By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Oct 27, 2011) US Soccer Players -- In this edition, Tony asks about Steve Nicol, Chuck Blazer, what #6 for the Cosmos can do about the offside law, and if Chris Wondolowski has a chance to break the MLS record for most goals scored in a three consecutive seasons.
Can you name two former Boston area coaches/managers who will have no trouble getting a job either in broadcasting or on the sideline/dugout?
Both Terry Francona and Steve Nicol brought stability, accountability, and results to franchises formerly in disarray. If results these last two years weren't up to either man's expectations, well, neither one got many breaks either. It may well be that after 10 years in MLS, Nicol may choose find a home in Bristol for a little while. But next spring, he'll be on speed-dial if 2012 starts slowly in San Jose, Columbus, or Harrison.
What might be Chuck Blazer’s next move after he leaves CONCACAF?
New York MLS owner? It would be an interesting move for the man who revitalized Major League Soccer's television rights by insisting they be bundled with FIFA's World Cup package that was later sold to MLS. Blazer has vision, something the New York market could use if that's indeed the 20th stop for Major League Soccer.
Will Franz Beckenbauer’s proposals save us from offside confusion?
Possibly. Quips about ‘if you’re not interfering with play, what are you doing on the field?” aside, Law 11 is easily the most controversial law, in practice.
Right now, it states that “A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by interfering with play; or interfering with an opponent; or gaining an advantage by being in that position.”
However you want to parse the wording (and it certainly could be cleared up; deflections for instance should be mentioned), most of the time, offside is going to be a judgment call on the part of the Assistant Referee. There’s no easy solution, unlike goal-line technology, and mistakes are going to be made.
Who has scored the most goals in MLS over a three-year period?
Raul Diaz Arce with 56. Chris Wondolowski, with 34 over the last two seasons, needs a monster year in 2012 to catch RDA. For those wondering what the big deal about Diaz Arce was in DC when he was drawing a significant number of fans all on his own? 23 goals in 28 games in 1996, 15 in 22 in '97, and 18 in 32 when he moved to New England.
How good was Carlos Valderrama?
Very good. He’s still second all-time in total assists with 114 in 175 games. Steve Ralston is MLS‘ all-time assist leader, with 135 in 378 games. Stop me if you’ve heard this name before, but Landon Donovan is the active leader, with 94 in 255.
