The Chicago Fire come to the RioT for the very first time this Saturday. However, everyone still remembers what happened last time the fire came to RSL. Mr White, after 90 minutes of theatrics, scored a goal in stoppage time that gutted RSL on its season opener and drew the game level with only seconds to spare. Many RSL fans, like myself, still can remember the rise in blood pressure when Blanco got down on his knees (where he belongs in my opinion, if you get what I mean) and did that retarded celebration of his. I hope the players for RSL remember this game as well, and use it as motivation this Saturday.
Chicago comes into this game as THE BEST road team in the MLS. On the flip side, they are visiting, arguably, the best home side in the MLS in RSL. This factor alone makes this game very interesting to many across the league. Besides that, there are huge playoff implications with pretty much every game remaining, a win here for RSL keeps them on track for sliding into one of the last playoff spots. A draw or loss, however, drops them out of the race and puts RSL in a tight spot to get more points on the road. To say the least, this is a must-win game for RSL and its playoff hopes.
The injury report and suspension list for this game is not helpful for RSL in the least. Javier Morales is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, Ned Grab-my-boys and Kyle Bekcerman are both suspended, and Will Johnson is listed as having a toe injury that could keep him out of the lineup (very unlikely though). That means 3 midfielers are for sure gone this game, and one listed as questionable. Accompany that with the fact that this team relies heavily on the work-rate and vision of its midfield, and you can see why this game is not going to come easily for the home side.
Come game time, though, here is what I think we will see for the starting XI of RSL:
Rimando
Wingert Olave Borchers Beltran
Russell Williams Johnson
El Khalifi Campos Espindola
There is no reason to mess with that back 4. They have been solid in the last couple of games, with some players getting breaks on the tight schedule.
Rimando should be ready to finish out the rest of the season, however Seitz showed last game that he can be a reliable backup.
Russell and Johnson will be the deciding factors this game. Will needs to clean up his touch and passes, and Russell will need to cover for Andy and keep a high work rate defensively.
Williams has shown a bit of his old flair that many, like myself, have fallen in love with lately. If he continues this, he will dominate the middle of the pitch.
The top 3 will have to put in some serious work as well. With Conde listed as probable, the already strong defensive of Chicago just got stronger. REK needs to see the ball more and whip in some quality balls. Espy will ware down his side of the field and hopefully get in behind them a time or two. Campos needs to be huge (literally) this game if RSL is to score. His presence up top should give Chicago fits and open things up for Espindola more.
I would expect to see Findley off the bench around the 60th - 70th minute for Campos. Mathis for El Khalifi around the same time. Then, depending on the situation of the game, Cox for Espy or Alexandre for Espy.
Prediction:
RSL 3 Chicago 1
Cheers,
15 to 32
9.11.2009
9.08.2009
Post USA vs El Salvador
During my wonderful, but not long enough, Labor Day weekend I had time to reflect on one of the most memorable games I have ever been to. Here are my thoughts:
The Crowd:
I arrived a bit later than I had wanted to as my dinner took longer than expected and parking/traffic was a bit of a pain. However, I did get there in time to soak in some of the pregame activities.
First off, the El Salvador fans (along with pretty much any other country that LOVES football) were fantastic. They were loud, emotional, and most importantly passionate about not only their team but the game in general. The chants, the drums, just simply the noise was something that stadium had yet to experience at that level (no offense to La Barra or Chivas USA fans). I made my way over to the south end stands and was delighted to notice that that was the area with the most "passionate" of fans, on both sides. The American Outlaws were doing there best to make sure that the rest of the stadium showed its true colors, and the El Salvador fans were making sure all of their fans were just as loud. Honestly, in a couple of years, I likely wont remember much about the actual game. However, I know for a fact that I will remember the experiences I had for those far too short 90 minutes of football in the stands.
