Investment in market share in 1990 were too timid

have continued with substantial risks to turn around the financial markets many are reluctant to invest today. But always remember to share markets face uncertainty - the risk is a fact of life to invest. If you go back 20 years, things are much worse in 1990 than nfl throwback jerseys
they are now, and the markets have done well since. 2010 may seem difficult, but in 1990 was not for investors, employees, or simple. Taking into account the situation in the free section Dominion could fit on a page, simply finding a job was a success. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in 1990, collapse of the commercial property prices, GDP will contract and we were in recession. Inflation was 7.9% and the variable-rate mortgage rose to 14.9%. Our market share had half the value in the last three years has fallen. Then, just as you thought it could not get much worse, in August 1990 Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, to our market share of 30%. Soon after the need for recapitalization by the government BNZ. Then we are confronted by what is the United Kingdom today, massive budget cuts came, it is necessary to fix a very sick looking public budgets. Our economy, which has already been canceled. GDP by 2% and unemployment was 11%. It was the time. Amid all this terrible news, the market shares in New Zealand means quiet in early February 1991 - the memory was, or shortly thereafter, the day the Americans crossed the border into Kuwait.
People who had had the strength to invest in equities during this whirlwind of bad news from the year 1990 a good run in the last 20 years. rose in New Zealand by 320%, house prices in New Zealand by 380% and 565% Australian shares an impressive win. In fact, all assets have done well. Bonds represented by deposits here in six months, returned 6.8% per year before tax and 4.8% per year after taxes, is still far from inflation, increased 2.2% per year.
For now, what is the probability that the returns over the next 20 years is similar to last 20 years? Today, in 1990, investors have reason to worry. Sovereign risk, debt, budget deficits, inflation, deflation, war, real estate prices low, rising interest rates, volatile stock markets, oil spills, etc.
It is impossible to predict the impact of this on the markets and the future performance, but we did one year to 8% of the shares and real estate, fixed income and maybe a 6%. Some readers of this decline. After all, investment returns in stocks and real estate with the hope of only 8%?
I hope for more than 8% of capital gain on my part. But I know that fighting the market to me even more.
Any additional changes will come from stock selection of New Orleans Saints jersey
good quality and to bring the patience and the power cost in these struggles inevitable market downturn, when good companies, such as infants, often discarded with the bath water.
We just do investors accept this new reality. When it comes to return capital return of 7.5% is the new 10%. Many investors are still struggling to find Chasing Rainbows try some alternative investments such as hedge funds, products and anything that potentially offer something like Return-style 1990-'10% could risk. It seems that some people something to prevent the acquisition of shares do.
But stocks still offer decent value. Dividend yields are often higher than deposit rates, and are in good quality companies should be able to increase performance over time.
Considered and cautious approach is important, but investors who buy less by little, you try to use periods of market weakness to his advantage to the business of good quality to make long-term vision and above all realistic expectations, you can invest continue to shares with a reasonable degree of confidence.
Of course in the coming years will see the usual mix of volatility, risk and events of fear, but in 2030, 2010 could end up much today to 1,990.
Cam Watson is the director of investments at ABN Amro Craigs, a leading independent investment firms in New Zealand. More than 18 years experience in the financial services industry. For eleven years, Cam has been employed with ABN Amro Craigs, Chief Investment Officer will be in 2007.
He previously was business development, investment management, customer service and features in the Tower, Southpac, Prudential Tower Trust Services.
This experience in a number of important functions for large companies to use Cam has a wealth of knowledge and turned it into one of the experts Zealand trust investments.
Cam has a BA and an exchange of San Francisco 49ers jersey
shares in New Zealand (NZ) degrees. He was a member of New Zealand since 2001 and has a valid authorization Share Broker. As with all investment advisers to ABN AMRO Craigs is Cam to internal performance modules, covering topics such as industry and regulators to hold. It also has the support and resources of ABN AMRO Craigs global research network.

