Match of the Year Number 3

We're up to the number 3 match of the year for the Wizards.

#5 vs Columbus Crew
#4 vs New York Red Bulls

#3


7/29 vs Chivas USA 3-2
Down the Byline original write up


Coming out of the All Star break, the Wizards had gotten a 2-2 draw with Colorado at home. This was the Wizards third game unbeaten, as they'd gotten a win and a draw heading into the break. The Wizards then faced Chivas USA, who were also on a 3 game unbeaten run in the league. As with the New York match that finished at number 4, the Wizards started this one on the back foot, as they fell behind to a Jonathan Bornstein strike. The Wizards looked to get back into the game in the 22nd, when Davy Arnaud was brought down in the box, giving the Wizards a PK. Carlos Marinelli stepped up to take the PK, but hit it poorly, and Brad Guzan guessed right to hold onto Chivas' lead.

Kansas City found themselves level in the 38th minute, though, as Kerry Zavagnin let loose with a rock from about 30 yards out. The ball sailed right into the elbow of the crossbar and corner, leaving Guzan with no chance to save it. Into the second half, the Wizards continued to press for the second goal, and in the 53rd minute, they were rewarded, as Arnaud's free kick from the left side of the field landed right between the on rushing attackers and Guzan, freezing Guzan where he stood, and the ball just skipped into the net untouched by any player. Guzan had to wait where he was in case Jimmy Conrad got a touch on the ball. By the time the ball was past Conrad, it was too late for Guzan to adjust to save it.

The lead did not hold up long though, as two minutes John Cunliffe, a half time sub, equalized for the Goats. Both teams pressed for the winning goal as the game wore on, the Wizards inserted two more forwards, Yura Movsisyan and Ryan Pore hoping to find the winner. In 89th minute, it was Movsisyan who provided the magic. Receiving the ball on the wing, Movsisyan cut towards the goal, drew two Chivas defenders, before cutting back up field, giving himself some space. With that space, from the corner of the box, Movsisyan took a shot that got just enough of a deflection off of Shavar Thomas to carry it over Guzan and into the net to give the Wizards the lead again.

You can see the highlights of the game below, courtesy of the MLS youtube account.