Yes, Jeff, it was that bad

By: Sean | May 26th, 2008

So bigsoccer.com blogger Jeff Bull wants to know if yesterday’s Bulledamerung was as comprehensive and one-sided as the 1-5 scoreline indicates.

Yes. Yes, it was.

I’ll give New York [sic] credit: They brought it the last 15 minutes of the first half. I went into halftime worried that Red Bull were ascendant, that the Fire had expended too much energy in dominating the first 30 minutes. I was worried.

I shouldn’t have been, but I’ve discussed my pessimism before. I mean, the Soumare/Conde tandem in the back had absolutely worked Juan Pablo Angel out of the game. Segares was just erasing Richards. Gutierrez, 8 months older than Claudio Reyna, looked 5 years Captain America’s junior in hounding him totally out of rhythm. In short, whatever was happening with the attack, the Fire had snuffed out every Red Bulls thrust almost before it began.

The attack wasn’t consistent, but it was varied. Barrett has continued to grow into his strengths – I’m curious whether he’s become more of a student of the game in the last year or so. Before, Chad seemed to have no idea what to do with his decent first touch, his strength on the ball, his great work-rate. Now he’s combining well, holding the ball in traffic, and forcing defenders to play outside their comfort zone with the ball. It’s a lot easier to forgive the lad for a couple of gaks in front of goal when he’s doing so much to help the Fire keep possession.

It’s hard to talk about Blanco, in some ways. I’m completely sold. If he plays this way the rest of the year, he’s on the all-time Fire XI in my book. The team looks like it has marinated in his competitiveness, his vision, and his knowledge of the game – his influence is just everywhere.

There’s more – a 5-1 road win will have plenty of positive stories – but man, I gotta get this food off the grill.

Now here’s the thing: anyone can answer. You can answer here, in the comments section, or over there, in Jeff’s comments section. As much as I think my opinion dominates, well, writing should be like football – anyone who can make it work is welcome. Anyone? Anyone? (Feel free to comment both places, y’all. The electrons are freeish.)