Game 5 Preview: Staring At The Sun

In my preseason team reports, I was not very kind to the Gold Coast organization. Although the season is young, the Suns have been better than expected, earning a .500 record without their best player. Various transactions have strengthened the squad; they will not be an easy opponent. The Cure will face a Suns team that has injury concerns; Brian Ching and recent acquistions Edgar Jankauskas and Maykel Galindo will probably not be involved. What is left is a group of journeymen Forwards. On any given day, Dominic Oduro, Mike Magee, Roger Levesque or Justin Braun could light it up. The problem is they don't light it up consistently. As for the Cure, GM/Coach Kirk Lodes welcomes back Javier Morales and Robbie Findley to full fitness. The Cure's four RSL players could score early and often against the strife-ridden Toronto 11. The Cure will also look for Edson Buddle and Patrick Nyarko to continue their solid play. In the net, Jimmy Nielsen appears to have won the starting spot after a man of the match performance last week, but he now must go on the road to Houston, always a tough place to win. Lastly, Cure fans are curious if their two newcomers, Dane Richards and the notorious Luis Landin, will earn spots on the roster.

The Landin Project

Gateway United couldn't motivate him. Will going across town spark this obviously talented but temperamental star? St. Louis Cure GM/Coach Kirk Lodes thinks so, and also thinks he can light a fire under the Cure's newest striker, Luis Angel Landin. "The video posted with this article may be one of the most magical goals I have ever seen. It is the work of a superhero--and reminds us why MLS wanted Landin as a DP. This is the Luis Landin we seek to uncover. Landin came into the MLS season overweight, lazy and injured. Naturally he has stunk it up. But there is time for him to turn it around. And with Houston hobbled right now, he will probably get minutes. We are deep at forward so we feel we can take this gamble." To sign Landin, the Cure released Emilio Renteria, who had not played a game all year. Lodes, "I feel about Emilio. It's a mystery to me why Columbus has not played him more. But he is not doing us any good sitting on the bench." Landin, along with the other Cure new signee, Dane Richards, will be eligible for selection for Saturday's contest vs. the Suns.

Great Dane

In the continuing effort to create a squad that will compete for the 2010 BSL championship, the St. Louis Cure made its first trade of the season. The deal completed today will send Union midfielder Fred to the New York Greeks in exchange for the Jamaican Dane Richards. GM/Coach Kirk Lodes, "You can never be complacent. After noticing Richards was available, I quickly went to work organizing a deal. We regret parting with Fred, but the truth is he is playing deeper in the midfield for Philadelphia, which lessons his scoring chances. Dane, on the other hand, a player I've coveted for some time, is a dynamic winger; his stunning speed often turns him into a third striker. Which, naturally, means more scoring opportunities. I can't wait to see Dane in a Cure uniform." Richards will be available for Saturday's contest against the Suns.

Game 4 M.O.T.M.: Danish Dynamite

While filling out his official roster sheet for the game 4 match against Gateway United, St. Louis Cure GM/Coach Kirk Lodes admits he agonized over the keeper spot. "Matt Pickens was my original draft choice--and my number one. We signed Jimmy Nielsen because we felt he would be a solid backup; we never expected how spectacular he has been." Goalkeeping controversy? Maybe. Taking a chance, Lodes chose Nielsen to start, even though Nielsen faced the hottest MLS team, Los Angeles. Nielsen was up to the task, shutting down the powerful Galaxy offense and saving the Cure's unbeaten record, salvaging a tie thanks to his clean sheet. So, is Nielsen Lodes's new number 1? "I have no comment on that right now. I will say what I always have since we signed Jimmy: now we have two great keepers. The position is a huge strength for us."

