Ben Cup 2009 Second Leg TONIGHT

Final word on the Ben Cup

After days and days of deliberation we decided that we did not want to use behavior as a deciding factor and the Ben Cup is indeed a tie. The Cup itself remains in Utah until DC claims it next year.

RSL Ben's take on it.

Match 2.25 The Result: DCU v RSL 9-12-07, second leg of THE BEN CUP!!!!!! [UPDATED]

DCU 2 RSL 1

We played well enough for the win, but not quite enough for the Ben Cup. Let's take care of Ben Cup business first and then we can talk about the match. The Ben Cup Series ends in a deadlock with both teams scoring 2 home and 1 away goal for an aggregate of 3-3. Because the result is unprecedented I believe that, as much as it saddens me, we have agreed to leave the Cup in Salt Lake City for the next year. The Ben Cup Executive Committee still has to work out some of the details, but it appears that neither team has won Ben Cup 2007. Maybe we can go to the count on fouls committed, which, after last night, will undoubtedly go to DC (aggregate 45-24). Or maybe attendance. After the Bens have an after-Ben Cup meeting, I will report back on the happenings and the decisions. I know you are all desperately awaiting our decision.

On to the match itself. 3 games in 7 days is tough. 7 points in 7 days is phenomenal. A beautiful Wednesday night with a smallish, but ruckus crowd. RSL gave us a lot of space throughout the game but especially to start the game. The space created a lot of chances but nothing we were able to put in, it seemed like we were having some bad luck. Then Gomez hooked up with Emilio for his 19th goal of the campaign. I have watched the Beckerman goal a few times to see who is at fault. Boswell obviously hesitated to defend, but how did he have THAT much room in the middle of our side of the field? Where were Carroll and Gomez? I'll have to watch again. A bunch of fouls, offsides calls, and a blocked PK later, Fred hits Gomez for a header that was almost a mirror image of the earlier Gomez to Emilio goal. Then the ref tried to keep RSL in the game and Perkins came up with a huge save on the questionably awarded PK.

I don't think I have been this frustrated with the foul calling since last season. Last night seemed awfully one sided. How does Devon McTavish get body slammed by the neck by Carey Talley and then RSL gets awarded a PK? It's a simple question, anyone have an answer? According to MLSnet Team Totals DC leads the league in fouls committed at 434 with Toronto being our closest competitor at 391 (Dallas 374, Colorado 370). Is it possible that we ACTUALLY foul that much more than the other teams in the MLS? Are we dirty? I'm willing to concede the fact that I am blinded by my fanaticism, I just want someone to confirm that we are 64 fouls dirtier than Colorado.

Obviously we need to rest people and we need to find another striker so I can't fault Soehn's lineup. Carroll started instead of Simms, Boswell instead of Vanney (still not sure who owns that position), and Kpene was in for Moreno. Olsen and Gros started on the wings, Fred came off the bench for Kpene at half. We didn't look lazy, but more like there just wasn't a lot left in the tank. Christian looked particularly quick out there though, which was a nice change. Both he and Fred ran at the defense a number of times in the second half with a lot of speed.

According to Dirty D Supporter, Kpene is "irrelevant, a non-factor." I think that is a bit harsh, but probably only because I still have hope that he will be a factor. He gets pushed off the ball far too easily and is not doing the basic stuff right, like pulling the trigger when he gets close.

One of the pleasant surprises was Brian Carroll's aggressive play, it was nice to see that, although I don't think it lasted very long. That could be because he faded or because I stopped paying attention to him specifically, I still need the objective DVR view of the game.

Esky is class and deserved the cheer from the supporters as he came over to chat after the game.

Facts and Reality for Match 2.25

1. A tied Ben Cup?
2. How is it possible to draw a Cup game?
3. They should have gone to extra time and then a shootout
4. Burch still didn't get a goal, but one of his crosses last night bent at a ridiculous angle.

Match 2.25 The Setup: DCU v RSL 9-12-07, second leg of THE BEN CUP!!!!!!

