A quick look at the stats reveals the up-till-now undiscussed key to this match. All we've got to do is shut down Jesse Marsch and we're good! He's got four goals against us in his career, the current Fire's squad all-time leading goal scorer against us. Further, he's scored two of their four goals against us this season while playing in just two of the four games. So, that's the key -- shut down Jesse Marsch! Forget Razov and Ralph -- we'll have to man-mark Marsch with Petke! (OK, I'm really way too ready for this game to get started!)
I would hate to think that my good friend Red&Black is drinking alone, so I was forced to crack open my first Fosters. T minus 4 hours 17 minutes
One thing that's going for us this match is NO overtime. The boys need to lay it all on the line for the full 90.
He has worked the middle during two United games this year: 04/19/03 vs. Chicago at RFK -- 0:0 (two yellows for us, one for the Fire) 10/04/03 vs. Columbus at Crew Stadium -- 1:1 (three yellows for each team, Etcheverry drew and scored a PK)
In addition to the DC/Chicago RFK home opener, Valenzuela has worked two other Fire matches this season: 08/20/03 Fire 1:0 Galaxy at Cardinal Stadium (one yellow each) 09/20/03 Burn 2:0 Fire at Dragon Stadium (five yellows for Burn, three for Fire) United w/ Valenzuela: 2 draws Fire w/ Valenzuela: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss
United/Fire preview: http://onthesidelines.org/united103103.htm Quotes Namoff about his emerging confidence and previews tonight's match w/lots of background material.
http://www.foxsportsworld.com/content/view?contentId=802134 That's a list of bars with FSW in the South -- it includes a place in Richmond called Mulligan's. You might try giving them a call. http://richmond.citysearch.com/profile/10533987
Make that 5 hours, 40 minutes -- don't be late! (unless you meant "kickoff of the post-match celebration!" )
Four hours and change... Suppose I better call home and remind the wife I won't be home after work...
Beer's on ice, cigars in my pocket, cell phone charged and my Etcheverry t-shirt is dry.........4 hours left........
Chicago had a great season, but when the ball is kicked off tonight both teams are 0-0-0. Lets see how well the Fire deal with a little pressure. DC certainly understands pressure.