The Wizards fell for the second week in a row, and fell to .500 overall with a 2-1 loss in Columbus tonight. Tonight, the Wizards fell behind early, with Adam Moffet benefiting from some ball watching by Roger Espinoza to put the Crew up 1-0. Guillermo Barros Schelotto played in a free kick that Chad Marshall headed back across the face of goal, where Moffet had followed the play while Espinoza ball watched. Kevin Hartman probably could have done better, but was left out of position after moving to the far post to cover Marshall's header.
In the 34th minute, another defensive miscue led to the Crew being up 2-0. Alejandro Moreno played a ball through to Robbie Rogers that Chance Myers appeared to have it covered, but slowed up as Hartman started to come off his line. This allowed Rogers to get the slimmest of touches on the ball to put it past Hartman and into the net. Two minutes later, things got worse for the Wizards, as Roger Espinoza got red carded for elbowing Frankie Hejduk in the nose after Hejduk had been grabbing and clawing at Espinoza his entire way down the field.
As the second half started, the Crew started to sit back and absorb pressure. The Wizards also came out and actually started playing better, with the insertion of Scott Sealy. It wasn't until Carlos Marinelli came into the game that the Wizards started to produce some good chances. Finally in the 78th minute, the Wizards had a chance to pull back into the game when Sealy was pulled down in the box. Claudio Lopez stepped up and converted the spot kick to pull the Wizards within one. While the Wizards continued to pressure the rest of the game, they couldn't find the equalizer. They came closest when Marinelli found Chance Myers on the back post, but a combination of Brian Carroll pulling on Myers and Will Hesmer, kept Myers from getting a good shot off.
Wizards Man of the Match - Claudio Lopez - Lopez is a man among boys on the Wizards. His play has been the one bright spot the past few games for the Wizards. Hopefully the rest of the team starts to play better, as he deserves it.
Honorable Mention - Carlos Marinelli
Saturday, May 03, 2008
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5 comments:
It's noteworthy that two sizable rookie errors contributed mightily to this loss- Espinoza's red card was deserved and terrible. It weighed on the Wizards all game. I really think 11 v. 11 the Wizards win. Myers blew the play for the Crew's second goal.
I don't get why Onalfo is going with Espinoza.
You are right on about Lopez
the crew dropped in possession while up a man (overconfident?), and the Wizards looked dangerous a few times, but 11 v. 11, the determined crew still outpace the Wizard's game last night.
the crew defense just smothered the kc attack.
el piojo has been a bust
This is nothing new about Espinoza. If any of you saw him during his last season with Ohio State he was and continues to be a defensive liability. There is no doubt that his speed and skill make him a very dangerous player.
I guess Onalfo has to decide if its worth the risk or hope Espinoza develops....quick
Lopez is another level and a great sign, don't forget how much he gets paid... a steal
Another question, Colombano, is he not a forward?
Colombano can play both up top and as a wide midfielder. His best position is as a wide forward.
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