Dynamo Down Timbers 2-1 Behind Goals From Ching and Moffat
by Zach Woosley on Aug 15, 2011 8:35 AM CDT
in Match Reports
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The Dynamo needed three points on Sunday night and thanks to first half goals from Brian Ching and Adam Moffat, they got just that, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-1. It wasn't a dominating performance and if not for a massive late save by Tally Hall on a point blank shot from Kenny Cooper, it could have been another instance of dropped points at home...but it wasn't.
Portland attacked right out of the locker room, putting immediate pressure on the Dynamo putting three shots on goal in the opening seven minutes. Houston weathered the early storm and in the 17th minute, Adam Moffat launched a rocket from nearly 40 yards out that beat Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
The goal turned the tables on pressure as the Dynamo controlled possession for the remainder of the half, but they weren't done scoring.
In the 27th minute, Brad Davis collected a throw-in and quickly found Colin Clark who deftly nutmegged former Dynamo player Lovel Palmer to find a wide open Brian Ching who easily beat Perkins to the far post. Davis was credited with an assist, his MLS leading 11th of the season.
Portland played a much stronger 2nd half with Sal Zizzo and Darlington Nagbe causing fits for the Dynamo defense. In the 56th minute Zizzo sent a nice pass to Nagbe who headed the ball down to Jack Jewsbury in front of goal. The Timbers captain's shot deflected off Andre Hainault and beat Hall to bring Portland within one goal.
Despite two excellent late chances for Kenny Cooper, the Timbers hopes for a comeback were thwarted by Hall and the Dynamo defense as Houston held on for the much needed three points.
The win allows the Dynamo to keep pace with Sporting Kansas City and DC United in the race for a playoff wildcard spot.
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Another solid, positive game
Like you noted, it wasn’t a dominant performance as there was quite a bit of back and forth and particularly in the second half where we effectively parked the bus (save for a couple of dangerous counter-attacks). I’m encouraged our energy level and I’m really, really warming to Moffat’s play: not just his screamer of a goal, but the fact that he’s been hinting at this ever since he got here by putting some serious shots on goal. That’s what we need to help keep defenses honest is someone who can put a quality shot on goal and make the defense and goalie defend. He’s also really contributing in the midfield by not only his play on the ball – he’s very, very solid at winning the ball – but also keeping it and moving it positively.
Costly is really starting to warm up and I’m encouraged as well. He hasn’t scored yet but I know this will come sooner rather than later simply by his activity and movement. He seems to be keeping defenders busy and focused in a way that Weaver hasn’t been able to. I’m assuming he got pulled early to rest up for the rest of the week as I think we have games both Wednesday and Saturday so I’m glad the result allowed us to rest some people.
The only clouds I see here are first, I really hope Clark is ok. He was playing very well and his ‘meg on Palmer (wow, did that ever sum things up) was delightful and directly led to the second goal. I really hope its not the knee acting up again because as play and I discussed, I think he’s the better starting option ahead of Watson. Which isn’t to say Watson is crap, its just Clark seems to offer more consistent good play and scoring threat than Watson. The other issue, of course, is that our overall energy and frankly, Moffat’s play, masks Cameron’s effect in the CAM role. Yes, Cams is playing well and his confidence seems to grow but I think its aided greatly by Moffat. My fear is that its a bit of an illusion and that instead of putting in Camargo (who I’m assuming wasn’t there because of paperwork? Tell me that’s it, right?) we’re going to keep Cameron there and his ceiling at that position will once again be revealed and at a time we can ill-afford it.
Other than that if we can get at least a point + 3 from the next couple of games we could still be very much in the hunt.
A few thoughts:
I disagree with John Spencer’s analysis of the game. I thought we had considerably more chances in the attacking third. I’m not trying to put down Portland’s efforts or counter attacks, but the Dynamo were simply more dominant. The score could have easily been 4 or 5 to 1 or 2 if Davis, Weaver, Ching, Costly, and Cameron…to name a few, could have put the their chances away.
