“When you hang a man, you better look at him.”

By: scott | August 13th, 2007

What a way to go…Dallas 3 Columbus 2. The Hoops steal it at the death and we’re left wondering again about the “playoff picture.” But, to be honest I am taking a lot from this loss. We controlled portions of the game against arguably one of the top two teams in the league. For long stretches we were not only better, we were dominant. And if Alvarez hadn’t had a lucky sitter for the first goal, I think 2-nil would have broken their backs, but… This is football and sometimes she doesn’t go your way. I hope the Crew will take positives from this match and not get too discouraged. I see nothing to worry about. With the exception maybe of Gaven starting on the right side (he seems better as an early sub) we had no weaknesses. Migs at left back was strong enough and certainly more of an attacking threat than Pierce.

For those of you who need the useful perspective a metaphor can offer. One of my students recently turned in a paper on Western novels in which he introduced the verb to “drygulch”–or to get ambushed, surprised, or shot in the back. Well folks, and the word is geographically apt, we went and got ourselves drygulched in Dallas. There’s nothing for it but to get back on the horse and seek a little revenge. Remember “Hang ‘em High”? WWCED? He’d go looking to kick some ass, that’s what he’d do.
With that in mind, let’s look at the schedule.

Next up, we’ve got a couple of serious tests. Our new friend Emilio and our old friend DeRo. Incidentally, don’t get caught in goal with De Rosario, it looks pretty suspect. Like an episode of Oz or something. Maybe this is why Ching isn’t scoring as often as he used to, he’s afraid of the goal…and what happened there. Ok, enough of the homoerotic speculation. I can’t prove anything.

Here’s the remaining schedule:

08/18 – Saturday D.C. United
- I’m going to call this a win. 1-0. At Crew stadium we’re generally pretty solid. We can slow their attack and hit them for a goal on the counter. [3 points]

08/25 – Saturday @ Houston Dynamo
- If we can get a draw here more power to us, but I’m not holding my breath. I even heard the pundits on World Soccer Daily saying the Dynamo could compete in Europe. They must be good. 2-1 Houston. [0 points]

09/02 – Sunday Colorado Rapids
- If we don’t win this one at home, I’d be surprised. Sure, the rapids are improving but away from home they’ve been less than impressive. 2-nil Crew. [3 points]

09/08 – Saturday Chicago Fire
- Like DC, this is a problematic home fixture, particularly with everyone’s favorite side-show in the lineup. But I’m going traditional here and calling every home game a victory, so it’s 2-1 to the Crew. Maybe with a late winner. [3 points]

09/15 – Saturday @ Kansas City Wizards
- This one screams of a draw. It will be all defense for the Black and Gold, particularly after getting our pocket picked once before. 1-1. [1 point]

09/22 – Saturday @ Toronto FC
- Yes, I know. BMO is a tough place to play. But Toronto can only get so far on heart. They’ve looked weaker and weaker as time has passed. Young players get tired, lose focus. Experienced players get injured. It’s tough, I am pulling for them most of the time. Of course, not this time. Crew wins it 2-0. [3 points]

09/30 – Sunday Los Angeles Galaxy
- So, here it is. THAT game. You know, I feel bad for the Galaxy. They are a team with a lot of history in this league and they will continue to be. But at the moment the world is looking and they are total rubbish. Really, really bad. And don’t look like getting any better this season. Of course, take this as a warning. Next year the Galaxy win the MLS cup. Donovan is gone, Beckham is captain. They lose 3, maybe 4 games tops. Crew 3-1, Schelotto gets 1 and an assist. [3 points]

10/06 – Saturday FC Dallas
- Revenge. Crew 2-1. [3 points]

10/13 – Saturday @ New England Revolution
- Yeah, I’d like to think we’ll get a draw here. But…Revs 1-0. [0 points]

10/20 – Saturday @ D.C. United
- The last game of the season we’ll be looking to get something (and we may need it). DC will be safe in a playoff spot I’m guessing by then so they’ll have their foot off the pedal. 2-2. [1 point]

So, I’m an Enlish major. Give me a second for the math… That’s 20 points from our remaining games. Plus the 26 we’ve already got, we’ll have 46 points at the end of the regular season. That’s got to be enough for the playoffs, right? Even of you include, say, a +/- 5 into my predictions, we’ll have over 40 points which, historically, has been enough to get us in. From there its unforgiving defense and counterattacks–the Benitez in Europe approach–and the Crew Nation brings it home. Dare to dream.

It’s United at home this weekend kids, you better get out there and sing. Until next time, think Black and Gold thoughts.