MOTM v. Catolica & LA

Stucki · 06-13-2005, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HibaIssa

I've tried turning it off and it still won't let me. I gave up on it a few weeks ago.

Those that actually get repped by you will appreciate it more then.

HibaIssa · 06-13-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrstucki

Those that actually get repped by you will appreciate it more then.

Yeah!

:p

Stucki · 06-13-2005, 09:40 PM

I am curious. Is everyone still discouraged by the only real stat that matters, the result, or are we able to see signs of life now?

Rover · 06-13-2005, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrstucki

I am curious. Is everyone still discouraged by the only real stat that matters, the result, or are we able to see signs of life now?

I'm not discouraged at all. Frustrated, yes, but not discouraged.

I take a long term view. I'd rather we build a solid foundation (young players brought in gradually, vets teaching and keeping us at least somewhat competitive) than concentrate totally on wins every week. The playoffs would be great, and we have the capability to get on a roll at the right time. Maybe we can string some wins together in the Open Cup, and with the right bounces of the ball we might actually compete for a trophy in that competition.

But I'm not looking for results in the table this year as much as I'm looking for cohesion and a stong, positive team identity. The model is definitely Chicago 1998, but the key for them was an outstanding ball control game that allowed them to succeed once they worked out some initial problems. And they retained that identity right up to Nowak's retirement and show signs of getting it back after an off year in 2004. Sure, they won the title their first year, but they also developed a stong team concept that allowed them to sustain that success.

So the losses are tough to take, but if I see progress in the right areas it's easier to maintain perspective. Wins are great--no one likes to lose. I'm confident we'll get results, but more importantly we're starting to see young players emerge and make an impact.

So count me an optimist.

Stucki · 06-13-2005, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rover

I'm not discouraged at all. Frustrated, yes, but not discouraged.

I take a long term view. I'd rather we build a solid foundation (young players brought in gradually, vets teaching and keeping us at least somewhat competitive) than concentrate totally on wins every week. The playoffs would be great, and we have the capability to get on a roll at the right time. Maybe we can string some wins together in the Open Cup, and with the right bounces of the ball we might actually compete for a trophy in that competition.

But I'm not looking for results in the table this year as much as I'm looking for cohesion and a stong, positive team identity. The model is definitely Chicago 1998, but the key for them was an outstanding ball control game that allowed them to succeed once they worked out some initial problems. And they retained that identity right up to Nowak's retirement and show signs of getting it back after an off year in 2004. Sure, they won the title their first year, but they also developed a stong team concept that allowed them to sustain that success.

So the losses are tough to take, but if I see progress in the right areas it's easier to maintain perspective. Wins are great--no one likes to lose. I'm confident we'll get results, but more importantly we're starting to see young players emerge and make an impact.

So count me an optimist.

I am encouraged by your perspective. I guess I am too used to coaching in the smallest school in the league where I am forced to look for positives most weeks. We are playing better. We have been losing to quality teams. We just look completely out of sync. Mathis will start connecting on free kicks. Kreis will bust lose. Washington will get in shape? Our kids will start playing above their years. DJ will continue to be the man of steel with the friendlies woodwork in the league.

How is that for optimism?

Aerick · 06-14-2005, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrstucki

I am encouraged by your perspective. I guess I am too used to coaching in the smallest school in the league where I am forced to look for positives most weeks. We are playing better. We have been losing to quality teams. We just look completely out of sync. Mathis will start connecting on free kicks. Kreis will bust lose. Washington will get in shape? Our kids will start playing above their years. DJ will continue to be the man of steel with the friendlies woodwork in the league.

How is that for optimism?

I like it!! When do we start? :D

RSLfrontrowfan · 06-15-2005, 11:36 AM

Watson!

montgjules · 06-15-2005, 02:11 PM

* MOTM June 8, 2005 vs. Universidad Catolica

For the first time ever, the Loyalists Man of the Match was a unanimous decision. After watching frustrating losses and a seeming lack of motivation, the Loyalists wanted to see something different. That’s what they got from this week’s MOTM: determination and passion, which ultimately resulted in an unlikely win.

Things seemed bleak for Real Salt Lake when they left the pitch after 45 minutes of play against Universidad Catolica on June 8th. RSL was down 2-0 and the crowd, at least, wasn’t feeling very hopeful. Things turned around in the second half, however, as both teams subbed out various players and RSL’s reserves got a piece of the action.

The most noticeable difference came when this game’s Man of the Match, Jamie Watson, entered the field. “There was a noticeable increase in the speed of play when he entered the game. He seemed to get the rest of the team fired up,” said Scott Cardon.

Loyalist Scott Stucki said, “He entered the game, adding a new spark, and contributed to all three goals in the come back.”

“Can you say ‘energy’, ‘drive’, and ‘determination’?” asked Eric Wright. “Jamie Watson embodied all three, and perhaps more during the Catolica match. Not many things are more sweet than a seemingly hopeless come from behind win, and Jamie Watson was instrumental in just such a win over Catolica!”

Congratulations to Jamie for being the first player in RSL history to be voted unanimously Man of the Match by the Loyalists!

* MOTM June 11, 2005 vs. LA Galaxy

For RSL fans, the bad news after the June 11th game was that it resulted in a loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. The good news for the fans was that the game was lost by only one point (1-0) as commentators noted, “This really should have been a three or four to zero game.”