A Fitting Result

The much anticipated grudge match between the St. Louis Cure and Gateway United ended up the way it probably was meant to end, a 2-2 draw. It was a rough, physical and defensive battle, with both teams blowing good opportunities to take the first leg of the Show Me Cup. The Cure were put in an immediate hole Thursday. Jeff Cunningham scored after a soft penalty was whistled; he added a second on an EVEN softer penalty later that night. The sluggish Gateway offense would be unable to pull away, offering the Cure a chance to take the match. But the Cure offense was just as anemic. Only Patrick Nyarko managed to get on the scoresheet, notching his third assist of the year. The real hero of the game was KC keeper Jimmy Nielsen, who kept his second clean sheet in as many games. Nielsen shut down his star teammate Edson Buddle, but in keeping Landon Donovan pointless, he earned the crucial point that kept the Cure unbeaten. Gateway still had the game offered up on a platter, as Fredy Ljundberg and Julian de Guzman played on Sunday. All it would take was one simnple point, but the two Saints players came up empty--leaving the two St. Louis teams to continue squabbling over who is best.

Game 4 Lineup: Road Warriors

Entering the biggest match of its history, St. Louis Cure Coach Kirk Lodes has presented his lineup for the derby against neighbors Gateway United. "It's going to be a tough week. Many of our key players will be playing on the road this week. I'm counting on them to respond and give the performances we expect." The Cure will welcome back Javier Morales to the starting lineup and hold their breath that his injury does not flare up. Bobby Convey keeps his spot in the starting lineup, while Robbie Findley just edges out Chad Barrett as a starting forward. Robbie Rogers remains a scratch; although Rogers has a bad ankle, Lodes mentioned he was not happy with the midfielder's form. The toughest decision for Lodes? "I went back and forth trying to decide who would get the nod in the net. That's what you get when you have two good keepers. In the end I chose Jimmy Nielsen, who will take on the red-hot Galaxy. I have been impressed with Kansas City's defense so far this year." The complete lineup: Nyarko, Findley, Espindola, Buddle, Morales, Convey, Torres, Fred, Nielsen (GK). Subs: Barrett, Gonzalez, Renteria. Scratched: Rogers, Pickens.

Game 4 Preview: When The Aints Come Marching

Two teams heading in opposite directions will meet for the first leg of the Show Me/Missouri Cup, one of the most intense derby's in American soccer. On one side, we have the Cure, unbeaten (and looking unbeatable) and in first place. On the other side, the miserable Aints, a team in turmoil. For Gateway, this matchup gives the team a chance to salvage what has so far been a wreck of a start to the season. The question is: do they have the talent to pull of the upset of the century? Landon Donovan has been playing like he wishes he was back in London. Jeff Cunningham is looking all of his 34 years and Julian de Guzman has been a colossal waste of money. Then there's the Luis Angel Landin experiment. Landin has provided a red card and not much else. Only one Gateway player has not humiliated himself, the gifted Marco Pappa. Still, one must not forget the thugs of Gateway defeated the Cure in a preseason friendly 2-1. The Cure players certainly remember. They had the bruises to remind them. So, the team will be well prepared for the Aints to do whatever it takes to win, lawful or not. The big question the Cure face: will Javier Morales be healthy enough to suit up? If not, the Cure have proved they can win without him. Superman Buddle has been unstoppable, while the rest of the team is in fine form. Roger Torres has been a brilliant addition, Bobby Convey is suddenly looking dangerous again and Patrick Nyarko is playing with outstanding confidence. Even new signing Chad Barrett has shown some spark. Additionally, the Cure have two top notch keepers in Matt Pickens and Jimmy Nielsen. With a roster filled with such firepower, the one thing left to ask: will the Aints even show up to the Show Me Cup? We will see starting on Thursday.