Watson didn’t have a great game. I think Watson is a quality player, but I think Dom told him to play conservatively and normally he is a player that tries to move the ball forward (I suspected so when we tried to hold the ball up with Ching on a corner and Watson did the same shortly after).
I’m tired of hearing about Cameron’s ineffectiveness at CAM. He is good there, not great, but he’s learning. We are too stacked at the CB position right now…Hainault, Boswell, and Taylor are all outstanding options to have there. I don’t know what role Camargo will play, I’ve heard he actually plays a DM role, but maybe he’ll be able to move forward. I don’t know. If he excels there, then we can talk about Cameron back to CB. Right now he’s our best option at CAM and we can criticize the FO for not bringing back DeRo or another quality CAM, but give the kid a break. He hasn’t played there for very long and he’s playing with a team that is changing around him. It does make a difference.
I thought Hainault had a particularly poor showing tonight and he nearly cost us a goal or two [see when Johnson break away and when Cam Weaver had to try to bicycle kick the ball out of the box near the end, he had to do so because Hainault let his man slip by…just so anyone wants to try to put the blame on Weaver it wasn’t his fault!]
Nothing against Hainault either
Or the defense overall. I thought Ashe played well against Zizzo for most of the game. I think Zizzo just figured out how to get around him.
Also great showing by Costly. Played pretty well considering his limited about of time here. I did think he should have slotted a ball in to (Ching I believe) rather than take the shot himself at one point. I don’t know if that was his fault (ball looked stuck to his feet after a poor touch) or something that will work itself out with more training sessions.
Yep
Ashe did a good job on Zizzo but as you noted, it seemed like Zizzo figured him out and then started really going to work on him. Dom’s switch of Taylor for Davis and moving Ashe did the trick just nicely and Zizzo was fairly subdued for the rest of the match.
I think with more time training and with the team Costly is going to have far more of an impact. Already he’s shown he’s active and his movement is keeping defenders busy, which means opposing CBs are more reluctant to park next to Ching (or Bruin when he was playing) as they had been doing, they now have to account for Costly’s presence.
Also Weaver doesn't get enough credit
He has a physical presence that demands people stick to him. If he can do more hold up plays like the pass off to Cameron he’d make a great 2nd half sub. I thought him and Bruin earlier this year was a fantastic tandem until both Bruin and Weaver cooled off haha
Agree but
that’s part of the problem is having him paired up with Ching is they basically do the same thing (only Ching is more efficient at it)…you’re right that when he was paired up with Bruin earlier this season they played off each other nicely but of course injuries happen and change up circumstances.
Cam as CAM
It’s not that Cameron isn’t effective as CAM, and believe me I was previously one of those people giving him wide latitude there and I know why he’s been played there, I’m just saying keeping him there in the belief that he’s an answer to the CAM issue (as it seems to be touted recently in some articles) is somewhat misleading. Cameron was lost at first there, then was decent, then got switched, now placed back there with Moffat seems to be performing decent again. Part of it is learning a new position, part is the fact that, well, he’s not a natural CAM nor will he ever really be one. He’s serviceable, yes, but the fact that you say he’s learning is troubling: Cameron is not a CAM. He can pass, yes, and he’s quick and agile, yes, but he’s no CAM. To keep him there with the thought of making him one is a disservice to him. If we keep him there out of necessity, that’s fair considering our options are limited right now and its not like he’s stinking up the joint. But I’m operating under the assumption that Camargo will take that spot, albeit in a deeper position, considering that he has better ball retention and passing skills that Cameron, and that will allow Cameron to move back to CB. As you saw, Hainault doesn’t have Cameron’s speed or agility and particularly when he’s forced to cover for the mistakes of others, so Cam moving back to CB will help shore that up. Now, can Cameron take what he’s learned at that position and use that when (hopefully) he moves back to CB? I hope, because he would be vital in starting the attack and linking up with Moffat, who in turn can link up with Camargo.
