Reflection Time: The Preseason NASL Picks That Were Right And Horribly Wrong

With the dawning of any new season, we as pundits love to take a deeper look at all of the comings and goings around our league of choice, read between the lines, and come up with some sort of road map of just how the coming months will take shape. It's a fun exercise in prognostication, and it give us all, whether fans or media, something to talk about before a first ball is kicked in anger.

Inevitably, predictions will end up falling somewhere within the spectrum of correct, almost, and completely misguided. With the NASL regular season having reached its conclusion last weekend, perhaps there is no better time to see just how my preseason thoughts held up.

Landon Donovan: The End of an Era

 

Maybe yesterday's announcement of Landon Donovan's retirement at the end of this MLS season shouldn't have come as a surprise to any of us. Though Donovan is just 32 and could conceivably still have some very good years left in him, we have borne witness to his sometimes fluctuating passion for the game and his longing for a meaningful life that exists well outside of the bounds of white lines on a field.

It is indeed a seminal moment in American soccer, this retirement of a player who, over the span of more than a decade, was often able to transcend the collective gaze of soccer fans in this country and, in doing so, became something of a household name even amongst those sports fans who knew next to nothing about soccer. In a crowded American sporting landscape in which soccer has, in relative terms, only recently begun to captivate the multitudes, such an accomplishment only serves as a microcosm for what he has meant to the sport here.

Life With Jason Smith: So Far, So Good

As is the case with any managerial change, regardless of circumstance, there is a certain pause that supporters take in assessing just how a change at the top will affect a club's fortunes going forward. Fans of struggling teams hope that a changing of the guard brings a reversal of fortunes, fans of contenders pray that the upward trajectory continues, while all fear that it will all go wrong and that their clubs will have to start again from square one in order to get it right.

While two games may serve as a rather small sample size by which we can assess the success of the decision to bring Jason Smith back to the helm of Atlanta Silverbacks, the initial returns are promising indeed and certainly give Silverbacks fans that glimmer of hope that begins to suggest the possibility of sincere competition for fourth place in the overall table and a potential spot in The Championship, the NASL's four team postseason.

Implications of Romelu Lukaku's Everton Move

Perhaps no sooner that the whistle blew to end Everton's season in May, one of the biggest questions Everton fans had was one of the possibility of clinching loanee Romelu Lukaku on a permanent deal from Chelsea. After all, his goals and sheer presence had so much to do with Everton staying in the race for fourth place with such longevity, and one could have scarcely imagined Everton duplicating such a feat in the upcoming season without his services.

The double-edged sword of Lukaku's phenomenal season on Merseyside was that it both led to Everton exceeding many expectations in Roberto Martinez's first season at the helm and, accordingly, drove up his transfer value in Chelsea's eyes. With his valuation on the market now inflated, doubts were unquestionably present about Everton's financial ability to bring him back to Goodison Park.

The Dismantling of Southampton

For the neutral fan, Southampton's return to the Premier League after several years away was a feat to behold in and of itself. After having fallen all the way down to League 1, subsequent promotions saw them back in England's top flight. What was even more remarkable in these last two seasons was that they not only avoided dropping straight back down, but also looked to be consolidating their standing in the league, going from 14th in the 2012/13 season to eighth in the 2013/14 term.

And yet, the prospects of Southampton continuing this renaissance on the south coast are hardly the subject matter at hand for those of us on the outside looking in, for this summer has been one of roster turmoil and understandable indignation amongst fans.

James Rodriguez and the dangers of Real Madrid

It was with great pleasure that those who had not been familiar with the vast talents of James Rodriguez watched and partook of his exploits in Brazil this summer. It soon became clear to the previously uninitiated that his talent is indeed one that is on the very verge of greatness and could be the cornerstone of many of the biggest clubs in Europe.

With that glowing assessment of his talent in mind, it would, to the layman at least, seem that his move to Real Madrid from Monaco makes perfect sense, both to the team and the player. In stark contrast, I have to express a bit more reservation about this transfer than others might.

Verdienter Sieg

It was but scarcely a few weeks ago that we as a collective audience often surmised that there was no clear favorite to be had in this summer's World Cup. Indeed, such a widely held opinion was largely supported as the tournament's path wound its way through the group stage, casting the likes of Portugal, England and Italy aside and throwing plucky underdogs of the likes of Costa Rica, Algeria and the United States into the spotlight.

