Seriously, I would agree that this year’s team is better than last in that the chemistry seems to be much better and that it’s things out of control – injuries and an unfit signing – that hurt the team, not infighting. Clarke lost control of the team last year, they quit on him and each other. If the players give 100% for Morrow as a team and lose to Houston, I’m fine with that. Last year was very bitter.

I think the MLS is a pretty physical league. While they call more fouls for physical challenges than they probably would in the EPL, I’ve seen some pretty brutal plays. It’s also a league that requires a higher degree of fitness. It’s all very well to run around for 90mins in 50F with a constant drizzle.. but it’s a different thing to try and do that when it’s 90F. I recall watching the Everton vs RSL game earlier this year.. I know it was pre-season for Everton, but it looked like they were ready to collapse at half-time.

I watched Blanco on Sunday. The majority of Blanco’s trick plays were failures and most of his solo dribble runs in the 1st half were likewise unsuccessful.. but he could give as good as he got physically and the intensity and determination were terrific. The system of play also gave him free reign to move around.. it seemed like he was everywhere.

Beckham had a couple of beautiful passes, but he was definitely shying away from challenges and really didn’t demonstrate any kind of leadership or determination. He pretty much stuck to a deep offensive position, but then did very little defending.

As much as we may gripe about Ruiz or Denilson.. at least we don’t have Carlos Pavon.. Ok.. so he’s not in the same salary class.. but what a complete non event he has been, you could put Stevie Wonder on the field in a Galaxy shirt and nobody would know the difference.

It would be sweet as hell….

I hate to once again be defending Ruiz. But I don’t think anyone can make a credible case that he gets the level of service here that he got in LA. Service has always been the problem with this team. It’s what we wanted from Denilson. It’s what we wanted from Nunez.

I love Artie’s taking on a defender and I love his shots. But what will make him great is when he starts giving good service to the forwards (it will also open up more shots for him when defenders have to respect his passing). Toja and Dax may be our best hopes here. Before his injury, Toja was making a few quality feeds, and Dax has shown he can be creative also.

The fact remains, the service was outstanding for Ruiz that year and it cam primarily from the outside. 2002 was arguably Cobi Jones’ best year and he finished with 13 assists. But his main inpact was how well he widened up that field and how well he played into Ruiz. We just don’t have a similar player here right now.