The Actual Game:
El Salvador is no push-over, I must apologize for thinking that they would come into the RioT with their heads down, willing to accept defeat. While overall I fell the US was the better team, there were good chunks of time where El Salvador was the better team. The opening minutes were fantastic I thought. Some people call it sloppy, I think its more of an emotional high the players are running on. Such a huge event with such a great atmosphere will get players on a high that one can only dream of. The US was the better side, however, they could not get that finishing touch. Then, after a horrendous mistake by Bornstein, El Salvador punished the US. A very nicely placed cross was met with an astounding header (how did that guy get so tall all of the sudden?) that got Timmy crossed up and found the back of the net. The US was not going to put its head down though.
After that, the crowd really got into things. The El Salvador fans were doing there best to keep their team on a high, but they were simply too out-numbered. The US fans rose to the occasion and lit a fire under the ass of the yanks. A wonderful set piece found the lone on-sides player in Clint Dempsey and things were all square. Its funny to go back and watch the replay. Clint, seriously, is the ONLY US player on the screen that is on-sides. We are very lucky that not only did he make the run, but that none of the other players went towards the ball.
From there, the yanks continued on their push to get a goal. Cross after cross went begging, but with only 15 seconds left in the allotted extra time, Cakes found a wide-open Jozy Altidore who put his corner down and in the near post. A world class finish for a player that is simply on fire right now.
At the break, it was 2-1 for the yanks. Everyone in the stands had the feeling that the scoring wasn't over, and they were right. However, the final scoreboard would prove them wrong. A few confrontational calls/non-calls in the second half left many fans scratching their heads. First, the third goal by Jozy Altidore was called back after what appeared to be an offsides call. However, if you go back and look, the AR never raises his flag to signal for offsides. So then it must have been a foul correct? Well, with where the center gave the foul at, it would mean that Jozy had somehow fouled his mark when he received the pass from Dempsey. Once again, if you go back and watch the replay, there was no foul. The defender lunged for the ball, he missed, Jozy took it to the goal, and calmly slotted it in. I have still yet to hear what the official "foul" on the play was. This, sadly, was not the only MAJOR questionable incident with the official directly involved. With about 15 minutes left in the game, an El Salvador player made a cut inside the box and was completely hacked down by Bornstein (not his best night eh). Nothing was called... All of the fans around me, the strongest US supporters around, all agreed that there should have been a penalty awarded. So, in the end, I guess you can call it even. The center took away 2 goals, one from each team.
The closing minutes of the game were not the prettiest football to be played. Heck, they were some of the ugliest football, lets me honest. El Salvador was showing its class of possession and the US was showing some of its flaws defensively. If not for a tremendous save by Timmy Howard (how he got so low so fast is still beyond me) then this game could have easily ended in a draw.
Player Evals:
Timmy Howard: B+
Got caught out of position on the first goal, but made up for it with some great saves and stellar play the rest of the game. Isn't it nice to have a big man inside the 18...
Bornstein: C-
Awful awful AWFUL night. How he got the nod over dolo is beyond me. He continued his bad form from a couple weeks ago in the RioT this game. Against a better opponent (Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica) he would have been responsible for another goal or two.
Marshall: B
He couldn't touch a guy without it somehow being a foul. It was really sad to see how cautious he had to be just to stay out of trouble. I think he can be a great player, but he needs to get out of the MLS to learn how true center backs play.
Boca: B+
Good night, solid in the back. When there isn't much to say about your center back, it usually is a good thing.
Spector: B-
The guy can cross a fantastic ball, however he didn't have the cleanest of touches and his speed was exposed by the quick number 11. Not an awful night, but he didn't do much to make that "his spot"
Deuce: B
The guy can be so good for spurts, and so bad for others. If he put together a full game, or even 70 minutes, he would be the best player for the nats. However, its getting him to put out that effort that's holding him back. Great goal though
Bradley: B
He can be really great at winning tackles, distributing, and being the central figure. However, once he starts to slip, it gets ugly. There were a couple minutes where he looked simply awful and others where he looked brilliant. There are going to be ups and downs, but that much of a variation is not a good thing. Learn to control that, and he is our best center mid.
