. Kyle Beckerman lofted a ball over a defender on the near side of the box in the 34th minute, but Navas easily scooped up his shot.

RSL's final chance of the half came in the 44th minute when Robbie Findley put his head onto a ball sent to him in the area. But Findley's shot bounced forcefully off the right post and ricocheted backward.

Saprissa opened up things in the second half by nearly turning a pair of corner kicks into goals in the 51st minute. Walter Centeno swung both kicks into the center. The first one set up a header that just sailed over the crossbar. The second was deflected away by RSL 'keeper Kyle Reynish.

RSL stepped up its own attack in the 55th minute. Fabian Espindola -- seeing his first action after sitting out several weeks with a knee injury -- penetrated the six-yard box. Espindola bent a shot around the near post, but Alexander Robinson met the ball and cleared it away before it crossed into the net.

Saprissa finally took a 1-0 lead in the 58th minute when Gomez drilled a long shot after being set up perfectly by Centeno.

Alonso quickly put the Costa Rican club up 2-0 in the 62nd minute. He barreled down into the box, drawing out Reynish. Reynish dove after the ball, but Alonso patiently waited until he was out of the way. He then rifled a shot past defender Nat Borchers, who raced over to protect the empty net.

A fight took some of the friendliness out of the friendly late in the match. Saprissa defender Gabriel Badilla and RSL forward Yura Movsisyan were both sent off in the 83rd minute after their roles in nearly sparking a brawl between the two clubs.

Chris Wingert finally put RSL on the board in the 90th minute when Tino Nunez hooked it to him on the run and Wingert pushed it past a Saprissa defender into the back of the net.


Woodwork unkind as Fire, RSL draw
Drama surrounding Frei
Wizards youngsters stop CF Atlas

Davis: All-Star Game earns high marks

TORONTO -- A big night at BMO Field on Thursday provided the rowdy Canadian supporters with lots of great soccer.

Strangely, it looked less like an All-Star event than just a good, skillful match.

MLS manager Steve Nicol augmented the voters' selections with players that provided balance. Nicol and his All-Star selections seem pretty serious about protecting this streak of All-Star wins against foreign opposition -- five and counting.

The latest was a 3-2 win against West Ham United inside Exposition Park, in the shadow of downtown Toronto. If the night was a bit short on All-Star panache, it was certainly chock-full of effective, efficient and clinical soccer.

"We said we were going to take it seriously and we wanted to win the game, and we did that," MLS celebrity midfielder David Beckham said. "We played together as a team and we won as a team."

The MLS side "worked," realistically, better than could be expected, considering that these assemblies are generally pieced together with ill-fitting parts (read: too many offensive engines, not enough defensive diggers). And consider that the All-Stars had just one true practice together.

Still, it all pieced together nicely on a beautiful evening in Ontario. Never mind that for 20 minutes or so, it looked a lot more like a cautious playoff match than any kind of an All-Star free-for-all.

NEWS • Blanco plays the hero for MLS
• All-Stars demonstrate strength of MLS
• Stars gush over All-Star experience
• All-Star nod No. 9 fine for Mastroeni
• All-Star notebook: Long day's end
• Hammers pleased with performance
• Blanco leads MLS past West Ham
• Garber's State of the League address
• All-Stars aim to defeat West Ham
• All-Star first for MLS luminaries
• De Rosario shines in spotlight
• West Ham visits land of opportunity
• MLS announces All-Star First XI
• MLS All-Stars to face West Ham
ANALYSIS • Davis: All-Star Game earns high marks
• Davis: All-Star matchups
• A look at West Ham United roster
PRESS RELEASES
• MLS All-Stars defeat West Ham United
• MLS seeks two expansion teams by 2011
• MLS finalizes '08 All-Star roster
• West Ham to face MLS All-Stars
• Toronto to host 2008 All-Star Game
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Highlights: MLS 3, WHU 2: 350K
Postgame press conference: 350K
Awards presentation: 350K
David Beckham postgame: 350K
Dwayne De Rosario's penalty kick: 350K
Dean Ashton's double: 350K
Cuauhtemoc Blanco's bender: 350K
Christian Gomez's goal: 350K
MLS-West Ham Preview: 350K
All-Star Highlights, part 1: Photos
All-Star Highlights, part 2: Photos
2008 All-Star First XI: Photos

"We got the flair going once we got scored on," MLS captain Jimmy Conrad said.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco, playing as a second striker behind Kenny Cooper, and Christian Gomez ran the offense in Nicol's 4-4-2. Juan Toja protected the left side with plenty of hustle and bustle, and David Beckham took care of playing the direct balls when opportunity arose.