Yet, as was perhaps inevitable, the cream rose to the top. The Cinderella stories ultimately ended, and even as the final four sides stood as an invariable "who's who" of international pedigree, there would be, in the end, one side that proved its worth as being the rightful champions of the world.

Brazilian Capitulation

With the harrowing and stunning images of Brazil's 7-1 implosion surely seared into our minds now, never to be forgotten, the collective moratorium on what we saw has perhaps only begun. All at once, our very perception of the country and national team that often epitomizes what we would desire from our own teams saw its foundations eroded by a measurable degree.

United States And The Unforgettable Memories

Across our very vast and diverse sporting landscape on this side of the Atlantic, there is one undeniable figure, regardless of the sport, that we all long to find and identify: the hero, mastering his craft in that one seminal moment in which the world at large seemingly disappears into darkness and every ray of the sun appears to shine upon him and only him.

There were many here stateside who doubted quite vociferously the likelihood of the emergence of such a hero in the months that passed follow December's World Cup draw. Indeed, the apparent consensus was that there would be no real bravery on display, with the United States likely departing Brazil with their tails tucked between their legs, having entered like a lion only to exit like a lamb.

Mercifully for those of us who have lived and died while wearing our USA shirts over the years, the naysayers have been proven wrong with great aplomb, and we've been fortunate enough to add a few more memories to go along with those etched in 1994, 2002 and 2010.

The End Is Rarely Beautiful

It was never supposed to end like this, so meekly and so uninspiringly. This seemingly irresistible force that had assailed the soccer world for the better part of a decade was, despite a somewhat aging core, always expected to maintain the standard that they had set forth for themselves, and indeed, history was at least supposed to almost repeat itself.

Fate, and especially in the sporting realm, has an unforgiving demeanor. It doesn't care about what we think is supposed to happen, and it especially doesn't care about human creations such as legacy and legend. Time comes, time goes, empires are built and empires crumble. Perhaps we should finally accept the teachings of history and acknowledge that, yes, even the phenomenon of Spain has fallen to such a timeless, cyclical reality.

United States 2, Ghana 1: Hope, Dream, Believe

From the moment last December's World Cup draw was finalized, the 16th of June was a day that was circled on the calendars of scores of US fans for an intriguing myriad of reasons. Indeed, it was the day of the United States' debut in Brazil, but of course the relevance was always going to be much deeper than that. In facing Ghana, it was a chance to exorcise an old demon, and in battling in perhaps the toughest group at this year's World Cup, it was undeniably the Americans' most clear-cut chance to get three very vital points when points would be at a premium.

On such a stage, against such an old foe, and against such a physically imposing side, perhaps this was never going to be the most attractive soccer clinic. Ultimately, maybe that wound up being just as well.

Minnesota United: Silverware Worthy

As many of us witnessed with great curiosity in the weeks and months leading up to the beginning of the 2014 NASL campaign, something of an arms race, previously a rarity in the American second division, was unfolding before our very eyes. In an effort to end the reign of the Cosmos before it could ever really manifest, clubs such as Tampa Bay, San Antonio and Minnesota invested in a myriad of new, quality signings in the hopes that such moves would see them claiming any of the three trophies on offer this year.

Indeed, Minnesota's cupboard was hardly bare from 2013, and the additions of Jamie Watson, Thiago Calvano, Juliano Vicentini served to seemingly fill in some of the cracks that ultimately caused Minnesota to disappointingly languish in mid-table anonymity last year. However, with Pablo Campos going down in the preseason by way of a torn ACL and MCL, Minnesota lost the very fulcrum of their potent attack and, for many pundits around the league, likely lost their contender status as well in that cruel moment.

Thankfully for the Minnesota faithful, pundits and talking heads don't determine results; players and coaches do.

United States 2, Azerbaijan 0: Relief and Questions

As would be typical for one of the last sporting events at Candlestick Park, the winds were literally swirling as the United States took on Azerbaijan last night, though more intriguingly, if not harrowingly for American fans, the figurative winds circulating over the span of ninety minutes brought forth varying degrees of bemusement, lamentation, concern and encouragement. In what was supposed to be the easy first leg of three pre-World Cup friendlies, this one was, in large portions, anything but.

