Hop, being Hop. With him and Lahoud on the field together there was bound to be a card given in that half.
Late sliding tackle by Hoppenot on the Crew goalie, who was distributing a back pass to him. It looks like Gaddis and Cruz are getting stretched out at half-time. #35 also warning uo - either it is Vidal or a mystery player. 2-0 at the half. Not looking good for the Union's chances to win the group and play for the coveted Disney Pro Soccer Classic Cup next Saturday. The Crew are looking like the group winners while the Union, Toronto and Orlando will battle to find out who plays in the 3rd, 5th and 7th place games.
Schoenle better hope he's not cut at halftime. He's playing an awful lot like the number he's wearing on his back. First half positives: McLaughlin and Fernandes look good. Okai hit a ball on a corner than went more than 6 feet in the air. First half negatives: Pretty much everything else. Plus, having to listen to Cory Gibbs sound like he's getting an on-air beejer for 45 minutes.
I forgot to put Okai on my list of positives. He's had some really nicely weighted balls he's distributed out of the center of the pitch. Seems like he has good touch and great vision.
Anding is very fast on the wing but easily shut down like Martinez was. Doesn't seem to have the kind of ball control needed at this level. I have serious doubts about him as a converted defender. CB pairing needs to be scrapped at halftime. Bring in Okugo, Parke, or Soumare. Hoppenot has not been doing himself any favors. Absolutely no need to tackle the goalkeeper like that. McLaughlin at least looks like he cares, but he should be playing further back. Zero creativity in midfield, but that's to be expected when you're running out 3 D-mids. The lineup did not make sense to me and we've been predictably punished. Likely more punishment on the way.
I just tuned in. =/ Vidal wore 8 last game. From a distance, it kind of looks like Witkowski. Is Keegan back?
Sub to start 2nd half - Richards in for Francis. Richards playing LB, Anding moves to LF/LW, Hoffman moves to S, Hoppenot moves to RF/RW, McLaughlin moves to RB.
Well that should kill any remaining creativity in midfield. Mission accomplished. McLaughlin probably wasn't working hard enough. And sure enough, 3-0.
Harrison has been pitiful, I'm sorry to say. It's hard to not see him being cut after jumping completely the wrong direction on a shot taken from outside the 18.