Last night I listed to Extra Time Radio for the first time. Well, it was just the first segment where they run through every game and use it as a launching point to discuss each team's current status, playoff chances and positioning, etc. The NYC-LAG game was at or near the end of the segment.
What was interesting was how little time they spent discussing NYC and why that was not a slight. It was clear that, to them, NYC is just very solid, reliable and good and there's isn't much to talk about. You could complain they didn't seem to consider NYC SS contenders but so what. They really only put Dallas, Colorado and Toronto in that mix. To them TFC have more games in hand to catch up with the leaders, they've won 5 of 6, and have lots of home games left. You can argue with that but it's a reasonable take and there's no reason to look for ways to feel insulted.
When our game came up there was lots of discussion of the Galaxy: playing passive, no energy, lots of talent, disappointing results, if they get it together can be dangerous but who knows if that will happen, .....
About NYC they had almost nothing to say. The host asked if NYC are MLS cup contenders; someone said there's no way you can consider NYC NOT to be cup contenders. Everyone agreed and that was pretty much that. Basically NYC is in solid playoff position, not on a hot streak, not struggling, will probably finish 1st or 2nd, and what's left to say until the playoffs start? It's actually a strong endorsement not to discuss them much right now. The brief discussion suggested the team might benefit from being more flexible about playing from the back when it gets too dangerous.
They got a couple of things wrong the way national analysts always do: They seemed to think the Saunders criticism was that we blame him for choosing to play from the back. I don't think anyone thinks that: he's just doing what the coaching staff tells him to do. Our problem is he does that and many other things poorly. They also still seemed to be in the mindset that we're bad at home and awesome on the road even though those trendlines crossed.
But really, for me, the takeaway is they think the team is so boringly good and solid there isn't much to say.