Toja and Jonathan Bornstein combined occasionally on the left, while it was tougher for Frankie Hejduk to get forward to combine with Beckham on the right.

The midfield worked so well in large part because of Nicol's selection of Toja. While few could argue that Toja has been the same dynamic presence in his sophomore season that he was in 2007, Nicol knew the floppy-haired Colombian would provide the requisite midfield balance. With playmakers such as Gomez, Blanco and Beckham doing their offensive thing, in their own ways, the MLS manager knew he needed one more midfielder who would chase and harass a bit more.

Shalrie Joseph, the ever-present holding force, can't do it all.

Up front, Cooper effectively stood as a target player, with Blanco moving around behind him as second striker. Or, that was the plan. That was perhaps the one flaw in Nicol's blueprint. Blanco didn't always work as the second striker because -- as he likes to do in MLS contests -- he retreated too far into the midfield to gather up possession.

That had a lot to do with the game's crisp-but-cautious start. Not much happened for either side for about 20 minutes. Gomez and Cooper combined to provide the only showy "All-Star" moment to that point; FC Dallas' young striker spun from close range and nearly turned Gomez's cheeky little chipped pass into a spectacular All-Star-worthy goal.

The Hammers' attackers only occasionally troubled the MLS back four. MLS center backs Pablo Mastroeni and Jimmy Conrad could generally deal with Carlton Cole when the big West Ham striker had the ball at his feet. But Cole won almost every aerial duel with Conrad, like the one that led to Dean Ashton's sure strike in the 26th minute to open the scoring.

West Ham's outside attackers, Julien Faubert on the right and Matthew Etherington on the left, did too much defending to make themselves overly useful going forward.

It all left MLS goalkeeper Matt Reis with very little to do before the break -- excepting the one time Ashton got loose and left the Revolution veteran with no chance.

Gomez seemed to tire a bit after the break, and West Ham was finding more room in the gap between the MLS back four and midfield. Dwayne De Rosario's entrance changed that, and fast.

"DeRo," who loves the All-Star contest and keeps showing us all how much, immediately put a little more pep in the MLS step upon his 59th-minute entrance. He added back the flair that left when Blanco was withdrawn at halftime.

Most importantly, he helped the MLS regain the initiative. De Rosario bounced around midfield, finding Juan Pablo Angel, combining with Landon Donovan or feeding the always attack-minded Bornstein along the left.

In the 69th minute De Rosario forced West Ham right back and captain Lucas Neill into a dangerous challenge, and then converted the spot kick for the game-winner. It was De Rosario's second in an All-Star contest, having also nailed the match-winner two years ago against Chelsea.

And last year, he combined with Ricardo Clark in the center of the park on All-Star night, as the pair troubled Celtic with its pace and athleticism.

De Rosario could flit about so freely because Joseph was doing what he always does: bossing the midfield, expertly screening the defense and handling the work of about one and a half men.

Meanwhile, with the exception of some late space made available to West Ham once Nicol emptied the bench to get everyone into the contest, the organization remained remarkably tidy under the circumstances.

"That kind of falls on Pablo, Shalrie and myself to make sure we were staying organized," Conrad said, "to make sure we're not getting out of control, to make sure guys aren't just bombing forward for the sake of bombing forward. We just wanted to pick our spots, and we did a better job of that once West Ham was tired."


Nicol bringing Ralston to Toronto
Hargreaves: Destiny In Our Hands
DAVIS IN FOUR-WAY TIE FOR LEAD
Davis: All-Star matchups

Carroll, Hesmer reunited in Columbus

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer was an Academic All-American at Wake Forest while earning a history degree, but somewhere along the way he must have taken a few public relations courses.

