Wow. Think back 12 months ago as RSL fans everywhere sat home and moped while the MLS playoffs swirled around them. Eddie Pope had left. Woe was everywhere. Life as we knew it had ceased to exist. Famine and pestilence spread across the Wasatch Front. Have I made this melodramatic enough for you? Nevertheless, how many of us truly believed that RSL would not only make the playoffs in 2008, but would be hosting the Western Conference Final? I can't imagine too many. (On a side note, how sad it is to have this amazing run happen the year after Eddie Pope hung it up. Thanks again Eddie, you were pure class!) But life is funny like that and here we are.
Can RSL beat this team? Absolutely. RSL outplayed the bulls just a few short weeks ago in the Rio Tinto opener, a game they gave away and that ended 1-1. With a similar effort tonight (and some actual finishing: I'm looking in your direction, Yura), RSL can easily be through to the MLS Cup final. That being said, NYC's dismantling of Houston last weekend cannot be understated. I'll be honest, the thought of RSL going to Texas to face the Dynamo? Kinda scary. So the fact that NYC did it, and with such seeming ease, does give me pause. If Richards and Angel both bring their best tonight, it could get ugly.
So I think the key tonight, and something that is easier said than done, especially for this team, is for RSL to get on the board first and then keep the pressure on. Don't let the energy bovines get the boost from an early lead. If we do get the first goal, great, but don't then go into defensive mode. Keep the pressure on and put them away if the opportunity arises. Take advantage of the home crowd and the altitude and win this sucker!
So now it is time for my prediction. I think the home team factor will be enough to get RSL through if they play smart. RSL 2 - NYC 1.
Other assorted thoughts:
-Who will play tonight? Do we see Dema over Andy again? Will Cleetus roam the field once again? Will Espi be fit enough to play a role?
Here is my starting 11:
GK: Rimando
D: Wingert, Olave, Borchers, Russell
M: Williams, Johnson, Beckerman, Morales
F: Yura, Findley
Top 3 subs: Dema, Espi, Deuchar
Who do I see actually starting?
GK: Rimando
D: Wingert, Olave, Borchers, Joy
M: Dema, Johnson, Beckerman, Morales
F: Yura, Mathis
Top 3 subs: Williams, Espi, Findley
-I am sick to death of hearing of the "massive upset" over Chivas TST. It was a 2 seed vs. a 3 seed! Not a big difference! On top of that, many (especially actual fans, not sportswriters) predicted RSL to beat TST. In fact, RSL was predicted to win by a nearly 2-to-1 margin by Soccer by Ives readers. Not exactly scientific, I know, but it does prove a point. This was most certainly not the giant upset every media outlet wants to make it.
-This is worth a post of its own but can we stop with the "leader of the points table takes the championship" BS. Not going to happen. Nor would I want it to happen. The playoffs are genuinely exciting and there is a palpable sense of tension to them. Anyone who says different is either a) lying, b) a eurosnob elitist who doesn't actually watch MLS, or c) warped beyond belief.
Showing posts with label tst. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tst. Show all posts
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Playoffs: Round 1, Game 2: RSL @ TST: How Sweet It Is
Shinkes! I get stuck on a second shift at work and the site goes all to hell just like that! Sorry for getting so far behind so fast, life happens when you least want it to I suppose. Anyway, grades and pictures for game 1 coming after I wade through them all, but in the meantime, here's the grades and a few thoughts on the clinching game 2.
First off, let me just say, it is official: I hate Chivas TST more than any team in MLS. More than Colorado. More than just about any team in any sport that I can think off (they are in the rarefied air shared by the Yankees and the Lakers). I know I am supposed to hate the Crapids the most (and granted, I dislike them plenty), but, to me, there is just something about TST that I do not like. So imagine my joy in watching RSL win the series at the Home Depot Center. And after squeaking into the playoffs by breaking the hearts of Crapids fans everywhere? Sweet sweet icing on the cake. Couple that with the energy bovines' shocking win over Houston on Sunday, giving us home field for the conference final, and I am a happy boy. And now, I implore RSL to smack NY around. Not just for themselves, not just for us fans, but also for our Ben Cup brethren, the DCU fans who would love nothing more than to see the bulls go down in flames (on a side note, props to the Edgell Supporters for cheering for RSL this playoffs, well done). MLS Cup, here we come!
Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Had some nice moments, but was helped by poor TST shooting.
Jamison Olave-8 Showed a ton of heart.
Nat Borchers-7 Solid in the back.
Robbie Russell-7 Made some big recoveries in this one.
Chris Wingert-6 Fairly quiet, I'd like to see more.
Dema Kovalenko-6 Would be a five, but a bonus point for the beautiful header.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Passing has been TERRIBLE as of late.
Javier Morales-8 Should've had 2 goals, but you can't argue with a goal and an assist.
(Fabian Espindola 87)-5 Looked a bit lost out there.
Will Johnson-7 Do we have this kid locked down long term yet?
Clint Mathis-5 Basically useless.
(Robbie Findley 72)-7 Needs to be getting into games much earlier than he is.
Yura Movsisyan-6 Meh.
(Andy Williams 80)-6 See Yura.
Coaching grade (Kreis)-7 Some of the sub patterns were odd, but we got the needed result.
Ref grade (head ref: Michael Kennedy)-2 Shockingly bad refereeing. Inconsistent on calls, lost control of the game early, missed calls, pretty much anything he could do poorly he did. Just terrible.
