Burch leads the way
07/01/2008 11:48 PM by Doug Hicks
Marc Burch has a dangerous left foot. The man nearly beat John Busch in Chicago last month on a set piece and he left LA's Steve Cronin standing on his line as his 30-yard free kick smashed off of the cross bar last Sunday. Tonight, he again showed his skill, scoring on two second half free kicks, leading United to a 2-0 win over the Rochester Rhinos and into the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. The full account is here. With the win, United is unbeaten in seven matches (6-0-1) in all competitions and have a week to prepare to host the Chicago Fire at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
So after scoring on two free kicks, Mr. Obvious (who was in attendance tonight) might ask, "Why didn't Burch take the free kick at the end of the game?"
Good question. United players and coaches, alike, had the same thought. Here's how Marc explained in the locker room afterward:
"Can you believe Fred? I mean, he looks at me and says 'I'll take this one.' I'm like, 'really?' And he says, 'no, I'm kidding.' Then he proceeds to go up and kick the ball over the goal!'
Fred soon entered the room to rousing laughter and had this to add:
"I was joking with Burchy that I was going to take the kick. I was going to run over the ball, though. As I went up to it, though, I saw a hole in the wall and, all of the sudden, I kicked it. It was instinct and I had no idea what I was doing. I'm sorry coach."
Cue more laughter. Winning games is fun.
Comments
10 Comments
About This Blog | Contact Us | dcunited.com
© 2008 - 2009 D.C United & MacFarlane Chang DC Soccer, LLC - All Rights Reserved
07/02/2008 12:23 AM by DC_DURSK
Ohhhhhhh Fred...
07/02/2008 2:51 AM by chawk
First shut-out of the season! Well done!
07/02/2008 7:10 AM by hokie soccer fan
nice insight on the team and game. are there video highlights?
07/02/2008 9:53 AM by ArlingtonforUnited
we got shut out against Harbour View 5-0 if we count as season. It's with the leage that we have not but I don't care as long as we are wining.
07/02/2008 10:57 AM by chawk
How right you are, ArlingtonfU. I'm just relieved to see our keeper improving. His first "real" shut-out is coming soon, I know it.
07/02/2008 10:58 AM by stewartdc8
Here's a cam video of the second goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd3z04FxUHM
07/02/2008 2:45 PM by BurchFan4
When he shuts out an MLS side, then the monkey might jump off his back... not until... I think it says a lot the Thorpe was the back up for the open game last night and NOT CARVALLO... I'm not a big fan of loaning players, and with Carvallo and Neill as evidence, it didn't really work out for us...
07/02/2008 2:46 PM by BurchFan4
In other news, Emilio is about to lock up the GOTW this week to give a record 4 straight GOTW wins..
07/02/2008 4:45 PM by Comulles
"First shut-out of the season! Well done!"
This one really doesn't "count count" if that makes any considerable sense at all. While the Rhinos are an established USL-1 side, Wells isn't off the hook until he secures a blanket under MLS play.
As for Fred and Burchy...this is why blogs are made. Great access, great material. I'm sure you all had a laugh.
The morale has to be on cloud nine (paging cliche, paging cliche) right now.
07/02/2008 5:14 PM by jgildea
I actually heard you talking about this Fred story at California Pizza Kitchen today over lunch, I think...
Not that I am a stalker or anything...