The Houston-FC Dallas clash Sunday, April 6th 2008, raised the question: Why the heck aren't more people watching the MLS?
The game was about as exciting a soccer game as you'll see, an incredibly North-South game, a game that produced goals, brilliant runs, and flair. The 3-3 draw made me yearn for the old days of MLS when ties weren't on the docket, but that's hardly important. What is important is that it was a supremely entertaining game that featured two of MLS's top sides.
I'm just going to make a few observations on this game, just things I noticed. I'd love to hear our faithful readers takes on the game as well.
A few things about the game in general really stood out.
First, the movement off the ball was superb by both teams. Players passed and then made creative runs - a facet that sometimes is missing from MLS games.
Second, the accuracy of long balls and through balls, particularly by Houston was staggering. Throughout the game 50-60 yard passes landed right on the money or hit a player in stride. It was very impressive.
Third, the marking by the defensive backs was lacking. That was ok for the viewer as it made for very wide-open soccer, but is definitely a weakness both teams might want to shore up.
Finally, the pace was fantastic. I mean, this game was FAST. Players were flying up and down the field faster than Luis Bueno chasing down a plate of cupcakes. The fact that this pace was sustained throughout speaks volumes about the conditioning and training of both teams.
Heroes of the game:
Houston:
A 5 way tie. Dwayne De Rosario, Richard Mulrooney, Corey Ashe, Franco Caraccio, and Brian Ching moved as a unit all through the game. Ashe is very dangerous making runs out of the back.
FC Dallas:
The two-goal scorer makes this easy. Kenny Cooper. His chip in the 35th minute was a thing of beauty. Cooper has much more pace and ball control than one might expect from him - and he seems to be improving each game. I think he deserves an audition with Bob Bradley - sooner rather than later.
Goats of the game:
Houston:
I feel bad about making this selection for Houston, but it has to be backup keeper Tony Caig. I mean, the poor guy probably never expects to play - he was probably up late in the hotel bar sipping on imported beer and wondering when he was ever going to play. Still, you have to make the most of your chance and Caig most emphatically did not. He was in a terrible position for Cooper's chip in the 35th minute and in the 45th minute he let in an easy save. Two shots that I believe Onstad would have saved - had Onstad not been on the bench trying to figure out what his name was after getting his clock cleaned in the 28th minute.
FC Dallas:
Easy, again. Dominic Oduro and Ricardhino. What were these guys thinking? In the 80th minute Oduro opted to shoot on a THREE ON ONE - ignoring his two wide open teammates 8 yards to his left. That would have put FC Dallas up 4-2 and would have been the nail in the coffin for Houston. So, ok, one mistake is forgivable, right? How about two mistakes? In the 89th minute, THE EXACT SAME SCENARIO. For some inexplicable reason, this time Ricardhino chose to shoot - ignoring his two EVEN MORE wide open teammates.
Specific things I noticed, first for Houston:
Everytime De Rosario gets an opening to take a clear shot, everyone watching on TV, the stands, and on the field (including the opposing keeper) thinks he's going to score with one of his patented 90 MPH blasts to the upper corners. In the 66th minute he wound up for a rocket - and you could tell by Sala's fumbling of the ball that he was surprised to have a chance to save it.
Houston completed about 70 percent of their long balls.
Corey Ashe is one dangerous dude. He's going to contribute this year.
Brian Ching is tall, but isn't 8 feet tall. Someone should tell his teammates. Short-range crosses were always about a foot too high.
Geoff Cameron's 90th minute goal was gorgeous - talk about clutch.
Ching and Mulrooney are in much better shape than last year.
Has Houston been working on backheel passes? They completed all of them.
Someone should tell Houston's defense that while NOT playing defense is fun, playing defense is more fun.
Specific things I noticed for FC Dallas:
Adrian Serioux might be bionic. His throw-ins looked more like free kicks.
Give Juan Toja ONE inch and he's past you, mullet flying in the wind. He's got skills - particularly in close quarters.
Not only did Kenny Cooper put away two goals, but he passed well and held up the ball the whole game. He's improved his speed. Also, he's surprisingly graceful. Like, seriously graceful. Ballerina-esque.
FC Dallas forgot to field defenders. They would have helped. I think maybe they were being Good Samaritans and were off helping Pat Onstad remember his North American country of origin (think, Pat, think! Do you prefer burgers, tacos, or moose?).
Is anyone in the league more feisty (or look more like a hobbit) than Dax McCarty? He was EVERYWHERE. In the 73rd minute he saves a breakaway, in the 81st his half volley was a RIP.
Outside of one punt to Alvarez, Dario Sala is ATROCIOUS at distribution. He really just kicked the ball. To no one in particular. Over and over. And over.
Dallas managed to get outplayed, outpossessed, and outshot in the first half, yet hold a 2-1 edge at halftime. Why? Counterattacks. They have the most rapid counterattack in the MLS.
All told, a fantastic game - one in which I think Houston probably was ever-so-slightly the better side but which FC Dallas should have closed out. Can't wait till they play again.
The more I watch this game, the more I like these teams to square off in the Western Conference finals.
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