RSL Man of the Match: Javier Morales
Up to his old tricks! Scored a goal, got an assist, and helped drive the offense.
Assclown of the Match: Ante Razov
There were many contenders (give honorable mentions to Kennedy for piss-poor reffing and to Atiba Harris for his trademark recklessness), but I give it to Razov for his Oscar-worthy performance while getting the PK call. Dude falls down and pulls Javi on top of himself. Watch it again, it is clear as day. Super duper classless. Well done, ya assclown!
First off, let me just say, it is official: I hate Chivas TST more than any team in MLS. More than Colorado. More than just about any team in any sport that I can think off (they are in the rarefied air shared by the Yankees and the Lakers). I know I am supposed to hate the Crapids the most (and granted, I dislike them plenty), but, to me, there is just something about TST that I do not like. So imagine my joy in watching RSL win the series at the Home Depot Center. And after squeaking into the playoffs by breaking the hearts of Crapids fans everywhere? Sweet sweet icing on the cake. Couple that with the energy bovines' shocking win over Houston on Sunday, giving us home field for the conference final, and I am a happy boy. And now, I implore RSL to smack NY around. Not just for themselves, not just for us fans, but also for our Ben Cup brethren, the DCU fans who would love nothing more than to see the bulls go down in flames (on a side note, props to the Edgell Supporters for cheering for RSL this playoffs, well done). MLS Cup, here we come!
Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Had some nice moments, but was helped by poor TST shooting.
Jamison Olave-8 Showed a ton of heart.
Nat Borchers-7 Solid in the back.
Robbie Russell-7 Made some big recoveries in this one.
Chris Wingert-6 Fairly quiet, I'd like to see more.
Dema Kovalenko-6 Would be a five, but a bonus point for the beautiful header.
Kyle Beckerman-5 Passing has been TERRIBLE as of late.
Javier Morales-8 Should've had 2 goals, but you can't argue with a goal and an assist.
(Fabian Espindola 87)-5 Looked a bit lost out there.
Will Johnson-7 Do we have this kid locked down long term yet?
Clint Mathis-5 Basically useless.
(Robbie Findley 72)-7 Needs to be getting into games much earlier than he is.
Yura Movsisyan-6 Meh.
(Andy Williams 80)-6 See Yura.
Coaching grade (Kreis)-7 Some of the sub patterns were odd, but we got the needed result.
Ref grade (head ref: Michael Kennedy)-2 Shockingly bad refereeing. Inconsistent on calls, lost control of the game early, missed calls, pretty much anything he could do poorly he did. Just terrible.
RSL Man of the Match: Javier Morales
Up to his old tricks! Scored a goal, got an assist, and helped drive the offense.
Assclown of the Match: Ante Razov
There were many contenders (give honorable mentions to Kennedy for piss-poor reffing and to Atiba Harris for his trademark recklessness), but I give it to Razov for his Oscar-worthy performance while getting the PK call. Dude falls down and pulls Javi on top of himself. Watch it again, it is clear as day. Super duper classless. Well done, ya assclown!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Game 25: RSL vs. Chivas TST: The Third Time's A Charm
Ah yes, the third time's a charm. After blowing two games on the road, RSL broke their undefeated streak at home with yet another beautiful choke at home. This one courtesy of a Rimando/Borchers miscommunication where Little Nicky ran out of the box after a ball that Borchers was tracking back to. No one called the other off, the ball bounced off of Borchers's chest, right to Esky, who escorted the ball into the net after Rimando ran into Borchers, taking them both out of the play. Very much like earlier this year against TST. You gotta learn from your mistakes boys!
Other than that, the game was pretty uneventful, with Findley's touch being even worse than usual and Movsisyan showing his uncanny ability to screw up a finish no matter how easy it is. Throw in Morales turning the ball over every chance he got (and not once hitting a free kick anywhere useful) and you've got another disappointing loss. Yes, RSL outplayed TST for much of the game, but since they couldn't finish, it didn't show on the scoreboard. Worse yet, the loss takes RSL out of playoff position; a loss to San Jose this week and you can say goodbye to the 2008 postseason. At least my Chicago Cubs are doing well...
Game grade: F
They blew their third straight winnable game. Could the grade be anything else?
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Had a great game up until "the play"
Chris Wingert-6 Quiet but solid
Nat Borchers-5 Decent until "the play"
Jamison Olave-6 A decent game for big J
Ian Joy-6 Played pretty well, got into the attack
(Robbie Russell 82)-6 Didn't have a lot of time to effect the game
Andy Williams-6 Played well early on, but faded quickly
(Clint Mathis 55)-6 OK but nothing special
Kyle Beckerman-6 A pretty solid game for Kyle
Javier Morales-3 Terrible. Tons of turnovers, free kicks were useless.
Will Johnson-6 Probably his worst performance in an RSL kit, but still decent.
Robbie Findley-4 His touch killed him in this one
(Kenny Deuchar 70)-6 Aggressive
Yura Movsisyan-4 As usual, can't finish
Coaching grade (Kreis): 4 Team didn't really come out very aggressive in the 2nd half. What in the hell is the Russell for Joy sub when you are down late? Is Nunez hurt? He's no Pele or anything, but he is a striker and has scored before.
Ref grade: 6 Fairly even, but let the game get a bit out of hand.
