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The Flash beat the Jaguars 4-0 at home in front of over 4,800 fans in the last regular season home game. The Flash play Sunday at Orange County to close out the regular season. Then, next Saturday, Sept 12th the Flash will play at home against the 8th seed in the Western Conference in the first round of the A-League playoffs.
This was a game the Flash dominated right from the beginning. Some of the regular starters were out, like Kevin Legg and Carlos Cruz, giving others a chance to see some playing time. One of those getting a chance was Daniel Sinohui, who scored two goals! It was great to see everyone in the game, and playing well, even though statistically the Flash already had the top spot in the west assured.
The Flash showed lots of nice short passes, were quick to find the open man, and were also very good as individuals when pressured by the opposing players. I'm sure, though, part of this had to do with the fact that it was against the Jaguars. This was the third game in eight days against the Jaguars, and I'm sure both teams are sick of seeing each other! There were some rough challenges, but nothing that looked too severe. The Jaguars 'keeper did have to come off in the middle of the second half with an injury, but I don't believe it was for anything intentionally done to him.
The ref sure did dish out the cards pretty liberally! This ref was really asserting himself early in the game. He seemed to be particularly strict with both 'keepers. He gave a yellow card and an indirect free kick in the penalty area against the Jaguars because the 'keeper took too many steps on his run up to kick the ball away. He also gave our goalie Joe Cannon a card for making a run up to kick the ball away on a goal kick, and hesitating. I didn't realize that was a cardable offense! Plus, he made sure the ball was put back into play as quickly as possible after it crossed the end line. In fact, this ref actually threw out one of the ball boys behind the net for not getting the ball back fast enough! I couldn't believe he did that! And I sure let the ref knew what I thought about it! But overall, I'd have to say the ref was fair to both sides, even if he did seem overly strict.
In the stands we had yet another great crowd. My friend and fellow Thunder member Mark nave was there, after having been absent for several weeks. Jeff White was there again, and I was very happy to see my friend Mike Thometz come over and sit with us for a while. With the four of us altogether, we had reunited the whole San Diego Sam's Army brigade for the first time since the US v Paraguay match back in March! Good to see you again, Mike!
As much as I would love to, I don't think I'll be able to make it to Orange County this Sunday. I felt bad to have to say that to coach Costas Skouras as he walked by after the game and encouraged us all to go. But I'll be here for sure next Saturday, and I'm sure we'll have more games after that! Oh, and I spoke with Yan Skwara and he told me he has a verbal commitment from Danny Villanueva that the Galaxy will come down here to San Diego in March to play our Flash! So I sure hope to see every one of you down here! It will probably be the only time I'll ever cheer against the Galaxy (at least until we get our own MLS team here in San Diego!)
GO FLASH!!! A-LEAGUE WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 1998!!!!!
-Eric Bekins-
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