Sports: Soccer

Steven Goff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 12, 2006 12:00 PM

Do you also have questions about D.C. United? MLS? National team? Europe?

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, April 12, at noon ET to talk soccer.

The transcript follows.

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Steven Goff: Are ya ready, kids?

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Under a Rock: So is there some big event or something coming up for soccer this summer?

Steven Goff: Nothing going on in soccer, but a lot of bad Nationals baseball.

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Owings Mills, Md.: Steve:

What is the deal with Santino? Will he ever stay healthy?

Steven Goff: Nope. He's doomed. Even when he's healthy, with a deep United roster, he's going to have a hard time getting any playing time.

There were trade talks during the offseason with several teams, but no deal was reached. With the fifth-highest salary on the team, his future in DC doesn't look good.

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Rockville, Md.: In hindsight, was Freddy Adu a victim of too much hype? He is a descent player, but not making the world cup team (at least it doesn't seem like he will make it), must really bruise his ego as a player. Ever since we first heard of him 3 years ago, everyone kept saying that watch our for Freddy Adu, he is going to be making a name for himself at the next World Cup.

Steven Goff: Blame MLS, Nike, some of the media and, to a smaller extent, United for saying how wonderful this kid was. For his age, he is extraordinary. But among the big boys, he's up and down. That should be expected from a player with his experience.

There are a hundred Freddys in Brazil.

That's not Freddy's fault; just the reality.

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Alexandria, Va.: At what time today does the group of 35 get announced? Does Meola have a chance?

Steven Goff: That announcement has been cancelled. Not sure why. Actually, not sure why they had planned it in the first place.

Final roster announcement will be May 2 at 6 p.m. on SportsCenter and ussoccer.com

Meola? Not likely. Arena has indicated he will go with Keller, Hahnemann and Howard. One alternate GK will be named. I'm guessing Matt Reis, but Meola is always a reliable alternative.

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Torino, IT: Is there any way that Arena doesn't take Johnny O to Germany? And who are the forwards for the US, besides McBride.

Steven Goff: If he stays healthy the next few weeks, O'Brien is in. He's pure class and has WC and Euro club experience. As for the forwards: McBride, Johnson, Twellman and Wolff. (I consider Donovan a MF, although he could play withdrawn forward.) Ching still in the running...sort of...I guess.

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Washington, D.C.: Is the Post going to let you follow the team to training camp in Cary and throughout the Cup, or will you just fly over to Germany and start your coverage when the team arrives?

Steven Goff: I'll head down to Cary when training camp opens May 10, do some work for a few days, and then get ready for the three friendlies in late May. My flight -- as well as the team's -- departs on June 1.

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Maryland: Thanks for your excellent soccer coverage! I look forward to these chats. It seems to me that DC United has many attacking options but is a little thin on the defensive end. Are there any early indications of management looking at adding an outside back, or at any other positions for that matter?

Steven Goff: Thanks for your kind words.

I don't like United's outside back situation. Wilson goes forward well, but isn't a pure defender, in my mind. Namoff is a good right back, but he's been hurt. I don't really like Erpen out wide on the right. Prideaux is adequate but susceptible to mistakes.

At the moment, no word of any personnel moves in the back.

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Washington, D.C.: 100 Freddys in Brazil? How'd they lose 0-3 to Mexico in the U-17 championship?

Steven Goff: It was one game. Let's see how many 17 year olds in Brazil turn into Euro stars in the future, compared to Mexico or the United States.

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Fairfax, VA: What do you know about this?

The World at Our Feet (Hardcover)

by Bruce Arena, Will Kuhns

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (September 30, 2006)

Language: English

Steven Goff: Boy, that's old. Not happening. Bruce was working on a book with Jeff Bradley of ESPN magazine, but that's also on hold, I believe.

FYI, the estemmed Mr. Kuhns, a former Wash Post and Soccer America writer, is now the head of communications at MLS in New York.

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The Blog: I like the World Cup blog you guys have going. Will you be listing the beers you drink while you're in Germany?

washingtonpost.com: Road to the World Cup

Steven Goff: So many beers, so little time.

Keep an eye on that blog, run by our soccer editor, Jon "Totti" DeNunzio. It's going to keep getting better as the Cup approaches.

