Friday, May 18, 2007
Chicago - FC Dallas Wrap
Last night's "Brimstone Cup" game was probably the most entertaining Thursday night MLS game so far - Chicago looked dominating throughout but Dallas scored on two counterattacks to win 2-1. The first Dallas goal came on a PK awarded after what appeared to be a Kenny Cooper dive - but in Cooper's defense, it appeared that Chicago's GK intended to foul him but did not have the chance because Cooper was already on the way down.
Despite the loss, Chicago had to be happy with the play of Justin Mapp, who (at least for the first 70 minutes) carved holes in the Dallas defense. Watching him play again (for the first time since this year's national team games), I was substantially impressed. Perhaps his most beguiling trait is his appearance - he looks too heavy to be so good with his feet and quick with the ball. Also, his receding hairline combined with his moptop hairdo makes him look a lot like a young shop teacher, not a midfield artist.
Other players of note included Chicago striker Calen Carr, who had about 7 chances in front of goal and finally converted the last one. He was on the receiving end of several outstanding Mapp crosses. His lack of finishing was mitigated by his bad luck and I thought he was one of the better Chicago players. Also, Chicago's Chad Barrett came on in the end to tremendous effect, looking incredibly dangerous in the last fifteen minutes (as did Thiago).
For Dallas, Cooper's speed was impressive and he drilled a shot off the woodwork from about 30 yards out. It's a common rap on him, but I didn't see him head the ball once. If he gets an aerial game, I honestly think he's the U.S. striker of the future. Oh, Alex Yi also played well which surprised me because I saw him torched repeatedly in a game earlier this year. Dallas's defense as a whole was very good which they had to be because they were under pressure the entire game.
Despite the loss, Chicago had to be happy with the play of Justin Mapp, who (at least for the first 70 minutes) carved holes in the Dallas defense. Watching him play again (for the first time since this year's national team games), I was substantially impressed. Perhaps his most beguiling trait is his appearance - he looks too heavy to be so good with his feet and quick with the ball. Also, his receding hairline combined with his moptop hairdo makes him look a lot like a young shop teacher, not a midfield artist.
Other players of note included Chicago striker Calen Carr, who had about 7 chances in front of goal and finally converted the last one. He was on the receiving end of several outstanding Mapp crosses. His lack of finishing was mitigated by his bad luck and I thought he was one of the better Chicago players. Also, Chicago's Chad Barrett came on in the end to tremendous effect, looking incredibly dangerous in the last fifteen minutes (as did Thiago).
For Dallas, Cooper's speed was impressive and he drilled a shot off the woodwork from about 30 yards out. It's a common rap on him, but I didn't see him head the ball once. If he gets an aerial game, I honestly think he's the U.S. striker of the future. Oh, Alex Yi also played well which surprised me because I saw him torched repeatedly in a game earlier this year. Dallas's defense as a whole was very good which they had to be because they were under pressure the entire game.
