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The Flash beat the New Orleans Storm 3-0 in front of what I would guess to be about 2,000 people. The Flash also clinched a playoff spot, with this win and the San Francisco loss. (Thanks OC!)
What impressed me about this game was the speed at which it was played. Both teams were really running up and down the field very fast. I think New Orleans brought that style to the game, but the Flash were more than up to the challenge. I think this style of play makes for some exciting soccer. The speed is what I really think is a big difference between A-League and MLS. But these teams looked as fast as any MLS I've seen.
New Orleans provided a good game. They have some fast players. But the Flash seemed to really be doing well. They were coming home for the first time in almost three weeks, having won their last three on the road. And they continued to be impressive. Even at the faster pace the Flash was able to string together some nice passes, and move up the field. But despite the nice ball handling, the score was 0-0 at halftime. The Flash did have the better showing, in my opinion, with more possession than the Storm. There was a Flash goal, but it was called off due to an offsides. The Flash got called for offsides 5 times in the first half. I think this was the part of the faster game that they didn't quite compensate for.
The second half was all Flash. One of the Storm players got a red card, so they played a man down, and the Flash took advantage. Another apparent goal was called back for offsides, but shortly thereafter the Flash converted legitimately, by Carlos "Chile" Farias. Later, the Flash were awarded a penalty, and Antonio Robles converted. Antonio is the Flash's leading scorer, and has a streak of consecutive games where he's scored. I can't recall how many, though. But it's impressive! On defense, I'm continually impressed with defender Jimmy Conrad. He always seems to be in the right place to intercept a pass, or to block an attacker. Joe Cannon had another shutout, lowering his GAA even more. He's been training with the San Jose Clash for the past couple of weeks. Christian Escalera started this game, but didn't have as good a game as the other midfielders had. Antonio and Jerome Watson were the two forwards, as we are now playing the coach Costas Skouras 3-5-2 instead of the Ralf Wilhelms 3-6-1. I think it's working well. We're in first place aren't we? :-)
In the stands, we had a lot of fun. Two groups of kids came over and sat with me, and had lots of fun making noise. One group was a bunch of local hispanic kids who were treated to a pro soccer game by a couple of big hearted volunteers. The kids were about 10 and 11 years old. The other group was a team of 14 year olds visiting San Diego from the country of Sudan. That's Africa! They also had fun banging the drum and blowing the airhorns, like all the kids who come to my section. They also seemed a little more aware of the game on the field than most of the kids I see at the games. And since we looked pretty numerous, and were making a lot of noise, we got the attention of the P.A. announcer, who called out to us to make noise, and addressed us as the Thunder booster club! That was good pub for us. Too bad there's only two more games left in the regular season. I'm sure we'll have a playoff game here too, maybe two. But then the season will be over! Oh well.
Other names and faces seen at the game, my buddy Jeff White, who can be read on the NAS list from time to time. He reminded me that there will be some Mexican games this Wednesday at the "Q." These will be pre-libertadores cup games, to see which two Mexican teams will get to go. Also there tonight from cyberspace was Mick Dawson, and his son, who's first name I can't remember! And, the entire women's U-14 national team, currently training at the Olympic Training Center. So overall, this was a good crowd, despite the fact that the Padres were having Beanie Baby giveaway night!
GO FLASH!!! PLAYOFF BOUND!!!!!!!
-Eric Bekins-
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