Benny: B-
This guy never seems to be fully fit for a game. He was doing great in the first half, but in the second he seemed to run out of steam. If he gets his fitness up for the world cup, he should be a starter for us. The Brazilian part of him shows when he is on his game.
Cakes: A- (co MOTM)
Mandon showed that he is one of the fittest players in the world this game. His sprints up and down the pitch were a beauty to watch. If other players on this team had his work rate and fitness, we could push for some very high results.
Davies: B+
I love this kid. His skill, speed, touch, vision, etc all make him look like a fantastic player. If he continues to develop, this team is going to turn heads (again) on the big stage.
Jozy: A- (co MOTM)
Altidore looks like he was made in a factory. The guy is built, tall, strong, fast, and just plain and simply smart. He looks a whole lot more experienced than he is. Like Davies, lets hope this kid continues to develop. A Jozy-Davies duo in the next two world cups could make for some great things for this country.
Holden: B
Stuart needs to get out of the MLS, sorry to say it, but his talent is greater than the league can handle right now. I really hope he gets a shot at going to a bigger club. This kid looks like a true winger that we have all dreamt of playing for our team.
Beckerman: C
Simply awful. He pushed, and in my mind passed, Borstein for worst player on the pitch and he was only out there for 10 minutes. I could spin it since he is the home-town boy, but honestly he has zero chance (well at least that's what I hope) at making the roster for the world cup (if and WHEN we qualify). Beckerman, you had your shot, and nearly were directly responsible for dropping 2 vital points in a tight race.
Torres: B
Jose came on in the final minutes when things were hectic and put into a position that really didn't get to see much of the ball unless it was flying over his head or being brought at him by the El Salvador players. I like what this kid has to offer, but I don't think he is going to be seeing much time in '10.
USA: B
Not the greatest game I have seen from them. Against better opposition, that game ends differently (who knows what would happen with a quality ref) and likely not good for the US. We got the 3 points that we needed to get though, and that's all that matters. Now, moving on to T&T... a game where 3 points could put us on top of the group once again.
Cheers,
15 to 32
The Crowd:
I arrived a bit later than I had wanted to as my dinner took longer than expected and parking/traffic was a bit of a pain. However, I did get there in time to soak in some of the pregame activities.
First off, the El Salvador fans (along with pretty much any other country that LOVES football) were fantastic. They were loud, emotional, and most importantly passionate about not only their team but the game in general. The chants, the drums, just simply the noise was something that stadium had yet to experience at that level (no offense to La Barra or Chivas USA fans). I made my way over to the south end stands and was delighted to notice that that was the area with the most "passionate" of fans, on both sides. The American Outlaws were doing there best to make sure that the rest of the stadium showed its true colors, and the El Salvador fans were making sure all of their fans were just as loud. Honestly, in a couple of years, I likely wont remember much about the actual game. However, I know for a fact that I will remember the experiences I had for those far too short 90 minutes of football in the stands.
The Actual Game:
El Salvador is no push-over, I must apologize for thinking that they would come into the RioT with their heads down, willing to accept defeat. While overall I fell the US was the better team, there were good chunks of time where El Salvador was the better team. The opening minutes were fantastic I thought. Some people call it sloppy, I think its more of an emotional high the players are running on. Such a huge event with such a great atmosphere will get players on a high that one can only dream of. The US was the better side, however, they could not get that finishing touch. Then, after a horrendous mistake by Bornstein, El Salvador punished the US. A very nicely placed cross was met with an astounding header (how did that guy get so tall all of the sudden?) that got Timmy crossed up and found the back of the net. The US was not going to put its head down though.
After that, the crowd really got into things. The El Salvador fans were doing there best to keep their team on a high, but they were simply too out-numbered. The US fans rose to the occasion and lit a fire under the ass of the yanks. A wonderful set piece found the lone on-sides player in Clint Dempsey and things were all square. Its funny to go back and watch the replay. Clint, seriously, is the ONLY US player on the screen that is on-sides. We are very lucky that not only did he make the run, but that none of the other players went towards the ball.
