Revs Remain Winless, Draw 1-1 With NYCFC

Look, is one point better than no points? Yes. Are three points better than one? Also yes. So while I'll take a point over none any day of the week, it would be nice to win a game before May.

It looked like another sloppy game from both teams. You'd hope that wouldn't be the case with 3 games already in the rearview. There were flashes from each team, but neither could finish. Frustrating all around. For the players, the fans, coaches, all of it.

-Shouts to Andrew Farrell on his 100th MLS appearance and start today. Hears to many more.

-Unlucky goal from your favorite soccer playing hippie Tommy McNamara. Villa unleashes a rocket that hits crossbar, Revs players are out of position, Mac heads it home from close range:

After solid work from Iraola and Taylor, McNamara puts NYCFC in front after bundling home a David Villa str... https://t.co/hPwb28LZLE

— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) March 26, 2016

-Chris Tierney equalizes on a nice free kick from just outside the box:


-It was interesting to see Chris take the free kicks all day. Diego was with him, and he's more than capable, but I definitely like Chris' ability to either put one on target or whip in a nice curl off a set piece, especially without Lee. With those three over the ball later this season, goalies will have nightmares. -The Teal experiment up top continued. He was bad. Very bad. Eventually he and Swags interchanged, and Teal started playing better, especially with a nice ball Charlie missed:

...So keep Teal out wide and let Chuck play up top. -On Chuck, he looked a little rusty and out of practice with his touch and obviously finishing. The move he put on during that sequence was a good idea, the execution and finish will come as he gets back into practice.

-The Revs did a good job down two good players. Lee Nguyen and Je-Vaughn Watson are both on international duty for the United States and Jamaica respectively. Kelyn Rowe played his third midfield position of the season, slotting into Lee's usual CAM role, and London Woodberry got the start at right back for Watson. Juan Agudelo also got the start up top as Charlie Davies is looking to get back to full-90 fitness after a hamstring injury and his wife giving birth to twins 3 months prematurely. Trying times for Davies, but its nice to see the whole family is pulling through well, and good to see him get back out there as a sub.

-Speaking of Woodberry, not a great game by him. He didn't look comfortable out there. I don't know if it was jitters or what. David Villa established his place near Woodberry and toyed with him all game. He did have one excellent recovery Villa towards the end:

Woodberry clears a ball after Villa gets behind the defense #NYCvNE https://t.co/3ei2YCbwGo

— Champagne Soccer Co. (@ChampgneSoccer) March 26, 2016

-Also, Woodberry apparently thinks he's Paul Pogba with that hair. Not yet dude.

-The cards were flowing like wine. Out of 6 total, 5 came in the second half, including Gershon Koffie's straight red. It was a questionable call. He definitely went in studs up and got a lot of foot, but it didn't look very malicious. A yellow would have been fine in my book, but I digress. Two straight weeks having to play with 10 men, and I hope this doesn't become a trend.

-The defense as a whole played "Bend, Don't Break", which worked especially well after we went down a man. Much like the red cards, this really shouldn't become a trend. As Farrell and Goncalves find their form a little more I expect this to get better.

Man of the Match
As much as I'd love to give it to Diego again (he was everywhere and playing fantastic), I'm going with the pride of Wellesley, Chris Tierney. The free kick goal was great and he continues to be among the best left backs in MLS. Still can't believe he's never gotten a call from the US #TierneyForUSMNT

At home against New York Red Bull next Friday at 7 pm. No Gerhson Koffie due to the red, and no Watson due to his red last game. He can't serve it while on international duty so one more week without him. I'll be interested to see if Heaps sticks with London at RB or rolls out Jordan McCrary. Hopefully Lee will be fit enough to get the start, but if not I have no problem with letting Rowe run the middle again.

The Americans "Pastor Tim" Recap

Though seemingly not as action packed as episode 1, that's to be expected. There were a lot of moments to help move the story along and will help set up big moments down the road.

We start with Philip telling Elizabeth about the EST classes he went to while she and Paige were in Germany visiting her mom. They were a forced marriage in order to act as espionage partners, but somewhere along the line they grew to actually think of each other as husband and wife as well. And that was evident by the MASSIVE wife face Elizabeth gave Philip after he told her that information.


And in the end it seems like they may be going to the classes together in the future. Elizabeth has some shit in her past she could work through, but it would take more than a few sessions, especially with how stubborn she is.

We got Elizabeth listening to the call Paige made to Pastor Tim where she spilled the beans way earlier than I thought we would. It came right after the opening credits.

