DC/MetroStars Tackle

[MassachusettsRef]

I'm not starting this thread to debate Prus's performance in the match, as I didn't see the game. I'm just wondering if anyone who did see the game recalls this tackle:

http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/2004/0417_met_dc_ajm/web_ajm_1214.jpg

Granted, it's only a still photo, but that's why I'm asking if anyone who saw the match remembers it. It looks very bad, and I don't see how it could have been legal even if Adu got the ball first. Adu wasn't cautioned or sent off, though. Was a foul even called? Or does this just happen to look much worse in this one still than it really was?

In my eyes, Adu is in the air, practically sitting on his opponent's ankle with both legs wrapped around him. It may not have been with excessive force, but I'm wondering how that doesn't endanger his opponent's safety.

[Ref Flunkie]

Was that on his goal? I didn't pay THAT much attention to the game while watching, but I dont remember him making many tackles at all.

[Footer Phooter]

I think that was on his goal. It wasn't a tackle, and didn't look that bad at full speed.

[stillgreyhound]

I'm not starting this thread to debate Prus's performance in the match, as I didn't see the game. I'm just wondering if anyone who did see the game recalls this tackle:

http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/2004/0417_met_dc_ajm/web_ajm_1214.jpg

Granted, it's only a still photo, but that's why I'm asking if anyone who saw the match remembers it. It looks very bad, and I don't see how it could have been legal even if Adu got the ball first. Adu wasn't cautioned or sent off, though. Was a foul even called? Or does this just happen to look much worse in this one still than it really was?

In my eyes, Adu is in the air, practically sitting on his opponent's ankle with both legs wrapped around him. It may not have been with excessive force, but I'm wondering how that doesn't endanger his opponent's safety.
This is an excellent example of how a picture isnt worth a hill of beans. I saw the goal and there was no foul by adu. I can see how it looks bad on the picture.

[Steve Long]

MassRef,

Adu wasn't so much sliding in from behind as flipping his body to advance his foot to the ball before the opponent. This was a sophisticated move to get to the ball first and score his first goal. No foul.

Steve Long www.cybersoccernews.com

[GlennAA11]

This was the goal play as everyone has noted. I actually wondered at the time if it shouldn't have been called a foul. In this game with this referee it was not a foul, certainly it was consistent with what was otherwise allowed. But I could definitely see other referees in other games calling this a foul. I think the photo is actually pretty telling. Freddy had to come in from the side and behind the defender and while he did knock the ball into the goal he also did wipe out the defender from behind. The metros didn't seem to protest too much about it.

[Alberto]

A legit goal. Excellent profesional finish by Adu. Prus was in my opinion terrible in the match. Either the first or second Metrostars goal should never have happened because there was a foul that should have resulted in a DC United DFK at the top of the box. The DC players had every right to argue the call. It was a blatant miss. Also throughout the match Prus let the pushing get way out of hand. Yes it's part of the game, but not when it results in an advantage for the team pushing. Bad job by Prus.

[GlennAA11]

For those who didn't see Adu's goal and the play in question it is, of course, nominated for goal of the week and you can see the video at the MLSnet.com site.

[Ref Flunkie]

I'm sure it will win too. *sigh*

[GlennAA11]

Actually DeRosario's bicycle kick was way in the lead last time I checked. Should win very easily.

[MassachusettsRef]

Saw the video and you guys are right. He comes in from the side really, the defender has to expect the challenge, and there really was no danger. They still photo just happens to be of the worst possible point during the move and makes it look much much worse.