Wednesday, February 21, 2007

United wins big, Dynamo stumbles

D.C. United thrashed Olimpia on Wednesday by a 4-1 count. What makes this victory particularly impressive is that it is the first game in the post-Nowak era. Actually, make that the post-Nowak-Adu-Alecko era. Add to that the pressures of playing in Central America and the hostile environment encountered down there and it makes doubly impressive.

Dynamo, meanwhile, weren't as lucky. I didn't see the game so I don't want to comment one way or the other but I heard the referees were giving Houston a hard time. But I will say that the Galaxy got completely hosed in Costa Rica a year ago. The Galaxy played an impressive first half against Saprissa, probably the best half I've seen the Galaxy play in the last several years, especially when you consider the opponent and importance of the match. Saprissa came back in the second half, scored two and sent it into extra time. In extra time, the Galaxy was called for some garbage foul deep in their own third. I can't remember who was whistled for the foul but it was complete and utter garbage. Saprissa knocked the set piece into the net and they won 3-2. It was disappointing considering I was already looking at flights to Toluca, where the Galaxy would have played had they won.

Oh well. Houston apparently learned the hard way that, if you don't want the refs to be a factor, then you need to score four goals.

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