The Official DC United vs Blackburn Rovers PRE Match & PBP Thread [R]

[Knave]

DC United vs Blackburn Rovers

• Wednesday, July 23, 7:30EST •

Yeah, I know. It's up a month early. But read on and you'll see my reason for setting this up. I think we should leave this thread unstuck for a few more weeks though.

The Usual Stuff

• TV ... nope, sorry.
• Ticket Information
• DCUnited.com Match Preview (http://www.dcunited.com/index.cfm?section=games&cont_id=183438)
• English Webcast - WMET (http://www.wmet.kivex.com/)
• Blackburn Links
• PBP Chat Information (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42696)

Various and Sundry Things

• The (in)Famous Brad Friedel Post (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=445247#post445247) & Additions (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21850) (The first post is, of course, an imitation of this (http://www.angelfire.com/nd/billbrasky/).)

• A Special Request: Please take a look at the questions here (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=1256454#post1256454). They were sent by one of the admins at BRFCA.biz (http://www.brfcs.biz/) in the hope that we could help him put together a match preview thread at their forum. I'm sure they would appreciate any help you can give them.

This post will be updated in the weeks to come for corrections and additions.
Items in gray will be updated once available or confirmed.

All that said ...

Unless I'm mistaken, I believe the last time we played a team fielding Brad Friedel in goal we beat them 1-0. Of course, that was back in 1997 (http://www.mlsnet.com/games/97/1015dcclb.html). And come to think of it I don't think we've ever lost at home to any team playing Big Bad Brad.

I bet he's scared. :D

No Flames • No Trolls

[madmatt]

hi im a blackburn rovers fan, unfortunatly i can't afford to come to the united vs rovers game, what is your game like? i've seen a few games but they are on really late at night here. When you play Tottenham hotspurs don't expect us to be as easy as them, we beat them 4-0 on the last day of last season, they are really poor. i have heard you are one of the top teams in america, who is your best player etc. hope to here from you soon. Matt, England

[TCompton]

Hi Madmatt.

United plays a strong defensive game. We're not amazing, but we either make teams make mistakes, or we're just lucky. (probably a mix of both). I think right now we're allowing less than 1 goal a game (on average). Most of this season we've played a very "possession" minded game, but that may have been more of the result that our offense has had trouble scoring goals.

Our last three games have been 2-0, 0-0, and 3-0. But they've been against teams that have been without many of their best players who are in France competing in the Confederations Cup. With that being said, we're missing three of our top players too. (i.e., it could be that we've got a deeper bench then our opponents.)

I really hope that Blackburn comes to play. While I thought that the Tottenham Hotspur match was entertaining, it was far from what I expected from a team with that quality of players. I still think that just about any team that thinks they can trot into RFK and come away with a win is kidding themselves. We've got some experience at many positions. However, we're still a young team.

Our best player/s is up for debate. Our season this year (and over the last few years) has been pretty rough. One weekend, someone might shine, and the next weekend, they fall apart. Consistancy has been a big problem this season.

Our Keeper, Nick Rimando at times can be the best keeper in MLS. Although, he's had his moments we're he's played poorly. Right now, he's riding a 3 game shutout streak and has 5(?) shutouts in 12(?) games.

Our Defense has been solid, although I'm not really sure who would be the star. Mike Petke has played exceptionally well this season and has scored 2 goals. Brandon Prideaux is a solid defender. Galin Ivanov is still rather new to us. He has been praised by the coach and several other people who know his game, but I haven't paid to close of attention to him this season. I think he's only played in 3 or 4 games (recovering from a hernia operation)

Our Midfield is where most of our creativity comes from. Bobby Convey (20 year old) has played very well when put at center mid. He's currently in France with the US national team, "learning on the job". He has a "no fear" attitude on the field and is deceptively quick. Ryan Nelsen is our star Defensive Midfielder. He might be the best and most consistant player on the field. He's in France also playing for the New Zealand team. I think he plays defense for NZL. Marco Etcheverry is our Legacy player. He is the reason for this team's success. While he is in his twilight of his playing days, he's managed to play rather well this season, thus far. Ben Olsen is a star under reconstruction. He is still coming back from an ankle injury he suffered while on loan to Nottingham Forest. He's still a very good player.

