MLS Game #9: DCU 0 - TFC 1
05/21/2008 11:37 PM by Doug Hicks
The tough sledding for United continued in Toronto tonight. Here's how it all played out at BMO Field. There's no time for the Black-and-Red to hang their heads now, as the two sides will face each other again Saturday night at RFK Stadium.
Here's what was said after the match tonight:
D.C. United Head Coach Tom Soehn
Thoughts on game:
“When you’re going through rough stretches, one mistake, or two mistakes tend to cost you and that was a bad mistake you know 7 minutes in, I thought we came out with a lot of energy, I thought we executed what we came to do today, but a mistake is hard to recover from.”
“We had our chances to score we had plenty of set pieces, especially in the first half we weren’t quite sharp with that last pass but yet we still had our chances to do what we needed to do but we didn’t put them away.”
On how to keep team’s confidence up:
“Well, they’re all frustrated, they probably want to go out and play again tomorrow when you have a performance like that and the result doesn’t go your way. They’ll roll up their sleeves and go to working; we’ll do it at home.”
D.C. United goalkeeper Zach Wells
Thoughts on game:
“I think the ball was played just in behind him and he was obviously close to play it, he was trying to play it back to me with his left foot and I think it just popped up on him and didn’t really get the distance – and then somehow Dichio got around him and got just enough on it and at that point I was out of position obviously because I was wide of the goal mouth for the back pass and he (Danny) just got around and got a poke on it and it was enough to get it in.”
If morale will be tough now with string of results:
“From my perspective I would say the opposite. I think that know that we’ve got everyone healthy we put in a pretty strong performance and you know it’s tough times but I think with everyone healthy we’re starting to gain a little more momentum, at least we’re putting pressure on teams and playing a little better. The goals and the wins will come.”
D.C. United forward Jamie Moreno
Thoughts on game
“It seems as if it’s going to be one of those years we’re going to have to fight against everything. You know…we just got to keep digging and it’s only us right now and nobody else’s fault so we’ve got to turn this thing around.”
D.C United midfielder Fred
On his missed header in the second half:
“Yes, of course I meant to put it in and the keeper had a very quick reaction and you know I’m sad like everyone else for the outcome because it could have changed the game.”
On how tough the losses are:
“It’s definitely a tough situation it’s embarrassing to me but we’ve got to go back to work and right the ship. I’ve been through this before but you never want to go through it, you never want to go through something like this.”
Toronto Head Coach John Carver
On the lone goal
“To be honest it was an old fashioned centre forward’s goal for me. The ball’s been played over the top, he’s chased onto it, he’s put the guy under pressure and then he’s got goal side of him and it’s in. And I actually thought he was going to get a penalty, so I was screaming for a penalty as the ball trickles over the line, but when it ended up in the back of the net I was delighted with it.
On the play of Dichio
“He’s worked ever so hard recently and he got the goal tonight which he deserved, I thought he was outstanding if I’m being quite honest. And it shows you that even if you are getting on in the game that you can still work hard and get your just reward and I thought he got that tonight.”
On if he needs to start rotating the team…
“I’m not a guy who rotates the squad to be honest. And I’ve said this from day one, I’ll play my strongest side in the next game I’ll see what we’ve got from tonight, we’ll look at it tomorrow we’ve got a reserve game tomorrow the guys who didn’t play will take part in that so they’re ready to come in. But I’m not this type of guy who will rotate the squad, I’ll have a chat with the staff and if I feel as if somebody needs to come out of it, then I’ll do that, but I’ll not do it for the sake of rotating the team.”
Toronto defender Jim Brennan
On the game
“It’s a good sign when you can win like we did. Not all the time you’re going to play 90 minutes of attractive football, there’s going to be times when you’ve got to grind it out, you’ve got to win your tackles and your battles all over the field and try to get something out of the game - and we showed that we can play that way. We can play football, and at the same time we can battle, we all worked hard for each other today, we got the 3 points and we’re delighted with it.”
Toronto keeper Greg Sutton
On how important the result was
“Sure, you know I think that we really wanted to give these guys one back from taking those four goals in DC earlier in the season, it was important that we can get a “W” under these circumstances and it gives us confidence going in to DC now. You know I think that we’re real confident bunch that we can get 3 points going down there.”
“Credit to our defense it played well all night, and you know that’s going to happen there’s going to be times where I’ve got to make a save and that’s why you have to stay confident for 90 minutes and you never know when you may have to come up – but we were able to come back up with that tonight. Dichio was able to help me out, getting the rebound there – all credit to him as well.”
Toronto forward Danny Dichio
On the goal
“I think half the stadium blew it in as well it went in so slow, but it was just kind of a 50-50 ball that chased down the line and the defender managed to get a back pass on it which I think he wanted to do but I just managed to capitalize on it and kind of get my toe to it and beat the keeper with it. But it took an eternity to go in – but when it went in I was really pleased with it.”
