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MLS Designated Player Dissection: Absences Highlight Flaws In MLS Schedule
Sep 5, 2010 11:08:00 PM
By Avery Raimondo
There’s no need to mince words; this week was an awful one for Designated Players and their clubs. Six of Major League Soccer's 13 DPs missed an MLS match this weekend due to a combination of suspension, injuries, and international duties.
While the first two reasons are inevitable consequences of the game globally, the third is a conundrum unique to American soccer. FIFA dates and the MLS schedule have long been in conflict, but the ongoing arrival of international stars through the revamped Designated Player rule might be the impetus that finally leads to the league finding a solution for the problem.
MLS commissioner Don Garber addressed this issue on Wednesday night at the SuperLiga final. His response should please the fans whose clubs were weakened by player absences during this weekend's pivotal matches.
"We've got to reassess the calendar quite a bit and we've been spending a lot of time doing that," Garber said to Examiner.com.
He went on to pose some rhetorical questions that need to be solved if the league wishes to continue its ascendancy.
"Do we need to look at different formats? Do we need to look at our schedule again? How do we ensure that our teams are at full strength while we're playing in very, very crowded schedules?"
This weekend, two matches, critical in both the Supporters' Shield and playoff races, highlighted the scheduling conflict that Garber spoke of.
Toronto FC, in its fourth year of existence, is still yet to qualify for the postseason. The club's playoff aspirations have slowly subsided as they have struggled to succeed in both league play and continental competition. Needing a victory on Saturday to remain fully entrenched in the playoff picture, the Reds were forced to field a team without three of their top performers, including Designated Player Julian de Guzman. Without its stars, Toronto succumbed to Dallas 1-0 as their playoff hopes continue to wither.
The New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake matchup was similarly left bereft of its stars. A total of six players – four from New York – were away with their national teams. The absence of Rafa Marquez was particularly glaring as the Red Bulls couldn’t create the same rhythm or scoring chances that had impressed in previous matches.
Fellow Designated Player Thierry Henry noted the impact of being without the Mexican national team's captain.
"It was a big factor for us. I don't know if you saw in the first half, but we played long ball, which is not the way the game should be played," said Henry. "You saw the way that Salt Lake, they pass the ball on the ground. I think Rafa not being here was a bit difficult for us because he has a great vision and can calm people down, so we definitely missed him today."
The victory for Real Salt Lake leaves them a point adrift of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Columbus Crew for the Supporters' Shield. But even RSL was missing leading goalscorer Alvaro Saborio and underrated midfielder Will Johnson.
These matches are among the most important in the season – they determine which teams qualify for the playoffs, CCL, and the SuperLiga. Teams should not be punished for owning players who exceed the league.
Here's a breakdown of how the Designated Players of MLS preformed:
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire)
Started, played 69 minutes in 1-1 tie against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Mexican finally completed more than a 45 minutes of MLS soccer and seemed agitated at his second half substitution. Hovering to the left of Brian McBride, Castillo had little impact on the match except for a freekick that Donovan Ricketts easily batted away.
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire)
Suspended for 1-1 tie against the Los Angeles Galaxy due to yellow card accumulation.
The Fire missed Ljungberg during the crucial match with the Gals; without the Swede, Chicago was uninventive and created few tangible chances. There's a reason why their goal came on a freekick rather than from the run of play.
Branko Boskovic (D.C. United)
Did not appear in 2-1 loss against the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup or 1-0 league loss against the Columbus Crew due to Euro 2012 qualifying for the Montenegrin national team.
Boskovic, after spending the last few months losing with D.C. United, must have been glad to finally win. Too bad that victory came in Europe. Montenegro's captain played 73 minutes in his nation's 1-nil victory over Wales. The midfielder's best opportunity of the match was taken on his weaker right foot from within the Welsh penalty area and was denied by keeper Wayne Hennessey.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Did not appear in 1-1 tie against the Chicago Fire due to Achilles tendon injury.
