Now that I’ve slept on it …
By: Fitz | February 22nd, 2008Though not confirmed yet by either team, I’m gonna trust our fair Internet reporters and assume that Dema Kovalenko is on his way.
Looks like we’ve got a hard-working midfield group here. Let’s stop for a second. I just said “we.” I don’t mind fans using “we” if they invest emotionally in a team. But I’m a Revs guy, and I just used “we” with RSL. I love you guys — sorry, I mean “us” — already.
Why? Because our midfield has Carey Talley, Nathan Sturgis, Kyle Beckermann and now Dema Kovalenko. That’s a hard-nosed group. I love it.
Here’s my red flag. Nobody in this group — not in that group of four or anyone else among the midfielders — screams “offensive genius.” Look, I know our defense sucked last year. Does this mean we’ll be starting three fullbacks and four defensive midfielders? I could be wrong about this. If I am, I’ll just do what everyone at ESPN does and pretend I never said it.
For now, however, I like the move. Here’s why. Kovalenko’s a good guy to have on your team. Much rather have him as a teammate than an opponent, except on those occasions when, you know, he does some silly-ass foul and receives a red card. He might be a tad overpaid for his role, but if we have the cap room, so be it. I said “we” again. God help me.
There’s still five weeks before the season begins, so who knows if Garth Lagerway has another move up his sleeve. It’s also fair to give Jason Kreis time to decide how to make all the pieces fit. Given those observations, I’ll go on record saying I like the move, but the midfield needs a creator or two. Preferably two.
Now’s a good time to tell us what you think. Here’s one blogger who apparently isn’t in favor of the move. Meanwhile, our Red Bulls blogger Dave Martinez thinks RSL have “made out like bandits.”
Over at the Deseret News, James Edward, who broke the news of the trade, has an informative take on the deal and what RSL’s mind-set might be.
Hit that thar “Comments” button and type away.
IN CASE YOU WERE CURIOUS
Lynn University, which defeated RSL in a scrimmage this week, is an accomplished Division 2 program out of Boca Raton, Fla. — not that I’d rush to add that in a resume. “Lost to Lynn University, accomplished Division 2 program, February 2008.” Nope, doesn’t look good.
Anyway, if you want to read up on the Flying Knights, their athletic site is here.
And its Wikipedia entry is here.
EXHIBITION TONIGHT
The Royals face the Colorado Rapids tonight. Don’t know how much Cristian Gomez, the 2006 MLS MVP, will play for the Rapids. I lived in Colorado for 6 1/2 years, so I know that sports coverage in Denver is prioritized this way:
1. Broncos
2. John Elway
3. Avalanche
4. What the Broncos’ wives are doing, unless it’s with John Elway, in which it becomes No. 1a
5. Nuggets
6. Local 7-year-olds who want to play for the Broncos
7. Rockies
8. What the 1980 Broncos are doing now
9. High schools
10. John Elway’s cat
11. Local colleges
12. What the Broncos would have been like if John Elway had played for them in 1975
13. How good the Nuggets would be now if John Elway played for them
14. John Elway’s car dealerships, unless he sells an SUV to a current Bronco, which would place the priority at No. 4
15. Arena football
16. Pie eating contests in LoDo, unless Randy Gradishar participates, in which case that becomes No. 2
17. Rapids
I can’t guarantee I’ll post tonight after the scrimmage. I’d like to think I have a life, even if I don’t. But I’ll catch up sometime Saturday.
THE NAME’S HA. A-HA.
“Live And Let Die” and “View To A Kill” are often mentioned as the best James Bond themes. May I submit for your consideration a-ha’s “The Living Daylights” …
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Comments
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****Why? Because our midfield has Carey Talley, Nathan Sturgis, Kyle Beckermann and now Dema Kovalenko. That’s a hard-nosed group. I love it.
Here’s my red flag. Nobody in this group — not in that group of four or anyone else among the midfielders — screams “offensive genius.”****
You may want to consider that you are talking about our defensive mids, and wing mids. Our creative mids are Javi Morales, Matias Cordoba, and Andy Williams.
Also about the trade being “unconfirmed” – if James Edward reported it, its a done deal. He is no Ives.
Posted from
United States
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realslfan,
Thanks for the post. I want feedback on here, and I hope you continue to contribute.
Williams’ role may be that of a creator, but his playing time at RSL has dropped each of the past three years. If RSL must rely on him to create offense, they need more help.
As for Morales and Cordoba, I’ll admit I don’t know much about them. Cordoba’s pedigree at Argentinos Juniors bodes well. Morales, it’s hard to judge considering he’s
played seven games at RSL. But if they provide the flair RSL needs, then I’ll admit I underestimated them.As for James Edward, in the short time I’ve been reading his blog, I like him too.
Thanks again. This blog will be a heck of a lot better if you and your friends post comments. I promise to be better the more I familiarize myself with y’all.
Posted from
United States -
If there was an MLS fight club, we’d win it.
Posted from
United States -
It felt odd to refer to the Galaxy as “we,” for the longest time too. Now they’re “my boys.” It’s going to be so odd when Seattle gets a team.
Posted from
United States -
When did you live in Colorado? I grew up there, Denver suburbs, undergrad at CSU. Probably WAY before your time.
Posted from
United States -
I lived in Colorado from January 2001-July 2007. I looked for Rapids fans but I couldn’t find either of them.
Posted from
United States -
We, MY Boys, US, yup . . . . welcome to redbulls.theoffside.com!
btw, You really are underselling your stellar midfield. Those Argies are gonna be something.
Posted from
United States -
Hey Fitz,
Loads of people are assuming Kovalenko is going to play the CDM position for us. I’ve heard elswewhere that he has always played, up until last year, as a flanking midfielder. Where do you think he fits in at RSL?
Posted from
United States -
Black Prince,
Thanks for joining in the discussion. Kovalenko actually has played attacking mid in the past, although I doubt that’ll be his role in Salt Lake. I believe he has played on the flank, but that is not his best position.
A couple of people who have emailed me are really high on the two young Argentines, Cordoba and Morales. Andy Williams also will play on the flank. So my hunch is Dema will be planted in the center of the midfield.
Another scenario could be that he’s inserted on the flank late in the game to shut down a dangerous winger.
I can’t wait until he’s officially on the team so Kreis can talk about him.
Keep those comments coming.
Posted from
United States -
Funny that you’re a Revs guy that reports on RSL. I live in Boston, and follow the Revs, but am more of an RSL guy. I grew up in Utah, and like their underdog status. I hope they can grind out some wins this year.
Maybe I’d like the Revs more if the stadium weren’t so out of the way, and they had a decent logo [by far the worst in the league, even the Crew's is better]And uh oh…I was born just outside of Philly…. I might have to start supporting them come 2010…
Posted from
United States
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