Chicago Preview
By: Matt | April 24th, 2009
For most match previews, I usually wax philosophically about an issue related to the opponent or the goings on of the league. However, I would say that my thoughts on the whole Brian McBride situation would qualify with that. Besides, what is there to say? It’s a Columbus-Chicago match up. If you need to be excited for this one, then you also might want to check and make sure you, in fact, have a pulse still. I would like to just comment on the fact that, in all of their wisdom, the University of Dayton has DECIDED TO HAVE FINAL EXAMS ON A FUCKING SATURDAY! This means I won’t be viewing this game in person sadly, instead I’ll be writing about the politics of Human Rights. However, hopefully I will be done with my examinations in time to catch some of the match on FSC. While it will not be the same as catching the match in the Nordecke, a consolatory beer or eight in a pub will have to suffice. Enough about my academic life, onto the preview
NJURY REPORT: COLUMBUS CREW — OUT: FW Jason Garey (R ankle sprain); MF Cory Elenio (L hamstring strain); DF Frankie Hejduk (R hamstring tightness); QUESTIONABLE: GK William Hesmer (L knee sprain); PROBABLE: DF Chad Marshall (facial contusion); MF Robbie Rogers (L hamstring tightness) … CHICAGO FIRE – OUT: FW Peter Lowry (L knee sprain); FW Calen Carr (L ACL tear); DF Daniel Woolard (R ankle sprain); DOUBTFUL: DF C.J. Brown (R quad strain);
QUESTIONABLE: DF Wilman Conde (L hip flexor strain); PROBABLE: DF Gonzalo Segares (R quad contusion)
The Crew and Fire shared the honors in their two reglar season meetings last season. The Fire ended the Crew’s US Open Cup run last season with a 3-2 victory in extra time. Of course, the Crew got their revenge on the Fire in the Eastern Conference Finals in the playoffs with Chad Marshall’s header to win it.
The Crew should be buoyed by the likely return of Chad Marshall and Robbie Rogers to the squad. Frankie Hejduk is still not ready however and first choice keeper Will Hesmer is very questionable. Hopefully the returns will be enough to earn the Crew their first victory of the season.
 |
MLS Forums | Columbus Results |  |
 |
Category: Match Preview
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share
      |
Comments
-
What a punch to the balls.
Posted from
United States
-
How much longer can the Columbus Crew afford to allow the team to play with no apparent motivation or technical strategy? Is it not time to find a proven head soccer coach before the season is completely lost? How long can the Crew allow Gino Padula to single-handedly lose every other match with his lack of speed and poor decisions?
Posted from
United States -
Glenn-While I am as frustrated as you with Saturday’s turn of events, I disagree with a few of your points. First, I don’t think motivation was a factor. You don’t jump out to a 2-0 lead and dominate play for 75 minutes against one of the best teams in the East because you are unmotivated. Unfortunately for the Crew, games are 90 minutes.
Secondly, I would agree with all of the subs that Bob made but I had a problem with him letting the Fire take the game to us at the end and try and hold on. With the amount of attacking options Chicago has, there’s no way we’re going to be able to keep all of them quiet if they have all the possession. We seem to have trouble closing obviously though.
Finally, while Padula’s tackle was not clean, it was by no means a red. The commentators on FSC said so much and the fact that it was against Blanco brings it further in doubt whether or not it was actually a red worthy tackle. That referee showed no consistency all game. Hell, he denied a clear stonewall penalty to Moreno minutes before dishing out a red. The level of refereeing in the MLS is a joke, and the Man in Orange Saturday is the head jester.
Posted from
United States -
I’ll get a full wrap up of the game on today.
Posted from
United States -
“Finally, while Padula’s tackle was not clean, it was by no means a red.”
You’re correct it wasn’t, however from Jair’s angle it certainly looked like a cleats up tackle high into the body. That’s a red most often, and you really shouldn’t fault Jair for making that call, he doesn’t have instant replay.
“The commentators on FSC said so”
I really have to call you on this one. They hardly ever, and I stress ever get anything right. I’m just trying to make sure you don’t see them as experts at officiating, because they really aren’t.
Posted from
United States
Comments are closed
Home 
