WOW !!!! What a beginning! Waldo was spectacular! As were many players on both teams. If this is an indication of the parity of the clubs, then we are going to have close, attacking hard-fought matches just about every time!
Let's see the 'bashers' of the world try to say this 1: 0 game was boring!
Great atmosphere, the Crowd was great. You guys really did ROCK THE CASBAH! It really came through on TV as a spectacular event and the whole crowd made it so. The rest of us in the other 9 MLS cities have a very high standard to try to follow. The drums, horns and percussion are absolutely essential!
On the broadcast crew, great job by our own Phil Schoen, as well as Ty Keough and Bill McDermott. Phil was really smooth and called a great game. Ty offered useful insights as did McDermott on the touchline.
ESPN also did a nice job trying to appeal to the kids, with the "Team Salute" and especially the "Kids ask the Pros" feature! This was a masterstroke!
OK, now I'd like to add some "constructive" suggestions to improving this most auspicious beginning even more. The comments are in 3 areas: the officiating, the stadium and TV production.
1) THE OFFICIATING
The ref was excellent. He let them play but he also whistled the fouls when he had to and gave out the well-deserved yellow cards. As for the linsmen (ooops, 'Referee's Assistants') I have one phrase you need to write on the blackboard 100 times:
EVEN IS ON!!!!!!
2) THE STADIUM
+ The Width:
OK, while the atmosphere is spectacular, 65 yards is just too damn narrow! The Clash MUST find a way to get 5-10 more yards of width, otherwise the creative players will just run out of space!
+ The Goals:
I realize that MLS has a contract with QuikGoals, but why can't this company make a goal like the ones used for the World Cup? Namely the big box goals so the ball really caresses the netting and rolls around after it goes in. With the QuikGoals, it just hits the net and drops. A goal scored MUST be a visually sensual experience. With QuikGoals, they ain't!
+ Spare Balls:
Hey MLS, turn on Univision tomorrow afternoon. Why can't you have a dozen kids with a dozen balls on the touchline to get the ball back into play immediately. This is what the Mexicans have done for years. It REALLY speeds up the game!
+ CANNED MUSIC!!!!
PLEASE, MLS, IF I HEAR "WE WILL ROCK YOU" ONE MORE TIME, I'M GOING TO SCREAM. LET THE FANS MAKE THE NOISE DON'T TRY TO DO IT FOR THEM!
3) TV PRODUCTION
While the presentation was generally excellent, there are a few things that must be addressed:
+ The Lineups:
Hey, why can't we see the numbers and the formations? And why can't we see this all on one screen. Don't you guys have small fonts? Why not use the same format used for the World Cup and ESPN International. Remember, we already have the wheel. We don't need to reinvent it.
+ Latest Club:
This is a good idea, but for clubs in other countries, why not list the country too. Not everyone knows that Colo Colo is in Chile.
+ Closeups and Replays:
OK, it's great to see the faces but don't miss the action. We shouldn't have to be wondering where the ball is. And when you do replays, either wait of get in and get out fast. If you can't rack and roll it, wait for it even if it is a minute or two later.
+ Three Announcers
While all three were fine, particularly Phil. It is just one too many since there is only so much airtime! Save some money, and use only 2.
+ THE CLOCKS!!
Last, but certainly not least, PLEASE HAVE A RUNNING CLOCK. THIS IS LUDICROUS. In trying to "save" time, you are just wasting it. The 2nd half ran 48+ minutes, including injury time. LET THE REF KEEP IT LIKE IT IS EVERYWHERE ELSE. What if Wynalda's goal game about 2 minutes later? Are you willing to live with a goal being disallowed if it didn't beat the clock? Unless you change this stupid clock system, you are going to get burned. I guarantee it!
Back Chris Allen's "Shots at Goal" Page
Back to Chris Allen's Main Soccer Page