Cardinals relieved to get win over Oakland

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—Standing on the sideline after Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski(notes) let a short, potential game-winning field goal fly, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt couldn’t believe what he saw.
A 90 percent kicker from inside 40 yards, Janikowski had pushed the kick left as time expired.
“I was thinking he missed it, he missed it, but I wasn’t sure until the football jerseys
officials gave the signal,” Whisenhunt said Monday.
The officials, after a slight-but-agonizing delay, did give the signal for the miss Whisenhunt and the rest of the Cardinals didn’t expect but were glad to have.
Oakland coach Tom Cable, anticipating Janikowski splitting the uprights, walked onto the field screaming, fist in the air, only to turn slump-shouldered back to the bench.
Across the field, Whisenhunt went from hopeful to exuberant in an instant, his players and coaches rushing past.
One errant swipe of Janikowski’s left foot and Arizona had held on for a 24-23 win after another so-so performance from quarterback Derek Anderson(notes) and not just one, but two punts that caromed off unsuspecting players.
Yeah, the Cardinals were feeling pretty fortunate to be 2-1 instead of the other way around.
“Obviously, happy we got the win,” Whisenhunt said with a slight chuckle. “It’s a lot easier to continue to work on getting better when you’re in a little better frame of mind, so that was a good thing.”
The Cardinals at least got off to a great start; LaRod Stephens-Howling(notes) returned the opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown.
After that, Arizona slogged its way through a not-always-pretty game that came down to Janikowski’s fate-turning kick.
Defensively, the Cardinals were solid, getting a big goal-line stand in the fourth quarter and holding the Raiders to field goals after the two miscues on the punt returns.
The two special-team gaffes were frustrating, the first was probably unavoidable. Raiders punter Shane Lechler(notes) didn’t hit the ball very well and it bounced off the legs of Matt Ware(notes), who was trying to set up a block for returner Andre Roberts(notes).
The second one was probably Roberts’ fault. The rookie was set up too deep and didn’t do Indianapolis Colts jersey
a very good job of warning his teammates that the ball was short and it hit Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes). Oakland recovered both miscues and now the Cardinals might be looking for a new returner.
Bad as those mistakes were, at least they’re easy to fix.
The offense’s continuing struggles are a little tougher to smooth over.
Arizona hasn’t been able to generate much of anything offensively this season and misfired most of the day against the Raiders, managing just 227 total yards.
Running back Beanie Wells(notes) gave the Cardinals a spark, gaining 75 yards on 14 attempts after missing the first two games because of arthroscopic knee surgery.
Anderson, though, continued his trend of inconsistency.
He missed badly on several throws early, including a couple that might have led to touchdowns, and finished 12 of 26 for 122 yards with an interception. Anderson did throw two touchdown passes, the 8-yarder to Larry Fitzgerald(notes) in the third quarter becoming the eventual decisive score, but the Cardinals need to see more stability from the quarterback who led them to run Matt Leinart(notes) out of the desert.
“Obviously, Derek needs to improve and he’ll tell you that,” Whisenhunt said. “I think he played a little better in the second half for us, but there were some things he missed in the first half we’ve got to improve on. We can’t miss those plays, we can’t leave them on the field.”
Some of the miscues might be expected, even for the two-time defending NFC West champions. This year’s team is young, full of new faces in key places, everyone still trying to find that meshing mojo the previous two teams had.
Still, Arizona needs to get in synch quickly, clean up those miscues with a road game Dallas Cowboys jersey
against San Diego next, followed by defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans at home.
The good news is the Cardinals found a way to pull out the win against the Raiders, even if there was a little luck involved—2-1 feels a whole lot better than 1-2.
“Any win is good, no matter what,” Wells said. “When the win-loss ratio is there, nobody looks at how you won the game, only that you got the win.”

