UPDATED:More Quakes-Galaxy Analysis

By: NathanHJ | August 5th, 2008

But not here. Well, not precisely.

What I mean is that my column over at Soccer By Ives is now up. So in a fit of self-pimping, I’m linking to it.

Read and comment, there or here.

Also, consider this an open thread for any and all Galaxy/MLS/futbol conversations.

What’s up?

UPDATE: Nick Green over at the Daily Breeze has his Tuesday column up and it features more on the swirling turmoil at the HDC. His highlights are from his coversation with Alexi Lalas. Good stuff here, including this:

To his credit, Lalas on Monday did not deny any of the reports.

He characterized his relationship with Gullit as “professional,” (often a euphemism for “we speak when necessary”) and added the pair have “disagreements.” And he pretty much confirmed that some choice words are being thrown about as players and coaches try to hash out the encroaching morass that threatens to envelop the team.

“I want strong personalities in the locker room,” Lalas said. “I want people who have opinions. I don’t want a bunch of robots. And I don’t want players that have no passion and don’t care. Some of the best players or some of the best teams I ve ever been involved with, if (you were) on the inside you would see some of the knock-down, drag-out stuff, it would scare you to death.

“But that’s how successful teams are made,” he added. “I never would want to squash that.”

It’s also how some teams implode.

Also, Dan Loney, the funniest blogger covering MLS, noted that he thinks Lalas’ only function is to sell tickets.

I’ve grown weary of trying to defend Alexi Lalas by pointing out that his job description is to sell tickets, because if he’s the next guy tossed overboard, then there’s a definite upside…the guy was magic as a commentator.

In other words the personnel decisions lie elsewhere within the organization and always have. Don’t know if that’s right, but if it is, I feel kinder towards The Mouth Of The South(land).

Comments? Thoughts? Juicy tidbits?

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Category: 2008 Season

Tags: 2008 Season, open thread, Soccer By Ives

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Comments  

• Nicole |  August 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

  
  
  

  I read your column, and you made me smile. Misery loves company.

  But we’re going to make the playoffs….I guarantee it!

  Somehow, some way, we’re going to learn to defend.

  Posted from United States

  

• charlesj27 |  August 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

  
  
  

  Nicole – geeesshh; if only I had your optimism and willingness to believe. For me: what’s stopping me from giving an extra 10 – 15% to our LA Galaxy is their “aloofness”… their stoic characteristic of being “not open” and “secretive” to their supporters. For me: I think that pisses me off more than anything else. I so stand behind our guys and gals at LA Galaxy… but, I’m also wearing Kevlar armor and a parachute – just in case. Sorry for being bleak!

  Posted from United States

  

• Glen |  August 5th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

  
  
  

  I heard in the grapevine Rudd and Cobi are gonna suit up and play :p

  Posted from United States

  

• Justin |  August 5th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

  
  
  

  All I know is it is way quiet in Galaxy land and with us not playing until the 14th something has got to be done.

  Posted from United States

  

• Dan |  August 6th, 2008 at 9:41 am

  
  
  

  Thanks for the trackback!

  I assume Lalas is in charge of selling, because when the press release announcing Paul Bravo’s promotion to technical director said he was in charge of ALL player decisions. That’s almost certainly not correct – I don’t think he can cut Beckham or Donovan, for example – but it does suggest Lalas’ responsibilities lie elsewhere.

  Posted from United States

  

• Colin |  August 6th, 2008 at 11:49 am

  
  
  

  Great article! Sad, but funny as well, which I guess could also sum up the Galaxy season so far…

  Posted from United States

  

• jen |  August 6th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

  
  
  

  Methinks this is the calm before the storm. Yes, very quiet in Galaxy-land. I assume there will be changes made before the next match. What do you guys think?

  Posted from United States

  

• Lee |  August 6th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

  
  
  

  Yep, Jen. I’d expect to see some changes before the
  weekend. I’m not typically the kind to push the panic
  button but something needs to be done to shake the team
  up before it’s too late.

  Posted from United States

  

• DAVE |  August 7th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

  
  
  

  Is Cory Gibbs a Galaxy player yet?
  I read that Ruiz may go to Colorado and Mastronei may come to the Galaxy. Will he fit under the salary cap?

  Posted from United States

  

• jen |  August 7th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

  
  
  

  “Will he fit under the salary cap?”

  If not, I’d be willing to help stuff him under the salary cap.

  Not sure about Cory Gibbs. I hear yes/maybe, I hear no way. We’ll keep researching it.

  Posted from United States

  

• Nicole |  August 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pm

  
  
  

  Oh, gosh, please, please let it be so – Mastroeni for Ruiz?!

  Posted from United States

  

• Glen |  August 7th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

  
  
  

  Mastroeni would be a very welcome addition. who knows on the Gibbs situation if that would be good or not.

  Posted from United States

  

• DAVE |  August 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

  
  
  

  Doesn’t the Transfer window close soon?

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed