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The Flash lost 2-0 to Chivas Tijuana here in San Diego in front of 3,649 fans.
Chivas Tijuana has to be the toughest opponent the Flash has faced all season. They had much more possession in the first half, and created a lot more chances for themselves. However, it was only 1-0 at the half, as the Flash defense held up to the Chivas pressure. I was really surprised by Chivas Tijuana because I thought that since they were in the Mexican second division, and also because this is their pre-season, that they wouldn't be so tough. I was very wrong. I think the Flash may have been a bit surprised too.
This was also the first game played without Ralf Wilhelms as head coach. Of course, Ralf has headed to Hungary to coach in the first division there, so Costas Skouras has been promoted from assistant to head coach. I don't know if this had an affect too. It seemed like some Flash players were going all out and playing hard, and others were playing a little less than 100%. That could be something attributable to a coach.
Chivas Tijuana had a lot of skilled players. They knew how to make short, quick passes to each other and moved up the field quickly. They also knew the art of the dive. Many times players went down like they'd been shot, on no more than a slight push or bump. And they were successful at getting two Flash players expelled on red cards. They also got a red card later in the game. I had some fun with a Chivas player who went down near where I was, and was "writhing in pain" after a Flash player looked at him. The ref gave Chivas the free kick, so I started yelling, "OK! OK! You got the free kick! Get up now! Get up!" His Chivas buddy was next to him and waved at me, like I should shut up. And then the felled player get up and limped away for about three or four steps, then was fine. Of course! I really don't get why the dive is so prevalent in Mexico. It's seen all the way up to the national team, and I guess it isn't going away anytime soon. As long as the ref's believe them, it will continue. Oh well!
In the second half, the Flash seemed to come out more determined. In at forward in the second half was Jerome Watson, back from visiting the World Cup in France. He was playing very well! Also playing forward was Lafe Vittatoe, the new guy who was called in to replace Jerome while he was gone. Lafe didn't seem to be playing up to Jerome's level. I think Lafe was a bit overwhelmed at the level of competition he was facing, after facing mere A-League competition for the last several games. The midfield was having a bit of a hard time too. They would get two or three passes together, then lose the ball. Chivas Tijuana were quick to capitalize on the mistakes. But thank goodness for our defense! We really held strong. And Joe Cannon in goal: tonight he committed one of the dumbest mistakes, leading up to the first goal, and yet he also made a spectacular save of a penalty shot, saving a sure goal. The mistake was when the ball came rolling down to the corner of the penalty box and the end line, Joe watched the ball, thinking it was going to roll out for a goal kick. But an astute Chivas came over and was able to poke it past Joe and roll it in front of the goal mouth. Michael N'Doumbe made a heroic effort to try and get the ball out of there, but another Chivas player was able to come over and tap it in. The penalty shot was in the second half. Joe guessed right, and blocked the shot away. I think that's the third time this year Joe has blocked a penalty shot! He's really a great goalie.
The crowd had a lot of Chivas fans. They were all wearing their red and white stripes, just like Chivas of Guadalajara. I think Chivas Tijuana is owned by the same group as Chivas Guadalajara.The Flash had a lot of fans too! Although our samba band wasn't there tonight, I tried to make lots of noise with the drum and the airhorns. Once again, I got a lot of kids to help out. I told them all that they had to be Flash fans to use the horns, and they all agreed! In fact, the kids were the ones who started singing "Ole, ole ole ole........ Go Flash, Go Flash!!!!!!" I was very impressed with them! A good time was had by all!
The next Flash game will be this Wednesday against the Staten Island Vipers, and then Friday against the California Jaguars. That Jaguars game should be good. The Jaguars are in complete disarray, and have lost by like 7 goals or more in there last few games. Then next Wednesday, July 22 we go to Tijuana to play Chivas again, for this Border Cup '98. So after a long stretch without the Flash, we're getting a big dose in a short time period. Should be a lot of fun!
And add to all of that the announcement that the Flash will play Necaxa on Sunday, July 26th. That's the team Luis Hernandez plays for. Maybe he'll be here, and we'll break our attendance record. So be sure and join the fun!
-Eric Bekins-
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