As I think back over this season, I can think of at least a dozen games that were worthy of being “the game” that knocked RSL out of playoff contention…how about the 4-0 drubbing we took from Chivas as an example. That was a game where we looked tactically outclassed and thouroughly outmatched from a personnel perspective. We were FLAT-OUT outplayed. Saturday’s game on the other hand, was something else entirely. RSL looked like they had some definite mismatches that they struggled with through the game, but for the most part they were able to minimize damage from them. We were exposed by Richards’ pace on the right flank, and Willis Forko fought the good fight to minimize the damage. Mathis created some problems for us by dribbling into the defensive sag, but RSL was able to adjust and regroup. On the whole, they were tactically solid. They were able to absorb pressure and counter-attack NY on the flank, bringing midfielders through the center to aid the attack. Esky, whose forward play I have been critical of, played well dropped off of the attack, putting some dangerous, if ultimately a little off-target shots in from outside. RSL utilized what NY was willing to give them to great effect, exploiting their weaknesses rather than bludgeoning themselves against NY’s center stack. I can’t speak highly enough of Espindola’s outside play. He continued to force the issue outside and was eventually rewarded by a great ball from Esky. He slotted the ball perfectly to a trailing Beckerman, whose one-touch finish was worthy of the pass.
My only real disappointment from the match was the scoreline. I felt RSL had put together a game worthy of the win, and unfortunately came up short. They lived a little dangerously from time to time, giving up too much space to NY, and Doe made Mantilla look foolish spinning him, but they gave a great effort, and it took what I still feel was a pretty questionable PK for NY to even the match.
Well done lads…my compliments on the match. And Kreis, you get some kudos for this one as well for some good preparation and an intelligent approach. Now if we can just tighten up the midfield in front of the goal. WAY too much space afforded NY 25-35 yards out.
-Heretic
October 2nd, 2007
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