The Galaxy desperately needs a shock of energy after the Crew caught them this weekend in the push for the Supporters’ Shield. The potential return of Beckham could be the kickstart needed to revitalize the team's season.
Becks announced that his goal is to return for an essential Sept. 11 tie with Columbus:
"I'll keep my fingers crossed and hopefully will play in part of the game here against Columbus," the 35-year-old said. "I'll be on the bench, and hopefully I'll get on the field for 15-20 minutes. That's what I'm looking at."
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-1 tie against the Chicago Fire, missed a penalty, assisted on Omar Gonzalez's stoppage time equalizer.
LD, as he is called by the Telefutura announcers, had the ideal opportunity to break his scoring drought and reenergize the Galaxy when he stepped up to take a first half-penalty. However, Fire keeper Sean Johnson was prepared for Donovan’s effort, as he stonewalled the only American DP. The star only slightly made amends for his poorly taken chance when he delivered in the cross that Gonzalez headed in to secure a point in injury time.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake.
Angel was unable to put away any of the opportunities that would have seen him catch Edson Buddle in the Golden Boot race. The reason for his inability to score was not poor finishing, but some quality saves by Nick Rimando. Besides for his headers, Angel’s influence was largely nonexistent on the match.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake.
The French striker had his most disappointing night in a Red Bull kit, as the ball seemed to elude him all night. Henry generated zero chances and had to drop often almost in line with his backline in order to receive the ball. Against the Rapids, it's necessary that he return to his form of prior matches.
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls)
Did not appear in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake due to call-up for the Mexican national team.
Marquez put in 90 minutes in Mexico's 2-1 loss to Ecuador on the artificial turf of Chivas' new Estadio Omnilife. His club certainly could have used him in Sandy, Utah, as the Red Bulls looked completely clueless without the midfielder pulling the strings from the center of the park.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes)
Started, played 85 minutes in 2-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo, scored in the 64th minute, and assisted on Khari Stephenson's sixth minute goal.
In his first MLS start, Geo collected both his first goal and first assist as he propelled the Earthquakes to a Western Conference victory. The Brazilian's contributions started when he burst through the Dynamo early and setup Stephenson in the box. After Houston equalized, the playmaker exploded into the box and powered a loose ball past a helpless Pat Onstad.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders)
Started, played 83 minutes in 3-1 victory against Chivas USA in the U.S. Open Cup. Started, played 73 minutes in 3-1 loss against the New England Revolution, assisted on Zakuani’s goal in the 59th minute.
The Uruguayan started the combination that led to Seattle’s lone goal in the defeat at Foxboro Stadium. Fernandez controlled a pass on the edge of the box and slanted a pass to James Reilly through the Revs’ backline. Riley found Zakuani open in the penalty area.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders)
Did not appear in 3-1 victory against Chivas USA in the U.S. Open Cup or 3-1 loss against the New England Revolution due to knee injury.
Nkufo's absence was much more apparent during the Sounders' second match of the week. In the disappointing loss, Seattle could have used the Swiss striker as an outlet to maintain possession. He hasn't proven that he can score in MLS; yet, Nkufo clearly improves the play of the Sounders' other attackers.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC)
Did not appear in 1-0 loss against FC Dallas due to call-up for the Canadian national team.
With their playoff hopes dying, Toronto needed their Designated Player to hold down their central midfield. De Guzman may not always live up to his contract, but he is a far better option than the others at Preki's disposal. If TFC doesn't qualify for the playoffs once again, expect some changes in Toronto, with a new direction in the midfield a possibility.
Mista (Toronto FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against FC Dallas.
Like a postseason appearance, a quality striker has long been unobtainable for Toronto FC. Despite garnering Designated Player money, Mista hasn't shown that he's that goalscorer the Reds need. The former Spanish international is yet to find a goal in an MLS match despite seven appearances.