The most prestigious sporting competition involving DC United and Real Salt Lake (unless RSL ever makes the playoffs) kicks off tonight at Estadio RFK in DC. This is it, the big game for the Cup. With the Cup being currently forged in the depths of Sandy, Utah, both teams will be pumped to get their hands on it. United faces an uphill battle as they sufficiently overlooked Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the competition and find themselves down 2-1. A goal differential of positive 2 is the only way to take the Cup back from RSL.

RSL will be coming in full strength and having won 3 of their last 6 matches. With the addition of the three Argentines, RSL are actually starting to show signs of a soccer team. Who knew? This may be a bad thing for them though because DC will not so easily overlook them. United will be missing Jaime Moreno, who has been called up to Bolvian National Team duty, but the rest of the team, including Josh Gros, will be ready to go. This is the lineup I'd like to see:

Perkins

Namoff-McTavish-Boswell-Burch

Simms

Olsen----------------------Gros

Gomez

Fred-------Emilio

We will see you all tonight at the game.

Other previews of the Ben Cup:
The Royal Review (RSL Ben )
The Poplar Point Perspective

Hopes and Dreams for Match 2.25

1. Winning the second Ben Cup competition, DCU's first.
2. The Ben Cup
3. The Ben Cup
4. Burch from distance.

The Ben Cup: Leg 2

Match 2.11 DCU v RSL - Recap by RSL Ben

I asked RSL Ben for his take on the game and he sent me the following. I'm not sure why I am putting myself through this but maybe if we keep it close in our minds it won't be repeated. He also sent pictures of which I will post a few in the near future.

Ben Cup Leg 1: RSL v. DCU 6/23/07
Hmmm...I'm not really sure how to do this. I was beginning to think I wouldn't have to do it all year... How do I write up an RSL win??? I'll try anyway.

First half: Expectations and morale seemed pretty low throughout the stadium as the game kicked off. As the game started and RSL missed a wide open goal off a corner I had a feeling of here we go again. I even sent a text message to DC Ben saying it was a "bad omen". But then, something amazing happened. Real Salt Lake remembered for the first time this year that they are, in fact, a professional soccer team! And, by extension, started playing like one. They really outplayed DC in every facet of the game and looked hungry to win for once. DC, on the other hand, looked like RSL usually does: disinterested and bored. The culmination came with a nice breakaway goal by new guy Robbie Findley late in the first half. Oddly, this came soon after I had said how bad he was playing (and he had been-lots of turnovers, little hustle). I believe I inspired him. Probably the best half of soccer RSL has turned in all year, and with some better finishing (and some correct officiating-how does Esky NOT earn a PK late in the half), RSL really SHOULD have been up 2 or 3 by halftime. Either way, half time score: RSL 1, DC 0
Half grade: A- (higher with better finishing)

Second half: I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. You know, the one that comes during every RSL game where they fall asleep mentally and blow the game. But then, there it was, another Findley breakaway goal. Amazing! The only thing he's missing is Jeff's sweet sweet goal celebrations. No one can be self absorbed like Mr. Cunningham. After the goal, RSL did a pretty good job controlling possession and keeping DC out of it until late. Then they seemed to lose a little focus. DC scored a goal on an absolutely braindead play by RSL's backline. Kipre had about an hour to clear it, but decided to just bounce it around for a while. Rimando probably could have gotten to it earlier but didn't. Next time in that situation, Nicky needs to punch Kipre in the face and take the ball from him. It's called taking one for the team, Jean. hahaha Soon after, Medhi "Nah, I don't want to win" Ballouchy continued his awful game (those who say otherwise, go back and watch it again, he sucked as usual this year) by sending a wonderful header into the box...for DC! Sadly, this is probably the best "attacking" pass he's made all year and it was to the other team. If only he'd set our team up like that! Luckily, DC absolutely choked on the opportunity (I think the ball is scheduled to land sometime next Thursday) and RSL faked injury all the way to a 2-1 victory. Actually, the ref got RSL back most of the way for the time wasting with a 5 minute stoppage time session that seemed to last about 2 hours. EVERYONE in the stadium was expecting RSL to blow it (see RSL v. Dallas any time this year for prime examples). The joy that overcame the stadium was amazing when the final whistle blew. "Did someone just win the world cup?" "Nah, RSL just won a game." The place went nuts, that s**t was bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s. Good times, good times. RSL now just needs a tie to clinch the 2nd Ben Cup in Sept., or as I put it to DC Ben after the game "Oh snap. That is all."
Half grade: B

