So I'm finally almost caught up with grades for this season, I only have 2 games left to watch:
-The River opener against the energy bovines, which I was at, so I just need to watch it to refresh the memory.
-The ESPN2 Houston game which I watched in bits and pieces, but need to watch the whole thing to grade fairly.
After I get that done I will have season-long grades for all the RSLers (with much thanks to Jim G. and Dadof6 for their help with the San Jose affair on the station that must not be named).
But for now, the rest of the site is up to date and ready to go (the team leaders/stats section is updated). And once RSL's season is over, say...November 23rd (with the Cup of course), I will have an end-of-season recap and the Royal Awards (better name coming depending on my brain-ha!). Thanks for coming by and GO RSL!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Game 30: RSL @ Crapids: One Tremendously Beautiful Turd
Wow. Just wow. Real just played an asstastic classic, and yet, were somehow able to throw out the plumber's snake and grab a goal from the sewage. RSL was continuously outplayed, outhustled, and outsmarted, but with the heroics of one Nick Rimando were able to keep Colorado at one goal. My oh my, RSL is off to the playoffs with a HUGE tie that also brings home the Rocky Mtn. Cup.
Game grade: A+/D-
An A+ for the massive achievement of FINALLY making the postseason. But really, that game and that effort was worthy of a D- at best (an F is more appropriate perhaps, but they did pull out a tie).
GRADES:
Nick Rimando-9 Singlehandedly kept RSL in striking distance. When motivated and on form, Nick is truly a world-class keeper, I don't care what anyone says.
Jamison Olave-3 An absolute disaster of a game.
Kyle Beckerman-4 Lots of hustle, but tried too hard and forced things.
Nat Borchers-5 Not a good game, but MUCH better than Olave.
Will Johnson-4 Worst game in an RSL kit.
Javier Morales-4 Started to come on late, but a terrible game.
Ian Joy-3 Abused by Cummings all night.
(Robbie Russell 56)-7 Should've started, by far RSL's best defender tonight.
Yura Movsisyan-5 Bonus point(s) for the HUGE goal, but really a bad game, missed WAY too many.
Chris Wingert-5 Very up and down game.
(Robbie Findley 72)-6 Did fairly well with VERY limited service.
Dema Kovalenko-5 Meh.
(Andy Williams 54)-7 Also should've started, helped set up the winner.
Clint Mathis-5 Another one with an up and down evening.
Coaching (Kreis)-3 Starting lineup was all wrong, wasted 2 subs (55 min. in) putting in what should've been the starters. Team also looked strangely lifeless, it's JK's job to get their heads right.
Refs (Prus)-2 An absolute nightmare of refereeing. This game alone should get Alex Prus a pink slip. Absolutely atrocious in every facet.
RSL Man of the Match: NICK RIMANDO
Far and away the best player on the field tonight. Well done Nick, you didn't deserve a loss in this one.
Assclown of the Match: Alex Prus
There was plenty of assclown-ness to go around on the Colorado side, but in sympathy to their fans for the heart-wrenching way their season ended, and in honor of the absolutely horrible officiating, Alex Prus, you win!
REAL SALT LAKE:
2008 Ben Cup Champions
2008 Rocky Mountain Cup Champions
2008-First Ever PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
Also, welcome back and HUGE props to RSLFM.com for allowing us RSL fans to watch the game. Just massive what you did for us tonight!
Game grade: A+/D-
An A+ for the massive achievement of FINALLY making the postseason. But really, that game and that effort was worthy of a D- at best (an F is more appropriate perhaps, but they did pull out a tie).
GRADES:
Nick Rimando-9 Singlehandedly kept RSL in striking distance. When motivated and on form, Nick is truly a world-class keeper, I don't care what anyone says.
Jamison Olave-3 An absolute disaster of a game.
Kyle Beckerman-4 Lots of hustle, but tried too hard and forced things.
Nat Borchers-5 Not a good game, but MUCH better than Olave.
Will Johnson-4 Worst game in an RSL kit.
Javier Morales-4 Started to come on late, but a terrible game.
Ian Joy-3 Abused by Cummings all night.
(Robbie Russell 56)-7 Should've started, by far RSL's best defender tonight.
Yura Movsisyan-5 Bonus point(s) for the HUGE goal, but really a bad game, missed WAY too many.
Chris Wingert-5 Very up and down game.
(Robbie Findley 72)-6 Did fairly well with VERY limited service.
Dema Kovalenko-5 Meh.
(Andy Williams 54)-7 Also should've started, helped set up the winner.
Clint Mathis-5 Another one with an up and down evening.
Coaching (Kreis)-3 Starting lineup was all wrong, wasted 2 subs (55 min. in) putting in what should've been the starters. Team also looked strangely lifeless, it's JK's job to get their heads right.
