Comments on: 2009 Major League Soccer Best XI

By: George Tanner

George Tanner — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:03:46 +0000

all excellent points!

By: Longtime Rapid Fan

Longtime Rapid Fan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:23:52 +0000

One of the statistics offered in soccer that bothers me is number of goals scored. To a large extent I find it meaningless.

Let’s look back a couple of years ago when Joavan Kirovski scored six goals for the Rapids and was the leading scorer. But 2/3 of his goals were penalty kicks and I don’t recall his being responsible for creating any of those opportunites.

Fast forward to this year. Yes, Mr. Casey scored 16 goals, setting a team record. But four of those goals were on penalty kicks. The irony is if had been perfect on penalty kicks (not an unreasonsable expectation)he would have been awarded the Golden Boot.

If you have Omar Cummings take the six penalty kicks taken by Casey and has the same succes as Casey, he ties for the team lead. Plus he has 12 assists compared to one for Casey.

Keep in mind Casey’s strength is supposedly holding the ball and creating chances.

Finally, how many matches were there where Casey didn’t have Cummings to support him and how many matches was Cummings operating without the support of Casey?

By: George Tanner

George Tanner — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:37:02 +0000

we must’ve watched different games. i voted for D-Ro for player of the week at least three times this season. he had the type of season … well, let me put it this way. i can’t tell you how many times in 2009 i wondered to myself, “why would houston let him go?” here are his stats: 11 goals, six assists, 80 shots (36 on goal) in 28 games (27 starts). i think he’s still one of the most dynamic players in the history of this league, and i picked him here for the quality of his performance this season, which was darn good.

By: Shaun Schafer

Shaun Schafer — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:55:26 +0000

Solid picks, George.

The only thing that surprised me was the unanimity of support for De Rosario. I watched Toronto a half dozen times, and I only saw De Rosario play exceptionally well once. The rest of the time, I thought he was pedestrian, or even behind the play.

If I was building a midfield, I don’t think De Ro would be one of my five picks.