Post RSL v CBus CCL

Well that was ugly...
...in so many ways. The first and most obvious one was the play itself. RSL could not string together more than a couple passes it seemed. The field was also in quite a horrendous shape, which didn't help the play much either. Lastly, and what ruined the return leg (or made it that much more interesting) was the officiating.


Three red cards would make one believe this was an extremely dirty match with players out of control. From what I saw, this was not the case at all. It was obvious it was the first truly competitive game of the season for both teams (and the ref) given the timing of tackles and such. The ref should take this into account. Beltran's first tackle was worthy of a yellow, no doubt. He was late and came through the player (Ekpo, I believe) pretty hard. However, the second one was, at most, a regular foul. He came in from the side, missed the ball or possibly even got a part of it, and simply tripped Garey. The ref, for whatever reason, decides to not do the typical talking to the player knowing he is on a yellow. No, instead he instantly goes to his book and sends Tony off. Marrufo, you blow. I cant really comment on the Borchers/Renteria sending off as I did not see what happened. However, to send both players off something substantial must have happened (and then someone reacted). I didn't take Borchers as the fiery type. Much of the talk has been that Olave is the one with the issues and Borchers the rock. It really wasn't a great time for Nat to challenge people's opinion on him.


As for the actual game itself, I'll put it simply: Columbus was the better side. RSL had moments of their beautiful play, however they couldn't really ever build anything and get a dangerous shot off. When RSL plays well they force the other team to clear their lines in awkward ways and/or give up corners. RSL had 0 corners in the match. That, alone, tells you the kind of day it was for the boys in red. I think the pitch obviously played a factor, as did the cold itself along with it being the first true match; however this team looked like it was playing its first day of preseason soccer. The chemistry was somewhat there, as it should be given the amount of time these guys have been together, but it was so disjointed at times it really didn't ever materialize the way we are so familiar with.


As for the Crew, so much for "re-building". They looked to have things at least somewhat figured out and, in all honesty, have a team ready to compete in MLS play. I think depth will surely be an issue for them, but hell we didnt expect much out of their starters so who knows what to expect from that bench. I tip my hat to their staff, they did well to prepare for this match and really were the better side, overall, on the night. Their red, really, might become a blessing in disguise. Jeff Cunningham, one of the "RSL Killers", will now be starting. Add in that Borchers wont be back there (or Tony) and you have to say Columbus really gained an advantage in that red. Renteria, well done. Man of the match possibly?


The return leg is wide open. RSL has some tough decisions to make in the back line given that 2 starters will be serving suspensions. I wonder if Kreis is comfortable with putting McKenzie or Schuler back with Olave or if he will slide Russell in and use someone else at right back. Either way, RSL has to focus on the offensive end of the ball. If, and that's a huge if, we get a goal, we cant simply sit back and defend. Say Columbus ties it up at 1-1, they would be advancing. Away goals count as a little more in this competition, so RSL has to come out thinking it will score 2 goals. If I was Kreis, I would tell the guys they are down a goal. Yes, they need to focus on defending well, but you have to score, period.

This next part is a new addition I want to add for my blog. A lot of people like to add "man of the match" and I'm all for that. However, I will also be adding "wanker of the match" as that is so much more interesting. So, for last nights CCL first leg:

Man of the Match: Sebastian Miranda
- The new outside back for the Crew had a terrific night and was a large part of the reason why RSL simply couldn't build anything offensively. Great addition for the Crew, this kid is good.

Wanker of the Match: Jair Marrufo
- This guy seems to always want to put his stamp on the match. As a center ref, that's a terrible habit to have. However, he didn't let us down as he sent 3 players off and made the second leg at the RioT all that more interesting.

I'll do a pre-game report for the return leg likely this weekend or Monday (its Spring Break, yay!). Tune in for that.

Cheers,
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