First Impressions New England Revolution 0 : 3 DC United
I will credit Josh Gros with the win. He probably wasn't Man of the Match, but his hustle won United the game. Too many times on the road United just hasn't wanted it enough. They were headed for another 1-0 away loss again until Gros burned Matt Reis. After that goal, United went from a depleted squad trying to hold on for the tie to the team in black, even if they were wearing white. The team that never gives up, the team that possesses and passes beautifully, the team that kills off opponents instead of games, the team we fans expect when we see the shirt. In short they played like they were DC United against a team that has never known what winning a championship is like.
DC United got is groove back and swept through New England, blithely brushing off the Revs hacking. This is a team that can compete with anyone in the league. Unfortunately, it is also a team that might not show up for another three weeks if the first half of the season is any guide. United needs to work on being consistent. The backline of Namoff, Boswell, McTavish, and Burch looks good, and frankly I think they should start even when Vanney gets back to health. Gros can become the super-sub on the wing that United has needed. Consistency in the back might go a long way towards helping United move up the table. DC has some important, but winnable games coming up (LA on ESPN, @ LA in Superliga, @ Columbus, and Jersey) and needs to show its quality here if they want to make anything of the season.
Labels: 2007 Season, DCU, First Impressions, New England Revolution
posted by Kinney @ 6:55 PM
8 Comments:
My thoughts exactly. This wasn't neutral-pretty soccer, but for a United supporter this is what we've been waiting to see for a long time.
I think that this was the best match that I've seen United play in months. Despite having to fight off the chippy play of NE, they worked the ball well throughout, made the most of their chances, and stuck in the dagger (Emilio's second goal) at the very time when it seemed like NE might get one which could've changed the game a lot. Hope we see more of this in the future rather than the lackadasical play that's characterized some recent matches.
Well played by DCU. This was a result that I did not expect, due to the roster depth.I thought Kpene did well well: there were times were he shielded the ball well upon receiving it. Olsen did his usual work rate. My only concern is that Moreno might have sustained another injury to his back.
I was glad to see the didn't let up when they were up 2-0. Getting #3 to bury the Revs made it a sweet afternoon. Well done DC!
Love the new-look back line. Having Namoff back is a great help, as he brings vetran calm (wihtout sacrificing pace). He pretty much owned Kahno Smith all day long.
Seeing DCU get their hustle back is great. The question is, can the "regular" starters bring that when they are back?
It's all about the wing. When you maintain width, deliver service (Burch), the D has to spread out and suddenly your striker looks good again.
It does beg the question: though Fred is the better technical soccer player, is Gros the better wing?
...and does it then follow that Fred (who played up top down under) might be the answer to Jaime's tricky back and flagging pace?
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