Match Recap: DC United 2 - 1 Chivas USA
Sorry that this is late. Work hasn't been as boring as it usually has and actually requires me to be productive.
Anyways....
So they finally picked up a victory in the 2007 MLS season. It wasn't the prettiest of matches, and I felt that United played better Thursday night against the Revolution, but they pulled out the victory. With the win aside, several questions still linger IMHO, namely the back line and the midfield.
Having Josh Gros play in the back as part of a 4 man back line is working better than a 3 man back line, but there has got to be a better answer out there. As I understand that United has some cap space and allocation cash on hand, hopefully once the transfer window opens on June 15th, United's scouts will be looking around for a defender to take Josh's spot in the back line.
The midfield is another touchy issue and one of those reasons is that the possession play just isn't there anymore. Brian Carroll seems to be showing all of us why he never landed a gig in Europe over the winter tranfer period. He did play better Sunday than in previous matches, but he was playing more like a guy who was told to produce or pack your bags, than a guy who has found his inner midfielder. Clyde Simms has shown on more than several occasions that he is a much better choice for the midfield holding role that Carroll is asked to fill.
MVP, despite his goal on Sunday, still seems to be abit slower this year. Is the fact that United has refused to give him DP cash affecting his play? I never understand why guys who are having contract issues play poorly. Wouldn't they want to play well to show why they deserve the cash? Maybe it is getting to his head, I don't know. I do think that Gomez will be able to get better looks at the ball when he is flanked by Fred and Gros and with Emilio in front of him.
One thing that I have been happy about is that Soehn is cycling guys in and out of the line-up. Giving Jamie the first half off on Thursday, for punishment or not, was a good move in the long run, as was holding Emilio out of the first half on Sunday. These guys have got alot of games ahead of them and most of them will be in very hot and humid weather, while wearing a black jersey. As we saw last year, they are gonna get gassed, so why not save some of their energy right now, no? We have seen that Kpene can play at this level as well as Casal, so if they can come in and give Moreno or Emilio a half or a night off, then I say get them on the pitch.
So now United have another week off before they head up to Toronto to take on the MLS newbies. With another two weeks to rest up, hopefully Fred will be able to make the trip and get some time on the field. Hopefully the defense will be able to get a better grasp of their new assignments over the next two weeks as well.
Anyways....
So they finally picked up a victory in the 2007 MLS season. It wasn't the prettiest of matches, and I felt that United played better Thursday night against the Revolution, but they pulled out the victory. With the win aside, several questions still linger IMHO, namely the back line and the midfield.
Having Josh Gros play in the back as part of a 4 man back line is working better than a 3 man back line, but there has got to be a better answer out there. As I understand that United has some cap space and allocation cash on hand, hopefully once the transfer window opens on June 15th, United's scouts will be looking around for a defender to take Josh's spot in the back line.
The midfield is another touchy issue and one of those reasons is that the possession play just isn't there anymore. Brian Carroll seems to be showing all of us why he never landed a gig in Europe over the winter tranfer period. He did play better Sunday than in previous matches, but he was playing more like a guy who was told to produce or pack your bags, than a guy who has found his inner midfielder. Clyde Simms has shown on more than several occasions that he is a much better choice for the midfield holding role that Carroll is asked to fill.
MVP, despite his goal on Sunday, still seems to be abit slower this year. Is the fact that United has refused to give him DP cash affecting his play? I never understand why guys who are having contract issues play poorly. Wouldn't they want to play well to show why they deserve the cash? Maybe it is getting to his head, I don't know. I do think that Gomez will be able to get better looks at the ball when he is flanked by Fred and Gros and with Emilio in front of him.
One thing that I have been happy about is that Soehn is cycling guys in and out of the line-up. Giving Jamie the first half off on Thursday, for punishment or not, was a good move in the long run, as was holding Emilio out of the first half on Sunday. These guys have got alot of games ahead of them and most of them will be in very hot and humid weather, while wearing a black jersey. As we saw last year, they are gonna get gassed, so why not save some of their energy right now, no? We have seen that Kpene can play at this level as well as Casal, so if they can come in and give Moreno or Emilio a half or a night off, then I say get them on the pitch.
So now United have another week off before they head up to Toronto to take on the MLS newbies. With another two weeks to rest up, hopefully Fred will be able to make the trip and get some time on the field. Hopefully the defense will be able to get a better grasp of their new assignments over the next two weeks as well.
posted by Brian at 7:42 AM
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