Donovan

I'm just gonna put this here.

Great piece by Wayne Drehs for ESPN as Landon closes out his career.

Happy Pills?

Is it me, or do the US Men look miserable out on the field? I don't mean the way they're playing, but their lack of joy at playing. Donovan hinted at his occasional lack of passion recently, but it feels like no one on that team is having fun.

Taylor Twellman mentioned during yesterday's broadcast that the boys might be tired. They're definitely playing like it now. The mood of the team just seemed dour. It's a sharp contrast to their smiling, positive coach.

I makes me wonder if Jürgen turns into Mr. Hyde during practice. Grinding them down behind the scenes.

Okay, enough German S/M Nazi fantasies. :)

I gotta agree with Twellman. They look like they need a day or two off. It wouldn't surprise me if Guatemala pulls off the upset on Tuesday.

"Winning Time"

I just re-watched the ESPN 30 for 30 piece "Winning Time" about Reggie Miller vs the New York Knicks. If you get the chance to see it, do so, cuz it's an absolute hoot. It gives you great insight into Reggie Miller, a player who was, to say it kindly, one of the great mindfuckers of all time. He made you hate him to the point of forgetting your own game, and boy did the Knicks and their fans hate him.

Watching it made me think of the latest kerfuffle involving Mr. Landon Donovan. I saw him say something to Henry after he scored, and apparently thanks to Luke Rodgers we know what he said. Here's the thing. He seems to be pulling these stunts only in MLS games, and he seems to be getting more animated the older he gets. It's kind of a Bizzaro World Wayne Rooney.

I think it's an act. I think it's an attempt to mindfuck his opponents. He didn't pull this shit at Everton, and I don't see it at the same level when he's playing for the U.S. (I might be blinded by Red, White, and Blue glasses since Mexican fans love to hate him). I think he's clearly aware of what he's doing, and the fact that he can get away with it. He wants you to hate him. He's good at it, too.

The best way to counter it? Laugh that shit off.