RSL Man of the Match: Kyle Beckerman
No one really stood out, but Becks was solid and kept himself involved in the game.
Assclown of the Match: Alecko Eskandarian
Seriously? You're going to give the crowd the "quiet" gesture after scoring a goal like that? You'd think he'd have hit the top corner from 45 yards or something from him showing off. Certainly not a cheap goal that a drunk monkey could have scored.
Other than that, the game was pretty uneventful, with Findley's touch being even worse than usual and Movsisyan showing his uncanny ability to screw up a finish no matter how easy it is. Throw in Morales turning the ball over every chance he got (and not once hitting a free kick anywhere useful) and you've got another disappointing loss. Yes, RSL outplayed TST for much of the game, but since they couldn't finish, it didn't show on the scoreboard. Worse yet, the loss takes RSL out of playoff position; a loss to San Jose this week and you can say goodbye to the 2008 postseason. At least my Chicago Cubs are doing well...
Game grade: F
They blew their third straight winnable game. Could the grade be anything else?
Player grades:
Nick Rimando-6 Had a great game up until "the play"
Chris Wingert-6 Quiet but solid
Nat Borchers-5 Decent until "the play"
Jamison Olave-6 A decent game for big J
Ian Joy-6 Played pretty well, got into the attack
(Robbie Russell 82)-6 Didn't have a lot of time to effect the game
Andy Williams-6 Played well early on, but faded quickly
(Clint Mathis 55)-6 OK but nothing special
Kyle Beckerman-6 A pretty solid game for Kyle
Javier Morales-3 Terrible. Tons of turnovers, free kicks were useless.
Will Johnson-6 Probably his worst performance in an RSL kit, but still decent.
Robbie Findley-4 His touch killed him in this one
(Kenny Deuchar 70)-6 Aggressive
Yura Movsisyan-4 As usual, can't finish
Coaching grade (Kreis): 4 Team didn't really come out very aggressive in the 2nd half. What in the hell is the Russell for Joy sub when you are down late? Is Nunez hurt? He's no Pele or anything, but he is a striker and has scored before.
Ref grade: 6 Fairly even, but let the game get a bit out of hand.
RSL Man of the Match: Kyle Beckerman
No one really stood out, but Becks was solid and kept himself involved in the game.
Assclown of the Match: Alecko Eskandarian
Seriously? You're going to give the crowd the "quiet" gesture after scoring a goal like that? You'd think he'd have hit the top corner from 45 yards or something from him showing off. Certainly not a cheap goal that a drunk monkey could have scored.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Game 12: RSL vs. TST: Some Home (Depot) Improvement
Well, while RSL certainly made it much more adventurous than it needed to be, they did go on the road, to the place where RSL teams go to die, and pulled out a 1-0 victory. The win at Chivas TST was RSL's first road win on the season and will hopefully start the team down the right path for the rest of the year.
First Half Grade: B
No, it wasn't pretty, but RSL played TST even (if not a little better) for most of the half. Neither team looked real sharp, but for a team that has struggled as much as they have on the road, especially in the Home Depot Center, RSL looked pretty good. While both teams struggled to create any definitive chances, it was RSL who was able to bust through. In the 34th minute, Kyle Beckerman played a nice ball forward from the midfield. Robbie Findley ran free and onto the ball, which drew TST keeper Dan Kennedy out of the goal. Robbie took the ball, ran past a chasing Klejstan, around a charging Kennedy, and buried the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 RSL. TST turned up the attack after the goal, forcing RSL into some pressure situations, but never really got anything on net. Halftime score: 1-0.
Second Half Grade: D
Wow. Not just ugly, but OOGLAY! Apparently Jason's speech at halftime was: OK, we got a goal, now everybody sit back in the final third and try to repress wave after wave of TST attack for 45 minutes. I hate this "Let's play not to lose" mentality, and it has cost RSL more times than I can count. In this game, it almost cost them again, as TST attacked again and again and again and again. Credit to Olave and Borchers who repelled TST over and over. Chivas TST's best chance probably came in the 53rd, when Utah native Justin Braun (who couldn't possibly have been onside, but I digress) ran free into the 18 and put a hard shot directly into the arms of Nick Rimando. Little Nicky did a good job cutting off the angle, but credit to Braun for making that one WAY too easy for Nick. Finally, around the 80-85th minute, RSL remembered they were allowed to hold possesion and even move forward in attack and easily killed the rest of the game. Despite facing a deluge of shots in the second half, with the help of some poor TST finishing, RSL was able to "Kansas City" their way to the shutout. Final score 1-0, RSL.
Pros:
-Findley scores again.
-The two center backs look very legit.
-Beckerman seems back to his old active, pestering self.
-Morales was all over.
-Justin Braun can't shoot.
-Rimando was solid.
-Tino Nunez looked pretty good.
-A WIN AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER!!!
Cons:
-Cordoba looks lost out there.
-Second half tactics were, to be kind, atrocious.
-Another card for Olave. He's pulling a Mantilla 2007.
Game Grade: C
I can't really be too harsh, as RSL went on the road, where they are awful, to the HDC, where they are awful, and beat Chivas TST, which is always nice (suck it, Luis Bueno!). A very painful second half, but RSL showed some character in hanging on and earning the win. Now back home to face San Jose yet again, which will be tough. Can RSL beat them again for the 500th time in the last month or will the NTOTB finally have RSL's number?