When you find out your daughter told someone a secret #TheAmericans pic.twitter.com/Wnut3Ndym0

— Brian Cheung (@brianspeaksnow) March 24, 2016

That threw me off a little. I thought it would come later on and we'd get immediate action on it. Well instead we get it early and get reaction. Either way I thought something would happen with it, and nothing did. We got Elizabeth and Philip debating to kill him or not. Naturally Elizabeth wants to shed some blood, Philip wanna to try and work the nutbag religious guy, which always works. More possible signs Philip might just be done with all of this.

We got a little more on Nina in the Soviet Union, and boy do we find out what a weird situation she's been living in. She gets a visit from her husband, who we find out has two kids with another woman since Nina was in America. But the way they talk is so weird. They switch in between actually being a husband and wife, and being people who may want to start dating. I dont know if thats a Soviet thing or what. Also this...

Regular Don Juan, Casanova type of line to throw out.

Philip is supposed to hand off the nasty virus vial in the Altoids tin to the courier who's a pilot in order to get it back to the Soviet Union. Because horrific, government-controlled diseases are best kept like a freshman in high school keeps the weed he bought from a senior that ended up just being oregano he paid way too much for.

They both get on a bus headed to the airport to make the exchange, but the pilot is super nervous. He tells Philip his co-pilot seemed suspicious. Oh really dude? Maybe because you've got the darting eyes of a gazelle who senses a lion hunting him. He starts panicking on the bus and to make matters worse the airport security guy gets on the bus and sits near them. When he goes to talk to the pilot, Philip does the only logical thing.

Luckily that girl had her headphones on way too loud. You'll never listen to "Tainted Love" the same way ever again.

Philip just sort of stuffs him in a corner, but the pilot flakes and leaves the tin on the bus seat. Philip meets with William, the scientist who is becoming one of the best characters on this show in just his second episode. The exchange about Level 3 and 4 was great.


But he basically doesn't want to get any deeper than he already is, which makes me think he'll end up at gun point soon.

Elizabeth meets with Gabriel to tell him to get the virus out of her house, and he counters with a bombshell.



Just so casual. "Don't worry, we'll take care of the virus yourmomsdeadshesaidshelovedyouwhenshecroaked and make sure your family is out of harms way with the vial."

Check back in on Nina and what do you know, she got caught smuggling a note out of the facility and will face a prosecutor. At this point it seems like she wanted to get caught. Honestly its looking like she wants to die. There's practically no chance she's getting back Stateside to see Oleg or Stan ever again. That was all she had once she became a mole, really. She's cooked.

First Henry sighting of the season and Jesus did the actor age.

He's having some mac and cheese with his bro for life Stan, because when you get divorced and suspect your friend across the street of sleeping with your separated wife, you still hang out with his teenage son. Just two guys being dudes, talking about how hot the science teacher is and how awesome her boobs looked in the dress with the front zip.

Hypothetically speaking, the modern version of this would I guess be an entertainer, maybe a founder of a website, hiring someone who could be his son to essentially be his best friend and make him feel young again. Maybe young enough to go hangout with more people far younger than he at SXSW.

Faded pic.twitter.com/09rOSH9f30

— Gaz (@stoolsalesguy) March 20, 2016

❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dr01RWnpFq

— Gaz (@stoolsalesguy) March 20, 2016

Quick sesh first pic.twitter.com/yciSCOh7lH

— Gaz (@stoolsalesguy) March 21, 2016

Anyway, Gabriel gave the Jennings a gift earlier in the episode. A computer that will seemingly brainwash Henry and Paige into being sleeper agents. Problem is Henry is such good friends with Stan, you know who works for the FBI, he invited him over later to check the computer out. Yeah he won't find anything suspicious on that thing at all. That will end up being the downfall of Philip and Elizabeth. Everything points to Paige, but it'll be Henry and his middle-aged bestie playing on the computer that does them in.

Paige confesses to Elizabeth about the phone call with Pastor Tim, and this may save him. I could see the two of them being more hesitant to kill him now that Paige has owned up to it.

There's a difference between "Mom Mad and "Spy Mom Mad". My mom gets mad at me when I get a speeding ticket or forget to take the dog out for a walk. Elizabeth goes off on Paige for giving up their identities to that loon Pastor Tim. And like any child, Paige reflects the blame.

Interestingly enough, there was no Pastor Tim in the episode titled "Pastor Tim", save for an Elizabeth nightmare where Paige finds him murdered and then looks to be on her way to being murdered as well.

Next episode is going to be HEAVY.

Looks like Gabriel could be dead, which means its time for Margo Martindale to come back. And we get Pastor Tim confrontation. It's implied fan theory regarding him could be true. There are two options: he's KGB or he's gonna get whacked. At first it seems like he's KGB. Then Gabriel says he and his wife will have an accident. I think ultimately it was edited together that way to throw people off, but the Gabriel hit comes first and when they get to Tim he reveals all.

