Wednesday, July 12, 2006

RSL gets first Open Cup Win

I wouldn't call it a dominating performance. It did take RSL all the way into overtime to squeak a 2-1 win out of the Virginia Beach Mariners of the USL First Division (one division below MLS) in the third round of Open Cup play.

Descriptions that we controlled most of the possession are little misleading. We may have had the ball but were either in our own half or traveling east and west at midfield. When Salt Lake did go forward with a healthy build up their chances looked dangerous, but few ended up on frame. The same troubles in front of the net that has been plaguing the first team strikers was affecting the young guys in front of the Mariners' net. Although, I guess Atiba has seen ample time with the first team this year but I still consider him one of the young guys.

The important thing about the game is that we won. The first win for RSL in Open Cup play. Now we're not the only MLS team in history with out a win in the national tournament. To be honest, some MLS sides take the Open Cup seriously while others don't - it's reported that DC has not defeated another MLS team in the competiion since 1997. With this year's playoff possibilities in serious doubt, RSL should really have a go at the Dewar Trophy. It would be tough, but very doable for our side. The win sets up a meeting with the Crapids on August 2nd at Rice-Eccles. I hear that all the season ticket holder's exhibition tickets are all used up, so everybody will need to pay to get in to that one.

As for the team's performance against Virginia Beach I really, really like the combination of Andy Williams and Mehdi Ballouchy playing together. Ryan Johnson looked particularly good on the wing. He has the build and speed to be a great threat streaking down the sidelines. And his crosses aren't bad either. As I have said before, Jay Nolly is a great goalkeeper. The goal that was scored by Virginia Beach was a beauty - one of those that launches Mariners supporters out of their seats and silences RSL supporters and caused me to mummble "wow". Local boy Joey Worthen also made an appearance on the flank opposite Johnson. His hustle and size will help his case for getting into a league match soon.

1 Comments:

At 3:01 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

What do you have against the Crapids?

 

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