That Wasn’t Supposed To Happen: RBNY 4 – Rapids 5

By: Dave Martinez | September 29th, 2008

pietravallo Two come from behind goals to tie the game, one goal for the lead, and the home result? Zero points. Ouch.

Last year, Bruce Arena was highly criticized for his inability to field a consistent squad week in and week out. Coach Osorio is beginning to get an earful for the same. This past game featured many surprise appearances, including an attacking Seth Stammler and a starting Carlos Mendes. Cichero once again anchored the back three, this time, with Jeff Parke and Diego Jimenez. And newly signed Kandji and Mbuta road the bench. Yes, Dave Van Den Bergh continues to ride the injury pine. But experimenting with a central defender in an attacking position in the last third of the season? Are the Bulls in that kind of position where they can risk critical home points, especially when the road has left them high and dry? It is quite possible the team just didn’t expect that kind of fight from a Christian Gomezless Colorado Rapids. They were nearly approaching throwball scores out there – who saw that coming?!

Taking an opponent for granted was the first mistake. Not finishing off opportunities is definitely a second one (how many times did we see an open attacker receiving a ball over the Rapid defense only to wait on the shot till it was too late?), but the third falls on the shoulders of Coach Osorio. Enough with the experimenting. I would rather have an obvious lineup that creates cohesion week in and week out than a clandestine one that just confuses all players involved. But hey, one guys opinion.

This, ladies and gentlemen, was a mess. And sitting in the rain to witness it stunk too. But at least there wasn’t a stop in the action, that’s for sure.

MAN OF THE MATCH - I can give this one to Mike Magee. He never really stopped playing out there. Rojas played well, but didn’t track back on defense enough for my taste. Magee was quite a creator this game.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH – Um – how much more turning point can you get than an away goal in extra time to seal the deal? Stop it already . .. . .. .

WHAT THE $&!!*! MOMENT OF THE MATCH – Check out the turning point.

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Gabe Cichero. Getting caught out of position, and dishing an assist for the other team in less than a 25 minute span does not a Man of the Match make! Cichero seems to have lost a bit of form since his injury – either that, or something is causing him to make some glaring brain farts the past two games. I am still for landing Parke back in his central position, flanked by Gabe and Goldie, especially in light of these past two games. I guess we will have to wait and see.