On the chances he’s had this season
“Listen, I’ve been in this game since I was 9 years old so and I know that there’s games where I’ll play fantastically well and get as many chances but not finish them, and there’ll be games like tonight where I’ll get one or two chances and they go in and that’s football. We kept another clean sheet at home, our defense is playing fantastic and so it’s a credit to the whole team that we got a win tonight I think.”
Comments
28 Comments
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05/22/2008 1:37 AM by v9ngu9rd
More excuses, you (Tommy "Boy" Soehn),let Bosworth go, you let Caroll go, you sent Gomez & Epren to Colorado. Then you brought in the "has been" Gallardo (or "Larthardo", play on the word "Larthagic" & Gallardo), and the 2nd division player Peralta. To your credit,Gonzalo Martinez is a good pick up, but not using Kirk or Niell is becomming a stupid habit of yours. It's time to bring in John Harkes or Bruce Arenas. Nough said...
05/22/2008 3:02 AM by stewartdc8
Well we did look a bit better today. Our injured returnees were rusty and one mistake was the difference.
We can get our revenge when we play Toronto on a REAL field this weekend.
I mean really, it was in awful shape.
05/22/2008 8:12 AM by Bill-DC
That field was pathetic but it's no excuse. The team looked a bit better yesterday but it still didn't get a result. Perhaps a goalkeeper change might be in order for Saturday? I mean, the team is 2-7 the season is slowly slipping away. Let's see what Carvallo can do.
The FO under estimated Gomez's value to this team. No doubt he was a leader. Ben Olsen is hurt. That's two players who lit a fire under their teammates so to speak and without them, no one has stepped up to fill that role.
It's going to be a long year in MLS but hopefully these guys rise up and can play well in the Open Cup and Super Liga. I'm still optimistic.
05/22/2008 9:23 AM by dogboy
It was a tough loss, most definately, however, the boys looked a lot better, in my opinion. There was more fire from the players.
Fred was a big player in this game, was very involved. Tino played well as well, saw that fire brewing in him. I thought Peralta played Dichio well also.
The goal, a heart breaker. I thought DC played well enough and deserved a tie, but playing on a crappy field, an unlucky bounce and a keeper that continuously pulls himself out of position was our downfall.
Carvallo is on loan, so why not use him? He may be short but so is Rimando and he's a pretty good keeper.
I do question Sohen's decision to remove Fred and put in Burch, I would have removed McTavish and put Burch in there for him.
It was a much better performance and although we still lost, I am begining to feel as though this might be the begining of the turn around. (I said MIGHT...) :)
All I want for my birthday, this Saturday, is a win by DC. That's it. I surely hope they can give me that present.... :)
05/22/2008 9:58 AM by TCompton
Well, 1-0 loss is better than blowing a 1-0 lead to end up losing 3-1.
There's always something positive to get out of the game.
As lame as McTavish looked on the goal, I think that Wells should have directed him to clear the ball considering the pressure Dichio was applying. One mistake, One goal, another loss.
They did play better though.
05/22/2008 11:04 AM by TFCD
HAHA. Now lets see it from a TFC point of view.
1. Zach wells is a terrible goalie. You guys need to look into that.
2. Luciano Emilio is not even close to where he was last year.
3. For that guy dogging gallardo, him and gomez are the only legit players you guys have.
4. Toronto played on the same field as D.C, so its not an excuse. A loss is a loss, so suck it up.
D.C. needs to do some serious scouting, if not, I fear this season may be over for you guys.
It is clear to see that Toronto FC is better than D.C on the rankings and on paper. But with a little bit of shuffling, you guys will be alright.
One thing I must point out though, is that Toronto FC has the best supporters in the MLS.
If you dont believe, go read every website that covers MLS. Enough said.
TFC4LIFE
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fan
05/22/2008 1:40 PM by dogboy
Heh, lets go through this.
1. I agree, Zach has not performed well. I would like to give Carvallo a shot and see how well he does.
2. Again, I agree with this assessment, however, it does not mean that he can not turn the season around and get that scoring touch again.
3. Gallardo and Gomez? Not sure who your refering to here, maybe Martinez? Though I disagree with that statement. I think we have more talent than that. Fred, played a great game. Quaranta, played a good game. Namoff, always has been strong on D. Moreno, an acceptional player, has been all his career. Theres a reason why he's the all time goal scoring leader, and he's still playing.
4. I dont think anyone here is trying to make any excuses for DC's loss. Yes, the field was, is, a crappy field to play on, but yes, TFC played on the same field. But, then again, it's their home field so they have an advantage.
