It means that if Chivas' pick is higher (in the draft order, 1 being the highest) than some given number, say 18, in 2009 then Chivas gets to keep it and we get their pick in 2010. But if it is lower than in 2009, we get it. Overall, great deal. Talley was meant to be a center back anyway, best of luck to him.

Congratulations to the lads.

Sorry this is off topic, but with regards to the Talley trade. What exactly is a conditional draft pick?

We got a good result from a close game.

The team played well, and Cutler overachieved in my book. He was one of the only players to close down on Dallas when they had the ball outside the 18 (right where Blanco and Beckham both scored). He did what a holding midfielder is supposed to do. Break up passes and give the ball back to our middies. Nothing spectacular, but solid.

Andy took over for Morales and did an admirable job. His crosses were right on the money all game long.

I kinda liked the 3-4-3 at the beginning,

Good to see Talley went to Chivas. I'll let him score on us just because we no longer have to see him suit up in our colors. Good news is, if he plays against us he might be assisting on our goals just like he assisted for Chivas when he played against them.

Colorado might actually be a fun game to watch this year.
Goooo REal!

Demo? as in One-man DEMOlition crew? :-)

Though I agree that Cutler played well.

Whoa, I do not understand the negative Cutler comments at all. I was at the game and watched him consistently make great passes. His passes twice set up Demo for plays that should have been goals. He also made many other excellent passes. I have been a bit unsure about him, but if what I saw on Saturday is any indication we are a much more dangerous team with him playing. Near the end the team reverted to the "hold on for a win" mode that is typical of most teams, but for the first 20 minutes of him entering the game we looked more dangerous than at any other time. His passes pushed the Dallas defense and created opportunities. The passes were on the mark and any negative comments about his play strike me as due to either old leftover biases or lack of soccer knowledge.

The call on the play was not offsides, but a handball. It was definitley a bad call. The linesman thought the ball hit Deuchars arm, but it didn't. Dumb call.

See! You let me go and the organization at midfield goes all to poop! I'll have Chivas in fine form within a week or two. Good luck to you all....

Has James Edward ever played soccer? We beat the supposed best team in the West and our players get below average marks? I think the worst grade he gave out was to Kovalenko...a 5 ???? This guy is the missing puzzle piece we've needed on this team for years. He is all over the place for 90 minutes and plays with a fire in the belly that not many of our players have. I also think that Rimando played as good as his 5 foot 5 inch :-) frame allows him to play. If this team starts to play better "team defense" I think they have a really good shot to do some amazing things this year. With the addition of guys like Kovalenko this team will crush last year's record.

This team is turning it around. They didn't play that great, and they still won. This is a game they lose the last 3 years. It's a great sign when you can still win when you don't play spectacular. The grades aren't that off in general; it wasn't a great game-except that it resulted in 3 points!

That was Kovalenko who kicked that free kick who hit the post. But im still curious, did they call offside on that play? Most bizarre call ever.

Rimando is still too short. I think everyone in the league knows to go high on him. However, Cooper had an insane goal. He made up for it with a few insane saves down the stretch.
Beltran again was solid. Thankfully he was able to slide back to defense for the tactical switch near halftime.
Borchers was solid and consistent.
Beckerman was iffy at times, took too long to unload on some shots but I do like the idea of him shooting from distance.
Cutler was good and adequate but not worthy of man of the match, I would give that distinction to Morales or Espindola.
Yura had a great game sitting on the bench where he belongs. Hope he kicked butt with the Reserves on Sunday.
Talley had a great game by being traded....

The Goal by Beckerman was nice but his passing was horrible last night. I liked his shots on goal but he had an off game when it came to linking passes.

James,

I thought Beltran was easily beaten 1 -v- 1. It seemed like in the second half Alvarez would get by him out on the corner almost every time and get a pass off. However, he also does alot of nice things out there and his speed is a big plus.

Are you a player that wants to play in Mantilla's place? sorry but don't try that we think what you want, the only thing you speak is about Mantilla and your words are not true.
We love Mantilla althought you don't want it. so.......... I am sorry.

How does this grading work? We win the game yet several of the players had better ratings against LA and DC???

And Cutler had one good pass, one. Besides that he was shanking the passes and trying to longball it (once again). If his new find passing to Willaims is the future, fine. But how he is still on RSL from 2005 is just amazing to me.

The Cutler grade was very inaccurate. Nothing else to say.

Oh and Morales did not hit the post this week. It was Dema.

WHOA! Cutler, man of the match? Was that a joke? Things became chaotic when he entered the match. His technical and tactical speed are too slow for this level. He might not have appeared to make too many mistakes only because Dallas bypassed him too quickly for him to be involved and RSL was panicking and booting the ball out (past him) to avoid all the pressure. Cutler doesn't belong on the field. And, an 8=outstanding? PLEASE... A full 3 marks/points/categories above 5 other players and best marks on the team. ABSOLUTELY NOT! --------By The Way-Interesting that we have 10 of 14 players marked Average or Below and still beat the top ranked team in the West. Granted Dallas didnt play stellar, but I think your rankings are a bit skewed. Oh, and trading Talley was best move we've made in a long time, just don't think that Cutler replaces him, he's equally horrid. Go RSL-Undefeated at Home in 08!!

I really enjoy reading your blog. I agree with most of your grades but I think Morales and Espindola both deserve a better grade. Morales seems to improve every game and Espindola had some good chances including the ball that was just went wide early off the great header from Dr Goals. Not to mention that they were both on the injury report mid week.

Mantilla starts the game and suddenly guys are slipping through everywhere unmarked. He is incapable of good marking. He is a liability back there. Mantilla a 1.

Morales hits the post again on a freekick! Are you kidding! That makes 3 times this season. He is so overdue for a freekick to go in.

I think that would be a good way to look at it. It was a total mess the last 15 minutes. But they came through, and a win is a win.