Some Days You Eat the Bear

And some days the bear eats the other guy.

I don't like to get on referees too much - semi-professional courtesy or something like that - but to not acknowledge the, ahem, variable quality of refereeing in the MLS is to ignore the obvious.  Let's put it this way - they're not all Mark Geigers out there.  The Union have been on the wrong side of errant calls several times this year so it only seemed fair when they got the benefit of a questionable decision last Saturday against Chicago.

The Fire had somewhat the better of play in the first half but neither side was able to score.  Chicago took the lead when Chestnut Hill Academy's own Jeff Larentowicz executed a perfect header off a set piece.  The Union did battle gamely and were "rewarded" in the 89th minute when LeToux's shot "was handled" in the box by Chicago defender Segares.  Check out the replay.  How is this remotely to close to "hand to ball?"  He was turning away from the shot, which was at close range (another factor that referees are instructed to take into account when considering a possible infraction for handling). His arm was tucked into his side; his forearm was extended out but the ball struck him where his arm was against his body.  The only way to prevent the ball from hitting his elbow would have been to cut off his arm.  Frankly, I wouldn't have called a hand ball even if the ball had struck his extended forearm because it still wouldn't have been "hand to ball."  But it was called, LeToux converted the PK and the Union got a point on the road, from a losing position no less.

This team could go either way right now.  The rumors of Carlos Valdez returning abound but nothing yet.


The Union's second match this week was a friendly versus English side Crystal Palace.  This was a squad that was promoted last year to the EPL, struggled early, and then came on strong - probably the best side in the last 10 games of the season - to finish 11th, well clear of relegation threat.  We got to see the match live.  Other than the fact the Crystal Palace were bigger, stronger, faster, more technically skilled and more creative, I'd say the sides were evenly matched.  Mackenzie remarked, "It's like they're all from the English Premier League or something."  To their credit, the Union hung tough.  Mostly because of an amazing performance by rookie keeper Andre Blake.  The only guy to beat him was teammate Ethan White.  I have not read exactly what happened on the play - miscommunication, poorly executed header, other - but White's back header was neither to Blake or a clearance but a soft rainbow into the Union net.  To be fair, Crystal Palace deserved the win; Blake robbed them several times on clear cut chances.  The Union also had their chances late but Wheeler's shot hit the side of the net and Hoppenot couldn't get to LeToux's seemingly perfect cross to the far post.  Enjoyable night at the park in any case.

We did not see NBC Sports Premier League host, Rebecca Lowe, but as a lifelong Crystal Palace fan, she may well have been in attendance last night.



Chester Blues

Two weeks away from the season opener versus Newcastle and some personnel decisions remain.  A decent run of friendlies including a draw in Glasgow versus the legendary Rangers.  I did pick up another player who speaks Portuguese and am no longer getting feedback from my assistants that Rui Santos is having trouble communicating with teammates.  Going very slowly because the rules regarding personnel are a little different than in the lower leagues.  Don't want to find myself shorthanded in November because of a mistake in setting up the roster in August. 


Three weeks until the EPL opens.  We've just noticed that there is a Fillebrown Derby - Newcastle v Aston Villa - in the second week of the season.  Precious little time for reverse trash talking - why the other side will win.