By Andrew Dixon - MIAMI, FL (Sep 11, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- Time to open up the One Grown Mailbag.
Our first letter comes from a J. Wicks in DC. He asks: “Have I become the new villain in MLS?”
In Seattle, I suppose and maybe in certain parts around the DMV.
People might have thought you were a little nuts after your tussle with Mark Burch at the end of the Chicago game. To me, it was you getting frustrated from not getting your point across. However... the stomp on Freddy Montero’s hand after he inadvertently kicked you while scoring during the US Open Cup final? And then your subsequent temper tantrum? Let's just say that didn’t endear you to anyone, especially in DC where people were openly calling for you to be cut before the match was even over.
That being said, to me , you need more than one moment of madness to be a true villain in this League and you’re not there yet, thankfully.Our next letter comes from a L. Donovan in LA. He writes: “I hear ballots went out for Honda Player of the Year. Is there anyway I don’t win this award again.”
Dude, you’ve won this thing 5 times already. How many cars do you need?
Honestly, though, I can’t see you not winning this thing again. You’ve stood up and led this team throughout the year. When the US has struggled such as the first couple of games at the Confederations Cup, you were one of the few bright lights. When the US has been at its best you’ve been instrumental in the team’s success. You’ve had a hand in 10 of the 14 goals the US has scored in qualifying (two goals - 8 assists). The goal you scored against Brazil in the Confederations Cup was a thing of beauty. You had the swine flue and still delivered a beautiful pass to Charlie Davies for the lone goal in Mexico.I’ve said it before, the US will only go as far in the World Cup as you take them. Oguchi Onyewu has had a great year as has Tim Howard. But, right now, you’re the best thing going for the United States.
Our crack staff has translated a letter written to us in Spanish from a Mr. White in Chicago. He writes: Admit it. I’ve set the standard for Designated Player success. RECOGNIZE!!!!
Ok, I’ll admit that when you signed with MLS, my initial thought was that I would have been more excited had you come two or three years earlier. Yet right from the jump you inspired the Fire to a deep run in the playoffs. You’ve become an integral part of Chicago’s lineup and key to their success. I keep hearing that legs aren’t what they once were, but movement wasn’t one of the defining attributes of Carlos Valderrama either. What’s most important is that the skills and creativity are still there.
What’s been equally amazing is that you’ve not only brought the goods to Chicago but you’re doing the business for Mexico as well, as evidenced by the games against the US and Honduras.I’ve been a fan of Juan Pablo Angel since he was at River Plate and I’m Manchester United fan who’s watched David Beckham become a superstar. But as far as MLS is concerned, right now, you are the best DP going and I hope you're still in this League next year.
I’ve got a letter here from an S. Scott in Bristol, CT who writes: “What’s with all this soccer from other countries on the weekends? It’s time for football! Does anyone really care about this stuff?”
Better believe it, frat. ESPN’s decision to buy rights to matches from the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga and broadcast the matches here in the US of A was met with excitement and quite frankly a little bit of surprise from soccer fans.
The excitement comes from seeing some of the world’s best players from two of the best leagues in Europe on a regular basis on THE sports network in the US. That in and of itself is brillian. Beyond that, it will introduce the game to those who aren’t as familiar with the likes of Xavi or Steven Gerrard. Exposure to the game being played at some of its highest levels will only help the game grow in this country, especially as we approach the World Cup next year.
The surprise comes from the fact despite ESPN’s moniker as the Worldwide Leader in Sports, the World’s most popular sport is rarely a lead story on SportsCenter and often gets stepchild treatment from your colleagues. To see it finally replacing bass fishing, people playing poker, and World Strongest Man reruns from the Clinton administration is making soccer fans wonder if we’re in some Bizarro World.
Hmm let’s see, J. Jones from Gelsenkirchen, Germany writes: “I want to represent the US at the 2010 World Cup. What are my chances…and who’s this David Regis I keep hearing about.”
Given the fact that your paperwork is still on somebody’s desk, it may be while before you’re even eligible to throw on a US jersey. You’re coming off an injury. You’d be competing for time in a position where guys have been toiling for almost two years. If it’s one thing the US has, it's quality players at the defensive midfielder position.
The last time someone joined the US late in the run up to the World Cup, he displaced a very popular player and unbalanced the already delicate chemistry of the team.
That being said, you cannot have too much depth and you are a quality player at one of the top clubs in the Bundesliga. For all the controversy surrounding Regis, he was one of the few players to show up in ’98 and I don’t doubt you’d contribute to the cause. This will be an interesting process to watch.E. Castillo in San Nicolás, Mexico writes: “Dude, what about me?”
Now this seems more of a sure thing. You’re a left back and we’ve not had a dependable left back in since… um… wait it’ll come to me… yeah, oh never mind.
I fully expect to see you at least named to the roster for Honduras or Costa Rica next month. If things work out and we can slide Carlos Bocanegra back into the middle, I think the USA’s backline will be solid, no matter if Jonathan Spector or Stevie C is at right back. Carpe Diem, my man.
I just got an email from a Mrs. O.G. Man who typed: “Wrap that column up and take the garbage out.”Take out the garbage? Who… Uh oh, gotta go.
Keep those letters coming.Andrew Dixon is a soccer writer based in Miami and a weekly columnist for USSoccerPlayers. Contact him at: golnoir@golnoir.net
