Galaxy Recap: Sober Version

Round 2 of the Galaxy match lookback. I wish that I wasn’t going to talk about the referees, but I must. This article on MLS.net demonstrated that I was far from alone in waking up thinking not only whether sushi at 9pm was a good idea but also what the hell the referees were thinking.


Conversation post-game over beers:
Unnamed Blogger: “I’m going to start a referee review with ratings and rants!” (bonus points for consanancy)

Best Friend: “No, don’t do it. Those guys don’t get paid enough to be called out.”

“But they deserve to be held accountable!”

Other friend: “Yeah, think about it. In such a low-scoring game, the referees exercise huge control over the outcome of the game. One call or lack of call can have a huge impact when you only score one or two goals during the entire match. It’s not like basketball or even American football. Each call matters.”

“Besidess, they’re not minor league umpires, for god’s sake, laboring about the country on a paltry per diem and working at Home Depot in the off-season. If they suck, they should lose their gig, just like anyone.”

“Some of those players are only making $30K – if that. Waitress!”

Right. That’s where I stand today, sober even. The referees deserve to be called out like anyone else on the pitch. I will therefore proclaim Tim Wyland, Sunday’s referee, to officially suck.

Sigi and I are not alone in our criticism. John Carver, Toronoto FC’s former coach, complained about Tim Weyland's abysmal performance not long before he resigned from the MLS. Hmmm...

Galaxy Post-Game

"Disappointed in the Refereeing”

Said Sigi. Said many thousands of fans. But my throat is hoarse, and I can say it no more. (Sorry to the preteens sitting in the row in front of me). Besides this picture speaks louder than my words.

Beautiful Day, Beautiful Fans

Oh to not be layered! Noon felt a little early. But the afternoon sun was a treat, and the 28,000+ fans were amazing as usual.

About Passion and Control

The Sounders had passion. The referee had no control. One fed the other until the yellow shirt started flashing cards like my mother playing poker. I was proud to see the Sounders keeping each others backs like a team should. I was especially warm and fuzzy to see Freddie Ljungberg waving his finger in the face of the referees and getting right into the mix during the James Riley situation. Passion and physicality... I’ve said it before. It’s what I like to see out there.

Man of the Match?

The man of the match is the opposing goalkeeper?! The one who kicked the ball out of play in the 88th minute and flopped on to the ground the burn the clock? Weak. Totally weak.

The Shirts Come Off

Thank you! Are you guys reading this? Or are we just putting out the right vibe? Either way, keep those shirts coming off. As it should be!

Sounders - Galaxy Highlights

Even if you don't understand Spanish, these highlights are worth watching for the exuberant exclamation of "Goooaaallll!" Two times over, unfortunately.