Nat, Did you make it tonight?? If so what were your thoughts on 1. Mugneret-Beghe, 2. the PK, 3. Maren's goals (I missed them), and 4. Philly D?? Also- any info as to why Gonzo was taking goal kicks for KK in the 2nd half?
Boston came ready to play. Philly looked like they had been training too long and did not come out with their "game face". The rain died down early, just drizzle throughout the match, but the wind was pretty brutal. MLS Cup '96 in Foxboro was worse only because of the heavy rains during that match. I'm one that believes that you can't properly watch a soccer match from the press box --- but I did tonight.
1. Mugneret-Beghe Really nice to see her in action in person. Terrific pass to Meinert for her second goal (I missed the first). She has wheels. It will really be fun to see her with Lilly next week on the field at the same time. Two energizer bunnies! 2. the PK This is one that can be blamed on Boston failing to play the full 90+. They let Arrington get loose and she has the skills to make things happen. 3. Maren's goals I missed the first, too. I'm told she one-timed a perfect pass (she thought from Kluegel). The second one she had the 'keeper 1v1 at the edge of the right side of the penalty area after a perfectly timed Steph M-B pass beat the offside line. Her shot had the english to find the far side netting. The truly beautiful goal of the evening (that I saw) was Mellgren digging deep into the right corner to cross the ball perfectly to Hawkins who out-muscled a defender eight yards out to nod the ball down past Moore. Great stuff. 4. Philly D?? Does "D" stand for disorganised? any info as to why Gonzo was taking goal kicks for KK in the 2nd half? No clue. I missed that, although I remember KK taking a few. They may have been concerned about the stiff wind that was blowing straight into their faces in the second half.
Well said, Mr. Moderator. Many of my thoughts you spoke. 1. M-B's "energizer bunny" persona... and teaming with Lilly... THANK YOU to the Breakers' minds who sought to bring her to the league! 2. Dev's goal was truly a thing of beauty.. especially since it capped off a series of passes and possession by Boston... and the look on her face..and the support of her teammates following it- they all took time to pat her and congragulate her
Boston Runs Past Philadelphia 3-1 Breakers charge on: Coast past Philadelphia, 3-1 I love this woman.
1. Devyn's goal was beautiful. 2. The Breakers played with more confidence and team coordination than I recall in any of the first 2 years. 3. The reserves filled in admirably against a line-up only missing one starter. 4. I love Pia too...but I still love Dagny more 5. Loved my 50 cent poncho/baggie a lot last night too
With Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe serving up those sweet thru-balls and crosses look for Maren to get 25 plus goals this year.Hawkins has stepped into WUSA very strongly! A great addition. I caught the other 2 games (NY got delayed by an hour)Thank you Direct TV.Carolina is really gonna miss Hege.The Wash/Atlanta draw got us into 2nd just a point behind the Freedom.(Yeah!!!). And Soccerfandan here here on the poncho.It came in a strong third in my WOTM selections. Weymouth Dave.
I just have to say that even in Atlanta you could see how much Stephie is going to help the Breakers! ---- I'm still grumpy I forgot to bring my France stuff for Stephie to sign!
A fact-finding quest for answers.... This will also be posted in the 'Rays forum, as you guys and them have seen the Charge live. How many of these problems apply to the Charge, IYO? What else is there that needs to be added? Paul
I'm certainly not qualified to reply in depth to your Philly questions....what I can tell you is I was very dissapointed in Smith and Pichon...Arrington is the only one that looked like a real threat throughout...maybe they just weren't getting service but I didn't really notice them til they got subbed...which I took as a sign of surrender when they came off with Philly needing a couple quick strikes to get back in it... The back line was over organized....very flat, very evenly spaced regardless of the field situation...no real response to changing points of attack or off the ball runs. The midfield was outplayed by Boston's who were missing 2 of 4 starters and at one point featured their entire reserve roster of 2. Boston played the game while Philly wasn't into it. Just my opinion(s)
To Charge's questions, my answer is similar to socfandan. Boston came to play the game on Saturday night. Philly waited until sometime in the second half to really show up. I attribute this to their 3 week layoff. Individually, Smith and Arrington were winning 1v1 battles. Smith also behaved like a battering ram nailing McCann, Gonzalez, and Steph M-B at various times. Scasna is a good playmaker (or maybe I just like blonde ponytails ). Pichon was a non-factor even before she got dinged. No shots, 1 FC, 1 FS. Fair didn't make any more happen after she came in showing all noughts in the stat sheet. How do you play 36 minutes at midfield and not commit a foul or get fouled? Boston repeatedly found space behind the Charge defense. I wouldn't fault the defense too much. Nobody was stepping up defensively in the midfield to challenge the Boston player holding the ball which allowed the timing of the runs to be perfect. Mellgren should have had three goals. I am really disappointed with the effort she puts out. Maybe I just remember too well that extra effort she put into the golden goal at Auslympics'00. Well, she still has that ponytail...
At least you didn't use SorO's fun-o-meter in replying to this, NSA I just wanted to get a perspective from those who were there for both road games we had.. Paul