It was good to start off the weekend with a final Dynamo home game. It ended as I thought it would with a Dynamo win, but I was disappointed that the Dynamo didn't handle Firpo better. (Recap. Recap 2.) They should have had a second goal in the first half, and should have done a better job of creating opportunities that could lead to a second goal in the second half. In the end, they made the match a lot harder on themselves and a lot more anxious for their fans by playing down to the competition.
I know that's soccer at times; but it happens a little too frequently for my tastes with this team. Of course a lot of the problem was the gamesmanship used by FIRPO to compensate for their incompetence, and the inconsistent officiating didn't help either. I think a substitute was called for earlier in the second half, but many of our off-the-bench talent was already on the field, and with Holden, Davis, and Cameron out, we didn't have a good option to help out in midfield, where we were struggling. Kei Kamara was a good sub when he came on.
Kei was an example of the best of the Dynamo that night. I loved how Kei twice waved his arms at the crowd to energize the stands. That was his way of saying "We're in a tight one down here, we need your help, guys." After the game, he and his teammates took to the center circle and applauded all four sides of the stadium. That was much needed, and much appreciated by the supporters. Soon after, my sons and I were walking behind the north goal on our way out of the stadium, when we saw Kamara walking down from the El Batallon section. I don't know what he was doing there, but I figure he had been showing his appreciation for the season-long fervent support.
(In addition to Kamara, Frankie Hejduk also knows how to get the supporters energized.)
While intermingling with the supporters groups is above and beyond the call of duty, the applauding of the fans is the sort of fan-feedback that a team should provide on a regular basis. It acknowledges the fans and is recognition that should be demonstrated by any player who expects fans to be cheering for him. I did notice that all three players subbed out (Jaqua, DeRo, and Ching) applauded the fans as they came off the field. The cheers for Jaqua, and his response, were a little more ardent due to the fact that we all knew that was his last appearance in Orange. He'll be wearing Seattle Emerald next year.
The game had a weird vibe to it. Maybe it's been too long since I attended a CONCACAF match. They didn't do the Star Spangled Banner after the line ups. The players didn't stand facing the crowd while the line ups were announced (they had moved to the shaking of hands, flipping of coins, and posing for pictures). And I didn't spot the Dynamo Girls even in the stands. I don't remember a confetti canon when Ching scored either. It was a no-frills game, I guess.
My sons and I were sitting in Section 203 for the game. We took the seats from a co-worker of mine who had season tickets but was heading out of town for the holiday. It turns out, the seats are right next to those of a former co-worker of mine. I worked with him from 1995-2000 and hadn't seen him since. It was good to catch up with him, but he did tell me a story about the Dynamo players that disturbed me. One day he came to a Dynamo Reserves match, and he saw Holden, DeRo, and another player (I can't recall who he said) watching the game from the goal line seats. He decided to go sit not too far from them. He didn't bother them -- he didn't even speak to them -- he just wanted to take in the game and watch some Dynamo first teamers root as fans too. Well, they called security on him and forced him to move. (He said he thought it was Holden, of all people, who called security.) I thought that was a pretty crappy thing for players to do at a game. It wasn't like they were out on the town; they were at a Dynamo game. If they wanted privacy, they should go to one of the boxes. It wasn't like he was bothering them anyway. I hope that my old friend just misunderstood the situation and it was security -- and security alone -- who saw him and decided to relocate him.
At any rate, the Dynamo players did show their fan appreciation on Wednesday, and they were definitely the classier of the two teams on the field. Overall, they gave us a season of quality and came close to bringing home some silverware in the Pan-Pacific Cup and SuperLiga. They had also positioned themselves well for completing the nearly impossible three-peat. However, this year, for the first time, they brought home no awards -- not even El Capitan for the first time ever. Still, they're better positioned than most teams for a solid 2009 campaign, and they're the only MLS team heading to the quarterfinals of the Champions League Cup.
A few moves off-season should ensure a good 2009 -- and hopefully a better start than 2008. We also need to get that stadium situation settled (and find a way to do so WITHOUT allowing football lines on the damn grass). If $10 million really is the difference between a downtown stadium or none, you'd think that Anschutz would pony it up since they'd easily make that back with a stadium located in the Central Business District.
Maybe such gifts are better discussed around Christmas time. Right now we're enjoying Thanksgiving and we should be thankful for what we have.
Thanks for a great season, Dynamo and Dynamofans. Here's hoping for an even better one next year.
Showing posts with label CONCACAF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CONCACAF. Show all posts
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The MLS Cup is over, but the Dynamo are still playing
It's a new era for Dynamo soccer. We're now fans of a team that is not the MLS Champion. But because the 'Mo is arguably the best team in the MLS, it's still a great time to be an Orangefan. Lark Howorth has stated in his blog that we will be tested as to "whether we support the Dynamo even harder and better next year, despite the MLS Cup sitting in a rival's display case." Supporters have to "remember that a soccer team depends on its fans as much as the fans depends on the team." So true.
A truly devoted supporter will be a vocal supporter of the team, attending every game whether or not the team is the champion and whether or not the team has a good team that can contend for titles. I suppose I am a little on the fickle side when it comes to team support. I am not one that needs my team to be the champion, but I do expect the team to be a quality team that is expected to compete for championships. As long as I don't feel the front office is skimping on the product, I'll buy. They don't need to be champions, but they need to be quality. Maybe that doesn't make me fickle; perhaps I'm just discriminating.
At any rate, we have a quality team here in Houston, and I, for one, am so glad the Dynamo have their postponed CONCACAF match tomorrow. (Preview. Preview 2.) It's going to be a long off-season, so I'm eager to get one last game in before the hiatus.
It's win and move on for the Dynamo. I like their chances, given (1) the desire to end the season on a high note, (2) having enough prep time and rest for the match, (3) we're playing at home, and (4) our reserves tied and almost won the match in San Salvador.
Unfortunately, by game time we'll already know that one of our players will be moving to Seattle. Most people assume that someone will be Nate Jaqua. If so, we'll miss him but wish him the best of luck. (And anyone taken will be available for the evening match versus Firpo.)
Here's hoping the soon-to-be-departed leaves with a final Orange victory under his belt.
Accolades for the Dynamo
Even though they had the second best record in the league and the best record in international competitions, the Dynamo saw little recognition for their quality. That's become de rigueur for the Dynamo, who have often focused on team accomplishments in lieu of individual accolades. Noble.
In 2006 I think DeRo should have gotten MVP. We had a goal of the year candidate last year (I think) that should have been recognized. This year, I think the travesty was that Geoff Cameron wasn't selected Rookie of the Year. He wasn't a regular starter, but he played on every part of the field but goalkeeper for the top ranked Dynamo, and contributed mightily to our run in international play. Instead, the award went to a defender on a team with the worst defense.
But at least the front office won some awards. (And here is another article on the matter...but nothing on the official Dynamo or MLS websites?) This is one of the best run organizations in the league: on field, on the sidelines, and in the office.
MLS Cup
Though I didn't have a personal rooting interest, I did watch the MLS Cup. (Recap.) It didn't have the feel of a championship game -- maybe it was due to the empty seats or the quality of the pre-game and halftime commentary. I dunno. It was a decent match though.
At any rate, I was pulling for the Crew as they were the more deserving team. If a league's champion is a team with a losing record in the regular season, then that league has a faulty method for choosing a champ. Luckily that didn't come to pass.
In the first half the Crew did unto the Red Bulls what the Red Bulls had done unto others: absorb pressure then score on the odd chance from the counterattack. According to Steve Davis, this was not a matter of the Crew playing poorly, but it was an intentional strategy by the Crew in order to take RBNY out of their regular game. It was a risky, but effective move that also allowed the second half to be a better balanced game. We were treated to a total of 4 goals (3 in the second half) and in the final 10 minutes we saw a beautiful goal off a linkup between Schelotto and "Hey, Duck!"
Overall it was a decent -- though not an awe-inspiring -- final match.
Changes Coming to the MLS
The Commish did his annual pre-Cup state of the league speech. There were several key items that were noted in the speech.
Some highlights:
A truly devoted supporter will be a vocal supporter of the team, attending every game whether or not the team is the champion and whether or not the team has a good team that can contend for titles. I suppose I am a little on the fickle side when it comes to team support. I am not one that needs my team to be the champion, but I do expect the team to be a quality team that is expected to compete for championships. As long as I don't feel the front office is skimping on the product, I'll buy. They don't need to be champions, but they need to be quality. Maybe that doesn't make me fickle; perhaps I'm just discriminating.
