In the first half I think Cincinnati was mostly sitting back and tried to counter with long ball. The Quakes had 71% possession at half time and outshot them 9-2. It would be great that the Quakes could convert some of the first half chances but they sometimes were being a little too cute in some of the combination offensive plays. Scoring chance lost and we did silly fouls to stop the counter and resulted in yellow cards. As some pointed out, Lima didn't have a good game going forward on the left. His goal was coming from the right. I don't remember Fatai going to ground so easily when he was with us. And Cincinnati 's style reminds me Dom Ball. And I have not seen too many teams taking long freekick from 40 yards out to dump the ball into the opponent's box for a long while.
Yes, and this is a HUGE difference! We had several blow outs after playing well in spurts earlier in the season. This is only our third clean sheet, but the second in a row. Just a month ago we would have expected to lose big. I really like the determination to grind out the win in the face of adversity! Getting a result on a day where we are not at our best is a welcome change.
maybe they'll come back sooner rather than later (self included) but i think if the stands are truly going to get packed out the FO will have to show some serious commitment by brining in some household name DP's during the summer transfer window otherwise "lost" fans will have a wait and see attitude as this FO has burned too many bridges since 2008....
Apparently nobody told this to Kenny Saief. He seemed furious at his teammates and coach. I noticed him chewing out a few people after he'd hustle to try to apply pressure, and nobody on his team was within fifteen or twenty yards of him attempting to do the same. That was much less of a problem for them in the second half, when they clearly made some tactical adjustments and cause some issues for San Jose to deal with. Based on that game, Cincinnati is certainly not a fun team to watch, but in their current form, I could see them being a nuisance to play against.
The Quakes dominated the first half, but were a little too unselfish at times and poor finishing (Shea) almost came back to haunt them. Really should have been up 2-0 at half. In the second half, the Quakes came out flat and Cinci started controlling the game. Not surprised by the second yellow and red card as the Quakes were having problems staying mentally connected. However, with some great goalkeeping (Vega - MOTM) and grit, the team held on to the win. Shea, Lima and Danny did not have good games, but yet we still won. This is a good sign as others have stepped in and they got the results. This team can go as far as their finishing. The system of play is creating the chances. Danny will get his goals, but he seems streaky (Even in past years). As long as we can continue to spread out the goals, we will be fine. Off to NE!
I read in an article from Robert Jonas this morning that Espinoza became a father the Friday before the game. So I'm not sure how much rest he will get, but he certainly could use the time off.
Actual attendance was probably in the 6000 range. I wonder how many of those are current STH’s, it would be interesting to know what those numbers have done since the stadium opened, my guess is a sharp decline. I wonder if there was a Matias bump and if we might have any FO type in here or anyone who knows anyone who would know? It would be great to get a little insight into the economic side, can’t be great to have our two DPs and highest paid players on the bench during this recent run of form. I seriously doubt Fisher is going to be inclined to do much on the DP side, I’m feeling pretty resigned to the idea that a DP move isn’t in the cards beyond moving Vako off the roster and Wondo into the hall of fame.
i don't do reddit and will not post this on twitter cause lets just say, there is a lack of rational commentary there. but i was in the line there with my son on Saturday night for the bus and here it what i observed. the line for the bus was very long we were waiting for it about 10 minutes. still no bus. then suddenly a larger group of ultras (scarfs and shirts apparent) arrived in the area of the bus line, and picked a spot near a gap that the line i was in had left for people to walk through. a few people and families pointed out to this group that the end of line was actually further back from where they were, not in the gap they came to. every time, they looked at us as if we were speaking Swedish, and or pretended not to listen. after about 5 different people telling them that the back of the line was further back, and them not responding to the suggestion to move back, a few of us informed the security personnel to help us help them understand what we were trying to explain about them not wanting them to cut the line. the head of security explained the situation. it was not kindly received, and they did not move. bus one arrived. the head security was able to quickly get an agreement from the group that they would not have to move from their 'non spot' in line, but would have to take bus number two, which was pulling up also. sjp arrived as bus two was filling up (bus i was on), probably due to the staff not getting a cordial responds from the first suggestion from head of security folks. i'm sure the state of intoxication of some folks, caused problems with judgement. but that is what happened.
Hard to disagree with the statement about the coach not making the most of the talent, especially since his strategy seemed to involve pissing off the opposing team and manhandling their players.
What are the odds we can do it two weeks in a row? Friedel has been poor for a while now. If we blow out NE I bet it could happen. Has any team gotten two coaches fired back to back?
Haha, well Cincinnati made a point to say it wasn't because of recent results, so I don't know that the Quakes can take full credit. And if Friedel is fired after the Quakes play them, I'm not sure they could get full credit there as well has he seems to be a very unstable human being. But partial credit is good. Of course, that assumes the Quakes get a good result in New England. I'm not convinced that will happen. Skeptical me is out in full force after the most recent win.
Sometimes, you have to look at where you are, and what you think you need to do to get better, and then decide whether it’s time to fish or cut bait. In this case, they decided to fish. Probably the right call. Go Quakes!! - Mark
Cut bait is when you wait, fish is when you do. Therefore, sacking the coach is fishing, whereas keeping Dim Stahre for too long was cutting bait. Make sense? Maybe? Go Quakes!! Go Quakesfans!! Fissure OUT!! - Mark
Only in an upside-down worldview is firing an expansion team's coach a third of the way through the inaugural season seen as astute.
That's all part of acting like a big league club. It will be interesting to see if the next coach is anymore successful, and if not, at what point do they get the boot.