Game Grades: Toronto FC vs FC Dallas
September 11th, 2007 . 12:09 am . By: Peter WelptonBeing well aware that these grades are generally considered negative, the issue of “reality” has to be impressed upon those wearing “Hoops-Colored Glasses.” The truth of Dallas’ 2-0 win over Toronto FC is that if FCD had faced a team that could finish, even a little, this would have been a much different match. The argument could be made that if the opponent had been Houston, New England or DC, the home side might have lost 4-2. The first 20 minutes were owned by our friends from Canada and it was simply their lack of composure in the box that prevented them from an early lead by a goal or two. Morrow had to make several changes and much of the defensive issues probably had to do with the usual lineup and it was another match where the absence of Goodson was glaring. The midfield had a spotty match, but along with the lineup changes in the back, there is still a very high level of “newness” going on up top. While Abe subbed in for Ruiz – Ricardino and Denilson certainly are still finding their feet within the squad and the combination of all those changes led the attack to lose some of the chemistry the team had been showing. This new look certainly provided something new for FCD fans – movement up top. While he is not someone that will create amazing goals or highlight reel moments, Abe Thompson is just a flat out smart, hardworking forward. Abe made run after run that Ruiz never would, and in doing so made Alvarez and Richardino more dangerous. The inclusion of Denilson is a treat for the fans. His flicks, backheels and cheeky greatness is wonderfully fun, but is of such a high level that all of the other players on the field aren’t prepared for it. It doesn’t matter if it is his own teammates or an opponent, Denilson’s bag of tricks has stuff in it that repeatedly catches everyone off guard. But, in good news, he is working hard to include his teammates and there were several close connections. With time the possibility of greatness certainly is there. In fact, the inclusion of Denilson appears to have brought out the trickery in others. Richardino seems determined to match his mentor and even Toja found some new things to dazzle the fans. Unfortunately all of the foot magic failed to result in any consistent threat on the Toronto goal. There was a lot of “Ooooos and Ahhhhhs,” but the never ending lack of width is killing the attack for Morrow. With Wagenfuhr playing for Gbandi, FCD was without its one outside back that periodically pushed forward. If Morrow is unable to ever get these two positions to contribute in the attack, FCD’s aspirations for MLS Cup greatness are severely limited. Keeping a clean sheet against Toronto holds little value. That is a team that now hasn’t scored in seven straight matches. Having to rely on two PK calls (one of which was iffy, if not a gift) to win against them is not something to boast about. “Negative Nelly!” you shout? Fair enough, “a win is a win” and you’ll, “take three points no matter how they come,” and “good teams know how to win ugly” and whatever other cliché you can think of that applies. All of that doesn’t remove the obvious feeling that FC Dallas is just missing something. Yes, they are one of the league’s better sides. Sure, they are sitting near the top of the table, and in the USOC Final. Hell, they are 5-3-2 since the All-Star break and still have plenty of time to find that missing part. Morrow gets to really test his side in the coming weeks. Away to the Revs, at home against the Fire and before the month is over, the the team’s proverbial “monkey on the back” – Houston comes to town. So, before October hits, we are going to know a lot more about this team’s status. GRADES:Sala: 7 – One amazing sequence of saves late to keep the one goal lead. Moor: 5 – Grade isn’t as reflective on defensive work, but his lack of participation in the attack is an issue. Pitch: 5 – Not a bad match, but early was beaten badly and had to mug a guy to stop him and frankly was lucky that the ref wasn’t in a bad mood and escaped without a red card. Better passing in this match. Serioux: 5 – Still looks slow and recovering. He too struggled early. Wagenfuhr: 4 – Gbandi might be in a slump, but David is not a great improvement for this spot and his inclusion just exacerbates the width issue. Toja: 5 – Still is not 100%, but Toja at 75% is better than most everyone else. Ricchetti: 6 – A workhorse performance, all over the place, but struggled to connect passes at times. Denilson: 6 – There is a lot to watch and admire, but its going to take a couple of matches to turn that into goals. Is their another player in MLS that hits a post on a PK and you assume he meant to? Alvarez: 5 – A couple of flashes of his recent form, but was largely absent from the match. Richardino: 5 – One quick flash of skill and excitement, otherwise still finding his MLS legs. Abe: 8 – Maybe a high score, but was the MotM. Not flashy, but hard work, smart play and – shocking – runs into space, make him an asset. Subs: 15 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
And for MY Game Grades considering the team won and got a shut out.
Sala 7
Wag’s 5.5
Serioux 7
Pitch 6
Moor 7
Richetti 6.5
Toja 4.5
Alvarez 4
Denilson 6
Richardinho 5.5
Thomspon 7.5
We weren’t sharp in attack or holding the ball which put additional pressure on the back four. Sala made several good saves/plays but that’s what a GK is supposed to do and maybe we have forgotten that. It was workman-like performace after playing Tuesday in Seattle for 120 minutes on turf and making a long trip. All things considered this was a very good effort and my grades reflect that in most cases. Sometimes you gotta just win ugly and understand that any and all points down the strench at critical. Well done boys!
