RSL vs. Metros July 4th chatter [R]

rabble-rabble · 07-05-2005, 10:30 AM

I have very mixed feelings about last night’s match.

Certainly it was frustrating to watch RSL control much of the first half, only to give up a last minute goal that came on a counter that started after a non-call at the other end and by DJ somehow giving up a rebound on what appeared to be an easy save on the first shot. Then to see the straight red shown to Dunseth (after several ‘professional fouls’ on the other end didn’t receive even a yellow) was very discouraging. I could make other comments about calls in general. I guess I should simply note that when a team heads the ball back toward its own goal, there is no offsides on the other team, and as noted earlier, players other than the goalie are not allowed to knock down passes with their arms.

But after the early second half goal that put us down 2-0, RSL started to adjust to the short-handed situation and made a heroic effort to get back in the game, but just couldn’t break through and it seemed (as Glenn noted) it was almost as if one of the teams had an extra player on the field. But finally Seth had his beautiful floating shot that found the far post and bounced the right way. RSL found even more energy at that point and looked as though they were the team with the extra man and mounted an aggressive assault on the Metros goal. Finally they were rewarded when Kreis earned the penalty through a foul that seemed less of an infraction then several uncalled ones against Watson earlier in the match. (Hopefully Jamie will start earning some of those calls, he’s really had harsh treatment from the officials so far this year.)

Gotta love the effort of the team to come back and earn a point after being down 2 goals and down a man. Great crowd support to stay with the team too. We really are lucky to have such supportive and knowedgeable fans in our community.

The team’s been playing better the last few matches and really deserves a win soon. Hopefully we can overcome the challenges of putting together a lineup that can get us a win against Chivas this weekend. Going to be tough missing Dunseth (suspension), Pope (national team duty) and most probably Pierce (hamstring).

Also should mention Pierce of course who made a few nice plays in the limited time he was on the pitch. Get well soon Rusty.

A few fans at the game were commenting the head official was the well-respected Hall (who has officiated World Cup matches) but the boxscore lists the head ref as Kevin Terry.

SoccerPrime · 07-05-2005, 10:34 AM

It was Kevin Terry.
Brian Hall is in much better shape (oh and he is much better at calling games, hence his call-up to the WC).

Jim Umber · 07-05-2005, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

It was Kevin Terry.
Brian Hall is in much better shape (oh and he is much better at calling games, hence his call-up to the WC).

Apparently, we can't find any refs locally, that know the rules or can see, or are in shape, for that matter. We've seen some horrid reffing! :yucky:

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be out there, in their place. Besides being even worse, I don't think I would like being booed, or hearing some of our quaint ref chants. :ohmygod:

Stucki · 07-05-2005, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

Apparently, we can't find any refs locally, that know the rules or can see, or are in shape, for that matter. We've seen some horrid reffing! :yucky:

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be out there, in their place. Besides being even worse, I don't think I would like being booed, or hearing some of our quaint ref chants. :ohmygod:

I would imagine that stuff just comes with the territory when you are a sports official. Youth officials have to put up with it for games where there aren't any real stakes at play.

SoccerPrime · 07-05-2005, 11:38 AM

In the defense of my friends that are refs, it is rather difficult and no one ever, ever likes you.
Just to become a MLS official, you have to put in a lot of time and pass many, many tests given to you by your peers.

Jim Umber · 07-05-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

In the defense of my friends that are refs, it is rather difficult and no one ever, ever likes you.
Just to become a MLS official, you have to put in a lot of time and pass many, many tests given to you by your peers.

I agree (that's why I included the last part, but it's still frustrating to watch!

bordelais7 · 07-05-2005, 12:20 PM

I think there were 20,121 people on hand who would have done a better job calling hand-ball infractions than that officiating crew...🙂

Stucki · 07-05-2005, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bordelais7

I think there were 20,121 people on hand who would have done a better job calling hand-ball infractions than that officiating crew...🙂

What do you mean would have? We did do a better job with it.

DadOf8 · 07-05-2005, 12:27 PM

I'll post this in the MOTM thread, sorry.

SoccerPrime · 07-05-2005, 01:13 PM

Ok I am convinced that what is required for RSL to do well is that Rover, Ska, myself and all the other RSL exiles are not allowed to watch the games.
So far every non-televised game has either been a win or a thrilling tie.
So I put the blame squarely on the Exiles.
Maybe we should just ban ourselves from the next televised game (Chivas) and see what happens.
Or maybe not... 😉