Player Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Solid when tested
Tony Beltran-7 Some iffy tackles but good
Nat Borchers-8 A brick wall in the back.
Jamison Olave-8 Big, enforcer style game; I love it!
Chris Wingert-6 Decent game, let "Whiny Sacha" get in his head a bit.
Dema Kovalenko-7 Much more of a factor than he had been recently.
Matias Cordoba-4 Did he play?
(Yura Movsisyan 62)-4 Mostly a non-factor, left injured after 25 min.
(Kenny Cutler 87)-6 Team seemed to settle when he came in.
Robbie Findley-7 Had a goal, and looked good even out of position in the 2nd.
Javier Morales-7 Pestered the goats all over the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Nice to see the old Kyle back.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Once again, hustled, but little else. Is he a bust?
(Tino Nunez 80)-7 Limited minutes, but pushed forward well.
RSL Man of the Match:
Jamison Olave - When Kreis decided he didn't want to win, but just "not to lose," it was Borchers and Olave who stepped it up. Both were great, but Jamison gets the nod for a couple well-timed, crucial tackles and clears, but mostly for the tough guy attitude that ran through his game all night long. Well done.
Assclown of the Match:
Jason Kreis - I wanted to give it to "Whiny Sacha" Klejstan for his incessant complaining (what is it about LA and whiny athletes/coaches? See: Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, the rest of the Lakers, Landon Donovan, etc. etc. etc.), but Jason won it with his tactical "brilliance." A not-even-totally-fit Yura Movsisyan at right mid? Robbie Findley seemingly playing left wing back? The complete bunker ball strategy employed the whole second half? As the kids say, "WTF?"
First Half Grade: B
No, it wasn't pretty, but RSL played TST even (if not a little better) for most of the half. Neither team looked real sharp, but for a team that has struggled as much as they have on the road, especially in the Home Depot Center, RSL looked pretty good. While both teams struggled to create any definitive chances, it was RSL who was able to bust through. In the 34th minute, Kyle Beckerman played a nice ball forward from the midfield. Robbie Findley ran free and onto the ball, which drew TST keeper Dan Kennedy out of the goal. Robbie took the ball, ran past a chasing Klejstan, around a charging Kennedy, and buried the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 RSL. TST turned up the attack after the goal, forcing RSL into some pressure situations, but never really got anything on net. Halftime score: 1-0.
Second Half Grade: D
Wow. Not just ugly, but OOGLAY! Apparently Jason's speech at halftime was: OK, we got a goal, now everybody sit back in the final third and try to repress wave after wave of TST attack for 45 minutes. I hate this "Let's play not to lose" mentality, and it has cost RSL more times than I can count. In this game, it almost cost them again, as TST attacked again and again and again and again. Credit to Olave and Borchers who repelled TST over and over. Chivas TST's best chance probably came in the 53rd, when Utah native Justin Braun (who couldn't possibly have been onside, but I digress) ran free into the 18 and put a hard shot directly into the arms of Nick Rimando. Little Nicky did a good job cutting off the angle, but credit to Braun for making that one WAY too easy for Nick. Finally, around the 80-85th minute, RSL remembered they were allowed to hold possesion and even move forward in attack and easily killed the rest of the game. Despite facing a deluge of shots in the second half, with the help of some poor TST finishing, RSL was able to "Kansas City" their way to the shutout. Final score 1-0, RSL.
Pros:
-Findley scores again.
-The two center backs look very legit.
-Beckerman seems back to his old active, pestering self.
-Morales was all over.
-Justin Braun can't shoot.
-Rimando was solid.
-Tino Nunez looked pretty good.
-A WIN AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER!!!
Cons:
-Cordoba looks lost out there.
-Second half tactics were, to be kind, atrocious.
-Another card for Olave. He's pulling a Mantilla 2007.
Game Grade: C
I can't really be too harsh, as RSL went on the road, where they are awful, to the HDC, where they are awful, and beat Chivas TST, which is always nice (suck it, Luis Bueno!). A very painful second half, but RSL showed some character in hanging on and earning the win. Now back home to face San Jose yet again, which will be tough. Can RSL beat them again for the 500th time in the last month or will the NTOTB finally have RSL's number?
Player Grades:
Nick Rimando-7 Solid when tested
Tony Beltran-7 Some iffy tackles but good
Nat Borchers-8 A brick wall in the back.
Jamison Olave-8 Big, enforcer style game; I love it!
Chris Wingert-6 Decent game, let "Whiny Sacha" get in his head a bit.
Dema Kovalenko-7 Much more of a factor than he had been recently.
Matias Cordoba-4 Did he play?
(Yura Movsisyan 62)-4 Mostly a non-factor, left injured after 25 min.
(Kenny Cutler 87)-6 Team seemed to settle when he came in.
Robbie Findley-7 Had a goal, and looked good even out of position in the 2nd.
Javier Morales-7 Pestered the goats all over the field.
Kyle Beckerman-7 Nice to see the old Kyle back.
Kenny Deuchar-6 Once again, hustled, but little else. Is he a bust?
(Tino Nunez 80)-7 Limited minutes, but pushed forward well.
RSL Man of the Match:
Jamison Olave - When Kreis decided he didn't want to win, but just "not to lose," it was Borchers and Olave who stepped it up. Both were great, but Jamison gets the nod for a couple well-timed, crucial tackles and clears, but mostly for the tough guy attitude that ran through his game all night long. Well done.