Game 3 M.O.T.M: The Buddle Supremacy

This is starting to get repititious. For the third straight week, Edson Buddle bags a brace. Buddle's performance speaks for itself. He is on fire and is quickly becoming the face of the St. Louis Cure. The big question is: will he get a fair chance with the Nats? Let us assume the last striker spot comes down to Brian Ching or Edson Buddle. Conventional wisdom would say Ching gets the nod. He's more experienced, he's been a consistent scorer in MLS, he's had regular stints with the National Team and he was included in the 2006 World Cup squad. Ching is the safe bet and knowning Bob Bradley's selection history, he will make the team (if healthy). That's sad because Buddle deserves it. When he is on, Buddle is so much more explosive than Ching. And Buddle's form is red hot--versus Ching which is cold as ice (even before his most recent injury, he hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard). Don't get me wrong, Ching is a decent MLS forward. But facing international competition, we need the speed, athleticism and skill an Edson Buddle provides. So if Bob is out there, I plead with him to do the right thing for once. Take Edson. Edson is playing with such confidence; and can just imagine a frontline of Buddle and Altidore. The potential is unlimited. If only conservative Bob would risk it--the payoff could be huge.

Dream Start

As the 2010 BSL season began, no one could have expected a beginning the Cure franchise has experienced. After their 5-1 pounding of the Greeks this past weekend, the team stands at 3-0, scoring 16 goals and only allowing 5. Amazing numbers. GM/Coach Kirk Lodes, "I'm shocked really. I knew we had a capable side. But to dominate the way we have...no one could have predicted it. I'm just glad the players are not letting their success go to their heads. Their work ethic has been splendid. It's a pleasure to coach these guys." The Greeks kept things close before the Cure (and Edson "World Cup Bound" Buddle) ran away with a commanding win. Roger Torres continued his fine play and put the Cure up 1-0 with another delightful assist (his second of the season). But the Cure offense then stuttered, allowing the Greeks to tie the game with a Lindpere assist. Patrick Nyarko (the Cure's unsung hero) and Bobby Convey (making the most of his return to the starting lineup) provided assists that gave the Cure a 3-1 lead, and then Buddle did his thing, putting the match out of reach with two more goals. The Cure celebration after the game was subdued. Up next is Gateway United. The whole team had serious looks on their faces as they left the locker room. They know they still have something to prove, to at least one team. Gateway United: beware. The Cure players plan to massacre their oppenents; no pity will be shown.

Cure Announce Game 3 Squad; Say Farewell To Twellman

What coach/GM Kirk Lodes worried most about has reared its ugly head. Injuries. With the status of some key players unclear, Lodes will juggle his lineup for Week 3. "We can't feel sorry for ourselves. You have to plan for these things. Besides, all teams face these issues. Developing a deep squad is so crucial." The most notable change has Javier Morales languishing on the bench. Lodes, "We just felt it would be better to leave him out. Hopefully he will see some minutes as a sub." The staring nine: Findley, Buddle, Nyarko, Espindola, Gonzalez, Fred, Convey, Torres, Pickens (GK). On the subs bench: 1. Morales. 2. Barrett. 3. Renteria. Scratch: Rogers, Nielsen (GK). New signing Chad Barrett hopes to see some action against his old team. Signed on Wednesday, the Cure was forced to release St. Louisan Taylor Twellman. "I feel bad for Taylor. We really didn't want to let him go, but he wasn't progressing as quickly as we had hoped. We needed a good striker and one became available, so he had to jump on it. We wish Taylor the best luck in his rehab; he will land on his feet. When healthy, we will be a great addition to a team...who knows, maybe we will be that lucky team." Barrett has had a slow start to the season, being hampered by injuries. Now nearing full fitness, he hopes to spark the struggling Toronto team and give the Cure a boost as well.

