It's really not that bad ...

Scholesy · 05-01-2005, 07:14 PM

Don't get me wrong, I am as bothered as the next bloke that we drew last night, it actually felt like a loss, particularly since we did give up 2 points, the game was ours and we gave it up by trying to hold onto a 2-1 lead, not very clever and I know it certainly wasn't the plan from the coaching staff.

On the other hand, we didn't lose and there were some significant improvements in the team last night.

Yes our defense was not as good as it could have been and yes Eddie probably would've been great in there, but he wasn't there and so it's pretty pointless harping on about it. Yes we lost control of the game in the 2nd half, yes we got panicked and frustration came out in the form of sloppy balls and passes that were weak but on the other hand ...

Best communication I have seen from the team this season

I saw that spark that Clint and Jason are known for for a good 60 minutes of the game
Isaw a team that played with tons more energy, maybe misplaced at times, but still I would rather have energy and passion than none
I saw a really promising defense that honestly was not as bad as some made out to be, overall Nelson had a great game, Rusty was a star and Dunseth as ever was consistent and pretty solid, they talked with each other more than normal, Behncke was decent and was just a little out of his depth
We showed that we have the capacity to control and dictate a game against a good strike force, we controlled them for a good portion of the game if we can learn how to extend that into a full 90 minutes we'll be in great shape

Oh yeah and who can forget the spark of genius we all saw in the footwork and aggresiveness of Tiger? Our midfiled overall did very well, little dissapointed in one or two players, ut that's football, that's just the way it goes, that's why it's a team sport, some have to pick up the slack for others.

Providing we can learn from this loss of 2 points we can become stronger and better, John Ellinger and Peter Mellor are going to make sure we learn and move forward.

I think next week will be a very important game, Chivas will come out hard to get their first win of he season and in their own house it will be tougher than we think, however, the 3 points are ours to lose.

Just on a side note, I, as some might know provided the colour for Ryan Hatch on 1280 and I was wondering if there were some things that I can improve or if I just really sucked? If I did I then ... oops! Sorry! I was just asked for my opinion and so I gave it all night. I would appreciate some feedback though, I just tried to be a fan in the booth and to give my opinion on the tactics and play, hope it wasn't too bad, it was way harder than I thought it would be, but fun too.

Stucki · 05-01-2005, 07:29 PM

I can't give you any feedback as I was at the game, but what do you think of Hatch on the call?

Stucki · 05-01-2005, 07:35 PM

Could the Loyalists be heard from the booth?

Scholesy · 05-01-2005, 07:47 PM

Actually one of my favourite things about the games so far is that The Loyalists are so loud. I could hear you all the way through the game, it was great!

As for Hatch? You know it's interesting, he really seems to have gotten into soccer now, he has certainly done his research and understands way more of the game than I thought he would, he's actually a pretty decent bloke, he is the first to admit he is learning as he goes.

SpiffCoug · 05-01-2005, 07:55 PM

I only caught you on the post game. I'll be sure bring my headphones and listen to the next game. Are you going to do roadies as well. I thought the post game was funny. Especially when you said you could think of one word to describe the officiating, but couldn't say in on air, so you'd use a few more. Keep converting Hatch. Keep "pimping" RSL. I'll give you a better critique after the next game.

Here's to RSL becoming THE primier soccer organization in the country and continent!

Scholesy · 05-01-2005, 08:07 PM

I appreciate that, I don't know if I'll even do it again, some ex player from the Blitz has been slagging me off really hard already, he wants to do it and was at the door as I left asking Ryan Hatch ito have him do it, maybe they won't even invite me back at all .. ha ha ha!

Anyway glad you liked the post game part. here's to RSL!

bordelais7 · 05-01-2005, 08:37 PM

I caught you in the post-game as well -- seemed very knowledgeable and informative. Would love to have you on the radio again. Would you mind if I emailed 1280 to encourage them to invite you back?

Aerick · 05-01-2005, 09:14 PM

I heard about half the game on 1280 that night. My wife's in the hospital, so that's why I couldn't be at the game, and I found myself helping her out with various things which is why I only caught about half of it. The half I did hear was nice. I thought the "colour" commentary was just fine. In fact, the british/english accent seemed to bring instant authenticity and screamed that you were an expert - at least more so than Hatch (though he seems to be doing quite well considering this isn't his forte).

I believe the color commentary was the best part of it, because the play-by-play wasn't as accurate or as up to speed as I would have liked at times. Well done. It helped me determine more the feel of the game, and the fact that the refereeing wasn't quite up to par. At any rate, you and Hatch were my life line for this game - I appreciate it!

Tell Hatch I think he's doing a good job, and to keep it up!

Loyal1 · 05-01-2005, 09:30 PM

I listened to the Dallas game on the radio. I didn't enjoy it.

Hatch and partner didn't do much pbp. It was filled with stuff/background stories that would be of interest to a soccer newbie... like Hatch.

3-4 minutes would go by with no mention of who controled the ball. I was also bugged by "Pierce in-bounds the ball to Mathis" and talk of "the kitchen".

As you say, the potential is there and he's picked it up quicker than I expected.

Aerick · 05-01-2005, 09:39 PM

Exactly! The play-by-play would be non-existent at times, and I'd be about to burst inside hoping something good (or bad) wasn't happening during the talk about something that I wasn't that interested in. In fact, I thought there was one time when some talk was taking place and then almost as an after thought, Hatch had to mention that something important had happened during that segment. However, I thought Hatch did a fairly good job of being descriptive enough for me to visualize what was happening on the field when he was doing the pbp, and for that I was appreciative. I was confused about all the talk about "the kitchen". I've never heard that term before.

However, if the radio commentary, as is, can bring in a few more fringe fans with it's "newbie" talk and side stories, then I can probably find it in my heart to forgive some missed plays - but just for this year!