Vick accounts for 4 TDs, Eagles rout Jags 28-3

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Michael Vick(notes) sparked a rally against Green Bay, dismantled Detroit and picked apart Jacksonville.
What does he have left to prove?
Maybe nothing—until some guy named Donovan McNabb(notes) returns to Philadelphia next week. For now, though, Vick made Andy Reid’s quarterback decision look like the right one.
Vick threw three touchdown passes, ran for another score and led the nfl throwback jerseys
Eagles to a 28-3 victory over the Jaguars on Sunday.
“He played his heart out today, so it’s more about him than me or anybody else,” Reid said. “It’s a tribute to what he’s done and how he’s handled things.”
Vick completed 17 of 31 passes for 291 yards, mostly staying in the pocket and dissecting Jacksonville’s beleaguered secondary. One of the few times he did run, he broke a tackle, juked another defender and scored from 17 yards.
Vick found DeSean Jackson(notes) for a 61-yard touchdown and hooked up with Jeremy Maclin(notes) for two scores. Jackson finished with five catches for 153 yards, Maclin had four receptions for 83 yards, and the Eagles (2-1) improved to 2-0 with Vick as their starter.
“I moved on Thursday with all the hoopla that was going on,” Vick said. “I understand the circumstances and the reason for all the talk. … It is a sigh of relief to move on and not talk about it anymore.”
Vick became the latest in a growing list of quarterbacks to torch the Jaguars (1-2). Denver’s Kyle Orton(notes) and San Diego’s Philip Rivers(notes) burned them repeatedly for big gains the last two weeks.
Jacksonville fans headed to the exits early in the fourth quarter, with their team trailing by 25 points and having seen enough of David Garrard(notes).
Garrard, benched last week after throwing four interceptions against the Chargers, was even worse against Philadelphia. Yes, worse. Although Garrard threw just one interception, he tossed up at least four more balls that could have been picked.
“He was ineffective today,” coach Jack Del Rio said.
Garrard finished 13 of 30 for 105 yards and was sacked six times. Trent Cole(notes) and his defensive teammates abused Jaguars offensive tackles Eugene Monroe(notes) and Eben Britton(notes) early and often, getting the kind of steady pressure that gives Garrard trouble.
“We could never get a rhythm going, we could never get anything going really in Chargers jersey
the pass game,” Garrard said.
Garrard finished with a passer rating of 38.9, even lower than last week’s 62.7 mark.
“We have to figure out something ASAP,” said Maurice Jones-Drew(notes), who ran for 88 yards. “We’re not doing anything right.”
Vick offered plenty of answers to anyone who criticized Reid’s decision to go with him over Kevin Kolb(notes).
Reid had insisted Kolb would start when he returned from a concussion. But Vick’s play prompted Reid to reverse field and stick with Vick, saying the shifty left-hander gives Philadelphia a better chance to win.
He sure did against Jacksonville.
“I always believed I could come back and play quarterback,” said Vick, who missed two years while serving time for his role in a dogfighting operation. “It was all about me getting an opportunity and I got it and it’s time to make the most of it.”
The Eagles scored early and late in the first half, with Vick converting third-and-long plays on both drives. He stayed in the pocket on third-and-16 and dropped a perfect pass over cornerback Michael Coe’s(notes) outstretched arms and into Jackson’s hands.
Jackson turned up the sideline and went untouched for 61 yards.
Vick was nearly as precise in the two-minute drill just before halftime. He found Brent Celek(notes) down the middle for a 22-yard gain despite facing a coverage scheme that included seven defensive backs. He hooked up with Maclin for 14 yards, then again on a 16-yard score with 4 seconds remaining.
His best pass may have come in the third quarter, when he zipped one down the sideline to Maclin for a 45-yard score that made it 21-3.
Vick now gets to spend a week talking about McNabb, Philadelphia’s longtime starter whose offseason departure helped pave the way for Vick’s return. But he wasn’t ready to discuss it Sunday.
“I’m not getting involved in that,” he said. “I’m not getting involved in Donovan Bears jersey
McNabb-Mike Vick controversy.”
NOTES: Vick’s passing yardage is the fourth-highest total of his career. … Cole had two sacks for his 13th-career multi-sack game. … The Jaguars benched struggling CB Derek Cox(notes) for the second straight week. His replacement, David Jones(notes), got beat for two big pass plays. … Garrard’s 105 yards passing are his fewest since getting knocked out of a game early against Indianapolis in 2007. … This is the first time since 2007 that Jones-Drew hasn’t scored in the first three games.

