I took some time off before looking at this thread. A few thoughts on the game and players.
RBNJ deserved to win, but the 2-0 scoreline was deceiving. There were long stretches of the game when we were more dangerous, and we certainly had the first few good chances. When they scored the first goal, however, they had controlled the ball in our half for a while and had played dangerous passes into our box a few times. I had already said we were going to let one in if that didn't change.
Defense - Better this game, notwithstanding the errors that led to the two goals. There were a lot of dangerous balls into our area; all but one were expertly cut out. Saunders had less to do than usual.
Saunders - Another bad game. Could have done more on both goals. On the first goal, he sets up defensively in front of Mena and not BWP. So, when Mena whiffed, BWP had an open net. I also think he should have had better position on the second goal. I'm not writing him off, as he's had some great games, but the last two are not among them.
Mena - Improved a lot from the last game, but still needs consistency. The whiff on the first goal is 100% inexcusable.
Angelino - A solid game. They attacked down his side a lot in the first half - they clearly thought Sam could take him. Sam got some dangerous crosses in, but they were all handled. Angelino did a very good job making runs out of the back.
Iraola - Probably our most disappointing acquisition this summer. Not because he is bad - but he is nowhere near as good as we had hoped. He was beaten badly on that second goal. He lacks the pace to push forward and get back in time on defense. Both goals were scored off of his side last night.
Midfield - Our inability to hold possession and especially to take it back was the biggest problem in the game.
Pirlo - Rough game. They clearly had a plan to get physical with him, and the ref was letting a lot go. Pirlo needs to adjust to this, because it is going to be every team's strategy.
Mix - Great effort, as others have noted.
Lampard - I liked him a lot this game. Half the battle of being a goal scorer is making runs and receiving the ball in a dangerous position. He did this a lot Sunday night. His finishing was off, but he's still not sharp after the layoff. I expect to see good things from him going forward.
McNamara - His effort and smart play have earned him a place in the Starting XI, and nothing changed about that on Sunday.
Villa - His effort and skill have been great all year. His decision making has been questionable, and Sunday was quite problematic. Too many times he tried for a fancy pass - a backheel, for example - that wasn't there, and we lose a promising attack. He also didn't always find open players when he could have. Finally, offsides is getting to be a problem for him. He's still been great for us, but the bad decision making is holding him back a bit.