When Columbus coach Sigi Schmid called in the offseason and inquired about obtaining midfielder Brian Carroll in a trade, Hesmer was eager to praise his former college teammate.

"Sigi was looking for more of a consistent midfielder, a guy who is going to hold that hole and win balls. But not only win them, but find teammates out wide and move us quickly into the attack. Brian was a perfect addition for that," said Hesmer.

Schmid knew Hesmer wasn't just a friend pumping up Carroll.

"I've always liked Brian Carroll because he's steady," Schmid said. "There's not a lot of highs and lows in his game. If he has an off game it's still decent and when he has a great game it's better than decent. He doesn't have a lot of valleys in his game."

The Crew engineered a deal on Nov. 26 with San Jose for Carroll, who was claimed by the Earthquakes in the expansion draft from D.C. United. San Jose received Crew forward Kei Kamara.

"Kei was a good player but it was a humungous trade for our team in the sense of filling a need, especially since we were going to move Danny O'Rourke to center back," Hesmer said.

Actually, when Schmid had Hesmer on the phone he wanted to know what type of person Carroll is.

Uh, it's probably a good thing Hesmer -- a groomsman in Carroll's wedding -- didn't go into details about being roommates for two years on the Winston-Salem, N.C., campus.

"Animal House. That's actually what my mom nicknamed our college house -- me, BC and two other guys," said a grinning Hesmer. "It was a fun time. Every year we hosted one sorority for their initiation night so we'd get to be the only four honorary guys. That was always a good time to have 150 college girls in your house. Those days are behind us ... hopefully."

Carroll, who will be 27 on Sunday, turned pro a year earlier than Hesmer in 2003. Carroll played only U.S. Open Cup matches and friendlies for D.C. United his rookie season but started 26 matches in 2004 and all four playoff games when D.C. won MLS Cup. He also registered his first assist that season against the Crew on June 19.

He had two goals and 11 assists in 121 regular-season games for D.C. but was left unprotected after the 2007 season and was claimed by San Jose. Thus began his coast-to-coast-to-Midwest move -- all in 30 minutes from his living room.

Shortly after he was taken by San Jose he was informed of the trade.

"My agent did a pretty good job of finding out if that was going to happen, if there was a good possibility I would end up in Columbus," Carroll said. "When I found out I did get drafted by San Jose I thought I would be going to Columbus. It worked out. I'm in Columbus. It's great to be reunited (with Hesmer) and spend more time together, catch up on that year that I left school a year early."

As a defensive midfielder, Carroll does the dirty work that usually goes unnoticed. He's there to stop to the opposing attack from forming dangerous situations then acts as the conduit between the defenders and the offense when the ball is turned up field.

"You know every time out there you're going to get maximum work rate. He's a guy who covers a lot of ground and is intelligent," Schmid said. "He organizes us defensively. He's the one that's got to establish the line defensively. He gets the wide midfielders to tuck in at the right times. He orchestrates a lot of that out of the back and often times he's the first outlet out of the back with the defenders."

It's not surprising that Carroll does not often show up on the scoresheet: he has two assists and one shot on goal while playing all 1,440 minutes this season heading into Thursday's home match vs. Kansas City. Then again, he doesn't want to appear on a highlight reel when the other team scores.

"You look at Brian's position," Hesmer said. "I was telling him (Monday) on the golf course that the less he's mentioned the better. He should be getting All-Star consideration. No one is talking about him. He should get more credit. He deserves it but at the same time nobody is talking about him. That's great for him.

"Brian brings consistency. He brings the same performance every day. He's going to work his tail off every game. He's going to be in the right spot. He's a good communicator. He's smart. He knows the game really well. He's played for championship teams and he's played in the league for awhile. Guys who have been around the league are important."

The unassuming Carroll understands there is little glory in what he does and is fine with his role.

"When the team does well you don't really get recognized for that position but you know deep down that you had a good part to play in the team's success," he said. "I do relish the fact that when things are going well and we're winning everyone has an involvement in it, even the defensive midfielder. It's the name of the position. If you make a mistake it gets shown but if you do something well it doesn't really get seen."