26 sep 10 Defense continues to deliver

If you want to sum up the performance by the Steelers defense on Sunday, the best way to do so would be listening to what Titans quarterback Vince Young had to say.
“They did some things that I haven’t seen before,” said Young after the Steelers 19-11 win in Tennessee.
That is something that this defense nfl jerseys
takes pride in, bringing a new look each week that defensive coordinator Dick Labia draws up, showing opponents something that they might not have seen on tape and using it to their advantage.
The defense created seven turnovers, the most since they had seven takeaways against Baltimore in 1997. They got production up and down the line-up, from Pro Bowl safety Troy Palatal to defensive end Steve McClendon, who was signed off the practice squad the day before the game.
“Everybody knows their role and plays their part, does their assignment,” said cornerback Bryant McFadden , who had an interception. “The coaches do a great job preparing us each week. The rest is playing hard, physical and violent football.
“Coach (Mike) Tomlin says he wants a violent team out there; a violent team that plays within the rules. We want to be attackers. We want to throw our bodies around and play without a seat belt. We don’t drive the speed limit; we don’t wear a seat belt when we are out there playing.”
The way the defense is playing right now is reminiscent of a defense of Steelers jersey
the not so distant past – the 2008 version. Last year the defense let some games go in the fourth quarter. This year, like in 2008, they are doing their best to make sure that isn’t the case.

“That is what we are trying to get back,” said defensive end Aaron Smith . “Last year we had some games where we let teams pull it out at the end. That’s where we need to get. That’s the type of mentality we have to have, to want to finish games and want the game in our hands and be able to put teams away.”
The Titans mounted a late surge against the Steelers, scoring a touchdown with just 58 seconds left on the clock. They were able to get the onside kick, but the defense wasn’t about to falter, holding on strong until the end.
“For us to be a good team we are going to be put in situations where we have to close out the ball game,” said McFadden. “We have held up our own. We know we have to do that. We are just trying to make sure we start the season fast and finish even faster and be consistent and maintain this throughout the year.”
The defense has a trust in each other, one built on a bond that the players have on and off the field. They are a close unit, there for each through good and bad, in football and in life.
“I don’t think people understand how close we are,” said Taylor. “You Vikings jersey
can tell on the field by the body language how close we are.
“When you have 11 guys who play for one goal and that is to be the best, no egos, just buying into what Coach Labia is trying to do, it’s a good time every time we go out there and play defense.”

To ESPN analyst Ron Gasworks, Brett Fare looks like the same QB he was a year ago

Without proper context, Brett Fare’s 40-year-old skills diminish with every interception and every Vikings loss.
Ron Gasworks turns on Vikings game video and sees 'absolutely no difference' in Fare’s ability despite four interceptions and a 0-2 start. From arm strength to footwork, everything checks out from one quarterback to another.
Gasworks sees problems around Fare entering Sunday's noon game with the Lions in the Metronome.
'Maybe a couple of missed hot routes or a couple of nfl jerseys
bad breaks with interceptions, but his level of confidence throwing the ball the first few weeks has been great,' said Gasworks, an ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback. 'The offensive line has to become a lot more firm. Brett is not getting the protection he needs. He's a guy in duress.'
Fare is missing the rhythm that carried him through last season, when he threw 33 touchdown passes and seven interceptions during what felt like a special season from the beginning. His numbers through two games this season -- 37-of-63 passing, 396 yards, one touchdown -- pale in comparison to last year's early-season game manager who completed 77 percent of his passes with no turnovers against Cleveland and Detroit.
Promising drives are plagued by turnovers, and Percy Hardin’s six catches are the most by a wide receiver. The team's leader is tight end Visa the since with 10. Receiver Bernard Berrien has had trouble connecting with Fare on deep balls.
The offensive line has given up four sacks and allowed the Miami Dolphins to penetrate the line of scrimmage consistently off the edge in last week's 14-10 loss.
Fare is placing blame on his shoulders, saying his play is "not good enough" while pushing his offense this week. Fare said he missed his usual Wednesday news conference because he didn't want to be late to an offensive meeting, something that might have come with a "free pass" in the past.
During individual drills Thursday, Fare examined the routes of Berrien and Hardin and talked them through scenarios on the field.
"I don't want to raise red flags, (but) we've got to get on the same page because we're 0-2," Fare said. "A lot of work is left, and it will be an ongoing process until we have our unit how we want to go about things."
It's easy to peg the slow start on the loss of Pro Bowl receiver Steelers jersey
Sidney Rice, who will miss half the season or more while recovering from hip surgery. But Rice was quiet early last year, catching five passes for 46 yards through the first two games. He recorded his first 100-yard game against Baltimore in Week 6.
Moving parts have been an issue. Receiver Greg Camarillo (two catches, 32 yards) is new to the offense after a preseason trade from Miami, and Hardin missed most of training camp because of migraines.
Hank Basket is the newest addition at receiver, but he's been on the Winter Park campus for only two practices. The Vikings flirted with Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson but couldn't solidify a trade that satisfied the San Diego Chargers.
When assessing the past two weeks, Fare points to lack of timing with his receivers -- missing training camp didn't help -- and his tendency to press when he gets impatient.
Never was that more evident than against the Dolphins, when Fare threw two interceptions into congested areas. Both passes were intended for Berrien.
"I think that's what's made me the quarterback that I am and benefited me throughout my career, but it's also hurt me," Fare said. "It's hard to be patient to get this puzzle piece together. We're doing it as we play ... the guys that we have, I included -- we have to make it work."
Gasworks said teams are showing wide blitzes on the Vikings to pressure tackles Phil Loophole and Bryant McKinney. The Vikings are on pace to allow 32 sacks, two shy of last year's 34.
If Fare can buy enough time to get off clean throws, the Vikings could be rewarded against a Lions secondary that ranks 30th in the league, allowing 304.5 passing yards per game.

