SJ's post was their best defender last night. SJ consistently played almost a 7 man backline, desperately hoping to spring Wondo or someone else playing up. Their back line was like a kid playing checkers who won't move any pieces of the last row. Wondo and Amerikwa went from being frustrated to outright ridiculous as the game went on. The bunker ball seemed like a futile strategy, especially after we went up a few goals. SJ only ever managed 1 shot on goal and it was a little floater Nick caught easily. Interestingly enough, when SJ finally made an offensive push for their last set piece, Joao and Yura raced down the field immediately afterward to get in scoring position and Yura knocked it home. For all the criticism, this was a great shot for him. He could have taken it himself, but initially decided to pass it to the guy in better position. When that pass was blocked, he pounced on the deflection and knocked in a goal. He did great both with a team and a finisher's mentality. This was the most fun I've had at a home game, and it's not just because I got Steineckert's autograph before the game started
I don't know about you all, but I thought the first 20 minutes of this thing were boring as ********. It's that unfortunate time of year where you get to see this sport played at the highest level earlier in the day/week and then come to an MLS game and have to deal with the less technical and (much) slower pace. I'm not saying I don't enjoy my time at these games. I'm no euro snob. But man, it was especially drastic (IMO) in the early parts of this game. Early on, it was VERY obvious who had logged more than 30 minutes in Montreal. The movement away from the ball was never more than a 15 yard run. Players were spent. I really was confused why we had so little squad rotation. It paid off, but... Albert Rusnak is not yet to the level of Piatti or Javi, but good god is the guy a hell of a player. Keeping Savarino after this loan is going to take some serious money if his club is even remotely paying attention. The kid does some crazy shit on the ball that reminds me of what we all wanted Burrito to do after making a move. How the hell did the GK get megged on the opening goal? Like... what exactly is the GK doing there? It was not a well placed shot. I just... man was he bad You know the games where we go on the road and get the living shit kicked out of us? It was nice being on the other side of that. Speaking of which, we always pine for "when are we going to get a team to show up and play like total ass against us". We got that last night. After the red card, San Jose might as well have gone home. I will never forgive Wondo for the Brazil miss. David Horst apparently doesn't know how to defend a player that puts his back up against him without committing second degree battery We are a thousand times more fun to watch with Danny Acosta on the field. Luke Mulholland, who had a pretty good night, has this habit of doing shit that makes you go "wait, what did he just do?". And it's not in the cool flair style of like a Burrito or Javi. It's in more of a comedic "did that guy just jump so far that he fell over?" style. Lets all be honest, we looked pretty good on the night but most teams are going to look good playing against what SJ rolled out. I'm not sure what the gameplan was for them (if any) but it was insanely painful to watch. Is it bad I was actually pissed when Yura scored? Rotation has to happen in that game. The players looked completely gassed even when having the time of their lives playing against slightly mobile cones at the end of the game.
A moment of revelation last night: We were watching San Jose play a strange high line against our forwards. At one point, a through ball was put in for Plata to run on to. People around us were so excited. They didn't know that, despite looking like he is running fast, Plata really isn't that fast of a player. My group was talking about this and said "is there some kind of animal that looks really fast because of how it moves it's body but actually is kinda slow?" Yeah, a duck you know how to say duck in spanish? Pato Joao Pato Plata
It depends on whether you're measurement is number of steps or distance covered. With that unenviable smaller stride, you have to take a lot more steps to cover the same distance as a 6 foot tall defender.
I told you guys you had nothing to worry about. Your team dominated the entire match, you controlled the field like generals and dominated every aspect of the game. Your team covered themselves in glory, all but one.
I'd like to think that they'd name the Keeper of the Year trophy after him given he's never been named it. The consistency over time is unparalleled.
Why? He was offside so the goal wouldn't have counted even if he placed it on frame. Being mad at Findley for botching an open goal against Ghana in '10 is understandable. But I don't understand the internet's fury over Wondo missing a goal that wouldn't have changed the outcome of the match.
This myth comes from the camera that cut to the AR who had their flag pointed to the goal box. For some reason people took that to mean he had been called off. He hadn't. The center didn't have his arm up for an indirect kick. And the ar's signal? You know, how you call a goal kick as an AR...
Wondo would not have been crushed as badly as he was after that match if he knew he was in an offside position.
This is a pretty cute story random side story: I have a colleague who has a son that is on the same team as Jett (nicky's kid). Says they are the sweetest family and that the divorce was a shock/very sad to watch.
I'm surpised there aren't any stories about Nicks 100 regular season shutouts. Seems like a milestone that would be celebrated a little more on MLS' main page.
Isn't that 100 shutouts for RSL? If I remember right, he set the record for shutouts back in 2014 at 113 (and climbing).
I'm guessing this is partly where his speed myth comes from. Add another foot in height, and he'd likely appear to be moving slower, despite still covering the same distance. He does have the occasional quick movements in very short bursts, but he's not going to beat a lot of people over a longer distance.
I'd take the concert over the game every time. You can count on 17 games a year, you can't always count on a concert coming to town.
Funny you should mention it. Rocky Mountain Cup match 2014. I walked out on the field and handed the trophy to Kyle and then congratulated Nicky on hitting the 100 milestone. He looked at me exhausted and kind of dazed, so I honestly don't think my words even registered.
Speaking of which, I'm torn about this Saturday. Rocky Mountain Cup match--I should be there. But I have tickets to the LoveLoud Festival. So ... Imagine Dragons vs Soccer.
This really sticks out to most Nats fans because he had just been subbed in, one of the announcers introduces him with something like "Wondo, this guy only needs one chance to score" and then he gets a chance a few seconds later and missed it. I would love if he could have been as good for the Nats as he's been over time for MLS.
Go to the festival. I'm sure that's more likely to guarantee a good time, and it's not like you can go to that concert every couple of weeks.