Stoic Moreno providing Crew big lift
Jose - Lamps is the best pro

United frustrated with pallid display

WASHINGTON -- Lightning, thunder, torrential rains, power failures -- with one freak occurrence after another prompting a whopping three delays over three separate fixture dates, D.C. United and Houston Dynamo could be forgiven for wondering if some higher power was intent on preventing them from playing their only league match of the season at RFK Stadium.

Originally scheduled for June 4, when a driving thunderstorm prompted a postponement after just 16 minutes of play, Tuesday night's first makeup date was stymied by power outages in RFK's southeast D.C. neighborhood.

But the situation reached comical proportions when the match finally got under way 24 hours later, only to be interrupted by lightning and fierce rainfall in the 54th minute, along with several power surges that set many of the old stadium's lights flickering out again. A three-hour delay, United's second such mid-game outage in eight days after losing power during last week's SuperLiga match against Chivas de Guadalajara, tested the resolve of everyone involved.

"It felt like someone didn't want us to play this game, huh?" said D.C. goalkeeper Zach Wells afterwards. "It's kind of bizarre, you get up for a game and then to have something like that test your professionalism and test your energy level is pretty frustrating, especially three times in a week now, with Chivas last week and then the postponement yesterday and then the delay tonight."

Yet when the clash was finally settled at 12:20 a.m. on Thursday morning, the vast gap in form that currently separates the two sides was unmistakable, both before and after the weather-induced stoppage, in a 2-0 Houston victory. As in Dynamo's 3-1 SuperLiga triumph at RFK on Saturday night, a haggard-looking United had no answer for the defending MLS Cup champions' organization, work rate and defensive rigidity, and they knew it.

"They came out motivated," said head coach Tom Soehn. "We came out [for the] second half with a little bit of energy, a little bit of life, and then we came out after the rain delay like we did in the first half. We had no energy, no life. And to their credit, they did, and they punished us, over and over again."

His team's pallid display hinted at the same sort of fatigue that troubled the Black-and-Red during their fruitless SuperLiga campaign, but on this occasion, with an unexpected day off on Tuesday and more than a week before their next match, that justification held much less water.

"Just as a whole, it was bad," said Soehn. "We're going to take this time -- we've got a 10-day stretch -- and we're going to make some changes. We'll make our team stronger. We're going to get back to the basics and work our kiesters off to make sure that there's no excuses about fitness. They outworked us today, period. All over the field."

Soehn went on to make clear that United is planning a midseason roster overhaul.

"We're going to bring in some reinforcements, some people that I think are going to make us better in spots on the field that we need to get better," he explained, later adding, "I wasn't satisfied with anybody's performance tonight."

After hauling themselves back up to the .500 mark with a torrid winning streak last month, United seem to have reverted back to their miserable spring form as they enter the All-Star break, and will now have to resuscitate their campaign all over again when league play for them resumes against Kansas City on August 2.

"You know, we're frustrated," said Clyde Simms. "We can't put our finger on what it is right now, but I think the break is going to help us -- it's coming at a good time. We'll come back to work next week and try to fix things."


“We should have made it 2-0″
Ronaldo: News In Three Days
D.C. United’s depth a strength
D.C. United unable to find spark against Rapids

Davis: New York's Dutch savior

We can gab all day about the ballyhooed Designated Players. We can go one about exciting young stars or the reliable, decorated old guard of U.S. internationals. It's easy to talk about these illustrious types because we know so much about them.

Armed with 411 aplenty, the soccer geeks among us have enough to fill up conversations from pizza joints in New Jersey all the way out to the Starbucks in sunny southern California.

But events over Major League Soccer's 17th round should serve to remind us anew: the backbone most clubs is formed by the above-average workaday, the skilled worker who steadily fills a role, who quietly gets the business done.

To wit: where would the New York Red Bulls be this year without Dave van den Bergh? Talk about a fellow who didn't receive much All-Star mention, but who has propped up his team through an up and down campaign. This guy could walk into most MLS stadiums carrying a Red Bulls bag and a T-shirt that said, "Hello, I'm Dave van den Bergh," and plenty of fans still might wonder if he was the trainer.