Landon Donovan: The End of an Era and Its Predictable Fallout

Indeed, for a whole generation of soccer fans in the United States, the name of Landon Donovan is one that has largely been hallowed, revered, and simply synonymous with the very being of the national team. Realistically speaking, who could blame these fans for holding Donovan in such a high regard? After all, it is he who has been, to a man, the best and most dynamic player this country has ever produced, and it is he who has been so very central to almost any measure of success the United States have accomplished over the last twelve years.

And yet, despite such an impressive resume, pedigree and reputation, Landon Donovan (barring injury to another player) will not be gracing the shores of Brazil this summer for one final go of it on the game's biggest stage. The script always said that Donovan would be there for his fourth World Cup, but as scripts go, they are often meant to be crumpled up and thrown away in the end. So it is that this fate has befallen Donovan in what looks to be the twilight of his career, and this reality has sent several corners of the US Soccer scene into histrionics. 

The Ryan Martin Show: 4/14/14

Yesterday's show is now online. Liverpool's emotional win, Clint Dempsey's form, the Champions League draw, Barcelona's stumble, and the opening weekend in the NASL were just some of the topics discussed.

Note: We were having some microphone issues that led to some buzzing and humming in the first half of the show. Sorry!

NASL Team Previews: New York Cosmos

Although the Cosmos only came into the league for last year's Fall Season, their haul of silverware proves that it was a successful introduction to the league indeed. In winning a league double, the Cosmos fired a resounding signal of intent and, perhaps in turn, served as the catalyst to the spending spree embarked upon by fellow clubs looking to keep pace.

A season on from last year's heights tells us that Giovanni Savarese's will be seeking to repeat their feats by way of cohesion and relying upon the core of 2013's victors, though that is not to say that they have stood still in the market as other teams have strengthened. In addressing a couple of their needs, the Cosmos are poised to be at or near the top of the table again.

NASL Team Previews: San Antonio Scorpions

As 2013 drew to a close, Scorpions fans were relieved to see the back of a season that was the absolute epitome of a roller coaster. San Antonio stumbled out of the gate in the spring, rebounded to finish just behind Atlanta, started poorly again in the fall, fired Tim Hankinson, and finally began to show signs of life again to end on a high note.

Alen Marcina deserved ample credit in leading the late turnaround, and it was this performance as interim manager that saw him appointed on a full-time basis last winter. Now with San Antonio having spent copious amounts of money in the offseason, Marcina's challenge is no longer one of achieving consisteny; it is one of meeting lofty expectations and bringing home a trophy or two.

NASL Team Previews: Minnesota United

A 2013 season that began with the promise and excitement brought on by new ownership, a rebrand, and seemingly good signings ultimately devolved into a season of inconsistency, unfulfilled expectations and mid-table anonymity. Resultantly, areas needing further address were made clear.

The bulk of the offseason has been a good one for Manny Lagos and co., as yet more proven talent has been brought in to complement the club's formidable core. Yet, with one very significant injury on Minnesota's recent trip to England, the likelihood of Minnesota's involvement in the postseason suddenly doesn't look as sure as it might have before.

NASL Team Previews: Ottawa Fury

The NASL's new Canadian member has all of the appearances of being ready for life in the league. Manager Marc Dos Santos has put together an interesting mix of talent, whether Canadian, international, or well-versed in life in either the NASL or USL. Indeed, Fury's collective experience is hardly what one would expect from a team only just beginning play at this level.

Much like their expansion brethren Indy Eleven, the question is one that revolves around just how they'll fare this season. There is no baseline to base any predictions on, so we'll have to analyze the side, piece by piece, and try to gather if the parts add up to a greater sum.

NASL Team Previews: Indy Eleven

With the dawn of a new era of soccer on the horizon in Indianapolis, the atmosphere in town is so full of electricity that one can absolutely feel it. Predictably, club president Peter Wilt has worked yet more magic in cultivating such a rabid fanbase before the club has even played a league match, and owner Ersal Ozdemir has every reason to believe that the future is bright indeed for his fledgling NASL side.

When the season commences Saturday, Indy fans will be taken from the excitement of having a local side to support to the realities of actually seeing this year's squad in action, thus learning if they have the wherewithal to compete from the outset in a tightly-packed and highly-competitive league. Yes, manager Juergen Sommer's side has captured some remarkable, if not surprising signings, but will this be enough to put them at the right end of the table?

