Giving this match a full write up because it deserves it. Hope everyone who reads it appreciates my contributions. I'll begin first with the pre-match.
- Kaka is a first class player. When he came out before practice he signed and took photos with all the kids by my section. I shook his hand and wished him a good game today because he deserves it.
- Spoke with Adrian Heath before the match. I told him, "You can't be here you're suspended." He checked out the field conditions and then left. He just gives off the impression of being a jackass.
- Keeping on the Orlando track, Cyle Larin is good and he can be great. Our defense gave him two or maybe all three of his goals, but he did finish and he finished well. It's going to be good to see him through the years in MLS.
- Final thoughts on Orlando, their fans are maybe the worst I've seen in league on road games. Yes they had numbers but I clearly saw one just throw a beer on fans on the lower tier after we scored. They were doing the "DX" junk cross motion all the time and audibly crushing. I get the puto chant, but on one occasion they did "You're an asshole," which caused me to actually to turn around and say, "Wow, not cool."
- Spoke with Katie Witham from FOX. I asked her for her predictions on the score. She told me doesn't have that information but said we looked forward to some good soccer, maybe a Pirlo goal. Not my favorite sideliner reporter.
- Spoke with Alan Kelly (head ref) before the match. His usually never happens but we went over to talk to friends in the stands. Asked him how many spot kicks today, he replied "none." He didn't lie.
Now onto the good, the bad, and the NYCFC...
- David Villa: We pay him the big bucks and he produces. That first goal, marvelous. That first touch should be on display at the Met. The shot just squeezed in, unbelievable. I still think there are times when we don't have better scoring chances because he demands the ball, but that's what you get with a world class scorer on the team. That being said, I wouldn't want any other team to have him.
- Poku: POKU!!! Pretty sure this was his first 90' match and he was consistent throughout. Didn't falter in the 70' and bulldozed through the field. I wore my long sleeved black Poku jersey today. It was hot but it was worth it. After the match, I asked to swap jerseys with him, he told me next time. I believe him. I also told him he needs to score more. His 4th assist was not allowed because his pass to Villa was offside. He should have shot that ball in my opinion. Same play with Mix a few minutes later and he got his assist.
- Pirlo: I was a little disappointed with the "WE WANT PIRLO" chants since the beginning of the match. We're more than just one player. But when he came on, wow. I'll be the first to say he can't play defense. But he opened up the field so much. He did try to be a little too cool with the ball which nearly led to Orlando's 4th (I think that was the crossbar one). Needs to be paired with Jacobson just so we don't let up more goals. Also, like Iraola got a yellow card in his MLS debut.
- Mena: There are two sides to our defense and CBs. The first is counterattack, through ball, etc. defense. We are terrible when it comes to this. I think that 70% of our allowed goals and been through this. However, I found that Mena won possession on all 1 v 1 possession orientated offense. When there was an Orlando player near the corner flag trying to get by Mena it never worked. He always won the ball. It was great to see. Definitely will get better on other parts of the game when he has more training with the club.
- Calle: He scored? Damn, he scored.
- Mix: 2 away from the hat trick. A pleasure to see on the field. He's an animal, he's everywhere. If only he could play like this for the USMNT.
- Saunders: I think he could have done better saving the first Orlando goal, but he did come up with one huge save. Getting better on goal kicks.
- Angelino: A bit too short for headers on defense but damn this dude has skill. I told him after the match, please stay one more year. I really hope he does.
- Forgot about McNamara: TMAC! That's all that needs to be said.
Kreis thoughts...
- I think the 4-2-3-1 worked well for us. If fully healthy, I can see Pirlo starting versus Montreal with Ballouchy if need be coming off the bench. Mix too will be starting though Calle had a nice performance today.
- This team is getting more fun to watch. 16 total goals scored in the past two home matches, that's some MLS record.
- We're going on a winning streak. We're winning the next four games (MTL, COL, RBNY, DC).
Poku and Villa both on MLS Team of the Week.