It has been reported that Ben Olsen did not want to discuss the officiating in this match. I too would like to take the high road, almost. It is without question that the game was littered with incorrect or questionable calls. Still, United should have done better. This is a tough loss for a team coming from the momentum of an emotional opening week win. Now we start to see how this team has changed mentally from last year. How will we rebound going to Colorado next week? How will the depth do? So far so good, but next week will be an even bigger test.
Observations
-Possession was lopsided throughout the entire match. United held approximately 60% of the possession, but ended up with the same number of shots on goal (5) and fewer shots in total (9 vs 11). Some of this could be a result of United being exposed from pushing to recover from the two goal deficit in the second half, but this push did not result in their chances being any more dangerous.
-United's possession did result in a disparity in corner kick attempts (7 vs 3), but set pieces continue to be a woe for United. Pontius did have a header saved off the line, but generally United has not seemed dangerous on set pieces nor safe when defending them.
-McCarty had a bit of a wobble to his step towards the end of the game but was not removed since United had used their three subs. We haven't heard anything about this in the post game report, but it is something to keep an eye on.
-Wolff is apparently battling a hamstring issue...it wouldn't be a season in DC without them, would it?
-Jakovic sees red and will miss the Colorado match. Depth is definitely getting tested. Early reports have either Burch moving to CB with Woolard covering LB or Zayner moving to CB and keeping Korb at RB. I believe the latter option is preferred but is contingent upon Zayner recovering from his week one injury.
-Bosko-gate is in full effect. Why does our DP get DNP's?
Player Ratings
Ratings are 1 to 10, 10 being Etch
Pat Onstad (6): With United dominant in possession, he didn't have much to do. He probably wishes he had that penalty back since he got a hand on it.
Chris Korb (6): A good debut. He made some well timed aggressive runs and only had one awkward moment in the back which he recovered from. With Korb and Zayner both showing well, I am feeling comfortable with our RB position now and in the future.
Dejan Jakovic (7): I felt Dejan had a really good game. He showed some good ball skills and an ability and willingness to get in to the attack, adding another offensive option. Although this did not pay off this time, I like having dimensions to our attack.
Rodrigo Brasesco (6): Seemed to do well for the half he played. Got pulled when we committed more players to midfield.
Burch (5): Was ok in the back. I felt his service on set pieces could be better. There is a stark contrast in what our RB's provide in a game to what Burch brings. He seems limited going forward.
Morsink (5): Looked to move the ball to the forwards from deep midfield but also had some poor giveaways. As much as I wish Simms would get the ball to offensive positions more often, he is stronger at helping us keep possession.
McCarty (5): I felt his service on set pieces was spotty and was not as comfortable as in the first game. Still fought the whole game though, but New England had the better of the middle of the park.
Pontius (6): Had some shots on goal that he could have done better with. He and Najar were active but didn't seem to get the service to our forwards that was necessary.
Najar (6): He is still working on dealing with the additional pressure being put on by the defense. I believe Cirovski said he needs to let the game come to him rather than try to force things. I agree.
Ngwenya (6): Held the ball up better this game but was not particularly dangerous. He made one good turn on a defender in the second half which did not result in a shot.
Wolff (5): Josh was much quieter this game and was a good sub for Davies for the second half.
Subs
Davies (6): He was going towards goal and causing problems. He took the penalty well, but lets hope we will see more of his goals coming from the run of play as the year progresses.
Fred (6): He set up Pontius for a nice shot and held the ball well. He was the surprise sub over Boskovic.
Quaranta (5): He was more active than the first game, but I am not convinced that the super sub role is the best for him. I don't see him making a huge impact when he gets on the pitch.
Coaching
Ben Olsen (7): There was nothing he could have done regarding the ref and I give him credit for rolling the dice and committing more people forward early instead of as a last ditch effort. One has to wonder what is going on with the Bosko saga as he keeps showing well in reserve games.
What are your thoughts and ratings?
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