NASL Team Previews: Tampa Bay Rowdies

Much like Carolina last season, Tampa Bay was left empty-handed and left out of Soccer Bowl contention, despite finishing with the second best record in the league over the whole of 2013. As one could imagine, saying that Rowdies fans found themselves with a bitter taste in their mouths as a result of this would be an understatement.

Now a few months later, that bitter taste has given way to the euphoria of high expectations and a promising future. New owner Bill Edwards has come in with guns blazing, whether by investing a lot of his own money into Al Lang Stadium, splashing the cash on some high-profile signings, or making great strides in improving the gameday experience for the fans. Yes, such developments have led many NASL pundits to think that the Rowdies are a hot pick for trophies this season.

NASL Team Previews: Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

There's no other way to put this: Ft. Lauderdale was an absolute disaster last spring and hardly looked like showing any signs of life. Accordingly Daryl Shore was fired as manager, Günter Kronsteiner was brought in to reverse a sinking ship's course, and slowly but surely, the Strikers began to look rather competitive.

Fast forward to the dawn of this season and you can sense an air of optimism amongst Strikers fans that would have been quite misplaced only a year prior. In looking at the offseason moves the club made, one can understand that these good vibes throughout the fanbase may indeed be warranted.

NASL Team Previews: FC Edmonton

At the risk of sounding overly harsh, perhaps there is no better description of FC Edmonton's 2013 season than mid-table anonymity. As the draw specialists of the league, Edmonton fans and opponents alike knew what the club's recipe was: be hard to break down, depend on long balls and set pieces and hope to win games 1-0. Accordingly Edmonton was a side that nobody really looked forward to playing against, yet the fear of Edmonton picking up three points was never all too prevalent either.

With last year's scoring struggles in mind, Colin Miller has looked to revamp his midfield and striking options, but will the changes be enough for Edmonton to keep up with some of the bigger spenders in the league?

The Ryan Martin Show: 4/7/14

Yesterday's show is now online. The La Liga title race, the madness of Portland v. Seattle and managerial sackings were just some of the subjects discussed.

NASL Team Previews: Carolina RailHawks

If there was one team in the league that felt it was hard done by last season, it was unquestionably Carolina. Never mind the trophies brought home by the Cosmos and Atlanta; it was Carolina who stood as the beacon of consistency in finishing with the best overall record in the league, yet with only the Fall and Spring Season winners making it into the league's hallmark event, the Railhawks were left to rue cruel fate and stand on the outside looking in. Indeed, the expansion of the NASL's postseason came a season too late.

Whether Carolina can reach such a standard of quality this season might be a different matter entirely, of course. Colin Clarke has seen some very vital pieces to last year's puzzle depart, and his side is going to have to jell quickly in the wake of this turnover to be one of the final four teams standing come November.

NASL Team Previews: Atlanta Silverbacks

In what seemed like merely a matter of moments following the lights being turned out at Silverbacks Park after Atlanta's loss in the Soccer Bowl, the winds of change began blowing, and indeed with some force. Brian Haynes was not retained as manager, Eric Wynalda took the reins from his position as the club's technical director, and several players central to the Silverbacks' 2013 Spring Season triumph departed for pastures new.

From the outside looking in, this would appear to be something of a transitional season with lowered expectations. However, with the club making some shrewd moves in the player market during the offseason, one could understand why Silverbacks fans would be approaching 2014 with something of a quiet optimism.

The Ryan Martin Show: 3/17/14

Yesterday's show is now online. San Jose's late heroics, Chelsea's slip and the North London Derby were just a few of the topics discussed.

The Ryan Martin Show: 3/3/14

If you missed today's show, here's your chance to catch it a second time around. Topics such as the USA's new shirt, Manchester City's Capital One Cup triumph, and Atletico Madrid v. Real Madrid were just some of the things up for discussion.

The Ryan Martin Show: 2/24/14

Listen to this episode

We're having some issues with our regular podcast host, but regardless, yesterday's show is now online at the link above. Listen in for opinions on the Chivas USA situation, Liverpool v. Swansea, Champions League, and more.

The Ryan Martin Show: 1/13/14

We're back on air after our winter break! Listen to yesterday's show for the latest talk on Michael Bradley's move to Toronto, Tiote's goal that wasn't, Atletico Madrid v. Barcelona, and more.