Assclown of the Match:
Jason Kreis - I wanted to give it to "Whiny Sacha" Klejstan for his incessant complaining (what is it about LA and whiny athletes/coaches? See: Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, the rest of the Lakers, Landon Donovan, etc. etc. etc.), but Jason won it with his tactical "brilliance." A not-even-totally-fit Yura Movsisyan at right mid? Robbie Findley seemingly playing left wing back? The complete bunker ball strategy employed the whole second half? As the kids say, "WTF?"
Monday, April 7, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Game 2: Real Salt Lake @ TST
This Saturday Real travels to Carson, California to take on the Goats of Chivas TST. That foul stench in the air? No, it's not Luis Bueno (although his writing may be contributing to it), but the cursed air of the Home Depot Center: "The Place Where RSL Teams Go To Die". Can RSL overcome the curse and defeat their 2005 expansion brethren? I think they have the players to, but after last week's case of deja vu, I hesitate to go against past results (which, in turn, looks very good for the upcoming Ben Cup game on 4/12). So I'm sticking with my TST 3 - RSL 1 prediction, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see RSL steal a point (or three) in LA. Especially if Jason does the wise thing and keeps Yura firmly planted on the bench.
The keys for RSL:
1) Keep up the good work in the midfield. Rumor has it that Andy Williams will sit in favor of Dema Kovalenko. Bad move. Andy played very well last week (granted, in his usual 45 minute role). I'd like to see Dema in for Talley personally.
2) Can an RSL forward not named Jeff Cunningham find the back of the net? If Deuchar can play target forward as advertised, we could be in for some success. I think if he'd been able to start over Yura last week (of course, being fresh off the plane, he couldn't) that game may not have been in doubt in extra time. Espi looked great last week and we have all seen what Findley can do for RSL, so hopefully RSL can score a goal this week!
3) No more defensive debacles! While most soccer teams seem to be able to survive a defensive lapse here and there, RSL seemingly cannot. Ever. So the boys need to have their heads in the game for the whole 90 PLUS EXTRA TIME. No more getting completely destroyed down the sideline. No more falling all over yourself trying to clear a cross and not getting to it. And no more leaving guys (especially stars) wide open in the 18. If RSL's defense can put together a whole game, we've got a chance.
4) If Atiba plays, bring the smelling salts. We'll probably need them.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, my foreshadowing picture for the week:
Ah yes, Nick Rimando skillfully taming the goats. Well done, Nick!
Finally, for a nice compendium of pre-game stuff, hit up RSLFM, she's got some other match previews and the usual starting lineups. Always nice to have. A+
Real Salt Lake at Chivas TST
Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Kickoff at 8:30 PM Mountain
TV: Directkick (sigh, still no local TV games)
Radio: 700 AM with the wonderful Bill Riley
Viewing party at Jersey's Sports Grill (677 S. 200 W., Salt Lake City)
Reserve match Sunday 4/6 @ 11 AM Mountain at the HDC
The keys for RSL:
1) Keep up the good work in the midfield. Rumor has it that Andy Williams will sit in favor of Dema Kovalenko. Bad move. Andy played very well last week (granted, in his usual 45 minute role). I'd like to see Dema in for Talley personally.
2) Can an RSL forward not named Jeff Cunningham find the back of the net? If Deuchar can play target forward as advertised, we could be in for some success. I think if he'd been able to start over Yura last week (of course, being fresh off the plane, he couldn't) that game may not have been in doubt in extra time. Espi looked great last week and we have all seen what Findley can do for RSL, so hopefully RSL can score a goal this week!
3) No more defensive debacles! While most soccer teams seem to be able to survive a defensive lapse here and there, RSL seemingly cannot. Ever. So the boys need to have their heads in the game for the whole 90 PLUS EXTRA TIME. No more getting completely destroyed down the sideline. No more falling all over yourself trying to clear a cross and not getting to it. And no more leaving guys (especially stars) wide open in the 18. If RSL's defense can put together a whole game, we've got a chance.
4) If Atiba plays, bring the smelling salts. We'll probably need them.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, my foreshadowing picture for the week:
Ah yes, Nick Rimando skillfully taming the goats. Well done, Nick!
Finally, for a nice compendium of pre-game stuff, hit up RSLFM, she's got some other match previews and the usual starting lineups. Always nice to have. A+
Real Salt Lake at Chivas TST
Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Kickoff at 8:30 PM Mountain
TV: Directkick (sigh, still no local TV games)
Radio: 700 AM with the wonderful Bill Riley
Viewing party at Jersey's Sports Grill (677 S. 200 W., Salt Lake City)
Reserve match Sunday 4/6 @ 11 AM Mountain at the HDC
Monday, October 8, 2007
10/6 RSL vs. Chivas USA
RSL may possibly be the unluckiest franchise in professional sports. Now, I know you make your own luck for the most part (and RSL has made plenty of bad luck over the past few years), but they are still very unlucky. This game was a perfect example. Despite being at least the equal of, if not better than, Chivas on the night, RSL came away with a 3-2 home loss. Sigh... On a side note, I'm not sure I'm helping any. Let's look at some of my favorite sports teams: the Chicago Cubs (enough said right there), the Syracuse Orangemen (shafted out of an NCAA berth in bball last year, football team is beyond terrible), the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (the less said about their sports teams, the better), and of course, RSL. So sorry RSL fans, I guess part of this is my fault! hahaha On to the review!