Our Offense has left very little to be desired. The biggest name we've got is Hristo Stoichkov, but he might be ending his playing career with United in the coming weeks. Surprisingly, one of the more exciting forwards we've got is the one no one really expected to play much, or well for that matter. Ali Curtis has started the last three games we've played and has been very threatening, but has failed to find the back of the net... well, failed to register a goal I should say, since he had a goal called back for some foul that nobody can see on the replay.

So, that's us. We're far from being the best team in MLS, but we have been the most successful over the years. We've looked good recently, and if we continue to improve, we should be a good competition for the Rovers while they celebrate their offseason.

-ted

[Ricky_DCU]

Historically (if such a word can be used for a league in its 8th season) we have been the best team in MLS- or at least the most successful. We won the league 3 times out of the first 4 seasons (champions in 96,97, and 99; runners-up in 98). DC United also defeated Vasco da Gama in 1998 to win the InterAmerican Cup, making us the champion of the western hemisphere. However, from the 2000 season onwards we have been the worst team in the league (hate to say it, but it's true). It's as if after 4 seasons of glory, we've been cursed for 4 seasons. Our record in friendlies against foreign opposition hasn't suffered though, even in recent years. Just ask Newcastle United- DC spanked them 3-0, and they were fielding a strong lineup (Shearer and co.) Blackburn are a quality club, and a lot of us have kept an eye on Rovers' progress in recent seasons, especially since you have Big Bad Brad. Should be a good match.

[DC Braveheart]

Never lost to an English club ... never will :)

[Alexikov]

Hey - Another Blackburn fan here.

Just wondering how many fans usually turn up for home games?

Can't see DC United's back 4 being able to handle Damien Duff and David Thompson

Hopefully we'll sign some quality defenders (i.e. Alpay) before the friendly.

xx

[uniteo]

Originally posted by Alexikov

Just wondering how many fans usually turn up for home games?

Can't see DC United's back 4 being able to handle Damien Duff and David Thompson


Average is about 16,000

back 4? Heck, we'll do it with 3. You Premiership fans always make the same mistake.

And if you're looking for a defender, your boys should look at Eddie Pope, former DC United player and current US international (not in France due to kneecap fracture)...

[TCompton]

Originally posted by uniteo
And if you're looking for a defender, your boys should look at Eddie Pope, former DC United player and current US international (not in France due to kneecap fracture)...

Eddie just signed a deal with MLS to stay over here. Since he's already making the max salary, he'll cost whoever wants him, a bundle.

[DigitalTron]

Originally posted by Alexikov
Hey - Another Blackburn fan here.

Just wondering how many fans usually turn up for home games?

Can't see DC United's back 4 being able to handle Damien Duff and David Thompson

Hopefully we'll sign some quality defenders (i.e. Alpay) before the friendly.

xx Welcome Alexikov!

It varies, but a typical MLS game gets between 12k and 20k people. Friendlies are harder to gauge, but it might be less.

As for us handling Premiership players, we'll do alright I imagine. We beat Newcastle, tied Leeds, beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane, then recently beat Tottenham at RFK (here in Washington, DC). So you see, we'll be no pushovers either. We have a 5'9 goalkeeper generously listed as 5'10, and a 3 man back line that will have you scratching your head as to how they stop so many seemingly good chances.

Our strength is in our midfield, and guys like Bobby Convey and Ryan Nelsen may surprise you. If you think that US soccer isn't very good, please be prepared to be surprised. :) Obviously, you know how good Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, Claudio Reyna, etc. are, but I think you may be in for a shock at just how close the next tier of US talent is to that top tier. BTW, 70% of the US' World Cup 2002 team is in MLS.

-Digital

[DigitalTron]

Just to make it easier to follow our players, here's a quick listing of some of our players.