From there, the yanks continued on their push to get a goal. Cross after cross went begging, but with only 15 seconds left in the allotted extra time, Cakes found a wide-open Jozy Altidore who put his corner down and in the near post. A world class finish for a player that is simply on fire right now.
At the break, it was 2-1 for the yanks. Everyone in the stands had the feeling that the scoring wasn't over, and they were right. However, the final scoreboard would prove them wrong. A few confrontational calls/non-calls in the second half left many fans scratching their heads. First, the third goal by Jozy Altidore was called back after what appeared to be an offsides call. However, if you go back and look, the AR never raises his flag to signal for offsides. So then it must have been a foul correct? Well, with where the center gave the foul at, it would mean that Jozy had somehow fouled his mark when he received the pass from Dempsey. Once again, if you go back and watch the replay, there was no foul. The defender lunged for the ball, he missed, Jozy took it to the goal, and calmly slotted it in. I have still yet to hear what the official "foul" on the play was. This, sadly, was not the only MAJOR questionable incident with the official directly involved. With about 15 minutes left in the game, an El Salvador player made a cut inside the box and was completely hacked down by Bornstein (not his best night eh). Nothing was called... All of the fans around me, the strongest US supporters around, all agreed that there should have been a penalty awarded. So, in the end, I guess you can call it even. The center took away 2 goals, one from each team.
The closing minutes of the game were not the prettiest football to be played. Heck, they were some of the ugliest football, lets me honest. El Salvador was showing its class of possession and the US was showing some of its flaws defensively. If not for a tremendous save by Timmy Howard (how he got so low so fast is still beyond me) then this game could have easily ended in a draw.
Player Evals:
Timmy Howard: B+
Got caught out of position on the first goal, but made up for it with some great saves and stellar play the rest of the game. Isn't it nice to have a big man inside the 18...
Bornstein: C-
Awful awful AWFUL night. How he got the nod over dolo is beyond me. He continued his bad form from a couple weeks ago in the RioT this game. Against a better opponent (Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica) he would have been responsible for another goal or two.
Marshall: B
He couldn't touch a guy without it somehow being a foul. It was really sad to see how cautious he had to be just to stay out of trouble. I think he can be a great player, but he needs to get out of the MLS to learn how true center backs play.
Boca: B+
Good night, solid in the back. When there isn't much to say about your center back, it usually is a good thing.
Spector: B-
The guy can cross a fantastic ball, however he didn't have the cleanest of touches and his speed was exposed by the quick number 11. Not an awful night, but he didn't do much to make that "his spot"
Deuce: B
The guy can be so good for spurts, and so bad for others. If he put together a full game, or even 70 minutes, he would be the best player for the nats. However, its getting him to put out that effort that's holding him back. Great goal though
Bradley: B
He can be really great at winning tackles, distributing, and being the central figure. However, once he starts to slip, it gets ugly. There were a couple minutes where he looked simply awful and others where he looked brilliant. There are going to be ups and downs, but that much of a variation is not a good thing. Learn to control that, and he is our best center mid.
Benny: B-
This guy never seems to be fully fit for a game. He was doing great in the first half, but in the second he seemed to run out of steam. If he gets his fitness up for the world cup, he should be a starter for us. The Brazilian part of him shows when he is on his game.
Cakes: A- (co MOTM)
Mandon showed that he is one of the fittest players in the world this game. His sprints up and down the pitch were a beauty to watch. If other players on this team had his work rate and fitness, we could push for some very high results.
Davies: B+
I love this kid. His skill, speed, touch, vision, etc all make him look like a fantastic player. If he continues to develop, this team is going to turn heads (again) on the big stage.
Jozy: A- (co MOTM)
Altidore looks like he was made in a factory. The guy is built, tall, strong, fast, and just plain and simply smart. He looks a whole lot more experienced than he is. Like Davies, lets hope this kid continues to develop. A Jozy-Davies duo in the next two world cups could make for some great things for this country.
