Game 2: Real Salt Lake @ TST 4/5 Mini-Review

Sigh, I hate to say "I told you so"....well, maybe I don't, perhaps I relish it, but that's not the point. Anyway, I unfortunately called this one. Although I missed about 20 minutes of this one (no goals were scored or anything), I haven't had the heart to go back and watch and take my usual notes. If I do, I will post a full review, but otherwise I'm just going to leave you with some thoughts and notes on the latest HDC disaster.

Pros:
-Nat Borchers looks like the real deal. Another solid game from him.
-RSL seemed to outplay TST for much of the game. The first goal, especially, was totally against the run of play.
-Deuchar looks like he'll be a solid MLS player.
-I must admit I liked JK taking a chance there at the end and taking out Joy for Espindola. It didn't pay off, but at least he realized there was nothing to lose at that point.
-This game is out of the way and we can now focus on the big BEN CUP FIRST LEG next weekend!!!

Cons:
-The scoreline.
-Atiba Harris AND Esky scored. Is there just a curse on the RSL jersey?
-I like his heart and his attitude, but Ian Joy has just not been very good. Totally out of place on the first two goals. Why is he not keeping a better eye on Klejstan of all people?
-Wingert's turnover leading to the 2nd Chivas goal. Ugly.
-Rimando was pretty bad. If you're going to rush out for the ball you better get it, and on that first goal, he didn't. Similar concept on the 2nd; he dove for the cross, missed, and left the net wide open. And he just got told by Esky late.
-I know RSL was in desperation mode at that point, but RSL is now 2 for 2 in giving up a goal deep into second half extra time. So much for that much improved defense.
-No finishing. One of the two banes of RSL's existence (the other being defensive breakdowns), continues to rear its ugly head.
-Why were there not more balls being played in the air to Deuchar in the box? Has JK never seen TST before? Does he not realize their tallest player is about 5' 2"? And the players shoulder this too. Figure it out. Especially after the only RSL goal was scored in this very manner.
-That set play from the corner to Andy Williams for a long volley shot. When does he ever make those? Never. Perhaps once a season if you are being generous. Basically that is a set play designed to turn the ball over. Coaching genius.
-This JK quote from MLSnet, on RSL's performance: "I think that they put their hearts and souls into it and I feel like we're getting out of a game not getting quite what we deserve." Jason, at some point, you're going to have to stop blaming bad luck. Yes, RSL is unlucky, we get it, but sometimes you gotta make your own luck.

Half grades:
1st: C
2nd: D-

Player grades:
Nick Rimando-4 Worst game in a long, long time
Chris Wingert-5 Decent, but points off for starting the rush on the 2nd goal
Nat Borchers-7 Another solid performance, he's quickly growing on me
Matias Mantilla-6 Pretty good game from Matias
Ian Joy-3 Terrible game. Why did we let go of Kipre/Forko again?
(Fabian Espindola 73)-5 Limited time, didn't do a lot with it.
Kyle Beckerman-5 He's been pretty invisible this year. Needs to regain his feisty former self.
Javier Morales-6 Got forward well, but went long spells without doing anything.
Carey Talley-5 I think this is what Carey has left; quiet, unspectacular games.
(Andy Williams 64)-5 See Fabian Espindola.
Dema Kovalenko-6 Decent game, added some sorely needed bite at times.
Kenny Deuchar-7 First MLS goal. First RSL goal of 08. Why were more balls not played to his head?
Robbie Findley-6 OK game. Still waiting for 07 Findley to return.
(Yura Movsisyan 60)-6 Good game. Not great, but a HUGE improvement over the Chicago game.

Game grade:
D
Although RSL really seemed to have the better of the possession for most of the game, as well as most of the scoring chances, they blew another one. The same old demons: no finishing and defensive lapses. End result? A (generous) D.

RSL Man of the Match:
Kenny Deuchar - Welcome to the American scoring charts buddy!

Assclown of the match:
Alecko Eskandarian - After scoring his meaningless, undefended extra time goal, he looked to be taunting the RSL bench, as if to show them up. Esky, if you'd scored a damn goal last year, perhaps they wouldn't have been so eager to get rid of you. I normally like Esky, but that was douchebaggery of the highest caliber.