Will the real Toja please stand up...

Wow. Juan has been pretty lousy lately. To quote the gambling superstar Charles Barkley (doing my best Frank Caliendo impersonation), he's been "terrible."

There have been quite a few posts on other sites talking about Juan's lack of form. Some wonder if last season was out of character and we're seeing the real Juan now. I doubt it. He was way too good last year for that to have been an anomaly.

I wonder if his injuries have been worse than he's let on? Maybe he recovers slowly? Or maybe his head's just not right?

One thing's for sure - his form has been off and the team has suffered because of it. I hope he breaks out of this slump soon, or this is going to be a looooooong, terrible, summer...

Maybe they didn't like his green uniform?

So, for those of you that were at the game or watched it online on Saturday you witnessed one of the reasons why some of my none footie friends tease me for being a soccer fan. This is the sport that was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, right?

I'm quite glad my son wasn't at the game with us. You see, he's at the age where he likes to repeat things that he sees and hears. We're on full radio alert in the car, making sure we sing over the top of the words that 5 year olds probably shouldn't hear, explaining that no, that man on t.v. was trying to wave "hi" to the other man and he accidentally hit him, etc... Seeing soccer players attack the Lucky Charm leprechaun would probably have made a lasting impression on him.

During my soccer career I've had the opportunity to witness varying degrees of officiating. I've seen some very good referees and some really, really, really bad ones. I actually got a red card in a game for backheeling a ball between a players legs - all because I made sure not to slide tackle and risk getting a penalty kick called against me (I'd seen this referee before, and he was notorious for trying to steal the spotlight).... Yet, I never had the urge to hit him. I called him all sorts of versions of "moron", but hit him? Are you kidding? My point here is that, yes, the referee on Saturday was TERRIBLE - but worthy of assault and battery?

I know this post doesn't really have much to do with Juan garnering MVP votes (hey, it's still pre-season), but I've got a laptop and I know how to use it!

I'll put the soap box away, but just couldn't resist the chance to comment on that incredibly bizarre scenario on Saturday.

See you this weekend! Let the games begin!!!

Cliche Alert......... He's baaaaack

Good to see Juan in the pre-season match against CAP on Saturday. It'll be nice to see him play a full 90. I'm interested to see how he plays alongside Rocha, if that is in fact the plan.

Let the MVP campaign begin!!!!

Bull Writing

As some of you may know, there is a new supporter group starting up this year (okay, they officially debuted at the end of last season), and they've asked yours truly to be a contributor. Take a look at www.los-toros.com for an additional source of FCD and soccer greatness and a link to my little tribute site.

Shaking off the rust....

Ahhh, spring time. My son's U5 city league team started their season a few weeks back (Go Pirates!), FCD is down in Brazil, and my Over 30 team can't get a game in to save our lives (See related 3rd degree post by Peter Welpton, here: http://www.3rddegree.net/2008/03/phps-fields-are-looking-pretty-rough/)

Man I could use a trip to the beach......

The best part of spring, of course, is the return of the MLS season. The European leagues are in their final stretches (for the most part), just when we get started. Perfect timing. With the return of said MLS season comes my continued quest to get some MVP love for our man Juan. Or at least a chance for me to stream about whatever is on my soccer mind at the moment.

Looking forward to another season? Good - me too. And I'm also looking forward to some pre/post game libations at the new Irish pub ---- good times!

See you Saturday!

Set to be in Dallas for a while....

I saw a couple of reports today that look like FCD is poised to buy Juan's contract from his original club. Not much of a surprise based on the way he played this year.

Check out 3rddegree for some additional comments and news posts.

Hopefully Juan 2.0 will be every bit as entertaining as 1.0 - do we really have any reason to doubt it?

Toja Wig Night - I actually lobby someone with a vote

What a strange scene. 5,000 Juan Toja's at Pizza Hut Park. I even got my picture with Juan at the VZ club after the match - what a good guy, and a great sport.

So to make the night of 5k Juan's even more bizarre, I actually got some face time with Allan Hopkins, of ESPN. My buddies and I chatted him up for about 15 minutes (good guy as well - although they definitely don't go light on the makeup for the onscreen talent).

Allan had Toja pegged as MVP for the first half of the season - but it sounds like he may have changed his mind for the second half of the season. That stupid high ankle sprain!!!!

I still say that Toja should get the nod as the league MVP. His form is a direct reflection of the FC Dallas record. One player that can completely change the dynamic and flow of a team, defines the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER award, IMO. He doesn't have to score the most goals or get the most press time (although both help).

I'll still be pulling for Juan - and will chat up the next t.v. crew I recognize in the VZ Club (on nights when my wife lets me stay out past my bed time!)