RSL @ MetroStars [R] April 2

[AreliusII]

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Those people that can afford a one-time $69 charge for most MLS games, as opposed to $50 a month for high speed internet. 🙂

Plus Direct Kick is live as opposed to MLSnet or Yahoo which you have to wait until they post them.

Isn’t it streaming video?

[SoccerPrime]

I thought they posted them the next day or so.

[the cup]

Looks like it's going to be a wet one. High temp 51 with strong thunder storms.

[Deuce]

MLS Direct Kick is carrying this match live.
Looks like a pregame show as well
4:30 MST - 8pm MST
on ch.464 on Dish Network

I am Tivo'ing it but won't watch until the watch party.
It is gonna be hard to stay away from Soccer news... before the tape delay starts.

[Aero]

That was quite the interesting match. I'm a little disappointed that we didn't actually get to see our team play at all. It felt like they were battling the wind and rain all game instead of the Metrostars. The weather was terrible. I don't think that I have ever seen it that bad before at a soccer match.

The one thing that worries me having a first game like that is that those people who might have been checking it out for the first time getting the wrong impression about soccer based on how that game went. I hope that they will realize that it was the weather and give them another chance before deciding they don't like it.

And the watch party was a lot of fun. It turned out great. It is a pleasure to get to watch soccer with so many passionate fans. Thank you.

[AreliusII]

Thoughts on RSL vs. NY/NJ:

I was surprised that Evan Whitfield and Sergio Flores didn't travel with the team.

I was just as surprised that Cila and Brown traveled.

Great commentary. Very pleased with the commentators. Intelligent, not stupid.

I think I only saw Kamler touch the ball twice during the match? Missing in action??

Kreamy didn't have much effect.

Countess was HUGE! We drew because of his HUGE play. MOTM.

[bordelais7]

I think that we were a little lucky that the weather was so crappy. Our team looked pretty disjointed at times. A lot of plays that ended up with 2 or 3 RSL guys on the ball, and no one knew who was going to do what.

But, there were moments of excitement. The short passing game seemed to be working somewhat.

I'm gonna have to say Countess stepped up and gets MOTM and hopefully a big boost of confidence. Not only on his saves, but on adjusting to the wind after the first couple of minutes. He figured out how to boot the ball down the field eventually, while his counterpart never did in the second half. Pierce a close second. That guy was physical and did a good job with so much of the play coming his way.

The Williams-Kreis-Mathis combo is even MORE fun to watch when Dipsy gets involved as well. Mathis and Kreis should have both buried one, but it'll come. On a less windy day, hopefully.

That was, however, the strangest match I have ever seen. I'm still getting this odd feeling that I still haven't really seen RSL play in a real game.

A point on the road? I'll take it.

[AreliusII]

Originally Posted by bordelais7

That was, however, the strangest match I have ever seen. I'm still getting this odd feeling that I still haven't really seen RSL play in a real game.

However, I couldn't believe that I was watching the likes of Mathis, Kreis, Pope, etc. and thinking, "These guys play for Salt Lake!!" What a dream...

Salt Lake has never seen this level of play. I'm thrilled, humbled, grateful, etc.etc.etc.

[montgjules]

I don't know that I would call the commentators banter "intelligent"... but it was certainly acceptable. Of course, I've never listened to much "intelligent" sports commentating.

This was a very entertaining match for me, seeing the teams trying to adjust for wind and rain.

Delvin...errr...DJ was excellent.

I'm happy with a tie. Losing would have stunk.

Our little UCites watch party was a lot of fun! Until the TiVo cut out in the 91st minute. Mckid saved the day with his backup video.

I would type something intelligent, but I'm too tired.

[Rover]

Saw the game on Direct Kick so I got it live but with Metro commentators.

Comments so far are right on the mark.

I've never seen a soccer game played in those conditions before. The combination of wind, rain, and wet Field Turf eliminated any hope of sustained play from the back, crosses, or accuracy in long range shooting. Oh well, that's the way it goes.

I think RSL looked OK. Not great, but OK.

Thoughts to add to what's already been said:

1. Countess may not have completely silenced his doubters, but he showed what a natural talent he is. As mentioned, his adaptation to the conditions was much more effective than Zach Wells (Metro Keeper), and he never looked out of control. MOTM.

2. I wanted more from Kreis-Williams-Mathis, but I think they had a good game. I'm pleased with how well they work together at this point, and can't wait to see them get a chance to play soccer next week on the perfect field and perfect weather here in SoCal.

3. I'm disappointed in the defenders. Except for Pierce, they looked way too tentative. Pope was not the enforcer he should have been and had at least one lapse that allowed a shot (and great save by D. J.). The Metro commentators actually commented on how good our defensive organization was, and I just didn't see it. They held together and you can't argue with a shutout, but I'd credit that more to the conditions, poor free kicks, and great play by Countess than our defense.

4. I was not impressed by Akwari or Behncke. Both looked either tentative or lost most of the time. It's the first game so I'm not saying they can't play, but I'll be looking for a lot more out of those two as the season progresses. Kamler was not a factor, and we'll need him to step up.

5. Tough to evaluate coaching in a game like this where both teams struggled against the elements more than each other. My only questions have to do with who didn't make the trip (Whitfield, Flores) as mentioned by Arelius. Otherwise, the game plan was good, as much as it's possible to have a game plan in those conditions.

Overall, a good effort in tough conditions against a team with some very talented players.

And we got out first official MLS point! 🙂

(OBTW, FC Dallas looks VERY good. Everyone else in the West did not, at least yesterday. Except RSL, of course.)