Pros:
-Findley, where have you been all my life?
-The team looked interested and played with passion
-Talley over Adu was an upgrade of epic proportions. Have fun in Europe Freddy, don't let the door hit you on the way out (or do, actually, all your crap about leaving while you don't do crap for us has gotten mighty old).
-Solid performance almost all the way around.
-Atiba Harris back at his natural D-mid spot is nice.-Eddie Pope, rock solid again. We will miss him next year...
-WE WON!!!
-Ben Cup 2007: RSL 1-0-0, DC 0-1-0, mwahahahaha!

Cons:
-Esky didn't get a goal. You could tell he really REALLY wanted one.
-Ben Olsen was a chump. Lots of shoving and smacking RSL players behind the play. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought Mastroeni came in and played for him. It was nice to see him booed every time he touched the ball for the last 30 min. though.
-Kipre's idiocy that led to the goal-otherwise he played solid.
-Medhi Ballouchy. Or as he is becoming, Adu Jr. Wants to be the team's playmaker (and sadly, is given that role) but can't do it. Decision making was poor at best (what was that late back header about?), passing was off, and he still can't hit a cross or a corner at all. Why he is still taking them is beyond me.
-DC fans blaming it on Nolly. He was hung out to dry on both goals. Not his fault.

Game grade: A-

Other things we learned:
-RSL seems to play its best against DC. Don't know why, guess it's the Ben Cup.
-Ballouchy is "cute." Or at least my wife thinks so.
-The Ben Cup is only getting started...just picture it in 5 years. Oh yes.

Player grades:
Nick Rimando, 7-didn't have a lot to do honestly
Jean-Martial Kipre, 5-played well, but huge mistake cost him
Eddie Pope, 8-held together the back line and killed DC
Jack Stewart, 6-quiet game, which for him is good-when he's loud its because of mistakes
Ritchie Kotschau, 6-meh, was he on the pitch?
Carey Talley, 7-played pretty well in Chris Klein's old spot
Atiba Harris, 7-the move to d-mid has done him a world of good
Andy Williams, 6-active but sloppy
Mehdi Ballouchy, 5-had a few moments (and got his nose into things-see number of times he went down), but his sloppiness/weaknesses continue to hurt
Robbie Findley, 9-Two goals make up for any early miscues. Just wow. Great debut!
Alecko Eskandarian, 8-Active, hustling, urgent, hungry. Normal Esky game.
(Daniel Torres 46) 6-played quietly but decently
(Jamie Watson 73) 7-didn't do a lot but was all over the field. Like a little Esky.
(Kyle Brown 84) Inc.-didn't have time to do anything

Match 2.11 The Result: DCU v RSL 6-23-07 First Leg of the Ben Cup

DCU 1 RSL 2

All streaks must come to an end. Whether it be the RSL winless streak or the DCU unbeaten streak, they cannot go on forever. But did it have to happen like this?

There are only two explanations for this loss. One is that the pressure of the Ben Cup got to the team and they could not perform. The other is that somebody forgot to tell the team that this is the Ben Cup and this game does matter. We went in against the worst team in the MLS and got beaten soundly. We were not interested in playing.

Nolly didn't get help from the defense and the defense didn't get help from him. Gomez was invisible. The offense was not clicking in the final third and the defense was not clicking in their own third. We had some flashes of proper form in the middle third but never generated any chances. We didn't look dangerous and that is our biggest failing. When we don't look dangerous we lose. I really really hate to say this, but we lacked passion, intensity, any sort of positive motivation.