Week 3 Game Preview: Greek Formula

For the first time in the 2010 BSL season, the depth of the St. Louis Cure will be tested. When the Cure battles the New York Greeks, midfielder Rob Rogers will not be available (it is an off week for the Crew; in addition Rogers has an injury that would probably keep him on the sidelines anyway). Manager Kirk Lodes always faces a mini injury crisis; both Patrick Nyarko and Javier Morales are listed as questionable for the contest. The potential loss of three key players means others will have to step up. Roger Torres, Fred and Jimmy Nielsen looked good in their season debuts last week and will be counted on to keep producing. The injuries could give Bobby Convey a shot to return the starting lineup (Convey has looked impressive in training) while newcomer Neslon Gonzalez may be inserted into the lineup as well. In addition, the Cure will rely even more heavily on mainstays Edson Buddle and Robbie Findley. As for the winless Greeks, Coach Lodes emphasized they must not be taken lightly. "With a little luck, the Greeks could be sitting at 2-0 just like us. Don't let their record fool you." While the Cure's depth will be tested, the Greeks big strength is their depth. Finding the right starting formula is what they must work on (last week, leaving Alejandro Moreno on the bench cost them dearly). The Greeks have been active in the transfer market, landing some good free agent signings and building a deep squad. Now they must assemble the best 9 to put on the field. Perhaps that is the problem. The team has no automatic starters (nor do they really have any true benchwarmers). The two Moreno's (Alejandro and Jaime), Josh Wolff, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere and Nick Rimando will probably be in the starting lineup. Choosing the last three will be tricky. Recent signings Christian Castillo, Claudio Lopez and Khano Smith haven't produced...yet. Chad Barrett is returning from injury while Andy Williams and Alan Gordon are not starting with their respective teams. In other news, St. Louis Cure manager Lodes revealed he has been actively pursuing last minute signings before the transfer window closes, but has not made been able to finalize any deals as of right now.

Game 2 M.O.T.M: Buddle of Joy

Buddle Double

For a few minutes Saturday, the St. Louis Cure appeared to be in trouble. Superstar Javier Morales left the match early because of injury. Who would step up and provide the leadership and firepower? Enter Edson Buddle. Following Morales' brilliant performance in Week 1, it would be understandable if one had overlooked Buddle. No longer. Buddle took the game by the scruff of its neck, and put in a performance than was equal, if not better, than Morales' thrilling work two weeks earlier. And Buddle's second goal, a volley of tremendous skill, should be added to Morales' two goals in Week 1 as "Goal of the Year" candidates. Coach Lodes was gushing in his praise, "Edson is a man on a mission. He has always had the skill. Now he has the motivation. He is on fire. And dare I say, with the USA forward pool in such a precarious position, Bob Bradley needs to be watching." Exaggeration? Not so fast. It is commonly accepted that at least 1 MLS striker will be traveling to South Africa. Brian Ching's injury has put his spot in jeopardy. The other MLS forwards under consideration: Robbie Findley, Jeff Cunningham and Conor Casey; what do they have that Buddle doesn't? Buddle is certainly the player with the finest form of the five. Plus, he offers something the others don't. Ching and Casey are known for their size and strength, but quickness and technical skill they glaringly lack. Cunningham and Findley are speedsters, but can be easily knocked off the ball. Buddle, on the other hand, has world class speed, size and strength. Take a look at his goals on the posted video and tell me why he shouldn't be in the running. Buddle has only had brief nibbles at National Team work in the past, possibly because of a lack of the work ethic required. But no one can question his effort in recent weeks. Edson Buddle in South Africa? If there is any justice in the world, that notion will not seem so crazy after all.

Cure Claim Another Scalp

Buddle's Greatest Hits

Week 1: 2009 Honors Trophy Award winner. Week 2: 2009 BSL Champion. Another week, another member of BSL royalty defeated. Proving their debut performance was not a fluke, the St. Louis Cure took over sole position atop the BSL standings after pasting Montgomery County 6-2. While it would be easy to gloat, Cure Manager Kirk Lodes remained cautious, "It's a great step. But only a step. If we are serious about taking the title, we will continue to work hard and improve rather than rest on our laurels. I'm eager to see how the team responds." The early season showdown began with recent signee Roger Torres scoring on his debut with a wondrous cross and assist. Edson Buddle continued his hot streak by scoring twice before Chicago Fire teammates Patrick Nyarko and Collins John traded assists. Guillermo Schelotto made the score 4-2 with a goal from a missed PK, but that was as close as the Monarchs would get. Jimmy Nielsen posted a shutout during his first performance for the Cure, defeating his Cure teammate Matt Pickens. Then the lone member of the "RSL 3" to score, Robbie Findley, notched an assist to finish the scoring. Lodes, "There is no time to rest. We face New York in just a few days. We must not let off the acclerator."

