Post-Game Thoughts on the Seoul-Galaxy Game

By: Laurie | March 1st, 2008

First off. Umm… Penalties?!?!

Did anybody else who was watching the game know that we went to penalties after drawing in regulation time? Did they show it on TV? Did they say anything about it? I know my brain is fuzzy at 1:30 in the morning, but I think I would have heard if somebody had said penalties. But maybe not.

We apparently lost 2-1 on penalties last night after everybody but Becks had his PK saved. Since Beckham is not traditionally known for his penalties, perhaps that’s good news?

Oh, well. I think Ruud learned a lot of the things he set out to learn, and that’s what counts in the preseason.

A couple of things worth noting. First, according to the announcers, Alvaro has been officially signed. My thought: He’s Brazilian, he has some skill on the ball, and he has an almost Ruiz-like ability to get fouled in areas that could allow Beckham to deliver lethal free kicks. What’s not to like?

Also, when I re-read my liveblog last night, it came across as too hard on Xavier. X has incredible positioning skills and an ability to get his head on the ball where needed. He’s invaluable defensively on corners, free kicks and crosses and any time the ball heads toward goal in the air. Where he falls short is when it comes to keeping up with speedy forwards. If he’s going to be on the field, we’re going to need some faster defenders to compensate for this fact. He should never end up in a situation where he’s the only one between a fast player and our goalkeeper. Jiggle the defense however necessary, but don’t leave him back there alone.

Next. About Carlos Ruiz. This pains me a bit to say it, but I may have been wrong about him. He was nothing but professional last night. And you know those Beckham balls that sailed off into space last year and made you think, “Why don’t we have anybody who can get on the end of those?!?!” Last night it looked like we just might. He’s rusty, of course. I don’t know that he’s even played since his knee surgery, aside from the closed-door Houston game. But I saw serious potential in this game, and it made me hopeful.

But if replays at any time this year show him taking a blow to the leg and going down holding his face? I’ll cheerfully go out on the field myself and deliver the punishment blow, Rico Clark-style.

(Note to Galaxy security: I am joking.)

As far as the youngsters, would you believe I missed Tudela last night? Not that there was a gaping hole in the midfield for him to fill — there wasn’t. But I like the kid. I’m hoping there’s at least a spot for him as a sub this year.

Also, Ely Allen shows great promise and could be awesome with a little experience. Alan Gordon was a pleasant surprise in the withdrawn forward role, Bryan Jordan has a good workrate but is still a bit of a question mark for me. And I’m hoping Mike Randolph and Celestine Babayaro will click a whole lot better than they did last night. (Should their positions be reversed?) And I’m looking forward to Landon being better.

And I think I may have liked the look of 4-3-3. Or more kind of 4-3-1-2. It’s…different. But in a fun way. When Landon is better, are you seeing him up front with Ruiz, with Gordon behind them? Or Gordon and Ruiz up front with Landon withdrawn?

Does that about cover things? What did you think?

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Exhibition Matches, International Games and Issues

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Laurie

I'm researching cap compliance today. (What little info is out there.) I have to do some stuff on the main page, but I'll get a post up later today.
Nicole

I don't know about that, CSR. Most friendlies I've ever watched that end in ties do just that: end in a tie. Very rare that they go to PKs. I believe, though, there was some "cup" involved and it had to be decided.

I'm still encouraged by the team. It definitely needs Donovan to make it all work offensively - which hopefully will then keep the pressure off the defense. Because the defense is having a hard time getting sorted out.

Since today is cap compliance day, I wonder who the Galaxy waive. Seeing as how we're not very astute at negotiating trades - we telegraph exactly what we need to do - teams are just gonna sit back and take their pick when we let somebody go.
Alex

I know I seem to hate on your boys sometimes, but they looked good out there. The roster was very different from Hawaii. They looked like a soccer team.

If your trio stays healthy, I think you have a shot at the playoffs.
CSR

usually friendlies that end in draws go to penalties. it's normal
Dick

Like Jen, and for the same reasons, I see Donovan working behind the forwards. But I don't see Gordon starting. I don't really understand why he's still with the team when so many others have come and gone. I've watched him for several years now, and the extremely nice goal he scored off off Beckham's chip was the first thing of quality I think I've ever seen. I assume it was a fluke. He has the first touch of a brick wall, doesn't seem to know what to do with the ball at his feet and is not that good in the air.
mag

I'm long time British press hater. They love to hate Beckham. Look: Beckham missed first one,but Heskey missed the last crucial PK-they never write about it. Who remember Shrak's sant off in WC? Who remember that Gerard and Lampard missed PK-s and sent England back home in WC 2006? ...it's part of fame-Becks is always the main target.
Laurie

See, Mag? This is why it's good for me to have longtime Beckham fans as readers -- to set me straight when I believe the British press. :-)
mag

Well I don't agree that Becks isn't known as a PK taker.
He always took them in MU (he regular role) and in NT till off course 2004. England press made this story,but he actually didn't miss one from 2004. Lampard missed more in NT than Beckham...
jen

Good recap Laurie. I just finished watching the DVRed game.

If they play a 4-3-1-2 I see Landon working behind the forwards. That gives him the chance to get on the end of Beckham's crosses while still giving him a midfield play making role. And he really is a golden boy when he faces the goal. He's just not a back-to-the-goal kind of forward.

And yes, yes, the rookies are doing quite well! Very promising!

Xavier and Vanney are slow, that's for sure. I'm not sure if their levelheadedness makes up for it though. We'll see. And Xavier has such perfectly timed tackles. Maybe if one of the two of them played deeper instead of a flat back defense the speed issue wouldn't be as glaring.

And Mr. Ruiz WAS quite professional, wasn't he? Hmm, could he be maturing? He has GOT to be one happy puppy to be earmarked for the end of Beckham's crosses. I mean, as a forward, what isn't to love about that proposition!