For wry non sequiturs follow Goal.com correspondent Avery Raimondo on Twitter @averyraimondo
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
While the first two reasons are inevitable consequences of the game globally, the third is a conundrum unique to American soccer. FIFA dates and the MLS schedule have long been in conflict, but the ongoing arrival of international stars through the revamped Designated Player rule might be the impetus that finally leads to the league finding a solution for the problem.
MLS commissioner Don Garber addressed this issue on Wednesday night at the SuperLiga final. His response should please the fans whose clubs were weakened by player absences during this weekend's pivotal matches.
"We've got to reassess the calendar quite a bit and we've been spending a lot of time doing that," Garber said to Examiner.com.
He went on to pose some rhetorical questions that need to be solved if the league wishes to continue its ascendancy.
"Do we need to look at different formats? Do we need to look at our schedule again? How do we ensure that our teams are at full strength while we're playing in very, very crowded schedules?"
This weekend, two matches, critical in both the Supporters' Shield and playoff races, highlighted the scheduling conflict that Garber spoke of.
Toronto FC, in its fourth year of existence, is still yet to qualify for the postseason. The club's playoff aspirations have slowly subsided as they have struggled to succeed in both league play and continental competition. Needing a victory on Saturday to remain fully entrenched in the playoff picture, the Reds were forced to field a team without three of their top performers, including Designated Player Julian de Guzman. Without its stars, Toronto succumbed to Dallas 1-0 as their playoff hopes continue to wither.
The New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake matchup was similarly left bereft of its stars. A total of six players – four from New York – were away with their national teams. The absence of Rafa Marquez was particularly glaring as the Red Bulls couldn’t create the same rhythm or scoring chances that had impressed in previous matches.
Fellow Designated Player Thierry Henry noted the impact of being without the Mexican national team's captain.
"It was a big factor for us. I don't know if you saw in the first half, but we played long ball, which is not the way the game should be played," said Henry. "You saw the way that Salt Lake, they pass the ball on the ground. I think Rafa not being here was a bit difficult for us because he has a great vision and can calm people down, so we definitely missed him today."
The victory for Real Salt Lake leaves them a point adrift of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Columbus Crew for the Supporters' Shield. But even RSL was missing leading goalscorer Alvaro Saborio and underrated midfielder Will Johnson.
These matches are among the most important in the season – they determine which teams qualify for the playoffs, CCL, and the SuperLiga. Teams should not be punished for owning players who exceed the league.
Here's a breakdown of how the Designated Players of MLS preformed:
Nery Castillo (Chicago Fire)
Started, played 69 minutes in 1-1 tie against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Mexican finally completed more than a 45 minutes of MLS soccer and seemed agitated at his second half substitution. Hovering to the left of Brian McBride, Castillo had little impact on the match except for a freekick that Donovan Ricketts easily batted away.
Freddie Ljungberg (Chicago Fire)
Suspended for 1-1 tie against the Los Angeles Galaxy due to yellow card accumulation.
The Fire missed Ljungberg during the crucial match with the Gals; without the Swede, Chicago was uninventive and created few tangible chances. There's a reason why their goal came on a freekick rather than from the run of play.
Branko Boskovic (D.C. United)
Did not appear in 2-1 loss against the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup or 1-0 league loss against the Columbus Crew due to Euro 2012 qualifying for the Montenegrin national team.
Boskovic, after spending the last few months losing with D.C. United, must have been glad to finally win. Too bad that victory came in Europe. Montenegro's captain played 73 minutes in his nation's 1-nil victory over Wales. The midfielder's best opportunity of the match was taken on his weaker right foot from within the Welsh penalty area and was denied by keeper Wayne Hennessey.
David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Did not appear in 1-1 tie against the Chicago Fire due to Achilles tendon injury.
The Galaxy desperately needs a shock of energy after the Crew caught them this weekend in the push for the Supporters’ Shield. The potential return of Beckham could be the kickstart needed to revitalize the team's season.