At any rate, we have a quality team here in Houston, and I, for one, am so glad the Dynamo have their postponed CONCACAF match tomorrow. (Preview. Preview 2.) It's going to be a long off-season, so I'm eager to get one last game in before the hiatus.
It's win and move on for the Dynamo. I like their chances, given (1) the desire to end the season on a high note, (2) having enough prep time and rest for the match, (3) we're playing at home, and (4) our reserves tied and almost won the match in San Salvador.
Unfortunately, by game time we'll already know that one of our players will be moving to Seattle. Most people assume that someone will be Nate Jaqua. If so, we'll miss him but wish him the best of luck. (And anyone taken will be available for the evening match versus Firpo.)
Here's hoping the soon-to-be-departed leaves with a final Orange victory under his belt.
Accolades for the Dynamo
Even though they had the second best record in the league and the best record in international competitions, the Dynamo saw little recognition for their quality. That's become de rigueur for the Dynamo, who have often focused on team accomplishments in lieu of individual accolades. Noble.
In 2006 I think DeRo should have gotten MVP. We had a goal of the year candidate last year (I think) that should have been recognized. This year, I think the travesty was that Geoff Cameron wasn't selected Rookie of the Year. He wasn't a regular starter, but he played on every part of the field but goalkeeper for the top ranked Dynamo, and contributed mightily to our run in international play. Instead, the award went to a defender on a team with the worst defense.
But at least the front office won some awards. (And here is another article on the matter...but nothing on the official Dynamo or MLS websites?) This is one of the best run organizations in the league: on field, on the sidelines, and in the office.
MLS Cup
Though I didn't have a personal rooting interest, I did watch the MLS Cup. (Recap.) It didn't have the feel of a championship game -- maybe it was due to the empty seats or the quality of the pre-game and halftime commentary. I dunno. It was a decent match though.
At any rate, I was pulling for the Crew as they were the more deserving team. If a league's champion is a team with a losing record in the regular season, then that league has a faulty method for choosing a champ. Luckily that didn't come to pass.
In the first half the Crew did unto the Red Bulls what the Red Bulls had done unto others: absorb pressure then score on the odd chance from the counterattack. According to Steve Davis, this was not a matter of the Crew playing poorly, but it was an intentional strategy by the Crew in order to take RBNY out of their regular game. It was a risky, but effective move that also allowed the second half to be a better balanced game. We were treated to a total of 4 goals (3 in the second half) and in the final 10 minutes we saw a beautiful goal off a linkup between Schelotto and "Hey, Duck!"
Overall it was a decent -- though not an awe-inspiring -- final match.
Changes Coming to the MLS
The Commish did his annual pre-Cup state of the league speech. There were several key items that were noted in the speech.
Some highlights:
- The reserve division is gone. (Houston will be the final champion.) The Senior roster will be expanded from 18 to 20. The Reserves will be reduced from 10 to 4.
- “There will be small growth in the salary cap.”
- Teams in the CONCACAF Champions League will not play in SuperLiga. Houston will play in the CCL, along with Columbus, New York, and DC. SuperLiga competitors will include Chicago, Chivas USA, Kansas City, and New England. I don't think there are any changes to the US Open Cup participation.
- Teams will play 30 games in the regular season. Teams will play every other team once away and once at home. That makes up 28 games. There will also be two additional games versus a "rival," so, presumably, Houston will have an additional home game and an additional away game versus Dallas.
- MLS will take off 2 international dates next year and will go to a reduced schedule on four other weekends.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Oh so close in El Salvador
The Dynamo Reserves did what they had to do and kept the Dynamo in the mix for moving on to the knockout stages of the Champions League. But they were within mere minutes of being the first MLS team to win a CONCACAF match overseas this year. (Recap. Recap by Ives.)
The second team carried the play of the first half and could easily have had another goal or two, but it conceded possession and territory throughout the second. Even then, though they lagged in possession, they had the more dangerous opportunities on goal. And, in the 87th minute, had Caig not mis-timed his punch or had Chabala gotten his legs together quicker on the goal line, the team would have gotten the full 3 points. (With Onstad on the field as the only change to the lineup, we win.)
But the team should be extremely proud, being better than the El Salvador first team in the first half and being their equal in the second. And, best of all, they got the result they needed.
The Dynamo Blog has some notes on the game. (The Chronicle and B-Fall do as well, as usual. Those links expire quickly though, so get there via the Chronicle link in the left margin.)
It'll be up to the first team to win the game on November 26 (3 days after the MLS Cup...and the Dynamo Three-peat?) so we can move to the next stage. Given the performance of the Reserves last night, one has to think the first team should be able to get the necessary 3 points, but they will be facing a side that will pack it in seeking the tie and the easy counter-attacking goal. The Dynamo often struggle scoring against sides that put 11 behind the ball.
But first things first: Let's get our first turf win of the season this Saturday. Go Dynamo!
The second team carried the play of the first half and could easily have had another goal or two, but it conceded possession and territory throughout the second. Even then, though they lagged in possession, they had the more dangerous opportunities on goal. And, in the 87th minute, had Caig not mis-timed his punch or had Chabala gotten his legs together quicker on the goal line, the team would have gotten the full 3 points. (With Onstad on the field as the only change to the lineup, we win.)
But the team should be extremely proud, being better than the El Salvador first team in the first half and being their equal in the second. And, best of all, they got the result they needed.
The Dynamo Blog has some notes on the game. (The Chronicle and B-Fall do as well, as usual. Those links expire quickly though, so get there via the Chronicle link in the left margin.)
It'll be up to the first team to win the game on November 26 (3 days after the MLS Cup...and the Dynamo Three-peat?) so we can move to the next stage. Given the performance of the Reserves last night, one has to think the first team should be able to get the necessary 3 points, but they will be facing a side that will pack it in seeking the tie and the easy counter-attacking goal. The Dynamo often struggle scoring against sides that put 11 behind the ball.
But first things first: Let's get our first turf win of the season this Saturday. Go Dynamo!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Playing catch up
The lack of blogging isn't due to my lack of attention to the world of soccer. On the contrary, so much has been going on (in the MLS, World Cup Qualifying, and my efforts to be a decent coach for my son's youth team), that I haven't made time to write.
But here I am. Since my last writing, the Dynamo have been very active.
They beat Colorado in Denver (Recap) behind 2 goals from Ching (he had a saved PK that would've given him the hat trick) and a sweet shot from afar by Rico. The win ensured the Dynamo clinched a playoff spot.
Midweek, in CONCACAF play, DeRo earned 3 points for the Orange with a brilliant game winner in the 88th minute. (Recap.) It looked like San Francisco FC of Panama was going to escape from Houston with a point. It would have been unjust, but poor finishing was killing the MIO. (We had 20 shots to Fr'isco's 6.) The night saw several young guns making their mark. Corey Ashe had perhaps his best game ever as he tore up the left flank and showed strong runs and solid crosses. Caig was a surprise starter in goal, and his poor positioning off his line (in yet another match) allowed the Panamanians to equalize early in the 2nd half with an outstanding lob. Chabala did well at right back, but could stand some practice making crosses when his legs are tired late. Wondo had a goal and nearly another (a chip that hit the post, and then the followup went wide as it was borne of frustration than of steely intent to finish). Kyle Brown was a surprising sub. But the game changed when the veteran, DeRo, came in at the 78th minute. He energized the team and seemed to make things happen.
His goal was good in and of itself, but what he did to get himself into that position is what was truly amazing. In the 88th minute, a long pass by Barrett to DeRo was intercepted and the ball ended up at Blanco's feet (no, not THE Blanco). Blanco began dribbling towards the halfway line, but DeRo came up from behind, deftly stepped between Blanco and the ball, and cleanly stole away and reversed course. Given time and space on the fringe of the attacking third, DeRo was like a kid at Christmas and unleashed a bending rocket that flat-footed the goalkeeper and iced the game. DeRo had been in the game all of 10 minutes.
Later in the week, the US Men's Team booked passage into the next round of WCQ with an easy win over an overmatched (and undermanned) Cuba. (Recap.) I feel for the Cuban players. Ching scored a goal after the match had already been decided. (His goal was a header of a Kljestan cross that Ching knocked in...but he was in a gaggle with 2 other US players so it would have been knocked in had Ching not been at the vanguard of the group). The most exciting part of the match for me was the introduction of José Francisco Torres of Pachuca into the USMNT rotation. (Quotes.) Maybe it's just pie-eyed dreams, but I hope that Torres is part of the future that builds a better technically skilled and creative USMNT culture. A guy can dream.