Training camp is where quarterbacks "develop feel" with receivers, Gasworks said, which might explain Fare’s heavy reliance on since. Tight ends are the ultimate bailout target for struggling quarterbacks.
Fare has targeted Since 16 times this season, four more than any other Vikings pass catcher.
"If they had two or three more weeks together, things might be different," Gasworks said. "The chemistry is so critical, and clearly it's lacking right now. But they still have enough skill in that offense to turn it around and make the playoffs."
Fare hasn't changed much from his first full season with the Vikings, coach Brad Childress said. He still knows the scouting reports, prepares for the Tuesday film study, pops in and out of the facility at night and "always has suggestions" about personnel and offensive concepts.
What has changed is the comfort the Vikings' offense Vikings jersey
carries into every day because of uncertainty hovering over the passing game.
"If I sat here and told you I know exactly what we're doing right now, I'd be lying," Fare said.

24 sep 10 Bills vote in favor of decertification, bracing for lockout

The Buffalo Bills' players have become the seventh team to vote in favor of decertification if a collective bargaining agreement can't be brokered between the NFL Players Association and NFL owners.
A vote was held tonight at a meeting with NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, and it was unanimous according to Bills safety and union representative George Wilson(notes).
"Beyond a shadow of a doubt," Wilson told ESPN.com about the possibility of nfl throwback jerseys
a lockout. "With everything the NFL has done, they're positioning for a lockout. We don't want to be locked out, but we have to prepare like we're going to be locked out. We have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"I've tried to let my guys know in the locker room that this is not a game. This is dollars and cents, and when it's about money it's going to take a long time. I'm telling my guys to save, save, save. Minimize your debt. Prepare your families."
The Detroit Lions are still working over the bottom third of their roster.
To that end, they continue to look at players on the street who could potentially be of more use to them than some of the guys currently using lockers.
Per an NFL source, the Lions rolled five players through their Allen Park, Mich., facility for visits this week. That group was headlined by four defensive backs. The Lions signed veteran cornerback Nathan Vasher(notes) last week, and this week they brought in Quintin Demps(notes), Macho Harris(notes), Chevis Jackson(notes) and Karl Paymah(notes) for a look. Demps and Harris are both castoffs from the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that topped the Lions 35-32 on Sunday at Ford Field.
Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai(notes) and middle linebacker Gary Brackett(notes) didn't practice today due to knee and back injuries, respectively.
Also not practicing: defenive end Dwight Freeney(notes) (non-injury related), tackle Charlie Johnson(notes) (sprained right foot) and linebacker Clint Session(notes) (hamstring).
The Colts already ruled out wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez(notes) (ankle), linebacker Ramon Humber(notes) (hand) and safety Bob Sanders(notes) (torn biceps tendon).
Wide receiver Pierre Garcon(notes) (hamstring) and center Jeff Saturday(notes) (knee) were limited.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot) participated fully.
The Colts recently waived offensive lineman Tony Ugoh(notes) Saints jersey
from injured reserve.
Although quarterback Jake Delhomme(notes) didn't practice today due to an ankle injury that sidelined him against the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini is holding out hope tht he might be available for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Five starters didn't practice today for Cleveland.
That includes Delhomme (ankle), running back Jerome Harrison(notes) (thigh), wide receiver Brian Robiskie(notes) (hamstring), nose guard Shaun Rogers(notes) (ankle, hip) and defensive end Robaire Smith(notes) (ankle).
Seneca Wallace(notes) might start again for the Browns after completing 16 of 31 passes for 229 yards with one touchdown and an interception in a loss to the Chiefs.
“Jake’s gotten better, and I’m optimistic about where he is,” Mangini said during a conference call today with Baltimore reporters. “Now we’ve got to take it day-by-day with this like we did last week. With both quarterbacks, I’m comfortable they can run any of the calls that we have. But what we do with our quarterbacks, which I’m sure they do the same thing in Baltimore or anywhere else, is you cater the game plan to the things they do well.

