Pathetic and looking worse

Pathetic
That's how I would sum up our game against Columbus yesterday and the outlook of the game this weekend at Philly.I don't want to get too much into the game as, well, it was painful to watch. A few things to note, though:

1) After we got our goal, it seemed as though we thought the game was just going to end. Our offense and even our midfield just stopped working after that. While Kreis is known throughout the league as a guy who demands his players give a high work rate and be really fit, it didn't show last night. Espy, Gonzo, Ned, Kyle, etc. all looked done after 20 minutes. An occasional run would be made here or there, sure, but overall they looked terrible.

2) The only reason we didn't get blown out in this game is our defense. Even then, they weren't the top group we've come to expect. Which, honestly, should be somewhat expected when they are asked to defend so often. I don't care how good your defenders are, if you tell them to defend a 1-0 lead for 80 straight minutes with attack after attack flying at them, they are going to leak one eventually. The pk was somewhat weak (nice dive) but it was long overdue. The second goal was unlucky, but also deserved.

3) Even in the dying minutes, down a goal, RSL didn't look to attack. This irritated me the most. I understand you lose the attacking mentality when up on the road or even tied, but once we went down the switch never really clicked for RSL to attack. This can be partially blamed on Kreis as he sub to bring on Russell for Jean was completely retarded. We were tied at the time of the sub, but it showed that Kreis (despite his comments) was not looking to get the 3 points back.

Really, it was just a poor night from RSL. It scares me to say this, but this might be who this team actually is. While we are missing some key pieces such as Will Johnson (who I think would have made at least an effort last night) I'm starting to wonder if we are just an above average MLS team. If you look back at our last 5 or 6 games, we've never really dominated a team. Even against the worst team in the league, the Whitecaps, we couldn't dominate entirely. This is to be somewhat expected in this parity league, but we are falling from that label of "top team" rather quickly and rather far. Honestly, as of right now, we are about the 5th or 6th best team in this league. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Man of the Match: Justin MeramIn a game that featured very little effort from either team, I had to reward the guy who showed some heart. Meram came on in the second half and instantly was a threat for the Crew. He earned the first goal (maybe a dive, but crafty nonetheless) and continued throughout the match to give us fits down the flank. Good player with a lot of heart and creativity. Deserves a start, honestly.

Wanker of the Match: Andres MendozaHis antics throughout the game were childish at best and his reaction to the goal he scored (but shouldn't have taken) and being subbed were just laughable. Its weird to give both MOTM and WOTM to the same team, but Mendoza full on earned this one. Though, to be honest, I'd love to be complaining about my DP being a drama queen in a game we won and he scored.

Bad match from RSL. Move on. Get better.


RSL @ PhillyGiven my really positive thoughts about the game yesterday, I'm sure you all expect me to predict yet another win for RSL. Ain't happening. Honestly, this game against Philly has everything going against Real. First, its in the middle of the day (4pm ET kick). Second, its in humidity (as of right now, 75% humidity in roughly 80 degree weather). Third, it's on the road (we still have yet to prove to be a good road team). Fourth, it's on really short rest for us and a full week's rest for them. Lastly, we lack any depth to make needed rotations.

If we somehow only lose by a goal, it'd be a miracle.

There is one player, though, if RSL wants to be successful in any way shape or form, that needs to step up:
That's Kyle BeckermanKyle has looked really poor, in my opinion, in the last couple of games. He has given the ball away really cheaply in the middle third and really hasn't held down the middle of the pitch as we expect of him. Both of Columbus' goals originated in the middle of the pitch. We've grown weak in this area, honestly.

Prediction:
Philly 2 - RSL 0
- A goal in each half by the Union will sink RSL.

Talk of the supporters shield for RSL dies more and more each game, as it should, sadly.

I'd love to be wrong, though.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

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