MLS News and Notes - Midweek

News:

Jamie Trecker's back, and this time he discusses attendance with Galaxy GM Doug Hamilton and former Fire GM Peter Wilt.

My take: Yes, I've been very critical of Trecker's column in the past, but this is a good one. Personally, I think the problems with these mid-week cup games is that there is simply a lack of national exposure. Most of these games aren't televised (thank you FSC for broadcasting United v. Catolica), and as one Bigsoccer poster put it, in the U.S., "if you're not televised, you don't exist."

Bad news for United: Quaranta and Walker questionable for tomorrow's away-leg against Universidad Catolica.

My take: Bad news for a team that will need to score goals on Thursday. United could survive without Jamil Walker, who's a competent bench player at best, but the loss of Quaranta may hurt. This will be a huge opportunity for Freddy Adu to make an impression, but it'll also mean that a number of players will have to go the full ninety minutes, including Christian Gomez. A very difficult game just got a whole lot more difficult for United.

Nagging abdominal injury sidelines Rapids goalkeeper Joe Cannon.

My take: Serioiusly bad news for Colorado, who, with a win tonight, can bury Real Salt Lake's hopes of a playoff spot. But if Cannon's injury proves to be long-term, it could spell serious trouble for Colorado's playoff hopes (that is, their advancing int he playoffs, getting there is a given).

The trials and tribulations of Bobby Rhine's move to right back.

My take: Rhine's actually been quite good on the right wing offensively this season, but he hasn't looked very good defensively. He often has compensated for bad positioning by fouling his opponent. If he can solidify his defensive game, he could become a very serviceable MLS right back, much like Chris Albright has, but he needs to make that effort. Otherwise, he'll be just a decent offensive threat that can't cover defensively for a team that's all too familiar with defensive lapses and mistakes.

Brian Dunseth suspended for tonight's key match against the Colorado Rapids.

My take: It's great to hear that MLS took action for an off-the-ball incident, but what about Ezra Hendrickson? A foot to the face of Danny Califf doesn't warrant action from the front office? How about Kyle Beckerman, who assuredly should have been sent off for a nasty, dangerous, lunging, studs-up tackle against United this weekend? If the league's going to do this, they at least ought to be consistent.

Brian Ching getting the start tonight for the San Jose Earthquakes

My take: Great news for Earthquakes fans, and you've gotta love Ching's perspective on this: "The team was playing so well, I didn't know if I would get a chance. I'm looking at this as a chance. I'm not back in the starting lineup, guaranteed. I have to go out there and prove that I belong.'' Bad news for Quakes fans though: Brad Davis may have a torn groin, pending an MRI today. Davis is essential to midfield depth. Without him, the only player the Quakes have of any use is rookie Chris Wondolowski.

Big games tonight for the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake, both of whom need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Crew have the tougher of the two matches, playing the New England Revolution, who are no doubt a little angry after their 5-4 loss to the Metrostars last Saturday. Should be a good night of games tonight.