To be honest, it's been so long since I felt surges of optimism this intense towards United that I'm unsure how to proceed to Baal-taunt. Watching DeRossario round into form, Pontius develop into a forward as he learns on the job, DeLeon the most exciting rookie since? and Santos out-work and overpower defenders is exhilarating. Watching Dudar limp to the locker-room with a ripped hamstring and the ensuing defensive confusion, Kitchen pulled from midfield to right back, promptly giving ball away that led to Houston's second goal (and yes, Willis should have stopped it, and yes, that gives Hamid an entrance back, and yes, I've witnesses, I called - or at least Baal-taunted - Bruin's two goals), Russell looking lost in central defense, I think this three game road trip to San Jose, Toronto, Houston, could be long and pointless. What fun is Baal-taunting for four points out of the three?
- Dudar's injury, while utterly, thoroughly predictable, as will the following one once he recovers from this one - he's 88 in soccer years -reminds me, Jakovic? White? Gah.
- Cruz' poorest game. He should have been straight redded for a horribly reckless two-legged studs-up tackle from behind early (he was yellowed) and should have been given a second yellow for a deliberate handball five minutes later. He was constantly beat (Houston's first goal is on him) and constantly gave the ball away on offense. (In one of the Goff links below Cruz blames playing his former team, and STFU). He may have given Najar and chance back in.
- Woolard is a minus defensive defender but a plus offensive defender (he gets beat, he has a great cross from the left).
- The Balkans aren't seeing the field again unless (until) someone gets hurt. Let's hope Kasper Payne gets his passport to Austria revoked.
- Here's the video:
Here's Goff once, twice, here's Fullback, here's Shatzer, here's United Mania, more later if and when, or not, here's a photo from 300 of the East Capitol Street bridge:
