Fire vs. RSL [R] 6/28/06

[Scholesy]

Wow, we're all assuming a lot about last night. If you heard Peter Mellor on the radio with us during the rain break just before they restarted the game, I asked him what they told the players in terms of tactics for the re-start, I asked if it was a come out bunker down for 20 minutes or was it a come out and be aggresive, play a better game and go for goal? He said that the play in the 2nd half in particular was unacceptable and weak, the team had been told to get back into formation, play to win and come out to score, bring the game to them.

Bottom line is they didn't. They broke down tactically, and let frustration take over.

I don't blame the ref, although I do rather enjoy making fun of them, mostly just 'cause .... yeah, I know IBIK you're sighing as you read this, but i can't help it, I couldn't do that job either, far too difficult. I do think he had some dreadful calls last night, but as Duece said, that's not exactly a shocker for MLS now is it? I was dissapointed in the lack of consistency with tackles, mostly the tackles from behind where he was calling every dive from the Fire and i get really frustrated with diving. But I wouldn't blame the ref for the loss, RSL gave up, they were given instructions from the coaching staff and simply didn't follow them. I did quesiton not bringing in Andy, I think the midfield was empty and taking off Medhi (even though I thought he didn't play well last night at all) left it even worse.

Not ref, not weather, not even Barrett, just fell apart.

[RSL_Fan]

This is the first RSL game that I have watched in a while. I've been busy with the Outlaws. But, one thing I have noticed from reading posts and comments from my wife and others, when Andy Williams has been brought on as a sub in the second half, he seems to calm things down and helps control the midfield...making good decisions, and good passes. He may not hustle back to play defense consistently, but I'm sure he couldn't be any worse than the last 10 minutes of defense in the game last night. I watched the game on Azteca and turned the sound down and listened to Hatch and Scholes on the radio. Scholes was wondering when they were going to bring in Williams...especially when Ballouchy came out. Personally I don't like defensive bunkering...it's too nerve racking, wondering if, or when the other team will break through and convert the numerous chances they get when this strategy is used. It doesn't make any sense to keep the ball on the defensive half and hope that the defense holds. Passes out of the back were to Chicago players, and long balls were not connecting with Cunningham. Terrible play...

I hope they get things together and start bringing their "A" game. RSL's touches were terrible. I can only recall a few times in the game that RSL put together several passes without losing (giving) it to Chicago. Beat them to the ball! I do have to give Novak credit, he didn't give up after he made poor touches, but I can't say that about many others.

Anyway...I'm rambling, I could go on, I'm pretty frustrated right now.

Go RSL... 😇

[AreliusIV]

Originally Posted by Scholesy

I did quesiton not bringing in Andy, I think the midfield was empty and taking off Medhi (even though I thought he didn't play well last night at all) left it even worse.

Isn't that what we've been saying? Ellinger's tactical moves sucked. Deja vu. Ad infinitum.

[RSLfrontrowfan]

Originally Posted by Scholesy

Wow, we're all assuming a lot about last night. If you heard Peter Mellor on the radio with us during the rain break just before they restarted the game, I asked him what they told the players in terms of tactics for the re-start, I asked if it was a come out bunker down for 20 minutes or was it a come out and be aggresive, play a better game and go for goal? He said that the play in the 2nd half in particular was unacceptable and weak, the team had been told to get back into formation, play to win and come out to score, bring the game to them.

Bottom line is they didn't. They broke down tactically, and let frustration take over.

I don't blame the ref, although I do rather enjoy making fun of them, mostly just 'cause .... yeah, I know IBIK you're sighing as you read this, but i can't help it, I couldn't do that job either, far too difficult. I do think he had some dreadful calls last night, but as Duece said, that's not exactly a shocker for MLS now is it? I was dissapointed in the lack of consistency with tackles, mostly the tackles from behind where he was calling every dive from the Fire and i get really frustrated with diving. But I wouldn't blame the ref for the loss, RSL gave up, they were given instructions from the coaching staff and simply didn't follow them. I did quesiton not bringing in Andy, I think the midfield was empty and taking off Medhi (even though I thought he didn't play well last night at all) left it even worse.

Scholes, so are you saying the coaching staff has lost, or is losing its ability to influence the team? Isn't that a bigger problem than a coach simply making a tactical error? I'm not sure how that is supposed to be better news.

[AreliusIV]

[QUOTE][QUOTE=RSL_Fan]when Andy Williams has been brought on as a sub in the second half, he seems to calm things down

Williams doesn't just calm or slow things down. He brings them to a stand still. Many people say you should never let the ball stop its motion -- always keep it moving. If you notice Williams' play, he brings the ball to a complete stop.[QUOTE][QUOTE=RSL_Fan] Personally I don't like defensive bunkering...it's too nerve racking, wondering if, or when the other team will break through and convert the numerous chances they get when this strategy is used. It doesn't make any sense to keep the ball on the defensive half and hope that the defense holds.

I guess it only makes sense if you don't have enough confidence in your ability to play the ball out of the defensive third with accurate passing. That would explain why RSL does it...

[fuegote]

All I know is this next match against Chivas is HUGE!

Yallip is going to get the galaxy turned around as well.

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up in last place.

[AreliusIV]

Originally Posted by fuegote

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up in last place.

This looks like a good place to insert a juicy "Fire Ellinger" thread. 🙂

[huntingfool12]

[QUOTE=AreliusIV]

Williams doesn't just calm or slow things down. He brings them to a stand still. Many people say you should never let the ball stop its motion -- always keep it moving. If you notice Williams' play, he brings the ball to a complete stop.

I dont know what people have against Andy Williams, he came in against New England and played two great balls that should have been goals... the first was the split to cunninhgam and cunningham hit if off the cross bar... and then minutes later he drilled a cross to Klein... who ended up kicking it over... two great balls... Williams does make things happen.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

This looks like a good place to insert a juicy "Fire Ellinger" thread. 🙂

I still don't agree but I do believe that something has to be done... and that someone needs to step the f**k up and lead this team!

Player, coach, office staff... I really don't care... just some one do it! SOON!

[the Bardguy]

Originally Posted by fuegote

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up in last place.

<sung to the tune of "glory, glory halleluja.">

We cannot be relegated
We cannot be relegated
We cannot be relegated
Who cares if we are last?