RSL's Alvaro Saborio and Montreal's Matteo Ferrari (Getty Images)
I was really hoping the Montreal Impact would get their first win against the New York Red Bulls, so RSL wouldn't have to risk being the answer to that little bit of trivia. Luckily for us, the RSL boys took care of business last night, in a hard fought, ugly win over the Impact at Rio Tinto Stadium.
RSL controlled much of the first half, not allowing a Montreal shot on net in the first 45. The offense did have some punch, but not as much possession as RSL fans are used to seeing. In the 12th minute, Montreal's Justin Braun was hit with a handball in the box and conceded a PK to RSL. Paulo Jr. calmly slotted the spot kick inside the right post to give the Claret and Cobalt the 1-0 lead.
It would prove to be the only goal of the match.
However Montreal picked it up a little bit in the second half. Justin Mapp was certainly their danger man. Every time I watch this guy play I wonder why the Union let him go. Javier Morales went off late in the match with a hamstring pull, and with RSL out of subs, they were down to ten men. Nick Rimando and the defense came home heroes, withstanding a late Montreal surge to secure the 1-0 win and a precious three points for RSL.
Now for a couple of thoughts: first about the Impact. This is a better team than the record indicates. The MLS schedule makers did them no favors by having them play at New York and then at Salt Lake a few days later. Their attack caused the RSL defense some heartburn at various times during the match, and if they just had a striker that could finish, they'd be another step ahead. Why aren't they playing Fucito? I've never been thrilled with Justin Braun, sorry. Plus, they can defend. Matteo Ferrari in particular is excellent and has experience in Serie A with Inter Milan, Genoa, Parma, and Roma. He also has some international experience as well, earning 11 caps for Italy. Also, Donovan Ricketts is a hell of 'keeper, and made at least two world class saves in this one.
So about RSL. I'm a Chelsea supporter. I know what it's like to be part of a fickle fan base. That being said, I was shocked at the amount of complaining that went on during the post game last night. Yes, RSL played sloppy. Yes, if they play like that against better teams, they'll get beat. Coach Kreis and the players admitted this much after the match. I like the fact that our fan base is becoming more soccer educated and that the team has set a high standard, but let's get back to reality. They have 3 games in 8 days. There's travel involved. In a 50 some odd game season across all competitions, you're not gonna be on form every game. Manchester United have 19 League titles in England, probably on their way to 20, and they grind out results like this every year. Teams like Manchester City, and sadly to say, Chelsea, lose these games. Champions are forged in games like this where you're not at your best, but you find a way to win. Period. Besides, if Donovan Ricketts doesn't make a couple of world class saves, the final is 3-0 and everyone calls up the post game show talking about how we destroyed Montreal.
Yes, there are flaws, but even the best, hardest diamonds have flaws.
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