MLS CUP AND RANDOM RAMBLINGS

1. Watched the MLS championship game today and was impressed by the quality of play. If this game proves anything, it shows that while it certainly has a long way to go the league is on the upswing at least in terms of eye appeal. It was a reasonably attractive game to watch and the skill level exhibited was pretty darn good. The whole playoff system is a big joke however and the fact that almost every team makes the post season (almost including the Galaxy which is shocking after seeing them play in Denver- they looked like a bad rec league team) makes the whole season painful to watch. How hard would it be to have the US Cup culminate the season (like the FA Cup) and make the league's regular season leader be the champ?

2. Nate Jaqua looked pretty good for Houston and while i know that he stunk for LA early in the year, he played well after his trade and it's easy to imagine that he could have been a good target for Becks. More proof that Lalas is over his head?

3. Kudos to Israel for their spirited play against Russia. The lifeline they gave to England is amazing, but I wouldn't be overly shocked if Mclaren's boys blow it. The fact that he is national team coach is amazing- he has never really done anything (I don't count losing in the UEFA Cup final as anything) except be Sir Alex's assistant.

4. Some guys from MLS Cup to look for in Europe someday- Wells Thompson, Michael Parkhurst, Sharie Joseph (I know he just signed a deal but he has talent) and Twellman. He has a nose for goal and appears to be really tough- I know that he is not supposed to be great with ball at his feet and he is not that big, but it seems that he could play at the bottom of the Prem or in Germany. He has got to get more minutes with the MNT- who else do we have? He and Johnson seem like they would work well together.

5. One final thing- a question for the Ref and AR: why wasn't TT's bicycle kick called a dangerous play? Great piece of skill, but he almost kicked the defenders in the face.