Originally Posted by
Lucky Strike
Well it was a piss poor match, particularly in the first half for both teams who couldn't help but give away the ball. On to the ratings:
Frei - 6: Took a step back on the first Chicago goal which probably made the difference. Not much he could go on the second goal.
Attakora - 6.5: Was solid once more and is growing into a good player. Subbed because of concussion-like symptoms I hear. Hope it's not serious.
Serioux - 6.5: Was his usual solid self I thought, I can't think of anything to fault him on. How about you?
Velez - 5.5: Nothing flashy, did a decent job, but did get beat by Rolfe on his way to the game's first goal. Subbed.
Brennan - 5.5: It seems I always say this, but he wasn't all that visible in the match today, either because the play doesn't come near him or doesn't make himself a factor. Can't decide which. What do you think?
Robinson - 6.5: Was by and large very good today, Blanco got away from him once and created a goal. It's a tough assignment, so it's not like you can jump all over him for it. Had a few errant passes, but who didn't today?
Cronin - 6: Didn't know he could play at right back so I'm pleased to discover that, a pretty standard performance otherwise.
Guevara - 7: Though TFC didn't score, he looked like the most dangerous man on the pitch today for the Reds.
Vitti - 5.5: Didn't shine and missed a couple important chances. Subbed.
Barrett - 6: Same work rate as usual, missed a vital chance but also had a cracker on goal, which Busch did well to save.
DeRosario - 6: Frustrated all match long. He was kicked, pushed, fouled all over the place and it took its toll. Can't blame him for trying, however.
Harmse (on for Attakora, 46th) - 5.5: Didn't really have a particularly influential game. No mistake I can remember, however.
Dichio (on for Velez, 69th) - 5.5: Pretty much the same as Velez, though he did have one good head flick on a Serioux throw.
Smith (on for Vitti, 84th) - NR: Still at it with stepovers, put in a strong effort but ultimately couldn't make the difference.
Cummins - 7: Deployed his usual 4-3-3 and it's been effective lately, so no fault there. An enforced change with Harmse, put on an extra attacker with Dichio to try and get back in the game, and probably gave Smith an appearance once the match was pretty much lost to give him some time.
Referee - 3: I was wondering how long it would take us to get screwed by the referee again. A blatant handball in the box by Logan Pause goes uncalled. You know, I wouldn't have such a problem with this, if this sort of thing was called consistently one way or the other. It's brutal, outrageous and simply insanity. While the non-call was really the only major screw up of the match, he gets a 3 because the call completely changed the game. No call, then Chicago goes down and score. Really ironic that the lame "Footie Fan Poll" asked whether criticism of referees was fair. Well we have our answer.
MOTM - Guevara: Simply the most dangerous for TFC today, hit the crossbar.
Most impressed by opposition's - Bakary Soumare. He's big, strong, good positionally and was instrumental in the Chicago effort today.
Notes:
- No player ratings next match as I will be making the trip from Ottawa to see the New England match.
- DeRosario called to get rid of the turf in a post-match interview. I think he's right.
- Funny to hear some of the crowd singing "I'm on a boat" in the second half. Look it up on YouTube, it's pretty funny. That and "Jizz in my Pants"; sounds gross, but it's even funnier.
Now as is customary after a TFC loss, I will be avoiding the forum for the next six hours. I'll be back to discuss what you have to say later. Cheers!