Holden: B
Stuart needs to get out of the MLS, sorry to say it, but his talent is greater than the league can handle right now. I really hope he gets a shot at going to a bigger club. This kid looks like a true winger that we have all dreamt of playing for our team.
Beckerman: C
Simply awful. He pushed, and in my mind passed, Borstein for worst player on the pitch and he was only out there for 10 minutes. I could spin it since he is the home-town boy, but honestly he has zero chance (well at least that's what I hope) at making the roster for the world cup (if and WHEN we qualify). Beckerman, you had your shot, and nearly were directly responsible for dropping 2 vital points in a tight race.
Torres: B
Jose came on in the final minutes when things were hectic and put into a position that really didn't get to see much of the ball unless it was flying over his head or being brought at him by the El Salvador players. I like what this kid has to offer, but I don't think he is going to be seeing much time in '10.
USA: B
Not the greatest game I have seen from them. Against better opposition, that game ends differently (who knows what would happen with a quality ref) and likely not good for the US. We got the 3 points that we needed to get though, and that's all that matters. Now, moving on to T&T... a game where 3 points could put us on top of the group once again.
Cheers,
15 to 32
9.04.2009
Pre USA vs El Salvador
Sorry for the long break between posts guys. School started up this past week and life has been a bit hectic to say the least. I was really hoping to do another off-topic Wednesday post (I have a list of fun ideas, well fun in my opinion) but I guess I will just suffer through writing about the GIGANTIC USA World Cup Qualifier game here at the RioT.
Currently the US sits in 3rd place in the CONCACAF standings with 10 points. With the top 3 getting the automatic bids and the 4th place having to play in the playoff against the South Africa 5th place team, this game is a MUST WIN for the nats. El Salvador gave us a good match down there, but the late heroics of surfer-dude Frankie Hejduk and Jozy Altidore saved us a point in a 2-2 draw. Coming up to the RioT, the nats can expect a very good, home-favoring crowd that will cheer them to victory.
Starting XI:
Timmy
Dolo Demerit* Boca Spector
Dempsey Bradley Feilhaber Donovan
Jozy Davies
* - Demerit is questionable for this game, which sucks as he is already the replacement (sorta) for Gooch. Either Goodsen or Marshall would take the spot if he is injured.
I don't have much on El Salvador outside of what I have seen from them in a few matches. I know they are a pretty well organized squad that counters quite well (see the first goal they score on us down there). The US will have to be sharp and the first goal is vital if they want to get the 3 points they so desperately need.
In the end, this game has to be the one where the US gets not only a win, but a big one. A 3 or 4 goal win would be huge if this qualifier comes down to goal differential.
Prediction: 4-0 USA
Currently the US sits in 3rd place in the CONCACAF standings with 10 points. With the top 3 getting the automatic bids and the 4th place having to play in the playoff against the South Africa 5th place team, this game is a MUST WIN for the nats. El Salvador gave us a good match down there, but the late heroics of surfer-dude Frankie Hejduk and Jozy Altidore saved us a point in a 2-2 draw. Coming up to the RioT, the nats can expect a very good, home-favoring crowd that will cheer them to victory.
Starting XI:
Timmy
Dolo Demerit* Boca Spector
Dempsey Bradley Feilhaber Donovan
Jozy Davies
* - Demerit is questionable for this game, which sucks as he is already the replacement (sorta) for Gooch. Either Goodsen or Marshall would take the spot if he is injured.
I don't have much on El Salvador outside of what I have seen from them in a few matches. I know they are a pretty well organized squad that counters quite well (see the first goal they score on us down there). The US will have to be sharp and the first goal is vital if they want to get the 3 points they so desperately need.
In the end, this game has to be the one where the US gets not only a win, but a big one. A 3 or 4 goal win would be huge if this qualifier comes down to goal differential.
Prediction: 4-0 USA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)