TFC does have a good fan base, but DC's fans have been there longer and stronger. Watching the game on CSN last night, I heard a lot of DC fans cheering.
Cant come close to the DC fan support. DC has the best fans.
Time to start the hooliganism... ;) (I'm kidding)
05/22/2008 2:05 PM by stewartdc8
1. I'd take Wells over Sutton.
2. Emilio needs service, he can turn it around
3. We are not a one person team
4. Toronto plays and practices on that field week in and week out. You don't think they had an advantage on that field?
And don't forget that MLSnet.com had a vote to see who the best fans in the league were and RSL won. Enough said. lol
05/22/2008 3:48 PM by dogboy
"And don't forget that MLSnet.com had a vote to see who the best fans in the league were and RSL won. Enough said. lol"
And that's because all the DC United fans were either on the blogs discussing the greatness of DC United or at the games and unable to vote...
Real Salt Lake having the best fans, that is pure comedy!
05/22/2008 3:50 PM by TFCD
Stewart. You need to review what you wrote.
Your comparing a Solid goalie in Sutton, to a former backup.Sutton has 4 shutouts so far this season. He has been stellar. Far better than what you could say about Wells.
I agree that Luciano is a dangerous striker. I like him a great deal.
Gallardo and *Martinez (sry, i was thinking of someone else) standout from the rest of the players. And yes, i forgot to mention Fred. But thats probably it. (And dont mention Moreno. He is way past his prime. You guys re-signed him to confort the new south american players. Anything extra is a plus.)
D.C's chemistry is not as used to be and it shows. I'll go on paper saying there is no way they win the cup this year. To many strong teams in the east(Columbus,New England,Toronto)...
And D.C is FOR SURE not the best supporters group in the MLS. Toronto sold out it's tickets for every game in a row. And we got the all-star game in just our second season. Enough Said.
And for the smart guy with the RSL on mlsnet.net comment, click here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=531102&root=mls&cc=5901
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/22/2008 4:14 PM by dogboy
TFCD,
Yes, Sutton is a better keeper than Wells. Dont rub it in.... ;) hehe
I will grant you that Moreno has not looked like his old self as of late. He looks tired and frustrated. I dont think he's "way past his prime" but I do think that his roll, on this team, has changed. He's become more of a holding mid-fielder.
Yes, the chemistry is not there, for DC, but it's improving. I do think if we pulled Wells, put in Carvallo, it couldn't get worse. The keeper is supposed to be the general on the field. Telling the D where to go what to watch for. Wells is as timid as a kitten.
Now, I can appreciate your passion for TFC as I hope you can appreciate my passion for DC. Let's not get into who's got the best fans. It's a pointless argument no matter where we go. Your right and I'm right, in our own minds. Proves nothing. I will always think DC has the best fans, you'll always think that TFC has the best fans. We can agree to disagree. (Though, if you want to argue, I'm down for that... ;) Muhurhurhur)
Though, I will say this. I appreciate your comments about the current state of DC United. It shows you have a passion, not just for TFC, but for football in general. My hats off to you!
db
05/22/2008 4:30 PM by TFCD
Thank you. It took alot of courage to say that and I respect that. Your right, I am passionate and I see that some D.C people are as well. I agree to disagree. Before we had a franchise, I must admit I was impressed with your supporter group. However I feel that TFC is bringing more of a european feel to the MLS. And if anything, it should help other franchises. It is something good for the league and so is La barra brava and their army like support. (you guys are crazy with the smoke bombs haha).
That being said, I will continue to leave comments on behind the badge, and offer my insight on things across the league, as well as D.C united. After all, wether you are D.C united fan or a Toronto FC fan, we are all representing North American football fans and MLS.
So a little healthy rivalry doesn't hurt, right?
Again, I applaud you D.C guys. Despite your recent struggles, you stick by your team. True support.
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/22/2008 4:53 PM by dogboy
Much respect TFCD. After all is said and done, it's ultimately all about the game.
05/22/2008 6:33 PM by stewartdc8
My comment on RSL having the best fans because of the MLSnet.com vote was a joke. It's pretty clear they don't.
05/22/2008 8:23 PM by ArlingtonforUnited
TFCD: TFC is bringing more of an european feel to the game except the streamers thrown to the players. That really is not a beautiful thing to watch and makes the whole image looked dirty. You don't see that anywhere in europe. Yeah, I see that in some parts of South and Central American nations but it ain't pretty and never a fan of it. You can throw streamers into the air and celebrate because that's part of enjoyment of the game and also a part of the show you could say but disrupting the play and interferring to the player is certainly not a model to the young fans.
05/22/2008 8:43 PM by TFCD
Arlington, I welcome your critisism of it. You are not the first to think of it that way. But arent you being a little bit biased?
