Yes, I Still Love Kyle Martino

By: Laurie | May 27th, 2007

Why do I love Kyle Martino? This picture right here is why I love Kyle Martino. (Try this link to see if it gives you the highlights. If not, go to MLSnet.com and click on “video/audio” and find the Colorado-LA game. The red card event starts at about the 36-second mark.)

And okay, yes, I will admit to a soft spot in my heart for a certain headbutting French footballer, so maybe I’m predisposed to seeing events like those surrounding Martino’s red card less negatively than I ought to.

And I’ll agree that there is a good chance the actions preceding this picture were directly responsible for the loss. Although honestly, I’m not sure how much of the blame should fall on Martino. It’s not as if they were playing well with eleven men.

But at any rate. What I love about Kyle Martino is this kind of passion. (Although channeling it a little better would be a good thing.) And no, I don’t necessarily expect you to agree with me. But seriously, how much passion are we seeing this season? Cobi plays with passion, and Landon’s passion makes the occasional guest appearance. But a lot of the guys just seem to be phoning it in.

Or maybe it’s not passion. Maybe, as Lane said in the comments, it’s talent. I don’t know. All I know is that I watched the Chivas game right after the Galaxy game, and those guys looked like they were playing with their hearts. They looked like they were having fun. Our guys… Not so much.

So what do you think? Passion? Talent? Or is something else missing here?

On a related note, MLSZone has an excellent paragraph about the red card:

Gomez was involved in the altercation that got Martino sent off. Herculez was the victim of a hard tackle from Martino and began his usual rolling around on the ground, trying to get Martino a card. In the process, he put his spikes on Martino’s leg and kicked, which caused Martino to respond by getting in Gomez’s face and shoving him. Referee Baldomero Toledo instantly gave Martino a red card and Herc got off with a yellow. It was a very questionable call – Martino deserved a yellow and nothing more in my opinion. Former Galaxy star Herculez Gomez spent more time on his back than a Tijuana hooker in this match.

Does that capture it or what?

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: 2007 Games, League Game Recaps, Player News

« Alexi and Frank Talk About Beckham’s Schedule Conflicts and Loan Rumors | Home | Dear Galaxy, From Becks »

TJ

Well, I'm the writer over at The MLS Zone and I agree fully about the lack of passion that has washed over the team. It's hard to go watch the games when you already know the result is gonna be hard to swallow.

As for Herculez, I was his biggest fan when he played in L.A., even when other people said he was hot-dogging it. Now, I see what they are talking about. He spends half of his time on the field complaining and the other half drawing phantom fouls on opposing players. I get violently angry when I watch him play now and when he scored against the Galaxy... well... it was pretty at my house.

Anyways, I agree on Martino, I've totally come around on him this year. Keep up the good writing!
Fred

How did you manage to pull off a signing like David Beckham. He is a world class football player. This must be making great publicity for american soccer.