and how hard it was to do so.
After taking over in April 1999, Gansler led the team to a title in 2000. He would later add another MLS Cup appearance and a U.S. Open Cup title to his resume.
Over the course of seven seasons, one title, one runner-up finish and a U.S. Open Cup is a nice haul. Again, you'll never use the word dynasty, but a good run.
But now, let's step back and talk as adults do. Bob Gansler built a winner in probably the hardest market in Major League Soccer.
Playing in the cavernous Arrowhead Stadium, Gansler teams never had the home-field advantage that is enjoyed from Columbus to Carson to Bridgeview to Frisco and elsewhere in MLS.
And Kansas City is not exactly the chic calling card to attract international talent, a la New York or Los Angeles. Now throw in the cloud hanging over the club recently (and let's be honest, in the past as well) surrounding the possible sale or relocation of the ball club.
Despite those cards being stacked against him, Bob Gansler teams just put their heads down and won soccer games. I don't ever recall Gansler using any of those excuses once.
Gansler teams had a distinct style, and while they will never be mistaken for Pat Riley's Los Angeles Lakers teams of the "Showtime" era, it was a system built to compete and succeed in MLS.
So as Gansler turns the reins over to Brian Bliss -- who is long overdue for a shot somewhere -- for the rest of the season and maybe beyond (although Maurice Johnston rumors will fly), he leaves with a record that might not be stellar.
But those of us who know this league understand just how successful Bob Gansler really was in great run in Kansas City.
TCS PERSON OF THE WEEK:
Every week we're going to pick one person to give a little love, a little special recognition for doing something to really stand out. Could be a player, coach, broadcaster, you name it. Sometimes we may even have to venture outside of the soccer world. Feel free to e-mail in with your nominations.
Galaxy reject MARCELO SARAGOSA gets signed by the Almighty Hoops, flies to Dallas, steps off the plane, and bangs in a goal to help beat Tigres 2-0 on Wednesday. I still love it when Mexican teams lose 2-0. But for Saragosa, he gets to enjoy a title run this year. Not bad.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: I love working on Planet LA. Got to witness a meltdown by the one and only Shannen Doherty the other day when some writers basically asked her why she used to be such a terrible person, and whether she still is. It just doesn't get any better than that.
GRAB A COLD BUD (OR AQUAFINA) AND PUT YER FEET UP:
WHAT I'LL BE WATCHING:
CREW vs. GALAXY -- Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on The Deuce: The bad news for the Crew: they are in dead last place and have only won four games all year and another Lamar Hunt team just sacked a coach. The good news: they play in the Eastern Conference! They're only two wins out of second place and home field in the first round of the playoffs!
ENTOURAGE -- Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on HBO: I was at a little party in Hollywood the other night when I had perhaps the greatest celebrity sighting possible right now: none other than Rex Lee, who plays Lloyd, Ari's assistant on this awesome show. There simply is not a better relationship between two characters on television right now.
FLICK-ONS:
Can the winning ways of The Bruce overcome the losing history of Major League Soccer's club in New York and New Jersey? Talk about the irresistible force against an immovable object. It's like Star vs. Barbara, A.J. Pierzynski vs. The World and my belly vs. my size 34 jeans all rolled up into one.
Soccer at Camden Yards? Reports are swirling about an August 9 United-Real Madrid match at the wonderful baseball stadium. Wonder if old Boog's pit will be open for some great BBQ?
Speaking of Real Madrid, yes, Becks and Ronaldo are scheduled to be in Checkettsville for the big Real-Real showdown August 12.
Not long after former Metro gaffer Carlos Alberto Parreira quit Brazil, reports have him heading to South Africa to head up the 2010 host's side.
Speaking of national team jobs, Jurgen Klinsmann to the United States will be the least surprising event since another Baldwin brother crashed up his car the other day out here.
During the season, The Clean Sheet runs each week on MLSnet.com. Views and opinions expressed in this column views and opinions are the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com. Send any questions and comments to tcsresponses@yahoo.com.
