April 13, 2007
Opening day 2007 is upon us as the Rhinos take on the Puerto Rico Islanders tonight at 8pm.
Devo is all over the opener with his article in today's D&C and he has the projected starting lineup in his blog.
Over at RhinosSoccer.com, Justin Swackhamer has an audio interview with Rhinos head coach Laurie Calloway previewing the opener.
Jason Perry (back), Nate Craft (MISL playoffs), and John Ball (MISL playoffs) did not make the trip and Mike Ambersley may not play due to a bruised foot. The good news is that Kenney Bertz's bruised foot appears to have healed over the last week as he'll be in the starting XI tonight.
The Rhinos also announced that WYSL 1040 AM will be the radio home of the Rhinos for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. And due to scheduling conflicts, tonight's game will only be available via the station's website.
Also of note is that it appeards that former Rhino Noah Delgado has been named the captain of the Islanders for the 2007 season. But, I wouldn't trust my spanish too much.
My prediction for the weekend is that the Rhinos will get four points and there will be no need to whine about the change in schedule. Although, I am expecting that the Islanders will give the Rhinos the much tougher game. But, I'll go with a 2-0 Rhinos win in the opener and a 3-1 win on Sunday in Miami.
Around MLS
MLSNet.com has a nice article about how Pat Onstad is a steady presence for the 2006 MLS Cup Champs.
In player news, KC has added Argentinean attacking midfielder Carlos Marinelli, Toronto FC has been snubbed by former Canadian International goalkeeper Craig Forrest, there are reports out of England that the Red Bulls have signed Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel, the Red Bulls are reportedly going after Brazilian Edmundo as well, and there is more news on the Crew going after Schelotto.
Soccer 365 did a Q&A with LA Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas. I had never heard the rumor about Beckham maybe having an out to leave for Chelsea..........
KC Wizards and USMNT defender Jimmy Conrad has expanded his radio empire and is not only going to do MLS Radio with Sean Wheelock, but he has his own local radio show as well.
Some more reasons why playing in the USL might be better than being an MLS Developmental player can be seen in five DC United players living together to save money and Columbus trying to force Teddy Niziolek to play for $12,900 in Columbus where he says he can't afford to live on that little. Teddy would like to get traded to the Red Bulls so that he can live at home and get by on such a small salary.
The KC Wizards have picked a developer in an attempt to speed along their stadium plans. The new local ownership group seems to be making more pregress in a year than the Hunt Sports Group had made in the previosu 3 or 4 years with regards to getting a permanent home for the team in the Kansas City area.
And finally, SI.com's Ryan Hunt has his MLS Free Kicks for Week 2.
Is Wynalda really being seen as a hero?
Do I think that Eric got screwed by the guy that published the interview? Sure, but I still don't see how Wynalda gets credit for taking Rome on when he cowtowed when the comments became public.
But maybe it's just me.............
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
