Clubfoot's goal was completely lucky - an intended cross that was serendipitously mi-hit and ended up going in - no one, not even Brault-Gillard, thought that was going in. Kempin might have reacted a bit quicker and backpedaled faster but that was otherwise a golazo. very disconcerting about how long we got flustered after they scored; agree with previous post about how it seemed to be shades of our teams over the past 8 years, just wilt after getting behind. Quite pleasant to see them regroup and get focused. When Paredes scored I told my older son, see, you could be out there doing that. "But I am just 14." You can do it, Freddy Adu was out there at 14. "Who is Freddy Adu?"
See, thats why you need horse-killing liquor kegs of death, so you can get the scoreline wrong, too. seriously, channel your inner president (pick one), dont let facts get in the way of a good story.... You are right, it wasnt a score but rather he had a really good look at goal in the 1st half while we were watching from up in the heiney bar.
Seitz has been talking a lot on social media lately talking about mental health issues and self care things. So, I wonder if he's struggling. That said, the goal Kempin made 2 bad gaffs last night. The goal was inexcusable and the 2nd was a cross he came for and didn't get anywhere near the ball in the 2nd half. I yelled something about getting off his line and Bill Hamid was sitting down below us in the owner's box turned around and nodded. He had 2-3 mistakes last week that were really fundamental in nature. He was way too close to his near post on a shot that was wide in the first half and there 2 other smaller things in the 2nd half. And then there's his distro, he's making Hamid look like Steffen.
Just a few comments from me. I had to watch the game on recorded TV so I'm late to the party. Losada's counter press is really taking shape. I love how our guys anticipate the passing lanes and don't play the man. As much as I don't like it, Losada wants to create chances from transition and not a patient build up. It's obviously begun to work as the team had plenty of chances to win this one by more. My biggest point is that fullback/wingback in MLS is proving to be the most important position after striker. Just about any other position in MLS the quality is about the same. Fullback/wingback gets waaaay more touches on the ball than any other position because in MLS everybody uses high pressure. If you can have fullbacks like Najar who can hold the ball, dribble, and create space for themselves it makes everyone else better. If I'm Kasper that's where I spend the money next. Left back/wingback. For the first time in memory, I saw DC United switch the ball successfully with long diagonal passes. It made me smile.
Totally unrelated to anything: the Montreal jersey/shorts combo was the most uninspiring uniform I've seen this year.
I haven't forgotten how bad Seitz was early this season, but this was two games in a row where I thought Kempin was really poor. Since Hamid is out for several more weeks, would not at all be surprised to see Seitz get another chance at some point.
I looked at Kempin's Wiki page and in some ways it is a cautionary tale for any "prodigy" to think twice about turning pro at an early age. The guy was signed by SKC at 16 and then shuttled here and there on loans or sat 3rd chair in MLS. He's 28 now and played about 4 years (maybe) out of the 12 he's been a pro. IDK if he could have developed into a solid #1 keeper, but the toing and froing he suffered at the earliest stages of his development sure didn't help.
What has me scratching my head is how did DC United FO find Losada. Looking outside the box or actually finding talent isn't normally in their wheelhouse.
I'm guessing it started with 1) Guys that don't have a job, generally don't have a job for good reasons. 2) So we need to poach somebody who has their team moving in a positive direction, not in a top 5 league and not playing in continental competitions, because those coaches are already where they want to be. Low percentage chance for a lot of effort. 3) And we get a lot of players from South/Central America, because value, so having SA roots would be ideal, linguistically and culturally. That'll narrow down your choices real quick.
15 years ago there really weren't developmental leagues like USL2. It's unfortunate how he's shuttled around and I am not sure he's sticking here unless he's a major bargain. Neither Kempin nor Seitz is pushing Hamid in any way, shape, or form. In the last 2 games, Kempin has played, I've seen major flaws in his fundamentals. There have to be tons of college keepers who don't make those mistakes. Not to mention, we sold Durkin into that league a couple of years ago and then there's Andy Najar who might have been talking to before Losada came onto our radar Speaking of Brilliant, how about that ball he was sheparding out of bounds late in the 2nd half when he busted out a Cryuff turn and made the MTL forward pressing him look like a school boy.
The more I see of Fred Brillant, the more I see a playing assistant coach. He is one of my favorite players on this roster.
And remember only two years ago many here wanted him gone - - too slow, etc.. Yes, I can see him - and Birnbaum - sliding into coaching spots in the fairly near future.
100%. I've heard there's a south American talent agency that shops both players and coaches, and they were behind the move. This comes from a retired MLS player in private communications. He went on to say the agency has somewhat suspect tactics (like not allowing a player acquisition without a commitment on a second player or coach). I found it to be a rather odd comment and he wouldn't engage further when pushed.
Agreed. And don't forget two years ago many on these boards wanted him gone - too slow; etc.. Yes, I can see him sliding into coaching in the near future, and Birnbaum as well. Much like catchers in baseball, defenders see the whole field and can propose a full team attack and defense from what they experience every match.
According to Andy it was the other way around. After Losada was brought on assistant Nico Frutos (who coached Andy at Anderlecht) told Andy that he might be coming to DC with Losada and that he wanted Andy to join them