Thoughts on last night's game:
**Schelotto continues to be a legend, 3 goals in 5 games. Two in the run of play which already matches his total from the run of play last year. The guy simply does not have any off days. And, seems to be even improving and learning continuously at 36. Schelotto might even have a better year then last year as he didn't have quite this effect on the scoreboard early in 2008. Schelotto already has half the goals he had in all of 2008 (6).
**Well, what do you know? Ekpo looks like a totally different player on the wing. Got the assist and was far more dangerous the entire night. No reason to blame Ekpo for his play before because he wasn't a central midfielder. It's like asking Hesmer to play central defender.
**Speaking of central defender. Big ups to Eric Brunner who had a fantastic debut if you ask myself or most Crew fans. If Marshall is okay I would like to see maybe more of Brunner and Marshall together in central defense if Brunner keeps this up. As Marshall and Brunner would be like twin towers on that backline and O'Rourke had a pretty shaky game. Only one who really did.
I think Brunner almost scored on a Marshall-esque header in the first half. Wouldn't that have been a great way to start the career.
**Adam Moffat was what the Crew were missing in midfield. His grit, determination, and never say die attitude in midfield was sorely missed. Thankfully he is back. Moffat being healthy may determine our season more then anything with Evans gone. Because I don't think we have anyone else who can play that position anywhere close to how Moffat did last night. At the end, Moffat sort of ran out of gas. But, should be more game fit against Chicago.
Overall, looked like a much more confident team and midfield with him back. Looked like Carroll had a partner back as well, instead of being the Lone Ranger in defensive midfield.
**Lenhart was dangerous when he came on. The problem is you never know what you're going to get this season. The first two times off the bench he looked totally ineffective. Last night he was a beast off the bench. Hopefully we see Lenhart unleash the beast more often.
**The Crew still need to learn how to finish their chances. Crew could and should have finished that game 3-1. But, there are ACTUALLY positives to take away from this game compared to the false positives of the others.
Even though the Crew tied they should be very pleased with their play. The Crew should rest and get back Hejduk, Rogers, and hopefully Marshall. Maybe, probably a long shot, Noonan as well.
Also, nobody in the East is running away with the lead. Even Chicago(8 points) had to battle for a late tie against San Jose. If the Crew(3 points) get a win against Chicago on the 25th they will have 6 points and will be right back in the hunt again.
Last night made me very confident that once we get a couple of guys back on the 25th and with the additions of Moffat again and Brunner(very good defensive pick up) we will be fine.
4/12/09: Last Night Might Have Been Just A Tie. But, The Crew Looked Very Good And Can Take ACTUAL Positives From This Game
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10 comments:
I'm not as confident as you, because I think the Crew were really trying their hardest. If they keep that up we'll be fine but theres all ways the possibility that they will slip back into that awful early style of play. So I guess I would say I'm causously optimistic.
If Moffat stays where he is at. If Ekpo stays out on the wing. If Frankie and Rogers are healthy by the next game we will be fine.
They need to just finish their chances. It will get there.
And, I'm not booming with optimism but compared to what I saw the first four games I'll take that.
Excellent post. I agree %100.
My concern: I love Moreno's work ethic, but the guy isn't really cutting it in my opinion. We can point to the injuries around the field, his national team absence, his half game, but for me his performance has been subpar. Particularly, I think his ability to hold the ball has been off.
Here's hoping he proves me wrong and dives into the Nordecke vs shitcago.
Good post. I felt the same way when I watched the game. Unfortunately I only got to watch the first half, as I DVR'd the game and the direct kick package appeared to have had technical difficulties and I didn't really want to wait or try to fin when the problems got sorted out. Either way, I though they looked MUCH better.
Wow is it good to see Moffat. He did exactly what he was expected to do. He did have a few touchs that were off due to the rust on his legs, but give him a bye week and he is 100% back. Carroll ought to be smiling.
Brunner also looked very good. Which may end up being a very good thing this season, as I am not sure when we'll see Marshall again with that concussion. He has me worried.
Ekpo=winger
One other thing that should have been pointed out is that Padula looked much, MUCH better. He was getting into the attack and getting some damn good crosses. I believe be crossed the ball that led to the Brunner header off the crossbar.
To Chris: I know what you mean. He works his ass off, but has not been as good as he was last year early on. I do hope he goes nuts one of these games and scores 4 goals, but we'll see. Can't wait for Noonan to come back. Should be interesting to see hoe he factors in, if at all.
chris & zirrard19, thank you for seeing things my way!! (in regards to #10)
I liked the attack we had the first half, I don't like giving up 80th minute goals, Ekpo looked good on the wing but his shots were off for some reason. We need a win against Chicago!!!
Umm, 8:49 AM: I didn't say Moreno was a terrible player. He was a great force for our attack last year.
If his game doesn't pick up from where it's currently at in '09, then I'll take your side.
I'm on the same wavelength as you Chris. I'm actually a fan of Moreno, he just hasn't been in form recently. I would find it hard to replace someone like him, who is liked by most of the fan base.
o damn.. i guess im still the only one in the moreno-haters club
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