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Tony Meola: I guess the Jamaica match was supposed to be a final bow for Tony Meola on the national stage. What's your favorite Tony memory?

Steven Goff: Draped in a flag after the USA beat Colombia in 94 was pretty good; his performance during a 2-0 win over England in 93 was outstanding; his 2000 season for KC was remarkable.

We'll leave out him getting beaten badly by the mighty Howard University Bison in the NCAA quarterfinals in '88!

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Not in Cary, N.C.: The US looked awful last night. So many errant passes - and these are supposed to be the best Americans in MLS. How many of those helped their cases for a spot on the WC roster?

Steven Goff: O'Brien was very good. Olsen helped his chances. Albright was a threat with his opportunities in the box. Dempsey has some ridiculous skills.

Overall, not a great performance, though. That is why, when Arena names his WC roster, most of the players will be from Euro clubs.

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Baltimore, Md.: Steve:

Why does Peter think playing three d-mids (Ben, Brian and Clyde) is a good option?

Steven Goff: I don't get it either.

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Las Vegas, Nev.: Does the Post plan to publish, in print on on-line, a schedule and bracket that I can use for... um... recreational purposes?

Steven Goff: Why wait until June: www.fifaworldcup.com

(Hope I don't get scolded for that)

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Washington, D.C.: Any word on when we might hear something from United re: new ownership? Or movement on the stadium?

Steven Goff: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Huh? What? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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Reston, Va.: Just wanted to pass along thanks for the increased soccer coverage. Not only the United stuff (excellent as always) but the articles about the Reading boys, and Gooch.

It's nice to have a full page of in depth soccer writing.

Steven Goff: Thanks for your kind words. And thanks to everyone who e-mailed me directly the last couple days. It means a lot to get feedback from readers.

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Arlington, Va.: Any update on Namoff's injury status and when he might return to the lineup?

Steven Goff: He's been working out with the team, so it could be soon.

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Arlington, Va.: How is the field at RFK compared to last season? Have they made improvements?

Steven Goff: Seems much better than last year, but we'll have to see how it endures through the summer. Having said that, did you see that cross last weekend that hit the third base line and smacked Troy Perkins in the face?

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Mount Pleasant: I'm expecting a response of "zzzzzz" but is there anything we can do to help out with the stadium situation? Or a congressional representative at least the lucky fans in VA/MD can call and urge some movement on the land swap? Any timeline on when that actually might happen?

Steven Goff: Nope. Sorry. It's out of our hands. Maybe a pep rally for Kevin Payne...

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: Do you think Olsen's performance last night got him one of the last remaining spots on the World Cup roster?

Steven Goff: I'm thinking Ben has a shot at one of the last roster spots. Great question. Something I should address in a United story later this week.

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Downtown Washington, D.C.: Who will cover DC United for The Post while you're in Germany?

Steven Goff: Great question. Our summer interns arrive soon, so that's an option. Some of the staffers aren't too busy in the summer. We'll see...

Warning: MLS's decision to play during the entire World Cup will not help their media exposure. So don't be surprised to see DCU games buried deep behind all the WC coverage.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: What's your take on the Rowan deal?

Most people in Philly do not want to travel over the river to NJ to see a game.

Steven Goff: In MLS's world, anyone who has a stadium plan instantly moves up the expansion list. Anchorage? Sure! Cleveland? Why not. Tulsa? Welcome!

I've heard the same complaint about Glassboro, NJ -- just too far from Philly.

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Washington, D.C.: Go ahead, pick the U.S. team. Which of the last few guys would you want to fill out the roster and why?

Steven Goff: I picked my 23 on our World Cup blog at washingtonpost.com the other day -- before the USA-JAM game. The only one I really regret now is Zavagnin. I think Noonan or Olsen has moved ahead of him, but we'll see what Arena decides. Injuries will also play a part in his decision, so keep an eye on the MLS candidates over the next two weeks.

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Arlington, Va.: Goff,

So a while back I mentioned that I thought many of your DC United game reports were negative, as if you would rather be watching the grass grow or UEFA games. Your reply was "I'm not a cheerleader."

