Photo: Paul Rudderow
Union
RSL coach Jason Kreis said after Saturday’s the 1—1 draw, “We were stretched out. We weren’t keeping the ball at all and we were allowing them to play in our half of the field. When we got down, our backs didn’t come forward and we left way too much space for our midfield to cover. Credit to Philadelphia, I thought they played very brightly in the first half and probably should have been up two or three.”
Peter Nowak on what to learn from the draw and the post-game reaction in the locker room: “We talked in the locker room about pushing for a second goal. That was my point to the guys…We gave [Real Salt Lake] a chance to come back and in one shot, that’s it, the game is over. From this perspective, the locker room is pretty disappointed.”
Nowak continued, “It’s frustrating because we know we should still be two points ahead of New York. And [Real Salt Lake] didn’t create anything, just the one shot.”
Danny Califf on not putting RSL away in the first half: “You know, you see that in every league in the world where a team takes advantage when you can’t put them away. It ended up 1-1 and we ended up giving away points.”
Sheanon Williams says, “We feel like we should have had three points. We hit the crossbar several times and came away unlucky with chances. Some games, it works out like that and you have to fight back. We had good chances and we know if we keep playing this way, the results will be positive.
Keon Daniel says, “That’s how it is in this sport. Some go, some don’t. That’s the life of football, the life of sport. The coaching staff will keep us pushing hard. We’ll keep playing hard and training hard. We’re a good team and everything will work out if we keep working like this.”
Sebastien Le Toux on that offside call: “Yeah, I was surprised because the whistle came late and it did not look off sides. I couldn’t figure it out. I just kept playing through the play.”
Keon Daniel on his goal: “It will definitely ease my mind about getting on the score sheet and contributing. I think this will just give me more chances to score more goals.”
Not a happy camper. Photo: Paul Rudderow.
The Inquirer’s Marc Narducci writes, “Union team manager Peter Nowak thought that Farfan was fouled around midfield by Alexandre before he made the pass to Espindola. Nowak voiced his displeasure at the officiating in the postgame news conference, but the real cause for displeasure should have been allowing a good team to hang around too long.”
Michael Farfan on whether or not he was fouled in the lead up to Fabian Espindola’s goal: “I definitely think it was a foul. I was getting to the ball when I was tripped up from behind. Whenever someone comes at you and trips you up, anything from behind is a foul.”
Nowak agrees with Marfan: “When you see the replay of the whole play, you just scratch your head why the whistle wasn’t blown. From week to week, we have to adjust to different rules. Maybe we have to ask U.S. Soccer to send us the new rules of officiating.”
Nowak added, “Where is the justification on that goal? There was a similar play at Colorado last week that was called, but not here. I do not understand. I am very confused by that goal. It seems week by week we have to adjust to new rules. First at Colorado, then something different at home.”
While Marfan was coming off of an injury and says he doesn’t get a lot of time in practice playing left back—”The position is still a little new to me and I am trying to learn it as fast as possible. I don’t think you can ever stop learning at a position. I believe I have gotten a lot better at it, but I have a lot of work to do”—he makes no excuses: “I’ve had enough time to get back and I am fit. Yeah, the heat had something to do with it, but it’s something we all had to deal with. Like I said, man, I am working on getting better at that position. I am confident I’ll get there.
While noting several other non-calls, including Jack McInerney being tripped in the box, the Delco Times quotes Nowak, “What am I supposed to tell my guys Monday? You played good but … How am I supposed to build them up for the next game?
Match reports from the PSP, MLSsoccer.com, the Inquirer, CSN Philly, the Brotherly Game, Philly Union Talk, Philly Soccer News, Goal.com, Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune.
Some moaner at the SB Nation-affiliated RSL Soapbox blog cries ungrammatically, “It was a tough fought match, I thought the official allowed a bit more physical play than he should but I don’t believe that he called the match to the advantage of either team. Now clearly when you read the post match quotes you will read that someone believes differently, I lost a lot of respect for Nowak last year when he didn’t shake Jason’s hand after the match, again this year his displays of poor sportsmanship continue as he first doesn’t shake hands after the match, again, and then he goes on to complain about the officials. I hope he gets a huge fine and a couple match suspension, if he didn’t think his team got out played in the second half his isn’t just a poor sport he is also delusional.”
Keep your shirt on, Fabian. Photo: Paul Rudderow.
From the Department of Whatev’, the Brotherly Game reports that Espindola flipped off a section of the River End as he entered the player’s tunnel at the half and said some naughty words.
Independence
Danesha Adam’s scored in the 90th minute to put the Independence over the Flash 1–0, WNY’s first loss of the season.
Local
Reading United suffered their first loss of the season, falling 2–0 to Long Island Rough Riders.
Ocean City drew 1–1 with Central Jersey Spartans.
MLS
Thanks to Saturday’s draw, the Union, who have a game in hand, are level at 22 points with New York after the Energy Drinks topped New England 2–1 on Friday. In third place and four points back, Houston bet Chivas USA 2–1. DC United fell 4–2 to San Jose and Toronto played LA to a 2–2 draw. After defeating RSL on Wednesday 2–1, Columbus lost 1–0 to Chicago on Sunday, ending Chicago’s eleven game winless streak. Chicago had played Kansas City to a 0–0 draw on Thursday. On Sunday, Kansas City thumped Dallas 4–1.
Peter Nowak wasn’t the only coach complaining about match officials this weekend. Seattle’s Sigi Schmid had some issues with—surprise!—Mark Geiger. Portland’s John Spencer, who was ejected during the loss to Colorado, not only had some issues with match official Abiodun Okulaja, he also had problems with the fourth official.
I think the Carlos Ruiz wonderstrike just got bumped by this Eric Hassli goal against Seattle for goal of the year:
US
Ah, the USMNT—two embarrassments in one week. On the one hand, Soccer America says the team needs focus, not a new future. On the other hand, Soccer America says if this is Bradley’s best, it is time for him to go.
The Inquirer’s John Smallwood sees the same ugly pattern that has characterized the USMNT’s play since the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Landon Donovan says the reason the US lost to Panama is because they were “complacent.”
Elsewhere
FIFA confirms Alfredo Hawit as acting president of CONCACAF, overruling claims by ousted interim president Lisle Austin that he is in charge.
Cuban player Yosniel Mesa defected from the team’s hotel in Charlotte, NC after their 5–0 loss to Mexico on Thursday.
I believe Mesa defected in Charlotte, NC! Just goes to show that my hometown is an international city after all. People are coming there from all over! QC!!!
Bob Grotz needs to understand that its not instant replay that’s going to improve the game in America, it’s the level of officiating. As the officiating in this country gets better, the level of play is going to get better. Before there is any talk about replay, which is what’s going on in countries like England, there needs to be proper talk about training and educating officials. Of course officials are going to make mistakes, but the level of officiating in this country is extremely poor and is not advancing as fast as the players.
Good point, Neil.
I read a lot of whining about officiating here. Why no comment about Nowak not even shaking hands with RSL coach Kreis? Thats just play childish of Nowak. Why do I have to read about that on other Philly blogs but not here?