As always, hit me up with theories, questions, comments, let me know if you think I missed anything here, the whole 9 on Twitter @TheSituAsian508. Имейте хороший товарищей.

Revs Lose 3-0 On The Road

This is more of a placeholder. I wasn't able to watch the game and was traveling all day. I'll try and get a game recap up tomorrow at some point once I watch some highlights/am out of class for the day or something.

The Americans "Glanders" Recap

Great season premiere. Picked up right where we left off in season 3. This season already feels better than the last one. I know its silly to say that after one episode, especially since we've been waiting for new episodes, but there was more packed into this one. Let's get into it.

-That first minute or so with Philip's flashback? Holy shit that was gruesome. Little Phil just bashing other kids brains in with a big rock, blood splattering on his face, and in some creepy Soviet tunnel-type of thing. He's been through the shit and back multiple times in his life. It's only a matter of time before that bubbles over and he goes on a rampage.

-Right from there we transition into Philip going to Martha's to tell her the truth. Comes right out and tells her that guy Gene will be found dead in an apparent suicide with the recorder pen in his apartment that was found in the FBI office. Typical Martha doesn't really get it at first, and Philip literally has to spell it out for her that he did it to protect her. And Martha just being like "Yeah, killing that dude was over the line, but I'll keep helping you, Soviet spy who lied to me about his entire life and married me for information." And Stan is on her ass. He'll get the taste of blood and not let it go.

-Stan not wanting to go into work is such an obvious setup. He's not feeling, but something will come his way that throws him right back in. Could even happen next week.

-Phillip still going to the self-help EST classes isn't helping his internal conflicts. The more he looks inward and sees just how messed up his life and his psyche are because of how he was raised and what he's done, the more I think the guilt will eat at him and make it more likely he ends up defecting.

-We may already be seeing shades of Philip turning. He's at odds with Gabriel and he didn't follow through with a pickup form their new source. He may be intentionally sabotaging this. Though he could also be on to something. That creepy dude with the mustache and hat always seemingly being around the contact is shady as shit.

-That bastard Pastor Tim thinking a confidential meeting with Paige and her Soviet spy parents, who already hate him, would end any way other than horribly is hilarious. In fact I sort of hope it happens, so we can watch Philip stab him in his stupid face and bad hair 500 times.

-To be honest the whole Russian Center/Nina story arc is completely over my head. I don't know who most of the people at the Rezidentura are other than the tall Kristaps Porzingis looking dude and Arkady Ivanovich. Who's Tatiana? What's the deal with Nina and this scientist over in Russia? They need to tie them all back in quick, because right now they don't even seem like part of the show. It's like a side act, an extended commercial break that FX decided to out this weird universe thats somewhat related to The Americans.

This comparison seemed spot on in my head... Maybe because its just two lanky white dudes that speak languages I don't understand.

-That contact dropping a great line about being under surveillance: "I just thought random people couldn't stop staring at me because I'm so handsome."

-"This is to meningitis what bubonic plague is to a runny nose." Another great line out that dude. Love him already, going to suck when he's dead.

-Stan turning in Philip because he thinks Sandra is screwing him when they just go to EST together is a classic spin job by Stan's new girl. Even though we didn't see the conversation, I can guarantee you she told Stan they were basically having sex on top of the restaurant table when it was nothing more than some smiling, some laughing and just regular friend stuff. Not saying there isn't or won't be any sexual tension between Philip and Sandra, but it isn't there yet. Feel like Stan's girlfriend may have seeing as an opportunity to turn Stan off to Sandra completely so he focuses all on her. Not really connected to the plot of the show but just a relationship thing.

-How about Paige just being overdramatic in a way only she could? Oh you just found out your parents are Soviet spies and just got back from a trip to East Germany where you met your Soviet grandmother behind the back of your parents Center handler and now you can't bear to say the Pledge of Allegiance? Cry me a river. That alone tells me she isn't KGB material. She can't act the part, can't act tough when she needs to. Hey Paige, heads up, your mom put a finger in a dudes ass EPISODE 1 OF THE SERIES and last season murdered an innocent old woman, watching the life leave her slowly with every second that ticked on the clock. Your dad took a dead girl and broke her bones so she could fold up and fit in a suitcase like a t-shirt. Saying the Pledge is a goddamn cakewalk compared to what they had to. Hell, look back to the opening scene. Before your dad was even in the illegals program he was cracking skulls with a rock. Go say the Pledge so your parents aren't disgusted by you. Already one of the least favorite characters in the show and she just keeps upping the ante with how hateable she can be.