I agree with you Hank, though I might flip Moor and Wags. Teams have spent too much time this season coming in from the left. Wags plays attentive, engaged defense. Plus, a clean sheet with three non-regular starters and gk getting over an injury is as much about the pyschological victory as anything else. In the past two 90 minute matches (Seattle and Toronto) the team held the opponents scoreless. Given two games in four days, turf, Goodson’s injury and the long trip, I’m willing to give them a pass. Abe was also the man of the match. I was disappointed in the Dallas PR machine in the stadium that gave that honor to Denilson. But I guess it’s to be expected.
For the sake of discussion, just one question for both you and Peter: I agree Wags lacks the offensive contribution of Gbandi, but he offers un-lazy, engaged defensive play. Is Gbandi’s contribution to the attack so great, that we overlook his lackidasical defense?
ps I don’t think Denilson meant to hit the post.
Gbandi is a far better player than Wag’s in every way when he’s motivated and being bench the last couple of games should do the trick. I think Steve has shown he won’t put up with half hearted effort whether it’s Ruiz, Sala, Nunez and now Gbandi. I personally like the accountability that we never saw with CC and I think the players respect it. Ruiz knew why he didn’t play earlier this year and Gbandi knows now, he has to earn his spot back and he will.
Wags a 4? Really? He may not have the attacking mind of Gbandi or the width, but he more than made up for that by having by far the best defensive performance of anyone in red and white on the night.
Besides that, I agree for the most part. The only other thing I take issue with was your assessment of the first foul in the box. There was a definite push on Abe, so definitely a foul. The only iffy thing is that a lot of refs in this league would not have spotted it, and probably would have booked Abe for diving. Congrats to Mr Grajeda for getting it right.
Totally agree with Peter on the point that the only reason we won this game was because Toronto were crap. Any half decent team would have capitalized on our mistakes and put 3 or 4 past us. That’s essentially what happened with DC United.. and it could happen again next weekend if we don’t get our act together.
Agree with Hank that the lowest grade must go to Arturo, that’s the worst I’ve seen him play in a while.
I think Serioux started well, but looked tired towards the last 20mins and he appeared to be struggling. I thought Yi was going to replace him when he came on, as we could have done with a speed injection on the back line towards the end.
Ricardinho and Denilson both show excellent individual skill, but neither of them really gel with the team. The big difference is that Denilson reads the game a whole lot better and I think it’s a short term problem, whereas Ricardinho seems very lost at times. That will take longer to remedy. He needs a lot of direction, but has all the technical abilities.
I actually thought that Wagenfuhr did better than Moore at pushing forward and he put in couple of decent crosses. Moore is much more solid defensively though.
Abe has really grown on me. He doesn’t readily give up possesion (like many others on our team) and reads the game very well. The only thing he really lacks is speed.
Hank, I don’t think Sala has given a half-hearted effort since he has been in Hoops. He had an injury that requires 4-6 weeks to heal. (see Beckham, David) The first week he was back training he started, so you’re wrong to lump him in with Ruiz and Nunez. Being physically unable to perform and not caring are two different things. You’re a Goodson fan, so think of it this way: Was Clarence showing a lack of heart when he got hypothermia in NY, went out of with a leg cramp in Houston or left the game in Seattle with a concussion?
Jason,
My point was that Steve requires a certain level of performance and if someone isn’t getting it done for whatever reason they get replaced. I probably was clear on that.
I probably Wasn’t clear on that either.
“You’re a Goodson fan, so think of it this way: Was Clarence showing a lack of heart when he got hypothermia in NY, went out of with a leg cramp in Houston or left the game in Seattle with a concussion?”
Steve M. thinks so !!!!!!
^^^ I doubt that very seriously. He stayed in the game after he got an concussion and finished up the half. It wasn’t until (according to the blog) that he started puking at halftime that the decided to take him out for the second half.
I think Ricardinho has been very good in the last two matches. I agree that he still needs some time to gel with the team and get a better handle on the league, but I hope that he is given that opportunity in the line-up. I think the potential for him to contribute, THIS YEAR, is huge.
Wags is a quality role player, but he has played that role and SM has sent the message. Time to get Gbandi back on the field.
I would be a huge Abe fan if he didn’t run like his shoe laces are tied together. It’s just hard to get past his lack of pace.
No offense Hank, but I’m starting to get tired of listening to you. I guess you’re still bitter that Clarence “own-goal” Goodson lost his job last year. I remember thinking Dario was crazy to be so supportive of Badson during that time. Now, Clarence is finally playing the way that he should when he’s not injured and in one breath you’re calling for Clarence to be captain and in another you’re calling out people like Ruiz, Gbandi, Sala and Nunez? Ramon isn’t on the team anymore, and Sala and Ruiz have both been dealing with knee injuries. I guess the only person who’s allowed to be hurt is Badson.
Is it just me or has Alvarez gone downhill since he was on tat Mexican show Republic Deportiva? I think he needs to check his ego at the door and get back to playing week in and weekout.
I don’t think that Hank was calling out anyone. He was just pointing out that SM has called these people out by benching them when their performances have not been up to standards, regardless of the reasons why. I guarantee that if Goodson comes back from the concussion and is not playing at the level that he is capable of, then SM will sit him as well. SM sent a consistent message to the team all season long. No one is assured a spot in the first 11.