By Tony Edwards - San Jose, CA (Nov 23, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Far be it from us not to stick to a schedule, so here's the Thanksgiving Day edition of the 5 Questions. Tony looks at former MVP’s new job, the Castrol Ratings for Americans in Europe, and when to show up for a Crew game.
What did you miss, this past season, if you got to your seat at a Crew game at the end of the first half?
Not much worth seeing if you are a Crew fan. The Crew only scored 9 goals in the first half this season, while giving up 21. On the other hand, make sure you’re back from the concession stand by the start of the second half, as the Crew led the league in second-half goals, with 34 (while giving up 23). The Crew’s 3-4-5 record when trailing at the half was second (on a percentage basis) only to Seattle’s 3-3-3.
Which team, last season, went the most minutes without scoring and the most minutes without allowing a goal?
FC Dallas. From May 1st until May 28, they went 531 minutes without allowing a goal. However, from September 9 through October 12, they went 401 minutes without scoring. Maybe its something in Dallas, as the NHL Stars just broke a 190+ minute scoreless drought in a loss to San Jose on Saturday evening.
Digging a little deeper, the Galaxy, this past season, had separate runs of 479 and 315 minutes of not allowing a goal. The Earthquakes, on the other hand, went 295 minutes without scoring in early July, then scored on July 20, only to immediately embark on another run of 283 minutes without scoring. The Earthquakes, despite those runs, ended up with the fourth most shots in the league, with 459 (KC led the league with 488).
What is former MVP Alex Pineda Chacon doing now?
He’s the new head coach of the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League. Chacon played for three seasons with Atlanta beginning in 2004 and he was an assistant coach with the club for three seasons. He replaces Jose Manuel Abundis.
Are there any surprises in the latest Castrol Ratings among Americans who play in Europe?
Not really. Clint Dempsey is rated as the best American abroad, with Timmy Chandler second, and Steve Cherundolo third. Lionel Messi is rated as the best player in Europe. The ratings only cover the largest leagues, so players in Belgium and Scotland, for instance, aren’t considered.
All-time, which MLS club has the most regular season wins?
While its no surprise that the Galaxy (233 after this season) and DC (212) are first and second, Dallas (207) and Columbus (206) have been far more successful in the regular season than most would probably expect.
