10 Bright Spots of Week Eight

1. Juan Pablo Angel - after the Red Bulls have won their last two games at home by a combined score of 7-0 and Angel being a significant part of both of those games - we have to make some sort of an educated assumption: this Colombian makes a difference on this team. And yes, he beats out Eddie Johnson for player of the week in my book, but that's probably because I am Red Bull-biased.

2. Eddie Johnson - a hat-trick to continue is streak of "is EJ back for good?" performances. If he scores against New York this weekend - he can help me shed any bias I might have towards certain 31 year old Colombian strikers, I'd also like to see EJ translate his MLS success into Gold Cup/Copa America success.


3. USA/China Roster - As if it wasn't enough to make me happy that the likes of Wolfsburg's Kamani Hill, Hammarby's Charlie Davies, and PSV's Lee Nguyen were in training camp this past weekend, but to see Ante Razov, Sacha Kljestan (no caps), and Jesse Marsch (1 cap) was surprising but understandable to a point. Kljestan probably deserves a look and Marsch, a couple years senior to Ben Olsen, acts in the same high work rate, crazy-ass midfield role.

4. Maykel Galindo/Ante Razov/Chivas USA - They tamed a giant awakening from his sleep and did it semi-pretty fashion. Razov has got to appreciate having Galindo as his strike partner. Galindo does all the dirty work and attempts the finish. If he scores, great, goal! If not, Razov cleans up, great, goal! In all fairness, Razov's tap over Dario Sala's out-of-position head was beautifully executed.

5. Herculez Gomez - This one made me happy. I always like when players get 'revenge' on their former teams. For all I know, Gomez wanted to leave Los Angeles and had no 'ill will' at all towards his former teammates. But for the blog's sake, Gomez ripped LA's heart out and spat on it by slotting home a 71st cross from none other than assist-man himself, Terry Cooke.


6. First Round US Open Cup Matchups - Although not MLS, persay, a couple of these matchups I wish were televised. For example, Richmond Kickers (USL2 defending champs) vs. Michigan Bucks (PDL defending champs). Ocean City Barons (local team) vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore. Rochester Raging Rhinos vs. Long Island Rough Riders. I don't know about you, but I'll be rooting for Lynch's Irish Pub. Complete bracket here.


7. Jim Brennan's goal - I put it on replay. It was nice. Noteven close to as nice as the Roberto Carlos strike that is on every 'best goal' compilation known to man, but entertaining nevertheless. If you haven't seen it, here it is. Thank you YouTube.

8. D.C. United - Although it went unnoticed for the most part, United went undefeated in the month of May, yet many still see them as wallowing the dumps of MLS. Emilio, Gomez, and Olsen are starting to lead a team of players regaining their composure and arrogance that made them DC. Their next match-up is against another out-of-form team, the LA Galaxy.

9. Ronald Cerritos - The old San Jose Clash/Earthquakes star is still plying his trade down in home country El Salvador with San Salvador FC. His performances have earned him a position on the Gold Cup 2007 roster! On another note, David Sommeil, the ex-Man City defender currently with Sheffield United - he is playing for Guadeloupe? Any Sheff Utd fans care to enlighten me - parents from there? Is he?


10. Marcelo Salas - For the hope I have that he, ''El Matador" would actually land in the MLS. This guy finds a way to always consistently score goals. Only 32 and still with the ability to wreak havoc in a developing league such as this, the Chilean could be a godsend to a struggling team like the Chicago Fire (whom he is training with at the moment).