Some pregame thoughts:
-The weather was awful. 39 degrees, and it was raining off and on all day. Bravo to those who went out, you are a hardy breed indeed.
-It looked like Kreis sent out his B (or maybe B+) team for this one. Seitz for Rimando, Kotschau for Pope, Lancos and Forko for Kipre and Wingert, and Chris Brown for...well about anybody, but let's say Movsisyan.
Meh. That's the first half in a nutshell. The game was pretty even with neither team having much in the way of great chances. The weather didn't help matters much as both teams struggled with their first touches, although RSL's forwards were having an extra difficult time for some reason. In the first 15 minutes alone, the forwards misplayed at least 3 balls that could have been legitimate scoring chances, including one by C. Brown in the 10th minute that would have almost surely been a goal if he had settled it. In the 14th minute, Chivas caught a huge break when Alex Zotinca, already with a yellow, was not shown the door after a very late challenge on Espindola that sent him into the boards. Maybe not card worthy in all circumstances, but for a guy who already has a yellow and had made some rash decisions by that point of the game, it was definitely a debatable red. The game was pretty even and quite sloppy and then in the 22nd minute was a classic RSL moment. A slight defensive lapse led to a Chivas goal. Like I said before, RSL is unlucky. While other teams get away with defensive mistakes on a fairly regular basis, RSL ALWAYS seems to pay for them for whatever reason. However, this was not an undeserved goal, Merlin made some nice moves to keep Forko a couple steps off of him, allowing him room to get a cross off. The main mistake came when Cunliff ran right past Mantilla, who just was standing there, and was wide open to put the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 Chivas on some bad defense, by Forko, who needs to pressure the ball harder, and especially Mantilla, who needs to cover his man!!! Very simple really. The rest of the half passed, sloppily and mostly uneventfully, with the only real bright spot being Findley's sudden domination of the air. He seemed to win every header that came his way. If he can develop an aerial game, whoo, look out! Halftime 1-0 Chivas.
Half grade: C-
A boring, sloppy first half. RSL was a match for Chivas throughout the half and were on the wrong side of the scoreline on this one. What should've been 0-0 was 1-0 on one defensive lapse.
The second half started a lot like the first, although both teams had seemed to adjust to the conditions a bit and the ball control was better. Early in the half, RSL had a nice attack building when Brown decided he was Ronaldinho and got very cute with the ball and Chivas easily dispossessed him (that's a lot of s's!). He made up for it in the 52nd, finishing off a flicked on header from Espindola (that's from the RSL site, I swear it was Lancos with the header) off a gorgeous pin point long ball out of the back (site credits Lancos, maybe I just have the order confused?). Brown got through 2 defenders and pushed it past Guzan for the goal. Nice. 1-1. Then the floodgates opened. Cunliffe quickly answered in the 54th as no one bothered to cover him. He recieved the through ball and put it front post past Chris Seitz, who, although he was left out to dry a bit, needs to do a much better job covering the front post and cutting off that angle. That'll come with experience. 2-1 Chivas. Remember the luck theme I am using in today's review? The 58th minute saw another example of RSL's luck. Paulo Nagamura hit a once-in-a-lifetime strike from 35 yards out that went over Seitz and tucked into the top corner of the goal. I guarantee he will never score another goal like that again. A beauty of a shot, definitely worth going to MLSnet to see the highlight. 3-1 Chivas. RSL quickly clawed one back in the 63rd when Andy Williams played a nifty ball across to an onrushing Findley who buried it past Guzan for the goal. Findley has ice water in the veins I tell you, when he has a good rush on it like that he rarely misses, unlike many who put balls like that over the top or wide. Why he hasn't been playing much recently is beyond me. GET THIS GUY ON THE FIELD! 3-2 Chivas. RSL almost gave it right back in the 66th when Kotschau was absolutely embarrassed by John Cunliffe who put the ball between K's legs and went towards goal. He put a dangerous ball into the box that would've almost certainly led to a goal if Lancos had not been there to pick it out and remove the danger. Well played by Chris. Movsisyan came on in the 61st and in the 76th, continued his streak of not being able to even buy a call from the refs as he was completely thrown to the ground and wasn't even able to get a whistle. I'm feeling bad for the guy, he can't even get a fair shake. In the 77th Brown came off for the offensive prowess of...Atiba Harris??? Definitely a head scratcher of a sub, I think I'd have gone for Kyle Brown first. Or perhaps a Harris for Williams sub or something. Rather odd. Chivas then went into bunker mode, trying to hold off RSL. It worked until in the 89th, Movsisyan finally was able to get free and hit an absolute rifle shot on goal. Unfortunately, it hit the crossbar, and in true RSL-luck fashion fell onto the goalie Guzan, who smothered it. The four minutes of stoppage went by uneventfully, and despite being as good, if not better, than Chivas in this match, RSL ended up losing 3-2. However, in RSL's defense, I think with the "A" team (bum-ba-bum-bum...I pity the fool who can't hum the A-Team theme) RSL wins this game. I at least think Nick would've stopped that second goal, but oh well. On a similar note, Chivas is going to have to do MUCH better than that if they want to win the MLS Cup. I certainly wasn't overly impressed and the Houstons and DCs of the world are much much better than RSL's B Team.
Half grade: C
Bad conditions made for a sloppy game, but at least this half was entertaining. Lots of goals, but giving up two in a half (even if you score two), makes it hard to give higher than a C.