Various Loyalists paid their tribute to the defense as they nominated DJ Countess, Brian Dunseth and Brian Kamler for Man of the Match. However, the winner came from the opposite end of the field. 75% of the votes for MOTM went to rookie forward Jamie Watson, who came in as a substitution during the second half.

Fans of Real Salt Lake know Jamie Watson as more than a professional soccer player. For those who read “Jamie’s Journal” on RSL’s website, he’s just “Jamie,” a cool guy who is passionate about life and about soccer. That passion has made him a favorite for many of the Loyalists, who have even joked about putting together a petition to see him in as a starter.

Roger Douglass said, “I'm going to go with Jaime Watson for the energy he brought into the game off the bench.”

Loyalist Rich Myrick coined a nickname for Jamie, saying, “Sparky lit a fire under the team and made a good case for starting him next week against the Quakes on the mini-field.”

Eric Wright noted his appreciation for DJ Countess, saying, “He chronicled another six saves in what likely should have been a two or three to zero match. Thanks for making us look better than we really were – again!”

Another vote for DJ Countess came from Scott Stucki, who said, “Against the Galaxy, go with DJ. We made him work way too hard again—no sweeper keeper for him.”

Midfielder Brian Kamler stepped into the back left position for Rusty Pierce, who was out for injury. Remembering Kamler’s short stint as goalkeeper in a previous game, Brian Seppa said, “Man of the match for me is Mr. Versatility, Brian Kamler.”

Congratulations to all those who were nominated this week and especially to Jamie Watson. Earning the MOTM honor twice within one week makes Jamie Watson the first RSL player to ever win the honor twice in a row.

If you are a PAID member of the Loyalists, you can vote for the Loyalists MOTM after each game. Votes for Man of the Match can be emailed to rslmotm [at] gmail.com. Votes should be sent before 5 p.m. on the Monday following games. Votes for Wednesday games will be accepted through the following Monday if you specify which match you are voting for.

Aerick · 06-15-2005, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montgjules

* MOTM June 8, 2005 vs. Universidad Catolica

For the first time ever, the Loyalists Man of the Match was a unanimous decision. After watching frustrating losses and a seeming lack of motivation, the Loyalists wanted to see something different. That’s what they got from this week’s MOTM: determination and passion, which ultimately resulted in an unlikely win.

Things seemed bleak for Real Salt Lake when they left the pitch after 45 minutes of play against Universidad Catolica on June 8th. RSL was down 2-0 and the crowd, at least, wasn’t feeling very hopeful. Things turned around in the second half, however, as both teams subbed out various players and RSL’s reserves got a piece of the action.

The most noticeable difference came when this game’s Man of the Match, Jamie Watson, entered the field. “There was a noticeable increase in the speed of play when he entered the game. He seemed to get the rest of the team fired up,” said Scott Cardon.

Loyalist Scott Stucki said, “He entered the game, adding a new spark, and contributed to all three goals in the come back.”

“Can you say ‘energy’, ‘drive’, and ‘determination’?” asked Eric Wright. “Jamie Watson embodied all three, and perhaps more during the Catolica match. Not many things are more sweet than a seemingly hopeless come from behind win, and Jamie Watson was instrumental in just such a win over Catolica!”

Congratulations to Jamie for being the first player in RSL history to be voted unanimously Man of the Match by the Loyalists!

* MOTM June 11, 2005 vs. LA Galaxy

For RSL fans, the bad news after the June 11th game was that it resulted in a loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. The good news for the fans was that the game was lost by only one point (1-0) as commentators noted, “This really should have been a three or four to zero game.”

Various Loyalists paid their tribute to the defense as they nominated DJ Countess, Brian Dunseth and Brian Kamler for Man of the Match. However, the winner came from the opposite end of the field. 75% of the votes for MOTM went to rookie forward Jamie Watson, who came in as a substitution during the second half.

Fans of Real Salt Lake know Jamie Watson as more than a professional soccer player. For those who read “Jamie’s Journal” on RSL’s website, he’s just “Jamie,” a cool guy who is passionate about life and about soccer. That passion has made him a favorite for many of the Loyalists, who have even joked about putting together a petition to see him in as a starter.

Roger Douglass said, “I'm going to go with Jaime Watson for the energy he brought into the game off the bench.”

Loyalist Rich Myrick coined a nickname for Jamie, saying, “Sparky lit a fire under the team and made a good case for starting him next week against the Quakes on the mini-field.”

Eric Wright noted his appreciation for DJ Countess, saying, “He chronicled another six saves in what likely should have been a two or three to zero match. Thanks for making us look better than we really were – again!”

Another vote for DJ Countess came from Scott Stucki, who said, “Against the Galaxy, go with DJ. We made him work way too hard again—no sweeper keeper for him.”

Midfielder Brian Kamler stepped into the back left position for Rusty Pierce, who was out for injury. Remembering Kamler’s short stint as goalkeeper in a previous game, Brian Seppa said, “Man of the match for me is Mr. Versatility, Brian Kamler.”

Congratulations to all those who were nominated this week and especially to Jamie Watson. Earning the MOTM honor twice within one week makes Jamie Watson the first RSL player to ever win the honor twice in a row.

If you are a PAID member of the Loyalists, you can vote for the Loyalists MOTM after each game. Votes for Man of the Match can be emailed to rslmotm [at] gmail.com. Votes should be sent before 5 p.m. on the Monday following games. Votes for Wednesday games will be accepted through the following Monday if you specify which match you are voting for.

You do a great job with this Jules!