Refs (Prus)-2 An absolute nightmare of refereeing. This game alone should get Alex Prus a pink slip. Absolutely atrocious in every facet.
RSL Man of the Match: NICK RIMANDO
Far and away the best player on the field tonight. Well done Nick, you didn't deserve a loss in this one.
Assclown of the Match: Alex Prus
There was plenty of assclown-ness to go around on the Colorado side, but in sympathy to their fans for the heart-wrenching way their season ended, and in honor of the absolutely horrible officiating, Alex Prus, you win!
REAL SALT LAKE:
2008 Ben Cup Champions
2008 Rocky Mountain Cup Champions
2008-First Ever PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
Also, welcome back and HUGE props to RSLFM.com for allowing us RSL fans to watch the game. Just massive what you did for us tonight!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Complete and Total Horses***
Now I will do my best to control my urge to post a profanity-fueled tirade here, but there are foul things afoot concerning this Saturday's HUGE, GIANT, MASSIVE, and ENORMOUS game against our old friends, the Crapids.
I sat down to set the dvr to record the game and noticed that I couldn't find it. "Hmm...how odd" I thought. So I went into the search mode and tried "Real", "Salt", and even "Rapids". No dice. I start getting desperate. Maybe it's listed weird, something like "RSL @ Colorado" or "MLS Soccer". Nothing, not even after a triple check of Directkick. Fox Soccer Channel? Nope. Well, maybe I'm remembering wrong and it's on Sunday...dammit, no. Maybe it's tonight (even though I know the bovines are on the ESPN game)? Nope, not here either. "Well, what the hell? Where is..." and then it hit me, "Oh no...oh HELL no. Please God don't let it be so... Is this game on that scourge of MLS telecasts, HDNet???" I run to the computer. Bingo. "Aw, shit."
The biggest game in RSL's history. The Rocky Mountain Cup. A chance for RSL to finally make the playoffs. Win and keep playing, lose and go home. And it's on HDNet. Where 95% of RSL fans will not see it. And because of MLS's b.s. deal with Cuban's nightmare, no rebroadcasts. No highlights even. A total blackout. And that, my friends, is complete and total horseshit. Guess I can always curl up with the ol' Victrola and listen to the dulcet tones of Bill Riley. It's my only option, actually. Way to screw your fans, MLS...well done.
PS-Since I won't be seeing it, I will again be relying on all you on these tubes we call the internet to give me your player grades from the game (those of you who actually see the game that is). As always, your contributions are always appreciated.
PPS-Dear Mark Cuban,
You can make this up to me. It won't be cheap or easy, but it is possible. Up your bid for the Cubs (and Wrigley) to something outrageous and ensure that there is no way you won't get the team. Then invest the kinds of resources into the Cubbies that you do into the Mavs. Proceed to win the World Series. Upon completion of this task, making me miss this game will be forgiven. I promise.
Sincerely,
Ben
I sat down to set the dvr to record the game and noticed that I couldn't find it. "Hmm...how odd" I thought. So I went into the search mode and tried "Real", "Salt", and even "Rapids". No dice. I start getting desperate. Maybe it's listed weird, something like "RSL @ Colorado" or "MLS Soccer". Nothing, not even after a triple check of Directkick. Fox Soccer Channel? Nope. Well, maybe I'm remembering wrong and it's on Sunday...dammit, no. Maybe it's tonight (even though I know the bovines are on the ESPN game)? Nope, not here either. "Well, what the hell? Where is..." and then it hit me, "Oh no...oh HELL no. Please God don't let it be so... Is this game on that scourge of MLS telecasts, HDNet???" I run to the computer. Bingo. "Aw, shit."
The biggest game in RSL's history. The Rocky Mountain Cup. A chance for RSL to finally make the playoffs. Win and keep playing, lose and go home. And it's on HDNet. Where 95% of RSL fans will not see it. And because of MLS's b.s. deal with Cuban's nightmare, no rebroadcasts. No highlights even. A total blackout. And that, my friends, is complete and total horseshit. Guess I can always curl up with the ol' Victrola and listen to the dulcet tones of Bill Riley. It's my only option, actually. Way to screw your fans, MLS...well done.
PS-Since I won't be seeing it, I will again be relying on all you on these tubes we call the internet to give me your player grades from the game (those of you who actually see the game that is). As always, your contributions are always appreciated.
PPS-Dear Mark Cuban,
You can make this up to me. It won't be cheap or easy, but it is possible. Up your bid for the Cubs (and Wrigley) to something outrageous and ensure that there is no way you won't get the team. Then invest the kinds of resources into the Cubbies that you do into the Mavs. Proceed to win the World Series. Upon completion of this task, making me miss this game will be forgiven. I promise.