-The post-show preview was for the whole show rather than just episode 2, but oh my god this season is it. I just know it. Its all going to hit the goddamn fan this season. Stan isn't on Philips side any more, things are escalating and theres more distrust between every, and I mean literally EVERY, party involved in this show. Martha and Gabriel meeting? Arkady talking extraction, the FBI searching what looks like Martha's apartment, helicopters and what looks like Philip and Elizabeth clearing things out of the house, Nina not being released, Paige's situation about to reach its breaking point. New week, "Pastor Tim", is going to seriously strain the relationships within Jennings family. Pastor Tim is getting got, mark my words. He knows too much. (Unless he's KGB like the theories say) Watch it:

This served as a good re-introduction to the series in what should/needs to be a fantastic season. Good story for the next episode to expand on so far. Next weeks recap may belonged or shorter, it depends on the episode. I may also see about adding video or screen caps to the recaps and refining the different points to make sure its just the essentials. Until then hit me up with theories, questions, comments, let me know if you think I missed anything here, the whole 9 on Twitter @TheSituAsian508. Имейте хороший товарищей.

The Americans Return For Season 4 Tonight

Your favorite Soviet spies are back on FX for season 4 tonight. Last season ended with Paige telling that slimy bastard Pastor Tim her parents are Russians. After Elizabeth went through all the trouble to get her to Germany and meet her grandmother for the first, and last, time. That cult she joined way  back when really messed her up. So now we pick up where that left off. If you've seen the trailers (or click HERE, also this show has the best marketing department) you'll know it looks like shit will really go down this year. Stan freaking out, Martha still being annoying but also freaking out, Philip and Elizabeth being more down and doubtful than we've ever seen. This could be the season everything blows up. I hesitate to guarantee it because as VOX.com points out the show could be on a 5-act arc. 5 seasons would make sense, which is why I could also see this season end on a cliffhanger or seeing the two wriggle out of trouble yet again, though that would be a little much, and see season 5 end the story with the aftermath of this season. 

I'll admit I'm a big optimist when it comes to this show. I've been on it since season 1 and have endured the sneers of friends when I tell them they should be watching this show. But last season was a bit boring. It had its moments but too often we expected something huge, and it never quite lived up to those expectations. But I think it was setting the groundwork for this season, which I say will be explosive. Furthering relationships with Martha and Sandra, Pastor Tim getting more involved, Gabriel and Claudia getting pushier with the Jennings. It was all so the shit could come to a head this season. 

Let's take a look at the episode titles this season: 

Right off the bat Episode 2 "Pastor Tim" jumps out. That one will be huge, I can feel it. Either Tim gets deep into the shit or we see an episode following him around to reveal more about his character. A Reddit theory I've seen is that he's actually KGB as well and his whole cult-thing is just to slowly indoctrinate kids in Soviet ways. So he would likely know about there Jennings already and would be turning Paige without her parents knowing. And if they found out, oh boy would Philip snap. Like he already wants to kill tim, but that would send him over the edge. Maybe enough to renounce the Soviet Union?

Glanders is apparently an infection, so that leaves me scratching my head (UPDATE-It has come to my attention it was looked at as a chemical weapon in the early 1940's, so it will probably tie to its ability to be weaponized). "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" was also a bit confusing, but then I looked it up. It's EPCOT, like down in Florida. Road trip, Russian style. Chloramphenicol is used to treat bacterial infections so maybe a continuation of sorts to episode 1? "Clark's Place" will surely be about Martha. "The Rat" is interesting. Possible that Martha ends up ratting out Clark/Philip to Stan? That could lead to 

"Travel Agents" where Stan investigates the Jennings travel agency front. I tried to find some sort of connection with the David Copperfield episode but found nothing. My best guess is the Jennings use the event to take advantage of the captivated American public to do some espionaging (made that verb up, nbd). "The Day After" is probably about the day after that, not going to overthink it. "Munchkins" has me thrown off. "Dinner For Seven" makes me think it's another dinner with Pastor Tim and his wife, but that;s only six people. Unless it has nothing to do with the family, and it's just Philip and Elizabeth undercover with five other people. "A Roy Rogers in Franconia" is definitely interesting. Franconia is a region in Germany, just above Bavaria, where Nuremberg is. Obviously a Roy Rogers is a drink named after Roy Rogers. Franconia wasn't part of Eastern Germany under Soviet control, so it's a bit shady what the connection could be, unless it's the Jennings escaping America to Germany. If the Franconia in question is just the town in New Hampgire, I'm completely stumped. And finally, "Persona Non Grata" is a familiar term for my fellow Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 players, as that was a level in the games campaign. It's Latin for "an unwelcome person". Oh boy. That could be some SERIOUS shit. We'll naturally have a better idea who the unwelcome is as the series progresses, but that title spells trouble. 