G: Nick Rimando (US National Team)

D: Mike Petke (occasional US National Team)
D: Galin Ivanov (Bulgarian National Team)
D: Milton Reyes (Honduran National Team - Injured)
D: Brandon Prideaux

M: Bobby Convey (US National Team (20 years old))
M: Ben Olsen (US National Team)
M: Earnie Stewart (US National Team - sometimes captain)
M: Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand National Team - sometimes captain)
M: Marco Etcheverry (Former Bolivian National Team captain)
M: Dema Kovalenko

F: Hristo Stoichkov (Former World Player of the Year at Barcelona)
F: Santino Quaranta (US YOUTH National Team (19 years old))
F: Ali Curtis (Former College Player of the Year)
F: Alecko Eskandarian (one-time US National Team, Former College Player of the Year)

That makes 6 current US National Team players (4 of which usually make the team). And 3 current National Team players from other countries. That means DC United has 9 international team members (7 of which are regulars). Additionally, we have Hristo Stoichkov and Marco Etcheverry, former greats who are still decent players. Our 19 year old striker, Santino Quaranta, would have received his first call up to the US National Team for the Confederations Cup but he suffered an injury just before.

-Digital

[brfcw]

I follow the MLS and I find it to be one of the best football (soccer) leagues in the world (along with The Premiership and South American football. All these leagues are fats paced, and dedicated to attacking as opposed to the Italian game which is about defending! There are good players in the MLS, and the only problem I have with it is the commentary! (Although it does give me a laugh how excited the commentators get!). A couple of Rovers fans are considering DC to be a push over, but a lot of DC fans are thinking the same thing about Rovers! I may be a bit biased as a Rovers supporter, but out team is one of the best in England! We beat Newcastle 5-2, Leeds 1-0 and 3-1, Tottenham 4-0, Manchester Utd. (current title holders) 1-0, Arsenal (last seasons champs and runners-up this term) 2-1 and 3-0. We have a team of internationals liek yourselves, with Brad (USA), Neill (AUS), Gresko (SLO), Duff (ROI), Tugay (TUR), Dunn (ENG), Thompson (ENG), Jansen (ENG), Yorke (TRI), Cole (ENG), and numerous other players! However, I also understand that DC will not be a pushover! I am not a big follower of DC, as I tend to watch the Metrostars and Columbus Crew, but whenever I have seen them play, I see how brilliant they can be! Lets just hope it is a great game wiht our American friends, and that sometime in the future, you can attend Ewood Park for a return match! You fans will be made welcome, and will hopefully have an enjoyable time here if it ever happens :) Good Luck!

[brfcw]

Also, if you want to fidn out more about BRFC, you can visit my site at http://www.brfcw.cjb.net , James Billouin (JJ)'s site at http://www.roversactive.co.uk , or the main Rovers site at http://www.rovers.co.uk :P

[uniteo]

Originally posted by brfcw
A couple of Rovers fans are considering DC to be a push over, but a lot of DC fans are thinking the same thing about Rovers!

The sane DC fans certainly wouldn't consider Blackburn a pushover.

After all, you have a Yank between the sticks ;)

[American40]

A large Blackburn Rovers fan website started a bit of a tradition last season by getting in touch with a fan site from whatever team they were going to play, getting updates/information from them, and starting a thread about the upcoming game in their forums. See this thread (http://www.brfcs.biz/forums/ikonboard.pl?;act=ST;f=4;t=4116) for the last game of the year against Tottenham for an example.

The admin from that site is registered as 'Paul', and is trying, so far unsuccessfully, to contact someone from either of your groups to take part in this for the Rovers/DC United game. I thought I would try and help out by posting this. The site is BRFC Supporters (http://www.brfcs.biz/), and the thread he is asking for help is one I started a while ago (http://www.brfcs.biz/forums/ikonboard.pl?;act=ST;f=4;t=3869;st=0) Page 14 is where he is asking for help.

[Red&Black]

he can contact me on a pm or at
robertg@activedesigns.com
for the barra

[gocaps]

Same here for me - PM or at roadtrips@screaming-eagles.com...