Ives has some observations about the game. Ives also had a good treatise on the worth Ching brings to the USMNT. The article is followed by amusing drivel -- for the most part -- chundered by the blogging community. It's amusing partly because the comments are so predictable, and partly because they are naive for the most part. As one matures, one realizes that there is not just one kind of forward, but many types that have value depending on the system and the team. Ching simply makes the players around him more productive. In other words: Ching makes the team better. That's a good thing. 'Nuff said.
Tonight, the week finished with a boring scoreless draw between a mediocre DC United team and a Dynamo team bereft of ideas. (Recap.) The result earned the Columbus Crew the Supporters' Shield.
The MIO wore all-white tonight as part of a charity effort to help raise funds as part of the reconstruction after Hurricane Ike. The team also honored first responders and their role in helping with the storm recovery.
The game was filled with half-chances. Geoff Cameron was an early 2nd half sub despite being listed as "Out" due to hamstring issues. He came in for Holden who knocked heads in the DC penalty box and got a golf-ball size lump on his forehead...yikes! Ashe was the other sub. He came on with only 10 minutes remaining, so it took him a while to get into the groove, but once he got into a rhythm, he delivered some nice crosses from the left.
It's been a long month for the Dynamo, but the traveling is over for the time being. Hopefully the MIO can re-energize themselves, recapture the (healthy) passion (not the anger-management-issue-laden passion that ERob shows before drawing needless Yellows), and do what needs to be done to get the third consecutive MLS Cup.
Go Dynamo!
But here I am. Since my last writing, the Dynamo have been very active.
They beat Colorado in Denver (Recap) behind 2 goals from Ching (he had a saved PK that would've given him the hat trick) and a sweet shot from afar by Rico. The win ensured the Dynamo clinched a playoff spot.
Midweek, in CONCACAF play, DeRo earned 3 points for the Orange with a brilliant game winner in the 88th minute. (Recap.) It looked like San Francisco FC of Panama was going to escape from Houston with a point. It would have been unjust, but poor finishing was killing the MIO. (We had 20 shots to Fr'isco's 6.) The night saw several young guns making their mark. Corey Ashe had perhaps his best game ever as he tore up the left flank and showed strong runs and solid crosses. Caig was a surprise starter in goal, and his poor positioning off his line (in yet another match) allowed the Panamanians to equalize early in the 2nd half with an outstanding lob. Chabala did well at right back, but could stand some practice making crosses when his legs are tired late. Wondo had a goal and nearly another (a chip that hit the post, and then the followup went wide as it was borne of frustration than of steely intent to finish). Kyle Brown was a surprising sub. But the game changed when the veteran, DeRo, came in at the 78th minute. He energized the team and seemed to make things happen.
His goal was good in and of itself, but what he did to get himself into that position is what was truly amazing. In the 88th minute, a long pass by Barrett to DeRo was intercepted and the ball ended up at Blanco's feet (no, not THE Blanco). Blanco began dribbling towards the halfway line, but DeRo came up from behind, deftly stepped between Blanco and the ball, and cleanly stole away and reversed course. Given time and space on the fringe of the attacking third, DeRo was like a kid at Christmas and unleashed a bending rocket that flat-footed the goalkeeper and iced the game. DeRo had been in the game all of 10 minutes.
Later in the week, the US Men's Team booked passage into the next round of WCQ with an easy win over an overmatched (and undermanned) Cuba. (Recap.) I feel for the Cuban players. Ching scored a goal after the match had already been decided. (His goal was a header of a Kljestan cross that Ching knocked in...but he was in a gaggle with 2 other US players so it would have been knocked in had Ching not been at the vanguard of the group). The most exciting part of the match for me was the introduction of José Francisco Torres of Pachuca into the USMNT rotation. (Quotes.) Maybe it's just pie-eyed dreams, but I hope that Torres is part of the future that builds a better technically skilled and creative USMNT culture. A guy can dream.
Ives has some observations about the game. Ives also had a good treatise on the worth Ching brings to the USMNT. The article is followed by amusing drivel -- for the most part -- chundered by the blogging community. It's amusing partly because the comments are so predictable, and partly because they are naive for the most part. As one matures, one realizes that there is not just one kind of forward, but many types that have value depending on the system and the team. Ching simply makes the players around him more productive. In other words: Ching makes the team better. That's a good thing. 'Nuff said.
Tonight, the week finished with a boring scoreless draw between a mediocre DC United team and a Dynamo team bereft of ideas. (Recap.) The result earned the Columbus Crew the Supporters' Shield.
The MIO wore all-white tonight as part of a charity effort to help raise funds as part of the reconstruction after Hurricane Ike. The team also honored first responders and their role in helping with the storm recovery.
The game was filled with half-chances. Geoff Cameron was an early 2nd half sub despite being listed as "Out" due to hamstring issues. He came in for Holden who knocked heads in the DC penalty box and got a golf-ball size lump on his forehead...yikes! Ashe was the other sub. He came on with only 10 minutes remaining, so it took him a while to get into the groove, but once he got into a rhythm, he delivered some nice crosses from the left.
It's been a long month for the Dynamo, but the traveling is over for the time being. Hopefully the MIO can re-energize themselves, recapture the (healthy) passion (not the anger-management-issue-laden passion that ERob shows before drawing needless Yellows), and do what needs to be done to get the third consecutive MLS Cup.
Go Dynamo!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Ol' Fashioned Texan Shootout at UNAM
What a great result in Mexico City last night, bolstered by scoring 4 goals. (Recap! And another!) What an opportunity lost too, after conceding an un-Dynamo-like 4 goals. But the accomplishment of the Dynamo is nothing to sniffle at.
The game started off with a scary moment: Fox Soccer Channel listed Caig as the man between the pipes. It wasn't until the first goal kick was taken that I was relieved to see that Onstad was rightly in goal. Phew! But I wonder, could Caig have actually let in more goals that the 4 we let in? (Answer: probably. Onstad made at least two brilliant saves, in addition to his other run of the mill saves.)
Let's look at the goals:
1. Dynamo score a bit against the run of early play. Waibel's header off a corner kick fits into the Dynamo set-piece paradigm.
2. Dynamo goal: Cameron proves he's no ordinary rookie yet again, hustles down the right flank, sends a cross that Ashe brings down for Kamara to unload into the net. A great combination by the middies and forwards, and a terrific finish by Kamara.
3. Pumas goal: a through ball exposes a gap in the line putting Onstad on the wrong end of a 1v1 situation. A seriously hurt Holden is part of the reason for the gap, and the hosts take advantage rather than go out of their way to be sporting. In truth, it was the ref's job to stop play.
4. Pumas goal: after a foul by ERob that either shouldn't have been a foul or should have been a red card ("last defender" rule), Pumas gets a free kick that's blocked by the wall, but it caroms to a Pumas player who knocks it in from 25+ yds. The ball didn't look particularly well struck -- especially for a shot from so far away -- but Onstad was probably screened and couldn't get to it.
5. Dynamo goal: Kamara is poised and puts away a PK that he set up with a through ball to Ashe, before Ashe was tripped from behind.
6. Pumas goal: moments after Kamara botches a 1v1 chance with the GK (he did well to get in that position, but completely misfires afterwards) the Dynamo backline ball-watches, letting a middie through and letting Paco Palencia run onto the subsequent cross to equalize.
7. Puma goal: the Dynamo defense again are flat-footed, letting a man run free on a corner kick to head in the go-ahead goal. Pumas beating the Dynamo in the air? I used the term "lazy" last night, and that's not a word I ever associate with the Dynamo, but a more appropriate word would probably be "fatigued" given the altitude and the recent schedule.
8. Dynamo goal: Pumas had the better play in the 2nd half, but the Dynamo got the only goal of the half, Waibel bookends the scoring with another header, this one after a busted corner kick turns into about 3 crosses into the box by the Orange. Waibel (completely onside) times his run with a Mullan short cross, and finds himself alone with the goalie whereupon the Bald One ensures his team goes home with a point.
And then the game closes with a blast from distance by DeRo that forced the best save of the night by the Pumas keeper. DeRo, a late sub, nearly stole 3 points at the end. B-Fall says: "Hands down, the best match of the tournament."
Great bullet point summary of the key elements by Glenn Davis here.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the night was that, up 2-0, all the Dynamo had to do was play their normal defensive quality -- nothing beyond themselves or requiring uncanny luck --and they would have gone home with 3 points. But the fact is, the MIO scored 4 goals at altitude in smoggy Mexico City, held Pumas scoreless in the 2nd half, and did so without their full starting XI and with several young players that not only played, but were able to create opportunities against a strong Mexican side. Don't forget, having 2 points after 2 away games is excellent strategically.