Pros:
-Findley started and played a very nice game.
-A couple nice "team goals"
-Movsisyan was active in his short time on.
-Seitz got some playing time. Good to see him out there.
-The Chivas announcers were MUCH better this time around.
Cons:
-3 goals. On a night where it was hard to control the ball. Yikes.
-That "Legion Idaho" section. It appeared to be in RCB territory if I saw it right. Opposing teams' supporters sections should not overpower our own!!!
-Too many blown first touches by the forwards, killing some good opportunities.
-That RSL lost a very winnable game.
-The Chivas announcers insisting on yelling the name "PANCHITO MENDOZA!" It's like a less endearing version of Hot Rod Hundley's old "OSTERTAG!" call.
Game grade: C-
Would have been higher with a win (obviously), but for now RSL needs to learn to win these kind of games. A sloppy game in bad conditions, but at least it was an entertaining second half!
Player grades:
Chris Seitz-5 Didn't have a lot to do. Probably could've done better on goal #2.
Chris Lancos-8 Best game in an RSL kit. Looked composed, added to attack. Nice game.
Ritchie Kotschau-4 Got beat a few times, should be embarrassed of the Cunliffe play
Matias Mantilla-4 Him leaving his man led to a goal, loses a point for it.
Willis Forko-4 Seemed to struggle in this one, still rusty I think, and cold didn't help.
sub(Chris Wingert 68)-6 Left side settled once he came in.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Feisty but got lost at times.
Carey Talley-5 Seemed more interested in mixing it up than actually playing at times.
Andy Williams-5 Some nice passes, great assist, but was absent from too much of the match.
Robbie Findley-8 Won so many headers (I didn't know he could do that), and he scored!
Chris Brown-6 Bonus point for the nice goal, otherwise thoroughly mediocre.
sub(Atiba Harris 77)-5 Never made a mark on the game in his limited time.
Fabian Espindola-7 Good game, I like him more and more. Nice runs, nice passes.
sub(Yura Movsisyan 61)-7 Looked good, shot that hit the bar was unlucky not to go in.
Man of the Match: tie! Robbie Findley and Chris Lancos. Very good game by both!
Assclown of the match: Zotinca was close, but Panchito Mendoza earned it in the 69th when after taking Williams down pretty hard he proceeded to walk over and "shove" him in the back of the head (while he was still on the ground). Andy got up and kind of went after him and then Mendoza decided to slap Andy in the face as well (a very womanly move by the way). For that completely unnecessary bout of assclownery, Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza is the Assclown of the Match!
ps-Sorry if any of this was incoherent, it was typed while I was half asleep and talking to an old friend on messenger. My bad :)
Some pregame thoughts:
-The weather was awful. 39 degrees, and it was raining off and on all day. Bravo to those who went out, you are a hardy breed indeed.
-It looked like Kreis sent out his B (or maybe B+) team for this one. Seitz for Rimando, Kotschau for Pope, Lancos and Forko for Kipre and Wingert, and Chris Brown for...well about anybody, but let's say Movsisyan.
Meh. That's the first half in a nutshell. The game was pretty even with neither team having much in the way of great chances. The weather didn't help matters much as both teams struggled with their first touches, although RSL's forwards were having an extra difficult time for some reason. In the first 15 minutes alone, the forwards misplayed at least 3 balls that could have been legitimate scoring chances, including one by C. Brown in the 10th minute that would have almost surely been a goal if he had settled it. In the 14th minute, Chivas caught a huge break when Alex Zotinca, already with a yellow, was not shown the door after a very late challenge on Espindola that sent him into the boards. Maybe not card worthy in all circumstances, but for a guy who already has a yellow and had made some rash decisions by that point of the game, it was definitely a debatable red. The game was pretty even and quite sloppy and then in the 22nd minute was a classic RSL moment. A slight defensive lapse led to a Chivas goal. Like I said before, RSL is unlucky. While other teams get away with defensive mistakes on a fairly regular basis, RSL ALWAYS seems to pay for them for whatever reason. However, this was not an undeserved goal, Merlin made some nice moves to keep Forko a couple steps off of him, allowing him room to get a cross off. The main mistake came when Cunliff ran right past Mantilla, who just was standing there, and was wide open to put the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 Chivas on some bad defense, by Forko, who needs to pressure the ball harder, and especially Mantilla, who needs to cover his man!!! Very simple really. The rest of the half passed, sloppily and mostly uneventfully, with the only real bright spot being Findley's sudden domination of the air. He seemed to win every header that came his way. If he can develop an aerial game, whoo, look out! Halftime 1-0 Chivas.
Half grade: C-
A boring, sloppy first half. RSL was a match for Chivas throughout the half and were on the wrong side of the scoreline on this one. What should've been 0-0 was 1-0 on one defensive lapse.
