Coke vs Pepsi. Costco vs Sam's Club. Apples vs Grapples. Oranges vs Tangerines. Gibson vs Taylor. Flogging Molly vs Drop Kick Murphy.
There are many things in this world that are nearly the same thing with subtle differences that sometimes don't go much beyond a name.
Yura vs Robbie vs Indra vs Espindola. All fit a similar mold, but who's subtle differences will help them to rise above the others?
All four of them are fast, small, goal scorers who aren't going to push anybody around, but nobody is going to be able to push them around since they can't catch them. They are all quick and elusive. So who to choose?
Yura (wiki) 6'0" - 180 lbs. Front-runner of the group.
He is the biggest in the group and I'd say he is currently the front runner for the spot. He followed an amazing California trip up with a pretty decent showing in Florida...he could really help himself with good performances in Argentina where their competition should be a bit better than what they have faced so far. If his preseason success will translate into MLS goals then we could have fun watching him this season. Last season he had a lot of near misses, but that won't cut it anymore. RSL fans are hungry for substance...not potential.
Robbie (wiki) 5'9" - 165 lbs. Most talented of the four.
Of the group he is the most 'sure' thing of the four when looking at the future. His impact was immediate after joining the team last year and it is that same impact that will make it so he is going to be behind when it comes to getting the starting job in Salt Lake. Why? Well he has caught the attention of the U23 USMNT and will be practicing with them and going with them to China this summer. Those frequent absences make it so the other guys will have their chance to secure the position. Despite this disadvantage I believe Robbie to be the best of the bunch.
Indra (wiki) 5'4" - 140 lbs. - Soaking wet. The Rudy of the four.
I've mentioned a few times that Indra means 'the God of War' in Hinduism and though I would like that title to fit I really think of a hummingbird darting around when I see video of the guy. He is quick and he shoots low and on target. And nobody is cheering this guy on like the fans in his native Singapore. They are all over the boards and net looking to see if he will be the first player for Singapore in Major League Soccer. My website alone has seen 20-25 visits per day from Singapore in recent weeks. I'm not sure, but I'd be willing to bet I never had a single one before this guy.
Espindola (wiki) 5'9" - 160 lbs. Sleeper pick.
After joining RSL in 2007 he showed some sparks that made us all happy that he is here, but to be a staple of RSL soccer he has a long way to go. He seemed to follow the pattern of many former RSLers in that he had some moments of brilliance followed by games in which he all but disappeared. The pressure will be on him and the other guys this season as they should have a midfield that can do its job...so they will have to do theirs. If it comes down to a head to head race with another guy for the spot he may just top the other guy...he has the Jason Kreis goal-celebrating back flip down pat.
And the Ying to their Yang? Dr. Kenny 'Goal' Deuchar (wiki)...a solid 6'3"target forward that is described as a guy that "really doesn't do anything but score goals". I really think that this is one of the few guys on the team that we could even pencil in as a starter right now just because the diversity that he brings to the position on our team. While picking this guy up hasn't brought about much talk here in the United-50 it has caused a little buzz over in Great Britain. He could very well be the guy that makes Garth and Jason look like geniuses. (There I go again...getting a little too optimistic despite my better judgment)
Since the departure of Jeff Cunningham (and even before) there has been much to be desired from the RSL group of forwards. While this is only my preseaon buzz talking I do believe that we may find ourselves a duo that are not only hard working, but productive on the field.
In 2005 the season started out with Jason Kreis and Dipsy Selolwane up front, 2006 - Jeff Cunningham and Atiba Harris, 2007 - Jason Kreis and Jeff Cunningham, and now 2008 we still don't know...yet I'm confident that after the season is over comparing this year's duo to any of the past years will be like comparing apples and oranges.
Flogging Murphy and Drop Kick Molly - A look at RSL forwards
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7 People (dis)Agree:
I want to be excited about our offensive lineup this year, I really do, but I just remember being so disappointed after last year's highly anticipated group of supposed goalscorers (Cunningham/Tejada/Adu/Kreis) ran out and laid a big fat egg. I'm happy that Garth appears to have been doing his job, but I can't drown out the nagging fear that every one of these guys could just turn out no better than Dipsy Selolwane. At least we have some depth at the position. I guess that does increase our chances of picking a winner.
And Flogging Molly is much better than the Murphys. I always thought we could rip off a good team song from either of them, though.
Interesting analysis. I think all five of our forwards have some real strengths, and I think we'll be hard for the other teams to plan for with so much new talent. Here's hoping that we pull it together and get some early wins before the other teams figure us out.
While I do enjoy Flogging Molly's music, they can not be compared to DKM. They aren't even on the same level (IMO).
Thanks for your piece on RSL's forwards.
I think that though none of our forwards have yet to 'fully' prove themselves in MLS, I like our situation. It's our unproven status that will lead teams to overlook us. This year, compared to previous years, we are relatively deep at the forward position too. With the four (five) forwards that we have now, we'll be able to run at defenses for a full 90 PLUS we'll have targets for set plays.
IN January sidelineviews.com had no searches for Indra Sahdan (obviously), and no hits from Singapore. In February almost 75% of my search engine traffic was for him, and 5% of my total traffic came from Singapore.
I amlost feel bad for some of the comments I have made about him... With a whole nation pulling for him, and I have felt that, while he may have potential, potential is not hat we need, and we certainly do not need a guy making excuses... I really do hope that he does well, but if not, can him.
While Flogging Molly and Drop Kick are good, do yourselves a favor and pick up some early Pogues ("Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash" or "If I Should Fall From Grace With God"). You won't regret it! Go REAL!
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