The other worry about the night: how are Holden and Cameron, both of whom came off the field injured? Here's hoping they're AOK.
Finally, did anybody count how many times the Fox Soccer announcer mistakenly said Ashe was driving into the attacking third, when it was in fact Kamara? Kamara had an outstanding game, beyond even his 2 goals (and forgetting his awful finish when 1v1 near the end of the first half).
The game started off with a scary moment: Fox Soccer Channel listed Caig as the man between the pipes. It wasn't until the first goal kick was taken that I was relieved to see that Onstad was rightly in goal. Phew! But I wonder, could Caig have actually let in more goals that the 4 we let in? (Answer: probably. Onstad made at least two brilliant saves, in addition to his other run of the mill saves.)
Let's look at the goals:
1. Dynamo score a bit against the run of early play. Waibel's header off a corner kick fits into the Dynamo set-piece paradigm.
2. Dynamo goal: Cameron proves he's no ordinary rookie yet again, hustles down the right flank, sends a cross that Ashe brings down for Kamara to unload into the net. A great combination by the middies and forwards, and a terrific finish by Kamara.
3. Pumas goal: a through ball exposes a gap in the line putting Onstad on the wrong end of a 1v1 situation. A seriously hurt Holden is part of the reason for the gap, and the hosts take advantage rather than go out of their way to be sporting. In truth, it was the ref's job to stop play.
4. Pumas goal: after a foul by ERob that either shouldn't have been a foul or should have been a red card ("last defender" rule), Pumas gets a free kick that's blocked by the wall, but it caroms to a Pumas player who knocks it in from 25+ yds. The ball didn't look particularly well struck -- especially for a shot from so far away -- but Onstad was probably screened and couldn't get to it.
5. Dynamo goal: Kamara is poised and puts away a PK that he set up with a through ball to Ashe, before Ashe was tripped from behind.
6. Pumas goal: moments after Kamara botches a 1v1 chance with the GK (he did well to get in that position, but completely misfires afterwards) the Dynamo backline ball-watches, letting a middie through and letting Paco Palencia run onto the subsequent cross to equalize.
7. Puma goal: the Dynamo defense again are flat-footed, letting a man run free on a corner kick to head in the go-ahead goal. Pumas beating the Dynamo in the air? I used the term "lazy" last night, and that's not a word I ever associate with the Dynamo, but a more appropriate word would probably be "fatigued" given the altitude and the recent schedule.
8. Dynamo goal: Pumas had the better play in the 2nd half, but the Dynamo got the only goal of the half, Waibel bookends the scoring with another header, this one after a busted corner kick turns into about 3 crosses into the box by the Orange. Waibel (completely onside) times his run with a Mullan short cross, and finds himself alone with the goalie whereupon the Bald One ensures his team goes home with a point.
And then the game closes with a blast from distance by DeRo that forced the best save of the night by the Pumas keeper. DeRo, a late sub, nearly stole 3 points at the end. B-Fall says: "Hands down, the best match of the tournament."
Great bullet point summary of the key elements by Glenn Davis here.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the night was that, up 2-0, all the Dynamo had to do was play their normal defensive quality -- nothing beyond themselves or requiring uncanny luck --and they would have gone home with 3 points. But the fact is, the MIO scored 4 goals at altitude in smoggy Mexico City, held Pumas scoreless in the 2nd half, and did so without their full starting XI and with several young players that not only played, but were able to create opportunities against a strong Mexican side. Don't forget, having 2 points after 2 away games is excellent strategically.
The other worry about the night: how are Holden and Cameron, both of whom came off the field injured? Here's hoping they're AOK.
Finally, did anybody count how many times the Fox Soccer announcer mistakenly said Ashe was driving into the attacking third, when it was in fact Kamara? Kamara had an outstanding game, beyond even his 2 goals (and forgetting his awful finish when 1v1 near the end of the first half).
Monday, September 29, 2008
2 Countries down, 2 to go
This past week, the Dynamo got two draws in the first two countries of their four-country, 12-day stretch.
The Panama game (recap) was a good result, I thought, given the lineup, the travel, and the field. The best part was that we got power in enough time to watch the game. The game seemed surreal though, after living in a dark, quiet house for 11 days. It was bizarre watching TV and seeing the world moving on as usual.
The Toronto game (recap, and another) was a disappointment, but not unexpected. When discussing the impending game with a coworker on Friday, I said it wouldn't be a surprise if we lost because: (1) we're playing on fake turf and (2) we're playing a struggling team and we seem to struggle against strugglers.
Toronto scored two great goals, one a header for us (thanks, Mr. Freeman!) the other a blistering RicoClark-style shot by Marvell Wynne. If the Dynamo had scored that, it wouldn't win goal of the week, but since a Toronto player scored it I bet it does win GOTW. Such is the worthlessness of fan-based democracy. I got a kick out of Onstad's smile after Wynne's goal, realizing he and his defense were bested in that one moment.
Wynne followed that goal up with a possible goal-saving on DeRo just afterwards, when DeRo found himself almost 1v1 with the Toronto GK after a fast break, until Wynne slid in. I think Wynne was the MOTM Saturday.
I appreciated the empathy shown by Onstad in his televised interview prior to the game, where he talked about the last of the players' families finally receiving power that week but that there thoughts are with the others in the area (about 25% of the residents, were his words) who were still doing without.
The draw and Columbus' continued form essentially knocks us out of contention for the Supporters' Shield, which is unfortunate. But we can still place first in the Western Conference for the first time in our short history, but with Chivas USA only 4 points back, we'll need to start getting 3 points.
Tomorrow we're in country #3, as we face UNAM Pumas in the altitude of Mexico City.
Go DYNAMO!
The Panama game (recap) was a good result, I thought, given the lineup, the travel, and the field. The best part was that we got power in enough time to watch the game. The game seemed surreal though, after living in a dark, quiet house for 11 days. It was bizarre watching TV and seeing the world moving on as usual.
The Toronto game (recap, and another) was a disappointment, but not unexpected. When discussing the impending game with a coworker on Friday, I said it wouldn't be a surprise if we lost because: (1) we're playing on fake turf and (2) we're playing a struggling team and we seem to struggle against strugglers.
Toronto scored two great goals, one a header for us (thanks, Mr. Freeman!) the other a blistering RicoClark-style shot by Marvell Wynne. If the Dynamo had scored that, it wouldn't win goal of the week, but since a Toronto player scored it I bet it does win GOTW. Such is the worthlessness of fan-based democracy. I got a kick out of Onstad's smile after Wynne's goal, realizing he and his defense were bested in that one moment.
Wynne followed that goal up with a possible goal-saving on DeRo just afterwards, when DeRo found himself almost 1v1 with the Toronto GK after a fast break, until Wynne slid in. I think Wynne was the MOTM Saturday.
I appreciated the empathy shown by Onstad in his televised interview prior to the game, where he talked about the last of the players' families finally receiving power that week but that there thoughts are with the others in the area (about 25% of the residents, were his words) who were still doing without.
The draw and Columbus' continued form essentially knocks us out of contention for the Supporters' Shield, which is unfortunate. But we can still place first in the Western Conference for the first time in our short history, but with Chivas USA only 4 points back, we'll need to start getting 3 points.
Tomorrow we're in country #3, as we face UNAM Pumas in the altitude of Mexico City.
Go DYNAMO!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
"The better team won"
Well, that was easy.
With most of Chivas USA back home nursing injuries, there was no surprise that the Dynamo got 3 points last night. We knew there'd be goals scored even without Ching and DeRo, but there was the worry that Chivas would get one or two past Caig as well. The surprise was that by halftime we had amassed a 4-nil scoreline (and we could have scored more). The second half saw a more conservative Dynamo come out, but even then we had some great opportunities and Kei Kamara was terribly unlucky to not get his hat trick. It was a great night for the Sierra Leone native (Sierra Leonean?). Could Caraccio have had the same night?
Nate Jaqua also had a big night. I don't know what he did in Austria, but he is twice the player he used to be in the buildup.
Stuart Holden is looking more and more like the franchise player he could be. After a solid Olympic showing, he had a great run and a confident game-winning goal to start things off. He also does so well in the midfield. The Dom has got to find a way to keep Stuie on the field with DeRo, Mullan, and Davis. But where?
And Caig got a shutout, doing well on the three or so dangerous opportunities generated by Chivas, and also not turning otherwise tame Chivas opportunities into dangerous opportunities.
In all, I think the only complaint I have is that The Dom didn't substitute earlier. With a game on Sunday in New Jersey, he could have given some of his tender starters some rest.
As of last Friday, the Dynamo had never scored four goals in one half. As of Wednesday night, the Dynamo have accomplished that feat twice.
