My thought when I heard the sub was that we were going more with a 3-5-2 to help gain some control of the midfield that we'd lost completely in the first half to Toronto, with Guevara and DeRo in there, they were running all over our midfield. My assumption when Espinoza was subbed in was that he'd go left, Lopez would push up top, and Gomez would drop the midfield to help out there.
Very good points. We definitely did play much more attack oriented in the second half, but TFC's second goal was a complete "goal against the run of play" that was 100% attributed to a defensive melt down. That kind of substitution needs to be made if we are still down at 60' or 70'. Wahl being expansion drafted from us may have left a bigger hole than we realize.
Fair enough, but it would be pretty naive of Onalfo to think that we were going to turn the tables in the midfield battle just by outnumbering them. Especially when it comes at the expense of our defense. Besides, Gomez isn't really the kind of player that you would rely on to help control possession or organize the midfield. His role has always been to add an offensive spark and/or to be explosive, not a calming influence.
I would have loved to have seen us play a 3 man back line with Wahl, Hohlbein, and Conrad. Unfortunately, that also would have left us with almost zero defensive depth...but it's fun to think about.
KC's two opening day record streaks were broken on Saturday. The Wizards had won 4 straight opening games, and had gone 7 years without a loss.
Just want to say massive thanks to the Cauldron for making my trip to KC an awesome one. Many of you made us feel welcome and took the extra effort doing so, esp after incident with one douche at the tailgate. Kinda funny the troublemakers werent even wearing a Wizards kit. I know from the guys I spoke with were quite appreciative of you guys and all you did for us. The friendliness between TFC groups and the Cauldron was good to see and something that this league could use a lot of. (Foes during the game, but before and after that, it's all cool) The Cauldron scarf I picked up is going up on my wall and I know I will try to make it down to Kansas City whenever I can. (but no more 15hr drives) Oh, if anyone has a torrent link to the game, would be much appreciated PS: Thank goodness for the hotties of the Cauldron. Before the tailgate, all I saw were pudgy, old or fugly girls and I didnt want that to be my impression of the womenfolk of KC PPS: Can TFC have Arnaud too? That boy is going to be something special for you guys.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to the Cauldron and all the fans we met this past weekend - you guys were amazing and it was great to meet so many of you. If you ever make it up to Toronto I'm sure any TFC fans who came down with us would love to return your hospitality. Good luck with the rest of your season (well except against us).
Good to meet you and the other D.O.W.'s and thanks to whichever in your group it was I traded scarves with.
According to the Wizards' website: "As the Wizards kick off the season against Toronto FC, show The Reds that their fans aren't the only loud ones in MLS. The Wizards will support Build the Cauldron activities and encourage the entire stadium to be loud and supportive on opening night." I didn't see this happening. Maybe this shouldn't be planned without a speaker system? Happily, Davy is at the top of the MLS Golden Boot list (along with 4 others). I'll bet he stays right up there.
Mod Note: This thread is for discussion of the game itself. If you want to discuss the crowd/Cauldron/water bottle throwing, etc. go here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=978817 Posts are being merged there and that is the place for that discussion.
I said in the predictions thread that Davy will have a 10/10season. He got off to a great start to that. I also said at one point in the offseason that Davy would compete for the Golden Boot at some point in his career.
Why did Josh Wolff not get credit for an assist on Davy's first goal? He played the ball to Claudio, who took a touch then laid it off to Davy. I think MLS will fix that. On another note, vote for Davy's goal for goal of the week. Amado Guevara is winning right now with 44% of the vote.
Why? It was a poor ball that Lopez had to take an awkward touch to control. Indeed, if Lopez hadn't managed to change his momentum, that's a turnover. No way does Wolff deserve an assist on that.
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/03/arnaud-delivers-two-impressive-blasts.html Ives singles out Davy for both of his goals.
Too many secondary assists get handed out. I think even Espinoza's was a little questionable, the second goal was all made by how well Hirsig brought the ball down. But Espinoza's is more like what a secondary assist can be, not really Wolff's pass to Lopez.
Can you post a link? I am not finding it on mlsnet.com ... and i am really looking edit: found it... here we go... http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/goal_of_the_week/
Sorry, but in my book Arnaud has Cooper beat. Bad goalkeeping does not a GotW make. (Busch should have made that save...) Regardless, the folks from up north will probably stuff for Amado - which is okay, because his was a pretty good goal...