By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (June 26, 2012) US Soccer Players -- In Tuesday’s edition, Tony looks at forwards finding form and teams losing it.
Which player has scored the most goals as substitute this season?
No surprise, Alan Gordon of San Jose with five. Playing the middle of a three-game stretch in a week (Wednesday in Colorado, Saturday in 95-degree Salt Lake, Tuesday evening against Seattle in the Open Cup), Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop made significant changes to the lineup Saturday night, opting for Ramiro Corrales playing left midfield in a 4-3-2-1 formation, supported by Justin Morrow playing fullback behind Corrales.
Ostensibly Yallop lined up his team this way to give more support to his defense and clog Salt Lake's attack. As it worked out, Salt Lake's midfielders and forwards ran riot and, with better finishing (and refereeing), should have won easily. No one picked up Salt Lake's attackers as they came from deep and only desperate goal line saves (yes plural) from defenders provided the platform for another dramatic San Jose win.
Which MLS team got called out by its own coach and goalkeeper this past weekend?
Here’s what Whitecaps keeper Joe Cannon said after Los Angeles strolled to a 3-0 victory on Saturday: “Hopefully some guys got some autographs tonight, because that might be the only thing you got out of it,” he said. His head coach was equally troubled, saying he thought his team was “almost star struck at times.” Meanwhile, the Whitecaps remain higher in the rankings. For only picking up one of six points this past week, is solidly third in the Western Conference. If Frank Yallop's Earthquakes weren't in first place, Rennie would be getting more attention for Coach of the Year.
Which forward is getting the 'new coach' bump?
Philadelphia's Jack McInerny, who had two goals in 73 minutes on Saturday. Statistically, the 19-year-old American had a mediocre game, with only 11 successful passes, compared with 6 successful ones. 10 times he was tackled and lost possession. Overall, he had less than 50 total touches during his time on the field. But the most important statistics are two shots on goal counting for two goals.
How many shots did Chivas USA have against FC Dallas on Saturday?
Over 90 minutes, Chivas had two total shots, with only Juan Agedelo putting his on goal. Making this more troubling is how much of the ball Chivas USA had with eight corner kicks and more than 330 passes. Say what you will about Chivas keeping a clean sheet in the game, and yes Juan Pablo Angel didn't play, but two shots over 90 minutes is not getting the job done.
Which MLS team has the longest winless streak?
While Seattle’s 7-game winless streak is getting more attention, FC Dallas is suffering through an 11-game winless streak. Dallas has the second worst goal difference in the League and has not won away from home all season.
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