MLS Team of Week One 2006

Tempting Lineup[s]
This will be a new [and I hope, regular] feature here on hartley's. ESPNsoccernet does such a great job on its EPL Team of the Week, but they don't do an MLS version. Well, now I do one.

I was tempted to go with a 4-3-3 like Bob Gansler, but I will start in a 4-4-2.

GK - Matt Reis [NE]
Ds - Matt Groenwald [KC], Nick Garcia [KC], Claudio Suarez [C-USA], Jose Burciaga [KC]
Ms - Clint Dempsey [NE], Sharlie Joseph [NE], Dwayne DeRosario [HOU], Arturo Alvarez [DAL]
Fs - Brian Ching [HOU], Ante Razov [C-USA]
Manager - Bob Bradley

Revenge -- Is it Sweet Enough?
Reis, Dempsey and Joseph visit the HDC and exact a little revenge for their team's poor form in MLS Cup. It's a good way to start a season, but let's see if NE can finally finish one.

Three Fourths
KC dominated CLB in more ways than one. The missing link here is Shavar Thomas, who played sleepy and looked unprepared for speed. If Jimmy Conrad was healthy, I daresay it would have been the four musketeers shutting out the Crew. Claudio Suarez steps right in for the Goats and with some help from Tim Regan, sends Salt Lake REaling.

Strike Force
Razov and Ching both sent out notice that though neither are going to Germany for Summer Vacation, they will be working hard to lead their teams to wins will plenty of scoring. Add in on the left side, Alavarez, who played so well Ruiz had no choice but to pass him the ball.

Rep to Bob Bradley. The pressure is on. Yeah, it was only Salt Lake. But the Goats must perform no matter the opponent. Bob will make sheer there are no sheeps straying this season.