I'll try my best to post recaps the day after each episode airs. Let's get Communist.*

*Not seriously, in TV show life. Forget it. 

Ps-Noah Emmerich (Stan) and Matthew Rhys (Philip) directing episodes this season is going to be pretty interesting. Excited to see where they take the episodes creatively. 

Pats Send Chandler Jones To Arizona For Jonathan Cooper And A 2nd Round Pick

#Patriots acquire G Jonathan Cooper and a 2016 second-round draft pick in trade with Arizona for DE Chandler Jones: https://t.co/m6KKhXv44y

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 15, 2016

I want to thank the @Patriots, the Kraft family, and all of Pats Nation for making my time in New England so special pic.twitter.com/HMFout878i

— Chandler Jones (@Chan95Jones) March 15, 2016

First reaction was shock. Then I started to realize it was inevitable. They weren't going to be able to re-sign him in the offseason, so might as well get what you can for him. They need to give new deals to Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Malcolm Butler. Those three are more valuable right now than Chan. I love Chan, but its the truth. Jabaal Sheard is a beast and gets a bigger role now. Chris Long may be signing here. We'll be fine up front and be able to give those other three money.

As far as Cooper, I'm not expecting much. He was injured early in his career, and as a 7th overall pick just a few years ago, could be a bust unless he breaks out here. And he could under the tutelage of Dante Scarnecchia. But I won't hold my breath.

Chan may have disappeared a little during his career at some inopportune times, but he's still one of my favorites. Salute to him for what he gave to the team.

Shout out Chandler Jones. Also, shout out to K2.

Today In Paul Pogba's Hair...

New hair new look 👌🏿😜 #bondimanche #domingão #buonadomenica pic.twitter.com/6WE3l227Ei

— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) March 13, 2016

He's back at it again. Real overhaul this time though. Getting rid of the fluffy mohawk, close trim all around, all the designs. Tops it off with the minion. Not a huge minion guy but Pogs somehow makes it work. Like nothing I've ever seen before. He could really do anything with his hair and he'd make it cool. Just the kind of guy he is. Go on Paul.

What's The Point Anymore?

Last chance at silverware *POOF* out the window. 2-1 loss to Watford at home to knock us out of the FA Cup. WATFORD!!!! No three-peat to give Wenger another excuse to stay. It's just become mind-numbing at this point. We know not to get our hopes up, but we do anyway. The difference is, at this stage of the season and given the season's course, I just stop being mad at a certain point. It's not worth the time or energy. 

There's no passion or fight from the players. As has become the usual, Mesut Ozil is the only one showing anything. 

He's becoming more and more visibly frustrated as the weeks go by. I think he's realizing he's wasting his prime years at a minnow club that likes to think it's a shark. The man gets no help. The fact he has 18 assists in the Premier League this season is a testament to how good he is. With a world class striker at his disposal he would have broken Thierry Henry's season record of 20 ages ago. And despite this, he still gives us his all and produces multiple moments of brilliance in any given match.

Sensational Assist from Mesut Ozil!! 😍😍 #ARSWAT #FACup pic.twitter.com/kHjMm7Dmry

— fplbet (@fplbet) March 13, 2016

What Ozil did to Ake is illegal pic.twitter.com/hv1bYBhXJM

— Ifreke Inyang (@Ifreke) March 13, 2016

I've said it before, but I won't be surprised or even angry if he demands a transfer this summer.

The AKB's (Arsene Knows Best) are slowly dwindling. I normally try and avoid agreeing with Piers Morgan as much as possible, but when you're right, you're right. Wenger needs to step down soon. Have the players let him down? Yes. Who brought those players in? Arsene. Who's job is it to set them up tactically to win? Arsene. Whos job is it to motivate them? Arsene. He's failed them just as much.

Kroenke needs to go as well. The ownership group won't fire Wenger. They don't care or income cases are too afraid. James McNicholas (GunnerBlog) said it best in his match day video today. Is stability worth it when the stability leads to mediocrity? Something needs to happen to get some life back in this squad, otherwise ship half of them off when July rolls around.

I don't even know how to end this, I just keep making myself more frustrated thinking about this team and the constant bottling that takes place.

No FA Cup. Game at the Nou Camp to get dismantled and knocked out of the Champions League. Everton away. Players on minimal rest. T's and P's please.

HAVE SOME PRIDE.