And we're only 4 points from the once-distant Supporters' Shield. We have 32 points (as does Chicago), the Crew have 34 points, and the Revs are at the top with 36 points. Can we catch them? That would be a first for the club and would gain us entry into all of the international tournaments of 2009.
Game recap
Another article: Four goals in the first half hasn't happened in the MLS since the Galaxy did it 10 years ago in 1998. Kamara said. "I am playing with -- every game now -- the best players in the league. This is my third year now and I have been around a lot of good players, but now, being around these guys, they are making me better every time I step on the field."
Article focusing on Chivas. Preki, "The better team won, they were sharp from the first minute, and that's the end of that."
Other Quotes.
USMNT
I saw only the last half of the USMNT match in Guatemala. (Game recap.) From what I saw, the US couldn't match Guatemala's passion and zeal. The US couldn't maintain possession for long on the attack and looked flustered on defense. They were lucky to get all three points, which is a fantastic result for the US in a hostile stadium in Central America. The fact that we got a goal off a free kick isn't all that surprising, but the way Guatemala was torching our defense, it was surprising they didn't get a goal (or three) of their own. Tim Howard, MOTM.
Ives has a good recounting of the post-match sentiments. Tim Howard had a few choice words about El Pescadito (or "Peccadillo" as I deem more appropriate).
USSoccerplayers.com has a good summary of the obstacles the USMNT faced off field and how it affected the on field performance. Sometimes the challenge is more than just matching the skill of the opposition.
With most of Chivas USA back home nursing injuries, there was no surprise that the Dynamo got 3 points last night. We knew there'd be goals scored even without Ching and DeRo, but there was the worry that Chivas would get one or two past Caig as well. The surprise was that by halftime we had amassed a 4-nil scoreline (and we could have scored more). The second half saw a more conservative Dynamo come out, but even then we had some great opportunities and Kei Kamara was terribly unlucky to not get his hat trick. It was a great night for the Sierra Leone native (Sierra Leonean?). Could Caraccio have had the same night?
Nate Jaqua also had a big night. I don't know what he did in Austria, but he is twice the player he used to be in the buildup.
Stuart Holden is looking more and more like the franchise player he could be. After a solid Olympic showing, he had a great run and a confident game-winning goal to start things off. He also does so well in the midfield. The Dom has got to find a way to keep Stuie on the field with DeRo, Mullan, and Davis. But where?
And Caig got a shutout, doing well on the three or so dangerous opportunities generated by Chivas, and also not turning otherwise tame Chivas opportunities into dangerous opportunities.
In all, I think the only complaint I have is that The Dom didn't substitute earlier. With a game on Sunday in New Jersey, he could have given some of his tender starters some rest.
As of last Friday, the Dynamo had never scored four goals in one half. As of Wednesday night, the Dynamo have accomplished that feat twice.
And we're only 4 points from the once-distant Supporters' Shield. We have 32 points (as does Chicago), the Crew have 34 points, and the Revs are at the top with 36 points. Can we catch them? That would be a first for the club and would gain us entry into all of the international tournaments of 2009.
Game recap
Another article: Four goals in the first half hasn't happened in the MLS since the Galaxy did it 10 years ago in 1998. Kamara said. "I am playing with -- every game now -- the best players in the league. This is my third year now and I have been around a lot of good players, but now, being around these guys, they are making me better every time I step on the field."
Article focusing on Chivas. Preki, "The better team won, they were sharp from the first minute, and that's the end of that."
Other Quotes.
USMNT
I saw only the last half of the USMNT match in Guatemala. (Game recap.) From what I saw, the US couldn't match Guatemala's passion and zeal. The US couldn't maintain possession for long on the attack and looked flustered on defense. They were lucky to get all three points, which is a fantastic result for the US in a hostile stadium in Central America. The fact that we got a goal off a free kick isn't all that surprising, but the way Guatemala was torching our defense, it was surprising they didn't get a goal (or three) of their own. Tim Howard, MOTM.
Ives has a good recounting of the post-match sentiments. Tim Howard had a few choice words about El Pescadito (or "Peccadillo" as I deem more appropriate).
USSoccerplayers.com has a good summary of the obstacles the USMNT faced off field and how it affected the on field performance. Sometimes the challenge is more than just matching the skill of the opposition.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Dynamo battered by Battery
Well, we see that MLS Reserves can compete versus a top-tier USL team, but they cannot beat a top-tier USL team. Dynamo-R were the second best team in the first half. They managed to improve their play in the second half and, 15 minutes after the Battery went down to 10 men, Dynamo-R managed to find an equalizer. After the Battery went down to 9 men, Dynamo-R were out of creative ideas and the 11 only managed to give about as much as they got from the 9. That's nothing to be proud about.
Yes, this was the Dynamo-R, not the Dynamo. I'm completely fine with that choice of personnel. A reserve squad losing to a good USL team in PKs is completely understandable. Losing to a 9-man team (who still looked like they could score with those 9 men)? That's a sign that our Reserves have a lot of maturing to do. I also can't help but wonder why The Dom didn't make the moves in extra time that could have taken advantage of the 2-man advantage and prevent going to PKs. I believe the US Open Cup allows a lot more than the traditional 3 substitutes.
Once the PKs start, the result becomes a crapshoot. And, unfortunately, the USL players were the ones who looked confident and composed when taking their kicks. The Dynamo-R did not. That is completely unacceptable for an MLS club.
How did New England Revolution (who schooled us in our two meetings this year) fare with their reserve squad? They beat the Richmond Kickers 3-0. Taylor Twellman (just off injured reserve) and (maybe) Kenny Mansally are the only names you'd probably recognize on that reserve squad, yet they managed to take care of business.
All in all, a very disappointing indictment of the status of the Dynamo Club and the Club's development system. Let's hope a good result comes on Thursday to wash the bitter taste of this result out of our mouth. Without the possibility of winning the US Open Cup (and we're not even sniffing distance from the Supporters' Shield), we'll need to win the MLS Cup or come in second in the MLS Cup if we wish to compete in next year's CONCACAF Champions League. Slowly but surely, we're trimming our options by losing key matches. Being destroyed in the Pan-Pacific final, losing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, embarrassed in the league opener, held winless through the month of April and being the last team to record its first win, losing El Capitan, losing to a 9-man squad in the US Open Cup...it's time for the MIO to man up and succeed at something this season. And quickly.
Hmm. I guess I'm bitter.
Addendum, the morning after...
First of all, I'm less bitter, but still bitter.
Here is the official recap of the game and an anecdotal recap of the game. Charleston used four subs, the Dynamo used a paltry two. "Paltry" because you are allowed more than the typical three in the US Open Cup, and the MIO-R had played 120 minutes.
The Chronicle has its own post-game article. The Battery again had more juice than the Dynamo.
Another ESPN match for the Dynamo tomorrow, so Soccernet has a preview of the game vs RSL. Houston hasn't been horrible in the season's first three months. In fact, the team is tied for the fewest losses in MLS. But the Dynamo have found it difficult to beat teams, and their league-high seven draws have meant that the defending champs have gone sideways for much of the season.
Go Dynamo!
Yes, this was the Dynamo-R, not the Dynamo. I'm completely fine with that choice of personnel. A reserve squad losing to a good USL team in PKs is completely understandable. Losing to a 9-man team (who still looked like they could score with those 9 men)? That's a sign that our Reserves have a lot of maturing to do. I also can't help but wonder why The Dom didn't make the moves in extra time that could have taken advantage of the 2-man advantage and prevent going to PKs. I believe the US Open Cup allows a lot more than the traditional 3 substitutes.
Once the PKs start, the result becomes a crapshoot. And, unfortunately, the USL players were the ones who looked confident and composed when taking their kicks. The Dynamo-R did not. That is completely unacceptable for an MLS club.
How did New England Revolution (who schooled us in our two meetings this year) fare with their reserve squad? They beat the Richmond Kickers 3-0. Taylor Twellman (just off injured reserve) and (maybe) Kenny Mansally are the only names you'd probably recognize on that reserve squad, yet they managed to take care of business.
All in all, a very disappointing indictment of the status of the Dynamo Club and the Club's development system. Let's hope a good result comes on Thursday to wash the bitter taste of this result out of our mouth. Without the possibility of winning the US Open Cup (and we're not even sniffing distance from the Supporters' Shield), we'll need to win the MLS Cup or come in second in the MLS Cup if we wish to compete in next year's CONCACAF Champions League. Slowly but surely, we're trimming our options by losing key matches. Being destroyed in the Pan-Pacific final, losing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, embarrassed in the league opener, held winless through the month of April and being the last team to record its first win, losing El Capitan, losing to a 9-man squad in the US Open Cup...it's time for the MIO to man up and succeed at something this season. And quickly.
