MOTM - May 14th vs. LA

[montgjules]

Man of the Match for May 14th, 2005

The Loyalists came home happy last Saturday after watching Real Salt Lake beat the Los Angeles Galaxy. The team, energized by an energetic crowd in Rice-Eccles stadium, was working together fluidly to shut down the ever-dangerous Landon Donovan. Several players on the team had standout performances, making it difficult for some Loyalists to choose one Man of the Match.

“Saturday's game without a doubt combined some of the best individual efforts I have yet to see on the pitch for Real. As such, this might be the hardest decision for MOTM,” said Reed Rossbach. “Personally, I think that the vote should really be between Dunseth and Pope, who were incredibly solid all game long, time and again turning a Galaxy opportunity into a Real possession.”

Florida Loyalist Ethan Gomberg said, “Nolly made an excellent debut, with over nine saves. Kreis put us ahead and added number 95 to his resume. But Pope with his excellent goal really got us back in the game.”

Nearly two-thirds of the Loyalists agreed with Ethan, voting Eddie Pope as the Loyalists Man of the Match. Eric Salsbery said, “Eddie was in on all of the most crucial defensive efforts and clearances and was instrumental in shutting down the Landon Donovan factor. The combination of Pope and Pierce made Donovan a non-factor. Oh yeah and there was that kung fu kick for the equalizer.”

Loyalists president Glenn Webb said, “Getting that first goal was all-important. [Pope] cleared and snuffed out about a dozen LA attacks. He showed how he got his reputation.”

“Eddie Pope was the player of the game,” said Roger Douglass. “He not only scored the equalizer, he defended like a madman.”

Several votes also went to Jay Nolly for his efforts as goalkeeper. Craig Whetten said, “He stepped up to hand the four-wins-in-a-row Galaxy their second defeat of the season. All in his first MLS start.”

Nate Huggins nominated Brian Dunseth for MOTM, saying, “I've got to go with Brian Dunseth. No, he didn't have any points in the game, but I thought he was all over the field clearing out potential crosses and blocking would-be shots all night.”

Clint Mathis was also nominated for Man of the Match for what some termed his best game of the season so far.

Congratulations to Eddie Pope and to the entire team for a standout performance on Saturday.

Votes for Man of the Match can be emailed to rslmotm [at] gmail.com. Votes for the Wednesday game against Chivas should be sent before the beginning of the next game (the following Saturday) but will be accepted through the following Monday if you include “Chivas” in the subject line. Votes for Saturdays game against Columbus Crew should be sent before 5 p.m. the following Monday. Thanks to everybody who sent in comments and nominations. We're getting more votes every week!

[DadOf8]

Originally Posted by montgjules

“Eddie Pope was the player of the game,” said Roger Douglass. “He not only scored the equalizer, he defended like a madman.”

Hey, I got quoted in the Loyalist newsletter. I'm quasi-famous!

[Deuce]

I got quoted too... that makes me... Quasi-moto!!!

[Stucki]

I'm thinking that is more like infamous.

I'm also thinking Deuce really needs to get to the game and talk to someone else, soon.