The second half started a lot like the first, although both teams had seemed to adjust to the conditions a bit and the ball control was better. Early in the half, RSL had a nice attack building when Brown decided he was Ronaldinho and got very cute with the ball and Chivas easily dispossessed him (that's a lot of s's!). He made up for it in the 52nd, finishing off a flicked on header from Espindola (that's from the RSL site, I swear it was Lancos with the header) off a gorgeous pin point long ball out of the back (site credits Lancos, maybe I just have the order confused?). Brown got through 2 defenders and pushed it past Guzan for the goal. Nice. 1-1. Then the floodgates opened. Cunliffe quickly answered in the 54th as no one bothered to cover him. He recieved the through ball and put it front post past Chris Seitz, who, although he was left out to dry a bit, needs to do a much better job covering the front post and cutting off that angle. That'll come with experience. 2-1 Chivas. Remember the luck theme I am using in today's review? The 58th minute saw another example of RSL's luck. Paulo Nagamura hit a once-in-a-lifetime strike from 35 yards out that went over Seitz and tucked into the top corner of the goal. I guarantee he will never score another goal like that again. A beauty of a shot, definitely worth going to MLSnet to see the highlight. 3-1 Chivas. RSL quickly clawed one back in the 63rd when Andy Williams played a nifty ball across to an onrushing Findley who buried it past Guzan for the goal. Findley has ice water in the veins I tell you, when he has a good rush on it like that he rarely misses, unlike many who put balls like that over the top or wide. Why he hasn't been playing much recently is beyond me. GET THIS GUY ON THE FIELD! 3-2 Chivas. RSL almost gave it right back in the 66th when Kotschau was absolutely embarrassed by John Cunliffe who put the ball between K's legs and went towards goal. He put a dangerous ball into the box that would've almost certainly led to a goal if Lancos had not been there to pick it out and remove the danger. Well played by Chris. Movsisyan came on in the 61st and in the 76th, continued his streak of not being able to even buy a call from the refs as he was completely thrown to the ground and wasn't even able to get a whistle. I'm feeling bad for the guy, he can't even get a fair shake. In the 77th Brown came off for the offensive prowess of...Atiba Harris??? Definitely a head scratcher of a sub, I think I'd have gone for Kyle Brown first. Or perhaps a Harris for Williams sub or something. Rather odd. Chivas then went into bunker mode, trying to hold off RSL. It worked until in the 89th, Movsisyan finally was able to get free and hit an absolute rifle shot on goal. Unfortunately, it hit the crossbar, and in true RSL-luck fashion fell onto the goalie Guzan, who smothered it. The four minutes of stoppage went by uneventfully, and despite being as good, if not better, than Chivas in this match, RSL ended up losing 3-2. However, in RSL's defense, I think with the "A" team (bum-ba-bum-bum...I pity the fool who can't hum the A-Team theme) RSL wins this game. I at least think Nick would've stopped that second goal, but oh well. On a similar note, Chivas is going to have to do MUCH better than that if they want to win the MLS Cup. I certainly wasn't overly impressed and the Houstons and DCs of the world are much much better than RSL's B Team.
Half grade: C
Bad conditions made for a sloppy game, but at least this half was entertaining. Lots of goals, but giving up two in a half (even if you score two), makes it hard to give higher than a C.
Pros:
-Findley started and played a very nice game.
-A couple nice "team goals"
-Movsisyan was active in his short time on.
-Seitz got some playing time. Good to see him out there.
-The Chivas announcers were MUCH better this time around.
Cons:
-3 goals. On a night where it was hard to control the ball. Yikes.
-That "Legion Idaho" section. It appeared to be in RCB territory if I saw it right. Opposing teams' supporters sections should not overpower our own!!!
-Too many blown first touches by the forwards, killing some good opportunities.
-That RSL lost a very winnable game.
-The Chivas announcers insisting on yelling the name "PANCHITO MENDOZA!" It's like a less endearing version of Hot Rod Hundley's old "OSTERTAG!" call.
Game grade: C-
Would have been higher with a win (obviously), but for now RSL needs to learn to win these kind of games. A sloppy game in bad conditions, but at least it was an entertaining second half!
Player grades:
Chris Seitz-5 Didn't have a lot to do. Probably could've done better on goal #2.
Chris Lancos-8 Best game in an RSL kit. Looked composed, added to attack. Nice game.
Ritchie Kotschau-4 Got beat a few times, should be embarrassed of the Cunliffe play
Matias Mantilla-4 Him leaving his man led to a goal, loses a point for it.
Willis Forko-4 Seemed to struggle in this one, still rusty I think, and cold didn't help.
sub(Chris Wingert 68)-6 Left side settled once he came in.
Kyle Beckerman-6 Feisty but got lost at times.
Carey Talley-5 Seemed more interested in mixing it up than actually playing at times.
Andy Williams-5 Some nice passes, great assist, but was absent from too much of the match.
Robbie Findley-8 Won so many headers (I didn't know he could do that), and he scored!
Chris Brown-6 Bonus point for the nice goal, otherwise thoroughly mediocre.
sub(Atiba Harris 77)-5 Never made a mark on the game in his limited time.
Fabian Espindola-7 Good game, I like him more and more. Nice runs, nice passes.
sub(Yura Movsisyan 61)-7 Looked good, shot that hit the bar was unlucky not to go in.
Man of the Match: tie! Robbie Findley and Chris Lancos. Very good game by both!
Assclown of the match: Zotinca was close, but Panchito Mendoza earned it in the 69th when after taking Williams down pretty hard he proceeded to walk over and "shove" him in the back of the head (while he was still on the ground). Andy got up and kind of went after him and then Mendoza decided to slap Andy in the face as well (a very womanly move by the way). For that completely unnecessary bout of assclownery, Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza is the Assclown of the Match!
ps-Sorry if any of this was incoherent, it was typed while I was half asleep and talking to an old friend on messenger. My bad :)
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