Hmm. I guess I'm bitter.
Addendum, the morning after...
First of all, I'm less bitter, but still bitter.
Here is the official recap of the game and an anecdotal recap of the game. Charleston used four subs, the Dynamo used a paltry two. "Paltry" because you are allowed more than the typical three in the US Open Cup, and the MIO-R had played 120 minutes.
The Chronicle has its own post-game article. The Battery again had more juice than the Dynamo.
Another ESPN match for the Dynamo tomorrow, so Soccernet has a preview of the game vs RSL. Houston hasn't been horrible in the season's first three months. In fact, the team is tied for the fewest losses in MLS. But the Dynamo have found it difficult to beat teams, and their league-high seven draws have meant that the defending champs have gone sideways for much of the season.
Go Dynamo!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
CONCACAF slots; Spencer speaks about the Fire job.
The MLS has released the CONCACAF Champions League format. Here are how the slots are filled (and who filled them this year) for the US:
USA1: 2007 Major League Soccer Champion (Houston Dynamo)
USA2: 2007 Major League Soccer’s Regular Season Winner – AKA winner of the Supporters' Shield (D.C. United)
USA3: 2007 MLS Cup Runner-up (New England Revolution)
USA4: 2007 US Open Cup Champion (slot given to Chivas USA. Since the winner of the US Open Cup – New England – already has a slot, Chivas was given the slot as the next highest team in overall points from the 2007 MLS Regular Season.)
No need to write extensively on the format as Lark's blog has a good look at how this tournament may affect the Dynamo. Basically, the tournament doesn't help the schedule situation for the MLS. We have round-robin play when we're in mid-season form (and due to the squeezing of tournament matches into the already-crowded regular season schedule, we might be in mid-season fatigue), but if we move to the next round, the quarterfinals and semifinals fall into our preseason just like the old CONCACAF format.
US Soccerplayers blog gives the Dynamo some love. In the preview for tonight's match between RSL and Colorado, there is this paragraph: "No offense to tonight's winners, who will take the West lead into the weekend, but Houston remains the class of the Conference. Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosorio both scored last week, and there's the feeling that the Western order will return to what we expected fairly soon." Indeed, even at the bottom of the standings, we've been the class of the conference on the field. (I won't go as far as to say the "class of the league" yet.) Those who watch the games know this; those who know just the results don't. Here's hoping the Western order does return to orange normalcy.
Rumor was that John Spencer had been offered the Chicago Fire coaching position in the off-season. Here are the first official quotes I've seen from Spencer and Fire players regarding the situation. Spencer says, "I came very close [to accepting the job]. They offered, but we couldn't agree on monetary terms. But that's water under the bridge."
Longtime Fire assistant Denis Hamlett then was offered and accepted the position. The Fire have to be happy with their choice what with the team being off to its best start in franchise history. Let's hope that we put a dent in the Fire's record this weekend, get some quality goals for our team, and reverse the East-over-West trend that we've seen so far this season.
Other links:
The Dynamo website talks about Robinson's recovery. And the fickleness of Lady Luck.
USA1: 2007 Major League Soccer Champion (Houston Dynamo)
USA2: 2007 Major League Soccer’s Regular Season Winner – AKA winner of the Supporters' Shield (D.C. United)
USA3: 2007 MLS Cup Runner-up (New England Revolution)
USA4: 2007 US Open Cup Champion (slot given to Chivas USA. Since the winner of the US Open Cup – New England – already has a slot, Chivas was given the slot as the next highest team in overall points from the 2007 MLS Regular Season.)
No need to write extensively on the format as Lark's blog has a good look at how this tournament may affect the Dynamo. Basically, the tournament doesn't help the schedule situation for the MLS. We have round-robin play when we're in mid-season form (and due to the squeezing of tournament matches into the already-crowded regular season schedule, we might be in mid-season fatigue), but if we move to the next round, the quarterfinals and semifinals fall into our preseason just like the old CONCACAF format.
US Soccerplayers blog gives the Dynamo some love. In the preview for tonight's match between RSL and Colorado, there is this paragraph: "No offense to tonight's winners, who will take the West lead into the weekend, but Houston remains the class of the Conference. Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosorio both scored last week, and there's the feeling that the Western order will return to what we expected fairly soon." Indeed, even at the bottom of the standings, we've been the class of the conference on the field. (I won't go as far as to say the "class of the league" yet.) Those who watch the games know this; those who know just the results don't. Here's hoping the Western order does return to orange normalcy.
Rumor was that John Spencer had been offered the Chicago Fire coaching position in the off-season. Here are the first official quotes I've seen from Spencer and Fire players regarding the situation. Spencer says, "I came very close [to accepting the job]. They offered, but we couldn't agree on monetary terms. But that's water under the bridge."
Longtime Fire assistant Denis Hamlett then was offered and accepted the position. The Fire have to be happy with their choice what with the team being off to its best start in franchise history. Let's hope that we put a dent in the Fire's record this weekend, get some quality goals for our team, and reverse the East-over-West trend that we've seen so far this season.
Other links:
The Dynamo website talks about Robinson's recovery. And the fickleness of Lady Luck.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Emerging from the Belly of the Beast
Once again, there won't be an MLS team in the CONCACAF Champions final. Dynamo lose to Saprissa 3-0 last night. Saprissa's win is a fair indication of the performance on the field, but the magnitude of the result doesn't quite tell the story. I felt Saprissa played well enough to win, but I think the Dynamo acquitted themselves quite well, especially if you consider how they seemed to be forced to play under the Mark of Cain last night.
The Dynamo were hamstrung from the beginning. They were without four starters, including the vital Pat Onstand, and lost a fifth starter mere minutes into the game when Craig Waibel pulled up lame. They played with a shaky GK and no true centerbacks for the rest of the match.
Still, the Dynamo held its own for a majority of the first half, and did so in one of the most formidable stadia in Central America. They didn't threaten much, mainly due to an inability to connect passes on the slick artificial surface, but they easily absorbed pressure. They should have gone into the half tied, but for a soft goal conceded by the Dynamo near the end of the half. Even then, Carraccio could have even the score at 1 just before half, but his shot went wide and he had no support in the center or right to follow up on the open goal.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were dismal for the Orange. That was the only stretch where they looked like they were overmatched, but even then it took ball watching defense (in our penalty box, no less -- unpardonable!) with Mulrooney leaving his mark and Mullan not picking the mark up to enable Saprissa to score on a blistering shot that Caig had no chance on.
After the 60th minute, the Dynamo cranked it up a notch and played like the team that they are. Ching nearly halved the deficit with a rocket headed towards the right corner, but a brilliant save by the Saprissa keeper, who was woefully out of position mere seconds before as he tried to clear the ball, kept a clean sheet.
As the game approached the 80th minute, Saprissa scored their third and final goal off a fast break counterattack that caught Caig in no man's land. Fast break goals have proven to be a weakness of the Dynamo this season and preseason. They better find a way to overcome this weakness.
Saprissa will now face Pachuca in the final. Pachuca, you'll remember, eliminated the Dynamo from the CONCACAF Champions tourney and the SuperLiga tourney, winning the championship of both in the successive game.
Pachuca got into the final after losing to DC 2-1 last night, but winning the aggregate scoring by 3-2. DC won the moral victory. I'm tired of the MLS winning only moral victories, how about you?
About Caig. The online fan consensus is that Caig is awful. I won't say he's awful, but I will say that he doesn't seem up to a starting GK role. The blame for the loss doesn't rest on his shoulders, but I can see Onstad snagging two of the shots and keeping the game to a 1-point loss. In fact, that's the same ratio as with the FC Dallas game: 1 solid goal conceded due to poor defending, 1 weak shot going in under Caig when he should have easily snagged it, and 1 shot going in because Caig got caught in no man's land. Onstad would have easily got the weak shot and probably wouldn't have been caught in no man's land in both games. Caig had some decent stops, but he also seemed to stay on his line when he should be coming out to punch or catch crosses, and he incorrectly got caught in no man's land there at the end. His poor hands and poor positioning is a suprise, because as one online source says in its pregame assessment "This is a guy that's walked out onto the field at Tynecastle while wearing a Hibs uniform and spent most of the current season watching Gretna implode. Sorry Saprissa, but he's seen worse."
Get well soon, Onstad. We've seen that Kansas City is mortal, and we need you to back us up this weekend.
Media roundup
MLS recap of the Saprissa loss.
The Chronicle recap.