And yet, at this point, he is as responsible as any individual with keeping the Red Bull unit afloat while manager Juan Carlos Osorio waited for the chance to overhaul as much of the roster as the salary and league personnel structure would allow.

Seth Stammler, too, had another nice game on Saturday, as the Red Bulls nearly got out of Giants Stadium with a huge "W," but settled for a draw after Landon Donovan's late strike. Like his Dutch teammate, Stammler has filled various roles, and just keeps turning out one reliable performance after another.

Yes, everybody will be talking about Juan Pablo Angel's moment of brilliance on Saturday -- and what a goal it was. To calmly and cleverly lift that ball over goalkeeper Steve Cronin takes talent, focus and a steely disposition. And that's not to mention all the good work it took to get there, beating Greg Vanney off the dribble inside the penalty area.

But the match, a real dandy, one that surely left the season's largest MLS crowd abuzz, might have unfolded differently but for van den Bergh's own magic moment.

The Dutchman is hardly known for his right peg. There's a reason he plays on the left, where he probably delivers the best cross from that side in MLS.

So when he took a nifty little backheel pass from Red Bulls newbie Jorge Rojas and slammed a pinpoint turf-burner past Cronin from 30 yards, who could blame the Galaxy 'keeper for being caught slightly unaware. The shot came off van den Bergh's right boot.

And it came from very close to the same spot where van den Bergh tipped us all, way back in April, to the kind of season he might have in store. Early in the Red Bulls' season opener, he ripped a shot past Columbus goalie Will Hesmer, helping propel his side to a 2-0 win.

The veteran, schooled at the famous Ajax youth academy, has manned several spots for Osorio this year. He has worked the middle when needed, occupied the left midfield spot frequently or deployed along the left in a four-man back line. Twice already this year he has helped keep David Beckham under control with smart positioning and hard work. (He's even responsible for one of the two yellow cards Beckham has earned this year, as the England international was booked back in May for a hard foul on van den Bergh in Los Angeles.)

FYI, you could probably win a bar bet tonight: ask someone who leads the Red Bulls in scoring in 2008? Just-departed Jozy Altidore? Angel? Dane Richards? See how long it takes them to arrive at van den Bergh, whose five strikes sits atop the list.

Other lunch pail types that are driving their teams despite a relative lack of decoration: Kyle Beckerman has been a valiant force for Real Salt Lake, which continues to dwell atop the West despite that modest 6-6-6 mark. Ditto for Jamison Olave, turning out steady nights at Rice-Eccles as well. Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura are the heart and soul of Chivas USA's ongoing efforts, even if Ante Razov is (deservedly) grabbing all the headlines at the moment.

Left back Facundo Erpen is helping Fernando Clavijo's Rapids maneuver through the summer. He still has his shaky moments -- like giving up a penalty kick over the weekend -- and he's never far from his next yellow card, but Colorado would be worse off without him right now.

And Los Angeles seemed to miss the injured Sean Franklin on Saturday. The young center back, L.A.'s steadiest defensive presence this year, missed just his third start.

TACTICAL CORNER

• Chicago boss Denis Hamlett moved Justin Mapp to the right late Saturday against Real Salt Lake (with Mike Banner playing wide on the left upon his second-half introduction.)

Mapp's left foot is the stronger one, which is why he usually sets up on his preferred side. Some managers love switching players to their less natural side, aware that they can trouble defenders by cutting inside and causing others along the back line to rotate over and such.

But not all managers see the point. They'd prefer to have a player on a side where he can swing in crosses most accurately. And since defenders can obviously figure out where a player is more comfortable, they can shade the attackers to the outside to keep them off their preferred foot.

But either way, where it does cause some real damage is the in-match switch. Mapp gave RSL some trouble once he moved across the field, although to no final avail.

• For an instant clinic on how to shed a defender, watch Conor Casey's work against Drew Moor as the big Rapids' striker equalizes in the second half at Pizza Hut Park.