I love Cameron and what he brings to the team, and I think the quicker we can move him back to CB the more he can grow there and hopefully starting getting USMNT attention and consideration as well as solidify our defense.
Oh yeah I agree
But I think that the only people that have really called him “the answer to our CAM hole” have been people that criticize his performance there. I think if Camargo fills in well there, then let’s talk about Cameron going back to CB. We would be very deep defensively if we do and maybe that would allow our midfielders and forwards to have more confidence knowing who is behind them.
I for one would love Cameron to move back to CB. But only if we have a better alternative to the CAM. I think for him not being a true CAM and was more or less thrown into the position for (less than half a season last year) he has done remarkably well…all things considered. Right now I’m imagining a back line with Ashe, Boswell, Cameron, and Hainault and in my head it’s very dangerous. Let’s hope Camargo steps up to the plate and hits a home run at CAM
Exactly
I don’t disagree that as a stand-in Cameron is doing admirably well as a CAM, particularly under the circumstances, and especially considering its a position he’s never played before and not just anyone can pick it up. It’s definitely a credit to him.
I feel strongly that Camargo will be the replacement as a deep-CAM (more of a deep playmaker), because with Moffat playing so well at DM it’d be bizarre to replace him with Camargo when, from all accounts, Camargo can handle a more advanced midfield role. Camargo may not be as adventurous moving forward but he can at least help with possession and passing wide or through to the forwards. You make a great point that, as a midfielder, you have a feeling of more confidence and creative liberty when you know you have a solid defense behind you and if Cameron can be moved back to CB, you have a very solid back line. I completely agree that at this point if Camargo can fit the bill our team can really start making noise in the next 10 games or so.
Davis
Hey Ginge,
One point: On the second goal, Davis collected the throw and dinked it to Clark, rather than threw it to him.
But as for the assist, does that mean that Becks is actually the right-footed Brad Davis? I think we all know the answer to that is “In Becks’ dreams.”
Overall, I think Davis had a somewhat subpar game, but definitely good enough. As for his being subbed out late, just before that happened, as Playtherapy and I were watching Sal Zizzo repeatedly beat a winded Corey Ashe on the right, and with one more sub to make, we said, “What needs to happen here is that Jermaine Taylor needs to come on for Davis, moved to Ashe’s spot and then slot Ashe up into the left midfield slot to shut down this threat.” And then, a few minutes later, DOM DID EXACTLY THAT!!
My 11-year-old sitting next to me, when he saw that, said, “Hey, that’s just what you said to do.” But was I excited at that? Was I thrilled to have predicted the move? Hell no. Now that Dom did exactly what I said to do, I was all “Good God, if this doesn’t work, I will never hear the end of it.”
So God bless you, Jermaine Taylor.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Thanks, fixed that in the post
--
"You live and learn. At any rate, you live." -Douglas Adams
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
Yo si le voy, le voy al naranja!
by Zach Woosley on Aug 15, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, and by the way
Here’s hope this photo from Nigel posts:
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Techno fail on my part
It’s a shot of Ching’s second goal over the line. Not sure how to post it here. Go to Nigel Brooks’ page on Facebook and you can see it.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
The ball was still on the line, just barely. No goal.
--
"You live and learn. At any rate, you live." -Douglas Adams
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
Yo si le voy, le voy al naranja!
by Zach Woosley on Aug 15, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah when I saw it live I was more confident of a goal
But replay convinced me that it was damn close. Either way, it was a good call by Toledo…never thought I’d say that. Too close to call shouldn’t mean a goal.
Agree with Griggs
On a call that close, especially from the sideline, I’m comfortable with no goal. As I said on the phone to Martek, we’d be going ape if an opponent got a goal on a call like that.
I’m all for goal line electronic technology.
In all seriousness
The angles I saw were a bit inconclusive, leaning towards “Yeah, it probably did cross the line.” Certainly the middle of the ball crossed, and it looked to be over just a smidge before Perkins adroitly moved it back to the line.