Now the other day, you casually wrote that the Gold Cup was "an inconsequential tournament." Why did you . . . or was it your editors . . . decide to use that phrase instead of, perhaps, "a regional tournament."

It is, afterall, our version of the European Championship---it's just that many of our teams are minnows compared to those powerhouses.

So, although you may not have to cheerlead, keep the negative "editorializing" out of your writing.

Cheers

Steven Goff: The Gold Cup, which brings in guest teams? The Gold Cup, which doesn't usually feature a full-strength US team? The Gold Cup, which somehow had Panama in the championship game? Please......

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Washington, D.C.: That Howard v. UVA game was best game I've had the pleasure to see in person. I had been following HU all season, but Meola and UVA were just so good I didn't think HU had much of a chance. Hislop saving the penalty kick changed that game in HU's favor. Meola was damn good that day too. Glad he got a final bow on the international scene wish the US could have one though

Steven Goff: Ah, memories. Yes, one of the most extraordinary matches I've ever seen (gee, look, I'm expressing enthusiasm about a soccer game!). UVA goes up 2-0 early and then misses a PK. Howard comes back to win 3-2.

From what I recall, that 1988 Final Four included three goalies who went on to star in England: Shaka Hislop (Howard), Kasey Keller (Portland) and Juergen Sommer (Indiana).

By the way, over the years, I have never seen a better college soccer player than Shaka Hislop.

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Washington, D.C.: Who will be the first MLS coach fired this year, Ellinger or Clavijo?

Steven Goff: You mean Ellinger hasn't been fired yet?

Nowak is counting down the days.

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Arlington, Va.: Who will form the backline for the U.S. in Germany? They looked pathetic against Jamaica last night.

Steven Goff: Eddie Lewis (Leeds) on the left, Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege) in the middle and Steve Cherundolo (Hanover) on the right. Who will join Gooch in the middle if Arena goes with a 4-man back line? Hmmmmm....

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RFK: Steve: What are your thoughts on Filomeno so far? I like his runs, but it seems like he's had trouble getting involved in the attack. I know it's only been two games, but I can't think of any clear chances at goal he has had or created. How much time will Novak give him before putting Eskandarian or Walker up top next to Jaime?

Steven Goff: He's a good player, obviously knows what he's doing, but he's got to start scoring goals. I wouldn't be surprised to see Eskandarian and Moreno up front this weekend, with Adu on the left.

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Arlington, Va.: Does United have any money left under the cap or would any move (trade or signing when the summer transfer window opens) have to be "salary neutral"?

If they are under the cap, by roughly how much?

Steven Goff: Like many things in MLS, it's a closely guarded state secret. Someday, the league will join the rest of the U.S. pro leagues and be more forthcoming about such issues.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey stop giving our secrets away to "Torino, IT"! I think you meant to say our forwards are Clint Mathis and, uh..., Roy Wegerle.

Steven Goff: Yes, um, of course. Ted Eck and Jean Harboer.

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Footie Heaven: Steven,

Are you disappointed with the 3 teams (Latvia, Morocco, Venezuela) we'll be playing in our tune-up games ?

Steven Goff: Morocco will be a difficult game. Not sure what to make of the Latvia and Venezuela matches, although both are decent sides.

Keep in mind, this isn't about the results; it's about Arena getting his players together for real games.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Steve,

I'm submitting early because I'm not going to be near a computer when the chat starts. I have two questions:

1. Why does the U.S. Soccer Federation deem it necessary to play a World Cup preparatory match in a 7,000-seat stadium on the outskirts of a medium-sized-at-best metropolitan area? Could they have found some other place reasonably nearby to go?

2. Why does ESPN deem it either useful or necessary to televise said game, especially given that both teams' rosters were not at full strength and there were six substitutions allowed per side?

Yes, I realize that the Fed pays for the airtime, but the whole thing struck me as being only slightly more important than a NFL team's third preseason game -- the starters play a little longer than usual but it still really doesn't matter much at all.

Steven Goff: Cary was the perfect location for a friendly against Jamaica on a Tuesday night with depleted rosters. The game wasn't great, but the atmosphere seemed nice.

The USSF takes what it can get in terms of live national TV slots.

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Reston, Va.: Any inkling of what European team DC United is trying to line up?