Glenn Davis' player assessment
US Soccer Players says "MLS clubs aren't built for two-leg aggregate goal midweek competitions, with all those qualifiers necessarily in place. It's a depth of squad issue more than anything else. Houston's best available option when forced to make a change early was to sub on an injured player. They join the Revs as already having to start players low on the depth chart three weeks into the season. There's an easy answer...Like any business, if MLS wants to expand opportunities, they need the personnel to cover."
ESPN has a late addition to the fray. Carlisle echoes Davis' comments about the MLS schedule belying the Commissioner's desire for the MLS to do well in international play: "The sight of the Dynamo playing the weekend before Wednesday's match -- on a Sunday afternoon no less -- borders on the ridiculous." Word. Also, the injuries from the FCD thugs and before left the Dynamo with a makeshift side where "The teamwork and cohesiveness that have long been the Dynamo's trademark vanished." Can't argue with that either.
Costa Rica's "Tico Times" weighs in as well, noting the Dynamo's disappointing performance, but also their dominance in the first leg.
And Goal.com posts an article sympathetic to the odds faced by the Dynamo.
The Dynamo were hamstrung from the beginning. They were without four starters, including the vital Pat Onstand, and lost a fifth starter mere minutes into the game when Craig Waibel pulled up lame. They played with a shaky GK and no true centerbacks for the rest of the match.
Still, the Dynamo held its own for a majority of the first half, and did so in one of the most formidable stadia in Central America. They didn't threaten much, mainly due to an inability to connect passes on the slick artificial surface, but they easily absorbed pressure. They should have gone into the half tied, but for a soft goal conceded by the Dynamo near the end of the half. Even then, Carraccio could have even the score at 1 just before half, but his shot went wide and he had no support in the center or right to follow up on the open goal.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were dismal for the Orange. That was the only stretch where they looked like they were overmatched, but even then it took ball watching defense (in our penalty box, no less -- unpardonable!) with Mulrooney leaving his mark and Mullan not picking the mark up to enable Saprissa to score on a blistering shot that Caig had no chance on.
After the 60th minute, the Dynamo cranked it up a notch and played like the team that they are. Ching nearly halved the deficit with a rocket headed towards the right corner, but a brilliant save by the Saprissa keeper, who was woefully out of position mere seconds before as he tried to clear the ball, kept a clean sheet.
As the game approached the 80th minute, Saprissa scored their third and final goal off a fast break counterattack that caught Caig in no man's land. Fast break goals have proven to be a weakness of the Dynamo this season and preseason. They better find a way to overcome this weakness.
Saprissa will now face Pachuca in the final. Pachuca, you'll remember, eliminated the Dynamo from the CONCACAF Champions tourney and the SuperLiga tourney, winning the championship of both in the successive game.
Pachuca got into the final after losing to DC 2-1 last night, but winning the aggregate scoring by 3-2. DC won the moral victory. I'm tired of the MLS winning only moral victories, how about you?
About Caig. The online fan consensus is that Caig is awful. I won't say he's awful, but I will say that he doesn't seem up to a starting GK role. The blame for the loss doesn't rest on his shoulders, but I can see Onstad snagging two of the shots and keeping the game to a 1-point loss. In fact, that's the same ratio as with the FC Dallas game: 1 solid goal conceded due to poor defending, 1 weak shot going in under Caig when he should have easily snagged it, and 1 shot going in because Caig got caught in no man's land. Onstad would have easily got the weak shot and probably wouldn't have been caught in no man's land in both games. Caig had some decent stops, but he also seemed to stay on his line when he should be coming out to punch or catch crosses, and he incorrectly got caught in no man's land there at the end. His poor hands and poor positioning is a suprise, because as one online source says in its pregame assessment "This is a guy that's walked out onto the field at Tynecastle while wearing a Hibs uniform and spent most of the current season watching Gretna implode. Sorry Saprissa, but he's seen worse."
Get well soon, Onstad. We've seen that Kansas City is mortal, and we need you to back us up this weekend.
Media roundup
MLS recap of the Saprissa loss.
The Chronicle recap.
Glenn Davis' player assessment
US Soccer Players says "MLS clubs aren't built for two-leg aggregate goal midweek competitions, with all those qualifiers necessarily in place. It's a depth of squad issue more than anything else. Houston's best available option when forced to make a change early was to sub on an injured player. They join the Revs as already having to start players low on the depth chart three weeks into the season. There's an easy answer...Like any business, if MLS wants to expand opportunities, they need the personnel to cover."
ESPN has a late addition to the fray. Carlisle echoes Davis' comments about the MLS schedule belying the Commissioner's desire for the MLS to do well in international play: "The sight of the Dynamo playing the weekend before Wednesday's match -- on a Sunday afternoon no less -- borders on the ridiculous." Word. Also, the injuries from the FCD thugs and before left the Dynamo with a makeshift side where "The teamwork and cohesiveness that have long been the Dynamo's trademark vanished." Can't argue with that either.
Costa Rica's "Tico Times" weighs in as well, noting the Dynamo's disappointing performance, but also their dominance in the first leg.
And Goal.com posts an article sympathetic to the odds faced by the Dynamo.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Into the Belly of the Beast
So let's get this straight about tonight's match:
1. The Dynamo have had troubles on defense, and the two brightest spots (ERob and Onstad) are out injured. BoBo is out due to yellow card accumulation, so we will have to start our backup centerback and a non-centerback at centerback. And they'll be in front of a new goalkeeper who may be a bit shaky.
2. The midfield has a banged up Mullan who hasn't played a full match in forever, a banged up Davis who is so banged up he can't even start, and then Holden who is so banged up he didn't even make the trip. We'll have the still green Ashe on the left and maybe the rookie Cameron on the right.
3. The forwards haven't gelled yet.
4. Saprissa is the best of Costa Rica. They've won this tourney before. They are so hungry for victory tonight that they rested their players in their league match this past weekend. So they are rested and hungry. And playing at home. And with their best midfielder who missed the first match versus the Dynamo.
5. The venue is Saprissa Stadium near San José, and is renown as an unsettling place for visitors. It has artificial turf, and is far, far removed from the comforts of Robertson...or of the USA for that matter.
No problem. We have Barrett and Waibel in the back, and Mulrooney and Ianni are nothing to sneeze at. Clark will be at his D-Mid position and help snuff out attacks. Mullan will likely start and will instill a lot of energy into the attack, and DeRo will be in his usual spot. Ashe has his speed and Ching has an aerial game that is enhanced by one of Saprissa's weakness. Caraccio is beginning to fit into the system and will feel like he's at home in Argentina when the crowd gets rowdy.
No problem. This is where the stuff of legends is made.
Media Roundup
MLS preview is here.
More MLS coverage.
Preview from The Chronicle. And some more Notes.
Glenn Davis' observations and commentary.
ESPN talks about stacked decks.
Fox Sports (Fox Soccer) is carrying the game tonight, but has no articles or coverage of any kind on their website.
Go Dynamo!
1. The Dynamo have had troubles on defense, and the two brightest spots (ERob and Onstad) are out injured. BoBo is out due to yellow card accumulation, so we will have to start our backup centerback and a non-centerback at centerback. And they'll be in front of a new goalkeeper who may be a bit shaky.
2. The midfield has a banged up Mullan who hasn't played a full match in forever, a banged up Davis who is so banged up he can't even start, and then Holden who is so banged up he didn't even make the trip. We'll have the still green Ashe on the left and maybe the rookie Cameron on the right.
3. The forwards haven't gelled yet.
4. Saprissa is the best of Costa Rica. They've won this tourney before. They are so hungry for victory tonight that they rested their players in their league match this past weekend. So they are rested and hungry. And playing at home. And with their best midfielder who missed the first match versus the Dynamo.
5. The venue is Saprissa Stadium near San José, and is renown as an unsettling place for visitors. It has artificial turf, and is far, far removed from the comforts of Robertson...or of the USA for that matter.
No problem. We have Barrett and Waibel in the back, and Mulrooney and Ianni are nothing to sneeze at. Clark will be at his D-Mid position and help snuff out attacks. Mullan will likely start and will instill a lot of energy into the attack, and DeRo will be in his usual spot. Ashe has his speed and Ching has an aerial game that is enhanced by one of Saprissa's weakness. Caraccio is beginning to fit into the system and will feel like he's at home in Argentina when the crowd gets rowdy.
No problem. This is where the stuff of legends is made.
Media Roundup
MLS preview is here.
More MLS coverage.
Preview from The Chronicle. And some more Notes.
Glenn Davis' observations and commentary.
ESPN talks about stacked decks.
