Well, that was really something.
I took my mother to the game -- her first NYCFC game since she lives out of town. When Wallace missed that sitter, she said: "You could have scored that!" Even non-soccer fans know how poor he is with the ball at his feet.
So much for "no one's going to attend a weekday Derby." Stadium was packed and ROCKING. The non-supporters shield areas continue to get better and better. People clapping along, singing with the third rail, and everyone is all the way into the game. We have some really good fans.
The first red card, I don't think anyone has an issue with. The second red card was a complete joke. Here's my main issue: It wasn't called live. Video review is meant for "clear and obvious errors." -- HOW THE HELL WAS THAT CLEAR AND OBVIOUS! Two guys running, accidental studs -- sure, it's a yellow. Studs to the Achilles, I'm fine with a yellow. But a red? On a video review? Ridiculous.
Deeper than that, though -- it's not even the reds I'm annoyed about. The rest of the game was officiated horribly. As I said my mother's not really a soccer fan, when they announced 7 minutes and the crowd roared in disapproval she asked what happened. "Well, see, they normally give 4-5 minutes of added time. But the referee sees the Red Bulls haven't scored yet, and he won't let the game end until the Red Bulls score." Everything that wasn't called against Red Bulls -- hands to the face, tackling Ring in the first half -- that was a disaster.
Immense performance from the players on the field tonight. Incredible to get a point out of that mess. Every time David Villa plays he makes such a major impact on the game. The guy deserves to be back next year. I know he's suffered with injuries this season, but man -- that guy is such a prime time player. Always shows up when he's out there. I want him back in 2019.