Game Grades: SuperLiga, FC Dallas vs Pachuca (Mex)
July 30th, 2007 . 8:07 am . By: Peter Welpton
The Superliga matches are proving that MLS teams can produce an entertaining match to watch on a hot summer night – when something is on the line. MLS should learn from what they are seeing from their four teams. $1,000,000 on the line means that sides, even the history laden Mexican teams, are willing to put a little something extra in their game to come out on top. The Dallas-Pachuca match was interesting even though a goal didn’t come until the 73rd minute. For Dallas, it was much of the same as it was in the Chivas match as their opponent clearly understood that allowing FCD to attempt to attack through the middle was best defense. So how did Dallas’ goal come about? From width! That’s right, a ball out on the side to Bobby Rhine, who smoothly came forward to support, placed a great ball across the face of the goal – a Dom touch here, a keeper miscue there and Ruiz was where he needed to be to tap the ball in. It should not go unnoticed that almost every dangerous turn on goal for Pachuca came when they played the ball out wide and made quality crosses into the box. They were just flat unlucky not to have scored two or three of those in the course of the match. The Hoops played a better match over the weekend, against a vastly better side (than what Chivas put out last week) and held their own. Again, doomed to a misjudged offside call (nullifying Goodson’s header) and a suspect PK call and Dallas can fairly make the argument that they are the best team in the Superliga Grades:Sala: 7 – Good to have him back simply because of the calming effect on the four in front of him Rhine: 7 – Worked to get forward, a good defensive night for him, and a point for the cross/assist Serioux: 6 – Unlucky on the PK call, but otherwise was again solid, especially in 1v1 situations Goodson: 8 – An outstanding night, should have gotten the goal (still gets a point for that effort anyway) and his mean streak is just right Gbandi: 6 – Got caught ball watching a few times and his few pushes into the attack were too easily stopped, allowing for a counter. Saragosa: 5 – When Ricchetti and Toja are your midfield partners, your shortcomings are a bit more obvious Toja: 7 – Now needs to start taking some responsibility in finding ways to get the forwards more involved. As his confidence grows so does his desire to keep the ball when maybe a pass is better. Minor quibble, yes; still the team’s best player and if you missed his, literally, 95 yard run to kill off a counter attack – shame on you. Ricchetti: 7 – Much better night than against Chivas, but he too needs to find ways to improve the midfield to forward connection. Alvarez: 6 – Still improving, playing defense and flashing his quality skills, but also still goes missing for too long in games Richardino: 6 – Took three good chances, and then evaporated after hurting his arm Ruiz: 5 – Only this grade for the goal, which was a gimme. Frankly, his frustration level is so alarmingly high that much of his game is getting worse, not better. It could be argued that before the goal he was the team’s worst player (although that is a relative statement) SUBS: Orduro: 5 – Speed can be deadly, but bad decisions kill 11 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
I agree 100% on Ruiz. Before he scored that goal, I was so frustrated with his poor performance and his constant whining, that I was thinking it was time to just trade him for a draft pick or a roster exception. I felt a little better about the situation for about 30 seconds after the goal, and then I saw the replay. He just scooped in garbage on that play and if he had been in his normal position (rolling around on the ground with his hands over his face) then Toja was right there and he would have scored on that play. Ruiz is killing this team. His contact and that arm band say that he is supposed to be our best player, and I have not seen a single match this season when that has been the case. For many of the matches, including this one, he has been the worst. That cannot continue.
I, too, agree with the Ruiz grade. Before that goal, we couldn’t stop screaming at him to do something other than stand around.
Don’t be afraid to say it. Before the 73rd minute he was, indeed, our worst player.
Any update on the DP spot Buzz?
I recognize this song about Ruiz. The song is Graziani and we are on the second verse. Trade him.
I have a dream… a world class striker (finisher) not a has been, not a never been.
Joe, there is an update on the DP on the right side “Under the Lamp”
If you mean is there an update since we learned the wheels are coming off the Denilson deal, then no. I am working to see what I can learn but I have nothing yet.
I’m gonna back Ruiz here. The guy is dangerous. He looked dangerous the entire game to me. I certainly agree with Peter on the width: it sure makes us more dangerous. As good as Toja has been, and as good as Ruiz can be, if we can’t spread their D, those 2 can’t do it all. As the
Sure, he seemed to do a lot of yelling at teammates (especially Oduro) but from what I could see on the tube, but it’s hard to tell if this is being whiny, or being el capitan. Perhaps Buzz could shed some light on how the team is responding to him these last few games.
He has certainly been productive this last month. directly involved in 5 of our last 6 goals, no?
Thanks Buzz! Look forward to your update.
The fish is the basis for the issues that have a young home-grown talent on the trading block. FCD should stop pandering to this washed up stinker and keep its young talent. 2 years from now the fish will be forgotten. Smart money says that Nunez will be an MVP caliber player. MARK THESE WORDS
Wow, I almost hate to be a Ruiz apologist, but sheesh…
Anyone remember the free kick we got right in front of the box after El Pescado dove? No? Also, he nearly beat Calero far post after Alvarez swooped in from the right and laid it off. Only a world class save stopped that from being a goal. I must disagree with the above grade and the comments that followed. In both Superliga games Ruiz has been double and triple teamed for 90 minutes, so obviously the Mexican clubs respect him. And still has a goal and an assist in the tournament. Show a bit more love for this guy.
Smart money says that Nunez will be an MVP caliber player. MARK THESE WORDS
Stop Drinking The Water !!!
Becks said: “FCD should stop pandering to this washed up stinker and keep its young talent. 2 years from now the fish will be forgotten”
I’m tired of being 2 years away from some stemware. We can make a run now with Ruiz.