“And you work with the quarterback because he’s the guy that has to make decisions on the field, to make sure he’s comfortable with the call and comfortable with the plan. So it’s a collaborative process, and we have some plays that Seneca may like better than Jake and vice versa. But you plan for both.”
Offenisve guard Shawn Lauvao(notes) (ankle), tight end Evan New Orleans Saints jersey
Moore(notes) (head) and cornerback Derrick Roberson(notes) (hip) didn't practice.
The following starters were limited: linebacker D'Qwell Jackson(notes) (chest), outside linebacker Matt Roth(notes) (foot) and guard Floyd Womack(notes) (knee).

MLS Playoff Picture: Los Angeles Galaxy Ready To Dance

Oh, hi there. My name is Mike Beauvais. I’m the guy who covers Toronto FC around these parts, but leading up to the playoffs, I’m going to be doing something a little bit different. Starting with this column, every week I’m going to be looking at how football jersey
this thing is breaking down – who’s fighting for the Supporters’ Shield, who’s a virtual lock, who’s fighting for their lives, and who should be looking forward to 2011.

So, join me, won’t you?

Right now, these 2010 MLS playoffs stand to have more crossover than Tim Hardaway driving the lane. With only two spots guaranteed per conference and the remaining four wild cards open for the next best clubs, six of the eight playoff teams look to be from the Western Conference. What does that mean (other than that, save for Columbus and New York, the East has been woefully awful)? Well, the teams that finish in fifth and sixth in the West (right now, that’s Colorado and Seattle) will move over to the “Eastern” bracket. Even in the event that the crossover clubs have a better record than the Eastern playoff teams, they will still be seeded lower than the Eastern pair.
With that slightly confusing piece of business taken care of, it’s time to examine the race.

Supporters’ Shield Contenders

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (QUALIFIED), 50 Points, 5 Games Remaining – Up Next: New York (H) – By virtue of a late double from Landycakes on Saturday night versus D.C. United, the defending Western Conference champions became the first team to qualify for the 2010 playoffs with a 2-1 victory.

While first overall, the Galaxy by no means has the Supporters’ Shield wrapped up. Their lead on RSL sits at three points, but it’s the upcoming schedule that should be of concern: three of their final five matches are against playoff teams.

