Much thanks again to Taylor Fugate (whom I met today!) and the RSL Show, who allowed me the use of the photograph you see above. Classy lads!
What a match! That one had it all, didn’t it? Goals, assists, new players, injury returns, returning players who have changed allegiances, and some classic performances from our defensive players. Matches that spend 60 minutes at 2-1 are bad for the nerves, and this one was no exception, but a win is a win, and this was as good as any. The side wasn’t our strongest, but it similarly wasn’t by any means our weakest, and in a week, things should be a bit more smooth.
While Fabian Espindola could have scored three tonight, I hope he settles for three points instead. He’s clearly a fine player and he crafted chances out for everyone — it wasn’t only his finishing that let him down — and he can, I think, be happy with his performance. He did contend with some solid goalkeeping from Zac MacMath — he’s 20? Really? — though he did have some brilliant chances. He did incredibly well to make those chances, and he does deserve recognition for those, certainly. I very much appreciate Fabian Espindola’s work and effort, and I think he is a big part of the team.
But let’s talk about our forwards, shall we? We saw Paulo Jr. make his glorious return to starting action after five months, and we got our first taste of Cody Arnoux in the Claret and Cobalt. I will confess, I didn’t expect much from him, coming in with 20 minutes remaining and us largely chasing the action. I was quickly shown that I expected too little of him: He jumped into the action and was strong in the air and good with his feet. With time on the pitch, I think he could be a very important player for us.
And how about Paulo Jr. tonight? I think we were all very impressed with the kid! He’s been impressive in his substitute appearances, but starting a match is an entirely different proposition — and it’s one he managed quite well. He had some great runs and good possession, and I expect in the future he will be able to make greater contributions. Today, I think he did quite well for us, and I can’t wait to see more.
A further word is necessary about Alvaro Saborio. He’s a polarizing figure at times, but he’s come across as a player completely and wholly devoted to the cause. He’s come back early several times from national team duty, and apparently he begged Kreis to let him be on the bench tonight. He might not always have brilliant performances, and he might not always be exactly what we need, and sometimes, he might be awfully moody, but I’m incredibly impressed by his devotion.
In the midfield, our performance wasn’t entirely solid, but it was certainly creative. Kyle Beckerman had a good game and made some vital tackles, though his passing wasn’t perfect. But that goal — THAT GOAL! — was brilliant. It really does show that he spends time working apart from practice. Collen Warner was better than he has been: His touches on the ball were effective and he played his way out of danger effectively, and what’s more, he managed to misplace only five of his passes tonight. It does seem he took Kreis’s words to heart (those infamous words about having to make some hard decisions). If he ups his game (and our injuries clear up) I don’t think we’ll be in a bad spot with Collen.
We didn’t have a vintage (can we really say this?) performance from Luis Gil, who played further back than Collen Warner, serving in a role similar to what Will Johnson might have done. It wasn’t quite as comfortable for him, but I thought he did a reasonable job, and it gave Collen Warner a bit more freedom — and, as a result, a bit more confidence to play well both offensively and defensively.
Ned Grabavoy came off the bench and didn’t have too much of an impact at all, though having him in good positions defensively helped immensely — there’s not too much to be said about him, really. All told, I’m very glad he’s fit again, and I hope he comes straight back into form. Andy Williams, for his part, was effective if not entirely exciting. He didn’t do too much wrong, and he lasted the match without issue, and that’s enough for me. He took up wide positions when necessary and helped retain possession, and that’s essential for us.
Did our midfield function at its glimmering best? Hardly. Did I expect it to? Not at all. It seemed cobbled together, and under normal circumstances, we wouldn’t have to play three attacking midfielders alongside each other. We’ve made it through, though, and the worst, I think, looks to be on its way to being over. Let’s hope.
At the back, we were bolstered by the continued return of the one and only Jamison Olave, who had a screamer today. Six interceptions, eight clearances, and only three misplaced passes really tell the story. Chris Schuler, likewise, was effective and carved out a good understanding with Nick Rimando — and he rose very well for that second goal to seal up the match. On the wings, I was a bit worried by Robbie Russell, who seems to have a bit of a muscular problem at the moment. Both he and Tony Beltran, though, did very well to serve as safe passing options on the flanks, and both performed defensively as necessary. And hey, Blake Wagner got his first match for the club, and in doing so, he won a foul to essentially seal things — so that’s good, right? In all seriousness, I’m very much looking forward to seeing him play.
And let us not forget the stellar contribution of the one and only Nick Rimando. He made several key saves and organized the side well, and he has a good understanding with Chris Schuler now. Somehow, Opta only recorded one save and one catch, and perhaps I’ve just replayed things in my mind too much, but I could’ve sworn there were more. I’ll rewatch in the morning, and maybe I’ll keep count. Probably not, though.
At any rate, it was a key win for us and it should give us confidence going forward. With some focus, we can snag a win next week at Seattle. At this point, we need it. We’re easing toward an automatic playoff spot and we’re getting some key players back from injury in the process. Will it be easy? I doubt it. Let’s get on with it, then, and go out for a win.
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