Fraser: On the road again

[AreliusIV]

http://real.saltlake.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20060405&content_id=55427&vkey=news_rsl&fext=.jsp&team=rsl
It appears that part of Robin Fraser's job description, in addition to adding color to the broadcasts, is to write reassuring words for our website ...

[Burninator]

The words, although reassuring, are also kind of scary. I take it that Robin Fraser is akin to Eddie Pope (successful MLS defender, USMNT caps) and knows what a game like Sunday's can be like as a defender. I appreciate his breakdown of the game and his optimism, but I think that if we don't see significant improvement from the team within a month or so, Ellinger should go.

Fraser makes it sound so simple to improve and so, if it doesn't happen, all the more reason to let Ellinger go. In other words, Ellinger and RSL should have known all of this before hand. That being said, I hope that we compete decently from here on out. Some have said that this was just the shock RSL's system needed. Let's hope so.

I think/hope we can also count on Fraser's optimism. It sounds like he's been here before, that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that it's not a freight train heading our direction at full speed. Of course, he may just be another propagandist...

One thing I would like to see is more communication between Ellinger and our guys on the field. I know this can be difficult at times (especially with all those stupid horns and crap), but that doesn't stop other coaches from losing their voices trying to help manage the game from the sidelines.

So now what? I'm bringing my guarded optimism to my dad's house on Saturday evening for the game. My hope springs eternal, although it has been somewhat diminished...I'll talk to y'all afterwards.

⚽ Geoff
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REGULATORS! Mount up!
Everybody let me hear ya say oh-yayer

[prk166]

Does Fraser have a coaching license?

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Originally Posted by prk166

Does Fraser have a coaching license?

An "A" license, I think.

Fraser had to play in front of Jorge Campos and beside Manny Motajo, but I don't think that Robin ever was involved in anything resembling last Sunday's debacle.

[Rover]

Fraser was a great player and obviously knows his stuff. I agree with most of what he says, but would counter a couple of things:

1. We know this isn't gridiron football. I know when I criticize (or praise) offense or defense I'm talking about eleven players. That's the way soccer is played, and I think most of us know the difference. Team game.

2. Yes, we had problems in Game 1 with our midfield play. Not just the midfielders (see point 1), but our use of the midfield and control of the ball. But in watching this team from its inaugural game I can say I've still haven't seen any sustained examples of team chemistry. Even when successful last year, RSL still looked like a set of individuals. We can correct the technical stuff, but team chemistry doesn't just happen on its own.

Anyway, it's great to have Robin Fraser on board and I now have another must-read column.

[Jose Luis Luviano]

Remember how MLS had Sigi Schmidt write a column while he was waiting for a coaching job to open up?