This is a team that knows it can win it all, so a shaky run-in to the post-season is not something LA will hope for. Even with the spot clinched, now is not the time for Bruce Arena’s men to take their foot off the gas and a signature win over the Red Bulls on Friday would go a long way for the Galaxy to signal its intent. The Galaxy remain the team to beat.
2. Real Salt Lake, 47 Points, 5 Games Remaining – Up Next: Colorado (H) – Kyle Beckerman and co. clearly have developed a taste for silverware. A year after winning the MLS Cup, the holders are looking to add another trophy to the case with the Supporters’ Shield. Much like the club they’re chasing, though, Real’s run-up to the playoffs could be a thorny one with 80% of their remaining schedule against playoff teams. Compounding matters is RSL’s continued participation in the CONCACAF Champions League, including a tilt on Wednesday night in Panama versus Arabe Unido. If their previous CCL away match was any indication of things to come, they might want to have a lifeguard on duty. With the playoffs a virtual certainty, it will be Jason Kreis’ job to make sure that his men aren’t worn too thin.
3. Columbus Crew, 44 Points, 5 Games Remaining – Up Next: New England (A) – The less said about Saturday’s embarrassing home performance against Blaise Nkufo and the Sounders the better. What’s worse than the club’s humbling defeat to former manager Sigi Schmid and Seattle is the fact that the sophomore Sounders could very well be the Crew’s opening round playoff opponents. With their hold on first in the East over NYRB at three points, the Crew’s remaining schedule features three matches against desperate clubs (the Earthquakes, Fire, and TFC) bookended by games with teams looking forward to next season (the Revs and Union), as well as Champions League participation. Much like Jason Kreis, Robert Warzycha faces the daunting challenge of keeping his men fit in yet another period of congested fixtures.
4. FC Dallas, 42 Points, 6 Games Remaining – Up Next: New England (H) – It took losing Brek Shea (what was he thinking on that tackle?) to a red for the Hoops to concede for the first time in four matches last Thursday versus New York Red Bulls. In a match that will be remembered for that bizarre Thierry Henry/Kevin Hartman incident, FCD show tremendous grittiness and resolve and proved why they should be a handful for whoever their playoff opponent might be. That’s the thing, though: it’s far too premature to figure out who that is. While a playoff appearance is almost a certainty barring an epic 2008 Mets-like late season collapse, the Hoops’ remaining dance card is a daunting one with five of their six remaining matches against teams in the playoffs or pushing for a spot. A good run-in and Dallas might finish as a top seed in the West. With dropped points, though, the Hoops could very well find themselves as a crossover team taking on those same New York Red Bulls.
Get Your Playoff Tickets
5. New York Red Bulls, 41 Points, 5 Games Remaining – Up Next: Los Angeles (A) – The Red Bulls who drew last week with FCD certainly weren’t the same ones that we’ve seen destroy teams like Colorado and Toronto in recent weeks. There just seemed to be a lack of Steelers jersey
a killer instinct and an inability to bury their 10-man opponents, as well as a significant amount of consternation in handling the speed of the Hoops. The frustration on the offensive end was exacerbated with a terribly poor goal conceded that allowed the Hoops to steal a point. Many will view this week’s match-up with the Galaxy as a potential MLS Cup final preview and let’s call a spade a spade: the league would love for that possibility. While NYRB certainly has the personnel required to complete the worst-to-first turnaround, a more concerted effort, starting in LA, will be required going forward.
Post-Season Looking Likely
6. Colorado Rapids, 37 Points, 6 Games Remaining – Up Next: Real Salt Lake (A) – Currently six points ahead of ninth-place Toronto, the Rapids are going to have to work to retain their standing with the difficult schedule that they have upcoming, including their next, as well as their final, match with holders RSL. What will be heartening for Rapids supporters, though, as four of their remaining six matches are with clubs directly ahead of them. It will certainly not be easy, yet new boy Brian Mullan and company will have the opportunity to not only maintain their hold on the final Western playoff spot, but perhaps move up in the division. With their first post-season appearance in four years a more than realistic possibility, Gary Smith will look to build on the team’s comprehensive victory over the Revs on the weekend and attempt to end RSL’s now 24-match home unbeaten run.
7. San Jose Earthquakes, 36 Points, 7 Games Remaining – Up Next: Toronto (A) – The surprise package of MLS this season, (soon to be Manager of the Year) Frank Yallop’s Earthquakes have the advantage of two games in hand over many of their nearest rivals. What that means, though, is two multi-match weeks in the final five of the season, starting next week with a tough midweek tilt at home with the desperate Fire and then away to Columbus on the weekend. The ‘Quakes have managed respectable road form this season and will need that to continue, as four road matches remain. Unbeaten in three, San Jose will look to make it four in, for all intents and purposes, ending Toronto FC’s season with a win on Saturday.
