So Close
By: Tom | September 16th, 2007The Fire tied 2-2 with the NEWYORKNEWJERSEYREDBULLMETROSTARS in front of the season’s largest crowd, with standing room only tickets sold in large numbers, as was evident by the fans watching from the concourse and a jam-packed Section 8.
At those times, I’m reminded that Toyota Park is a pretty darn nice stadium, a great sight compared to the other two soccer-specific-stadia I’ve been to in Toronto and Columbus. If only there were a roof over the Harlem End to hold in the noise if Section 8.
Onto the game. The Red Bulls took the lead in the first half with a somewhat scrappy finish that was more or less an own goal. The Fire equalised in the second half from the penalty spit, Blanco tucking it in with aplomb. Then, disaster struck, as we conceded a penalty and lost Conde to a red card (two yellows) in the same incident, Angel tucking that one away for a 2-1 Red Bulls lead.
I have to say at this point the stadium was ashen quiet, and if the Red Bulls had any travelling support, they’d have been well justified with some taunts. Fortunately, just minutes later, Blanco teased over a cross that Gonzalo Segares — who had an excellent game — pummeled home.
The Fire had other good chances that went unconverted, with Chad Barrett a prime offender. I felt we did well to contain the Red Bulls for the most part: Segares, Robinson and Conde looked particularly strong. Matt Pickens had a couple of outstanding saves.
Offensively, Rolfe was more lively tonight in build-up play, and is hopefully returning to form. Blanco looked pretty tired by the end of the game, but still managed an assist and a goal, albeit both from set-pieces. One wonders if he’ll make the full 90 minutes in the upcoming fixtures, as we have two more games in the next seven days. Wanchope failed to hold up the ball as well as he can, and seems to be frustrated by his own form.
Overall, a draw combined with Columbus’ loss leaves us holding on to that last playoff spot, but we’ll have to grind out some points in a really tough run-in. Either Rolfe or Wanchope needs to hit a vein of form to take the pressure of Blanco to produce every goal.
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Comments
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I thought the Fire dominated the game,particularly the first half. They blew a number of chances early, but they played solid. Blanco has a special motor that doesn’t stop him, Wanchope doesn’t. Conde makes a big difference. If they make the playoffs, they’ll give the first seed a run for their money. With the additions, they are better than an 8th place team.
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Conde was impressive till he played bone headed. And Blanco is getting protected by the refs. For good reason I suppose, but yesterday was over the top.
Posted from
United States -
I also thought the Fire dominated the game in the first half.
Brian
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United States -
tom,
Im wondering when you gonna write a new blog. I follow the team and was at the Cruz Azul game on Wed. 10/17. When you talk about that or the Globe Pub get together for the DC United game?
Im hopin you write somethin current and soon. Im gettin bored waiting. I know you have a job and other things, but i want to read more news about the FIREPosted from
United States
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