Becks announced that his goal is to return for an essential Sept. 11 tie with Columbus:
"I'll keep my fingers crossed and hopefully will play in part of the game here against Columbus," the 35-year-old said. "I'll be on the bench, and hopefully I'll get on the field for 15-20 minutes. That's what I'm looking at."
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-1 tie against the Chicago Fire, missed a penalty, assisted on Omar Gonzalez's stoppage time equalizer.
LD, as he is called by the Telefutura announcers, had the ideal opportunity to break his scoring drought and reenergize the Galaxy when he stepped up to take a first half-penalty. However, Fire keeper Sean Johnson was prepared for Donovan’s effort, as he stonewalled the only American DP. The star only slightly made amends for his poorly taken chance when he delivered in the cross that Gonzalez headed in to secure a point in injury time.
Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake.
Angel was unable to put away any of the opportunities that would have seen him catch Edson Buddle in the Golden Boot race. The reason for his inability to score was not poor finishing, but some quality saves by Nick Rimando. Besides for his headers, Angel’s influence was largely nonexistent on the match.
Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake.
The French striker had his most disappointing night in a Red Bull kit, as the ball seemed to elude him all night. Henry generated zero chances and had to drop often almost in line with his backline in order to receive the ball. Against the Rapids, it's necessary that he return to his form of prior matches.
Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls)
Did not appear in 1-0 loss against Real Salt Lake due to call-up for the Mexican national team.
Marquez put in 90 minutes in Mexico's 2-1 loss to Ecuador on the artificial turf of Chivas' new Estadio Omnilife. His club certainly could have used him in Sandy, Utah, as the Red Bulls looked completely clueless without the midfielder pulling the strings from the center of the park.
Geovanni (San Jose Earthquakes)
Started, played 85 minutes in 2-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo, scored in the 64th minute, and assisted on Khari Stephenson's sixth minute goal.
In his first MLS start, Geo collected both his first goal and first assist as he propelled the Earthquakes to a Western Conference victory. The Brazilian's contributions started when he burst through the Dynamo early and setup Stephenson in the box. After Houston equalized, the playmaker exploded into the box and powered a loose ball past a helpless Pat Onstad.
Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders)
Started, played 83 minutes in 3-1 victory against Chivas USA in the U.S. Open Cup. Started, played 73 minutes in 3-1 loss against the New England Revolution, assisted on Zakuani’s goal in the 59th minute.
The Uruguayan started the combination that led to Seattle’s lone goal in the defeat at Foxboro Stadium. Fernandez controlled a pass on the edge of the box and slanted a pass to James Reilly through the Revs’ backline. Riley found Zakuani open in the penalty area.
Blaise Nkufo (Seattle Sounders)
Did not appear in 3-1 victory against Chivas USA in the U.S. Open Cup or 3-1 loss against the New England Revolution due to knee injury.
Nkufo's absence was much more apparent during the Sounders' second match of the week. In the disappointing loss, Seattle could have used the Swiss striker as an outlet to maintain possession. He hasn't proven that he can score in MLS; yet, Nkufo clearly improves the play of the Sounders' other attackers.
Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC)
Did not appear in 1-0 loss against FC Dallas due to call-up for the Canadian national team.
With their playoff hopes dying, Toronto needed their Designated Player to hold down their central midfield. De Guzman may not always live up to his contract, but he is a far better option than the others at Preki's disposal. If TFC doesn't qualify for the playoffs once again, expect some changes in Toronto, with a new direction in the midfield a possibility.
Mista (Toronto FC)
Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 loss against FC Dallas.
Like a postseason appearance, a quality striker has long been unobtainable for Toronto FC. Despite garnering Designated Player money, Mista hasn't shown that he's that goalscorer the Reds need. The former Spanish international is yet to find a goal in an MLS match despite seven appearances.
For wry non sequiturs follow Goal.com correspondent Avery Raimondo on Twitter @averyraimondo
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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