MLS Week 20 - Intergalactic Meltdown

With only four games scheduled, it looked set to be a quiet weekend for Major League Soccer. San Jose’s last minute winner over L.A. Galaxy in Week 19 started rumblings of discontent in Southern California, but all seemed tranquil until this Monday when those minor tremors led to a seismic shift at the league’s most high profile franchise.

Galaxy announced on Monday that Ruud Gullit, the head coach, had resigned from his position citing personal reasons. He was joined through the exit by Alexi Lalas, the general manager, who was relieved of his duties ahead of the expiration of his contract at season’s end.

Having spent most of the year in the play-off spots, Galaxy’s recent slump of three draws from seven games sees the realistic proposition of a third straight year without post-season qualification. Performances in recent weeks have led to growing criticism of Gullit as his defensive tinkering failed to prevent the haemorrhaging of amateurish goals. Galaxy have conceded 40 times in 19 games: easily the worst record in MLS.

The Dutchman has certainly tried. Abel Xavier was released in July after a year of bungling around central defence in retirement mode. Greg Vanney, frequently playing the role of Xavier’s sidekick in Keystone Cop defending, was moved to full-back allowing rookie Sean Franklin to solidify the defensive core while the powerfully athletic Mike Randolph was briefly pushed into midfield to minimise his propensity for defensive blunders. Despite short-term successes, Gullit’s ideas have often been compromised by the lack of quality personnel available to consistently implement them.

But it is not just the back four that cause problems defensively. The popular cliché that defending starts from the front does not apply for this team. As one of the league’s outstanding playmakers and goalscorers, Landon Donovan can be excused for not excelling in this area. Likewise his robust strike partner Edson Buddle helps spearhead an attack which has produced 38 goals: seven more than any other side. The midfield, however, resembles a vacuum.

Many supporting cast members have received cameo appearances but failed to stake claims for a regular starting berth. The revolving door has seen the likes of Ely Allen, Alvaro Pires, Joe Franchino, Brandon McDonald, Josh Tudela and Pete Vagenas tried and retried. The only constant, hiding out as an uninterested bystander on the right touchline, has been David Beckham.

When it comes to neglecting defensive duties, Beckham has no equal. The sight of a beleaguered, bedraggled Chris Klein at right-back has been a staple of this season as any team worth their salt exploits Beckham’s continuing lack of application.

Throughout most of his Manchester United career, the Englishman’s work ethic made him one of the world’s top players. It was this commitment to excellence that paved the way for his second defining characteristic: his ability on set pieces and crosses. The former left the building many years ago. Consequently, the latter has diminished. Practice time is sacrificed when furthering your own personal agenda on the sofa with Ellen DeGeneres.

As on-field struggles continued, rumours of dressing room discontent escalated. A bitter Xavier claimed Gullit was unpopular with all players except Beckham and that the Dutchman had amassed too much power over the club. That theory would certainly substantiate another belief that Gullit and Lalas held an unamiable relationship. Gullit’s appointment was allegedly made by one of Beckham’s advisors and not Lalas.

The recent appearance of Gullit’s home in Hollywood Hills on the property market further prompted stories that the Dutchman was leaving. In response, Gullit claimed his wife was unhappy in the house and that he was not going anywhere.

An April interview with The Times gave some fascinating insights into some of the problems he faced in developing his players, as well as feeling a long way from home. Though elaboration of the personal reasons behind his resignation have not been disclosed, it is understandable that many Europeans would struggle to adapt to the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. The daily commute to Carson through notoriously suffocating traffic would not be fun either, not to mention the troubles awaiting him at work.

Though Gullit’s departure comes as a shock (many fans sympathised with his plight and appreciated the changes he was endeavouring to embed), the firing of Lalas was expected. In announcing the departures, Galaxy investor/operator Tim Leiweke said: “Because of Ruud’s situation it was an opportunity to look for a fresh start. Alexi’s been with us a long time. I do think we need a fresh start.” Lalas joined the club in April 2006.

Leiweke stressed the need for all parties to share blame by saying: “The players have to look deep inside themselves and understand they have to be responsible for some of this.” On Gullit’s interim successor, former US international Cobi Jones, Leiweke stated: “The one guy’s loyalty and passion over there I don’t question is his.”

His comments are interesting. It is difficult to point the finger at a player who may be earning less than a part-time grocery store worker, but less so when that underperforming player is being rewarded $1m a week for his unspectacular displays. Still, as long as merchandise sales continue to rise Leiweke and his bosses at Anschutz Entertainment Group will be pleased, even if the long-suffering true Galaxy fans feel further disenchantment.

Week 20 Results

Colorado 0 Toronto 1 (Chad Barrett’s first for TFC with a great free-kick)
New England 1 Chicago 2 (Surprise Fire comeback cuts Revs’ lead to one point)
Kansas City 3 Chivas 2 (Wizards remain bottom but draw level with play-off teams)
New York 4 D.C. United 1 (Angel returning to form for play-off push with two goals)

Standings

Eastern Conference
1) New England 33 points (played 18)
2) Chicago 32 (19)
3) Columbus 31 (19)
4) D.C. United 25 (18)
5) *Toronto 25 (19)
6) New York 25 (19)
7) Kansas City 25 (19)

Western Conference
1) Salt Lake 27 (19)
2) Houston 26 (18)
3) *Dallas 25 (19)
4) L.A. Galaxy 23 (19)
5) Chivas 22 (18)
6) Colorado 21 (19)
7) San Jose 18 (19)

*Lines show teams occupying play-off positions.