3/22/09: Game Day Grades

You would assume this would be a desert, but nope...obviously the home of Dynamo, apparently the worst pitch in MLS this season. I just want to know with the new era of SSS in MLS and the continuing expansion and profitability of the league, how can this be acceptable? It was so bad I almost feared injury and change of tactics due to it. As you could see with Marshall cut up, and the sand getting kicked up every time someone went down, some major injuries could have happened. I think I heard a rumor somewhere about the possibility of an accidental chemical burn on the grass, but if that is not true, and with it being early spring in Houston... I am sure as hell glad we won't be going back there this season.

All in all, this game I felt we could and should have won, especially in the first half. This was text book case of why you have to have quality finishing on the road. The crosses were deadly and Rogers was looking especially dangerous on the left side that first half but Gaven and the likes just couldn't finish. I think Houston definitely got the home call on that set piece and the foul was not well explained by FSC, but I assume the two Dynamo players who collided looked like they were pulled down. In the 2nd half it was noticeably different with Rogers out of the line up, which will prove scary if he can't stay healthy in the coming season. Ekpo looked completely lost that whole game and from this point, doesn't look like he will be able to get comfortable in that position. I just hope Moffat can get healthy so we can put him over the right wing to fit better in Coach W's attacking style. The goal by Houston was quality, a good through ball and a nice one touch finish by Ching. Overall, the Crew played well for this early in the season, and I'll be content with taking a draw out of Houston.

Game Grades:

Moreno B- : He is what he does best, draws contact and puts in good position for set pieces. I dont know if anyone could tell, but his weak left foot really showed throughout the match.

Schelotto A: Precision at its finest, he controlled the pace of the game and had a great shot with no room there.

Rogers A-: Looked great on that left side and really set pace to our attack for the night. I hope this hammy issue won't be lingering for too long, as he is our game changer.

Ekpo D: Looked absolutely terrible all night and def. didn't seem comfortable in his new role at all. His touch was abysmal and passing was terrible. I think you will see his greatness when we can move him out to the wing.

Carroll B- : A quiet game from Carroll, but that's a good thing. Controlled the midfield well and didn't give away many balls.

Gaven C+: Had he finished two balls he would have been the man of the match. Had to take that yellow in my opinion as we were beat on D.

Hejduk C: Scared me to death the way he was recklessly tackling last night. On another day, he could have been seeing red instead of yellow with that tackle. If the pitch was gonna injure anyone, I was scared to death it was going to be this guy.

Marshall B: Looked good in the back as always even though he technically was the one that got beat on the Houston goal.

O'Rourke B: I dont remember much of his contribution last night, but overall D looked dangerous at times but held up.

Padula B: Looked strong on the left side, hope he stays healthy for the season.

Hesmer B: Without the Ching shot on goal, nothing really came his way much of the game except crosses into the box which was mishandled by Houston. Other than that, pretty solid.

Grendi C+: Tactical substitution but looked lost at times.

Garey B: Good substitution, handled a good ball which he got over to Schelotto for the goal.

Team Grade: B

Overall a typical and standard Crew game. The big players stepped up when they needed to step up. Good intensity for an early game, and I looked Coach W's attacking style. Expect to watch some fun football this season, but be aware that we are going to have to get used to being beat on some counter attacks.