Sincerely,
Ben
Monday, October 20, 2008
Game 29: Dallass vs. RSL: First Win at the River
I'm a bit busy today so just player grades for this one. Not a pretty win, but a big 3 points for the boys and with only a tie against the Crapids/Cripids, RSL will be a playoff team at last!
Grades:
Nick Rimando-6 OK game for little Nicky
Chris Wingert-7 Got forward pretty well, assist on the Johnson goal
Jamison Olave-8 Beast in the back again, broke up a ton of early FCD breakaways
Robbie Russell-6 A little too quiet
Ian Joy-7 Played well, especially late
Kyle Beckerman-7 Played destroyer all night long
Dema Kovalenko-5 Could've (and possibly should've) had a red for slapping an opponent across the face
(Andy Williams 46)-6 Steady game for Andy
Javier Morales-7 Had a very quiet 2 assists, but I'm giving him credit for them
Will Johnson-7 Almost an 8, just one too many mistakes, but the goal was beautiful
Clint Mathis-7 Some good old up play from Clint, looked totally worn out by the end
(Kenny Deuchar 89)-6 Didn't have much time to affect the game
Yura Movsisyan-7 Got lucky on it, but a goal is a goal
(Robbie Findley 73)-7 Goal was almost as pretty as Will's
Coaching grade (Kreis)-8 Subs made sense and brought the proper attacking mentality to the 2nd half.
Refs grade-6 Calls were a bit uneven and maybe a bit card happy, but the game was very rough and they had a tough job to do.
RSL Man of the Match: Jamison Olave
Almost went to "Billy", but since he earned the only 8 I gotta give it to him.
Assclown of the Match: Pablo Ricchetti
Easy call. Dude unnecessarily takes out Johnson with an ugly tackle and gets a straight red. Then he proceeds to argue the call, not leave the field, and tries to pick a fight with Joy (granted, that's not hard-if he didn't PLAY soccer, he'd be a soccer hooligan!). Very classy Pablo. Assclown stuff all the way.
PS-If you are interested in taking a bus trip to see RSL beat "the Dicks" (sorry, any chance for a new Crapids insult must be used, especially if it can be used in a delicious double entendre) there is "official" information over on the DesNews blog. Also thanks to SoccerPrime for the original tip-off on this, I just haven't been updating as much as I should lately and hadn't gotten around to posting it!
Grades:
Nick Rimando-6 OK game for little Nicky
Chris Wingert-7 Got forward pretty well, assist on the Johnson goal
Jamison Olave-8 Beast in the back again, broke up a ton of early FCD breakaways
Robbie Russell-6 A little too quiet
Ian Joy-7 Played well, especially late
Kyle Beckerman-7 Played destroyer all night long
Dema Kovalenko-5 Could've (and possibly should've) had a red for slapping an opponent across the face
(Andy Williams 46)-6 Steady game for Andy
Javier Morales-7 Had a very quiet 2 assists, but I'm giving him credit for them
Will Johnson-7 Almost an 8, just one too many mistakes, but the goal was beautiful
Clint Mathis-7 Some good old up play from Clint, looked totally worn out by the end
(Kenny Deuchar 89)-6 Didn't have much time to affect the game
Yura Movsisyan-7 Got lucky on it, but a goal is a goal
(Robbie Findley 73)-7 Goal was almost as pretty as Will's
Coaching grade (Kreis)-8 Subs made sense and brought the proper attacking mentality to the 2nd half.
Refs grade-6 Calls were a bit uneven and maybe a bit card happy, but the game was very rough and they had a tough job to do.
RSL Man of the Match: Jamison Olave
Almost went to "Billy", but since he earned the only 8 I gotta give it to him.
Assclown of the Match: Pablo Ricchetti
Easy call. Dude unnecessarily takes out Johnson with an ugly tackle and gets a straight red. Then he proceeds to argue the call, not leave the field, and tries to pick a fight with Joy (granted, that's not hard-if he didn't PLAY soccer, he'd be a soccer hooligan!). Very classy Pablo. Assclown stuff all the way.
PS-If you are interested in taking a bus trip to see RSL beat "the Dicks" (sorry, any chance for a new Crapids insult must be used, especially if it can be used in a delicious double entendre) there is "official" information over on the DesNews blog. Also thanks to SoccerPrime for the original tip-off on this, I just haven't been updating as much as I should lately and hadn't gotten around to posting it!
Friday, October 10, 2008
First game at "The River"
I will try and get a review done (I think I'll try and rewatch the game on the dvr beforehand) and also would like to post some thoughts on the new stadium, but for now, here's a few pictures from the game last night.
The east side of the stadium.
West siyeed!
The pre-game watering.
Pre-game lineups.
Fancy shmancy video board.
Lining up for the free kick.
Javi getting ready to take the aforementioned kick.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
