In the week after a 1-0 loss to Colorado last week, Portland Timbers’ head coach John Spencer was fined and suspended for his comments about the officiating. During that game, Drew Moor scored a controversial goal and the Timbers were denied a penalty kick on a missed call. This culminated in Spencer being sent off at the end of the game for arguing with the fourth official.

Major League Soccer, much like many of the other leagues around the world, typically cracks down on coaches or managers who dispute refereeing decisions. Fines and touchline bans are commonplace for anyone deigning to contend some of the more dubious calls that have occurred in the past. Despite these heavy consequences, we continue to see instances in which the referee’s judgment is debated upon. The question is, should someone be punished for expressing his viewpoint in reaction to something that didn’t go his way, provided that this expression is made in a non-offensive manner?

In the opening game of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Costa Rica took on Cuba in The Dallas Cowboys’ massive stadium. The result was never really in question, as Costa Rica dominated play from the onset and was up 2-0 by the break. As I watched Costa Rica repeatedly dismantle the Cuban defense, I couldn’t help but wonder exactly how many of the Cuban players would be missing before their June 9th clash against Mexico.

So, now that the participants of the MLS Cup Final are set, here is my take on how the game will play out.

Dallas (12-4-14) and Colorado (12-8-10) only finished four points apart in the ultra competitive Western Conference. Both teams are very physical and have a couple of difference makers in David Ferreira and Omar Cummings, respectively. Each team has a strong back line - Dallas only allowed 9.7 shots per game while Colorado allowed 10.2. To put this into perspective, Supporter's Shield winner Los Angeles allowed 9.63 while eighth playoff seed San Jose allowed a whopping 13.6.

This is a coaching post.

Yes, I'm going to rant a bit. Not about coaching per se, but about something that comes with coaching younger players - parents.

Obviously dealing with parents is part of youth sports. There are many types - quiet, loud, nice, mean, control freaks, etc. However, what I've realized is that the hardest thing to deal with when it comes to parents is that there are often about twenty to thirty of them, and only one of you. Which makes it more likely that throughout the course of a week, one out of thirty will have a problem (with the coaching, playing time, finances, training schedule, game schedule, the list goes on) and they'll expect you to fix it.

Not all problems are bad. I have no problem (pun intended) in arranging something with a parent or family so that they can afford to have their kid play at a higher level.

MLS: Opening Day 2010

Game Recap

Despite much early uncertainty about whether or not Major League Soccer would hold its 15th season, the MLS 2010 opener went off without a hitch as 2009 expansion side Seattle Sounders hosted their incumbent, the Philadelphia Union.

The game started off with an early (1st minute) yellow to Danny Califf for an off the ball altercation with Fredy “Learn How to Spell Your Name” Montero. Way to go, ESPN, for showing the replay. I had to rewind the feed to catch a glimpse of what happened and that camera angle was even poor. Sometimes I question the production quality of MLS broadcasts. Montero’s ensuing free kick (and follow up) hit the wall, crisis averted.

Observations from the USA game against the Netherlands.

Positives:

1. The play of Stuart Holden until leaving the game at the half-hour mark. Holden played sharp passes, was consistently open, and even was solid on the defensive side, helping Jonathan Spector contain Dutch wingers Elia and Robben. After being on the receiving end of a dangerous studs-up tackle by Nigel De Jong, Holden was substituted. I really think that in a higher stakes game, De Jong would have been sent off. Good to see my man Beasley get some time, though.

The rant

I know I'm flattering myself when I write this, but I apologize to the large readership for having to read my previous post. It was hastily written and fueled by fresh frustration and anger, and a small amount of hurt pride that came with a confrontation by phone with a parent that I had last night.

As a coach, my actions are (or should be) considered an example to a group of young individuals, my team. I doubt any of them will ever read this, however, just the same, such an expressive display of my opinions should be kept to myself or at least out of the public eye. I have so much more to learn about the beautiful game, but even more to learn about the political/social aspect that surrounds the youth version in America.

I do not take back what I said, because in part I believe that my words are correct. However, the way I expressed them was irresponsible and immature. I will leave that post up as a serve-serving reminder of my need for improvement in that facet of coaching.