Connoly's RSL preview!

[Czar Jake]

Here it is:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=327337&cc=5901

[bordelais7]

Predicted finish: Fifth place in the Western Conference.

I like it. Maybe it's realistic, maybe not, but who knows. But in any case, I love being the underdog.

[Czar Jake]

I agree that Mathis is probably the biggest key/X-factor on the team. I'm not worried about Countess though, and I think the possibility of having "too much personality" on the team is stretching a bit to try to find justification for his projected 5th place finish (in the West, not overall 😲 ) It does seem as though Connoly has finally jumped off the Chivas bandwagon.

I also agree that Krispy Laser Luke Kreamalmeyer is the player to watch for a breakout year... with honorable mention going to Jamie "Walter Kronkite" Watson.

So basically, I agree with most of the article, but I'm led to a completely different conclusion: 2nd place in the West.

[Arelius]

Czar: I see you're becoming more optimistic with time...


On another matter: I'm still a little perplexed about the keeper situation, especially when others more experienced were available.

[mckid]

As was I. But the line that brought it all back together was the fact that Countess was Ellinger's keeper at the U-17 world championship in 1999. It's crazy how so many players are connected to this guy.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

I agree that Mathis is probably the biggest key/X-factor on the team. I'm not worried about Countess though, and I think the possibility of having "too much personality" on the team is stretching a bit to try to find justification for his projected 5th place finish (in the West, not overall 😲 ) It does seem as though Connoly has finally jumped off the Chivas bandwagon.

I also agree that Krispy Laser Luke Kreamalmeyer is the player to watch for a breakout year... with honorable mention going to Jamie "Walter Kronkite" Watson.

So basically, I agree with most of the article, but I'm led to a completely different conclusion: 2nd place in the West.

Agree. Connolly's analysis isn't bad overall, but his conclusion is a little perplexing. You could see this coming when he picked the CRapids to finish second in the west.

I guess my question is this: Who would you pick to win the west? I can't see anyone head and shoulders above the others.

[Czar Jake]

Originally Posted by Rover

Agree. Connolly's analysis isn't bad overall, but his conclusion is a little perplexing. You could see this coming when he picked the CRapids to finish second in the west.

I guess my question is this: Who would you pick to win the west? I can't see anyone head and shoulders above the others.

Good point Rover. I think the West will be the weaker of the conferences this year, to be honest. Here's what I'm currently thinking:

LA Galaxy - I just have a hunch they'll get it done
RSL - explained above
FC Dallas - Johnson, new stadium
San Jose - They just seem to win. DeRo is back.
Crapids - They are not good.
Chivas - they just plain suck.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

Good point Rover. I think the West will be the weaker of the conferences this year, to be honest. Here's what I'm currently thinking:

LA Galaxy - I just have a hunch they'll get it done
RSL - explained above
FC Dallas - Johnson, new stadium
San Jose - They just seem to win. DeRo is back.
Crapids - They are not good.
Chivas - they just plain suck.

Good picks, but I wonder if FCD playing 13 of their first 19 on the road doesn't hurt them the way all those road games hurt LA in 2003. And I might move San Jose up a notch--just a hunch.

And someone will be a big surprise out of the gate--it always happens. But your picks look solid to me.

[bordelais7]

My lil' pre-season rankings:

LA, the original
San Jose
RSL
Dallas
Chivas
Springville High
Rapids

Good news for RSL: the west is pretty sucky compared to the east.

[GoReal]

I'm thinking that they'll at least make the playoffs!