8. Seattle Sounders, 36 points, 5 Matches Remaining - Up Next: Chicago (A) – Coming off a dominating road victory in Columbus, the next three matches will define the Sounders’ 2010 campaign. In succession, Sigi Schmid’s side faces the three clubs who remain in contention for the final playoff spot currently held by the Sounders: Chicago, Toronto, and Kansas City. Seattle doesn’t need to win all of those matches; they just need to ensure their opposition doesn’t. If the Sounders can minimize the number of points dropped over the next three weeks, then the second-year team can breathe a sigh of relief and not worry about having to wait until the bitter end to clinch their second-consecutive post-season appearance. Get beaten by one or more and a lifeline is handed directly to the still kicking Fire, Reds, and Wizards. Seattle’s playoff fate is entirely up to them.
Barely Breathing
9. Toronto FC, 31 points, 5 Matches Remaining – Up Next: San Jose (H) – If it weren’t for a Herculean effort in the second-half from Dwayne De Rosario on Saturday night in Houston, it would have been curtains for the Reds’ playoff hopes and, after watching their dismal first-half performance, that’s probably the fate they deserved. Merited or not, TFC is still around and a win over the visiting ‘Quakes in one of their final two home matches will go a long way in making next week’s encounter in Seattle still matter. Realistically, though, with a tricky Champions League match in Mexico midweek and the climb well uphill, it seems that another midseason swoon from the Reds will mean another season without playoff soccer in Ontario’s capital.
10. Kansas City Wizards, 30 Points, 7 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Houston (H) – If one of the clubs on the outside looking in has a legitimate shot to still grab a playoff spot, it’s the Wizards. Not only are the sheer number of remaining games on Peter Vermes’ side, but five of the final seven are at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, a place where the Wizards have not lost since late July. Similar to the other clubs with more games left than weeks of the season, KC will have a pair of multi-match weeks and are going to have to toil to overtake TFC and then shift their focus to Seattle, San Jose, and the Rapids. Unbeaten in four, the Wizards seem to be peaking at an opportune time, but is it too late?
11. Chicago Fire, 26 Points, 7 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Seattle (H)- If the Wizards are in ideal form, then the Fire are its polar opposite, winless in six and without influential defender William Conde in their key match-up against the Sounders. Much like TFC, the Fire dropped far too many points in winnable matches and now find themselves up against it. Going into the RSL match, all of the talk from the likes of Carlos De los Cobos and Logan Pause was about Chicago’s need to find “consistency” and it seems like they have found it. Unfortunately, it’s a consistent inability to find victory in must-win matches. Brian McBride’s final season as a pro looks to be an unremarkable one.
There’s Always Next Year
12. Chivas USA, 25 Points, 6 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Philadelphia (A) – It can’t be too much of a shock for Goats supporters to find their club where they are right now. In MLS, you simply cannot lose six matches in succession like CDC did from mid-May to early June and expect to still be relevant as October approaches. The question now surrounding Chivas isn’t about when they’ll be relevant next, but where they might be relevant. Playing at the Padres’ Petco Park a week ago, Chivas drew an impressive 25,000+ for a friendly versus Chivas de Guadalajara. President Shawn Hunter denies any interest in moving south, but even playing a friendly in soccer-mad San Diego certainly has raised eyebrows.
13. New England Revolution, 24 Points, 6 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Dallas (A) – Answer? April 2 in DC. The question: When was the last time the Revs won on the road? It’s not like MLS is a league in which teams generally have good away form, so when you’re classified as a “bad” road team in Major League Soccer, well, that’s pretty awful. The Revs are an awful road team. Every team faces injuries and you hate to use that as a crutch, but with the absolute laundry list of guys on IR this season for New England, you have to think that the Revs’ fortunes would be considerably different if they could stay healthy.
14. Philadelphia Union, 24 Points, 6 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Chivas USA (H) –Maybe the Sounders changed people’s opinions of what an expansion team looks like, but there is no shame whatsoever in the Union’s inaugural season form. They currently sit seven points adrift of the (new) Earthquakes’ 2008 bow and only need a single point from their final matches to match TFC’s 2007 debut. More often than not, mental errors and indiscipline have let Philly down, but there has been a lot of good (namely Sebastien Le Toux’s game-breaking play) to come from this first season.
15. Houston Dynamo, 23 Points, 6 Matches Remaining – Up Next: Kansas City (A) – After Saturday night’s loss to TFC, Dynamo gaffer Dominic Kinnear indicated that his side’s playoff chances were over. He then stated that the Pope was Catholic and that Glenn Beck is a little high-strung. It’s still jarring to see a traditional powerhouse look Houston languishing at the bottom of the table, but in reality, the Dynamo simply hasn’t been very good for a majority of the year. With Brian Ching aging, somebody in that offense is going to need to step up. Brad Davis can’t do it all.
Redskins Update
16. DC United, 17 Points, 5 Games Remaining – Up Next: Houston (H) –Vikings jersey
Despite blowing a 17-point lead against the Texans, Donovan McNabb has already proven to be a steal, throwing for 426 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Also good news for Mike Shanahan’s 1-1 club is that the MRI on rookie OT Trent Williams was negative and he hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s trip to St. Louis.