Thought GB needed to make some changes sooner. It was clear we were under pressure and something needed to change. In the end it didn’t matter but that’s a minor issue I often have with GB. We looked even more intent on playing out of the back. We need to be sharper if we want to play like this. I thought Santos service was excellent in the first half but Higuain seemingly took over in the 2nd and I thought they were a let down.
Zardes must have been an inch away from a goal on that worm burner cross. I liked his confidence on the PK. I was def worried but he took care of business.
He needs to go back to putting his last name on his jersey or something, because he had a rough time of it today. And he wasn't much better offensively. He did poorly on a couple of chances, and had a couple more awful passes that ruined decent bits of attacking possession.
Every time I see Penso at the local indoor place (when he's got nothing better to do), I remind him of the Final (which was on the other side from him, but it's still fun to dig at him). He also was the guy responsible for sending Altidore and Klejstan (?) off in the TOR-Sugary Drink playoff game. One of my ref buddies got some choice texts from him, but he was careful not to say too much.
There were many - and some not-so-subtle - signs that maintenance on the stadium has been let go. And the police presence at the entrances, which eases cars along getting into the parking lot, was gone. It was like they don't care. Which, they don't.
Many moons ago, he was the president of the NE Ohio ref association (or whatever it is called) and dad was vp. They still keep in touch. I know people have bitched about him at times on these boards, but he is a good ref (yes I like refs, though never Kevin Stott. ******** him). Though admittedly I am completely biased about Penso.
No conspiracy was implied. But i think its true that AP would love anything that diminishes Columbus. That was what the employee seemed to also understand.
@Draghignazzo didn't you say the exact same thing as we walked past that giant green glob of mud and mold on the west side stairs? The owner has already moved.
Edit: I feel vindicated. While walking out through the parking lot after the match, I heard not one, but TWO groups of tailgaters playing “Africa” on their car stereos. TWO groups. AND—while walking out of the entrance toward 17th Ave, I walked past an exiting car from which “Hold the Line” (a Toto song from the 70’s) was emanating. So there!
The match: great first half, awful second. For the second week in a row. For a so called possession team, we are terrible with a lead (where we should dominate) & make a ton of silly TOs. Been that way for years. 3G said some things that ticked me off after each match. For the TFC match he said we looked tired in the 2nd half, but he only made 2 subs. Today, he said we got through them so easily it created problems: namely a too open match that tired us out. But again he held the last sub until very late. I like 3Gs tactical nous in setting up the team and preparing a game plan. In game he leaves a lot to be desired. Attendance: 11k was spot on. Nordeke was full and east side lower deck close to it. West side lower deck about half full. A few hearty souls in the upper deck but lots standing around the stadium. Yes, Garber & Precourt will use this against us, but 20k sellouts ain't changing their minds anyway, so it just doesn't matter.
Yeah and ice on the stairs as well was pretty unacceptable for this level. I noticed on my way out they added a small printout sign to say caution it might be slippery, but that had accident written all over it!
Oh god. Just when I thought we were all gonna get along.... Valenzuela looks like a wonderful, feisty young talent! I'm very positive on him.
I would like to see more of this Zardes kid. Maybe he'll get some national team minutes. Bright future.
Dude. Have you forgotten that I proclaimed you good people in the Crew to Austin thread? I feel for those people. I do. They missed one hell of a Crewsmas at Crew Stadium.