The streamers are is a fun way for the fans to interact in the game. It makes the game more fun for them, makes it harder for the opposing team (breaks them down mentally), and keeps fans coming back. And there are leagues in europe where they do it, just not on the big scale (EPL, La Liga, Ligue 1..).
Regardless, the heart and sole of a club are its fans. Without fans, there would be no professional sports. If by throwing streamers, fans show their dislike for opposing teams, then so be it.
And european leagues aren't angels either. Remember when Dida took a flare to the face? Yeah...Exactly.
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/22/2008 8:45 PM by TFCD
soul* lol. Little type there.
05/22/2008 8:46 PM by TFCD
typo* wow im struggling today.
05/22/2008 10:07 PM by stewartdc8
I love the streamers, it looks beautiful on tv.
but not when they throw them on the players, making it difficult for the players to take the corners, it's unfair and you can tell because it's only done to the away team.
I like in south america and other places where they have big wide streamers that the fans merely hold up, that also looks really cool.
05/23/2008 10:20 AM by dogboy
To be honest, I am quite undecided about the streamer issue. I can see both points.
Watching the Argentinian leagues and some Mexican games (only when there is absolutely no other football on to watch. I'd rather watch Mexican League Soccer than American Idol), I see a lot of streamers.
These guys are professionals. They are able to tune out the fans, what is so horrible about the streamers? I doubt a player will get tripped up by the streamer and I dont think the streamers should be an issue with site and causing the ball to deflect, you know?
I did find it very amusing watching the NYRB vs TFC and Claudio was taking the corner. There were so many streamers coming down, you could barely see Claudio. Though, it was a bit much, the streamers quickly subsided and a moment of clearing the streamers, everything was all good.
Maybe La Norte could find a deal on streamers and see how TFC enjoy the streaming mass of black and white streamers.... :)
05/23/2008 10:44 AM by TFCD
Bring it on lol.
Hey, if we could dish it out, we could certainly take it. But in other news...
What do you guys think of the outcome of saturday's game?
I think that while D.C are bound to get out of their funk, TFC are on fire right now and it seems like nothing could break us down. Unbeaten in 6 games. We ended columbus's winning streak. We got probably the potent midfield in the MLS, and our defence has been amazing (conceded 1 goal in the past 5 games).
However, if DCU could get it together and pull a string of counter attacks, im sure Luciano or Gallardo (or maybe Fred or Moreno) could give them a lift.
It will be a good match because you have a team that is hungry facing a team that is in good form.
Let me know what you guys think.
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/23/2008 10:45 AM by TFCD
Bring it on lol.
Hey, if we could dish it out, we could certainly take it. But in other news...
What do you guys think of the outcome of saturday's game?
I think that while D.C are bound to get out of their funk, TFC are on fire right now and it seems like nothing could break us down. Unbeaten in 6 games. We ended columbus's winning streak. We got probably the potent midfield in the MLS, and our defence has been amazing (conceded 1 goal in the past 5 games).
However, if DCU could get it together and pull a string of counter attacks, im sure Luciano or Gallardo (or maybe Fred or Moreno) could give them a lift.
It will be a good match because you have a team that is hungry facing a team that is in good form.
Let me know what you guys think.
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/23/2008 11:13 AM by stewartdc8
Main ingredient for humble pie:
1 cup of losing to TFC twice in one week.
Lol, I hope we turn this around. We'll have no excuses if we don't. We're at home, it's got to be a win.
I liked the little experiment of Martinez on the left cause he's good at going forward, but his crosses weren't great. I say we put him back in the middle and start Burch at left back.
05/23/2008 4:00 PM by TFCD
lol well I hope you guys win. Just after saturday's game. I who is D.C's designated player? Gallardo or Luciano?
05/23/2008 4:52 PM by dogboy
We got two DP's, and you named them both.
Don't you worry about a thing, DC will look like DC of old and you will be saying that they looked like a different team.
3-1 DC.
05/23/2008 6:35 PM by TFCD
How optimistic of you DB.
However, it is not that simple. We are going down that easy.
The problem D.C will have the most is breaking down toronto's over-packed midfield. I mean come on. Edu, Ricketts, Guevara, Robert. And on Wynne, Brennan, Marshall, top draft prospects Julias James and Pat Phelan and we signed former Birmingham defender Olivier Tebily.
Still, I welcome your optimism but the tables have turned. And D.C is now the underdog. But you never know. San Jose just beat Houston haha.
TFC 2 - DCU 0
MLS has soccer fans. TFC has football fans.
05/23/2008 6:36 PM by TFCD
are not going down that easy*** Sorry, i've been typing sloppy lately.
05/24/2008 2:34 AM by stewartdc8
Yeah, it seems that Houston is having the same problems as DC this year.