I just got back from the scrimmage. The EQ won 3-2. Roner had 2 (headers) for the EQ and Dinivant had the 3rd (a few nice dribbles and a beautiful strike from the top of the box). For the Nats, LD had a PK and Eskandarian got one off an Eddie Lewis assist. Eddie Robinson and Ian Russell played the whole game. No sign of Ecklund. Possible bad news: Corrales left the game with an apparent ankle injury. He played for about 5 minutes after it happened and then left.
I was also at the game. It was very low-key, with a several players playing a half for each squad (Agoos, Convey, Brown...). Roner had two nice headers -- one in each half. Dunivant, who only played one half, scored from 25 and assisted on one of the Roner goals. Agoos assisted on the other. Other than Dunivant and Roner, I thought Robinson played well (he was in Dayak's spot). Alvarez received alot of on-field "coaching" -- mostly about his defensive responsibilities. It is worth noting that he has no lack of confidence in his ability to take people on. He repeatedly challenged the back line (with modest success).
what abbout brian ching? did he get a chance to play? is surprised the RQ beat the NATS...maybe the EQ should play against wales on monday....just kidding... iowa007
Ching played. I thought he looked pretty good. He created a few good opportunities for others and almost got through once or twice himself. I thought Mullan looked good as well.
Good to hear Dunivant had a good outing in front of Da Bruce, Im curious how the borderline Nat quakes (Corrales and Ching mostly) looked, as Im hoping both get minutes against Wales. Hopefully Corrales's ankle is ok, would hate to see him miss time.
Ching played the entire match, for the Nats. I was kinda surprised, but I guess he gets to play "McBride" for the game. Got his head on a couple balls, but missed; one was off a sweet set piece from the left side to the far post from Donovan. There was a crew from Ch. 26 there to do a piece on Ching. Waibel didn't play at all. CJ Brown played inside back with ERob for the Quakes the first half, but played the second half for the Nats. Convey played the first half for the Nats but second for the Quakes. Rimando looked bad on the Quakes first goal, and I hope the fact he started the game doesn't mean he's starting Monday. Cannon played the second half, and looked alright. Didn't have to do much, I remember one nice save off a high bouncer (Mullan header) that looked to be sneaking in under the crossbar. Roner totally outjumped Joe for the game winner from Goose. Lewis looked okay today, too. Moved the ball well, but also lost it a lot or just kicked it away. Reyna was there but didn't play. As someone else mentioned, Ramiro getting hurt sucks. Landon came back into the game to replace him, at D-mid. Richard played d-mid the first half for the Nats, then Arena moved him to right back.
In the first half I think he played mid (for the nats) but I can't remember who played left back. In the 2nd half he played for the EQ--center mid, I think.
FYI, I split these postgame posts out to another thread, so people who didn't read the pregame thread don't have to thumb through all that to find the postgame info.
For the Convey watchers out there, it is worth noting that he played in the center both halves -- the first half for the "MNT" and the second for the "Quakes". He looked comfortable in the role. Had at least one good shot and covered alot of ground. He switched the point of attack well, and seemed to work well with Lewis to his left. Ching does look to be the designated McBride for the Wales game. He was a target on the crosses and set pieces, and looked to hold possession in the counter attacks. I'm not sure he had a shot, other than a header far above the frame. I don't think either Ching or Corrales looked especially threatening. But the teams swapped and subbed so much it was difficult to evaluate how well the players fit in their roles, or to hazard a guess re. the lineup on Monday.
It was great to see Russell and Robinson go the full 90 minutes. Ian was a little rusty but still has great speed and could work out well once he's up to par with the rest of the team. He and Eddie Lewis were racing each other up and down the field, I had forgotten how fast both could be. I don't like having Dayak out for six weeks but with Robinson healthy in the middle we won't be hurting too much. Convey played for the Quake's side in the second half and played OK. Dunivant's blast past Rimando was a thing of beauty, definately rookie of the year, no question. Talked to Joe Cannon after the match, don't expect to see him in a Quakes uniform ever again (his take,not mine). All in all, a great day for a soccer game and a good result.
Bummer about Corrales, but from the Quakes perspective the timing isn't horrible. Hopefullly it's a minor ankle injury. Hoping Eklund would be ready by now. Big bummer about Cannon. If the rumors are true about Howard, we might see Joe in a faux Milan jersey next. Did Arturo play? Where's he?
I told Mullan to score more goals and pointed out he should have three last game. :>) Also told Frank as long as we can beat LA, I will be very happy. Congrat Brian for his first National Team call-up! He is a handsome guy and can be a model and make some serious money if he spent his offseason in China!
Ronnie was warming up on the practice field throughout the first half, doing agility drills (cones), etc. Based on what we saw him doing, can't be too far off. The whole game. Same old thing for him. He looked brilliant at points, at other points he looked like a 17 year old playing over his head. Overall, especially for a young 'un, looks good. He did get off one hard shot on goal in the second half.
in Arutro's defense...he had to do alot of checking back to get the ball, sometimes from weak passes by the left back (#21)...but he was outclassed and closed down a number of time by the double team...Mulrowney owned him in the second half....nice shot on Cannon though... I though Lewis was beating Roner repeatedly to start the match then Eddie kinda disappeared....Roner with two sweet headers....Nats giving up goals on set pieces?? what a concept.... what a fun day out....
Rob Stone said Corrales wasn't in the line-up or bench against Wales because his grandfather passed away.