By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (June 28, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Thursday’s edition of the 5 Questions, Tony asks how Chad Marshall’s recovery from a concussion is going and emphasizes the need for a change in the substitution rule when it comes to concussions. Also, a look at Montreal’s surprising scoring and MLS ratings on ESPN.
How is US National Team defender Chad Marshall doing as he recovers from a concussion?
He returned to training this week for the first time since he suffered a concussion on May 4th. The Crew are treading cautiously with Marshall, as they should. Marshall suffered the concussion when he was hit in the face by a volley from a team mate in practice, not from a header as had been reported.
While Marshall’s injury happened in practice, not a game, I will repeat my proposal of June 5th that the League, and FIFA should allow an extra substitution for players who have possible concussions. A player’s long-term health is too important to let tactical concerns influence a decision as to whether or not to take a player off the field.
How many goals has Montreal scored in their last three League games?
Nine, with four against Seattle and Houston at home bookending a 2-1 loss to Chivas in Carson. Somewhat surprisingly given their early-season struggles, Montreal has scored 24 goals this season, which is behind only four teams (San Jose, DC, New York, and Salt Lake). With Designated Player Marco Di Vaio now eligible, Montreal needs to do something about its road record (1-7-1) before they can be considered a playoff contender. Getting shutout at home 3-0 by Toronto on Wednesday night doesn’t help.
While ESPN has made much of the ratings for their broadcasts of the European championships, how is MLS fairing?
According to Soccer America, the latest installment of the Cascadia derby did quite well, with Portland – Seattle recording a 0.6 rating. Good news relative to MLS, but worth remembering that we’re talking about a premier game in this League. Those of you who watched the MLS feeds for the US Open Cup on Tuesday might have noticed the meter for the San Jose – Seattle game was quite higher than the others. People watch when Seattle plays, and we knew that already.
Can it get too hot to practice in MLS?
Yes, it can. When critics of MLS complain the League cannot establish a style of play, point them to Colorado, where the Rapids opened the season with snow on the ground, and this week had to cancel practice one day because it was too hot. It’s one thing to play a high-energy pressing game when the thermometer reads 65 degrees, entirely another when it reads 95 degrees. With temperatures forecast to be in the 90s for Saturday evening’s game against Portland, player safety needs to be the primary concern.
What was the announced attendance in Kansas City for Tuesday’s US Open Cup game between Sporting and the Dayton Dutch Lions?
More than 15,100. Kansas City has taken the Open Cup seriously this season and their announced attendance reflects that, even against a USL team.
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