Hotdog! Cleetus returns

By: Chris | April 17th, 2007

So it seems my predictions of Clint’s demise were premature. After witnessing his goal, assist and all around hustle in Sunday’s home opener (and freezing my ass off), I have begun to consider whether the Mathis of old may be on his way back. Mathis tormented an admittedly fatigued FC Dallas side like a player with something to prove. Could it be that he is reading our blog? And does this early season success mean Cleetus is back in the saddle?

According to Ives, Clint’s has plundered an incredible 19 goals and 8 assists in his career against Dallas defenders. On Sunday, he benefited greatly from a weary Dallas midfield. But aside from hustle, his play included several well timed thru balls, good supporting runs on goal, and a threat from long range. In short, Clint offered the direct approach that a Reyna led midfield lacked in Columbus.

This is not to say Reyna will not be a vital cog this season, but the position of attacking midfielder has just cranked up a notch. Word from the sidelines (ok, so I was there) is that the staff was so encouraged by Clint’s display– coupled with the arrival of JPA– that a squad rotation system is being considered ala Marvell Wynne (who apparently wasn’t in the best of spirits after being dropped and forced to sit in pouring rain for two hours) Interestingly, Ives has also raised the possibility of Reyna’s deployment as a holding midfielder behind Mathis in a 4-4-2 on Saturday.

The same can be said for left midfield, where Dane Richards quick feet and hard running contrast the more cultured (or shall we say slower) Markus Schopp– assuming he recovers. Richards combined well with Mathis and most notably made space for himself several times by megging several embarrassed defenders to the delight of rain drenched fans. This kid has already proven himself a showman and with a bit more polish he may shine like a gem.

Sunday’s performance was also capped by a superb physical display by young Josie Altidore, who held the ball up well and posed problems in the airway. His assist to Mathis was a thing of beauty and while his wayward shooting could use some work, he seems the ideal foil for a more experienced goal scorer in a potential little-big man combo (although I’m not sure of Angel’s height)

On an injury note, Ronald “The Walrus” is fairing well after Sunday’s bout with hypothermia. After Sunday’s match, he commented that he was so cold he could still feel the sting of catching the ball. Even after a winter season in Scotland, he found the physical conditions at Giant Stadium to be amongst the most challenging of his career. While he has been excellent between the sticks, his aching body may bode well for John Conway down the road.

But with Reyna back in regular training and the impending Angel deal, the competition for places will be fierce for a place against Houston. After a week’s rest and victory against Chivas, Houston’s midfield of will prove a formidable test. Lets just hope the weather cooperates or I may be the one selling hotdogs in the concession stand (which is heated and housed under a large roof)