Mitchell Responds to Brennan Criticism
Credit to our friend Neil Davidson from the Canadian Press for reporting on this story. I've noticed a few of the newspapers I've been surfing have edited the story's length, so be sure to read the full piece at CP's website because there's some juicy tidbits that didn't make the cut. Example:
"Mitchell was more definitive Wednesday when asked if he would ever summon [Jim] Brennan again.
'No,' he said.
Mitchell said Brennan had turned down the call-ups in the last 18 months 'but when he doesn't get a call-up then we get a big song and dance about it.' "
BOOM! I never even thought about that yesterday but, that's a damn good point from Mitchell. More from Davidson:
"Asked about the timing of Brennan's comments, Mitchell would only say: 'I don't think the timing of it (Brennan's comment) helps us, but that's Jimmy's decision. That's his call.' "
Mitchell also addresses his critics in the article linked above. It's well worth the read.
While these exchanges through the media aren't really productive, I will say this - it sort of makes Canadian soccer interesting for a change.
The Footie Fool has his take on the war of words, complete with a great headline "...and then it got pissy"
Oh yeah, and Julian De Guzman is Unavailable Due to Injury
I've gotten so caught up in this entertaining war of words between Dale Mitchell and Jim Brennan that I haven't even had time to shit my pants at the thought of Julian De Guzman being unavailable for these next two matches. In that same Davidson CP article De Godzman's absence is confirmed, with Nik Ledgerwood being recalled in his place.
So that's no De Guzman for Honduras and Mexico, and no Dwayne De Rosario and no Adrian Serioux for just Honduras. I'm not holding my breath for a miracle.
Meanwhile, Some Positivity in Canadian Soccer
Photo Courtesy of montrealimpact.com
It looks like there will be soccer in Montreal this February, as the Impact smoked Joe Public FC 4-1 in Trinidad. Eat that, Jack Warner. Oh and do you all remember this gem From Joe Public coach Keith Griffith back when the Impact downed them 2-0 in Montreal?
"The next time we meet the Impact at Marvin Lee (their stadium in Trinidad and Tobago), we'll beat them by four goals clear, for sure"
Anything to say to Keith, Nelson?
Thought so.
Peter Mallett has a match report at globesports.com.
Out of Touch blogged the first half of the game, and posted a little round-up. Be sure to read his thoughts on Jim Brennan and the De Guzman injury as well, which are entertaining as always.
Duane Rollins at Out of Left Field says this result is just more proof that he doesn't know what he's talking about. Don't be so hard on yourself Duane. No one thought this was coming. At least, that's what I keep telling myself after dismissing their chances a few months ago.
Steven Sandor at The Full 90 contrasts the success of the Impact with the implosion of the National team.
And finally, Kartik Krishnaiyer at Major League Soccer Talk has posted his thoughts on the USL's performance on Matchday Four in CONCACAF. And he thinks...the league was humiliated!?! Montreal's performance sub-par? Kartik, I'm a big fan. Read the blogs, listen to the podcasts and the radio shows. And I know Joe Public are abject and all, but how can a 4-1 win on the road be classified as a humiliation for the USL? They can only beat the competition in front of them, and they did it with ease. However, I do take your point about the missed sitters - they will not get away with such sloppiness against superior opposition.