In any case, from where Toledo was, there was no way he could have made that call. Same for the AR on the line. And I really believe that from where they were, and the fact that the ball was clearly …Right…There, then they should have awarded the goal. And, no one might believe this, but I would believe this to be true even if it the teams were reversed. Certainly, when Baldomero Toledo (again) awarded Seattle the goal when Chabala cleared it off the line two years ago at Qwest, he felt this way. Like last night, neither he nor his AR were in position to make the call and so gave the benefit of the doubt to awarding the goal.
And before anyone say goal line tech could have solved this problem, I do not think so in this case. To overturn a call on the field, the video evidence should be absolutely conclusive. In this case, the video evidence is not. Of course, if a camera was mounted on the cross bar, looking down, then this might be more conclusive, but from the TV cameras, no.
My conclusions: 1. When a tough decision has to be made, I do not want Baldomero Toledo making it; 2. Give the benefit of the doubt to the goalscorer; 3. If you have goal line tech and do not post minicams on the crossbar looking straight down, you have nothing; and 4. The expansion of No. 2, if you have a game anywhere, and need a ref, do not call Baldomero (Unholy) Toledo.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
As soon as I saw we drew Toledo...I got a little nervous
I think that you can’t give the benefit of doubt to the goalscorer because as you mentioned in the Chabala incident (which I should mention that I went to college near Seattle and had tons of Sounders friends so I bring this up all the time), maybe benefit shouldn’t be with the goal scorer because that can directly change the game’s rhythm.
At any rate, 3 points!
Its sad & funny
I ended up watching the match at home with my wife and a good friend who has had only very cursory exposure to soccer…and they both agreed that the ref was all over the place with calls. Again, when two people who have absolutely zero vested interest in the game (other than laughing at my animated commentary) can come to that conclusion its a sad testament to the state of MLS officiating.
And yes, I realize I’m preaching to the choir.
*sigh*
I think the answer could be fairly simple. I think that Alexi Lalas or maybe even Jurgen Klinnsman said during the 2010 WC that someone simply watching the game in a booth somewhere with a radio (which the current refs already use) could tell the center official (who could also still have the final say) “that wasn’t a red” or “no pk” or “it crossed the line”. It wouldn’t interrupt the game/flow anymore than it does when these controversial calls are made anyways.
Also it wouldn’t cost a whole lot.
Be sensible
that seems almost too practical to be considered. Look at you, with your reasonable ideas. Uncle Sepp laughs at your suggestion
/Where’s @FakeSepp when you need him?
//This should be its own discussion because the more I read your suggestion, the more it makes sense without “interrupting” the flow of the game more than it already is
Yes
If money is a problem, they could always resort to semaphore. No electricity needed and a long tradition. I’ve heard (nyuk nyuk) American Sign Language works as well.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Three Points
I thought the team played well but broke down too many times late in the match.
Why was weaver put on cooper late in the match? Boswell did not play well should have prevented the late cross to Cooper.
Ching and the forwards played well.
Hope Clark is ok. he is playing well. Yes moffat goal was great but he should have played better defense on Portlands goal. Davis looked alittle tired. Glad to see him shooting at goal. We got to play hard for 90 minutes almost let this one get away.
can we win on the road? New England plays us tough
Go Dynamo’s
I dont understand the Costly praise
I mean he put in a decent effort but nothing else. He is slow and awkward with the ball. With time i am sure he and ching will learn how to play with each other but it is like having the same two guys on the field now
So
yes, they basically are the same but Costly is a younger version and more relatively mobile than Ching. The knock on Costly is that he hustles for the NT but tends to duff off for club, and of course considering recent attempts at bringing in talented striking talent…so that’s in the back of the mind I’m sure of a few of us (or maybe I speak for myself). So seeing him actually moving and getting involved in play is a positive, and yes with more time I see his play improving even more.
And what’s the alternative, Weaver? Just sayin’, if we need someone who can give Ching a break it’ll be Costly
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