Several odds and ends from Thursday's game:
-on NYCFC's second goal, Chanot played a major part in the buildup by getting forward, exchanging passes and then laying off a beautiful weighted pass that gave Shelton time to get to the end line. Fantastic ball skills from a CB. As Chanot gets more acclimated to MLS, hope to see more of this.
-There were 2-3 moments last night where "Calamity" Saunders was flailing around in no man's land. Somebody should make a tape of him bumbling around to Benny Hill music. He will make some stupid blunder in the playoffs.
- Before Lampard went nuts the last 10 minutes, he was having a poor game in the midfield, losing possession and not being very active. But you have to play him because 11 goals since June is obscene for a CM.
-This team comes out so flat at the beginning of games. It's almost as if they think they'll just ease on in and turn it on when needed. The whole first half NYCFC was a step behind, letting DCU dictate the play. Just once I'd like to see NYCFC come out flying, go up 2-0 in the first 30 mins and ease their way to victory. Press the other team and force turnovers - it's the MLS way. Michu's back pass came because Shelton was in his face and didn't give him time.
-PV's subs were right on: the team needed more bite in defensive MF and more speed to push the play. Much better in second half.
-on NYCFC's second goal, Chanot played a major part in the buildup by getting forward, exchanging passes and then laying off a beautiful weighted pass that gave Shelton time to get to the end line. Fantastic ball skills from a CB. As Chanot gets more acclimated to MLS, hope to see more of this.
-There were 2-3 moments last night where "Calamity" Saunders was flailing around in no man's land. Somebody should make a tape of him bumbling around to Benny Hill music. He will make some stupid blunder in the playoffs.
- Before Lampard went nuts the last 10 minutes, he was having a poor game in the midfield, losing possession and not being very active. But you have to play him because 11 goals since June is obscene for a CM.
-This team comes out so flat at the beginning of games. It's almost as if they think they'll just ease on in and turn it on when needed. The whole first half NYCFC was a step behind, letting DCU dictate the play. Just once I'd like to see NYCFC come out flying, go up 2-0 in the first 30 mins and ease their way to victory. Press the other team and force turnovers - it's the MLS way. Michu's back pass came because Shelton was in his face and didn't give him time.
-PV's subs were right on: the team needed more bite in defensive MF and more speed to push the play. Much better in second half.