Steven Goff: United will play a friendly at RFK on July 19, opponent TBA. They are trying to line up a European opponent. (I have been assured that it will not be Firpo, FAS, Aguila, Municipal or any other Central American club.)

There's also an outside chance of a big name coming in August to FedEx, but that's a ways from being finalized. Barcelona had been mentioned, but that died weeks ago. (Barca will play in Houston, LA and NY in early August.)

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Fairfax, Va.: Steve, any chance we'll see Rimando this saturday?

Steven Goff: No.

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Washington, D.C.: OK, since you've floated the possibility that Quaranta's days may be numbered . . .Quaranta for Guzan? Quaranta + someone/something else for Guzan? What else?

Steven Goff: I don't think Chivas is interested in trading Guzan. At Quaranta's salary figure (around 130K, I'm guessing) and his injuries, it would be hard to trade him now.

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Burke, Va.: Steven, during last saturdays game against Chivas USA, Garcia got into it with a Barra Brava member and made a series of obscene gestures. Will the league look into that and hand down any sanctions if contacted?

Steven Goff: The incident was not included on the officials' postgame report. So unless MLS pursues it independently, which is possible, nothing will happen.

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BERWYN HEIGHTS, MDd. Steven-

Your salary cap comments bring up an interesting point: how did you get ahold of those numbers the last time? Did you break in, Mission: Impossible style? Do you have incriminating pictures?

Steven Goff: Ever since the league and the players union reached a collective bargaining agreement, the salary numbers are -- how shall we say? -- a little more accessible than before.

I hope to acquire them from a man named Deep Throat Jr. in a parking garage in Arlington at an undisclosed date very soon.

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Hyattsville, Md.: I really enjoyed the piece yesterday. Are there plans for more similar features in the lead up to the World Cup?

Steven Goff: Thanks for the kind words! Yes, we are hoping to do more lengthy soccer stories in the weeks ahead, culminating with a special WC section in early June. My man DeNunzio is running the show.

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Silver Spring, Md.: So what's the excuse now US "Soccer" fans? A young Jamaica football team played equal to the mighty 5th ranked US team? Excuses?

Steven Goff: First, pay no attention to world rankings. The USA ranked fifth? Completely ridiculous.

Indeed, no excuses for a tie with Jamaica, even if the Americans were using MLS players only.

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Reston, Va.: When Ellinger is fired, will he be replaced by Clavijo? When Clavijo is fired, will he be replaced by Ellinger? Or will one or the other be replaced by Sigi Schmid, whose position at the Crew will be taken by Clavijo? In other words, why does MLS seem to keep shuffling around the same set of coaches?

Steven Goff: MLS wants to be treated like other U.S. pro leagues. So I guess they're acting like them too.

Gene Shue or Hubie Brown, anyone?

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Bethesda, Md.: Why aren't we seeing more of Santino Quaranta? Last summer he was doing well with the National Team, now he can't get minutes. Is he hurt again? Are Filomeno, et.al., really better players? I think he has the softest touch and the best long, accurate passes on the squad.

Steven Goff: He was not good at U.S. training camp in January. He then suffered some injuries with United. Don't expect to see him on the field again in MLS for at least three weeks.

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Alexandria, Va.: Have you been following the status of Justin Moose? When Simms came in for Filomeno last weekend -- a substitution I figured was basically to realign to two forwards and move Esky up front -- I wondered why Moose didn't get his first minutes there, as more of a natural winger than Clyde Simms. He looked fairly decent in pre-season; is he not looking so good now?

Steven Goff: Very young player, still getting accustomed to the pro game. I, too, am curious to see how he will perform in MLS.

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Washington, D.C.: Chivas USA is clealy much improved. However, are they playing by a different set of salary rules than the rest? Or are Razov, O'Brien, etc., making less money than we think?

Steven Goff: We may never know.

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Herndon, Va.: Bruce Arena should be fired for not including Clint Mathis on his World Cup roster!!!

Belated April Fools!!

Steven Goff: And with that, I must say goodbye.

Thanks for your many questions. We'll do it again in two weeks. Please check out our WC blog at washingtonpost.com.

And feel free to reach me anytime at goffs@washpost.com

Peace!

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