Not that any of us want to see this bloodbath on TV or anything, but note that the regular Spectrum Sportsnet is playing the Lakers pre-season game, so our game has been moved to some auxiliary channel - so check your local listings....
Wait did we not have an injury or suspension last match? Miracle! We might actually have some momentum.
I really hate the Spectrum Sportsnet. I don't live in LA and getting streams are almost impossible when it's on Spectrum's channel.
The good news: only three games left of this season. The bad news: this is going to be a looooong off season. The stench of our ineptitude can't be washed off on October 23. It can only be washed off next season with winning play. As for this game- I was encouraged that for some brief stretches of the last game, we looked like we could play well through the midfield. Why we don't try more often confuses me. Without having done any kind of in-depth analysis, it looks to me like nearly everyone, has the tendency to want to try and play the killer through ball. Maybe they are seeing GDS' mythical great runs.... but most of.... nearly all of... those passes are read and cut off. There could be a number of reasons for why this tactic is being employed so often and to so little effect, and I'm not tactically astute enough to really know what the answer is. Then again, no one on the coaching staff or team seems to know either so I guess I'm not the only one. I'd like to have a little hope going into the aforementioned long off-season so, c'mon boys! give us something to hang on to in these last few games. Show us something
Not sure what Sigi's game plan is yet but, I think those attempted through-balls are vital if we want to win. Eventually some of those passes are going to find their target for a good chance at a SOG. There were far less of those attempts under Onalfo. Those pass attempts and long balls keep the defense honest and an eye on Gio or whoever makes runs(nobody) instead of crashing the ball and quickly dispossessing our guys or causing a turnover. In Houston, we seemed to have more time on the ball individually to make a turn and dribble or have time to locate an outlet pass. Our most dangerous years as a team were when we had someone that could complete those passes at a much higher rate than I think anyone on this team is capable of doing. This is why I really want to pick up a stud #10 and push Gio up top for next season.
That was astoundingly true. There was one point where all our best players were in Houston's half passing the ball around in a half acre of open space (slight hyperbole) looking shocked and confused by all the time and space they were being given. It was kind of bizarre, especially since Houston is supposedly fighting for a playoff spot.
I assume tonight will be all about auditions for next year. Still would like a win, so done with losing.
Alright, I'm here after watching that Houston game. Let's do this thing. Would be nice to get another W at home.
Not sure how Zardes' legs aren't going to fall off with all these games back to back. Not excited about Ciani back in the line up.
Romain hits the crossbar! (after toasting Beltran) EDIT: Was decent movement leading up to that (once we got out of our own end).
Decent movement once again, we're passing quite decisively. RSL kinda are like, what the hell are going on?
And ANOTHER shot on goal after a great interplay between Gio and Romain (after a decent over the top pass from Jones). Romain with a shot right at Rimando, but great placement by Rimando as well.
Jones over the top to Gio streaking in....we don't score? Gio had a 2 yard lead in on goal and gets caught. makes a great pass to Romain Rimando makes the reaction save.
And now Cole whiffs a shot on goal! WHO IS THIS TEAM? (And is RSL this bad?) However, we haven't scored. Can't let the tires fall off.
We're killing them with balls over the top - BJIV using his speed well. Silva gets a yellow after Gio burns him, can't tell if it was DOGSO due to lack of a camera angle. EDIT: Oh, now we're video replaying it. EDIT x 2: Absolute DOGSO and should be red.... And is. Accurate change of a call.