The other day I watched the MLS East semi-final between Real Salt Lake (spits on ground: worst contrived name ever) and Chicago Fire on ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel. RSL won 5-4 on penalties, contrary to this MLS headline: RSL buries Fire. A lively but disjointed match, certainly not a great advertisement for MLS. What stood out for me, though, was the commentary. Here is a list of comments that highlight, for me, why American and Canadian footie commentary duos need a Brit for credibility:
"...to handle the "flyers" from Salt Lake."
"...that enforcer type, that will pick the fights for his teammates that can't."
"...to get out of difficult (pause) phases of the game."
"...flying in to become an option here."
"...when they're relaying into the centre."
"...two 50-50 balls featuring Will Johnson."
"...it's going to be an elevated second half."
"...double-digit touches here."
"...the New England team was very very altered by what they could do."
"...every minute starts to magnify here."
"John Busch clears." (it was a goal kick)
"...to put some type of strong conclusion on goal."
"It's in their DNA." (about Real Salt Lake, as if they're some historic club)
"...it comes down to down-and-dirty penalties."
Some of it was marginal, but some was just painful. What is a conclusion on goal? What is an elevated second half? How can a minute start to magnify?
It wasn't all bad, and some was quite insightful. The announcers did a good job of calling it when players fell over too easily, and gave credit on solid unflashy defensive play and midfield coordination. I'm looking forward to watching the MLS final this Sunday between LA and RSL.
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