Jul 13
Superliga Shows US Why Soccer is Great
The Passion displayed at RFK Stadium was unbelievable and I bet it was comparable in Houston. Soccer shows us it can not only be entertaining, which it was last night, but it can also be inspiring. The games yesterday were entertaining, tense, and heartbreaking. That’s what we really love about it though, it hits you down deep and brings out emotions you haven’t felt before.
Last night was awesome. DC United can feel unlucky not to have at least got a draw out of their Superliga match against Chivas, but sometimes, it’s just not your night. DC hit the post twice, had a penalty saved, and can feel generally unlucky not to have equalized at some point. Here are the video highlights of the match to show you just how close they were on a couple of occasions.
On the same night, in Houston. The Dynamo were playing Atlante in the other group match. The result was a shocker considering both teams recent run of results. Atlante just won the Mexican league last winter and Houston has been struggling in MLS. Maybe this was a turning point for Houston because they ran right through Atlante to cruise to a 4-0 win. In case you missed either game, the highlights are after the jump.
What did you think of the game? Did you even watch it? Can DC still advance? What about Houston, were you expecting them to win 4-0? Your thoughts below.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Man, what a game, what atmosphere, what a night - and all this despite the fact that my team lost. I have to say that this is truly the first time I have EVER watched a live game (with an MLS team) that had my stomach turned in knots. There was REAL passion and electricity in the stadium, unlike any MLS game I have ever seen, and the teams played like there was something real at stake. I was on the edge of my seat the entire night. I’m still reeling from the fact that DC lost - as the Brits would say: I’m gutted.
Chivas was clearly the better team in the first half, although Emilio almost put us ahead early on. Chivas was far more aggressive in the midfield, making it difficult for DC to mount an organized and coherent attack. Their passing was crisp and insightful and they put real pressure on our midfield. Our defense was very, very shaky at times and we were lucky not to have given up 2 more goals. We looked like an amateur team on the first goal… it was ugly. We just looked rattled for most of the first half. One positive though, is that Zack Wells had a good game - I normally don’t have a whole lot of confidence in him.
Now, I have to say this: Jaime Moreno has been my favorite player for many, many years. His name and number are on my DC Utd jersey. His ability to remain calm in the box is astounding. He has been an amazing, classy player. However, last night, he looked every bit his 34 years. It’s not that he played badly, he just didn’t look like he could keep up. And Fred, I don’t know what was wrong with him last night, but he was a complete no-show… very disappointing performance from him. And Namoff got schooled several times.
DC fared much better in the 2nd half, and we came soooooo close to equalizing, hitting the post once again, and missing a penalty (which the goalie read perfectly). Even after the penalty, I held real hope that the equalizer would come, but it was not meant to be… My voice is still hoarse from all the screaming.
The score of the Dynamo game was a complete shocker. I do expect DC to beat them on Tuesday. I’ll be there to watch it!
July 13th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Correction: I do expect DC to beat Atlante on Tuesday and I think we can handle Houston on Saturday as well.
July 13th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I too will be at the match if I can and all your points are correct. Moreno was slow and couldn’t keep up. Ik talked to fred after the game and he said that chivas was a better team than most mms squads which seems like a sorry excuse. Soehn made excuses which were some what justicied, but they have to take some responsibility. The atmosphere was amazing last night and I’m expecting DC to win their next 2games and advance.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Now if they would have these kind of fantastic matches that would promote the league on TV so that everyone could see them, then we would be getting somewhere! I wish I could have seen it. The next ones should be entertaining as well.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Fred was such a disappointment last night - he’s a very skilled player, but he looked like a schoolboy playing amongst men. Fred: Chivas better than most MLS teams? No duh!!! I could have told you that BEFORE the game!!! That’s a pretty weak excuse. Chivas was just too physical for him and he couldn’t cope. He really needs to step it up on Tuesday. Soehn has to do a better job to prepare them for the next game. Oh, and we REALLY could have used Gallardo last night…
As far as Moreno is concerned, last night told me that I think his time has come. I can’t even see him being used as a 75th minute sub in a game like this - granted, his experience, vision and ability to hold the ball are great, but he has ZERO pace left in him. He can probably still play 45~60 minutes or come in as a sub in MLS regular season games but Soehn needs to find a long-term replacement for him.
I still can’t get over the atmosphere at the game! That was something really special. I can’t wait until Tuesday! I’m very curious to see Soehn’s lineup will be against Atlante, and if he will make any adjustments. With so little time to rest, I also wonder if Moreno will play at all.
July 13th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I also spoke to Craig Thompson who got his first start last night and he said the team was optimistic about their next two games. They felt like they should have at least gotten a point but they were really ready to go after Atlante.
He also said the atmosphere was unlike anything he had ever seen at RFK, save the LA game because there were so many people. I still can’t get over the back and forth chants, it felt like the fans had an equal share in the play on the field.
Gallardo would have been really useful to have because it looked like Moreno stopped playing up top. He came back to get the ball and then wasn’t able to do anything with it. DC needs a forward because Moreno is too old and Doe is not effective. Emilio really needs a viable partner if they want to compete in these tournaments.
Charley: All the games are broadcast on Telefutura so you can watch in spanish. There is no english unless your in the DC, Houston, New England, or LA area.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Max, thanks for the ‘insider’s view’ from the player interviews - really good stuff man! Good to hear that some of the players are looking forward to the Atlante game.