Debriefing for Match 11.C: Real Madrid Friendly

DC UNITED 1 : 1 REAL MADRID CF

Media, Traditional and Otherwise

The Washington Post, Steven Goff: "It was the stuff of European excellence: superb one-touch passing in tight space and a dynamic strike from the top of the penalty area, a raucous celebration on the field and in the jam-packed stands."
The Guardian: ""The crowd cheered a little too much for the other team," joked Adu after the game. "I thought this was America.""
MLSnet, Charles Boehm: "Once the final whistle blew, both sides moved forward with objectives achieved and heads held high as Madrid benefited from lively preseason competition and United once again represented its nation and its league with pride."
RealMadrid.com: "A beautiful collective play allowed Eskandarian to put the ball in the back of Casillas' net in the 25-minute mark."
SoccerTimes: "D.C. United refused to back down and played Spanish power Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw before 66,830 at Qwest Field tonight."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Matthew Gaschk: "Every chance Real Madrid had was countered with critical plays by United, capped by a brilliant save off the goal line by defender Facundo Erpen in the second half."
BlackDogRed: "That DCU showed strong on a neutral field, before a slightly pro-Madrid crowd (though the fans cheered all good soccer), makes the result all the more impressive."
DC Sun Devil: "After about the 55th minute, the pressure started to mount for United and Los Galacticos were starting to smell blood. From the 60th minute on, the United defense produced probably the greatest defensive effort I have seen a MLS club ever do."

The Good

1. "It's Real Madrid for Chrissakes": DC United went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the world and it ended in a draw. We all know the reasons why Real Madrid wasn't playing the best soccer that they are capable of so I won't go into that here, but anyone in United's organization should come out of this game with their head held high. This was the only time they can play Real Madrid and they did just that, going at them and not holding back. Kudos.
   
2. Adjustments to International Play: A lot of our players were a step behind against some of the best players in the world. Freddy getting stoned by Roberto Carlos. Namoff getting turned on the goal. Boswell getting beat by Horseface. But, United overcame it by playing one touch ball and having good team defense to score the goal and then hold on for the tie. Hopefully this will just make United that more cohesive and quick when they go back to MLS play next Wednesday.
3. Branding: Despite the fact that it is pre-season for the European clubs there is no doubt that United is making a name for itself with these matches. Not only is DC competitive but they are playing attractive soccer while doing it and that is what a lot of people are going to remember.

The Bad

1. All-Star Break?: What an all star break. We got to see an All-Star team with 8 United players beat Chelsea. Then United tie Real Madrid all the way across the continental United States. Plus an Open Cup game thrown in for good measure. Great for the fans, not so good for rest. I am really, really, hoping this doesn't come back to bite United in the ass the second half of the season.

Man of the Match

N/A - This is a friendly.

Final Thoughts

Great game to watch. Wish I could have been there in person. But glad to see they got the stadium sold out up in Seattle. That's a lot of people to watch a soccer match. But, I really wish U.S. fans would support U.S. teams more. I mean check out these reports by the Seattle Post-Intellignecer (Yes, the Intelligencer). We have great support here in DC, but it was sad to see so many Americans rooting against United for no real reason. But I guess that is what these friendlies are about, convincing Americans that the MLS is good enough to support.