This is the Ben Cup guys! Luckily you have a second leg to make this better.

We are about to enter a stretch of games that will be much more difficult than this game (Colorado, KC, Houston, and Dallas). Our roster will be reduced by the U20 World Cup and Copa America. We are going to have to find depth and spark in new places.

Facts and Reality for Match 2.11

1. We are down one in the Ben Cup. We will have to perform much better in the return leg.
2. Kpene didn't start which I think is a mistake, however, this week he was NOT the replacement for Moreno.
3. RSL Ben got good seats and a great win for his birthday.
4. Erpen forgot to shave.

Rice-Eccles Stadium (The Ping Pong Table)

I asked RSL Ben to send me any pictures he had of the field at RES and he sent me this (RES in the background, Tori in foreground):

When I asked him why I couldn't see the American football lines that are so obviously clear on television, he was kind enough to send me this:

He also included the following explanation:

There's 2 reasons that you can't see them:
1) the resolution on the pic is not very good-it was taken on my old cellphone.
2) you just didn't look close enough, you can still see some-look again [above].

Thanks again RSL Ben!

Match 2.11 The Setup: DCU v RSL 6-23-07 First Leg of the Ben Cup

A rivalry is usually determined by geographic proximity or at least division/conference proximity. The Ben Cup rivalry spawns from something much more basic and barbaric, man's competitive spirit. The friendship between two men (some may call them boys) will never be the same.

I met RSL Ben about 6 years ago when we became roommates at Southern Utah University (GO T-BIRDS!). Oddly enough we lived with another Ben, making 3 total living in the same house, and a Joe and a Mike. There might have been a time where we tried to give nicknames to differentiate between the Bens but not until the Ben Cup could we attach DCU and RSL to our names and know for sure who was who. While we lived together we both liked soccer, but had not yet let the MLS into our hearts. We parted ways after one semester but we always kept in touch. Luckily I married a girl from Utah so I could visit him her family often.

Last year when I found DC United (introduced to me by El Goleador, second picture down), I naturally wanted to introduce my new friend to RSL Ben. Little did I know that he had also found a new love in RSL. Let's just say that our new love interests did not get along. After the penalty kick fiasco, RSL Ben started to talk trash about how they wouldn't need the referee to win at RFK. I was sure that we would get a result at home without a problem so I countered his trash with a little of my own. We text messaged each other through (what would become the second leg) the second match and the Ben Cup was born. Unfortunately all DC could put together was a Freddy free kick and I had to concede the first Ben Cup on aggregate.

On to a new year and a new cup. DC United has the opportunity to go up big in the first leg of Ben Cup 2007. The Black and Red come into Rice-Eccles Stadium riding their 7 game unbeaten streak and looking to extend it to 8 before Copa America wreaks havoc on the roster. This is a game we should win which always worries me. RSL is the worst team in the league. There is no getting around that fact. Unfortunately they were also one of the worst last year and still beat us.

Due to the Ben Cup I tend to watch as many RSL games as possible to size up the competition. I also pull for them in most other games, especially now that Esky is there. The defensive breakdowns and lack of midfield control are extremely frustrating. However, last week against FC Dallas I felt as if the turf itself was keeping them from winning. They put together some decent attacks but the ball was untrappable, especially for Adu. RSL will be out Adu (U-20 World Cup) and Chris Brown (their recent goal maker, injured) and I'm guessing Klein as well (traded to LAG). It will be interesting to see if the newly acquired Sturgis and Findley will have any affect on Saturday's game. They can't possibly be a negative for them.

Usually I don't do predictions but as my co-founder made the request I will take a shot at it.

DC 3 RSL 1
DC goals by Gomito, Fred, and Erpen, from distance of course
RSL goal by Esky who will love to score another against us

Thanks to D and JCM for Ben Cup shout outs.

