I was wondering how DC was able to do so much pressuring in the first 60', but they seemed pretty gassed after that. On the buildup to our 3rd goal, DC defenders were practically standing around. We got to see the best and worst of Polster. I was hoping that the rash yellow would prompt Arena to replace him with Caicedo - and it did! Caicedo made one big giveaway (leading to our first goal against), but was really good after that (though some of his passes under pressure just made it through). With Polster out on yellow-accumulation, the opening should be there to start Caicedo in Orlando. I'm thinking that a 'let-em-play' ref wasn't the best deal for Tajon, who gets fouled a lot and has defenders wary of fouling when he gets in/around the area. Buksa-Bou-Gil-Turner: wow, maybe best combined game ever by those four elite players. We were seriously outplayed for close to 60', but, wow, when we pulled it together - that was some breathtaking play.
That was one of the strangest games I have ever watched from an officiating perspective. I think the level and amount of fouling that players were allowed to get away with in that game was irresponsible. It easily could have led to someone getting hurt. I am not the guy who wants a whistle every time someone gets tapped, but yesterday's game was too far the other way. I agree about the stoppage time as well. That was bizarre. I hope the Revs don't see this Ref in the playoffs.
Of course, if the ref had called either of the fouls leading up to that yellow, there would have been no need for Polster to stop the breakaway with a foul.
Carles up for GotW: Vote for Goal of the Week - MLS Week 31 By MLSsoccer staff Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, 12:37 PM
Buksa makes the XI. Turner on the bench: Team of the [mid]Week: Minnesota United, Vancouver Whitecaps step up in Week 31 By Jonathan Sigal Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, 01:51 PM
I thought the game was in the bag at 3-1..... Then Arena started subbing. Next thing we know its 3-2 and Im nervous. Had he not screwed with the people on the pitch..... we would have been better off. On a different note... what does Arena have against Boateng? He can't seem to get many minutes. He even put useless Traustason on before Boateng
You're up 3-1. You have two more games in the next week. And you have playoffs coming. Taking some of those guys out was the right move.
I keep wondering the same. In the little time Boateng has played this season after injury heal, to my poor eyes he shows notable agility and speed as well as clever ball handling, general passing accuracy and has contributed to play & attack development from midfield forward. And he also seems to play with unique intensity and seems as tough as nails. So, I’ve no clue why BA doesn’t play Boateng more frequently???
Ageed -- and the ref was letting a lot of fouls go.... Let's also not forget where Bruce has brought this team and maybe give him the benefit of the doubt with his player management.
Traustason is a more defensive player than Boateng, and a *much* more defensive player than Tajon. I'd say the sub made sense