Revs Take Another Point In 0-0 Draw, Home Opener With DC United

Home opener finishes scoreless. #NERevs #NEvDC pic.twitter.com/aTGqga1tqQ

— NewEnglandRevolution (@NERevolution) March 12, 2016

Not much happened in the home opener. A few good chances from the Revs, really nothing at all for DC. As a result of a somewhat boring, and scoreless, game, no play-by-play rundown or highlights. Let's get right to takeaways.

-Aside from the 1 point earned from the draw, the biggest story from this one is the status of Charlie Davies. He went down in the 34th minute and didn't look to be in any pain. Just sitting of the turf but his body language and calm expression just made it known he was done. And he pretty much told his teammates that when they checked on him. He limped off with a trainer and was replaced by Juan Agudelo. The TV feed caught him saying "hamstring" to Jay Heaps and right before it cut away from him he went to grab his hammy.

-He said after the game if he's not ready for Philly next week he will be fine for NYCFC after that. Even if he is cleared I would still start Swags to give Chuck a little more rest.

-Interestingly enough, Swags went to the wing and Teal Bunbury went up top as the lone striker after Chuck went out. I wouldn't be surprised to see that next week if Chuck can't go or gets some rest to start.

-Refs continue to be bad. But that's MLS I guess. Or just the Revs luck, I don't really know at this point.

-Home debuts for Koffie and Watson today, and both looked good. I've especially been impressed with Watson. I expected Koffie to do what he has been doing, but I didn't know a whole lot about Watson. He's been good two games in over at right back. I'll be interested to see if Woodbury, Barnes or McCrary get any play time in the next few games.

-Kelyn Rowe was back in action as a second half sub for Teal. Good to see his injury from last week wasn't too serious.

-Diego looked good today, creating some good chances with pinpoint passes.

-Chris Tierney and Watson both overlapped a lot today which is good to see. Can't wait for Jay Heaps to become USMNT manager so Tierney can finally get a call up.

-The Koffie-Caldwell midfield pairing is one I think we'll see for a majority of games. That has potential written all over it.

-Earliest home opener in Revolution history today. One of the founding clubs in MLS, and it only took 20 years to get a home opener this early.

-Fantastic home opening tifo from the Fort. Expecting big things from the Riders and Rebellion this year, and today was a great start. 10, thats a 10!

The Fort Awakens. #NEvDC pic.twitter.com/NQWVgcicDJ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2016

Man Of The Match

Lot of guys who looked good, but when it finishes 0-0 it's tough to pick one player out. That being said I liked what Diego did today. He was creative and confident. If you forced me to pick someone else I'd go Koffie or Lee Nguyen. But you can't make me do anything, so Go Diego Go!

Two away games in a row starting with Philly next Sunday. Let's get a win and stay undefeated.

Quick Draw In Texas: Revs Claw Back In Houston, Draw 3-3 On Opening Day

Roller coaster started early this year with a tie down in Houston. Diego Fagundez got it started early with a wonderful strike that Brad Feldman described as a "screamer" on the broadcast. 

Fantastic strike from Diego Fagundez #SoccerSunday https://t.co/Q0VAwHJFPD

— The Lads (@LadsOffThePitch) March 6, 2016

Sensational goal to start off what hopes to be a promising season for the Uruguayan-born, Leominster-raised Diego, who had somewhat of a down year last time around. The Dynamo tied it right before the break form Christian Maidana, and early in the 2nd half they made it 2-1 from Andrew Wenger (Wenger's just continue to ruin my soccer life, don't they). Luckily the Revs answered right back with Charlie Davies.

An immediate response! @CharlieDavies9 pulls the #NERevs level at 2-2! pic.twitter.com/afwXsSYka4

— NewEnglandRevolution (@NERevolution) March 6, 2016

With under 15 minutes to go in the game, Houston seemed to find the winner.

Corner flags beware. https://t.co/i50A1dYYgS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 6, 2016

Perfect dummy from Boniek that opened the strike from Giles Barnes.

And then came the barrage, that you can watch in full HERE since both MLS' video player and Blogspot suck with embedding video.

I don't know whether to chalk that up to Houston's inept defense and inability to actually clear the ball, or the Revs persistence and attitude. Probably both. But what a way for Daigo-Son to grab his first Revs regular season goal. Just a back and forth contest that seemed to follow the path of this Opening Day 2016.

Other Takeaways

-The refs were horrible this game. Maidana's goal came after Lee Nguyen was dragged down in the box, which came after Charlie and Kelyn Rowe were both knocked down. Teal Bunbury received a questionable yellow card. Diego took an elbow to the face that went uncalled. And while the calls seemed to favor the home team, officiating was poor all around. Soft calls followed by no-calls and vice versa. Good to see MLS refs didn't change over the offseason.