Hopes and Dreams for Match 2.11

1. We give ourselves a nice lead in the Ben Cup race; at least 2 or 3 goals. By the way, away goals mean nothing. Except maybe scoring on that ping pong table in Salt Lake should count double for both teams.
2. Kpene (hopefully healed) shows us he can start in place of Moreno for the long haul; we need a third striker that can get the job done.
3. RSL Ben gets good seats to see the game on his birthday.
4. Erpen scores from distance.

RSL Ben Interview (The Ben Cup Leg 1)

The Edgell Supporters are proud to present their first interview. RSL Ben was kind enough to take time out of his busy day to answer our questions, even after waking up at 4am for work.



DCU Ben: Let me start with the obvious, as co founder of the Ben Cup, Why? Where? Who? How? What?

RSL Ben: The Ben Cup is a (soon to be) premier rivalry in the MLS between Real Salt Lake and DC United. It was started as a result of a rivalry between two friends named Ben, one who roots for RSL and the other for DCU (obviously).The title is decided by the results of competitive (non-preseason) matches between the teams. RSL won the inaugural Ben Cup in 2006.

DCU Ben: What does it mean to have the Ben Cup as the first trophy in the RSL case?

RSL Ben: It means a lot, considering the complete ineptitude this team seems to display on a weekly basis. I find it amusing personally that the one title RSL has won is against MLS's most prestigious team.

DCU Ben: What does the trophy look like?

RSL Ben: The final trophy design is still being debated and thought out so right now the Ben Cup winner is solely a title provided in name only. This will hopefully be rectified soon.

DCU Ben: Where is it living now?

RSL Ben: In the hearts and minds of millions...and if it existed, in Utah mwahahaha

DCU Ben: When you have to send it to me after the second leg, who will pay for shipping?

RSL Ben: *cough* what? I missed that question ;)

DCU Ben: I know the second leg is not until September 12, but shouldn't I just pick up the cup when I'm in Utah in August?

RSL Ben: You can feel free to, us Utahns are a friendly people, we'd be glad to let you look at it for fun until 9/12 when you will obviously have to give it back to the rightful owners.

DCU Ben: Do you think that having 3 members of the losing Ben Cup squad from last year (Adu, Rimando, Eskandarian) will help or hurt your chances this year?

RSL Ben:
Help: Rimando & Esky
Hurt: Adu-he's just been painful to watch this year

DCU Ben: I noticed that "MLS" joined the Ben Cup group on Myspace, does this mean the MLS might officially recognize the Ben Cup?

RSL Ben: If they are smart they will. They don't want to miss the boat on this one!

DCU Ben: How can we notify the participating organizations of their involvement in the Ben Cup?

RSL Ben: Once we get the trophy and such finalized I hope to notify the RSL supporters groups as well as shoot off an email to the front office (if they have bothered to hire anyone yet) to let them know.

DCU Ben: What is your prediction for the first leg? Any more Free Tibet chanting (thanks kali)?

RSL Ben: Well, I'm just hoping that RSL can get their first (and the way they are playing currently, only) win of the season on the 23rd. It'd be a solid b-day present for me. I'm thinking DCU will be overlooking RSL in this one, that bodes well for the boys in red. No Tibet chanting this time, the Peoples Republic of Rice Eccles will see to that.

DCU Ben: Where do you see the Ben Cup going in the future? Corporate sponsorships?

RSL Ben: You never know. Maybe if DCU chooses to make it competitive (mwahaha) it will catch on a bit quicker...

DCU Ben: When do we start flying back and forth for every leg? Losing team from previous year pays?

RSL Ben: When I have a job that actually pays me enough to live on plus enough for plane tix.

DCU Ben: Additional comments?

RSL Ben: Don't worry too much, United fans, about clearing a spot for the Cup. We'll keep it safe here for at least another year. (But in seriousness, I'm rooting for ya in non-Ben Cup games).

DCU Ben: Thanks for your participation in this interview. In all seriousness we wish RSL the best of luck and hope they do start winning, just not this week.

The Ben Cup

Stay tuned tomorrow for an interview with RSL Ben, co-founder of the Ben Cup.