RSL vs. Fire Game Thread [R]

[fuegote]

I rewatched two of the goals on MLSnet.com and Behnke was personally responsible for setting up Armas' first goal and the header by the horse whisperer, caballero.

[Stucki]

I didn't think Williams was that bad. I thought it was truly a total team effort. Our lads played hard, but I don't remember anyone really playing well.

[Stucki]

Originally Posted by fuegote

I rewatched two of the goals on MLSnet.com and Behnke was personally responsible for setting up Armas' first goal and the header by the horse whisperer, caballero.

He did well to take tackle the ball away, but you have to get a decent clearance instead of an assist.

On a bright note, sort of, we did get to see a goal on our end tonight. 😠

[Rover]

Originally Posted by the Bardguy

Was Williams as bad as the callers on the post-game show said he was? How 'bout Behnke? Man I miss Pope.

I wasn't at the stadium--I watched the game on TV, so I couldn't see all the action.

But it looked like Williams' worst game so far. He just didn't generate much, and that's his job. But the whole midfield was lacking tonight, so I wouldn't single him out.

Behncke just isn't a player of Pope's caliber. Not news, I know, but worth repeating.

He didn't play all that badly--the TV announcers from Chicago blamed him for the first goal but the replay showed he didn't touch the ball--the problem was that no one covered Armas. What Behncke did not do was organize the defense or act as enforcer in the back the way Pope does. That's what we miss when Eddie is not on he field.

[Stucki]

Originally Posted by Rover

I wasn't at the stadium--I watched the game on TV, so I couldn't see all the action.

But it looked like Williams' worst game so far. He just didn't generate much, and that's his job. But the whole midfield was lacking tonight, so I wouldn't single him out.

Behncke just isn't a player of Pope's caliber. Not news, I know, but worth repeating.

He didn't play all that badly--the TV announcers from Chicago blamed him for the first goal but the replay showed he didn't touch the ball--the problem was that no one covered Armas. What Behncke did not do was organize the defense or act as enforcer in the back the way Pope does. That's what we miss when Eddie is not on he field.

Shouldn't that fall to Dunseth with Pope out? I think I would feel better with Dunseth organizing the back than Behncke if for no other reason than he has been playing with the first team.

What was Ellinger thinking with Akwari in the center and Behncke out wide to start the season?

[Stucki]

Originally Posted by Rover

I wasn't at the stadium--I watched the game on TV, so I couldn't see all the action.

On another note, how did we sound?

[Deuce]

Chicago Match Photos!

Enjoy

[the Bardguy]

Originally Posted by Deuce

Chicago Match Photos!

Enjoy

As usual, Deuce, good work. Great pics! How do you like the new camera/lens?

[Stucki]

Great shot of me with my daughter. I think my wife is going to turn it into PC wallpaper at work.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by mrstucki

Shouldn't that fall to Dunseth with Pope out? I think I would feel better with Dunseth organizing the back than Behncke if for no other reason than he has been playing with the first team.

What was Ellinger thinking with Akwari in the center and Behncke out wide to start the season?

I agree that Dunseth should have done the organizing, but the point is that Behncke's addition to the lineup creates more work for everyone else.

It's tough to be so dependent on one player, but Eddie Pope makes this thing go.

From what I've seen, Pope/Pierce/Dunseth are strong and the rest just aren't in the same class. Akwari is improving and has earned a spot on the back four. But we aren't deep enough to lose two off that starting four and have any kind of defensive cohesion. The midfield has to play back to help, leaving a lone striker up front with no support and spotty service. In other words, what we saw against Chicago.