I have never been so thankful that my wife scheduled a weekend event forcing me to miss a game. I watched the first half and didn't bother with the rest.
We know the team is better than that game. The whole season to this point has demonstrated it. After all, we are still ahead of New Jersey in the standings.
So, how does this happen? Bad matchup, bad preparation, bad energy, all those contributed, but they don't explain 7-0. That happens because the team loses its focus and lets the game get away from them - completely. Soccer can be like that. There are no timeouts, and you can't just sub out the players. Things can snowball. Don't believe me, ask a Brazilian.
I honestly think our guys got distracted by the physicality of the game and the fact that dumbshit ref was only carding one team. They were upset about the fouls and the calls and weren't focused on what they should have been. The Red Bulls, to their credit, were properly focused. The fact that New Jersey were already up a goal and have the upper hand in the rivalry didn't help. Once a couple more went in, all bets were off.
There are two risks here. First, that they are totally in our heads. I don't think today happens if that wasn't already to some extent the case. This may make things worse. Second, we can't let this derail what has been a positive season up to now. I worry this could lead to a lack of confidence or, worse, infighting. Hopefully not, as those could kill the season.