-Gershon Koffie and Je-Vaughn Watson both looked good in their debuts. Koffie patrolled the midfield well and Watson was super active along the right flank.

-The lineup seemed a little suspect to me when it came out. Watson got the start just two days after being acquired, over guys like Jordan McCrary, Darrius Barnes and London Woodberry who have been in camp form the jump. The midfield combo of Koffie and Kelyn was also interesting form Jay Heaps. Scotty Caldwell was the teams MVP last season, and is turning into a star at the DM position. I thought we'd see him protecting the backline with either Koffie or Rowe playing box-to-box next to him. Just so much depth and guys who need to get playing time that someone has to sit.

-Speaking of that backline, it could use some work. Goncalves and Farrell with Shuttleworth in goal were shaky. Farrell loves to bomb forward,which he was doing a lot of when he played as a right back, and he loves to get on the ground in slide tackles. Not great when you play in the center. I think it'll just take some time to get the regular season gears in motion, but if things stay shaky beyond, say, three games from now, I wouldn't be surprised to see Heaps experiment with his center backs, possibly playing Sambinha or Barnes there.

Man Of The Match

If you asked me to set it in stone before the equalizer, I'd have said Gershon Koffie. I though he was solid today in his debut. But then stoppage time happened, so opening day goes to Diego Fagundez. A spectacular goal and game tying assist at the death will do that. Home opener March 12th against DC United, let's roll. #PipeItUp

Revs Trade Jermaine Jones To Colorado

Source-The New England Revolution have traded Jermaine Jones to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Colorado’s natural first-round draft pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and general allocation money in a sign-and-trade.

Jones, 34, scored three goals and recorded six assists in his 33 regular and post-season career appearances with the Revolution. The German-born American joined the Revs as a designated player on August 24, 2014.

And there you have it. We finally get a resolution to the JJ saga. He goes west, closer to his family in LA, to the Colorado Rapids, who may not be the worst team in the league now. He'll certainly help them in the midfield, where they need help. And the Revs offload what has turned into a headache the past few months. 

I had my doubts about a deal being made between Jones and the Revs early on in the offseason. It became more obvious when they signed Xavier Kouassi. And then it became inevitable he would be shipped out when Gershon Koffie was brought in via trade. Jones became expendable; 34 years old coming off an injury riddled season with major hernia surgery, demanding a lot of money and set to miss the first 6 games of the MLS season with a suspension. 

I'll always have fond memories of JJ. He was the "move-the-needle" signing that was talked about, and couldn't come at a better time. Right after the World Cup where he raised his stock among US Soccer supporters and casual fans. He carried the revs on his back the last half of that season and into the MLS Cup Final. His attitude was fantastic, sparking life into the squad. As much crap as he gets for the Geiger Incident in DC, I've never been harsh about it. Did he go over the line touching the ref? Yes. But that fiery attitude is exactly what the Revs always needed. And for two seasons that's what he brought. Grit, bite, fight. He cared. He got angry when it wasn't happening. He lit a fire under the teams collective ass when he was healthy and on the field. 

We were his first MLS team, and he gave us fans some good times. I'll never forget a game last season when he was still recovering from surgery. He was sitting front row in my section, amongst the fans. He could have been up in a box, but chose to sit in seats amongst supporters. Stuff like that doesn't go unnoticed, at least not to these eyes. 

Do I think the "I want to move my family out here, so I need a long term, big-money deal" talk was all for show? Yeah, partially. And that's fine. But the Revs get younger and get some money out of it. It'll be a promising season. It sucks his tenure ended here with some middle school social media tantrums, but it's over. Circle September 3rd on your calendars. Jermaine Jones returns to Foxboro. 

For now, Good Night Sweet Prince.

PFT Commenter Joins Barstool

Source-Before anyone ever cared where I blogged, I was just a kid from the ProFootballTalk comment secton. Its where I learned how to give barrel fire sports takes, where i learned about the loose change video, and where I honed my abilty to make broad sweeping generalizations without reading the actual artcle about what Anotonio Cromartes latest child means in regards to how much I would pay in taxes if I made more money. Its where I found my voice & my passion...


But I knew that as my contract with SB Nation expired, my unique perpsective as one of the worlds only straight, white, male sports bloggers was more necessary then ever in the corners of the internet where that type of voice had become marginalized the most- places like Barstool Sports.


Before we start, read that whole letter in the source link. Outstanding work from PFT.

What an alliance. What a signing by Portnoy (read: Peter Chernin). Biggest free transfer since a small boy from Argentina named Lionel Messi agreed to join FC Barcelona'syouth academy at La Masia. This is NWO announcing Shawn Michaels as its newest member.