[dsheon]

The following email was received by DC United and I've been asked to share this to see if fans here would like to respond. I'll send Paul a note and direct him to this link:

Good Morning,

My name is Paul and I am a die-hard Blackburn Rovers fan and also help to run one of the most popular "unofficial" Rovers websites. As Rovers will be playing United Dc in a few weeks we should like to try and develop some links with your club to help with the build up for this game.

Our site is at BRFCS.com

One of our most popular site features is the Match Preview where we ask questions of the opposing fans that are relevant to the game. Your replies are then published in a thread on our site for general discussion. The Preview thread features very prominently on the site and would be good for both our clubs and fans. You can see an example of the preview thread by following this link Ewood to Bounce With The Baggies. The Baggies are West Bromwich Albion, recently relegated from our Premier League.

Any DC fans who would like to visit our site will be made very welcome. As Guests you can view the Message Board, the main football discussion area. If you chose to register with the site there will be much more to view. We hope to hear from you in the future.

The questions we would like to ask are below:

How do you feel about your club's performance on and off the pitch this season?

Do American soccer fans get to see much Premier League football and how does the standard of your league compare to ours?

Who are your current form players and who are the fans idols?

Who is having a real nightmare season?

Are there any hidden gems or promising youngsters in the squad?

What sort of line-up can we expect to see?

English fans like to sing, some of the humour and songs can seem a little strange to the uniniated. How do American fans support their team and what do you sing about?

Rovers major local rivals are Burnley. Who do United DC see as their main rival?

What is your view of Blackburn Rovers this season?

Which Rovers player are you most looking forward to seeing on the pitch?

Your score-line prediction and the sort of game we can expect?

Look forward to hearing from you.


Regards,


Paul

[Knave]

Tell you the truth, what I think we should do is just start the pre-match thread a month early. I'll post a link to the proper thread on the Rovers board and they can link to our thread.

That might also cut down on the redundant threads from Rovers supporters.

Then a week or so before the match I'll sticky the thread.

Anyway, I registered at the other board and I'll post about that once they approve my account ... if they approve my account. :)

[Sachin]

I'll post as well, once my account gets approved.

Actually, the very first EPL match I saw was Blackburn against someone else back in 1996 or something like that. I don't recall the result or anything else except thinking "That guy, Damian Duff, is a helluva player."

Sachin

[greatscott]

How do you feel about your club's performance on and off the pitch this season? - Horrible. Sparks of brilliance and then long dull ugly football. but we have come together a bit more lately.

Do American soccer fans get to see much Premier League football and how does the standard of your league compare to ours? - All the time. Many people have Fox Sports World and we get to see hundreds of matches every season.

Who are your current form players and who are the fans idols? - Hmm, my idol's would have to be Earnie Stewart, despite that he sucks right now and Bobby Convey- he seemed to be the only guy really playing for us early in the season.

Who is having a real nightmare season? Santino Quaranta. One of our best strikers. Injury Problems. Also Earnie Stewart, he just cant get passes connected to him. Its like he is invisible.

Are there any hidden gems or promising youngsters in the squad? - Bobby Convey and Alecko Eskandarian. Alecko was college player of the year and just started finding the net as a sub. 2 goals in 10 minutes coming on as Super Sub.

What sort of line-up can we expect to see? A pretty decent one. I expect a 352 or maybe even a 343.

English fans like to sing, some of the humour and songs can seem a little strange to the uniniated. How do American fans support their team and what do you sing about? Many sing about going back to glory or just general chants that get you excited to play. One supporters club, la norte (www.lanorte.com) uses streamers and confetti along with voices and large flags.

Rovers major local rivals are Burnley. Who do United DC see as their main rival? The MetroStars.

What is your view of Blackburn Rovers this season? Well, I am pleased for Brad.

Which Rovers player are you most looking forward to seeing on the pitch? Brad. It will be hard to sing against him when he is such an idol to alot of supporters in this country.

Your score-line prediction and the sort of game we can expect? 2-1 Blackburn.