Arena The Old Title Was Way Too Long: USMNT/MLS Discussion

They played last night. Horrible PK awarded to Dallas made it a point for Timbers instead of three.

 

Yup terrible call. It was a gift to the home team. And honestly, there have been far FAR worse things that happened in the Timbers box this season that were totally ignored by refs. MLS has the worst refs in top level soccer in the world. Even keeled Caleb Porter said this:

“It's hard to win a game when you're playing against 12 men,” Porter said in his postgame comments. “For me, that's just unfair, completely unfair. I'm not going to criticize anyone specifically, but that's just unacceptable, an off-the-ball call where two guys get tangled.

"I mean, there were 20 other plays in the game that were just like that exact one that could have been called in both boxes. Again, I think it's just an absolute travesty.”

 

LOL of course the MLS fined Porter for what he said. They're pathetic.

 

Yea it was actually wed. 1-1 tie. Still a good game. I believe they are home on Sunday.

 

That was not a good game. I thought the Timbers struggled and did not look as good as they have. Add in the atrocious call by the ref and we have a draw that should have been an easy win.

Home match today against Chivas USA. I hope we get the same result that Sporting KC got!

 

I don't want to talk about MLS results right now. not after a three game homestand netted a total of three points.

 

Went to the Timbers game today. 1st 2 goals looked offsides but still will take the win.

 

We got pretty much the same result as Sporting KC. 3-0 Timbers. And yeah, Valeri's goal was totally offsides. And honestly, with as badly as the referees' calls went against Portland last year, I am fine with a few bad calls going our way. It's about damn time.

 

A real quick LOL @ Sounders fans trying to stay and give traction to Rooney to Seattle rumors.

 

Always down for a good lol @ the Sounders in general.

 

Alright, I have my camera with me. Hopefully I'll get some good shots of the 'Hounds match tonight. I'm really excited to see some US Open Cup action. Local media has reported that they'll put in a bid to host the next round should they advance tonight.

 

DMC - how was the game? I've never gotten to see a PK shootout live.

 

I love the fact that at Timbers home games, you walk down into the stadium from street level.

 

In a word, awesome. If you want two more words, stressful and Igor. Pictures and a recap coming later tonight.

 

DMC ... Not sure if you saw or not, but if the Riverhounds win their second round game, they will have a home game against the Philadelphia Union in third round. Pairings were announced today. Crew guaranteed a home game. Rapids have possibility of home or away. I might go and cheer on the lower division team if it's in Colorado.

 

No, I didn't see that, but that's pretty sweet. A good motivation for the 'Hounds, because, at times, they looked uninspired at times last night.

Last night was a lot of fun. I hung out in the Supporters Section. It was exactly what you want from the Steel Army - lots of energy, chanting, and enthusiasm, with a little bit of drum added in. The 'Hounds gave up an early goal, but they battled back, and tied it up. Around the 70th minute, the manager put in some of the regular starters, and there was a lot more urgency in the match. The winning goal didn't come, though, so they played two 15 minute AET periods. Still no goals. So, then came penalties. They were taken at the far goal, so everyone from the Supporters Section ran down there and watched the PKs, and greeted the players as they walked to the locker rooms. Like I told DarthTunick, it was my first time hanging out in the Supporters Section, and I'll definitely do it again.


Here's the stadium with the Pittsburgh skyline.


Number 69 is the opposing keeper, named Igor. We had fun messing with him, and he had a good sense of humor about it. He told us that he was going to retire after next year, and then just sit around and drink beer. He wanted to take a picture with us after the match. It looks like he some how had a few while on the pitch.


Here's a few of the Steel Army celebrating after the 'Houds goal and winning the match. Lots of blue smoke flying around everywhere.

 

Wish that Cherundolo was on the roster. I wasn't really surprised that Donovan wasn't - you've got to earn your spot back on the national team. Glad that Stu Holden got the call.

 

Ya, looks like a solid group. Hopefully they can put it together and make a good run.

 

Calling up Shea and Parkhurst, but not Donovan, and claiming rust/form as the reason for omitting Donovan is laughable.

 

Yeah, I don't get the Shea inclusion, either.

 

I get the Shea inclusion. He's a dynamic player who was part of one of the iconic moments in US soccer history. So I get why you call him in. But he's been out injured and is rusty. Just like Donovan. On both sentences I just wrote.

 

Check the Grantland piece I linked to a little while. Or, I can give suggestions. I wouldn't advise being a fan of Columbus. Too frustrating. Portland is a great bandwagon. Or you can support a more national brand, like Galaxy or Red Bull, as long as you promise to also support a local, lower division team.