PFT Commenter is one of the best personalities on the Internet. Great Twitter account, great work for SB Nation and various other outlets. Great hire. I'm very excited for this unholy matrimony to wreak havoc on the Internet. His podcast debuting on Friday with Big Cat is going to be amazing. 

And obviously the Internet fake outrage machine went in on this. People telling PFT they will no longer be viewing his work simply because the URL where it will appear is different and they don't agree with it. I don't want to find and post the reactions I'm talking about because I'll just get irrationally angry, but go to his Twitter where he announced the move and look for yourself. 

So because he's writing for Barstool now you won't support his work you've been reading for a long time? He's somehow lowered himself to the dredges of the Internet? That because he's at Barstool he now reflects all views of the writers (which are blown out of proportion and largely untrue) and the readers (same thing goes for the majority of readers)? Yeah, I guess so. SB Nation was one of the last bastions of good, wholesome journalism... 

So then by their logic, shouldn't they have stopped reading PFT after that since his views have to reflect those of his employers? Oh, right, it's not Barstool so it's fine. 

And then there are people saying he sold out to join the devil's website. Those same people also want online writers to get paid, but I guess just not by certain companies. In reality what those people are saying is, "I should be getting paid." They say Internet writers just so they can play on the moral aspect and say they root for all the good people out there, but they really just want a pay day for themselves. It kills them someone (who's put in a lot of hard work creating a brand, image, persona and carrying it as far as he did) else got the payout.

I'm willing to bet most of the people that bash Barstool join the hate train without ever being to their site, but were pretty much told by people on Twitter to hate them, and they blindly follow. Those people were pissed off or "offended" by something, probably stupid, and now look to rally the Internet mob.

They can't get a job and don't understand how Barstool is popular and worth millions now. As much as he plays it up, it's because Portnoy and his crew broke their backs to get to the point they're at now. They don't just rely on a few random freelance pieces and their college work and expect jobs at the Washington Post to fall out of the goddamn sky right into their laps. 

But really, I'm just so thankful for all the bloggers on Twitter to tell me what's right and what's wrong. Without them and their morals and high horsed rhetoric I would be but a lost fawn in the evil woods of the Interwebs. 

US Soccer Unveiled Their New Crest

Out with the old...

In with the new... 

First reaction. Meh. This has been rumored and leaked for a long time and I was hoping the fact it was out there so far in advance meant it wasn't the actual new crest, but here we are. Would I say it's an upgrade over the old one? Yes. Not much, but an improvement nonetheless. I don't know, it seems like it had potential but didn't quite get finished. There's a lot of whitespace that makes the red bars and blue letters look a little lost. And in my opinion it's just going to look a little odd on jerseys. People wanted modern, but this modern just doesn't look complete. 

I had a few concepts I thought were, and still are, levels above this one.

The Centennial-Classic look from 2013 

This one has a similar feel to the Centennial, and I like how it works in the Eagle. Would just need some work to make it fit together. 

An even better incorporation of a modern Eagle logo. Big, big fan of this one. 

And finally, the Snake incarnations. 

Love this one. I like the circle shape with the text within the dark blue and stars that protrude out a little. Good shape to it, would look good on jerseys and merchandise. 

This one is good to, combining the sake with he Centennial. Just get rid of the "Don't Tread On Me" underneath, at least for jerseys, and you've got a fantastic option. 

Similar to the one above, just replacing the stars with "US SOCCER" and making larger bars. I will say I'd prefer 13 bars since that's what's on our flag, if the bars are what you're going for. 

Another one similar to the two above it. "USSF" replacing "US SOCCER" or the stars, 13 red and white bars, snake and gold trim around it. Classic shield shape. 

I'd rank those 4 snake ones 1, 2, 4, 3 (I thought of the rankings after I added the pictures in and didn't want to re-format everything, please no judgies). Unfortunately there's a rumor Nike trademarked the snake concept and therefore the USSF are not allowed to use it (unless they bought it from Phil Knight, which they should and could). I just think we need something extra on top of the stars and stripes and our flags colors. The eagle and snake have been used as our nation's animals/representations before and would work well on a soccer crest. 

Spain uses their coat of arms... 

England has their Three Lions and Poppies... 

The Netherlands have a lion as well... 

I think you get the gist. If this isn't the last crest US Soccer uses let's hope the next one is our last. 

PS-The leaked jerseys with the crest? 

Disgusting, and not in the good way. That looks so cheap, like a knockoff form Walmart. Actually, a guy outside a bar in the Bahamas tried to sell me that same exact jersey for $8 two years ago.