MLS

Henry’s exit full of question marks as to what he does next, none about his legacy

Chris McGlynn MLS, Soccer ,

When the New York Red Bulls walked off the field last week, following a defeat to rival New England, there was disappointment surrounding the team for sure but there was something else as well. The team had come up short in their quest for the MLS cup but one player may have also reached the end of career. Red Bulls’ captain Thierry Henry announced days later that he would not be returning to New York the following season. The ensuing rumors have been that he could return to his original club, Arsenal, where Henry was once a star. In what capacity he would return is unclear though. He would definitely be welcomed back to the English Premier League club, but there is speculation it could be as the Gunners manager rather than as a player.

While no one is quite sure what will happen with Henry, there is no doubting that he is a legendary player who still has the capability of competing. He has shown his ability to be a great player in both the MLS and the EPL. Just this past year, the former French international tied the Red Bulls’ single season record for assists. On top of that, Henry performed well when it mattered this year as he set up or scored the game-winning goal in seven of New York’s thirteen wins this season. Then in the postseason set up five more goals in as many games, the best mark of any MLS player in the 2014 playoffs. Clearly, the man they call “Titi” still has some fight in him.

Deciding where he sits as far as all-time greats, Henry’s resume speaks for itself. He cracked the top-50 list for career goal scorers in MLS history. There are only two players on higher up on the list have played fewer games. Those record-tying 14 assists he chalked up this season vaulted him into the top-50 for assists as well. As for his time with the Gunners, Henry still ranks fourth (Wayne Rooney just recently passed him for third) in Premier League history with 175 goals. That number is the most goals scored all time by a player for one club and tops in Arsenal’s 128-year history. Henry also ranks sixth all-time for assists with eighty in his eight-year career at Emirates Field, also an Arsenal record.

Internationally, Henry was a menace scoring the most goals in French football history (51). He was also part of the 1998 World Cup champion team as their highest scorer. His run continued to his inclusion on the 2000 European Championship team. Then, in 2001 and 2003, he was a mainstay for France’s Confederation Cup victories. In 2003 especially, Henry dominated the competition, winning both the Golden Boot for best player and Golden Shoe for top goal scorer. He was a star in France’s run to the finals of the 2006 World Cup, where they eventually lost to Italy on penalties. Through and through, Henry has been a class act who gives goal keepers trouble either setting up goals or scoring them himself.

There is only one player who sits higher than Henry on both lists (Rooney) in EPL history, and the Manchester United man is often considered an all-time great so I think it is only fair to put Henry in the same category. I still think he can compete in the Premier League, not at the same level he once did, but as a solid option at forward. So whatever happens to the now former Red Bull, he will be able to contribute at a high level. He is certainly one of the top strikers to ever play in the Premier League and probably one of the best international attackers the world has ever seen. His soccer IQ will let him be a contributor, either as a player, manager or some combination of the two, for many years to come.

MLS Cup Clash

Chris McGlynn MLS, Soccer , , , , ,

First time really talking about the MLS here. I did a lot of stuff about the World Cup back in June but now it’s time to look at some American-based soccer. Specifically, it’s time to give the MLS final a second look. This Sunday will wrap up the 2014 MLS campaign as the New England Revolution battle the Los Angeles Galaxy. This is the fifth time that the Revs will be in the MLS final but this squad is 0-4 in the big game. The Galaxy on the other hand have four championships already heading into the match, this being their ninth appearance in the league final.

There are dozens of storylines leading up to the game. This will be Los Angeles attacker and US international legend Landon Donovan’s final game ever. It would be incredible for him to end off his professional career with a fifth title, which would give the Galaxy the most in MLS history. Donovan led the league this year as the best setup man with 19 assists. His teammate, LA’s captain Robbie Keane, finished third on that same list and ranked third in goals this season. Keane’s all around excellence earned him MLS MVP. These two will be leading the charge on Sunday for LA.

On the Revolution side, José Gonçalves captains his team in just his second year with the team. He will lead the defense while Revs’ superstar Lee Nguyen handles the offensive end. The central midfielder only accounted for nine goals over the past two years before exploding for 18 this season, the fourth best mark in the league behind Keane. The Revolution has its own US international as well in Jermaine Jones. The midfielder was acquired during the midseason transfer window will bring some physical play to the midfield this weekend. These three will be counted on heavily if they want to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 loss New England was dealt when these teams met in July.

This Sunday should be a very different affair then the previous matchup. LA comes into the game having struggled away from home. Luckily for them, the finals are held at their home stadium because their last road win came all the way back in late August against Chivas USA. New England on the other hand, is riding a hot streak into the game, as the club has not dropped a game since mid-September.  Jones is also stateside this time while he was still playing in Europe at the time of their first match up.

Sunday will be highly competitive and contested until the whistle is blown to end the match. I think LA will strike first and hold the lead until late in the second half when Nguyen hammers home an equalizer. Nguyen did have the most game-winning goals this year with nine and was tied for second in road goals with nine as well. In the end though, I think LA will walk away with its fifth title as Keane sets up Donovan one last time for the winner in overtime. After all, Donovan does have the most game-winners in MLS history. The home crowd will just be too much for New England as it comes away empty handed once again. Let me know what you think is going to happen or if I missed anything that will be crucial to this game.