Seattle Sounders vs. CD Chivas USA - 07.18.07
US Open Cup - Round of Sixteen - Seattle WA - Qwest Field
Open Cup Notes
I like the US Open Cup. I like the format. I like the point of the tournament. I like that it is growing in status and popularity. I also like that the Sounders are developing a bit of a history in the tournament and a reputation for being able to stand toe to toe with MLS clubs and show that the top USL teams and MLS are not that far apart. The 2002 extra time loss to San Jose at Interbay is one of the best atmospheres for a match I have ever been to (guys holding “need tickets” signs at Sounders games is just cool on general principle). The 2003 win over San Jose at Husky Field was also an amazing atmosphere. The 2003 Quarterfinal loss to LA had the chance to have that atmosphere, but the early PK to LA took the steam right out of the crowd. Although smaller than I would have hoped, the crowd for the Chivas match was still louder than for a regular match. It felt like there was more on the line, as an elimination game should feel. The Sounders played a very good game, not overtly going into a defensive shell until after the game was 3-1 and there were only a handful of minutes left.
I sat up a smidge higher than I would have, even though I prefer to generally sit at about the level I was at. Had it not been raining I would have, but so be it. It was irritating to have the sections above me closed off so that I could completely avoid the rain though when those sections are normally open. The rain did not last long at least and were I was was not getting it quite as badly as a few rows lower.
This is now an entry into the top ten of Sounders wins that I have attended in person. That list will be a future entry ...
Game Notes
- First 15. It appears that the Sounders are going to go at Chivas, which is encouraging. Even without a couple starters, Chivas looks solid. However, it appears that the Sounders can play with these guys.
- 4th. Oh look, Jones Soda has taken over from Coke and Pepsi already. Thanks for the Green Apple Soda Tim!
- 16th. Counter leads to shot, deflection, and unlucky goal. I feel bad for Jackson, but he made a good play to try and get a piece of it. Eylander had already started going the other way.
- 26th. Jackson leaves, limping and visibly ticked about it. Even with Taylor Graham back, this is not good. Scott off the bench.
- 33rd. Nice save by Eylander on breakaway.
- 34. Another nice save. Chivas pressing and Sounders adjusting to loss of captain.
- 43rd. A nice goal by the Frenchman. Burpo yells at his D. It is not good for the keeper to scold his D here, it was more a good play by the O than a let down on the D.
- Half. 1-1.
- 46th - 50th. Teams both playing a bit cautious. Tim comments on the slower play.
- 50th. O’Brien with a great shot just wide Tim might still be convinced went in.
- 51st. The Frenchman strikes again. Viva La France! 2-1!
- 53rd. Chivas starts to use subs. I think they should quickly get fresh legs all over and use up some subs. Tying this up is essential. They don’t.
- 60th. Sounders keep pressuring, defending by attacking. I like this, take it at them.
- 62nd. ADVANTAGE! Do not stop an advantage unless there is an obvious injury or you are going to book the defender! And frankly, both of those things can wait a minute for the advantage … no booking … no injury … grrrrrrrrrr …..
- 65th. Howes on. An offensive sub? Wow. Also, Tim and I discuss that this could be looking ahead for PK’s just in case.
- 69th. Header by Roger just misses ….
- 73rd. Sounders manage to screw up a subbing situation and appear to play a man down a couple minutes before getting the defensive sub on. This is not how to play to hold a lead in the final 20 minutes of a match.
- 75th. Save Eylander. He has really matured from the happy feet he had early last season that made me nervous. It was obvious by late last season he had settled in and now it is clear he is very comfortable in his role back there. The tradition of Sounders goalkeeping is safe. A solid goalkeeper.
- 81st. Chivas fans try to start The Wave. It doesn’t work. Apparently, the death of the wave memo did not get out to them.
- 82nd. How many subs do they get in the Open Cup anyways?
- 82nd. 3-1! The guy with the French name this time, not the Frenchman himself.
- 83rd. I start chanting “Atlas! Atlas!” to the Chivas fan two rows in front of me. His friends are America fans and find this to be very humorous.
- 90th. Chivas pressing, but with only 3 minutes of stoppage, a good Sounders D, and 2 goals to make up, it is not going to happen.
- 93rd. Whistle blows. Bring on the Rapids!
Pre-Game, Post-Game and Other Random Thoughts …
- With the MLS All Star Game the next night and Bornstein missing from the Chivas Defense, that can’t hurt. If only Galindo or Suarez was also there. Where is Razov?
- I need to look up and see if Schmetzer and Preki were on the Tacoma Stars at the same time. (It appears they were in 88-89.)
- The big Sounders intro with the classical music just is way too much for a mostly vacant stadium when it is not dark.
- 15 minutes late starting for a game already scheduled to take place 30 minutes later than usual to accommodate walk up is ridiculous, Mariners game next door or not. Start on time. I paid a couple bucks extra for this game, you can start on time.
- It appears Preki knows someone in the crowd behind the Chivas bench as he holds a very friendly conversation with someone. He is still well regarded here.
- Oh look, Kieran Barton.
- Fans still like Preston Burpo.
- Claudio Suarez got the biggest cheer.
- Bilingual announcers might help boost attendance. I am not opposed, the Mexican fans are fun. I felt the same way at a Galaxy game in LA in 01.
- Nice to go to a game with Tim again.
- There are a lot of various Chivas jerseys and hats and the like.
- Aside from local youth teams (good to see kids wearing their own colors proudly) and Chivas or Sounders stuff … I noticed Arsenal, Italy, Brasil, USA, San Jose Earthquakes, Mexico, Inter, and a Maradona (Che style) tee or jersey … The SJE guy must have been wearing it since the MLS announcement was imminent.
- A smaller crowd than I would have thought, but with Chivas having just been here and the rain, it is hardly surprising. The M’s are under 30K for Baltimore and the Sounders drew around 8K for the Beckham-less Galaxy four years ago on a night Lou returned next door, so it is not the M’s.
- Cruising past The Safe with Tim listening to the M’s was fun, but I think some of the security thought we were bailing early on an M’s game. But, at least we made it to the car before that traffic hit. In the process, we missed out on Krispy Kreme though, and the red light was on and the place appeared nearly empty. The M’s win on a walk with the bases loaded. And critics of soccer say our game lacks excitement?
It was definitely and exciting match. I love the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteSome notes from 113:
We had some great interactions with Chivas Guadalajara fans and hopefully will see them out against PNE. Somehow I ended up playing the drum and I am just awful. But, we're working on some new chants and hopefully we'll have one that will be something that will really stick. We're going to try out some Judas Priest "And together we will take on all the world!" Also looking at a Muse song. We'll see.
As far as Razov - he was suspended for getting a red card last year. I think Galindo was honestly upset. He didn't even bother sticking around for a minute after the loss.
Excellent post! Keep up the good work! Love the minute by minute idea. :) :) :)