Fox Sports (Fox Soccer) is carrying the game tonight, but has no articles or coverage of any kind on their website.
Go Dynamo!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
A Draw with the Purple Monster
Last night the Dynamo played one of their most stylish, dominating games ever. They maintained possession and did so not just around the halfway line, but in the attacking half of the field for a vast majority of the game. They revived their Dominating Defense (© Dynamo). They displayed creative back-heels and passing combinations.
What didn't they do? Well, yeah. There's that scoring thing. They didn't do that, and it's probably going to come back to haunt them.
In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tie at home is like a loss. Saprissa left the field very happy (did you see their faces tonight?) and have only to score a goal at home to seal the deal to the final, and they proved against Atlante FC that they can score a goal and keep their opponent from doing the same.
So now we need to win the game in Saprissa. If we play like we did last night, we can definitely win. The problem is, we need Saprissa to play like they did last night, and they won't. They'll be more aggressive, more confident, and hungrier.
One might wonder "If we can't score a single goal at home when we're dominating possession, how can we score on the road when we're essentially chasing the game and on our heels." That's a relevant question, and it begs some follow up questions like "Will we get a solid shot on frame this season?" and "Can we cross the ball to the area beyond the goal keeper's reach?" and "Can DeRo keep his shots within the troposphere?"
As irritating as the result is, we should keep in mind that the Dynamo played well. They struggled in the attacking third, sure; unfortunately, they did that for long periods last year and the year before, and we knew the new striker corps would take some time to gel this season. Like all teams, we go through slumps, and this slump just happens to be early in the season. Unfortunately, it coincides with the CONCACAF competition.
Nevertheless, the team has quality and, best of all, it has a strong work ethic. It will strive to improve and, in the meantime, will fight its way through any slump until the good ju-ju returns.
In fact, this team works better when the chips are down. If they're playing a team with 10 players and an immature defense (e.g. Toronto in 2007), they can't score. If they're up by 2 goals in the semifinals of a major tournament (e.g. at Pachuca in 2007), they can't hold on. But if they're down a goal in a win-or-go-home scenario (e.g. MLS Cup Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final circa 2006, Puntarenas FC in CONCACAF Champions Cup 2007, and MLS Cup Quarterfinals and Finals of 2007) the Men In Orange thrive and come out on top. It may be that the best result last night is the one that happened: a draw. Now they're going to be counted out and dismissed as being only 90 minutes away from being more MLS roadkill on the international soccer highway.
History proves that this is when the Dynamo shine.
And next we meet our Costa Rican friends, we just may have an even better midfield if Holden and maybe even Davis and Mullan are able to play. Maybe by then Caraccio, who showed exciting glimpses last night, will have gelled better with Ching and DeRo and be able to work better with both. Eventually, I hope the three will become greater in tandem than even the sum of their already impressive individual skills. (I also hope that Chris Wondo rises to the opportunity that has been given to him; he has talent.)
Maybe the Dynamo will play in San Jose, Costa Rica, like they used to play in San Jose, California.
And maybe they'll even get a shot on frame.
But first, let's dispatch FC Dallas that the MLS has so conveniently placed between our two draining fixtures versus Saprissa. Sayeth Pope Don Garber I, "We hope you represent us well in CONCACAF. Now here are 4 games in a week and a half to prevent you from being rested and injury free."
What didn't they do? Well, yeah. There's that scoring thing. They didn't do that, and it's probably going to come back to haunt them.
In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tie at home is like a loss. Saprissa left the field very happy (did you see their faces tonight?) and have only to score a goal at home to seal the deal to the final, and they proved against Atlante FC that they can score a goal and keep their opponent from doing the same.
So now we need to win the game in Saprissa. If we play like we did last night, we can definitely win. The problem is, we need Saprissa to play like they did last night, and they won't. They'll be more aggressive, more confident, and hungrier.
One might wonder "If we can't score a single goal at home when we're dominating possession, how can we score on the road when we're essentially chasing the game and on our heels." That's a relevant question, and it begs some follow up questions like "Will we get a solid shot on frame this season?" and "Can we cross the ball to the area beyond the goal keeper's reach?" and "Can DeRo keep his shots within the troposphere?"
As irritating as the result is, we should keep in mind that the Dynamo played well. They struggled in the attacking third, sure; unfortunately, they did that for long periods last year and the year before, and we knew the new striker corps would take some time to gel this season. Like all teams, we go through slumps, and this slump just happens to be early in the season. Unfortunately, it coincides with the CONCACAF competition.
Nevertheless, the team has quality and, best of all, it has a strong work ethic. It will strive to improve and, in the meantime, will fight its way through any slump until the good ju-ju returns.
In fact, this team works better when the chips are down. If they're playing a team with 10 players and an immature defense (e.g. Toronto in 2007), they can't score. If they're up by 2 goals in the semifinals of a major tournament (e.g. at Pachuca in 2007), they can't hold on. But if they're down a goal in a win-or-go-home scenario (e.g. MLS Cup Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final circa 2006, Puntarenas FC in CONCACAF Champions Cup 2007, and MLS Cup Quarterfinals and Finals of 2007) the Men In Orange thrive and come out on top. It may be that the best result last night is the one that happened: a draw. Now they're going to be counted out and dismissed as being only 90 minutes away from being more MLS roadkill on the international soccer highway.
History proves that this is when the Dynamo shine.
And next we meet our Costa Rican friends, we just may have an even better midfield if Holden and maybe even Davis and Mullan are able to play. Maybe by then Caraccio, who showed exciting glimpses last night, will have gelled better with Ching and DeRo and be able to work better with both. Eventually, I hope the three will become greater in tandem than even the sum of their already impressive individual skills. (I also hope that Chris Wondo rises to the opportunity that has been given to him; he has talent.)
Maybe the Dynamo will play in San Jose, Costa Rica, like they used to play in San Jose, California.
And maybe they'll even get a shot on frame.
But first, let's dispatch FC Dallas that the MLS has so conveniently placed between our two draining fixtures versus Saprissa. Sayeth Pope Don Garber I, "We hope you represent us well in CONCACAF. Now here are 4 games in a week and a half to prevent you from being rested and injury free."
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hosting the Purple Monster
Tonight, Robertson hosts Deportivo Saprissa, the most storied team in Costa Rica, in the first leg of the semifinal round of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. Nothing short of a win tonight, an preferably by multiple goals, will be considered a success for the Dynamo. By all accounts, getting a win in San Jose is very difficult.
The Chronicle has its pre-match article from B-Fall. Bad news: we'll be missing three key midfielders due to injury: Brad Davis (groin), Brian Mullan (knee) and Stuart Holden (ankle). Good news: Ricardo Clark can play. I guess we'll also have Mulrooney on the right and Ashe on the left. Hopefully Waibel can play right back. Wondolowski will probably start with Ching, with Boswell next to ERob in the middle of the defense. Ching, DeRo, Clark, and Barrett will be in their usual positions, I'd wager. Dom doesn't tinker much when things are going well. (But ARE things going well is the question.)
The article mentions how the MLS really wants Dynamo-Houston (and DC, who played Pachuca last night) to succeed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. ORLY? Says Glenn Davis. He writes in his blog that if the MLS truly is interested in seeing its teams succeed in these competitions, it wouldn't make the teams play on 3 days rest.
B-Fall has some great pre-game notes. Check out his link to DeRo's twin!
MLS has its pre-game article. And a Saprissa scouting report.
Alright, Dynamo, it's time to put the opening day malaise behind us and show the nation (and Costa Rica) that we are the class of the MLS and the region.
The Chronicle has its pre-match article from B-Fall. Bad news: we'll be missing three key midfielders due to injury: Brad Davis (groin), Brian Mullan (knee) and Stuart Holden (ankle). Good news: Ricardo Clark can play. I guess we'll also have Mulrooney on the right and Ashe on the left. Hopefully Waibel can play right back. Wondolowski will probably start with Ching, with Boswell next to ERob in the middle of the defense. Ching, DeRo, Clark, and Barrett will be in their usual positions, I'd wager. Dom doesn't tinker much when things are going well. (But ARE things going well is the question.)
The article mentions how the MLS really wants Dynamo-Houston (and DC, who played Pachuca last night) to succeed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. ORLY? Says Glenn Davis. He writes in his blog that if the MLS truly is interested in seeing its teams succeed in these competitions, it wouldn't make the teams play on 3 days rest.
B-Fall has some great pre-game notes. Check out his link to DeRo's twin!
MLS has its pre-game article. And a Saprissa scouting report.
Alright, Dynamo, it's time to put the opening day malaise behind us and show the nation (and Costa Rica) that we are the class of the MLS and the region.
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