*NEWS/NOTES
The Cure victory did not come without a price. Key midfielder Javier Morales was replaced after suffering a groin injury that was termed as "possibly serious." GM Lodes quickly went to work finding a potential replacement for Morales should the injury result in a long layoff, signing fellow RSL/Argentine Nelson Gonzalez. To make room for Gonzales, the Cure released Brek Shea. Lodes, "Shea's problem was 1. he is a member of FC Dallas 2. he is a member of FC Dallas. And 3. He is a member of FC Dallas. I mean, they take one of their lone young offensive talents, and decide to stick in central defense? That's lunacy. That's FC Dallas." Lodes also mentioned the team is still in the market for an experienced striker, just as insurance.

Cure sets lineup for Game 2

Kirk Lodes has announced his roster for the upcoming match against the Monarchs. The big surprise comes from the fact that new signing Jimmy Nielsen has won the starting keeping job over Matt Pickens (despite the fact Pickens had a clean sheet in Week 1). The other change brings impressive 18 year old Roger Torres into the lineup taking over for Bobby Convey, who becomes the first substitute. The rest of the lineup will be anchored by the RSL three, Javier Morales, Robbie Findley and Fabian Espindola.

The complete lineup: Findley, Buddle, Morales, Nyarko, Espindola, Rogers, Torres, Fred, Nielsen(GK)

Subs: Convey, Renteria, Shea

Scratched: Twellman, Pickens

Week 2 Preview: Cure Take On Champs

As if a matchup against the defending champions wasn't exciting enough, the St. Louis Cure made the upcoming meeting all the more intriguing after a thrilling week one victory. The 5-2 win over C.D. Gunners lifted the Cure to the top of the BSL Power Rankings, but the Monarchs, ranked number two in the rankings, lie in wait. Can an early season game be more electric? If the Cure plan on making a run for the title in 2010, a win against Montgomery would certainly boost their stock. But how do they go about toppling the kings of BSL? Cure Coach Kirk Lodes is convinced his squad must perform to their highest standard: "The Monarchs will not beat themselves. They are going to score. That is understood. Hoping they have an off week is not an effective strategy. The Cure must attack, attack relentlessly, and hope at the end of 90 minutes they have scored more than the champs. It's the only realistic way I can see us winning." Yes, the Monarchs are going to light up the scoreboard. Omar Cummings and Guillemro Schelotto have been on fire during the opening weeks of the season. Macoumba Kandji is leading a recharged Red Bull team. Cornell Glen and David Ferreira were the lone bright spots for their respective teams during week 1. And Kasey Keller is a clean sheet machine. After a marvelous week 1 win over Union, the Monarchs did not stand pat. The signing of two foreigners (Sunil Chetri and Juninho) further bolster an already intimidating squad. Not only will team leaders Javier Morales, Edson Buddle and Robbie Findley must be on top of their game, but players like Robbie Rogers and Bobby Convey, who both looked woeful during week 1, must contribute. If they don't, a Monarch rout would not be out of the question. Will the pressure cause the Cure to crack or make them stronger? Tune in Saturday to find out.

Cure Add Goalkeeping Depth

During the bye week, St. Louis Cure GM/Coach Kirk Lodes refused to be complacent after the 5-2 drubbing the squad gave the Gunners in Week 1. "One of my main concerns has been the lack of a quality backup keeper. We have been searching for the right man and we have found him in Dane Jimmy Nielsen." Nielsen is a veteran of the Danish League, having played 388 league matches during his career. "Nielsen is going to come in and immediately compete for the number one spot. Competition is never a bad thing." To make room for Nielsen, the team announced it has released DC midfielder Rodney Wallace. Lodes, "We are not done making deals. We have one more player in our sights who we hope to bring in on trial." Lodes refused to name that person. In other news, the Cure got a pair of goals from Edson Buddle and one from Javier Morales during a closed door scrimmage.