Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1b The Result: DCU v. Chivas de Guadalajara 10-5-07 Second Leg

DCU 0 CDG 1

Aggregate: DCU 2 CDG 2, CD Guadalajara wins with the only away goal

"We Are the Champions" anyone?

For all the talk about going out and playing our game and taking the game to Chivas, we sure looked liked we were bunkering for a 0-0 draw. Not that I blame Soehn for the strategy but when you give the other team that many opportunities, something is bound to find the back of the net. We needed to play perfect defense and while we did a decent job, we let one ball bounce around in a dangerous area for too long. DC United waited until it was absolutely necessary before we put anything into the attack, by that time we didn't have a lot left in the tank.

We missed Fred and Burch. Burch would've given a little more to the counter with his service and Fred would have been a nice sub in or out for Gros in the 60th to put more energy on the pitch. I really would have liked the win or at least some combination that allowed us to advance, but I have to admit I'm not all that broken up about it. Back to the Supporter's Shield and the MLS Cup.

Facts and Reality for Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1b
1. We adjusted fine to the pace of the match, but if your bunkering, something is bound to go in.
2. Nothing special was about right, we didn't do enough...
3. Mexican clubs still rule in Mexico.
4. McTavish had a few decent shots, maybe Burch has awoken the defensive striking beast.

Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1b The Setup: DCU v. Chivas de Guadalajara 10-5-07 Second Leg

The second leg of the round of 16 match up between DC United and CD Guadalajara. Burch is out with a red card, Fred is possibly out with injury, Namoff is banged up a little but I expect him to be able to go. The Goats lost their coach between the last time we played them and now. A loud, hostile crowd in a big stadium in Mexico. We'll have to come out and strike early to have a chance.

I start my statistics class tonight (wish me luck) so I'll be getting home just in time for the tape delay at 11. Vamos United!

Hopes and Dreams for Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1b

1. We adjust quickly to the pace of the match.
2. Nothing special, just that we do what it takes to advance.
3. A US club win in Mexico.
4. McTavish header.

Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1a The Result: DCU v. Chivas de Guadalajara 9-26-07 First Leg

DCU 2 Chivas 1

Pace:
It took DC United about 25 minutes to get adjusted to the pace of the Chivas game. Namoff had a particularly difficult time adjusting, but once he did, he hung in there just fine until the injury. Gros and Carroll came on as subs and also found difficulty keeping up with the speed and flow of Chivas.

Goals:
Great blind strike by Olsen and beautiful dummy by Emilio. Simms earned his goal in a very Ben Olsen fashion by cleaning up a deflection.

Defense:
As previously noted it took DC awhile to get used to the speed and once we did we went down a man. With all the shots Chivas had we did a good job to only let one in. The one goal we did let in was a collective breakdown from the cross to the box to the net.

Chivas:
Quick and creative. They really use the whole field, but their crosses and finishing leave something to be desired... and I'm ok with that.

Atmosphere:
A lot of fun, lots of fans from both clubs and lots of beer in the air on the second goal.

We will be out Burch for the next leg and we will be in their house. It will be hostile, but I think that, considering their weaknesses in the attack, we can bring it to them. We know their pace so our time needed to acclimate ourselves to their game should reduce dramatically in the next leg. Hopefully we won't be playing a man down again either.

Facts and Reality for Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1a
1. 2 goals on 5 attempts, not as many as I would have liked, but we won. At least we are efficient... right?
2. Possible injury to Namoff, but I don't think it was serious.
3. Considering the number of people at the game the the traffic was very light on the way to RFK. We cheated and went through Alexandria though.
4. Simms and Olsen both from a bit of distance, but no Burch from distance. Burch got a first yellow that I never saw and a second yellow that was soft, especially for a second yellow, but I guess I can see it.

Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1a The Setup: DCU v. Chivas de Guadalajara 9-26-07 First Leg

The fierce rivalry between the US and Mexican soccer continues in the Copa Nissan Sudamericana. Chivas de Guadalajara (the Real Chivas) and DC United face off in the round of sixteen. The last time the two teams met, Chivas de Guadalajara defeated DCU 3-2 on aggregate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and although both teams participated in SuperLiga 2007 they did not get a chance to meet.


The feelings about this match are expressed quite well in this episode of Access United.



Basically, we owe them one. Come out tonight and sing our boys to victory.

Hopes and Dreams for Copa Nissan Sudamericana 2007 Match 1.1a

1. Lots of goals so we can go to Estadio Jalisco without the pressure.
2. No injuries that will damage our MLS hardware chances.
3. Light traffic on the way to RFK.
4. Burch from distance.