Pontius's goal
I can't stop watching this goal (starting at 2:05). Not only is it a quality cross from Wallace, but Jaime's dummy is almost diabolical in its simplicity! It is absolute magic from 99 to let that ball go through and how that isn't an assist requires a rewriting of the rules. The main thing that I can't get over is how slowly the ball is moving when Jaime lets it go through. How could Jaime have possibly have imagined that someone, anyone, would be in position to better strike the ball than he was in. I can't get over it.
OK, so, great goal, right? And this is our man Pontius, who could have easily skyed it over the bar, like he did in past weeks. But he didn't; the way he opened his foot and buried the shot was quality. That is why I love the goal so much.
Consider this an open thread for comments.
posted by Bob @ 10:46 PM
8 Comments:
Ah, yes. That was the goal I failed to be entertained by, just before Toronto's goal that provoked me to leave the stadium in a fit of pique.
I'm feeling a lot better about it all now. And you're right, that's one of the best dummies I've ever seen played. 99 sells it so perfectly.
OT-- got to say I like the sound of a United-Union derby...
-K
The dummy was sublime and elegant. A few weeks ago Pontius would have put that ball over the bar and that is what I am loving about this kid, he learned his lesson. Since skying the sitter over the bar a few weeks ago, Pontius has put those kinds of shots on frame. When you do that, some will get saved, some will get deflected but importantly some will score and that is what matters.
Well lads and lasses, I would say enjoy it while you can. I cannot, nor would I want to, take anything away from this goal. Its the 70 or so minutes between this and the first goal that I have me concerned.
Anecdote: I took my father (Sounders fan) to this game because he was in town and I didn't want to miss the game. Walking out he commented that after playing almost the entire game on the attacking half of the pitch he never though DCU would have to make a last ditch effort for a draw. I shrugged it off, saying it seemed to be United's MO this year. That's when I realized, "Son-of-a-bitch, how many games has the recap looked something like 'United controlled the game for most of the match. . . looked menacing. . . tied'?"
What happened to that soccer angst-o-meter? Which is worse, when your team is just pretty bad (last year) or when you team seems to dominate the opposition in every way except the scoreline (this year)?
Having been a downer, I will say, if United ties or beats Chivas USA away, the way Chivas is playing right now, I will be forced to accept that the team is better than "pretty good."
Also, I think you're being awfully harsh on Pontius. Emilio has missed more than a few sitters this year and he's being paid a lot more. I'm starting to get excited with Pontius and Quaranta are on the pitch. They don't always score, but I think they're both a lot of fun to watch and push the team in a positive direction.
Skippy, that was why I walked out in a fit of pique and missed the last goal. I wanted us to score, of course, but there was no joy in getting points from this match. We totally dominated and almost lost.
IMO, most of the blame in this particular case lies with the goalie, not the outfield players. I was so very frustrated late because I was so very excited early... it looked to me like this team was having a breakout, everything-comes-together performance, and then various forms of BS (the ref, Kocic, ill fortune) completely undermined it. Toronto deserved diddly from this one, and still got a point.
(To be clear, I'm not really unhappy with Kocic so much as I'm unhappy with management for putting him out there when he is so obviously unready. Even if they have decided to let Crayton go when his contract ends, that's no excuse for throwing away points like this. If Louis is in net, we win that game comfortably. And don't start with me about how Crayton could fail, too. Of course it's possible... but really, how is this a hard decision? KOCIC. IS. NOT. READY. It was clear after two games, we didn't need a third - for the division lead, no less - to figure that one out.)
neither Pontius nor Moreno are on the all-star ballot...
-K
Anonymous said...
neither Pontius nor Moreno are on the all-star ballot...
-K
14 May, 2009 11:51
Um, yes they are. Look again, this time with eyes OPEN.
I have this disturbing image of you watching that goal over and over again on a loop in a darkened room, a la Ray Finkel or something.
*ping* anyone home? We miss you.
Post a Comment
<< Return to The DCenters Main Page (HOME)