Moor has pretty good position as Rapids playmaker Christian Gomez chases down a ball on the right side of the Dallas penalty area. But Casey is staying just off Moor's inside shoulder, which isn't a bad place for the FCD defender to have his target. Moor can see Casey, but can also watch the fast-developing play. Suddenly, Casey takes one quick step toward the near post. Just as Moor reacts, the Rapids striker fades quickly back to the far post, where he has enough separation to head home his third goal this year.

• Between forwards Robbie Findley, Fabian Espindola, Kenny Deuchar, Tino Nunez and Yura Movsisyan, Real Salt Lake manager Jason Kreis has 15 different combinations he can try (assuming the manager sticks with an alignment of two men up front.) Well, he might just have to try 'em all before season's end.

It was Movsisyan and Nunez the other day, but the young pair couldn't push one past Jon Busch in Chicago, and eventually gave way to second-half replacements Findley and Deuchar.

A couple of road games back, it was Nunez and Findley. No combo has worked particularly well, and none have worked at all away from Rice-Eccles. RSL has but four goals in seven matches on the road this year.

• Schellas Hyndman's biggest issue at Pizza Hut Park becomes clearer with each match. He wants to the team to play with more width, to get into the corners, stretch the field, get to the end line and offer service. He does have Kenny Cooper in there, after all, and the young U.S. striker created a nice goal for Juan Toja by maneuvering one serve from the wings right into his teammate's path. But players who are comfortable playing along the touchlines simply don't occupy the FCD roster right now. Saturday, Hyndman had Dax McCarty and Andre Rocha stationed out wide in a 3-5-2. Both are clearly more comfortable in the middle. McCarty was wide left, even though he's better with his right foot.

Assistant coach John Ellinger left Sunday on a trip for Argentina and Brazil, where he'll personally scout players, looking to fill the two international slots acquired late last week from Kansas City. Safe to say, he'll be looking for at least one wide player. (That guy might already be in camp; former Ajax flanker Victor Sikora is currently on trial.)


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Nicol bringing Ralston to Toronto

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Revolution captain Steve Ralston had a couple of days off in his schedule next week.

The MLS All-Star Game is in Toronto on Thursday night and the Revolution coaching staff heads up there on Tuesday. That means a light couple of days for the busy Revolution players, who remain active in SuperLiga, the U.S. Open Cup and MLS play and will soon add the CONCACAF Champions League to an ever-growing list of competitions requiring their attention.

The hectic schedule meant Ralston, unlike some other players around the league, didn't make vacation plans for next week.

"With our schedule, you never know what's going on," Ralston said.

Revolution head coach Steve Nicol decided Ralston didn't need that break, selecting him to his seventh All-Star Game as a replacement player for one of the three Olympians (Michael Parkhurst, Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers) who won't be able to play at BMO Field because of international duty.

"I was excited," Ralston said. "It helps that my club coach is the coach of the All-Star team, I suppose. To be selected is an honor."

Ralston said he talked with Nicol earlier in the week and the Revs coach noted that it was a possibility the Revs' captain would join Shalrie Joseph and Matt Reis in Toronto.

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"He was thinking of me and he talked to the Commissioner," Ralston said. "There were different things going on, and I don't know all the details. He mentioned to me that it was a possibility about a week or so ago."

This isn't the type of all-star game Ralston remembers from his days in Tampa. With an international audience awaiting and one of England's storied clubs on the other side of the field, the game won't likely yield a 8-6 score line like yesteryear.

"The games are different now," Ralston said. "I haven't been selected for a while. I was selected last year but I didn't go. The last all-star games I played in were run and gun. These are more serious games now."

The seriousness brings a shift in demeanor. Nicol chose his team to give him the best squad and the best opportunity to defeat West Ham.

That means bringing in Ralston, who can play multiple positions and deserves the nod for his six goals and four assists in leading the Revs this season, and selecting other talented players who might be less deserving on the stat sheet than the ones left at home on the inactive roster or snubbed altogether.

Ralston said there is always controversy involved with the selection process, but he thinks the players Nicol selected will represent the league well.

"There are some guys with maybe some better stats, but the guys that Steve chose are good players," Ralston said. "I'm sure there were a few guys that were left off that will obviously be in that second part [of the all-star team, the inactive roster]. They still deserved to be considered an all-star."


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