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As much as I'd like to rant and rant about the fact that referees continue to find ways to screw up nearly every MLS match, what's the point. It's tough as an observer and fan to look at a call that potentially cost your team a point with an objective eye. We're forced to temper frustration with the reality of the difficulty involved with officiating a professional soccer match and remember that in the end, they're only human.
What really boils our blood is the fact that the US Soccer Federation, the organizing body that supplies match officials for MLS games is clearly not doing enough or any of the right things when it comes to training, developing and, if necessary, rebuking its referees. Considering the number of blatantly incorrect decision we've already seen in MLS matches this season, combined with the numerous injuries that have occurred thanks to improper game management by referees, I think it's fair for fans to be upset and completely fed up with the system.
Despite my headline, referee Chris Penso is not completely responsible for the Dynamo's lost against the Galaxy last night. In the end, another listless offensive performance doomed Houston. Until this team figures out how to generate chances and goals against the stronger teams in MLS, we're likely to see the continued roller coaster-ish like results.
A great deal of credit is due the Galaxy defense with did an excellent job limited the Dynamo's wing play, while managing to completely stall the flow of the game in the midfield, preventing many good chances. It wasn't beautiful football, but it was effective and when it comes down to grinding out results and getting points at home, you do what you have to do, and the Galaxy did just that.
The Dynamo defense played well again though, so that's a positive (no need to be all down). LA's offense wasn't exactly lighting the Home Depot Center up and that's something the team can look at and be proud of.
In the end, it's another frustrating result, compounded by the simple fact that the Galaxy's lone goal came from an incorrect call from the referee. I suppose we have two options, stop caring and accept the fact that officiating in MLS is going to remain putrid and downright pathetic or keep complaining in the hopes that one day, someone at the league office or at the USSF will finally wake up and realize the mess their referees are making. I think the first option may be our only good choice.