3-0 DC over FIU in an end to end, entertaining match. Olsen is ok, Harkes got minutes and Rimando took a knock and had to come out. Line-up: --------Rimando------- Pretke---Ivanov-----Reyes ----------Nelson---------- Tino-----Kovalenko------Stewart ------------Etch----------- --Stoitchkov-----------Esky Goal Scorers: Petke, Esky, Stoitchkov DC played an interesting match and probably got more of a challenge from Div1 FIU, although FIU posed little threat for most of the match. Possession was 70-30 DCU with some nice individual play by some of the FIU players. Not an abundance of shots on goal for DCU (maybe 10) and FIU may have had 4 for the whole match. It was nice to see a crowd of 800 show up for a match at FIU's stadium (capacity is probably 1100), showing good support for a well-respected program that may not be around in two years due to budget cuts, Title IX and dreams of a competitive football program (just completed it's first year). Notables: DC still shaking off the rust of an off season and getting to know each other and their many new faces. Some good passes were strung together but the score reflects more weak Div1 defense. I missed the first goal, a Petke header, but the Esky goal was a nice tap-in from a low Stoitchkov cross. Stoitchkov's goal was a gift from the GK who let a shot from 9 yrds out squirt under him and into the goal. Earnie looked a little rusty and had trouble connecting passes, Dema hustled for 90 mins and played good, hardnosed defense. I like this guy. Stoitchkov is in great shape and still has jets, he was much more active than Etch, who looked alot like Etch circa 2002 (the pine may be calling). I wouldn't be surprised if a healthy Hristo plays more than coaches this season and we will be the better for it. Nelson looked comfortable in the d-mid role and Ivanov continues to impress in the center of a 3-man backline. Reyes still got forward a bit but Nelson usually slid back to cover. subs included (in rough order): Behonick Convey (L-mid and center mid) Harkes (d-mid) Olsen (r-mid) Barclay (L-mid) Curtis Namoff (L-def) Stokes (C-def) Feel free to ask questions if you have any. I'll do my best to answer them.
did petke score of a set piece or in the run of play? did earnie play out on the wing or did he pinch in?
Can't answer the Petke question. Earnie played wide, (classic left mid, no pinch) until he shifted to forward during the second half. He later was subbed out.
Thanks for the report! I'm just excited to see these guys playing together for the first time (isn't it?) in an actual game against a real opponent. Even if it is a friendly against a college team. And, of course, best wishes for FIU's soccer program.
Its still not the result I think Hudson was looking for. But he got alot of people in, the guys need more playing time than last preseason.
Convey on the bench? That'll be tough to stomach. 800 people at $5/person is a good $4000 for the FIU soccer program. I'd love to see more MLS teams holding the same types of exhibitions to help their program.
United Drops FIU, 3-0, in Benefit Scrimmage by Doug Hicks / dcunited.com February 18, 2003 http://www.dcunited.com/index.cfm?section=main&cont_id=164613
First Lynn Universty fell, now FIU is the latest victum to fall prey the Mighty new DCU, whose next...........a little league team? Has the season started yet? no Has the season started yet? no Has the season started yet? no Has the season started yet? no
Thanks for the report Mason16. Thanks for the link Weasel. Yes it is only preseason, but I rather have DC United winning games than losing them.
Duh. Depth? We got some this year. Forgot about Bobbito. I agree I'd like to see him get some real time in the middle this year.
After seeing Bobby's play with the USMNT in the middle and again last night for United, I think he is far more dangerous than Etch and deserves to start in that role. The question becomes, who fills in on the left. Last night, both Earnie and Devin saw time there and neither was particularly outstanding in the role. Too bad Mapp wears a Fire jersey these days. I think he would have been an inexpensive alternative.
Enter the nightmare scenario: "Nick Rimando was forced to action only once, in the 28th minute, when FIU broke behind United’s back line. His sparkling save left him with a sprained ankle. He left the match five minutes later as a precaution in favor of guest player Edgar Uribe."
I thought I recalled Hudson saying DCU would play 20 matches prior to the start of the season. Even if that number is off a bit (b/c of cancelations, snow, etc.), it still suggests that the right approach is to start slow, with weaker talent and then work your way up the food chain (as a way of building confidence and creating some combination play).
His REAL fans just call him Hon. Just imagine: 2010WC, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town. 65000 fans chanting in unison, "Hon Hon Hon Hon." Over and over. Opposing teams crumble.
Would you shut up about preseason "results" already? No one gives a flying rat's turd what the results are in preseason. Soplease stop harping on the frickin' result. You're making it look like we DC fans are a bunch of brainless wankers.
While I agree with your issue, I think you are way over the line asking someone to "shut up." That makes us DC fans look like a bunch of infighting wankers. Tim (Yes, I see the irony)
Not that it contradicts, but I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of loses in there against "lesser" teams to get the competitive juices flowing. Just enough anger, mixed with confidence and ability, and you have a recipe for a good start to the season. (have I been watching too many cooking shows this off-season?)