LA 2, San Jose 0

By: jen | April 4th, 2008

Awww yeaahhh, here we go, here we go!

What a beautiful game to watch (in HD no less). Who was it who said “If they play him [Gordon] up high with Donovan running underneath him it might work.” Ruud? Are you reading this blog again??

My bullet point analysis — I actually took notes while watching:

* Donovan has got to play center mid under the forward(s). He needs to be next to Beckham and in the middle of the field to make those dangerous runs at the defense. He and Beckham are like this. Seriously, it is so nice to see those two reading the game and creating chances together. Donovan has seriously lacked partnership in his creativity until now. That’s one of the reasons he has always seemed to “step it up” for MNT games, but has been lacking at times in MLS games. All you Donovan detractors, this is why. He needs someone else to see the game three passes ahead just like he does.

* Alan Gordon, please forgive me for doubting you. The man was on fire, at least until about the 65th minute when his legs seemed to tire. He made some great runs. He got his head on Beckham’s crosses. He was able to hold the ball when necessary. Yes Ruud, keep playing him at target forward! I know he missed some chances in the second half, but he’s no Ruiz. He could/should get pulled out in the 70th minute. But a 300% improvement over previous games is what I’m seeing. Love it!

* Chris Klein, you are freakishly fit! I know that some doubt he is worth his salary ($190,000), but I beg to differ. Did you know he and Becks are the same age? And yet we keep hearing about how old Beckham is. He and Beckham also have a great chemistry on the right side. He is worth every penny, if not more, and he’s just the type of player that Ruud loves.

* And what about that defense?? Yes, Vanney is slow and it still scares me. But I could see him organizing the youngsters back there and being a calming influence. Randolf is fast and despite an early yellow card played very well — including a well-timed tackle in the second half. Franklin was solid in the center with Vanney. McDonald at deep midfield? Hell yeah!! He is an amazing find!

And now for the yeah, but. Yes, I know San Jose was incredibly weak (sorry SJ fans) and so we may have looked better than we really are. But that’s okay, because this game served to bolster the confidence of the young players and the team’s spirits. I’m not saying we have become the super club; we are going in the right direction though.

As a former season ticket holder I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the fans. Talk about a 12th man! I especially could hear the Riot Squad singing and stomping away.

One last little photo for my smack-talking friend, Melissa, over at San Jose Offside. All in fun: